The Advocate - Oct. 7, 2009

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

Aggressive 8-bit return

HORSE comes back with furious release

sports ◆ page 7

Men’s soccer: Team gets second straight

blowout win, conquers T-birds in 4-0 victory. campus beat ◆ page 5 Chat: Solutions explored for ex-convicts’ re-entry

Fresh faces lead ASU

BRANCHES OF MEMORY

Dispute imperils learning Teachers’ labor union claims strike imminent

Final election declares new student voices

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ment qualities.

“Leticia was a very beautiful person,” Carpenter said, “and what’s more fitting than a tree about remembrance, for remembrance?”

Enriquez, 28, enrolled in the EBCAA in spring 2009 for automotive technology. She decided she wanted to become an educator after completing the semester.

The Richmond resident died of multiple gunshot wounds while driving her car at the intersection of South 47th Street and Carlson Boulevard at approximately 10:57 p.m. on July 27. Her fiancé, Juan Villa-Zarco, was a passenger in the vehicle and was also killed.

Academic skills professor Rana Berman said Enriquez started the program unsure of

In high schools throughout West County, students have no choice but to sit on counters or on the floor during chemistry lab if they cannot find a seat. Teachers say the class, fit for 50 students, is serving 70 students within one class period.

Eduardo Martinez, a sixth grade teacher at Sheldon Elementary, said the contract offers being made by the West Contra Costa Unified School District means that the current overcrowding of classrooms would be acceptable.

The financial crisis to the kindergarten through 12th grade schools has resulted in an ongoing dispute as to how districts can continue to operate within their budget without harming the quality of education.

“It’s a shame this is happening statewide,” United Teachers of Richmond (UTR) President Pixie Hayward Schickele said. “We aren’t going to have quality teachers, quality schools, if nothing is done to resolve this.”

W C C U S D “We aren’t going administrators to have quality and UTR began contract negoteachers, quality tiations in April 2008 about schools, if nothing issues involv- is done to resolve ing health care this.” benefits, seniority rights, class size capacity Pixie Hayward Schickele, maximums and United Teachers of Richmond president furlough days, among others.

The inability to reach an equitable agreement in the midst of the third and final contract has led both parties to prepare for the worst.

In August, after fact-finding was completed, 93 percent of UTR members approved authorization of a strike, Schickele said. In preparation, within the past two weeks, WCCUSD has held three training sessions for strikebreakers enlisted from online employment Web sites.

Their last meeting at the bargaining table was on Sept. 15. Since then, both parties claim that the other is unwilling to negotiate and has not made contact to meet for discussion.

In attempts to inform the community about unjust practices, the district has been sending out letters, and the union has been demonstrating in public.

The union consists of approximately 2,000 teachers. These teachers serve 31,000 students in the five cities of Richmond, San Pablo, Hercules, Pinole and El Cerrito.

Schickele said at this point, a teachers strike is likely, but should be avoided in the interest of the students.

■ SEE GROVE: Page 4

■ SEE WCCUSD: Page 4

By Jon Pinlac STAFF WRITER

edit orial

■ SEE ASU: Page 4

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

page 2

campus beat ◆ page 6 DSPS: Programs to host event for raised awareness

VOL. 93, NO. 5

SINCE 1950

This year’s ASU elections came to a close Sept. 24, with the three unopposed candidates becoming the new leaders of the student body.

The results declaring the candidates the winners in their positions were disclosed Oct. 2.

As of Hopeful last week, promise the new student officials The new are Kristina leaders of Bautista as the association show p r e s i d e n t , Henry Parker dedication as vice presiin their and endeavors, dent Jasmyn Oliver but it is as secretary. too early Vo t i n g to assume took place that the online on the year will be college Web better than site from last year’s Sept. 19-24 disaster. and required a student identification number.

Since there were no opposing candidates for the positions, no campuswide campaigns were launched, making the elections somewhat unknown to students at the college.

“I didn’t even know there was an election,” student Sam Ko said.

The quiet and passive nature of the elections, however, is diametric to the newly initiated candidates.

This season, the ASU has been experiencing a lot of positive change, growth and activity.

“We have a lot of new members this year,” Parker

CMYK

scene ◆ page 8

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Tree of hope — Student Sean Desrek Moore helps plant a tree at the Peace Grove near the Student Services Center Thursday in memory of his best friend, student Leticia Enriquez, who was killed July 27 in Richmond.

PLANTING FOR PEACE

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Leticia Enriquez planned on becoming a teacher to help young people in Mexico before she was killed through the heartbreaking violence that the community is much too familiar with.

Family, friends, the college community and state leaders gathered at the Peace Grove near the Student Services Building Thursday to witness the planting of a ginko tree in her honor.

East Bay Career Advancement Academy (EBCAA) construction professor Chuck Carpenter said he specifically chose the ginko tree because of its beauty and memory enhance-

History unmasked through memoirs ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In order to fully appreciate what is in existence, it is important to understand the journey it took to get there.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Contra Costa Community College District held a book-signing event at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, releasing a collection of memoirs chronicling the struggles and successes formulating the district as it stands today.

Unlike the typical history book,

■ SEE BOOK: Page 4

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Sharing memories — Former Contra Costa College secretary Dianne McClain signs a copy for Pat Kaya at the book-signing event held Monday at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

By Asia Camagong

the collection features news articles and stories written by college alumni, district personnel, former faculty and staff and many other voices branching to share their experiences.

“A collection of stories always gives you more information than just cold hard facts,” former Contra Costa College health sciences professor Nannette Hancock said.

The book-signing event was held at the old Ford Plant, the same location where the first classes of CCC were taught in 1950.

“It is important to celebrate this to reflect how far we’ve come and not to forget our roots,” Governing Board Trustee Tomi Van de Brooke said.

The anthology depicts images of

CMYK

District celebrates 60th anniversary

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “A writer who never explored words, never searched, seeded, sieved, sifted through his knowledge and memory... to find the right word, is like someone owning a gold mine who has never mined it.”

Rumer Godden British author 1969 Holly Pablo editor-in-chief Sam Attal associate editor Asia Camagong associate editor Alec Surmani associate editor Cassandra Juniel spotlight editor Diana Reyes opinion editor Dariush Azmoudeh sports editor Lamar James news editor Brent Bainto scene editor Jack Anderson special projects editor Isaac Thomas photo editor Erik Verduzco assistant photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Natalie Estrada Anthony Farr Chad Garcia Malcolm Lastra Jon Pinlac Kristina Plaza Alexandra Waite Staff photographers Crystal Joy Bis George Morin Adam Oliver Desmond Sylva Brian Young Roman Young Staff illustrators James Heck Cody McFarland Joel Ode Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 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 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, OCT. 7, 2009

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009 VOL. 93, NO. 5 ●

Editorials Vigilance necessary

Improvements to ASU must maintain longevity

A

t the end of the spring semester, the vacancy in student government positions left the future of the Associated Student Union uncertain.

The 2008-09 academic year representatives’ lack of leadership skills and organization, combined with their inability to attract candidates, forced the ASU to delay elections until fall.

Finally, seven weeks into the semester, President Kristina Bautista, Vice President Henry Parker and secretary Jasmyn Oliver, were officially announced into office Friday. Each ran unopposed.

Currently, the ASU is experiencing a large influx of senators, charging everyone in the association with high hopes and enthusiasm of the events and the improvements to come.

While the trio is showing promise of being a dedicated and experienced team, it is far too early to think that the problems that existed within the association last year have been so rapidly solved.

Realistically, their statements claiming that they will unify the student body and provide enriching opportunities through events, programs and projects, is not a quick fix.

But admittedly, compared to last year, the new officers’ efforts are commendable, especially considering the wreckage they inherited.

The majority of last year’s ASU events severely lacked student involvement. More often than not, students did not show up to the events, because they were not aware of them.

Each of the new officers is collectively promoting their campuswide events through word-of-mouth, online social networking and posting fliers throughout campus.

At a Constitution Day Fireside Chat on Sept. 17 that discussed stopping the violence in the community, students filled the room until there were no more chairs available.

At the International Day of Peace display at the Recreation Room on Sept. 21, Bautista took time approaching students, engaging them in conversation about what issues they felt were problems on campus.

Parker served as president for Urban Music Group and has substantial background in community outreach. Oliver served as president of the Black Student Union last year, helping to rebuild the organization.

The new officers have their work cut out for them, but they must remember that in order to address the concerns of Contra Costa College students, the most important thing is to remain enthusiastic.

Until their words materialize into continued action, the future of the ASU in unpredictable.

JAMES HECK/ THE ADVOCATE

■ Politics

No progress shown on promises of change

I

f George W. Bush’s presidency was supposed to be a forgettable breeze but turned into a defining era of history, then Barack Obama’s presidency is the exact opposite.

Obama’s presidency was supposed to induce deep, drastic progressive changes that would send shock waves across the nation and the world but is turning into a time of stagnancy.

The 2008 elections and the closing days of the Bush era were dire times mired in an unsuccessful war, a slowdown in the advancement for gay rights and feminism, setbacks for progressive immigration policies and a huge downturn in the economy; all of which were the ingredients for a revolution. All that was missing was a face, leader or brand to bring it all together.

Obama seemed to be that perfect leader. At the beginning of this year, even weeks before his inauguration, he was already taking action just as the voters hoped.

Obama began a flurry of activity by announcing his cabinet picks, the nominees of other posts and plans and changes week-by-week and day-by-day.

But long hidden under the veneer of whirlwind political activity are the faltered, if not failed, hopes and promises.

First came a slap to the gay community when he announced that Rick Warren, fierce opponent of gay marriage, would give his inauguration invocation. And in the ensuing months of his busy legislations, he contin-

troops and set a timetable or concrete plan for an adequate victory or an effective exit strategy. His administration refuses to even give a rough estimate of any plan whatsoever. But the troops have increased. With Afghanistan the new focus, there are no ued to avoid the issues of a core constituent, even as four signs of success and more states legalized gay marriage troops have been requested by generals. and former vice president Now Obama is in a Dick Cheney announced his public support. The gay com- media-blitz to pass health munity cried foul and Obama care reform and to regain some public approval that he gave a speech to quiet them is continuously losing, but down; but still their causes there are still no real results. remain ignored.

Even with all the debate Then, in his first month and discussion about health officially in the White care, the young voters who House, he announced the turned out on Election Day closing of the Guantanamo will still not have affordable Bay detainment facility and health care. In reform talks, his democratic supporters the president and his democheered. Yet that was miscratic allies rejected a proleading, as the nation would posal to give young people still imprison people, but would hold them in the pris- benefits that would make it more affordable, similar to ons of foreign countries. the proposal passed benefitNow, that plan is failing, ing senior citizens. as many countries refuse The changes promised by to take in the prisoners. the president and hoped for Consequently, the Obama by the voters continue to be administration is softening unmet. its stance on Guantanamo, Eight months into Bush’s delaying the January deadline promised. first term, the uneventful He has also extended presidential era that was many policies of the Bush predicted morphed into the administration, even though exact opposite, and nine he campaigned against them months into Obama’s first and even announced earlier term history seems to be this year that he was delayrepeating itself. ing and reviewing Bush’s The promise of massive, midnight regulations. Since positive change and constant those announcements, with activity has become a staghis first year nearing its end, nant dream. the results of those reviews Jon Pinlac is a staff are still undisclosed. writer for The Advocate.

Obama also has had little Contact him at jpinlac. progress in Iraq. So far he advocate@gmail.com. has failed to draw down

jonpinlac

CampusComment

Do you think extended tutoring hours would be beneficial?

“Tutoring would help Middle College (High School students), mainly because you have a lot of work in Middle College.”

“Tutoring hours would be beneficial, especially if the students would come to them.”

Jayne Smithson

anthropology professor

Otha Shamburger MCHS

“I think it’s good for students like me. I’m an international student.

People like me have to push themselves to get a good education.”

“Extended hours for tutoring would be beneficial, because students will have more time to get help with classes and they can do better because of that.”

“Tutoring should have extended hours, because some students have to work or have children at home, so they need flexible hours to fit their schedules.”

Margarita Roma-Roma

Vanessa Herrera

Hihsem Almytteb science

MCHS CRYSTAL JOY BIS AND KRISTINA PLAZA / THE ADVOCATE

biological science

“Probably, because I think some people aren’t getting enough tutoring assistance.”

Robert Allred undecided

FORUM ■ Networking

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

3

■ Emotion

Refreshing season enriches life chadgarcia

Internet risks wreck social interactions

I

have to say I do not like this new cyber age we are living in.

More and more am I finding that people, or should I say the social relationships of people, are becoming more ambiguous. The definition of social interaction has broadened so much that it now encompasses video games such as “World of Warcraft” and social networking sites such as Twitter, MySpace and Facebook.

A recent Associated Press article said, “Internet suicide pacts have occurred since at least the late 1990s and have been reported everywhere from Guam to the Netherlands.”

Last year, a social networking site helped six people meet and commit a suicide pact by carbon monoxide asphyxiation.

There has been a rise of Web sites people use to arrange meetings for the sole purpose of not dying alone.

Last year, more than 90 people killed themselves in Japan by this method.

Media have not only made people become less socially inept and psychologically unstable, but they have also made them physically unhealthy.

In August, a study was released by the medical journal Pediatrics stating, “seven out of 10 children and young adults don’t get enough vitamin D, which could increase their risk for bone and heart problems.” The study projected 7.6 million people of ages 21 and under in America were lacking vitamin D. Gaming itself has links to several health problems in children. Obesity has been on the rise and seems to be connected to the rise of the gaming and Internet culture.

It has been suggested that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to the increased Internet use as well.

Not all networking sites cause these problems, but I would not want these currently isolated events to become common among the youth of today. With today’s highly acceptable use of social networking, these problems will only grow.

People are making these sites the center of their lives, and this has led to Internet suicides becoming more frequent. People have become increasingly detached from reality.

Admittedly, one could easily offer dating sites in a counter argument to my controversial stance on social networking sites.

These sites are popular and must work, otherwise their obnoxious commercials would not be on television channels.

This also goes for popular massively multiplayer online role-playing games. People have dated and married after meeting through the game.

I saw a preview for a movie called “Surrogates” recently. The story takes place in the not so distant future where humans control robots that look exactly like themselves. The people never leave their houses and use their surrogates to do everything for them.

Things seem to be turning out that way already.

Chad Garcia is a staff writer for The Advocate.

Contact him at cgarcia. advocate@gmail.com.

A

s we wave goodbye to the summer season, many are left feeling like they have not taken full advantage of the weather conditions.

But have no fear; the best is yet to come.

In the Bay Area especially, the autumnal equinox ushers in a period of tranquility and natural beauty unseen in the other three seasons. Hazy skies, a calm atmosphere and generally moderate temperatures characterize the conditions of this period.

As the days get progressively shorter and the nights longer, the leaves of many deciduous trees begin to change in color. Ranging from red to yellow, these leaves are a signature of the autumn landscape.

These conditions combine to create what many call Indian summer.

There is so much I appreciate about this time of year.

Stepping outside to overcast skies and a cold bite of air, there is no way I would rather start my morning.

And as the day progresses, the sun manages to push its Transitioning from the way through the gray haze severe weather of summer just enough to cut the chill of to the equally harsh climate the morning and bring forth of winter, Indian summer the warmth of the afternoon. provides a much-needed bout Also, as the sun sets of calmness between the increasingly earlier by the extremes. day, the nights get steadily Unlike both summer and cooler as we work our way winter, the weather during toward winter.

Indian summer is mild, neiKnowing that the cold seather too hot nor too cold. The son is right around the corner, but that it has not come temperature is so subtle, it almost seems to adapt to your just yet, there is an even own. greater reason to cherish this This may be a generalizaseason more than the rest. tion, but to me there is someTo me, this season both motivates and inspires. thing indescribably comfortWithout the scorching sun able about the temperate or choppy wind, I really have conditions of this period.

adamoliver

no excuse to not take advantage of the weather and ride my bike to and from where I need to go.

I feel motivated to get in all the hours I can riding on the road before the cold weather and beating rain have the chance to interfere.

Autumn weather just forces me to get outdoors.

Whether just to read a book or write a paper, autumn rips me out of my comfortable indoor niche to show me just how much more enjoyable these activities can be with a change of setting.

With Sept. 22 marking the beginning of this refreshing season, I cannot wait to see what it has in store.

Adam Oliver is a staff photographer for The Advocate.

Contact him at aoliver. advocate@gmail.com.

Strength through self Gender equality begins with faith in inner freedom

concern for a woman than a man.

It does not seem fair that women have to constantly look over their shoulders in fear of victimization.

These problems are prevalent in society, but it is important to acknowledge the advances women have made since the Women’s Rights Movement, dating back to the early

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 1800s.

A mere 200 years ago, a woman’s ecause I am a woman, I must rightful decision to own property, make unusual efforts to suc- vote and make choices about her sexceed. If I fail, no one will say, ual activities, such as pregnancy and ‘She doesn’t have what it takes.’ abortion, were denied.

They will say, ‘Women don’t have what Through the blood, sweat and it takes.’” tears of incredible activists such as —Clare Boothe Luce, one of the first Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells and women to serve in the United States Elizabeth Cady Stanton, women have Congress (1943-47). gained leaps in this endless journey that is easily taken for granted.

Whether we would like to admit it Today, women are continuously or not, it is certain that every woman making amazing progress into new has or will feel inferior in the presterritories, such as Hillary Rodham ence of her male counterpart at least Clinton being the first female frontonce in her lifetime. runner for a major party in last year’s Growing up, children are taught presidential election. that women and men are equals. We Also, reports in 2006 by the Center learn that we have access to the same for Women’s Business Research found opportunities, choices, freedom and that 40 percent of the 10.4 million privileges. privately owned businesses in the But through personal experiences, country that year were women-owned it is evident that the two genders are or majority-owned by women. treated differently.

It has been 61 years since the Biologically and physically, men Seneca Falls Convention in New York are presumed to be strong and tough, in 1948, in which 68 women and 32 whereas females are regarded as frag- men signed a document supporting ile and emotional beings. women’s rights, the Declaration of This inferiority complex begins Sentiments. at infancy, with the clothing of newBut despite the advancements in borns in pink or blue, and continues the workplace, gender discrimination into childhood. is ever-present and improvement will In elementary school the boys play always be needed in female and male with their monster trucks while the equality, especially in common disgirls play house with miniature stoves. parities such as earnings.

Simply said, gender roles are set. Boys The U.S. Labor Department gathare aggressive. Girls are homemakers. ered unsettling information in 2008 When I was 9 years old, I rememthat found women’s median wages ber asking my traditional-valued earned were 79.9 percent of men’s mother for a home basketball system wages, despite experience, skill or or the opportunity to play ice hockey. hours worked.

She told me that those sports were Similarly, the U.S. Equal for boys. As my mother, I trusted Employment Opportunity her word and accepted that fact. As Commission received 28,372 charges a result, I ended up taking an afterof sex-based discrimination in 2008. school gymnastics course instead.

There is no definite indication why It is this very gender discrimination males earn more than females, except that, especially introduced in childfor the fact that even when they hold hood, can condition young women similar jobs, men seem to be taken to insinuate that they have fewer life more seriously than females in the choices than males. workplace.

It presents the fact that females are Even if a female holds the highest living in “a man’s world,” and puts leadership position, it seems as if she them in a place that presents domihas to work harder than a male would nance in masculinity. to gain the respect Through teenage years, I also of her colencountered that it is normal for parleagues. ents to be considerably stricter with their daughters than their sons. They presume boys can take care of themselves but females need protection.

So while parents turn their backs while their sons are out and about having the time of their life, they hold their daughters on a shorter leash.

Though violent crime is not limited to women, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network found that in 2003, nine out of 10 rape victims were female.

It should not be disregarded that 10 percent of victims are males, and that many of these cases go unreported, but statistics indicate safety is a bigger

B

Whether men have it easier than women may not actually be provable, but it is definitely a sociological struggle that can be argued.

Advocates for women’s rights support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) written by Alice Paul, a law that states, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

The National Woman’s Party introduced the ERA to the U.S. Constitution between the years of 1923 and 1972. It fell three states short of approval by its June 1982 deadline.

The ERA was reintroduced into the House of Representatives, however, in July. By approval of this amendment, the achieved and future advancements by women would be irreversible and protected by law.

Those opposing the ERA, such as the Eagle Forum, criticize that its approval would not provide any actual benefits and that eliminating any distinctions between the sexes means that women would lose protection laws such as pregnancy labor laws.

In addition, they argue that women would be obligated to abide by all laws pertaining to men, such as having to register for any military drafts.

Having such an amendment might create a positive trickling effect as to how women feel, act and participate in every day tasks, circumstances and society as a whole.

A typical cliché has a man taking a woman out for dinner and drinks at a bar. It is chivalrous for the man to offer to pay, but it is too machismo if the man refuses letting the woman take care of the bill.

It is not that women are complicated. It is nice to be treated like a lady and be paid for, but sometimes a woman just wants to be reminded that if she wanted to pay, she has the option of doing so.

Because gender equality is not something that can happen overnight, the first step is for each individual woman to find an inner sense of empowerment to reverse the behaviors of gender roles learned in childhood.

Anything that men can do, women can do just as well.

Only with that sense of mind will women begin to find freedom.

Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo. advocate@gmail.com.

CODY MCFARLAND / THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

CAMPUS BEAT

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

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Receive breaking news and updates by following The Advocate’s Twitter account, AccentAdvocate.

Newsline ■ HEALTH

Event to urge healthy living The physical education department will be hosting “Health Day at CCC” Oct. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. to celebrate the college’s 60th anniversary and the grand opening of the new football and track field.

■ TRANFERRING

College hosts recruiters Transfer Day 2009 will be held in the new quad outside of the Student Services Center Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will feature representatives from many four-year colleges providing information on transfer requirements, academic majors, financial aid, opportunity programs, campus life and more.

For more information, visit the Transfer Center or call 510-235-7800, ext.

4241.

■ AUTOMOTIVE

Anniversary celebration The Contra Costa College Alumni and Friends Association along with the Student Auto Club and ASU will be hosting a tailgate party and car show in parking lots 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 near Comet Stadium Saturday at 10 a.m. before the football game at 1 p.m.

The event will celebrate the college’s 60th anniversary and will feature live music by the CCC All-Star Blues Band. Barbeque grills will be available for use but alcohol is prohibited.

The football game will be $5 for adults and $3 for students, but CCC alumni who complete membership cards will be admitted without cost.

WCCUSD | District prepares strikebreakers ■ FROM: Page 1

One of the greatest disagreements within the contract is the issue of health care.

Martinez said health care would have monthly caps and dependents coverage will be eliminated.

“My colleague, a single mother with two kids, is taking a 25 percent pay cut in order to keep her kids insured come January,” Martinez said. “And the district is painting the teachers as the bad guys.”

WCCUSD spokesman Marin Trujillo said the district can no longer afford to provide lifetime health benefits to workers and their dependents as they have done in the past.

The district’s expenditures and revenue balanced out to $285 million last year. For the 2009-10 aca-

CrimeWatch

anced approach.”

Martinez said the district is paying the strikebreaking subs $325 a day for high school and $285 for elementary, a top-paying salary.

UTR members demonstrated outside of DoubleTree Hotel in Berkeley Saturday morning. They also demonstrated at four major intersections within the district limits on Oct. 1 and at another training at a hotel in Concord Thursday.

“We are already ranked at the bottom of the 39 unified school districts in the nine Bay Area coun-

ties,” Schickele said. “Also, we’re the second lowest paid and a lot of our veteran teachers are leaving.”

If and when a strike will occur, the union must notify the district at least 72 hours ahead, Trujillo said.

“It’s not that we don’t support our teachers. They’re fantastic and irreplaceable,” he said. “But we want to avoid a strike because the ones who lose the most are the students.”

Schickele disagreed.

“As a person who taught over 35 years, it takes you a while to be a topnotch teacher,” she said.

“California has the ninth largest economy in the world, yet we’re not funding education.”

Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo. advocate@gmail.com.

Grove | Hope

ASU | Positive attitudes

■ FROM: Page 1

■ FROM: Page 1

her capabilities, but quickly blossomed into a motivated student that knew she could accomplish whatever she set her mind to.

Classmate Rodney West agreed.

“She was happy, laughing, even if she struggled in class,” he said. “Her head was always up.”

EBCAA psychology professor Jeannette McClendon said Enriquez was personable and “in-your-face.”

“Not only did she want to teach, but she wanted to work on cars. I thought that was remarkable for a woman,” McLendon said.

“Trees grow for years and years. Her presence will always be here on campus.”

More than a handful of attendees took turns at a podium sharing their memories of Enriquez. A student from EBCAA who is pursuing ministry recited a poem and psalms.

The sentiments were clear as the speakers explained how personable, friendly and loving Enriquez was.

At moments when it became too difficult to speak, especially when Enriquez’s best friend Sean Desrek Moore reflected on how they enrolled in college together and how he used to babysit her three children, comrades rushed to his side to console him.

He was probably the last

“Trees grow for years and years.

(Enriquez’s) presence will always be here on campus.”

Jeannette McClendon,

East Bay Career Advancement Academy psychology professor

to see her, as she dropped him off at home just minutes prior her death, Moore said.

“We miss her a lot. She would have really liked the tree,” Moore said. “She would have wanted this.”

Whether or not each person knew Enriquez, California Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) said the acts of violence stem from hopelessness in the community.

“Hopelessness is what has to end because people commit senseless violence when they’re hopeless,” Skinner said.

The Peace Grove was created five years ago as a way to remember students who have perished due to violence, Carpenter said.

“It’s a family thing. We hope this is the last tree that is planted here,” he said.

Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo.advocate@gmail. com.

said. “There are a total of 17 ASU senators now.”

Only two are returning senators, he said, and last year, the ASU was much smaller in size.

“I have never, ever seen this many members in the ASU,” former student trustee and ASU member Gigi Green said. “This is the largest (number of senators) I’ve seen.”

The association’s size is not the only thing that has grown and changed. Its ways of operating and coordinating events for Contra Costa College are maturing and reaping fruit as well.

“We’ve been trying to get students more involved,” Bautista said.

In the past, the ASU has struggled in trying to get students more engaged with college events, but the beginning of this year is showing some improvement.

The ASU recently held a discussion in the Fireside Room that explored ways of stopping violence in the area. The event had a high turnout with many attendees having to stand against the walls because of the lack of seats.

To increase student involvement, the ASU has promoted events more by using normal means like posting fliers, e-mail, making it known by word-of-mouth and sending them to teacher’s mailboxes, Parker said.

“The teachers’ mailboxes has worked the most,” Parker said.

More events and activities for students are planned for the upcoming months, he said.

The candidates hope to have a positive influence on the college in a variety of ways, such as uniting students and increasing their involvement with the college and local community, Parker said.

They also hope to strengthen the school’s connections with the surrounding colleges and help solve the myriad of problems and issues facing students, like the budget cuts

ASU representatives

Bautista

As president, she hopes to unite students by putting their needs first.

Parker

The vice president will address community problems and issues.

and fee increases, as well as organizing fun events and activities, Bautista said.

“I want to give back to my classmates and the rest of the students,” she said, “and bring a great impact to the school.”

Bautista has enjoyed her experiences at CCC and has grown and learned a lot from the obstacles she has encountered.

She said she wishes the same for all of the students on campus. Her philosophy is to “put students first.”

Parker also wants to make a difference with the students.

“I’d like to bridge college and street together,” Parker said.

He likes to work with at-risk youth, teach them about policy and issues and get them more involved in the community, as well as decrease the violence in the area.

Parker also hopes to bring important issues to city council members and reach out to local companies.

Contact Jon Pinlac advocate@gmail.com.

at

jpinlac.

Book | Readers gain ‘appreciation’ of history ■ FROM: Page 1

the steps toward the diversity of the district, ranging from the African-American experience at CCC to the growth ■ ASU of educational programs for women and students with disabilities.

It also shines light on recent occurrences within the The ASU will be host- district, such as the Diablo ing a blood drive in the Valley College grade scandal Recreation Room at 9 a.m. in 2006.

“History is important for and a Wellness Fair in the future generations,” district quad at 10 a.m. on Oct. Chancellor Helen Benjamin 14th.

For more information, said. “(This is) the story of contact the ASU at 510-235- the district from the perspective of different people.”

7800, ext. 4407.

From the desperate journey toward the establishment of the district in 1948 to the opening of new facilities in 2001, the book blends facts with the experiences of Thursday, Sept. 24 individuals to create a volTwo cases of vandalism ume placing the district in a were reported. brighter light.

As the product of nearMonday, Sept. 28 ly 15 months of planning, Vandalism was reported. research, writing and editing, the book strives to presTuesday, Sept. 29 ent readers with a “sense of A person was shot with a culture,” editor Bill Harlan Airsoft BB gun on campus. said.

“At each of the critical A female victim reported anniversaries, we try to look being hit by a male suspect. back at how we got here and how we’ve gambled the chalWednesday, Sept. 30 lenge of change,” he said.

A male suspect vanBenjamin approached dalized the hallway of the Harlan, a former faculty Physical Sciences Building. member at DVC, with the project while he was workFriday, Oct. 2 ing on documenting the hisAn unknown suspect van- tory of a new campus in San dalized college property.

Ramon.

Rather than continuing —Adam Oliver to focus on just one campus, Benjamin suggested he broaden his topic and extend the project to covering the history of the entire district. “(Benjamin) came up with the idea of trying to

Blood drive to help cause

demic year, however, the district is expecting $251 million in revenue with expenditures of $270 million if nothing changes, Trujillo said.

Since the beginning of this year, the district has closed three schools, Castro and El Sobrante elementary schools and Adams Middle School.

Three more closures are possible.

In addition to workforce reductions, programming, such as music and art prep teachers, are being cut.

The district is also looking into selling unused land, Trujillo said.

“The intent of the negotiations is to find a way to balance the budget in such a way that we can begin to close our deficit and not just cut in one area,” he said. “The bottom line is, we have less funding than we did before. It is our way of having a bal-

give the voice of the people that actually lived through the events,” Harlan said.

Harlan worked to contact each of the contributors, urging them to delve deep into highlighting the life of the district since its birth.

“Tracing history and traditions of the college gives (readers) an appreciation for

what we do,” United Faculty President Jeffrey Michels said. “(It sharpens) our sense of what a remarkable district this is.”

Michels, alongside district Chief Human Resources Officer Eugene Huff and history professor Greg Tilles, composed the history of the UF.

Through research, Michels found himself learning more about UF than he had known before.

“It’s important for a school to celebrate its history,” he said. “Not only does it connect us to our alumni, it reminds us of our own traditions.”

The book will be avail-

ADVERTISEMENT

able for sale at the district’s college bookstores for $30. “(This will) help us pave our path to the future,” Student Trustee Christina Cannon said.

Contact Asia Camagong at acamagong. advocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

5

Report details progress, changes College follows recommendation

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Given the struggling economy, state lawmakers and their constituents look to not only carefully analyze the budget’s divvying amongst various groups, but the fruits of this allocation as well.

Accountability, or whether money is being put to good use (and just how good), has become a driving force behind much of the state’s economic actions, including those pertaining to education, college Vice President Carol Maga said.

“Grades are good, but (the taxpayers) want more proof,” she said.

“It’s more accountability for taxpayer funds.”

One area of this focus on accountability comes in the form of the educational accreditation process, of which the Contra Costa College will be sending in a follow-up report this month to the Accrediting Commission for

Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) to assure the organization that the college is earning its pay.

Administration, faculty and staff have been working together since March to prepare the report, Maga said, which details how the college has been implementing the recommended changes made to it by the ACCJC after the group’s visit in 2008. She expects a positive reaction, as the issues have been addressed.

“We’ve pretty much met the goals,” Maga said.

According to the final report that can be read at the CCC Web site, the first recommendation calls for the college to create a timeline for and incorporate student learning outcomes (SLOs) into its curriculum and program review.

The second recommendation asks for the district to expedite development of a financial allocation model, or a model of how money is distributed, with an emphasis on adjunct faculty and technology funding.

SLOs, which have slowly become a staple of every department’s curriculum since the ACCJC demanded their inclusion in 2002,

are essentially outlines for what information and skills professors want students to know by the end of instruction, CCC SLO coordinator Wendy Williams said.

Departments set up course objectives, assess how students are doing and analyze the results.

Professors then make necessary changes to their teaching approach in the areas students where performing poorly, Dr. Williams said.

After this process is completed, the cycle restarts.

“Instead of assigning a grade to the student we’re assigning a grade to the concept,” she said. “It’s a different way of looking at student work.”

Williams said that although willingness and participation in the development of SLOs was slow at first, there has been progress toward meeting the 2012 deadline, where the college must have developed an outline and completed a full cycle in every area.

Roughly 94-96 percent of the departments and programs on campus have developed their outlines, an upgrade from 15 percent at the time of the college’s 2005 report, and a few departments have

“We’ve pretty much met the goals.”

Carol Maga, vice president

She said feedback from the road shows and the recently incorporated Governance Council, a shared governance group where all constituencies are present, is vital to the model’s development.

“We believe that (Chancellor Helen Benjamin) and I can’t sit in an office and just say this is the way it is,” Murillo said. “We need to work with groups and the colleges to make sure it’s as close to perfect as we can get it.”

Similar to the SLO integration at the college, Murillo believes the transition will not be exceedingly difficult at the district as a financial model had already been a focus prior to the recommendation.

“We knew we needed to fix our allocation model. The recommendation is basically saying get it done sooner rather than later,” she said.

After submitting the follow-up report, CCC will receive a response from the ACCJC with suggestions that must be addressed in the college’s next mid-year report due in 2011, Maga said.

even completed an entire cycle, Williams said.

Additionally, she said continued cooperation should not be too difficult, as SLOs already tie into the college’s expected self-evaluation processes anyway.

“There should be this evaluation all the time. It’s just now you have these formal write-ups,” Williams said. “And that way there’s evidence. We want proof.”

At the district level, Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Kindred Murillo said she and her fellow employees at the Martinez office are working to complete the financial allocation model by January.

They will then share the model during “road shows” at the three campuses for feedback, before making revisions and submitting Contact Alec Surmani at asurthe final version to the ACCJC by mani.advocate@gmail.com.

June 2010, Murillo said.

Groups discuss re-entry strategies Plans for ex-convicts’ integration explored

“We have to be realistic that one does not come out of jail on Friday and on Saturday already have a job.”

By Diana Reyes OPINION EDITOR

Plans to produce a re-entry strategic plan for ex-convicts who are released from county jails and state prisons were discussed in the Fireside Room Sept. 30.

Hosted by the Contra Costa County Reentry Planning Initiative, the Fireside Chat focused on the development of a re-entry infrastructure in Contra Costa County, policy recommendations and an implementation and action plan on re-entry.

According to City of Richmond Neighborhood Safety Director DeVone Boggan, the action plan approaches the problems formerly incarcerated people face upon release.

“It was recent events that clearly spelled out that we had to do something different and be coherent,” Boggan said. “We need to create the infrastructure and elements in our community and in our city that can help us improve health and public safety for those coming home.”

He said the objective was redefining the policy toward crime and making it community related.

“The needs are stable human needs,” Boggan said. “This process, I hope, is going to make us more collaborative.”

The fundamentals are aimed toward employment training, education, general legal rights along with the right to vote, temporary and permanent housing, reconnecting the incarcerated with their families and early release of probation and parole.

“These are not just strangers who were dropped on the planet,” said Arnold Perkins, retired director of public health in Alameda County. “We are talking about our fathers, cousins, sons and brothers.”

John Gioia, vice-chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, said the event was meant to be a kickoff planning effort which would also ultimately focus on how they can relay how probation and social health money is spent.

College President McKinley Williams said a lot was done to organize the event, and he was pleased to host it because of the

Junious Williams,

chief executive officer of the Urban Strategies Council

importance of serving all members of the community.

“We want to make sure West County is really focused on what we are supposed to focus on,” Williams said. “I’m elated on what the outcome’s going to be, and I know it’s going to help everyone.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Strategies Council Junious Williams explained that there are currently 2.3 million people in United States prisons and jails, which is a fourfold increase since 1990. More than 90 percent of prisoners are released, and according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), six out of 10 parolees will return to prison within three years.

“We want to provide people with data and information,” Junious Williams said.

“You cannot successfully resolve and attack a problem without knowing the areas.”

Junious Williams said there needs to be a formula for re-entries, and what people need is housing, health insurance, integration, employment and income.

“We have to be realistic that one does not come out of jail on Friday and on Saturday, already have a job,” he said. “They need income.”

Guests were commissioned to arrange workgroups responsible to develop ideas for a Task Force that covered areas critical to the developing aspects for the Re-entry Strategic Plan. Their proposals were introduced to the Planning Task Force for approval.

The primary ideas the workgroups formulated surrounded the racial and demographic representations between African-American and Latinos, which were said to be the major ethnic groups affected.

“We need someone who is charismatic and is able to report the issues all the way to Sacramento,” Richmond Police Department Officer Mark Foisie said. “We need to start

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Making a case — Jail contractor John Bieth argues that parolees should be helped with re-entry into society by way of a strategic plan during the Fireside Chat held in the Fireside Room Wednesday.

Despite the ambition to grasp new plans a mentorship program staffed by people who and outcomes for parolees, however, there have walked the walk.”

In addition, workgroups also decided on were others who were not seeing eye-to-eye.

“We’ve heard a lot of high-paid people the improvement of communication between agencies and correctional facilities, as well promise a better outcome, but I see no new ideas,” jail contractor John Bieth said. “Our as the involvement of the school district.

“Over time, this puzzle will and can come community needs to study success, not failtogether,” Perkins said. “Some people came ure.” to listen, some people came to work. I want Contact Diana Reyes at dreyes. to encourage people who came to work to advocate@gmail.com. also listen.”

MCHS awarded top accreditation High school’s education effort receives honors Smith

By George Morin STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Middle College High School Principal Hattie Smith recognizes her students successes throughout the years.

Thanks to a recent visit from the Western Academics for Schools and Colleges (WASC), Middle College High School goes into the new year with the highest accreditation status possible.

WASC accredited MCHS with a six-year accreditation, MCHS Principal Hattie Smith said.

The school, housed on the Contra Costa College campus, also received the award in 2006,

and is as of yet the only school in the district to behold such an honor.

The accreditation process is extensive and takes approximately a year of preparation, including a four-day visit by officials from WASC representatives, Smith said.

Officials from WASC visited MCHS April 5-8, where the organization concluded to award the school with the accreditation.

“We’re very proud of our students. We have some of the best students in the district,” Smith said.

MCHS has received multiple awards over the past years.

In 2006, it received the National No Child Left Behind Award, where the high school obtained its Blue Ribbon status.

The style of mentoring involves having one voluntary adult mentor who is assigned to five students. They are to look after their students and make sure they keep up with their work.

It was made to bring a more Rebekah Cha, personal level to the learning MCHS student environment, Smith said.

This style of mentoring has From 2007-2009, MCHS shown to be very efficient, she was given the News Best School said, and helps students learn in America, by reaching the and organize themselves.

Academic Performance Index MCHS student Nikita API, which is the standard for Adarkwah said the particular California schools and mainly style is beneficial and helps her focuses on disadvantaged stu- and her peers with whom to dents, Smith said. get as a teacher and also helps In 2006 and 2009, MCHS with organizing the students’ received the California futures.

Distinguished School Award, Vice Principal Jennifer for having a new unique style of Crowell said it makes the school mentoring, Smith said. proud, as everyone tries their

“It makes us proud that we were able to accomplish something so great.”

best to impart knowledge onto the students and help them succeed in life.

The six-year accreditation from WASC has brought good morale to the students and staff of MCHS, Smith said.

With such good morale, the staff hopes to continue its successful career by obtaining future awards.

“We will keep encouraging the students to keep it up, and we stress that their records go with them everywhere,” Smith said.

“It makes us proud that we were able to accomplish something so great,” student Rebekah Cha said.

Contact George Morin at gmorin.advocate@gmail.com.

6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009

CAMPUS BEAT

Juveniles shoot BBs on campus Airsoft guns used to target students

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

Target site

plinary action with their own son.”

As for appropriate charges to be filed by Police Services, the process consists of the department filing its report with the Juvenile Probation office after an arrest. It is then up to that office in deciding how to pursue the case, based on the charges.

Possible charges could be either a misdemeanor, caused by pointing the Airsoft gun at someone to frighten them, or violation of the school code of conduct, as the suspects had the items in their possession on campus.

Although both can be considered for recreational use, BB and Airsoft guns have similarities.

BB guns are a type of air gun designed to shoot projectiles called BBs after the Birdshot pellet of approximately the same size. The projectiles are usually spherical but can also be pointed and are usually used for bird hunting. They can cause major injury to small animals and minor to major injury to humans, depending upon the infliction area.

Airsoft guns, on the other hand, are sometimes referred to as BB guns and also launch spherical projectiles.

Common Airsoft BBs are generally made of plastic or non-metallic materials specifically designed to impart low target damage and the Airsoft projectiles are often designed for wargames, such as in paintball.

They (Airsoft gun BBs) cannot penetrate the skin but can cause a “steamy” sensation when a person is hit, Oliveira said.

“Airsoft guns are typically not designed to injure,” he said.

Although there were no significant injuries, individuals were startled, Oliveira said. The incident, however, was not as bad as it could have been, he said.

A few Contra Costa College students are counting their blessings as they were victims of an unexpected ploy to cause disruption on campus Sept. 28.

Four juveniles, described by witnesses as African-Americans wearing white T-shirts, were reported as the suspects who used Airsoft guns to randomly shoot BBs at students in the area between the Liberal Arts and Humanities buildings, Police Services Sgt. Jose Oliveira said.

There were no significant injuries to the students.

“The students did not prompt the incident, nor were they acquainted with them (suspects),” Oliveira said.

A search of the premises was conducted; however, the suspects fled the scene, he said.

A day after the incident occurred, one suspect was caught by an oncampus patrol officer, Olveira said.

While on foot patrol, a CCC patrol officer noticed a suspicious person on campus that matched the description of one of the suspects from the previous day’s incident, Oliveira said. The suspect began to run but was subsequently caught by the officer.

“When questioned, the suspect gave a false name and would not release the names of the other three perpetrators,” Oliveira said.

“We eventually were able to determine his name, and his parents in the meantime were contacted. They have been fully cooperative in helping to find out the names of the others, as Contact Cassandra Juniel at well as discussing the proper disci- cjuniel.advocate@gmail.com.

Four juveniles, described by witnesses as AfricanAmericans wearing white T-shirts, fired Airsoft gun BBs at random students between the Liberal Arts and Humanities buildings Sept. 28.

INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL/THE ADVOCATE

Portal beta tests future of MySite

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

By Brent Bainto SCENE EDITOR

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Made to order — Jaswaut Singh purchases a footlong sandwich from Subway employee Satinder Pahwa in the Student Dining Room Monday. The shop’s grand opening was on Thursday.

Event to raise awareness Program to play promotional game

Everyone participating in the event will be in wheelchairs for the game.

Although it would be possible to have teams with people both in and out of wheelchairs, it would not be entirely safe.

By Crystal Joy Bis STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The way the game is played will be slightly different. Wheelchair basketIn an effort to raise awareness and ball has a few altered rules with considbuild a strong relationship between eration for those in wheelchairs. the college and Disabled Students “Wheelchair users can play basketPrograms and Services (DSPS), the ball like anyone else,” DSPS Manager Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program Yasuko Abe said.

(BORP) is hosting a wheelchair basketBORP was started in 1975 by stuball game. dents at UC Berkeley who wanted a DSPS, the Contra Costa College program for people with disabilities.

Foundation and the athletic department BORP provides sports and other recare co-sponsoring the event, which reational programs for those with diswill be held Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in the abilities.

Gymnasium.

There are games, such an indoor Three practice dates were given for variation of soccer called power soccer, those who wanted to brush up on their cycling and track. basketball skills before the game, with Abe worked with BORP executive the last one being Thursday from 12- director Kaia Burkette to start annual 1:30 p.m. exhibition games between CCC and “We want to give the Contra Costa BORP as a way to expand itself to the College community the opportunity to college community and raise awareness see what it’s like to play in a game of for their programs. wheelchair basketball, build a stronger “It was fabulous,” DSPS counselor relationship with CCC and their dis- Ruth Gorman said about last year’s abled student programs, and last but event. “It was nice to see such a big not least, have fun,” said Johnathan crowd. I was impressed with how many Newman, the adult sports coordinator people from the community showed at BORP. up.”

The wheelchair basketball game Newman said everyone from kids will be the second exhibition match and their parents, to students, to a between BORP and CCC staff, faculty cheerleading team composed of teachand students. ers and staff from different departments

“Wheelchair users can play basketball like anyone else.”

Yasuko Abe,

Disabled Students Programs and Services manager

attended last year’s game.

“CCC puts on great events.

Especially when it comes to getting people to come out,” Newman said.

“Our team had a great time.”

The Abilities Club will be providing food and water to the players for the event.

Instructional assistant Richard Stollings expects a lot of players, but he will not know exactly how many until game day and wants to see “more students, more kids, more everything.”

For more information, contact Stollings at 510-235-7800, ext. 7220 or Newman at 510-849-4663.

Contact Crystal Joy Bis at cbis. advocate@gmail.com.

The innovative social networking-oriented Web site, MySite Portal, draws closer to fruition as the district prepares for its launch.

Proposing to unify all college constituents districtwide, the Web site will have a subtle release of its beta version in mid-November, Director of Administrative Information Systems Daniel Abbott said.

The time following the launch of the beta version will be used to work through any technical issues as well as make sure the software used to build the portal system will run smoothly, Abbott said.

MySite Portal is currently built using Microsoft Sharepoint and offers basic features such as profile customization for designated user portals as well as more in depth particularities like the ability to access academic backgrounds, unofficial transcripts and entire educational plans, Senior Dean of Research and Planning Timothy Clow said.

MySite Portal would make learning “easier and fun” with social networking aspects, Dr. Clow said.

Technology Systems Manager James Eyestone said, “The MySpace and Facebook generation won’t have a problem figuring out (MySite Portal).”

From within the portal system, users can also establish study sessions, manage calendars and upload homework assignments among other numerous functions, Clow told The Advocate in February. “(Each portal will be) just as large as you want it to be,” he said.

MySite Portal will provide the framework for collaborative space and provide one communication channel for advisers, administrators and students, Eyestone said. “(Everyone) won’t have to be confined to the physical (aspects) of the classroom,”

“The MySpace and Facebook generation won’t have a problem figuring out (MySite Portal).”

James Eyestone,

technology systems manager

he said.

The portal project is the largest and most complex that the current district operating system Datatel has implemented, Eyestone said.

Other community colleges and universities already have portal systems implemented, Clow said.

“It would be good to get students into modern technology. (MySite Portal) is totally student focused,” he said. “It’s kind of a disservice (especially) for students transferring to a university that uses a portal system.”

Eyestone also agreed with the portal system’s similarity to other campuses. “(MySite Portal will be) very much like being part of a university system,” he said.

In addition to those facets, WebAdvisor will also be an incorporated portal, Abbott said.

Users will be able to log into their accounts the same way as WebAdvisor, using the first initial and the last name with the last three digits of a student or administrator identification number.

The Web site will remain in its beta stage indefinitely, but will still be available to the entire district before its formal and wide release, Abbott said.

As far as the project’s progress, district Vice Chancellor of Technology Systems and Planning Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said the project is well on its way and on track with the allotted time frame of development.

Contact Brent Bainto at bbainto.advocate@gmail. com.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

Mistakes prove costly in defeat

7

Errors in positioning fall heavily on team, allow Eagles to score

goals, the Eagles’ forwards found the gaps in the Comet defense and were able to get through them to get a clear shot at the goal.

“We played well, but we gave up two bonehead goals on two bonehead plays,” Ferguson said. “They made us pay for those two mistakes.”

Despite trailing by two goals, Contra

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR Costa College kept fighting, with several through balls. The Eagle defense, however, Lack of organization and costly mistakes outran the Comets to the ball and cleared it.

One of the obstacles the Comets faced led to the women’s soccer team’s 2-0 loss to Mendocino College at home Friday. was their lack of speed compared to The Eagles (7-2-2 overall, 1-0-0 in the Mendocino’s as they were able to get to the Bay Valley Conference) took ball with ease.

Another obstacle was the advantage of the Comets’ (0ScoreBoard aggressiveness of the Eagles, 6-0 overall, 0-2-0 in the BVC) positioning errors in the first which not only prevented the Eagles 2 Comets to get a shot on goal, half to score the only two goals Comets 0 of the game. but also proved to be a pain for the Comet team throughout the “We constantly preach that Next game: game. organization is important, Oct. 13 vs. Marin, “They were very aggressive. especially on our weak side 3:30 p.m.

A lot of (our players) got fruswhere they were able to score on us,” coach Nikki Ferguson trated,” Comet forward Marisol Mora said. said. “At this level, good teams will put you away when you make misMora also said, however, the team just needs to play more united and talk more. takes.”

The Comets take a bye this week, but The Comets played a better second half, return to play their next game Oct. 13 at keeping Mendocino from scoring, slowing home against College of Marin (0-4-0 over- down its attacking plays and holding the team to only two shots in the half. all, 0-2-0 in the BVC) at 3:30 p.m.

In the last 15 minutes of the game, the Mendocino goals came in the 6th minute by forward Julie Jackson and on the 32nd Comets were aggressive and tried to get at by forward Ashley Smith. On both of those least a goal on the board, but they were still

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Give and take — Comet forward Jessica Miller (left) and Eagle midfielder Brittany Castaneda fight for the ball during Contra Costa College’s 2-0 loss to Mendocino at home Friday. CCC remains winless this year. blocked from getting a shot on goal.

“We played a lot better,” Comet forward Andrea Garcia said. “We usually get tired (toward the end of the match), but we didn’t give up. We pushed and tried our best.”

The Comets’ midfield attacking force was led by Daisy Huizar, while the defensive

spark was provided by Claudia Garcia. “(It’s the) first time that we didn’t have a single player stand out. It felt like the whole team played well,” Ferguson said.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.

Comets’ offense comes up big, wins 4-0 Experimentation in midfield leads to key shutout

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

The men’s soccer team earned its second shutout in a row, blowing out Merritt College 4-0 at home Friday.

The Comets’ (5-3-3 overall, 20-1 in the Bay Valley Conference) two goals in the first half were enough to put the Thunderbirds (3-6-0 overall, 0-1-0 in the BVC)

away. Contra Costa College’s allowed 11 goals in 11 games,” first goal came in the 26th min- coach Rudy Zeller said. “If we can ute by midfielder Chris Garcia average allowing one goal or less who scored on a header per game, we will from a corner kick by have a good chance forward Carlos Vargas. at the playoffs.”

ScoreBoard “The offense has The Comets will Comets 4 been scoring and it take a bye this week, takes off pressure from but will return to Thunderbirds 0 the defense,” defendthe pitch on Oct. 13 er Tao Sabella said. against their conNext game: “Today, the defense ference rival Yuba Oct. 13 at Yuba, didn’t play as well as College (1-0-1 in the 3:30 p.m. before, but the offense BVC, 5-3-1 overall) helped.” at Marysville.

CCC is currently in Zeller said first place in the BVC and in 14th against Merritt if Comet goalkeepplace in the North Regional stand- er Jesse Hernandez did not make ings. several key saves in the first half, “Defensively we’re solid. We’ve then their opponent would have

jumped ahead of them.

The Comets scored another first half goal in the 32nd minute when Garcia took the ball from the Thunderbirds’ defender and passed it to midfielder Vargas who got a clear shot on goal and scored.

“We finally got out shooting.

We’re doing what we need to do, and unleashing the attack,” Zeller said.

The other two goals for the Comets came in the second half, by forward Diego Orellana and midfielder Sergio Garcia, with assists by forward Ricki Salazar and midfielder Jorge Abonce.

“Before, I was lagging with a lot of pressure,” Orellana said.

“I’ve been getting in the right spot

at the right time.”

The Comet midfield play held the team together. They had good ball control and were able to do several one-two passes. Lately, Zeller has tried out different players in different midfield positions.

“We’ve been experimenting with players in new positions.

Edgar Wenze has been playing well in the defensive midfield,” Zeller said. “The spine of the team has been playing well.”

“We played well, had a couple of mistakes, but we overcame them (by scoring) goals,” Sabella said.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail. com.

Squad rammed with another loss work on tackling.”

Pye served as interim head coach because STAFF WRITER Dave Johnson was suspended for one game

by Athletic Director John Wade for “inThe football team continued to make house reasons,” Wade said. costly mistakes on both sides of the ball Johnson will return to his duties as coach in its Saturday afternoon loss to Gavilan of the Comets for the team’s next game College 73-32. on Saturday at home against West Valley With the offense turning the ball over College at 1 p.m. five times and the defense Gavilan’s offense started giving up huge yardage on the game strong moving the ScoreBoard the ground, it was difficult for ball 52 yards and scoring on the Comets (0-5 overall, 0-0 a 10-yard touchdown run by Rams 73 in the Bay Valley Conference) running back Andrew Gayles.

Comets 32 to stay in the game.

On the Comets’ offensive The Rams (1-3 overall, 0drive, quarterback Don Miguel 0 in the Coast Conference) Tutass threw an interception Next game: ran for close to 400 yards and leading to a Ram field goal.

Saturday vs. rushed for five touchdowns The Comets offense conWest Valley, against the Comet defense. tinued playing poorly, fum1 p.m.

“The defense played horbling the ball resulting in the rible. We missed a lot of tackRams’ Dante Young returning les and gave up too many first downs,” it for a 33-yard touchdown. interim head coach and defensive coordina“Turnovers killed us on offense. We have tor George Pye said. “The defense needs to to protect the ball,” Tutass said. “If we elimBy Anthony Farr

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Sky high — Ram wide receiver Victor Sapp goes against Comet defensive back Duane Hooper in Contra Costa College’s Saturday 73-32 loss

SportShort Team holds off opponent for first win of the season With hard fight and determination, the women’s volleyball team withstood the College of Alameda in Alameda Friday.

The Comets (1-2 overall, 1-1 in the Bay Valley Conference) won three out of five sets against the Cougars (0-5 overall, 0-2 in the BVC) 25-23, 27-25 and 15-13.

Contra Costa College’s next game is against Solano Community College today at 5:30 p.m. in Fairfield.

The Comets lost the first set to the Cougars due to inconsistency in serves and slow momentum, resulting in a score of 25-18.

“We started off slowly and the team’s passing was off,” team captain and middle hitter Emily Hansen said. “(The team) took

time to react to College of Alameda’s play.”

With team effort, hustle for the ball and the outstanding play of first-year middle blocker Efaraima Danao, the Comets sealed the second, third and final sets, but lost the fourth set.

The Cougars showed frustration in the game, in which the Comets capitalized and used Alameda’s own aggression against it.

“People don’t expect (the Comets) to win, which is why Alameda got frustrated,” coach Azure’D Nunley said.

The Comets look to use their first win of the season as a platform to play on through the rest of the schedule.

— Malcolm Lastra

Box scores Women’s soccer (Oct. 2) Mendocino, Contra Costa Mendocino 2 Contra Costa 0

0—2 0—0

First half 1, Mendocino, Jackson 6 (Smith), 6th minute.

2, Mendocino, Smith 15 (Castaneda), 32nd minute.

Second half No goals scored.

Yellow cards CCC, Marisol Mora, 62nd minute.

Mendocino, Whitney Vonfeldt, 73rd minute.

Individual statistics Goals — Mendocino — Jackson, Smith.

— CCC — none.

Assists — Mendocino — Smith, Castaneda. — CCC — none.

Shots on goal — Mendocino — 4.

— CCC — 0.

Saves — Mendocino — Diener 0.

— CCC — Aguilera 2.

Record — Mendocino — 7-2-2 overall, 1-0-0 in BVC. — CCC — 0-6-0 overall, 0-2-0 in BVC.

Men’s soccer (Oct. 2) Merritt, Contra Costa Merritt 0 Contra Costa 2

0—0 2—4

First half 1, CCC, C.Garcia 9 (C.Vargas), 26th minute.

2, CCC, J.Vargas 20 (C.Garcia), 32nd

minute.

Second half 3, CCC, Orellana 7 (Salazar), 35th minute.

4, CCC, S.Garcia (Abonce), 42nd minute.

Yellow cards CCC, Hugo Perez, 45th minute.

CCC, Tao Sabella, 46th minute.

Individual statistics Goals — Merritt — none. — CCC — C.Garcia, J.Vargas, Orellana, S.Garcia.

Assists — Merritt — none. — CCC — C.Vargas, C.Garcia, Salazar, Abonce.

Shots on goal — Merritt — 6. — CCC — 5.

Saves — Merritt — Medina 1. — CCC — Hernandez 6.

Record — Merritt — 3-6-0 overall, 0-1-0 in BVC. — CCC — 5-3-3 overall, 2-0-1 in BVC.

Schedule Football vs. West Valley, Saturday 1 p.m. at College of the Redwoods, Oct. 17 1 p.m.

Men’s soccer at Yuba, Tuesday 4 p.m. vs. Napa, Oct. 16 4 p.m.

Volleyball at Solano, today 5:30 p.m. vs. Yuba, Friday 6 p.m. vs. Laney, Oct. 14 6 p.m. at Marin, Oct. 16 6 p.m.

Women’s soccer vs. Marin, Tuesday 3:30 p.m. vs. Yuba, Oct. 16 1:30 p.m.

inate the mistakes on offense when it comes to turnovers, the offense will play better.”

CCC’s first points came in the second quarter when Tutass found fullback Jamaris Knighten for a 6-yard touchdown pass.

The Comets would end the half on a good note with Myron Mooring returning a kickoff for an 89-yard touchdown.

“Special teams is the only thing in harmony,” wide receiver Michael Hicks said.

“If everybody would just focus on doing their job, we will have a chance at winning.”

At the half, the Rams led the Comets 45-14.

CCC became frustrated for much of the second half, committing several penalties.

“We didn’t play too well today. It’s too hard to play with turnovers,” Pye said. “The offense and the defense were very disappointing. We played badly on both sides of the ball.”

Contact Anthony Farr advocate@gmail.com.

at

afarr.

Game of the Week Volleyball Contra Costa College VS.

Yuba College When: Friday, 6 p.m.

Where: Gymnasium Records: CCC 1-2 overall, 1-1 in the BVC. Yuba 3-3 overall, 1-0 in the BVC. Background: The Comets return home after getting their first victory of the season against College of Alameda. Contra Costa College looks to ride the momentum from their victory to give them a boost when they take on Yuba College. Last year, the 49ers found the better end of both meetings against the Comets.

CCC is trying to get its first win at home, along with turning its slow start into a strong stand throughout the season.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

8 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 2009

Guest pottery display awes

By Kristina Plaza

This week: “Couples Retreat” (R) “Free Style” (PG)

DVDs

New releases: “Year One” (PG-13) “My Life in Ruins” (PG-13) “Not Forgotten” (R) “Bones: The Complete Fourth Season” (NR)

CDs

New releases: Backstreet Boys: “This Is Us” The Fall of Troy: “In the Unlikely Event” Built to Spill: “There Is No Enemy” The Raveonettes: “In and Out of Control”

SCENE

STAFF WRITER

Known for his intricate and abstract pottery work, Mata Ortiz potter Pilo Mora presented his own array of handmade pots before a stunned crowd in the Art Building.

Mata Ortiz pottery is a form of pueblo art originating in northern Mexico.

“This is how my ancestors used to make their pots from the region I came from,” Mora said.

Although their techniques had advanced tremendously, he said he was simply devoted to maintaining the tradition started 600 years ago.

Eri Kku walked out of the building with a pot on each arm, as she purchased two of Mora’s pots after the event.

“I don’t have the time to go to Mexico, and I just simply loved his creation,” Kku said. “Its simplicity, the traditions behind it, its meaning — I just loved it.”

A group surrounded Mora as he finely embodied a strip of white clay, adding sufficient layer of clay after another, while molding the desired shape of the pot.

He then dipped his hand in a bowl of water and used a blade to smooth around the edges, inside and out.

After Mora finished the sculpting, Ricardo Corona took over and set up to paint a different form and size pot.

The brushes Corona used were also handmade. They were made of six strands of human hair each, preferably a child’s hair for its thinness and delicacy.

Corona carefully painted the pot around the whole neck top to bottom.

Designing the pots was never brainstormed, as Corona would start with a few lines and just go from there, he said.

The designs are purely native Mexican and completely exclusive, Corona said.

Art student Kate Freeman said it is interesting how 600 of the 2,000 people in Mora’s town are also involved in making pottery.

“It’s really cool,” she said.

Mora’s work can be seen in exhibits found at numerous galleries and museums, including the San Diego Museum of Man and the Riverside Museum. Pilo’s pottery has also been featured in the books “The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz” and “Ceramica,” Mora pursued his passion for making exquisite and aesthetic pots 30 years ago.

Since it was harder to make a living during times of drought, Mora decided to start constructing pots whenever he had the chance.

It was then when Emetrio Ortiz, one of the early Mata Ortiz potters, taught Mora the basics.

Contact Kristina Plaza at kplaza.advocate@gmail.com.

ADAM OLIVER / THE ADVOCATE

Up for grabs — Mata Ortiz potter Pilo Mora showcases a pair of paint brushes made of human hair used to decorate pottery during a presentation to a stunned crowd in the Art Building Wednesday.

Community explores WWII history Event pays tribute to Richmond’s past

By Diana Reyes OPINION EDITOR

Locals gathered to learn about the history of their community and explore shipyards used in World War II in Point Richmond Saturday.

Members of the city of Richmond, Richmond Chamber of Commerce and Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historic Park celebrated the annual Home Front Festival by the Park. The event was held at the Craneway Pavilion Arts & Entertainment Venue inside the former

Ford Assembly Building and Lucretia Edwards Park.

“This (event) honors anybody who made a contribution to World War II,” Park Ranger Elizabeth Tucker said.

“We invited people who worked on shipyards during World War II.” The festival hosted nonprofit community booths set up along the Lucretia Edwards Park as well as more general festival activities such as an entertainment stage, inflatable jumpers, and food.

World War II historical booths were held inside the Craneway Pavilion.

“It is really interesting that the rangers talked about the history of the buildings and yards,” guest Jennifer Lee said.

Contra Costa College’s own culinary arts department provided its services

for the event.

“We always participate and always bring a group of students to provide some food,” culinary arts department Chairman Nader Sharks said.

Shipyard No. 3 and the SS Red Oak Victory hosted docent-led tours, World War II Home Front Talks and National Park Ranger shipyard tours among other attractions.

One of the highlights of the event was the tour arranged by the Richmond Sea Scouts and the Northland Sea Scouts. The tour took place aboard the Richmond Sea Scout Ship, also known as the USS Phoenix, as it sailed along the Richmond Canal.

“We’re here to provide tours to the public and also to show what our program is about,” USS Phoenix

Commodore John Sargent said.

Additionally, the National Park Service started a tradition two years ago to present an award to a memorable member of the community. This year the World Ward II Home Front Award was granted to Dr. Preston Maring for establishing the Friday Fresh Farmer’s Market at Kaiser Permanente.

“I accept this award really on behalf of Henry Kaiser and Dr. Sidney Garfield,” Maring said. “I’d also like to thank the National Park Service for all they do to (preserve) our land.”

Guest Arnie Kasendorf has attended the event annually for five years now.

“It is a fabulous event,” he said.

Contact Diana Reyes at dreyes. advocate@gmail.com.

HORSE’s latest release keeps thrashing gallop

Headlights: “Wildlife” Noah and the Whale: “The First Days of Spring”

Games

By Brent Bainto SCENE EDITOR

New releases: “NBA 2K10” (PS3/ XBOX360 - RP) “Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising” (PS3/ XBOX360/ PC - M) “Demon’s Souls” (PS3 - RP) “Spore Hero” (WII - E) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Keys to success — HORSE the band keyboardist Erik Engstrom manipulates his synthesizer to incorporate Nintendo-inspired notes over the band’s intensity.

Eight-bit revolutionaries, HORSE the band, unleashes its uncompromising wrath with its latest release.

“Desperate Living” is HORSE the band’s fourth full-length studio album and first release with indie and emo super label, Vagrant Records, but its latest label jump does not compromise its unrelenting sound.

“Desperate” still maintains their well-blended nostalgic chiptune Super Nintendo videogame synthesizer notes, namely reminiscent of Super Mario and the Legend of Zelda while weighing in much heavier and more progressive than previous releases.

This current release, however, predominantly focuses on Castlevanialike sound effects, to which the entire album seems to follow as if it were the actual game’s score. The album quickly pummels listeners into a dark, thrashing submission with “Between the Trees,” a track that can very well summarize the engaging fury of HORSE. The band has come a long way since previous albums by showing maturity in its melodically violent structure while being able to stay true to being aesthetically unorthodox. Nathan Winneke displays much more vehemence with his amplified piercingly shrill screams and his dark and cryptic murmurs over echoing song bridges, ambient transitions and gang vocals.

“Desperate” is an epic production masterpiece. HORSE’s intricacy is flawless; hysterically subtle keyboard introductions turn incandescent while weaving together with the rest of the blazing ensemble.

The album plays thoroughly as a

nearly hour-long aggression trip with fast-pace blast beats and floor-punching breakdowns, but never seems to lose momentum. And although HORSE has not quite changed lyrically, its nonsensical wording and satirical humor all the more compliments its redefined and evolved sound.

Along with their cdreview adapted sound, “Desperate” also features collaborations with guest musicians Jamie Stewart of Xiu “Desperate Xiu, underground rap Living” artist K-SLAX and ★★★★★ Artist: HORSE Ukrainian classical piathe band nist Valentina Lisitsa.

Genre: Hardcore Though the guest colLabel: Vagrant Records laborations are unnecesRelease date: sary additions, they do Available now show HORSE’s expansion and growth by further illustrating the band’s versatility.

Though distinctions of HORSE can be comparative to the likes of other synthesizer/keyboard-oriented hardcore bands such as Genghis Tron and An Albatross, nothing comes close to the founders of seminal videogame soundtrack integration among contemporary punk and metal subgenres.

Any reluctance to give “Desperate” a chance is put to bed as any disenchanted listeners are renewed with the charmingly destructive quirks that seemed to have withered away gradually since their albums preceding “A Natural Death,” which made HORSE seem as though they were just dabbing their feet in the water, only to warm up to their current emergence.

Contact Brent Bainto at bbainto. advocate@gmail.com.