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WEDNESDAY l 10.15.14 OUR 65TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.
GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
REVITALIZED CLUB REBRANDS IMAGE
Would you like to know more about the BSU? The Black Student Union will host its next meeting from 2 to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday in LA-202. The club is open to all students, faculty and staff. TOP: Black Student Union adviser and history professor Manu Ampim talks to students during the first BSU meeting this semester in LA-202 on Thursday.
Group to provide student support, unite community
BY Mike Thomas and Jason Sykes STAFF WRITERS
accent.advocate@gmail.com
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SEE UNION, PAGE 3
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Accreditation group deems college a ‘solid institution’ Campus operations evaluated by team of state officials
ORATORS DEBATE EBOLA PANDEMIC
NEWS EDITOR
ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com
Students and faculty had the opportunity to talk with the accreditation team evaluating the college in a series of public forums last week. The students and faculty shared their experiences at the college with the accreditation team and received positive feedback based on the overall evaluation of the college, in HS-101 last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Accreditation External Evaluation Team was sent by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to provide insight on how the college can efficiently meet its own goals and standards outlined in the Institutional Self Evaluation Report, as well as the accreditation standards set by the federal government. Accreditation is a system of self-regulation
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BY Roxana Amparo
developed by higher education institutions to evaluate the overall quality of any given institution and encourage its continual improvement. Accreditation standards represent the best practices in higher education and set expectations for institutions to meet every seven years. During the first two forums, the team opened the floor to students and faculty to share their personal experiences while at Contra Costa College. Chairperson of the Accreditation External Evaluation Team Sylvia Thomas said that the purpose of the open forums was for the accreditation team to hear about the college from those who teach and learn here every day. The final forum allowed the Accreditation External Evaluation Team to provide valuable feedback regarding how the college develops SEE ACCREDITATION, PAGE 3
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he Black Student Union has returned since kinesiology major DeAndre Russell came to now BSU adviser and professor Manu Ampim two weeks ago about starting the club again. Since talking to Ampim, Russell has also received support in his effort to start a re-vitalized BSU from faculty, students and even members of other clubs at Contra Costa College. Russell got the word out about the BSU returning, and his actions earned him some positive feedback. He gave brief speeches in classes and passed out flyers around campus. The results of those efforts have him excited about how fast people are reacting to his outreach as more than 50 students were in attendance at the club’s first meeting Thursday. Russell gives credit and support to Associated Students Union adviser Ericka Greene for her role helping him get the club started. “I’m thankful and excited about what Ms. Ericka Greene has done — she got me the support I need from the faculty,” Russell said. “I’m speechless and excited
Sylvia Thomas, associate vice chancellor of educational services and the visting team chairperson, spoke with faculty and students during three accreditation open forums held in HS-101 from Oct. 7-9.
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Quotable “I dislike censorship. Like an appendix it is useless when inert and dangerous when active.” Maurice Edelman British statesman, writer 1970 Lorenzo Morotti editor-in-chief George Morin art director Cody McFarland Rodney Woodson associate editors Roxana Amparo news editor Van Ly opinion editor Robert Clinton Jose Jimenez sports editors Mike Thomas scene editor Brian Boyle spotlight editor Qing Huang Christian Urrutia photo editors Janae Harris Cody Casares assistant photo editors Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Jared Amdahl Salvador Godoy Krysta Gonzalez Florinda Hershey Princess Hughes Mickalea Manuel Marlene Rivas Jason Sykes Manning Peterson Mark Wassberg Sean Whatley Staff photographers Jordan Khoo Staff illustrators Mayra Garcia Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 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, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accentadvocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.
opinion
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014 Vol. 102, No. 6
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Editorial
A LACK OF AWARENESS
Campus community in need of prepared leaders, clubs
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tudent leaders such as Deandre Russell and Nora Rodriguez should be applauded for their successful efforts to awaken a dormant Black Student Union and create the first Republican Club on campus, respectively. It is saddening, however, that the number of clubs at Contra Costa College has decreased by half over the summer. It has limited students’ ability to unite on common grounds and connect with the campus community. Associated Students Union Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis said that at the start of the spring semester the college had 22 active clubs. She said toward the end of the spring semester the number of active clubs had dropped to 20. And by the start of this semester, 20 clubs had suddenly dropped to 11. She said the clubs have diminished by half because leaders from those student clubs transferred to four-year universities without ensuring the clubs’ future existence. The handing down of leadership roles and the accompanying knowledge that comes with any position of authority to inbound students is absolutely necessary. It is something that both Russell and Rodriguez understand well, considering they have no predecessors to learn from as they now don roles of leadership and continue to garner involvement for their respective clubs. Because a mere 11 clubs remain, the scope of opportunity for similar minded students to find a group on campus where they feel open to express themselves and can freely exchange ideas is narrowing. This also restricts students opportunities to transfer by disallowing them a chance to polish their resumés. Without a place on campus to get involved and feel a sense of belonging and community, students become distant and apathetic. Students who feel the college only serves one of their interests fail to acknowledge such an institution for what it is: Not just a place of learning, but a place of interpersonal development and self-exploration. Extra curricular activities are some of the most important resources for students who are dealing with the stressors of collegiate life, as well as day-to-day life. Students both need and deserve places on campus where they can go to get help from people they relate to and trust. Students looking to join a club or to inquire about starting a new club should attend Inter-Club Council meetings in HS-101 on Tuesdays beginning at 2 p.m. Like-minded individuals may also attend Club Rush and Fall Festival hosted by the ASU in the Tennis Courts next to Comet Stadium on Oct. 28-29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a campus that boasts diversity, having 11 clubs is simply unacceptable. Our voices, interests and dreams are as diverse as we are. Certainly they cannot all be captured by only 11 clubs.
LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE
N HOPE
Story of Yousafzai, a tale of inspiration E
ach person has a purpose. Everyone contributes to society in some way. Together, we create reality. With every person being an extension of one shared experience, it is important that we create an environment in which each person feels liberated to explore his or her gift. I am searching to define my dream. What will success look like for me? With greatness, comes great adversity. Sometimes I doubt my greatness, I hesitate and find myself so fearful of failure that I become stagnate. However, it is increasingly clear to me that fear is the only thing holding me back. Fear is false evidence appearing real. It has no tangible hold on me.It is an illusion. I chose another path. Choosing to believe in purpose, having faith and following my heart, believing that it is in this state of connectedness, that true greatness is born. It takes sheer strength for people to be genuine in themselves and let go of all thought processes that no longer serve a positive purpose. Thoughts like doubt cause hesitation and can lead to procrastination. Malala Yousafzai embodies strength in its purest form. “They cannot stop me. I will get my education, if it
princesshughes
but they cannot shoot my dreams,” she said. She is a symbol of hope. Fearless, she continues to speak from a place of peace and compassion. Her voice is powerful. She brings grown men to a stillness. She demonstrates resilience and continues to advocate for education as a solution to terrorism. It is time to evolve as a society. Fear plays no role in the ascension of a community. Each person is an important embodiment of a special gift. Something powerful happens when that gift is tapped into — changes happen. Miracles take place and lives are touched and possibly saved. Whatever a person’s dream is, it is important that he or she have the courage to pursue it. It is a fundamental human right to be able to explore and express self identity. No obstacle is ever great enough to kill my dreams. My dreams resonate on a level untouchable by the human hand. Our dreams are infinite and valuable. Our dreams create, shape and manifest reality. Follow your heart. And in the face of adversity, shine brighter.
is in (the) home, school, or any place,” she said. The 17-year-old activist for girls’ education worldwide became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. Since the age of 10, she has been speaking on behalf of all oppressed women in her town of Swat, Palestine and around the world. Many women are imprisoned in their own homes and denied access to education. The laureate believes that it is part of human nature to not fully understand the value of something until someone rips it away from you. She believes that education is the ultimate power for women. The oppressors do not want women to get educated because they fear women will gain too much power, she said. As she became more influential, the Taliban began to see her as a threat. They made her a target, Princess Hughes is a staff found her and shot her in writer for The Advocate. the face. Contact her at phughes. Yousafzai survived. theadvocate@gmail.com. “They only shot a body
CampusComment What should the Black Student Union work toward accomplishing this semester?
“(The BSU) should provide support and advice for its members and set up workshops for students.”
“As long as they help people, that is what matters. Maybe (provide guidance for) students (to enroll into necessary) classes.”
Antonio Rojas Cortez undecided
“Help the community through knowledge because this generation is more aggressive and vigorous.” Tyresha Tyler
Paul Martin nursing
ROXANA AMPARO, MAYRA GARCIA AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE
nursing
“They should bring out the African-American culture and awareness about the BSU.”
“(They should) talk more about their history and outreach to other students.”
Noor Ayyad
Klet Heyuh
psychology
biology
“They should address African-American people’s (current) needs because this is a new generation with different problems.” Shanika Grahm undecided
campus beat Follow The Advocate
SPOTLIGHT EDITOR
Newsline Q calworks
TIME MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP OFFERED The CalWORKs Office will hold its Time Management Workshops on Oct. 22, Oct. 30, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. and Nov. 13 at 3 p.m., all in SSC-106. The workshops will focus on tips to help students effectively prioritize their time. Refreshments will be served. For more information call the CalWORKs Office at 510-2153902, or email syazdanpanah@ contrcosta.edu.
Q culinary
CHOCOLATE, DRINKS TO FUND SCHOLARS
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Student input wanted by ASU BY Brian Boyle
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bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Associated Students Union hosts a meeting every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in AA207 to decide and allow for public input on how the student activity fee is spent, among discussing other issues. During the meeting on Oct. 8, ASU Vice President Huong Vu raised a concern a student had presented her with. Vu said a student told her she had emailed a member of the ASU and received no response. Vu said that although there could be a number of reasons the email was not answered, the ASU Board needed to make sure it was communicating with those that sought their correspondence. A substantial decrease in the budget for the ASU’s Fall Festival was discussed, as was the ASU’s recent trip to Washington D.C. for the American Student Government Association convention. “Technically we still have an allocation of $15,000 for the Fall Festival (Oct. 28),” ASU President Antone Agnitsch said.
“Though we pretty much cut the budget in half.” Agnitsch said the ASU’s budget is currently looking to fall in the $7,500-$8,000 range. He said the board is looking to spend $2,000 on inflatable jumpers, $1,000 on food, and an additional $1,000 on a pumpkin patch for the children at the Early Learning Center. Smaller charges that make up the rest of the Fall Festival budget, Agnitsch said, are $300 for a DJ, $350 for a henna artist and $200 for supplies. Agnitsch said advertising for the Fall Festival is the largest problem associated with the festival. “Sometimes the things we do (to advertise) just don’t work,” Agnitsch said. The ASU Vice President of Clubs Safi Ward-Davis said wordof-mouth was the most effective tool the ASU had to advertise. Ward-Davis said the board needs to make itself known on campus by approaching students and opening up a dialogue about what students want from their student government. “People know I’m on the ASU because I approach students,” Ward-Davis said. ASU Secretary Diksha Chhetri
gave a breakdown to the ASU Board on what she, Agnitsch and Ward-Davis experienced during the ASGA trip, which went handin-hand with Ward-Davis’s encouragement to approach students. Chhetri said at the ASGA trip they learned discussed training, spending of their budget and communication between the board and students. Agnitsch said they learned about the importance of surveying, and detailed how the ASU Board would be attempting to do a SurveyMonkey survey to find out how students want the student activity fee spent. Agnitsch said, although surveying is important, it would be equally important for the board to step out of their offices and interact with students. Chhetri said, “We are not a club. We are here to represent students and do something real.” Chhetri said the ASU needed to break away from the practices of the previous ASU Board and look toward being creative. Chhetri said training was one of the ASU’s paramount concerns, as well as actually connecting with new members. She said fellow ASU Senator Anushma Maharjan said she felt uncomfortable approaching
members of the board, as she did not know them. Chhetri said she felt similarly when she first joined the ASU. She said the last ASU director of training and recruitment did little to make her feel welcome. ASU adviser Ericka Greene said the ASU’s connection with the ASGA gave the ASU Board the option of having professionals train them on the various aspects of running a government, handling a budget and even on parliamentary procedure. Ward-Davis displayed a number of items the ASU could purchase and have their logo placed on, and then sell to students to advertise the board. The items included ear buds that could be labeled ASU, a wallmounted cellphone holder to hold a cellphone while charging and a wallet to hold credit cards on the back of a phone, which would display them and the ASU’s logo whenever one answered their phone. Ward-Davis said one topic of discussion were problems different colleges face. She said many of the problems she heard from even the largest, wealthiest colleges sound similar to problems at Contra Costa College.
UNION | Club garners huge turnout at meeting
The culinary arts department will host its Chocolate and Champagne Event Scholarship Fundraiser on Sunday from noon-3 p.m. Tickets can be pre-purchased for $25 at the Three Seasons Restaurant or for $30 at the door. There will be a chocolate fountain, champagne, cookies, cakes, ice cream, truffles, coffee drinks, raffles, music and more. The funds will go toward culinary arts student scholarships. There will be parking available in lots 9-12. For further questions call 510215-3878.
Q workshop
CENTER HOSTS FINANCIAL AID LAB There will be a Financial Aid Lab on Tuesday and Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Assessment Center inside of the Student Services Center. Staff members will be available to help students with their financial aid applications online and to check their financial aid status. For more information contact Financial Aid at 510-215-6026.
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KNOX CENTER HOSTS SHAKESPEARE The CCC drama department will present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare on TuesdayOct. 25 starting at 8 p.m. at the John and Jean Knox Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be on sale one hour before the event and are $10 for students, $15 general admission. For more information contact the drama department at 510-2154950.
Q mail
SEND US LETTERS, HEAR FROM YOU The Advocate staff works as hard as it can to serve as the voice of Contra Costa College students, but there are opinions and issues we miss. We need to hear from students and faculty to cover the campus fully. Send letters to the editor to accent.advocate@gmail.com or deliver them to our newsroom, located in AA-215. Letters must be signed, limited to 300 words, and are subject to editing for libel, space constraints and clarity. If you have story ideas or questions about the content of the paper, email Editor-in-Chief Lorenzo Morotti at lmorotti.theadvocate@ gmail.com.
DeAndre Russell, a kinesiology major, speaks to students during the first BSU meeting this semester in LA-202 on Thursday. GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
Continued from Page 1 that it’s all coming together so fast.” Ampim said he is delighted about the BSU returning. He is also satisfied with Russell’s effort on spreading the word around CCC. Russell takes intiative on his own without the advisers telling him. “He’s self motivated and he makes sure that he and I are on the same page,” Ampim said. “It makes a difference when you can come to a class to give a brief speech and hand out flyers.” According to psychology professor Leonard McNeil, CCC not having a BSU decreased opportunities for African-American students to have a voice on campus. McNeil became the first African-American mayor of San Pablo in 2008. He was a cofounder of the BSU at Cal State-Fresno. “I think it’s a mistake not having a BSU and I say this as a co-founder of the BSU at Fresno State,” McNeil said. “I think the BSU (at CCC) should connect to the (local) high schools’ BSUs — to give them ideas and to help them stay active.” The BSU held its first meeting Thursday in LA-202. Led by Russell and Ampim, many
students and teachers piled into LA-202 to hear about the group’s plans and to gain knowledge about the club in general. The turnout of so many people showing support for the club surpassed expectations. Russell said, “There were no (available) seats. I was surprised.” Many students showed up because they were curious about what the club has to offer. There were also students there who were interested in joining the BSU. During the meeting, Ampim gave a brief history of what the BSU is all about and why it is important. The club had been inactive for almost two years. The leadership does not plan on doing things the way they used to a few years ago. There are new ideas and a main priority of the meeting was to see what the students want. “There’s been a downward trend — you’re seeing less black faculty and less black students on this campus, so it’s no surprise there wasn’t a BSU here,” Ampim said. The BSU has been getting a lot of buzz around campus lately and seems to be one of the more anticipated things to happen this semester. “I’m very pleased that folks are showing
motivation. It’s always exciting to hear people’s ideas and take action,” Ampim said. The BSU is a student-run club which allows its members to choose what they want to accomplish. At the end of the meeting Russell and Ampim took time to ask students what events they wanted the club to sponsor. With the expansion of interested students, Russell said the BSU should have officers voted in within two weeks. He also said the club will be in full effect by Club Rush, which will be held on Oct. 28. The BSU wants to focus on more AfricanAmerican history events, and not as much on social gatherwings. One of the things Russell wants to do is organize tutoring sessions that would fit the needs of the students. “Me getting support from these mentors allowed me to grow as a leader,” Russell said. “Since I was molded into a leader, I’m going to share my knowledge with the youth and other African-Americans, so I can bring them together as one.” The club is getting support from faculty and staff. Athletic Director John Wade said, “I will do anything I can do to support the (BSU) — they’ve got my support, 100 percent.”
ACCREDITATION | Team provides insight on campus Continued from Page 1 future self evaluation reports and meets accreditation standards. “You have a gem here,” Thomas said. “CCC is a solid institution with exemplary individuals, students and programs.” The overall feedback from the accreditation team validated the college for its work since the last external evaluation seven years ago. However, the team still must submit its formal report to the ACCJC to determine if CCC is officially accredited or not. The college will have the results by February 2015 through a letter from the ACCJC. Throughout the last seven years, the college has worked toward improving and accomplishing its
set accreditation standards. But Thomas believes the college has gone above and beyond the call. “You undersold yourselves. You are doing so much more,” she said. She added that CCC is a college that she would want her son to go to. A member of the accreditation team, Mark Greenhalgh from Fullerton College, said that he enjoyed his time at the college and how welcoming the environment felt. Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society President Brenda Vega said she is proud to be part of a college that made such a strong impression. “I think that all that (the accreditation team) said was true — we are a big family, we are friendly
and our faculty is full of wonderful people,” Vega said. Contemporary issues with the college were acknowledged, such as the enrollment decline and the ongoing construction, but it was recognized that CCC continues to push forward regardless of its situation. The accreditation team was “surprised at the lack of grumbling” going around because of the construction, Thomas said. CCC has the ability to oversee the issues and focus on the bigger picture — making the most of unfavorable odds is a part of the community that students and faculty have grown used to. Thomas said that they collected information from around 71 sources, including students and
several district members, to provide them with precise information regarding the college. HSI STEM Coordinator Kelly Ramos said that the college is part of her community and has been a big presence in her life for many years. Speech department professor and Chairperson Sherry Diestler described the deep level of care that every professor she works with has for their students and that she is honored to be a part of the CCC community. The team gave a special acknowledgment to college President Denise Noldon and Senior Dean of Instruction Donna Floyd for their hospitality, as well as the culinary students who provided the team with an early breakfast during its visit.
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DEBATERS CLASH IN EXHIBITION Orators prepare for tournament by hosting scrimmage BY Lorenzo Morotti
Speech and debate team members Erick Vaughn (left) and Diamonique Spain (center) listen and take notes on Ohlone College speech and debate team member Maneer Singh’s, (right) speech during a parliamentary debate scrimmage against Ohlone in AA-102 on Oct. 7.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
The speech and debate team hosted a preliminary debate scrimmage against Ohlone College in AA-102 on Oct. 7. Contra Costa College’s debate team participated in the scrimmage to prepare for the Biggest Little City Classic, a speech and debate tournament to be held at the University of Nevada-Reno from Friday through Sunday, interim speech and debate director John Perez said. Speech department Chairperson Sherry Diestler said while eight speech and debate students are expected to compete in the Biggest Little City Classic, only two competed in the scrimmage against the Ohlone team on Oct 7. Speech and debate team member Diamonique Spain said, “The BLCC will be my second tournament. I’m excited. We don’t have to pay for anything. Not even food.” The speech and debate team will join fellow Northern California schools such as Diablo Valley College and Ohlone College at the BLCC in Reno. The speech and debate team’s prior competitive experience was during an Intramural Speech Tournament held at San Francisco State University from Sept. 26 to 28. Diestler said out of the 26 teams competing in the Northern California division, Spain and her debate partner Erick Vaughn took sixth place. Spain is majoring in communications and minoring in English. She was awarded the gold for programmed oral interpretation and for impromptu speaking. “We went into the final round with an undefeated record after beating Cal State-Chico, San Francisco State, University of the Pacific, DVC and Solano Community College,” Diestler said. “We are here to show the community that our (speech) students can compete and do better than many four-year (university students).” Perez said the trip will cost about $2,000 for eight speech and debate students to compete in the BLCC. The funds will pay for food, gas and hotel expenses. Diestler said the funding will come from the $8,000 budget the team is allotted that must be rationed for the various trips the team takes throughout the academic year. Perez said, “(The budget) is very small compared to other schools, so we have to stretch the funds as far as possible.” Perez said, “These scrimmages are very competitive and prepare the team for larger (forensic) events and to push for more points past the preliminary debate rounds.” Spain and Vaughn debated against Ohlone College’s Manveer Singh and Jose Pelcastre on whether or not the Ebola virus outbreak should be ignored or addressed by the United States government. CCC debated in favor of ignoring the outbreak after Ohlone’s debaters won the coin toss. Perez said in parliamentary debates the contestants are judged on how well they deal with impromptu speaking because the debatable topic is unknown until soon before the event starts. “Critical thinking is the most important skill events like these help students develop,” Perez said. After the debate had finished, both teams were given a constructive critique by Perez and Ohlone’s speech professor Andrea Adams. Spain said, “I think (the scrimmage) helped me to be more organized in my speeches and to critically think to create plans to reach a resolution (for the debatable topic).” Adams and Perez said both teams failed to come to a resolution over the Ebola topic by the end of the debate scrimmage. Spain said, “(The critique) was good. Nobody likes to hear where and how you messed up but that is how you grow as a person and become better.” Diestler said the upcoming BLCC tournament will be another opportunity to show local high school students, who want to compete in debate, that CCC is one of their best options.
CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
Colleges promote transferring University representatives visit campus, offer help BY Florinda Hershey STAFF WRITER
fhershey.theadvocate@gmail.com
Contra Costa College hosted its annual Transfer Day, in order to showcase the different colleges students can transfer to, on Oct. 7 in front of the Liberal Arts Building. Representatives from colleges such as UC Berkeley, the various California State Universities and many private institutions set up booths to answer students’ questions. They all came ready to answer student questions about transfer requirements and how to apply for financial aid or scholarships. Transfer Day is geared for students who are unsure where they intend to transfer. Representatives help them realize what factors they need to consider when coming to this life changing decision. CCC student Jeilo Gauna said being able to speak with representatives from different colleges in person helped her become more aware of the current state of her academic career. Gauna said she also received guidance about what steps she needs to take in order to transfer and achieve her life goal of graduating from a university. Certified Bay Area make-up artist and style columnist Michelle Prior-Alameda was at the college’s Transfer Day working as a representative for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Sacramento, Calif. “(Transfer Day) helps students decide where they want to (transfer to), if it’s going to be out of state or instate,” Alameda said. “And to clarify any of their doubts.” Each university has different requirements, some requirements for admission differing even between majors. This makes meeting with a counselor and setting up and educational plan toward a goal vital for student
CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
Brad Horton, a UC Davis international academic counselor, lists the steps for transfer to engineering major Christian Talavera during the annual Transfer Day held in front of the Liberal Arts Building on Oct. 7.
success in academia and transferring into the college of his or her choosing. CCC student Jaz Price said, “(Transfer Day) is great because it gives students the opportunity to ask a lot of questions.” She said her questions about what classes are required to transfer were answered by college representatives. Questions such as “What is the minimum GPA required for admission? What are the correct classes I should take? and How do I set up an educational plan?” were coming from a multitude of students.
CCC student Karla Juarez said, “I like speaking with representatives from universities because it motivates me to want to transfer by showing me how much (further) I need to go.” Being able to have representatives answer questions before transfer deadlines can save students time in their pursuit for a college degree. Alameda said that speaking with representatives in person from various institutes of higher learning helps students achieve those goals and where they should start.
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER APPROACHES Chocolate, drinks draw funds for culinary arts
BY Jason Sykes STAFF WRITER
jsykes.theadvocate@gmail.com
The culinary arts and music department are teaming up to host their fourth annual “Champagne and Chocolate” event. The event is a fundraiser aimed at raising funds for scholarships for students from the music and culinary arts departments. The Champagne and Chocolate event is going to be held Sunday from noon-3 p.m. at the Three Seasons Restaurant located in AA-239. For any interested guests, tickets will be $25 if purchased prior to the event and $30 for tickets at the door. Culinary arts major Maryum Simpkins said “(The Champagne and Chocolate event) is like a showcase of what we do (in the program).” Students who study baking in the culinary arts department will be preparing a variety of desserts for the public to enjoy. The event is open not only to students, staff and faculty at Contra Costa College, but also to members in the outlying community. All money earned during the event goes toward scholarships that allow students to attend the culinary arts department’s study abroad trip. During the event, a live jazz band comprised of students from the music department here at CCC will be per-
Want to enjoy champagne and chocolate? To raise funds for the department, culinary arts puts on the annual event every fall semester. Tickets for the fundraiser cost $25 before the event and $30 at the door. It will be held at the Three Seasons Restaurant in the Applied Arts Building on Sunday from noon-3 p.m. forming to entertain guests. Culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes said the event has been a large success in the past and he is hopeful that this year will be no different. Last year the Champagne and Chocolate event attracted approximately 150 people. The event earned the department $3,750 for scholarships. Culinary arts major Topaz Sanders says the department hopes for more attendees this year. She said that there are unlimited servings of the desserts and champagne that will be provided. Everything that will be provided for
the guests is donated from various businesses, Sharkes said. He said the event is also going to offer more than just champagne and chocolate. Students will also be serving cheese, chocolate, beer and wine. Nonalcoholic beverages and a choc- (The olate fountain will be available as well, for Chamthose who do not wish pagne and to imbibe. A quarter of the Chocolate proceeds earned dur- event) ing the event will be given to the music is like a department in order to showcase fund scholarships for music majors on cam- of what we pus. do (in the Aside from the live jazz band, a raffle will program).” also be hosted during the event in order to Maryum entertain guests. Simpkins, Sharkes said he culinary arts encourages everyone student to come and enjoy the event. He said it is the sort of event that he welcomes people to bring their friends and families to, in order to show their support.
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Middle College High School student Arling Apaez (left) decides which bowl to purchase at the annual Empty Bowls Project held outside of the Applied Arts Building on Friday. The event is hosted jointly by the art and culinary arts departments to raise awareness of food scarcity in the United States with the ultimate goal of ending hunger. CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
Ending hunger one bowl at a time Project raises funds to help fill bellies BY Christian Urrutia ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
mrivas.theadvocate@gmail.com
The combined efforts of the culinary arts and art departments raised around $2,000 to fight hunger on Friday, marking the fourth year the college has hosted the Empty Bowls Project. The event took place outside of the Three Seasons Restaurant and the Applied Arts Building from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of the Empty Bowls Project, a grassroots organization started in 1991 in Michigan, is to raise awareness of food scarcity in the United States with the ultimate goal of ending hunger. Instead of paying admission, supporters purchased a bowl, then chose from the vari-
ous soup options available and had the bowl washed and returned to them. Since buying the bowls serve as donations, students or community members are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Then, the money raised is donated to a local organization working to end hunger. Students paid $5 for a bowl, while nonstudents paid $10. “All the sales from the bowls are given directly to the Bay Area Rescue Mission and the materials used for the dishes were donated by vendors like US Food Service, people we usually buy from,� culinary arts department professor and Chairperson Nader Sharkes said. In preparation for the event, students in pottery courses crafted ceramic soup bowls and culinary arts students donated ingredients for the soups. Adjunct fine arts professor Mary Law, who worked with ceramics students to craft
bowls for the event, said she and Sharkes wanted to partner with the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond because it is the most local homeless shelter, and that Sharkes’ past experiences with the organization have been good. Law said the first time the Empty Bowls Project took place at Contra Costa College was in 2011. It was held again in 2012, but last year the event was hosted only by the culinary arts department due to scheduling conflicts between the fine and media arts department and culinary arts, she said. Sharkes said the bowls used last year were donated by the Bay Area Rescue Mission and were decorated by children to make up for the pottery element. Law also said that the clay is donated by East Bay Clay and that she spends two weeks out of the semester teaching students how to make bowls just for this event.
The leftover bowls are stored away in ceramics and Law said there are still 700 bowls remaining aside from what was used on Friday. Chemistry major Silvia Osornio looked for tone and texture when searching for her custom bowl. “I heard about the bowls event a couple times last semester and I read about how it helps people who don’t have much to eat and I felt it was a good idea, so that’s what really sold me on it,� she said. After donating, hungry contributors were able to choose from soups like clam chowder with or without pork, chickpea and veggie, and the potato, lentil and bacon soup. “I’m excited for the potato, lentil and bacon soup,� Osornio said. Culinary arts instructional assistant Angel Chau said more than 300 bowls sold were sold.
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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 10.15.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
“
COMETS UNABLE TO FIND RHYTHM
We had a ton of set pieces and corners, but we didn’t put them away. When we had our chances we didn’t capitalize.” — Nikki Ferguson, men’s soccer coach
Wasted scoring chances lead to close home loss BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
Both teams came in riding winning streaks but only one would be able to continue the trend, as Mendocino College (10-1-2 overall, 4-0 in the Bay Valley Conference) was able to knock off the Comets 1-0 Friday on the Soccer Field. Contra Costa College (6-4-1 overall 3-1 BVC) controlled the ball at the whistle and was the more physical group to start the game. The Eagles used passing EAGLES and crisp execution to position themselves for shots, but the trio of CCC defenders, including Nicolas Bob, Charlie Mendoza and Brad COMETS Alman, rarely let the shots get through for goalie Stephane Vanier to even attempt a save. The teams were evenly matched. Fifteen minutes into the game, the Comets had their first scoring opportunity ruined by an offside call at 25:13. CCC forward Bryan Santos had his first good look at a goal, only to become the first of many shots defended by Eagle goalie Cesar Mendoza. Mendocino’s coach was aware of the Comets’ team speed, using over a dozen substitutions in the first half to keep fresh men The center- in the game. After both teams worked up a good mid beat lather, the match became us up the a passing and defensive field. They clinic. Throughout the first got one half, Bob literally headed any long passes the opportunity off Eagles tried in attempts at bypassing the Comet and took stalwart. full advan- defensive At the break the score tage of it.” was knotted at 0-0. The second half was Nicholas Bob, a continuation of the Comet dedefensive struggle. CCC’s fender aggressive offensive style earned the Comets three offside penalties after the intermission. “We had a ton of set pieces and corners, but we didn’t put them away,” Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said. “When we had our chances we didn’t capitalize.” Forward Kevin Navas, along with Alman, had good attempts at filling the net but those attempts were thwarted by the Eagles’ goalie Mendoza, who spent most of the afternoon frantically stopping all shots on goal.
1 0
“
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
Eagles’ midfielder Arturo Alvarez blocks the ball from going into the net off of a Comet corner kick during the last minutes of CCC’s 1-0 loss to Mendocino College on the Soccer Field Friday. Mendocino shut out the Comets, successfully defending eight Comet corner kicks during the game.
At 80 minutes in, Mendocino midfielder Lupe Hernandez made a cross pass to fellow midfielder Segura Oswaldo. Oswaldo dribbled through the middle of CCC’s defense for a head on shot that found the back of the net. “The center-mid beat us up the field,” Bob said. “They got one opportunity and took full advantage of it.” The final minutes saw a frenzied Comet squad make a concerted push to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. CCC controlled the action from the time Mendocino scored until the final Alman header was corralled by the Eagle goalie. Ferguson applauded his team’s tenacity and effort to close the game, but reminded his squad that they need to, “Start at a high level and play that way until the end, not just when your backs are against the wall.” The Comets look to start a new winning streak against the Mariners at College of Marin on Friday at 4 p.m.
Box scores
Record — Mendocino — 10-1-2 overall, 4-0 in BVC. — CCC — 6-4-1 overall, 3-1 in BVC.
Men’s soccer (Oct. 10)
Women’s soccer (Oct. 10)
Mendocino College Contra Costa College Mendocino College 1 Contra Costa College 0
0—1 0—0
First Half 1, Mendocino, 0. 2, CCC, 0. Second Half 3, CCC, 0. 4, Mendocino, 1. Segura Oswaldo (Hernandez) Yellow Cards CCC, 0. Mendocino, 0. Individual statistics Goals — Mendocino — Oswaldo. — CCC — 0. Assists — Mendocino — Hernandez. — CCC — 0. Shots on goal — Mendocino — 4. — CCC — 6. Saves — Mendocino — Mendoza 6. — CCC — Vanier 3.
Mendocino College Contra Costa College Mendocino 9 4 — 13 Contra Costa 0 0—0
First Half 1, Mendocino, 9. Feliz (Hendry), 10th min. Feliz (Hernandez) 12th minute, Hendry (Young) 20th minute, Feliz (Jacobo) 24th minute, Santana 30th minute, Santana 40th minute, Santana (Hernandez), Hendry, 2, CCC, 0. Second Half 3, CCC, 0 4, Mendocino, Hernandez (Naranjo) 48th minute, Olea (Hendry) 62nd minute, Mitchell (Sanchez) Yellow Cards CCC, Khan 27th minute, Guzman 56th minute. Individual statistics
Comet forward Kevin Navas heads the ball away from an Eagles’ defender during CCC’s 1-0 loss to Mendocino College on the Soccer Field Friday.
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
Assists — Mendocino — 9. — CCC — 0. Shots on goal — Mendocino — 20. — CCC — 2. Saves — Mendocino — Borjon 2. — CCC — Brewer 7. Record — Mendocino — 10-2 overall, 4-1 in BVC — CCC — 1-12 overall, 1-5 in BVC.
Volleyball (Oct. 10)
Napa def. Contra Costa College 25-18, 25-14, 25-20 Team statistics Aces — CCC — 2. — NVC — 4. Kills — CCC —21 , — NVC — 33. Blocks — CCC — 0. — NVC — Tyson 1, Record — CCC — 3-8 overall, 1-5 BVC. — NVC — 6-10 overall, 4-2 BVC.
Bay Valley Conference Solano Yuba Los Medanos
W 6 4 4
L 0 1 1
ADVERTISEMENT
Pct. 1.000 0.800 0.800
Napa Alameda Marin Contra Costa Laney
4 2 1 1 0
Schedule Men’s Soccer
Friday at Marin, 4 p.m. Tuesday vs. Yuba, 4 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
Tuesday at Solano, 3:30 p.m.
2 4 4 5 5
0.667 0.333 0.200 0.167 0.000
Friday vs. Folsom Lake, 3:30 p.m
Volleyball
Today at Marin, 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Yuba, 6 p.m.
Football
Saturday vs. Yuba, 3:00 p.m. Oct. 25 at Redwoods, 1 p.m.
sports
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 10.15.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
7
STORM CONTINUES ITS DOMINANCE Napa remains unbeaten against struggling volleyball team
STORM DEFEAT COMETS
25-18, 25-14, 25-20
BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
“
We always let teams get runs, then we catch up. We laugh at little mistakes we make, but we need to take things more seriously.” — Kailey Walker, Comet outside hitter
The volleyball team came into the contest having lost every game against Napa Valley College since the program’s inception — and this game was no different as the Storm defeated Contra Costa College in straight sets in the Gymnasium, Friday. Each set had a familiar theme. The Comets (3-8 overall, 1-5 Bay Valley Conference) would start slow, make a run, and then lose momentum resulting in the 25-18, 25-14, 25-20 set losses. Comet outside hitter Kailey Walker said games like Friday’s can get frustrating sometimes. Walker, who in CCC’s last win had 17 kills to lead the game, said, “We always let teams get runs, then we catch up. We laugh at little mistakes we make, but we need to take things more seriously.” The first set was close early, tied at five, and again at seven. The Storm (6-10 overall 4-2 BVC) pushed the lead to 158 when Comet coach Zachary Schrieve called his second timeout, sparking his squad to go on an 8-5 run, setting up a flurry of back and forth volleys that ended with NVC owning the first set 25-18. The second was the Comets’ worst set of the night. The Storm jumped out to a seven-point lead, finally broken by outside hitter Rachelle Cuevas. She scored on a big block in the face of a potential kill shot. Cuevas’ inspired play only served as a tourniquet as the Storm drenched CCC with points and jumped out to a 13-7 advantage. Unforced errors gave Napa the ball back at 19-9. A string of good shots by Walker closed the gap to 13-19. In the end, wide shots and errors eventually gave the set away 25-14. “This is a team sport,” Cuevas said. “We can’t just have a few players out there making plays.” “We haven’t beaten Napa in the history of our program,” Schrieve said. “They hit spots and got the ball in our deep quarter, they played pretty well in the second.” The third set saw the Comets strike early and often. CCC kept the contest close into the early teens. At 12-7 the squad was caught flat-footed on a good drop shot by NVC. After the Storm score, CCC pulled within three at 13-10. The Comets still showed their fighting spirit, staying close as the score read 1513 in favor of the visitors. A 10-7 scoring sprint to the finish, coupled with fresh Storm reinforcements, left no chance for Schrieve and crew to work their magic and manage a comeback. The Comets dropped the third 2520. QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE CCC’s next shot at redemption comes on the road today at the College of Comet players Valeria Avila (center) and Kailey Walker attempt to block a ball hit by Storm middleblocker Marin at 6 p.m. Katie Morris during CCC’s loss to Napa Valley College in the Gymnasium on Friday.
Defender leads on and off football field
“
BY Jose Jimenez
Regardless of if I’m playing professionally, coaching or teaching, I would love to be involved with sports in some way. ”
SPORTS EDITOR
jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com
Moving thousands of miles from home can be tough and for Comet defensive back Theodore Spann, who left his family in New Jersey to enroll at Contra Costa College, this is partially true. Spann is majoring in liberal arts and social sciences while maintaining a GPA above 3.0. He has received all-conference honorable mention honors while playing for the football program. “When you are in a whole new place and living all by yourself it’s hard to get adjusted,” Spann said. He said relocating to the West Coast was his best bet to succeed because the neighborhood he lived in in New Jersey was rough. But he admitted he never thought he would live so far away from his family. Lichelee “Shelly” Spann works in New York and said that while growing up with her younger brother, she stressed that academics should always be a primary focus in his life. “That was one of his pet peeves,” Shelly Spann said. “I would tell him that education is very important and playing football isn’t forever. (I told him) you have to build something to lean back on. So that made education very valuable to him at a young age.” She said Spann has always had a love for football and hopes that he continues on the positive path he is paving at CCC. “Keeping a high GPA started with my sister,” he said. “If I did not have good grades, she would not approve of me playing football. So to not disappoint her, I had to keep the grades up. “I won’t lie. Me keeping up my good grades all started with my sister, and now, (I keep my grades up) with help from the (CCC) teachers,” he said. CCC psychology professor Bernadine Luckey teaches a Child Development course that Spann is enrolled in. Spann said Luckey is one of the individuals who helps him find
— Theodore Spann, Comet defensive back
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
Defensive back Theodore Spann leads the team on the field, while maintaining a GPA above a 3.0.
balance between academics and football. Spann said while he does take his academics seriously, his love for the sport is the major influence of his life choices. “Regardless of if I’m playing professionally, coaching or teaching, I would love to be involved with sports in some way — especially in football,” he said. Luckey said people could use theory and real life experience to adapt to any situation, however it is up to the individual to realize when he or she can seize opportunities. And that’s a cognitive ability that she said Spann “has been able to do well.” “I did not know he was born in New Jersey,” she said. “But I am pleased to know that he is excelling expeditiously with all his classes at CCC. And (I tell him) to remember there are many more positive and supportive
environments still out there after CCC.” Spann is now a starting defensive player for the Comet football team. He said he implements what he has learned from past teammates to influence and encourage outof-state student athletes. Former CCC defensive back Tyran Finley, who transferred to the University of Wyoming, helped polish Spann’s athleticism and introduced him to Comet football coach Alonzo Carter. Spann said Finley trained with him every morning in order to be in good physical condition and join the CCC football program. “(Finley) knew I was going to be better than half the guys ahead of me during (training) camp,” he said. Football coach Alonzo Carter said, “(Spann) walked (into the football program) from New Jersey a shy, quiet and small little guy. To see him develop from a red-shirt freshman into a stout defensive back is truly remarkable.” Carter said he is not surprised that Spann’s grades are at a high level because he treats his education with the same dedication he does when training. “Spann hasn’t missed a workout in two years (barring injury),” he said. “I haven’t seen anyone better at the position. (Spann) is the best corner in the (Bay Valley Conference).” With many teammates coming from Florida, Texas and New Jersey, Spann said, “I push everybody as hard as I can.” He said that defensive back Greg Chuks, who is from Houston Texas, is somebody he has influenced with his knowledge and hunger for success on the football field and in the classroom. “In the two years since I moved out here,”
Chuks said, “I can honestly say I’m blessed and humbled that I can call this man family. He has helped me with my game tremendously.” Chuks said Spann is always looking to improve himself and get more out of life. “I’m happy to play football with him, and hopefully, I will be fortunate enough to know this man for the rest of my life.” Jamachel Torrez plays wide receiver for the Comets (currently 4-1 on the season), and is also from New Jersey. He said he was with the group Spann came with when they decided to pursue playing football out west from Lincoln High School in New Jersey. Torrez said that Spann has always worked hard at becoming the best person he can possibly be, ever since they played together on a youth football team. He said throughout Spann’s life he has faced adversity and beaten it. Torrez said when Spann was young, he was not the most athletic individual among his group of friends, but through perseverance and self-realization he developed into his athletic body. He said, “Spann has always worked hard at everything he has ever set his mind to. Ever since we were both 8 years old, he always found a way to pick me up when I was feeling down.” Carter said Spann is a crafty technician at his position and is one of the team leaders. He said Spann is the true captain for the football program. “Some people are just gifted with the amazing talent they have,” Spann said. “I just have to work real hard for (success) but it can be done. I’ll always have faith in my team as a leader.”
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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 10.15.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
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BLUE ANGELS RETURN TO BAY Photos by: Qing Huang FOR
MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: CCCADVOCATE.COM
Crowds of people watch the Blue Angels fly over the bay during the 2014 Fleet Week in San Francisco on Saturday. The air show draws thousands from around the Bay Area every year. ABOVE: The Blue Angels display a flying formation over the bay during the 2014 Fleet Week in San Francisco on Saturday.
The Blue Angels perform a flying formation while letting out red, white and blue smoke over the bay during the 2014 Fleet Week in San Francisco on Saturday. The Blue Angels perform many different flying formations during their annual Fleet Week performance. The Blue Angels display a flying formation over the bay during the 2014 Fleet Week in San Francisco on Saturday. Coit Tower can be seen in the background in San Francisco.
The Blue Angels rise over the bay during the 2014 Fleet Week in San Francisco on Saturday. This was one of the many less organized flying formations.