The Advocate - Nov. 11, 2009

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Production rocks Knox

Student dance show thrills packed crowd

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Hot streak Team remains in playoff hunt

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scene ◆ page 6

campus beat ◆ page 5

Dance of the dead

Puente Club honors fallen ancestors

VOL. 93, NO. 9

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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Minor raped, robbed

Case sees court dates

16-year-old girl victimized at local school orial

edit

Parker tried for shooting

By Holly Pablo

By Diana Reyes

Two years after the shooting of a campus police aide in November 2007, a 24year-old parolee is currently in trial at Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez.

Suspect Christon Parker is being charged with attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm and attempted escape.

Judge David Flinn is residing over the case.

Public Defender Esteban Alvear is representing Pa r ke r, a n d Parker Deputy The 24District year-old Attorney parolee is charged with Melissa Smith attempted is repremurder. senting former police aide Edgar Rocha.

A preliminary hearing on June 17 with substantial evidence against Parker preceded the superior court trial, which was originally scheduled for Oct. 13 but delayed until this month.

Both Alvear and Smith refused to comment until the completion and verdict of the case has been reached, which Smith said could be Friday or in several weeks.

Parker allegedly shot former police aide Edgar Rocha on the afternoon of Nov. 8, 2007 at the corner of Shane Drive and Mills Avenue, located on the southeast outskirts of campus closest to the Applied Arts Building.

Many watched, others ridiculed and snapped pictures with their camera phones, all while 20 people crowded around a gang of young men as they brutally raped, beat and robbed a Richmond High School (RHS) 16-yearold outside of her homecoming dance on Oct. 24.

The incident began at approximately 9:30 p.m. when the young girl left the dance early with the intent of calling her father for a ride home when an acquaintance called her from behind a

OPINION EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

■ SEE RAPE: Page 3

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Moment of silence — Kami and Barbie Baker remember their friend at a candlelight vigil held for the gang rape victim on Nov. 3 at Richmond High School. Students, Richmond officials, district administrators and youth group leaders attended the event to show support.

COMMUNITY HEALING

Parents, youth,

city officials support gang attack victim in vigil

■ SEE TRIAL: Page 3

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

RICHMOND — The city of Richmond, home to the state’s highest per-capita murder rate in 2008, has a reputation stained with bloodshed. But residents care, and they are trying to turn negative conditions into positive solutions.

Wearing a white peace band around their arms or heads, more than 500 attendees shared a moment of silence for a Richmond High School (RHS) gang rape survivor and those lost to violence during a candlelight vigil held at the campus on Nov. 3.

For more than two hours, the 16-yearold female was robbed, beaten and raped by a group of young men during RHS’ s homecoming dance on Oct. 24. Security

was present, but officers did not patrol the dark courtyard area on the northern side of campus where the attack occurred.

Instead of reporting the crime, passersby strolled past and in worse cases, capturing the moment with mobile phone cameras.

“We are joined together here today as a group of parents, students, neighbors and friends to condemn the attack and the fact that nobody came forward to help,” RHS Principal Julio Franco said to the crowd. “It is time for us to look deep into our hearts to get rid of that element that says, ‘It’s not my problem.’”

Masses of students, Richmond officials, West Contra Costa Unified School District administrators and several youth leadership groups were present at the healing event.

Mainly organized by RHS students, the presentations involved speeches, poetry ■ SEE VIGIL: Page 3

Ethical concerns The fear of retaliation is a major reason why witnesses fail to come forward to authorities.

Richmond’s youth needs more positive role models to set examples.

page 2

Crime persists Robberies, thefts trigger safety worries

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Left with the option of walking down Mission Bell Drive from school, Jessica Collignon has taught herself never to walk alone in fear of ending up like the rest, robbed of their safety and the possessions that once belonged to them.

“It is upsetting that (the area) is scarier than it should be,” Collignon said.

The Middle College High School junior is only one out of many students on campus who rely on taking safety precautions, such as traveling in groups and concealing expensive valuables, when dealing with crime on and close to the college.

Though police officials are scheduled to patrol the area throughout the week, ■ SEE ROBBERIES: Page 3

Clinics promote H1N1 vaccine

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Leaving 231 county residents hospitalized, H1N1 has defined itself as a virus demanding attention from the community, health officials say.

Receiving more than 80,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine administered from the federal government in October, Contra Costa County clinics are encouraging community members to seek vaccination while supplies last.

“A lot can be said about your ability to take care of yourself,” Contra Costa College President McKinley Williams said. “If you’re concerned about your health, it’s nice for people to take care of themselves.”

According to health officials, H1N1 has been associated, though not solely responsible, for 10 deaths in the county.

“Influenza is a serious illness and hundreds of people have gotten sick from

(H1N1),” Contra Costa Health Services Communications Director Kate Fowlie said. “Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself against that.”

Campus response to the virus has garnered mixed reactions, ranging from enthusiastic to doubtful, but some students find it to be helpful and worth the effort.

Nursing major Rosa Tinoco was advised by her doctor to receive the vaccination and plans to bring her children to do the same. “(The vaccine) gets you healthier, and you feel safer,” Tinoco said.

The first-come, first-served process at the free clinics distributes doses after a screening process approves patients seeking treatment.

Yet, the availability of the vaccine is not matched by its need, as the limited supply of doses may leave many unprotected against the virus.

Fowlie said, “We wish we had enough vaccine for everyone right now and expect to receive it over the next several months, (but we) don’t know how often (we’ll be) receiving more doses.”

It is recommended that, before residents visit a public clinic, they consult with their medical health providers to discuss receiving the H1N1 vaccine, health officials said.

For those without health insurance, however, local clinics will offer aid to people meeting the requirements classifying them as part of the priority group.

“As more vaccine becomes available, there will be more options for people to get the vaccine,” Fowlie said.

Upcoming vaccination clinics provided

by CCHS on Nov. 21 are scheduled from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord and Pacific Gas & Electric San Ramon Valley Conference Center in San Ramon.

Priority groups, consisting of those meeting requirements outlined by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), are set to receive the vaccination from free local clinics.

■ SEE H1N1: Page 3

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Focusing on prevention — Maria Hernandez holds her son Ramiro as he gets his H1N1 vaccination at the Brookside Community Health Center in Richmond Friday.

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Centers inoculate priority groups

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2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “In a world of too much information, there is too little explanation. You can do hard news shallow and you can do soft news with depth...We need to be deep on whatever the subject is.”

David Westin President, ABC News 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, 2009 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 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, NOV. 11, 2009

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009 VOL. 93, NO. 9 ●

Editorial Breaking the trend

Solution to community violence in role models

T

he ethical ignorance of local youth is epitomized by the recent gang rape of a 16-year-old girl at nearby Richmond High School.

For approximately two and a half hours, at least six young men raped, robbed and beat the victim while several bystanders watched and jeered the attack.

It is appalling that in spite of the witnesses who were present, nobody made the moral decision to contact police authorities.

Not only does this indicate a lack of responsibility, but also it acts as a perfect example of the unspoken street code of conduct: “snitches get stitches.”

If a person was known to report a crime, for example, they would be subject to retaliation.

As a result, it is common for witnesses to remain silent in fear of retribution and victimization by their peers. But by doing so, they are only adding fuel to the fire by enabling the violence that permeates society.

Richmond is notorious for having the highest per-capita murder rate in California in 2008.

The ever-present violence in the city has undoubtedly become an innate trademark when referencing the urban town.

It is a shame that many fail to acknowledge the need for improvement until something incredibly atrocious occurs.

A change in the community is necessary, but it is not possible until the root of the problem is identified.

Prevention is the solution.

If school officials had taken the necessary precautions to install lights at the dark courtyard, perhaps the gang rape would not have occurred.

Growing up in a violence-prone area, the pseudo gangster complex presented in the community seemingly offers two options to young people — kill or be killed.

This mentality promotes unsafe competition and disregard for others.

Long gone are the days when we not only knew our neighbors, but we trusted them to take care of us and vice versa.

While some youth become paralyzed in the midst of romanticizing the thug lifestyle, it is important that the young people of this community be provided with positive options.

More services promoting healthy living, such as Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE) are needed.

Along with providing safe environments for students to network, RYSE offers art, cultural and social activities.

The youth need positive role models that they can empathize and relate with.

Otherwise, all they will see are those who commit crime and those who do nothing about it.

CODY MCFARLAND/ THE ADVOCATE

■ Community

Tragedy demands exhuming of positivity

H

orrible! Unbelievable!

Shocking! Disgusting!

These words and many others were expressed by people all over the country in reaction to one of the most terrible assaults ever to hit the city of Richmond.

On Oct. 24, a 16-yearold Richmond High School (RHS) student attending the homecoming dance, was publicly raped, beaten and burglarized by approximately 10 male suspects for over two-and-a-half hours, Richmond Police Department Lt. Mark Gagan said.

The high school is just two miles from the Contra Costa College campus.

There has been significant media coverage of this incident since it occurred, broadcasted nationally and for that reason, I will not repeat all of the details.

I will reiterate the good news thus far, however, that the suspects, who range in age from 15-21 years old, have been arrested, one of whom was released due to a lack of evidence.

To seek understanding of the mindset of youth, I spoke with a few CCC students.

Their replies, along with my thoughts, indicated that many young adults lack sensitivity and empathy. An “I don’t care” attitude floats their boats (possibly stemming from, in some cases, abusive childhoods).

Additionally, many are fearful of peer pressure and retaliation, since “Richmond snitches get stitches.”

With everything said and understanding sought, I want to bring up some things that

cassandrajuniel

Fortunately, there have been positive activities since the incident.

News that the victim is recovering is the best news yet. She released a statement to the public, urging people to “use any anger we feel towards positive outcomes.”

Even though thoughts and gifts and donations are coming in for the victim from all over the country, this small city of Richmond has come together, with people doing everything they can to bring peace and healing to all.

There have been prayer vigils, rallies and religious leaders coming forward to make appeals for Richmond seek peace amidst adversity.

Former RHS coach Ken Carter, when interviewed on KTVU Channel 2 news, said, “Richmond will heal. We are real people with real problems. When the community comes together, things will get better.”

To help in the healing, Carter is sponsoring a charity basketball game on behalf of the victim Thursday at the Police Activities League gymnasium, located at 22nd and McDonald in Richmond.

Although bad situations have occurred in many of our lives, we have found, as hard as it is sometimes, that we have to draw positives out of the situation so that we can heal and help someone else, move on with our lives and function for ourselves and on behalf of others.

may shed some light on a portion of this situation.

First of all, the incident was yet another unnecessary act. Rapists use force or violence when assaulting their victims to seek power over them. Why should anyone need to seek power over this innocent daughter, or sister, or BFF, or classmate?

Secondly, there were the infamous bystanders who provided no help whatsoever.

Only one empathetic individual, who was not even an attendee of the dance, called 911 after she was informed by her brother-in-law of a woman who had been raped.

She did not think twice and did what others should have.

This point brings up a theory that has been prevalent in lynchings and white collar crime, called the “bystander effect,” established in the 1960s after more than 30 people heard and watched a serial killer stab a woman by the name of Kitty Genovese in two separate attacks in New York, N.Y., yet did not want to become involved.

Informational Web site www.about.com defines the bystander effect as a “phenomenon in which the greater the numbers of people present, the less likely Cassandra Juniel is spotpeople are to help a person light editor of The Advocate. in distress.”

We have to “fix” this syn- Contact her at cjuniel. advocate@gmail.com. drome.

CampusComment

How has the Richmond High School rape case affected you and the community?

“My family is more worried about me now, since it gets dark earlier. They are more concerned with my whereabouts than ever.”

Ifteam Yonas psychology

LAMAR JAMES / THE ADVOCATE

“It affected the nation as a whole, but it has helped the parents of the community to be more aware of what their children are doing and who they are doing it with.”

“The rape case is a good representation about how bad things have gotten. It makes me feel hopeless, because over 20 people witnessed it but did nothing to help.”

Matthew Baker

Mahak Hassan

business

conflict studies

“If I had a child I would be concerned with who they were hanging out with and where they were hanging out.”

“I don’t understand how so many people could have sat around and watched and did nothing. That’s a crime within itself.”

“People are going to be more afraid in the community. The school is supposed to be a safe haven, and that just proved that it is not.”

Reysha Sauceda-Eason

Sarita De Leon

McKinley Anderson business administration

business

business

CAMPUS BEAT accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Twitter

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

Newsline ■ LIBRARY

Foundation seeks funds The Friends of the Library (FOL) foundation is currently looking for donations to help fund the college Library for its materials and services that it offers to students.

Formed in 1996, the FOL has helped the Library maintain its useful support to the campus community throughout the years.

For more information, contact Ellen Geringer at 510-235-7800, ext. 4457.

■ TRANSFER

Enrollment events near There will be mandatory orientation meetings for students interested in attending UC Berkeley, Cal State-East Bay, Mills College or JFK University in the upcoming spring 2010 semester or quarter through the University Concurrent Enrollment Program.

The program requires full-time enrollment at Contra Costa College, 20 completed transferable units and an overall grade point average of 2.4.

The meetings will be held in Conference Room A of the Student Services Center on the following dates: Nov. 18 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., Nov. 19 from 1-2 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon and 2-3 p.m. Only one meeting is required.

For more information, contact Luci Castruita at 510-235-7800, ext. 4218 in the counseling department or Robin Harrison at 510235-7800, ext. 4241 in the Transfer/Career Center.

■ ASU

Group talks local crime The ASU will be hosting the second of a series of town hall meetings, Fireside Chat II “The Solution,” in the Fireside Room on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m., with closing remarks around 4:30 p.m.

There will be a panel presentation on violence in the community and an open discussion with students and staff in attendance to develop solutions concerning the problem.

To bring a class or volunteer to participate, contact the ASU at 510-235-7800, ext. 4564.

CrimeWatch Saturday, Oct. 24 Two burglaries reported.

Monday, Oct. 26 Robbery reported.

Thursday, Oct. 29 Vandalism reported.

Victim reported that unknown suspects) burglarized his vehicle.

Monday, Nov. 2 Vandalism reported.

Suspect was cited and released for possession of marijuana.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 Officers responded to a disturbance report involving a male and female.

Wednesday, Nov. 4 Unknown suspect vandalized the men’s bathroom in the Art Building.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

3

Rape | Seven suspects arrested, six charged ■ FROM: Page 1

fence located on the north end of the high school at an underlit courtyard, Richmond police said.

Lt. Mark Gagan, a patrol supervisor for the Richmond Police Department (RPD), said the victim was allegedly asked by 15-year-old Cody Ray Smith to join him and a group of friends while they drank and hung out in the secluded area.

The young girl became intoxicated from drinking a large amount of alcohol and eventually passed out.

He said the assault lasted as long as two-and-a-half hours before the incident was reported to the police.

None of the people present during the attack contacted the authorities.

If it were not for one 18-year-old who took initiative in addressing the pressing concern of what began as a circulating rumor, the severity of victim’s condition could have been worse, Gagan said.

Margarita Vargas, of Richmond, was at home watching a movie when she received a call from her brotherin-law who was with her boyfriend at a friend’s house on Emeric Avenue, located just a block from the scene.

She said one of the suspects who allegedly participated in the assault called her brother-in-law and informed him of a girl who had gotten drunk and passed out at a courtyard at the high school.

“They had sexually abused her,” Vargas said. “They said if they wanted to do something too, to go over there.”

Vargas said her brother-in-law initially doubted the phone call, but began to wonder whether or not the story was true or just a rumor.

It was then that she felt inclined to report the incident to the police. She said it was her apprehensiveness that prompted her to call 911.

“What if it’s true?” Vargas said.

“What if there is a girl over there getting raped, or dead?”

She decided to walk over to the high school subsequent to the 911 phone call to confirm the arrival of the authorities. Vargas then saw the

victim being transported by paraThe three juveniles were charged medics while police investigated the as adults based on the severity of the crime. crime scene.

Richmond resident 18-year-old By then, there were no more peoJose Carlos Montano was charged ple present at the courtyard.

Although no threats have been with rape in concert, rape by a formade, Vargas is concerned about her eign object in concert and two charge safety. enhancements for personally com“I feel like the family of the mitting rape and personally commitpeople who were responsible for ting sexual penetration by force. the attack would come after me,” Manuel Ortega, a 19-year-old she said. also of “My famRichmond, “We need to do a better job was charged ily is proud of me, but and find a solution to all this. with secthey tell me This is a big challenge to our ond-degree to be carerobbery ful about community, but people need to c a u s i n g coming great bodiout on the keep in mind that this could be ly injury, news all assault causAnywhere, USA.” the time.” ing great bodily injuR H S Charles Ramsey, j u n i o r West Contra Costa Unified School District board member ry, rape in concert and K a m i Baker, an an enhanceacquaintance of the victim, said there ment for personally inflicting great was a lack of parental support at the bodily injury. dance, and police did not do enough A 21-year-old Richmond resito make sure there was a sufficient dent, was also arrested as a suspect, amount of security. but was released due to insufficient Kami’s sister, Barbie Baker, is evidence, Gagan said. also close to the victim. She said In addition, Elvis Josue Torrentes, they hung out at the dance together 21, was arrested on a search warrant. when the victim decided to leave.

He was charged with penetration “She didn’t say why she wanted of an incapable person, rape by a to leave,” Barbie Baker said. “She foreign object in concert and forcjust took her shoes and cell phone ible rape in concert. If convicted, Torrentes could face up to 26 years and decided to go.”

A total of seven suspects have in prison.

Only one of the suspects, Smith, been arrested since the assault. Six have been charged with various felo- has entered a plea — not guilty.

The two other minors appeared nies, Gagan said.

Richmond police officials said in court last week, however none of that among those accused in the them was prepared to enter a plea. assault are San Pablo residents Smith Judge Peter Berger waived the susand 16-year-old Ari Morales, and 17- pects 10 days before they are manyear-old Marcelles Peter of Pinole. dated to enter a plea.

The three are charged with rape by “Even though we have many susa foreign object while acting in con- pects already, we still have to do cert and “enhancement of personally more interviews to determine how committing sexual penetration by many more are possibly involved,” force.” he said. “The ones arrested so far Additionally, Morales has been represented the ones who committed charged with second-degree rob- the most serious crimes.” bery.

Police have offered a $20,000

Trial | Update ■ FROM: Page 1

Rocha was investigating a possible auto theft in the Lot 10 vicinities and upon approaching the alleged suspect, Parker opened fire and shot the police aide twice before fleeing the crime scene on foot, District Attorney Paul Sequiera told The Advocate in September.

Contra Costa College’s Police Services, Richmond and San Pablo police departments and outside agencies searched the surrounding Hilltop neighborhoods but no arrests were made.

There were no leads until March 2008 when a woman claiming to be Parker’s girlfriend came forward and identified him as a suspect.

Richmond Police Department and the FBI located and arrested the suspect in

Oakland on Oct. 8, 2008.

Rocha, 19 years old at the time, spent two months at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The gunshot wounds to his abdomen forced doctors to patch up his stomach and intestines. He was released on Jan. 1, 2009.

He has since made a full recovery and is working part-time.

Rocha said it was a strange experience delivering his testimony in the presence of his alleged shooter during the trial’s opening session.

“It was a really weird feeling,” he said.

■ FROM: Page 1

■ FROM: Page 1

readings and dance performances, which called for unification and change to end the ever-present violence of the community.

“We the people who are present here today to show that we do sincerely care and will no longer tolerate what has come to be everyone’s nightmare,” RHS senior Abel Pineda said during his reading.

The victim did not attend the event, however, as she asked Pastor Jim Wheeler of Richmond’s First Presbyterian Church to deliver her public statement.

“Violence is always a wrong choice,” Wheeler read aloud. “We realize people Contact Holly Pablo at are angry about this, but let hpablo.advocate@gmail. the anger cause change that com. is necessary to keep our chil-

SPPD, Oliveira said.

According to police reports, all three suspects matched the description of previous robberies performed in the area earlier this semester, which may pose a connection in the series of crimes, he said.

The victim reported the suspects as AfricanAmerican males in their late teens and early 20s, standing between 6 feet and 5 feet 7 inches tall while wearing dark clothing.

One of the suspects, the victim believed, carried a firearm in his possession.

On the same day, an 18-year-old female student reported a grand theft that occurred in the Liberal Arts Building between 9:15-9:25 a.m. when she left her $430 cell phone in the restroom and found it missing when she returned to retrieve it.

The grand theft, which is determined by stolen possessions valued at more than $400, has yet to experience any progress for it to be reclaimed.

The following week, on Oct. 26, another robbery was reported near the tennis courts on Mission Bell Drive, where a 28-year-old female student was robbed of her purse containing her

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

Vigil | Statement released

Robberies | Unrelated students traveling near the Bus Transfer Center, the site of a majority of the robberies close to the campus, are urged be cautious of their surroundings.

“That area does have some troubles and issues,” Police Services Sgt. Jose Oliveira said. “With the rest of the campus, (there is) not a single problem in the other buildings.”

Two robberies and a grand theft were reported on and near the campus at the end of October, all resulting with no definite leads on the identities of the suspects, he said.

A robbery and grand theft occurred on Oct. 21, though both crimes are reported as unrelated.

The robbery occurred just off campus at a bus stop down Mission Bell Drive at 3 a.m.

As the victim was waiting for a ride to work, three suspects assaulted him and robbed him of his wallet, bus pass and a small amount of money.

The victim, though not a student at the college, reported the crime to the San Pablo Police Department (SPPD), but campus Police Services responded on behalf of the

reward and made a full media appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Attorney Ernesto Castillo represented Morales in court Thursday and believes it is a difficult case. Castillo said Morales should be placed in juvenile court because of his lack of a mental capacity as an adult.

“He is a kid raised by two loving parents (and) is supported by his friends and family,” Castillo said.

West Contra Costa Unified School District Board Member Charles Ramsey said it is an “eye-opener” to see the defendants and how young they are and also considering that they are all students.

“We need to do a better job and find a solution to all this,” Ramsey said. “This is a big challenge to our community, but people need to keep in mind that this could be Anywhere, USA.” Additionally, Ramsey said he believes the individuals should be held responsible.

“I think at this point the only thing to do is let the individuals at the District Attorney’s office, judge and court system play itself out,” he said. “The good thing about this whole thing is that there was a young woman who could have stood idly but actually came forward.”

Neither the victim nor her family has made a public appearance.

The family’s pastor read prepared statements by the family during a community meeting and candlelight vigil at RHS to promote peace and unity Nov. 3.

Pastor Jim Wheeler of Richmond’s First Presbyterian Church read the victim’s statement.

The statement reads in full: “Violence is always a wrong choice.

We realize people are angry about this, but let the anger cause change; change that is necessary to keep our children, our neighbors and our friends safe. We thank everyone for their love, support and ongoing prayers.”

wallet, money, bankcards and identification cards.

Police reports indicate that, after feeling a tug on her purse, the victim showed resistance and was consequently punched three times before the suspect retreated into the Del CaminoValencia housing complexes on Valencia Way. The suspect, described as 16-18 years old, about 150160 pounds and wearing all black clothing, has yet to be identified.

“All these crimes are crimes of opportunity,” Oliveira said.

Students walking alone with expensive electronic devices visible are most often the ones targeted during a robbery, he said.

Campus police aide Edgard Sibrian said the campus has seen a higher level of robberies on campus in the last two years.

As most robberies resulted in the suspects fleeing to the Del Camino-Valencia housing complexes across the Bus Transit Center, an iron rod fence has been built to separate it from the college.

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

dren, our neighbors and our she’s not alone,” Gill said. friends safe.”

“The community is here to A former RHS student show support and to recogreported the event upon nize that we can’t wait until hearing the something rumors, this hap“It is time for us to like w h i c h pens again to reached look deep into our come togethher home a er to prevent hearts to get rid of violence.” few blocks away from The girl that element that the school was released says, ‘It’s not my from the by word-ofmouth. hospital after problem.’”

O n l y four days. reported Police have hours after apprehended Julio Franco, the ordeal seven susRichmond High School principal began, RHS pects, one of sophomore whom has Kevin Gill said the reason been released due to insufwhy none of the passersby ficient evidence. spoke up is because people Contact Holly Pablo at are scared. The community is trying to address this fear. hpablo.advocate@gmail.

“We want her to know that com.

H1N1 | Limited ■ FROM: Page 1

The at-risk groups treated

by CCHS community clinics are pregnant women, people providing care for infants younger than six months of age and children and young adults ages six months to 18 years old with chronic health conditions.

Other clinics have different guidelines for priority groups.

The Doctor’s Medical Center (DMC) located in San Pablo caters to patients ages six months to 24 years old, as well as those between 25 and 64 years of age with medical conditions, such as heart, lung and kidney disease.

With its less restrictive age range, more students from CCC are able to receive doses of the vaccine.

“A large percentage of the student body is under the age of 24, so anyone is eligible to get the vaccine from us,” said Gisela Hernandez, DMC director of community and government affairs.

On Thursday, the DMC held its first public drivethrough clinic, where it administered about 1,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, Hernandez said.

“We reached our limit of

(the vaccine) more than an hour before the event was scheduled to end,” she said.

With the scarce amount of doses available for distribution, future drive-through clinic dates have yet to be posted.

“What we (won’t) do is commit to having a clinic without actually having the supply at hand,” Hernandez said. “We put in an order for additional doses, but we don’t know when those will come in.”

For more information and updates on when and how to receive the H1N1 vaccine from local clinics, CCHS advises residents to visit its Web site at www.cchealth. org.

One can also contact CCHS on Facebook under Contra Costa Health Services or follow Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/ cocohealth.

Fowlie said, “We encourage people to use all those sources, (because we’ll) provide updated information as soon as we get it. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this process.”

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

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009

CAMPUS BEAT

Annual event spurs college participation Students gather for fall festivities

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Pumpkin up the party — ASU President Kristina Bautista participates in the pumpkin-carving contest of the Fall Festival held at the Student Life Center Oct. 29. The event also featured various activities such as a dance competition, costume contest and musical performances.

Winners of the costume and pumpkin-carving contest, who will be awarded $25, have not yet been determined.

Djelani James, winner of the dance contest, proudly received two

By Diana Reyes OPINION EDITOR free movie passes.

The highlight of the festival was Boost students’ morale. Bring an the students’ musical performances. effective group of students. Represent “Everybody brought something unity and enthusiasm. different to the table. It’s all about In hopes of accomplishing these doing you,” performer JX said. “So goals, the ASU collaborated with the I had the opportunity to come and Student Life Center to orchestrate, do me.” mandate and coordinate the annual Kevin McLain and Jaron “G-Mo” Fall Festival in the Johnson wrapped Amphitheatre Oct. up the event with 29. a performance of “(This is) how the “(This is) how their song “Take events should be at Me Away.” the events should be at Contra Costa for Contra Costa College theFunds College from now event were on,” student Jamil from now on. This is provided by the Gatewood said.

California State “This is the best the best one ever since Department, ASU one ever since I’ve Vice President I’ve been here.” been here.” of Clubs Henry Gatewood, also Parker said.

Jamil Gatewood, known as “Moo,” Each semester, student was one of the hipthe ASU receives hop performers at a dollar for each the event and wrote a song specifical- student who attends CCC, which ly for the event, titled “Halloween,” grants them the opportunity to which talked about the tradition of arrange a series of events throughout the annual celebration and the enjoy- the semester. ment of wearing costumes. “(The event) was cool,” ASU The festival included a variety President Kristina Bautista said. “It of activities, including a pumpkin- was great to see a lot of the students carving contest, a “Jerk” dance get involved with each other and competition, costume contest and a (have) fun.”.

“Guess Your Weight” game by the Contact Diana Reyes at dreyes.

Black Student Union won by Marcus advocate@gmail.com Gardner and Tania Williams.

Educational hand extends to juveniles Services redirect offenders to school

By Kristina Plaza STAFF WRITER

Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) does not want the state to simply release prisoners after they complete their sentence.

Instead, she plans to create legislation to provide intervention and services that redirect young first-time offenders away from the juvenile justice system and into support programs that provide alternatives and help them finish school.

Perhaps inmates could have compulsory education, for example, and complete their general equivalency diploma (GED) or an anger management course, thus contributing to a better future, Skinner said.

The assemblywoman and a bevy of other experts gathered in LA-100 on Oct. 26 to discuss California’s worst issues of the past few decades, such as

prison reform and the costs of helping criminals rehabilitate.

“The issue is not what to do, but getting the political will to do it,” Skinner said.

Madeline Kronenberg, West Contra Costa Unified School District board member, agreed with Skinner’s addressing of the current situation.

“Our students are subsiding (to) the prisons. The numbers should be reversed,” Kronenberg said. “They are cutting back on education — it doesn’t make sense.”

Additionally, Michigan has empty prisons. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked Michigan if California could transport prisoners to their prison.

Michigan denied his request.

Yet, California’s prison population has increased 450 percent since 1988.

Reversing prison number rates is an essential component to creating safer, better neighborhoods across the nation, Skinner said.

The budget crisis was also a main topic discussed.

The state’s schools, communities and social services have been craving

support, Skinner said.

California spends four times more funds than China on its prison system, yet the country has a population that is four times greater than the entire U.S., Executive Director of West Contra Costa Youth Services Taalia Hasan said.

Lobbyist Junius H.Williams Jr. said, “We lost control of how to spend our budget throughout the years.”

Skinner said that a key emphasis for next year’s budget is not spending more than the state has.

Hasan also introduced a neighborhood group and nonprofit organization by the name of Building Blocks for Children.

The program aims to offset psychological damage by pointing youths onto positive paths and toward available, though limited, resources.

Bill Heiser, program coordinator for the urban strategies council, thought the forum went well. He said it was a relief to hear about this very important issue visually and socially.

Contact Kristina Plaza at kplaza. advocate@gmail.com CRYSTAL JOY BIS / THE ADVOCATE

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Speaking up — Account and budget analyst for the Berkeley Unified School District Miguel Dwinn offers questions and comments regarding planned alternatives to educate young offenders at a community discussion held in LA-100 on Oct. 26.

Contract averts district strike Final negotiations end ongoing strife

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After months of contract negotiations between the West Contra Costa Unified School District and the United Teachers of Richmond (UTR), an agreement has been reached, eliminating the prior possibility of a teachers strike.

UTR member ballots were cast Nov. 4-5. After the remaining provisional ballots were verified and counted Friday, 698 union members voted in approval and 689 voted against the agreement, President Pixie HaywardSchickele said.

“The tentative agreement was approved by a very close vote,” she said.

“The agreement is one that we won some things and we lost some things because of the severe financial crisis that the state is in,” Hayward-Schickele said. “The teachers had to agree to things that were difficult.”

According to the UTR Web site, the executive board voted unanimously to have the elections committee recount the ballots because of the extremely close outcomes.

Results of the recount should be known by Tuesday, but HaywardSchickele said that she does not expect

a change in numbers.

Among compromises, she said, the teachers will be making payments for health care for their spouses and children, a financial premium that was previously completely covered by district funds.

According to the tentative plan, the monthly district contribution for employees’ health plans is $532, $625 for employees with a dependent and $895 for employees with a family.

These decisions are part of the ongoing talks regarding the budgetary restraints in the kindergarten through 12th (K-12) grade educational system, which led the school district and the teachers’ union to return to the bargaining table Oct. 20-21 to reach a tentative agreement.

Among the union’s greatest accomplishments from the bargaining, however, was the restoration of parts of the contract that were changed when WCCUSD legally imposed a contract in July, Hayward-Schickele said.

These conditions, transfer and seniority language, have nothing to do with money, but are very important to members, she said.

The transfer rounds are the basis used to bid for available job openings.

Previous offers by the district reduced the number of rounds from three to one, she said, but the original terms were reinstated.

Additionally, seniority rights ensure that teachers who have been employed

by the district for longer periods of time have greater access to opportunities than their newly hired colleagues, such as transfer bids, Hayward-Schickele said.

The three-year contract, official after ratification by the school board, is retroactive to July 1 and is effective until June 30, 2012.

The district spokesperson for WCCUSD, Marin Trujillo, was not available for comment by press time Monday.

Trujillo told The Advocate in October that the district’s revenue and expenditures balanced at $285 million last year and if nothing changed, the 2009-10 academic year is looking at revenues of $251 million with expenditures exceeding $270 million.

All public institutions have suffered from California’s financial crisis, Hayward-Schickele said. According to the cutbacks implemented by the legislature in July, the K-12 education segment statewide suffered $5.3 billion in cuts.

“Public schools are not receiving the money that they need to deliver a quality product,” Hayward-Schickele said.

But despite an increasingly difficult economic time, everyone is trying to make the best out of available resources during this financially bleak situation, she said.

Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo. advocate@gmail.com

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

5

Dance event carries traditional customs Fiesta celebrates Hispanic culture

By Adam Oliver STAFF WRITER

CRYSTAL JOY BIS / THE ADVOCATE

Handling it — Puente Club President Matthew Hernandez breakdances at the annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration hosted by the Puente Club in the Recreation Room Friday.

Glaring strobe lights, pounding music and an exciting atmosphere hardly fit one’s typical idea of a traditional celebration.

The Puente Club’s second annual Dia De Los Muertos dance in the Recreation Room Friday, however, strayed little from the holiday’s traditional meaning while providing a lively, fun time.

“It was really lively and a great time,” student Anya Goldie said.

“It intrigued me and got me more interested in learning about the culture.”

Traditionally celebrated in Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2, Dia De Los Muertos gathers family and friends to remember and pray for those they have lost, while retaining a sense of happiness and celebration.

Puente Club secretary Sandy Teodoro said the dance sought to honor the culture of the dead while also mixing in elements of modern culture.

“We try to share our culture with the dead,” she said.

Honoring the holiday’s tradition, members of the Puente Club and other attendees had their faces painted at the dance and wore

traditional colors of the dead as symbolism and to show a realization that death will too be their destiny, Teodoro said.

The four colors of death — black, orange, purple and yellow — were seen in decorations strung around the dance and in the colors of most dancers’ clothes.

White painted faces with all sorts of designs of blackened eyes and mouths were easy to spot at the dance, as face painting was offered for $3 for a half face and $5 for a whole. Other objects are also painted and decorated traditionally on the holiday, including fake skulls, tombstones and figures.

Puente Club member Marisela Garcia said, “People usually paint sugar skulls and put them on the altars to represent our ancestors that have passed away.”

Incorporating traditional custom into the dance, Puente Club members worked with the Xicana and Veterans clubs to create the three altars decorated with flowers, food, beer, candles, depictions of Saint Mary and packs of Benson and Hedges menthol cigarettes.

“We put everything they used to like in life (on the altars),” Teodoro said. She said the altars served as a reminder to the dancegoers of the reason for the celebration.

As well as the altars, the simple nature of the event captured some

of the spirit of the culture.

“Dancing and music have always been big parts of Hispanic culture,” Puente Club President Matthew Hernandez said.

Sharing the modern culture with the dead, the disc jockeys played hip-hop and reggaeton, while also playing many salsa, meringue and ska favorites.

“We’re trying to mix all types of cultures into the music so that everybody has fun,” Teodoro said.

Although the dance had its high and low points in terms of crowd activity and dancing, much of the dance floor seemed to know and enjoy the music played, with many singing along.

During Too Short’s “Blow the Whistle” and “Shake that Monkey,” dancers formed a break dancing circle with members of the crowd, as well as one of the disc jockeys, showing off their moves and entertaining the dancegoers.

Near the end of the night, performers El Movimiento Latino, the group that served as disc jockeys for the event, entertained the crowd by singing both energetic and slow dance music.

Everybody behind the event was volunteering for the club, which will use the money to put on more events, and for the Puente Club scholarship, Teodoro said.

Contact Adam Oliver at aoliver.advocate@gmail.com.

Newspaper sweeps national recognition Convention awards paper for excellence

tor-in-chief said the experience was amazing.

“It is an amazing feeling to know that the group we have is capable of continuing the legacy The Advocate has set,” she said. “The convention was an invaluable expeBy Cassandra Juniel rience, to be able to bond SPOTLIGHT EDITOR with students around the After many years of main- nation and the staff.”

Perhaps the most revered taining integrity as one of the top community college news- award bestowed upon The papers in the nation, Contra Advocate was the 20082009 ACP C o s t a National C o l l e g e ’s “It is an amazing Newspaper newspaPacemaker per, The feeling to know Award, as Advocate, that the group we only five lived up to its repuhave is capable of t w o - y e a r colleges tation by being hon- continuing the legacy across the ored at a The Advocate has c o u n t r y received recent jourset.” such an nalism conhonor. vention.

Holly Pablo, Also, T e n editor-in-chief of The Advocate two Best of staff memShow trobers, along with journalism department phies were awarded to the Chairman Paul DeBolt, current staff.

“This shows that the staff attended the 2009 Associated College Press National is continuing to do really Media Convention in Austin, well. The last time we won Texas from Oct. 28 through two Best of Show trophies Nov. 1, bringing back with was in 2001,” DeBolt said.

The Best of Show awards them four awards.

Holly Pablo, 2009-10 edi- were for the two-year col-

lege weekly broadsheet and weekly broadsheet specialty edition categories.

Additionally, Isaac Thomas placed third in the photo story category of the Photo Excellence Awards for his coverage of a roller derby competition published in the March 25 edition of The Advocate.

When Thomas took on the assignment, he did not realize its future impact.

“I was not expecting to even place,” Thomas said.

“When I went to shoot the pictures, I did not expect the recognition that I (got).”

DeBolt said the program has many talented students like Thomas.

“They want to learn. They listen and work really hard — they want to succeed,” he said. “It is always good when they do.

“Even though I was surprised over our wins (at the convention), the paper is still as good as ever,” DeBolt said. “We had a really good staff in 2008.”

He said the Best of Show awards came as a surprise, as well as the award for Thomas, as he was competing with four-year college students.

Math students solve for prospective win Organization pends results for scholars

By Jon Pinlac STAFF WRITER

Enthusiastic student mathematicians gathered together and took a demanding test to hone their numerical problem-solving skills at the first round of the ninth annual Math Contest.

“The test was very tough and challenging,” first-time contestant and digital arts engineering major Martin Sarkis said. “The test consisted of difficult pre-calculus problems and advanced word problems.”

The long-running competition took place inside room H-5 Oct. 23 and was designed to challenge students’ advanced mathematical thinking skills and also served the purpose of creat-

ing the school’s math team.

The top five scorers would become members of Contra Costa College’s math team.

Event organizer and mathematics professor Sue Van Hattum said that since the contest consists of two rounds, the first round being held in the fall semester and the second in the spring semester, the scores for this test would only be half of their whole score.

The overall top three winners will receive cash prizes after the second round – $100 for first place and $50 each for second and third places.

For this round, the top five contestants and their scores were: Justin Lim, 19.5; Xiao Wang, 12.5; Nathaniel Rimmel, 11.5; Vincent Cheng, 11; and Shu Zhao, 10.5.

“There were 40 possible points possible, but I don’t think anyone even came close to it,” Sarkis said.

The contestants of the math contest were a diverse

group of students with varying ages, as Middle College High School students competed alongside college students.

Middle College High School mathematics professor Eric Reed said, “The Math Contest challenges students more and gives them a creative opportunity to think about math and apply their knowledge.”

During the contest, Reed stayed by the door outside the room to debrief late contestants about the rules of the contest and other relevant information.

Van Hattum, who hosted the event, outlined the rules at the very beginning of the competition.

She said that participants could not have cell phones or computers out during the contest but were allowed to use calculators.

Contact Jon Pinlac at jpinlac.advocate@gmail. com.

DeBolt said students like Thomas, along with The Advocate as a whole, will continue to thrive because CCC is “fertile journalistic ground,” and because the program’s students always

put in a lot of hard work and take what they do seriously.

He said students have an opportunity to learn something and do it well and some come and do not stay.

“For those who stay, they ADVERTISEMENT

get something out of it, and the campus gets a great paper,” DeBolt said.

Contact Cassandra Juniel at cjuniel.advocate@gmail. com.

6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “2012” (PG-13) “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (PG) “Pirate Radio” (R)

DVDs

New releases: “Up” (PG) “The Ugly Truth” (R) “Spread” (R) “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” (NR) “Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Complete Second Season” (NR)

CDs

New releases: Dashboard Confessional: “After the Ending” Omar RodriguezLopez: “Xenophanes” Wyclef Jean: “From the Hut to the Projects to the Mansion (EP)” Tori Amos: “Midwinter Graces” Birdman: “New Moods”

Games

New releases: “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” (PS3/ XBOX360 – M) “Dragon Ball: Raging Blast” (PS3/ XBOX360 – T) “Harvest Moon: Animal Parade” (WII – E)

Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009

SCENE

Dances ‘Move’ Knox audience Rhythm showcase offers much delight

seen the students become a family and work together as team.

“This is not an individual person dance. You have to know how to work as a team,” she said. “Through the class, I have seen my students accomplish so

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR much together as a team, that it makes me proud to be an instructor here.”

Cheers and applause were not absent Clarke said she will be taking the Friday for “Why We Move,” the college students to perform in a professional Dance Production classes’ fall perfor- ballroom competition, where they will mance held in the Knox Center. get a chance to feel what a professional Audience members were wowed by ballroom dance is all about. students performing a variety Physical education proof dances, ranging from ballfessor Asata Iman, who room and hip-hop, to the pasteaches the Egyptian belly “This is sion of the tango and rhythmic dancing course, said she also not an moves of African dance. wanted to help her students “I am very happy with how individual reach a wider audience and tonight’s performances turned heighten their experiences. person out,” said Natasha Clarke, “I wanted to show these physical education profes- dance. You women that they could look sor who teaches the ballroom professional and sensual have to dancing course. all at the same time,” Iman She said the performers said. know how did a perfect job executing the She also said the women dances, and even the mini- to work as a in her class did really well, mal errors were too small to and she was pleased with her team.” notice. dancers, who made some“The class is full, and the thing that takes time and Natasha Clarke, dedication look easy. students had to learn all the physical education dances in such short time,” “They looked amazing, professor Clarke said. “It was amazing and they all possess a beauto see that that did not distiful quality on stage,” Iman courage them.” said. “I wanted them to know that their Performer Uzamaka “Amaka” bodies were beautiful, and they could Ofoegbu said the performances went express that through dance.” really well, and she was happy with the Student Mauricio Duarte said the outcome. last dance, titled “Maria Elena,” was a “I was really nervous up there on tribute to his aunt, whom he named the stage at first,” Ofoegbu said. “But after dance after. awhile, I became very comfortable. And “My aunt was diagnosed with lung the audience was really supportive, so it cancer, and she supported me and made it easier to perform.” watched me growing up dancing,” Clarke said it was really important to Duarte said. “So I wanted to pay tribute see the students dance, because she has to her in a way that was important to

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Taking flight — Dance students Dominique Donaville, Emerald Mapp and Brittany Harris (left to right) perform “Tick” during the “Why We Move” dance production at the Knox Center Friday. me.”

“We worked really hard at the dance, and I am pleased with the dancers,” Duarte said. “Although the audience may have not known that it was a tribute, I think they still felt that we were putting our all into it, and that it had a special element to the meaning.”

Physical education professor Erica

Angelakos said the dance performance incorporated African and hip-hop dances well.

Clarke said the production raises students’ self-esteem and gives them a chance to perform publicly.

Contact Lamar James at ljames. advocate@gmail.com.

Exhibit reveals ceramics successes Glazed works foster growth among artists

By Alexandra Waite STAFF WRITER

An exhibition of multifarious glazed work pieces is currently on display in the Ray Jeffre Display Case located in the Art Building for the Ceramic Student Show.

The showcase was assembled on Oct. 20 and will be up through the end of the semester. A small voting station is set up next to the display for the public to vote on which piece it admires the most.

“The ceramics students are excited to share their experiences,” said Ginger Markley, sculpture studio technician who is in charge of the show.

“We’ve gotten a lot of votes so far, and we encourage more voting from outside the department.”

Each ceramic piece displays the artist’s name, title of artwork and a detailed glaze description.

“We specifically asked students what glazes they put on their piece so other students could see how each piece is done,” art professor Mary Law said.

The top three pieces chosen by the people will be announced at the Pottery and Jewelry Event held in the atri-

um and gallery from Dec. 1-4.

The event will also include a sale and silent auction featuring pieces from Law’s ceramics classes, art professor Jai Jun Lu’s sculpture classes and art professor Wendy McDermott’s jewelry classes.

“We’re doing (the People’s Choice Awards) to get people more interactive with the display,” Markley said. “I think people looking at the case will be excited.”

The winners of the people’s vote will be given verbal congratulations, certificates of achievement and ribbons placed next to their pieces.

Most of the artwork within the show was made by current students, while the rest was made by students of previous

semesters.

Markley said, “The exhibition is great as far as being able to learn from students’ successes, and it’s great for their successes.”

Eri Goodwin, art major, said this is her first time being a part of an art show. Her piece, titled “My Cat,” is a ceramic dish with a large cat imprinted in the center holding up its paw.

“At first I didn’t like my piece, but after it came out of the fire I loved it. That’s why I love ceramics,” Goodwin said.

Anne Van Blaricom, also an art major, submitted several pieces in the show and agreed with Goodwin.

“I love the unpredictability of (the piece’s) outcome,” she

said.

Pieces in the case ranged from functional and practical, to visual and creative pottery.

Art major Lois Contestable entered a piece titled “Autumn Rhapsody,” which is a more organic type of plate with leaves engraved into the clay.

She said the piece was experimental, and she entered it because it was different than the average plate.

Markley said the showcase brings a new energy to the art department and something new like this is always beneficial.

Also, this is the first student show to be held in the Ray Jeffre Display Case.

Contact Alexandra Waite at awaite.advocate@gmail.com.

‘Macbeth’ rendition perplexes new eyes centration to the dialogue.

To display high enthusiasm, actors

By Diana Reyes projected their voices to bellow from OPINION EDITOR the stage into the audience, attracting The drama department presented attention to the loudness rather than an interesting yet bewildering rendithe script. tion of William Shakespeare’s classic Minor changes in characters added tragedy, “Macbeth,” on Oct. 29. to the play’s new aesthetic.

Though not mundane, the plot was The roles of the three prophetic somewhat difficult to follow, espewitches were altered to a single witch cially for those people unfawho predicted Macbeth’s rise miliar with any story details to kingship. The new witch playreview of the original play. provided narration for each The play, condensed to scene and was well received a mere hour, followed the by the audience with her Scottish general Macbeth aloof and strange behavior and his plan to overthrow the during the performance.

“Macbeth” Scottish king upon a witch’s Set backgrounds were a bit ★★★★★ Venue: Knox prediction. plain, although stage lighting, Center The dialogue, though both stationary and transiDirected by: Clay staying true to the original tional, worked well with the David screenplay with Anglo-Saxon dimly shrouded atmosphere speech, was confusing and of the Knox Center. not easily understandable. For To demonstrate the new clarity, the discourse could have been angle of the play, costume design changed to fit with the new spin of was accurate to director Clay David’s the play for a greater feel of timely post-apocalyptic approach. relevance.

Contemporary outfits were blendThe acting, however, was solid. ed along with medieval attire to comActors and actresses displayed each pliment the direction of the play. of their roles passionately.

Though David’s directing was Their strength in portrayal was consistent, the play could have likely the most defining, collective spanned the proposed time of two aspect of the play. hours for the sake of further underAll actors worked well with each standing. Initial interest was drawn, other, and a good sense of collaborabut the play was ended hastily.

ERIK VERDUZCO/ THE ADVOCATE Thunderous entrance — Macbeth (center), portrayed by drama tion was felt with their interactions.

Contact Diana Reyes at dreyes.

Although passionate, the decibel major Peter Temple, enters the stage with his supporting cast for the Oct. 29 performance of “Macbeth” at the Knox Center. levels of the actors threw off any con- advocate@gmail.com.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

Comets soar on four goals

7

Winning streak aids playoffs goal

said. “We’re playing with a lot of heart.”

Zeller said that the best scenario for the team to make the playoffs is by winning the conference championship, but that requires

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR not only a Comet victory over College of Marin (3-7-3 overall, 3With its fourth straight victory, 3-1 in the BVC), which was played this time over Merritt College 4-2 Tuesday after press time, but also at home Friday, the Comet men’s for Yuba College (11-4-2 overall, soccer team is still alive in hopes 7-1-2 in the BVC) to lose both of of a playoff spot. its remaining games.

Both squads During the team’s ScoreBoard played an evenly four-game winning matched game, but streak, Garcia has Comets 4 the two goals by forstepped up in the Thunderbirds 2 ward Chris Garcia striker position and in the second half scored four goals, Records: was enough to push totaling seven for the 10-6-4 overall, the Comets (10entire season.

6-3-2 in BVC 6-4 overall, 6-3-2 “Chris has stepped in the Bay Valley up on the field and Conference) ahead of off,” coach Rudy the Thunderbirds (7-11-1 overall, Zeller said. “He made improve4-5-1 in the BVC) to continue their ments this season, just gotten betwinning streak. ter and better in every game.”

Garcia’s first goal came five The Comets opened up the minutes into the second half with scoring in the 12th minute when the game tied 1-1, on a pass he left back Hugo Perez was able to received in front of the Merritt get into the open field and cross goal from Comet midfielder Jorge the ball to the box where forward Abonce. His second goal came a Diego Orellana headed the ball in minute right after the Thunderbirds’ for the goal. game-tying goal in the 57th minute “It was a thrilling game, a great of the half. team effort,” Zeller said. “The out“We’re playing every game side defenders, Hugo Perez and like it’s a playoff game,” Garcia Juan Acosta, played an excellent

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Flying to victory — Comet midfielder Juan Carlos Vargas jumps in excitement after scoring the team’s last goal, which put it ahead two goals with 10 minutes left in the game. The Comets went on to defeat the Thunderbirds 4-2 at home Friday. game.”

Before the half ended, the Thunderbirds were able to get the equalizer in the 34th minute on a strong kick from outside the box by midfielder Martin Mungia.

Merritt would tie the game again in the second half in the 57th minute on a goal by midfielder Louis Behinan. But a minute later, Comet midfielder Peter

Jernigan would give a through pass to Garcia, which left him with the clean shot at goal to take the lead. “(This win) pretty much gives more confidence, energy and heart.

Especially since it’s our fourth game in a row, it pushes our confidence even more,” Acosta said.

The Comets’ final goal came in the 80th minute by midfielder Juan Vargas who chipped the ball over

the Merritt goalkeeper to close the score 4-2.

“We gave it our all,” Zeller said.

“Everyone is giving their heart and soul to win. The other team matched us (on the field), but we wanted it more.”

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

Squad drops momentum in second half Season finale ends 1-9 year on down note

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

The final football game of the season was nothing new to the team, as it lost to

Solano Community College 40-26 in Fairfield Saturday.

The Comets (1-9 overall, 0-4 in the Bay Valley Conference) played a close game with the Falcons (2-7 overall, 1-2 in the BVC), but Solano was able to pull ahead in the second half to take the victory. Contra Costa College has a bye in the final week of the regular season, thus ending the sea-

son with a 1-9 record.

“It was pretty good game,” coach Dave Johnson said. “The guys played well and they didn’t give up. But mistakes and errors caused us to give up touchdowns.”

The Comets were able to score first in the game and gain momentum for the first quarter. Both teams were matched until the second half, when the Falcons were

able to get ahead. Due to several missed tackles by the Comets, the Falcons were able to capitalize and score touchdowns because of it.

“We started off with a big drive down the field and scored first,” Comet quarterback Don Miguel Tutass said. “It gave us the momentum in the first quarter.”

He also said CCC’s momentum fell in the begin-

ning of the second half, but returned in the fourth quarter when Comet running back Tyrell Smallwood had a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Comets were able to force five turnovers from the Falcons.

“We had a lot of big plays by (wide receiver) Michael Hicks. (Defensive back) Yani Iosua had some great hits in the middle.

(Cornerback) Malcolm Aiayi had two interceptions which were big momentum swings,” Tutass said.

Hicks said they could have done better with fourth down conversions and scored when close to the Solano goal line.

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

Three-set sweep stomps team Slow reactions cause collapse

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Just shy — Comet middle blocker Efaraima Danao (right) and outside hitter Emily Hansen miss a block in Friday’s loss in the Gymnasium.

SportShort 6-0 shutout to 49ers ‘worst game we played all year’ A banged-up women’s soccer team got off to a frustrating start in its 6-0 loss to Yuba College Friday in Marysville.

Yuba (10-7-2 overall, 6-3 in Bay Valley Conference) handed Contra Costa College its 10th loss of the season.

The Comets (1-10-0 overall, 1-6-0 in Bay Valley Conference) went into the match hampered by injuries.

“Overall, players were really banged up with injuries,” coach Nikki Ferguson said. “Injuries really affected the team as a whole.

Everybody was not 100 percent.”

Yuba scored three of its six goals in the first half.

“We didn’t play well at all. It wasn’t good,” Ferguson

not protect its holes, allowing several aces to the Falcons.

“We (the Comets) react slower (to the ball) than we should,” outside hitter Christine Ambegia said. “We need to act (on the ball) instead of hesitating on our next movements (on the court).”

CCC has struggled in the first set throughout the year, and Friday was no different, with Solano taking the opening set in a 25-11 result.

“We have to know our spots on the court,” middle blocker Efaraima Danao said. “When we talk it out, it will be easier to get the ball.”

The Comets continued their lack of effort on defense in the second set, failing to expand their positioning and jostling around the court to find out where to go.

The Falcons capitalized on placement mistakes, as Solano setter Jessica Varius and middle hitter Samantha Dean attacked

“They (the Comets) need to work on their footwork and determine the opponents’ tendencies,” coach Azure’D Nunley said. “They have to play strong the whole game.”

By Malcolm Lastra STAFF WRITER The Comets look to finish their season strong in their next With unorganized position- game against Laney College ing and frustration, the women’s (3-12 overall, 2-8 in the BVC) volleyball team lost to Solano Thursday in Oakland.

Community So far this season College at home the Comets have disFriday in straight played the same effort ScoreBoard sets, 25-11, 25-8 in every home game, Falcons def. and 25-18. as they failed to corContra Costa rect their positioning Comets 25-11, College (1-10 on the court, allow25-8, 25-18 overall, 1-9 in ing opponents to strike the Bay Valley them with several Next game: Conference) did spikes and aces.

Thursday at not seem to find The first set began Laney, 6 p.m. correct placewell for the Comets, ment, creating as they were on the several holes for the Falcons offensive and were match(12-10 overall, 8-3 in the BVC) ing scores with Solano. CCC’s to attack and take the match in defense failed to respond to its three sets. offense, however, and it could

said. “This had to be the worst game we played all year.”

Forward Liana Knight led Yuba, scoring four goals and assisting on another goal.

Despite defender Carolina Valero being out with a possible anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, the Comets plan to continue playing hard through the end of the season.

With the offense not being a relevant factor, the Comets picked it up defensively, stopping Yuba for the rest of the match.

“We are not going to quit.

We are going to compete to the end,” coach Ferguson said. “That’s the main thing I’ve been teaching to this team. We have to compete for 90 minutes.”

— Anthony Farr

Box scores Men’s soccer (Nov. 6) Merritt, Contra Costa Merritt 1 Contra Costa 1

1—2 3—4

First half 1, CCC, Orellana 7 (Perez), 12th minute.

1, Merritt, Mungia 6, 34th minute.

Second half 2, CCC, C.Garcia 9 (Abonce), 50th minute.

2, Merritt, Behinan 12, 57th minute.

3, CCC, C.Garcia 9 (Jernigan), 58th minute.

4, CCC, J.Vargas 20 (C.Garcia), 80th minute.

Yellow cards CCC, Edgar Wenze, 24th minute.

Merritt, Juan Sanchez, 34th minute.

CCC, Diego Orellana, 75th minute.

Individual statistics Goals — Merritt — Mungia, Behinan.

— CCC — Orellana, C.Garcia 2, J.Vargas.

Assists — Merritt — none. — CCC — Perez, Abonce, Jernigan, C.Garcia.

Shots on goal — Merritt — 7. — CCC — 7.

Saves — Merritt — Medina 3. — CCC — Hernandez 5.

Record — Merritt — 7-11-1 overall, 4-5-1 in BVC. — CCC — 10-6-4 overall, 63-2 in BVC.

Volleyball (Nov. 6) Solano def. Contra Costa 25-11, 25-8, 25-18 Individual statistics Aces — CCC — Kihara 1, Johnson 1,

Ambegia 1, Danao 1. — Solano — Varius 4, Bustos 4, Taynton 3, Morgan 3, Faoliu 2, Hall 1, Galan 1, Hartman 1.

Spikes — CCC — Danao 3, Escorcia 2, Johnson 2, Hansen 2, Kihara 1. — Solano — Dean 8, Ekin 4, Galan 4, Neri 4, Bustos 4, Faoliu 3, Allen 1.

Blocks — CCC — Johnson 3, Danao 1.

— Solano — None.

Record — CCC — 1-10 overall, 1-9 in BVC. — Solano — 12-10 overall, 8-3 in BVC.

Standings Football

Bay Valley Conference College of the Redwoods Shasta College Yuba College Solano Community College Contra Costa College

W 3 2 2 1 0

L 0 1 1 2 4

Overall W L 3 6 4 5 4 5 2 7 1 9

Schedule Volleyball at Laney, Thursday 6 p.m. vs. Marin, Nov. 17 6 p.m.

Women’s soccer vs. Los Medanos, Friday 3 p.m.

Women’s basketball vs. Marin, Nov. 18 4 p.m. at Solano, Dec. 22 5:30 p.m. at Los Medanos, Jan. 6 5:30 p.m. vs. Laney, Jan. 11 5:30 p.m. at Mendocino, Jan. 13 5:30 p.m.

Men’s basketball vs. Canada, Nov. 18 8 p.m. vs. Reedley, Dec. 5 6 p.m. at Solano, Dec. 22 7:30 p.m. vs. Marin, Dec. 29 5:30 p.m. at Los Medanos, Jan. 6 7:30 p.m.

CCC with a combination of aces and spikes.

Solano won the second set by a score of 25-8, taking advantage of CCC’s open holes and out-ofbounds serves.

“We need to shift more to the (opponents’) hitters and cover open holes in positioning,” setter Courtney Kihara said.

CCC opened up the final set with a 4-3 lead, rallying behind two key blocks made by Danao and middle hitter LaShara Johnson.

After allowing a 7-3 scoring run to Solano, frustrations began to flare for CCC, as it displayed the same sloppy performance in the earlier sets and failed to take the final set losing 25-18.

“They played hard (in the third set), but have to come out with intensity (throughout) the game,” Nunley said.

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

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

Los Medanos College When: Friday, 3 p.m.

Where: Soccer field Records: CCC 1-10-0 overall, 1-6-0 in the BVC. LMC 9-8-1 overall, 5-3-0 in the BVC. Background: The Comets play their last game of the season against the Mustangs. Contra Costa College has been on a five-game losing streak, and during the slump, the Comets scored no goals and allowed their opponents to score a total of 36. The Mustangs are also on a drought of their own, losing their previous two games. The Comets seek to even the series with the Mustangs, as Los Medanos College won the first meeting 6-0.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009

FOCUS Packed in — Partiers are crammed together on the intersection of Sixth and Trinity streets during Austin, Texas’ annual Halloween celebration on Oct. 31.

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS Story and photos by Isaac Thomas and Sam Attal

Texas capital hosts massive all-night Halloween party to keep city ‘weird’

I

f you figured that Halloween in Texas was by any means conventional, think again. In Austin, anything goes.

The state capital is home to the University of Texas Longhorns and functions like a college town in many ways.

Sixth Street is where the annual Halloween street party is held, with crowds of up to 60,000 people roaming the street on the harvest holiday.

With its historic entertainment district, Austin has been coined the live music capital of the world, holding annual film and music festivals such as South by Southwest, which draws music enthusiasts from all over the world to its streets to hear

some of the best music America has to offer.

Halloween is no exception to the madness. People from all over the Midwest flock to the city to take part in the autumn festivities.

The unique Sixth Street has plenty of bars and street food vendors to make any partier extremely happy.

Police and firefighters block off the streets to make sure everyone has a safe time during the open party.

If you are ever in the state, be sure to check out Austin, possibly the “weirdest” city in Texas.

Contact Isaac Thomas and Sam Attal at letters.advocate@gmail. com.

Tasting Austin — A vendor prepares a Cuban-style hot dog from his streetside hot dog cart on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas on Oct. 31. Street food in Austin is exceptionally popular and easy to find, even in the late hours on a crazy night.

Gridlock— Drivers on Seventh Street face miles of traffic trying to find a parking spot for the Halloween festivities in Austin, Texas on Oct. 31.

Banana Man — Stephen Hurtado of Houston grabs a midnight snack from a taco truck on the corner of Seventh Street and San Jacinto Boulevard in Austin, Texas on Oct. 31. Mexican culture has a huge influence on Texas cuisine, and it can be found virtually anywhere in the state.