The Advocate - May 18, 2011

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

CMYK

spotlight ◆ B section

Who should be served: Students voice concern sports ◆ C section

Wins and losses:

Comets break expectations

VOL. 96, NO. 22

SINCE 1950 24 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

THE STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.

Colleges owe state $1.5 million Beauty

By Sam Attal

school contract mistakes hurt CCC, LMC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

sattal.advocate@gmail.com

Two district colleges, one of which is Contra Costa College, will be required to pay the state a combined total of $1.5 million this fall.

This comes after administrators failed to secure contracts from instructors who worked at a third-party cosmetology school, The Advocate has learned.

On Monday, CCC Business Director

Mariles Magalong said the college owes the state $670,000 while Los Medanos College owes the other $872,000.

Both colleges owe the state because deans failed to obtain paperwork showing that all instructors at Paris Beauty College met the minimum qualifications to teach community college students, district Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Kindred Murillo said. The money was allocated to CCC and LMC from 2006-09.

“We did not have a contract with every instructor,” Murillo said. “We shouldn’t

have claimed that (Full-Time Equivalent Student funding).”

The Contra Costa Community College District and the private institution had an Murillo Instructional Service Agreement (ISA), meaning students could enroll through CCC and LMC for cosmetology classes taught by Paris’ faculty in Concord, she said. Paris established an ISA with CCC starting in 1999 and LMC in 1984.

Murillo said while the district is strapped for money, dealing with a total budget deficit of $15.5 million for 201112, an additional $1.5 million may cause CCC and LMC to cut even more classes and possibly employees.

“When you drop down FTES, you also have a workload reduction,” Murillo said.

The FTES system is the measurement used to fund California community colleges. Murillo said because CCC and LMC must give the state back the cos■ SEE COSMETOLOGY: Page 4

Positions reduced, eliminated

IN THE MOMENT

Employees face layoffs, shifts, hour changes

By Alexandra Waite

Maga

NEWS EDITOR

awaite.advocate@gmail.com

Tigner said she hopes others understand how important the eliminated courses are to the college.

“I’m at a loss to wrap reasoning around (the class cuts). I understand the budget cuts, but if you’re trying to make a program, it needs legs to stand up on,” Tigner said. “Students working toward a dance career need those classes.”

Still, the event went on as performers showcased many different styles of dance that amazed audience members.

San Francisco resident Ilan Reuben said his wife brought him to the event on a

In an effort to offset the lack of funding from the state for the 2011-12 fiscal year, 19 Contra Costa College classified staff positions were either reduced or eliminated as part of a decision approved by the Governing Board on May 10.

The board members voted to terminate and decrease services in an overall reduction of 69 staff, management, supervisory and confidential positions throughout the district — CCC, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, and the District Office in Martinez.

College employees with eliminated positions were provided the options of taking a similar position at another campus in the district if they had seniority, retirement or being laid off, CCC Vice President Carol Maga said. She said the reduced positions were lessened either by a percentage of time or months of work during the school year.

All of the eliminations and reductions will go into effect starting July 1.

Administrative secretary Diana Hall said her position was

■ SEE DANCE JAM: Page 4

■ SEE LAYOFFS: Page 4

ADAM OLIVER / THE ADVOCATE

Down low — Student performer Mauricio Duarte looks out at the audience as he performs a traditional African dance during the Dance Jam held in the Knox Center on Saturday night.

DANCES THRILL AUDIENCE

Student showcase’s future in question

By Alexandra Waite NEWS EDITOR

awaite.advocate@gmail.com

Audience members cheered and showered praised over an eclectic mixture of dances during what may have been one of the last dance performances of its kind at Contra Costa College.

Dance professor Latanya Tigner said

the bi-annual Dance Jam, which was held in the Knox Center on Friday and Saturday nights, is in danger of being cut after two vital dance courses were eliminated from the fall schedule of classes.

“We need a Dance Ensemble class, or else there will be no show next semester,” Tigner said.

She said members of the program are working to reinstate the Dance Ensemble and Dance as Performance courses. Tigner said there is a possibility that CCC will offer them as fee-based courses as a last resort. These particular courses give students time to practice their choreography.

Crowds protest cuts to higher education

Minding the gaps

As staff positions are shifted and eliminated on CCC’s campus, the responsibilities covered by those leaving will need to be picked up by those who remain.

This poses a challenge of balancing these duties to ensure that student services remain the college’s top priority.

Remaining staff must overcome this challenge.

page A2

Beyond the classroom — San Ramon Valley High School teacher Aline Kaprive yells against budget cuts on education at the “State of Emergency” rally at the Civic Center in San Francisco Friday.

During the rally, teachers and students shouted their support for a ballot measure for tax extensions.

By George Morin ART DIRECTOR

gmorin.advocate@gmail.com

SAN FRANCISCO — With millions of dollars in budget cuts on the horizon for California’s K-12 educational system, approximately 1,500 teachers, students, parents, elected officials and administrators gathered for the “State of Emergency” rally at the Civic Center here on Friday.

“We stand together in solidarity. We are one against this educational state of emergency,” Kathy Campbell, vice president of the California Federation of Teachers, said.

The rally was held in connection with thousands of people up-and-down the state participating in the “State of Emergency” rallies.

Similar rallies were organized in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino to cap off a week full of

edit orial

rallies and awareness building around the deep spending cuts to education in California in the wake of the California Legislature’s refusal to negotiate with Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax extension proposal.

Gov. Brown said back in January that he wanted to spare K-12 education from further cuts this year after the $18 billion in cuts it has incurred over the past three years, and proposed a budget doing so. But the plan depended on the state extending three temporary tax increases that are set to expire June 30.

■ SEE RALLY: Page 4 GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

A2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “We journalists don’t have to step on roaches. All we have to do is turn on the kitchen light and watch the critters scurry.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 VOL. 96, NO. 22 ●

Editorial Scooping duties

P.J. O’Rourke writer, humorist 1991 Sam Attal editor-in-chief George Morin art director Dariush Azmoudeh online editor Lamar James associate editor

Remaining staff left with holes, mess

Cassidy Gooding opinion editor Malcolm Lastra sports editor Hilberth Ibarra Adam Oliver Alexandra Waite news editors Jermaine Harrison circulation manager Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Christopher Clausen April Halog Iris Jett Horace Jordan Angelina Rucobo Janit Saechao Jesslyn Sherrod Rodney Woodson Staff photographers Qing Huang Jesse Sutherland Christian Urrutia Roman Young Staff illustrators Jared Amdahl Faythe Del Rosario Jon Running Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.235.7800 ext. 4315 Fax: 510.235.NEWS E-mail: advocate@ contracosta.edu or letters.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

A

t a special Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board meeting on May 10, the board voted to eliminate or reduce 69 staff, management, supervisory and confidential positions throughout the district in order to balance its budget.

To relieve the stress of a $15.5 million slash the district must bear in its 2011-12 budget, 19 positions from Contra Costa College were affected, 23 from Diablo Valley College, 19 from Los Medanos College and eight from the District Office.

All of the employees whose positions were impacted were given the choice to transfer to a different location or to retire early. Many accepted the change of scenery, but each of the struck positions will leave a hole in the office they will fill until June 30.

These are hard times. Everyone understands that with a budget so tight, there are things that have to be cut. We respect that it must have taken college and district administrators a great deal of time and effort to choose what things would be eliminated.

The way these shifts have been enacted speaks highly of the class and cooperation in our district.

However, the gaps in student services created by the cuts must not be ignored.

Among the posts eliminated at CCC are library assistants, athletic equipment manager, custodians, student services/instructional support coordinator and inventory/receiving clerk. These, along with the rest of the 19 occupations, all directly affect students.

Above all, a college’s purpose is to serve its students. If cropping away services like these makes it too difficult to succeed on this campus, it sort of defeats the point of having a campus at all.

The remaining staff needs to prepare themselves to be able to fill the spaces left by the departing members.

If this means taking on more responsibilities, it must be done. If the way things are usually done with a full staff needs to be re-evaluated to be better accomplished by a smaller one, that has to be figured out as well.

For many staff members, this will be stressful. It will lead to longer hours and more duties for some who already have an overwhelming load.

But, as we all know, we have a lean atmosphere to begin adapting to.

Adjusting will be difficult, staff, but the students thank you for taking the steps necessary to keep us on our paths to success.

Because nothing will ever get better until those most affected by this troubled economy can educate themselves well enough to rise to the challenge of making things right again.

JON RUNNING / THE ADVOCATE

■ Future

Community college reveals surprise paths

M

y three years at Contra Costa College are coming to an end. In the fall, I will be trading in my Comet blue for Wildcat red as I prepare to trek off to Cal State-Chico.

It took a while for the fact to hit me but it happened recently in the counseling waiting room in the Student Services Center.

I was sitting down looking around and I noticed an article I wrote for The Advocate during my first semester posted outside the DSPS Office. Then, I looked down at a chair a few seats away and saw the May 4 issue of The Advocate with Osama bin Laden’s face on it. Somebody had drawn a bullet hole through his forehead. I smiled upon seeing that because I was hoping to see that done.

When I was called in for my appointment, it was with the same counselor I met when I first arrived at the college.

In summer 2008, I prepared to return to school .

It was in a room around that area where I recall taking the assessment test (scoring the highest in every category) and then meeting with a counselor. And that was where I chose my journalism classes.

It was kind of funny to remember why I decided to take journalism courses, especially because I hated writing in high school. It was because of sports.

As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, but without being on a team as a child, I knew

been as close to adviser Paul DeBolt as other students, I have been close enough in proximity to take in the lessons he teaches and to know that he’s like the Yoda of journalism (“Star Wars” reference).

His only flaw is that The that was not going to happen.

Advocate staff has been However, it was that year waiting for him to order I took off from school after graduating from high school Advocate sweatshirts for that helped me choose what I more than a year now.

I would like to mention wanted to do. the great moments I had with For that year off, I went individuals on staff but I to Brazil and while there know I cannot fit three years watched a lot of soccer of memories into a (approxigames on television and mately) 650 word story. But in the stadiums. I always those people know. went to the games with my I have done a number of uncle, who is one of the biginterviews that have ranged gest soccer fans I know. He from some really great knows a lot about the sport explanations of a team’s perin terms of history and tactics. And he was the one who formance to some one-word responses from athletes. suggested I follow the sport The main thing I will as a journalist because of my take from them is what from love for it. So I did. former CCC athletic direcHere at Contra Costa tor and football coach Tom College one of my favorKinnard said. He told me to ite things to do for The follow whatever I like as a Advocate was to cover soccer games. It felt great stand- profession so that it would never feel like a job to me. ing on the side of the field I would not care which watching the game and takteam, but if I could cover a ing notes.

I have learned a lot during professional soccer team and write stories about its games my time here. as a job, that would be my In my three years on The dream journalistic job.

Advocate staff I saw the P.S. I would like to point group change from what out to the CCC administracould be called an all-star cast to a band of misfits. But tion to watch the television show “Community” and get you know what? Bands of some ideas about how to run misfits can win championships too (“SF Giants” refer- the school. ence).

Dariush Azmoudeh is Here, I made some memothe online editor of The rable friends and some treaAdvocate. Contact him at sured acquaintances (“Big dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.

Bang Theory” references). com.

Even though I have not

dariushazmoudeh

CampusComment

What are your plans for summer?

“Hang out, travel and chill with friends.”

“I’m going to take summer classes.”

“I’m going out of the country.”

Danie Anaya

Luis Castillo

Asia Deverteuil

art

latin american studies

biological studies

“I’m taking eight units for the summer and working.”

“Cruise around the Bay Area checking out the music scene and photographing it.”

John Broussard criminal justice

Ana Ortiz Aaron Cole photography

FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO AND JESSE SUTHERLAND / THE ADVOCATE

“Get a job and maybe do some community service.” social science

FORUM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

A3

■ Transferring

Believing in self proves vital to students A

bout a year ago, I walked across the stage with my high school diploma, officially a graduate. I was ecstatic, not only because I graduated, but also because it was all finally over. No more drama, no more pressure. I told myself it was all going to be easier.

Not too soon after, however, the closing of that chapter in my life became more bitter than sweet.

The transition of my teenage life into that of an adult seemed to freeze all around me. I wanted to grow up and prove to everyone I knew that I was not the lazy, careless girl they perceived me to be.

I couldn’t find any effective way to do so other than by attending a big, fancy fouryear university. But that was not an option since I had not applied to any colleges.

I was confused and had no insight as to what I wanted to do with myself. And I was envious. A big portion of my fellow graduates were mov-

janitsaechao ing onto universities with AA degrees in their names, while I was stuck at the same community college.

Fall semester of 2010 arrived, marking my fifth year on the Contra Costa College campus. I told myself the only reason I was going to school was for the sole purpose of completing my GE requirements and that I would leave soon. There was no way I would allow myself to stay here for more than a year.

I applied to transfer to two universities: San Jose State and San Francisco State.

During this time I found, to my surprise, that there were three prerequisite classes that I had yet to complete in order to even qualify to get into San Francisco State’s journalism

program. I felt even more unprepared, but I submitted my application anyway.

Without much hope for what would happen the next school year, I crossed my fingers and pushed the planning to the back of my mind.

The beginning of spring semester came around. I registered for the last of my GEs and a few prerequisites.

As I awaited the replies of the two universities, I applied myself in my classes. For the first time in a while, I tried. I finished my work, participated in class and even studied.

I was able to get to know my classmates, enabling me to make new friends. School began sparking more interest for me. I was undoubtedly engaged with my schoolwork.

Just as I began to forget about it, I received my answers from both colleges.

San Jose State rejected me, but San Francisco State accepted me.

It was at that moment that I realized everything I had done

to get myself to where I was.

Although I would have never seen it during the process, I recognized For the it then. And while I was first time busy constantly feeling sorry in a while, for myself, I was blind to I tried. I everything that was finished my happening around me. work, I suppose I expected to participated growth be sudden.

I thought in class and maybe one day, I would even wake up, look in the studied. mirror and just know that I was an adult. But that didn’t happen, so I never thought to consider the idea of gradual growth.

Now, with less than two weeks left of school, I’m not

sure if I’m ready to leave this place. As much as I looked down on CCC, without it, I would be nothing close to who I am now.

I’ll miss The Advocate and fellow staffers. I will miss my professor Rachel DwigginsBeeler and our tight-knit speech class. I will miss the familiarity of the people and the campus. Even though this is my last semester here, CCC will always be one of the most important phases of my life.

This past school year at CCC has taught me countless lessons, the most important of those is to believe in yourself and to not forget who you are and what your purpose is in going to school every day.

The pace of one’s walk is never as important as the direction of one’s walk. Your future is always right in front of you.

Janit Saechao is a staff writer for The Advocate.

Contact her at jsaechao. advocate@gmail.com.

■ Cannabis

Hemp serves as useful resource W

ith the possible exception of soy, no plant has managed to spawn as many different products and as much controversy as hemp.

You can buy hemp clothing, hemp paper, hemp milk, and hemp oil; the list goes on. Even an electric car has been built out of hemp by a Canadian company. Advocates talk about the leafy plant like it’s going Overall, to reverse global climate change hemp is while opponents think easier on the it’s merely a Trojan horse packed with environment “potheads” than cotton, hoping to get your children and stoned.

The considering major legal problem for hemp is that its it’s visually and taxosuperiority nomically identical to as far as marijuana.

Both are water and classified as Cannabis land requireSativa, and the only difference ments, it’s between them is the better on concentration of delta9-tetrahydro- energy use. cannabinol But do you (THC), the psychoactive substance in think that cannabis.

Marijuana the DEA is contains at least 3 pergoing to take cent THC by weight these studies whereas hemp falls way into below that threshold. considerAdvocates stress this point, but as ation? It’s far as Uncle Sam is con- doubtful. cerned, the only way to distinguish marijuana from hemp is by taking it to the lab, or by rolling it up and smoking it.

The plant is a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the United States, which means you need special permission to grow it regardless of THC content.

georgemorin Canada and several European countries now allow their farmers to grow hemp with a THC content below 0.3 percent, one-tenth as strong as the weakest marijuana.

The United States has held off from accepting this and has continued to keep the plant a controlled substance.

Due to this reason, raw ingredients for all U.S. manufactured hemp products must be imported into the country.

This policy permits us to only be buyers of the raw product, excluding the nation from a huge market that would not only be extremely profitable, but also a great alternative to cotton. Even so, hemp is still a major cash crop in the country right now.

Hemp is extremely versatile due to the fact it can be grown for either seed or fiber.

The seeds yield milk, oil and other food products, and are particularly popular among vegans, who have trouble working omega-3 fat into their diets. The fiber is used for paper and clothing, and sailors have been using hemp rope and sails for centuries.

The crop’s abundance has played an important role in American culture. Our first president George Washington was a hemp farmer.

In contrast to hemp, the cotton plant needs about 50 percent more water per season, which can grow with little irrigation. When you add processing into the equation, cotton uses more than four times as much water as hemp. So, to turn toward a more cost-effective resource that is overall better for the environment would seem like the perfunctory decision.

Overall, hemp is easier on the environment than cotton, and considering its superiority as far as water and land requirements, it’s better on energy use.

But do you think that the DEA is going to take these studies into consideration? It’s doubtful.

George Morin is the art director of The Advocate.

Contact him at gmorin. advocate@gmail.com.

FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE

■ Experience

New destiny awaits C

ontra Costa College was not my first-choice school.

Right after graduating from De Anza High School in June 2007, I waved away University of California opportunities to attend San of options in the catalog for a Francisco State with dreams of being a TV weatherwoman student who had already finished all of her GE clouding my vision.

During my requirements.

Unfortunately, So I was stuck in living on campus proved to be pretty first year and Beginning Piano and a redemption-round distracting to any calculus, living educational goals. a half in the of with my parents Among the again and dodgdroves of hipster ing old high school kids, impenetrable newsroom, classmates who, like banks of fog and I have had broken records, all professors who all asked, “I thought had a brain-washing agenda to push, to quash my you were at SFSU?” I hated CCC. I somehow made Which is funny to time to binge-drink crippling remember, as I sort while mountains of of owe this urban work piled up. shyness, college my life.

In my two Or, in less draexcruciating years matic terms, at least navigate there, I gained 15 my future. pounds, failed my The semester folvery first class and around staff lowing the abysmal watched a guy get fall, I found The shot. The 4.6 GPA I writers’ Advocate. During had boasted in high my year and a half school had dropped horrible in the newsroom, I to a 2.1 and the have had to quash halo I had always sported was starting grammar and my crippling shyness, navigate to wear. around staff writers’ Then I came admit that horrible grammar home. and admit that I am My first semesI am not not always right. ter at CCC was Somewhere about as miserable.

The classes were a always right. between being berated by Editormillion times easier in-Chief Sam Attal, being to pass, but I had no idea rejected for interviews by all what I wanted to pursue. As sorts of people and working calculus and I didn’t agree, on the newspaper until 3 a.m. meteorology was out, and before returning to campus there wasn’t exactly a bevy

cassidygooding

just five hours later, I found what I want to do when I finally get around to growing up.

Had I landed in my fall from grace at Diablo Valley College, which was my original plan once I dropped out of SFSU, I wouldn’t have found my calling. Instead, I may have gotten caught up in the fashion show, or worse — I could have joined the school paper there.

Here at CCC, the school most people forget about or look down upon, I was snapped back into reality.

Despite its shortcomings — scary parking lots and creepy people trying to holler — I’m thankful I chose this campus. At CCC, I met my future roommate, fell in love for the first time and put my feet on a path.

In a few short months, I will be at Cal State-Chico writing for their newspaper and feeling like a real college student again.

I can’t say I’ll miss the wild turkeys chasing me around the Music Building or the fact that students’ food options are dismally slim, but CCC will always be home.

Honestly, where else can you find such a lively mix of colorful personalities, athletic teams with more spunk than wins and squirrels that eat out of your hand?

So thank you, CCC, for offering this wayward soul a second chance.

Cassidy Gooding is the opinion editor of The Advocate. Contact her at cgooding.advocate@gmail. com.

A4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

CAMPUS BEAT

Cosmetology | FTES funding Rally

said. “It’s up and down.” metology FTES funds, fewer class Receive breaking news and sections will be offered and fewer ‘One discovery led to another’ students will be served.

The district was unaware of updates by following The CCC Vice President Carol Maga the policy it was violating until it Advocate’s Twitter account, said because of the administrative terminated the ISA with Paris in AccentAdvocate. negligence, the college and LMC 2009, when the working relationare going to be forced to make dif- ship turned sour due to problems ficult decisions. with financial aid for students, “It’s a bad time for this to hap- Paris’ owner Rhonda Baines said. pen,” Maga said.

Baines said prior to then, cosmeLiberal, Applied Health, tology students could not receive ■ SHOWCASE Vocational Training and Athletics federal financial aid through CCC Division Dean Susan Lee, who or LMC, but could through Paris. maintained the ISA with Paris, said But in summer 2009, when this is the worst time for the district federal support became available and CCC to lose money. through the district for students “For us to get a hit like this is enrolled in cosmetology courses, The music department is invit- just devastating. We don’t need this a few CCC students asked Baines’ ing all families with children to at all,” Dr. Lee said. staff to return their original Pell attend a free dress rehearsal of the Grant funds to the federal governVocal and Piano Spring Showcase ‘Minor’ contracts, major upset ment so they could obtain federal tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Knox The California Community aid through CCC. Center.

Colleges Chancellor’s Office She said the federal government Anyone interested in attend- requires colleges to obtain con- took a few weeks to re-process ing may contact music professor tracts from every faculty member the students’ accounts before they Stephanie Austin through e-mail who teaches through an ISA. could apply for the grants again. at saustin@contracosta.edu, or call Maga said “It took a her at 510-235-7800, ext. 4361.

CCC and LMC couple weeks “(The Chancellor’s forgot to ask and it wasn’t Paris for the Office) wants every fast enough for contracts from them,” Baines ■ TRANSFER little piece in order.

2006-09 and said. are now being It’s a bureaucracy. It’s The students hurt by the complained to hard to keep track of CCC adminisC h a n c e l l o r ’s Office. who then every little thing you trators “ ( T h e looked into the manage.”

The CCC Transfer Center C h a n c e l l o r ’s case further.

The district is holding its annual Transfer Office) wants tells a different Reception on Thursday from 2:30 every little piece Carol Maga, CCC vice president story. to 4:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. in order. It’s a The ceremony will celebrate stu- bureaucracy,” Lee said dents completing their educational Maga said. “It’s hard to keep track when financial aid became available through CCC and LMC, Paris goals and transferring to four-year of every little thing you manage.”

Maga said the lack of contracts administrators continued to tell colleges next semester.

For more information on how should not have amounted to such a their student to list the private college as their primary school. to be included in the event, contact serious loss for the district.

“In my mind, they’re pretty “The students should’ve listed employment development services specialist Robin Harrison in SSC- damn minor,” she said. “This is one us,” Lee said. more (problem) along the road.”

Lee said after Paris received 106.

Lee said paperwork for the ISAs the federal financial aid approvtraveled around each of the cam- als, administrators there refused to puses regularly and somewhere apply the money to the students’ ■ SCHOLARSHIP during the process, someone forgot accounts. She said the students to check for the faculty contracts. then complained about the fees “I don’t know who was in Paris demanded. charge,” Lee said. “(The paperAfter hearing of the financial aid work) goes from one office to disputes, Murillo said the colleges another. The documentation was terminated the ISAs with Paris in January 2010.

The annual Kennedy-King not in order.”

Maga said the state is not being “Our concern was protecting Scholarship Banquet will be held on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the sympathetic about the mistake and our students,” Murillo said. is doing its best to garnish all the Baines denies such a case ever Concord Crowne Plaza Hotel. occurred and said she was glad the The event will recognize and money it paid the colleges.

“You bet we’re getting penalized cosmetology students could apply congratulate the 2011 recipients for aid through CCC and LMC. of the $8,000 scholarship, 11 of for it,” Maga said.

She said she understands why Murillo said she reported the whom are from CCC. the state has to make such deci- case to the Chancellor’s Office sions. which then asked the district to “You never know what’s going audit itself and its ISA with Paris.

■ MUSIC on with the state budget,” Maga In July 2010, the district report■ FROM: Page 1

Twitter

Newsline

Dress rehearsal open to public

Students receive recognition

Ceremony to honor winners

Performance to exhibit talent

The music department will put on the Vocal and Piano Spring Showcase on Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Knox Center.

The event will include performances by chamber singers, the gospel choir, selected soloists, the concert choir, jazz singers and JazzaNova.

Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $8 for students.

For more information about the performance, e-mail music instructor Stephanie Austin at saustin@contracosta.edu.

CrimeWatch Wednesday, May 4: A victim reported the theft of her cell phone in the Humanities Building.

A student reported his cell phone stolen in the Gym Annex Building.

Friday, May 6: A victim reported his vehicle was vandalized while parked near the Automotive Tech Building Monday, May 9: An officer conducted a traffic stop at the Bus Transfer Center and it was determined the driver was unlicensed. The subject was cited and released.

Tuesday, May 10: A college employee received a harassing letter in a school mailbox in the Student Services Center.

An officer responded to a hit-and-run vehicle accident on Mission Bell Drive and College Lane. The victim had a 5-inch cut on the top of his/her head. The victim declined medical attention and no further information on the subject was received.

— Alexandra Waite

ed back and told the Chancellor’s Office about the three years of nonexistent faculty contracts.

Maga said she and other administrators tried to get the documents signed once they noticed there were no contracts, however they could not because Paris refused to cooperate.

“At that point, we didn’t have that working relationship.”

Lee said the ISA guidelines caused the case to become much more serious for the district.

“Up to that point we weren’t aware (but that) one discovery led to another,” she said. “It just mushroomed.”

Credentials, quality, the future Murillo said not all faculty members at Paris were qualified to teach community college courses under the ISA guidelines. She said had the district asked for the faculty contracts originally, Paris instructors could not sign them anyway because they lacked proper qualifications.

“Some of the people teaching our students could not provide all the information (about their qualifications),” Murillo said.

Baines said that accusation is false and her faculty members have more than 20 years of teaching experience and all the required credentials to instruct students.

“My staff is more than qualified to teach college courses,” Baines said.

Lee said other problems arose among students and Paris’ faculty during CCC’s 10-year partnership with the beauty school.

“We were getting complaints about how the program was being run (and) the way (students) were being treated,” Lee said.

Baines said since she became owner of Paris in May 1982, she has continued to maintain the quality of education her school provides. She also said students have been treated fairly at the institution since its opening in 1951.

Since terminating the ISA with Paris, CCC and LMC have contracted with the W Institute of Cosmetology in Concord.

“With our new relationship with the W Institute, we do have the (faculty) contracts,” Lee said.

She said the college will make sure to be careful to monitor and meet the requirements for ISAs in the future.

“You learn from your mistakes,” Lee said.

■ FROM: Page 1

Brown proposed to ask voters with a June ballot measure to approve extending these taxes in an effort to help save higher education.

He needed two-thirds of the state’s legislators to agree to put the ballot before voters, but with Republican legislators opposing the plan, the proposal came up short by just a few votes.

“Why should the minority of the legislators hold back Brown’s proposal for tax extensions, when the majority wants it to be passed.

To me this nothing close to democracy,” Campbell said.

Slogans like, “We are the people, we will win” and “Cuts hurt” echoed throughout the Civic Center grounds as students and education advocates screamed and chanted them throughout the rally.

Many students have already been affected by the major cuts to education over the last three years.

San Francisco State University student Jose Jimenez said, “These cuts have hurt me drastically, especially the issue of financial aid.

With working and going to college, it’s hard to keep my head up.

It seems they are making college very expensive.”

K-12 teachers, faculty and classified staff in California are feeling the cuts as well.

California Teachers Association member and Albany High School biology teacher Linda Kaiser said her school has lost five faculty members and more than $607,500 in funding for electives.

She said this has left mostly required classes, and administrators have even talked about shortening the school year to save money.

“They’re removing not only important members of this school, but at the same time removing key elements like art, music and sports from students’ grasps. This seems to be going drastically in the wrong direction,” Kaiser said.

United Educators of San Francisco President Dennis Kelly said students and education advocates need to come together to fight now more than ever.

“This is very crucial time in education,” Kelly said.

He said, “We are not being represented and we need this to change. There are other solutions than to continue to take from something that is already struggling.”

Members of the United Educators of San Francisco suggested calling or e-mailing legislators to urge for full funding to education in the state.

Layoffs | Positions terminated, hours cut ■ FROM: Page 1

cut from 90 percent to 75 percent, meaning for a 40-hour week, instead of putting in 36 hours, she can only work 30 hours.

Hall has worked at the CCC since 1994 and was hired on a permanent basis in 2002 in the nursing department.

“I’m not sure how it’ll affect me financially. I might have to pick up a bit of work somewhere else, if that’s possible,” she said.

“If there’s no money, then something’s got to give. It’s difficult on everybody.”

Computer Center technician Bernadette Green has yet to choose whether she will retire or take a position from an employee at LMC now that her position at CCC is destined for elimination.

Green said the staff member at LMC has until Friday to decide whether he wants to stay or go to DVC, and Green has five days after his decision to make her choice.

“Nobody likes to go, but we’re in dire times here,” she said. “I just happen to be one of the blessed ones who has the option to retire if it comes to that.”

Local 1, the union that represents the district’s classified staff, has a contract that states employees can “bump” other employees with less seniority in their job classification within the district, Maga said.

She said staff members have until the end of this week to decide whether they want to bump

another employee, retire or leave.

Green said, “The ‘bumping’ affects a few people. When this stuff starts, it doesn’t just affect one campus, it moves around the district.”

Maga said CCC administrators have begun discussions on how to reallocate and reprioritize existing staff positions in order to make sure the work done by the affected staffers is still done.

But they have not yet come up with any solutions.

Lead custodian Guadalupe Mora said his position will be eliminated and he received a notice two weeks ago outlining the choices to retire, transfer to another campus or be laid off.

“I don’t have many choices, so I have to transfer to LMC,” he said. “I asked if I could remain a regular custodian at CCC, but they said no.”

Hall said it is not a good situation for anybody involved to have to downsize programs, faculty and staff.

“I think it’s just everybody playing politics,” she said. “It’s not a lack of funding, it’s a lack of allocation.”

Affected positions Sixty-nine staff, management, supervisory and confidential positions are impacted throughout the district. Nineteen are from CCC, eight from the District Office, 23 from DVC, and 19 from LMC. Among the eliminated CCC positions are account clerk, athletic equipment manager, computer/network technician, custodian, employment development services specialist, inventory/receiving clerk, lead custodian, scheduling specialist, student services/instructional support coordinator, director of early childhood lab schools, and both Police Services sergeants.

Reduced positions include two administrative secretaries, college human resources assistant, computer aided instructional laboratory coordinator, library assistant, student services/instructional support coordinator and theater staging specialist.

Dance Jam | Showcase faces elimination ■ FROM: Page 1

surprise date Saturday night. He said it was one of the most interesting dance performances he has seen in years.

“It wasn’t like a formula, the way you see in most dances. It was very raw, but in a good way,” he said.

His wife Claudia Reuben agreed.

“I really enjoyed the variety of ages (of the dancers) and their confidence, how well they moved and how comfortable they seemed,” she said.

All CCC dance classes were included in the performance, as well as youth dance groups with ties to the college through their members.

Among the dances presented were hip-hop, belly dancing, urban jazz and various Latin social dances.

Student Fernando Moya performed an

Argentine tango dance number. Though it was his second time performing, he said he still gets nervous before going on stage.

“I enjoyed dancing, all of the energy, that rush,” he said. “It’s not about topping each other’s (performances). It’s about sharing our interests and passion.”

The tango performance contained a romantic storyline as men fought over women and women fought over men, incorporating dance at the same time.

“It was one of the best performances I’ve seen in terms of students being 150 percent present,” Tigner said. “A lot of new students were just ready and had no inhibitions.

“Whatever they came with, they were ready to share.”

The performance “It’s All the Same” consisted of various dance groups, with half wearing

colorful costumes with straw skirts representing traditional African dance and half wearing modern hip-hop style clothing. The performance alternated between traditional African dance and hip-hop dance to symbolize the connection between the two styles.

Audience members said if the Dance Jam is canceled next year, the local community will suffer.

“If this is lost, it would be a huge loss to the community,” attendee Cardid Rivera said.

Tigner spoke to the audience after the performance and encouraged them to contact Liberal, Applied Health, Vocational Training and Athletics Division Dean Susan Lee to state their support for the dance program and request that the affected courses be reinstated for fall 2011.

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

Students win for speeches, poems Competition draws college’s talent, crowd

By Faythe Del Rosario STAFF WRITER

frosario.advocate@gmail.com

An intramural speech competition, held to give students taking speech courses this semester the chance to have an opportunity to speak and win medals, was held Thursday in various classrooms in the Liberal Arts Building.

Speech department Chairwoman Connie Anderson said, “Students who never competed before will get the chance to compete in a tournament.”

Anderson and the rest of Contra Costa College’s Speech and Debate Team coaches are looking to recruit students because many of the team members are transferring to different colleges or graduating, she said.

For three years, the department has been holding these intramural competitions.

The number of participants has risen each year as the first tournament had 40 students, and last semester there were 80 students.

“This year, we have had the most people participating. More than 100 students competed in these subjects,” Dr. Anderson said.

The competition consisted of two rounds, and after both rounds the judging card for each participant was tabulated to figure out the winners for each section.

Student Beulah Agbabiaka, a judge and future Speech and Debate Team member, said, “You take into account that they’re novices and what makes a good speech.”

Persuasive, informative, oral interpretation of literature and impromptu were the four types of speeches that were evaluated by judges.

They had to rank the speakers between first through fourth places, and allocate speaker points respectively.

For instance, if there was a classroom of seven competitors, the top three would be ranked, and the rest would be ranked fourth.

Competitors went to classrooms in the LA and Applied Arts buildings to give their speeches that lasted three to 10 minutes.

“I thought everybody did really well. I’m proud of the CCC students,” Agbabiaka said.

“They could have worked on sticking to time and remembering movement and transition, and to look at the audience.”

Informative and persuasive speeches were similar on how they were evaluated.

Judges looked at the speaker’s content, the support and organization of ideas and the delivery of the words themselves.

Anderson said that she was constantly looking for judges because the teachers didn’t want to be judges for their own students.

Faculty and former competitors volunteered to judge.

The department asked those who are participating to give a $2 donation. The money will be put into the Speech and Debate Team’s account, Anderson said.

There were approximately 19 winners in the four categories.

“In persuasive, more than 50 people competed. It was a fierce competition,” speech professor Rachel Dwiggins-Beeler said. “When it came down to the rankings, we had to look at speaker points, which were

A5

ROMAN YOUNG / THE ADVOCATE

In the moment — Isis Hao delivers a speech during an intramural speech competition held in the Liberal Arts Building Thursday. also really close.”

Liberal arts major Jennifer Garcia said, “I thought the event was really awesome. I’m glad there were two rounds because it paid

off. I learned how I messed up the first time and fixed it in the second round.” Garcia competed in persuasive, delivering a speech on why people should be organ donors.

Culinary department hosts trip to Italy

By April Halog STAFF WRITER

ahalog.advocate@gmail.com

The culinary arts department is giving an opportunity to a handful of lucky students to study at the Marco Polo Institute in Parma, Italy from June 14 to 30. During the trip, students will experience the local culture, learn to prepare

traditional Italian cuisine and study ancient culinary techniques.

According to culinary arts department Chairman Nader Sharkes, so far 18 students have applied and his ultimate goal is to send 10 students.

A number of students will be selected after all the applicants undergo an interview process conducted by an advisory board.

Currently, the advisory board is in the process of interviewing the applicants.

Funding of the trip will be provided

by Sharkes profits from the Food and Wine Event that was held last month and additional funding

with the help of the department’s supporters.

Sharkes said that his goal for his students is to learn the culture, regional food and see the preparation of traditional Italian food such as cured meat and cheeses.

As for student Jessette Nelson, her desire to go stems from her admiration of the Italian cooking that is incorporated in many of her

family’s traditions and values. She hopes the things she experiences first hand during the trip will help her better teach what she wishes later her career.

Another culinary student, Maria Alvarez, said, “It’s been one of my goals. It would be a dream come true. Ever since I was little I wanted to travel the world and learn new cultures,”

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A6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

CAMPUS BEAT

Research pioneer leaves campus

By Adam Oliver NEWS EDITOR

aoliver.advocate@gmail.com

When he began the task of archiving campus data 15 years ago, little more than the names and transcripts of students at Contra Costa College were databased via computer tapes and floppy disks.

And as technology surged and data-based decision-making grew more essential, Senior Dean of Research and Planning Tim Clow spearheaded the effort, kicking off the first campus research in the district.

“He is the kind of guy who started saying we need to make databased decisions (when) research wasn’t at the same place in education,” Academic Senate President Richard Akers said.

But Dr. Clow, who pioneered CCC’s research and development function and has gained statewide notoriety for his accomplishments, will be leaving the college of his 23 year employment for broader responsibilities.

Research and planning throughout the district’s three colleges will be consolidated at the district level come July 1, with Clow heading the squad. The decision was one made out of financial necessity, President McKinley Williams said, and will save the district around

ADAM OLIVER / THE ADVOCATE

Moving on — Senior Dean of Research and Planning Tim Clow (left) and research analysts Francisco Balderas (center) and Rolando Valdez (right) will be relocated to the district office July 1. The move is the result of the districtwide consolidation of research that is saving $500,000. $500,000 in total.

Though the conclusion came as no surprise, it has pressed change upon tenured CCC employees and has left two employees at Diablo Valley College and one from Los Medanos College without work, he said.

“Centralization is something they’ve been talking about for years,” he said. “It’s kind of strange, this many years here you buildup really close relationships.

I’m not going to be here on an everyday basis; in a way it’s like I’m leaving the family.”

Research analyst Francisco Balderas, who was a computer programming major at CCC when Clow hired him in 1997, said the change will be drastic.

“This is where I started, this is where I grew up. But it’s what’s best for the college, it’s going to be

a good move,” he said.

The consolidated research team, comprised of Clow, research analysts Balderas and Rolando Valdez from CCC, Joy Dardin from the district and Helen Wu from Los Medanos will now share the responsibility of producing student learning outcomes, program views, AARC reports and a slew of other documents for the district’s three institutions.

While the restructuring of research and planning does pose a significant challenge, Clow said his team is used to handling myriads of different files with ease.

College faculty agreed that Clow was the right person to take charge, but expressed melancholy at the loss of his presence, expertise and “quirky” sense of humor on campus.

“He has kept us on track with our mission statement, our value statement and he is always giving us data on call,” Melody Hanson, senior secretary to the president, said.

Williams said that Clow’s offbeat humor in the office often helped “keep things light” in even the most arduous times.

“He has a real sense of humor and a zest for life,” he said. “We’re hoping that this will provide all campuses with the research capacity we have enjoyed for years.”

Attal to remain leader for 2011-12 publication year “Sam is tough because he has to be tough,” he said. “If he weren’t, people would be playing around and not doing their cgooding.advocate@gmail.com work. He’s the leader of The Advocate and he has to show that he’s serious about it, so he can’t take crap.”

While most Contra Costa College students await a new At 20 years old, Attal is the youngest editor-in-chief fall semester fraught with the changes that accompany a the paper has ever seen, DeBolt said. Attal has served the much leaner budget, Advocate staffers can be assured that Advocate for seven semesters. In these three and a half years, Attal has done everything from taking photographs to one thing will remain the same.

Sam Attal is taking a round two as editor-in-chief of the designing pages to writing breaking news stories. school newspaper.

“I really grew as a writer this year,” he said. “I’m starting “Nobody else stepped up to take the position,” Attal said to enjoy writing stories. I’ve never been the greatest person of his choice to apply for a second year sitting at the throne with words, but I really want to be able to master everything of the nationally acclaimed two-year college production. “I I can during my time here.”

DeBolt said he thinks Attal’s growth as a writer will help figured it would be a second chance for me to have a good him in the coming year to motivate returning and new staff year.”

Advocate adviser Paul DeBolt said Attal would be only members.

“Sam definitely needs to work on his the third of his journalism students in his communication skills a little; maybe act 31-year tenure to win a second term.

“Sam is very under- a little happier sometimes,” he said. “But Though Attal’s sophomore term as editor-in-chief can be attributed to the fact standing to those who he really grew this semester to become that no one else on staff was qualified or a real journalist. If he keeps leading by actually care and are example, the staff will rally behind him.” willing to replace him, he said he is thankEncouraging the staff to be more proful for the opportunity to learn from the trying to do their best active next year is one of Attal’s top 2010-11 year. on the paper.” goals.

“This year was horrific,” he said. “It was hard keeping everyone on track and I “I want editors to step up and take George Morin, think I failed to manage the staff well.” responsibility for their individual secart director Despite his gloomy view of his first tions,” he said. “I also want them to work shot at being the leader of the newspawith individual staff members on improvper that has won 13 Associated Collegiate Press National ing their product.”

Pacemaker Awards, Attal’s staff thinks he will rise to the Being more efficient and getting tasks done early in the challenge of improving his direction. week, instead of waiting to start everything on production After initially describing him as curmudgeonly and “cut- night, is another thing Morin said next year’s staff should throat,” Art Director George Morin also said that Attal has improve upon. a softer side.

“We need to plan things better,” he said, as the staff was “Sam is very understanding to those who actually care up late every Monday night finishing everything at a lastand are trying to do their best on the paper,” Morin said. “He minute pace. is helpful when needed, but also very demanding.”

Longtime staff members who are transferring away from News Editor Hilberth Ibarrara sympathized with his edi- The Advocate have admitted to mixed feelings about Attal’s tor-in-chief’s stringent style of leadership. continued reign.

By Cassidy Gooding OPINION EDITOR

Student trustee positions chosen for upcoming term

By Janit Saechao STAFF WRITER

jsaechao.advocate@gmail.com

With a new academic year arriving, student elections have been occurring on campus and districtwide.

The student trustee election for the Contra Costa Community College District started on May 9 and ended on Thursday.

Diablo Valley College student Francisco Hinojosa ran for the student trustee position unopposed.

“I’ve worked really hard. With this opportunity, I feel like I can teach the students,” he said.

Hinojosa plans to make changes to the achievement gap.

“I want to make sure the money is going into the right programs to help as many underrepresented students as possible,” he said.

He also plans on making changes to the students’ block schedules.

Hinojosa said, “Classes are offered in two to three hours, non-stop. The schools expect students to use the time they have out of class for studying, but they don’t take into account that some students have work or have children to attend to. I plan to change that.”

“I’ve worked with a lot of the previous trustees and they never really followed through with the suggestions I gave. It was upsetting. Here are the students, we’re having a hard time and they aren’t advocating for us. I want to make sure that students see the full potential the student trustees have,” Hinojosa said.

Current student trustee Brandon Amargo said, “He shows great diligence in his work. I hope he will continue to advocate for student rights and continue to look for innovative ways to combat the budget cuts we’re facing.”

Positions for the ASU Senate Board have also opened for next fall semester.

ASU election polls were open from Thursday to Sunday. New candidates were in the running for the positions of president, executive vice president, vice president of clubs and director of public relations. The candidates are running for their positions unopposed.

Rodney Wilson is currently in the running to be next year’s ASU president.

Eligibility to be in the running for president is based on one’s experience with being on the board.

Wilson plans to address the achievement gap with students at CCC.

“I think the main purpose of the ASU is to make sure that the students are represented in the decisions that the administration makes. I want to make sure that from a student’s perspective, whatever the administration is trying to implement is going to impact and benefit students,” Wilson said.

Student Life Coordinator Kelly Ramos said, “Studies have shown that certain groups of minorities attending school have a lower retention and completion rate. The numbers are large. It’s nothing new, but we are trying to find ways to change this for our students.”

Wilson has had previous experience being on the board as executive vice president. He said he feels obligated to continue and help serve students.

Running for a second term as vice president of clubs is student Mikhael Bunda. “This being my second year, I think I’ll be more prepared for this job. With what I’ve learned, all of it will help me become a better leader,” he said.

Ramos said, “This election is extremely important. It’s important for students to vote, especially because of all the budget cuts going on within our school. Students must be properly represented.”

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Keepin’ the shoes — Editor-in-chief Sam Attal will return to lead The Advocate staff into the upcoming school year and hopes to be more supportive.

“Sam knows what he’s doing, and he does it well,” Online Editor and future Cal State-Chico student Dariush Azmoudeh said. “Next year, he needs to work on balancing being an ass and being supportive better. He’ll motivate his staff more effectively if he does that.”

Attal is confidant next year will be a more streamlined, positive experience.

DeBolt, however, remains cautiously optimistic.

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CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

Students identify plant life in creek “We will identify the plants to make sure they are ASSOCIATE EDITOR native California plants speljames.advocate@gmail.com cies,” Krolikowski said. “We Rheem Creek, which runs will also track bee visits to through the Contra Costa see if the bees are attracted College campus, will receive to the plants.”

Krolikowski said most of an update in the identification of native California the plants were supposed to plants that were planted by be native Californian and, by previous efforts to restore being so, would attract more bees to the creek. the creek.

The more Biology professor advanced “The updating of CSE mentor Katherine Krolikowski, the creek will help group will conduct an with the help of stu- people know what analysis of dents in her flowers and plants the bee visits and track Introduction to Biological are there and will to see if the plants and Sciences course and add to the beauty flowers are attracting a Center of the creek.” more bees for Science over time, Excellence Vaneska Herrera, she said.

(CSE) group student she mentors, Student will conduct an analysis and Vaneska Herrera said, “I am research project to properly glad that they are updating identify the native plants Rheem Creek.” She said she species and track annual bee walks past the creek every day and has noticed the visits.

She said the students will creek filled with vegetation.

“The updating of the be properly identifying all the plants and placing nam- creek will help people know etags to help clarify the spe- what flowers and plants are there and will add to the cies of what was planted.

By Lamar James

beauty of the creek,” she said.

Krolikowski said the data will take time to collect and analyze, but the end project will help the advancement and longevity of the creek.

Herrera has been trying to find duplicates of the plants along the creek so she can replant them in her own garden.

“Because the plants are not properly named and there are no nametags, I have to look in a flower and plant encyclopedia to identify the plantings,” she said.

She often sits by the creek to have lunch and is intrigued by the wildlife that visits it.

Herrera said, “Birds are the most (frequent) visitors.

I see the (birds), but the best is when you see humming birds and butterflies.”

She said the creek should be cleaned because it is prominent on campus and if the creek is out of control, then the campus will look bad also.

“I would like them to clean the creek and update it so that it will add to the beauty of the campus,” Chambers said.

A7

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Work in progress — The plant life in Rheem Creek, which runs through CCC, will be examined to check for plants native to California.

Narcotics Anonymous offers support On-campus program helps drug addicts

By Lamar James ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ljames.advocate@gmail.com

Community members and students alike can now receive help and support through

Narcotics Anonymous, an 12-step group meeting on campus to help recovering addicts stay clean from any narcotic substance abuse.

The program, which is offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Humanities Building, is a part of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) organization.

Student Don S., who is an NA member, began the weekly meetings at the college to

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help students and community members who are recovering addicts.

The organization is meant to support those in recovery and help them stay away from narcotics through peer support, verbal conversation and counseling.

“I felt the need to start the program because I know there are students and community members who are in need of help,” Don said.

He said the program has helped him and he has been a member of the meeting sessions for a while.

Don said, “The support you receive from the program is amazing. You have the support from your peers, and you start to know you are not alone in the fight to stay clean.”

He said he decided to start the meetings after he saw student demand.

“Students need support and no one can make it without support. As a whole, we are there to make sure we can help each other stay clean, and give each other the extra push to stay off the narcotics,” he said.

Health and human services department Chairwoman Aminta Mickles said the meetings held on campus will greatly help students in need.

“The meetings can counsel and support recovering addicts, and help them to stay away from narcotics,” she said.

Richmond resident Wanda G. said she has been a recovering addict for 13 years and without the help and support of NA meetings, she may have relapsed.

Although she has yet to visit the NA meetings offered at Contra Costa College, Wanda said knows the program will have a positive influence on the people who need the support.

“I had a problem and after (being in) a drug program, I was referred to NA. I thought the program would be redundant and not really help me, but I was wrong,”

she said.

The days she would want to or think about doing drugs, she would call her sponsor, and without having to go to the meetings she would be coached and persuaded not to fall back to drugs through the phone calls.

“Whenever you are a member of NA, you have a sponsor. Your sponsor is there to help you “I had a probthrough. Being a lem and after recovering addict, (being in) a you can relapse at any time. But when drug problem, you have a sponsor, you can call I was referred and get support to to (Narcotics stay away from Anonymous). drugs,” she said.

Don said durI thought ing hard economic times, a lot of peothe program ple turn to drugs would be and alcohol, which they think relieve redundant and their stress, but the drugs just create not really help more problems. me, but I was “We have to wrong.” be really careful of what we put in Wanda G., our bodies because student after a while the drugs may take a toll on you, leading to health problems or even death,” Don said.

According to www.NA.org, Narcotics Anonymous sprang from the Alcoholics Anonymous program of the late 1940s, with NA meetings first emerging in Los Angeles in the early 1950s.

Editor’s note: The recovering addicts in Narcotics Anonymous are asked to remain anonymous in the press or media.

Spring semester Final Exam schedule Final Examination Week at Contra Costa College is May 21 through May 27. All final exams must be given in accordance with the following schedule.

Day classes that meet MWF, MW, WF, MTWTh, Daily Your final exam is on: If your class begins at: Monday, May 23, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

8:10 or 8:40 a.m.

Wednesday, May 25, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

9:10 or 9:40 a.m.

Monday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

10:10 or 10:40 a.m.

Wednesday, May 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

11:10 or 11:40 a.m.

Monday, May 23, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

12:10 or 12:40 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

1:10 or 1:40 p.m.

Monday, May 23, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

2:10 or 2:40 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

3:10 or 3:40 p.m.

Day classes that meet TWTh, TWThF or TTh If your class begins at: Your final exam is on: 8:10 or 8:40 a.m.

Tuesday, May 24, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

9:10 or 9:40 a.m.

Thursday, May 26, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

10:10 or 10:40 a.m.

Tuesday, May 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

11:10 or 11:40 a.m.

Thursday, May 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

12:10 or 12:40 p.m.

Tuesday, May 24, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

1:10 or 1:40 p.m.

Thursday, May 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

2:10 or 2:40 p.m.

Tuesday, May 24, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

3:10 or 3:40 p.m.

Thursday, May 26, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Night classes All night classes that meet after 4 p.m. will hold final exams during regular class hours.

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Saturday and Sunday classes All Saturday classes and Sunday classes will hold final exams on May 28 and May 29.

A8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

SCENE

Students prepare for show

IN SYNC

Aspiring musicians perform in showcase

By Lamar James ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ljames.advocate@gmail.com

Musical tunes will be performed by vocalists, pianists and choir members Friday night in the Knox Center in the annual Vocal and Piano Spring Showcase hosted by the music department.

The showcase will feature the Beginning Chorus, the Advanced Chorus, the Gospel Choir, and vocal and piano soloists.

The performance is set to begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets will cost $10 for general admission and $8 for students.

The music department is inviting the public to attend a free dress rehearsal of the event tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Knox Center.

“This will be a grand event,” music major Robert Reed said. “We are hoping the audience (members) “(The Spring will enjoy the Showcase) will show as we have worked be a grand event. very hard to We are hoping the make sure they do.” audience (memHe said is his bers) will enjoy this second time the show as we perfor ming the show have worked very in and he always hard to make sure gets excited and nervous they do.” about performing.

Robert Reed, “Every student performer time before a show I am nervous, but right before the show I lose the nerves and say this is what I came here to do,” Reed said.

He said the choirs have been working very hard in preparation for the spring showcase and have had numerous rehearsals to get things right.

He said preparations for the concert started at the beginning of the semester.

“For many of us, we know this concert is coming and we know it is one of the biggest shows for the music department, so we really want to make it as big as the buzz,” he said.

Student Lucia Perez said she is thrilled to be a part of the concert and this will be her fourth time performing in the event.

“The time we have put into the concert really should show. We have a really talented bunch of singers and we are excited to be performing for the college,” she said.

Perez said the audience will be amazed by the singing, and hopes the audience will

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Group melody — Choir students Charlotte Lenton (left), Francis Oregel (right) and Jeff Glaza (top) rehearse in the Knox Center on Monday. The students will perform during the annual Vocal and Piano Spring Showcase Friday. enjoy what has been planned for them.

She said the soloists should be a big hit because the performers have put a lot of dedication into rehearsals.

Reed said he will be singing with the Beginning Choir and that the audience will receive a special treat when it will be blending its pieces between the Advanced and Beginning choirs.

“We are trying to do something different this semester. We will mix a little reggae with

the operatic voices,” Reed said.

He said he has been singing since he was a senior in high school and that it is only fitting he joined the choir once he started college.

“I feel into the music and it has really become my passion. I just hope my light shines on stage when the concert comes,” he said.

Student Briana Pardee said she will attend the concert for her second year in a row.

“The concert was really good last year.

We expect to receive that same quality from this year’s performance,” Pardee said.

She said the music department always puts on great shows and expects nothing short of breathtaking from this year’s concert.

Pardee said the highlight of the evening for her will probably be the Gospel Choir because she thinks the voices together sound heavenly and angelic.

Album pushes boundaries of indie genre “Eleven” is a strong song, and it makes sense why it was chosen as the opening track.

The track breaks away from what the musicians do separately and brings them together for an appetizing attempt at

By Faythe Del Rosario electronic dissonance.

STAFF WRITER The song features Merrill frosario.advocate@gmail.com Garbus, an Oakland resident and musician who co-proSan Francisco-based songduced the album and helped writers Thao Nguyen and the two artists experiment in Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn, betsound. ter known by their moniker The song entitled “Rubies Thao & Mirah when working and Rocks” has a blues-like together, have released a selffeel and uses an eclectic titled album amount of brass instruments. that pushes cdreview Air Traffic Control (ATC) their boundaris an organization that helps ies on common musicians work on music that ground in a plays an important role in good way. promoting social justice. Both Both artists “Thao & Mirah” musicians have been collabohave their own ★★★★★ rating with the organization. qualities that Artist: Thao & ATC’s influence is heard make listeners’ Mirah Genre: Indie in Thao and Mirah’s song, ears ooze in Label: Kill Rock “Likeable Man.” The lyrics frothy joy.

Stars suggest what happens due to Release Date: With sexual abuse inside a family.

Zeitlyn’s deli- Out now The song advocates for sexucate and intially abused women to protect mate voice and themselves from their fathers.

Nguyen’s instinctive cooing, SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE The lyrical content and robust warbles and raw energy Talented duo — San Francisco natives Thao Nguyen (left) and Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn (right) fuse instrumentals within the song on guitar, a special sound is their individual talents to create a unique style that fascinates listeners. construct an atmosphere that created as they complement sounds good, but portrays how not as bold. individually. While that isn’t Anyone can tell that both each other. serious the topic is at the same The instrumentals in this bad, songs with only one artist On this album they conjure indie-folk musicians are havtime. album are delightful, to the singing often make listeners something that is slightly dif- ing fun and that’s what a colThe tracks that demonstrate wonder where the other artist say the least. The duo worked ferent than their fans are used laboration should be — both with various musicians that is. how well both of the artists to. “Thao & Mirah” has tracks of them not only working also call San Francisco home. can harmonize are among the In the songs with both arttogether, but helping each that are more genre defying They do a fantastic job creat- best on the album, and there other out of their comfort ists singing, many listeners than one can imagine. ing music that matches both zones. should have been more of will not get the full effect of That’s what makes this of the artists’ voices.

Many those. their voices because they are of the tracks are sung album awesome.

‘Thao & Mirah’ uses creative mix of vocal energy

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SPOTLIGHT

SECTION

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

COLLEGE’S DUTY

TO SERVE EXAMINED T

hese days, when there is Internet nearly everywhere and any question one could think of asking can be answered through the gargantuan amount of information at our fingertips, a proper education has become increasingly, overwhelmingly important.

In an age where everybody knows little bits about many things, being truly proficient or professional in any field is incredibly valuable.

Literally.

According to the July 2002 report titled “Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings,” estimates peg those with bachelor’s degrees as earning an average of $1 million more in their lifetimes than those without.

From grade school to high school, most students’ paths are clearly mapped out for them. First grade goes to second, second to third and so on. Once students receive that high school diploma, however, things get much more complicated.

Out of high school, some join the work force right away, hungry to start putting away money for the future.

Many choose to make the leap to four-year university, where the majority of students take on a full load of classes and figure out what they are going to pursue.

Stuck in the middle of the spectrum are those who attend community college, either as full or part-time students, working or not.

At these two-year institutions, as they serve as a limbo of sorts between high school and a university, between different jobs, or even just to stave off the boredom of some, a wide variety of students can be found coloring these campuses.

More than any other type of educational institution, community colleges face indecision about which student groups get registration priority, financial aid options and access to basic skills, while grappling with balancing general education

classes with specially offered programs and athletic teams that give any campus individuality.

When everyone wants an education, it is only natural that those in different circumstances will access schools differently.

So the question arises: who do community colleges serve?

The Advocate has created this section to begin collecting thoughts on this dilemma.

Through debating and editorializing the deserving of different student groups and analyzing different stressors students may find themselves battling, we have set our feet on a path that will lead us to answers.

By exploring the circumstances of different student groups, effects of student service availability and the way everyone on campus reacts to their environment, we are dedicated to charting the changes coming to community college education in response to this stormy economic climate.

edit orial Different strokes

Contra Costa College and other community colleges across the nation are in the special position of being home to students from all walks of life.

As budget slashes ravage courses and programs on campus, CCC is now forced to decide who takes priority.

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ILLUSTRATION BY JON RUNNING / THE ADVOCATE

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B2 THE ADVOCATE

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

ILLUSTRATION BY FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE

Editorial

Community anchor O

College constituency deserves greater opportunities, more course offerings than meager state funding allows

ver the past 61 years, Contra Costa College has become the principal academic catalyst for any and all West County residents with the resolve to learn and succeed. It has become a communal core where students young and old, and from vastly differing backgrounds, arrive with mutual aspirations.

At CCC, virtually anyone who so chooses can submit an application and illuminate a litany of unforeseen possibilities.

But as the deflated budget decreases the number of course sections offered on campus, access to these opportunities is becoming increasingly scarce, and ever-competitive.

Drastic downsizing to the California community college system for the 2011-12 fiscal year has made it impossible to cater to the exponential demand for education, and more than 400,000 students from California’s 112 community colleges will lose their rightful seats. At CCC, nearly 15 percent fewer fulltime equivalent students will be served come fall.

Campus administrators know well that the college cannot continue to serve all interested students, and it is this bleak reality that

has fueled the discussion over which students will take priority and which will not.

Proposals from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, all of which imply immense alterations to our college, are still being appraised by campus officials who are pressed to find utilitarian solutions to the $4 million reduction in allocation. But regardless of how administrators decide to chop, all paths lead to the alienation of some students.

Such suggestions from the LAO include a 90-unit cap on taxpayer-subsidized classes, limitations on the repeatability of some physical education courses and a 154 percent fee increase to $66 per unit.

While enacting these proposals would help manage the cuts, the transformation in the student body would be devastating, imperiling lifelong learning students, student-athletes, vocational students and those who aren’t afforded financial aid.

Without the quirky social dynamic, the meshing of gray toppers, high school kids and those of all ages, CCC would be missing its mark as a community college. And without the continued accessibility of education to the socially disadvantaged and illinformed students of the community, CCC

would fall short of one of its historical objectives.

Empowering the underdog with an attainable high quality education has always been one of the great wonders of CCC. But with so few section offerings in even the highest demand courses now, competition will inevitably continue to force the most disadvantaged, and likely the most in need, to the end of the line.

For many in the local community, this college is the only option. Mostly a result of proximity, CCC has become a regional lifeline for those seeking a new direction.

Yet, it’s a slippery slope when the “premier community college in your own backyard” — the college’s slogan — can no longer support interest in education in an area where poverty and violence often prevail.

The Richmond-San Pablo community deserves an institution that provides diverse and relevant course selections and fulfills the needs of all willing to learn. Now more than ever this community needs to be promoting education and advancing the capabilities of CCC. It shouldn’t be a question of who gets served and who gets left behind.

CampusComment

Does the community deserve more from CCC?

“Yes, because this community deserves more community buildings and support from the college.”

“Where are athletes supposed to go if they cut the programs?”

“No, CCC does a lot for the community already.”

Brianna Brooks

Anyssa Hall liberal arts

Gerson Asuncion undecided

FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO AND JESSE SUTHERLAND / THE ADVOCATE

biology

“I think that they should keep the sports teams and open them up to Middle College High students.”

Truman Cheung

pharmacological chemistry

“CCC is the best part of San Pablo. It’s what brings San Pablo up.”

“I think that the community should give back and help out the school.”

Stephany Zajick undecided

Lina Tran

biology

FORUM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

B3

That’s Debatable Who deserves priority to register for classes?

■ HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Early start useful for studious youth High school students gain experience, fast credits through community college courses

W

ith the 2010-11 school year coming to an end, high school seniors will be graduating, many ready to start their first year in college.

There will also be those, however, who will be starting college as sophomores, or for some, juniors.

With increases in college tuition all across the nation, taking college classes while attending high school to get a head start is becoming more and more common.

For only $1 a semester, high school students are allowed to take as many classes as they feel necessary at their local community college.

Not only are their classes considerably cheaper than what most students have to pay, but high school students taking college classes also receive priority registration, meaning they get first choice of classes for the semester.

High school is hard enough as it is, with children becoming teenagers, and teenagers becoming young adults, all within the span of four years.

With raging hormones, the desire for freedom, the pressure of regular high school classes, meeting people and making time for friends, why would anyone want to pay to take even harder classes and increase their already large workload?

Students, high school and college alike, can agree that school is hard.

High school students in college classes possibly have it even worse.

Not only do they have to balance their high school homework and college homework, they also have to take into consideration the act of physically getting to their college classes.

For students who attend Middle College High School on the Contra Costa College campus, getting to a college class is the same as getting to a high school class, because they are on the same campus.

But what about those high school students who have to find a way to get to their class, as they have no car, a limited amount of money, and do not go to school within walking distance?

Also, these students have to balance two separate lives.

They can be with their friends in high school, being crazy and loud and doing whatever kids at their school do.

College, however, is totally different.

Most serious college students can’t afford to act like immature children anymore. Many of them are actually trying to focus on their studies.

Another issue is that college is not as much of a social experience as high school is for most people.

One can have friends, but one does not always have multiple classes with everyone, or eat lunch at the same time, or know all the same people.

Basically, college can be a very different experience for some compared to high school, and these students have to learn to deal with it.

And it is not like these students are simply trying to balance everything.

Unless they maintain a high enough GPA in their high school courses, they will not be allowed to take college classes while attending high school.

Too often, high school students are seen simply as students who take up space. These students are trying to get a head start, getting certain general education courses out of the way early so that they don’t have to worry about them in the future.

These students work hard, and though they are not adults, they are trying to thrive in an adult environment.

They aren’t being pampered, their teachers aren’t necessarily going easy on them, they aren’t receiving any extra benefits from the school than a normal college student would.

chrisclausen

■ EVERYONE

Course selection is important to all

Both recent graduates, general population need first access to local higher education

A

s a community college in the area we are located, Contra Costa College’s mission statement and promise to San Pablo is to employ “informed decision-making to allocate resources in ways that best serve the needs of our urban community rich in diversity.”

Why, then, do a select few students have priority?

High school students from different institutions around the district and those attending Middle College High School get the first pick of the dwindling class supply CCC offers every semester.

With the economic atmosphere as dreary as it has been, this makes very little sense.

This upcoming fall semester, every college student in the district will pay $36 a unit. For full-time students taking 12 or more units, this translates to at least $432 from each. Meanwhile, high school students pay $1 total to attend as many classes as they can cram into their schedules.

One would think that it would make much more economic sense to charge every student the same rate, or have those paying higher fees receive the highest benefits.

When college students are faced every semester with wait lists and full sections, it becomes increasingly frustrating that children in high school are taking up many of the spots in classes students need most. Sometimes, the overflowing classrooms become daunting enough to turn college students to other campuses, or even have them drop out completely. Because every year a student is stuck at a community college trying to collect GE credits before transferring, tuition and fees at universities keep steadily climbing. To think that the largest obstacle to getting spots in basic classes is a group of students that do not even have to worry about college yet is vexing, to say the least.

Head starts, however prudent, certainly should not take precedence over official college pupils trying to transfer out or get enough credits to join the workforce. Especially considering how much more they are paying to enroll.

Furthermore, this disparity does not really mirror CCC’s aforementioned mission statement, which also vows a dedication to offering students the sort of “lifelong learning” needed to find “gainful employment.” College students trying to get in and out quickly by taking a couple courses to update a certificate or learn a new skill are often times out of luck thanks to their low priority.

Taking on the challenge of college level classes while still in high school is admirable, as is the desire to want to get a leg up on GE requirements before graduating. But Advanced Placement classes, offered in high schools around the district, provide the same opportunity to earn college credits that community colleges do.

So why, when there is one community college to six high schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District, do high school students get first dibs of college classes? It would be laughable to suggest college students be able to take AP tests to earn units. CCC, according to www.collegestate.com, has a 32 percent graduation rate among its college students and a 78 percent retention rate. This means simply that more than twice as many students are sticking around the campus than are ever graduating.

Perhaps if the priority system were tailored more to students on the track to graduating or transferring, instead of random — albeit ambitious — students from local high schools, these numbers would balance out.

cassidygooding

Chris Clausen is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact him at cclausen.advocate@gmail.com FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE

Cassidy Gooding is the opinion editor of The Advocate.

Contact her at cgooding.advocate@gmail.com.

B4 THE ADVOCATE

SCEN

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

Films heat up

A variety of flicks will hit theaters this summer wit

May Title: “The Hangover: Part 2” Genre: Comedy Release Date: May 26 Rating: R Director: Todd Phillips Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifanakis, Ed Helms Synopsis: Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug are back in a new adventure in a foreign land. After Stu’s bachelor brunch, the gang, minus Doug, goes out for drinks. Stu’s fiancee convinces them to bring her little brother Teddy with them. After waking up in a strange motel in Thailand, the crew realizes that not only have they once again lost their memory of the previous night, but they have also lost Teddy.

In their search to find Teddy, the guys encounter outrageous scenarios and situations while retracing their steps from the night before.

Title: “Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom” Genre: Action, Adventure Release Date: May 26 Rating: PG Director: Jennifer Yuh Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan Synopsis: Po, now living his dreams as the Dragon Warrior, continues to protect the Valley of Peace with his friends, the Furious Five — Tigress, Crane Mantis, Viper and Monkey.

But Po soon finds out that his life is threatened by a new villain who plans to use a secret weapon to take over China and completely destroy kung fu. Po and his fellow kung fu masters must travel across China to defeat this villain. The fate of all China once again rests in the hands of Po and the Furious Five.

June

Title: “Green Lantern” Genre: Action Release Date: June 17 Rating: PG-13 Director: Martin Campbell Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard Synopsis: When test pilot Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) comes across a fallen spacecraft, he discovers a dying alien named Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison). Given a mystical green ring

by Sur, Jordan becomes the newest recruit of an intergalactic order that is sworn to protect the universe known as the Green Lantern Corps. With the power to bring anything he imagines to life with his ring and his willpower, Jordan must protect the Earth from the Parallax and prove he has the courage that it takes to hold the power of the Green Lanterns.

Title: “Love, Wedding, Marriage” Genre: Comedy Release Date: June 3 Rating: PG-13 Director: Dermot Mulroney Starring: Mandy Moore, Kellan Lutz, Jessica Szhor Synopsis: Newlywed psychiatrist Ava is shocked, not only because her parents are her new clients, but also because they are getting a divorce, all around the time of their wedding anniversary, for which Ava had planned a surprise anniversary party. Instead of canceling the party after hearing the bad news, she fights to get them back together. During this time she discovers that her husband was once married and, coupled with the time she is spending on her parents failing marriage, her marriage begins to suffer.

July

Title: “Monte Carlo” Genre: Adventure, comedy, romance Release Date: July 1 Rating: PG Director: Thomas Bezucha Starring: Leighton Meester, Selena Gomez, Cory Monteith Synopsis: Three girls’ “dream trip” to Paris proves to be a disappointment until they sneak away from a boring tour to explore a luxury hotel. In the lobby, one of them is mistaken for a spoiled British heiress, which leads to them being whisked off to Monte Carlo before they are able to reveal their true identities. From there, misadventures ensue.

Title: “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” Genre: Action Release Date: July 1 Rating: PG-13 Director: Michael Bay Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey Synopsis: In the third movie of the Transformers series, the Autobots and the Decepticons continue to fight their war. Things escalate when they learn about a Cybertronian spaceship that crashed on the moon in the 1960s.

They fight to get to it first in order to learn the secrets the ship holds inside. Also, the Decepticons launch a massive attack on Earth and it’s up to Optimus Prime and the Autobots to protect the planet and the human race.

Title: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Title: “The Zookeeper” Hallows: Part II” Genre: Comedy Genre: Adventure Release Date: July 8 Release Date: July 15 Rating: PG Rating: PG-13 Director: Frank Coraci Starring: Kevin James, Adam Sandler, Director: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Rosario Dawson Grint, Emma Watson Synopsis: Griffin Keyes (Kevin James) Synopsis: In the closing chapter of is a good-natured caretaker at a zoo the worldwide phenomenon, Harry that is loved by the animals. Feeling lonely, Griffin decides that he needs to Potter and his companions will conleave the zoo and find a new job if he tinue their search for Voldemort’s wants to find a woman. When the ani- remaining horcruxes in anticipation of the final battle. With Hogwarts in mals, voiced by an all-star cast rangthe hands of Death Eaters and talk of ing from Adam Sandler to Sylvester the three invincibility-lending Deathly Stallone, discover his plan, they Hallows floating about the wizarding decide to break their code of silence world, time is running out for Harry to and reveal that they can talk. To predefeat the man who killed his parents. vent him from leaving, they teach Griffin nature’s best mating rituals so he can win the girl of his dreams, played by Rosario Dawson.

CENE

p the season

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

B5

r with a genre for every different type of moviegoer Title: “Winnie the Pooh” Genre: Family Release Date: July 15 Rating: G Director: Stephen J. Anderson and Don Hall Starring: Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, John Cleese

Title: “Captain America: The First Avenger” Genre: Action Release Date: July 22 Rating: PG-13 Director: Joe Johnston Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones

Synopsis: Winnie the Pooh is on a new adventure along with Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit and the rest of his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

They set out to save Christopher Robin after misunderstanding a letter from him. During their adventures, they try to find a replacement tail for Eeyore, and Pooh, as usual, is on the lookout, trying to find and eat as much honey as he can. Join Pooh and the gang and watch their adventures in this new installment of a classic tale.

Synopsis: In the midst of World War II, Steve Rodgers (Chris Evans) wants to do anything it takes to fight for his country. Being a scrawny young man, he is deemed unfit to join the United States army. He then volunteers for a secret military project where he is given a serum that transforms his body, making him stronger and giving him a new identity as Captain America. As the ultimate super soldier, he and his sidekick Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) must stop the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) and the Nazis from taking over the world.

Title: “Friends With Benefits” Genre: Comedy Release Date: July 22 Rating: N/A Director: Will Gluck Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Woody Harrelson Synopsis: A young woman who recruits personnel for a large corporation in New York (Mila Kunis) convinces a potential recruit (Justin Timberlake) to leave his job in San Francisco and accept one in New York City. The two soon become attracted to each other, but as both are fresh out of relationships, they do not want to enter into another.

Instead, they attempt to push their emotions aside and try to keep things strictly physical. Though the arrangement works at first, the friends begin to realize being intimate inevitably leads to complications.

Title: “Cowboys and Aliens” Genre: Action, Sci-fi Release Date: July 29 Rating: N/A Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde Synopsis: Based in late 1800s Arizona, a stranger emerges into the wild Western town of Absolution with no recollection of who he is, left with only a shackle around his wrist. Soon after his arrival, spacecrafts come down from the sky with blinding light to abduct humans one by one. As the aliens attack the town, the stranger slowly begins to remember his identity and holds a secret that could provide the humans with a chance to beat the invaders. He gathers a team of townsfolk, outlaws and Apache warriors to take on the aliens in an epic showdown.

Title: “The Smurfs” Genre: Family Release Date: July 29 Rating: PG Director: Raja Gosnell Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry, Hank Azaria Synopsis: In the land of the Smurfs lives an evil wizard Gargamel. Out of spite and hatred, Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of their village into the woods, leading them to a forbidden grotto. Little do these Smurfs know, this grotto is a portal, transporting them into New York City’s Central Park. With no insight as to where they are, they find shelter with a married couple Patrick and Grace Winslow.

The Smurfs then try to find a way back to their village as soon as they can before Gargamel finds them first.

August Title: “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi Release Date: Aug. 5 Rating: N/A Director: Rupert Wyatt Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, Andy Serkis Synopsis: James Franco and Freida Pinto play scientists, part of a research team that creates a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by testing the serum on apes. The lead test subject, an ape by the name of Caesar (Andy Serkis), begins to mutate rapidly as he starts to exhibit intelligence on par with human beings. He then uses these smarts to ignite the rebellion against humans, leading to the rise of the planet of the apes.

Title: “Spy Kids 4” Genre: Action, comedy Release Date: Aug. 19 Rating: PG Director: Robert Rodriguez Starring: Jessica Alba, Alexa Vega, Joel McHale Synopsis: Marissa Cortez Wilson is a retired secret agent wading through marital bliss with a new baby, twin step-children who do not want her around and a hapless husband who makes a living outing spies. When a super villain threatens to take over the planet, she is called back into action to defeat him. With the help of the original Spy Kids, Marissa must try to save the world while bringing her new family together.

Title: “Our Idiot Brother” Genre: Comedy Release Date: Aug. 26 Rating: N/A Director: Jesse Peretz Starring: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel

JON RUNNING / THE ADVOCATE

Synopsis: Ned, an extremely honest and idealistic organic farmer (Paul Rudd), gets arrested for selling drugs to a uniformed officer, which results in him getting kicked out of his home by his girlfriend and losing custody of his dog, Willie Nelson. His three sisters take turns giving him a place to stay as he tries to get his life back on track. However, Ned’s unique habit of always telling the truth begins to wear on his sisters, and they eventually start to regret taking him in. As time goes by, they see that Ned’s commitment to honesty isn’t such a bad trait to have.

B6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

SPOTLIGHT

STUDENTS BALANCE LIFE AND STRESS JON RUNNING / THE ADVOCATE

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

mlastra.advocate@gmail.com

In today’s society, employment is a major issue that people face, especially college students.

At Contra Costa College the issue of employment stresses many students as they struggle to manage both college and their jobs.

“It’s hard to (manage both) because I have to work late when I have to study,” 19-year-old CCC student Jessica Zarazua said.

“My managers are flexible with my hours so I can focus more on school.”

Lack of sleep and time management are two of the many stressors that college students face daily.

Many students who work and go to college, agree that it is hard to choose between resting or studying after a long day of work.

“It depends how you can manage your time,” communications

major and forward for the Comet basketball team Andre Reynolds said. “You have to dedicate your time to your classes, but if you work a night shift it’s hard to (stay on top of school).”

Managing time, which can lead to procrastination, has also become a nuisance for students, primarily younger students, as they have a hard time prioritizing their schedules.

Some older students, however are less likely to procrastinate because they have their priorities in order.

Student Melanie Crockett, 25, said she had to quit her job to focus more on school.

“I never had any free time as I was working 32 hours per week while taking 14 units,” she said. “I had to quit my job in the middle of the semester because my grades dropped from A’s to C’s.”

While college is important for students as careers and opportuni-

ties are built from it, jobs play a major role in students lives as they have to be employed to pay off bills for college.

However, finding a job is a stressful task for a student as many of them are forced to pay for classes out of their own pockets.

“I was applying for jobs for a whole year before I got one,” criminal justice major Shanese Maxey said. “I need my job to get an education.”

Some students don’t have the luxury of financial aid as their parents make too much money.

“It’s stressful (to go to school and not work),” automotive major Diego Mendoza said. “(As a student) you are happy when you receive the classes you want but the

downside is knowing how much you have to pay for them.”

Since financial aid cannot support everybody, single parents are sometimes left out as they are forced to handle a job and go to school while raising their kids.

“It’s a balancing act trying to manage all three. You give up a lot of sleep,” Associated Students Union Vice President Rodney Wilson said. “As a single parent, you lose time spent with your kids because you have to dedicate your time to do homework and your job.”

Wilson said that while working and school are necessary, his kids are most important to him despite limited time.

“Clearly my children are most important to me,” he said.

“Sometimes I have to prioritize my job and school so I can’t give them immediate satisfaction.”

While the stresses part-time students have can be overbearing,

“Surprisingly, students with jobs tend to do better than full-time students because they know the importance of their school work.”

Glenn Scott, math teacher

some still succeed in the classroom as they are more diligent about their work compared to full-time students with no employment.

“Surprisingly, students with jobs tend to do better than full-time students because they know the importance of their school work,” math teacher Glenn Scott said.

“I’m fine with a student having to (occasionally) miss class due to (conflicting) work schedules as a job is important.”

College students are often overloaded with stress. If not tended to, this stress can lead to serious health problems. Students can utilize several stress relieving techniques.

Muscle relaxation

Breathing techniques

Time for meditation

Guided imagery

Progressive muscle relaxation is a great technique for reducing overall body tension.

Students can begin by tensing all the muscles in their face. This includes making a tight frown, closing the eyes as tightly as possible and clenching the teeth together.

Students must hold this for the count of eight seconds as they inhale. Then they should relax all the muscles in their face completely as they exhale and feel the stress leave their body.

Breathing techniques can help students become more physically relaxed and mentally centered.

One then takes a deep, cleansing breath, expanding the stomach and keeping shoulders relaxed.

After the third breath a person should breathe normally, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

The exercise can be continued for as long as desired, and should produce physical relaxation and a clearer mind.

Meditation affects the body in exactly the opposite way that stress does by restoring the body to a calm state, helping the body to repair itself and preventing new damage.

It is necessary to have at least 5 to 20 distraction-free minutes to spend meditating.

Longer meditation sessions bring greater benefits.

But sometimes starting slowly can help a person maintain the practice long-term.

Guided imagery has been proven to provide significant stress relieving benefits.

Those who practice this method get into a deeply relaxed state and envision, with great detail relating to all of the senses, a relaxing scene.

They may also imagine a wise “guide” with them, answering their questions and asking them questions.

They then must think in order to get to a better place in their lives.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

B7

Concerts set to rock stages Summer shows bring musical artists to the Bay Area Harmony Festival

Live 105’s BFD

Who: Primus, The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and more.

When: June 10-12 Where: Sonoma County Fairgrounds Price: $45-$340

Who: Linkin Park, Snoop Dogg, The Strokes, Cage the Elephant.

When: June 5 Where: Shoreline Amphitheater Price: $57-$200

The Harmony Festival is an annual threeday lifestyle festival in Santa Rosa that celebrates the latest trends in health, music, arts, ecology and spirituality.

The festival has been around for more than 30 years and appeals to the green lifestyle market. Other featured musical artists for the festival include G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Soja, Ghostland Observatory, A. Skillz and Krishna Das Natacha Atlas.

Ticket purchases range from daytime tickets costing $45 to VIP all-weekend tickets costing $340, which include VIP parking access, VIP camping access at the fairgrounds and limited stage access during the musical performances.

—Alexandra Waite

BFD, one of radio station Live 105’s annual concerts, promises to begin the summer with a bang. Hosted by the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, the all-day festival features four stages with a total of 35 acts.

The main stage, facing the lawn with limited purchasable seating, holds the main acts at the end of the day, but the gates open at 11 a.m.

The Budlight Festival Stage will house attractions like Bad Religion, Neon Trees, The Airborne Toxic Event, Middle Class Rut and more.

The party at the Subsonic Tent on the far side of the amphitheater will be spinning tracks with names such as Wolfgang Gartner, The Limousines, RAC, Party Ben and Jeffery Paradise.

The final stage, called the Local Band Stage, will give bands from across the Bay Area, such as Beta State from San Jose and Finish Ticket from Alameda, a chance to play for the Live 105 crowd. The Local Band Contest Winner, voted by fans, will also be announced on this stage during the day.

Lawn tickets range from $57 to $80, which will buy a spot on the large upper-level lawn that does not have any specified seating. Finding spots is a free-for-all, unless one shells out the cash ($100-$200) for the reserved seating in the lower level.

—Cassidy Gooding

California Dreams Tour 2011 Who: Katy Perry When: Aug. 12 Where: HP Pavilion Price: $97-$1,000 California’s pop princess hits San Jose in August on her worldwide California Dreams Tour 2011. Katy Perry, whose style swings between rock and pop, is known for her eccentric outfits and flashy stage presence.

Her California Dreams Tour will feature songs from her 2010 album Teenage Dream, which boasts such hits as “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream” and “Firework.”

Far from her pop theme of today, Katy started her singing career as a gospel musician. Once she promised herself that she would either “make it” in the music business by the time she turned 25 or give up and go home, she switched up her methods and became more rock’n’roll. After her 2008 album, “One of the Boys,” which had such hits as “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot and Cold,” made her a household name, she morphed into more of a pop feel.

Recently married to actor Russell Brand, Katy Perry’s California Dream Tour 2011 started in Europe in February and will continue to Japan, Australia, New Zealand and North America.

—Cassidy Gooding

Rolling Papers World Tour 2011 Who: Wiz Khalifa When: June 22 Where: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Price: $35 Rapper Wiz Khalifa will be performing in San Francisco as part of his 27-stop Rolling Papers World Tour 2011 with opening hip-hop artists Big Sean and Chevy Woods. Khalifa released his first mixtape in 2005, which led to his first full-length album titled “Show and Prove” in 2006.

That same year, he was declared an “artist to watch” in Rolling Stone magazine.

His stage name derives from the Arabic word “khalifa,” meaning successor, and wisdom, which he shortened to “Wiz” when he was 15 years old.

His musical influences include artists Camp Lo, The Notorious B.I.G., Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Cam’ron. He is also the founder of the rap crew Taylor Gang, which includes friends Kev Tha Hustler, Ekko, Smallz Money and Gene Stovall.

They based their name from the fact they always used to wear Chuck Taylor shoes.

—Alexandra Waite

San Francisco Outside Lands Music & Art Festival Who: Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, The Shins, MGMT and more When: Aug. 12-14 Where: Golden Gate Park Price: $200-$450 The San Francisco Outside Lands Music & Art Festival is an annual three-day festival that began in 2008, bringing music, food, wine and art to Golden Gate Park. The event is known to draw big crowds with more than 100,000 people attending last year’s festival. This year’s Outside Lands will showcase more than 50 musicians, such as Girl Talk, The Decemberists, John Fogerty, Erykah Badu, Beirut, The Roots and Arctic Monkeys. Other than music, the festival will provide a variety of food and wine.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

Vans Warped Tour 2011 Who: 3OH!3, The Devil Wears Prada, Attack Attack!, A Day To Remember and more.

When: July 2 Where: Shoreline Amphitheater Price: $45 The Warped Tour is an annual tour that has occurred every summer since 1995 and is primarily sponsored by Vans, the highly known skate shoe band. This July, the Shoreline Amphitheater is the seventh stop out of the 43 cities the tour is visiting.

Popular groups like Simple Plan, Hellogoodbye, A Day to Remember, Reliant K, The Devil Wears Prada, Against Me! and many more will perform across the United States. Originally, the tour was created to showcase punk rock music, but now the genres are varied on the line-up.

—Faythe Del Rosario

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

B8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

SCENE

God of thunder makes solid debut

take the throne of Asgard, which leads to Thor’s banishment to Earth. Loki lives in the shadow of his older brother and deals with an identity criBy Dariush Azmoudeh sis that makes him believe he ONLINE EDITOR dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com is less accepted by his father.

By his actions in the movie Stories that chronicle the he is attempting to be underorigins of comic book charstood and accepted. acters are either made or The characters and stobroken when that character ryline play well to the hand makes the transition to the of the director, Kenneth big screen. With Thor’s movie Branagh, who is known for debut, the Marvel character his works in acting and directmakes a thunderous entrance ing Shakespearean pieces. on a well-adapted storyline.

The theme of the movie, one The vibe from watching brother attempting to take the “Thor” can easily be comthrone of the other, ties well pared to the first “Iron Man” into Branagh’s strengths. movie as both characters are Despite the fact that the sent into a personal evolution origin story of Thor in the to understand what it takes to movie differs from the original be a hero. comic book, the storyline is What is seen in both movkept simple and direct. In the ies is the powerful, arrogant, comics, Thor is cast down to main character thrown into Earth, without any memory, a situation that makes them into the pre-existing body of powerless. But it is in this Donald Blake, and it is only situation that the character when he touches Mjolnir that learns the true meaning of his he regains his memory and power and uses it in a nonpower. selfish way to help another.

The visual effects in the Chris Hemsworth plays the movie are great. They capture god of thunder, Thor, who the feel of Asgard, showing is banished to Earth from it is a kingdom of a mystiAsgard after nearly becoming cal realm. And the Asgardian king. He then provokes a war costuming looks great as well, with the Frost Giants in retali- playing well to the theme of ation for them invading his the world. kingdom.

There is a lot of action in Anthony Hopkins plays the film, with the first fight Odin, the king of between Thor and the Asgard and the father moviereview Frost Giants being the of Thor and Loki. He best. The other fights banishes Thor for are good, but audience attacking the Frost members are left feeling Giants against his they don’t live up to the orders.

“Thor” opener.

On Earth, Thor ★★★★★ The only problems Starring: Chris meets Jane Foster, with the movie are that Hemsworth, played Natalie Natalie Portman, Thor wears his helmet Anthony Hopkins Portman, who helps only once in the entire by: him get accustomed to Directed Kenneth Branagh movie, and Foster Earth and tries to help Genre: Action appears too giddy him get powers and at times when she is his hammer, Mjolnir. around Thor.

The antagonist of The movie does a good the film is Loki, the younger job of introducing the charbrother of Thor, who is played acter, as well as including

by Tom Hiddleston. Loki, S.H.I.E.L.D., without overknown as the Norse god of shadowing the main character. mischief, lives up to his title When S.H.I.E.L.D. appeared and arranges a in “Iron Man 2” last year, it plan to took some of the story away from the main character, but in “Thor” they were used better as an obstacle for Thor.

Thor may not be as popular as some of the other characters who have been portrayed on the big screen, like Spiderman or the X-Men, but the outcome of this movie will boost the character’s popularity, similar to the way Iron Man’s frame rose after his movie. And, of course, the movie ties into the Avengers, as Thor is one of the key members.

When the Destroyer arrives on Earth, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent asks, “Is it one of Stark’s?” referring to Tony Stark from Iron Man. When discussing gamma radiation, Dr. Erik Selvig suggests he should send an e-mail to a doctor he knows has dealt with it, referring to Dr. Bruce Banner who is the Hulk. Also, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who chooses a bow and arrow over a gun to use to stop Thor is Hawkeye.

Fans should stay around for the after-credits scene to see the one-eyed Samuel Jackson character, Nick Fury.

With “Thor” following a great formula, the attention now turns to “First Avenger” to finish the summer on a good note for Marvel.

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

C

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

Sports index:

CMYK

SECTION

SPORTS ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Fall squads show new growth

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Football earns second place ◆ page C2

Niko Aumua Football

Team fails to improve in season Comets fall short of expectations page C3 ◆

Women’s basketball

Former track star continues to shine

By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER

Baseball team improves record ◆ page C6

Jamie Capoot

— Complete stories and honorable mentions: Pages C4-C5 —

rwoodson.advocate@gmail.com

Program starts slow, misses goals

&

Cursed at by his track coach at Vallejo High School for choosing not to attend the University of Southern California, former Contra Costa College men’s track coach Barton Williams decided to spend his collegiate years running for the track and field team at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

On May 25 the 10-time NCAA track and field All-American and U.S. Olympian will be inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame.

“I never thought about this happening,” Williams said. “To be along side the NCAA greats gives me a feeling of accomplishment.”

Former Contra Costa College women’s track and field coach, and a former colleague of Williams’, Steve Greer said, “Bart’s induction

“To be along side the NCAA greats gives me a feeling of accomplishment.”

Barton Williams,

former CCC men’s track coach and NCAA Hall of Famer

is something that is well deserved. Him being an NCAA Division I and Division II All-American says a lot about his athletic ability.”

During Williams’ first year at Cal Poly in 1975 it didn’t take him long to make a name for himself at the college level. As a freshman he was able to earn a shot at the NCAA Division II National Championships in the 200 meter hurdles race.

“I should have won,” he said. “I was ahead ■ SEE WILLIAMS: Page 2

FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Humble stride — Barton Williams is to be inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame.

Role model for students to retire NFL, Stanford, Comet great devoted to others

‘Bay to Breakers’ on display Event displayed through photos ◆ page C8

Malcolm Ajayi,

SPORTS EDITOR

mlastra.advocate@gmail.com

From rooting for Contra Costa College athletic teams, to lending a helping hand to coaches, to providing advice for student-athletes, Benny Barnes has utilized his high spirits for the good of others.

The athletic equipment manager, who starred in the classroom and on the football field at CCC in 1969 and 1970, will retire from the college after 15 years of employment on June 30. During his tenure at the college Barnes has been a mentor to many student-athletes and coaches in the athletic department, and also to faculty and staff members on campus.

“Sometimes you just have to move to the side,” Barnes said. “The athletic department will be thin (next year) due to the budget cuts.”

The Richmond native and Rose Bowl champion for Stanford University and Super Bowl champion for the Dallas Cowboys as a defensive back, took over as equipment manager for CCC in 1996 when the former equipment manager J.D. Banks retired.

Barnes worked as a part-time employee for the college until 1997 when he was hired full time.

Since the early 90s Barnes also served as assistant coach for the football team, coaching the running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs, and helping out with the special teams.

“It’s going to be a sad day when Benny leaves,” athletic trainer Brian Powelson said.

Powelson worked side-by-side with Barnes for 15 years in the Men’s Locker Room where the Training Room is located.

“I had a good working and personal relation-

sophomore defensive back

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Living legend — Athletic equipment manager Benny Barnes will retire on June 30 after 15 years of employment. ship with him. He’s the pillar of this department and the college, and he will be missed.”

Through football, Barnes was able to build strong relationships with many players and was looked upon by them as an inspiration and a father figure.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

2010-11’s trials and tribulations page C7 ◆

By Malcolm Lastra

“He’s a big part of the school’s history as he set a standard for us (the football team),” sophomore defensive back Malcolm Ajayi said.

“Benny’s (career) is the prime example of where we are trying to go in life.”

Several football players described Barnes as someone who always had the right things to say at the right moments, motivating players through tough times such as losing games and issues off the field.

“At one point I wanted to give up on school and he told me that there was no way (to find success) in life but school,” Ajayi said. “He always told me to keep my head up.”

Other players agreed.

“Barnes was like an extra coach,” sophomore defensive back Cameron Fuller said. “I would go to him because he would always spill out advice. He has been a good influence on me. He would tell me to keep my grades up and to not let (poor) grades be the reason I can’t move on to the next level.”

Coaches also have benefited from Barnes as he shares his wisdom with them while providing them with the right equipment for games.

“Benny is an asset to athletics and to the college as he was very willing to volunteer his time and did a lot of things here,” men’s basketball coach Miguel Johnson said. “I don’t think anyone will be able to fill his shoes.”

Johnson also said that Barnes reminds him of Banks as his relationships with players, coaches and faculty were the same as Banks’ when he was the CCC equipment manager.

■ SEE BARNES: Page 2

CMYK

Important moments in photos

“Benny’s (career) is the prime example of where we are trying to go in life.”

CMYK

C2 THE ADVOCATE

SPORTS

l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

Comets reach new heights

By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER

rwoodson@gmail.com

In just his first season as coach of the Contra Costa College football team Alonzo Carter turned the once laughable Comets into a Bay Valley Conference title contender.

In 2009 CCC’s football squad finished last in the BVC, managing only one win to finish the season 1-9.

The 2010 season, however, gave Comet fans something to be excited about as the football team went from cellar dwellers in the BVC in 2009 all the way to second place in the BVC in 2010.

Before the start of the season expectations where higher than Football usual due to the hiring of coach Overall record: 4-6 Carter. That optiConference record: 2-2 mism stemmed Conference finish: Second from his sucSeason summary stat: Coach Alonzo Carter led the cess coaching at McClymonds Comets to second place in (Oakland) and the Bay Valley Conference.

Berkeley high schools where he turned those teams into league champions.

Finishing the 2010 year with a 4-6 record (2-2 in the BVC) was a huge step for the Comets after finishing the previous two seasons with only one win. For the first time in four years the squad won its opener and also won back-to-back games in the same season.

Led by BVC defensive MVP defensive end Niko Aumua, the Comets finished third in the conference in total defense, third in scoring defense and number one in sacks with 29. Aumua, who will transfer to Washington State University in the fall on a football scholarship, alone had 12 sacks. But for Aumua, it wasn’t just the sacks that earned him the BVC honor.

Yreview ear in

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Quick reflexes — Comet wide receiver Jordan Morrow shakes off a Ram defender en route to a 41-yard punt return touchdown at Comet Stadium on Oct. 9. CCC defeated Gavilan College 36-6 that day.

He also totaled 63 tackles, 25 for a loss, grabbed three inter- except for a 52-21 blowout loss against American River College ceptions, made three fumble recoveries and batted down five in Sacramento on Oct. 23. passes.

Having undersized offensive and defensive linemen was a Carter told The Advocate, in an interview during the season, major disadvantage for the team in 2010. that CCC was ranked in the top 10 state-wide in every defensive Against ARC the small CCC defensive line was run into the statistic and a large part of that was due to Aumua’s play. ground as the Comets gave up 256 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns and 6.3 yards per carry.

The new Comets’ coaching staff had a tough job on their hands trying to turn Carter said, after the ARC game, “They “We made a lot of just ran on us. They kind of wore us out.” around a team that has had trouble winning games. The first game of the season was an Aumua said that the ARC game showed progress last season, the disadvantages of having a small defeneye opener as the Comets convincingly beat but we are not yet sat- sive line. “We really need to hit the weights,” Monterey Peninsula College, 32-18.

Though the team did grow into a BVC isfied and we’re not he said. contender, a 4-6 record still shows that there After winning their season opener the where we want to be.” squad lost three straight games (Diablo is room for improvement.

“We made a lot of progress last season,” Valley, Los Medanos and Mendocino colAlonzo Carter, Carter said, “but we are not yet satisfied and leges). football coach we’re not where we want to be.” This was They then won two straight against Gavilan coach Carter and his staff’s first year with College and College of the Redwoods before CCC and three games into the season assistant coach Nick Iano going through their second three-game losing streak (ARC, took over as the offensive coordinator.

Solano and Shasta colleges).

Carter said, “We went through a lot (in 2010), transitioning The team finished the season on a high note by beating Yuba to a new coaching staff and getting the players to catch up.”

College 20-19 in Marysville. It was the team’s first win against And the team played competitive football all season long, Yuba in six years.

Squad shows decent improvement, energy ear in Yreview Volleyball team ends season 4-13

By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER

rwoodson.advocate@gmail.com

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Missed chance — Comet setter Shayla Farinas misses the ball during the second set of the game against Napa Valley College in the Gymnasium at home on Sept. 17.

The Comet volleyball team has seen its share of disappointment and misfortune recently, totaling only three wins from 2007-09. And heading into the 2010 season last summer, the squad had to deal with the uncertainty of even having a season.

Less than one month before the season was to begin on Sept. 8, coach Zachary Shrieve, who had served as the team’s coach in 1997 and 1998, was hired to coach the Comets and the squad was able to win more games than it had the previous three seasons combined.

Finishing the season with a 4-13 record Contra Costa College was able to climb up from the bottom of the Bay Valley Conference and

finish sixth, after being cemented in the cellar for those three seasons.

During the team’s first win of the season the Comets showed what they were capable of accomplishing when they played together.

The College of Alameda was ahead in sets 2-0 when CCC shifted gears and dominated by winning three straight sets in a convincing fashion.

Then the Comets lost six of their next seven BVC games.

The team was plagued by multiple problems including a lack of consistency, poor passing and at times dreadful communication.

Coach Shrieve said that his team had trouble passing the ball when it played against good competition.

After a loss at home to Los Medanos College, coach Shrieve said, “Everyone looked at each other and depended on one another but nobody made a move,” referring to the multiple occurrences when two or three Comets would run to the ball, surround it, but nobody would attempt to hit it.

Volleyball

Overall record: 4-13 Conference record: 4-12 Conference finish: Sixth Season summary stat: Squad was able to win more games than it had the previous three seasons combined.

Late in the season after having been eliminated from the playoffs and with just two wins, the squad showed improvement and managed to win two of its last six games defeating Alameda once again and College of Marin.

Shrieve said the team played much better at the end of the season as compared to the beginning of the year.

Iosua said the team improved game-by-game throughout the year.

Williams | Former coach gains fame Barnes | Retires ■ FROM: Page 1

going into the last stretch of the race, but I hit the last hurdle, which cost me the race.”

Though this was an early setback to his collegiate athletic career, Williams continued to move forward and improve his craft.

Throughout the rest of his career at Cal Poly-SLO, Williams etched his name into the college’s record book with his achievements. These included the record for the 400 meter hurdles and a 1979 Division II national championship in that event, and a 1978 Division II national championship in the 4x100 meter relay.

Williams said, “In my last two years at Cal Poly I ran in four conference races and I set four records and our team won the conference title for two consecutive years.”

Williams was a stellar athlete at Cal Poly-SLO but his track and field career didn’t end there. His talents enabled him to run in races and events in other parts of the world. He competed in the 1979 and 1980 Eight Nation Games in Tokyo, Japan and he was a World University Games team member in 1979, where he competed in Mexico

“He was an extraordinary coach. He has the special ability to coach athletes and help them reach the next level.”

Eric Decatur,

former CCC student and athlete

City.

In 1980, Williams achieved one of the highest honors that an athlete can earn when he won a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in the 4x400 relay event.

However, he did not get a chance to compete because the Olympic Games, which were held in Moscow that year, were boycotted by then President Jimmy Carter because of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.

“The guys who won (in Moscow) that year couldn’t have beaten the Americans,” Williams said. “It makes me bitter, frustrated and angry. It took a moment of my life away. I feel funny being among other Olympians because I didn’t have a chance to compete. I felt cheated.”

Williams took his first coaching job at CCC in 1982 when he was introduced to coach Greer.

Greer said, “I’ve known about Bart since the mid-70s. I talked to him about joining my staff because he was very knowledgeable. He was always a wellliked and well- respected coach by both players and other coaches alike.”

Williams and Greer would coach together at CCC until the track and field program was eliminated in 2003.

Williams had the ability to turn athletes into winners during his coaching stint at CCC. “He was an extraordinary coach,” former CCC student and athlete under Williams’ tutelage Eric Decatur said.

“Bart got me fast enough to make the top 10 in the 100 meter event at state.

He has excellent character and he is willing and loves to help people. He has the special ability to coach athletes and help them reach the next level.”

Williams said the NCAA honor will be his third Hall of Fame induction, and perhaps his most gratifying. He was inducted into Cal Poly’s track and field Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Cal Poly Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.

■ FROM: Page 1

Barnes was inspired by Banks as he said he wanted to emulate the former manager’s reputation around the campus.

Banks, who died in 2008, was a former Comet basketball player. He also gave much of his attention to CCC’s student-athletes.

“I pattern myself a lot after J.D. Every year that I was here people would always be asking for J.D.,” he said.

“J.D. had a lot to give to students. I remember him saying that he would give up anything he had to help the kids.”

While Barnes does his best to help others, many people believe that because of his status as an NFL champion and a successful professional athlete, he should not being doing the job that he is doing.

But Barnes said he has enjoyed giving back to his

community and what he liked most about his job was being able to see former student-athletes come back to CCC as successful adults.

“What I like most about working here is being able to see kids with jobs and families come back and visit. It’s good to see where you had your hand (in someone’s life),” Barnes said. “I’ll miss this place a lot. It’s been fun.”

Current CCC football coach Alonzo Carter said, “I remember watching Benny play for the Cowboys as a kid. Prior to coming to CCC, if I didn’t receive his blessing to coach here I wouldn’t have taken the job.”

Most of his colleagues will remember Barnes as not only the equipment manager.

But also someone who was always smiling and willing to offer a helping hand.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE

Basketball team fails to improve

were also players we had to get rid of for disciplinary reasons, which left us shorthanded.”

After a loss to Solano Community College late in the year, Johnson said, “It was a difficult season, one of the most difBy Rodney Woodson ficult seasons I’ve had since I started coachSTAFF WRITER rwoodson.advocate@gmail.com ing at CCC.” Prior to the season, guard Bobby Ward During the 2009-10 season, the men’s told The Advocate that the basketball team basketball team finished fourth in the Bay would have to overcome the lack of an Valley Conference standings. The team won inside presence as they did not have a true 13 of 27 games, nine more than they had in center.

CCC faltered in games, particularly in the previous season.

However, during the 2010-11 season, the the paint. Due to their lack of size they were often pounded in the Comets struggled from paint by larger teams, and the start of the pre-season in a loss against College to the end of conference of Alameda, the Comets play and only won two allowed 19 offensive games, both of which were rebounds to the Cougars. against College of Marin.

Johnson said, “(During Contra Costa College fin- Men’s basketball the 2010 season) we didn’t ished eighth in the BVC have an inside presence, standings, one slot above Overall record: 2-20 we didn’t have a true point last place COM, with a Conference record: 2-10 guard and we didn’t have 2-22 overall record (2-10 Conference finish: Eighth Season summary stat: much of a bench.” in the BVC).

Despite the team’s difThe team began the The Comets failed to build ficulties, Johnson said the 2010 season with an abys- on from last season as the team managed to move mal 18-game losing streak team managed two wins. forward. with blowout losses of 49 After a 34-point loss to points, 40 points and two Merritt College, the Comets won two of losses of 35 points.

There were a number of factors that con- their last four games, both overtime victories tributed to the team’s struggles in 2010, and over College of Marin.

In the first meeting, CCC won by three height was one of them. The tallest player on the team was 6-foot-5-inch freshman Jeremy points and in the second meeting, which was Bardwell, and the Comets had four players the last game of the season, they won by the who were shorter than 6 feet tall. same margin in a double overtime thriller.

Ward’s three-point shooting carried the Inexperience also hindered the squad, which had 12 freshman players on the 15- team late in regulation and in the first overtime. Behind Ward’s strong play CCC man roster.

Assistant coach Jason Maples said, “Our was able to edge out COM in the second lack of experience hurt us this season. This overtime period. Ward scored seven of the game is always hard with a team full of new Comets’ first nine points and finished with a players. They had to get adjusted to a new game high of 32 points.

“I feel great about the way we came back. level of play.”

Coach Miguel Johnson said, “It was We left our hearts on the floor. I can’t help a difficult season. We had injuries, there but respect my teammates,” Ward said.

C3

Young group unable to find its identity

ear in Yreview

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Stuffed — Comet guard Hali Stevens (center) struggles to get a shot over College of Alameda forward Harold Perry (right) and center Ben May (left) in the Gymnasium on Feb. 9.

New roster displays strong effort ear in Yreview

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

mlastra.advocate@gmail.com

Despite losing in the first round of last season’s state playoffs to Ohlone College, the 2009-10 season was a success for the women’s basketball team with a squad filled with veteran sophomore players.

With those players moving on, coach Paul DeBolt entered the 2010-11 season with eight brand new faces and only one player, Monay Ray, who had any collegiate experience.

While DeBolt was slightly disappointed in the team’s season as CCC finished 13-14 overall (9-3 in the Bay Valley Conference), he said he was proud of their effort. “(The season) was a learning experience for the players,” DeBolt said. “We finished 9-3 in the BVC and had a good win (late in the year) against Laney College. While I’m a bit disappointed that we finished under .500, it was a positive season.”

The young Comets faced hardships early in the year as DeBolt said they played a brutal preseason against top ranked teams in California.

The team’s inexperience was evident immediately as the Comets were blown out 98-42 by Fullerton College in the first game of the year.

Early losses continued to mount during the preseason and the Comets finished with a 4-10 preseason record as the team entered BVC play and players struggled to gel with each other on the court.

“It was a struggle knowing who you could depend on,” freshman guard Shay Mendes said. “(Another challenge) was trying to learn about my teammates since I’d never played with them before.”

Things began to shape up for CCC once conference play began. The squad jumped out to an early 4-1 BVC record.

Those four wins came against Napa Valley, Yuba, Merritt and Mendocino colleges.

In those games the Comets looked

Women’s basketball

Overall record: 13-14 Conference record: 9-3 Conference finish: Second Season summary stat: After a rough start the young squad was able to build team chemistry and maturation. dominant, relying on outside shooting from Mendes and freshman guard Jaime Capoot when going against bigger teams, or their inside presence against smaller teams from 6-foot-3inch center Chaz Ross-Reed and forwards Monay Ray, who led the team in rebounds, and Brionna Sullen.

But when things began to go badly for CCC during games, the squad would often times fold under pressure

and fail to close out games they could have won.

Mistakes such as poor rebounding and offensive turnovers haunted the Comets as the majority of their losses were caused by these errors.

“We needed to work hard in every game instead of expecting to win based on the look of the opposing teams,” Mendes said.

Despite its struggles, CCC began to develop into a strong team late in the season. One win that boosted the team’s confidence was a 67-61 home win against Bay Division champion Laney College on Feb.4.

While the Comets failed to reach the playoffs, DeBolt said he was proud of the team’s maturation through the course of the season.

“It was one of those years where we lost games that we could have won but we learned and got better (throughout the season),” DeBolt said.

“We are going to cash in on those losses next year. I guarantee that we will get better.”

Capoot The young Comets failed to remain consistent, however the squad improved its team chemistry late in the season.

Freshman guard Jamie Capoot hopes to grow with current and future players next season.

Coaching change matures soccer unit

Yreview ear in

By Dariush Azmoudeh ONLINE EDITOR

dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com

A sudden coaching change before the men’s soccer team began conference play did not impede the Comets from finishing their year on a positive note.

When coach Rudy Zeller took a sudden leave of absence six games into the season, Athletic Director John Wade hired women’s soccer coach Nikki Ferguson to step into the vacant spot and keep the Comets motivated for the rest of the season. “(Ferguson) did a good job stepping up,” Zeller said. “I wanted to thank him for stepping in and keeping the program going. The guys did good job. He kept them in contention.”

Zeller spent the rest of the fall semester on a leave, but he has returned to the college this spring and is back as coach of the men’s soccer team.

Ferguson said, “Considering all the circumstances with the change of coaches, I thought the players did well. They were disappointed because we were a talented group but we fell short of the playoffs.

We came together quicker than we anticipated. Overall, the players gained experienced from the season.”

Comet defender Steven Henry

Men’s soccer

Overall record: 7-10-3 Conference record: 6-4-2 Conference finish: Third Season summary stat: The Comets struggled when facing top tier teams which resulted to key losses.

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Fierce passion — Defender Juan Acosta (left) attempts to clear the ball away from Chabot College striker Abrego Christian (middle) on the soccer field on Sept. 17. said that Ferguson helped keep the team together and served as a mentor to the players.

“We looked up to Nikki. We listened to what he said. He was straight forward. Everybody was falling apart when Rudy left but Nikki kept us together,” he said.

The Comets finished in third place in the Bay Valley Conference with a 6-4-2 record (7-10-3 overall) behind champion Yuba College (15-3-3 overall, 10-1-1 BVC) and second place Merritt College (107-3 overall, 8-3-1 BVC).

“The season wasn’t what we

wanted it to be, but we took a positive look at it,” Comet goalkeeper Kevin Esquivel said. “We had a lot of freshmen, so what we took from this season we’ll take into next season.”

Contra Costa College’s conference record this year was identi-

cal to one the team had in 2009.

However, the Comets’ overall record was worse, losing six of their eight non-conference games.

The Comets scored 29 goals in their 20 games, but they allowed their opponents to score 31.

The Comets’ most memorable game of the season was a 3-2 win against Merritt College at home on Oct. 15. The Comets were trailing 2-1 in the final minutes of action but two goals from forward Jamie Balderas took the victory.

“We didn’t lose a conference game at home this year. We came back,” Esquivel said. “It boosted our morale and we went to the next round feeling we could beat anyone.”

With Zeller back at the helm of the team, the Comets continue to build their squad to be in playoff contention for in 2011.

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Football

NIKO AUMUA DEFENSIVE END

‘Hot head’ grows into true leader

Team captain tackles, fixes attitude problem

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

mlastra.advocate@gmail.com

People with positive attitudes tend to build strong connections with others and get ahead in life, while those who possess poor character traits are more than likely to have limited opportunities.

However, people with character flaws can eventually change their ways through maturation, motivation and self discipline.

For sophomore Comet defensive end and The Advocate’s Male Athlete of the Year Niko Aumua, that developing character has been something he experienced in his two years at Contra Costa College — going from a shorttempered athlete in 2009 to a mature and humble player in 2010 with the help “I knew of football coach Alonzo Carter.

(Aumua) “I was a hot head back in the would be able day,” Aumua said. to dominate on “I never had a defense, but coach who really cared about me and he exceeded what I did on and everyone’s off the field.”

The 22-year-old expectations of San Jose native came to CCC in him.”

2009 after taking a year off after graduAlonzo Carter, ating from Alameda football coach High School in 2008, where he played wide receiver.

While Aumua possessed talent from the receiver position with his tall 6 foot 6 inch frame, he failed to gain any recognition at CCC from four-year colleges due to his poor on-the-field behavior.

In fact, during his freshman season at CCC he was suspended for the remainder of the year by coaches when he was involved in a physical altercation with an opposing player from Hartnell College.

“I remember me and the other player exchanged some words and he challenged me to a fight,” Aumua said. “I refused to back down from it and the fight resulted in the cops coming onto the field and escorting me from the game.”

Aumua said that part of the blame for his bad behavior was the fact that the team was generally undisciplined and was experiencing a frustrating year, finishing 1-9.

Things began to change for Aumua upon the arrival of Carter, the former Berkeley and McClymonds high school football coach who motivated the athlete to change his conduct. “(Prior to coaching the Comets) I knew Niko was a wild guy, but I told him to reconcile his issues with (Athletic Director) John Wade,” Carter said. “His bad attitude needed to be fixed because he couldn’t continue to head in that direction.”

Another change Carter presented to

Height: Position: Year: High School: Home Town:

Aumua was his playing position, moving him to the other side of the ball placing by him at defensive end.

Aumua took the coach’s challenge head on and became a gym rat over the summer, bulking up his muscle for his new position.

“I coached against Niko when I was at Berkeley and he was at Alameda,” Carter said. “(Although he was a good receiver) he was tough on us on the defensive side of the ball too and I wanted him to get back to that same level of aggression he had (on defense).”

Responsibility began to set in for Aumua as he was also named a team captain.

“I knew this year wouldn’t be a bad one,” Aumua said. “We (as a team) erased our past and looked at the season as a rebirth of the CCC football program.”

Aumua responded well at his defensive end position and the other roles Carter placed on him as he was consistently all over the field rushing opposing quarterbacks, catching touchdown passes as a receiver, chasing down kick returners on special teams and even hiking the ball to the punter.

“I knew he would be able to dominate on defense, but he exceeded everyone’s expectations of him,” Carter said. “He does so much and is a very versatile player.”

The sophomore finished the year leading the team in tackles (63), interceptions (three), sacks (12) and fumble recoveries (two). His sack total and tackles for losses (25) led the Bay Valley Conference.

“He was our best defensive lineman but he still worked hard like the rest of the team,” freshman defensive lineman Floyd Pellom said. “He always set a good example for us.”

Through his hard work Aumua was named Bay Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year and the BVC First Defensive Team.

Despite all his success on the field, Aumua’s biggest reward came in the form a full ride athletic scholarship to Washington State University.

“Before this year I never had a Division I school come to any of my practices,” Aumua said. “When Carter came to CCC he made football a reality to me.”

Aumua was described by teammates as an inspiration and a humble person.

“He was the most laid back captain, but he always came through when we needed him, whether it be catching a touchdown pass or hiking the ball,” freshman kicker Jose Munguia said. “He wasn’t the type to put us freshman players through first-year hazing like most sophomores would.”

Other players agreed.

“He was older than most of us but he never caused a scene when the team got out of line,” freshman defensive back Alonzo Cudjo said.

“He was a cool teammate to have.”

While Aumua has his hopes set on reaching the NFL some day, he said the greatest accomplishment he achieved at CCC was his maturity as a player and person. “(Niko) is a great kid. He bought into my program and followed the script,” Carter said.

“If he stays on course, things will work out for him.”

Profile

6 feet 6 inches Defensive lineman Sophomore Alameda High School San Jose

The 2010 Bay Valley Conference Defensive MVP showed his versatility this season and helped renew the football program into a threat in the BVC. Aumua led the Comets in sacks with 12, tied for first on the team with one defensive touchdown, was fourth on the squad with three interceptions and he also led the team with 25 tackles for loss.

Aumua had three fumble recoveries, five passes defensed, caught three offensive touchdowns and earned All-BVC First Team honors.

MEN’S SOCCER

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Kenneth Henry

Jeffery Anderson

Forward

Quarterback

The freshman striker was able to establish himself as an important member of the men’s soccer team in 2010.

Henry improved his game after coach Nikki Ferguson took over the team with the leave of absence by coach Rudy Zeller. Henry displayed his solid dribbling skills and quickness to slash through the field to connect on goals.

The freshman quarterback was a sparkplug for the football team as he was named to the BVC’s Offensive First Team.

Anderson led the Comet offense throwing for 18 touchdowns and more than 2,000 yards for the year. Anderson hopes he can continue his contributions to help take his team to a bowl game next season.

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Proud stance — Defensive end Niko Aumua and point guard Jamie Capoot have b play during the 2010-11 year. Aumua will transfer to Washington State University wh

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Ward finish and managed to His best perfor season finale ag Gymnasium.

The sophomo 32 points and his to seal the Marin

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Women’s basketball

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JAMIE CAPOOT # GUARD

Respected Comet holds season intact

keep a smile on your face. That’s why I keep her in my circle.”

After a loss to Laney College in the first game of conference play, the Comets ran off four straight wins. But after breaking her nose in a 66-64 overtime loss at Los Medanos

By Rodney Woodson College, Capoot had to sit out the next game STAFF WRITER and watch her team lose by 20 points to rwoodson.advocate@gmail.com Solano Community College.

“It really was tough not being able to get The women’s basketball team’s pre-season schedule was rough during 2010-11. out there and play when I was hurt,” she said.

The squad struggled and only managed to The hardest part about being sidelined and win four out of 14 games, including a 56- reduced to cheerleading was watching her point beat down at the hands of highly-rated team lose.

“We win as a team and we lose as a team,” Fullerton College.

However, Contra Costa College turned she said.

Jefferson said, “Without her we weren’t things around at the start of conference play and finished with a Bay Valley Conference where we needed to be as a team. Once a team record of 9-3, good enough for second place builds together it’s hard to play well when in the conference, just one game out of first someone is missing and she is one of our best players.” and a 13-14 overall record.

DeBolt said, ”When she was hurt we were The turnabout was due in large part to the improved quality of play from 20-year-old a different team. She was a good, all around, freshman guard, and The Advocate’s 2010-11 solid player and a good worker. We lost both games with her out of the lineup.”

Female Athlete of the Year, Jamie Capoot.

Capoot was the starting point guard and “When I heard that I was the Female Athlete of the Year I was surprised,” Capoot when she went down, the squad had trouble said. “There are great athletes here at CCC. It advancing the ball up the court. With her gone CCC particularly struggled against a fullfeels good to be recognized. I feel honored.” court-press defense and Her hard work during the ball over often. practice paid dividends in “(Capoot) works hard turned Capoot said she is more games as she led the team in points and assists, as in practice and plays comfortable playing shooting guard or small forward, well as being second on hard in games conbut the point guard position the team in rebounds and steals. She was named to stantly. She makes the is nothing new to her.

At Will C. Wood High the All-BVC First Team.

“She is a fascinating team want to play hard School in Vacaville she player,” Comet forward and just watching her was a varsity level starter at point guard for four years.

Monay Ray said. “She She was the Monticello works hard in practice encourages me to bring and plays hard in games my ‘A’ game and com- Empire League MVP in her sophomore year and constantly. She makes the pete.” she also earned All-League team want to play hard and honors throughout high just watching her encourMonay Ray, school. ages me to bring my “A” women’s basketball team forward Playing point guard at game and compete.” the junior college level was Comet forward Allessandra Jefferson said, “I really look up a bit difficult for her in the beginning, but she to her skills and game-play.” She also said that said she became more comfortable with it as she has known Capoot for three years and that the season progressed.

Basketball has been a part of Capoot’s life she is a very determined, hard working person since she was a young girl. who never gives up.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was Capoot’s play is not only held in high opinabout 9 years old when I played for the ion by teammates but by her coach as well.

CCC women’s basketball coach Paul Vacaville Vengeance,” Capoot said.

The Vacaville Vengeance is a girl’s basDeBolt said, “She was our glue. She held us together at both ends of the court. She han- ketball program that operates out of Solano dled the opponents’ pressure, ran our offense County.

Capoot said, “I’ve grown up with basketand did a great job defensively.”

On the court, the 5-foot-10-inch guard ball, I love the intensity involved with it and I is well respected for her determination and love the pace of the game.”

Capoot said before coming to CCC she skills, in and off the court she is adored by went to Solano Community College for one her peers for her enjoyable personality.

“She is a ‘ride-or-die’ teammate and year where she didn’t play basketball for the friend,” Ray said as she laughed about her first time since she was a child.

“I felt like a different person when I didn’t comment. “She is a very funny and reasonable person. I enjoy being around her. She’s play basketball. It took a mental and physical toll on me. Not playing made me realize how a cool friend.”

Jefferson said, “She’s goofy and fun to be much love I have for the game.”

In regards to her future, Capoot said she around. She is the type of person who makes you want to be around her because she will plans on transferring to a four-year college as long as she is close to her family and attending a good college. As for basketball, Capoot said she will play for as long as she can.

Freshman helps spirit, encourages teammates

Profile Height: Position: Year: High School: Home Town:

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

oot have been named as The Advocate’s Athletes of the Year for their superior game versity while Capoot is looking forward to her sophomore season with the Comets.

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Bobby Ward Guard

Ward finished first on the team in scoring managed to record two 30-point games. best performance of the season was the n finale against College of Marin in the nasium. he sophomore guard scored a season high ints and his clutch 3-point shooting helped al the Marin win in double overtime.

5 feet 10 inches Guard Freshman Will C. Wood High School Vacaville

Capoot scored a season high 22 points in two games this season. Her most impressive game statistically was against Mendocino College when she dominated on both ends of the floor totaling 22 points, 11 assists, 16 rebounds (14 defensive) and four steals.

This was one of the two triple-double games she had this season, both of them against Mendocino. In the other triple-double game she finished with 12 points, 11 assists, four steals and a season-high of 21 rebounds.

She was named to the All-BVC First Team.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

Monay Ray

Chris Lovejoy

Ray managed to hold her own for the women’s basketball team as she led the Comets and the BVC in rebounds (11.4) per game.

The sophomore forward, who transferred from Ohlone College, finished fourth on the team in scoring (10.8 per game). Ray provided veteran leadership to her young teammates and was named First Team All-BVC.

The freshman pitcher showed his durability during the season pitching a total of 98 innings, second most in the Bay Valley Conference.

While Lovejoy was inconsistent in some games as evidenced by his 6-6 record and 3.77 ERA (earned run average), he managed to make First Team All-BVC.

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Lack of experience plagues team Comets fall apart with ill-prepared freshman players

Yreview ear in

Softball

Overall record: 0-28 Conference record: 0-24 Conference finish: Seventh Season summary stat: The squad failed to score many runs and could not earn a single win.

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

mlastra.advocate@gmail.com

After showing great improvement and finishing the 2009-10 season with a record of 16-22 overall (1212 in the “We had a Bay Valley couple of Conference), everyone in cancerous the softball had cells on the program high hopes team and it entering the seadidn’t make 2010-11 son under third-year right for Ed a positive coach Miller.

T h e (experiComets, ence), so I h o w e v e r , had to get could not manage a rid of those single win the seaplayers for for son as the the sake team even to of the pro- struggled put enough gram” players on the field after an off-seaEd Miller, softball coach son altercation between players resulted in Miller having to remove some players from the team.

“We had a couple of cancerous cells on the team and it didn’t make right for a positive (experience), so

ROMAN YOUNG / THE ADVOCATE

Failed attempt — Comet outfielder Shantanay Briggs misses a fly ball against Solano Community College on April 12 at home. The Comets lost both games of their home debut.

I had to get rid of those players for the sake of the program,” Miller told The Advocate earlier in the year. “We’re basically starting over again and it’s going to be a challenge this season.”

Miller said he entered the season expecting 15 to 17 players to play for his squad, but after the dust settled the Comets had only nine players.

Due to the short roster CCC (0-28 overall, 0-24 in the BVC)

found it difficult to field a team, cancelling 15 preseason games and forfeiting five BVC games.

In spite of these obstacles, Miller continued to run practices with his nine-player roster in hopes of completing the season.

In the games that were played by the Comets the squad was often blown out, or games were cut short by the 10-run lead “mercy rule,” due to the team having young and inexperienced players.

“It will haunt a team if it doesn’t have experienced players,” Miller said. “(The lack of experience) came back to haunt us.”

Lack of experience by CCC was evident in games as players, primarily on defense, often looked confused and failed to communicate with each other resulting in numerous errors. For the season the softball team committed a total of 77 errors.

Many of those errors occurred

between the pitcher and catcher as often the catcher would overthrow the pitcher after a wild pitch, resulting in the opponent stealing bases.

“We still have a new team; some of us are new to our positions,” Comet shortstop Jessica Miller said after a April 26 home loss against Napa Valley College.

“Defense is something we need to improve on.”

Due to CCC having such a small roster, fatigue would work against it as the team lost its intensity resulting in lopsided scores.

While the Comets failed to win a game this season, Miller and his Comets kept their heads held high and stayed optimistic for games.

“I’m proud that my players were able to do work on and off the field,” Miller said. “And several players did extremely well in the classroom.”

Players agreed that despite not winning a game they learned a lot from the season to help build their character.

“I learned to keep (fighting),” freshman third baseman Juanita Jackson said. “We lost every game, but we still came out to practice and competed in every game.”

Squad revives baseball program Athletes recuperate record, finish fifth

By Dariush Azmoudeh ONLINE EDITOR

dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com

Despite not reaching their primary goal of making the playoffs, Contra Costa College’s 2011 baseball players say they are satisfied with their overall improvement on the field compared to teams of previous years.

“To me it was a success just by the fact that we’ve had some bad records in previous seasons,” Comet shortstop Saul Rodriguez said. “We didn’t reach our goal of making it to the playoffs, but the season was good. It’s been the best season the team has had in awhile.”

The Comets finished with their best record in three years at 14-22 overall (11-13 in the Bay Valley Conference), good enough for fifth place out of eight teams in the BVC. In the 2009 and 2010 seasons, the

Comets won a total of 12 games and went 7-44 in BVC contests over those two seasons.

“We improved primarily in pitching and in the infield,” coach Marvin Webb said of the 2011 season. “But we also improved at every position on defense and on offense.”

The team’s fielding showed improvement from the 2010 season by making 20 fewer errors, allowing 122 fewer runs, 46 fewer hits and lowering its team ERA from 8.55 to 5.41.

“We just worked hard in the off season. The hard work we put in before the season started paid off,” Rodriguez said.

In addition, Rodriguez said one of the key to the team’s success was the good vibes that players had from one another rather than the previous season when there were players who didn’t like each other.

“I felt this year we had way better chemistry than previous years. We enjoyed being with each other and being out there and having fun,” he said.

Yreview ear in

Baseball

Overall record: 14-22 Conference record: 11-13 Conference finish: Fifth Season summary stat: While their pitching and fielding improved, the Comets’ hitting was absent.

The Comet pitching also showed great improvement with starting pitcher Chris Lovejoy leading the team on the mound.

In 13 starts, Lovejoy had a 6-6 record with 40 strikeouts and two shutouts in six complete games. Lovejoy also found his way onto the All-BVC First Team.

“He was a horse all season long,” Rodriguez said of Lovejoy’s performance.

“He had a great attitude. He’s a good teammate and a good guy on and off the field. A lot of our wins came from him because he pitched well.”

A couple of Comet players, catcher Carney Chamberlain and third baseman Cameron “C.J.” Doorn, earned spots on the All-BVC Second Team.

Despite the overall improvement, Webb said he would have liked the team to have won more games because he felt it could have.

“It’s hard to say where we could have improved,” he said. “We would have liked to have won more games (late in the season).”

Rodriguez said that the team’s best game came in the last game of the season, a 16-8 home victory against Laney College.

“The last game against Laney was our best because the way we played that game was the way we should have played all season,” he said. “It was fun.

We were playing together as one.”

“We just need to try to perform the same (as in the Laney game) and work on things for next year,” Mendoza said.

Webb After only winning six games in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Webb revitalized the baseball team in 2011, winning 14 games.

Webb hopes to carry some momentum into next season and recruit more players.

Small roster finishes season without wins ear in Yreview

By Hilberth Ibarra NEWS EDITOR

hibarra.advocate@gmail.com

The Contra Costa College women’s soccer team ended its 2010 season winless and finished in last place in the Bay Valley Conference (0-16-1 overall, 0-9-1 in the BVC), scoring only six goals and giving up 81 goals on the season.

With a limited roster of 15 players, the Comets struggled to put a squad together.

“We had some people who had committed to play over the summer but didn’t end up playing due to a variety of reasons,” coach Nikki Ferguson, said. “So we ended up struggling to find players.”

And with only two returning players, another challenge that the Comets faced was a lack of experienced players on the team.

“This past year we only had two players who returned,” Ferguson said. “That was tough especially because we had so many players who had never played at a competitive level.”

Forward Vanessa Johnson said, “It hurt not having enough girls and having girls who were playing for the first time. We had to put players in positions that they didn’t even know how to play. But we had to do what we had to do.”

Even though the Comets’ season ended without a single win, Ferguson said they showed major improvement throughout the season and have high expectations for the 2011 season.

Though they began the year with major loses, like a 9-0 loss to Solano Community College, the Comets were able to work hard and stay committed. At the end of the season the team was able to be competitive with other teams and on Nov. 5 tied a game against College of Marin, 1-1.

Women’s Soccer

Overall record: 0-16-1 Conference record: 0-9-1 Conference finish: Sixth Season summary stat: CCC struggled on offense as the team only scored six goals for the season. The team hopes to recruit more players next year.

“Regardless of the results, regardless of performance, our team finished the season,” Ferguson said.

“When you go through that, not winning, it is very easy to quit. It goes back to them committing themselves and understanding the situation and putting in the time during our training sessions.

“You could see it, because at the beginning of the season we were getting smashed, but at the end we were still losing but we were competitive.”

With multiple players returning next season there is the potential to have a much stronger team and a successful season.

“We have the possibility of 11 players returning from last season and we have about seven or eight new players who are actually soccer players who have played on a competitive level,” Ferguson said.

Goalkeeper Magaly Junco said, “The good thing is that (players) are coming back, so they have the experience and hopefully next year that will be a benefit.

I’m excited for the fall. Hopefully we will be better.

We are looking forward to it.”

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Top header — Comet defender Moni Rodriguez (left) heads a ball during a game against the Mustangs at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg on Oct. 29. LMC won 5-0.

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Holding on — Comet defensive end Niko Aumua scores a touchdown as a wide receiver in the second quarter against the College of the Redwoods on Oct. 20 at Comet Stadium.

CCC its passing game to defeat the Corsairs, 27-9.

Changing the PACE Photos by Sam Attal & George Morin

Tough shot — Comet guard Bobby Ward (left) attempts a layup over College of Marin forward Caio Ferreria (middle) and guard Lorenzo Bynum (right) during a Feb. 16 game in the Gymnasium.

The Comets won 79-76 in double overtime.

Time for celebration — (Left to right) Ori Onn, Steven Henry, Sargio Romero Garcia and Francisco Navarro celebrate Onn’s goal during the first half against Napa Valley College on the soccer field on Oct. 6.

Holding on — Comet center Chaz Ross-Reed (middle) strugSliding through — Comet catcher Sebastian Barahona attempts to tag out Cañada’s Alex Sortwell gles to pull the ball away from Chabot College forward Jarita Riley during the consolation round of the 17th Annual Comet at the baseball field on Feb. 4. Sortwell was safe and Contra Costa College lost the game, 4-3.

Classic women’s basketball tournament on Dec. 4.

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Crowded in excitement — Tens of thousands of runners and walkers pass through Fell Street while participating the 100th running of the Zazzle Bay to

Breakers race in San Francisco on Sunday. The event drew more than 100.000 runners to compete in the most attended foot race in the world.

100 th The running in

SAN FRANCISCO Photos by Qing Huang

Dashing style — An attendee shows off his rollerskating skills in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco while attending the 100th running of the Zazzle Bay to Breakers on Sunday.

Smiling celebration — Attendees celebrate as they cross the finish line at Ocean Beach in San Francisco at the 100th running of the Zazzle Bay to Breakers on Sunday.

Fancy attire — A runner celebrates as he crosses the finish line at Ocean Beach in San Francisco at the 100th running of the Zazzle Bay to Breakers on Sunday.

Filling the streets — Attendees crowd Fell Street in San Francisco while participating in the 100th running of the Zazzle Bay to Breakers on Sunday.