WEDNESDAY l 12.5.18 OUR 69TH YEAR
CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.
S P E C I A L
Akhenaton Pharaoh of Egypt (13751358 B.C.), by Barbara Higgins Bond, places him with his wife Queen Nefertiti, in front of a city. Akhenaton and Nefertiti were the first monotheistic rulers in history. Their reign radicalized the Egyptian civilization’s view of life.
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ACKNOWLEDGING AFRICA Accumulated knowledge originating from classic African civilizations stolen by Europeans By Jose Arebalo scene editor
jarebalo.theadvocate@gmail.com
Impactful lessons surrounding ancient African artifacts focused on teaching students about diverse histories were shared to a packed lecture hall completely filled with a diverse group of attendees. Manu Ampim, history, anthro-
pology and geography department chairperson, shared his research findings in his “Southern Origins: Classical African Civilizations” presentation in GE-225 on Nov. 27. To present a broader understanding of history and contributions from African civilizations is why he gave this presentation, Ampim said. Ampim started the presentation by showing architectural achievements from ancient Egypt. He went t h rou g h slides of
PROFESSORS TWIST TALES WITH CRUDE HUMOR PAGE B2
Squad faces strong teams in tournament Photographs capture the action of Contra Costa College’s men’s basketball team in play against top schools in the area.
n “It’s
great to see the whole room filled and to see the campus turn out for something so important.” — Katrina VanderWoude, college president
pieces of modern life and their traditions. The cuts represented the number of lives the warrior had taken and the ostrich feather is a symbol of high status. His research was conducted by observing these civilizations and histories “as a subject of their own experience rather than a focus of contempt.” Field research done so far on these subjects had left more to be desired for Ampim. Students in the audience were completely engaged while listening to the historic contributions from African civilizations. “As an African-American, it’s very important to be enlightened about African civilization, to see your ancestors and what it means” undecided major Alexander Watley said. Many ancient African contributions have been overshadowed by a trend of Western education failing to teach a full accurate history, Ampim said. This concern fueled him as humanities classes were facing cuts last year. The proposed cuts led to a rally from profe ss ors to defend a broader and more inclusive
education. Later, Ampim p o i n t ed out the Western created idea of the black pharaohs. That many media outlets in the early 2000s had begun to instill the idea SEE CLASSIC AFRICAN HISTORY, PAGE A4
Remembering coach Kinnard Beloved coach remembered by friends By Efrain Valdez sports editor
evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com
PAGE B8
Western monuments and architecture shedding light on the African influences that were present in each structure. “Why would George Washington have an obelisk and a reflecting pool? He was a stonemason, an admirer of African culture,” Ampim said referring to the Washington Monument. The world’s’ first stone obelisk can be linked back to the ancient civilizations of Tekhen as far back as 1500 B.C.E. There were rarely pauses in the presentation as each slide inspired lessons from Ampim. The lecture hall was focused intently on each word in the presentation. College President Katrina Vanderwood said, “It’s great to see the whole room filled — to see the campus turn out for something so important.” Ampim shared photos of the Ampim pyramids in ancient Kush and the Dahshur pyramids. These structures show an advanced understanding of arithmetic present in ancient cultures, he said. He also showed photos of some of his time spent in isolated areas in Sudan. They were places so tightly guarded he had to first pass a security clearance. Pictures of the Mursi communities he had visited filled the screen. Different civilizations have proudly passed down their own traditions. The Nuer tribe had distinct scars marked across their foreheads in patterns different from the Dinku and Shilluk. Patterns were each made to represent their heritage and marked proudly. Ampim also shared what real African warriors look like — men with cuts lined across their chests, ostrich feathers on their head and an assault rifle over their shoulder. Photos mixing
Longevity and charisma are a combination of traits that are not given to an individual, they are acquired by only the finest of people. Former Comet physical education professor and football coach Tom Kinnard was someone who used those characteristics to encourage his co-workers, enlighten the students he coached and bring joy to everybody he knew. The Oklahoma-born,
Richmond-raised educator found a way to not only be a great member of the East Bay community, but a person who genuinely cared about SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE the youth’s involvement in sports Former CCC football coach and athletic director Tom Kinnard and academia. passed away on Monday, Nov 19 at the age of 79. He spent 27 However, this community now years at the college serving many different positions. mourns the loss of Kinnard, who passed away on Nov. 19 with his family by his side at the age of 79. coaching stints at Salesian and “It is a tremendous loss for the Kinnard, who was a Contra Kennedy high schools. community because he cared so Costa College alumnus, started Former CCC football coach much about the athletes,” Creer teaching and coaching football at Robert Creer, who met Kinnard said. “We have been friends, aththe college in 1973. in the 1950s as kids, said they have letes and coaches since I was in He cemented himself as a fix- shared a lifetime of memories and ture at the college following short experiences that are unforgettable. SEE OBITUARY, PAGE A4
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Quotable “Liberty not exercised is liberty lost.”
UNDER PRESSURE
Michael Santone editor-in-chief Robert Clinton associate editor
Denis Perez creative director Cindy Pantoja opinion editor Jessica Suico Gabriel Quiroz Jackson Stephens news editors Andrew Weedon Jose Arebalo scene editors Efrain Valdez Joel Umanzor Alex Kwasniza sports editors Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Chris Alfred Issac Benavides Kyle Grant Dan Hardin Luis Lopez Joshua Poole 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: 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.
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EDITORIAL
Gene Policinski The Freedom Forum 1998
Xavier Johnson web editor
opinion
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5, 2018 VOL. 107, NO. 10
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM
Students brace for end of semester as burdens mount
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fter being smoked out, shunned and sidelined from campus decisions that affect their everyday lives, students at CCC are just weeks away from receiving a much-needed break. It’s been a hell of a semester, but in some ways, it lived up to everything it was expected to be. Even before the Butte County Camp Fire initiated a campus closure that lasted over a week, campus improvements were not keeping pace with expected outcomes. Following a spring semester marred by controversy, provoking drastic administrative shifts to occur over the summer, many hoped the internal rebuilding would have minimally kept pace with the actual construction on campus. To the contrary, administrative issues still exist and student voices are still the last to be heard. Sometimes it seems more attention is paid to bringing students to the college than is spent providing the students on campus an optimal learning experience. In theory, college should be a place to find a path in life that offers a respite from the struggle of living in an over-priced pocket of the country. Instead, East Bay students facing documentation issues, food insecurities coupled with race and gender discrimination come to campus and struggle to be respected as members of this campus community. Nobody said college would be easy. However, extending a commute to attend college because local jobs don’t offer a sustainable living wage takes a special level of dedication. What’s worse is parking two blocks away after sitting in traffic for an hour because parking absolutely sucks. This semester students felt the grit of dirt between their teeth from ongoing construction and inhaled countless parts per millions of fire ash because N95 masks were not made available to students until the day the campus closed. Students are led to believe that their best interests are the main priority on campus. Despite their empty proclamations, athletes, musicians, artists and academic scholars all toil in obscurity on campus. Great performances go unattended and accomplishments in the name of the school are rarely recognized when students return from representing the campus. Why aren’t JAZZ-ology CDs sold in the Bookstore? The group is nationally recognized and effectively ignored on their own campus. They deserve the support. With the closure of the Gymnasium later this month, both men’s and women’s basketball teams will have to play the majority of their games this season on the road — alone. These student-athletes deserve better — they deserve our support. Sadly, students will have to shoulder the burden of representing the campus alone. Despite all of this, students at CCC continue to persevere, compete and succeed. Hopefully, administrators use this break to devise a plan to make CCC a campus that’s welcoming and supportive. Students deserve a college they can be proud of.
ISSAC BENAVIDES / THE ADVOCATE
■ ASSAULT
Rape threat spoils college experience
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alking about sexual assault is extremely uncomfortable, but as the cases of student rape on college campuses continue to rise, having that conversation becomes a necessity. Rape and sexual assault are more common than we think and even though some progress has been made in recent years, it is still surrounded by a cloud of impunity and silence. According to recent studies, one in four college women will be raped during their college years. That means that we are seating in classes next to victims and rapists. However, we’ll probably never know who they are — victims are usually too ashamed to admit it. Sexual assault/harassment is not just rape — it could also be inappropriate touching, sexual jokes, lewd or obscene comments or gestures. Exposing body parts, showing graphic images, unwelcome sexual emails, text messages, or phone calls also fall into the category. Unfortunately, as it’s commonly understood, most of these cases will go unreported and unpunished. Usually because college authorities are not doing enough to prevent this abuse from happening. Often, women on campus feel like second-class citizens. A suspect was arrested and transported to the Martinez Detention Center Oct. 15 following an inci-
sors with well-paid jobs, who wear a suit and tie to work that are generally admired by their colleagues. One of the reasons sexual violence goes unreported, especially on college campuses, is because victims fear retaliation from dent of domestic battery their abusers. against a woman on camIf the perpetrator is pus and barely a word was someone who has control said. over a victim’s livelihood, Contrast that with two there is a slim chance of students who were robbed the victim ever speaking on a street up. adjacent A rapist can’t be recogAccording to camnized simply by appearpus, which to recent ance. However, supporting prompted women who do make awareness studies, one claims will expose the alerts via predators among us. in four email and Somebody who violates text from women more than once is women Police more likely to do it again Services. if they got away with it Also this will be before — especially if he or semester, she is a position of power. raped during two of the Just imagine how many five finalists their college survivors of sexual crimes for a top are triggered by the fact administra- years. that because so many tive posicrimes go unreported, we tion had a are essentially living and history of violence toward working with people who women. may become violent predThis only reinforces the ators. belief that our college, like We ask administrators many others, has a lack of and people overseeing empathy toward women’s employment at Contra safety. Costa College to be vigA public forum was held ilant, to not expose stuto get to know the finalists dents, faculty and staff on and they all were polite campus to sexual assault, and educated. harassment or any other However, congeniality kind of violence. is a common trait of many We deserve better. predators. Rape and sexual assault Cindy Pantoja is the opinare crimes of power and ion editor for The Advocate. control. Contact her at cpantoja. There are many aggres- theadvocate@gmail.com.
cindypantoja
CAMPUS COMMENT
What is one New Year’s resolution that you have stuck with this year?
“I have more than one that I try to keep to. I am just trying to finish the semester strong.”
Christian Medina sociology
“Getting better at time management skills I have been working on all year.”
Prilyanka Bhandri biology
JESSICA SUICO, ANDREW WEEDON / THE ADVOCATE
“I tried to be more healthy this year in my eating and habits but it only lasted for like the first five months of the year.” Jocelyn Tyler science
“I am accomplished with what I have done and become this year. I really didn’t have any resolutions.”
“I have worked on my procrastination this year and I have gotten better.”
Jaylen Tregle
engineering
psychology
Lawrence White
“I don’t have a resolution because you never know what the year ahead can hold and things can change. I just try to stay motivated.” Luis Cortes journalism
forum
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 12.5.2018 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
PROGRAM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP CLEAR CRIMINAL RECORD BARRIERS BROKEN THROUGH CAMPUS CARE PACKAGE CLEAN SLATE OPENS ROAD TO COLLEGE FREEDOM MEXICAN HOLIDAY INFORMS CAMPUS COMMUNITY ■ TECH
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ear editor: Reading today’s article “Between Imprisonment, Freedom” by Michael Santone gave me happiness and hope for our community in Richmond. I have been a resident here my whole life. When I was younger, I found myself
heading down the wrong path, being another statistic in the system at 14. I soon started losing hope for my future at the age of 16, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I decided to start turning my life around and graduated with my senior class of 2015,
cleared my name and criminal record at the age of 18. I am sure people out there need help because there is information that is often misunderstood that can be made clear by experienced professionals. I am glad someone is stepping up to help our commu-
nity as they did for me.
students continue to be successful in school. By providing students the support that not a lot of students get, like with a financial coach, and basic hygiene products that students may lack can lift a big weight off of stressed out college students shoulders. Not having to worry about
basic needs that a lot of students may not reach out for support for can help lots of students focus on school and prioritize school instead of basic living needs, that everyone should have access to. Oftentimes students like myself think we can handle everything on our
own, but knowing about a great resource program like SparkPoint helps to have one less thing to worry about.
ear editor: I admire the well-written Advocate article “Program Helps clear criminal records, renews confidence” on the Clean Slate Day event that Contra Costa County provided on Oct. 29. I heard about this event through the news last month
and was astounded on the resources provided to our citizens of Richmond to receive a clean slate, a new chance of freedom to seek employment and education. Reading your article, I have a new appreciation of our county that is providing funding for programs, like this, that brings purpose
back to us. I noticed McDonnell, who is the head of the program, mentioned how a criminal record can become “a barrier to employment, housing or education”. To hear about criminal records becoming barriers from past mistakes and
misdemeanors saddens me. Although the program has only been in operation for 10 years now, I hope it continues.
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bring the community together. As mentioned in the article, there were Mexican pastries that attracted many students to attend the celebration. I admired that the article explained the preparation for the celebration, showing that hard work was
put into the event. In addition, it mentioned that the event was a great way to educate students as well. Since, many people believe that Dia de los Muertos is the Mexican Halloween, professor Palacios had a platform to clear the miscommunication on the celebration.
The article was also great with details. It stated students became emotional when students were giving telling stories on their loved ones.
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ear editor: After reading your article “Care packages hope to break educational barriers,” I think the resources you are providing for students like myself is extremely helpful. Having resources like SparkPoint can help support
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ear editor: I appreciate the article “Dia de los Muertos celebration honors culture, informs” in the college newspaper. I appreciate that Contra Costa College is involved in students cultures. The Dia de los Muertos celebration was a great way to
Bruno E. Lara is a Contra Costa College student. Contact him at jcarver@contracosta. edu.
Arianna Perez is a Contra Costa College student. Contact her at jcarver@contracosta. edu.
Blanca Castillo is a Contra Costa College student. Contact her at jcarver@contracosta. edu.
Chelsea Ramos is a Contra Costa College student. Contact her at jcarver@contracosta. edu
TECHNO TERROR
The SiliconValley take over alifornia has long been known as a bastion of liberalism and inclusivity. But for those who lived through the gestation period preceding the birth of widespread gentrification, it’s never been more than a sun-kissed version of the segregated South. Perception is not always reality and for all the tech-guru acolytes who flocked to the Bay Area before the dotcom bubble burst, the progressive aura that many residents thought accompanied them never seemed to follow. The demographic shifts have made Bay Area neighborhoods less-integrated and more insulated than ever before. When Silicon Valley sends people into the East Bay, they are not sending their best. They’re Uggs. They’re wearing They’re drinking They’re racwearing wine. ists. And some, I are good Uggs. assume, people. As well-meaning They’re as some of these Bay drinking Area transplants may be, the effects wine. of their integration into mixed-race They’re communities has been detrimental racist. to the people who already live there. And some, I Technology based companies are still assume, are behind the national average with respect good people. to workplace integration. Using Facebook as an example, black and Latino people overwhelmingly serve as the backbone to the company’s social media dominance. Both groups use the platform at over a 70 percent clip. However, according to its annual diversity report, Facebook has a workforce that is only 4 percent black and 5 percent Latino. The hypocrisy of companies profiting off the people it refuses to employ, while simultaneously reducing Bay
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robertclinton
Displacement Project, between 2000 and 2010, the percentage of black residents in Oakland dropped from 35 percent to 28 percent. Berkeley and Richmond have also seen large decreases in their black populations. Many saw the tech-driven intrusion into East Bay neighborhoods as a necessary trade-off to support an industry that was ultimately, but not realistically, tasked with solving the world’s problems through technology and innovation. It’s easy to forget your cellphone was made in a sweatshop when the dungeon is halfway around the world. However, turning a blind eye to the way gentrification has overrun vulnerable neighborhoods is impossible when colonies of displaced people liv-
ing in vacant lots serve as reminders. Instead of offering the prospect of free energy or conflict-free circuitry, area residents are at the mercy of unscrupulous interlopers who frequently pawn off our information to the highest bidder. A report by the Haas Institute at UC Berkeley found a significant share of low-income people of all races not only left their county of residence but the region altogether. At this pace, the incremental steps that were made toward integration following the great migration and civil rights movement will all have to be re-traced.
Area renters to tent-city residents, is deplorable behavior. Because Silicon Valley is so far from Rob Clinton is an associate editor of the rural dirt-road racists that many The Advocate. Contact him at rclinton. people think of when divisions arise, theadvocate@gmail.com. people rarely connect the dots. In 2017, the Kapor Center conducted a survey to uncover why tech workers voluntarily leave their jobs. The most frequent reason for leaving, above recruitment from other companies, was “unfairness or mistreatment.” Underrepresented men Went to Stanford with his parents’ of color were the group most likely to money. Has no student debt. leave due to unfairness, with 40 perMakes 120k. His circle of cent citing that reason. More surprisingly, 78 percent of friends is strictly white. employees said they experienced some Voted for Trump. Feels form of “unfair behavior or treatment.” attacked According to the Equal by talks Employment Opportunity of eq- Outsider to the bay Has liberal views on all Commission, which collects data coming from Minnesota. ualpolitical topics. Voted for because Title VII the Civil Rights Makes 80-90k. Loves sports ity. act requires private employers Hillary because Bernie wasn’t and might be MAGA. Has no idea with more than 100 employees safe. Makes 70k in her family’s about gentrification or its effects. to submit the reports, there was business. Is scared of Richmond. a 13 percent decline in the H1-B Visa worker from India. number of black women who Born-raised in West Oakland. even entered the tech workforce Is underpaid, 30k, for Got through school by workfrom 2007 to 2015. his work as a software Was ing two jobs while taking Over the same time, the number told tech developer. Lives in care of her grandmother. of Hispanics in managerial positions would make a living room with She now makes 40k, also fell. Segregated workplaces inevhim rich. Barely three other people. 10% less than what itably lead to dwindling diversity in makes a 20k wage. Sends money her white, male social settings and living spaces. Lives with roomback home As gentrification continues to overcoworker in take inner-city Bay Area neighborates. Skates, runs the same monthly hoods, hate crimes and calls to police or bikes everywhere roll mato his INFOGRAPH for existing while black continue to because it’s healthy and kes. wife. BY DENIS PEREZ / increase as well. THE ADVOCATE very affordable. According to the Urban
Types of tech workers in the Bay Area
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campusbeat
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 12.5.18 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
NEWSLINE EVENT
CAMPUS KWANZAA CELEBRATED Join the African-American Staff Association for its first Kwanzaa Celebration on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fireside Hall. The free event will include light refreshments, film clips and a Nguzo Saba (seven principles) ceremony. For more information contact Manu Ampim at mampim@contracosta.edu sta.edu
COMMUNITY
CITY RECOGNIZES HOLIDAY SEASON Indulge in holiday fun at Richmond’s “Downtown Holiday Festival” on Dec. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy festive music, spectacular, seasonal family-friendly performances, tasty snacks, group caroling, the magical illumination of Macdonald Avenue, and a memorable visit from Santa Claus. Performances of “Richmond Nutcracker” will take place at 5 and 6:30 p.m., followed by the holiday street lighting at 7:45 p.m. “Downtown Holiday Festival” is sponsored by Richmond Main Street Initiative and is the longest running annual event. The event is free for adults and children of all ages. For more information contact Richmond Main Street at 510-2364049 or email admin@richmondmainstreet.org
ADMINISTRATION
FORUM TO EXAMINE STATE OF CAMPUS A state of the campus forum will be held today from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Fireside Hall. The forum will be hosted by Contra Costa College President Katrina VanderWoude, who will discuss the last few weeks including the canceled vice presidential search, on-going construction and recent campus closures due to the Camp Fire in Butte County. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Lorena Cortez at lcortez@contracosta.edu.com.
INTERSESSION
4-DAY ENGLISH COURSE OFFERED A four-day English refresher course is being offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the winter intersession Jan. 7-10. The course is free of charge and is designed to reinforce the knowledge of key reading and writing processes. The course will not involve any outside homework, but will require consistent attendance and active participation. For more information go to www.rebrand.ly/englishbootcamp. com
CRIMEWATCH Monday, Nov. 6 An armed robbery was reported at 8:32 p.m. near 2600 Mission Bell Drive. No other details were given. Thursday, Nov. 29 A theft was reported at 11:48 a.m. at the Police Services Building. No other details were given.
— 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.
LEGENDARY RULERS FROM AFRICAN HISTORY Askia Mohammed Toure King of Songhay (14931529), by Leo Dill, governed efficiently and in detail. Songhay united the entire central region of the Western Sudan.
Queen Amina of Zaria (1588-1589), by Floyd Cooper, was a military genius and strategist. Amina is credited with building the famous Zaria wall. Hannibal Ruler of Carthage (247-183 B.C.), by Charles Lilly, depicts a general who defeated the Roman Empire and conquered major parts of Italy and Spain.
Cleopatra VII Queen of Egypt (69-30 B.C.), by Ann Marshall, is a famous name. She rose to power at the age of 17. Her desire for Egypt was to bring it to world supremacy.
Yaa Asantewa Queen of Ghana (1863-1923), by Barbara Higgins Bond, was a leader during the last Ashanti war. She led her nation in war against the British.
Alfonso I King of the Kongo (circa 1486-1543), by Carl Owens, resisted slave trade and created a school system.
Nzingha — Amazon Queen of Matambo (1582-1663), by Dorothy Carter, worked with the Dutch to create the first African-European alliance.
Samory Toure, the Black Napoleon of Sudan (18301900), by Ezra Tucker, halted French expansionism and earned him the nickname. Idris Alooma, sultan of Bornu (1580-1617), by Charles Lilly, a devout Muslim, built a strong army, conquered the Bulala and maintained 50 years of peace.
Thutmose III Pharaoh of Egypt (753-712 B.C.), by Antonio Wade, is known for uniting the entire Nile Valley under one monarch during his rule. Benhanzin Hossu Bowelle — The King Shark (1841-1906), by Thomas Blackshear, loved humanities. Bowelle created songs and poetry of Dahomey.
Sunni Ali Beer King of Songhay (circa 1442-1492), by Leo Dillonrulers, built his nation up to become the Songhay, a major center of commerce, culture and Muslim scholarship.
Makeda Queen of Sheda (960 B.C.), by Debra Edgerton, is known in history as the wife of Solomon who gave him treasures.
Mansa Kankan Musa King of Mali (1306-1337), by Barbara Higgins Bond, put Mali as one of the world’s largest and wealthiest empires. Tenkamenin King of Ghana (1037-1075 A.D.), by Alexander Bostic, had a democratic monarch and was tolerant of different religions in the region.
Shaka-King of the Zulus (1787-1828), by Paul Collins, shows the revolutionary ruler guiding a fierce and feared Bantu army.
CLASSIC AFRICAN HISTORY | Tracing historic origins The Greek philosopher Pythagoras, being the father of the Pythagorean theorem was a misinthat before the 24th dynasty in formed concept. ancient Egypt, there were no black “The Greeks cannot possibly be rulers. given credit for an African contriMajor publications were mis- bution,” he said. representing history in a way that The same theorem was actually discredited the histories of African found in the Rhind mathematicultures, he said. cal papyrus from ancient Egypt, Academic beliefs were also recorded more than 1,000 years misconstrued Ampim said. before it was in Greek history.
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Ampim said even generally known artifacts from ancient civilizations, such as hieroglyphs, hold importance. The practice required precision nothing short of an art form and explained how integral harmony and proportion is to the final product. Ancient Egyptian morals teacher Ptah Hotep wrote the world’s first book, Ampim said, titled “37
lessons on moral and ethical conduct.” All of these advancements are contributions to the African identity, Ampim said. As the presentation came to an end, Ampim showed images of many ancient artisans and academics. He said, “I show them because they are often not as appreciated as their contributions.”
OBITUARY | Educator leaves legacy of service, love Continued from Page 1 junior high school. I lost a lifelong friend.” Kinnard spent the better part of 27 years at CCC serving as an instructor, coach and finally as athletic director. CCC Athletic Director John Wade said that Kinnard was an honest, straight-to-the-point guy who was very well respected. “I was stunned,” Wade said when he heard about Kinnard’s passing. “I knew he was not doing well, but I was not expecting this. I was just reflecting on how much we’ll miss him and how much of a straight-up guy he was.” His stint as athletic director (1996-2001) saw CCC’s women’s basketball team begin one of the greatest stretches of success in college history. Also, during his time leading the department, the college saw success gained by the track team and the resurgence of the women’s soccer team. “He was like a Swiss army knife. He could do a little bit of everything,” former CCC women’s basketball coach Paul DeBolt said. “He was a big part of the community. He was involved in everything and because of that everyone knew him.” He played football at El Cerrito High School until he graduated in 1957. Then, after two years at CCC he went on to San Francisco State University. While there, he received Kinnard his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and teaching credential. As much as Kinnard did for the athletic department at CCC, his passion was football. From 1973 to 1980 he was an assistant coach at CCC, then he was hired as head football coach from 1981 to 1989. He served in that position until he retired
Former CCC football coach Tom Kinnard draws up an offensive play during a planning session back in the 1980s.
ARCHIVE / THE ADVOCATE
after being slowed down by back problems. “The football team (here) was his baby,” DeBolt said. “He would run around doing things to advertise the team.” DeBolt reflected on the times he worked with Kinnard while under his direction. “He always knew how to encourage you. He knew how to take the pressure off you,” DeBolt said. Wade said that his caring mentality was
one of the reasons he was so influential to this community. He also said those traits reflected the kind of family man he was. Kinnard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ana Kinnard, his children Lisa, Timothy (deceased) and Cindy. In a 2001 article in The Advocate, Kinnard said that the college will always mean a lot to him. “Next to my family, it’s my greatest love,” he said.
campus beat
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Library displays LGBTQ history By Jessica Suico news editor
jsuico.theadvocate@gmail.com
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
EOPS counselor Julie Skoler (left) helps a student during a compressed calendar informational session workshop at Fireside Hall at the end of the 2017 spring semester.
Smoke impacts calendar By Michael Santone editor-in-chief
msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com
As faculty, staff and students returned Nov. 26 from an impromptu 10-day recess due to the closure of the campus because of hazardous air quality from the Camp Fire in Butte County, they realized the newly-established 16-week calendar was adding hiccups to the completion of their coursework. This unforeseen interruption, particularly in classes and labs that meet once a week, has threatened the minimum number of instructional hours. Losing too many hours from scheduled lecture and lab times could lead to possible violations of the Title V Carnegie Unit, Education Code rule. VanderWoude For students, this means the inability to earn credit for course completion. “Fewer than 10 classes were negatively impacted with respect to hours of instruction and those faculty members are working directly with their students,” CCC President Katrina VanderWoude said. “Additionally, whether the minimal (amount) of course time was impacted or not, our faculty are committed to working with all students who had to miss class time, lectures and labs due to the closures.” Implemented throughout the Contra Costa Community College District for
n “We had to consider all
facets of the student experience, including loss of class time, make up of class time, ability to complete courses successfully and, of course, many personal considerations” — Katrina VanderWoude CCC president
the first time this fall, the compressed calendar reduced the semester length from 18 weeks to 16 weeks. The move to a shorter academic calendar resulted in necessary adjustments to instructional hours each student is required to have per course according to the Carnegie unit guidelines. For a three-unit History 120 course that meets 14 times each Monday throughout a semester, a total of 49.25 hours is required. With the district’s switch to the 16-week compressed calendar, these once a week courses, typically Monday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, are already at the minimum threshold for students to receive credit. However, because of the unexpected cancellation of classes and the subsequent campus closure from Nov. 15 to 25, the required hours needed for some courses falls below the threshold. “The college has carefully assessed all requirements related to the college course hours and those standards,” Dr.
VanderWoude said. “We had to consider all facets of the student experience, including loss of class time, make up of class time, ability to complete courses successfully and, of course, many personal considerations.” Biology department Chairperson Ellen Coatney said the compressed calendar and cancellation of classes due to poor air quality has put major strains on her physiology and biology courses and students. “The fires had a huge impact here. Every single class was impacted, but we made adjustments,” Coatney said. “Losing a day in a 16-week semester verses a day in an 18-week semester, there’s a big difference in the percentage of time lost.” Coatney said in addition to two of her lab sessions being canceled, she lost lectures, class presentations and even had to reschedule quizzes. On Nov. 18, a campus email was sent to faculty and staff by Academic Senate President Beth Goehring highlighting alternative solutions for making up the crucial lost hours. This included additional assignments on Canvas (online learning platform), video lectures and view-and-response papers. “The list was only ideas and was not mandatory for faculty to do those particular things,” Goehring said. “It was to get faculty thinking about what would work for their particular classes. “Faculty are doing a good job at figuring out what’s going to work for them and their students in terms of making sure they are getting the correct number of hours for course completion.”
The glass case in the foyer of the Library houses works that speak to the struggle and history of many cultures represented by students on campus. Through much of the semester, the rich history of the LGBTQ community has been on display in a showcase featuring different books and art that recount the history of its push for equality. The books in the showcase try to represent every letter in the LGBTQ acronym. “There are books ranging from informational, to family issue to love stories,” Library Chairperson Andrew Kuo said. “If you look at what is in the showcase and read the titles of the books that are displayed, it will give you some insight on the LGBTQ community and history of whatever the theme of the showcase is that month.” Kuo said all the books that are in the showcase are available for anyone to check out through the reference desk. “Just tell them what book you are interested in and they will get it for you,” he said. The Library showcase rotates nearly every month unlike other disKuo plays on campus that rarely get updated with new things. The showcase highlights different celebratory months and themes to provide awareness about communities to students who may not get to experience them. According to the Library of Congress, in 1994 a coalition of education-based organizations in the United States designated October as LGBT History Month. Librarian Annemarie Meyer said, “I put the display up around the second week of October and it has been up since.” Meyer said she oversees the showcase in the Library and what goes into it. Every year, Meyer’s LGBTQ showcase is different with a collection of diverse books and artistic decorations to make it appealing and to inspire students to learn more about the community. Meyer said, “This year the planning of the showcase was kind of last minute so it’s not as nice as previous years. The goal with the books I chose was to be inclusive with a wide range of topics.” As part of the LGBTQ campus community, English major Janice Rodriguez said there should be more awareness on campus about LGBTQ history and activism.“LGBTQ displays shouldn’t only be for the Library. They should be all around campus,” she said. Rodriguez said what she does to celebrate LGBTQ History Month is hang out with her friends in her community. “LGBTQ History Month means a lot to me since I am a part of the community. I like having the opportunity to get information about the history of my community and I like the awareness and openness within the community,” she said.
TITLE IX CHANGES WOULD ADD METHODS TO INVESTIGATE Proposed live hearing allows assaulters to intimidate victims into silence
By Xavier Johnson
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has proposed changes to current Title IX policy after a wave of accusations have come forth challenging the reputations of many popular and well-known people, such as Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
web editor
xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com
The public comment period is underway for Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ proposed changes to how sexual abuse is handled on college campuses. Starting Thursday, the public comment period gives 60 days for citizens to send their thoughts on the proposal to become a part of the public record. The proposed regulations would revamp the way college investigations would be handled and provide clear guidelines for how colleges should examine sexual harassment. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. The proposal comes in the wake of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings and during an increased focus on campus sexual assault investigations. The proposal is intended to provide expanded fairness in investigations for victims and for the accused. According to The Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study for the National Institute of Justice, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. The proposal provides definitions for sexual harassment, so it falls under the civil rights issues Title IX addresses. According to the proposal, sexual assault is defined by three parameters. A school employee conditioning an educational benefit or service upon a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct. Unwelcome sexual conduct that is “so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a per-
son equal access to the school’s education program or activity.” Also, sexual assault is defined as an offense that meets the definition of rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) program, according to Clery Act regulations. According to the proposed bill, a live hearing is required during the investigation of an assault where victims and the accused could cross-examine each other through an adviser or lawyer. An impartial third party will preside over the hearing under the presumption
of innocence — similar to a courtroom. The proposal was immediately met with resistance from sexual assault victim advocacy groups and Congress. On Friday, during a press conference alongside several advocacy groups, Senator Patty Murray (Washington) and Senator Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire) urged the public to share their displeasure during the public comment period. “The Education Department is required to consider all comments from the public before making a final decision on these regulations,” Hassan said. The senators called into question the
proposal’s lack of protections for victims and its easier pathway for colleges to avoid responsibility. “Her proposed rule will return us to a time when sexual assault survivors were ignored and felt they had nowhere to turn,” Murray said. Opponents of the proposal fear the bill will only further drive victims into the shadows. According to “The Sexual Victimization of College Women,” a report from the US Department of Justice, more than 90 percent of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault.
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campus beat
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“ ‘There shouldn’t be such division’ The fact that there was a lack of transparency about these candidates, and how poorly the forums were promoted, exhibits a disconnect between the administration and the students..” — Rebecca Hernandez, Associated Students Union president of club affairs
Club leaders unhappy with administration By Cindy Pantoja opinion editor
cpantoja.theadvocate@gmail.com
Following months of administrative adjustments, student representatives in the Council of Clubs gathered to discuss their discontent regarding the lack of communication from campus administrators. The Nov. 15 meeting, led by the Associated Students Union, brought together representatives of COPA (Community Organizing and Political Action), SFER (Students for Education Reform), La Raza, the Black Student Union and Puente Project in SA-107. At the meeting, all parties agreed to unite in a coalition to voice student concerns surrounding alleged secrecy on the part of campus administrators during the hiring process for the vice president of student services position. ASU President of Club Affairs Rebecca Hernandez said, “For a position that has never been instituted on our campus, the VP of student affairs provides executive-level leadership of programming directly affecting the student body’s safety. The fact that there was a lack of transparency about these candidates and how poorly the forums were promoted, exhibits a disconnect between the administration and the students. “The salary for an executive in this position can go up to $150,000 a year. This is a big deal.” Some club m e m b e r s Hernandez believe they were not taken into consideration when campus administrators decided to have the VP finalist forums on the week prior to Club Rush and other events. COPA club President Ana Delgado said, “That week was crazy busy with Club Rush and La Raza’s Día de Los Muertos event (preparation). I didn’t know about the VP forums. I would love to have known about the candidates’ back-
CINDY PANTOJA / THE ADVOCATE
President of Club Affairs Rebecca Hernandez (back to camera) informs club representatives of the history of sexual abuse and harassment of two VP of student services candidates during a meeting of concerned students hosted by the Associated Students Union meeting in the Student Life Office on Nov. 15.
grounds and (hear) the importance of students voices in the forum.” At the meeting they expressed their frustration to learning about the sexual assault records of two of the five VP finalists in the Nov. 7 issue of The Advocate and not from the people who should be overseeing student safety on campus. “I believe the faculty should be able to present examples of their effort to make all information that affects students easily available,” ASU Director of External Affairs Laicee Brown said. “There shouldn’t be such division between staff and students. Every staff member helps dictate student success and outcomes. We must ensure these staff members have students as their first priority.” Even though the process for selection of the vice president of student affairs has been discontinued, the position is still vacant. The Council of Club’s main concern is
Student concerns on transparency: Lack of student engagement during the selection process for VP position n Lack of promotion done to students about the vice presidential forums. n
that the new VP will work along with students. Also, they said it is imperative the administration make sure whoever is hired is trustworthy. La Raza Student Union member Minerva Arebalo said, “The most important thing here is that this is a college campus with kids from Gateway to College and Middle College High School, along with different high school students who take a couple of college classes. Administrators should not put for-
ward anyone who could put those kids in danger.” Another point of discontent discussed at the meeting was the belief that hazardous materials were removed during the demolition of the Liberal Arts Building and students were never informed. Director of Business Services Mariles Magalong said the Contra Costa Community College District hired CVE Demolition to remove the hazardous material. Terracon Consultants, which specializes in monitoring the removal of materials including asbestos and lead paint, was hired by the district to monitor the work of CVE Demolition to ensure compliance with the current codes and regulations. Magalong said, “The contractor also has water hose equipment in addition to workers with water hoses constantly watering down the dust generated as the buildings
are being demolished.” The student coalition also questioned the administration’s decision to not cancel all campus activities during the first week of the Camp Fire in Butte County — the most destructive in the state’s history. Smoke from the fire settled over the Bay Area for more than a week bringing with it some of the worst air quality in the region’s history. Many meeting attendees said they were perplexed when students and faculty were made to attend classes without the college providing safety masks to protect from hazardous conditions. At the end of the meeting, all the student representatives agreed to write a letter addressed to CCC President Katrina VanderWoude to inform her about their discontent. The representatives of the various clubs urge students to sign the letter in agreement. It is available in the Student Life Offices in SA-107.
Renovation skips water fountains Applied Arts Building drinking fountains outdated By Cindy Pantoja opinion editor
cpantoja.theadvocate@gmail.com
The addition of environmental-friendly water fountains in the newly renovated Applied Building fell through the cracks during and after the planning of the buildings remodel earlier this year. After the extensive renovation of the AA Building students and faculty were disappointed to see that after going through the inconvenience of inhabiting the building during such a thorough transformation, nobody thought about upgrading the old water fountains in the building. Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said that during the planning and renovation of the building King nobody specifically requested the installation of new eco-friendly water fountains. “Only one of the two water fountains in the building was replaced with a newer model,” King said, “Either it was an oversight, or nobody thought it was important enough to do it.” Earlier this semester after the remodel, students expressed their
concern for the cloudy appearance of the water from the old water fountains in the AA Building. Further tests of the water showed that it is safe to drink. “There were questions about the water being good, because it came out with a white color,” King said. “The water was tested in a laboratory twice— once for bacteria and again for harmful chemicals. The results showed that it is clean. The reason it was white was because the water pressure created air bubbles.” Currently, only the General Education Building and the Student and Administration Building have the new water fountains that come with a filter, refillable water bottle feature and 50-degree water temperature. The Sustainability Committee has made a proposal to replace the old water fountains for environmental-friendly fountains. ASU Secretary Aman Butt said, “It is important to have the eco-friendly water fountains because it benefits the environment. Besides, students who want to refill their water bottle need to walk to the GE or SA building to fill them.” The committee’s goal is to finance the three environmental-friendly water fountains this college year. The fountains would be distributed in the AA Building, the Student Services Center and the Library. Director of Business Services Mariles Magalong said it is not possible to change all the water fountains on campus at the same time because it will cost about $5,000 to replace each fountain and there is
n “Only one of the two water fountains in the building was replaced with a newer model. Either it was an oversight, or nobody though it was important enough” — Bruce King, Building and Grounds manager
no room in the current budget for such an expenditure. “We need to identify the fountains (for replacement), but it is on our list of things to do. The college’s Foundation may approve the cost of one of the fountains.” Magalong said. “Our fiscal year ends on June 30, 2019.” She said the college hopes to eventually upgrade all campus drinking fountains. King said that the Friends from the Library group will contribute money to help with the replacement of one of the environmental-friendly water fountains. The Associated Students Union also plans to contribute funds. ASU Treasurer Dagin Tessoma said, “Before the ASU can say how much we are willing to give toward the new water fountains we first want to know the amount that (others) are willing to put in. We will have to wait until (today’s meeting) to be able to discuss this in our meeting.” The Sustainability Community will meet on Monday and plans to further discuss the issue.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
The automated water fountain systems, such as this one in the GE Building, need their filters changed regularly. If the water fountain has a red light under the filter status, it means the filter needs to be changed.
sports
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I was interested in attending CCC because it was so close to home and I knew the coaching staff was familiar with my abilities since I went to high school in the area.” — Isaiah Attles, Comet guard
LEFT: Comet guard Isaiah Attles has basketball in his blood and hopes to jump start his career playing in college. He hopes to become an architect one day.
XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE
Basketball in his blood, NBA in his dreams Attles returns to the East Bay to continue his basketball career at CCC
By Joel Umanzor sports editor
jumanzor.theadvocate@gmail.com
There are times in life when rehearsal meets opportunity and the process of experience transforms from a mental note to an acquired instinctive reaction — often in high pressure situations. For an athlete, the idea of paying dues and working up the roster to eventually become a starter is an example of gaining experience through these moments. This mental preparation, coupled with repetition, is required to develop a consistent body of work to showcase leadership when pressure situations occur. For Comet guard Isaiah Attles, the two worlds of life experience and basketball experience are interwoven and play an intricate part in his present and future plans. The sophomore guard graduated from a high school in Arizona in 2016 but attended John F. Kennedy High School for most of his high school years. He said coming back to the East Bay was one of the reasons for his enrollment at Contra Costa College. Attles said, “I was interested in attending CCC because it was so close to home and I knew the coaching staff was familiar with my abilities since I went to high school in the area.” Comet Coach Miguel Johnson said the fact that Attles is from a basketball family is one of the reasons he is trusted with a leadership role on the team. Attles’s basketball family tree is as impressive as the stats he is putting up early this season. He is the grandson of the coach of the 1975 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, Alvin Johnson Attles, who was drafted by, and played his entire career for, the Warriors. Attles said, “My grandfather was a player and coach for the Golden State Warriors and my father played at (the University of San Francisco) and professionally overseas.” “Basketball has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have memories of going on the court at Oracle Arena and shooting hoops after games when I was around 4 years old.” This shared family basketball
“Basketball has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have memories of going on the court at Oracle Arena and shooting hoops after games when I was around 4 years old.” Isiah Attles, Comet guard
history has motivated Attles to continue playing into college and beyond. “I have one biological sister who actually never had any interest in playing basketball, so I am the only one in the family who has continued playing. It’s definitely something that I take pride in, considering how good my father and grandfather were.” His plans after CCC still include basketball, but also personal educational goals that he is working toward off the basketball court. Attles said, “I plan to transfer to a four-year school after this year and hopefully play NCAA Division I basketball, however, I would also like to take the steps necessary to become a certified architect.” Attles is an intricate part of the CCC guard rotation for Johnson, which includes sophomores Evan Thompson and Eric Jones. Johnson said, “We are a very tempo-oriented team and have a group of guards who have been in this system some time now.” “We rely heavily on them to create pressure and more opportunities for our guys at the other end of the floor.” Leadership is no foreign concept to the second-year players who understand their role on the team. “Our offense is very smallball heavy because we don’t really have a true center,” Attles said. “It requires all of us working and helping on both ends of the court.” Guard Evan Thompson said whenever the team has faced situations where it needed a response, the leadership of the guards has usually been what led the team forward. Getting off to a fast start in games has been the key with the supporting successful guard play of Attles and Thompson. Attles said these positive experiences are the result of continuity between many of the returning
XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE
Comet guard Isaiah Attles (middle) guards a Diablo Valley College player during Contra Costa College’s win on Nov. 27.
players on the team. “I feel as if our guys who have continued in this program now have an understanding of what we need to do in certain in-game situations,” he said. He also said he understands the need for the older players to lead by example. Coach Johnson likes what he sees from his guards, but sees more opportunity for ownership and leadership from Attles and the other veterans on the team. Johnson said, “They are doing a lot as second-year players, but I know they’re capable of more. What Isaiah and the other guys can do is show these younger guys the routine of college basketball and what I expect out of this program.” This past weekend, at the City College of San Francisco tournament in San Francisco, the leadership qualities of Attles and Thompson were on display during a tough 82-66 loss to College of the Sequoias. Whenever the Giants went on a run, both guards made it a point to stop the bleeding and get CCC
back in the game. At one point, down double-digits in the second half, there were two straight possessions where Attles made uplifting statement to his teammates. He said although down players, the Comets were going to continue playing hard. After a coast-to-coast layup that could have easily been a 3-point play due to a hard foul at the rim, the Comets buckled down on defense and Attles came back for with a 3-pointer to cut the lead to fewer than 10 points. Every time Sequoias thought the game was in hand, the second-year guards mounted a never say die response to the Giant’s offense. Attles said, “It doesn’t matter who we play as long as we play hard. If we execute what we have rehearsed in our system, we can compete with other teams.” Johnson said, “We play a system where help on both sides of the ball is needed. If we play how we should, then we control the game flow on both ends of the floor.”
spotlight
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CAMPUS COMMENT
What is your most memorable moment of family holiday drama?
“When my family tends to have too much to drink there are sometimes heated arguments.”
“When my family gets together, we drink a lot and sometimes they get in their feelings hurt and that can start arguments.”
Bryan Chao
construction management
“There is really no family drama during the holidays. It’s normally peaceful.” Cindy Chow nursing
“On New Year’s my family has a tradition when the ball is about to drop. We turn the lights off and when it hits midnight we yell really loud.”
“I am in a split family so I am with my Mom’s side one year and then my Dad’s the next year. There really isn’t too much drama during the holidays.”
Joseph Reyes
Yasmin Galvan
Joanna Comparah nursing
JESSICA SUICO, ANDREW WEEDON / THE ADVOCATE
biology
business administration
“I don’t really have any drama with my family.” Syndie Alex communication
spotlight
B SECTION WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM
Climate change fuels movement
PAGE B5
ON-GUARD VIEWS SHAPE GRASSROOTS POLITICS
Local political movement is no longer an objective discussion. Instead it runs the risk of dictating a personality or set of values and for people. PAGE B4
RIGHT: Taze Ebito’s birthmarks have inspired his art, which is currently on display in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery in the Art Building at Contra Costa College. The show includes Ebito’s work with dry and wet media and will be on display until Dec. 13.
DENIS PEREZ/ THE ADVOCATE
BEAUTY THROUGH ARTWORK College alumnus hosts intimate art reception By Gabriel Quiroz news editor
gquiroz.theadvocate@gmail.com
A
Community activism sheds light on struggles PAGE B4
ATHLETE’S DRIVE, PASSION SPURS HUNGER TO SUCCEED PAGE B7
Gift ideas under $25 for the perfect holiday PAGE B8
rtists can be found everywhere on the Contra Costa College campus whether it be in the actual Art Building painting, sculpting and drawing or in a classroom or sitting outside but most people don’t think of the Library except when looking for a book about art. Former Taze Etibo’s CCC student journey: Taze Etibo uses various medin Born in Port-Harcourt, ums for his art Nigeria, Etibo moved to Richmond when he was from glue and acrylic to finger 11. painting. He’s n While attending very passionate Portola Middle School, about his work Etibo explored different and regularly artistic mediums incorporates his birthmarks in his pieces. Etibo uses his finger to paint on all of his pieces and said he sometimes gets finger-cramps from doing it. Etibo’s showcase, “Embracing Your Body,” will be shown at the
Eddie Rhodes Gallery through Dec. 13. He is confident speaking about his artwork and enjoys telling others about his inspiration. However, two visitors at the gallery said that wasn’t always the case with Etibo. “I think his work is great. I started following him a few years ago. I used to see him work in the Library,” Senior Library Assistant Brenda Pless said. As she walked around the gallery she remembered the paintings she had seen before, commenting on their inspiration in years past and expressing which ones she liked best. Senior Library Technician Tady Yoseph said, “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw his work. I asked him where he would show his art and he said he never had.” Pless and Tady worked in the Library together but didn’t know they had both been speaking to Ebito until one day they both approached him at the same time. They enjoyed his work so much they asked Etibo if he would like to have his work shown in the Library, He was very pleased to do so. The two figured out how to get his work shown in the Library in the entryway display case and said many people were DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE moved by his work. Taze Ebito’s birthmarks have inspired his Three years later, Etibo, now a confident work that is being shown in the Eddie and skilled artist, is showing his pieces at Rhodes Gallery in A-5. SEE EBITO, PAGE B2
Jazz group gets prestigious invite Ensemble set to perform at annual conference By Jackson Stephens news editor
jstephens.theadvocate@gmail.com
T
he jazz vocal ensemble at Contra Costa College has been invited to perform at the prestigious Jazz Education Network Conference in January. For the first time, JAZZ-ology and its six-member ensemble will be attending the 10th annual 2019 JEN conference in Reno, Nevada. The six members are Natasha Singer (lead soprano), Laura Karst (second soprano/alto), Joseph Saeteurn (alto/tenor one), Ninoangelo Lastimosa (tenor two/ baritone), Matthew Chamberlain (tenor two/baritone) and Jesse Chao (bass). “JAZZ-ology was chosen as one of six finalists out of 500 applicants from high schools, colleges and conservatories to perform,” program manager Stephanie Austin said. The group is scheduled to perform the morning of Jan. 12 at the Reno Grand Sierra Resort Austin Crystal Ballroom. The JEN conference draws the most renowned names in the profession, industry and education. Dr. Austin said, “JAZZ-ology will be representing the genre” at the highest standard for education in the field and will be
JAZZ-ology’s track record
seen as a leader for other programs. Being invited means the CCC music department will be considered a peer with larger and better-known conservatories. She said the conference is a good experience for JAZZ-ology members to learn what they should aspire to after observing educational panels and performances. Some bigJAZZ-ology has won name perthe 2016 and 2017 formers who Downbeat magazine will be attending JEN are award for Best Small Harry Connick Vocal Jazz Group Jr., Airmen of Note and Diana Krall. After applying for six years, being chosen to perform is considered a big honor, music department Chairperson Austin said. Invitations to the convention are based on live recordings. This means, that no doctoring or editing can be done. The session is live for evaluators from JEN judges. The pieces they performed were “In the Wine Light,” “The World Will Keep You Waiting” and “Get Out of Town.” Karst, a second soprano/alto, said JAZZ-ology members need to have a SEE JAZZOLOGY, PAGE B2
The vocal jazz group fundraises yearly to sponsor the production of its CD.
Back in April, JAZZ-ology performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
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scene
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 12.5.2018 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
LEFT: Liberal arts Dean Jason Berner (left) and drama department Chairperson CarlosManuel Chavarria are untied by a student during “Twisted Tale” on Friday in the Knox Center.
Theater assistant William Campbell (left) and professor Angelina LaBarre (right) play The Three Little Pigs in “Twisted Tale” on Friday in the Knox Center.
PHOTOS BY XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE
Drama faculty let loose in play By Luis Lopez staff writer
llopez.theadvocate@gmail.com
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hat do a smoking grandma, a flask swigging Little Red Riding Hood and a tatted up Cinderella have in common? They are all raunchy, rude and crude versions of fairy tales being portrayed in this year’s drama and faculty production. Seeing drama teachers and faculty portraying these racy characters had the audience in tears. The play appropriately titled, “Twisted Tale,” was written and directed by drama department Chairperson Carlos-Manuel Chavarria and was performed on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in the John and Jean Knox Center for the Performing Arts. The annual faculty play is a way for the drama department to raise money for their trip to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington D.C. The festival is a network of more than 600 U.S. academic institutions aimed at improving the quality of college and university theater. “Twisted Tale” is a modern and adult themed version of classic fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs and Cinderella. The show was put together in only four evenings and was billed as “one of a kind.” With its adult-humored jokes that got crude and
raunchy at times, the performance exceeded expectations. The content of the play is entertaining and offers a unique, imaginative way to think of the classic fairy tales we’ve grown to know and love. All the stories are meshed into one, with the narrator not just recounting the tales, he acted in the story as well. The play breaks the fourth wall from the beginning with the introduction of “the narrator” portrayed by Chavarria. The narrator walks out of the crowd yelling profanities at audience members before finally taking a seat in the center of the stage. He is accompanied by a giant book, some pill containers and a bottle of wine. Later in the performance, the narrator asks someone from the audience to help untie him from a chair. From beginning to end, the retelling of these classic tales kept the audience laughing out of their seats, enjoying the show. The actors did a good job of portraying their characters and seemed to be having fun, which made the play enjoyable. Their enthusiasm also made for an engaging audience experience. Jason Berner, dean of the Liberal Arts Division, played Wolfy, an alcoholic celebrating his first year of sobriety.
Drama faculty member Linda Jackson-Whitmore played BBW, short for Big Bad Wolf. The acronym for Big Bad Wolf ’s name (as defined on urban dictionary) offers an idea of the kind of humor which filled the play was filled. Little Red Riding Hood was played by theater staging specialist Courtney Johnson. This version of Red had her cussing like a sailor and drinking from a flask through the whole play. At one point she was even wielding a machine gun. A tatted-up Cinderella, played by Iggy Carothers, provided laughs whenever her lines were read. Throughout the performance, she said the most inappropriate things at the most inappropriate times. The Three Little Pigs were played by Angelina LaBarre as the big little pig and the puppet for the middle pig, with William Campbell portraying the little pig. Their chemistry as a duo also brought the house down whenever they were onstage. The “Twisted Tale” take on classic fairy tales meant there were no happy endings. However, there was plenty of fighting and bickering between characters and the narrator. The nearly sold out crowd meant a good amount of donations were collected, which made the experience all that more engaging.
EBITO | Painter explores different techniques to captivate viewer Etibo came to the United States from Nigeria in 2008 with his mother and sisters looking for a better life. A few of the Eddie Rhodes Gallery at CCC. his pieces are of women and children in Etibo said he paints every race. He Nigeria. said sometimes people tell him to only Etibo was born on July 15, 1995 and make art about black people and get started drawing when he was 18 years upset that he doesn’t. But he enjoys old. painting artwork that incorporates all His artwork is inspired by many people. things, such as his own childhood, his Etibo has a painting where a black life and the lives of others, to more girl is holding a white girl’s face while lighthearted works influenced by they both stare into each other’s eyes. musical artist Lil Peep and street artist “I love seeing every race together,” Banksy. Etibo while discussing his reasons for Etibo spoke highly of Lil Peep and creating his pieces. was affected by his death. He felt they He said whenever he’s sad he likes to were similar in the way they shared draw, so he uses his pieces as a way to themselves in their art. tell a story, like a visual diary. His creative style is intriguing espeEtibo has birthmarks on his body on cially the way he uses glue to give his his hands, neck and other parts of his painting a 3D element. body. He said he has given many of his He said he’s always working on paintings birthmarks like his. something and plans to continue incorHe said it is a way for everyone to see porating wigs into his pieces as another that they are beautiful. 3D element. “I enjoy people who are touched He also wants to begin working with by my work, like when someone cries sculptures. because of one of my pieces,” Etibo said. “I want people who are blind to be “Everything tells a story of what I was able to experience my work, so if they going through in my life. I draw kids want to, they can feel the painting,” because of a child insecurity.” Etibo said. Continued from Page 1
ABOVE: Former CCC art student Taze Etibo poses next to a self-portrait during his art reception in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery on Thursday.
XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE
JAZZ-OLOGY | Upcoming competition will test singers’ vocal ranges Continued from Page 1 versatile vocal range. “This includes being adaptable so that Dr. Austin can choose where members best fit.” Karst changes positions between alto and bass depending on the musical piece. Preparing for JEN has been a long-term cumulative process of working on pieces over the past year. JAZZ-ology rehearses twice a week for three hours per session. Chao, who sings bass, the
lowest voice in the group, said there is more to practicing for performances than just the two weekly class sessions. Practice at home on his own is needed as well as personal-time meetings with other members. Karst said the pieces for the conference require extra time spent outside of normal rehearsals where several, or all, members meet to work on blending their voices. There will be two rehearsals over winter break before Reno including one with the instrumental ensemble in order to ensure they are in sync.
“Being a part of JEN is already a big deal, but hopefully performing there will open more doors for us toward bigger and better opportunities,” Chao said. He personally hopes to learn new techniques for vocals and to improve his stage presence. Chao Karst said the invitation to JEN is gratifying and shows their hard work has paid off.
It will also serve as a “reality check” to see how JAZZ-ology compares to other programs. She said the group knew they were ready for JEN based on how well they did at the Cuesta College Vocal Jazz Festival in early November. Karst said it was a “topnotch” performance that received high praise from the judges. Austin formed JAZZ-ology in 2011 with the intention of creating an ensemble collaboration of vocalists and instrumentalists. The group currently has six members who are selected based on auditions.
JAZZ-ology won DownBeat magazine student music awards for outstanding performance for the years of 2014, 2015 and 2016. Three times the group has been a top-six national performer at the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation. The group has produced and released three CDs. The first, entitled “Starting Here, Starting Now” in 2013 was followed by “On a Clear Day” in 2015. More information on JAZZology, including bookings and their events calendar, can be found at www.jazz-ologymusic. com.
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INJUSTICE BREEDS By Denis Perez
creative director
dperez.theadvocate@gmail.com
California and the Bay Area, specifically, is the birthplace to an infinite of number of activist movements and figures representing various causes. Through time, consistent injustices between government officials and their constituencies have persisted, beginning with the removal of Native American people from their California homes. Similar struggles still exist, ranging from the eviction of 94-year-old Lela Madison from her home in Richmond, to the separation of undocumented Oakland nurse Maria Mendoza-Sanchez from her family after her deportation. For some activists, taking to the streets to march in protest serves as a form of therapy and community healing.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Enormous events, such as the Women’s March in Oakland staged the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration, offers the collective community a chance to express their anger and gather government officials’ attention. However, in many cases, the disconnect between government officials and the public hinders progress. West County Wastewater District Director Cheryl Sudduth said the public has trouble holding officials accountable because of the way the political system is set up. Sudduth recognizes the emotions the public feels when injustice occurs and that brings them out to the street. But for many it ends there. “We (the community) fail to follow through with actual change,” she said. Kat Brooks, a long-time prominent activist in Oakland’s Anti-Police Terror Project, announced her bid to run for mayor of Oakland this past
LEFT: Oakland resident Thoineisha Finley doubledutch jumps during the “BBQing while Black” festival at Lake Merritt in Oakland on May 20. The festival was held in response to Jennifer Schulte, who called the police on fellow Oaklander Kenzie Smith for BBQing at Lake Merritt.
COMMUNAL ACTIONS HEAL
Social justice spurs family within people dedicated to a cause By Joel Umanzor sports editor
jumazor.theadvocate@gmail.com
Many people view community activism as a term that solely focuses on the political movement that occurs within a community. Many view advocacy through a lens that often colors actions as “radical” or “unconventional.” Ultimately, what community activism entails is the tying of unique individuals within a community to a single identity, regardless of background. In the East Bay, the history of activism within the community has been one that has showcased what people can do when they organize and come together. Following the election of President Donald Trump to the White House, the local community’s response has been one of unification in the midst of political turbulence. Various groups within the East Bay had their own stake in the recent elections and are bringing the focus of community activism back to the roots of the community. Tenezin Rangdol is the president of the Tibetan Association of Northern
California, which operates out of a small office in Richmond. He sees the needs of his community as part of a bigger picture of community members living in harmony. Rangdol said, “Our Tibetan culture is one which focuses on the teachings of the Dalai Lama and we use those values to help us not only bring our community together but be instrumental as members of the community.” The TANC is one of the organizations involved in community activism that focuses on tying a specific culture to the local community. Rangdol said, “We celebrate different holidays from Tibet to bring our community members together but we also focus on local issues and show how we can be effective within our community.” Community activism does not only limit itself to strengthening cultural ties between members of a specific community. It also creates dialogue and shared information between the younger members of a community. The RYSE Youth Center in Richmond is an example of local leaders creating community activism within the younger residents in the East Bay. By reaching out through events engaging the local youth by meeting them in their own environment, RYSE is planting the seeds that lead to the appropriate questioning of the systems that operate our city, county, state and national governments.
Carlos Lemus works at the RYSE Youth Center visiting high schools and engaging with the youth who are on the verge of voting. CCC students are presented with a unique opportunity to be involved with bringing their local community together but have their own issues to face while desiring to engage in social justice. Health and human services major Kristin Lobos spends her time outside of the classroom dedicated to different causes within our local community. She has worked to end mass incarceration and the stigma of drug addiction. Lobos said, “I think a lot of our CCC students care about social justice, but we also have lots of struggles just to keep ourselves and our families lives together.” “There’s not as much time for activism since it takes leadership and organizing, but also time. We’re all spread so thin and survival is much harder with rent being so high,” she said. Understanding the changing of the times financially for many in the East Bay is something that many like Lobos have to work with — especially if they wish to organize for a better future. “When my parents were young activists, they didn’t come from rich families but college was affordable. Everything was affordable. On the other hand, nothing changes unless people rise up.” Lobos said, “Everything good that has happened in this country came from lots of hard work and organization.”
enviro slowl Grassroots activism fuels efforts to conserve nature’s beauty By Michael Santone editor-in-chief
msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com
From the conservation efforts set in the forested foothills t the pollution police in the lowlands by the bay, the San Francisc Bay Area is steep in environmental activism history. Since the early 1960s, concerns over air, sea and land pollution from the newly coined environmentalists spearheaded a movement — which has shaped a generation and a fight for environmental justice. “Even though governments make environmental laws and grant permits for possible pollution, communities are the ones who grant permission,” Sunflower Alliance volunteer Janet Johnson said. “When communities organize, they can achieve a lot. There’s a quote from Joan Baez who says ‘action is the antidote of despair.’ It’s a very useful mantra.” Over decades, this ecological mindset fueled the growth of grassroots activism that aided in the creation of Save The Bay, Earth Day, the Environmental Protection Agency and Greenpeace. But much like the murky battles of the Santa Barbara Oil Blowout of 1969 and subsequent creation of Earth Day, pivotal moments in the environmental movement can only be short-lived. They are badges of honor won and worn by activists through public protesting, legal action and taking a moral stance. This work has established a strong foundation for the future of activism. “It’s totally David and Goliath because you are dealing with the most powerful industry on the planet, both in terms of money and political ISAAC BENIVADE power,” Johnson said. “When you beat these people (fossil fuel corporations), it’s like — yes, we can do this shi and then you go on to the next one.” Johnson, who retired from her job in 2015 and joined th Sunflower Alliance, said she volunteers because she does no want to leave a crappy world for the generations to come. “It is a ton of work and it takes a certain kind of commitment she said. “There’s a lot going on below the surface that doesn make it to the mainstream press.” Like most grassroots activists or nonprofit organizations, th fight starts within the local minority communities who generall feel the brunt of environmental injustice. Before organizing a community meeting, activists put togeth er a plan of action, with various aspects including legal, canvass ing or moral stance. “It is not a mystery or a secret that the communities that ar most affected by refining, transporting and even extracting foss fuel are low income communities of color,” Johnson said. “Thes
Activism in the Bay Area 1965
1966
1972
1977
The Intersection for the arts, three faith-based organizations, gather to provide space for marginalized young artists objecting to the Vietnam War. The Intersection sponsored 500 projects.
The Black Panther Party is founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. The party begins to challenge police brutality and poverty in Oakland and grows to a national black power movement.
Around 2,000 marchers dressed in Togas take to the streets to celebrate the first pride parade in San Francisco. The parade attracts around 15,000 spectators.
San Francisco’s International Hotel is to be demolished causing 196 low-income Filipino and Chinese residents to be displaced. Thousands of protesters organize events and actions.
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DS SOCIAL CHANGE
PHOTOS BY DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
n “The mural as a whole shows that youth can do a
lot. The youth are the biggest contribution to our future and people should pay attention to that.” — Shavase Shrine, artist
election. Although she did not win against current Mayor Libby Schaff, she announced via Twitter saying, “I’m running because, for far too long, the voices and needs of working-class people living in Oakland’s lowest income communities have been ignored by city hall.” Brooks travels throughout California, leading marches and protests. Although her perseverance is strong, she said, “I acknowledge march-
onment ly dies
people already have a lot on their shoulders and they are not the kind of people that will call a congressperson.” Johnson said because of the five refineries, including Chevron and Phillips 66, that encapsulate the Bay Area and Carquinez Strait, there is no lack of environmental issues. “You have to get the community behind you by expressing concern and relaying facts that are detrimental to environmental protection and climate change,” Johnson said. “It’s something to that absolutely needs to be done.” co In November, the White House, along with 13 federal agencies, released the National Climate Assessment, which highlights the already devastating impacts climate change is having and what is to expect by 2050. According to the 1,656-page report, “The impacts of climate change are already being felt in communities across the country. More frequent and intense extreme weather and climate-related events, as well as changes in average climate conditions, are expected to continue to damage infrastructure, ecosystems and social systems that provide essential benefits to communities.” The report continues, “Rising air and water temperatures and changes in precipitation are intensifying droughts, increasing heavy downpours, reducing snow pack and causing declines in surface water quality.” Using last year’s disastrous Carr Fire near Redding, California as an example, the report states that fire and other environmental horrors will be more common and more frequent across the country. The threat worsens if fossil fuel consumption, which make up 85 percent of U.S. emissions, isn’t reduced. Sunflower Alliance volunteer Jean Tepper said the report that was released did not say anything that scientists have not already been saying. “Every year, they say, ‘Oh my god it’s so much ES / THE ADVOCATE worse than we thought.’ Every year for 20 years, there’s a report that says it’s so much worse than we it, thought,” Tepper said. “I don’t actually read a lot of it because I already know what the crisis is — I would rather focus on what he we can do about it.” ot Tepper said the effect of humans on the planet has been poison, destroying huge amounts of the live systems that humanity t,” is depend on. n’t “In theory, all the technology is available to change the world to 100 percent clean energy. The problem is that a lot of very he power companies have a vested interest in keeping it how it ly is,” she said. “The fossil fuel companies, international shipping companies and the agri-business, they have a lot of money and h- political power.” sTepper said its members of the community and the movement that’s really growing. re “I can’t understand why anyone would think there isn’t a need sil for environmental activism.” se
ing and protesting is taking too long and we need to make a change now.” Some in the community see politics as a dead end and hard road. Instead, they focus their efforts toward specific communities and specific problems. Centers like the Ryse Youth Center target a majority of Richmond’s at-risk youth population. The Ryse Center takes a long-term look at its community and aims to teach youth leadership and artistic skills while addressing personal trauma in a welcoming environment. Recently, Ryse Center youth painted a mural for the Richmond Arts Center titled “Keeping Families Together” as a piece promoting immigration, undocumented or legal, to the U.S. Artist Shavase Shine said, “The mural as a whole shows that youth can do a lot. The youth are the biggest contributors to our future and people should pay attention to that.”
POLITICAL ORGANIZERS EXPRESS DEMOCRACY By Jose Arbeola scene editor
jarbeola.theadvocate@gmail.com
The strength of a democracy lies in how the masses utilize their voice and presence to keep those in power accountable. Societies across the globe have varying degrees of freedom of speech and in many places, authoritarian regimes simply strip that power away from the public. Political activism is a crucial part of the democratic process in America. It is common knowledge that the inalienable right of free speech is a pillar of our nation’s Constitution. However, that freedom is not utilized nearly enough. According to the Pew Research Organization, the U.S. places 26th out of 32 democratic states in terms of voter turnout at 55.7 percent. The political spectrum seems to have engulfed every facet of people’s day-to-day lives. Talking about politics is no longer an objective discussion. Instead it runs the risk of dictating a personality, set of values and, for many people, one’s self-worth. The question becomes, how do people in a society fight against ideas they don’t agree with. Political activism is the backbone of a healthy democracy and engaging in activism helps fight against the corruption of values. Political science department Chairperson Vanna Gonzales explained how activism takes form in today’s society. “Very rarely do people make a living off of activism. The majority of support will come from the general public once a subject of importance is under concern,” she said. The public seems to tune out of what happens within their local governments, but it’s a risky gamble. “Most activism takes place when activists take a local office and continue to pursue an actual change,” Gonzales said. Most efforts come from individuals who continue their fights for the success of their entire community, not just for themselves. Cheryl Sudduth is an experienced political activist who just has been elected to head the West Contra Costa Wastewater District. Her efforts and time have been spent helping to create and inspire change for multiple non-profits in the Bay Area. “By design, a lot of people don’t know who to hold accountable and that makes people very angry,” Sudduth said. She said that for many of the people she has met throughout the Bay Area, anger seems to be the key emotion bringing them into politics.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Sacramento resident Darnell Canfield (middle) and his son chant in front of a protest line in downtown Sacramento, California.
While anger fuels public interest, it is mostly just to find someone to blame for a problem. Rarely are solutions sought. For Sudduth, a large part of the solution toward healing the political sphere is educating the public. “Using my grandma’s phrase, ‘There’s not enough stickto-it-ness from people.’ We want to help them learn how to make change,” she said. Keeping the masses interested in a long process for change can be tough. Sudduth said the key to retaining those efforts is to make things personal. After the Camp Fire in Northern California last month, the public gained a sense of urgency. Crises can spring up anytime and effect anyone, so the time to prepare and participate is now. Leaders also help inspire activism to as well. Diana Diaz works with the RYSE Center in Richmond teaching political engagement to younger generations. “They don’t get a political education sometimes, so students have to transition into leaders and organizing,” Diaz said. The problem facing the younger generations is that “a lot of youth have lost faith in the system” so it’s more important than ever that leaders be taught how to create change. Student cohorts are taught how to engage their local communities through campaigns. Richmond Measures E and K on the 2018 midterm ballot were efforts brought about by campaigns from the RYSE Youth Center. “Students get to see the changes taking place in politics — what it really looks like,” Diaz said. “They learn how to make change for their communities.” INFOGRAPHIC BY DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE SOURCE: KQED.ORG
1979
2009
2013
2016
A group of women buy a four-story building in the Mission District to form the Women’s Building in San Francisco. It was the first female-owned community center in San Francisco.
Oscar Grant is killed by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle on New Year’s Eve. The killing incites numerous protests and many artisitic actions including the film “Fruitvale Station.”
The Anti-Eviction Mapping Project is founded to create a visual map of the eviction crisis in San Francisco. This project gains international media attention.
Black Seed, a queer liberation collective, shuts down the westbound span of the Bay Bridge as a protest against police brutality.
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Cancellation raises concern By Efrain Valdez sports editor
evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com
Last month’s cancellation of the men’s soccer team match against Merritt College — not just once but twice — which would have decided the Bay Valley Conference champion, has prompted action from Contra Costa College soccer team leaders. In an email sent to CCC Athletic Director John Wade on Nov. 20, the student-athletes of the soccer team voiced their concerns about how the situation was handled. Wade defended the decision not to play because of the Air Quality Index (AQI) indicating air conditions on Friday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 12, were not safe enough for the game to be played. “For me, it is uncomfortable (to talk about), but it could be worse. It’s better than having someone get hurt if the game was played,” Wade said. Napa Valley College, which was mathematically eliminated before the cancellation of the CCC-Merritt game, ended up as BVC champions. The Storm beat Mendocino College on the same day the Comets were slated to play the Thunderbirds, Nov. 12. The team members noted in the email that they understood the concerns about the air quality but were upset that the team was denied an opportunity to become champions. The email also stated, “Currently, our soccer team is upset and hurt because we feel we were treated unfairly.” The email also addressed the fact that other teams around Northern California played in similar or worse conditions on the days that CCC and Merritt were scheduled to play. “While we appreciate the concern for our health, other teams played in similar or worse conditions,” the email read. Wade said, “I didn’t think that the air quality was that bad on Friday (Nov. 9), so I thought, let’s try to play this game. Then, I was told about the air quality being over the (acceptable) index and honestly, I had never heard about the index (AQI) until then.” Wade responded to the players email by saying that safety for everybody involved has to be “first and foremost” and that the decision was an agonizing one. Comet defender Raul Garcia said, “I was happy that he took the time to read the letter that my teammates and I put together, however, I do wish he could have gone more in detail.” Garcia said that he understands that he (Wade) was doing his job by trying to keep everyone safe, but that he believes pushing the game back was not the best decision. “He (Wade) explained his actions and provided a reason why those actions were taken and I can’t argue against it,” Comet goalkeeper Salvador Rodriguez said. Rodriguez also said that smoke was not as serious as they made it seem. “I felt like our game could have easily been played under those conditions, such as the Napa/Mendocino game, in which I haven’t heard any negative effects occurring (to any of those athletes),” he said. Wade said the Veterans Day holiday weekend complicated any chance of him finding another facility for the game. “On Monday, it was a holiday for us and for everyone else. I wanted to see if I could move the game, but from Friday to Monday I couldn’t even find somebody to tell me if we could get the game on their field,” Wade said. The players said they all think that the situation could
FILE PHOTO/ THE ADVOCATE
Former Comet forward James Sibrian chips the goalkeeper to score a goal during a game last year at the Soccer Field.
n “I was happy that he (Wade) took the time
to read the letter that my teammates and I put together, however, I do wish he could have gone more in detail.” — Raul Garcia, Comet defender have been handled in a more organized manner if everyone involved in the decision had known the playoff implications of that game. “I definitely feel like this situation could have been handled better if they had been aware that our game had the
possibility of not being played,” Rodriguez said. “Considering the impact that the game had on our league placement and playoff chances, there should have been an arrangement to play the game at a better location,” he said. Wade said that he would have much rather played the game on Friday to get it over with, but according to the CCCAA air quality chart, it was determined that the air was not safe. “I really do think that this was a learning opportunity for our college and I do hope they handle a situation like this better if it were to happen again,” Garcia said.
Team beats DVC at home, after losing halftime lead By Kyle Grant staff writer
kgrant.theadvocate@gmail.com
Behind strong guard play in what’s primed to be another exciting season, the men’s basketball team held off a late surge by Diablo Valley College (3-4 overall in the Bay Valley Conference) Nov. 27 for an 85-80 victory. CCC (3-4 overall in the BVC) entered the matchup with a record of 2-2 (0-0 in conference), looking to establish some momentum following a Nov. 24 victory over Butte College. The Comets started hot, as point guard Eric Jones notched the game’s first assist after Evan Thompson got the Comets on the board with early 3-pointer. After jumping out to an early
11-5 lead, in which all of its starters had registered at least a field goal, CCC used a number of different lineups, as Coach Miguel Johnson looked for his team to control the tempo. He shuffled players in and out of the game, keeping at least one of his leading scorers on the court at all times. “It’s still early in the season, so we can tweak the lineups here and there to see what works best,” Johnson said. The Comets return to action Friday against Shasta College at 6 p.m. in the DVC tournament in Pleasant Hill. The first half saw the Comets’ offense surge, with guard Evan Thompson leading the way. However, despite the Comets’ early advantage, an aggressive DVC defense responded to help keep
the Vikings in the game. DVC guard Mitchell Smith found his stroke, as his jumper found the bottom of the net three times before the half. The Comet defense found it difficult keep him in check for the majority of the contest. With a 42-28 lead at the half, CCC seemed to be on its way to its third win of the season. However, the Comets started the second half slowly and saw their 14-point halftime advantage cut to single digits as the team appeared to take their foot off the gas. DVC turned up its own offense in the second half and applied defensive pressure of its own to scrap back into the contest. Johnson cited his team’s defensive lapses, admitting that play became somewhat sloppy in the
second half. The Comets shot only 33 percent from the field and began to rely on its 3-point shooting, perhaps too much, in the second half. Over the same stretch, the Viking’s had better luck from 3-point range and gradually chipped away at the CCC’s double-digit lead. The run also handed them their first lead of the game. Sloppy defense by both teams during the last 60 seconds set the stage for a memorable finish. With just over 40 seconds remaining, the Comets found themselves up by just one point and DVC with possession. Following a timeout, DVC’s Smith was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer. After draining all three free throws, CCC found itself down by two and called a timeout.
Coach Johnson drew up a play, assigning Steve Evans with the responsibility of inbounding the ball. Just as it was drawn up, Evans was able to find CCC’s most efficient scorer that night, Thompson, who with two defenders draped over him, drained a corner three with just over 17 seconds left in regulation to put the Comets back on top. Some defensive maneuvering by Johnson allowed the CCC to walk away with a hard-fought 85-80 victory. When asked why Thompson was pulled from the game after hitting the game’s biggest shot, Johnson said, “It was strictly for defense. We needed bigger bodies and longer arms to prevent them from getting any more chances.”
COMPLACENCY PLAGUES ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT L
ast month, the Camp Fire in Butte County proved to be an event that brought tragedy to the doorstep of tens of thousands of people. With similar catastrophic events comes many smaller instances of tragedy that are not life-threatening, but still have significant importance. Just ask the CCC men’s soccer team. The Comets were robbed of an opportunity to become Bay Valley Conference champions after their game against Merritt College was canceled twice due to poor air quality caused by the fire. That meant fourth place Napa Valley College was crowned BVC champion. In moments like this, our instinct as humans leaves us searching for someone to blame. It is easy to blame the athletic director, college administrators and BVC officials for how this situation was handled. The reality is, however, that whatever could have been done to allow the game to be played would have come with its own
■ OFF THE RECORD
efrainvaldez round of criticism. In all honesty, if someone had suffered from sickness or injury due to the poor air quality, I would have been the first person at the doorstep of the athletic director or other administrators asking why they allowed the game to be played. It’s my journalistic duty. That being said, we should all take the time and analyze the roles of everyone involved in making this situation. For a college that has struggled mightily to maintain a competitive athletic department like Contra Costa College, risks need to be taken.
It is a statement of fact that this college lacks state-of-the-art facilities and suffers from financial disadvantages which puts all the teams here on a rougher road to success. That being said, more risks must be taken by leadership to allow the teams here to succeed. In what was probably the only opportunity for CCC this year to bring home a conference championship — the opportunity was blown. This state of complacency has been a disease for the athletic programs at CCC for years now and possibly cost the best team on campus a chance at a state playoff run. I could go on another tangent about how the soccer team here is shown no respect by administrators and the Associated Student Union (ASU) but that has become an easy target to mark with my criticism. I could also criticize the soccer team for not winning more of their BVC games early in conference play. However, the facts are that the team
faced adversity early in conference play, overcame that and received a handful of help from other results within the conference which put them in the place to play for a title. If more risks had been taken by those in charge, maybe there would have been more incentive to find alternate methods for the game to be played. When the original game was canceled on a Friday, why was there not a plan to move the game elsewhere? There was no report stating the air quality was going to improve by the following Monday? If administrators really had the urge to win the championship, they would have taken the risk of finding a way for the game to be played. It seems like complacency will always be king at Contra Costa College.
Efrain Valdez is sports editor of The Advocate. Contact him at evaldez. theadvocate@gmail.com.
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BOXING DRAWS SPOIL THE FUN
ILLUSTRATION BY ISAAC BENIVADES / THE ADVOCATE
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yson Fury and WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder each had one mission going into the 12th and final round of their championship boxing match on Saturday. For Fury, it was to stick and move and avoid Wilder’s dynamite right hand and cruise his way to a scorecard victory. For Wilder, it was to land the one big shot to change everything. Forty seconds into the round Wilder landed his signature right-hand sending Fury crashing to the canvas. As Wilder began celebrating what seemed to be a knockout victory, Fury shockingly rose from the canvas to beat the referee’s 10 count. The two undefeated fighters traded blows the rest of the round to end the fight, leaving it up to a judge’s decision. As they say in sports, “someone’s zero must go.” The buzz generated, by what could go down as a contender for fight of the year, was quickly dampened once the fight was declared a split decision draw. Excitement turned to anger directed toward bad officiating. The 115-111 scorecard in favor of Wilder was particularly egregious. A 115-111 difference is a considerable margin of victory declaring Wilder the winner in seven out of the 12 rounds fought. He did not win that many rounds. Fury controlled the action and stifled the dangerous and predictable offense of Wilder. Even though some of the middle rounds were close, giving Wilder every close round is indefensible. Fury outlanded Wilder in total punches landed and power punches landed in 10 of the 12 rounds.
xavierjohnson Several media outlets had the fight scored a draw based on the two rounds Wilder won due to knockdowns. The vast majority of boxing experts had Fury winning the fight. It feels all too often big fights are ruined by bad judging in boxing, which continues to further boxing’s negative perception as a corrupt institution. People see it as a sport where judges are paid off by promoters in the interest of marketing rematches. Friday night was another instance of an excellent fight that was built up for years being overshadowed by the decision of judges no one knows — or cares about. While some people may argue that a controversial decision boosts the hype for a rematch, the numbers don’t typically line up. The last time a big fight was marred by bad judging occurred in a similar situation between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. Both fighters entered the bout undefeated after years of
build-up, however, a pathetic 118-110 judge’s card in favor Alvarez contributed to the fight being scored a split decision draw. After a dark cloud was cast on the fight from the bad decision, the rematch failed to outdo the previous pay-perview totals. Alvarez’s victory in the rematch on Sept. 15 reportedly had 1.1 million pay-per-view buys, which failed to top the first fight’s 1.3 million subscriber total. This trend seems to be the case for boxing’s unjust decisions that supposedly inspire rematches. Timothy Bradley’s rematches against Pacquiao each had increasingly worse PPV numbers. Many people feel the decrease was due to the bitterness felt after the first fight’s controversial favoring Bradley. Rematches only generate greater excitement than the first fight when the hype isn’t manufactured by controversial judge’s decisions or promoters forcing the issue. Take Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana as a relatively recent example. Mayweather clearly won the first fight, however, Maidana took the fight to Mayweather more than anyone was able to since the Jose Luis Castillo fight. His effort sparked genuine excitement to see if given another chance, could Maidana shock the world by taking a victory in the rematch. The rematch wasn’t forced, instead it was organically driven by fan interest. The result? 25,000 more pay-per-view buys and a $15 million gate.
Xavier Johnson is the web editor contact him at xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com.
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Basketball team survives after losing halftime lead Photos by: Xavier Johnson For
more photos, please visit our website: www.cccadvocate.com
RIGHT: Diablo Valley College guard Danny LaFortune (center) drives to the basket against Comet guard Zakius Boquet in CCC’s 85-80 win on Nov. 27 in the Gymnasium.
Comet forward DeVonte Ross (left) drives to the basket past Diablo Valley College forward Raoul Harley in the Comets’ 85-80 victory on Nov. 27 in the Gymnasium.
Comet guard Evan Thompson (center) shoots a layup on Nov. 27 during the team’s 85-80 victory over Diablo Valley College in the Gymnasium.
LEFT: Comet guard Evan Thompson (right) shoots a jump shot as coach Miguel Johnson (left) looks on during the Comets’ 85-80 victory over Diablo Valley College on Nov. 27 in the Gymnasium.