The Advocate 4-6

WEDNESDAY l 4.6.16 OUR 66TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Bridge closure to limit access Campus Center Project closes bridge pathway, detour not ADA compliant

BY Benjamin Bassham NEWS EDITOR

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

The plaza outside Contra Costa College’s Student Services Center will be closed for reconstruction starting Monday through the semester’s end on May 27.

The bridge leading from the parking lot to the plaza will be closed, but the routes from the Bus Transfer Center and the Computer Technology Center will remain open.

Foot traffic that would have crossed the bridge will have to detour past the Bus Transfer Center.

The stairs leading from the Bus Transfer Center are not ADA accessible. The path from the CTC is, but the detour would be long.

A memo from college administration said students with a disability who need to access the building can call Police Services at 510-215-4858 to request golf-cart shuttle service as

needed. Signs will be placed, providing the phone number and directions for pedestrians.

Senior Construction Manager for Critical Solutions Alex Gourtzelis said the surface of the plaza will be replaced and a storm drain installed.

“We are taking out the pinkish colored concrete and replacing it with concrete pavers, which are similar color to the building’s exterior brick veneer,” he said.

Some concrete south of the SSC will also be replaced, but the bridge and the various ramps and stairs surrounding the plaza will remain, Gourtzelis said.

He said six Chinese elms, serviced by the new storm drain, will replace the podocarpuses growing in the plaza.

Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said the construction was supposed to start April 4, but got pushed back to Monday.

Gourtzelis said previous construction work, installing the electrical hookup for the buildings of the Campus King Center Project, is responsible for the stripe of white concrete currently marring the plaza.

King said planners included the reconstruction of the plaza a part of the Campus Center and Classroom Project, but “they didn’t want to do it until near the end. Some places they hook up easily, some not so much. “(The construction) is down to the last stretch, (and) come June 1, it should be done.”

Gourtzelis said, “It is an inconvenience, but it needs to be done.”

The bridge and three buildings are scheduled to open for the fall 2016 semester.

ABOVE: Students cross the bridge that sits between the Student Services Center Plaza and the parking lots on Monday.

This bridge will be closed as construction nears its summer completion date.

GRIEF SWEEPS COMMUNITY AS BELOVED FRIEND DIES Shrieve’s storied legacy lives on in those left behind CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

Richmond High School students and staff and the Contra Costa College community are mourning the loss of a valued faculty member, as Zachary Shrieve died March 24 after a seven-month battle with cancer.

He died in his sleep at his own home in El Cerrito surrounded by his wife and family.

Last Sept. 28, the 46-year-old Shrieve was diagnosed with Shrieve abdominal cancer and given just two years to live by doctors. In the face of overwhelming odds, the coach and mentor began his race against time to find any avenue toward a cure.

“It’s hard to mourn someone when they’re here, but when they die it is so final,” Shrieve’s sister Stephanie ShrieveHawkins said. “That void is there.

Everyone is pretty devastated. It’s still so new that it feels surreal.”

His service will be held on Tuesday at the St. Mary Magdalen Church in Berkeley at 11 a.m.

News of Shrieve’s death circulated that day first among family and friends SEE SHRIEVE, PAGE 3

Diversity Outreach Day boosts inclusion Graduate school event serves as resource for minorities, provides legal guidance

BY Christian Urrutia EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

SAN FRANCISCO — When Community Organizing and Political Action (COPA) Club President Milca Baires saw the opportunity to visit UC Hastings College of the Law Saturday to change a male dominated profession catered toward whites — she didn’t hesitate.

“I believe that in politics, especially among the (legal) community, it is male dominated. But at this event I saw a lot of women and that was exciting.

“We need diversity in not just race but gender as well. Ninety-five percent of guests (here) were

women, which was satisfying to see,” Baires said.

She and fellow Contra Costa College COPA secretary Jose Arebalo traveled to UC Hastings for Diversity Outreach Day, a program aimed at expanding opportunities to low-income minorities and historically underrepresented communities as they attempt to obtain a legal education.

Arebalo and Baires met with Berkeley City College anthropology major Madgalena Olvera as they traveled via BART to the graduate school early in the morning.

The student-run event featured breakfast, an overview of the day’s proSEE LAW, PAGE 3

ABOVE: COPA Club President Milca Baires (left) and COPA secretary Jose Arebalo pack up their things as they leave a mock class during the Diversity Outreach Day event at UC Hastings College of the Law on Saturday.

LOSING TEAM CONTINUES STREAK, AIMS TO IMPROVE PAGE 11

People adapt to environment, life on streets of Richmond PAGE 10

2

Quotable “If I were doing a word association test and the first word was ‘journalism,’ ‘credibility’ would not be the second. ‘Negativism’ would be.”

Barney Frank retired U.S. representative (D-Mass.)

1998 Christian Urrutia editor-in-chief Marci Suela art director Roxana Amparo Lorenzo Morotti associate editors Benjamin Bassham news editor Asma Alkrizy Marlene Rivas opinion editors Mike Thomas scene editor Robert Clinton sports editor Xavier Johnson assistant sports editor Cody Casares photo editor Denis Perez assistant photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Adan Alfaro Joseph Bennett Tobias Cheng Dylan Collier Salvador Godoy Edwin Herrera Mickalea Manuel Yesenia Melara Jshania Owens Warren Samuel Jason Sykes Mark Wassberg Atorriana Young Staff photographers Perla Juarez Jordan Khoo Tashi Wangchuk Staff illustrator Nora Alkrizy Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accent.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 VOL. 103, NO. 18

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

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EDITORIAL MESSAGE NOT RECEIVED Plans to update access to information need support

C

ommunication about upcoming events on campus between faculty, student groups and administrators at Contra Costa College has a tendency to only reach a select audience, or fail altogether.

It is perplexing when an event only manages to draw 10 people out of a campus population of more than 6,000.

While that figure is dwarfed by large community colleges with enrollments over 20,000, it is especially baffling when the only people at an event are those who organized it and an Advocate reporter and photographer.

While an event with zero attendance is uncommon, why is it that some events see low turnouts while Club Rush, Dinner with Faculty, Champagne and Chocolate, Comet football fill space?

Generating high participation relies on two principles: 1) the willingness of event organizers to take advantage of social media as a platform to spread information and 2) making sure people see that information.

A new college marketing strategy, spearheaded by Brandy Howard, the college’s new marketing director, aims to make use of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter to centralize access to information for students and faculty.

Making sure a message is received seems like a simple task since almost everyone has a cellphone with at least one of the four largest social media apps installed.

Unfortunately, most people are over encumbered by the responsibilities that come with taking 12 units while trying to hold down a part-time job or raising a child, teaching the same class at three different campuses five days a week or managing the operations of the institution.

The current platforms the college uses to house information about campus events, programs, group meeting minutes, agendas and financial aid and enrollment deadlines are aged and cumbersome to navigate.

People don’t have the time to check the various online platforms on which the college scatters information or follow social media accounts for the college that are numerous and updated inconsistently.

It is not the people who set up events who should shoulder the blame for low turnouts or missed deadlines — but a lack of understanding of new media and the fact that state funding has restricted the Contra Costa Community College District from creating a cohesive online presence at CCC, until now.

We can only hope that the overhaul of contracosta.edu, the launch of new accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, switching the college online learning management platform from Desire2Learn to Canvas and the opening of three modern buildings in fall 2016 (Campus Center and Classroom Building Project) will fuel involvement.

The inconsistent nature of how people adapt to new media is something only time and willingness will be able to solve, but making it a requirement for students to follow the campus social media accounts during the orientation process would have more immediate results.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

■ IDEALS

Acceptance of self removes religious ties M

y journey toward identifying as an atheist is representative of the struggle many teenagers face with selfworth and owning their thoughts and feelings.

An atheist is simply one who lacks a belief in any god. I also do not adhere to any religion.

However, some atheists may adhere to a secular religion or philosophy.

It is not necessarily a big part of my daily life, like many atheists. I’m not wildly going around screaming at people how enlightened my existence is without god. But if the topic comes up in conversation, I express it.

Identifying as an atheist doesn’t necessitate any religious texts, values or customs. It is not a sticker or a badge. It is simply a fact about one’s thoughts. Atheism does not have much to do with daily life, unlike religions.

But for young atheists, this innocuous identification could become part of their daily lives due to the feelings of shame that manifest.

As a young person, it is incredibly important to build confidence in oneself and freely explore and grow. Building growing confidence is hard when an aspect of your thoughts is faced with ridicule, pity and exclusion.

In my case, I was raised in a family that is heavily Christian. I was never exposed to different faiths such as Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism or even

xavierjohnson the idea of having no faith. In my world it felt as if accepting Christianity was my only option, and because of that I felt constricted.

Like others, Like I’d be taken to church every others, week to sit I’d be through service. These services intend taken to to answer queschurch tions, strengthen faith and every convert nonbelievers — but week they did the exact opposite to sit for me.

The answers through didn’t make service. sense as I gained more knowledge.

My faith was stripped away as unsatisfactory answers were repeated.

As I began to get deeper into formulating my ideas about rejecting religion, stress started settling in. I wanted to express these thoughts. It was all fresh in my mind. I was young and excited to be finding my own answers.

Unfortunately, I felt afraid to step away.

Being in a Christian family, I felt like expressing my thoughts wouldn’t spur

conversation among my family members or friends at church. I was convinced that all it would bring were antagonistic questions and possible exclusion.

The fear of exclusion is common among many young atheists. They have to watch what they say around their parents, friends and extended family members to avoid being treated differently.

During high school I moved to California, which is pretty far away from many of my religious family members in New Mexico. Being away from that environment, I was able to rid myself of that fear of exclusion and those feelings of shame.

I didn’t have to hide my lack of religion when the topic came up with friends.

I was able to confidently state my thoughts.

A weight was lifted off my shoulders. It isn’t uncommon for other suppressed atheists to begin to identify as such when they leave their hometown for college or work.

Freedom of religion should be a social standard. Every person should be free to speak about their beliefs or lack thereof, with no shame or antagonistic attitudes from others.

It should be fine if a person is Christian, Muslim, Roman Catholic, an atheist or doesn’t give a damn.

Xavier Johnson is the assistant sports editor for The Advocate. Contact him at xjohnson.theadvocate@ gmail.com.

CAMPUS COMMENT

What improvements should be made to marketing information on campus?

“My old high school had a daily email that announced the next day’s events.”

“The campus newspaper should announce (planned) events better.”

“The (InSite Portal) email blast announcing campus events (could be improved).”

“A (public announcement) system located on campus could help promote events.”

Fangariu Riu

Brianna Sturner

Jacob Sanchez

Karla Pani nursing

nursing

XAVIER JOHNSON AND DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

nursing

art

“There should be people who hand out fliers prior to events to let students know there is something planned that is going to take place.”

“Fliers should be handed out. Also, the bulletin boards could be made more attractive so that students actually look at them.”

Sonia Flores

Monica Amaya

psychology

early childhood education

campus beat Follow The Advocate

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

NEWSLINE SYMPOSIUM

NURSING, BIOLOGY TO HOST OPEN PANEL The first nursing symposium will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. in HS-1 on Friday.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to an interactive afternoon focusing on nursing.

Biology and nursing faculty, and guest panelists from Stanford Hospital, Sacramento State University and Samuel Merritt University, will host the event.

A personal look of the nursing profession will be featured as speakers will discuss the skills, talents and motivation needed to get in and through nursing school. Counselors and instructors will assist students in connecting the dots — the nursing prerequisites and their educational plans.

For more information contact nursing department Chairperson Cheri Etheredge at 510-215-4115.

PERFORMANCE

ACTORS TO PLAY OUT MURDER, HATE CRIME The drama department presents “The Laramie Project” at 7:30 p.m. in the Knox Center. Performances will be held through April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30.

“The Laramie Project” is a play

by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project about the reaction to the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming.

Drama professor Angelina LaBarre will direct the play. Student and senior tickets are $10 with ID and general admission is $15.

CRIMEWATCH Monday, March 11 : A non-student was harassing staff while on campus. The non-student was asked to leave the campus and issued a 626.6 PC admonishment form.

Tuesday, March 15: A staff member reported a student was possibly sexually harassed by another student.

Wednesday, March 16: An officer responded to a report of an ex-employee on campus. The officer made contact with the individual and he was cited.

Thursday, March 24: No reports taken on this date.

Friday, March 25: No reports taken on this date.

Saturday, March 26: No reports taken on this date.

Wednesday, March 29: An unknown odor was present on campus. The fire department advised the odor was sulfur coming from the Chevron Richmond Refinery.

— Perla Juarez — 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.

3

ASU opens election process

BY XAVIER JOHNSON

Receive breaking campus news and sports updates by following The Advocate on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can find a digital copy of this paper on Issuu. twitter.com/accentadvocate facebook.com/accentadvocate instagram.com/cccadvocate issuu.com/the_advocate

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 4.6.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

The ASU is holding elections throughout the month of April for all executive positions for the 2016-17 academic year.

The offices of ASU president, vice president, director of public relations, treasurer, secretary and parliamentarian at Contra Costa College are up for a vote.

Applications to be an ASU senator are also being accepted.

Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis said the elections are planned to occur at the end of April. Elections are to be held in the area outside the Applied Arts Building. Locations and election procedures are currently subject to change.

Computers will be set up and students will vote for candidates for the different positions. In order to vote, students are required to input their student ID numbers.

Results will be automatically tabulated. These results will be made public the week after through social media, The Advocate and bulletin boards, Ward-Davis said.

Leading up to the election at the end of April, the ASU will be forming an election committee. The committee, headed by Treasurer Jun Chen, will finalize candidates and election procedures. Candidates should be finalized in the coming weeks.

After the committee is formed, candidates will submit applications and then meet with the committee. Candidates will be given two weeks in April to campaign around campus.

“For the campaign, the candidates will have about $50 in their account,” Ward-Davis said.

Candidates will be prohibited from excess spending.

Candidates will have the chance to campaign using fliers,

“I was excited to be president. I had to learn things on my own and figure it all out ” Nakari Syon, ASU president

in-class presentations and general word-of-mouth tactics.

Ward-Davis said candidates will be barred from bashing their opponents.

Ryan Villareal is the current parliamentarian in the ASU and said he is interested in running again for the position.

He said options are open and may run for vice president, but he knows he would like to remain a member of the ASU. Current ASU President Nakari Syon is planning on running for re-election. Syon entered office as ASU president during spring 2015. Syon said being president

initially was a hard adjustment after being an ASU senator.

“I was excited and happy to be president. I had to learn things on my own and figure it all out,” Syon said.

Syon said he wants to achieve more for the campus in his possible second term that he wasn’t able to accomplish in his first. He said he wants to inspire the student body to be more active on campus and increase ASU membership.

Syon said potential candidates who may be running should be vocal and have a visible presence on the campus. He said they should show interest even from the early stages of their ASU tenure.

Those candidates who are currently serving on the ASU board will not serve their positions past June 30. On July 1 the election winners will begin their new terms.

SHRIEVE | Colleague, brother, mentor remembered Continued from Page 1 by phone and then spread to social media as the Facebook page of the Richmond High School Alumni made a public announcement of the loss.

Zachary John Shrieve was born April 19, 1969 in San Francisco and was adopted three months later by his parents Ann and David Shrieve.

The couple was told they would not be able to conceive on their own but shortly after the baby Shrieve’s arrival, Ann was informed that she was pregnant with twins.

From adoption, to being the eldest child of a growing family, Shrieve embraced his role as big brother.

“He (Shrieve) took a leadership role in the family. He was and is my go-to person, even as a child.

I’ll always be speaking to him spiritually,” Shrieve-Hawkins said.

Shrieve attended School of the Madeleine in Berkeley and went on to Berkeley High School where he lettered in lacrosse, volleyball, swimming and water polo.

He received his bachelor of arts degree in English from San Diego State University. He continued his education earning a master’s degree in health, physical education and recreation from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga.

After gaining his teaching credential, Shrieve settled into teaching at Richmond High School where he remained for 22 years.

He coached baseball, soccer and volleyball there — helping out in any way the school needed.

He was also an adjunct professor at CCC where he coached women’s volleyball, a run that began as assistant to his sister Stephanie for the 1996 volleyball season.

Former Pinole Valley High School water polo coach and current CCC adjunct swimming professor Jim Ulversoy remembers Shrieve’s prowess in the pool as he coached against Berkeley High’s 1985 RBAL championship team of which Shrieve was a member.

“Twenty years down the line (when Shrieve began as volleyball coach at CCC) and we knew we had history,” Ulversoy said. “He was too young and is gone too soon.”

Shrieve took pride in facing challenges. He loved sports and outdoor activities with his family, and quiet moments with good food and a good novel or book of poetry.

He kept his smile and sense of humor throughout the course of his fight with cancer.

Once while visiting her brother, Stephanie noticed Zach reading a book of stories by cancer survivors.

“Well I guess there can’t be any books written by the non-survivors,” he said, lifting the mood of the room in a way that only he could, Stephanie said.

As an avid traveler, his many world adventures gave him perspective and fulfilled his interests in history and culture. Even when on campus, Shrieve was a proponent of perpetual motion.

“Zach (Shrieve) and I both bought Nike fuel bands and we’d compete to reach our step goals each day,” kinesiology professor Beth Goehring said. “Sometimes he would march circles outside of my office with a smile on his face challenging me to get out of my seat and move. He inspired me in every way.”

The scope of what Shrieve meant to his students is evident in anyone that he coached or taught.

“Richmond lost a good teach-

er,” former “It’s Richmond High and cur- hard to rent CCC student Angelica mourn Espinal said. someone “ W h e n e v e r when they he discussed d i f f e r e n c e s are here with students but when it was always with a smile, they’re no matter gone it’s what. People like that make so final. me smile and That void is students liked him because still there. of that. He was Everyone is very support- pretty devive and lifted the spirits of all astated.” of the students — Stephanie he came in Shrievecontact with. Hawkins, sister I’m still in shock because he was such a good person — it really sucks.”

One constant in Shrieve’s teaching career has been the friendship of fellow Comet coach, former Richmond High teacher and Comet men’s basketball coach Miguel Johnson.

Johnson said he and Shrieve taught together at Richmond before being reunited at CCC. He said he received periodic emails about Shrieve’s progress with treatment and though the news was not positive, no one expected things to happen this quickly.

“It all takes a toll on you. It’s been different here even though we know why he (Shrieve) hasn’t been around,” Johnson said. “We understand that he is not suffering with that illness (any longer), but you’re never prepared for it.

“With what he went through and the attitude he had through it

puts things in perspective. It helps us see that things for us aren’t really that bad.”

Richmond High School faculty members and students had already constructed a makeshift memorial to Shrieve in the school’s central gathering area known as “the pit” the day after he died.

“People at work are really down,” Richmond High and Comet volleyball coach Kristy Tianero said. “I’m speechless right now. I can’t believe that he’s gone. I think I’m still in shock.”

Tianero was a CCC assistant coach under Shrieve. When he became ill, Tianero put Shrieve’s teaching to the test as she took on his head coaching duties at CCC. “There were so many things that I wanted to ask him. He was my anchor. He always made things better,” Tianero said. “I’m just happy to know that he had his family with him (when he died) and he wasn’t alone or suffering.

The fight was exhausting for him.”

The lives of those Shrieve influenced will be less vibrant in his absence.

He is survived by his wife Josephine, his parents Ann and David, siblings, many nieces and nephews, aunts and cousins and scores of friends.

To his players, he was more than just a coach. His ability to support the people he cared about through understanding their problems made him a mentor.

“He cared, like actually cared.

He paid attention to our feelings, not just our grades or performances,” former Richmond High student and current CCC volleyball player Amy Palomares said.

“Even when he got sick and couldn’t come to all of the games he still was supportive, encouraging and you knew he wanted to be involved.”

LAW | UC Hastings program curbs homogeneity Continued from Page 1 gram, a keynote speech, a law school mock class, an admissions workshop, a Law School Admission Test (LSAT) class, an attorney/student panel and a personal statement review seminar meant to enlighten participants on how to enroll into law school.

This event was sponsored by the university’s La Raza Law Students Association and For People of Color, Inc., an educational consulting firm, to provide students insight of the reality of the profession and how to reach the next level of legal education “and made me understand the application process,” Arebalo said.

“The personal stories that these law students shared allowed me to see what I needed to prepare for (academically), which was something invaluable to learn,” he said. “The event in itself essentially promotes what we’re doing at community college and using it to moving on to the next academic level and facing the reality behind it as we’re making that next step.”

Olvera said, “I attended (Diversity Outreach Day) to get that extra support and to see how to get your foot in the door and to be better informed.”

She said the most important thing she learned was how complicated the process is to apply for law school, particularly for minorities.

The keynote speaker, attorney Sunita Bali for the law firm Perkins Coie, said, “The numbers are dismal. There are not a lot of people who look like us in the profession. You can talk to any practicing attorney and no matter where they work I can tell you if they’re a person of color — they’re in the minority. This is still a

heavily male-dominated profession. If you’re a woman and a person of color, you really, probably are going to be the only one.”

Bali also said that despite this massive disparity in gender and racial representation, it is the current reality of the situation and students must accept that.

“There is a lot of work to be done and I commend all of you for taking this step,” she said.

She said For People of Color, Inc. serves as a resource for students to help make it through this process and help demystify the process somewhat along the way.

Throughout the event, first- and secondyear UC Hastings law students were on hand to answer questions. Some of students spoke on panels alongside working professionals during one session and others assisted in reviewing personal statements in a separate workshop.

Baires said, “I had the opportunity to sit in with law students and go over personal statements. They gave us helpful guidelines on what to do and what not to do. That session will help me in the long run when I apply. They (graciously) dedicated one hour and 20 minutes for us.”

She said she learned more about the LSAT exam she would have to take, which requires dedication and time and few pre-test preparation courses in order to perform well within the passing range.

“I know what the admissions office looks for (now), and I had law students who were telling me that it is a lot of hard work. You have to be confident if that this is what you want to pursue,” she said.

“There is a lot of work to be done and I commend all of you for taking this step.”

Sunita Bali, attorney

Olvera said, “This trip was very memorable, from wanting to go into the law field, it was a dream of mine and I realize in a year from now it’s going to be an actual reality.

“Talking to law students and lawyers gave me this reality check regarding the entire profession, (unfortunately) it’s only about 2 percent of people from (an immigrant family) are employed within the legal field. It discouraged and scared me coming from this particular background — but at the same time motivated me to continue,” she said. “It made me proud of myself to keep on track and help increase that percentage of being a first-generation college student (admitted into law school).”

UC Hastings law professor James Wagstaffe, who led the mock class on First Amendment Rights, voiced similar sentiments.

“Given your background and experience, you know what it’s like to be invisible — what it’s like to have the experience where people don’t see who you are,” Wagstaffe said.

“You’re here to change that (by going) to law school and (becoming) lawyers. If you want to be one and contribute to society by using the (Facts, Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) FIRAC method, you’re going to see that happen.”

4

campusbeat

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 4.6.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

Working status constrains goals Balancing full-time jobs, class hinders drive to degree

BY Tobias Cheng STAFF WRITER

tcheng.theadvocate@gmail.com

Some students at Contra Costa College are working full-time jobs, multiple part-time jobs or have other fulltime obligations while taking classes.

Counselor Sarah Boland said these students are not any more motivated or driven than any other students.

“Students are motivated by different things,” Boland said.

She said what sets these students apart is that they know they cannot do everything by themselves and are not afraid to ask for help. They also tend to be more organized than other students.

“It involves a lot of time management,” liberal arts major Roland West said. “It really comes down to that — time management.”

West is currently enrolled in 12 units while working 40 hours a week as a manager at Costco. He has classes five days a week and works six days a week.

He said he is married with three children with another coming soon.

“I love my kids,” he said. “There is no such thing as no time. You will have time for who you love.”

West said he moved from American Samoa, a seven-island American territory southwest of Hawaii, when he was 16 years old.

While in high school, he said he had a good chemistry teacher who inspired him to want to become a teacher.

“My grandparents said that teachers don’t make much money, so I put teaching on the side,” he said.

Since then, he has been focused on trying to get a good job to support his family.

Two years ago he decided that finishing college to become a teacher was just as important.

He said he could go back to American Samoa and give kids what he had always wanted when he was a child — a teacher who he or she could look up to and talk to about academic opportunities.

When he enrolled at CCC, West said that he had to drop a night course and try to add into an earlier one because the original times were too late.

“I need to be fresh (to learn),” he said. “The class was late so the mental capacity wasn’t there.”

Recently, he said he had to turn down a promotion because it would rob time he needed if he wanted to continue to go to school.

“It was no longer about money but having no regrets — me doing what I want to do,” he said.

Even so, he said it was difficult turning down a well-paying position he had sought before.

But talking to a counselor helped him develop his schedule and decide what classes he needed to take, he said.

Boland is West’s counselor. She said she has helped many students with fulltime jobs and multiple jobs.

She works with the students to find out which classes are “core” for their major and build their schedule around those classes.

She said most students generally

overlook the amount of time needed outside of official class times for homework, reading and group study.

She helps students realize how much time they need for everything they want to do.

The students can then decide for themselves whether they can handle it all or need to drop or change some classes.

Boland said that while a student could stay up late and wake up early, that type of schedule is not healthy.

“We want the students to be happy,” she said. “School shouldn’t suck the life out of you.”

Journalism major Tashi Wangchuk said he moved to the U.S. from India in 2012.

Prior to emigrating, he worked at the Voice of Tibet radio station in India for about 10 years.

He said he used to go on web television and talk about sensitive issues.

“I’m struggling to locate myself. My passion is journalism,” he said.

He is trying to pursue a profession he can follow, he said. His goal is to receive a bachelor’s degree in journalism at a nearby university and maybe someday receive a master’s degree.

Even though he has a lot of experience, he said employers want to see a diploma from the U.S. Wangchuk currently works a fulltime job six days a week, reports for Radio Free Asia, takes classes at CCC and teaches the Tibetan language to children on Sundays.

He said oftentimes he is only able

“I love my kids. There is no such thing as no time.

You will have time for who you love. ” — Ronald West, liberal arts major

to sleep three to four hours during a 36-hour period, while some nights he can sleep six hours, depending on what is required of him by his job or course work.

He said when he has time out of work or classes, it is a challenge deciding what to do with his time.

“Do I do homework, sleep, shop or socialize with my friends?” he said.

Wangchuk said sometimes the professors who teach classes at night are not as good as the professors who teach during the day.

He said the styling of teaching worsens the learning experience for students who can only take classes as it is harder to stay focused, but it is not impossible to succeed.

“Often, those who have more challenges in life are more driven to be the best,” he said.

Wangchuk said while he has achieved a lot since he came to the U.S., it is not because of raw talent or skills, but pure motivation.

“I’m living my dream,” he said. “I house myself, feed myself. No financial support from the government.”

He is also helping support his family members still living in India, he said.

LOW ENROLLMENT LIMITS FUNDING, ONE-TIME MONIES

BY Benjamin Bassham NEWS EDITOR

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

California has increased its educational budget, which is great for schools that are growing, but Contra Costa College is not one of those.

While CCC is faced with budget cuts through enrollment shortfalls, plans have been made. “(The state budget is) pretty impressive. There’s $200 million for the Strong Workforce Program,” CCC Director of Economic and Workforce Development Kelly Schelin said. “It demonstrates the governor’s commitment to furthering higher education.”

Business Services Supervisor Nick Dimitri said, “Back during the state budget cuts, a lot of the categorical grants were cut. This year we saw nearly a full restoration of the state categorical funding. If (the funding) comes down to the colleges it’s going to be in grants.”

Categorical grants are essentially a grant with strings attached. Categorical funds have specific purposes, restrictions and objectives that must be met.

Business Services Director Mariles Magalong said, “(The Chancellor’s Office) increased the funding, but they also increased the requirements.” So the cost of meeting the requirements of categorical funds does a lot to negate them, and could even exceed what they provide.

Dimitri described the situation as, “here’s the money and here’s what you have to do with it.” He said if the grants are offered, “we kind of have to take the money. There are very few instances when we would refuse it.”

“Our operating budget for salaries, benefits and other costs is about $27 million,” he said. “The categorical (funding) from the state, from the feds and from other agencies total about $8 million of that.”

The categorical grants are a nice seasoning, but the funds from the Full Time Equivalent Students is the college’s real bread and butter.

FTES is how the state measures the size of a college with each FTES representing 15 units of classes being taken by students.

Magalong said, “Our resident FTES target has been 5,581. We have not reached that in the last four years.

We have fallen short by between 200 to almost 900 FTES. In the 2016-2017 fiscal year the college’s FTES projection is being reduced by 200.”

She said this means about $1 million less funding for the college.

“Although, if we actually generate enough FTES we will get the funding, but it’s not a realistic expectation,” she said.

Dimitri said, “We have about a $800,000 to $1 million shortfall this year. But we have reserves that we can live on for a year or two.”

Magalong said, “We (are budgeted to generate a reserve of) a little over $2 million total, and a little over $1 million in undesignated money. We won’t know (exactly how much has been generated) until June 30 when our fiscal year ends.”

If it goes well it will cover the budget shortfall in the coming year.

“We make do with it,” Dimitri said.

Part of the problem is not just a lack of money, but also an excess of responsibility.

Dimitri said that money from student enrollment could be used freely.

“The 10 to 15 percent (that make up) discretionary funding you can play around with. Of the $27 million you’re looking at around 80 percent for salaries and benefits. You can’t play around with those,” he said.

The simple, yet difficult solution is to raise the college’s FTES count by increased student enrollment.

PERLA JUAREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Artist Kim Vanderheiden stands with one of her paintings, “Lady Justice,” in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery on March 17. The exhibit “Working from the Torn Things” will be displayed until April 15.

Justice system, inequities highlight gallery exhibits

BY Marlene Rivas OPINION EDITOR

mrivas.theadvocate@gmail.com

The exhibit currently being displayed at the Eddie Rhodes Gallery in A-5 titled “Working from the Torn Things” is a collection of pieces by Oakland artist Kim Vanderheiden.

The theme of the exhibit focuses on justice and the importance of shifting the justice system to become more loving and humane.

The pieces will be displayed until April 15.

Vanderheiden said she has been creating art since she was young but never considered it too much until after college. She studied international relationships and economics in college with the hope of helping in global issues.

She said while focusing on her artwork she is able to tie in her creations to social issues.

“I think it’s relevant,” she said.

Fine and media arts professor Anthony Gordon said, “It gives people a different way to understand the topic.”

All of her pieces in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery, some small and others large enough to cover half of a wall, are made of the same materials.

The material used to create the pieces include torn paper put together to form a collage, pen and ink, letterpress pencil and watercolor.

The idea for using pieces of torn paper put together as a collage came to her when working with a friend to create a portrait of a murder victim.

During the printmaking process used by her friend, there were discarded pieces of paper with phrases on them.

In her pieces for “Working from the

“(The exhibit) is a reflection of what is going on in our society. Art should reflect the times you are in.”

— Vivien Lee, art major

Torn Things,” the torn paper has a deeper significance.

It represents the tearing of the social justice system. The method of construction for the pieces is relevant with “so much pain going on.”

Art major Vivien Lee said, “(The exhibit) is a reflection of what is going on in our society. Art should reflect the times you are in.”

A majority of the pieces displayed in the exhibit are collages with only one word per piece, such as truth, crime, law, love and justice.

One of the smaller pieces holds the phrase “white truth black” on it.

“Race underlies the system and we must look at that first,” Vanderheiden said.

Another piece, “Hush!,” includes scraps of paper with Miranda rights written on them. It depicts the silencing enforced in legal settings and the suppression of truth.

Vanderheiden said her interest in the justice system began when she was working for the Alameda County Law Library.

She said she was trying to understand law from “the viewpoint of loving, caring and nurturing,” even though those viewpoints are lacking in the justice system.

After having gathered more informa-

tion she was able to look more closely into the law’s disconnect from real life situations.

“Where it goes next depends on what we are willing to put up with or not,” Vanderheiden said.

During the reception for the exhibit, Vanderheiden placed an empty box in the center of the room.

She also included scraps of paper and writing materials so that students could leave comments, through the slot at the top of the box, specifically regarding the justice system.

Some of the comments left by students and attendees of the reception included topics regarding white privilege, mass incarceration, police brutality and one comment that read: “Justice!

Just you? Just me? Just who?”

The idea behind the box for comments was to create a community art piece.

The comments that have been left so far were put together similarly to Vanderheiden’s other pieces and this creation has been included alongside the other pieces in the current Rhodes Gallery showing.

Students are welcome to continue leaving comments and they will continue to be added to the community art piece until the end of the exhibit on April 15.

She said she hopes that this exhibit will also create a chance for students and the greater campus community to have a conversation regarding the justice system.

“One way to share attitudes about the justice system is taking part in the conversation,” Vanderheiden said.

campus beat

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5

Marketing strategies to include social apps Recently hired director aims to use global networks to notify students

BY Tobias Cheng STAFF WRITER

tcheng.advocate@gmail.com

To improve the advertisement of events, course offerings and other student and faculty resources, Contra Costa College’s recently hired Marketing Director Brandy Howard is in the process of launching social media accounts.

Howard said her work will coincide with the coming update to the website (contracosta.edu) and the completions of the new buildings in the center of campus.

Howard said there are four primary ways of communicating information about events to students, staff and faculty: email, the events calendar at contracosta.edu, physical bulletin boards situated around campus and social media.

She said, “I’m interested in learning what works best; what is the way that staff, students and faculty can all find out about events.”

Counselor Andrea Phillips said to increase knowledge about events on campus to people throughout surrounding communities, CCC needs a campuswide advertising

NORA ALKRIZY / THE ADVOCATE

team that functions as a relay for departments.

Phillips said, “Faculty and staff need to (help) promote events on campus.”

Howard said the college will have new accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat unified under the theme “life at CCC”.

She said that CCC faculty is trying to “unify the college’s social media” sites as CCC is trying to have fewer accounts showing more varied news.

It is easier for people to follow three to four pages than 18 to learn about events, she said.

The last campus marketing coordinator retired last summer, Howard said. Until about a month and a half ago, there has not been

editorial

one person or a team managing marketing, Message even though not individual staff received may send out emails to stu- Archaic means dents giving i n f o r m a t i o n of communiabout events. cation has hinKevin Gao, a counseling dered the campsychology major, said that pus from being he typically fully engaged. finds out about events through people telling PAGE 2 him or bulletin boards around campus.

“Some students don’t check the website or their email, so we need

to look at alternate means of marketing,” Phillips said. “Social media is an alternate means.”

Gao said, “I check my email once a week and the website once a month.”

He said that if there were centralized social media accounts, he would see information about events more often. “I believe that applies to most people other than students,” he said. “People nowadays check social media every day.”

Dante Romero, civil engineering major, said he finds out about events happening on campus at a bulletin board in the Physical Science Building.

Howard said the website will have virtual real estate for information about athletics, music and dance shows, and workshops.

ABOVE: Social media apps will be used to focus information onto an easily accessible media platform for people who need updates about campus events, programs, policies and financial and academic deadlines.

Multi-cultural program breaks ‘walls’

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

Recruitment methods continue in the English as a second language department as they also work toward breaking the continuous stigma surrounding Contra Costa College’s program.

“There is a persistent misconception that ESL is easy or for remedial students that aren’t very smart,” ESL assistant professor Shelley Ruby said.

ESL is designed to help non-native speakers transition into regular English classes by pushing them to improve their reading, writing and their grammar skills.

Realizing that taking ESL classes is an advantage rather than a weakness is necessary, English as a second language department Chairperson Elisabeth Xiezopolski said.

Although they are required

to take the ESL assessment test, students can enroll into regular English classes that don’t require prerequisites, but are recommended to go through the ESL sequence.

ESL part-time professor Susan Marvin said if students take both the ESL courses and the regular English courses they usually end up dropping or repeating their courses.

“It’s a big problem actually,” she said.

“They don’t realize that they are wasting time by repeating the course,” Xiezopolski said.

But some students prefer going through regular English classes even after testing into ESL courses.

“We tell our ESL students that our high level classes are more appropriate for their needs,” Xiezopolski said.

Ruby said students get insulted by their suggestions and don’t listen to their advice when recom-

mended to take the ESL classes.

Currently enrolled in the ESL classes are 709 students. Last spring there were 789 students enrolled in ESL classes, Xiezopolski said.

Last semester the classes were larger than this semester, but it always depends on the subject, whether it is writing, grammar or speaking, Ruby said.

English courses teach students at the level an English course should, but ESL classes focus more on the little things such as punctuation and vocabulary.

“Our high level classes are harder,” Ruby said. “Students sometimes tell us that they are more difficult than regular English classes.”

ESL has higher expectations for students and has become challenging because they want to ensure students learn the necessary material to move to regular English classes.

Ruby said students reach a

point where they learn enough and then slow down on their learning and become impatient. Others only take courses enough to learn the language to find a job and then stop.

“They hit a wall,” she said.

Marvin said students are eager to move on to regular English classes and sometimes decide to take them, but fail and return to ESL courses.

Students believe two years is enough, but they don’t recognize the amount of work they need to put in and be active learners, Ruby said.

“The worse the economy is, the more likely students are to enroll at CCC,” Xiezopolski said.

She said when the economy is good or begins to improve, students take jobs instead of bigger course loads.

She said international students think two years is enough to finish

community college but the culture change and their additional duties affect their plans.

Marvin said another reason why students aren’t enrolling into the ESL classes is because of the cost.

Ruby said some students are parents and work part-time jobs, and others take classes to improve their English and leave the programs for work.

Xiezopolski said students could complete ESL courses if they become “active learners.”

To ease the ESL challenges, professors allow for one-on-one tutoring throughout each semester, so they know what their grade is and whether they need to work harder to improve their writing or grammar skills.

Marvin said there is also tutoring available in the Skills Center for credit.

Environmental scientist exposes carbon impact

BY Nora Alkrizy STAFF WRITER

nalkrizy.advocate@gmail.com

“We are exhausting our planet,” Jonathan Foley, executive director of the California Academy of Sciences, said. His voice filled LA-100 as he stood before a group of curious Contra Costa College students on March 18.

He laid out his lecture and proposition that inhabitants of the Earth are spontaneously tiptoeing toward the limits of what the planet can naturally and comfortably do to sustain its existence.

The lecture focused on the sustainability of the planet, the ecosystems and the natural resources people depend on.

According to Dr. Foley, the Earth’s population has more than doubled in the last 50 years and the economy grew about seven-folds. This combination has amplified the global food and water consumption and swelled fossil fuel combustion.

It is these growing challenges, which pose a challenge to satisfying the increasing food demands in a way that doesn’t waste resources, he said.

While laying out the geographical and geological aspects of the issue, Foley went deeper into addressing the issues of how exactly individuals are running out of resources. Foley singled out agriculture as

the biggest thing being done in terms of people using up and harming the land.

Agriculture stands as the biggest threat to the environment, as it causes a loss in the service of the ecosystem as well as playing a role in global warming.

He points out that in the U.S. alone, 39 percent of freshwater, as the U.S. Geological Survey estimates, is used to irrigate crops.

Yet, as highlighted in the lecture, land is not the only natural resource that is immensely consumed for agriculture. Water withdrawals are also consumed to irrigate crops and 90 percent of the water used is not returned.

The lecture traveled into diverse topics while addressing the issue of exhausting the planet.

“I think we are too indulged in our own worlds to really think about what we are exactly doing to this planet,” engineering major Almas Amjad said. “What Dr. Foley is talking about is the real issue, not from one side but from many.”

“Is feeding nine billion people possible?”

Foley asked the audience.

He suggested that the most important system to counter the exhausting of the planet is the approach in maintaining sustainability.

Consumption patterns are important drivers of the developmental patterns in

PERLA JUAREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Dr. Jonathan Foley gives a presentation on climate change to science majors and other interested students in LA-100 on March 18.

most industrialized countries.

As Foley indicated, when increasing the productivity of agriculture, first people need to understand that feeding animals plant materials yields low returns. As a result the Earth is actually losing more energy than it is gaining from this consumption pattern.

Almost 80 percent of farmlands in Minnesota are used to grow crops that are used for animal consumption rather than human. Using these farmlands for human use is one of the ways to maintain a more sustainable lifestyle.

Foley said when people look at the eco-

nomics behind it again, there exists a basic demand and supply curve. Where a greater demand for meat products exists, there is less availability of plant-based foods.

Amjad said, “Is it possible to feed nine billion people? The answer (is) no, but optimistically yes it is. But it is not easy (to be optimistic).”

Psychology major Nick Hui said he appreciated the rationality of Foley when addressing the issue. “He provided a level-headed solution to the issue and doesn’t hold on to vague resolutions.”

6

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ASU ALLOCATES FUNDS TO HIRE OFFICE HELP

BY Edwin Herrera STAFF WRITER

eherrera.theadvocate@gmail.com

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

ROBOCOPP, a wearable electronic device, spews out a 120dB siren to thwart an attacker and attract the attention of others near the situation. The “sound grenade” alarm is comparable to an ambulance siren or thunder clap.

‘ROBOCOPP’ deters assaults using sound Small device emits deafening frequency

BY Cody Casares PHOTO EDITOR

ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com

Personal safety is an everyday concern for those who find themselves walking through Contra Costa College alone at night.

ROBOCOPP, a company based out of Oakland, provides a wearable “sound grenade” that is about the size of a USB flash drive and weighs less than one ounce.

The siren is activated by separating the pin at the top of the device from the body. Once reinserted the alarm ceases.

With the device active, ROBOCOPP emits a 120 dB alarm for up to approximately 30 minutes and is even tested to work under underwater for over an hour, ROBOCOPP Press Relations Director Jill Turner said.

“In our studies we found that nine out of 10 people never use their pepper spray,” Turner said. “We don’t advocate against not using pepper spray but you’re not going to give it to a 2-year-old. You shouldn’t have to worry about your personal safety.”

She said the founder of the company

“The idea is that it’s easy to use. Anyone can use it and 50 percent of our customers are males.”

— Jill Turner, press relations director

created the deterrent when he began looking for a device for his sister who was attending college and was unsure of her safety on her walk home from campus.

He looked on Amazon and found it bizarre that he could only find pepper spray and tasers as far as everyday self-defense items and thought of them as a violent means of self defense that ultimately prolonged the victim’s exposure to the assailant by having to remain within close proximity to use it, Turner said. “(On campus]) we have had a couple of incidents of assault,” ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi WardDavis said. “No one really walks by themselves here but it’s still a good thing to have generally. If you hear that piercing noise, people will be attracted.”

Turner said the “sound grenade” is also approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is allowed within federal buildings, places that pepper spray and tasers are prohibited.

“We spent the first six months researching lighting, cameras and alarms and how they affect assault (situations),” Turner said. “We found that 68 percent of bank robbers fled the scene empty handed after the alarm went off and 86 percent of burglars would check a house for alarm systems.”

The alarm sound can be compared to an ambulance siren to deter the assailant and attract the attention people nearby, Turner said.

The device is currently listed on the company website for $19.99 for one device. Also, a family pack of five for $79.99, is available.

“The idea is that it’s easy to use.

Anyone can use it,” Turner said. “And 50 percent of our customers are males.”

Turner said in one customer testimony about the device, a male student reported being mugged and began searching for a self defense class offered on his campus, but was unable to join based on the class restricting males from registering.

She said ROBOCOPP fulfilled his needs as a deterrent and self protection.

The company also conducted tests against bears as an alternative to chemical repellents with results being that 81 percent were repelled by the horn, according to research information on the company website.

Since 2015 the student life department has been in need of assistance and now campus administrators have begun the hiring process to find a subordinate for the coordinator of one of the most student-centric offices on campus.

The department of student life offers leadership opportunities to students interested in joining clubs, becoming ambassadors or being part of the ASU. Student life is in the process of hiring an assistant this semester. Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene said, “Things are in the works for that, so the job has to be posted, people apply, send in their resumés, have people look at the applications and then we relay (finalists) forward.

“After looking at the applications we do interviews and hopefully after those interviews we hire.”

With the absence of qualified help in the office, Greene said, “(her) workload increased a little bit, but it’s not that much because we work together and collaborate a lot. I was able to function and get everything done, plus we get ASU senators who also take care of things they need to do in terms of clubs or student government.”

Greene said the benefit of having an assistant for the department will be to give students the chance to visit the office more frequently.

Monica Sanchez, undecided major, said the student life department requires an assistant to be able to help with campus events.

“It is the department that creates functions and events for the campus,” she said.

Students will be able to communicate their concerns with the assistant about paperwork or any other questions regarding clubs.

The assistant will be able to help students set up appointments and generally keep the office running efficiently.

“If I get sick, have family emergencies, or go to meetings the office will not be closed. (Hiring an assistant is) more about accessibility for the students,” Greene said.

As for the applicant field, she said she hopes to get a good pool of applicants for the 20-hour per week position, but is more concerned with quality over quantity.

After hiring an assistant Greene would love to set up more activities for the students implementing a year-round calendar in the process with a goal to have something come out of the office every month, if possible, on a consistent basis.

Greene said the position for assistant is a paid job not an internship.

“Oh no, this is not volunteer work. This requires energy, passion, knowledge and experience.”

Eric Warner, undecided major, said he hopes hiring an assistant brings more activity to the campus because he notices the lack of student events.

Part of the assistant’s job involves attending meeting, coordinating the logistics of events and providing assistance for clubs and the student government, Greene said.

Also she would like help with events for the campus gatherings that include hosting vendors who can come out to the campus offering different services.

Along with obtaining an assistant in the near future the office will also be moving to the new College Center building in the summer.

Since construction of the Campus Center began in 2013 the Student Life Office has been located in the Applied Arts Building.

“We haven’t had a centralized location like we did a few years ago,” Greene said. “(Before construction) there was a centralized place where everyone on campus went, but once construction of the new buildings started, there was no place to have nice outside events unless they were on the Tennis Courts or at the Student Services Plaza.

“So when we move into the new building it’ll allow us to have bigger and better events.”

NONRESIDENT TUITION RATE JUMPS TO $237 PER UNIT Student fee increases amid district policy approval

BY Asma Alkrizy

He said every year the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office requires a community college Nonresident tuition fees have soared district to bring to their respective over the past few years, making it chal- Governing Board a proposal to establenging for the growing number of lish a nonresident student fee. nonresidents enrolling at Contra Costa It is incumbent on each district College. board to establish a nonresidential stuThe District Office has approved dent fee before the February deadline. increasing the nonresident tuition rate The California Education Code for the 2016-17 academic year, raising demands that a community college disit 6.3 percent over the current nonresi- trict have the authority to charge a tuident tuition fee. tion fee for nonresident students.

“The nonresident tuition increase In many colleges and universities, will not take effect until summer 2016,” out-of-state students always pay nonAdmissions and Records Director resident fees much more than residents.

Catherine Frost said.

While state taxes contribute to the Frost said the current rate for non- cost of a resident’s tuition fees, nonresresident tuition is $223 per unit which idents are obliged to pay more tuition does not include the enrollment fee. fees because they don’t pay taxes to help The tuition rate effective with the 2016- support their educational expenses.

17 year adjustments will be $237 per Some may deem the supplemental unit. money paid by nonresidents as unfair to Beginning summer 2016, nonresi- the amount of money a resident student dents must pay $211 per semester unit pays for enrollment. Others, however, and $26 for the nonresident capital out- consider that nonresidents are entitled lay fee, accumulating to the $237 rate to pay a higher tuition rate. per unit for classes.

“The rate is fair and reasonable relThey also have to pay an additional ative to other districts,” Contra Costa $46 per semester unit enrollment fee, Community College District Executive which adds up to $283 per unit.

Vice Chancellor of Administrative District Chief Financial Officer Services Eugene Huff said. “It is Jonah Nicholas said the tuition increase believed the increase will not change was approved by the Governing Board enrollment.” in January.

The California Education Code

OPINION EDITOR

aalkrizy.theadvocate@gmail.com

offers the nonresident tuition fee, a fund created to accommodate the growing number of nonresident students and meet the expenses of their enrollment.

However, a nonresident student can qualify for exemption and avoid paying the high nonresident tuition.

Nonresidents are exempt from the tuition charges if they have attended high school for three or more years or earned a high school diploma.

They have to fill out an affidavit before enrolling at an institution, which proves their high school attendance or the accuracy of the information.

Aside from nonresidential student fees, the District Office charges nonresidents a capital outlay fee for using the college’s resources in addition to the unit enrollment fee.

In prior years, the capital outlay fee was charged solely to foreign nonresident students, including only domestic nonresidents in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 amendment.

Then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger added an exemption to the bill in the section for nonresidents meeting the exemption eligibility.

However, the nonresident tuition rate commencing in the summer of 2016 shows nonresidential tuition has been increasing over the past year.

“Overall the rate per unit went from

$223 to $237,” Nicholas said, indicating how the nonresidential tuition will increase after the 2015-16 year.

Currently, the combined nonresidential fee per unit for all out-of-state students is $223 nonresident fee per unit that began in summer 2014.

During this spring semester, the Governing Board charges nonresidents $205 for tuition per unit with an $18 nonresidential student capital outlay fee per unit. The mandatory enrollment fee of $46 brings the fee to $269 per unit.

Now, for the coming semester, the nonresident tuition fee per unit has increased to $205 and nonresident student capital outlay fee per unit to $26.

The year-to-year changes for the nonresident tuition designates the rate will continue to increase in the succeeding years.

In 2014-15 the nonresident tuition was $198 with the capital outlay fee at $10 and in year 2012-13 the nonresident tuition was $195 with the capital outlay fee standing at $7.

In years 2009-10 the nonresident tuition rate was $184 and the capital outlay fee was at $4.

For 2003-04, 12 years ago, the district’s nonresident tuition fees or nonresidents was $145 per unit with the capital outlay at $15 per unit, almost half of what it will be this summer.

campus beat

Club Rush fosters strong communal ties, involvement

BY Salvador Godoy STAFF WRITER

sgodoy.theadvocate@gmail.com

A strong demand and more choices attracted a large crowd of students for a “Hawaiian” themed Club Rush event held on March 15 and 16 at the Tennis Courts.

The ASU and the Inter-Club Council sponsor and organize the bi-annual event.

Club Rush provides a convenient setting for clubs to captivate students to join clubs that fit their preferred interests.

Any money that is raised by a club goes into its respective general ledger accounts to be used throughout the semester.

Some tables offered T-shirts, floral leis, bags and lanyards as prizes for participating in games, while others drew students’ attention to a join a club and create a relationship with its members through their table design.

Representatives from ICC judged club table designs to determine the winner of extra funding.

ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis said three clubs with the best design and the most student signatures by the end of the two-day event will be provided extra money to their accounts.

“We have 19 active clubs on campus, but only 16 clubs were present in these two events,” Ward-Davis said. “This year’s event was way better compared to last year, plus there are more club choices and opportunities (for students).”

While three clubs were not represented, there was not an area on the Tennis Courts that had vacant space during Club Rush.

There was a moment during the event when most students stepped away from most of the student club tables and gravitated to the Marine recruiting booth.

The Marines’ table seemed to be the trendiest spot, as they had weightlifting equipment as students gathered and watched participants test their strength for popular

prizes.

Meanwhile, students from the culinary arts department provided a teriyaki chicken and white rice meal, while other community food vendors had popcorn, salads and vegetables.

Upbeat mixes from Latin and R&B music played throughout the event.

Berkeley-based Almare Gelato Italiano was at the event giving out free gelato (ice cream) samples.

“I’m here to serve the community and want students to try our fine gelato flavors,” Almare Gelato founder Alberto Malvestio said.

Criminal justice major Jesse Gonzales said the event went smoothly and that he was glad to see more people present than last semester.

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The food was tasty and it was great to see that more people finally showed up,” Gonzales said.

The Financial Aid Office came out for the celebration and organized a “spin the wheel” trivia game. If students answered the financial aid questions correctly they won souvenir prizes. “(The Financial Aid Office is) here as a resource. We work to inform students about the services we are offering,” Financial Aid Office assistant Patricia Herrera said. “But I’m really glad to see a diversified event today.”

Political science major Kameron Britton, who hosted the Community Organizing Political Action club (COPA) table at Club Rush, said the club used the event to bring awareness about how important it is that students vote in the upcoming primary and general presidential elections.

“I’m here spreading the word, advising students that they should vote and why voting has value in our political environment,” Britton said.

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“ students).”

This year’s event was way better compared to last year, plus there are more club choices and opportunities (for —

, ASU vice president of club affairs

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Comet women’s basketball player Daizah Pounds reps a 45-pound ammo can as part of the Marines’ recruitment booth challenge during Club Rush on March 15 at the Tennis Courts. Pounds received a Marines’ shirt for completing the challenge.

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‘Sailor Moon’ installments satisfy fans with ‘Crystal’ Added heroes, villains expand interplanetary saga to preserve justice

By Jordan Khoo STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

jkhoo.theadvocate@gmail.com

F

or all the people who love the TV series “Sailor Moon,” especially me, here’s an update on what’s been happening so far.

The anime “Sailor Moon,” that you know, is a bit different than the new revision “Sailor Moon Pretty,” which is now showing this year.

How different, you may ask? The first “Sailor Moon” was produced on March 7, 1992, and ran for 200 episodes until its conclusion on Feb. 8, 1997.

Now on July 5, 2014, the newer anime that premiered was named “Sailor Moon Crystal.” It is closer to the plot of the original manga than its predecessor.

The other difference is the portrayal of my favorite main character, Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), but everyone calls her Serenity or Serena. In the first “Sailor Moon” show she loves to eat, especially sweets. But in “Sailor Moon Crystal” she doesn’t eat as many sweets as before.

“Sailor Moon Crystal’s” first two seasons were released together, covering

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Produced by Toei Animation and directed by Munehisa Sakai and Chiaki Kon, the first two seasons of the series were streamed worldwide on the Niconico website from July 5, 2014 to July 18, 2015.

their corresponding arcs of the manga.

Sailor Moon and her friends have fought against the two terrifying evils who reigned destruction upon on Earth.

The first evil they fought was the ruler of the Dark Kingdom, Queen Metaria. In despair, Sailor Moon confronts Metaria, stopping her evil darkness from spreading all over the Earth.

With the help of her friends and her beloved Tuxedo Mask (aka Endymion), Sailor Moon uses the power of the Legendary Silver Crystal and the moon to destroy Metaria.

The second evil called himself Death Phantom, leader of the Black Moon Clan. They traveled from the distant future in hopes of obtaining the Legendary Silver Crystal. Sailor Moon and her friends must stop them, as well as protecting a small pink-haired girl

who also comes from the distant future.

She is the daughter of Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. Her name is Chibiusa.

Now Sailor Moon, along with Sailor Chibi Moon (Chibiusa), combine their powers and destroy Death Phantom, stopping his evil deeds.

Now a third season is set premiere on Monday. The Sailor Scouts are about to face off against the new enemy. They call themselves the “Death Busters” and are after pure hearts from humans.

Two new Sailor Scouts appear, but unfortunately they don’t seem to be interested in helping others since they’re Sailor Scouts and have newly obtained powers.

And so Sailor Moon and the original scouts are not sure if these new scouts are friend or foe.

But even though Chibiusa finally

makes a new friend who has unknown powers within her, “Sailor Moon Crystal” everyone else around her thinks she’s a freak Network: or a weirdo.

Niconico, Hulu So watch and find Time slot: Streaming out on what’s going to Genre: Anime happen to Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask, Sailor Chibi Moon, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, Luna and Artemis.

Support them with all your hearts for there is now evil powerful enough to defeat them all — because, as the Sailor Scouts teach us, we all have courage, love, hope, and trust within ourselves.

We just have to use it to better our lives and the lives of our friends and family.

TV REVIEW

‘Dawn of Justice’ fails to match hype Jumpy plot, run time undermine memorable Batman, Superman battle

tured story.

The film resembles an essay with eherrera.theadvocate@gmail.com all the content a professor wants atman v. Superman: from the rubric, that doesn’t make Dawn of Justice” is any sense. a perfect example of All the subplots are too much to film that a bunch of executives include in a single film. Each had the thought would be an amazing potential for its own film and would story, but could not translate it have been more interesting if it were onto the screen. separated into a longer series.

The second entry in a In “Dawn of Justice” leaders are Warner Bros. series leading up dealing with the possibility that to the Justice League film is a Superman could rule the world if he giant mess with a jumpy plot. It wanted to, but Lex Luthor, envious of is a filler movie in the DC uni- such god-like power, plots against the verse. While it had potential to man of steel as he resents the lack of be good, unfortunately screen- media attention for rebuilding a city writer David Goyer could not that was destroyed during a battle write a story with a central plot between Superman and Kryptonian point, but instead it’s filled with general Zod at the outset of the film. confusing subplots.

Batman, who realizes the extent Despite the run time of two to which Superman could use his hours and 33 minutes of “Dawn power to dominate the world if given of Justice,” it was not enough enough reason to, tries to neutralize time for Goyer to tell a struchim using Kyrptonium-based weapBy Edwin Herrera STAFF WRITER

‘B

ons.

Goyer’s script tries “Batman v. to combine plots Superman: Dawn from the Batman of Justice” and Superman comic book series, Starring: Ben and includes charAffleck, Henry acters like Wonder Cavill, Amy Adams Woman, the Flash, Directed by: Aquaman and Zack Synder Cyborg.

Genre: Superhero Despite the inevitable Justice League tie-in, Wonder Woman, lacks character development and has no real purpose in the film except for the final fight scene against Doomsday.

The climax of the film seems to be a reflection of director Zack Snyder’s inability to convey Batman’s true fear of Superman’s power and makes Ben Affleck’s character seem more like a jealous child than a man concerned about the future of humanity.

The one thing going for the film MOVIE REVIEW

are outstanding performances from Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Henry Cavil as Superman and Affleck. The poor translation of most of the DC characters from the comic panels to the silver screen, however, undermines the film’s potential.

Adams’ character is often portrayed as a damsel in distress and used as a way to move the plot along.

In the third act, her purpose is to be a distraction for Superman.

Affleck’s performance as Batman, however, was great. He portrayed an older, grittier version of Batman that many people are not accustomed to seeing. Affleck plays a more convincing Bruce Wayne than prior actors in Batman films.

But because the film does not spend enough time developing Superman’s character and the obvious possibility of using his power for self interests, his potential for acting excellence in the film is limited.

KENDRICK LAMAR’S LATEST ALBUM EXPOSES SOCIAL ILLS mastering ALBUM on any of the REVIEW jsykes.theadvocate@gmail.com “Untitled songs. The Unmastered” ver the past few release of the years we have been album happens Artist: Kendrick introduced to new less than a Lamar ways of listening to music. It year after his Genre: Hip-hop has become extremely easy for award winning Release Date: March 14 listeners to grab their favorite “To Pimp a artist’s music without having to Butterfly.” take a step into a local store.

He once With the new streaming again goes against the grain services, many artists have for this album giving his fans taken advantage of being able a more jazz and funk album. to release music without having “Untitled Unmastered” is full traditional release dates or cor- of great songs that differ from porate backing. what many of the other MCs On March 4 Kendrick are doing.

Lamar surprised his fans by His use of live instruments releasing an album that no one is noticeable throughout the saw coming. entire album as it was on his Lamar is just one of the previous album “To Pimp a latest artists to drop a surButterfly.” prise album on his fans and Many people may not even the eight-track album titled notice what the difference “Untitled Unmastered” is exact- would have been if the album ly what the title says it is. had its proper mixing and masEvery song on this album is tering. released as a rough edit with The songs on Lamar’s surminimum to zero mixing and prise album vary from being

By Jason Sykes STAFF WRITER

O

lengthy to short. Every song has a date next to its track number, hinting when the song was recorded, varying from 2013 to 2014.

Most of the songs on this album are leftovers that were not able to make the final cut of the album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” so he decided to release those songs.

Lamar speaks on various topics throughout this album, including race, religion and music industry politics.

In his song “Untitled 03 | 05.28.2013” he said the “white man” is selling him for $10.99 and that if he goes platinum as an artist that’s just helping the company out. Lamar raps about the gray areas many artists are reluctant to speak about.

Fans of all genres of music gravitate toward him as an artist because he is not afraid to exist outside of the box.

Lamar is still in his prime and judging by recent success, that is probably going to carry

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

“Untitled Unmastered” consists of previously unreleased demos that originated during the recording of Lamar’s previous album.

on for a long time.

On the heels of a Grammy award winning album he decided to give his fans something else, not because he had to, because he wants to.

Kendrick has support from people all over world, athletes and entertainers included, like

NBA basketball player LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers. James posted a video of himself playing one of Lamar’s songs in his car when the album was first released and it is believed that James helped convince Lamar to release the project.

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LEFT: Oz Herrera-Sobal (left) gestures to other improvisational actors during the “That’s My Line” performance in the Knox Center on March 16.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

‘That’s My Line!’ evokes laughs Aspiring actors engage crowd in humor

BY Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Laughter filled the Knox Center March 16 as the student actors in the drama department produced an emblazoning comedy performance, “That’s My Line!”

The Contra Costa College drama department hosted an improvisational comedy in homage to the hit American show “Whose Line Is It Anyway.”

Improvisational comedy is a type of live action theater in which dialogues, and plots are made up for each scene in the moment.

In “That’s My Line!” the student actors imitated the early 2000s show, but made their performances unique.

Twelve drama students from drama professor Kathy McCarty’s Acting II class, performed original skits based off themes including politics and past and recent pop culture.

Tickets were $5 and proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit organization of the class’ choice.

Xavier Johnson, a journalism major, hosted the improvisational comedy by coordinating scenes and the actors’ interaction with people in the audience through on-stage games.

During one of the on-stage games,

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Actors perform their comedy skit during the “That’s My Line!” performance in the Knox Center on March 16. Drama students performed acts with themes including politics, and past and present pop culture.

Johnson chose two audience members. He instructed them to put on headphones and proceeded to turn the music volume high enough to temporarily affect their hearing.

With the guests on-stage, still wearing the headphones, two drama students have a casual conversation about movie topics provided by audience members.

Every time the actors are about to

finish a sentence, they would tap the shoulder of the clueless guest. This prompts the volunteer to yell out a random word. The actors would then have to incorporate that word into the next sentence of their casual conversation on a topic selected by the audience.

The ensuing struggle to hold a conversation on-stage was entertaining and refreshing.

Even though the performance was

like an amateur night at the Apollo, these up and coming actors put on a show that kept the crowd entertained and engaged with the performance.

It was the performance of theater major Oz Herrera-Sobal that stood out during the performance.

He did an intriguing Sylvester Stallone impersonation during a scene focused around a mock press conference.

Overall, for a Wednesday night with nothing to do, this was an entertaining event on campus.

Comedy acts like “That’s My Line” not only give drama students the opportunity to showcase their talent, but show that the Knox Center can be used for more than just conventional plays.

Throughout the 2015-16 academic year, this improvisational comedy is a light-hearted approach to bring social issues into focus compared to the three featured productions, “The Laramie Project,” “Wonder of Worlds” and “Almost, Maine.”

When the renovations to the Knox Center are finished there should be an effort to host more comedy performances like “That’s My Line!”

It was refreshing to enjoy a laugh at some of issues and scandals that are going on across the nation.

WRESTLEMANIA SURPASSES RECORD BUT FAILS TO DELIVER

BY Xavier Johnson ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

WrestleMania 32 drew a record crowd of 97,769 people to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday. The show was more of a showcase for past stars and overall spectacle rather than strictly in-ring action.

The leaning on old legends Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley and The Rock for drawing power was the temporary stop of the youth movement theme within World Wrestling Entertainment.

With injuries to wrestlers who were reported to have a key spot at WrestleMania, WWE needed to bring back big stars to energize the crowd at its biggest show of the year.

This year WrestleMania was a decent show, but for fans of pure wrestling action it was underwhelming. Matches like Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles were expected to be “match of the night” candidates. That is not a standard they would live up to.

As a spectacle, it was a fun time. Appearances by old legends, especially Stone Cold, were an exciting and welcoming.

The standout match of the show was the Women’s Title triple-threat match. The three women involved, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and incoming champion Charlotte stole the show with a wellworked match. The match was full of action with multiple three person sequences.

It was one of the better worked triple-threat matches of the past few years.

This year women are being taken more seriously in the WWE, so it was fitting that the women would have the standout match at WrestleMania.

The undercard event lacked in blow-away wrestling, but made up for by showcasing characters that the crowd loved.

A highlight of the undercard was WWE Tag Team Champions “New Day,” entering the ring dawned in battle armor inspired by the anime series Dragon Ball Z. Zack Ryder opened the show by winning the Intercontinental Title in a ladder match. The improbable victory sparked an electric reaction by the record

setting crowd.

The Styles and Jericho match was solid, but failed to exceed the quality of their previous two encounters.

The three featured contests had people entering the event with high expectations, but failed to match the audiences’ fervor. The intensity and work rate of the matches left a lot to be desired.

The main event of the show ended what would have been a positively received event on a sour note. In terms of quality, Roman Reigns vs. WWE Champion Triple H wasn’t a main event worthy of WrestleMania. It was just a match that went last.

Reigns vs. Triple H was a lethargic wrestling match that dragged on for 27 minutes. It was not as bad as Triple H’s WrestleMania 25 main event against Randy Orton, but it was darn close.

Reigns won the championship in front of an apathetic crowd.

In another featured contest, Dean Ambrose faced Brock Lesnar in a no-holds-barred match. This was a potential match of the night contender by many fans, but like the other main events it did not deliver.

The match lacked the intensity and brutality that Lesnar and Ambrose are known to exhibit. Ambrose lost to Lesnar in about 13 minutes.

The theme of the night was fan favorites losing. The crowd was ready to explode for the potential wins of Ambrose, Banks and Styles but they all lost.

WWE missed opportunities to have the crowd give a historic reaction for one of their current budding stars.

They failed to give key wins that could have propelled Ambrose, Banks, or Styles further into the main event scene.

The co-main event was a “Hell in the Cell” match between a 51-year-old Undertaker and Shane McMahon, a 46-year-old corporate executive who hasn’t wrestled in years. Yeah, they leaned on old talent.

The stakes prior to the match were fueled coming into the event. If McMahon won, he’d be in control of the flagship television show Monday Night Raw and promised to revolutionize WWE. If Undertaker lost, however, he would be forced to retire on the spot

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ABOVE: This year’s WrestleMania payed homage to many classic athletes like The Rock (shown above), Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley and Stone Cold Steve Austin at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Tex on Sunday. The event drew a record crowd of 97,769 fans.

at WrestleMania.

Over the unnecessarily long 30-minute match, the stakes were lessened as the crowd lost interest. The match was simply a long build up to one moment, McMahon diving off the 20-foot cage structure. That moment was extraordinary and woke the crowd up, but McMahon ultimately lost at the hands of the Undertaker.

WrestleMania 32 will be remembered for women taking center stage and acting as the jumping off point for the continued rise of the women’s division.

It will also be remembered as an event where the pre-event hype, and main matches, did not meet expectations that young wrestlers would defeat their heroes.

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focus LEFT: A tent near the Richmond Greenway next to Interstate 80 in Richmond, shows evidence of continuous use of isolated areas as shelter by the homeless.

EXPOSING THE DIVIDE Photos by: Denis Perez FOR

MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

ABOVE: Richmond resident Eduardo Vien sits outside the Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God as he changes socks on Macdonald Avenue in Richmond on March 31.

LEFT: George Young, 48, holds his dog, Tiny, as he panhandles on the San Pablo Avenue exit of Interstate 80 in Richmond on Thursday.

Young said TIny is special to him because of the companionship the dog provides.

RIGHT: Star Azzato (left) and Jorge Sauk (right) smoke medical marijuana at their camp next to Interstate 80 in Richmond.

After getting divorced, Azzato left her home in Reno, Nevada and began her journey traveling through cities on foot and by bus.

ABOVE: Richmond resident Mark (last name unknown) walks down San Pablo Avenue in Richmond toward his campsite by the San Pablo Dam Road exit near Interstate 80 on Thursday.

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“

When I was running around the bases I was just wondering if I could get home. Then I saw (Guinn) waving at me to go home while I passed third and I made it.”

— Jamal Rutledge, shortstop LEFT: Comet first basemen Allen Ressler tags second base after an error by Falcon second baseman Tyler Thornly during CCC’s 6-5 win over Solano Community College at the Baseball Field on Saturday.

Comets edge Falcons, chain together streak Speed, power combine to lift team to victory

BY Dylan Collier STAFF WRITER

dcollier.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Comets snuck a 6-5 win off the Baseball Field on Saturday against Solano Community College (9-15 overall, 6-7 in the Bay Valley COMETS Conference).

With this win, Contra Costa College (9-14 overall, 5-8 in the BVC) is on a twogame winning streak in conFALCONS ference while trying to make its way up to the .500 winning percentage mark in search of a playoff berth.

As of press time Tuesday, the Comets are one game behind the fifth place Falcons, but are still

6 5

six games behind first place Laney College.

The Comets are scheduled to play second place Los Medanos College (16-9 overall, 10-3 in the BVC) on Thursday at the Baseball Field at 2:30 p.m.

It will be the first time these teams will match up this season.

In the top of the first inning against Solano, Comet catcher Lawrence Duncan made a pristine throw to second baseman Johnny Velasco to catch a Solano base runner attempting a steal.

In the bottom of the second inning, Duncan tipped a ball that landed in front of the catcher clearly hitting his foot, but the umpire ruled it a live ball, and Duncan was thrown out at first base.

Solano infielder Nolan Burr managed to manufacture a run in the third inning, which started with a bunt to move the runners over to second and third base. On the next play, Solano outfielder Jesse Phipps hit a line drive right at the Comet pitcher. He picked it up and threw out the runner at first base, but

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Falcon infielder Nolan Burr drops a pop fly during CCC’s 6-5 win over Solano Community College at the Baseball Field on Saturday.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

the runner scored from third base.

CCC demonstrated its competitiveness in a well-played game by both teams.

“Right now were just taking it one game at a time, and making sure our players are focused. We’ve been playing solid baseball,” coach Brian Guinn said.

In the fifth inning, Evan Faccenda, Solano first baseman, hit a triple to the fence to bring in a runner from first base.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Velasco singled and then stole second base to move to scoring position. On the next play, designated hitter Chris Brue hit a double that brought home runners from second and third bases.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Comet third baseman Bryan Perez was hit by a pitch and trotted his way to first base. Then, left fielder Eric Whitfield reached first base on an error made by Solano’s right fielder.

The highlight of the game came in the form of both speed and power. Shortstop Jamal Rutledge crushed a ball to right-center

that ended up rolling out nearly 400 feet from home plate.

“When I was running around the bases I was just wondering if I could get home. Then I saw (Guinn) waving at me to go home while I passed third and I made it,” Rutledge said.

He could be seen swiftly scurrying around the bases, as he reached home plate making him the most valuable player of the game.

Comet first baseman Allen Ressler made it to second base on a hit-and-run play to eventually score the game-winning run.

“I was real focused, and this was a big game,” Ressler said.

In the ninth inning the Comets brought in their closing pitcher who shut the door on Solano’s offense.

The Comets used their bunting capabilities, speed and power hitters to earn a vital win against a team only one game ahead of them in conference standings.

Squad struggles to find form, add win to season LEFT: Comet infielder Angelica Espinal tags out Storm outfielder Jordan Baker during Thursday’s loss against Napa Valley College.

Comets drop both games to Storm, see improvements

BY Dylan Collier STAFF WRITER

dcollier.theadvocate@gmail.com

NAPA — The softball team played two good games against Napa Valley College (10-13 overall and 10-2 in the Bay Valley Conference), which saw few runs on the scoreboard late into the first game.

As the sun shined down upon Storm Field, everyone was in good spirits for the outing against the Comets (0-14 overall and 0-10 in the Bay Valley Conference).

Scoring was sparse early but second place Napa Valley College surged late taking both games of a doubleheader 9-0 and 17-2 on Thursday.

The women’s softball team has been making significant improvements on defense. The only runs scored by Napa through the first four innings were on wild pitches.

In the bottom of the first inning Napa utility player Bailey Murphy stole second base on a bad throw.

The Comets held Napa to one run in the first and got out of the inning by scooping up a grounder and throwing out the runner at

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

first base.

In the top of the second inning, CCC pitcher Anna Palter singled but the inning would be scoreless for the Comets, as per usual they left runners stranded on the bases.

Leaving base runners stranded is a problem that has plagued the Comets for most of this season.

To start the bottom of the second inning, Palter struck out the opposing hitter, but the catcher didn’t hold onto the ball and the runner beat the throw to first base.

The Comets regained their composure, earning a strikeout

and then a grounder, which resulted in the third out of the inning.

Napa led CCC 1-0 after two innings.

As the innings progressed, the Comets demonstrated their heads up base running with infielder Angelica Espinal stealing second base. But she was ultimately unable to be driven home.

In the bottom of the third, catcher Sidney Davis made a clean throw to second base catching the runner trying to steal, followed by a superb throw to home plate that saved a run from scoring. Although

the Comet defense played a good game, the team was not able to manufacture runs.

The Comets ultimately lost the first game 9-0 after five innings.

The Comets made some improvement in terms of communicating with each other. “We communicate and call it more. We know our positions better,” Comet outfielder Mai’Jae’ Wilson said.

It was a great day for softball as the Comets’ spirits were high and Napa Valley was searching for its first home victory. Thus far the El Ninó weather pattern fueled

a rainy season that STORM has put a damper both in the East and North bay areas, resulting in Napa having yet to play COMETS any home games since its conference opener against Los Medanos College.

Although Napa STORM has won 80 percent of its games in the BVC both teams shared a common theme — Napa COMETS and Contra Costa were each ecstatic to finally be able to run around on the outfield grass.

Everyone looked to be enjoying the weather and pleasantly basked in the sun.

Even with the field in poor condition, CCC outfielder Nancy Bernal made a terrific catch with a bothersome injury. “I’m playing on a sprained ankle,” she said.

Napa Valley also had a rocky start to its 2016 season, so CCC was in search of duplicating how Napa has been playing in the month of March. Although the Comets put forth a good effort, they came up short and lost the second contest 17-2 after five innings.

“We’re getting more hits, rather than watching the ball,” Palter said.

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Twilight

Princess remake amplifies quest HD RE-MASTER REKINDLES DESIRE TO RID HYRULE OF DARK FORCES

By Cody Casares PHOTO EDITOR

ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com

T

en years after its initial release for the GameCube in 2006, “Twilight Princess HD,” continues to provide a level of fulfillment that only the Zelda series could.

Whether you’re bounding across the land of Hyrule on horseback or navigating one of the nine masterfully crafted dungeons on your quest to rescue the princess, the game produces an adventure of legendary proportions — especially in high definition.

Nintendo has re-mastered this critically acclaimed installment in an effort to provide a new look to its hardcore fans while appealing to a new generation of Zelda fans.

“Twilight Princess” adds detailed textures to backGAME ground landscapes REVIEW and characters to create a layer of “The Legend of depth that was Zelda: Twilight absent from the Princess” original release due Genre: Actionto technological Adventure limitations of the Players: 1 Gamecube.

MSRP: $59.99 While this overhaul brings new life to particular areas of the game, it also creates a longing for more in other areas.

Despite running on the Wii U hardware, certain in-game environments lack lighting detail.

Unnatural shadows created by the game’s graphic engine show when compared to the areas that are given more attention in the re-mastering process.

While the graphics in “The Wind Waker HD” remake, released in 2013, have a much simpler cartoon style, it is unfortunate that the same attention to detail is not given to the “Twilight Princess.”

Another aspect of the game that has been added to the HD remake is the addition of “hero mode,” which adds a challenging aspect for those Zelda veterans looking for a new experience in a familiar story.

A Glimpse of Link 1986

"the legend of zelda" Originally released in Japan in 1986, the game was released in North America in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System in cartridge format. The game quickly became a bestseller, selling over 6.5 million copies and spawning several prequels and spinoffs.

Players find themselves paired with Midna, Link’s sassy and mysterious sidekick, who dislikes Link but agrees to help him if he agrees to follow her unconditionally.

Midna guides Link through the Twilight Realm where he is transformed into a wolf and is tasked with restoring the Light Spirits that were stolen by the King of the Twilight in order to save Hyrule from his wretched grip.

While the graphic overhaul is nothing to drool over, the game continues to wow its fans with masterfully crafted dungeons and puzzles that are arguably the best in the series of more than 15 games dating back to 1987.

The fact “Twilight Princess HD,” continues to inspire people to replay Link’s adventure is a testament to the impact it has had with fans of the series. The dungeons and the puzzles in the “Twilight Princess” are the main attraction of the game without question.

The mysteries of the varying puzzles in the game are based on simple problem-solving questions like “How do I get up to that platform?” or “How do I turn this fan or open this door?”

While the questions seem rudimentary, the execution isn’t always simple and creates a challenging task to overcome.

But the gratifying sense of accomplishment as you peck away at the game, puzzle by puzzle, keeps the player immersed.

While the dungeons are the frontrunner of the game, the tools, weapons and skills used to assist players along the way sadly become useless once they complete that specific dungeon.

It’s a bummer that tools like the “Ball and Chain” or the “Slingshot” don’t see much use once they use them initially.

Also, the outlying areas of Hyrule, surrounding the dungeons, feel empty and void of life. The only

1991

"a link to the past"

The prequel to the original, “The Legend of Zelda” release in 1986, “A Link to the Past” focuses on Link’s journey to defeat the evil wizard Agahnim and rescue Princess Zelda. The game introduced the idea of two worlds, one dark and one light, that are revisited later in the series.

midna

encounters are with small bands of enemies sprinkled here and there.

Players who seek an open-world experience will be disappointed with exploration outside the main quest line.

But the beauty of “Twilight Princess HD” is how simple it truly is. Players don’t have access to a mission checklist or even a detailed map with item locations.

The game leaves players to their own devices, intuition and forces to explore the world or problem-solve — an aspect that is lost in many modern day adventure series style games.

There’s no one to hold a player’s hand. While the game leaves objectives up to the players to figure out, the addition of re-mastered controls and item organization using the Wii U GamePad significantly streamlines the previously clunky system. Although the occasional awkward ladder climb does still occur.

“The Legend of Zelda” series has won many hearts over since its creation, topping Meta Critics Best Games of All-Time list, and the re-release of “Twilight Princess” is no different. Even with its little quirks, it’s still a sensational game for fans of all ages to enjoy.

She is a resident of the Twilight Realm and descendant of the ancient Twili people. She does not like Link at first but agrees to guide him through the Twilight Realm and help him as long as he agrees to follow her unconditionally.

dark lord ganondorf The antagonist of the Zelda series, Ganondorf is the monstrous prince of darkness. Ganondorf possesses the power of the TriForce, infused with the essence of the goddess Din. He is unimaginably strong and has boundless mystical powers.

princess zelda

wolf link Link’s Wolf transformation in Twilight Princess, he is the beast that Midna explains the Twili people have been told will free them from the Twilight Realm.

In this form, Minda rides Link’s back giving him directions and opening portals in order to teleport around Hyrule.

A kind and benevolent ruler with wisdom beyond her years, she has a deep love toward the people she watches over.

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2000

"ocarina of time"

"majora's mask"

As one of the most popular Zelda games in the series, Link travels back and forth from the present and future after Princess Zelda is kidnapped by the dark lord Ganondorf. Zelda leaves the “Ocarina of Time” for Link, as a tool to save Hyrule from Ganondorf’s evil.

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1990S

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2016

"the wind waker"

"twilight princess"

"hyrule warriors"

"twilight princess hd"

The 10th game of the franchise took a new approach to Zelda games.

The art and the setting’s cartoonish theme makes this version unique from the rest of them, as well as having different worlds and timelines displayed in the adventure. The game saw an HD overhaul in 2013 for the Wii U.

In this, the first Zelda game to introduce motion controlled gameplay via the Wii Remote, Link is transformed into a wolf while navigating the Twilight Realm switching back and forth between forms. It was highly anticipated by fans of the series, fulfilling the desire of a more realistic/mature Zelda game.

2000S

A continuation of the “Ocarina of Time,” after the commotion at Hyrule ends, Link rides off with Espona in search of close friend Navi. On this journey Link runs into a new threat, “Skull Kid,” and learns he has three days to find the four Giants or the Moon will crash down and destroy their world.

This free roam game brought a new style to the Zelda series.

Based on the hack-and-slash Dynasty Warriors games, players stampede around Hyrule with several Zelda characters slashing enemies. Players choose which clan to follow playing through the uprising.

2010S

The remake of the 2006 Wii and GameCube release. The game received a graphics overhaul as well as the recalibration of some of the game’s controls in order to utilize the Wii U GamePad. The game also includes a new difficulty setting, Hero Mode, to challenge Zelda veterans.