The Advocate - Nov. 18, 2009

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Answering the call

‘Modern Warfare’ returns with fervor

SINCE 1950 8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

sports ◆ page 7

Good start Comets begin season 2-1

CMYK

scene ◆ page 8

campus beat ◆ page 5

Community connection Fireside Chat looks at solidarity options

VOL. 93, NO. 10 THE WEEKLY STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.

Wright nearing recovery

Rape case sees delay

Comet player able to move limbs, speak

New evidence sets hearing date to Dec. 1

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Crushing the possibilities of permanent paralysis presented two months ago, Comet defensive back Wali Wright is regaining complete movement and feeling of his limbs since relocation to Kentfield Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospital in Marin County.

“Wali has feeling in his toes, his knees and feet. He can move all that on his own,” mother Piola Wright said. “Plus, he can move his hands, and the doctors said that his spine is waking up.”

Among the positive prognoses, the 25-year-old football player is now able to speak.

By Diana Reyes OPINION EDITOR

After discovering 685 pages of police reports and 28 DVDs full with evidence, attorneys decided to take a closer look at the case of the 16-year-old Richmond High School gang rape victim, leaving prosecutors no choice but to prolong the time needed to research the case.

The six suspects appeared before a judge last week during the preliminary hearing, where for purposes of the hearing, the three minors were separated from the three adults and were arraigned to appear in court on Dec. 1.

Judge Claire M. Maier said the defendants will be joined for the next preliminary hearing where each has been arraigned to enter a plea.

Prior to last week’s hearing, Smith had entered a plea of not guilty. Due to the new amendment complaint, however, he withdrew his plea in order for his attorney to review the case, prosecutor Dara Cashman said. “(This is) a significant case, and there is a lot of evidence,” she said. “But it will take a long time.”

Among those accused are 15-year-old Cody Ray Smith, 16-year-old Ari Morales, 17year-old Marcelles Peter, 18-year-old Jose Carlos Montano, 19-year-old Manuel Ortega and 21-yearold Elvis Torrentes, who was arrested on a search warrant and was charged with penetration of an incapable person and if convicted, could face up to 26 years is prison.

The six defendants are facing charges in connection with the rape of the 16-yearold Richmond High School student outside of her homecoming dance on Oct. 24.

■ SEE RAPE: Page 4

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

Wright

The 25-yearold defensive back is slowly regaining feeling in his limbs and is now able to speak after incurring serious injuries after he collided with a player in Contra Costa College’s season opener at home on Sept. 5

■ SEE WRIGHT: Page 4

Cutbacks imminent ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Laying out — San Quentin State Prison Department of Corrections officer Chris Rapacon makes a layup against Richmond firefighter Anthony Woodard in a charity basketball game held at the Richmond Police Activities League gym Thursday.

Charity sports event raises money for youth groups in local area

HOOPIN’ TO HELP

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

He used basketball to help Richmond before, and once again, has stepped up to the plate to help Richmond heal.

Hearing the news of an Oct. 24 incident where a 16-year-old Richmond High School (RHS) student was gang raped, burglarized and beaten caused coach Ken Carter, along with Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) representatives, to take action with a plan to host a charity basketball game to raise money and support safety programs at RHS. “Coach Carter came up with the idea of the charity game after being inter-

viewed about the Oct. 24 incident. He wanted to do something to bring the community together and raise awareness of safety for kids and first made contact with Mr. Larry Lewis, executive director of RPAL about a charity game,” RPAL Athletic Director Carl Foster said. “From this, contact was made to the fire and police departments, San Quentin officials and others to form the teams and the event.”

Carter is the former coach for RHS, from 1997–2002, and made news when he locked out his undefeated varsity basketball team, in an effort to push them toward improving their grades, in accordance with the student athlete contract ■ SEE CHARITY: Page 4

Spring course sections reduced by 10 percent

By Holly Pablo EDTIOR-IN-CHIEF

With spring registration nearing, it is crucial for students to be mindful of a 10 percent reduction in course section offerings and limited access to services as they plan to construct their schedules.

At a time when students are returning to college because of the poor job market, more than 4,000 instructional hours were cut from the final spring schedule, Senior Dean of Instruction Donna Floyd said.

In addition to the increased competition for seats, a 55 percent reduction in categorical funding this year has reduced accessibility to student services, such as reductions in the counseling department’s office hours.

“The tricky thing here is that not only is access to college classes affected, but students will have a harder time trying to see a counselor,” Floyd ■ SEE COURSES: Page 4

MCHS semester rally raises spirit, funds

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

CRYSTAL JOY BIS / THE ADVOCATE

Sing a simple song — Middle College High School senior Janit Saechao belts out a soulful tune to an attentive audience at the MCHS pep rally held in the Amphitheatre Friday. The event raised funds for each graduating class.

Cheering and enthusiastic screams could be heard throughout the campus, as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors proved their pride through spirited shouting.

These booming cries were only part of the festivities going on in the Amphitheatre and Student Dining Room on Friday, as the Middle College High School (MCHS) pep rally also included various games, dance performances and other colorful activities.

“Most of the time it is all work and no play for these students,” MCHS Principal

Hattie Smith said. “The kids can become so wrapped up in their studies, that they can become dull. So this is just an event to loosen them up and give them some time away from their academia.”

Those in attendance were entertained by belly dancers, singers, hip-hop dancers and pianists and played games such as musical chairs, fear of food (where contestants eat weird foods) and a relay race.

Additionally, the rally gave the opportunity for MCHS students to raise money by selling different foods of their graduating class choice. Seniors sold tamales and horchata; juniors pushed pizza, chicken and Kool-Aid; sophomores pitched pad thai and Tampico; and freshman offered enchiladas.

MCHS students Chris Clausen and Eddie Horalek served as masters of ceremonies, ■ SEE RALLY: Page 4

CMYK

High schoolers step ‘away from academia’

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

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2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “The press has a responsibility not only to report the truth, but to do so with a sense of accountability and decorum.”

Daniel T. arap Moi President of Kenya, 1997 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. 18, 2009

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009 VOL. 93, NO. 10 ●

Editorial Abilities doubted

Students’ achievements disprove bad reputation

W

hen asked where one attends college, the answer “Contra Costa College” is often received with lukewarm enthusiasm.

The first thought that flashes in many people’s mind is Richmond’s infamous crime rate and subsequently, possible presumptions that the college’s location is proof-evident of an unproductive student body and lower-than-average achievement rates.

But while outsiders discount the value of the college and the people it serves, the students, faculty and staff know that the joke is actually on these non-believers who question CCC’s abilities.

While it is true that living in Richmond does not always present a pretty picnic, students are constantly beating the odds by using positive energies to fuel the college’s award-winning programs and organizations.

With some of the best programs in the state, if not the nation, this premier community college is breeding strong, well-educated student leaders — not criminals.

Seven members of the ASU, including President Kristina Bautista, Vice President of Clubs Henry Parker and Senator Jasmyn Oliver, attended the National Conference on Student Leadership.

They participated in the Certified Student Leader (CSL) program, which features extensive training through workshops and a final examination. As a result of their high scores, they were granted CSL credentials on Oct. 25.

The Speech and Debate Team won three gold medals and one finalist award at an advanced tournament held at UC Berkeley on Oct. 30.

Despite the fact that the team was considered an underdog in comparison with their four-year public and private university competitors, it left as a unit of champions.

The National Public Radio (NPR) recognized the nursing program as one of premier and highly competitive destinations for those pursuing such a field.

On Nov. 5, NPR reporter Elaine Korry was on site interviewing professors and students about the program.

These outstanding achievements within just the past month may mention only three successful groups, but they are merely a few of the many found throughout the campus.

Each day, students’ drive, motivation and willingness to learn overshadows the violence of the community.

It shows that the college is equipping its students with the proper tools necessary to reach their goals and address the problems in the community.

Regardless of the student’s objective, whether it is to earn a certificate, associate degree or transfer to a four-year university, the time spent at CCC is surely worth every second.

CODY MCFARLAND/ THE ADVOCATE

■ Life

‘Abundance of choice’ clouds focus, direction

I

am what some psychologists might call a maximizer.

This term, while hardly meaning what it seems, describes a hard-wired logic for decision-making in which one always aims to make the best possible choice.

Now, I am not saying that I am a perfectionist, and this is not always a bad thing.

But when applied to one’s future and livelihood, this tendency can bring about extreme uncertainty, stress and inevitable regret.

In a world where thousands of companies may compete in producing a single, similar product, we in America are at no lack of options. Although many may benefit from this abundance of choice, others may suffer.

Faced with a slew of decisions, maximizers may clam up and be troubled by making any decision at all.

While I cannot say I am a maximizer in terms of consumerism, there is no better way of classifying my decision-making on a broader scale. What college will I transfer to, what career route I will take, where I will live and what will I write a column on next are all questions that stump me beyond reason.

They do more than just worry and trouble me; they can often send me into an unconscious, involuntary state of paralysis.

Not physical paralysis of course, but a feeling of complete and total ambivalence that makes every decision seem infinitely crucial and even unsolvable.

adamoliver When it comes to education, most people I know seem to have one or two courses of study in mind that they are content with pursuing, but not me.

Science, photography, writing, psychology and anthropology, among others, all pull me in mutually exclusive directions. I could spend my entire life studying each of these fields and others while putting myself in hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt just to avoid a potentially regrettable decision. But that is not realistic.

Reality comes in the form of an economic concept called opportunity cost.

We cannot judge the quality of any given option without taking into consideration that of the alternatives. The opportunity cost of a decision is the cost of passing up the next “best” option and losing what other opportunities might have granted.

When making one decision, one is indirectly turning down a huge number of other possibilities that could very well have been just as satisfying.

Being a maximizer and knowing this, the idea of making a final decision can be a hard one to stomach.

And considering the loss and regret inextricably linked with opportunity cost, having more alternatives can only

mean more dissatisfaction with one’s final decision.

Being a helpless procrastinator, I often avoid making decisions and instead walk aimlessly without direction just for the comfort. This undoubtedly only places me further from where I ought to be, but my innate opposition to decisive action can be very difficult to shake off. Coupled with my abhorrence for uncertainty, this tyranny of choice leaves me withdrawn from my future and constantly dodging what causes me the most stress and worry.

This does not at all mean that life would be better off with our choices seriously limited, but that being torn in multiple directions in many aspects of life can be extremely confusing and detrimental to progress. Maybe this is only a temporary, intermediate stage between childhood and “self-actualization,” or maybe it is permanent and something I will just have to get used to.

While I still favor the idea that it may be just a temporary setback, I have to accept the possibility that it is not.

I guess all one can really do in battling this tyranny of choice is step back, analyze the decision fully, know one’s self and one’s goals, and make the best possible decision without looking back or regretting it for a second.

Adam Oliver is a staff photographer of The Advocate. Contact him at aoliver.advocate@gmail. com.

CampusComment

How will the college be affected by fewer personal student services?

“People are not going to know what to do on WebAdvisor. You won’t get as much information from the computer than you would in person.”

“I think they should still have face-to-face (interaction), because sometimes the Internet doesn’t answer all of your questions.”

Courtnii Hicks

Wyatt Keith

psychology

engineering

MALCOLM LASTRA AND DESMOND SILVA / THE ADVOCATE

“I wouldn’t know, because I don’t go to the Student Services Center.”

“I think it’s better (to have) face-to-face (interaction), because online is not as explanatory than in person.”

“It should be good, because a lot of people don’t have the time to come to the school due to transportation.”

Rishard Williams

Juan Ponce

Changez Shalmani MCHS

MCHS

automotive services

“It would affect the students a lot, especially the new students, because you need somebody to help you decide what classes (to) get.”

Chareisha Gordon psychology

FORUM ■ Existence

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

3

■ Passion

Uncertainty draws inspiration codymcfarland

Life journey finds spiritual tranquility

O

ur sense of self-identity begs for meaning. We want nothing more than to find a purpose and feel important, to believe that we are doing more than just existing.

Anthropology has taught me that all recorded human civilizations have had some conception of our bodies housing a spirit.

While human processes are learned, the tendencies of animals are instinctual and required for survival. Animals have no realization of self and thus no sense of spirituality, meaning their lives are based solely on survival, with death as the imminent outcome.

This thought, when contemplated and internalized by humans, is truly depressing: the self-identity we all possess is merely a product of our advanced, yet finite minds that die and decompose just like the rest of our bodies.

Being human warrants that one day you will die, as death marks the very end of the life process. Death, however, is interpreted differently worldwide and is seen as both an end and a beginning.

To certain religious groups, death marks your passage into eternity, where your soul is taken away to a heaven or a nirvana, and you spend forever in harmony with whatever higher power you believe in.

Some choose to believe they will be reincarnated, while others think that after death there is nothing – you merely cease to exist. Regardless of what you believe, you believe it because it provides comfort through answers in the form of religion or science.

The truth is that no one knows for sure what happens after death, and while we have a million answers to that question, not one of them is certain or based on fact. This uncertainty affects how we as humans act while alive.

Fear of the unknown and the uncertainty behind death leave us longing for answers we do not have. We try hard to induce favorable outcomes we may or may not see.

I find that death is merely an end and life is its means.

It is a process we all live and learn from, one that we should not take for granted by focusing more on the afterlife than our day-to-day lives.

Being human only means having a genetic identity. It is within our personhood that we define ourselves by our thoughts, morals and ideologies.

Our biological composition is designed to deteriorate and eventually shut down, with the impending result of death.

So, in the sense of being human, death acts only as an end. It is the end to the longest process we undergo: life.

Like any other process, there is a result. While we speculate what that result might be, we will not know for sure until we have gotten there. The most we can do until then is find peace and solidarity in ourselves and embrace the unknown.

It’s not as scary as you may think.

If I die and it just so happens that I have a spirit to remain eternally, great. But if I die and simply cease to exist, at least I have the comfort of knowing that I was.

That is truly enough for me.

Cody McFarland is a staff illustrator for The Advocate.

Contact him at cmcfarland. advocate@gmail.com.

I

came across an old fortune not too long ago stating, “Do it because you love it.”

It’s such a powerful statement that seems so easy to comprehend at first glance, but sometimes is not very clear to carry through.

It is funny how I picked this fortune cookie hidden inside a purse stagnating in my closet for quite some time now.

I have been thinking a lot recently about how I have been avoiding things I love doing. And a lot of them are purely circumstantial.

My excuses: the timing may not be right, I lack the proper tools, I’m not with the right person, I’m too selfconscious or my shyness is getting the best of me. Or I am just plain scared.

Sometimes I wonder why we should be scared of anything, especially when it comes to manifesting our dreams.

I hate to put myself in situations where I whine about my struggles, because I know

One thing I used to be unsure of was if it was “OK” to be head over heels in love with fashion.

It is not just simply about shopping, knowing worldwide designers or inspecting different garments and there is always a way out of saying, “Oh hey, that looks everything. great.”

My mind is just so preocI am talking about apprecupied that it is hard for me ciating and having such a strong passion for the many to see out. We are intended different silhouettes, cuts, to fail, obligated to fail, and fabrics, colors and designs of destined to feel pain.

Mistakes are life lessons to everything. One just has to be open to anything and everyexperience. It is all in rising above this where we find out thing that is going on. true character.

I was skeptical if caring Being afraid is such a about my style and getting pointless emotion. a natural euphoria for new Sometimes, I also wish apparel was something I this emotion was inevitable, just happened to like. But and that I could snap myself now, I have realized my speout of it. Instead, the feeling cialty and my strong desire to of excitement and vulnerabil- become a “somebody” in the ity would just rush into my industry.

Not only do I have a genuveins. ine love for beauty, but I am It is always so difficult to get into that positive mental- also a young woman who ity, but when I do I make sure finds herself always getting a natural high for new things, that I will be taking advanstyling ensembles together tage of it.

kristinaplaza

and feeling confident with my choices.

If something really makes me feel ultimately passionate, to the point where my knees shake with chills running down my spine, and I start second guessing myself, it is probably crucial to my health.

Might as well do it. And thank myself later.

I am amazed at the things, feelings and outcomes and so much more can come into effect from just one sudden epiphany.

My eyes have opened to realize what life is really all about, and while that might sound superficial since I am a young woman with so much more growing up to do, I find that fact to be very much more true.

It is new and scary, but I love it. And I am doing it. I am going to make the utmost out of it.

Kristina Plaza is a staff writer for The Advocate.

Contact her at kplaza. advocate@gmail.com.

Fighting failure Conquering fear of missteps key to life successes

Crone discovered that since examining what a person does wrong requires much more analysis due to its complexity, as opposed to the simple statements conveyed in actions carried our correctly, most young children learn better from the rewards of positive reinforcement than the punishments of negative reinforcement.

By Alec Surmani Together, this research paints a posASSOCIATE EDITOR itive landscape for instruction, albeit a rying to teach others new skills possibly idealist one.

Of course, most people would or concepts and have those people learn on their own can rather teach and learn from happier experiences found in the absence of often trap you in a Catch-22. disappointment. But when actions and If you help them too much, they information as complicated as those will not fully comprehend what it takes to actually grasp certain skills or often necessary in adulthood must be concepts. Yet, if you force them to fig- understood, how are you supposed to ure it out entirely by themselves, they help people succeed, especially if they have little experience in the area? are more likely to repeatedly fail and UCLA professors Nate Kornell, possibly become discouraged. And Matthew Hays and Robert Bjork may even if they do succeed without help, have a way to address such a problem. you cannot always be sure that they In their study published last month understand that success and linking in the Journal of Experimental the right reasons to its cause.

Psychology: Learning, Memory and This dilemma has been the subject Cognition, the educators required of numerous recent studies, conducted students to remember pairs of “weak in order to determine whether success associates,” words that are loosely is more valuable than failure during related such as “star-night” or “facthe learning process or vice versa. tory-plant.” One group was given Earl K. Miller, professor of neuroboth words of the pair and asked to science at the Massachusetts Institute memorize and recall them later. The of Technology (MIT), and university first word would be given to students colleagues Mark Histed and Anitha in the second group, however, and Pasupathy published a July study in they would try to guess the associated the scientific journal Neuron about word. how a person’s brain registers greater Although those in the latter diviactivity in response to doing somesion often failed to guess the correct thing right, rather than doing somewords, when they were eventually thing wrong. told the whole pair, In the study, monkeys looked at the students two alternating images on a computer showed screen. For one picture, the primate was rewarded when it shifted its gaze to the right. As for the other picture, it was supposed to look left. The animals used trial and error to figure out which images cued which movements.

This triggered different reactions in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, which are extensively connected with each other and with the rest of the brain and are thought to help people learn abstract associations by generating brief neural signals when a response is correct or incorrect.

When the monkeys chose the right picture, cells became more finely tuned to what the animal was learning. If they did not look in the right direction, there was little or no change in the brain — nor was there any improvement in behavior.

The MIT researchers believed that since the signals sent after successes were so robust and filled with so much information that perhaps the classic belief of learning best from one’s mistakes may not hold the same value as it once did.

Similarly, a study performed last year by developmental psychologist Eveline Crone and her colleagues from the Leiden Brain and Cognition Lab indicates that lessons taught through failure may provide even less benefit to children younger than 12.

T

better retention rates when asked to repeat the pairs later.

The results provided evidence for the previously beloved, now-maligned “learn through mistakes” approach in a manner not often considered in the quandary of how to teach or learn.

Success and failure, while both pivotal components of the growth process, may not be the main area of interest.

Personal drive and confidence in one’s ability to eventually get the hang of it are perhaps the most important goals. Additionally, these goals are not rewards waiting at the end of the rainbow, but continually helpful mindsets that accompany one throughout the journey, which makes the entire process both more enjoyable and more beneficial for one’s development.

Next time you do not know a term, for instance, perhaps trying to figure out its meaning through root words before compulsively running it through an online dictionary will instill a greater sense of self-worth and motivation. Also, you may end up being correct, consequently increasing your chances of replicating such success in the future.

Since there is no shame in being wrong, sometimes the best choice is to just go for it, even if you do not know exactly what you are doing.

If you really want to grow, you will find some way to do so.

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

JOEL ODE/THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

CAMPUS BEAT

l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

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Newsline ■ BSU

Students host slam event The Black Student Union (BSU) will be hosting a slam event in the Fireside Room on Dec. 3 from 5-8 p.m.

The free event will include scheduled performances of dance, poetry, rapping and singing and will also have food for sale.

For more information, contact BSU President Lonnie Ross at 510-6859211.

■ DRAMA

Improvisation to hit Knox The drama department will be hosting “It’s My Line,” a free event showcasing student-performed comedy, improvisation and stand-up on Dec. 3 and 4 from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Knox Center.

For more information, contact 510-235-7800, ext.

4373.

■ SPEECH

Media night to entertain The Speech and Debate Team will be hosting a night of speech presentations and competitions in the Knox Center Thursday from 7-9 p.m.

The event will cost $7 and help raise funds for an upcoming national event.

■ FINANCES

Budget forum to inform Student Trustee Christina Cannon and Vice Chancellor of Finance Kindred Murillo will be hosting a budget forum in LA-100 on Nov. 19 at noon.

The event will discuss the current budget crisis and how it is affecting students.

CrimeWatch Tuesday, Nov. 10 Unknown suspects broke into a victim’s vehicle while it was parked on campus.

A staff member reported the theft of her purse on campus.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 Victim reported the theft of her vehicle from campus.

— Isaac Thomas

Correction In the article “Contract averts district strike” on page 4 of the Nov. 11, 2009 issue, it read that the ballots were being recounted on Tuesday.

It should have read that the ballots are being recounted on Nov. 10.

In the article “Tragedy demands exhuming of positivity” on page 2 of the Nov. 11, 2009 issue of The Advocate, it read, “To help in the healing, Carter is sponsoring a charity basketball game on behalf of the victim.”

It should have read, “To help in the healing, Carter is sponsoring a charity basketball game to raise money to support safety programs at Richmond High School.”

The Advocate regrets the errors.

Wright | Defensive back’s spine ‘waking up’ ■ FROM: Page 1

“He said he wants to come back to (Contra Costa College) and take classes,” Comet football coach Dave Johnson said. “I’m happy to see that he’s moving his legs.”

The 25-year-old player incurred serious injuries when he collided helmet-to-helmet with a Los Medanos College running back at CCC’s season opener at home on Sept. 5.

Wright suffered two fractures in his neck and a swollen spinal cord, leading to paralysis of his limbs from the neck down.

He was initially treated at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he underwent surgery to secure the fractures on Sept. 7 and a tracheotomy performed on Sept. 10.

Johnson said the tracheotomy

tube and its concomitant accessories the intensive care unit at John Muir Medical Center restricted the amount have been removed. of visitors.

Wright is receiving “(The team) assistance breathing “I’m happy to see signed a football, through a respirator, and we framed his Piola Wright said. that Wright is jersey and gave them On Sept. 20, doctors informed his moving his legs.” to him,” linebacker Marcelo Magdalenomother that Wright Dave Johnson, Medina said. “It put was able to move his Comet football coach a smile on his face. It shoulders and because seems like his spirits of his improvements, he was moved to the rehabilitation are up.”

Also, the team members have facility on Sept. 28 and is currently worn stickers of the number “26” being treated by Dr. Alex Barchuk.

Approximately 25 of his team- on the back of their helmets since mates, Johnson and athletic trainer his injury and have dedicated their Brian Powelson visited Wright on entire season to him, Magdalenothe afternoon of Nov. 2.

Medina said.

For many, it was the first time Since the majority of Wright’s they saw their colleague since the family resides in Southern California, injury occurred, as regulations in Piola Wright told The Advocate in

October that she was trying to relocate her son to a rehabilitation site in Artesia so he could be closer to home.

Their facility of interest was unable to approve the request, however, as there are not any available openings at the moment.

“There’s been a change of plans,” Piola Wright said. “He will be staying in Kentfield, plus they have the best facility for him.”

Johnson said that when he last saw Wright, he told him not to worry about life right now.

“I told him to listen to the doctors (and) don’t try to rush,” Johnson said. “Take all the time in the world to get better.”

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

Charity | Supports

Courses | Decreased

produce a great product (in them), ■ FROM: Page 1 we get nothing in return,” he said. they signed.

Approximately 150 spectators “We are all family and must keep watched Carter and others partici- our kids emotionally, physically and pate in Thursday’s charity basket- spiritually fit by investing in them, ball game at the RPAL gym on now.”

To give an example of the results Macdonald Avenue. RFD took on RPAL, with the latter group winning of investing in kids, Carter introduced his former student, Wayne by a final score of 85-79.

Oliver, who was a part “I am satisfied of the “lock out” team with the outcome of the evening. People “It is great to see from RHS and whose were enthusiastic and the Richmond life was turned around significantly. engaged,” Carter said.

Oliver transferred “This is one of the community come ways that you give out to support this from Pinole Valley High School with back to the commueffort over this 52 F’s on record, to nity.”

The charity game tragic event. Some become an honor roll student in the first raised approximately $1,025 and they good things may semester at RHS. As a result of the expect continued come out of a bad panel discussion, sevdonations to come situation.” eral adults made comover time, Foster said. mitments to help men“Carter will tor young people in Ed Valdivia, present everything Richmond firefighter the community. received to the school “All should leave at one time,” he said.

RPAL is a nonprofit organization, here saying they are going to make formed in 1982, to provide a positive a difference,” panelist and RPD Lt. alternative to the streets for boys and Mike Butler said.

Ed Valdivia of RFD said the basgirls between the ages of 5 and 18.

As a result of the gang rape inci- ketball game was successful in its dent, some parents are reiterating mission, exciting and good entertainment for the community, enjoyed safety measures to their children.

“We talk more as a family since even by its players.

“It is great to see the Richmond the incident happened. I am talking to my daughter about making wise community come out to support choices and that it is okay to say this effort over this tragic event,” ‘no,’” Contra Costa College nursing Valdivia said. “Some good things may come out of a bad situation. student Monica Huerta said.

To address this and other safety People are sharing love, and events issues, a panel discussion was held like this bring people together.”

A message of safety was the key prior to the game for parents and kids to learn ways to combat safety focus of the evening and the effort challenges within the schools and in made toward that goal was achieved, thanks to one person stepping out of the local community.

Roughly 50 individuals listened the box with the desire to help a city and responded to ideas brought out heal, he said. by the panel, including Carter.

Contact Cassandra Juniel at “We must vow not to allow our children to be poor. If we do not cjuniel.advocate@gmail.com.

said. “The lines are already long and if students wait, the lines will be incredibly longer.”

The hourly instructional cuts are tied to the C-contract budget, which funds all adjunct faculty, including many part-time staffers in the counseling department, and the overtime of full-time professors.

In order to offset the reduced accessibility to personnel, students should utilize methods of automated registration, such as online resources and the district telephone registration system, Floyd said.

If possible, students should not rely on face-to-face interactions when registering for classes, Vice President Carol Maga said.

“People that regularly (register) through the Web site WebAdvisor are going to get quicker service,” Maga said. “(Students) have to be a little more independent and patient when (they) need extra help.”

In addition to making counseling appointments early and mapping an educational plan, it is extremely important for continuing students to pay attention to their registration dates and enroll in classes as soon as they are permitted, Maga said.

Registration opens for EOPS, Disabled Students Programs and Services and CalWORKs Monday.

Priority registration for returning continuing students is by appointment on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 11. Noncontinuing and concurrent enrollment students may register from Dec. 14-20.

“I’m prepared to pick my schedule,” nursing major Ariana Espen said. “But even though people have priority dates, there’s still not enough room to accommodate every student here.”

Compared to fall 2008, the college has experienced an 8.9 percent growth in enrollment, Maga said.

Generally, the college has been serv-

■ FROM: Page 1

ing more students than it can afford, she said.

CCC is responsible for 20 percent of the district’s budget, which was reduced from 34,000 to 29,000, Floyd said.

The colleges’ revenues are based on their number of full-time equivalent students (FTES), or every 15 units enrolled. This academic year, CCC’s goal is to serve 6,273 FTES. “We don’t want to cut (sections) too low, because we might not meet our goal,” Floyd said. “But if we go over, we are serving more students than we are getting money for, so we’re not in a growth mode, (but) we’re trying to maintain.”

Floyd said that in identifying sections, division deans worked with department chairs and indicated the amount of hours that could be cut in efforts to make equitable reductions across the board.

Emphasis was also placed on retaining courses needed for transferring, vocational certifications or associate degrees, Floyd said.

“We didn’t want to eliminate courses students need to satisfy requirements,” she said. “Spring is a huge time for graduation.”

Originating from the approximately $2 million reduced from CCC’s budget for the 2009-10 academic year since July, Maga said that these decisions were necessary to balance financial deficits.

Espen said the situation is discouraging.

“It makes me think, ‘Do I have to wait another semester here to take this class?’” she said.

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

Rally | Food, fun, games in great abundance ■ FROM: Page 1

missing few chances to make their fellow classmates laugh.

Horalek that although they are housed at a college, MCHS students are really high school kids trying to enjoy their teenage years and have as much fun in high school as possible.

Erica Rodriguez, also an MCHS student, said the event was well organized.

“We have such a small school, and everyone knows one another,” she said. “So it is so much fun when we all come together as one and celebrate.”

She said that MCHS students do not have the usual high school experience, and the rally just gets them closer to that experience.

“The rally is a good way to get us connected

Rape | Stalled ■ FROM: Page 1

“All the suspects are in the same posture,” Cashman said. “The last guy who was arrested didn’t face enhancement, but he is now charged.”

All six defendants are facing slightly different charges including various counts of rape, including rape by a foreign object in concert and enhancement of personally committing sexual penetration by force, assault causing great bodily injury, rape in concert and enhancement for personally inflicting great bodily injury.

In addition, Morales and Ortega were both charged with second-degree robbery.

The three juveniles were also charged as adults based on the severity of the crime.

“A case wouldn’t be charged if there wasn’t enough evidence,” Cashman said. “In order to be charged with a crime, you have to actually take place in the offense.”

In addition, DNA evidence was provided last week to prosecutors in order to confirm charges and aid the process of the investigation, she said.

Contact Diana advocate@gmail.com.

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and share a high school experience we would get if we went to a regular high school,” Rodriguez said.

Steve Hoffman, MCHS history instructor, said he too enjoyed attending the event.

“We get to see so much talent. To think some of my students who are so quiet in class are out here screaming and some performing, it is great to get to know a different side of them and get to see their talents,” Hoffman said. “I am happy to see these students having fun and expressing themselves through dance and music. This is just

to show how important music and art are needed in the schools.

MCHS student Briana Partee said she enjoyed all of the dancers and was happy to see some of her friends either performing in the rally or participating in games.

Partee said the event is important, because it gives her a chance to be a high school kid without some of the pressure she faces in college.

Contact Lamar advocate@gmail.com.

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Chat inspires improvement

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

5

ASU event seeks community effort

order to progress.

“We can’t hold them back,” Reyes said. “They need to be involved. They’re being misplaced.”

By Diana Reyes and Palacios agreed that youth should be more incorporated into Cody McFarland task groups.

STAFF WRITERS Students concurred that a single More community connection is group among the campus should what the majority of the students exist without having to categorize who attended “The Solution,” the by race, such as the Black Student second Fireside Chat of the semes- Union and La Raza studies, in order to integrate ethnic groups. ter, demanded Thursday.

In addition, they deliberated The ASU held the event to discuss solutions to problems in the about situations where teachers are not always concerned about their community and students, hence on campus. number of stuLa Raza stud“You must improve the dent dropouts. ies Program “Some teachC o o r d i n a t o r yourself before you ers don’t care Agustin Palacios assembled a work can improve the com- about the students, which is why there group, also known munity” are so many dropas the Outreach outs,” Reyes said.

Group, where Jasmyn Oliver, “Teachers are the discussion’s Associated Student Union senator cruel and downsubject matgrade students, ter assessed the importance of knowing that crime and their self-esteem is already within ethnicity is a product of the down. They don’t need an adult looking down on them.” system.

Reyes and Palacios believe the Student Lisa Reyes who previously worked for the West Contra youth are “crying out for help,” Costa Unified School District par- but there is no reasonable adult to ticipated in Palacios’ work group. aid them.

Outreach and Scholarship She said students need to be more encouraged to create a change in Coordinator Jimmy Cox also par-

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Making a point — ASU Senator Jasmyn Oliver speaks to students about having the strength within themselves to better the community at “The Solution,” the second Fireside Chat meeting in the Fireside Room Nov. 12. The group discussed issues on campus and in the local area. took in one of the work groups, which focused on the ways to make a living for the family.

It discussed retraining drug dealers to use their business talents they once used on the streets to become lawful businessmen with taxable employments.

“We’re talking about underthe-table entrepreneurs,” Cox said.

“The people out on the streets are making a doggone living doing what they’re doing (selling illegal substances).”

He said many of them are not high school graduates, yet they are responsible for bringing in millions

of dollars.

The students in the work group agreed that if drug dealers possess the intelligence to “stand on a corner” and evade all the problems that come along with such a dangerous profession, that same business model could be brought to the college in order to be taught the right business skills and therefore utilize it for more productive purposes.

Lts. Mark Foisie and James Creekmore of the San Pablo Police Department took charge in the vigilant students group, whose emphasis was on juvenile violence and

crimes.

It addressed issues and measurements related to the college, including safety and self-awareness.

ASU Senator Jasmyn Oliver recognized education as the ultimate solution and spoke on how members of society must be educated first before they can teach others.

“You have to start with yourself,” Oliver said. “You must improve yourself before you can improve the community.”

Contact them at advocate@gmail.com.

letters.

Accreditation review awaits settlement DVC final assessment anticipates full credit

By Alec Surmani ASSOCIATE EDITOR

After more than two years of dealing with the effects of the cash-for-grades scandal, Diablo Valley College administrators prepare to breathe a sigh of relief as they inch closer to redemption.

Keeping in line with what DVC officials are calling the “year of assessment,” accreditation officials visited the Pleasant Hill campus, a sister-college to Contra Costa College, on Thursday and Friday, looking for signs that the college is making the changes recommended to it in 2007 and 2008.

Although the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) will not make its final decision until January, if the organization finds DVC’s progress since it was deemed with the lowest pos-

sible rating of “show cause” earlier this on the report, Dr. Walters said.

Accreditation liaison officer Ted Wieden year satisfactory, the college will regain full said work groups were assigned to each accreditation.

“People here are feeling like we really recommendation to better focus on each required task. worked hard on the recAdditionally, in an effort DVC ommendations,” “The accrediting to further display DVC’s President Judy Walters said.

“But we’ll have to wait until commission and the progress, Wieden said the college will be putting January.”

The college detailed its standards don’t want together another follow-up that would include work in addressing these anyone to say you are report all of its work up through recommendations in an Oct. 15 report that it sent to done. Because you’re the semester, which it will to the ACCJC prior to the ACCJC. never really done.” send its January meeting.

According to the report, Wieden said actions like which can be read at www.

Ted Wieden, this are key to achieving the dvc.edu, the college was accreditation liaison officer commission’s expectations issued seven recommendaof constant evolution. tions and two notices on eligibility requirements. They collectively “The accrediting commission and the concerned issues such as collegewide plan- standards really don’t want anyone to say ning, curriculum and program review, tech- you are done. Because you’re never really nology planning, decision-making roles and done,” he said. “It’s something you’re always communication. working on because one of the standards is More than 100 college employees worked continuous improvement.”

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He said that even if a college is achieving particular goals well, the question arises: “How can you do them better?”

Thus, in addition to the numerous committees set up and other changes made to coincide with the ACCJC’s immediate concerns, Wieden said DVC is also addressing less urgent issues, unrelated to the “show cause” branding, suggested to it last fall.

A new technology plan was approved by the district in May, and more than 85 percent of DVC’s courses have established their student learning outcomes (SLOs), which detail what skills and concepts professors expect students to have grasped by the end of a course, Wieden said.

Walters said DVC’s actions to address all of the recommendations, as well as the ACCJC’s eventual decision, will only give further rationalization for what she already believes — that DVC provides quality education and services to all of its students.

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

Ballot recount leaves proposal unresolved Votes prolong strife between union, district

By Holly Pablo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After what appeared to be the closing of contract negotiations, ballot recounts reversed the United Teachers of Richmond’s (UTR) initial results approving the West County school district’s proposed tentative agreement.

Middle College High School (MCHS) history instructor Steve Hoffman said that initial ballot counts indicated that the kindergarten through 12th (K-12) grade teachers approved the West Contra Costa Unified School District’s (WCCUSD) tentative agreement 698-689 on Nov. 5.

The slim margin and the process in which the votes were counted, Hoffman said, led union members to demand a recount. The recount on Nov. 10 determined that there were 671 votes of approval and 705 votes against, a difference of 34 votes, he said.

Eric Reed, MCHS math teacher and UTR member present during initial counts, said the math turned out to be wrong.

“Now, whether we’re going to strike or not, we don’t know,” he said.

Reed explained the count-

ing process.

Each counter was designated a school. After tallying the members’ votes, a second person double counted for accuracy. Subsequently, the election committee chair compiled the final count and forwarded the results to UTR President Pixie HaywardSchickele, he said.

Hayward-Schickele allegedly proceeded to spend 10 minutes behind closed doors after the individual tallies were calculated and upon exit, refused members’ requests to release the total results, Hoffman said.

“The union members are pretty upset with the leadership,” Reed said. “Members were not satisfied, because (the counting process) did not reflect a democracy.”

Hayward-Schickele could not be reached for comment by press time Monday.

WCCUSD spokesman Marin Trujillo said that the district is waiting to hear back from the union’s leadership.

“What (the district) wants to do is go back to the table and continue the conversation,” Trujillo said. “We know this is a very hard contract, because these are difficult financial times for everybody.”

The California Legislature slashed $5.3 billion of the K12 education statewide for the 2009-10 academic year.

The proposed three-year contract attempts to balance the WCCUSD’s budget,

which is projected to include revenues of $251 million and expenditures exceeding $270 million if nothing changes, Trujillo said.

The proposed change that has raised the most concern within members is health benefits.

Currently, the tentative contract states that the employee must pay for his or her spouse and dependents’ health care, whereas previously it was completely covered through district funding.

“If you’re single, your health benefits are covered,” Hoffman said. “It’s really hitting teachers with family the hardest. It proposes a $4,000$5,000 pay cut a year.”

Tensions between UTR and WCCUSD escalated in August and September, when failure to come to an agreement led the union’s members to overwhelmingly approve a strike. In preparation, the district held trainings for substitute teachers.

After returning to the bargaining table Oct. 20-21, the groups reached the tentative agreement that has now failed, but “getting everyone to agree is always a hard thing,” Trujillo said.

Reed said that hopefully an agreement is met before January, when the proposed health benefit changes would take effect.

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

6 THE ADVOCATE

CAMPUS BEAT

l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009

Advanced team takes home gold Tournament boosts confidence, ambition

By Asia Camagong ASSOCIATE EDITOR

With an upgraded coaching staff and group of competitors, the Speech and Debate Team is bringing more to the table, with the medals to prove it.

The group took home three gold medals and a finalist award at the annual advancedonly UC Berkeley Tournament held on Oct. 30, leaving with much more than just tangible success.

The event, which featured other teams from schools such as UC Berkeley, University of the Pacific, San Francisco State and the University of Oregon, has motivated the

team for upcoming tournaments pending in the spring, team coach Rachel DwigginsBeeler said. “(The win) made us more confident,” she said. “It’s nice to be recognized by other schools that we have a strong team.”

As an advanced-only tournament, the top three competitors of the team were selected to attend.

Competitor Mahak Hassan, who won two gold medals for her program oral interpretation and dramatic interpretation performances, said the competition contributed to the motivation of the group.

“When you win, you have the drive to win more. When you lose, you are more motivated,” she said. “No matter what the outcome, (we’re) still driven.”

Initially attending the competition solely to provide team members with a valued learning experience, the coaches were “shocked”

with the amount of wins, but found it to be a “pleasant surprise,” team coach and Director of Forensics Julie LaBrincha said.

“This shows not only other schools, but our school, that we can do anything if we set our minds to it,” she said.

The wins were not only unexpected, but also had a chance of being nonexistent.

With a lack of funds, the team was unable to participate in the competition, LaBrincha said.

A chance to compete, however, approached the CCC team a week prior at the Santa Rosa Junior College tournament, when a group from Solano Community College recognized its skill and offered to pay its registration fees, LaBrincha said. “(It was) an impulse decision to go to the tournament, but we did well,” she said. “We have such a good reputation in the forensic community.”

With the amount of success, LaBrincha said the team is currently at a skill level unlike before.

“This is the strongest team we’ve had in a couple of years,” LaBrincha said.

Dwiggins-Beeler said, with new and returning speech team members, the group has a better mix of students of different backgrounds, ages and personal experiences. “(We had) a good team in the past, (but this time there’s) a sense of diversity and a lot of potential for stories,” DwigginsBeeler said. “(There’s) more representation for CCC.” Members of the team will present their award-winning pieces at the upcoming Speech, Drama and Media Night in the Knox Center Thursday at 7 p.m.

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

QUADRUPLE THREAT Young starlet shines throughout art scene

By Lamar James NEWS EDITOR

ISAAC THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

Sparkling — Student Epheann English (right) acts out a scene from the play, “Sparkle,” with co-star Allena Alasade at the Black Repertory Theatre in Berkeley Friday. English also exhibits a strong passion for singing and dancing.

Previously, English had appeared on “The Arsenio Hall Show” and “Martin” with Martin Lawrence, performed with Wynton Marsalis and participated in shows at different venues around California.

Yet, her newest venture, “Sparkle,” is very important to her, because she has been focusing and helping everyone recently, and performing in this play was a way to help her recapture a love for the stage, she said.

“When I heard the announcement on the radio I got really excited and thought to myself that I should do it,” English said.

“When I first got to the audition, the director did not pay much attention to me.”

She said that it was just her and the director in the auditorium, where she sang “Tell Me Something Good” by Chaka Khan.

“He really liked it,” English said. “He then told me to sing ‘Giving Him Something He Can Feel,’ which is a title song in the play.”

After that, the director told English that she had made the cut and asked her what part she was considering. Although she did not know at the time, English went home to watch the movie and immediately fell in love with the character Sista.

The next day, she came back and told the director that she wanted to play Sista, the eldest sister, with the sassy attitude and striking good looks.

CCC student Albertha Henry, who is also performing in the play alongside English, said English is a great leader. “(She) is always willing to help others in need,” Henry said. “With all the work she is doing with the play, the turnout should be really good.”

Sean Vaughn Scott, director of the play, said English is a real teacher’s teacher when it comes to music, and with all the big names that she has worked with, she brings experience to the cast.

“She is a very positive influence and keeps a really upbeat and positive attitude about everything, which is really helpful when things can become stressful,” he said.

Those in the entertainment industry are all familiar with the rare triple threat — a young starlet who can sing, dance and act.

Yet, it is even less common to find a quadruple threat, someone with four amazing talents that they exhibit with passion and dedication.

Contra Costa College student Epheann English, however, has earned such a label, gaining attention for her talents as a singer, songwriter, actress and musician.

English, who was born on the Southside of Chicago, attributes her love of music to the thriving arts scene in her home city.

She said that even her name, bestowed upon her by her father Joe Louis English, holds ties to her passion.

“My name is from Ephesians, a book of the Bible. It means God has given you fruit in the land of the suffering,” English said. “And that really resonates with me, especially with all of the hardship that I have faced. But at the end there is always a positive outcome.”

Throughout her high school years, English sang and acted in various productions and events, which helped foster her love for the two passions.

“I was in many plays in high school. I had a love of being on stage,” she said. “But after I got a little older and had children, I focused more on them and their dreams. I lost track of my dreams.”

After hearing a radio announcement that the Black Repertory Theatre was staging “Sparkle” at its location in Berkeley, however, English began the rediscovering of her early loves.

A movie about three sisters following their dreams to become singers by performing around night clubs in Harlem, and the Contact Lamar James at ljames. adversities they faced on the way to stardom, advocate@gmail.com. seemed perfect for the young starlet.

Staff continues winning tradition Conference builds abilities, bonds

By Alexandra Waite STAFF WRITER

Continuing their award-winning spell after the National College Media Convention in Austin, Texas, The Advocate staff bagged 33 awards at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) NorCal Conference held at San Jose State on Nov. 7.

The conference is a one-day event normally held at the university each fall semester.

Twenty-five students, along with journalism department Chairman Paul DeBolt, attended the conference, participating in competitions and attending workshops covering many aspects of journalism. Among

the awards presented to The Advocate was General Excellence Newspaper, Online Journalism General Excellence and the Enterprise Story/ Series award. “(Winning awards) is great, but we don’t work hard to win awards,” current Editor-in-Chief Holly Pablo said. “Our main goal is to deliver the news, inform and educate the campus and people in the community.”

Pablo won first place in the News Story on-the-spot competition. She said she was surprised to win after only being on staff for one year and competing last year and not placing.

Competitions at the conference included mail-in, bring-in, and onthe-spot, which were all based on students’ writing, photography, illustrating, design and editing skills.

“You don’t put out a paper to win awards, but it’s nice to see that happen. It shows something about the staff,” DeBolt said.

He said this semester was a transition semester for the publication, meaning several old staff members transferred and new students arrived in their place.

“It’s been kind of fun to see the new people learn the skills,” DeBolt said. “There are a lot of talented people on staff.”

The staff won 10 first place awards, 10 second place, five third place, one fourth place and three honorable mentions, in addition to four general excellent awards.

First-semester staff writer Malcolm Lastra said he learned a lot at the convention.

“The conference was very informative,” he said. “I went to the sports workshops, and I plan to use some of those skills.”

Scene Editor Brent Bainto said competing in the on-the-spot competitions was a learning experience in itself.

Winning ways

“Even though some of us didn’t place, it was beneficial by testing our skills and seeing how they measure up,” Bainto said.

He said these conferences are important for people serious about being a journalist, whether it be for a job or on a college newspaper.

2008-09 Editor-in-Chief Justin Morrison came along with the staff and took home seven of the awards.

“It’s good to know that after I leave the legacy of the Advocate will continue,” Morrison said. “It creates a program that allows students to continue to do well year after year.”

DeBolt said that overall, the conference was just a fun day.

“We got to hang out together outside of the newsroom. It was enjoyable to get to know the people,” he said.

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

The Advocate student newspaper staff brought home a total of 33 awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) one-day NorCal Conference held at San Jose State on Nov. 7, including: - General Excellence Newspaper - Online Journalism General Excellence - Enterprise Story/ Series - First place on-thespot News Story (Holly Pablo) - First place on-thespot Editorial Cartoon (Cody McFarland)

Environmental chemical raises health concerns

By Kristina Plaza STAFF WRITER

Tips about easy, everyday actions one can take to make a real difference, from finding a safe sunscreen to choosing fish low in mercury, were offered in an informative assembly Friday in PS-132.

Sarah Janssen, a staffer in the health department of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), shared facts and news on making healthy decisions for oneself, one’s home and the planet

at the event, catered toward Center for Science Excellence (CSE) students.

NRDC, known as one of the nation’s most effective environmental organizations, works to solve the most pressing environmental issues faced today, from global warming and removing toxic chemicals out of the environment, to helping China go green.

“Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in the lining of food cans, including cans of infant formula,” Janssen said, “has been linked to a wide range of potentially seri-

ous health effects including reproductive abnormalities, behavioral changes, cancer, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.”

BPA is a big concern for consumers because of its widespread occurrence in food and drink, she said.

It is also used to make polycarbonate plastic, which is used in some water bottles.

“I really think we have to be more careful about what we eat nowadays,” student attendee Joseph Reid said. “It’s quite interesting to see everything that affects our life

has consequences.”

There have been at least five new scientific studies published that support previous research findings and continue to raise concern about the toxic effects of BPA and the vulnerability of infants and children to this chemical, Janssen said.

A recent study indicates that a body takes longer to break down BPA than scientists previously thought, and food is not the major source of exposure to BPA, she said. This also suggests that people are more highly exposed than they

were previously.

Other studies have indicated that infants have the highest exposure to BPA, as premature infants have 10 times higher levels of the chemical in their bodies than adults, Janssen said.

An Nguyen, a chemical engineering major, thought the discussion was very helpful. Learning about the toxic contained in food really opened his eyes to health issues, Nguyen said.

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

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009 l THE ADVOCATE

Team ends year with high hopes Coach sees bright future despite loss

best. They’ve got more experience than us,” midfielder Dorothy Briseno.

“You can tell that they have been together for a while.

They know all their moves, and they are more aggressive than us.”

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR Contra Costa College’s offense was rendered useless Nikki Ferguson complet- against the LMC defense. ed his first season coachA lack of communicaing the women’s soccer tion between the midfielders team with high and forwards hopes, despite prevented the ScoreBoard a 7-0 loss to Comets from Los Medanos getting the ball Mustangs 7 College Friday up the field, Comets 0 at home. leaving them The blowout without any Season over: loss showed the shots on goal.

1-13-0 overall, difficulty that The Mus1-9-0 in BVC the Comets (1tangs got on 13-0 overall, the scoreboard 1-9-0 in the nine minutes Bay Valley Conference) had into the game with a free with the Mustangs’ (10-9-1 kick by midfielder Laura overall, 6-4-0 in the BVC) Martinez. LMC would net offense. The experience its second goal on a corand aggressiveness of the ner kick in the 22nd minute Mustang team was a wall by midfielder Guadalupe in the Comets’ path to the Sepulveda, who received the goal. cross from midfielder Daisy “I felt like we tried our Sornia. Sornia would get her

goal four minutes later to give the Mustangs a threegoal lead at the half.

The Mustangs had 18 shots throughout the game, dividing nine per half. “(LMC is) a good team, a physical team, and at the end of the day that’s all that mattered,” Ferguson said.

The first half was mainly a showdown between the Mustangs’ offense and the Comets’ defense.

The only time that the Comets got the ball into their opponent’s box was 29 minutes into the game on a free kick into the box.

But despite several attempts to try to get a shot in, the Mustangs rejected the ball from the box.

“We did our best. It was our last game; we wanted to give it our all,” Comet defender Claudia Garcia said. “We maintained our happiness. We kept our heads up high to end the season.”

In the second half, the Comets would lose forward Lorhany Silva due to an

7

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Foot race — Comet forward Jessica Miller (left) tries to keep up with her defender in the Comets’ 7-0 loss to Los Medanos College at home Friday. ankle injury from a foul.

Within a minute into the second half, Mustang forward Maria Acosta found a way to dribble past the Comets’ defense to extend the LMC lead. And within five minutes, the Mustangs scored twice more to put them ahead 6-0, scoring their seventh and final goal on the 71st minute. “(The Comets) didn’t

quit, they continued to play, even when (the Mustangs) were the better team,” Ferguson said.

He said that the real work starts now, during the offseason, so the team can remain fit and gain better soccer technique for next season.

Despite the loss, Ferguson was optimistic of how the year went.

“We’re a young pro-

gram, we started from scratch, we’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us,” he said. “Overall, I’m happy with our season. It says a lot about the team. It was a very demanding season. Some would say it was failure, I say it was a success.”

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

Comets welcome season with victories Second-year players bring back talent

By Dariush Azmoudeh SPORTS EDITOR

The women’s basketball team opened up its season with two wins and a loss at the Sierra College Summit tournament in Rocklin this past weekend.

Contra Costa College (21 overall) opened play on Friday with a 61-55 loss to Cerritos College (1-2 overall).

The team later gained two wins, however, with victories over Las Positas College (0-2 overall) 80-59 Saturday and Shasta College (1-1 overall) 68-67 on Sunday.

The tournament was double elimination and included host Sierra College, Shasta College, Cerritos College, LPC, Lassen Community

College, City College of San Francisco and Fullerton College. Tournament winner Fullerton College defeated San Francisco 82-76 in the finals Sunday.

CCC begins conference play this afternoon against College of Marin (3-1 overall) in the Gymnasium at 4 p.m.

The first game of the tournament began with a 14-point first half.

“We dug a hole in the first half. We got behind,”

coach Paul DeBolt said.

He said that the team needs more of its players to step up and play harder, but despite that, he liked the overall effort of the team.

“We had a chance to win, but we missed a lot of shots,” DeBolt said.

CCC was able to rebound with a convincing win over LPC Saturday, anchored by a commanding 45-13 lead at halftime.

“They weren’t a match for us,” DeBolt said. “It was

one of those games where they weren’t up to our caliber.”

In the last game against Shasta College Sunday, the Comets fought hard down to the final seconds.

Although they led throughout most of the game, the Comets allowed the Knights to come back because of defensive breakdowns and hot Shasta shooting in the final five minutes of the game.

With the game tied at 65,

Comet guard Alana Aquino was able to sink a 3-pointer with 28 seconds left in the game to put CCC ahead.

An ensuing 2-pointer was not enough to put the Knights ahead, as the Comets took the single-point victory.

“Hopefully the team will continue to grow and improve during the preseason,” DeBolt said.

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

Squad falls in three-set defeat Lack of effort impedes victory

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Hit ’em high — Comet middle blocker Efaraima Danao goes up to spike the ball against Laney College in Oakland Thursday.

SportShort Loss ends playoff dreams, 10-win season not enough In a close and even match-up, the men’s soccer team fell late in the second half to College of Marin and missed the playoffs in a 1-0 defeat at Marin on Nov. 10.

Contra Costa College (10-7-4 overall, 6-4-2 in the Bay Valley Conference) lost to the Mariners (8-8-4 overall, 8-3-1 in the BVC) for the third time this season, dashing any hopes for a postseason run.

“It was a tough matchup. They (Marin) have been tough (for us) all year,” Comet coach Rudy Zeller said.

Marin was able to score in the 90th minute of the game by taking advantage of the lack of Comet defensive players, nailing a fast shot from the corner of the field and between the goalposts.

game, it dampened their mood,” Comet coach Azure’D Nunley said.

Straight into the beginning of the second set of the game, the Comets began playing sloppily on offense and defense.

“When the intensity went down, we started becoming disoriented,” freshman middle hitter LaShara Johnson said. “It was a roller coaster (ride).”

As the Comets began to miss the ball, players began to crowd around their teammates, anticipating strong hits from the Laney offense. The lack of coverage made tipping the ball into empty spots a game-winning strategy for Laney.

“We had a hard time trusting each other in this game,” Hansen said.

During much of the second set, the Comets lacked blocking attempts, which were made

by Johnson and middle blocker Efaraima Danao during most

“We couldn’t run a single play, because our passing wasn’t there,” sophomore middle hitter Emily Hansen said. “We weren’t aggressive.”

The Comets played their

By Sam Attal ASSOCIATE EDITOR last game of the season against College of Marin (5-11 overOAKLAND — A lack of all, 5-7 in the BVC) at home team effort and strategic pass- Tuesday after press time. ing led the women’s volleyball Compared to most of the team to lose to season, where the Laney College Comets displayed in Oakland minimal effort at the ScoreBoard Thursday in beginning of games Eagles def. straight sets, 25and became more 21, 25-19, 25aggressive toward the Comets 25-21, 22. end, the first set went 25-19, 25-22 Contra Costa well for the Comets College (1-12 as they matched many Season over: overall, 1-11 in of Laney’s points and 1-12 overall, the Bay Valley made several kills.

1-11 in the BVC Conference) had The defense could not difficulty coverrespond to several of ing the whole court, leaving easy the Eagles’ quick spikes and tips, targets for the Eagles (4-14 over- however, which helped Laney all, 3-10 in the BVC) to strike win the set. and take the match in three sets. “(After) losing their first

“I decided to substitute some of my defensive players for offensive players to give us a better chance in scoring,” Zeller said. “We created plenty of scoring opportunities, but we just couldn’t capitalize.”

As a result, the Comets were not able to extend their season into the playoffs.

“We lost some games that we should have won in the beginning of the season,” Zeller said. “(Those losses) came back to haunt us later in the season.”

CCC proved to be a tough team this season as it beat top-quality teams such as Santa Rosa Junior College.

“We had a good season as a whole,” he said. “It’s just disappointing that we didn’t make the playoffs.”

— Malcolm Lastra

Box scores Women’s soccer (Nov. 13) Los Medanos, Contra Costa Los Medanos 3 Contra Costa 0

4—7 0—0

First half 1, LMC, Martinez 17, 9th minute.

2, LMC, Sepulveda 9 (Sornia), 22nd minute.

3, LMC, Sornia 19, 26th minute.

Second half 4, LMC, Acosta 11, 46th minute.

5, LMC, Alfaro 21, 49th minute.

6, LMC, Sornia 19, 51st minute.

7, LMC, Sepulveda 9 (Sornia), 71st minute.

Yellow cards No yellow cards.

Individual statistics Goals — LMC — Martinez, Sepulveda 2, Sornia 2, Acosta, Alfaro. — CCC — none.

Assists — LMC — Sornia 2. — CCC — none.

Shots on goal — LMC — 9. — CCC — 0.

Saves — LMC — Hernandez 0. — CCC — Aguilera 2.

Record — LMC — 10-9-1 overall, 64-0 in BVC. — CCC — 1-13-0 overall, 1-9-0 in BVC.

Schedule Women’s basketball vs. Marin, today 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. vs. Merritt, Jan. 15 5:30 p.m. at Napa Valley, Jan. 20 5:30 p.m. at Yuba, Jan. 22 5:30 p.m. vs. Solano, Jan. 25 5:30 p.m. at Marin, Jan. 27 5:30 p.m. vs. Los Medanos, Jan. 29 5:30 p.m.

Men’s basketball vs. Canada, today 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. vs. Alameda, Jan. 11 7:30 p.m. at Mendocino Jan. 13 7:30 p.m. vs. Merritt, Jan. 15 7:30 p.m. at Napa Valley, Jan. 20 7:30 p.m. at Yuba, Jan. 22 7:30 p.m. vs. Solano Jan. 25 7:30 p.m. at Marin, Jan. 27 7:30 p.m. vs. Los Medanos, Jan. 29 7:30 p.m.

Standings Men’s soccer

Bay Valley Conference Yuba College College of Marin Contra Costa College Merritt College Napa Valley College

W 8 8 6 5 0

L 2 3 4 6 12

T 2 1 2 1 0

Overall W L T 12 5 2 8 8 4 10 7 4 8 12 1 1 16 2

W 10 7 6 5 1 1

L 0 3 4 5 9 9

T 0 0 0 0 0 0

Overall W L T 17 2 2 11 7 2 10 9 1 11 8 2 1 13 0 1 12 0

Women’s soccer

Bay Valley Conference Solano Community College Yuba College Los Medanos College Mendocino College Contra Costa College College of Marin

of the season. For much of the game, the two players were found huddled around other freshmen players who would hit the ball over the net instead of passing it around.

After losing the second set, the Comets received a wakeup call. The team opened up the third set with strong coverage and fast spikes, throwing off much of the Eagles’ offense and defense.

For the majority of the set, the Comets held the lead until a gap was left uncovered for the Eagles to attack. Soon after, CCC turned back to covering the court in chunks without any attempt to pass. The Eagles won the final set on a series of spikes and tips.

“We should have played together from beginning to end,” Johnson said.

Contact Sam Attal at sattal. advocate@gmail.com.

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

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

Where: Gymnasium Records: CCC 2-1 overall, 0-0 in the BVC. Marin 3-1 overall, 0-0 in the BVC. Background: The women’s basketball team looks to begin play in the Bay Valley Conference against College of Marin. The match will pin last year’s BVC co-champion, the Comets, against the Mariners, who placed last in the BVC. Marin only had four wins last season, but it already has a 3-1 record this year. In last year’s meeting between the two teams, the Comets won both games, 77-50 and 80-56.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009

SCENE

Unleashed

Movies

‘Modern’ war rages on with latest game

This week: “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (PG-13) “The Blind Side” (PG-13) “Planet 51” (PG) “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” (R)

DVDs

New releases: “Star Trek” (PG-13)

continue to go on missions with you and assist you in completing objectives. Being mentored by the previous characters you have played as gives it a nostalgic feel, which

By Joel Ode makes the characters feel more real, STAFF ILLUSTRATOR since if you played the first you can recall previous interactions.

Hype about a game doesn’t Something that the first “Modern always mean it’s a great game, or Warfare” lacked was a bigger variety even a good game for that matter. of guns.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” The arsenal at your hands in its which is thought to be the most sequel has more than doubled in anticipated game of the year, does size. not disappoint, though it could have In the online mode, you get to been better.

The game plays much like the use even more impressive firepower. first one, and if anything, smoother.

Depending on how many kills you Nothing negative can be perform without dying, for gamereview instance, you can take consaid about the gameplay, as it is essentially ideal for a firsttrol of a machine gun in a person shooter. plane high above the map Levels begin like they do and begin firing down upon in the first installment, with enemies.

“Call of Duty: briefing of your next mission Yet, the main attraction as well as what character you Modern Warfare to this game, as with most 2” will be playing as. of the previous titles, is the ★★★★★ The new feature that stands Studio: Infinity multiplayer feature. out the most is an arcade-style Ward There are endless hours Genre: First-pergame mode called “Spec. of enjoyment to be had by son shooter Ops,” where you complete hooking up with your friends MSRP: $59.99 mini missions either by yourand battling other groups of self or with friends over the friends in a variety of differInternet. ent maps, including the tops This gives the game a lot of of skyscrapers and desert aircraft replayability even if you do not have graveyards. an Internet connection.

The original “Modern Warfare” You encounter two people who was innovative enough to not need helped you in the first “Modern some kind of interesting outlandWarfare” campaign who even now ish element to make you interested.

“Call of Duty: World at War” was not, however, and that is why it had the Nazi Zombies feature, where you battled infinite onslaughts of undead versions of the very German soldiers you had been fighting in the main campaign.

After getting a taste of such a serious game giving you something so silly, it feels like it should be a standard. “Modern Warfare 2,” however, lacks a particular edge, which makes it feel like something was definitely left out.

All in all, this is a good game with more content and features than the original, though the original seems to stand stronger since it was a new concept at the time.

Big fans of the first installment will most likely enjoy this game to the fullest. But for the casual fan this game may not be worth owning.

Contact Joel Ode at jode. advocate@gmail.com.

“Bruno” (R) “Humpday” (R) “Is Anybody There?”

(PG-13) “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: It’s a Very Sunny Christmas” (NR)

CDs

New releases: Boyz II Men: “Love”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Media night showcase to entertain Speech department promotes students

join them in the showcase to enjoy the many talents of everyone who will be performing.

“There are three good reasons you should attend this event,” LaBrincha said. “One, it will be very interesting.

By Natalie Estrada STAFF WRITER Two, (to) come out and support the speech department. And lastly, they will In an effort to raise funds for the be recruiting.” upcoming National Championships in The event includes many themes that New Orleans, the Speech and Debate range from speeches to drama scenes.

Team will be hosting Speech, Drama It will not just be a showcase of and Media Night in the Knox Center students’ skills, however, as the event Friday at 7 p.m. will also serve as a way to get students Speech professors Rachel Dwiggins- interested in the many facets of speech, Beeler and Julie LaBrincha invite all LaBrincha said. students and community members to She said speech is not just debating,

process of choosing the winner.

This will be an opportunity to see and hear all the students’ opinions on the different topics talked about, LaBrincha said.

She said that for many students, it is the first time they are performing in this event, and it is a way to challenge themselves.

Student Joaquin Carranva, one of the participants in the 2 vs. 2 competition, said the competition is important, because in order “to be better, you have to compete against the best.”

Contact Natalie Estrada at nestrada.advocate@gmail.com.

Bicultural cuisine satisfies hunger pang

Norah Jones: “The Fall” 50 Cent: “Before I Self Destruct”

Restaurant nurses breakfast cravings

John Mayer: “Battle Studies” Leona Lewis: “Echo”

Games

New releases: “Assassin’s Creed II” (PS3/ XBOX360 – M) “New Super Mario Bros.

Wii” (WII – E) “Left 4 Dead 2” (XBOX360 – M) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

but is also a way of expressing the way one feels and learning the different techniques of communicating ideas that are on one’s mind.

Students will recite speeches on their own, and others will express how they feel about any topic in the world or just about common life, LaBrincha said.

“It’s just a range of speeches that do not just help you with your classes, but on the way you talk and present yourself,” she said.

LaBrincha and Dwiggins-Beeler said the Speech and Debate Team will gather four of its students to conduct a 2 vs. 2 competition on a surprising topic where the audience will be included in the

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Local delight — Customer Natalie Verduzco enjoys a seafood dish during her first visit to Angel’s Restaurant, located at 12569 San Pablo Ave., on Oct. 25.

the food will not fail to deliver.

Service is quick, and the prices are reasonable.

You can chat about the events of the day while waiting for your food,

By Lamar James or get an update on the news, with NEWS EDITOR televisions installed all around the When time is on a short leash and restaurant.

I am running to class late, sometimes Although Angel’s specialized in breakfast can be skipped all together, breakfast items, the restaurant does leaving me fatigued. serve lunch items, such as hamburgBut a local restaurant has ers, cheeseburgers and double saved me the troubles of foodreview bacon cheeseburgers. missing breakfast and runBurritos, tacos and sopes are ning late, acting as a new also hot items on the menu. angel in my life.

Food is all prepared while Angel’s Restaurant, you are waiting and fresh located at 12469 San Pablo ingredients are always a focus, “Angel’s Ave., incorporates traditional making Angel’s feel like your Restaurant” Mexican food with American mother’s kitchen instead of a ★★★★★ touches, creating a bicultural Cuisine: restaurant.

American and mix of flavors.

The soul of the owner is Mexican Maria Weaver and her four Where: Richmond invested immensely in the Price Range: daughters have brought a preparation of the food and $5-$15 family love of cooking, and how well guests will be taking a generosity for the love of care of. people, to the wholesome Getting a touch of authentic family-orientated restaurant, properly Mexican and conventional American named Angel’s after Weaver’s young- food is only one call or just over two est daughter. miles away, and a celestial visit to Specializing in breakfast foods, Angel’s will not disappoint you or guests can choose from an array of your stomach. items.

The food will nourish your soul Choices range from simple omelet and make you at home, all at the plates served with hash browns or same time. It will be something to country potatoes and toast, to favorlong for ite Mexican dishes, such as chorizo, Angel’s has something for everytwo scrambled eggs served with rice, one, and if you wish to find out beans, and tortillas. The restaurant what they have for you, just give the also offers huevos rancheros, three superb taste of this Richmond eatery eggs over easy in a mild tomato sauce a try. served with rice, beans and tortillas.

Contact Lamar James at ljames.

When visiting Angel’s, guests will feel an at-home-like atmosphere, and advocate@gmail.com.