The Advocate 10-3

WEDNESDAY l 10.3.18 OUR 69TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

CONVERSATION WITH CHEECH

PHOTOS BY DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Comedic icon reminisces Marin highlights legalization, education and culture in candid conversation

By Xavier Johnson

Richmond resident Jose Orozco said the event felt like he was watching a latenight talk show interview live. because (before) the experience Marin talked about his rise in the comedy world starting with working was you didn’t see any of your in small comedy clubs and exploding culture or people who look like in popularity with his popular comedy albums and cult classic film “Up you or your neighborhood. If Smoke” with longtime collaborator they don’t have pictures you can in Tommy Chong as Cheech & Chong. relate to, they aren’t talking to After leaving the United States in protest of the Vietnam War, Marin met you.”

Chong in Vancouver. One particular — Richard “Cheech” Marin, comedian story Marin told was the duo’s experience working in a strip club doing improv comedy sets and turning it into a successNajera is the founder of Latino ful running gig.

Thought Makers, which hosted the event Marin and Chong convinced the girls and is dedicated to showcasing the careers to join in on the improv sets and started of influential Latino role models. The advertising it as “naked improve,” which series is geared toward Hispanic Serving attracted a lot of the locals.

Institutions. The evening was spon“It became a hit out of nowhere. We had sored by Contra Costa College, the CCC this improv thing going, naked improv.

Foundation and Chevron.

About as much fun as a kid could have The already constructed living room — smoke dope and naked improv,” Marin set for the upcoming drama department said as laughter filled the Knox Center. play “Vengeance: A Ghost Story” served Once the two moved back to Los as a fitting set for the conversation because Angeles they started touring comedy clubs a frequent analogy Najera uses for Latino Thought Makers is a living room.

SEE CHEECH, PAGE 3

n “The art is empowering

web editor

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

Seated leisurely on a large couch on the Knox Center stage, Richard Marin emphasized the importance of education and a culture’s representation in the art world amid stories of his own journey from working small shows to becoming the celebrated comedian mononymously known as Cheech.

Marin said he is slated to open a Chicano art museum in 2020 in Riverside, California featuring many pieces of art from his own substantial collection, which has been presented at over 50 museums around the world.

When trying to show his collection at museums, Marin met resistance due to it being a private collection.

“My argument was ‘I have this collection because you don’t.’ There was no answer for that because they didn’t have the collection. They didn’t have a Chicano collection. They didn’t have Latino art in their museum,” Marin said to Rick Najera, host of Thursday evening’s event “Latino Thought Makers: A Conversation with Cheech Marin.”

FACULTY TO SELECT NEW UNION PRESIDENT

RIGHT: Medical assisting major Cynthia Hernandez unwraps a free Dell laptop computer given to her as part of the CalWORKs program on Sept. 26 in SSC-106.

By Gabriel Quiroz staff writer

gquiroz.theadvocate@gmail.com

EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs Manager George Mills Jr. said the decision to give laptops, as opposed to other school supplies, was based on a focus group conducted one year ago.

“This is the first batch with hopefully more to come,” he said.

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) is a welfare-to-work program that promotes self-sufficiency among its participants.

This is done through working with other agencies to facilitate education, vocational training and ultimately employment.

In partnership with the K to College program, an Oakland group that works to assist underprivileged kids and young

It may not be a commonly held belief that professors need help, but they certainly do and one of their main sources of help may soon change as the United Faculty is currently holding elections for the position of president of its Executive Board.

The United Faculty (UF) is the bargaining unit that represents all of the faculty in the Contra Costa Community College District.

Contra Costa College Academic Senate President Beth Goehring said, “The candidates have excellent leadership skills and a ton of experience.”

Only two candidates are vying for the position of Executive Board president.

Current UF President Donna Wapner is running for re-election and opposGoehring ing her is a representative for the Academic Senate of California Community Colleges (ASCCC), Silvester Henderson.

Henderson has worked in the district for 25 years and has taken on many district roles.

He is currently Equity Diversity & Action Committee chairperson for the ASCCC and professor of choral/vocal music at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg.

SEE LAPTOPS, PAGE 3

SEE UNITED FACULTY, PAGE 3

Program provides students free laptop Over one dozen free Dells, Lenovos given to students

By Jackson Stephens staff writer

jstephens.theadvocate@gmail.com

To stimulate educational success in the digital age, free laptops were awarded to an eager line of deserving students Sept. 26 from 1-4 p.m. in the Student and Administration Building.

Greater accessibility to computers can change a student’s performance and experience for the better, according to a 2016 Michigan State University study. Distributing laptops to students correlates with better standardized test scores and improved writing skills, the study’s co-author Binbin Zheng said.

This certainly is the case for 14 Contra Costa College recipients of brand-new laptops as part of a CalWORKs initiative.

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 10.3.18 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

NEWSLINE

LEFT: Rick Najera speaks during the “Latino Thought Makers: Conversation With Cheech Marin” event on Thursday at the John and Jean Knox Center for the Performing Arts.

AUDITION

TERROR ATTRACTION SEEKS SCARE TEAM Nite Terrors Productions, a local family-owned haunted attraction company, is holding auditions for energetic actors and actresses for ts 2018 Haunt Season Scare Team.

The main goal of Nite Terror Productions is to create an immersive and terrifying experience at their haunted attractions throughout the Bay Area.

A haunt is held every Friday and Saturday night in October. For more information, call Steve at 925325-1920 or email vanitybunnzo@ nitterrors.com

EVENT

15TH ANNUAL BAY DAY ON SHORELINE Celebrate Bay Day at the15th annual North Richmond Shoreline Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park at 5551 Giant Highway in Richmond.

Free food, entertainment, live music, solar charging station, pony rides, kayaking and nature walks are among the variety of family friendly activities.

For more information, contact Lana Martarella at 510-219-1571 or by email at lanamartarella@icloud. com

POLICE

HAVE COFFEE WITH A COP ON WEDNESDAY Join San Pablo Police Department officers for coffee and conversation on National Coffee with a Cop Day today from 8-10 a.m. at Starbucks in College Center at 14330 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo.

The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions and voice concerns.

A special gift will be given to the first 15 attendees. For more information, contact Katrinia Jones at 510-215-3138 or visit coffeewithacop.com

PRODUCE

MOBILE MARKET MAKES PIT STOP LifeLong Brookside Clinic, West County Health Center and the San Pablo Library will host San Pablo’s Mobile Farmers Market on Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check out fresh fruits and vegetables including apples, oranges, strawberries, artichoke, beets, carrots, onions and a variety of herbs.

Brown rice and flowers are also available although crop selection varies depending on farmer availability.

For more information go to the city of San Pablo’s official website at sanpabloca.gov.

CRIMEWATCH Monday, Sept. 24, 2018: A student reported vandalism to his vehicle at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018: A vandalized vehicle was reported in Lot. 1 at 4:10 p.m.

A student reported his vehicle was vandalized at 5:18 p.m. while parked on an unspecified part of campus.

— Michael Santone — The Contra Costa Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. The District does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.

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DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

CHEECH| Career, art highlights actor’s passions Continued from page 1

n “I think it’s cool being rep-

and had the ability to appeal to a diverse range of audiences.

While the duo’s touring schedule exploded, they were still recording comedy albums, which presented a unique challenge.

Marin said they had to figure out how to make the comedy engaging with only sound.

They started to record their own sound effects and, through multi-tracking, they could use pan effects and craft the sound for people using headphones.

Aspiring actress Karla Carrasco said she came to the event to hear Marin’s story of how he broke into the acting world.

She said she likes listening to actors talk about their experiences.

Later in his career Marin’s passion for art led him to begin collecting. He said he has a background in classical art, which left contemporary art as a gap in his knowledge.

“I started going to contemporary art galler-

resented (by Marin) and seeing someone that looks like my family or myself.”

— Luis Ledesma, former CC student

ies in (Los Angeles) and started seeing all these great Chicano painters,” Marin said. “How come these guys aren’t getting any traction? I said, ‘Well, I’m going to start collecting them.’”

The lack of representation of Chicano art in the art world is a key issue Marin’s Riverside museum is looking to address.

“The art is empowering because (before) the experience was you didn’t see any of your culture or people who look like you or your neighborhood.

“If they don’t have pictures you can relate to, they aren’t talking to you,” Marin said.

CCC graduate Luis Ledesma said hearing Marin’s story was inspiring and reflected many of the notions of representation that echoed through the evening’s conversation.

“I think it’s cool being represented (by Marin) and seeing someone that looks like my family or myself,” Ledesma said.

The “love of learning” was a phrase frequently used by Najera and Marin when discussing the importance of education. Both of them emphasized instilling the love of learning into children early in their lives to make learning an exciting and rewarding experience.

For Marin, his cousin taught him to love art and to love learning about it.

After his cousin challenged him to learn about art, Marin went to the library for understanding, which set him off on his lifelong pursuit and passion for art.

Marin said, “Education is the most valuable thing you can possess. Make sure you tell (your kids) every day ‘you’re going to go to college, you’re going to get a degree.’”

LAPTOPS| Opportunity for supplies boosts learning Continued from Page 1 adults, the plan is to assist students academically, professionally and at home.

The K to College program’s objective is to provide low-income, foster and homeless students with school supplies, backpacks and dental care. They also partner with more than 350 county offices in multiple states.

Criminal justice major Sally Nguyen said, “I appreciate the pro-

gram. Even though not everyone was able to get a laptop, it is at least something that helps.”

She was alerted to the opportunity through a CalWORKs blast email and entered for the chance to get one. Nguyen plans on using her laptop for classes and helping her daughter with her schoolwork.

Prospective students in CalWORKs were sent an email with five questions to determine who would be eligible. From that survey a group of 14 received a laptop.

“The students worked hard to earn their laptop,” CalWORKs Office assistant Priscilla Pina said.

She said this was not charity and those who got laptops did so on merit.

Pina recommends students check their InSite Portal and email to stay current on opportunities for which they may be eligible. Her hope is that more laptops will be donated in the future to empower a greater number of students. Pina does not want students to use the computers only for their college.

She also hopes they are put to use in the professional world and in their careers.

For health and human services major Tamicha Bell, her laptop has helped her deal with multiple challenges.

Bell says using her laptop at home is less stressful and less rushed than doing so on campus. It allows her to focus on her classwork as opposed to worrying about the need to return home.

UNITED FACULTY| Two candidates campaign for role Continued from Page 1 Wapner has worked in the district for more than 26 years teaching health science and addiction studies at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill.

Wapner joined the UF Executive Board halfway into her career taking on many different UF roles over the years.

Wapner’s first job on the Executive Board dealt with health and medical insurance issues when she was vice president.

Henderson said, “I think I have a better understanding (of student needs) with 40 years of experience in higher education.

“I’m sensitive to the issues of the faculty. Being a person of color gives me a greater understanding of those needs.”

One of the problems Henderson sees with the configuration of the current board is that there are too many of the same faces reprising roles on the board.

“I will bring in a team respecting those who are there now and move forward. If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far bring the tribe,” he said.

Both candidates understand the importance of the UF presidency and know that dedication and communication is a big part of being successful.

Wapner said, “People say that I’m fair and spend a lot of time working on things that I really believe in.

“Since I’ve been at the helm (of the UF) we have accomplished a lot and we are very stable and in a good place with the district.”

She said the previous four years have been spent fighting against low faculty wages, improving staff evaluations and funding for professor development.

Members of the Executive Board spoke about both nominees in varying tones, but held to the fact that they both have a tremendous

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

ABOVE: Los Medanos College music professor Silvester Henderson (left) and United Faculty President Donna Wapner (right) are vying for the United Faculty presidency.

“Since I’ve been at the helm we have accomplished a lot and we are very stable and in a good place with the district.”

Donna Wapner, current United Faculty president

amount of experience and skill.

Goehring said that she worked with Henderson previously and he was like a mentor to her and others she worked with before he shifted positions to the state Executive Senate.

According to Goehring, the current Executive Board has many years of experience and has communicated the needs of the faculty well.

The UF plays a much larger role than many people know. It determines how the educational system functions and how faculty is com-

pensated and treated for its efforts, she said DVC professor Glenn Appell served as president for two years and has been in the United Faculty for eight years.

Appell said there is a long history of people rising through the ranks on the Executive Board of the UF. “Henderson made no effort to (join the UF Executive Board) in the past. However, the UF is open (to anyone) so if he wants to participate he can,” Appell said.

“It doesn’t make a lot of sense to change it (leadership) right now because of how well they (UF) are currently working together. “ Appell said he has worked alongside Wapner and has confidence in her leadership abilities.

“She (Wapner) is super thorough and a responsible faculty member that does whatever she can to fix a problem. She also fights for faculty issues,” Appell said.

Few people have been president

without being part of the Executive Board first, according to Wapner.

But UF Vice President Jeffrey Michels assumed the president’s role during a tumultuous time.

Michels said there was a steep learning curve when it came to taking the role of president.

“Henderson is extremely accomplished and an excellent music professor. Music faculty have to be particularly talented since it is such a competitive job. But I think it would be better for him to serve on the Executive Board first,” Michels said.

“Donna has been an excellent president and the Executive Board team is incredible and doing so much right now. It would be a strange time to make a change.”

Voting began Tuesday and will continue until Oct 17. There will also be public forums at CCC, DVC and LMC in the coming days.

The UF president is elected by current members of the UF.

2

Quotable “Newspapers will have to provide, more and more, the analysis that television doesn’t have time to provide, to provoke reflection, to make the reader think.”

Marta Gleich Brazilian editor 1997 Michael Santone editor-in-chief Xavier Johnson web editor Denis Perez creative director Robert Clinton associate editor Jessica Suico news editor Andrew Weedon scene editor Efrain Valdez sports editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Chris Alfred Jose Arebalo Issac Benavides Mariah Davis Kit Duckworth Kyle Grant Dan Hardin Alex Kwasniza Luis Lopez Cindy Pantoja Ixia Perez-Vallejo Joshua Poole Gabriel Quiroz Reggie Santini Jackson Stephens Joel Umanzor 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

opinion

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3, 2018 VOL. 107, NO. 4

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

●

EDITORIAL

RESOURCES INSPIRE HOPE

Community colleges embrace prison-to-education pipeline

T

he U.S. prison population outpaces the incarceration rates of every other country on the planet — ­ from industrialized western nations to developing nations still suffering the repercussions of colonial rule.

Although California doesn’t rank in the top 10 of American states in terms of prison population, the nearly 200,000 people incarcerated or on parole in the state, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, seems like an absurdly large number.

Between 2009 and 2016, California passed SB 678, AB 109, Proposition 47 and Proposition 57.

These reforms, along with other legislative adjustments, mandated the transfer of many inmates from state to county supervision.

According to correctionstocollegeca. org, over eight million residents are estimated to be living in California communities with an arrest or criminal record.

In 2015, the Contra Costa Community College District designed a program so people recently free from incarceration have a chance to receive educational and support services when returning or beginning an educational plan at one of the district’s three colleges.

At the time, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor Andrew Jones said aside from lowering statewide incarceration rates, the hope of the task force is to cause social change.

Contra Costa College’s Instructional Support Coordinator Kenneth Reynolds works out of the EOPS Office and is already helping formerly incarcerated students.

Reynolds said, “People don’t go up to them and put a hand on their back offering them help, but they are no different than any other person.

“If they are here, it doesn’t mean they are going to get violent or cause problems.”

Between 2011 and 2016, 97 percent of formerly incarcerated Project Rebound students graduated from San Francisco State with a bachelor’s degree within six years compared to the average 57 percent of CSU students statewide.

Aside from re-integration programs, options are being made available for inmates to get a jump-start on the corrections-to-classroom process.

California community colleges now teach face-to-face transferable college courses in 34 of the state’s 35 prisons.

However, California’s 114 community colleges continue to be the most common re-entry point for formerly incarcerated people to transition into a life of normalcy.

Many of the campuses have developed programs to address the challenges faced by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students including lack of college-readiness, food and financial insecurity.

According to prisonpolicy.org, nationwide, 636,000 people are released from U.S. prisons each year.

California has implemented a Clean Slate program which offers residents a pathway toward expunging criminal offenses from their rap sheet. The program has worked to help some, but continued services to aid re-entry for Californians that still have criminal records should be expanded.

ISAAC BENAVIDES / THE ADVOCATE

■ IDEALS

Kavanaugh hearings muddy democracy T

he confirmation hearing for Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh played out in the public eye like a well-written Hollywood script on Thursday. Emotions boiled over and tempers flared, but the American people are no closer to the truth than they were when the week began.

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford sat down in front of the U.S. Senate, her voice becoming warped as she fought back tears, recounting in vivid detail a sexual assault carried out by Kavanaugh, a man nominated for one of the most prestigious positions in the country.

The next morning two women, Ana Maria Archila and Maria Gallagher, passionately confronted Senator Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) as he stepped onto an elevator in the Capitol.

The senator had earlier announced he was going to vote for Kavanaugh’s confirmation onto the Supreme Court despite more allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Their voices ripped through the space, heavy with a guilty silence. “Look at me and tell me that it doesn’t matter what happened to me!” Gallagher wailed at Senator Flake.

Through the lens of a video camera, these emotions were felt by the entire country. However, despite their testimonials, Kavanaugh is still set to go before the entire Senate for

the country would rather play politics than do what’s right.

It’s like a never-ending episode of “House of Cards.”

Citizens shouldn’t have to beg for objectivity or the bare minimum standard of civic decency. a vote that could elevate During the hearing, I him to the nation’s highest think the conduct from court late this week. both sides of the aisle was His nomination is abhorrent. another example of the The behavior of both polarization parties is a disservice to that exists The Blasey Ford and any surbetween behavior vivor of sexual assault, for Americans. that matter.

Republicans Americans should have and Democrats, of both the highest standard for men and parties any office wielding that women, are at of power, whether it’s each other’s is a dis- kind a Supreme Court justice, throats.

Words like service senator, Congressperson or, most important of all, the “liars” and President. “opportunists” to But our politicians sacriare thrown at fice standards for a game of women speak- Blasey one-upping those with the ing out about Ford opposite ideology. their sexual Injustice is not a assaults, espeRepublican or Democratic cially if the issue. It isn’t a liberal or perpetrators are men in conservative issue. power.

It’s an American issue — Worst of all, it is easy and true patriots are hard to predict who will be to find. Instead of having outraged by the allegaempathy and objectivity tions. Those on the left and caring about other will support the victims and be out for the blood of people, we can only look 10 feet ahead, not beyond.

Republicans, while those And if the only time a on the right will sneer at their stories and reprimand man cares about sexual Democrats for their “suspi- assault against women is when it has happened to cious timing.”

Politically, the country is his wife, daughter, sister or mother, that’s a problem. at a standstill.

We cannot move forKit Duckworth is a staff ward when everything falls writer for The Advocate. toward the two extremes, Contact her at kduckworth. nor can we advance when theadvocate@gmail.com. the institutions that run

kitduckworth

CAMPUS COMMENT

Do you feel the college should have more prominent people come to campus and hold forums? If so, who?

“Yes, I would like someone positive, motivating and passionate about education, like Michelle Obama.”

Mikaela Webb nursing

JESSICA SUICO / THE ADVOCATE

“It depends on the reason the person is coming, but more influential people would be great.”

Samuel Hernandez kinseology

“I don’t really go to campus events so I wouldn’t know who I would want to come here.”

“I want to say no because everyone is focused on school, but it could be a nice distraction”

“Yes, we need people to look up to on a personal level. I would like to see Cheryl Draper come to the college.”

“It would be great to see Barack Obama come here or members of the community, city council or a mayor.”

Ashley Santos

Mendel Comandao

Jesus Hernandez

Chris Lacayo

psychology

biology

undecided

history

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 10.3.2018 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

Large donation funds annual rewards Beloved teacher endows grant that will continue through 2047

By Cindy Pantoja staff writer

cpantoja.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Contra Costa College Foundation received an $835,000 donation in September from the estate of a former educator and Richmond resident to fund 12 annual $2,500 scholarships through 2047.

The Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship, named after Geraldine M. Packard who passed away on Aug. 5, 2017, will serve students in need of educational assistance.

Packard, a beloved teacher and librarian, served the communities of Cupertino and Alameda for more than 20 years.

Her generosity will benefit students who haven’t found success during previous attempts at college who decide to register at CCC with hopes to graduate.

“This is a brand-new opportunity that will be offered for the first time this scholarship cycle,” Scholarship Program Specialist Mia Henderson-Bonilla said.

This scholarship is a financial resource that will be available for the next 28 years through the college Foundation.

Students interested in applying for this scholarship should follow the regular scholarship application process.

Currently, the Foundation offers 70 different scholarships to students.

“Everybody should apply,” Foundation Development Officer Sara Marcellino said. “Last year we gave out $152,000 in scholarships. This is money sitting there (to help) students.”

The scholarship application process begins Nov. 1 and closes in mid-February.

Students have to fill out one online application and the system will match them with the right scholarship(s).

Henderson-Bonilla said it takes about two hours to fill out the online application and progress can be saved for completion later if necessary.

Students will need to provide their InSite username and password, two

n “Students don’t want to

put in the work it takes to fill out the applications. Also, there is a mix of cultural beliefs that there is no such thing as free money.”

—Sara Marcellino, foundation development officer

letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts and answer six short-essay questions.

Henderson-Bonilla said the most important part of the scholarship application process is the two professional references.

These letters will give the scholarship selection committees the opportunity to hear about the applicant’s accomplishments.

Scholarships are funds provided by donors to help students pay for higher education. This is money that doesn’t have to be paid back. Instead, it is a

limited resource that is usually awarded on a competitive criteria basis.

“I have never applied for a scholarship because I thought they were like loans that you have to pay back once you graduate,” undecided major Karla Bolaines said.

After the review process, recipients are announced in mid-April and the scholarships are presented at a ceremony at the Knox Center in early May. Marcellino said that even though they make a big effort to get the word out about the money available through scholarships, every year some of the money goes unclaimed.

“Students don’t want to put in the work it takes to fill out the application,” she said. “Also, there is a mix of cultural beliefs that there is no such thing as free money.”

The Library staff offers scholarship application assistance through the Learning Resource Center MondayThursday from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

PROGRAM AIMS FOR STUDENT NEED, SUCCESS

By Dan Hardin staff writer

dhardin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Under the leadership of Chancellor Fred Wood, faculty and staff were assembled to take the fundamental components of Assembly Bill 19 and adapt them to fit the unique and individual needs of the Contra Costa Community College District.

AB19, California College Promise, is a one-yearold state law that Governor Jerry Brown signed into law in October 2017 that allocated $1.3 million in “I really apprefunding to the district.

The swift drafting and ciate the interimplementation of the action (Promise program would guarantee funding for the 2018- Scholars) had with 19 school year. us because it kept One of the programs implemented at Contra me from going at it Costa College in compli- alone” ance with the statewide — Malinai Mercado, initiative is the Contra Costa College Promise nursing major Scholars Program.

CCC Counselor Kelly D. Cadungug said while the Promise Scholars Program may sound similar to existing programs like the Board of Governors Fee Waiver or the First-Time, Full-Time, Free Tuition program, it isn’t. He said those programs are about money in the form of tuition, scholarships and financial aid.

Dr. Cadungug said the Promise Scholars Program has nothing to do with money and instead emphasizes retention and creating an atmosphere and associations that will help students finish college.

Student success adviser Erika Quinteros said the Promise Scholars Program provides incoming fulltime students with a wide range of support resources that include referrals to other parts of the program to receive funding for one year of academic support.

It also offers dedicated counseling, career and professional development services. Students will receive access to other programs and learning communities such as EOPS, Puente Project, Per Ankh Academy, Adelante STEM and UC programs.

To be eligible for the program students must be graduates of a West Contra Costa County high school.

They must also be a first-time full-time freshman, enroll in a minimum of 12 units per academic semester, complete an educational plan and coaching sessions, counseling appointments and student success programming.

First-year nursing student Malinai Mercado said she learned about the program when she was a student at El Cerrito High School. Promise Scholars Program representatives visited the school to inform them about how they help students and explain the eligibility requirements.

“I really appreciated the interaction they had with us because it kept me from going at it alone,” Mercado said.

n

EFRAIN VALDEZ/ THE ADVOCATE

Online restrictions raise concerns over user access ABOVE: Behavioral science major James Gerasty (left) and nursing major Yelitza Norzagara (right) work on the computers in the Library and Learning Resource Center.

By Jackson Stephens staff writer

jstephens.theadvocate@gmail.com

Concerns over restricting online access to certain information due to the network firewall on campus were recently on the agenda of the Academic Senate’s Sept.

17 meeting, specifically, Library censorship and how the district firewall contributes to it.

Last year, the Contra Costa Community College District updated its online firewall to protect users navigating through the college network from malware following a cyber-attack on a community college district network in Southern California.

Satish Warrier, director of information technology, said the firewall blocks categories of sites that are known to contain malicious software, such as spyware, viruses and worms. It also blocks sites designated for gambling and adult sites prone to malware.

The vendor providing the firewall uses a security algorithm that categories websites and weeds out those categories listed above.

Though the agenda item for the senate’s meeting was labeled

library censorship, that is a misnomer, according to Amanda Choi the senate’s Library representative.

“It is more accurately Wi-Fi filtering in order to detect phishing sites,” she said.

While the Library is in support of new ways of protecting the college server, it is wary of an algorithm that would automatically censor content, she said.

A common fear of this process is that the security gained will be outweighed by controversial content necessary for study being blocked. An example would be looking up sexual anatomy, which is essential to studying human biology.

Similar issues have been reported over the past year prompting the senate to re-examine this topic.

Academic Senate President Beth Goehring said even Diablo Valley College faculty member Beth McBrien was blocked by the server while trying to access a web page. She said that sexually explicit and gambling sites are the primary targets of the firewall, but educational resources have been restricted as well.

Goehring asserts that pressure

from Los Medanos College and CCC caused the district to make changes to the firewall.

A key modification, which allows students to gain entry to legitimate sites they need, is a message displayed when a site is blocked.

Warrier said the message instructs students to contact their professor or a librarian who can then call or email the district IT helpdesk with the URL of the site.

It will then be unblocked within four hours of the request.

Warrier said only two requests have been made since the firewall was implemented, each being resolved within 30 minutes after being contacted.

Even with these steps taken to address academic content being blocked, Goehring said that the Library is still concerned about information blocking.

The trade-off between web security and freedom of information is not only an important discussion nationally, it is at CCC as well. Questions surrounding access have been raised by the senate and by members of the campus community, she said.

CARE PACKAGES HOPE TO BREAK EDUCATIONAL BARRIERS

By Jessica Suico news editor

jsuico.theadvocate@gmail.com

If you are a student or know a friend or classmate who is in need of basic hygiene products or even a financial or credit coach, the SparkPoint program has resources for your needs.

SparkPoint Coordinator Bill Bankhead said, “Look good, feel good, do well.”

For students to be able to put all their focus into their college studies, they have to feel good about themselves and have healthy self esteem, he said.

“How you look affects how you feel, and how you feel affects what you do,” he said.

Bankhead and SparkPoint want to help break some of the barriers inhibiting student success, specifically, the stigma of being ashamed about being in a financial struggle.

“The common need for students on campus are (basic) products like deodorant, shaving cream and feminine hygiene products,” Bankhead said.

Student Life Office help, donations and small fundraisers are what sustains SparkPoint and enables the program to offer the help and resources the students need, he said.

African-American studies major Elisha Elaine said, “I have benefited a lot from SparkPoint.

Bill (Bankhead) has helped me

n “I have benefited a

lot from SparkPoint. Bill (Bankhead) has helped me gain knowledge about credit.”

— Elisha Elaine, African-American studies

gain knowledge about credit and I have actually raised my credit score because of the help of a credit coach Bill assigned me. SparkPoint has great resources.”

Elaine was struggling when she first started at Contra Costa College in the fall 2016. Counselor Sarah Boland referred Elaine to

SparkPoint and they made a way for her, she said.

“I refer any friends, who are in need of things, to SparkPoint. The Comet Care Packages have helped a great aspect of my life,” Elaine said.

Bankhead said, “We have premade Comet Care Packages, but we encourage students to come and make their own by picking which products they actually need.

One student could only need one thing while another student may need a whole bag of stuff. It all depends on the student’s needs.”

About two students per week come to the SparkPoint Office in need of help or supplies, Bankhead said.

The indicator to start offering Comet Care Packages came back in 2016. Bankhead met with then Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson and asked her what she observed to be the basic needs of students on campus.

Bankhead said he has 1,783 contacts for students on campus who have intersected with SparkPoint.

“Seventy-two percent of the (SparkPoint) users are enrolled as clients and 30 percent of clients made financial improvements in their lives,” Bankhead said.

Sociology major Kimberly Wright said, “Bill (Bankhead) also helped me with getting my books this semester and helped with applying for scholarships.”

campus beat

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5

OPERATIONAL SOFTWARE INTRODUCED

Modernized system eases course planning, storage

By Luis Lopez staff writer

llopez.theadvocate@gmail.com

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

JAZZ-ology sings during a fundraising event in front of Peet’s Coffee on 4th Street in Berkeley on Saturday. The group is fundraising toward new sound equipment, funds for department trip expenses and ts yearly CD production.

Award-winning vocal ensemble raises money n “A lot of people don’t

By Kit Duckworth staff writer

kduckworth.theadvocate@gmail.com

Nationally recognized music group prepares for concerts, fundraises

Standing outside M-116, visitors hear the soft, melodic blend of voices through the door as music students finish up their rehearsal.

It’s late afternoon and the dark golden sunlight mixed with the singing creates a peaceful environment.

Inside the vocal room, students bustle about as they have places to be.

Their energy is high from a successful rehearsal. Students talk and laugh as they gather around and lean on a piano in the middle of the room. Everyone seems at ease.

This is the image of JAZZ-ology and the JazzaNova Chamber Choir as they put in hard work doing what they love.

All the groups overlap with each other, containing a majority of students from the School of Applied Commercial Music on campus.

They are known as the Contra Costa Singers.

“A lot of people don’t know we have a music department,” music major CiCi Taylor said.

Taylor has been taking music classes at Contra Costa College since 2010.

“We have voice classes, piano classes, private lessons for music students and a recording studio.”

She said all these options are available to beginning, intermediate or advanced students, so there is something for everyone.

The Contra Costa College

know we have a music department. We have voice classes, piano classes, private lessons for music students and a recording studio.”

— CiCi Taylor, music major

music groups were fundraising from Sept. 13 through October 1 through Eventbrite.

The money raised will go toward sound equipment, hotel expenses during their trips and a CD produced every other year.

The music department is 80 percent self-funded, so fundraisers like these are vital.

“We’re trying to go to New Orleans in the spring of 2020 and France in the summer of 2019,” said the aptly named Natasha Singer, another music student and member of JAZZ-ology.

JAZZ-ology is looking to go to France, while the CCC Chamber Choir is going to perform in New Orleans.

When asked how much they were looking to raise, Taylor responded half-jokingly, “As much as possible.”

The initial goal to be raised by the department was $2,500 by Saturday.

The troupe has won national music awards, as well as given prestigious performances.

In April they performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Singer performed, along with the other members of JAZZ-ology, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Peet’s Coffee on 4th Street in Berkeley Saturday.

JAZZ-ology will be performing at the Chocolate and Champagne event, which is a fundraiser for the culinary arts department program on Oct. 13 in the Aqua Terra Grill.

Other upcoming events for the group include the Cuesta Vocal Jazz Festival in Morro Bay, California on Nov. 3, the City of San Pablo Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 7, and the Piano and Vocal Showcase Concert at the John and Jean Knox Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 14.

“We will be doing a Vocal Jazz Retreat Oct. 26,” music department Chairperson Stephanie Austin said.

Dr. Austin also said singers will be performing in CCC adjunct professor Roger Letson’s Jazz Solo Voice class.

So there are plenty of opportunities to watch a performance and to donate to the groups — even though official fundraising has ended, she said.

Additionally, vocal and piano students will take part in the CCC Invitational Choral Festival on Nov. 1 at the Knox Center. That event will take place from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

To offer a donation, contact Austin or Sara Marcellino with the CCC Foundation.

The Contra Costa Community College District hopes to implement standardized planning software for program review, catalog entries, Student Learning Outcomes, curriculum development and the storage of all of this digitized paperwork on all three of its campuses as soon as fall 2019.

The process of creating the new software is already underway and since the contract for producing the program is still ongoing, the cost to the district is unknown.

Back in May the Academic Senate Committee agreed to make the decision carefully and involve input from as many faculty members as possible, “We are hoping that with the new software we can link everything together in one program and maybe have it ready at Contra Costa College as soon as fall 2019,” Academic Senate President Beth Goehring said.

“The process of transferring data from the old software to the new software may take anywhere from three to six months.”

As it stands, if professors make changes to a college course, they must navigate through different levels of approval.

The first layer is the head of their instructional department to ensure the course still meets guidelines the department has set for the curriculum.

Then those changes must be uploaded onto a digital platform for editing and storage.

According to Goehring, CCC uses three different types of software to accomplish this while Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill uses two and Los Medanos College in Pittsburg still does everything on paper.

The colleges are stuck in the Stone Age and are hoping the new software can streamline these processes for everyone.

Accompanying the purchase of new software is the task of re-learning a new process and putting in hours of training.

The software update brings up an important question from faculty who were Carver just getting the hang of the current software — how and when will the training occur?

“If we can save 10 hours per semester on training, that can add up hundreds of hours for teachers and faculty,” speech professor Randy Carver said.

Educators are hoping that training for the new software can be streamlined as well.

As of now, professors have to take time outside of classroom hours to attend training classes for the current software.

Students also see the benefit of upgrading to a more modernized system, even if that process does not affect their daily educational paths.

Undecided major Yada Sitiprawet said, “I think it’s good that they (district administrators) are updating their software,” she said.

“It shows the district is interested in keeping the colleges up-to-date and wants to bring them into the new millennium. I think it’s crazy that there’s a college still doing everything by paper, so it is definitely long overdue.”

UPGRADED LIGHTING IMPROVES VISIBILITY, SAFETY

By Dan Hardin staff writer

dhardin.theadvocate@gmail.com

The inseparable relationship between mankind and light is best shown through a student’s need for light while walking alone on campus at nighttime.

The approaching winter means it gets dark earlier and night students will often arrive and leave class in the dead of night.

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) produce a light when voltage is applied to a negatively charged semiconductor, causing electrons to combine and create a unit of light.

Many LEDs are designed to last for 50,000 hours. Partially due to Proposition 39 funding, Contra Costa College has replaced much of its low-quality high energy consuming exterior incandescent and fluorescent lighting with higher quality energy efficient LEDs. LED lighting will save money, energy and will serve to increase security for students and faculty that navigate the campus at night.

Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said, “LED lighting will save money that can be used for students’ education, any way we can improve the learning environment is what it is all

n “There are some areas on the campus that are darker and more disturbing than I would like to admit.”

— Anna Bradford, former health and human services stu-

about.”

New technology and modernizing decreases expenses which theoretically helps provide the college with more money going to students, King said.

According to topbulb.com, light bulbs contain toxic materials and chemicals inside them in small quantities ­— such as mercury — which may cause health problems and environmental contamination if released into the atmosphere through breakage.

The old lighting would go out fairly frequently, King said. After a year or two, replacements would be necessary.

The maintenance costs for the old light bulbs piled up as they included the cost of the new lights, depreciating machinery and time and labor.

King said the college’s lighting system is on a timer, but due to daylight saving time it has to be

constantly dialed back.

Anna Bradford, a former health and human services student,t said, “I am glad to hear of the installation of the LED lighting at CCC because there are some areas on the campus that are darker and more disturbing than I would like to admit.

“I remember coming out of the Applied Arts Building one night and a bank of lights were not working. Even though there were a number of us walking to our cars (together) that night, it was an awful feeling.”

She said that contrary to conventional thought, she still felt nervous on darker areas of campus despite walking with a group.

“It is good that CCC is modernizing and keeping student safety a priority,” Bradford said.

Donna Ericson, a custodian with 29 years at the college, said, “I have never felt threatened or fearful in all the years that I have worked here. I think we do a good job of making sure that the lights are on in the evenings.”

Sophomore psychology major Xianja Barrow said the improved lighting in the parking lots makes her feel safer and more comfortable when walking to her car at night.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

The sign near the staircase next to the Liberal Arts Building is illuminated by recently installed LED lights.

6

scene

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Pronto: Pimento Cheeseburger

Brix: Cheeseburger

Price $5.98

Price $3.50 EFRAIN VALDEZ / THE ADVOCATE

EFRAIN VALDEZ / THE ADVOCATE

IS THAT BURGER WORTH IT?

By Michael Santone

By Michael Santone

editor-in-chief

editor-in-chief

msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com

msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com

I

f you’re looking for an adventurous twist on the cheeseburger, Pronto is the place to go.

Often times deconstructing the American classic and infusing it with exotic flavors will yield lackluster results.

However, the Pimento Cheeseburger, currently on the menu, is a nice reprieve from the many prepared concoctions by Pronto.

Nestled in between a brioche bun and sprinkled with sesame seeds, the burger itself is stuffed with Pimento cheese.

This addition gives a strikingly different look to the cheeseburger, yet provides a pleasant surprise when going in for a mouthful.

A combination of tangy and savory flavors coat the mouth with a spicy kick at the end that ties everything together like a bow on top of a present.

Even opting to ditch the lettuce and tomato that comes standard with the Pimento Cheeseburger would still provide the same flavorful experience, only without the crunch.

Although the portion size of the cheeseburger is a little larger than a typical slider, the overall chemistry of all the ingredients tickles the taste buds into salvation.

Served in a disposable tray with seasoned fries for $3.50, you can’t beat it.

The Pimento Cheeseburger really embodies one of the better cheeseburgers served on campus. Although it may not be the most filling meal, its originality and robust flavors will leave a lasting impression on your wallet and appetite.

T

here’s nothing more American than a cheeseburger and Brix cafe on campus offers just that — a classic beef patty, topped with melted cheese in between a toasted white bun with lettuce, tomato and a variety of condiments.

This staple on many college campuses hits the spot when looking for a quick bite to eat during a break from classes.

The Comet Classic cheeseburger, which seems to have a light grilled flavor nestled in between its ridges, only provides a coating for the bland beef that awaits the tongue’s taste buds.

While fresh off the grill, the cheeseburger sustains its moist and tender texture. But if you plan to enjoy it on-the-go, be prepared for a more brittle consistency as it stiffens while on your way to your next destination.

Most cheeseburgers are resilient, often surviving in pristine taste and formation over hours, but once the steam saturates the bun of the Comet Classic, it’s over.

The first couple of average bites leave no real impression. With a bit more focus, the taste is reminiscent of the cheap cheeseburgers served at amusement parks.

Although Brix is run a la carte style, meaning each item is priced separately, the $5.98 price tag for a cheeseburger including the additional 99 cents for cheese could put a bigger dent in your wallet than your stomach.

And all without the ever so addicting fries to show for it.

Overall, the Comet Classic has its moments, especially after struggling through hours of lectures.

But, for almost $6, a more memorable taste should be left lingering deep within the taste buds.

CAMPUS COMMENT

What’s the best meal you’ve had for less than $10.

“El Trompudo. They have really good burritos.”

“Chicken tenders and fries from Wendy’s.

“When I went to Pronto. I got a burger and fries for 3.50.”

“Mel’s has this big bowl of Caesar salad for $7.99.”

“Hawaiian Barbecue.

It’s good and affordable.”

“Mongolian food, buffet style. The first time I ever tried it, it was good.”

Ulisses Contreras

Paola Usi

Aman Butt

Phoenix Bryant

Irene Cisneros

Miguel Bernal

criminal justice

criminal justice

Middle College High School

undecided

undecided

kinesiology

Passion, resilience shine in musical

By Jose Arebola staff writer

jarebola.advocate@gmail.com

EL CERRITO — A new musical at the Contra Costa Civic Theatre here is sharing a deeply impactful and thrilling performance.

“Allegiance” follows the experiences of a JapaneseAmerican family’s struggles to survive through the internment camps of the 1940s.

The production, running until Oct. 21, puts together a decent set, striking cast and beautiful musical accompaniment to deliver a powerful story.

This musical, exploring themes of duty and honor, delivers its message through choreography and bellowing harmonies.

The gravity of the subject and performances consume the intimate and small space in the theater as actors give compelling portrayals of hope in the face of extreme circumstances.

Sam, an elderly Japanese veteran played by Dennis Yen, receives a package from his newly deceased sister.

Audience members’ attention is immediately directed to the family’s trouble as a monologue full of striking disdain shares

that Sam hasn’t spoken with his family in years.

We’re taken back to 1942, during World War II in America, to watch a story unfold as a Japanese-American community has its lives uprooted from their homes and re-settled in an internment camp.

From that point in the production, each character takes on their own struggle.

The show walks the audience through the paces of each decision as new difficulties brought to the internment camps creates more strife between the characters.

The lighting design gracefully shifts tones to illuminate a brooding scene by perfectly matching mood with lighting selections.

Just as quickly as the stage can enhance the scene it can become a detriment. With such a large cast there are occasional moments where some actors are left upstage almost sulking.

Costume design makes it easier to believe each scene with garments practically crisp from the 40s.

Taking command of limited space, Kei and Frankie, played

by Nick Rodrigues and Lindsay Hirata, give the most believ-

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

“Allegiance” is the new musical running until Oct. 21 at the Contra Costa Civic Theatre in El Cerrito.

The play follows a group of Japanese-Americans struggling to survive in the internment camps of the 1940s.

able portrayals in the musical, however most pairs have great chemistry. However, most pairs do have great chemistry. As conditions worsen within the camps every musical number keeps pushing forward a spirit of perseverance.

These powerful moments still do a great job displaying

a beautiful, joyful hope for a future beyond their difficulties.

The ability Vinh Nguyen, who plays Sammy, has to take a scene and walk through dark moments with a feeling of confident resilience is mind blowing. Contrasting feelings back and forth offer a small glimpse into just how painful these

experiences must have been.

“Allegiance” explores the strength of the human spirit and shows the power of love and community can lead individuals to great actions.

There is not a single correct path, but through collective efforts, a story of survival unfolds.

sports

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7

■ OFF THE RECORD

alexkwasniza

DECLINING BUSTER POSES CHALLENGE FOR FRONT OFFICE

T

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Comet middle blocker Makaya Thomas hits the ball over the net in Friday’s loss against College of Alameda in the Gymnasium.

Volleyball team endures tight clash ALAMEDA DEFEATS COMETS

25-22, 25-21, 25-19

By Alex Kwasniza staff writer

akwasniza.theadvocate@gmail.com

The volleyball team put up a fight throughout its Friday match but faltered near the end of each set to eventually lose in straight sets (25-22, 25-21, 25-19) to the College of Alameda (3-8 overall, 2-2 in the Bay Valley Conference) in the Gymnasium.

Contra Costa College (1-10 overall, 1-4 in the BVC) was in contention in every set, even leading over halfway through each one, but just couldn’t maintain momentum to close out any of the three sets.

The Comets came out firing in the first set, going on a 7-0

run and earning a 22-15 lead late before familiar problems arose.

The run would be the last time CCC would score as the Cougars roared back with a 10-0 run of their own to steal the set.

Acting coach Veronica Ceja (coach Christy Tianero was out of town) attributed part of the firstset loss to Alameda’s libero Deysi Arechiga’s effective floater serve.

Ceja said the team was unable to adapt to her shots in time to mount an effective defense.

The Comets will have two chances this week to curb their current losing stretch. Both 6 p.m. games will be on the road as they play at Solano Community College in Fairfield tonight and at Yuba College in Marysville on Friday.

Against Alameda the second set saw the Comets up late once

again 21-18, but the team floundered at 21 points and was unable to score another point in the set.

After giving up another late run, CCC lost the second set 25-21.

Set three played out in the same pattern as the first two with the Comets playing steady, consistent ball in the early stages of the set, then failing to finish strong. Throughout the set, both teams battled back and forth with neither finding the space to pull away. The pattern held until the end when a late-set Cougar offensive flurry led to an eventual 25-19 set score.

“I think we put up a good fight,” Comet sophomore libero Delanie Baca said. The libero, as well as her Comet teammates, believed they could have won this game as she said “both teams were pretty equal in skill.”

Freshman outside hitter Malleah Maddox said, “Alameda was just a bit more solid and that’s why they pulled away with the win.”

A silver lining to take away from the loss to Alameda is CCC’s continuing improvement toward minimizing self-inflicted errors.

Baca said, “During this game we definitely cleaned up our errors. I’d like to believe, there were a couple receiving and a couple hitting errors, but nothing to fret over.”

Ceja also said the team had a decent showing when it came to errors.

The Comets have now lost seven matches in a row and still sit in seventh place in the BVC. The team’s only conference win came against last place Napa Valley College on Sept. 12.

SPORTSHORTS

32 TOTAL YARDS RAVAGE COMETS’ OPPORTUNITY In their 50-0 loss at Merced College (2-3) Saturday, the football team (0-5) only managed 32 total yards on 53 offensive plays resulting in the team’s 15th consecutive loss, dating back to November 2016.

The absence of first string quarterback Jaylen Tregle (foot contusion) was felt throughout the game, even with much improved play from the defense.

Coach Pat Henderson said about the losing streak, “Yeah, it’s tough and I know that the stat is there. But you can’t let that hold you down. You just have to focus on what’s ahead.”

The team hopes that Tregle can recover from his injury soon enough to play Saturday against San Jose City College at 1 p.m. for the Comet Homecoming game.

Henderson said that Tregle is still being evaluated and is day-to-day. He also said some of it (Tregle’s recovery time) depends on how much pain he can tolerate.

Against Merced, back up quarterback Riley Lee only managed 11 yards while completing three out of 18 passing attempts. He finished the game with no touchdowns, three interceptions and three fumbles.

“We had to try some more creative things to help with the absence of Jaylen (Tregle).

He does a good job of trying to command

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Comet football coach Pat Henderson speaks to a player during their Sept. 15 game.

the offense just by recognizing things (on the field),” Henderson said.

Despite Lee’s struggles, the team managed to play a balanced first half until the Blue Devil offense took advantage of the fatigued Comet defense. With just 2:42 remaining in the first half, Merced scored two quick touchdowns, deflating the visiting Comets.

In the first quarter, CCC’s defense collected an interception during the Blue Devils’ first drive and forced a fumble, which resulted in a Merced three and out.

“The first quarter looked promising, we didn’t have penalties, controlled the clock and the run game was working,” Henderson said.

— Efrain Valdez

Comets, Storm battle to stalemate In a hotly contested road game against Napa Valley College Friday, the men’s soccer team (3-53 overall, 0-0-1 in the Bay Valley Conference) played to a 1-1 draw in its conference opener.

The Comets managed to score a goal themselves after being held to their second scoreless game of the season, drawing 0-0 against Lake Tahoe Community College on Sept. 26.

Against Napa Valley, the game was even for much of the first half.

The Storm (2-6-2 overall, 0-0-1 BVC) was able to capitalize first in the 37th minute when Napa Valley forward Luis Flores

scored on an assist from defender George Binda.

Comet defender Raul Garcia said, “I believe we should h a v e COMETS c o m e out with the win for sure.

We just STORM c ou l d n’t finish in front of goal, which is the key to winning the game.”

Shortly before the half ended, the Comets were able to answer the Storm’s score during the 43rd minute when CCC forward Carlos Cruz netted

1 1

the unassisted equalizer.

“Being down 1-0 and to come back to tie the game up at 1 is better than not getting a goal at all,” Garcia said.

“We just couldn’t finish. It’s something that we have been working on a lot. So hopefully we learn from our mistakes and have more confidence when we are in the final third of the field,” he said.

CCC will play its next two out of three conference games on the road, the next game being against Mendocino College (6-1-2 overall, 1-0-0 BVC) away on Friday.

— Efrain Valdez

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Contra Costa College defender Raul Garcia curls a free kick during a Sept. 7 victory at home.

he San Francisco Giants’ failure to draft or produce a good hitter has been alarming and the changes in the front office are warranted. But more needs to be done.

We’ve all thought of Posey being the franchise player for a long time — and rightly so.

Since 2014 (the last time the Giants won the World Series) Posey has been a four-time All-Star, and won two Silver Slugger Awards.

All signs of a great hitter, right? Still, Posey has not amassed 20 home runs or 100 RBIs in a single season since 2014. But this isn’t the actual issue here.

Despite Posey’s unremarkable offensive stats over the past few seasons, he has still been the league’s premier catcher over that time and does much more than just generate offense.

Can the inconsistent offense of Brandon Crawford or injury prone Brandon Belt fill the bill? Madison Bumgarner — a pitcher? It’s difficult to think of someone who’s had the type of offensive impact for the Giants that Posey has, right?

Remember Posey’s 20 HRs and/or 100 RBIs statistical drought? What is considerably more alarming is that during the same time frame, only one Giant has met any of those statistical goals in a single season (Crawford, 21 HRs in 2015).

Furthermore, not a single Giant has reached 100 RBIs in a season since Posey did it himself in his 2012 MVP season.

Here lies the real problem.

The Giants organization has been unable to cultivate or acquire an impactful offensive talent since 2014. The case can be made that the team hasn’t drafted an impact hitter since the drafting of Buster Posey in 2009.

No young offensive talent has come through the Giants farm system in a long time and premier position players, when given the choice, have shown little-to-no interest in signing with the team. Due to a lack of good hitters joining the Giants via free agency, the organization has been forced to sign or trade for players past their prime on overpriced contracts.

Having dynamic young position players is vital for teams trying to compete for playoff spots in today’s baseball. If top tier free agents witness offensive success within this team, they will show much more interest in joining the Giants.

The Giants offense in 2018 was terrible, even for their (low) standards.

San Francisco was ranked second to last in all of the MLB in runs, HRs and OPS, while being in the bottom 10 in batting average.

As the Giants prepare to watch pennant races from home for the second year in a row, remember not even one young player on the team today has shown any consistent signs of being great, or even decent, yet.

Buster Posey isn’t getting any younger and the Giants still have nobody in sight primed to inherit his role as the offensive leader of the team.

Alex Kwasniza is a staff writer at The Advocate.

Contact him at akwasniza. theadvocate@gmail.com.

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Education

Incarceration

Education budget 2017

Public safety budget 2017

California $183.3 billion

California $11.4 billion

K-12 programs $92.5 billion allowing for $15,521 per pupil

The budget includes $445 million for the Division of Rehabilitation Programs

State prison demographic

Higher education $30 billion was put toward institutions of higher learning

There are 127,693 adults detained in a California correctional facility There are 47,274 adults on parole in California There are 736 youth incarcerated in California

High school graduate demographics

Male to female inmates

Contra Costa County

There are 5,219 adults females incarcerated in California

13,184

Black 11.3%

Native .4% Latinx 34%

Asian Filipino 11.5% 5% Pacific Island .8%

White 37%

There are 122,874 male adults incarcerated in California

INFOGRAPHIC BY DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE SOURCE: CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET REPORT 2017, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 2016-2017 BUDGET REPORT, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CALEDFACTS

Between imprisonment, freedom

Black woman overcomes addiction to help others rebuild their lives

By Cindy Pantoja staff writer

cpantoja.theadvocate@gmail.com

When life hits you so hard you hit rock bottom, you are only left with two options — either give up and stop trying or you gather whatever strength you have left and become a legend.

Denise Mills decided to become an example of strength since she arrived in the Bay Area in 1980. She has overcome the most difficult obstacles, after finding herself in the shadows of rape and addiction, she re-surfaced to face the world with an altruistic spirit.

“I’ve always cared about people,” Mills said. “I’m always trying to encourage people, teenagers, children, grown folks too. It’s just my calling — my purpose.”

When she was in her early 30s, she suffered a work accident that led her to opioid dependency. After abusing prescribed medicine for some time, she de velop e d a cocaine addiction that lasted 30 years.

Now, at Mills age 66, she has been rehabilitated for the last six years.

“I had to get better for my kids,” Mills said. “I’ve been clean for six years and I’m very proud of myself because it was hard.”

Once she stopped using drugs, Mills completed a program at the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond where she learned how to get back on her feet. After completing the program, she enrolled at Contra Costa College and graduated last year with multiple associate degrees in health and human services, sociology, liberal arts and behavioral science.

After graduation, she registered at CCC again this semes-

ter and is currently working on her degree to become a substance abuse counselor.

Mills is currently working for the organization Men and Women of Purpose. Her role in the organization is to visit incarcerated men and woman who are close to their release.

She helps to prepare them to re-enter society.

“Most of these people had substance abuse issues. They relate to me because I have been there. They see me and they know they can succeed too,” Mills said.

The group provides housing, counseling and helps getting men and women who are released from incarceration ready for job interviews and, eventually, work.

The organization is led by men and women who have recovered, or are recovering, from alcohol and/or drug abuse, or have been incarcerated.

“Denise is a great mentor,” Men and Women of Purpose CEO Ivory Mitchell said. “If there is a fix to a problem, she is the one who will help you find it.”

Mills’ plan is to start a Men and Women of Purpose Club at CCC. The group is partnering with the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) to form a mentoring program where students are prepared to become certified mentors and help students in need on campus.

The CCCOE offers educational programs to incarcerated adults. It offers support while those in the program complete their steps to landing jobs.

“She is very helpful at brainstorming ideas and creating partnerships,” CCC Adult Education Transition Specialist Demetria Lawrence said.

Mills is a great example of perseverance and she demonstrates on a daily basis that every community member deserves a second chance, Lawrence said.

Program helps clear criminal records, renews confidence

By Michael Santone editor-in-chief

msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com

RICHMOND — When Joe Williams arrived at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium he had hope in his heart and determination in his eyes.

Williams, like many others who showed up for Contra Costa County’s Clean Slate Day on Saturday, had one goal in mind — to have their criminal record cleared.

“I’m trying to change my life around, man. It’s not too late to do good and these people here seem to have the right idea,” Williams said DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE while patiently waiting his turn in a Volunteer Frances Grout (left) finds Richmond resident Joe Williams’ line that wrapped around the exteri- criminal record during the Clean Slate Day event in Richmond. or of the auditorium.

“Certain limitations have been moving forward there had to be an it can be a barrier to employment, placed on my life that have held me example. housing or education. Basically, it down. I’m here trying to clear up “The people have to see that it impacts someone’s dignity and how some of the paperwork and get it works for someone from the com- invested and connected they feel to back right.” munity who really changed their society.”

Williams, a Richmond native life, like I have.”

The Public Defender’s Office has who is now 49 years old, said he Cloird, who said he was a drug had a Clean Slate Program for more made some poor decisions while addict for 35 years, turned his life than 10 years, McDonnell said, but growing up. around after achieving sobriety and it was vastly expanded as a result “I took some things that weren’t the expunging of his criminal past. of Proposition 47, which passed in mine, got caught by the police, but He also founded the Men and 2014 and reduced low-level felonies I paid my dues,” he said. “Life is a Women of Purpose program, a to misdemeanors. struggle and at certain points you societal re-entry program that was “Through Proposition 47 make decisions in the moment that created for members to go inside we have had over 7,000 felonies determine how you will live for the jails and bring reduced to misdemeanors in Contra next few days.” people to the out- Costa County,” she said. “We saw Clean Slate Day, which is a side with a path a substantial need for this type of collaborative partnership with toward re-engag- program.”

Richmond Mayor Tom Butts’ office, ing with the comMcDonnell said the Public District 1 Supervisor John Gioia’s munity.

Defender’s Office is open five days office and community member “When I a week for guidance in clearing a David Schoenthal, brought togethchanged my life criminal record. er the county Public Defender’s Cloird I committed it to After about an hour and a half of Office to aid and direct attendees in the community. orientation, waiting in line, paperapplying for, and receiving, a reducI love my com- work and a consultation, Williams tion or dismissal of a prior criminal munity, but (many) are caught up,” walked out of the Richmond conviction.

Cloird said.

Memorial Auditorium with a new The event included funding for Contra Costa County Assistant sense of purpose.

75 individuals to obtain a com- Public Defender Ellen McDonnell, With the main public defender’s plete copy of their official crim- who also heads up the Clean Slate contact information and his appliinal records from the California Program, said many felony convic- cation in order, Williams said he Department of Justice. tions and misdemeanor convictions remains optimistic about the proAntwon Cloird, a former Clean can be dismissed or even sealed gram.

Slate Program participant, was on from someone’s record.

“All of my past indiscretions have hand to speak during the welcome “There’s a big range of relief avail- slowed me down and stopped my orientation. able. It could be something as minor livelihood,” he said. “It makes peo“When this program was first as a petty theft conviction to some- ple really judgmental of me when brought up I was one of the first one who has a felony theft or felo- they see my record. I want to at least recipients,” Cloird said. “I lined up, ny assault conviction,” McDonnell have a fair chance as an individual did the application process and got said. “One in five Californians have and get back into the work field. my recorder cleared because I knew some kind of criminal record and “That’s what I look forward to.”