The Advocate - Oct. 21, 2009

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

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A child’s fantasy

Film remembers ‘Wild’ childhood

spotlight ◆ page 5

Treatment Early detection key to cancer

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scene ◆ page 6

focus ◆ page 8

Festival delights Treasure Island event draws masses

VOL. 93, NO. 7

SINCE 1950

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

8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

ASU secures 20 members Student life represented by full board

By Brent Bainto SCENE EDITOR

All vacant positions of the ASU Board have been filled for a hopefully more engaging staff to represent the student body.

For the first time in roughly 20 years, the 20 senator

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

positions of the ASU Board, including the president and vice presidents, have been occupied to address the different constituency groups of students on campus, Student Life Supervisor Jennifer Ounjian said. Each senator’s position entails the necessity to address the issues of designated student groups on campus. “(Having a full board is) a great benefit for the ASU,” ASU President Kristina Bautista said.

■ SEE ASU: Page 3

“(Students) aren’t aware of their surroundings, (because) they are constantly on the phone texting or listening to iPods. By the time they notice the robbers, it’s too late.”

Charles Gibson,

Police Services chief

Safety questioned Second robbery creates concern

By Cody McFarland STAFF ILLUSTRATOR

Students are urged to be more aware of their surroundings after the fourth in a series of attempted armed robberies has raised questions about safety on and around campus.

This marks the second successful robbery this semester and is the direct result of an inattentive student body, Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said.

“Students’ fight-flight reflexes are stifled by tech-

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

nology,” he said. “They aren’t aware of their surroundings, (because) they are constantly on the phone texting or listening to iPods. By the time they notice the robbers, it’s too late.”

The robbery occurred just off campus near the Bus Transfer Center, on Valencia Way in the Del CaminoValencia housing complexes on Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m., but was not reported until 1:30 p.m.

The San Pablo Police Department (SPPD) was unable to answer the call, so Police Services on campus was contacted. It was considered an outside assist on the behalf of the SPPD, Police Services Sgt.

Jose Oliveira said.

“A major part of this case was when the crime occurred,” Oliveira said. “This was the first time this semester in which a robbery took place in the morning.”

Though most robberies take place in the early evening or at night, they are still known to happen during the day and students should realize this, he said.

According to the police reports, the suspects are two African-American males in their late teens to early 20s, both about 5-feet-9-inches tall and were wearing black sweatshirts and dark jeans. Their descriptions match those of the ■ SEE ROBBERY: Page 3

Basic skills need work Report shows completion rates irregular

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Reports show that annual student headcount and persistent rates have continued to rise at Contra Costa College, however, completion rates of basic skills courses need improvement.

“We’re making progress,” President McKinley Williams said. “But basic skills (have) taken a little bit of a dip. We want to look into the reasons why.”

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE The 2009 Accountability Taking a stand — San Francisco State’s Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies Kenneth Monterio speaks Reporting for the Community against the statewide budget cuts at a public education rally Thursday at San Francisco Civic Center.

Colleges (ARCC) shows that CCC’s annual successful course completion rates for basic skills courses fluctuated from 59.1 percent in 2005-06, to 60.3 percent in Francisco State and City people are misunderstand- professors spoke out to 2006-07 and 57 percent in College of San Francisco ing it.” the crowd about how cut- 2007-08.

The ARCC, a macroprofessors trying to get their Not only have budget cuts ting education now is going students involved with their forced colleges to cut sec- to affect everyone in the level view of the successes and needed improvements futures. tions from their schedules future.

San Francisco State pro- this semester, but professors Attendees included stu- of California community fessor Brigitte Davila said are losing work as well and dents from K-12 schools colleges, is the creation planning for the rally began there is nothing they can do throughout San Francisco, of Assembly Bill 1417 in

By Isaac Thomas PHOTO EDITOR a while ago, as the college about it, she said.

San Francisco City College 2004.

The 2009 report, which instructors wanted to hold “I have less hours that I and San Francisco State.

SAN FRANCISCO — a protest to hopefully attract work now, and my students San Francisco State Dean focuses on figures from the Students from all over San some attention to the issues have paid more for less of the College of Ethnic 2007-08 academic year, Francisco gathered at City and get the ball rolling. classes,” Davila said.

Studies Kenneth Monterio marks the third year of this Hall Thursday for a rally “I’ve never seen cuts this Sponsored by various said statewide budget cuts analysis. The data is comprotesting budget cuts and bad in all of the 15 years education unions in San have already taken a toll on piled and used in comparicalling on public officials to I’ve been teaching,” Davila Francisco, the rally was a students at San Francisco son with the previous years’ findings, in order to create defend public education. said. “We have had budget cry to save public education State.

The event was orga- cuts before, but this time it by taxing big business.

“The effects of the budget a system for analyzing pernized by a committee of San wasn’t a trim. I think a lot of Politicians and college ■ SEE RALLY: Page 3

FIGHTING FOR EDUCATION

Rally protests statewide cuts to funding

formance.

“The ARCC report is the state’s attempt to measure the effectiveness of our college on certain entities, such as retention, program completion, degrees and certificates,” Williams said.

The final report was completed in January, and the narrative was completed during the summer, Senior Dean of Research and Planning Tim Clow said. The findings, including the college’s plan of action, were presented to the district Governing Board on Sept. 30.

Between the academic years of 2006-07 and 200708, CCC experienced a headcount increase of 712 “Compared s t u d e n t s . to our peer Also, groups, t h e number we’re not of fullt i m e too bad off, equivabut we’d l e n t students love to be (FTES), above the a meaaverage sure of every in all the 15 units enrolled categories” at the college, McKinley Williams, college president jumped f r o m 5,463 to 6,429 in the same period.

Besides individual college data, the 110 community colleges are separated into ■ SEE REPORT: Page 3

Event urges healthy living

Living well is not solely determined by social conditions.

Individuals are responsible for making the right choices.

page 2

Combating the stress and grief afflicting those on campus, the cutting of a single yellow ribbon summoned a call to put the college on the right track.

Faculty, staff and students gathered at Comet Stadium Oct. 14 at noon to celebrate Health Day and introduce the opening of the upgraded track and football field and a new campus feature, the power walk and run course, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Health Day (is about)

Mothe said. “To see this is amazing.”

As attendants assembled behind a podium, President McKinley Williams commemorated the event in a speech to be broadcasted on KCCC-TV, the college television station.

Funded by the Measure A bond passed in 2006, the new track and football field symbolize a new step toward “healthy living,” Williams said in his speech.

■ SEE HEALTH: Page 3

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

By a nose — Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division Dean Terence Elliott (left) and Senior Dean of Students Frank Hernandez cross the finish line after a walk around the track Wednesday.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

Fitness concerns

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

making good choices,” physical education professor Robert Creer said. “In order to be healthy, you have to make healthy choices, and if we don’t start looking at health, we’re not going to make it in the world.”

The ribbon cutting was one out of three events honoring Health Day, as a blood drive and Wellness Fair promoting health awareness to students were also conducted separately on campus.

“This event is most special, because (we have) been here on the institution suffering through (tough) economic times,” Director of Financial Aid Viviane La

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edit orial

By Asia Camagong

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “Freedom of speech is not about good speech versus bad; it’s about who holds the power to decide which is which.”

Robyn E. Blumner Editorial writer/columnist, St. Petersburg Times 1998 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. 21, 2009

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009 VOL. 93, NO. 7 ●

Editorial Attainable lifestyle

Healthy living found in maximizing of resources

T

he most common New Year’s resolutions usually include regular exercise and healthy eating.

For most, the energy of the new year brings an inner sense of motivation that fails to persevere throughout the year.

These good intentions fall short not only because of the lack of self-motivation, but because humans are often products of their environments.

Fast food, liquor stores and smoke shops surround Contra Costa College and its neighboring cities. Healthy alternatives and fresh produce are not readily available at affordable prices to students and residents.

While the introduction of Subway in the Student Dining Room slightly increases the college’s food choices, the sandwiches are not all that healthy.

A footlong Italian BMT packs on 900 calories of the recommended 2,000 calories a day intake by the United States Health and Human Services.

In terms of exercise, the lack of accessible parks and recreational areas, along with the negative stigma of violence in Richmond, also adds a possible factor for reduced activity.

The social conditions in which we live are a huge determinant in our health, as shown in a documentary by the Public Broadcasting System, “Unnatural Causes... is inequality making us sick?”

The fifth episode of the series, “Place Matters,” compares Richmond to West Point in Seattle, Wash.

Residents of a disadvantaged city such as Richmond were shown to have a 50-80 percent higher risk for heart disease due to stresses of finances, housing, education and safety.

Those in West Point, however, were at less risk. Because of government efforts to raise health awareness, residents have cleaner and safer streets.

While no one person can change these conditions, individuals must take responsibility and make smarter food decisions.

As part of the healthy living theme the college has chosen for 2009-10, campuswide health events were held on Oct. 14 to increase awareness.

Yet, not many students showed up for the Wellness Fair, blood drive and ribbon cutting ceremony for the remodeled track and football field.

Students should be concerned with what they eat because food consumption plays a crucial role in energy, memory and overall brain function.

Even by preparing meals at home on Sunday to last throughout the week, students can ensure that they are aware of what they are eating.

In addition, the college offers an Independent Study physical education course in the Fitness Center.

Healthy living is attainable. It is just a matter of making the most out of available resources.

CODY MCFARLAND/ THE ADVOCATE

■ Law enforcement

Informant, authorities violate trust in sting

A

notice of business permit revocation was issued to the Health Care Center Massage in Pinole on Oct. 1 due to verified claims of sexual favors.

The Pinole Police Department (PPD) affirmed claims made by a citizen informant (CI) regarding the performance of the business by conducting an undercover prostitution sting. The sting, carried out by the PPD along with special agents from the WESTNET Narcotics Task Force on Sept. 30, entailed the necessity to confirm suspicions of the favors administered by a particular therapist at the massage establishment.

An undercover officer entered the center for a massage (which was given) and a sexual advance by the therapist was offered during the massage for an agreed amount of money.

Subsequently, the therapist began to administer the pleasuring and was arrested shortly after. The process of the sting and revocation is questionable, considering the claims made by the CI. The claims made prior to the sting operation were of that very nature. The CI had informed the PPD of two accounts where he had received favors from the same therapist after being massaged.

On the first occasion, the CI said he was pleasured without asking, or being asked. No additional price was added to the service, but the CI tipped the therapist.

To confirm the pleasuring as a regular practice, the CI

brentbainto

business and its owner and employees.

The sting operation and consequential permit revocation can be arguably deemed unethical. The owner and therapist, who face prostitution charges, were abused for their also contentious hospitality. Although their pleasuring services are unlawful, the unspoken confidentiality between patient and therapist was broken.

Not only did the CI violate trust, the undercover officer began to receive the pleasuring service as well.

In the notice of revocation, it was not stated at what point the officer decided to get his fellow officers involved and make the arrest.

The fate of the business is unknown, but conclusions of closure can be drawn. The owner and employees can also face a variable time of unemployment.

Background checks are likely to have been run for every employee along with interrogations. The owner and unknown number of therapists are of Asian descent. It is also unknown whether they are legal citizens of the U.S. or have work permits that can be revoked.

The possible repercussions are many and are undeserved for the business and its owner and workers. The CI and undercover officer’s actions should be taken into heavy consideration and should not be dismissed.

returned to receive the favor a second time and did so.

The therapist was tipped the second time as well.

The above facts were found on the revocation notice posted The by the city claims of Pinole.

Although there are made no further details of prior to the following actions the sting detailed from the PPD, or judi- operation cial ramifications, were of consensual sex between that very the CI and therapist can be inferred. nature.

The CI did not deny the advances.

And whether the additional services were therapist/ patient conduct or not, no underlying reason for police involvement was given.

The acts were of evident consent. In addition to the uncoerced services, the CI paid on both occasions.

His willingness to accept pleasuring twice show his obvious agreement to purBrent Bainto is scene chasing sex. Though there was no specific reasoning for editor of The Advocate. the CI’s conduct, he had done Contact him at bbainto. advocate@gmail.com. much more damage to the

CampusComment

What do you do to stay healthy?

“My husband and I ride bikes 3-10 miles a day and we walk. We take vitamins, and we make sure we see the doctor.”

“I play soccer with my friend for one-anda-half hours twice a week. And I just try to eat healthy. No junk food, no fast food.”

Christina Berel

Daniel Hernandez

medical assisting

biology

“I’m trying to exercise and incorporate fruits and vegetables in my daily diet.”

Remita Thomas

early childhood development

“I try to eat a healthy well-balanced diet, take my prescribed medication, get plenty of rest and try to avoid contact with unhealthy people, although it’s hard to do.”

Manning Peterson

CRYSTAL JOY BIS AND BRIAN YOUNG / THE ADVOCATE

tutor

“I just exercise, eat healthy, study and stay focused.”

Meuy Saechao nursing

“I’m jogging, eating fruits, and next semester I plan on taking a (physical education) course in the Fitness Center.”

Reza Rezvani political science

CAMPUS BEAT accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Twitter

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

Newsline ■ DISTRICT

Survey seeks student view Student Trustee Christina Cannon is conducting a short online survey to address students’ concerns, thoughts and needs on campus.

The survey is available at www.4cd.net/gb/student_ trustee/default.aspx until the end of October.

■ DSPS

Film series continues The seventh installment of the Disability Awareness Film Series continues with “No Bigger Than a Minute,” a film exploring dwarfism through the director’s own experience as a “little person.”

The film will be shown Thursday from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Library and Learning Resource Center, room LLRC-107.

■ FORUM

Group to talk prison reform Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner is hosting a forum, “The Costs of Corrections,” Monday from 7-9 p.m. in LA-100.

The panel will discuss prison reform and its impact on the budget, community and public safety.

The event is free and open to the public.

■ PERFORMANCES

Drama gala opens show

The drama and culinary arts departments are hosting a “MacBeth” gala dinner and performance Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Three Seasons Restaurant. The play begins at 8 p.m. in the Knox Center.

Tickets for the gala and performance are $30.

Contact Zolayma Martin for tickets and reservations at 510-235-7800, ext. 4363.

■ ASU

Holiday party to celebrate The ASU is hosting the annual Fall Festival on Oct. 30 in the Amphitheatre from noon to 3 p.m.

The event will celebrate Halloween and the many holidays of the season.

For more information, contact the ASU at 510-2357800, ext. 4237.

CrimeWatch Monday, Oct. 12 Suspect was stopped for a traffic violation, and it was determined that the driver’s license was suspended. Suspect was cited and released.

Suspect was cited for possession of marijuana inside of a vehicle.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 Suspect was stopped for a traffic violation, and it was determined that he had a warrant for his arrest and a suspended driver’s license.

Suspect was arrested and transported.

—Jon Pinlac

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

Renaming of SSC hits wall ‘Padilla’ building effort continues

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Upon receiving a response from the district on Oct. 14 regarding a proposal to rename the Student Services Center in memory of honored college employee Martin Padilla, many on campus were left confused and distraught.

They were not, however, discouraged and dismissed any idea of forfeiting the proposal, as plans to find a way to try again began to formulate thereafter. “(We were) very disappointed, (but) we stand by the belief that (Padilla) gave so much more to the college,” Classified Senate President Mercy Pono said.

After being reviewed by district Chancellor Helen Benjamin and the Governing Board, the proposal

to rename the SSC to the Martin Padilla Student Services Center was reported to not meet the qualifications of Board Policy 5029, titled Donor Recognition.

The policy states that the board will “recognize major financial contributions to the District/College in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, naming of buildings.”

The last board meeting held three weeks ago determined that the proposal “did not perform to the criteria” of the policy and would not be placed on the agenda, Governing Board Vice President Anthony Gordon said.

Yet, despite the refusal, the Classified Senate and College Council remain persistent.

“Absolutely, we’re going to keep trying,” co-Classified Senate Vice President John Christensen said.

“We feel that (Padilla) deserves recognition.”

Padilla, college evening and Saturday program monitor, was killed at the age of 51 on Aug. 28,

2008 in a head-on car collision.

Supported by college management, faculty, classified staff and students, the proposal recog“It’s fitting nizes Padilla’s to have “commitment, and the SSC integrity willingness to go (named beyond his job requirements,” after Pono said.

“It’s fitting Padilla) to have the SSC since he (named after since he exemplified him) exemplified stustudent dent services,” services” sheAsaid. lthough hired as a partMercy Pono, time employee, Classified Senate Padilla volunpresident teered an “untold number of hours without any expectations of being compensated,” Christensen said. “He gave more than 110 percent of his

Robbery | On Valencia Way ■ FROM: Page 1

suspects from the previous robberies, so the crimes are seen as related, Oliveira said.

SPPD officers arrested three suspects for robbery near Hilltop slightly over a week ago matching the descriptions of the robbers on campus, Oliveira said. Their connection with the cases on and around campus is not yet certain, he said.

President McKinley Williams said students need to pay close attention to what is around them. “(They should) walk in groups and not venture into isolated areas alone,” he said.

The victim, a 19-year-old male student, said in the report that he was walking by himself to the mall after class. He hopped the fence into the housing project to take a shortcut, where the

two suspects approached him and demanded his belongings.

One suspect appeared to have a dark-colored handgun, though the victim was unsure if it was real or a pellet gun. His backpack, cell phone and wallet were taken, but he was given his schoolbooks back after asking to keep them, Oliveira said.

“Students should comply with robbers so they don’t get hurt and leave the rest up to the police,” he said. “Your iPod or cell phone isn’t worth your life.”

Students are advised to conceal electronics, travel in groups and call for police escorts if need be.

They should dial ext. 4207 or call 510-236-2820 to request an escort, make a report or contact Police Services for any assistance.

Student Al John Jose said he was not aware another robbery

had occurred, but feels as if he is informed enough to avoid potential robberies or at least handle such a situation appropriately.

“I’ve lived in this area my entire life,” Jose said. “That kind of thing doesn’t really faze me.”

To reduce crime in or around the Bus Transfer Center, the college has closed the pedestrian gate to the housing complex and put up fencing to prevent easy escapes.

The fences might see some renovation, however, as they are easily climbable, Oliveira said.

The installation of a $7,500 surveillance system in the turnaround is planned but not possible at the time, due to the educational budget crisis, Oliveira said.

3

time and life to the college.”

Before countering the board response, the college plans to examine the complete text of the Donor Recognition policy to find out how to meet the criteria, Pono said.

“We want to take time to look at what we’re being told before making decisions as to what to do next,” Academic Senate President Richard Akers said.

Pono said that by researching the history of the district and its naming policy, there may be a loophole bringing the proposal to fruition. A list of plans will be presented at the next College Council meeting on Nov. 11 discussing future plans.

Although the renaming of the SSC is acknowledged as a deserved change, it belongs to the district, Dr. Akers said.

“There needs to be consideration beyond economic when considering naming a facility,” he said.

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

A closer look The 19-year-old victim had his cell phone, backpack and wallet stolen by two male suspects off campus on Valencia Way on Oct 8 at 11:30 a.m.

Contact Cody McFarland at cmcfarland.advocate@gmail. com.

INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Report

ASU | All vacant seats occupied

■ FROM: Page 1

ulty and students are also debated.

The information from each meeting is then relayed With a full board, more is to be accomplished, she said. The higher number of ASU representatives to each senator’s constituency group. Opinions are makes it easier for the organization to cover all areas gathered are reported back in further meetings.

Instead of five members, there of the campus, Bautista said. are now 20 that can provide input In addition to returning members of the ASU and newly elected “It’s really intense and share workload, Senator of NonResident and English as Second executives, many of the senators are also serving on the board for (having a full) ASU Language (ESL) Reza Rezvani said.

“It should be a good semester and the first time. Senator of Transfer, board.” year (for the ASU),” he said.

Concurrent Enrolled and Full-Time Although there is general content Students Pedro Araujo expressed Jennifer Ounjian, with a full ASU staff, there are some contentment with the different conStudent Life supervisor drawbacks. Vice President of Clubs stituency groups that are now being Henry Parker said that it is good havrepresented. ing a full board, but that it takes longer than usual to “There’s more variety (with the ASU),” he said.

Bautista said that having new members gives a go through procedures during board meetings.

Ounjian said, “It’s really intense (having a full fresh vibe for the ASU and for the senators themASU board.” selves.

Though all senator positions are occupied, Ounjian Ounjian said these new members were recruited by continuing ASU representatives and invites sent said that it did not necessarily mean that the ASU is fully functional. to people on the college’s dean’s list.

She said much can be accomplished with a full As each senator, new and returning, visits his or her constituency group, he or she reports the issues board, but that students still must be dedicated to found among students that are then discussed in their duties on staff. board meetings held weekly in the ASU chambers.

Contact Brent Bainto at bbainto.

Issues are presented and members brainstorm solutions. Additionally, new proposals affecting fac- advocate@gmail.com.

■ FROM: Page 1

peer groups based on similar characteristics that provide further comparisons.

Grouping is not figured by demographics or proximity to each other, Dr. Clow said, but elements that the colleges have no control over.

Examples include similarities in the amount of students receiving financial aid or the physical distance that the college is from a University of California or California State University campus.

CCC has generally maintained its peer group average in all areas except for both completion and improvement rates for credit basic skills courses.

“Compared to our peer group (colleges), we’re not too bad off, but we’d love to be above the average in all the categories,” Williams said.

As included in the college’s self-assessment, the student body at CCC is increasingly diverse, as indicated with the fact that 79 percent of the students are from ethnic minority groups, according to the report.

Also, a considerable portion of the student body speaks English as their second language.

Williams said because of this, the success rates for basic skills courses show a 3.3 percent decrease between the years of 2005-07 and 2007-08, which may be inaccurate.

Some students enter the college with the sole intention of gaining basic communication skills that will help them find employment, he said, but when these students do not return for a following semester, the college success rates decline.

Student Life Supervisor Jennifer Ounjian said the college has addressed ways to improve the success rates of students enrolled in basic skills or English as a second language (ESL) courses.

First-Year Experience (FYE) is a program catered toward new basic skills students.

Through access to a designated counselor and specialized workshops, such as tips to battle test anxiety, 93 percent of participating students showed higher completion rates in math and English than their peers last year.

In fall 2008, 173 FYE students met with counselor Joey Tobener over 297 total sessions. Not only did they receive advice in their academics, they received help in career planning, Tobener said.

The results show that if students get involved on campus, they will “linger and learn,” he said.

The program has experienced cuts as part of the economic crisis. This semester, the coordinator position has been eliminated, but the program will still thrive, Ounjian said.

One problem with the report, however, is that because the exact dates it is based on are unknown, numbers can changed, he said.

“It’s like a puzzle of continuous evaluation,” Clow said.

cuts are devastating. They hit at all levels,” Monterio said. “Making it more difficult for students to get classes makes it more difficult for them to graduate.”

With the CSU budget deficit falling to $584 billion this year and fee increases rising 32 percent in 2009, up 182 percent since 2002, students are finding it harder than ever to find the funds for their education, he said.

Monterio said that most of the financial aid now is in the form of loans.

“The more loans you take out, the fewer choices you have because your primary goal is to pay back the loans you took out, not to necessarily do the profession that you set out to do,” he said.

Not only have the fee increases made it more difficult for students to afford college, but San Francisco State will also not be accepting any applications for the spring 2010 semester.

San Francisco State student Honora Keller said that not allowing spring transfers in this year delays the access of any community college students from receiving a higher education.

Contact Holly Pablo advocate@gmail.com.

Contact Isaac Thomas at ithomas. advocate@gmail.com.

at

hpablo.

Rally | Cuts Health | Track ■ FROM: Page 1

■ FROM: Page 1

As soon as the ribbon was cut, each attendant was invited to walk one lap around the track to mark its official opening to the public.

“We waited so long to have a nice football and track stadium,” Athletic Director John Wade said.

The new face of the track, with its bright blue color, will grab the attention of onlookers expecting a standardlooking facility, he said.

The makeover of the football field will also garner more interest with its new material and color scheme, he said.

“The design is so untypical of what you see in the Bay Area,” Wade said. “It is a unique venue.”

Wade said that after visiting different football fields at various colleges in Southern California, he was inspired to change the material of the field from Astroturf to Sprinturf, which is composed of synthetic rubber. “(The track and field) is something else the people of Contra Costa College can feel good about,” he said.

In addition, the ceremony introduced the power walk and run course implemented throughout the campus.

Students interesting in taking advantage of the public path can enroll in PE-156, a one-unit physical conditioning class providing basic health and fitness concepts.

Wade said, parallel to the opening of the new stadium complex and campus exercise course, that Health Day recognized the importance of staying healthy despite going through harsh economic and social times.

“A lot of people turn to vices, when they should be (working on) health,” Wade said.

Transfer/Career Center Coordinator Robin Harrison said the event was important to her because of her dedication to staying fit.

“Everybody needs to be as healthy as we can,” Harrison said. “The longer (we) are here, the more important it is to stay fit.”

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

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009

Events push for wellness Fair, blood drive focus on health

By Alexandra Waite and Crystal Joy Bis STAFF WRITERS

Students gathered information on health awareness, career paths, violence solutions and child care during an event in the Student Dining Room on Oct. 14 promoting active lifestyles.

Hosted by the health and human services (HHS) department, the 22nd annual Wellness Fair and Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) Blood Drive brought information on local jobs, programs and steps to living well to Contra Costa College.

“Considering it’s been raining outside, we had a pretty decent turnout,” dental assisting department Chairwoman Sandra Everhart said. “The fair is good for the campus community, because they have programs to give students the opportunity to learn more about their health.”

The fair consisted of eight booths advocating the physical health of students and faculty,

promoting counseling for mental health and providing information about health-related professions and affordable child care. “(The event) was good, very educational,” student Ulysses Ilg said.

Booths run by the HHS, physical education and dental assisting departments offered information to students on how to stay healthy with crowd-pleasing visual aids and activities.

“The students who came were interested in learning, stayed for a long time and interacted,” physical education department Chairwoman Beth Goehring said. “I wanted to provide information about (sexually transmitted diseases), drug abuse, breast cancer and testicular cancer.”

Goehring ran the health and physical education booth, where students performed self-exams for breast and testicular cancer on lifelike simulation models.

She got her point across with models of diseased organs inflicted with STDs and drug abuse.

Ilg said he learned to avoid drugs or sharing needles “period” after seeing Goehring’s display.

The dental health booth headed

by Everhart and other dental assis-

CAMPUS BEAT

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Sucking it up — Student Cari Tam gives blood, as her friend Jeffery Taulbee shows support at the blood drive in the Recreation Room Wednesday. The event, along with the Wellness Fair held in the Student Dining Room, was put together as a collective effort to promote health. tants engaged students with several games to win prizes such as toothbrushes and sugarless gum.

“We have these activities to generate more interest about dental health,” Everhart said.

While booths enticed students, BCP workers were in the Recreation Room extracting more than 20 pints of blood from students and staff, said Paula Butterfield, a BCP recruiter who helped set up the event.

Thirty-eight people showed

interest in giving blood and 23 were capable of donating it, she said. Between 16-22 donors ended up giving blood.

The process began with an inquiry of the height and weight of potential donors. If requirements were not met, they were automatically turned away.

Potential donors with new piercings or tattoos, or who had recently traveled to a malaria-ridden country, must wait between 6-12 months before being eligible

to donate blood. People with less than 38 percent iron levels in their blood also cannot donate.

Because of the eliminating factors, on the average only 17 out of 28 people who register are actually able to donate, Butterfield said.

The most blood any one person should donate in any given 56 days is one pint of blood, which is equal to 500 milliliters.

Contact writers at letters. advocate@gmail.com

Speech team nabs Sweepstakes silver Crop of experienced, new competitors see growth at invitational

College.

Contra Costa College speech professor Rachel Dwiggins-Beeler said preparations for the competition began at the beginning of the semester. The team’s prime focuses have been parliamentary debate, impromptu and interpretation, as well as preparing students for extemporaneous speeches.

By Diana Reyes OPINION EDITOR She said that despite being a little shy, after two months of training, the team has an Placing second in the Sweepstakes com- appreciable number of strong competitors. petition, the Speech and Debate team outper“We have won a lot of awards so far formed many other colleges at the 41st Santa (as of this competition),” Dwiggins-Beeler Rosa Junior College Invitational Oct. 9-11. said. “Our team is looking really strong this For its first formal competition of the year.” year, the group competed against other colAlongside returning competitors, tournaleges and universities, including sister col- ment participants also included new stulege Diablo Valley College, Saint Mary’s dents. Dwiggins-Beeler said students get to University, Cal State-Chico, Santa Rosa compete with others at their level of experJunior College, UC Davis and Chabot tise and level of comfort.

“There is another competition scheduled for the fall semester, and three expected for the spring, depending on where the students are at,” she said. “Most importantly, it depends on our budget.”

Parliamentarian for the ASU Adam Austin is a returning student in the Speech and Debate team.

“I’ve been competing for two years,” Austin said. “I had a year break, and I’m a little rusty.”

Despite his yearlong absence, Austin placed as a finalist in Open Persuasion by presenting a speech on the human papillomavirus (HPV).

He said the Open Persuasion process involves several preliminary rounds where students compete against other colleges.

Austin said that although he was only able to receive a finalist award, it was still pleasing

to win.

“Next time I am going to work extra hard and take home the gold,” he said.

Director of forensics and team coach Julie Labrincha said it was a really great experience, because it gives students the edge they need to transfer to four-year colleges. It grants them the opportunity to meet new people and create connections with people from other schools.

“This is the best team we’ve had in a couple of years,” Labrincha said. “ We’re really excited for the future.”

CCC peace and conflict studies major Mahak Hassan, who took the gold in Dramatic Interpretations, said the event was fun.

Contact Diana Reyes advocate@gmail.com.

Youth conference combats violence

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

RICHMOND — When former gang member Gonzolo Rucobo was growing up in Richmond, he never imagined himself standing on stage explaining the vitality of violence prevention.

Years later, however, his voice and the voices of others have worked to combat the crime affecting those within the community.

Hosted by the Southeast Asian Young Leaders (SEAYL), Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE) and other local organizations, the sixth annual Youth Stopping Violence Summit was held Saturday in the Richmond Auditorium to address the power of the young community put-

ting a stop to crime.

Featuring a series of workshops, speakers and performances held throughout the day and ending with a candlelight vigil, the event promoted the importance of the youth movement toward establishing a change.

“Stand up for all the difficult times,” Mayor of Richmond Gayle McLaughlin said in a speech. “(We’re suffering) environmental issues and social and economic crises. How will your generation relate to all of this?

“Your generation is essential in doing the fight,” she said.

Though dedicated to educating the public, the day also paid tribute to those lost to violence.

The first Youth Stopping Violence Summit was held after Middle College High School and Contra Costa College student Chan

Boonkeut was murdered in her home due to gang violence in 2003.

In addition, a moment of silence honored SEAYL member Alan Lee, who was killed in an October shooting during a drug deal. “(Violence) is something the youth has to address,” SEAYL Program Coordinator John Abella said. “(We need) to educate the community about the real issues.”

Tables were set up promoting a series of organizations and programs dedicated to saving members of the community from violence.

Groups such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Asian Law Caucus, Youthworks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Council, Rubicon Programs Inc., Bay Area Peacekeepers, Anakbayan East Bay and others were organized to educate attendants.

“(This event) is important because it sends a united message that not only does the youth care about violence, but they care to do something about it,” said Eva Gernier, Rubicon Programs Inc. program coordinator.

An assortment of workshops taught different groups about anger management, self-respect, healthy living, drugs and alcohol, ethnic studies, dating violence and other aspects of aggression leading to criminal activity.

“The main thing about the (Youth Stopping Violence Summit) is (attendants) come here to take something out of the workshops here,” Anakbayan East Bay member Greg Ollano said.

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

at

dreyes.

The Five Ws Who: Southeast Asian Young Leaders (SEAYL).

Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE) and other local organizations What: The sixth annual Youth Stopping Violence Summit Where: Richmond Auditorium When: Saturday Why: To address the power of the youth to stop crime

Contest highlights abilities Basketball game draws attention to local program

By George Morin STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Tight D — Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program (BORP) player Marc Geritz defends baseball coach Marvin Webb on the in-bound pass during the wheelchair basketball game held Friday in the Gymnasium. Contra Costa College lost to BORP, 113-109.

The Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program (BORP) prevailed once again against Contra Costa College students, faculty and staff in the Disabled Students Programs and Services’ (DSPS) wheelchair basketball game in the Gymnasium Friday.

BORP, DSPS, the CCC Foundation and the athletic department co-sponsored the event. The game is hosted every October to bring awareness to the community and college about people living with disabilities during Disabled Awareness Month.

“We’re doing this to show that people with disabilities are capa-

ble of so much,” DSPS Manager Yasuko Abe said.

Close to 100 people attended or played at the wheelchair basketball match, which ended with BORP snagging a 113-109 win.

CCC was given 50 points at the start of the game and the start of the second half.

“The game was a lot closer this year. Our team was able to hold back their offense much better,” Police Services Officer Tim Thomas said.

The wheelchair basketball game was the second exhibition match between BORP and CCC staff, faculty and students.

Everyone participating in the event was in wheelchairs for the game.

“It was possible for teams to have some people both in and out of wheelchairs, but it wouldn’t be all that safe,” BORP member Marcus Oden said.

This is just one of the many events and programs that DSPS is planning.

“We have created a film series, (the sale of) novelty crafts and the wheelchair game to help raise money to open up our computer services room,” learning disabilities specialist Peggy Fleming said.

BORP was started in 1975 by UC Berkeley students who wanted a program for people with disabilities. The program provides sports and other recreational programs for the disabled.

“We’re glad that we all can come together and bring events like this to life,” BORP Executive Director Kaia Burkett. “It’s a lot easier to bring awareness when you have people with you.”

Abe has worked with Burkett to create annual exhibition games between CCC and BORP as a way to introduce BORP to the college community and bring awareness to its programs.

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

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

5

Breast cancer awareness inspires “When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.”

— Maya Angelou, poet

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

Keeping informed and taking action are key factors toward establishing and maintaining overall good health. One of the many aspects of having a healthy body includes the importance of establishing and maintaining breast health.

To continue to educate and promote good breast health, the National Breast Care Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization shares information on the disease of breast cancer and provides significant access to screening services — with the help of government agencies, professional medical associations and public service organizations.

Along with the label of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for October, this year marks NBCAM’s 25th anniversary of bringing awareness, and educating and empowering the public about the disease.

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast. It differs by individual, age group and with even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves, affecting more women in the United States than any other type of cancer.

Approximately 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and more than 40,000 will die from it, according to www.nationalbreastcancer.org. As well, roughly 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year, according to the same Web site.

Much has been accomplished to date in breast cancer research, and the NBCAM continues to remain dedicated in its charge toward empowering individuals to be sole sufficient toward their own breast health.

Receiving the diagnosis that one has breast cancer does not necessarily mean the end of a life. Of the many survivors that have discovered this truth is one professor that is a Contra Costa College jewel.

English professor Barbara McClain is a 20-year survivor of breast cancer, and said she is really blessed.

“I do not dwell on the fact that I had breast

ADAM OLIVER / THE ADVOCATE

Symbol of hope — English professor Barbara McClain, a breast cancer survivor, teaches students in her English 1A class in LA-104 Monday with a smile.

McClain serves as a reminder of how one can overcome the disease. cancer, and I’m happy as a survivor that I can go on with my life,” McClain said.

She remains grateful and thankful to a persistent gynecologist, who at the time of her examination became concerned about the feel of an unusual swollen lymph node in her breast through a routine examination.

all came back negative; there was no detection of cancer,” McClain said. “Only was it after the results of the fine needle did the confirmation come back showing cancer cells.”

A mastectomy was performed the next day after the confirmation came in. The whereabouts of the lump were unknown previous to the surgery but discovered through pathology findings post-surgery.

“I am thankful to have another year and continue to celebrate life,” McClain said.

She now freely lends her time to speak to those in need of support when necessary.

Although resources are available and breast cancer awareness happens throughout the year, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a wide aspect of activities occur around the world, including sponsorship by major celebrities to raise funds for breast cancer research, campaigns for early detection and mammograms for those unable to afford them, charitable benefit events, different aspects of educating the public and a special time to recognize survivors.

On a national basis, celebrities, various partners and the NBCAM, support the cause through the recording of public address messages and service announcements.

McClain says that there is life after breast cancer, and although not everyone is as fortunate as she is, she tells her story to help other families. Although she encourages mammograms, McClain stresses annual physical examinations for young adults, as well as the older ones.

“I was detected with breast cancer through my annual routine, physical examination.

(Mammograms) sometimes do not catch all cancers,” she said.

Establishing good breast health means taking proactive measures, individually and through one’s medical provider.

With that, the National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends four key preventive measures that everyone can take, including: risk factors (recognizing personal and family history); signs and symptoms; early detection (beginning the plan for oneself, beginning at the age of 20); and self-examination.

“It is really important for us to know we have a role to play in our health,” McClain said.

A fine needle aspiration (FNA), which is a biopsy of a lump using only a thin, small needle, was performed and confirmed the gynecologist’s suspicions one week later.

“After meeting with my gynecologist and having the fine needle, I had a mammogram, Contact Cassandra Juniel at cjuniel. chest X-ray, blood tests and a bone scan that advocate@gmail.com.

Program honors 40 years of service

By Adam Oliver STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Celebrating its 40th year of service to California community college students this month, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) continues to serve and assist students, even in the face of a near 40 percent state budget cut.

Born out of the Civil Rights Movement, EOPS was established by the state Legislature on Sept. 4, 1969 to enable students affected by language, social and economic handicaps to achieve their educational goals and continues to

do so today, EOPS specialist Delores Daniels said.

To honor the 40th anniversary of EOPS, California Sen. Denise Ducheny authored a bill that was amended in September to make October EOPS awareness month, EOPS Coordinator Barbara Kwoka said.

EOPS provides books, bus passes, gas cards and counseling services for low-income individuals and students of low-income families throughout all 110 California community colleges.

Unfortunately, the program has had to downsize its services in order to make due with the current $64.4 million statewide allotment, Kwoka said.

“We hate to be limited, we see the need,” EOPS/CARE Outreach Coordinator Kenneth Reynolds said.

While the federal government is stressing the importance of education and increasing the amount of financial aid, California community colleges are losing funding for a vital asset that serves many students, Reynolds said.

EOPS Club President Dezell McCray Jr. said, “It’s like having a guiding hand out there. When you stray away, they’ll pull you back in.”

Reynolds, who was once an EOPS student, said the program changes lives.

“We add that extra little support that makes the difference,” he said.

The program has existed at CCC since its creation in 1969, when EOPS statewide served only 13,000 students with around $2.8 million, Daniels said.

Now the program must work through the unprecedented 39.8 percent decrease while attempting to cater to the growing need, Kwoka said.

Yet, EOPS remains confident that it will weather the storm and eventually get back the funding needed to adequately support the program, Kwoka said.

“We’ve been here for 40 years, and we’ll be around for another 40,” he said.

Reynolds

A former EOPS student himself, Reynolds helps the program provide financial and other aid to Contact Adam Oliver at aoliver. those in advocate@gmail.com. need.

Ponce leads with personality, dedication

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Though Fe Ponce is pursuing a career in the culinary arts, her mindset is fitting for that of a philosopher.

The 42-year-old culinary arts student has always been the type to live without limits. When recounting how she balances school, work, family, friends and personal time, Ponce said she remembers her simple life philosophy to get her through the day.

“How can I make everything better, not just for myself, but for everyone? It’s just the idealist in me that wants to see a better world,” Ponce said. “We’re all connected with each other, through the planets and the universe.”

Her positive attitude serves her well, as she is one of the main student voices of the culinary arts department. Not only is she the lead student coordinator in the upcoming Food and Wine Event on April 18, she tutors her peers and sits in as a student representative during weekly department meetings.

“She makes sure that the students have a voice in things,” culinary arts professor James Fink said. “Also, a very mellow person is really a plus in the kitchen.”

Ponce was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States with her parents and three older siblings when she was 13 years old.

After living in San Francisco for eight years, she moved to the East Bay. The Oakland resident speaks Tagalog, another Filipino dialect called Kapampangan, English and

growth for me in the last 10 has studied French and Italian.

Currently in her second semes- months,” Ponce said. “The support ter in the culinary arts program, I have from the staff is overwhelmPonce is pursuing her third career ing.” endeavor. But instead of defining Culinary arts department her goals to managing a restaurant, Chairman Nader Sharkes said that she said that she is keeping an open by using her organizational and mind and embracing the learning managerial skills gained through opportunities that come her way. previous employments, Ponce is “It’s going to happen in its own able to lead her classmates in a time. I’m not focusing on how to professional manner. make money,” Ponce said. “Just Along with approximately 25 of how to make food taste great.” her peers, Ponce is soliciting particPonce worked as a middle ipation from restaurants, wineries and breweries manager for a for the Food and nonprofit organization for 10 “She’s always on top Wine Event. years, specializTheir goal, ing in child care of her game, and she’s Ponce said, is a for low-income always there to help.” combination of families.

40 vendors.

During her She serves as Anthony Castillo, employment, she an oasis, Fink culinary arts student managed a $5 said, because Ponce remains million contract, ensuring that the funds were being calm and relaxed even though spent toward those purposes. kitchens can be hectic environAfter gaining experience in ments.

Ponce said she tries to live her social work, she gained her certification in massage therapy. For life honorably. She loves to read, the past five years, Ponce has travel, spend time with her 9-yearbeen working as a massage thera- old niece and cook for her friends pist at the St. Regis Hotel in San during her spare time.

Francisco.

Currently, Ponce focuses her Though the work is fulfilling, time on helping her classmates and Ponce realized that she could not learning all that she can through her practice massage therapy forever, experiences at the Three Seasons especially since the nature of the Restaurant. business was too superficial for Recently, she began tutoring her classmates who are enrolled in the her taste.

After a one-year search for culi- Food Safety Training class. Ponce nary arts programs, Ponce decided also is tutoring her peers who are on Contra Costa College, based enrolled in the Food Service and on the fact that the department Applied Math for Food Service focuses on basic French cooking classes. In these classes, students techniques. learn how to cost out recipes and “It’s really brought so much how to decrease or increase the size

ADAM OLIVER / THE ADVOCATE

Setting an example — Culinary arts student Fe Ponce helps her peers set up the Three Seasons Restaurant Oct. 14. The 42-year-old is a stable role model within the program. of a recipe.

“It’s one of the harder parts of the program,” Fink said. “She is very involved. She does set an example and is a very good role model.”

Every three weeks, the Three Seasons Restaurant is broken into six teams of four to five students.

The groups are assigned different tasks each week.

Anthony Castillo, who worked as Ponce’s teammate for the week

of Oct. 12, said that although it was his first experience working with her, he can see that Ponce is the glue that holds her group together.

“I like working with her. She’s on top of her game, and she’s always there to help,” Castillo said.

Sharkes said that with her great personality, dedication and professionalism, Ponce will go far.

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

6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” (PG-13) “Astro Boy” (PG) “Saw VI” (R) “Amelia” (PG)

DVDs

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009

SCENE

LIFE AMONG THE WILD THINGS Classic story understands pain, bliss of childhood

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR

When you’re young, everything breaks your heart — even happiness.

The world and all the sensations it offers, from jawbreakers to parental discipline, is so majestically fresh through a child’s perception that trifles birth campaigns faster than parents can remind themselves that the issue is rarely the issue.

At some point along “Where the Wild Things Are,” amidst a showcase of monsters dealing with adult problems like children, the viewer begins to wonder: “Wait a second, how did we get here?”

But the answer is irrelevant. It involves a destroyed igloo, sibling conflict, empty stomach and who knows what else.

Essentially, something didn’t go his way, and Max, the young boy at the center of the story,

New releases: “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (PG-13) “Cheri” (R) “Love ‘N Dancing” (R) “The L Word: Final Season” (NR)

CDs

reacted as if there was a collective effort to deprive him of attention.

Like most children, boys especially, he appears to be physically indestructible.

During one of the film’s many racing scenes of blissfully aimless action, a universal staple of youth, a playful dirt clod fight breaks out. A clump barely misses slamming into Max’s head, but he just laughs and runs along, without care to the fact that the clod was larger than his head, thrown by a 10-foot tall beast with little self-control and responsible for near decapitation.

Director Spike Jonze moviereview wisely juxtaposes this near-invulnerability with spectacles of emotional fragility.

Another requisite of “Where the Wild adolescence, feelings Things Are” carry so much weight that ★★★★★ Starring: James children express much of Gandolfini, Max their creativity through Records the coping with these Directed by: Spike Jonze emotions.

Where: The camera portrays Everywhere and magnifies this state Genre: Adventure by following Max on his level. When on screen, he rarely takes up less than half of the shot, manifesting the spongelike status of youth. Max cannot help but be affected by everything that happens, and his commanding screen presence makes sure of it.

His unfailingly permeable heart drives Max’s retreat to an island free of humans.

He quickly learns, how-

New releases: Julian Casablancas: “Phrazes for the Young” Flight of the Conchords: “I Told You I Was Freaky”

ever, that such a place is not free of the problems they face.

The Wild Things, originally devoid of personality or independent thought in the book from which the film is based, struggle with all the complications of human life: expectations, relationships, self-awareness.

Through the type of grandiose lies about one’s importance only told by the shameless and only believed by the gullible, Max instantaneously becomes king of the Wild Things and is granted what every child desires in the face of authority — eminent power.

He quickly learns just what that entails.

Each of the Wild Things suffers from emotions Max ran away from in the first place.

Only now they look to him for the solutions.

Although this can sometimes create awkward situations to watch, it provides invaluable experience for the main character.

One of monsters asks early on, “Will you keep out the sadness?”

Max confirms with outward confidence, but the only ones who buy it are the Wild Things. He knows, just as the viewer knows, that considering he avoided confrontation at home, Max is likely to take the easier route in this foreign land as well.

Here, his frustration outlets only make problems worse, when the dirt clod fight leaves one injured and all distant. His lies, upon exposure, only foster more hopelessness. His public displays of internal struggle go relatively unnoticed, as there are no superiors to console him, which causes his selfdoubt to be further contagious.

After he sees his efforts bearing only rotten fruit, Max asks, essentially to himself, “How does the king make his subjects feel better?”

It is in the moment that he realizes not the answer to this question, but why he asks it, that the viewer can begin to sympathize with the young boy and accept his evolution.

Max leaves the island with many issues still unresolved. Yet, his experiences and shift in perspective have imbued him with the ability to finally begin to address them.

His quest’s purpose, signified by soundtrack centerpiece “Hideaway,” is to realize this. Complementing such a goal is Jonze’s move to shoot much of the film during twilight, as if the main character is always on the verge of change.

Upon returning home, in one of the film’s final scenes, Max’s mother removes the hood of her son’s iconic footie pajamas to reveal the person inside.

He is not a Wild Thing.

What is underneath the shield of childhood fantasy is a boy slowly coping with being alive.

Max, like all children, exists as the form of human that is constantly being told, but has yet to fully believe, that all of this is somehow normal.

Contact Alec Surmani at asurmani. advocate@gmail.com.

Atlas Sound: “Logos” Sufjan Stevens: “The BQE” The Roots: “How I Got Over” Cartel: “Cycles”

Games

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

New releases: “WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010” (PS3/ XBOX360/ WII – T) “Grand Theft Auto: China Wars” (PSP – M) “FIFA Soccer 10” (PS3/ XBOX360/ WII – E) “Borderlands” (PS3/ XBOX360 – M) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

‘Macbeth’ tragedy awaits premiere Shakespeare goes post-apocalypse

By Chad Garcia STAFF WRITER

In a dimly lit theater room, Clay David directs a group of actors, preparing them to revive and reinterpret a Shakespeare tragedy.

Not too long ago, the production had just three costumes and several pieces of concept art pinned onto a corkboard.

Now the costumes are finished, and the actors are rehearsing their lines with excitement.

The drama department’s showing of “Macbeth” will soon be ready for its Oct. 29-31 showings at 8 p.m. in the Knox Center. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $15 for the general public.

David, department chairman and director, said the production is being created in less time than any previous

play in the college’s history.

The normal time for a production to go from concept to finished product usually takes eight weeks, he said.

“Macbeth” will be completed in threeand-a-half weeks.

Because of this, David said the turnout for the event will be dependent on faculty and college support.

The Three Seasons Restaurant will host a gala, featuring a three-course meal that begins at 6 p.m. before the play on opening night, Oct. 29.

Those who make reservations will be the first seated. Tickets are $30.

A total of 50 actors, not including stagehands, are hurriedly studying their dialogues, some also learning to wield weaponry, David said.

“I’m something like a football coach.

I hype up the actors right before they go on the ‘field,’” he said.

Gasper Brenal, a student and actor in the play, said the director’s methods are very effective.

Considering David has to “physically teach” his students memorization of dialogue, delivery of dialogue and

movement on stage, it is impressive that so much has been accomplished in such little time, Brenal said.

Along with the play being set in the far post-apocalyptic future of 2024, David said there will be many “gender switches,” meaning characters originally meant to be played by males are instead played by females and vice versa.

“In the original Shakespeare play, it was illegal for women to be in them.

So I thought it might be interesting to switch around a few of the roles,” he said.

The play’s standard running time is generally around three hours. David, however, has compressed it to 75 minutes.

Theater staging specialist John R. Morocco will be responsible for the lighting and multimedia elements of the department’s interpretation of “Macbeth,” such as sound effects, music and visual effects.

“For the first time ever, the play will be implementing the use of high-powered projection machines,” Morocco

said.

This will allow for seamless background changes and also serve well as a visual narrative to go along with dialogue, he said.

Additionally, Morocco said the department has accomplished this while simultaneously using fewer resources than previous productions due to budget cuts.

“Because of the budget cuts, we’ve been forced to cut play productions,” Morocco said. “This semester, only two plays will be held, as opposed to last semester having five.”

He said that although they usually recycle a lot of their backdrops and props, this year even if they wanted more, only paint could have been afforded.

For more information about the play or upcoming productions, contact the drama department at 510-235-7800, ext. 4363.

Contact Chad Garcia at cgarcia. advocate@gmail.com.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

Team settles Storm in win

7

Orellana’s three goals keep hopes for playoffs alive

the Storm goal three minutes later, when Orellana chipped the ball over the Napa Valley goalkeeper.

Comet coach Rudy Zeller said his team’s perseverance helped it to return from the deficit.

Contra Costa College’s next conference game is against College

By Dariush Azmoudeh of Marin (1-5-2 overall, 1-1-0 in SPORTS EDITOR the BVC) on Friday at home at 4 Three goals in the second half p.m.

Zeller said the team has been gave the Comets the edge over Napa Valley College in a 4-2 come- rusty due to the fact that they last played a game on Oct. 6 at College back victory at home on Friday. of Marin, due Being down one goal a to a bye and few times in the game to the ScoreBoard a rained out Storm (0-6-2 overall, 0-3-0 in game. the Bay Valley Conference), Storm 2 Because the men’s soccer team (6-4-4 Comets 4 of the Storm overall, 3-1-2 in the BVC) playing the found a way to come back Next game: offside trap, with a goal by midfielder Friday vs. Marin, Orellana was Chris Garcia and three by 4 p.m. ruled offside forward Diego Orellana. four times.

The Storm opened up “It frusthe game in the 14th minute, when forward Luis Garcia trated me a lot,” Orellana said. knocked the ball into the goal on “Rudy gave me good advice, and it the rebound. The Comets, howev- paid off a lot. I was caught offside er, were able to quickly respond to only one time in the second half.”

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Determined — Comet forward Carlos Vargas (second from left) fights his way past Storm defenders Dionicio Arechiga (left) and Alberto Alverado during the second half of Friday’s game at home. The Comets came back after being down in the second half to win 4-2.

Beginning the second half tied 1-1, Napa Valley took the lead again four minutes into the half on a free kick. The Storm goal was not enough to keep the Comets down, because just two minutes later, Chris Garcia tied it up for CCC. “(I was) focusing on what we

practiced and it put us back in (the game),” Chris Garcia said.

The Comets were able to turn the game around with another two goals by Orellana giving CCC the victory.

Orellana’s three goals in the game marks the second time the forward recorded a hat trick this

season.

“In the second half, we were able to beat (the offside trap), and it opened up the game for us,” Zeller said.

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

Comets bulldozed by 49ers in landslide

Recovering women’s soccer program still looking for first win

By Malcolm Lastra STAFF WRITER

With few opportunities on the offensive end of the field and a lack of competitiveness, the women’s soccer team again failed to win its first game of the season Friday, losing to Yuba College 9-0 at home.

The Comets (0-7-0 overall, 0-3-0 in the Bay Valley Conference) were unsuccessful in their quest to simply compete against the 49ers (6-5-2 overall, 3-2-0 in the BVC), as they allowed nine unanswered goals.

“Our approach (to the game) wasn’t good enough,” coach Nikki Ferguson said. “We can’t compete with (only) two or three players actually being excited with the game.”

Look of defeat— Coach Azure’D Nunley displays her frustration toward middle hitter LaShara Johnson in a time out during a game against Laney at home on Oct. 14 in the Gymnasium. The Comets lost the match in four sets 23-25, 2513, 29-27, 25-17.

Fatigue and aggravation caught up to the The Comets received a scare in the 30th Comets’ defense, as they moved sluggishly minute of the first half when forward Jessica and reacted slowly to the ball, allowing Miller was forced to sit the remainder of Yuba to keep it on their offenthe first half due to a knee sive side scoring five goals in injury after colliding with a ScoreBoard the first half. Three of them Yuba defender.

“Jessica is a tough kid,” were made by forward Liana 49ers 9 Knight.

Ferguson said. “It’s going to Comets 0 “I felt frustrated because the take a lot to get her out of the opponents had a lot of opporgame.”

Next game: tunities (on the offensive side The remainder of the game was no different than the first of the ball),” Comet defender Thursday vs.

Elissa Medina said. “It’s hard half, as the Comets continued Marin, 3:30 p.m. to stay focused when nothing their lack of effort on both sides is working.” of the ball, with players displayThe team looks to bounce back against ing no will to fight back.

During the 68th minute of the half, Comet the College of Marin (0-5-0 overall, 0-3-0 in the BVC) Thursday after the Comets’ previ- goalkeeper Marianna Aguilera decided to sit ous game was canceled due to the weather out the remainder of the game after runconditions. ning into 49er midfielder Lexy Kidd while “(Going into the next game), we have to attempting a block for what would be a look at the other team, see what they do well converted goal.

As a result to losing Aguilera, Ferguson and try to combat them and their strategy,” Ferguson said. was forced to put Miller at the goalie posi-

Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra. advocate@gmail.com.

Squad blows early advantage

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

SportShort CCC crushed in 41-14 loss, quarterback’s knee injured The football team proved to be defenseless in a 4114 loss to the College of the Redwoods Saturday in Eureka.

The Comets allowed 458 yards of total offense, 426 of which came on the ground.

Contra Costa College (16 overall, 0-1 in the Bay Valley Conference) looks to get its second win of the season against Yuba College Saturday in Maryville.

With the Comets giving up so much yardage on defense and allowing big plays due to poor tackling, there was no way they could stay in the game, coach Dave Johnson said.

The Comets only managed 182 yards of total offense and turned the ball over on two fumbles.

In the second quarter,

tion.

“When I started playing soccer, I played goalie so it wasn’t a big deal (to play as goalkeeper),” Miller said.

Miller was able to block four of Yuba’s attempted goals. She allowed two goals from Knight, however, giving the 49er forward a total of five in the game, and another goal by Christine Baggio. “(Miller) is an athlete,” Ferguson said.

“However, despite who was playing at the goalie position, some of those goals were going to be made.”

CCC played their worst game all season, as they were able to hold all previous opponents to under six goals.

“I’m a bit disappointed in how we played,” Ferguson said. “This is the first time we actually took a beating, and the first game where we weren’t competitive.”

the game shifted, as starting quarterback Don Miguel Tutass went down with a severe knee injury. He would not return.

His status is currently undetermined.

The Comets were led on the ground by Tyrell Smallwood who gained 106 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns on runs of 69 and 8 yards. That was the only thing that went right for the offense, as it managed only 13 yards of total passing.

“Nobody played well, not the offense or the defense,” Johnson said. “Everybody played badly. The first quarter we played good, but after that everything went all downhill.”

— Anthony Farr

Intensity was not enough for the volleyball team on Oct. 14, as they fell in four sets to Laney College at home.

The Comets (1-8 overall, 1-7 in the Bay Valley Conference) began the game by playing strong in the first set and winning 25-23. The Eagles (2-10 overall, 1-7 in the BVC) fought back, however, and won the remaining sets 25-13, 29-27, and 25-17.

In the opening set, the Comets’ communication was a key factor to their good run.

“We did good,” freshman blocker Efaraima Danao said. “We hustled in the first set and communicated well.”

Contra Costa College’s next game is at home against Los Medanos College (5-3 overall, 4-1 in the BVC) Friday at 6 p.m.

“We started off strong. It felt like everyone was having fun on the court,”

Box scores Women’s soccer (Oct. 16) Yuba, Contra Costa Yuba 5 Contra Costa 0

4—9 0—0

First half 1, Yuba, Knight 20, 2nd minute.

2, Yuba, Rios 14, 26th minute.

3, Yuba, Knight 20 (Kidd), 30th minute.

4, Yuba, Knight 20, 36th minute.

5, Yuba, Baggio 9, 45th minute.

Second half 6, Yuba, Kidd 22, 57th minute.

7, Yuba, Knight 20, 83rd minute.

8, Yuba, Baggio 9, 88th minute.

9, Yuba, Knight 20, 89th minute.

Individual statistics Goals — Yuba — Knight 5, Baggio 2, Rios, Kidd. — CCC — none.

Assists — Yuba — Kidd. — CCC — none Shots on goal — Yuba — 19. — CCC — 1.

Saves — Yuba — Paraita 1. — CCC — Aguilera 6, Miller 4.

Record — Yuba — 6-5-2 overall, 3-2-0 in BVC. — CCC — 0-7-0 overall, 0-3-0 in BVC.

Men’s soccer (Oct. 16) Napa Valley, Contra Costa Napa Valley 1 Contra Costa 1

1—2 3—4

First half 1, NVC, L.Garcia 17 (Palayo), 14th minute.

1, CCC, Orellana 7 (Delgado), 17th minute.

sophomore middle hitter Emily Hansen the set 29-27.

“They fought hard, played with said. “In the second set, we went out of intensity,” Nunley said. “(But) when a rotation, got frustrated and lost it.”

Things looked good for the Comets, game is that close, there’s no room for beginning the second set by scoring mistakes.”

In the fourth set, the Eagles dug four straight points and eventually obtaining a 7-1 lead, but the Eagles the Comets in a hole that they were not able to get out of by opening made a comeback. the set with eight straight Laney went on a 15-3 uncontested points. Those run to win the set by a points went on to be costly score of 25-13.

ScoreBoard because the Eagles would “Laney came with Eagles def. win the set by eight. intensity,” coach Azure’D “At the end, it was Nunley said. “We surComets 23-25, communication,” Danao prised them in the first 25-13, 29-27, said. “In the last (set), we (set), o they came harder 25-17 just got quiet. Every pass in the second.” we had, we blew off.”

Trailing in the third set Next game: Despite the loss, 24-22, the Comets came Friday vs. LMC, Hansen said she thinks up with two points to tie 6 p.m. the team did not give up, the set at 24 and send it but rather the other team into a deuce. caught up.

Both teams rallied back and forth but unfortunately for Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at the Comets, the Eagles scored twice in a row to get the game point and win dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.

Second half 2, NVC, Ramirez 30 (Palayo), 49th minute.

2, CCC, C.Garcia 9, 51st minute.

3, CCC, Orellana 7 (C.Vargas), 62nd minute.

4, CCC, Orellana 7 (Abonce), 78th minute.

Yellow cards CCC, Diego Orellana, 16th minute.

NVC, Julio Palayo, 64th minute.

NVC, Cezar Arriola, 71st minute.

CCC, Alfonso Martinez, 81st minute.

Individual statistics Goals — NVC — L.Garcia, Ramirez.

— CCC — Orellana 3, C.Garcia.

Assists — NVC — Palayo 2. — CCC — Delgado, C.Vargas, Abonce.

Shots on goal — NVC — 4. — CCC — 7.

Saves — NVC — Huijon 3. — CCC — Perez 2.

Record — NVC — 0-6-2 overall, 0-3-0 in BVC. — CCC — 6-4-4 overall, 3-1-2 in BVC.

Schedule Football at Yuba, Saturday 1 p.m. vs. Shasta, Oct. 31 2 p.m.

Men’s soccer vs. Marin, Friday 4 p.m. vs. Santa Rosa, Tuesday 4 p.m.

Volleyball vs. Los Medanos, Friday 6 p.m. at Napa Valley, Oct. 28 6 p.m.

Women’s soccer vs. Marin, Thursday 3:30 p.m. at Solano, Friday 3:30 p.m. at Mendocino, Tuesday 3:30 p.m.

Game of the Week Men’s soccer Contra Costa College VS.

College of Marin When: Friday, 4 p.m.

Where: Soccer field Records: CCC 6-4-4 overall, 3-1-2 in the BVC. Marin 1-5-2 overall, 1-1-0 in the BVC. Background: In the first meeting of these two teams this season, the Mariners got the best of the Comets by taking the advantage of two penalty kicks in the second half to get the 2-1 victory. The game was the Mariners’ first win of the season, and the Comets are looking to proving it was a fluke. Comet forward Diego Orellana has scored at least one goal in each of the previous five games and looks to extend his scoring streak.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT 21, 2009

FOCUS A better view —Fans find spots to sit or stand in the back of the crowd to get a clear view of indie band Grizzly Bear at the Treasure Island Music Festival Sunday.

The band was a crowd favorite, judging from the cheering its members received after playing hits off its latest album “Veckatimest.”

MUSIC ON THE ISLAND T

Story and photos by Erik Verduzco

he second annual Treasure Island Music Festival featured nationally recognized talent across its two stages, drawing large crowds throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Among the many indie bands featured in the lineup were acts such as Grizzly Bear, MSTRKRFT, MGMT and The Decemberists.

Despite Sunday’s cold weather, the atmosphere remained vivacious as the weather became pleasant into the night.

The festival began at noon with a set by Sleepy Sun and concluded at 10:30 p.m. with a headlining performance by The Flaming Lips.

The excitement from the crowd was notable when Brooklyn-based indie rock band Grizzly Bear performed its leadoff single,

“Two Weeks,” from its latest album.

As the sun set, the colorful scene of the vibrant lights illuminated the island.

Alongside the live bands, the public was encouraged to visit a carnival-like area, which featured live art, games, contests, sideshow performances and a Ferris wheel for those who wanted to share a moment with their significant other or experience a bird’s eye view of Treasure Island, San Francisco and other surroundings.

The experience was captivating.

Not often do Bay Area residents get to watch their favorite bands play bayside without missing out on the scenic view of San Francisco.

Contact Erik Verduzco at everduzco. advocate@gmail.com.

Having a good time — (Above) Colin Meloy of The Decemberists belts out songs from the group’s latest album, during Sunday’s festivities. (Below) Festival attendees take a break from the live music to walk around and visit the various activities that were set up to entertain the crowds Sunday.

(Above) Falling apart — Artist Robert D. Harris creates a piece using spray paint as his medium Sunday. The festival featured works and live art paintings by local artists.

Lighting up —The crowd remains alive, as night creeps onto the island Sunday.

The Ferris wheel and city lights became the sources of light for Yo La Tengo’s night performance.