CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CMYK
CMYK
WEDNESDAY l 9.16.15 OUR 66TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF. IN PERSON: The face-toface orientation process has changed over the years with fewer workshops offered by the college. The in-depth orientation allows students the same access to all campus programs and is still effective.
ONLINE: The online orientation process can take 30 minutes to complete and consists of several modules and short quizzes. By completing the online orientation students can take advantage of all the campus programs.
Virtual assistance enhances enrollment, orientation
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
BY Jose Jimenez SPOTLIGHT EDITOR
jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com
According to the California Community Colleges’ 2014-15 fiscal year report, Contra Costa College was given $838,618 in credit allocations in preparation for new and returning students who complete orientation and enroll in classes for fall and spring semesters. The allocations increased by $467,301 compared to the 201314 fiscal year when CCC was granted $371,317 for potential investment
in future alumni students who complete the requirements for the Student Success and Support Program (SSSP), Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson said. Ferguson said the old matriculation process is now known as the SSSP, and that orientation is the first step before enrolling in classes. SSSP is a process that enhances student access to the California Community College system and promotes and sustains the efforts of students to be successful in their educational endeavors, Ferguson said.
She said the goals are to ensure that all students complete their college courses, and continue on to the next term to achieve their educational objectives through the assistance of admissions, orientation, assessment and counseling. “Who could not benefit from any orientation where you are learning about the school’s policies, procedures and your rights as a student?” Ferguson said. “It’s been two years in the making and now our collaboration with SEE ORIENTATION, PAGE 3
SOCCER TEAM FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE
LGBTQ event unites vast lifestyles
Facile roster depth reflects interest, season forfeit viable
Oakland gathers in support of its LGBTQ community to create awareness of social and political issues while promoting same sex, safe sex.
BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
SEE WOMEN’S SOCCER, PAGE 3
PAGE 8
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Measure E update educates faculty BY Christian Urrutia EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com
An update forum on the Measure E bond was held in LA-100 on Monday, meant to educate the college administrators on the background, planning parameters and process behind the measure. The forum was hosted by district Chief Facilities Planner Ray Pyle, who explained each one of the facets concerning the Measure E bond program. “My whole goal with using the Measure A 2002/2006 and now
Measure E bonds is to transform the (Contra Costa College) campus to the best of our ability,” Pyle said. Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said, “It is an opportunity for us to continue and expand the resources that we need to modernize our facilities.” Pyle said, “Getting input from the college body is essential, since they’re the ones who are going to be inside these new buildings.” Planning for Measure E began in 2007 with the Facilities Master
ABOVE: District chief facilities planner Ray Pyle discusses the district’s plan to use Measure E bond funds in LA-100 on Monday.
IMPROMPTU EVENT MAKES TUTORING ACCESSIBLE PAGE 4
View us online on your mobile device.
SEE MEASURE E, PAGE 3
CMYK
Out of the 87 women’s soccer teams across California community colleges, which are now four weeks into nonconference play, Contra Costa College has yet to play any of them so far this season. Comet women’s soccer coach Amanda Beckenhauer said she and her staff decided to cancel their first game against Shasta College, Hartnell College, and subsequent games against West Hills-Lemoore College and De Anza College, due to a lack of players; which stems from various commitment and eligibility issues with the program. Beckenhauer said in total she has had about 15 players show up to practices or her office in GA-13 wanting to join the team over the summer. But as the semester started that number dropped to nine, and now only seven players are officially on the roster as of press time. “Since the semester started the number of players I’ve had on the team at once has gone up and down,” she said. “I think we had a solid 11 (players) for about at week.” She said she informed the seven players about the challenges of playing games without substitutes and not being able to play with a full starting roster of 11 players during practice last week. Freshman Comet fullback Shirley Correa said when the coaching staff asked the team if they are willing to play out the season with only seven players there were “mixed feelings” among
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CMYK
2
●
Christian Urrutia editor-in-chief
EDITORIAL MEASURING PRIORITIES
Roxana Amparo Lorenzo Morotti associate editors
Open discussion for planning and designing commences
Quotable “The oppression of any people for opinion’s sake has rarely had any other effect than to fix those opinions deeper and render them more important.” Hosea Ballou theologian 1825
Robert Clinton sports editor Mike Thomas scene editor Jose Jimenez spotlight editor Cody Casares photo editor Marci Suela editorial cartoonist Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Asma Alkrizy Benjamin Bassham Joseph Bennett Keno Greene Xavier Johnson Magali Mercado Monae Pearson Javier Ramirez Jason Sykes Mark Wassberg Larry Wickett Staff photographers Jordan Khoo Denis Perez Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accent.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
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16, 2015 VOL. 103, NO. 2
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM
CCC
D
espite having $60 million set aside from the Measure E bond for a new Science and Allied Health Center and $22 million in total for the Physical Education complex, the athletic department now has an opportunity to submit input to steer things in its favor. The planning phase of the Measure E projects has commenced with a forum taking place on Monday, detailing the process, planning parameters, and background of the bond program for college administrators. For Contra Costa College, Measure E means the campus will see the construction of a new science and allied health center or modernize current spaces housing the science and allied health educational programs according to a Bond Project Budget list complied by the district. The campus will also see a new campus operations building or modernize an existing one. Also, modernizing the Gym Annex Building, Gymnasium, Men’s and Women’s locker rooms and other physical education facilities is set to transpire with accordance of Measure E. The Advocate criticized the district on the allocation process of its three colleges in the May 13, 2015 issue and maintains that position. The allocation metric for CCC was not based on Full Time Equivalent Student (FTES) funding but on the aged facilities of the campus and a report conducted by Fyoog, an architectural consultant contractor, who surveyed the critical needs of the buildings. One FTES is equal to one or more students who are enrolled in 15 units. The biggest concern with the delay of much needed retrofits is the Hayward Fault, which runs directly through campus. According to the seismic assessment of the 2007 Facilities Master Plan, the Gym was in built in 1956 making it one of the oldest buildings in the district, along with the locker rooms that were built in 1961. And while the Physical Sciences Building does take the cake for being the oldest building on campus, it had the accompanying Physical Sciences Building established in 1973, allowing for more accommodations. Phrase one of the master plan involved the renovation of the Gym Annex but any extensive renovations were held off, except for the installation of the Gym Annex elevator, bringing the building up to compliance with ADA policy after 45 years. Phrase two does mention the renovation of the Gymnasium and so far the floors were outfitted with new material but phrase two also lists the construction of the allied and health center project, which would definitely hold more emphasis. In the process of constructing these new buildings, college staff and faculty will be dispersed into user input groups, correlating with a building they will be working in. The athletic department is given a chance to voice their concerns and requirements within these upcoming projects in order to best serve student-athletes and finally have their aspirations recognized.
DVC SCIENCES
CCC ATHLETICS
MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
■ IMMIGRATION
Murder sparks heated immigration debate T he murder of Kathryn Steinle by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez at Pier 14 in San Francisco on July 1 has called into question the safety of sanctuary cities. A sanctuary city is a term self-applied to some cities in the United States that have policies designed to not prosecute undocumented immigrants. In San Francisco, the city passed the “City and County of Refuge” Ordinance back in 1989, which prohibits city employees from helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration investigations or arrests unless such help is required by federal or state law or a warrant. And this is putting lives in danger. Sanchez, an undocumented immigrant, had illegally entered the U.S. multiple times, making him a felon, and was convicted of several drug charges from when he first arrived, almost 25 years ago. Before the shooting, he was in custody within the San Francisco County Jail on an outstanding drug warrant, a 20-year-old felony charge of selling and possessing marijuana. After the dismissal of the charge, San Francisco Sheriff ’s Department released Sanchez. The only problem was that ICE had issued a detaining order for Sanchez asking that he be kept in custody until they were able to pick him up for deportation. Being a sanc-
Calif. was declared a sanctuary city. This puts Richmond in a questionable position because of the scrutiny sanctuary cities have been receiving. The Steinle family has publicly condemned the policy and said that if law enforcement officials had tuary city, San Francisco cooperated with the federCounty Sheriff Ross al government, Kathryn’s Mirkarimi had the legal death could have been preright to not notify ICE. vented. The city did not honor They are also suing the ICE’s request and released City of San Francisco and Sanchez since he had no ICE, holding these agencies active warrant as conresponsible for Steinle’s firmed by the Sheriff ’s death, with Kathryn’s father Department. Mirkarimi providing testimony of the should have cooperated with the federal authorities account to the U.S. Senate as he was present with her and it would have possi- “The death at the time of her murder. Sen. Dianne Feinstein bly preventof Steinle (D-California) said that ed Steinle’s the death could have been death. could have prevented if the Sheriff ’s Because Department had notified of these ICE prior to the release events, San been of Sanchez, in a letter Francisco’s prevented addressed to San Francisco sanctuary mayor Ed Lee. city status is if the Lee also said the sanccalled into tuary city ordinance allows question. Sheriff’s the sheriff to coordinate In 2007, then mayor Department with federal immigration and ICE agents, further Gavin had condemning the action. Newsom However, it was the city upheld San notified supervisors who passed Francisco’s this law protecting people commitment ICE.” like Sanchez. to immiMany cities across the grant communities by announcing an U.S. have become a haven executive order that called for undocumented immigrants performing criminal on the city’s departments to develop protocol on the activity. sanctuary ordinance. This action was seen by Mark Wassberg is staff many as a confirmation of writer of The Advocate. Newsom’s views on sanctu- Contact him at mwassberg. theadvocate@gmail.com. ary cities. In 1990, Richmond,
markwassberg
CAMPUS COMMENT
Which building on campus requires more funding from Measure E renovation?
“Probably the Gymnasium because it would be more useful to add more space to the Gym so that more events can be held.” Edwin Delva business
“The LA Building because there is no proper ventilation.” Eric Van
automotive services
“Biological Sciences and the Physical Sciences — those two buildings is where nursing students go to a lot of the time.” Camille Bernido Nursing
XAVIER JOHNSON, CHRISTIAN URRUTIA, AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE
“I believe the science buildings deserve it more, why do we have to focus on athletes and fitness?
“The LA Building needs renovation, like new lighting because the old lights cause distractions.”
“The gym, because there is a lot of outdated equipment that could potentially hurt students.”
Htejany Fernandez
Adriana Hernandez
John Matthew
communications
real estate
music
campus beat Follow The Advocate
3
ORIENTATION | Funds set aside for incoming class Continued from Page 1
Receive breaking campus news and sports updates by following The Advocate on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can find a digital copy of this paper on Issue. twitter.com/accentadvocate facebook.com/accentadvocate instagram.com/cccadvocate issuu.com/the_advocate
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 9.16.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
Comevo, a software company, is presenting an easier online orientation (interface) for every new student this semester.” She said students have to apply through the college website and wait for the email confirmation in order to gain access to the link explaining all the steps of the orientation process. The process is bad and good. Mohamed Abdula, an English as a second language major, said he had no idea he could go through an online orientation and wished
someone on the administrative level had helped more. Abdula, an immigrant from Yemen, said he came to the college in 2013 because he needed to learn how to read and write in English. He said his first week on campus, especially when visiting the Student Services Center, was confusing. “In this country you need to speak and write English (well) so you can get a job,” he said. “I wish I went through orientation because I’m still lost walking around campus with all this construction.” While some students talked to
struggled with the process, others found it informative. Student Jenna Saefong said the orientation process opened up an in-depth and direct path to her college success. “I liked how after you finish the orientation process the SSSP mentions all the clubs they have on campus,” Saefong said. “It felt good knowing CCC has clubs to choose from.” Ferguson said that in the end all of the funds for the SSSP program are dependent on the overall number of students who complete all the steps in the orientation pro-
cess. The steps have to be complete in order for the money to continue growing. “This is actually the largest budget we’ve had in five years,” Ferguson said. “But the categorical programs, which are state funded programs such as EOPS and DSPS, have restrictions on how the money is spent.” Ferguson said the only way the money can be spent efficiently is through the core services like the SSSP program and students who want the help and aspire to be the best scholars in their respective field of study.
WOMEN’S SOCCER Season hangs in the balance | Newsline Continued from Page 1
CLUB
POLITICAL CLUB SCREENING FILM The Community Organizing and Political Action Club (COPA) invites all students and faculty to a screening of “Unconstitutional: The War on Our Civil Liberties” on Sept. 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The screening takes place on the main floor of the Library and Learning Recourse Center, by the fireplace. The screening will be followed by a discussion of recent changes to the Patriot Act. For questions or more information contact Dr. Vanna Gonzales, COPA advisor at vgonzales@contracosta.edu.
WEBINAR
ONLINE INSTRUCTION FOSTERS SUCCESS The first online lecture “Staring At Whom You Want To Be” will take place on Sept. 23 from 10-11 a.m. in LLRC-125. The Campus-Wide Tutoring Student Success workshop will provide students with clear paths to achieve their goals and why setting goals is important. The three-part webinar will continue throughout the semester. With the second, “Moving From Visualization To Actualization,” taking place Sept. 30 and the third, “Resilience In The Face Of Obstacles,” on Oct. 21 at the same time and location. For more information regarding the webinars contact tutoring coordinator Jason Berner 510-2357800 ext. 4245.
CrimeWatch Monday, Aug. 31: A construction company on campus reported 600 ft. of power cords missing. The estimated total loss was $2,500. Wednesday, Sept. 2: Officer responded to a medical emergency. The student was transported to the hospital. Tuesday, Sept. 8: An officer observed a vehicle hit another and then drive over the center divider in the city of San Pablo. Wednesday, Sept. 9: Subject left his chihuahua in his unattended vehicle. Wednesday, Sept. 9: A student was hurting on her right side. Student did not want an ambulance. Thursday, Sept. 10: Officer conducted a traffic stop and it was determined the driver was never issued a driver’s license. Subject was cited and released from the scene. — Roxana Amparo
— The Contra Costa Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. The District does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.
some, but “for the most part we want to play.” Regardless of these mixed feelings, Beckenhauer said the Comet’s first conference game will be at Los Medanos College on Friday at 4 p.m. and added that she will do everything in her power to recruit more players to “save” a season on the verge of cancellation. Two players had to drop out of the program last week because they were not enrolled in enough course units, Beckenhauer said, while two other players said their work schedule conflicted with practice and game times. But since then, she said two more potential players have come forward and all they have to do is enroll into a two-unit class before the game against LMC. To be eligible to play on any athletic team at CCC, one must be enrolled in 12 units and maintain a 2.0 GPA or better. If these players are eligible, they will bring the number of players on the official team roster back up to nine players in total. As of now there are only seven players on the official roster however. And according to FIFA’s Rules and Regulations, adopted by the California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA), it is the minimum number of players that a team can field and still play.
“Some of the girls on the team are saying we shouldn’t play because we won’t be able to win,” freshman Comet striker Zoe Glover said. “I think we should play (out the season). I don’t think we can win a game with only seven players, but we can try our best to hold our own defensively.” CCCAA Director of Sports Information and Communication Jason Boggs said with the current official roster of seven players, if a single person on the team were unable to make it to a game then it would be forced to forfeit. And if a single player drops from the program entirely then the team may have to postpone the season altogether. Boggs said, “The only other team in the state that has contacted (CCCAA) to forfeit its season is Allan Hancock (College in Santa Maria), but even they played at least one game.” He added that if the Comets were to abandon the season, its players would keep their eligibility and be able to return to play for the team next year. Athletic Director John Wade said canceling the season is a real possibility if Beckenhauer and her staff are unable to recruit more players to provide a cushion in case another player drops from the program. Wade said playing a game three players down is “tough”, but playing through an entire soccer season with only seven players and no
substitutions is “beyond tough” considering how much running is involved. To avoid this, he said it may be in the best interest for the women’s soccer team for its coach to contact other women teams on campus, district, and ask the coaches if they would be willing to loan some players, or postpone the season. “If there are not enough players (by the time conference play begins on Sept. 18) we may have to cancel the season, it’s happened before,” Wade said. “The state will be pissed since there has been a big push to get women participating in sports. “I don’t know if not being able to get female student-athletes to commit to a team is a cultural issue or what but I’m concerned. This is not a good situation.” The last time the women’s soccer team at CCC had to cancel its season was in 2009, current men’s, and former women’s, soccer coach Nikki Ferguson said. Glover said the team is still looking for additional student-athletes interested in playing this season and suggests that anyone wanting to join should make sure they work out conflicting schedules with their work or professors. “(Beckenhauer) will be flexible for anyone who wants to join,” she said. “At this point (in the season) she won’t be upset if you didn’t sign up for the summer training class.”
MEASURE E | Allocations to improve infrastructure Continued from Page 1 Plan for CCC co-created by Perkins-Will, an architectural firm, Pyle said. After most of phase one of the Facilities Master Plan was completed, the Contra Costa Community College District proceeded to look at phase two and three and wanted to validate further projects. Measure E provided a way to do so. For CCC, the projects currently in place are: constructing a new Science and Allied Health Center or modernize current spaces housing the sciences and allied health educational programs; modernize or construct a campus operations building; and modernize the gym annex, gymnasium, locker rooms and other physical education facilities. “(We’re) looking at potentially a lot of moving parts and trade-offs and things like that have to be made in order to get this program to go,” Pyle said. One constraint that presents itself before the building process begins is the budget for the project list. With the total projected amount for costs reaching $126 million, this creates a budget shortfall of about $41.6 million since the Measure E allocation caps out at $84.4 million. But the budget contains two discrepancies; one being that the construction of the Biological Sciences Building will fall under the new science and allied health center or undergo an extensive renovation, the other being $5 million from the Measure A bond added to the allocation amount, bringing the total to $89.4 million. This would make the actual budget shortfall a little more than $26 million. “Through the planning process we try to find ways to save money or find cost effective ways so it is hard to be precise with the budget in the beginning,” Pyle said. Seismic constraints consisted of one of the planning parameters discussed with emphasis on how no buildings can be installed that rest on active traces of the Hayward Fault, an active geological fault that bisects CCC’s campus. According to a seismic study of campus conducted by Kleinfelder, Inc. in 2012, certain areas of the campus are designated by red, yellow and green colors to represent areas that are unsafe for construction, questionable areas for construction and areas that are cleared for construction, respectively. Pyle said new buildings cannot be built unless the land is made green by trenching to find pre-Holocene soils that are absent of fault traces, or by other indirect analytical testing that may be inconclusive. Moving forward each project will have user groups made up of current or future building occupants. Information technology and operations teams will be part of all project user groups and input on design and adjacencies and functional space requirements will be taken during the design process, Pyle said. Design decisions will also be reported back to user groups and these same groups will be asked to sign off on the designs prior to final approval, he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
USF
ADVANTAGE.
PLEASANTON EXPERIENCE. 160 years in San Francisco 3O years in the Tri Valley
DEGREE PROGRAMS IN: Management • Education • Nursing for the RN Classes conveniently held evenings, online, and some Saturdays Financial aid and scholarships available Call to schedule an advising appointment
925.867.2711
Information Meetings held at least once a month For dates, visit:
www.usfca.edu/pleasanton
CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE
4
campusbeat
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 9.16.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
CULINARY STUDIES ITALIAN PALATE BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR
ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com
Robinson
Simpkins
Sanders
Six culinary arts students’ hard work paid off when they received scholarships and studied abroad in Italy for 17 days in June. Among the recipients were Contra Costa College culinary arts majors Lauren Patrick, Topaz Sanders, Maryum Simpkins, Danielle Robinson, Fatimah Hanif and Patchell Windom. The scholarship covered nearly $7,000 in expenses per student, culinary arts instructional assistant Wing Man Chau said. Culinary arts Chairperson Nader Sharkes said this year’s trip was unique because it gave an opportunity to six women in minority groups to get a glimpse of a different lifestyle. Robinson said, “I’ve gained a new fire for this field of study.” She said it was a new and unexpected experience that made her realize how different things were back home.
And as for Simpkins, it was not the “fancy stuff ” that impressed her, but instead the warmness, love, inviting environment and the gratifying European lifestyle. She said, upon returning to CCC, she wants to apply the mannerisms she experienced while visiting Italy. Although recipients were selected by a committee who reviewed their scholarship application, there were students that did not take part of the trip due to not meeting the requirements. Sharkes said the culinary arts department is looking for ways to bring more students on the next trip. Robinson said throughout the year they put on a series of annual fundraising events to raise funds for their trip. Many of the events that helped raise funds came from on-campus events throughout the year, such as the Annual Food and Wine Event and Valentine’s Day Dinner, Sharkes said. The recipients had the chance to experience a different lifestyle for two
weeks as they studied at two culinary institutes and toured different cities in Italy. The Instituto Superiors Statal in the city of Vico Equense, was one of the culinary arts schools the students visited. The second one was Instituto Professionale Statal in Otranto, Italy. Each day presented students with a new cooking lesson as they watched professional chefs cooking in front of them. Simpkins said Italians have a healthier diet than Americans, and children are often educated on which plants are harmful and learn how to plant and grow their own food. Robinson said being used to the big flavors from home allowed her to notice how different yet simplistic the ingredients used in Italy. “It was very peaceful. I feel like I have changed mentally and spiritually. I realized this (major) is something I really wanted,” Robinson said. It was her first time applying for a
scholarship, and she said it was worth the time. She said she encourages more students to apply for the scholarship. Walking through Italy, the students were able to visit many tourist spots and even had the chance to experience what it is like to cook on a boat. The students were able to visit such cities as Brindisi, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Town of Capri and Sorrento during their tour of Italy. Sharkes said they were able to see the remains of the city of Pompei. Simpkins said she found inspiration to continue cooking, and even though she is baking now she knows she still has a lot to learn. They had the chance to visit different attractions such as a buffalo farm where they make mozzarella cheese and different wineries. Robinson said she was surprised of how pampered the bulls were at the mozzarella farms. “The bulls had their own massage tables.”
UCSC INVITES STEM MAJORS TO CAMPUS BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER
mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com
Students interested in transferring to UC Santa Cruz with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors have the opportunity to visit the campus today. The Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) STEM department’s transfer field trip attendants will be leaving Contra Costa College at 7 a.m. and returning by 6:30 p.m. The STEM focused tour will go from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and lunch will be provided for students attending. Sponsored by an HSI STEM grant, students will receive a tour of the campus, information about transferring and available services at the university. “We hope students get in contact with the faculty and students with the same major to answer any question they may have,” HSI STEM staff member Ysrael Condori said. Representatives from the university will be available to answer questions regarding the process of transferring and students will have the chance to visit STEM labs. Allowing students to visit a major university provides them an opportunity to witness exactly what a STEM major has to offer. Civil engineering major Alejandro Romero said, “I’m excited about seeing their facilities, lecture halls and labs since that’s where engineers spend a lot of their time.” University tours are important for the underrepresented students that usually do not get opportunities to tour campuses alone or with their families, director of Center for Science Excellence (CSE) Dr. Seti Sidharta said. “We provide opportunities that their family may not be able to provide, like bringing their children to tour campuses,” she said. “This is something programs like STEM, HSI, Puente or CSE can do for students.” Providing students exposure to campuses and to have representatives from the college familiarizes students with campuses. Sidharta said the STEM field is vigorous and it is important for students to have a support system, so that the transition to a four-year university is easier. “I prefer students go to a campus that’s more nurturing and supportive so students don’t feel so alone and see others like them. UC Santa Cruz is good with that,” she said. University trips help ease the process of transferring for students, Sidharta said.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Counselor assistant DeEboni Noureddie writes down part of the program outline for the time management workshop on Sept. 10. This workshop was centered on skills concerning time management skills for students.
Academic workshops highlight value of time management BY Keno Greene STAFF WRITER
kgreene.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Welcome and Transfer Center hosted a workshop to help students improve their time management skills on Sept. 9 and 10. Stressing the importance of time management, Contra Costa College counselor assistant DeEboni Noureddie said, “You don’t have to be ready to start, you just need to start.” The workshop began at 5 p.m., and covered a variety of topics in time management. At the workshop, students learned how establishing and sticking to a routine can help improve their cognitive functions, improve their memory and has even been shown to improve a person’s motor skills. Noureddie said, “We wanted students attending the workshop to see the smaller and larger pictures of time management and how important it is to remain organized.” Noureddie co-hosted the workshop with fellow counselor assistant Ashley Patterson.
“We wanted students attending the workshop to see the smaller and larger pictures of time management and how important it is to stay organized.”
impedes their success. Participants in the workshop utilized a color-coding method to graph their typical day hour-by-hour. Noureddie and Patterson then intro— DeEboni Noureddie, counselor assistant duced students to the concept of setting SMART goals. SMART is an organization technique where one categoEach day, Noureddie and Patterson rizes their goals in a Specific, educated students on how time manage- Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and ment could help them in many aspects Time efficient manner. Elias said this of their lives, and can even help students workshop was his first exposure to the retain information better. concept, and that setting SMART goals They stressed how time management would help him make more valuable use can help a student succeed in college of his time. and in life. The Welcome and Transfer Center is Jonathan Elias, a college student located in the Student Services Center. who holds his liberal studies degree The staff inside are ready throughout and majoring in business management, the day to help students develop an ed. said “Learning to set goals was helpful.” plan for college, help get students regHe said what he learned could help me ister for the necessary assessment tests succeed in his goal of one day becoming and to help students toward the end of a senator. the community college career with the During the workshop, students process of transferring from CCC to a shared what their habits were currently, four-year college or university. and how their lack of time management
POP-UP EVENT INFORMS OF TUTORING OPPORTUNITY BY Asma Alkrizy STAFF WRITER
aalkrizy.theadvocate@gmail.com
The College Skills Center held a pop-up tutoring event at the chess tables on Sept. 2 to spread awareness of tutoring. The pop-up tutoring event introduced Contra Costa College students to the Campus-Wide Tutoring program and the other free-tutoring opportunities available at CCC. The CWT program, located in the CSC, provides free peer tutoring in English, math, science and other courses at different locations, such as the Math Lab in AA-210, Center for Science Excellence in PS-109 and the Library and Learning Resource Center in LLRC-121. To receive free tutoring, including drop-in and one-on-one tutoring, students must enroll in Math 875N and English 875N. Peer-led-tutoring learning is a tutoring service developed last semester and net-tutoring is
another new online tutoring service launched this semester. Net-tutoring is carried out by a group of hired tutors holding at least bachelor degrees working full-time. CSC office assistant Jordan Miller said the pop-up tutoring event would encourage more students to sign up and receive free tutoring. Assistant tutor coordinator Brandy Gibson said she is hoping to get a total of 20 percent of the student body registered for free tutoring this semester. She said 13.9 percent of the student body enrolled in CWT last spring. A total of 859 students enrolled during spring 2015. In fall 2013, the number of students enrolled was merely 45. In comparison to fall 2013, the number of student enrollment at the CWT has increased dramatically. The pop-up tutoring event has helped raise the number of CCC students in the free-tutoring pro-
gram. Gibson said the pop-up tutoring event helped to register an additional 50 students for math 875N and another 25 students in English 875N. The 875N courses are tutoring lab courses students must register for to receive free tutoring. Gibson said most students do not realize they must register to receive free-tutoring. “When students show up to receive free-tutoring, we encourage them to register for the required courses,” she said. “But having to register to sign in for free-tutoring may sound intimidating and troubling to some students. ” Gibson has consulted the Admissions and Records Department regarding this issue. To improve students’ learning and academic performance, she is hoping to have every CCC student automatically enrolled in the free-tutoring course by next year. “The tutoring class is free,” Gibson said. “So all students will
have to do is sign in and experience the tutoring environment without having to worry about adding the class. Students won’t have to go through the trouble of registering. It’ll be easier for everybody. ” The pop-up tutoring event also gave students who do not come to tutoring the chance to get to know some of CSC tutors and experience their tutoring services. Several CSC tutors hung around the pop-up tutoring event to help students struggling with their assignments. “I feel better now,” Middle College High School student and psychology major Anistii Davis said after getting help to solve a geometry problem. “When I struggled in geometry homework, there was no one to help me at home.” CSC retention specialist Tracy Nunley said that as a retention specialist, she helps with the outreach of students and making sure the number of their enrollments stays high. Nunley said pop-up tutoring
stems from the concept of a popup restaurant. “In San Francisco, many chefs got bored staying in the brick and the mortar establishments,” she said. “To reach a lot of people, the chefs moved their services to where the majority of people were and advertised their skills. This way, they were able to attract more people to experience their food.” Nunley said pop-up restaurants gave her the idea of taking CSC tutoring workshop outside the “brick and mortar,” to reach out to students across campus. Students wandered about at the college’s chess tables and answered the free-tutoring surveys to get free food. The CSC tutors lingered for a while to assist students with their assignments. “When a student comes to me saying they got an A on one of their assignments, I feel like a kid on a Christmas morning,” anthropology major and tutor Richard Schachair said.
sports
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 9.16.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
5
Lopsided loss leaves Falcons flat West HillsCoalinga no match for hungry CCC defense COMETS
24 3 FALCONS
BY Robert Clinton
75 yards) tore off runs of eight yards each. Comets led “I tried to take too many chances West Hills in major but overall I think statistical catewe played well,” gories Burston said “This Time of possesweek we need to sion CCC 32:14, really put in work West Hills 27:46 in practice so Turnovers: CCC things will come 0 fumbles 0 interto us easier on the ceptions, West field.” Hills 2 fumbles The drive lost 0 intercepended with a fivetions yard touchdown by Total offense Ross. CCC 304 yards, “Last year’s West Hills 277 game definitely had an effect yards on the way we prepared for this game,” Ross said. “We remembered how (West Hills-Coalinga) ran up the score on us.” CCC led in total offensive yards gained with 304 compared to WH-C’s 277. Neither team threw an interception throughout the game, but the Falcons ran seven more plays than the Comets 67-60, respectively. On the Falcon’s second offensive possession Clem led his team down the field by taking bite size chunks of yards,
in brief
SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Comets took full advantage of the opportunity to atone for its only loss of 2014 by beating West Hills-Coalinga (1-1) 24-3 on Sept. 12 in Coalinga. Last year the Falcons put a 50-21 beatdown on Contra Costa College (2-0) and for all the players who are still here from last year the chance to see WH-C on the field could not have come sooner. “It’s just one of three tough games in a row,” CCC coach Alonzo Carter said. “We are not overlooking Reedley (College).” The Comets host the Tigers Saturday at 3 p.m. The West Hills game had an ominous feel from the start for the home team as Comet defensive back Rodney Washington (four tackles) stripped Falcon quarterback Douglas Clem (9-18 passing for 55 yards) of the ball which was recovered by Comet linebacker Amari Mount. Needing only nine seconds to get the ball back, CCC’s rushing attack was the driving force of the first possession. Freshman quarterback Cameron Burston (16-22 passing for 121 yards) got past the first wave of defense in a 15-yard scamper. Then running backs Austin Harper (two carries for eight yards) and Harris Ross (16 carries for
ultimately gobbling 55 yards in 17 plays that took eight minutes off of the clock. The Comet defense held and the drive ended with a 27-yard field goal by kicker John Canes, cutting the Falcon deficit to 7-3. “We came out hungry and stuck to the game plan,” CCC linebacker Chima Onyeukwu (six tackles, one fumble recovery) said. “I’ve already been studying film for next week. We want to go undefeated.” Penalties continue to be the parasite that plagues CCC’s offensive productivity. On the next Comet possession the team netted five penalties and punted the ball away after earning minus 22 yards on two plays. For the game the Comets were flagged for 16 penalties for 104 yards. Infractions notwithstanding, the CCC defense found its form early and the special teams looked to take its turn at downing the Falcons. After the Comet penalty-heavy drive, West Hills went on another long drive that aimed for the same result — a field goal. The Falcon field goal kick, however, was blocked by Comet defensive back Prentiss Reid and recovered by CCC. Lorran Fonseca (one for two kicking with a 35-yard field goal) gave the Comets their final score of the half — a 35-yard field goal to give the Comets a
“Last year’s game definitely had an effect on the way we prepared for this game. We remembered how (West Hills-Coalinga) ran up the score on us. — Harris Ross, running back
10-3 lead at halftime. Following the break, Burston gave his visiting team more of a scoring lead on a two-yard touchdown with 12 minutes left in the third quarter. With the Falcon’s spirit on the brink of destruction CCC poured on one more score to put the game fully out of reach. Makeshift Comet defensive back Robert Wilkes’s 44-yard burst up the field provided the final touchdown of the game, and sealed the success of the CCC road trip of revenge. “We have a determined hungry football team, they feel overlooked so they constantly want to prove themselves and I think they did,” Carter said. The squad continues the trek through the teeth of its schedule on Saturday at 3 p.m. against Reedley College at Comet Stadium.
Comets outclass Butte in shutout
Roadrunner Casar Gonzalez (left) steps in front of Comet defender Christian Garibay (right) during CCC’s 5-0 victory against Butte College at the Soccer Field on Friday.
Offensive, defensive consistency propels team to decisive win
COMETS
5 0
BY Lorenzo Morotti
ROADRUNNERS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
The men’s soccer team’s rallied to defeat Butte College in a 5-0 shutout on Friday at the Soccer Field. Contra Costa College (2-1-1 overall) managed to overcome its demoralizing 6-1 away loss against Modesto City College on Sept. 4 and gut the Roadrunners defense. Butte College’s (3-3 overall) defensive shape was unable close down enough space to contain the Comet proficient passing play in transition and during critical scoring opportunities. The men’s team is scheduled to play its next non-conference game at Chabot College (2-2) at 4 p.m. on Thursday. “This is (the Butte game) the first time during my two seasons coaching the team that the players were clicking on all cylinders,” Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said. “We struggled in the game against (Modesto Junior College) in terms of staying compact defensively, but corrected these problems against Butte.” Comet striker Bryan Vega said the key to recuperating from a 6-1 loss to route Butte 5-0 was taking control of the scoring chances and being clinical in front of goal. “We played well throughout the whole
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
team captain Alejandro Gonzalez at 60 minutes sealed the Comet’s home route against the Roadrunners. His first goal, however, began off a free kick just outside the penalty box only a minute into the game. The initial kick was deflected off the BC wall to Vega, positioned along the — Christian Garibay, center back right wing, who then delivered the ball across the face of the goal to find Pedro game against Butte,” Vega said. “But being Rodriguez, but deflected of a Roadrunner able to capitalize offensively during the first center back and into goal. fifteen minutes is what led us to win.” His second came during a counter along The Comets scored three goals of their the right side of the field. Vega said he cut five goals against a discombobulated BC into the center of the penalty box to rifle a defensive back line in the first 21 minutes low through ball to the far post, and past BC of play. goalkeeper Juan Venagas. Vega provided a brace for the team by CCC’s passing prowess in the midfield scoring the first two goals, while right attack- moved the ball into the Roadrunner defening winger Missel Hernandez led the team in sive third to provide its attacking players assists with two by the final whistle. with 11 shots on goal by the end of the game. Subsequent goals by Jesus Villagrana, at BC’s, however, offensive drives struggled 21 minutes, Rodriguez at 50 minutes and to effectively transition the ball up the field
“(Against Butte) coach said we did everything we could do right. It was one of the best games we have played during my time on the team because we had very little errors — if at all.”
and resulted in only having four shots on goal throughout the game. Sophomore Comet center back Christian Garibay said BC only had a few chances to score because the backline was able to hold a “solid” defensive shape through effective communication. “(Against Butte) coach said we did everything we could do right,” Garibay said. “It was one of the best games we have played during my time on the team because we had very little errors, if at all.” He added that if CCC would have been as clinical in front of goal during the game against Modesto as it was against Butte, the team would have an undefeated record. “That day (against Modesto) we were not playing like we wanted the game,” he said. “But playing at home against Butte was a lot easier because we came into the game much more relaxed. “But we don’t like to make excuses for ourselves. (Modesto) was the better team.”
VOLLEYBALL SEASON RESCUED FROM UNCERTAINTY Squad comes together in time for BVC contests BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
The 2015 Contra Costa College volleyball team is one of only three teams in the California Community College Athletic Association that has yet to play a game this season. CCC’s volleyball team will cancel the remainder of its non-conference games and begin play when the Bay Valley Conference portion of the season begins Sept. 23 on the road at Mendocino College (0-2). After scrubbing its first three matches of the season due to the reorganizing process following the illness of coach Zachary Shrieve, assistant coach Christy Tianero will be handling the coaching
duties for the remainder of the season. “(Shrieve) is a good guy and I know he would do this for me,” Tianero said. “I’ve taken over his physical education classes at Richmond High (where I still coach volleyball) so some days I’ll just move the practices here so I can work with both teams.” Athletic Director John Wade said he made the decision last Thursday to have Tianero serve as coach for the remainder season. She said she was prepared to do whatever was in her power to keep the program stable, but the financial responsibility that comes with coaching at this level was more than the coach was able to provide on her high school coaching salary. But bringing her in as a the interim Comet coach for one season gives Tianero a large enough percentage of the coaching wage to keep the transition seamless. With interest at a new low for the sport on campus, the coach
one when they know the direc“I haven’t heard much about the tion they want to program here, but she (Tianero) used go in.” In practice to be my high school coach. I love volTianero coaches leyball. I played club ball and in high players at different skill levels and school — I really just want to have a during live action good positive season.” scrimmages she — Skylar Moore, freshman even joins in with the team to help has taken to social media sites like with techniques and offer guidFacebook to seek out players to fill ance of what to do during in game out her roster. scenarios. “I have to give her credit for getSome, like freshman Skylar ting to eight people, she’s working Moore have played for Tianero in at it,” Wade said. “She’s giving good the past. spirit to a bad issue. In an emer“I haven’t heard much about the gency situation, for her to step up program here, but she (Tianero) like this is admirable.” used to be my high school coach,” Tianero has impressed the Moore said. “I love volleyball. I athletic director with her level of played club ball and in high engagement. school—I really just want to have “She is quick to answer ques- a good positive season.” tions, no matter what is asked,” Tianero has already made sacWade said. “She has a plan. It’s eas- rifices to keep this team afloat, ier to feel comfortable with some- missing all of her Richmond high
school varsity girls volleyball team’s preseason games. She does not plan to miss any league games for her varsity girls. On days when she is not coaching RHS volleyball her assistant Randy Del Rosario handles Tianero’s duties. The assistant for the Comet bench, however, has yet to be determined. The new players are still going through the process of getting medical clearances to play and submitting paperwork most student athletes took care of months ago. For Tianero and her squad the season could not come soon enough. The stress of being in limbo has reached the boiling point. The team is tired of hitting balls against each other in practice, now the undermanned team is ready for the test against a real outside opponent. After their opener on Sept. 23, Comet volleyball returns to San Pablo on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. against Los Medanos College.
6
sports
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 9.16.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
Men’s Soccer Preview | 2015
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Comets roster adds talent, gives hope to go further into playoffs Coaches, players intent to surpass successful season BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
After reaching the playoffs for the first time in nine years last season, the men’s soccer team aims to not only repeat a post conference berth, but also go beyond the first round. Contra Costa College men’s soccer coach Nikki Ferguson is returning for his second go at controlling the rudder to direct the 2015 season to go past the benchmark he set last year. Twenty-three players are on the official roster. “We have a deeper pool of talent now than we did last year when we (surpassed) people’s expectations,” Ferguson said. “Most of the players (last season) didn’t think we were capable, but we found a way to pull it off. I believed we would make the playoffs even though we lost the first three games of the season.” He said the stark contrast, a positive record four games into non-conference play this year has made him “anxious” to see how well the team will do later in the season. Freshman left midfielder Jorge Lopez said he is “optimistic” that the team will be able to reach the playoffs after its decisive 5-0 win against Butte College. Lopez said, “We have a lot of potential this year if we can keep building on our energy during games and trust each other to develop a consistent team chemistry.” The Comets (2-1-1 overall, 0-0 in the Bay Valley Conference as of press time), however,
LAST SEASON BY THE NUMBERS Overall record 11-7-3 Conference record 8-3-1
will make due without a few key players from last year’s playoff season. Brad Alman, who is ineligible to play after two seasons in the program, watched CCC’s first home game of the season against Evergreen Valley College from the bleachers. “The game was a tale of two halves,” Alman said. “CCC was down in the first half but brought it right back to (EVC) in the second. A 1-1 draw is indicative how well these two teams can play. “I thought it was a relatively strong performance considering it lost a couple of center backs because of eligibility and a few players quit last minute.” In particular, these are center backs Charlie Mendoza, Alman and center defensive midfielder Nic Bob. Bob and Alman were named to the Bay Valley Conference all-conference first team at the end of last season. Mendoza and Alman cannot be a part of the team because their eligibility is up. Bob, however, said he left the team after its 1-1 home tie against EVC on Aug. 29 because of a “tough personal situation” and refused further comment. “(Bob) was an important piece for the season,” Ferguson said. “But he decided he didn’t want to make a commitment, out of personal opinion, so I didn’t press him. I’m here to provide opportunities for individuals — not to be a parent.” Alman, however, said Bob’s departure is a “big loss” because he was a good leader, “but soccer is all about the next man up — someone has to step up and fill that role.” Athletic Director John Wade said Bob could rejoin the team if he wanted “but that is between him and (Ferguson).” “Will we miss out on getting some players on the all-conference first team this year? Sure,”
Ferguson said. “But we need to move forward — one person does not make a team.” He said sophomore defender Alejandro Gonzalez has already replaced Bob as team captain. Other players returning to the team from Ferguson’s resurgent playoff season are forwards Bryan Vega, Brian Santos, Carlos Munoz, Jesus Villagrana, Missel Hernandez, Rafael Torres and Kevin Navas. Other sophomore players retuning to the fold, but missed out on last season’s playoff berth because of unit restrictions, are forward Pedro Rodriguez, and fullback Davis Okonkwo. As a whole however, the team has an almost even mix of returning sophomores and their freshman counterparts. Currently, there are 12 freshman compared to 10 sophomores. Comet center back Crisitan Garibay said the new players add a lot of talent, but the sophomores have to rise to leadership roles to help them develop. Garibay said the best learning experience so far for the freshman Comets was a 6-1 scoreline against Modesto Junior College that is not indicative of how the game went. Comet striker Bryan Vega said they went down by three goals after MJC only had three shots while CCC struggled in front of the goal. Vega said that all changed in the subsequent game against BC however. “We had a lot of chances we didn’t capitalize against Modesto that we were able to convert against Butte,” he said. “It built our team confidence because we were able to keep composed even after such a hard loss (against MJC). “It will be important to keep this momentum up, build our team chemistry and develop talents — if we do this then we will make playoffs.”
ROSTER 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Juan Venagas Eduardo Escamilla Benjamin Reiter Bryan Vega Davis Okonkwo Alejandro Gonzalez Cristian Garibay Jesus Villagrana Carlos Munoz Kevin Navas Hugo Hernandez
SCHEDULE Aug. 27 at Shasta College — 4-1 W Aug. 29 vs. Evergreen Valley College — 1-1 T Sept. 4 at Modesto Junior College — 6-1 L Sept. 11 vs. Butte College — 5-0 W Today vs. Skyline College — 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Chabot College — 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at City College of San Francisco 4 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. Lake Tahoe Community College — 4 p.m. Sept. 29 vs. Yuba College — 4 p.m.* Oct. 2 at Napa Valley College — 4 p.m.* Oct. 6 at College of Marin — 4 p.m.* Oct. 9 vs. Mendocino College —4 p.m.* Oct. 13 at Merritt College —1 p.m.*
goalkeeper goalkeeper fullback striker fullback fullback center back center mid center mid right wing right wing
freshman freshman freshman sophomore sophomore sophomore sophomore sophomore sophomore sophomore sophomore
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Bryan Santos Jacob Daugherty Francis Semilla Francisco Fernandez Edgar Yepez Alan Morales Jorge Avina Luis Magallon Pedro Rodriguez Rafael Torres Jorge Lopez
striker fullback fullback right wing center back striker center mid fullback striker right mid left mid
sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman
Conference finish Second
Oct. 16 vs. Santa Rosa Junior College — 4 p.m. Oct. 20 vs. Folsom Lake College— 6 p.m. * Oct. 23 at Yuba College 4 p.m. * Oct. 27 vs. Napa Valley College —1 p.m. * Oct. 30 vs. College of Marin —1 p.m. *
Rodriguez
Hernandez
Nov. 6 vs. Merritt College —6 p.m. *
Garibay
Nov. 3 at Mendocino College —1 p.m. *
Vega
Gonzalez
KEY PLAYERS
Nov. 13 at Folsom Lake College — 4 p.m. * * Denotes Bay Valley Conference game.
sports
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 9.16.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
7
Football Preview | 2015
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Goals, desire pave pathway to championship greatness SCHEDULE Sept. 5 vs. Cabrillo College 37-21 W Sept. 12 vs. West Hills College Coalinga 24-3 W Saturday vs. Reedley College 3 p.m. Sept 26 at Merced College 6 p.m. Oct. 3 vs. Los Medanos College 7 p.m. Oct. 10 BYE Oct. 17 at Yuba College 6 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. College of the Redwoods 1 p.m. Oct. 31 at Shasta College 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at Mendocino College 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at San Jose City College 3 p.m.
LAST SEASON BY THE NUMBERS Overall record 10-1 Conference record 6-0 Conference finish first
Sophomore exodus, freshman inexperience not enough to deter bowl game expectations BY Jose Jimenez SPOTLIGHT EDITOR
jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com
The cliché of a bad preview for all Contra Costa College athletic teams gets thrown around just as much as a pigskin on Thanksgiving Day. But that does not apply for the 2015 CCC football team. These student-athletes are different. Plus the football program has been thriving for three consecutive seasons under football coach Alonzo Carter and Athletic Director John Wade. “The biggest thing is participation,” Wade said. “Whether it’s the San Francisco Giants, A’s or Warriors, there will be cycles of winning in sports. My biggest thing with these students at CCC is that they get the opportunity to play football, use it to transfer and get a job somewhere.” Wade said it will be hard for the Comets to repeat as champions this season because in football you have to stay healthy over the course of the entire year. According to the 2015 Preseason JC Athletic Bureau, CCC is ranked 22nd in the state and 29th in the country. Carter said CCC has never been ranked among the best teams in the country. “We’ve had the second most players leave to Division I football and that’s the standard that I have set here on campus,” Carter said. “Those are unheard of numbers for this region and we have a lot of expectations, but we also have a lot of talent.” He said being ranked 29th in the country is “amazing in itself.” Compared to building a franchise in the NFL, college football is different. Carter and his coaching staff, however, have put together the best team and showcased them out on the gridiron for the past three seasons. After moving away from the Bay Valley Conference and playing in the Pacific 7 Conference for the first time in school history, CCC won the championship. In the Pac 7, CCC finished 10-1 and polished a red-shirt freshman quarterback, Jonathan Banks, into a transfer to Kansas State University and Division I
football. In fact, over the course of the past three years players from all over the U.S. have traveled to San Pablo to participate in CCC’s football program. Last year it was Florida native and defensive back Elijah McClendon, and now it is Texas native and offensive lineman Isayah Toliver who decided to make the trip to join the team. Toliver, a college freshman, said he comes from his high school in Westbury, a community in Houston, Texas, and moved to the Bay Area to graduate from Hercules High School so he can play football at CCC. “I just want to bring a piece of my heart to the team,” Toliver said. “Everyday we are getting better and I want to help the program to continue winning.” Some say the season last year played out like a “Greek tragedy” for CCC, but the team last year was too good to defeat, especially with best coaching staff in the Pac 7. Carter earned the Northern California Coach of the Year award, and the support from the director so any team in the conference looking to dethrone the champs will find it hard because the program is thriving. CCC defeated every team in the Pac 7; Los Medanos, Mendocino, Redwoods, San Jose, Shasta and Yuba and look to keep the streak going. West Hills-Coalinga (Golden Coast Conference) beat CCC last year, but after the loss to WHC, 50-21, the Comets won nine straight games and ended the season with a victory over Hartnell College in the Living Breath Foundation Bowl, and dedicated the season to position coach Daryll Blackmon, who died in a car accident a day after Halloween. CCC players finished in the top 10 in nearly every statistical category last season and seek to continue to make history with new quarterback Cameron Burston and running back Harris Ross, plus a pantheon of defensive studs like brothers Chima and Chibu Onyeukwu. “Hopefully we have a good team this year,” Wade said. “But it’s been amazing these past three years watching how we have been able to fill in the players like we have year after year.”
KEY PLAYERS
ROSTER
Onyeukwu
Burston
Martinez
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 61 63 68 71 72 73 74 75 76 78 81 82 84 85 90
Arthur Hayes Jakil Sharim Bomani Bassette Rodney Washington Malcolm Hale Desjon Nelson Sterling Taylor IV Jaleen Collins Prentiss Reid Cameron Burston Louis Michael Robert Wilkes Frank Stephens Dylan Wilson Billy-Nicoe Hurst Courtney Beane Raenard McPhee Joshua Walker Tyrone Morgan Cameron Heath Elija Cunnigham Harris Ross Erik Jackson Austin Harper Jerald Daniels Jackson Finch Joshua Jackson Brandon Stephens Aaron Mullins Chima Onyeukwu Ted Noble Broderick Stephens Keahny Harris Justin Mills Tyler Shields-Toomey Angelo Rachal Sergio Perez Donald Keys Javontae Williams DeJuan Watson John Harvey Malaeja Gordon Kahdaro Dugar Tyell Bell Toddrick Gaines Artrell Banks Antwan Martinez Jermain McCann Lorann Fonseca Amari Mount Devin Perkins Tyler Fields Christopher Fletcher Larry Jones Todderic Gaines Meshech Burrell Justin Cuevas Victor Augero Ramtin Ababaf Joe Baltrip Ryan Rollins Jibrel Fowler Anthony Gallon Ofa Santos Ryan Pozivence Manquaze Allen Joshua Pharr Marquis Pippins Terrell Joseph Deshan Nelson Maverick Bradford Chibu Onyeukwu
defensive back freshman defensive back freshman defensive back freshman defensive back freshman defensive back sophomore defensive back freshman wide receiver sophomore tight end sophomore defensive back feshman quarterback freshman quarterback freshman defensive back sophomore wide receiver sophomore quarterback freshman defensive back sophomore defensive back freshman wide receiver sophomore wide receiver freshman wide receiver freshman defensive back freshman defensive back freshman running back freshman defensive back sophomore running back sophomore defensive back freshman defensive back sophomore defensive back sophomore linebacker sophomore defensive back freshman linebacker sophomore linebacker sophomore linebacker sophomore linebacker freshman linebacker freshman fullback sophomore defensive back freshman defensive back freshman defensive back freshman defensive back freshman fullback freshman defensive back freshman linebacker freshman defensive back freshman linebacker freshman linebacker freshman defensive back freshman linebacker freshman linebacker freshman kicker sophomore linebacker sophomore linebacker sophomore linebacker freshman linebacker freshman defensive line freshman linebacker freshman defensive line freshman linebacker freshman offensive line freshman offensive line sophomore offensive line sophomore offensive line freshman nose tackle freshman offensive line freshman offensive line sophomore offensive line sophomore offensive line sophomore offensive line freshman wide receiver freshman wide receiver freshman wide receiver sophomore tight end freshman defensive end sophomore
8
focus
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 9.16.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
Oakland pride,festival galvanizes
Thousands gather to celebrate love and LGBTQ freedoms during the 6th annual Oakland Pride and Parade Festival at 20th Street and Broadway on Sunday.
Photos by: Cody Casares & Christian Urrutia FOR
MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM
Dancers for DJ Carlitos at the Latin Stage perform for the audience during the 6th annual Oakland Pride and Parade Festival at 20th Street and Broadway on Sunday.
The festival increases awareness of many of the social and political issues affecting the transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender-queer communities.
A dancer for the Atomic Rebels dance group performs her set for the audience during the 6th annual Oakland Pride and Parade Festival at 20th Street and Broadway on Sunday.
Oakland resident Ian Anderson rides a mechanical bull from the Eventos Lopez company during the 6th annual Oakland Pride and Parade Festival at 20th Street and Broadway on Sunday.
Sergio Oseguera of Big Serg barbecue prepares chicken and tri-trip during the 6th annual Oakland Pride and Parade Festival at 20th Street and Broadway on Sunday.