Advocate 12-11

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

C M Y K

C M Y K

WEDNESDAY l 11.20.19 OUR 70TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

‘JMAC’ LOST TO GUN VIOLENCE Gateway to College student killed outside of North Richmond store

By Stacie Guevara

JANUARY

scene editor

sguevara.theadvocate@gmail.com

A young soul was lost too soon — one of Contra Costa College’s Gateway to College students — Jamarrea Frazier, known as JMac, on Nov. 26.

The 17-year-old was shot outside a store in North Richmond that morning and his passing affected all who came in contact with him.

Gateway to College is a program at CCC that offers resources to students who’ve had a rocky start to their high school experience. It’s a program specially for SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE students who hope Gateway to College student Jamarrea to receive diplomas and meaningful colFrazier, 17, was shot and killed in front of lege degrees. a store in North Richmond on Nov. 26

MARCH

Jwan Rivas-Rivas, 33 Zamoura Glasgow, 40 Victor Medina, 23 Jorge Ponce, 36

MAY

Miguel Ramirez, 56

JULY

Brian Berard, 50 Byron Scales, 65

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Bruce Wayne Allen, 39

Flavio Iniguez-Garcia, 19 Ayanuis Saucer, 17 Vineet Maharaj, 32 Tyzion Harris, 18 William Cody Tate, 40

OCTOBER

Joshua Davis, 28 Terrell Roberts, 38

NOVEMBER

Jamarrea Frazier, 17

2019 fatal shootings in Richmond INFOGRAPHIC BY DENIS PEREZ, STACIE GUEVERA/ THE ADVOCATE SOURCE: GUNMEMORIAL.ORG

Gateway to College held an assembly from 9:30-11 a.m. on Friday in GE-225 wherein a moment of silence took place for Frazier.

Kerry Sciacqua, a resource specialist for the West Contra Costa Unified School District, works for Gateway to College helping students be the best they can be and succeed.

There is an altar for Frazier

in AA-109, Sciacqua’s office. She works with students to help them learn to make the right decisions, and Frazier was no exception.

She said she teaches Gateway’s leadership class and saw him every day — she knew him well and spent a lot of time with him.

“His presence had a really big impact on all of us, and his absence has an even bigger, (impact)” Sciacqua said.

As with all students, Sciacqua said she kept him on track and tried to be a good role model for him, reminding him that his struggles would not last forever.

Frazier started at Gateway to College in August 2019 and was a talented basketball player with a love for the sport.

Gateway to College administraSEE SHOOTING, PAGE 3

LEARNING CENTER VANDALIZED CINDY PANTOJA / THE ADVOCATE

By Fatima Cardenas

Window, doors shattered, building closed the day of incident

staff writer

fcardenas.theadvocate@gmail.com

On the morning of Nov. 26, calls to law enforcement began reporting vandalism to the Early Learning Center and also several vehicles near the building on the Contra Costa College campus.

With a shattered window and glass shards sprawled on the concrete, Police Services decided to close the building for the remainder of the week, prior to the Thanksgiving break.

Police determined a BB gun was used to vandalize the building

after finding the projectiles on the outside on the ground near the shattered glass.

Staffers at the Early Learning Center informed the children’s parents about the situation, assuring them that they were safe. The children were sent home. With no witnesses or camera evidence, Police Services has little to work with.

The lack of evidence is making the investigation harder to conduct including finding the culpable party, Police Services Lieutenant Tom Holt said.

“There is no evidence besides the BBs (found outside the ELC).

That’s how we concluded it happened with a BB gun,” Lt. Holt said.

“The ELC is working on implementing a camera system.”

With little to go on, Holt decided to deploy more security patrols and stationed officers near the building.

Police Services has been keeping an extra eye open for the children and everyone else in the building.

Although there were a number of people in the building when the vandalism occurred, no one wit-

A plywood was placed on Nov. 26 to prevent any injuries from shatter glass from the vandalized door of the Early Learning Center.

SEE BB GUN, PAGE 3

Repairs to GE total $252,000 staff writer

jrivera.theadvocate@gmail.com

After many complaints were levied by staff and students since the Campus Center Project was completed in 2016, Buildings and Grounds has decided to renovate the cooling system in the General Education Building.

Building and Grounds Manager Bruce King said Trane Inc., the manufacturer of the AC System, is working hard to discover what the issue is that causes the system to fail.

Train Inc. was chosen by “headFACEBOOK: /accentadvocate

quarters” as King calls the Contra Costa Community College District Office.

“I gave my input and they still went ahead,” King said.

“The GE Building is the only building King on campus that uses Trane as the manufacturer for their AC System, all the other ones use Carrier,” King Said.

Currently, Trane, the manufacINSTAGRAM: @cccadvocate

turer of the AC system for the GE Building and Taylor Engineering, the ones who drew up the blueprints for the building, are in debate over who caused the current problem.

“We had a meeting about two weeks ago with the two companies,” King said. “But the only thing they do is debate on whose fault it is.”

What causes the air to come out warm or hot instead of cold is a compressor located in the AC system, he said.

“Each compressor has a cost of $35,000 and to install one is about TWITTER: @accentadvocate

$18,000,” King said. “We have changed four compressors in the past three years, the fifth will be the one for next week’s replacement.”

Hector Vasquez, who is majoring in law and has most of his classes in the GE Building, said many of his classmates have complained about how hot it got during summer and there was nothing professors could do to help students.

“We’ve been having problems since the beginning of the semester because its always hot and warm,” Vasquez said. “Someone came in

Soccer coach quits mid-game PAGE 10

SEE AIR CONDITIONING, PAGE 3

SNAPCHAT: @cccadv0cate

YOUTUBE: /accentadvocate

C M Y K

By Jose Rivera

C M Y K

2

Quotable “The transformation of silence into language and action is an act of self-revelation, and that always seems fraught with danger.”

●

EDITORIAL

INCREMENTAL PROGRESS

Audre Lorde author 1977 Cindy Pantoja editor-in-chief Robert Clinton associate editor Xavier Johnson web editor Denis Perez creative director Stacie Guevara scene editor Luis Cortes sports editor Jose Arebalo De’Jon Sylvain news editors Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Fatima Carrasco Janet Lira Gonzalez Daniel Hernandez Wanda Gonzalez Jojuan Johnson Luis Lopez Jose Rivera Staff photographers Mary Barnes Denis Perez Janice Spraggins Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2019 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, 2017, 2018 2019 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, DEC. 11, 2019 VOL. 109, NO. 9

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

ASU guided by dedication and youthful ingenuity

L

eadership changes regarding administrative positions have long been a topic of discussion at Contra Costa College. However, when similar shifts occur in student leadership, little is known of the adjustments.

At a time when the general direction of the campus was in question because of student and administrative governance, the Associated Student Union (ASU) has seemed to turn the corner by putting the right people in place to correct previous mistakes.

Last semester, the ASU ended the term thousands of dollars in the red following a failed attempt to rebrand the organization.

Initial attempts by ASU members to recoup the money intended for students were unsuccessful, however, they expect to receive the balance of the goods including business cards and a new website in the coming year.

Lately, this current batch of senators has approached their positions as student body representatives with a renewed fervor and focus to provide better representation.

This semester, students were more involved in the decision-making process.

They offered suggestions in committee meetings and had a seat at the table when the criteria were developed that would select the next interim president.

Initially, these students purged the ASU of members who were not pulling their weight.

They also incentivized being a productive student senator by amending the group’s bylaws.

The modification introduced a rule that made the semester stipend that ASU members receive contingent on their meeting the totality of obligations agreed to when the member is elected or appointed.

When the semester ends, members of the ASU Board receive a stipend corresponding to their position. According to previously drafted bylaws, they are $500 per executive, $350 per director and $250 per senator.

In the past, many in the campus community have been critical of the ASU for being compiled with mostly Middle College High School students.

Those students seemed to be out of touch, because of age or experience, with the average student at CCC. However, this group of high school leaders offers a glimpse into what is possible through effective leadership and an infrastructure that holds each member accountable for their actions.

ASU President Preston AkubuoOnwuemeka, an MCHS student, is already a small business owner who works to advance local children toward Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

He co-founded the non-profit organization, richmondCodes, with his classmate Shreejal Luitel when he was just 15 years old.

RichmondCodes brings free software coding workshops to elementary and secondary schools the West Contra Costa Unified School District, where most of the students grow up in low-income families.

Luitel serves as student trustee on the Governing Board of the Contra Costa Community College District.

The ASU on campus has corrected past mistakes through dedication and youthful ingenuity with no guiding example from college administrators.

They are the true example of leadership on campus.

CINDY PANTOJA / THE ADVOCATE

■ GENDER

Society changing, but not fast enough

S

omething I have seen too commonly in public establishments are one-person rest rooms with no stalls, one toilet, and one sink — labeled as rest rooms for only men or only women.

There is nothing inside the bathrooms to identify them specifically as being for only men or only women — the interiors of the two look virtually identical.

There are no urinals or any dispensaries for feminine hygiene products, so what makes these rest rooms specifically for men or women?

Establishments that have one-person bathrooms need to start labeling them as gender-neutral bathrooms to let anyone and everyone use those rooms at any time.

Or, if a place of business only has rest rooms with stalls specifically designated for men or women, they need to install one-person gender-neutral bathrooms.

This would not only make nonbinary individuals feel safe and appreciated at stores, restaurants, or other public places, but it would also help transgender individuals and people going through a time of gender transition feel secure.

Trans men and women have often been harassed, either verbally or physically, in public rest rooms, and the problem continues without resolution.

Many avoid using the rest rooms in public spaces to avoid that humiliation

and they could sue for discrimination.

At Contra Costa College, four locations on campus are listed as having gender-neutral bathrooms, but students do not have easy access to one of those four, which is located on the second floor of the Library and hurt. and Learning Resources I have been in a situaCenter. tion where there were two There are gender-neuone-person bathrooms tral bathrooms on the first labeled for men and floor of Early Learning women and there was a Center and the second line of men waiting to use floors of the Gym Annex their designated rest room and the General Education — however, Gender- the women’s Building.

The little-known AA line was Annex bathroom is also neutral noticeably gender-neutral, but it’s not shorter. listed. rest If both The fact there are some bathrooms gender-neutral bathrooms rooms were gen- on campus — be it few and der-neutral, between — gives me are there would far some hope. be less of Some gender-neutral necessary. a need for bathrooms are better than lines and none and it’s a step in the people wouldn’t have to right direction. worry.

Society needs to realize Bathrooms were origthere are more than two inally labeled as men or genders and should start women to avoid harasscatering to the equality of ment and sexual misconnonbinary individuals. duct, so with one-person Discussions of issues like gender-neutral bathrooms, this that are impacting real people would only be safer. people are happening.

With these bathrooms, Showing support to indinonbinary individuals viduals who identify with would continue going to whatever gender they want those same establishments, is part of that dialogue. which is good for business.

They should be able to The eradication of genidentify as any gender, or der-specific bathrooms no gender, without worry should be on its way and of discrimination or safety. more inclusion should follow suit.

Stacie Guevara is scene Legal action could also editor for The Advocate. be taken by someone who Contact her at sguevara. is gender-nonconforming theadvocate@gmail.com.

stacieguevara

CAMPUS COMMENT What are you thankful for this semester?

“I’m grateful for my

mom because she is my best friend. She is always there for me.”

Ashley Silva psychology

FATIMA CARRASCO / THE ADVOCATE

“I’m grateful that we

“I’m grateful to have

have two days off this (Thanksgiving) week.”

the opportunity to go to school.”

Ethan Rotich

Emília Loera

general education

criminal justice

“I’m thankful for my

mom for putting a plate on the table every day.”

John Cruz

general education

“I’m grateful for all my

professors this semester.”

Jacky Flores communications

“I’m grateful for my

mom, she’s very supportive — she does basically everything for me.”

Matthew Blizard

mechanical engineering

campusbeat

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 12.11.2019 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

LEFT: An attendee of Ann Coulter’s speech is blocked by protesters, who some put up the middle finger in his face, during a protest at UC Berkeley’s Wheeler Hall Nov. 20.

NEWSLINE EVENT

SAN JOSE HOSTS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Meet and shop for holiday gifts as more than 200 craftmakers, artists and designers display their wares Saturday and Sunday at the free San Jose Craft Holiday Fair.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 435 S. Market Street in San Jose. It will be an all ages indoor event that will have collections of original and unique crafts, art and jewelry.

There will also be many do-it-yourself workshops to create your own jewelry and crafts to fill the day with fun and creativity.

FESTIVAL

LANTERN FESTIVAL LIGHTS UP HOLIDAYS Saturday will be the final day of the LumiNight Lantern Festival at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

The event goes nightly through Saturday and starts at 5 p.m. each day. Tickets are $26 for adults and $18 for children.

Guests will witness huge overthe-top lantern sculptures that will spark and illuminate their imaginations.

The light sculptures are created

by Chinese artisans and will include a forest of a million lights, a giant dinosaur and hundreds of large scale animals that will illuminate the walk through safari.

For more information visit http://www.luminightlanterns. com/.

EVENT

OAKLAND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Experience the tree lighting ceremony at Jack London Square in Oakland on Friday beginning at 5 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The ceremony is free and one of Oakland’s longest running traditions. Attendees of the event can expect festive holiday entertainment and a local artisan market.

MEETING

COMMITTEE CHARTS CAMPUS DIRECTION Get valuable information on transferring, have your transfer application reviewed by a counselor and receive much more help at the Coffee, Bagels+ College Application scheduled in SA-227 on Saturday at 9 a.m.

Students will also receive help with personal insight questions and short essays. To be prepared, students should bring all unofficial transcripts and a rough draft of short essay applications printed or in Google Docs to receive help on it.

For more information, contact the Career/Transfer Center at 510215-3914 or email Andrea Phillips at aphillips@contracosta.edu.

CRIMEWATCH Wednesday, Nov. 20 A student reported a classmate violated the student code of conduct against school property during a culinary arts class at Aqua Terra Grill.

Thursday, Nov. 21 A theft was reported when a student said their skateboard was stolen by a classmate near AA-103.

Monday, Nov. 25 A car was reported vandalized at the upper level parking lot by the Early Learning Center.

— 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.

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BELOW: A protester (right) flashes a light on an attendee as she blocks his way to Ann Coulter’s speech.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

UC BERKELEY PROTESTS COULTER

By Denis Perez

creative director

dperez.theadvocate@gmail.com

BERKELEY — Hundreds of protesters mobilized to block the entrances of Wheeler Hall at UC Berkeley in hopes of turning away attendees of Ann Coulter’s event on Nov. 20.

The scheduled 9 p.m. speech was delayed as attendees struggled to get through the human barricade protesters erected around Wheeler Hall.

UC Berkeley environmental science major Ana Morales stood in the front lines chanting, blocking people from entering the venue and even got her hair pulled by police for it, she said.

“I felt empowered,” Morales said.

Morales said she identifies as a brown, queer woman and that her lifestyle is attacked by Coulter’s rhetoric in her books and speeches.

By allowing Coulter to speak at Berkeley, she sees white supremacist values and ideologies spread in her community.

“I do not pay tuition for her to come speak here,” Morales said.

Plastic jersey barricades encircled Wheeler Hall and California Highway Patrol and UC police were on the scene. Protesters began marching in a circle at around 7

p.m. By 8 p.m., protesters had set up people to stand in front of the entrances to the venue.

UC Berkeley student Hugh, who refused to give his last name, stood by the attendee’s entrance.

To see and hear Ann Coulter he would have to shove through the protesters.

“Having to go through them looks terrifying and intense,” Hugh said.

While he acknowledges the protesters have the right to voice

their opinions, Hugh said he believes he should have been let into the venue because it is his right to choose to do so.

And many like Hugh had that belief and found some way or another to enter Wheeler Hall.

Attendees shoved their way in through the main entrances, many shouting at and pushing protesters to do so. Some hopped the jersey barricade in non-entrance area.

In a dark southeast corner of Wheeler Hall’s perimeter, attend-

ees and protesters scuffled as police grabbed and pulled attendees over the barricade. Many physical confrontations happened throughout the night, and UC police arrested multiple protesters who were wearing masks, according to UCPD’s Twitter feed.

Coulter’s speech, while delayed, went on as scheduled. Despite this, Morales said protesters like herself were glad that people came out to protest Coulter and support people like her.

SHOOTING | Students remember Frazier, his smile Continued from Page 1 tive assistant Linda Johnson said he played basketball for Richmond and De Anza high schools and the East Bay Soldiers AAU basketball program. Johnson said Frazier had experienced incidents of violence in the past, but always seemed happy and stayed positive.

Johnson has worked for Gateway to College for seven years and said generally, what brings students to Gateway to College was their previous environment.

Most importantly, she said at Gateway to College students can have a brand-new start.

In Frazier’s Gateway to College application, Johnson said he wrote, “I can’t sit here and say I’m the best student, but God gave me a chance.”

Gateway to College student Amari Jackson, a friend of Frazier’s, said they met at the beginning of the school year. As time went on, they got closer and used to call each other all the time.

Jackson said Frazier was always friendly, respectful and he was

n “I can’t sit here and say

I’m the best student, but God gave me a chance.”

— Jamarrea Frazier, Gateway to College student

never a bad person.

She recounted stories of the two of them hanging out at a park near her house and even said one time they talked there for hours, and he would tell her things — things that were bothering him.

“He had problems on the inside, but he didn’t show it,” Jackson said.

She said he had a lot of friends and she is grateful she got to meet him and develop a close friendship with him.

She especially remembered the support Frazier offered her when she needed a fellow student’s shoulder to lean on.

“I just miss my friend, that’s it,” she said. Everyone who spoke of Frazier recounted a common theme — he always had a smile on his face.

LEFT: Jamarrea Frazier played basketball at De Anza High School before enrolling at Gateway to College.

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

BB GUN | No suspects arrested after ELC incident Continued from Page 1

“At this point we feel safe — we just don’t park our cars where we nessed the situation as it happened used to,” she said. that morning.

Police Services sent an email Brianne Ayala, director of the notice to all CCC students and Early Learning Center, said, “We staff informing them the day of were in the back rooms with the the incident. children, so we didn’t see or hear Many were unaware that it had anything. happened.

Psychology major Esmeralda Ochoa said, “I’m not really aware of what goes on at school. I usually just go to class and then leave and I don’t ever see the alerts. I didn’t know the learning center got vandalized.”

Other students, like psychology major Andrea Lerma, said,

“I can say I am only aware of what is convenient for me, like my classes.”

Lerma said, “I wouldn’t say that I don’t feel safe, but I think Police Services should increase their security systems and add more cameras if necessary.”

AC | Flawed GE Building cooling system neglected Continued from Page 1

Vasquez said that now it’s a lit- appreciated. tle too late to change or fix the sysJuan Ocampo, who also majors the beginning of the semester and tem since it’s winter, which means in law, noticed the flaws in the said they would work on it but now the heat that was produced heating and cooling system. nothing has changed since then.” by the unstable AC system will be Ocampo said, “Sometimes the

classes are a little crowded and it’s not just warm inside. It’s a weird feeling of being surrounded by sweaty people.”

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5

Gateway awards efforts

By Cindy Pantoja editor-in-chief

cpantoja.theadvocate@gmail.com

With the end of the semester approaching fast, the Gateway to College program put their grief for the death of one of their students aside to celebrate the achievements of their students during an annual awards ceremony.

On Friday, the program held an assembly to recognize the hard work of Gateway students and more than 30 awards were distributed throughout the collection of students.

Gateway to College Director Karl Debro said the Gateway to College program is designed for young adults, aged 16-20, who have dropped out of high school or are unlikely to graduate from high school.

“Our students often come into the program out of high school with an average GPA of 1.3. Most of them have completed fewer than half their credits for graduation,” Debro said. “They struggle academically and we want to acknowledge students who are starting to do the things they need to do to be successful in school.”

The assembly began with a moment of silence in honor of Jamarrea Frazier — a Gateway to College student who died from gunshot wounds on Nov. 26.

Debro broke the silence by telling students that he understands the hardship most of them go through when they have to focus on schoolwork on top of having to deal with the feeling of not being safe.

CINDY PANTOJA / THE ADVOCATE

Gateway to College Director Karl Debro presents a leadership award to Gateway student Angel Espinoza Vasquez during an annual awards ceremony

“You deserve to be loved, you deserve respect and you deserve safety. I see your effort and I really appreciate it,” he said.

Some students had a hard time holding their tears and they had to step outside to recover. Minutes later, the event took on a happier tone once the award winners were announced.

Students were recognized for achievements such as good behavior, perfect attendance, most

improved student and academic excellence.

“I feel proud of myself for all the hard work. Everything paid off in the end and that makes me feel good because it wasn’t easy,” Gateway to College student Noelia Gonzalez said.

The program gives Contra Costa College an important boost in enrollment because most students enroll in college courses once they graduate from the program.

Gateway to College teacher Morgan LaRue said the program supports students who struggled in high school but have the desire to graduate and possibly attend college. It also teaches them skills and behaviors important to academic success.

Through the program, they learn they do have the ability go to college.

“What’s really inspiring is that when they finish, they know what

LEFT: Roy Villarreal, learning program director of Service King Collision Repair (far right), speaks words of advice to collision repair students at a ceremony where he presented a $5,000 check to the CCC automotive department on Dec. 3.

a community college is — even if they don’t finish with Gateway,” LaRue said. “There is a good chance they will enroll in college later and they still feel part of the college family.”

West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Resource Specialist Kerry Sciacqua said students receive academic support as well as social and emotional health services through the program.

Gateway to College has some 12 people between staff, teachers and caseworkers who work closely with students and can provide a supportive connection with their family and friends.

“In here, students have a lot of support. But what’s more important is that they have a big family, (at Gateway)” Sciacqua said.

“Just by the fact that these students are here every day is already an achievement. A lot of students lost someone this semester, but we pull it together and support each other.”

Every semester Gateway to College recruits students from WCCUSD who have dropped out of school. The students integrate into the program by taking a combination of high school and college classes.

Some students who have graduated from the program move on to higher education institutions.

Currently, one of the graduates is working on her master’s degree at UC Berkeley. Another is working on a bachelor’s degree at UC Davis and another is working toward his bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York.

FILM NIGHT HIGHLIGHTS LGBTQ+ NARRATIVE

By Stacie Guevara scene editor

sguevara.theadvocate@gmail.com DANIEL HERNANDEZ / THE ADVOCATE

collision program receives partnership

By Daniel Hernandez staff writer

dhernandez.theadvocate@gmail.com

Students and instructors of the automotive department’s collision program can expect to see changes to the shop and the learning curriculum for the coming years.

On Dec. 3, executives of Service King Collision Repair came from their headquarters in Richardson, Texas to Contra Costa College to present a $5,000 grant to the collision program in hopes of establishing a well-founded partnership with the shop.

In collaboration with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Service King hand-picked CCC from only a handful of schools to give the donation.

The CCC collision center applied for the grant via CREF, which was awarded in November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Around 25 collision program students gathered in front of the Automotive Technology Center for the ceremony, where Roy Villarreal, the learning program director for Service King, spoke about the benefits of working in an automotive career and shared advice on entering the industry.

“We’re going to create a partnership that is going to hopefully create a pipeline of entry level technicians to the (automotive) industry,” Villarreal said.

He said the automotive educational opportunities at CCC were diverse, secure and well-crafted, all outstanding qualities that cemented them as top candidates. Included with the partnership are plans to develop a strong curriculum and help identify the best opportunities for students after they graduate.

Lakeitria Luter, senior manager of

“As a student, it shows that the work that I put in is not only being recognized, but appreciated.

Personally, it gives me better drive” — Akim Henderson,

collision auto body repair student

strategic sourcing at Service King, said, “One of the things we look at is the school’s commitment to students and the relationship the school has with our partner, CREF and us.”

The collision center also serves as a recruiting hub for Service King.

Collision auto body repair major Akim Henderson said, “Getting the grant is outstanding. There have been so many blessings coming though this department.”

Henderson sees himself landing a better position in his future career and finds it imperative that students have a good workplace and learning environment.

He also said, “As a student, it shows that the work that I put in is not only being recognized, but is also appreciated.

Personally, it gives me a better drive.”

Service King executives and collision program instructors gathered for a conference to discuss a “recruiting action plan” after the ceremony.

Here, the first topic of discussion covered the hiring goals and expectations Service King wants maintained — such as hiring five or more students per graduating class.

Mentorship programs between students and industry professionals, classroom presentations, tours of local col-

lision shops and ultimately recruiting events are laid out in the strategy to meet the goal.

The executives emphasize that they seek commitments from students who will follow through with a career path in auto collision repair because thousands of dollars are invested into their sponsorship.

In turn, they want to develop a student’s social skills needed for working in a real shop by hosting workshops where mock interviews between students and shop managers are arranged.

Henderson believes that Service King will build a facility that is accessible for all students that include new floors, equipment, production and education with the partnership.

The donors are planning on following through next year with a shop makeover that could involve anything from new machines and technologies to remodels.

Along with the $5,000 grant, Service King has also paid material expenses for a new epoxy floor to be laid out across the entire The Automotive Technology Center, includes the collision center, auto services room, tool rooms and closets.

Materials for the new floor are expected to arrive over winter break and be applied during the summer session. A new epoxy floor will bring additional safety to the shops when handling chemicals.

In the meantime, the search is on for a contractor to professionally apply the new floor.

“We are extremely pleased to be providing CCC with this check for $5,000.

We hope that it truly helps and benefits the students to further their education here,” Luter said

In an attempt to raise Contra Costa College students’ awareness of the campus’s newly formed LGBTQ+ club, Rainbow Movement held its first event — a showing of the movie “Moonlight.”

The event was held on Friday in SA-120, the Student Lounge, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Free popcorn, pizza and drinks were provided and distributed at 5:30 p.m. and the movie started at 6 p.m.

Right before the film, club members gave the audience a short introduction to what the club is all about and each member introduced themselves briefly.

Rainbow Movement Vice President Luis Valentin also explained what “Moonlight” was about.

The academy-award-winning film is a coming-of-age story about an African American child named Chiron who figures out he is gay but grows up in a community where queer people are not accepted and queer issues are not even talked about.

Valentin said they decided to show this movie in particular because they thought it could be one that people in this area could relate to, especially CCC students.

He said they wanted to show the movie to represent queer people of color and queer people in general.

The movie tackles issues that are common to people of color growing up queer — bullying, lack of acceptance and even some instability in the home.

The club wants queer CCC students to know there is a safe space for them and they can be involved in projects and events Angulo where their ideas and voices are valued.

Rainbow Movement President Alfredo Angulo said the event was a nice introduction to the club and it was a good start to the club’s gatherings — even though it is the end of the semester.

The club purchased a popcorn machine to make fresh popcorn for the movie night in order to make the experience as authentic as possible.

They distributed the popcorn in rainbow-patterned bags and served San Pellegrino sparkling water in addition to hot chocolate for a cozy night in.

Rainbow Movement meets every other Friday from 1-2:30 p.m. in SA-107 and has scheduled its next meeting for the spring semester on Jan. 31, 2020.

campusbeat FLIGHT ENTHUSIASTS BOOST RECYCLING 6

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Eco-friendly function melds art, competition

By JoJuan Johnson staff writer

jjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

In an attempt to eliminate the scourge of once-used paper compiling a vast percentage of waste generated on campus, Contra Costa College engineering students devised a fun way to put the paper to use.

On Nov. 19, a paper plane throwing contest, originally labeled the Fly High competition, was hosted in the Campus Center Plaza by the Associated Student Union (ASU).

The competition was open to all students who thought their airplane constructing prowess could best the campus engineering students.

Electrical engineering major JT Torres said he was the organizer of the event along with mechanical engineering major Ricardo Sanchez.

Torres said paper can be reused in multiple ways. Sanchez agrees and believes reusing paper is imperative for the planet.

The criteria were simple — fold the best airplane possible to travel for distance down the brick pathway.

Distance was measured by cones placed in 10-foot increments across the plaza.

Each entrant was only given three tries to achieve maximum distance and for students who were less experienced, instructions were provided on just how to make a paper airplane.

The top three students who achieved the greatest distance won prizes.

“The purpose of the event was to reuse paper.”

— Charles Ramirez, Student Life coordinator

First place was awarded a $40 Walmart gift card with second place slated to receive two free movie tickets to a movie of their choice.

The contestant who finished in third place claimed a backpack filled with an assortment of mystery prizes.

Student Life Coordinator Charles Ramirez said, “The purpose of the event was to reuse paper.”

Ramirez said it’s imperative to do so because the last thing that they wanted to do was to just keep throwing paper away, especially when it’s not used.

According to information compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency, paper accounts for about half of all recyclables collected in the U.S., by weight.

Their information also states paper and paperboard products make up the largest portion of the municipal solid waste stream in the United States and as a result, offer the greatest opportunity to recycle.

Last year, roughly 68 million tons of paper products were recycled.

Currently, an increased focus toward recycling has begun to make a difference.

However, paper cannot be recycled indefinitely, so events that offer incentives to reuse material offer fun ways to work toward making an ecological difference.

In the airplane contest, Jericho Guzman claimed the honor of producing the longest flight while computer science major Gabriel Sanchez took second place.

CINDY PANTOJA/ THE ADVOCATE

Student Armani Jones prepares to launch his paper airplane during the Fly High competition held in Campus Center Plaza on Nov. 19.

Third place was awarded to Middle College High School student Armani Jones.

Organizers said it took two weeks for the event to come togeth-

er and felt the message was delivered to participants and passers-by.

Ricardo Sanchez said the contest was for fun, but admitted he was already considering what he

could do better next time to ensure a win.

He said he could better his chances by practicing and making his paper airplanes beforehand.

Presidential debate on full display for students College club brings political discussion to campus community

By Stacie Guevara scene editor

sguevara.theadvocate@gmail.com

In order to get Contra Costa College students more involved with the current political atmosphere in the U.S., the Community Organization of Political Action (COPA) Club held a watch party for the fifth Democratic Presidential Candidate Debate on Nov. 20.

The watch party was held in Fireside Hall and was originally slated to start at 5 p.m., but ended up starting at 6 p.m. and ended shortly after 8 p.m.

A livestream of the debate was projected and COPA even set up a smaller screen to project its live chat from Padlet.com.

COPA Club President Elishes Cavness said he was speaking to Erica Watson, electronic/audiovisual services librarian, who told him about Padlet.

Cavness said he learned from Watson that Padlet was an easy and useful way to get everyone to participate in a conversation about the debate and offer those engaged the ability to post comments anonymously.

It also provided a civil forum to discuss the debate without getting into heated arguments.

COPA projected a link on screen and people started joining and posting comments anonymously.

Pizza and water bottles were also provided by COPA to attendees.

Upon entry, students had to sign in and state whether they could vote or not and if they were interested in helping others who cannot vote.

COPA Vice President Alfredo Angulo and Inter-Club Council representative Kimyatta Newby even set up a registration table to help students register to vote and learn about voting for the upcoming primaries.

Angulo said the deadline to register to vote in the primaries is Feb. 25, 2020.

Students also had the opportunity to put their names on a raffle ticket for a chance to win either a piece of jewelry — a Pandora brand bracelet — or a spring 2020 parking permit.

Political science major Cynthia Almaraz won the bracelet while Middle College High School student

Chidambaram Sendan won the parking permit.

The Padlet chat was on screen throughout the entire debate and kept people focused on the issues discussed in the debate, for the most part.

Newby said the chat was energizing and it made students pay more attention to what the candidates were actually saying.

Though there were 10 Democratic presidential candidates on stage. Many students were in support of Andrew Yang and Bernie Sanders.

Music major Jorge Altamirano is an avid fan of Sanders, but also a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

Though he cannot vote or even register to do so, Altamirano is very involved in politics and loved that COPA held this event.

He said it shows the college has an interest in politics.

Students were engaged in the live chat most of the time, but some started posting pictures and inappropriate memes in the chat. The shenanigans

earned a few laughs from the crowd but was deemed inappropriate for the setting.

COPA removed the images and the jokesters stopped before it became a big issue.

Near the end of the debate, Cavness posed questions over the messaging system, asking whether the candidate that students had in mind to vote for had changed or not.

He also asked attendees that if the election were the next day, who would they vote for?

Most students continued to anonymously voice their support for Sanders and Yang.

Cavness also said he was surprised at the turnout.

“At this time of the semester, I’m surprised that a lot of people showed up,” he said.

Cavness said the event was easy to get together because COPA had everything set up from a previous debate watch party set for Oct. 15.

Unfortunately, that event was canceled due to the PG&E blackouts.

pottery sale helps with art supplies

By De’Jon Sylvain news editor

dsylvain.theadvocate@gmail.com

Hand-made architectural pieces filled Fireside Hall at Contra Costa College, where local volunteers gathered during the mornings of Dec. 2-5 for the annual Ceramics Sale.

For four consecutive days, the fine and media arts department sponsored the fundraising efforts for the department.

The annual ceramics fundraising event has been held at CCC in December since the mid-80s.

The event sells student and volunteer creations that help pay for various art supplies for students, volunteer Eddie Mure said.

Many students cannot afford the cost of supplies, so the event offers a path for students to access supplies required for their classes.

The fine and media arts department provides a wide scope of classes with courses that include Art History, Drawing, Painting, photography, sculpture and media expressions.

Volunteer artist Linda Lewis said the event also enables students at CCC to exhibit their work.

JANICE SPRAGGINS/THE ADVOCATE

Contra Costa College students admire ceramic plates created by ceramics students in Fireside Hall on Thursday during the annual Ceramics Sale.

Lewis said it was “rewarding” to see her pieces displayed and purchased.

“It was exciting to see someone

buying my things,” she said.

Volunteer artist Janet De Haven said making these design pieces is a long way from simple and

modest.

“Each glaze takes approximately one hour,” De Haven said. “Buying the material is expensive in itself.”

Many of the pieces at the event utilized a ceramic covering as well as a concrete coating to give a costly and usable surface for a potential purchaser, De Haven said.

Ceramic coating is a covering that can serve to shade, enhance or waterproof an item.

Bowls, cups and plates were among the few artistic pieces being sold at the gala.

Attendees could even take home some of their favorite pieces through the daily silent auction.

Winners were announced at 2 p.m. daily.

Offers were composed on a sheet of paper that was set close to the piece and the highest bidder took possession of the artwork toward the end of each day’s showing.

The department tries to teach students about the creation of art and digital media and enable them to express themselves artistically.

The art department is now arranging next year’s event with expectations of incorporating an assortment of art pieces with the cooperation of different departments in the Liberal Arts Division, Mure said.

campus beat

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7

BOOKSTORE SHOPLIFTING PENALTIES CAN DIFFER

By Fatima Carrasco staff writer

fcarrasco.theadvocate@gmail.com

CINDY PANTOJA / THE ADVOCATE

Tournament offers experience, growth ABOVE: Speech team member Aman Butt accepts a second place award in the informative speech category at the Valley to Valley Speech and Debate Tournament held at Diablo Valley College on Nov. 26.

By Cindy Pantoja editor-in-chief

cpantoja.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Contra Costa College speech and debate team has a history of excellence and their participation during their last tournament was not an exception.

Six students competed in the Valley to Valley Speech and Debate Tournament held at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill Nov. 23-24.

The team enlightened the judges with informative, persuasive and dramatic interpretation speeches bringing home second and fifth place awards in the process.

Computer science and business major Aman Butt placed second in the informative category.

Butt’s speech informed the audience about Lego pieces with braille letters to help blind kids learn and communicate better. He used Lego pieces that he carved and painted by hand as prompts.

“These are regular two-by-three bricks that I cut off certain sites to represent different letters, numbers and symbols. That way, visually impaired children can learn braille and at the same time play,” Butt said.

Every tournament has a first-time member who puts their fears aside and brings their best to the competition. This time, that member was Kim Baldemorez.

With only a few weeks of experience, Baldemorez placed fifth place in the category of Top Speaker.

She participated in the debate section of the tournament discussing the Roman Statute that establishes the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The students have been working hard since the last tournament, as most competitions require 12 to 15 hours of work.

Competitors must have a strong focus on memorization and physical expression going into speech tournaments.

Journalism major Xavier Johnson, who participated in the category of dramatic interpretation, said he was amazed by the preparation of the participants.

“It was humbling to see the amount of talent in this tournament,” Johnson said. “There were many

n “The bottom line is the DVC tourna-

ment was probably the hardest we had so far this season, not only due to the number of entries but also by the caliber of our competition.”

— Randy Carver, Speech professor

different types of speeches and a lot of different ways to interpret speech that I’ve never seen before.”

The team competed at the same level as more prominent colleges and universities, such as Bradley University, which historically has been one of the top forensics programs in the nation.

“The bottom line is the DVC tournament was probably the hardest we had so far this season, not only due to the number of entries but also by the caliber of our competition,” speech professor Randy Carver said.

Before the Valley to Valley tournament, members of the team had an opportunity to seek new talents on campus during an Intramural Tournament organized by the speech department.

The two-round tournament held on Nov. 14 began in Fireside Hall and continued in classrooms across the CCC campus.

The participants chose topics that resonated with the hurdles their community and family members face.

Communications major Eric Martinez served as a judge in the informative category during the on-campus competition.

He said CCC students had been taking advantage of what they have learned in their classes and they were fully prepared for the tournament.

“Even though this was the first time most participants spoke in public, they did really well. Some of them were very nervous, but they had good organization, citation and structure.” Martinez said.

Students who are interested in joining the speech team got a glimpse of what being a member entails during Speech Night, held on Tuesday in Fireside Hall.

Throughout the influx of new vendors and places to find food on campus, there has always been one place students could reliably turn to when everything else was defined by uncertainty.

Even as the semester winds down, the Bookstore remains open for the convenience of the students.

However, like in any business there is theft and like in the real-world, offenders are not always brought to justice despite changes that are made to better protect property.

“We do our usual inventory throughout the year and we usually find small discrepancies here and there,” Bookstore Operations Coordinator Darris Crear said.

Every day, students come and go to buy a pencil a bag of chips or whatever they need. Unfortunately, however, other students rather than seeking monetary help with school necessities take what is not theirs without considering the consequences.

Crear said, “When we catch someone on the spot, we make it clear that they are jeopardizing their future academic stance here — because the dean of students (Dennis Franco) could expel them.”

According to Crear, when a student is found stealing, they will be approached.

However, if they suspect a student to be stealing and nothing is done in the moment, they will Franco examine security footage to ensure that in fact it was a theft.

If an infraction is discovered, the offender is reported to Police Services and to the dean of students.

Police Services Lt. Thomas Holt said there are several variables that could come into play as to how they handle the case if it is a misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor thefts involve items stolen under $950 in worth.

“Since it is most likely going to be a misdemeanor not committed in our presence, if we made an arrest it would most likely be a citizen’s arrest,” Lt. Holt said.

“If the arrested person went to court and was found guilty, they could get up to six months in jail and or up to a $1,000 fine.”

According to Crear, Police Services will usually contact the student and will do so quickly to recover the item if possible. On the other hand, if something is consumable or damaged, the student may have to reimburse the value of the item. In those cases, the incident will still be reported to the dean of students.

Franco said, “The consequence largely depends on the student, their past history and on their attitude when they come in. Do they come here cursing and denying what they did, or do they admit to their mistake?”

Franco understands every case is different because not every student reacts the same.

The way the conversation goes will be directly reflected in the consequences rendered.

“The monetary value of the item does influence the consequence. However, I do not have a chart that says if they steal this then this happens or if they steal that then that happens — it’s hard to say. That’s a challenge because there is no single approach for a single offense.”

Crear recognizes that because the campus is small and there are few options to buy food, people who come into the Bookstore are often frequent customers.

CAMPUS OFFERS CARE PACKAGES FOR THOSE IN NEED

By Luis Lopez staff writer

llopez.theadvocate@gmail.com

The holidays are a time for giving and this holiday season the Inter-Club Council and Contra Costa College helped give back to the community through care packages made from donations by students and staff on campus.

Donations from the campus community were used to create the care packages that consisted of basic items such as beanies, blankets, flashlights, socks and hygiene products.

Student Life coordinator Charles Ramirez said the care packages were a way to give back to the community.

“We are student-focused, but we wanted to give back to the community and students. The care package connection is a great way for everyone in the community to help each other out,” Ramirez said.

The donations were distributed to local community partners

LEFT: Members of the InterClubs Council distribute care packages to local community partners such as Rubicon, GRIP and Bay Area Rescue Mission on Nov. 27

n “We are student-

focused, but we wanted to give back to the community and students.”

— Charles Ramirez , Student Life coordinator SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

Rubicon, GRIP and Bay Area Rescue Mission on Wednesday.

This year there were plenty of donations. Ramirez said the turnout for donations was great.

“We did a good job promoting this on social media and through online news websites like Rich City News and it helped out a lot. Word got out there and we got a good amount of donations,” Ramirez said.

ASU President Richard Ramirez said they used a portion of their budget to buy the items for the care packages as well.

“We knew donations could only

take us so far, so we used a budget of $1,000,” the ASU president said.

The budget was enough to allow the formulation of care packages to distribute to four organizations.

Richard Ramirez said, “With our budget, we were able to create about 100 care packages. In total, we will donate about 110 care packages evenly to all four organizations.”

He said he hopes this can spark a relationship between the organizations and the college that can include volunteer work from students along with donations in the future.

“We plan to stay in touch with the organizations so we can maintain a relationship with them into the future. That will help us continue drives like this — especially during this time of year when conditions get difficult.”

Bay Area Rescue Mission Program Specialist Steve Lee said the care packages, along with all donations around this time of year, go a very long way for those in need.

Lee said, “Donations really restore hope for people in need.

They restore hope and faith in their community and it shows

them someone cares. It’s a bright spot in a difficult time.”

CCC and the Bay Area Rescue Mission have an extensive history of partnership.

Lee said he recalls the school’s history with the nonprofit organization and also encourages everyone to help out with donations.

“Contra Costa has been great with helping out. We have been teaming up with the college since the late 80s and have had generous people help out on their behalf,” Lee said. “We still encourage anyone who can help with a simple donation to do so.”

8

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Unleashed

MOVIES

This month: “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (PG-13)

“Jumanji: The Next Level” (PG-13)

“Spies in Disguise” (PG)

“Cats” (PG)

TV XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE

Elizabeth Donderstock (right), played by Jelaine Maestas, speaks with Rev. Tollhouse (left), played by Elijah Sterling, during a rehearsal of “The Book of Liz,” which concluded its run in the Knox Center this past weekend.

New releases: “The Mandalorian” (TV-14)

“We Are Your Friends” (R)

“Gringo Trails” (NR)

“Jimmy’s Hall” (PG-13)

MUSIC

New releases: Harry Styles — “Fine Line”

Smokepurpp — “Deadstar 2”

Stormzy — “Heavy is the Head”

Camila Cabello — “Romance”

Sodom — “Out of the Frontline Trench”

GAMES

Energetic, funny production transforms Knox Center stage

Intimate setting highlights story of personal growth

By Jose Arebalo news editor

jarebalo.theadvocate@gmail.com

A short-but-sweet drama department showing of a uniquely produced show shared a hysterical story of change and exploration at the Knox Center for four performances this past weekend, Thursday through Sunday.

In a move that brought audiences a new experience, the play was performed in a curtained off square on stage with seats surrounding the acting space on stage.

Every emotion that an actor shared in the space was seen from multiple angles with audience members in every direction.

With a lead actress drenched in sweat and bouncing with energy, the show’s comedic vein flowed easily into many laughs from the audience.

The drama department’s “The Book of Liz” follows the story of sister Elizabeth Donderstock, played with infectious enthusiasm by Jelaine Maestas.

The show follows Elizabeth as she leaves her home of Clusterhaven and tries to live life on her own while the church goes through hardships without her producing their cheese balls to sell. As she tackles life’s challenges, it becomes increasingly clear that many of the successes she strives for are out-

FORMER PROFESSOR DIRECTS PLAY REVIVAL

staff writer

jjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

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

— Stacie Guevara

longer produce cheese balls of the same quality they had under sister Elizabeth’s guidance. By show’s end, Elizabeth returns home to Rev. Tollhouse with new self-worth and a list of demands, which he gladly accepts.

The play is filled with comedy that hit great strides when everyone’s timing syncs and audiences are exposed to outrageous dialogue delivered succinctly in character.

In some of the slower moments that were meant to establish the emotional relationships and boundaries between characters, buying into a suspension of disbelief feels difficult.

The use of the stage as seating for the audience is an incredible component that allows for a unique and energizing experience. As scenes play out, the actors change directions giving audiences multiple angles from which to appreciate the range of emotions exchanged in such an intimate space.

The audience is put right up against the actors for an incredibly unique theatrical experience. The actors literally share the stage bringing to life “The Story of Liz” breaking out of her familiar surroundings and exploring the world outside her religious group.

As Maestas brings a childlike innocence to every scene, her partners quickly respond with great supportive energy. Playing the titular character with a chipper attitude at all times allows for the scenes outside of her own to feed into the overall story.

With that energy, the production, directed by drama professor Angelina LaBarre, remains light-hearted and rarely skipped a beat.

In scenes where members of the Squeamish community exchange difficulties, the limelight is stolen by Pascha McAlister. Her voice reverberates throughout the small space as she roars through her lines with fierce emotion.

The energy spread to her scene partners and they have no choice but to bring an equal amount of strength to their lines.

The show is a great exercise in absurdism, with every scene providing its own encapsulated comedy sketch and a new lesson for Elizabeth. When at its best, the show seems to flow seamlessly into a gut-wrenching laugh break for the audience. However, these highs are not sustained as the strength of the production lies in its constant moving pieces and scene partners.

By having a mixture of fortune and misery, the show is able to depict life’s constant fluctuations but reminds audiences that there is humor to be found in every situation.

Most scenes create a joyous atmosphere that quickly turns into disappointment for Elizabeth and Maestas, who still perform with the sweet demeanor expected from a religious sister. When one scene ends, the next usually takes place jumping with energy from the last.

However, there were a few times when actors missed their queue for an exit or burst into a monologue as theater tech emoted in confusion on the stage.

The show’s limited run did not stop it from throwing a plethora of welltimed and executed humor at audiences.

QUICK HITS

By JoJuan Johnson

New releases: “Halo Reach (PC)” (T)

“Ancestors: The Humankind Dynasty” (T)

“DragonBall Z: Kakarot” (E)

“Blair Witch” (T)

side of her moral boundaries.

Her world is turned upside down as a new church member, brother Nathaniel Brightbee, performed affectingly by Daniel Morales, joins her Amish-like religious community called Squeamish. He convinces Rev. Tollhouse, firmly played by Elijah Sterling, to let him take over the community’s cheese balls, which is their main source of income.

This comes as a heavy blow to sister Elizabeth, who is told she will no longer be in charge of making cheese balls, but instead is told to collect chives.

After a back and forth on the tumultuous changes with sister Constance Butterworth, played emphatically by Pascha McAlister, Elizabeth decides to run away from the community.

In the outside world, her naivety and good heart helps her befriend a worker dressed as Mr. Peanut. Her new friend is a Ukranian woman named Oxana, played energetically by Jade Rohrsetzer.

She and her husband Yvone, played delightfully by Gustavo Carmargos, take in Elizabeth as they help her get a job at a pilgrim styled restaurant.

The new job exposes Elizabeth to a world of dysfunctional alcoholics working in the service sector and gives her some fresh perspective. As she climbs the ladder of success at work, her new world is familiarly shattered.

She loses her new home as her friends are deported and changes in her work uniform go against her modest religious beliefs for appropriate clothing. Meanwhile, her religious community had been going through dire financial times as they can no

In a move that builds on expanding cast diversity in local theater, Contra Costa College African American theater instructor Terrance Ivory premiered “Hype Man-A Break Beat Play” Oct. 10 at Los Medanos College.

His interpretation is based on the actual work by award-winning playwright, director, orator and educator Idris Goodwin.

The CCC cast consists of both theater arts majors Jason Wolcott and William Thompson, as well as environmental science major Kayla Martinez.

Wolcott played the role of rapper Pinnacle and Thompson played the role of rapper Verb. Martinez played the role of disk jockey/producer Peep.

The play runs for approximately 2 hours including a 10-minute intermission. Wolcott said he was excited, but nervous at the same time, when he heard that he got the role of Pinnacle.

Like Wolcott, Thompson was super excited when he got the role because he hasn’t worked in drama for a year.

The project took approximately five weeks to get prepared for opening night.

Idris Goodwin has work produced

by, or affiliated with, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland Playhouse, Seattle Children’s Theater and Nashville’s Children’s Theater.

Goodwin’s most recognizable work is “How We Got On,” a play that was directed by drama department professor Angelina LaBarre, which premiered two semesters ago at the John and Jean Knox Performing Arts Center.

Ivory said the chairperson of the LMC drama department, Nick Garcia, chose “Hype Man” for the campus’s theater showings and asked him if he would be interested in directing the play. Ivory obliged.

The play was assigned to his current African American Theater students and was worth 10 points of credit.

Ivory has other projects on the horizon, namely, a one-man show titled “Blue-Eye Shadow,” which opened at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre on Nov. 17.

Ivory said, “This play is a story that highlights the theme of coming of age.”

In the production, the main character is a young man finding out that his older brother likes to put his mom’s dress and heels on.

FRESH, ARTISAN PIZZA DELIGHTS

By Janet Lira

people looking to avoid bread-bloat after eating.

Most importantly, the crust is thin, Pizza is usually thought of as anoth- which allows the toppings to stand out er greasy junk food, but Raymond’s more.

Pizzeria in Point Richmond has taken Other items on the menu include the idea of an over-commercialized bread twists, meatball sliders, salads snack food to new heights through a and brochettes. variety of ingredients.

The garlic twists are hand-made This pizzeria stands out among the with parsley and garlic oil on top rest because it has no refrigerwhich added extra flavor and ation, all the food is made by vibrancy.

FOOD REVIEW hand and the ingredients are Raymond’ s meatball sliddelivered from locally grown ers are absolutely delicious.

Raymond’s distributors daily.

The meat has great seasoning Pizzeria The eatery only uses what with no need for extra salt or ★★★★★ is readily available because Cuisine: Pizza added flavoring. over-ordering food products Location: 130 The sliders come with one with no refrigeration means Railroad Ave. meatball each, tomato sauce, perishable products could go Richmond mozzarella and basil leaves 94801 bad, which would be horrible Price: $$ for texture and a real Italian for profits. earthy taste.

Pizza toppings vary Pricing is very good depending on what is availand reasonable with a slice able and the same goes for of pizza for $5 and a whole ingredients. pizza for $23 with up to four toppings.

Despite having options limited to Raymond’s Pizzeria is located at 130 daily shipments, pepperoni, margher- Railroad Avenue in Point Richmond. ita and specialty pizzas are available The establishment has a casual most of the time. atmosphere with a wheelchair accesThe pizza itself has a light non- sible entrance. greasy taste to it, which is a delightful It also provides highchairs upon thing if you love pizza, especially for request. staff writer

jlira.theadvocate@gmail.com

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9

WHO ARE THE MANDALORIANS?

Bounty hunters and warriors

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) aims his cycler rifle with Baby Yoda by his side during the new Disney+ original series “The Mandalorian.”

‘The Mandalorian’ reimagines ‘Star Wars’

By Xavier Johnson web editor

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

I

t feels like it’s been forever since fans have gotten a more down-to-earth “Star Wars” story that doesn’t revolve around a Jedi, the Force or galactic politics, but instead focuses on the relatively normal individuals who reside in the rich “Star Wars” universe.

“The Mandalorian,” an eight-episode miniseries on the new Disney streaming service Disney+, is scratching that long-desired itch for a more personal “Star Wars” tale and is one of the best and most universally loved “Star Wars” releases in over a decade.

Focusing on a Mandalorian bounty hunter, played by Pedro Pascal, the series follows The Mandalorian (Mando) as he’s on the run with his highly desired companion Baby Yoda from every bounty hunter in his side of the galaxy.

The Mandalorians are a culture of notorious bounty hunters known as the best in the galaxy and Mando was considered the best of them all.

After being tasked with hunting down Baby Yoda, Mando makes the decision to run away with his previous target and instead become its protector.

From the start, Baby Yoda steals every scene he’s in and every moment is instantly memeable. Disney has almost certainly landed on a cash cow

of selling Baby Yoda plushes.

But Baby Yoda isn’t just around for cuteness (he is incredibly cute), but acts as a pivotal part of Mando’s character growth as he shifts from a stoic by-the-book bounty hunter to a more humanized parental figure risking his own health to protect his young companion.

And no, Baby Yoda isn’t the younger version of the wellknown reverse-talking Jedi master.

The miniseries takes place after “Return of the Jedi,” so the Yoda who fans are familiar with is dead.

No one knows the name of the species to which Yoda belongs, thus we get the name Baby Yoda.

However, while Mando and Baby Yoda evading bounty hunters is the series-long narrative that ties each episode together, the show takes a serialized approach reminiscent of a “Star Trek” series. Each episode can be enjoyed by itself as a self-contained story.

The tight 30-minute episodes have no room for excess and leave the audience wanting more.

It’s refreshing to have short, digestible episodes in a television landscape that sees hourlong episodes as the norm.

The stories are simple but give a new perspective on the life of normal inhabitants in

the galaxy as opposed to the grand hand-picked-by-destiny figures of Luke and Anakin Skywalker.

In one episode, Mando travels to Sorgan and assists an ex-Rebel shock trooper Cara Dune in helping the native under armed population destroy an AT-ST walker that local bandits have been using to terrorize them.

In another episode, Mando travels to Tatooine and meets a young bounty hunter TV REVIEW looking to prove him“The Mandalorian” self. ★★★★★ Each Starring: Pedro episode is a Pascal, Baby Yoda, Gina Carano simple point Show Creator: Jon A to point Favreau B style narGenre: Sci-Fi Where to Watch: rative and it Disney+ works.

There’s no need for complex storylines.

“Star Wars” is best when the stories are simple and to the point with the background of a grand space opera to give it a shine.

The episodes also manage to have a surprising amount of depth and moments to dissect.

“The Mandalorian” feels like a western mixed with old samurai flicks. Both genres were inspirations for the “Star Wars” series as a whole.

However, “The

Mandalorian” leans into this influence heavily.

Episode 4, titled “Sanctuary,” is filled with western movie tropes. The lone, nameless gunman comes into town, takes out the bad guy, and leaves just as fast as he came in.

Other episodes have visual and narrative references to old samurai movies like Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai.”

Pascal does a great job as Mando, giving the character a personality and life despite still having never seen the character’s face.

The dry humor and small inflections in Pascal’s delivery are great.

The revolving door of characters that come into Mando’s life are interesting too.

Gina Carano as Cara Dune provides Mando an interesting character foil for an episode.

Her episode “Sanctuary” has some of the best action scenes in large part due to Carano’s action style influenced by her MMA background.

The vapor farmer, named Kuiil, that Mando meets in the first two episodes is also a fun character.

If “The Mandalorian” is representative of the general quality that will be found from the upcoming Marvel and future “Star Wars” miniseries, then it seems like a no brainer to carve out a part in that budget for a Disney+ subscription.

Historically known as the most fearsome warriors in the galaxy, the Mandalorians found great success as bounty hunters.

As a society, they take pride in single combat for reasons of justice or simply the joy of fighting.

Their proficiency in crafting armor was even adopted by non-Mandalorian Bounty Hunters like Jango Fett.

From total war to pacifism Due to the Mandalorian’s dedication to war, his home planet of Mandalore was ravaged. The desert planet became scarred with the consequences of the Mandalorian’s war with the Jedis.

Despite their bellicose history, during the era of the Clone Wars the Mandalorian society became pacifist.

Keeping the legacy alive After the Clone Wars concluded the Mandalorian homeland was occupied by The Galactic Empire led by Darth Vader.

After the fall of the Empire some Mandalorians went into hiding and set up a enclave on Nevaroo.

Following in the footsteps of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Boba Fett, a lone gunman simply known as “The Mandalorian” becomes known as the best bounty hunter in the Galaxy, keeping the Mandalorian culture alive.

INDIE ROCK STARS HOST EMOTIONAL NIGHT

By Jose Arebalo news editor

jarebalo.theadvocate@gmail.com

OAKLAND — Poignant lyricism and heart-pounding rhythms swung crowds through a successful performance as an indie rock band played a packed house on Oct. 29 at the Fox Theater.

On their “Two Hands” tour, Brooklyn-based band Big Thief made a glorious stop in Oakland.

The band’s folk-influenced sound brings listeners into a slow down tempo lull and comfort in which lead singer Adrianne Lenker delivers strong emotional lyrics.

Their songs revel in the intimacy they create with listeners, unafraid to tackle topics like the dualities we find in our lovers and the passing of time.

They’ve built a loyal audience by touring constantly for four years since their first album release “Masterpiece” in 2016. Their first album, and the ones that followed, have been released to critical praise as they have grown into one of the eras defining indie-folk bands.

Their unique mellow eclectic sound comes as the result of

Lenker on guitar and vocals, Buck Meek on guitar and backup vocals, Max Oleartchik on bass and James Krivchenia on drums.

Songs settled listeners into a soft repeating cadence with guitars strumming on top of each other backed by delicate but vibrant percussion.

The paring lays the groundwork for Lenker’s hefty vocals. Big Thief describes its process as excavating and exploring into their music and inner lives, digging deeper together.

The start of their set was a heavy stern tone with a performance of “The Toy,” a song from their newest album “Two Hands.”

The song takes on the issue of gun violence repeating, “The toy in my hand is real” to a slow beat with glistening guitar plucks. Ushering in an almost electric feeling, the audience swayed in silence as they prepared for the band’s signature emotional honesty.

The band delivered on sharing an intimate evening as songs from both new albums “U.F.O.F.” and “Two Hands” explore in depth different ideas.

Songs from “U.F.O.F.” explore themes of the ephemeral and cosmic ideas, while songs from “Two Hands” focus on the more dreary realities that humans face.

Halfway through the show, they shared a refreshing performance of “Forgotten Eyes” from “Two Hands.”

The song tackles homelessness and the unheard voices that exist in the world. “Forgotten eyes are the ones which we lose/ Forgotten hands are the ones which we choose to let go of/ But it is no less of a bruise/On the collective arm keeping us high and gone.”

The lyrics show Big Thief ’s concern with writing songs that resonate with people regardless of what they believe in. Simply put, they’re tackling the same universal truths that humans experience in the world where we all participate in the consumption and destruction of its well-being.

The energy in the theater grew exponentially once the audience heard the band began playing “Masterpiece.” Its lyrics tell a story of dealing with grief “Old friends, old mothers, dogs and brothers/

JOSE AREBALO / THE ADVOCATE

Big Thief vocalist Adrianne Lenker (right) sings during the group’s concert at the Fox Theater in Oakland on Oct. 29.

There’s only so much letting go you can ask someone to do/ So I keep you by my side, I will not give you to the tide/ I’ll even walk you in my stride, Marie.”

With the passing of time we will all eventually deal with the loss of a loved one, a sentiment Lenker fights against by choosing to stay intertwined with whom she lost

even through something as simple as changing her walk.

What became clear throughout the night was how the group has mastered its distinct combination of defiant folk music and rough fuzzy guitar riffs.

The band chose to close out the set with one of its more minimalist pieces called “Magic Dealer.”

10

sports

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 12.11.2019 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

LEFT: Former men’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller (left middle) places his hands on his hips as the squad sits on their bench during a game this season.

Zeller ended his term as coach at halftime during a game against Napa Valley on Oct. 4.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Tumultuous season concludes

By Luis Cortes sports editor

lcortes.theadvocate@gmail.com

The start of the 2019 men’s soccer season was not a good one.

It began with the firing of former coach Nikki Ferguson, which prompted the departure of many prominent players.

The move came on the heels of a decision by Athletic Director John Wade to cancel two pivotal games against Merritt College to end the 2018 season due to unsafe air quality because of raging California wildfires.

Wade followed guidelines set by the California Community College Athletic Association and Air Quality Index (AQI), which indicated that the air was not safe on the days of the games.

The cancellation led to the Comets missing the playoffs.

This season, the program remained in flux, which led to a dismal 2-16-1 record.

Comet midfielder Chris Chotov had high expectations at the beginning of the season, but his expectations soon changed following the tough season opener.

“We only had 12 eligible players in the first game of the season,” Chotov said. “Because of miscommunication, some people didn’t get their paperwork in. After the game I knew it was going to be a long and challenging season.”

The season began with no coach at the helm, leaving some questions around the program.

Wade hired former men’s soccer coach and retired professor Rudy

Zeller to coach the team.

“I wanted to make the playoffs Contra Costa College began at the beginning of the season, the season scrounging for players. because we were in contention last Recruits were in short supply and year. All the losing early changed some players who did want to par- that,” Silva said. ticipate did not have the proper Like many players, Silva saw paperwork which led to eligibility flaws in Zeller’s strategies. problems.

“In the first couple of practicCCC began the season going up es we noticed he (Zeller) wasn’t a against San Joaquin Delta College good coach,” Silva said. at home. The team was out manned The team lost the following and outplayed, leading to a season three games being outscored 20-2 opening 6-0 loss.

— including a 12-0 loss to Santa From the day Zeller Rosa Junior College. was hired as coach, some CCC lost all seven of his players did not games it played in the YEAR IN agree with his tactics — of November, REVIEW month or his style of play. leading to CCC beginChotov believed Overall ning the season 0-9.

Zeller’s tactics were out- record: 2-16-1 But the Comets soon dated and his style did Conference earned their first win of not mesh with the roster record: 2-7-1 the season, a thrilling 3-2 Conference CCC had. road victory against Yuba “A lot of the players finish: College. In that game didn’t have respect for Sixth CCC took a quick 2-0 him as a coach. For me lead into halftime, only personally, soccer is a to have the 49ers come sport that has evolved and is con- back late in the game to tie it. But tinuing to evolve,” Chotov said. “I with four minutes to play in the felt that Rudy (Zeller) wasn’t evolv- game, Comet striker Eliezer Musah ing. scored the game winner, to end the “Rudy told us he last coached losing streak. four years ago, but a lot of things But things continued to unravel in the sport have changed in four for the team when down 3-0 at years. He brought the same style,” halftime in a game against Napa he said. “I just didn’t work out. At Valley College, Zeller told the team times we were frustrated with his at halftime he would be quitting tactics and methods.” and letting his assistant and forSophomore midfielder Nick mer Comet player Diego Garcia Silva held similar expectations as lead practice and take the coaching Chotov. Silva had expectations reins in the game. of making the playoffs before the The Comets ended up losing season began, but things changed that game 6-0. because of the losing.

Sophomore defender Ryan

n “I wanted to make the

Forward Musah said his team began to play better toward the playoffs at the beginning end of the season because of the change in style and coach and of the season, because thinks if Garcia had coached from we were in contention last the beginning the season would have been different. year. All the losing early “Toward the end we played betchanged that.” ter. If we had Diego (Garcia) from — Nick Silva, the beginning, it would have been sophomore midfielder better. After he (Zeller) stepped out it was much easier the rest of the season,” Musah said.

Fretwell believed his team lost Because of the tough season and motivation after Zeller quit and it the drama that unfolded, it caused was hard for players to maintain a some uncertainty with players like positive moral outlook.

Musah, who have dreams of trans“Yes, it affected the team. When ferring to a four-year university. the head coach of a team quits, “I’m skeptical because we had what are you supposed to do. We a bad season, that my chances are looked up to him as our main very limited on getting a scholarleader, and he quit on us,” Fretwell ship. It’s my last season at CCC,” said. “It was extremely frustrat- he said. ing for me and most of the team.

Chotov said toward the end of Especially quitting in the middle of the season Zeller would give playthe game. It killed the whole team’s ers some tips, but ultimately, he morale and made us not want to just watched the games, picked up play anymore.” the balls and helped with the little Wade said Zeller didn’t quit, things. but just taking a step back, just However, he was nowhere to like many coaches have done in be found the last two weeks of the the past. season.

“Zeller is still the coach of the “Nobody paid attention to him team. He’s probably just taking a (Zeller) after he quit. He offered step back,” Wade said at the time, to help us. He would give players Even with all the drama, the in-game tips, but would really just CCC players persevered and pick up balls and cones,” Chotov showed character aided by a new said. playing style. The Comets snatched “It was frustrating because he a 2-1 win against Mendocino didn’t show up in the last two weeks College on a late 20-yard screamer of the season. He was supposed to from defender Devin Martinez. drive the van to the Merritt game The win was the team’s second and he never showed up — he just and final victory of the season. disappeared.”

Full season, small squad bonds team

By Cindy Pantoja

just playing the sport. Soccer is not just about competing, it’s about the relationships that you build,” the The Contra Costa College first-year coach said. women’s soccer team finished its Even though the season is over, 2019 season stronger than many the team is still working hard to who saw the team struggle to mus- ensure a stronger come back next ter up enough players to complete a season. season could have imagined.

According to Steen, recruiting The Comets went from not hav- of high school players is just peeking a team deep enough to com- ing this week and the coach plans pete, to a team with 11 games to attend multiple local matches played under its belt and the in an attempt to lure local players wherewithal to bring home victory to CCC. three times while scoring 10 goals It’s all about just getting in in the process. touch with coaches and going out The team finished there and seeing the 3-10 in the Bay Valley that are going to YEAR IN players Conference. be available, Steen said.

REVIEW Last year, the team His plan is to either did not gather enough Overall check out the seniors players to field a regu- record: 3-10 who are going to be lation team and have a Conference ready to come in the full season, however, that record: 3-10 next year or look at the changed when coach Ted Conference juniors and underclassSteen was hired to restore finish: men as potential future Seventh the women’s program. additions to his Comet Athletic Director John squad.

Wade said, “I trust that Of his 11 players who coach Steen is doing a great job made it through the rebuilding with the team. He knows what he phase of the women’s soccer prois doing and I’m letting him do gram, two players are going to be his job.” moving on.

At the beginning of the season, One is going to be transferring most of the players were inexperi- and one has completed her two enced, some never having played years of eligibility. organized soccer before.

“Right now, we’re in our recruitSteen said he is proud of the ing season,” he said. “During the team for creating a culture of sister- spring semester we will be doing hood between the players. our off-season training, which will “We built a nice sense of family be a class. Courses will run twice around the team that goes beyond a week and will include working editor-in-chief

cpantoja.theadvocate@gmail.com

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

The women’s soccer team (3-10) walks to the Soccer Field for a home game on Aug. 27 during their first full season in over two years.

in the weight room, doing some cardio work and when the weather gets nice, heading back out onto the field.

“In the summer we’ll have our summer class going on, all in an effort to bring the program together,” Steen said.

That’s when the team plans to begin preseason training.

“I actually have a team coming

back, so we were able to schedule a few preseason games (for next year). That way, we’ll have some non-conference games to go along with our conference schedules,” Steen said.

Recruiting players is not something that happens totally off-campus, he said. There are many players on campus who would like to have an extracurricular activity in

their life, some just need a motivational push.

Middle College High School student Kimyatta Newby, who was thinking about joining the soccer team, said, “I would love to join the team if I had extra time at this point. I play baseball and basketball, but I lack the agility required to play soccer. Also, people who know me say I quit easily.”

sports

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11

LEFT: Sophomore R.J. Ma’Ae flexes his biceps after making a big stop for the Comets in the 2018 season. Ma’Ae finished his career with the Comets with 75 tackles, 10.5 of those for losses.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Positivity absorbed in the D-line

By Luis Cortes sports editor

lcortes.theadvocate@gmail.com

For many people, sports is a haven that doesn’t simply offer a mental escape. It’s a thing you do to stay out of trouble.

This is the case for sophomore linebacker R.J. Kobe Ma’Ae, who, when he was 3 years old, relocated from Honolulu, Hawaii to Tacoma, Washington with his mother and three other siblings.

At a young age Ma’Ae’s mother made sure he was involved in sports — to stay out of trouble.

Ma’Ae values football, family and God above everything else.

“I don’t remember much of Hawaii. I moved to Tacoma when I was 3. But it was cool growing up in Washington. I was involved a lot in sports as a kid, it was fun — it kept me out of trouble,” Ma’Ae said.

Growing up, Ma’Ae loved to play football, not only to avoid trouble but because it was so much fun.

Throughout his time playing football, Ma’Ae has come across useful information that helped not

only on the field, but also when navigating life.

“I loved football because I got to hit people for free and not go to jail. Even to this day I still feel the same. It’s a good outlet for me and it helped build my character,” Ma’Ae said. “Football has taught me how to learn to play for a team filled with a lot of personalities.”

One thing Ma’Ae leans on is his ability to be a leader and constantly do the right thing. Growing up with a single mother and living in a household with three other siblings and his grandparents taught him to be a responsible person and a leader.

It is a trait he takes to the football field, which instantly earned the respect of his teammates at Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett, Washington where he graduated in 2015 — and also at Contra Costa College.

“I consider myself one of the leaders of the team. I’m not a selfish person. I got my leadership from my mother. Growing up, my mom was a single parent. She raised me and my three siblings together with

my grandparents. She was the leader in the house and she instilled that in me,” Ma’Ae said.

As a transplant to California, Ma’Ae didn’t have a connection with many people here, but things changed when twins Frank and Chris Sheckles moved to the Bay Area three years ago from Seattle.

Soon after meeting and getting to know each other, the three decided to move in together.

“I’ve known R.J. for three years now and didn’t know him (Ma’Ae) that well before college. I only knew of him somewhat in high school in Washington,” Chris Sheckles said.

Chris said that Ma’Ae is a great example and role model to have at his disposal and throughout the years, Ma’Ae has been a positive influence on him while living and playing together.

“He (Ma’Ae) always influenced me to be positive, because it’s hard when you’re young and away from your parents. You could get caught up in doing bad things. He’s a positive role model because he keeps you focused on the good and not the bad in life,” Chris Sheckles said.

Along with being a great role model for his teammates, Ma’Ae carries himself as a professional, only focusing on the job.

“Ma’Ae doesn’t play when it comes to football. It’s business when he hits the football field,” Chris Sheckles said.

Freshman Frank Sheckles was surprised when he moved to the Bay Area to find Ma’Ae living here and attending Contra Costa College to play football. Since moving in together, they have improved their relationship on and off the field.

Frank Sheckles said, “When I came out here, I didn’t know he (Ma’Ae) was out here or playing football — it was a nice surprise.

We’re like brothers now. Living together and playing together has helped grow our bond. Before, we weren’t great friends, I only saw him around sporting events in Washington.”

Both Frank and Chris Sheckles praise Ma’Ae for his life advice and lessons he has taught them. Most importantly, the duo is thankful for his cleanliness around the house.

“Along with being a good football player, he (Ma’Ae) works hard watching film. He knows so much that at times he would call out players before the coach would or know what the different teams we played where doing,” Frank Sheckles said.

The 2019 football season was Ma’Ae’s last at CCC, since he has decided to accept an offer to play at Simon Fraser University on a football scholarship.

It is a Division II school located in Burnaby, British Columbia.

“I’ve got friends that were killed and not doing anything. I’m thankful to be in school and be able to play ball,” Ma’Ae said.

His roommates and friends say they will miss him dearly because of the things he taught them and the values he has installed in them.

“I feel sad knowing he’s leaving and it will be hard because I feel like he’s my brother. He instilled a lot in me.

“If it weren’t for him I don’t know what I would be doing in community college,” Chris Sheckles said.,

young squad ends season winless

By Xavier Johnson web editor

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

In a season that was marred by poor receiving and a constantly changing roster, the Comet volleyball team failed to capture a win all season for the first time in four years.

The volleyball team (0-15 overall and 0-14 in the Bay Valley Conference) regressed from its last few seasons matching the record of their 2015 0-16 team, losing every game without winning a single set.

Between those seasons, the Comets managed to have relatively successful stints with a 5-16 season in 2017 and two 2-win seasons in 2016 and 2018. In both of those years CCC fielded players who were top 10 in conference statistical categories.

Last year the sophomore trio

of Delaine Baca, Victoria Matue and Makaya Thomas had notable statistical seasons — despite only earning two wins as a team.

With only one sophomore on the squad, the freshman-dominated team, containing a couple players with minimal previous volleyball experience, were late to adapt and still were figuring out how to efficiently execute rotations and play as a team.

Throughout the season, the Comets were never able to find their footing after losing two players and having to integrate newer players into the lineup.

Outside hitter Angel Munar left within weeks of the semester starting, which left only one sophomore, setter Kimberly Calip, on the squad. A few weeks later, freshman outside hitter Katrienne Lemye left the team, which led to increased roles for middle block-

er Christina Hall, defensive specialist Anna Miculob and middle hitter Janna Galang.

Calip’s play was praised by coach Christy Tianero as a natural setter and communicator for the team during their games.

“It’s hard to find setters and she’s a natural setter. She can really hit. If I had another setter, I’d have her as a hitter too. If she wanted to be a hitter she could,” Tianero said.

With roster changes and the Comets playing and practicing at Pinole Middle School due to the renovations being done on the Gym, the extra distance made it difficult for players to consistently attend practice which dampened how fast the team could improve.

Libero Jamie Tianero said, “It’s hard to practice a rotation when everyone is not here. The ones that are able to consistently be

XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE

Right side hitter Nadia Thomas (left) spikes the ball over the net in the Comets’ first game of the season against Yuba College in the Pinole Middle School Gymnasium on Sept. 18

at practice have to help others with their rotations.”

The Comets did have a couple standout freshman players on the team. Jamie Tianero was ranked sixth in the BVC for digs per set.

Sydney Thach led the team in

kills and kills per set and by the end of the season was the team’s best offensive player. She led the charge in scoring runs against College of Alameda and Napa Valley College to end the season.

BAY VALLEY CONFERENCE BASKETBALL SCHEDULES Women’s Basketball Contra Costa vs. Fresno City @ San Jose City, Dec. 27, 5 p.m.

Marin @ Contra Costa, Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @Laney, Jan. 4, 3 p.m.

Mendocino @Contra Costa, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @Napa Valley, Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Yuba @ Contra Costa, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Los Medanos, Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m.

Solano @ Contra Costa, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Merritt, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Marin, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Laney@ Contra Costa, Feb. 5, 3 p.m.

Contra Costa@ Mendocino, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Napa Valley @ Contra Costa, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Yuba, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Los Medanos@ Contra Costa, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball Merritt @ Contra Costa, Dec.

27, 7 p.m.

Marin @ Contra Costa, Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Alameda, Jan. 4, 6 p.m.

Mendocino @ Contra Costa, Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Napa Valley, Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m.

Yuba @ Contra Costa, Jan. 17, 5:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Los Medanos, Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m.

Solano @ Contra Costa, Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Merritt, Jan. 29, 5 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Marin, Jan. 31, 5:30 p.m.

Alameda @ Contra Costa, Feb. 5, 6 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Mendocino, Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m.

Napa Valley @ Contra Costa, Feb.12, 5:30 p.m.

Contra Costa @ Yuba, Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m.

Los Medanos @ Contra Costa, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m. *Bold denotes BVC conference games. *All CCC home games will be played at DVC due to gym renovations.

focus Natives honor 50 years since Alcatraz occupation

12

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 12.11.2019 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

Photos by: Luis Cortes For

ABOVE: During the original occupation of Alcatraz island, protesters marked various locations with paint, including the water tower.

The words, “Peace and Freedom.

Welcome.

Home of the Free Indian Land,� were done by paint and brush.

BELOW: Social activist Colin Kaepernick walks among attendees after speaking at the ceremony.

RIGHT: Thousands of people attend the Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz on Nov. 28. The ceremony was held around a fire burning in the middle of a circle. Many native groups attended with some original Alcatraz occupants on hand.

more photos, please visit our website: www.cccadvocate.com

LEFT: The Cody Blackburn Band performs at the Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz on Nov. 28.

The Cody Blackburn band was one of many performers at the sacred ceremony. Its band members are from the Cherokee and Dakota tribes.

LEFT: This speaker was one of many people to bring up issues of abuse within the native population to the crowd at the Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz on Nov. 28.

The speaker brought up issues affecting natives living on reservations, such as drug, alcohol and spousal abuse.