Advocate 4-11

WEDNESDAY l 4.11.18 OUR 68TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

Science Complex 2023

South entrance

North entrance A glazed wall in the lobby will stand 42-feet high offering outside observers a look at the third floor planetarium. The third floor also houses a makerspace and labs.

Upgraded anatomy and physiology labs and six classrooms will be housed on the first floor. On the second floor will be biology labs, a larger Center for Science Excellence area and STEM Street, an activity space for students to interact and study STEM fields.

Planetarium The new 55-seat planetarium will have an updated star projector that uses digital imaging.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

AVAILABLE SPACE MAXIMIZED Multiyear project to furnish state-of-the-art science facilities

By Xavier Johnson scene editor

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

A new 50,000 square feet science building accommodating the astronomy, engineering, physics, chemistry and biology departments is in its final planning stage with a budget of $68.86 million.

The three-story building, developed by SmithGroupJJR, a San Francisco based architecture and planning firm, will be constructed where the Liberal Arts Building and Health Sciences Building currently

stand.

Construction is not planned to start for approximately three years, taking place after construction of the new Police Services Building and Athletic Complex.

The complete building is estimated to finish construction in about five years (2023), with the construction period lasting approximately 2.5 years, according to Building and Grounds Manager Bruce King.

The first floor will house six classrooms and anatomy and physiology labs. Staff offices, a computer lab, the Center for Science Excellence, Dean’s Office and biology

labs will be on the second floor A 55-seat planetarium, engineering and chemistry labs and a designated makerspace are planned for the third floor. Physics and astronomy department chairperson Jon Celesia said the makerspace would be equipped with 3D printers and laser cutting for student work.

The building will have a 42-feet high glazed curtain wall in front of the planetarium. It is a feature Celesia said would upgrade the department “substantially.”

SEE SCIENCE COMPLEX, PAGE 3

MOCK TRIAL PROGRAM BEGINS AT CCC

Contra Costa College Interim President Chui L. Tsang walks to his car after his first day at CCC in San Pablo, California on March 16.

Tsang, a CCC alum, suspended his retirement to fill the position until a permanent president is selected by July.

PAGE 7

Play enchants audience with cultural folklore ‘La Llorona’ modernized for feminist experience PAGE 6

Interim president leads campus in flux BOXERS CLASH AT BALLROOM EVENT IN SF Intense moments spur dramatic photography PAGE 8 FACEBOOK: /accentadvocate

Tsang greeted as acting executive

By Anthony Kinney associate editor

akinney.theadvocate@gmail.com

Newly selected interim president and Contra Costa College alum Chui L. Tsang is bringing a INSTAGRAM: @cccadvocate

treasure trove of knowledge and decades of experience to his old campus — though only for a temporary term.

However, commitment to his alma mater shines untarnished as the former Santa Monica College president made the decision to suspend his retirement when he heard of the open position for CCC’s interim president.

He will hold the position of TWITTER: @accentadvocate

interim president until the search for a permanent candidate successfully concludes and a new president is appointed in July of 2018.

Dr. Tsang’s appointment comes after the sudden removal of former college president Mojdeh Mehdizadeh last month.

The announcement left the SEE DR. TSANG , PAGE 3

YOUTUBE: /accentadvocate

in brief nA former Santa Monica College president, Chui L. Tsang was appointed interim president until a permanent president is selected. nDr. Tsang left retirement to accept the position. He began his retirement in 2015. nA permanent president is expected to be named by July.

SNAPCHAT: @cccadv0cate

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Quotable “Mankind will endure when the world appreciates the logic of diversity.”

Indira Ghandi prime minister of India 1976 Denis Perez editor-in-chief Anthony Kinney Michael Santone associate editors Ryan Geller Benjamin Bassham news editors Jessica Suico assistant news editor Robert Clinton Alondra Gallardo opinion editors Xavier Johnson Andrew Weedon scene editors Dylan Collier assistant scene editor Efrain Valdez social media editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Advocate Staff Asma Alkrizy Sean Austin Isaac Benivades Joseph Bennett Carina Castrillo Dan Hardin Jshania Owens Gabriel Quiroz Julian Robinson Leon Watkins Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017 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 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: accentadvocate@ 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, APRIL 11, 2018 VOL. 106, NO. 18

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

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EDITORIAL LITIGIOUS INDOCTRINATION Law programs on campus expose students to judicial court

C

reating change through social action takes time. Some protests spark course corrections overnight, while other actions take months or even years to have meaningful effect.

For as long as many can remember, Contra Costa College has been a campus that encourages its students to fight for social justice. It is an institution that fosters growth and positive change.

From administrators walking side-by-side with students during marches and protests, to hosting informative forums with political and community leaders, an environment for community action is well entrenched.

While working toward change, then waiting for those efforts to bear fruit, people are left with the burden of navigating the unjust systems that they’ve been fighting against — political or judicial.

Fortunately, CCC is one of many schools to offer a pre-law studies program as part of the California State Bar and California Community College State Chancellor’s Office Pathway to Law School initiative.

In the area, CCC is one of five Bay Area colleges to be involved in the program — Solano, Merritt, Chabot and Alameda are all also participants in molding the area’s future litigators.

According to a Chancellor’s Office press release, the project touts itself as a first of its kind program that focuses on enhancing opportunities in the legal profession for diverse populations, particularly those who have traditionally been underrepresented.

Entities that explore the courtroom experience like the Mock Trial Club being created at CCC, hold greater value toward the development of actual life skills than other, less-relatable, topics. At some point, most people interact with local courts, positive or not, and the experience of a mock trial can offer an emotional respite from an otherwise tense situation.

The laws that govern the lives of average citizens change at a glacial pace and the United States judicial system can only benefit those who understand it.

However, learning the inner workings of the U.S. court system goes beyond classroom lectures and take-home tests and manifest themselves through newly formed clubs like the Mock Trial group. This hands-on experience not only increases the already robust pre-law atmosphere on campus, it also gives an educational boost to a much need demographic.

It gives participants the opportunity to better understand the way the legal system works.

Aside from encouraging students to remain vigilant in creating change, opportunities to sample what life is like in a judicial setting, without long-lasting consequences, can be an immeasurable benefit.

Mock trial situations offer understanding of how the system can work for students — or against them. Too few attorneys come from the neighborhoods they represent and the chance to see how a courtroom operates may seed the landscape for the next crop of community-based lawyers.

Historically, change is not only created by holding signs on street corners, it is more commonly driven by courtroom litigation.

If colleges put as much emphasis on molding future politicians and lawyers as they do nurturing the emotions of potential activity, the balance would be a welcomed change.

Mock trials and judicial exhibitions benefit students and spectators alike. CCC should prioritize these events above others.

ISAAC BELIVARDES / THE ADVOCATE

■ ECONOMY

American workforce hijacked by corporations

T

here is this idea that in college you are preparing yourself to compete in the job market. Why is there such competition for jobs?

It seems addressing the challenge of food, clean water and sustainable shelter for a population approaching 8 billion on a planet with destabilizing ecosystems and weather patterns is kind of an “all hands on deck” situation.

We have plenty of work to do, but who will pay for that work to be done?

In the traditional job market, graduating students are going to compete for the limited number of living wage positions in companies that are, in one way or another, extracting profit from failing ecosystems.

Our economic model only knows how to take — we have not developed a way to give back.

Maybe you plan to work for a social justice or environmental nonprofit. These are meaningful jobs, but their funding structure is based on philanthropic foundations and individual donations.

Philanthropic foundations that fund the nonprofit world are built off the wealth accrued from labor and environmental abuses.

The philanthropic goals of the Ford Foundation or the Gates Foundation are, at best, public relations campaigns designed to assuage public concern by offering a homeopathic sugar pill and, at worst, they are the carefully planned social strate-

ryangeller gies of the ultra-rich.

The crumbs of corporate profiteering won’t solve our socio-ecological problems.

We will need educated and skilled work forces in areas like Our marine biology, economic forest and ecosystem model only restoration, knows to and environmental take — we cleanup and toxics have not remediadeveloped tion.

We will a way to need to entirely give back. replace our antiquated infrastructure with clean, low-impact technology particularly in the areas of agriculture, transportation and manufacturing.

The problems we have will not be solved by minor retooling.

A major redesign of how industry works in our lives and a careful examination of our values is required.

Some people have great hopes for scientific innovations saving humanity, but scientific funding is also driven by for-profit motives.

Of course, the claim is that the companies need the soaring prices in order

to cover the high cost of research to produce more life-saving medicines. When faced with these types of arguments, we must ask ourselves if there are not some industries that function better without profit as a primary motive.

Are the efforts of our society about the betterment of the lives of many, or are they about the right of individuals to grow wealthy?

Questions about profit and public interest become real when we apply them to environmental issues.

Clean air is definitely in the public interest, but the profit motive would choke all our lungs with soot.

Effort needs to be supported and valued by our society even if it is not profitable.

Environmental restoration, and sustainable food systems, low-impact housing and clean transit and energy are the industries of a future that can support 8 billion people on this planet.

We will have to access a powerful form of peoples’ organizing to create the jobs that everybody needs. We will have to develop meaningful systems of democratic decision-making that can take power out of the hands of wealthy elites.

Otherwise we will continue to compete against each other for a handful of jobs that shore up the power of destructive industries.

Ryan Geller is a news editor for The Advocate.

Contact her at rgeller.theadvocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS COMMENT What is the most effective means of social media protest have you seen?

“The most effective form of social actions have been hashtags like #MarchForOurLives and #BlackLivesMatter.”

“The movements that gather thousands of marchers to walk for one cause like the Women’s March”

“Big movements have been started by just using hashtags that get people to talk on social media.”

“Unfortunately, Donald Trump shows effective counter protesting through his social media tweets.”

Richard Polanco

Evangelina Munoz

Connor Rixen

Destiny Calhoun

business

JESSICA SUICO / THE ADVOCATE

nursing

biology

English

“A very effective means of protest comes from a mixture of raising awareness on social media and physically protesting.”

Grace Stott nursing

“The black community has stood up through its protest online through the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Jamil Dowdi business

campusbeat

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NEWSLINE SCIENCE COMPLEX | Teaching amenities enhanced

n WORKSHOP

Continued from Page 1

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS TODAY

He said the new technology would enable projections from computers allowing more elaborate visuals and the capability to zoom in on specific details in star systems.

An elevator will take students to the rooftop observation deck with enough capacity for 80 visitors. Celesia said the observation deck would be built to reduce vibration and would have dedicated telescopes connected to computers for more accurate and clear observation.

The professor said he plans on hosting his Star Parties, where students are shown astronomical events in groups, on the deck.

Principal at SmithGroupJJR Irene Monis said Dean of Sciences

The Contra Costa College Student Equity department is hosting a Sexual Assault Awareness and Intervention Forum today from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Fireside Hall.

Contra Costa County Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves, will be the guest speaker for the Sexual Assault Awareness Month event. Food and drinks will be provided.

For more information contact Institutional Effectiveness/Equity Dean Mayra Padilla at mpadilla@ contracosta.edu.

n CELEBRATION

FESTIVAL, PARADE HONORS ACTIVIST The 25th anniversary Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday April 14 in San Francisco.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Dolores Park located on the corner of 19th street and Dolores street with the festival continuing through 6 p.m.

For more information visit cesarchavez.org or call 415-6212665.

n FESTIVITY

JOYOUS CELEBRATION FETES RETIREES Contra Costa College is inviting students, faculty and staff to celebrate the upcoming retirements of various employees on May 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fireside Hall.

Tickets are $25 per person and you must RSVP by May 4.

Tickets can be purchased online at cccretirementreception. eventbrite.com or with a check payable to “CCC Foundation” sent to 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo, CA 94806.

For any questions contact administrative assistant Lorena Cortez at 510-215-3841 or via email at lcortez@contracosta.edu.

n CULINARY

FOOD, WINE EVENT RETURNS TO CAMPUS The 11th annual Food and Wine Event will be held April 22 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Fireside Hall.

The event features a variety of local restaurants, fine wines, artisan chocolates and old fashioned entertainment.

The event is highlighted by a live and silent auction. The silent auction offers a myriad of beverages, trip and dining vouchers and cooking accessories.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door (a souvenir wine glass is given after payment) To purchase tickets, visit cccculinaryarts.eventbrite.com or for more information call 510-2153878 and/or email info@contracostafoodandwine.com

CRIMEWATCH Friday, March 23: A staff member reported his bicycle stolen. No other details have been released.

An unsecured bicycle was taken from the rack outside of the Student Services Building.

Thursday, March 29: A complaint was made about graffiti at the bus transfer station.

Wednesday, April 4: A traffic accident occurred in Lot 10. No further details have been released.

— Anthony Kinney

— 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.

Ghada Al-Masri, department chairs, faculty and technicians have worked closely with the firm to make sure each lab and classroom will serve the needs of students and staff.

Biology department Chairperson Ellen Coatney said, “We had a meeting about how classes will be laid out to better accommodate the specific activities that will happen in them, rather than ‘one size fits all’ because nothing will fit all.”

Chemistry department Chairperson Leslie Alexander said in the new building they will place enough lockers for every student to use individually instead of working in pairs like they currently do for most classes.

She said the addition of three times as many fume hoods as they

currently have will give organic chemistry students an opportunity to perform more complex experiments.

Further improvements can be found throughout the building for each of the different departments.

Plans include upgraded cadaver and cell culture rooms for biology and the general improvements include HVAC, lighting, more storage space and more visibly, the new planetarium for astronomy.

“Things like the lack of air conditioning take a toll on our classes,” Alexander said. “It’s hard to expect students to pay attention when it’s 80 degrees in the classroom.”

Coatney said she hopes the new building and its central location will entice students to explore the sciences as a major and lead them to be excited for science classes as

general education requirements.

She wants the department to be more accessible to all students.

Alexander said, “Instead of telling students ‘we’re at the top of the hill’ we can say, ‘we’re in the center of campus.’”

Monis said the building’s design is to promote the concept of “science on display.”

She said the planetarium’s visibility through the glazed window will hopefully draw students into the second floor hallway.

There are already talks to label this hallway “STEM Street.”

“We expect STEM Street to be a hub where all sciences come together — a space that promotes chance encounters and where students can linger and learn and collaborate with peers and faculty,” Monis said.

DR. TSANG | Leader to add balance during shuffle Continued from Page 1 campus with feelings of confusion and a disheartening sentiment. Tsang is boldly picking up the pieces with the intent to keep the college on its current course of success.

“I worked with Mojdeh before. I’m aware of her professionalism and her genuine concern for the campus and the students’ success,” he said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be able to help out in any way I can.”

Dr. Tsang’s new position, though temporary, is quite the fit for the calm, yet poised career college administrator with his decades of experience as president of various community colleges across the state, including SMC and San Jose City College.

He announced his retirement at the closing of his nine-year tenure as SMC’s college president in 2015.

CCC Vice President of Student Affairs Ken Sherwood believes Tsang’s strong advocacy for the college will breathe much needed morale back into the campus.

It’s important for students and staff to see that they have a leader who is a strong supporter of the institution in the President’s Office, he said.

Tsang understands there is a great opportunity for students in the community college system.

Though he is steeped in experience in the field of education, he does admit he wasn’t the best student growing up.

He didn’t grasp the value of education until he had a “transformational experience” while attending CCC from 1971-73 before transferring to UC Berkeley where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. His time at CCC propelled him to reach his goals and earn his Ph.D. in linguistics from Stanford University and become a professor.

“I wouldn’t say I grew up with dreams to be a college president,” Tsang said. “Growing up I didn’t have a strong interest in education. I learned later it was due to the way the lessons were administered to me by past teachers.”

However, Tsang said his exposure to new learning methods from CCC’s dedicated professors greatly benefited him by altering his opinion on learning and his mindset to one determined for academic success.

Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner said Tsang’s appointment is a positive for the campus, even if it’s short-term.

“He’s knowledgeable and shows he’s committed to CCC,” Berner said. “He has a history with the campus and seems passionate in seeing the college succeed.”

Tsang said people on campus have been very welcoming of his return, but he is also aware of the sense of guardedness on campus, which he feels is completely understandable following the sudden departure of president Mehdizadeh.

“I understand change can bring feelings of uncertainty, but my hope is that I can help deflate the fears some in the school may feel and ensure that there’s a smooth transition between Mojdeh and I. And the new president once they’re named.”

Most of the campus’ skepticism of Tsang’s appointment comes from the role he played in 2012 in a controversial proposal to offer summer classes in high-demand courses at $600, four times normal tuition price, which led to student protests on SMC’s campus. Tsang’s theory was that the extra funds accrued could have been used to offer more classes, which could have eased classroom overcrowding and prevent layoffs.

The proposed plan was eventually delayed after student protesters were pepper sprayed by campus police during a demonstration at a SMC board meeting on the campus.

During his time at SMC, Tsang was credited for guiding the college through an unstable budget climate while pioneering the interdisciplinary model that went on to become the foundation of the “LA Hi-Tech” program.

The program is a community college, high school and industry consortium designed to build “fast tracks” for students seeking employment in the information, communication and technology industries upon graduation.

In addition to overseeing SMC as it became the first California community college to have students get guaranteed admission to Arizona State University, Tsang supervised the approval and implementation of the institution’s bachelor of science degree program in interaction design.

The groundbreaking discipline blends the fields of design, user experience (UX) and technology to help prepare students for the growing industry.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Contra Costa College Interim President Chui Tsang mingles with faculty and staff during former CCC president Mojdeh Mehdizadeh’s farewell party at Aqua Terra Grill on March 21.

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 4.11.2018 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

STUDENTS COMPETE IN TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE

“

He was just a here a week before we got the tragic news, just to show his smile, and work out with the guys.”

— Pat Henderson, football coach

By Andrew Weedon scene editor

aweedon.theadvocate@gmail.com

A tech competition at the end of last month let students use the knowledge they learned in class to compete on teams.

The All Academy Day Competition, held March 31 at Contra Costa College, gave students from the area a chance to compete against each other in various events including building a computer, securing a computer running Windows and troubleshooting.

The competition was led by Western Academy Support and Training Center Director Richard Grotegut and Karen Stanton, WASTC coordinator.

The competition’s theme was “Fixing and Protecting the Internet” with events created to simulate security and hardware issues.

The main event involved teams building computers from the parts provided with points tallied based on proper use of tools and safety procedures, knowledge of the computer components and their ability to problem solve when an obstacle arises.

The same teams were then tasked with making a presentation outlining their experience with the building process, what problems they encountered and how they found solutions.

The other two events gave students the challenge of securing a smart home with the use of IoT (Internet of Things) and securing a version of windows through various security measures.

Students from De Anza High School, Alhambra High School and Contra Costa College’s IT club participated by assisting computer technology instructor Francis Reyes in judging the competition.

In the three different categories, students were scored with rubric style sheets based on various difReyes ferent criteria depending on the event.

Grotegut said that the competition went very well.

Alhambra High School won first place while De Anza High School won in the afternoon quiz bowl event.

Not only did participants learn valuable career skills but each member of the top three teams took home a quadcopter drone as a competition prize.

This competition is part of the bigger picture to help train students in real world applications.

“Four-year universities are not as focused on training students to work in the field because they don’t have the same flexibility as a two-year college like Contra Costa College,” said Reyes.

Reyes was hired last semester and has been working to help CCC move toward programs that help students get jobs right out of college.

He was prompted to do this because he noticed that when he was working in the field, the IT techs he was working with didn’t have sufficient knowledge coming from college programs.

By targeting a younger audience, consisting of primarily high school students, the hope is that there will be a surge of younger people in a field that really needs it.

All Academy Day Competition will be held at Diablo Valley College next year.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Comet wide receiver Courtney Beane (left) stiff arms Wolverine defensive back Dominick Sanders (middle) during Sierra College’s 56-28 win against Contra Costa College on Sept. 9 at Comet Stadium.

Community mourns Beane’s sudden death

By Robert Clinton opinion editor

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

Nearly one week has passed since former Comet football player, Courtney Beane was pronounced dead following an early Easter morning car accident in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where the junior relocated to attend college at the University of Sioux Falls in January.

Beane, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene, while passenger and fellow Cougar teammate, Jared Brito of Covina, California, suffered serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries.

Police reports indicate the Beane lost control, hit a pedestrian guardrail on a bridge and traveled down the embankment of a levee.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at New Beginnings Church in Oakland at 11 a.m. and the quiet hour will be tonight at the Chapel of the Chimes in the same city.

“He (Beane) was just here a week before we got the tragic news, just to show his smile and work out with the guys,” Comet coach Pat Henderson said. “It was encouraging to see that smile because we knew what it represented. It represented an appreciation to be able to continue to do something you love to do.

“I appreciate Courtney (Beane) for being a light in the dark when this program was going through its struggles

last season.”

In a statement released by Sioux Falls Director of Athletics C ommunicat ions Dan Genzler on April 1, USF coaches and program offered Beane their deepest condolences to Beane’s family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Courtney’s and Jared’s families,” USF football coach Jon Anderson said. “I extend my sincerest condolences to Courtney’s family. We are truly heartbroken, and our team is distraught about Courtney and praying for Jared’s recovery. Courtney was not with us long, but he very quickly found his place in this program. Our team is a family, and we will be here for each other during this difficult time.”

The university has also established separate GoFundMe accounts, in the names of both athletes, to assist the families with any expenses they may incur.

Information of the disaster spread quickly and by the time students returned from spring break, the news had already blanketed the campus community then dispersed back across the country.

Former Comet and teammate of Beane, defensive lineman Mike Ihejeto,

who now attends the University of Northern Colorado, said he heard about the news shortly after it happened.

“We didn’t talk much, but it still hurts to lose a teammate,” Ihejeto said.

He said the situation is doubly tragic because athletes work so hard to make it out with the opportunity to continue playing. Beane was one of the guys who made it out.

At Sioux Falls, Beane was a business administration major and already received his associate degree from CCC last year.

Beane thrived in the classroom and on the field as a Comet.

This past season, while playing for CCC, Beane’s on-field performance earned him Bay 6 Conference AllPurpose Player of the Year honors and the wide receiver was voted the Comet football program’s Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2017.

He showed unmatched enthusiasm, passion and leadership in helping drive a young team in 2017, Comet assistant coach Alex Beglinger said. Always displaying a contagious smile, his exuberance and passion for life was magnetic.

Henderson said, “We thank Courtney (Beane) for his courage and the energy he brought to our program last season. He was a loving young man who took pride in being around his teammates and coaches and we will miss him.”

Deadline looms in search for college president

By Robert Clinton opinion editor

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The search to find the next president of Contra Costa College officially began on March 22 as the Contra Costa Community College District posted the open position and began accepting applications to fill the post.

The exploratory process began roughly one month after district Chancellor Fred Wood announced the reassignment of former Contra Costa College president Mojdeh Mehdizadeh to her previous position at the District Office Feb. 15.

“Everything is proceeding as it should be,” Wood said. “We are in the process of receiving applications and we feel good about what we are seeing.”

During the search, CCC will be under the charge of Interim President Chui L. Tsang who will serve in the position until the selection process is completed.

The hiring process will happen in three stages following the May 4 deadline for application submittals.

First, a screening committee will evaluate applications and choose a group of finalists to be interviewed May 21-24.

The Chancellor will then use the finalists resumes and interview notes from committee members to make reference checks and ultimately the decision to hire or not.

The timeline details the process, complete with a new president beginning transition procedure at CCC, to be concluded

by July 1.

During the finalist stage, candidates will meet with students and faculty on campus to field questions and get to know their potential constituency.

“It’s important to take the time to come and meet every candidate and provide your input,” Wood said. “I’ll work as hard as I can to make sure that students know about these events.”

In an attempt to attract the best possible candidates, the district has enlisted the services of the educational consulting firm PPL Incorporated.

On its website, the firm describes itself as a full-service educational consulting firm that has been serving community colleges since 1978.

It also boasts a rich history of service with California community colleges.

In an introductory meeting, Wood invited PPL Vice President and Secretary Robert Griffin to Fireside Hall where the duo took questions about the feelings of uncertainty on campus since the reassignment of president Mojdeh Mehdizadeh last month.

At the time of the meeting, members of the search committee had not been made public.

Many who attended the meeting expressed concerns that administrative transparency, which has been hazy in recent months, should continue to be at the forefront of this process.

“There are a lot of concerns among staff and faculty surrounding transparency so this would lend to us continuing those feelings,” Welcome Center program assistant Marykate Rossi said during the forum.

“Who’s being selected among us to represent us.”

Wood said he wants to maintain a level of confidentiality during the early stages of the process to prevent any inappropriate communication between applicants and committee members.

Important dates Feb. 15

May 4

May 21-24

Mehdizadeh is reassigned to former position at District Office

Applications for the open position are due

Committee will interview finalists for three days

July 1 Transition procedures with new president to be concluded

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Griffin, the district’s hired consultant, also believes in maintaining a diminished level of transparency through some stages of the process.

“I think it’s best for all involved if the names are not publicized,” Griffin said.

“Some applicants feel the need to contact committee members. We are trying to protect this process so we don’t find that its been wasted in any kind of way.

“We don’t want to have to shut it down and start over,” he said.

During the forum, Wood took suggestions from attendees about what qualifications are needed to be a successful college president at CCC and said he would incorporate them into the district’s public job listing.

The district’s website, www.4cd.edu, lists the desired qualifications applicants should meet and explains what the position duties entail.

It also describes the qualities and characteristics that it hopes applicants for the open position possess.

On the website it states CCC seeks an experienced, collaborative and visionary leader with a high level of energy. The

position requires someone who is ethical, honest and trustworthy who will compassionately guide the college toward excellent programs and services that meet the needs of the community and ensure the success of its diverse student body.

It also notes that the college seeks candidates who embrace the community, the student population and its central work to strengthen West County by meeting the students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.

Sharing in the responsibility to ensure students are a part of the selection process, ASU President Alex Walker-Griffin plans to send notifications reminding the campus community of public forum dates and times.

“I’m not sure when I would be able to (notify students). I have to find out when the forums are first,” Walker-Griffin said.

“I was thinking of using Joel’s (Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks) listserv (a system to send campuswide communications) to send a mass email to all of the students.”

The Advocate will also post forum dates on its social media platforms.

5 campus beat Book release exhibits professor’s talent WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 4.11.2018 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

By Alondra Gallardo opinion editor

agallardo.theadvocate@gmail.com

English professor Dickson Lam was the winner of the 2017 Autumn House Nonfiction Prize and though his book was released just a few weeks ago it is already in a second print run.

“Though he may have traded his Timbs and hoodies for dress shoes and button-ups and his graffiti markers for dry erase, Dickson Lam is still one of the coolest cats I know,” Contra Costa College counselor Norma Valdez-Jimenez said during the celebration of the release of Lam’s “Paper Sons: A Memoir” in Fireside Hall on Thursday.

During his opening remarks, Lam talked about his writing process and getting published.

He also outlined the seven years it took to complete the book.

His experience of finding out that his father had molested his big sister (Ga Jeh) was the emotional crisis that started Lam on journey to writing his family’s story.

“So much of it felt like a love letter for Ga Jeh,” ValdezJimenez said.

Lam uses his writing as a way to process and deal with the effects of his family trauma. Lam shares his childhood experiences and how they paralleled the lives of his students.

One passage is about one of Lam’s students who was shot and killed.

“I have so much in common with my students,” he said.

“This experience (his student being shot) in particular was very challenging for me to deal with and forced me to become a better teacher.”

He found it hard to fuse stories of his sister, his father, his own childhood, his mother’s affair, graffiti, Chinese history, Malcolm X, chess and hip-hop culture all into one work.

Valdez-Jimenez said Lam’s book is not in the traditional memoir format. It’s more like a collage. It’s like taking a bunch of pieces and make it all fit together nicely into one.

“Each chapter looks at my life through a different lens,” Lam said.

“My story sort of resists the traditional form. It’s like a spiral,” Lam said.

Without the usual begin-

n “I really respect him

and his family for putting out their story to be read by many.”

— Melissa Merino, former student

ning, middle and end, it was a bit more difficult to find an editor who was willing to take on his manuscript and see it through to publication.

Dealing with the material and putting together his story was difficult, he said. Having to contact his family members and connecting with people from his past was draining.

This, combined with the complicated publication process, has Lam considering less personal topics for his next project.

Former student Melissa Merino said, “I really respect him and his family for putting out their story to be read by many. It is super exciting to be able to see somebody who I know getting published, someone who taught me. There is something so inspiring and motivating about that.”

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

English professor Dickson Lam signs a copy of his book, “Paper Sons: A Memoir” during his debut book signing event at Fireside Hall on Thursday.

English professor Dickson Lam reads from his book, “Paper Sons: A Memoir” during his book signing event at Fireside Hall on Thursday.

Conference to educate on ‘self-care’

By Dan Hardin staff writer

dhardin.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PysR) Conference provides a safe and supportive environment for those who have made huge gains as future therapists.

In honor of these accomplishments, the city of San Pablo will host Contra Costa College’s health and human services department’s fifth annual Psychosocial Rehabilitation 2018 Spring Conference on Saturday in the Maple Hall Community Center, at 13831 San Pablo Avenue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event also acts as a reaching out tool to help those with undiagnosed mental and emotional disorders to know that help is out there.

“A continental breakfast will be

served prior to the 11 a.m. kickoff,” CCC professor Mary Johnson said. “Licensed clinical psychologist Cathia Walters-Knight, the keynote speaker, will shed light on the topic of self-care.”

Tickets are free and can be obtained at www.2018psyr. evenbrite.com.

“The conferences have grown tremendously, primarily due to word of mouth,” Johnson said.

“Our first two conferences in 2014 and 2015 were at Argosy University in Alameda; the third and fourth conferences in 2016 and 2017 were at the Community Center near Helms Middle School here in San Pablo.

“The conferences outgrew the room sizes and had to find a larger venue; and that brings us to where we are currently being accommo-

“It’s important for individuals to learn about the tools that will aid them in dealing with tribulations.”

Aminta Mickles,

HHS department chairperson

dated,” Johnson said. “It has always been important to me to have the conferences off campus, so that the students would feel special and be at an event that everyone would look forward to and remember.”

Health and human services department Chairperson Aminta Mickles said, “It is important for individuals to learn about the tools that will aid them in dealing with fundamental tribulations and divergence.”

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ILLUSTRATION BY ISAAC BELIVADES / THE ADVOCATE

She said the conferences are for debriefing, socializing and reinforcing tools that have been acquired in the HHS program.

Student Victoria Fairchild said this will be the second conference that she has participated in.

“At my first conference last year I spoke as a member of a panel on stigmas and told my personal story of how I changed my life,” she said.

“I was diagnosed with severe ADHD, which means I have a problem being still; but I am better equipped because I learned techniques to rest my mind and not jump around so much from the information that was disseminated at the 2017 conference.”

Fairchild said she participates in these conferences because she wants to give hope to others so that they too may one day change their

lives.

“We go through our lives daily running into people with mental health issues and we do not Mickles realize that something as simple as a smile or friendly hello may make a world of difference,” she said.

Fairchild said, “Last year, in January, I became a mental health case manager. I began to work with people with mental illness.

Therefore, I have been able to take the tools that I learned at last year’s conference back to my work site and apply them. But what I am most proud of is that I have learned skills to help others.”

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 4.11.2018 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

LEFT: La Llorona, played by Silvia Sobal, weeps as she wanders eternally looking for her drowned children in “The Cries of La Llorona,” currently running in the Knox Center. The play continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE

Lore uses feminist arc Cultural story receives modern interpretation

By Michael Santone associate editor

msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com

B

ringing the centuries old Mexican folktale to the stage, “The Cries of La Llorona” captivates with a dazzling set design, vibrant lighting and an enchantingly modernized feminist slant.

Closing out the Contra Costa College drama department’s 2017-18 season, “The Cries of La Llorona” is an original work, written and directed by drama department Chairperson Carlos-Manuel Chavarria.

The play beautifully mixes the legend of the weeping woman with a pertinent storyline of an immigrant family struggling for survival in the United States following the election of President Donald

Trump.

“The Cries of La Llorona” will continue its run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in the John and Jean Knox Performing Arts Center.

In the folklore, La Llorona cries because her children died in a drowning accident. Consequently, her crying ghost, said to lure naughty children to a watery death, is a perfect tool to keep misbehaving youngsters in line.

Shifting eras from the 17th century to present day United States, with period costumes to differentiate the time, the actors do a convincing job pulling the audience into an old-world atmosphere without the help of a change in scenery.

Stephanie Rivas, who plays the indigenous woman Xochilt, shines as she serves passion and intensity through her struggles with falling in love and having children with Spaniard Jose Carlos, played

by Edgar-Arturo Camacho-Gonzalez.

This, of course, is against the orders of Jose Carlos’ father, played by Ayden Santos.

When confronted by the deceit of his son, the emotion of the moment falls flat. The moment is missed and the scene lacks dramatic effect due to the lackluster acting of Camacho-Gonzalez and Santos.

The aftermath, howevPLAY er, turns into REVIEW Chavarria’s feminist “The Cries of La interpretation Llorona” ★★★★★ of the culVenue: Knox tural folkCenter lore, which Directed by: becomes the Carlos-Manuel Chavarria highlight of Open until: the show.

Friday, Saturday All too at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. common, women throughout many cultures are used as the scapegoat and deemed lesser than men.

Chavarria, however, spotlights a woman’s struggle. This feminist perspective is the

anchor of the production as the tale of La Llorona interchanges between the 17th and 21st centuries.

Although obstacles of being undocumented are presented, the issue is handled with light humor throughout the course of the play due to the comic relief of the character Angie, played by Dania Chavez.

Her performance brings a much-needed breath of fresh air as she steals scenes with her over-the-top portrayal of Blanca’s and Mikey’s cousin.

Moments of tension do litter the show as Blanca, played brilliantly by Katherine Garcia, is haunted by Silvia Sobal’s portrayal of La Llorona.

In moments of intensity, Sobal does a perfect job of capturing the eeriness of the weeping woman and takes the entertainment value to a unexpected level. She carries the show when it dips into low points.

Garcia, along with Heriberto Barba, who plays Blanca’s brother Mikey, are the standouts of the entire show. Their

acting and the chemistry they share as siblings is not only believable, it is top notch.

Although some of the jokes, which deserved a laugh, were not received by the audience, Barba and Garcia do a fantastic job of continuing the scene without a hitch.

Barba’s compassion and lovable personality is golden as he aids his sister in her struggles with her missing child and the curse of La Llorona.

The writing of the show is impeccable as scenes glide smoothly from one to another.

With a fresh dialogue that intertwines Spanish and English, this modern take on a legendary tale doesn’t disappoint.

Even with a couple low points of spotty acting, “The Cries of La Llorona” is a winner for the whole family because of its message.

While incorporating relatable characters that would be seen throughout the community, the play sheds light on the stigma women face in a world that is traditionally determined by men.

Debut album delves into hardships of love The drowsy mid-tempo beat and guitars mesh well with Kiyoko’s lyrics jowens.theadvocate@gmail.com about the heartbreak of unrequited ost people either remember love from a person of the same sex.

Hayley Kiyoko from her perfor- Her lyrics go a long way in repremance in the live-action Disney senting and normalizing the feelings flick “Lemonade Mouth” or experienced in LGBTQ relationships to from her catchy hit single “Girls Like the mainstream audience.

Girls.”

These kinds of themes are not typiSoon they’ll know her better from cally heard in mainstream music, with her new debut album “Expectations,” few exceptions like Sam Smith. with its bouncy pop tracks balanced When it comes to pop music in parout by euphoric instrumental interticular that thrives off ludes between each song. being relatable, lyrical ALBUM Earworm beats are plentiful on the REVIEW themes typically focus album, but there is a lingering desire only on heteronorma“Expectations” for more power in her vocal perfor★★★★★ tive relationships.

Artist: Hayley mance.

Kiyoko’s music Kiyoko The album opens with a dramatic makes it clear that she’s Genre: Pop cinematic introduction where Kiyoko’s Label: Atlantic representing relationharmonization with orchestral produc- Records ships that don’t fall Release date: tion sets the tone for the album. into the typical heteroThe second track, “Feelings,” quickly March 30 sexual lens. brings up the energy as she sings about The confidence with the overwhelming feelings of infatuawhich she portrays her tion backed by a groovy 80s throwback experiences in her relationships makes beat. The track is a strong start showthe album, and herself as a singer, casing her lyricism. unique and enjoyable.

Kiyoko teams up with Oakland na“Mercy/Gatekeeper” brings the tive Kehlani on “What I Need,” another tempo back down along with Kiyoko’s upbeat track that shows off Hayley’s vocal range as she sings in a lower key. higher vocal range as the two sing This track may be overlooked as its about their need to receive the same electronic tones and minimal lyricism effort they put in to their relationships blend into the next track “Under the from their partners.

Blue/Take Me In.” Kiyoko’s vocal style isn’t as strong as Both songs sound like an intermisthe performer the singer struggles to sion for the album. portray, but she still makes it work to “Curious” shows off her distinct mucomplement her lyrics and energetic sical style in this standout track. The music. strong dance elements stand out from “Sleepover” fully brings out the the other offerings on the album detheme for “Expectations.” spite keeping the same general sound.

By Jshania Owens staff writer

M

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Hayley Kiyoko sings about her personal relationships on her debut studio album “Expectations,” with Atlantic Records, released March 30.

She sings to the girl who left her for a guy and wonders if her ex is serious about her new relationship despite being told the contrary. This is one of her personal experiences she sings about throughout the album.

“Wanna Be Missed” takes the album to a darker atmosphere with a distinct ambient sound that makes it another favorite track.

Kiyoko continuously experiments with new sounds throughout the album. The sounds range from the ska inspired “He’ll Never Love You

(H.N.L.Y.)” to the funky homage to Los Angeles “Palm Dreams,” with its strong bass and horns.

Hayley concludes her debut album with “Let It Be.” The song lyrically mirrors it’s placement in the tracklisting as Kiyoko accepts the demise of her relationship and finds closure.

The song’s addictive melodies and strong harmonies make for a memorable closing track for “Expectations.”

Kiyoko’s debut is a successful showcase of her unique artistry.

spotlight

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Home schooling pays off

Group of students advances swiftly to college level

By Ryan Geller news editor

rgeller.theadvocate@gmail.com

A small community of homeschooled students have used their independent learning skills and creativity to transition, thrive and lead at Contra Costa College.

This group of home-schoolers have supported each other in making the transition to college and they each defy the perceptions about homeschooling in their own unique way.

Ellis Ryan Miller is 15 years old and plans to transfer to the UC system as a junior after two more semesters at CCC. He is studying Japanese and wants to be a linguist teaching English in Japan.

Miller’s brother Alton Miller was also home-schooled, and he began taking classes at CCC more than a year ago when he was 12 years old. Alton wants to pursue a STEM major.

Emma Mink is 16 years old and began her studies at CCC when she was 12. She now has two associate degrees and a certificate in STEM. She is working on completing some of her medical school prerequisites at CCC because, she said, “I figured it would be cheaper.”

Owen Mink is Emma’s twin brother and he is taking classes at CCC that will count toward his high school diploma that he plans to complete in one more year.

“I will have most of my collegelevel general education out of the way by the time I finish high school and I will be able to focus on my major,” he said.

But Owen Mink is on a different track as he is using the extra time he gained from home schooling to train to be a ballet dancer.

All the students began studying at CCC in a program, known as concurrent enrollment, in which home-school students can complete parts of their high school education at community college.

The two families took advantage of online resources and support for home-schooling parents from Valley View Charter Prep.

Christina Miller, the mother of Ellis and Alton, said she didn’t use much of the standard curriculum.

“They (Ellis and Alton) learned very easily when they were young.

We went to the library and I answered their questions and we read book. We also did a lot of math workbooks and when they got into more complicated literature there were online classes as well as other creative classes for them to take,” she said.

English major Ellis Ryan Miller, 15, studies on his laptop before a tutoring session during his shift at the Library and Learning Resources Center.

LEON WATKINS / THE ADVOCATE

“They were able to do about 50 to 75 percent of the education on their own. I would make sure that they covered some areas that they didn’t pick to learn themselves.”

Ellis Miller said the agreement was that the students would do two hours of “school work” each day and use the rest of the day to study our own interests.

“Home schooling definitely has to be the right fit,” Emma said. “I would recommend home schooling because it can help you get a jump on your education, but you really need a supportive parent.”

“My mom stayed at home to teach us. It’s kind of a ‘must.’ I credit my mom with where I am today because she helped me plan out my educational path,” she said. “I can plan my own work now, but I really needed her help early on.”

Each family had unique reasons for getting started with the home schooling route.

“My husband was doing postdoctoral research (so) we did not have money for preschool. I began teaching Ellis at home. He was interested in learning. It was just clear,” Christina Miller said.

“Later, we put him in kindergarten and tested it out to see what was better. Ellis liked the freedom

better and it seemed like he was learning more at home.”

Ellis said it eliminated the transportation time of getting to a school. And then with a smile he said, “I’m also an introvert. On the Myers Briggs personality test I always score INTJ. I’m just comfortable being alone.”

The Minks started home schooling after the twins had opposite problems in kindergarten and first grade.

“I was struggling with the pace, but my sister was bored with the pace,” said Owen.

For Owen Minks home schooling has allowed him to follow his passion and manage a mild learning disability. He said he feels that although he needed the home schooling format to keep pace with other students, now the combination of college classes and memorizing complex (ballet) choreography is helping him to transform his learning process.

“The choreography is really fast-paced, and you have to think about the coordination of each move, kind of like listening to a teacher and taking notes,” he said.

That first class at college was little daunting for all the home-schoolers, but they each said

the community at CCC has really been supportive. After catching up on skills for exams and note taking during lectures, their adjustment to institutional learning has been mostly smooth.

“My second semester the teacher was intent on working in groups,” Ellis Miller said. “We would do random groups by counting off one through five. At first, I didn’t really do much. Then I eventually started giving little insights. I still do not like group work that much, but I’m not completely stressed out about it like I was back then.”

He works in the Learning Resource Center at CCC where he tutors students in English, Japanese and math.

“I have tutored people who are 60 years old. Sometimes people say, ‘This tutor is so young he could be my son’,” Ellis said.

Alton Miller said, “It has been stressful at times but I have been able to get through it. Of course finals are always awful.”

Emma Mink takes part in the Associated Students’ Union and she says that they have been like a second family to her.

“People always have a lot of questions about how you socialize.

My answer is ‘just like everyone

else.’ This campus is a good fit for me because I talk with a lot of people,” she said.

E n g l i s h Owen Mink department Chairperson Joy Eichner-Lynch said, “The value of home schooling is its ability to foster curiosity, confidence Emma Mink and imagination.

“Students haven’t been taught that school is a place to trust yourself. Too many students are worried about right or wrong. That’s what I see in home-school students that is so delightful,” she said.

“As a professor you have to find ways to help students develop trust in themselves. When you take away that self-trust at an early age it can be difficult to regain it later on.”

Ellis Miller said, “If I were put in the same situation as my mother I think I would home-school my kids as well because that is what I enjoy; teaching, but maybe I would like to do it with less than three kids because that is a lot.”

Students create mock trial team

By Michael Santone associate editor

msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com

Igniting interest in the United States judicial system, the Contra Costa College Mock Trial Club aims to bring everyday law into perspective in a welcoming environment of critical and logical thinking.

Beginning Friday, the newly formed club will provide a chance for students of all majors to improve their skills of public speaking, communication, strategy and analytics through competitive imitation court trials. “(The) mock trial (experience) brought the world of law into my perspective, showing how law affects each and every one of us in our daily lives,” founder and club President Gabriella Hernandez said. “I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn the basics of how the law works.”

Each week, the club will prepare for competition with lawyers who guide them on the best ways to use the law while suggesting techniques to create a logical series of events.

The simulation, like an actual trial, will use argumentation, witness statements and evidence as members of the club work together to interpret the case in the form of an argument.

“Mock Trial (Club) has its own supportive community of coaches, lawyers, judges, and professors that are committed to helping you succeed and learn,” Hernandez said.

“There is also the opportunity to meet mentors who have connections in the law field who can be helpful for future recommendations and networking.”

Hernandez, who first began participating in mock trials at El Cerrito High School, said initially she didn’t realize how influential it would turn out to be.

“I didn’t know it would be as advantageous as it turned out to be for my life,” she said.

There are currently four officers, seven members and two advisers in the Mock Trial Club at CCC. “We have two lawyers who are committed to coming to help get our argumentation up for the actual competition,” Hernandez said. “We will be in competition with other schools in the same organization to get a verdict — guilty or not guilty.”

Although the Mock Trial Club will not be competing this semester due to fact it was just organized, the efforts of its members will go toward recruiting more club members.

The next competition, set for February or March of 2019, is sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association and will include other colleges that are a part of the California community college system, including Moorpark College, Rio Hondo College and San Joaquin Delta College.

Faculty adviser Steven McCarty-Snead said he first became aware of the opportunity after being asked about it by Hernandez.

“I chose to volunteer with the club because I think that it has the potential to enhance student success while providing more law-related opportunities to a diverse group of students.”

McCarty-Snead said that the Mock Trial Club is poised to become a prominent part of the pre-law opportunities at CCC. “Contra Costa College possesses a relatively robust pre-law atmosphere,” he said.

“For example, it is one of few community colleges to offer a pre-law studies certificate, which was first created by legendary professor Dr. Rick Ramos.”

The club is a student organization and CCC is one of a very few number of commu-

in brief nThe club will provide the competitive environment of an real court trial for students of all majors to improve their skills in public speaking, communication, strategy and analytics. nMock trial, like an actual court case, will use argumentation, witness statements and evidence as members of the club work together to interpret the case in the form of an argument. nThe club’s first meeting is on Friday. The next statewide competition is set for early 2019 will include other California community colleges including Moorpark College, Rio Hondo College and San Joaquin Delta College.

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC BY DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

nity colleges in the nation to be participating in mock trial, McCarty-Snead said.

“In the process of preparing for such competitions, as well as participating in them and evaluating performance afterward, students will enhance their understanding of the legal system and the various law-related occupations available to them.”

Business major Lindsey Thepmany said the campus needs the Mock Trial Club because it is like a sport.

“As odd as it sounds, it’s true,” she said.

“It’s a mental sport in which students have the opportunity to showcase their analytical abilities against others who have the same enthusiasm for mock trial.”

Thepmany, like Hernandez, had her first taste of mock trial back in high school after it was recommended to her by her law academy teacher.

“I went to the first meeting and I was hooked,” she said. “You get all of the benefits that come with mock trial, which include understanding the significance and power of teamwork, preparation and public speaking,” Thepmany said. “In mock trial you also form bonds with others who have the same interests as you.”

The club is still looking for more volunteer attorneys, as well as members.

In order to compete in the mock trial, the club must have a team consisting of at least six students. Their goal is 25 members to field multiple teams.

Hernandez said, “With everything going on in today’s world, we see that our country is not yet how we want it. We are the next generation that will change laws that construct our lives. So this club gives us that head start into how our government works.”

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BOXERS COLLIDE IN SAN FRANCISCO Photos by: Denis Perez For

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

ABOVE: Karim “The Hard Hitta” Mayfield (left) jabs Gaku Takahashi (right) during Mayfield’s unanimous decision in the main event of the “Battle in the Ballroom” event in the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom in San Francisco, California on Saturday.

LEFT: Welterweight Lennard “Cheetah” Davis (left) punches Julio Cesar Ruiz (right) during Davis’ technical knockout in the “Battle in the Ballroom” event in the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom in San Francisco, California on Saturday.

Hundreds of attendees enjoy boxing matches between Bay Area natives and fighters from around the country during the “Battle in the Ballroom” event in the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom in San Francisco, California on Saturday.

Welterweight Willie “The Thrill” Shaw punches Sean Gee, who is staring him down, before the referee called the fight giving Shaw a technical knockout victory during the “Battle in the Ballroom” event in the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom in San Francisco, California on Saturday.