The Advocate 10-16 by The Advocate

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VOL. 101, NO. 7

SINCE 1950 12 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

THE STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.

Dental program extracted Campus battles over department’s future

edit orial Pulling teeth

“All programs that would help students get a job upon completion are essential.” John Marquez,

By Brian Boyle

district Governing Board trustee

NEWS EDITOR

Vocational education programs are too important to be removed from the college curriculum.

page 2

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

Dental assisting, a program that has been with Contra Costa College since the day it opened its doors in 1950, has been effectively closed. The program, which was suspended in 2011 only to be saved for a year by a grant then again suspended in May 2012, was dealt a near-death blow in March when the College Council reached an impasse as it was discussing the program’s fate. The council could not even hold a vote on dental

assisting’s future. Since then, the dental assisting lab in AA-206 has been disassembled. The room has become a place where culinary students meet most mornings. Department Chairperson Sandra Everhart has been reassigned to tasks related to completely closing down the program. Students who would normally be learning dental assisting skills at CCC are, theoretically, attending other schools. Q SEE DENTAL: Page 3

FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Checking for accuracy — Dental assisting student Aisha Amin prepares a X-ray trainer in the former dental assisting lab in AA206 on March 21. The dental assisting program was suspended indefinitely at the end of the 2013 spring semester.

NOTHING BUT SOUL

SB 150 helps students in need Solution implemented to waive out-of-state fees By Lorenzo Morotti EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Droppin’ the jazz — Dean of Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division Terence Elliott debuted his first full length album at Yoshi’s in Oakland on Sunday. Elliott balances his profession and his passion for music.

A PASSION FOR MUSIC Balancing profession, music, Elliott features his first album ‘Jazz Nothing But Soul!’ at Yoshi’s jazz club in Oakland EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Jazz is nothing but soul. Music has always been a passion for Terence Elliott, dean of the Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division. Dr. Elliott debuted his full-length album “Jazz Nothing But Soul!” at Yoshi’s restaurant and jazz club in Oakland on Sunday. Former Contra Costa College president McKinley Williams was in the dimly lit auditorium, showing support for Elliott. Greene “That man (Elliott) sure can play piano,” Williams said. “He has the jazz in his soul.” Elliott said, “I have to do it (play music). If I don’t play the keyboard at least once a day, I can tell my soul is missing something. Music is like exercise, once you start doing it, you need to keep going to feel satisfied.” A former student of Elliott, and Associated Students Union Coordinator, Erika Greene said Elliot helped her find an appreciation for music. “He would press the issue that a message can be transferred through music and that they can work as one unit,” Greene said. “That really stood out to me, I never really looked at music that way before.” Greene said she was impressed by Elliott’s musicianship.

“He’s (Elliott) very organic on the keyboard. He lets himself flow onto the keys.” Erika Greene,

ASU coordinator

“He’s (Elliott) very organic on the keyboard. He lets himself flow onto the keys,” she said. Elliott grew up in Parchester Village near Point Pinole Regional Park. His parents were both educators. The “rebellious” Elliott wanted to be as far from the teaching field as possible. He wanted to become a musician. When he brought this news to his parents, they both laughed at him. When Elliott was 14 years old, his father told him, “You want a piano? You’re going to have to get your own piano.” He worked at the church across the street from his house, helping them clean up after mass. There, he was able to play the piano for free. Elliott said he and one of his friends, who played the sax, would play through the evening. “We just played what we felt,” Elliott said. They played what they felt, until a churchgoer would come in and yell at them to “stop playing that devil music.” Elliott said, “I never understood what they meant. To us it was just music.” After saving up enough money from cleaning around the church, Elliott bought his first keyboard, a Fender Rhodes piano, from Scaled Music on 23rd Street, when

scene X page 7

Album slams listeners

Fuzz leaves fans wanting more songs, tracks

he was 14 years old. “I was glad my parents made me pay for it (the keyboard) myself. It really made me proud to call it my keyboard,” he said. “It was mine.” Elliott always kept the image of becoming a musician in the back of his mind. He had to put it on hold when he got a job as the co-chairperson of the black studies department at CCC, he said. “A past professor (who Elliott would not name) told me I was ‘nothing but a musician’,” he said. “That really stuck with me for a whole year. Was I too much of a musician?” Over the next year, Elliott did his best to be the picture of a scholar. “It took me about a year to really come to terms with the fact that being a musician and professor could go hand in hand,” he said. “Other great people in history had a creative tie to music.” Elliott is proud to call himself a musician. He earned two bachelor’s degrees from San Francisco State. His degrees are in music and black studies. Elliott also received his master’s degree in humanities from SF State. Elliott recently earned his doctorate of education in educational leadership from Argosy University in Alameda. A day after his performance at Yoshi’s, where he played to a packed house, Elliott returned to CCC early Monday morning. “I’m still riding that high,” Dr. Elliott said. “It was quite the moment walking into a room (at Yoshi’s) and having everyone clap for you.” “But it’s back to business. Just another day.”

campus beat X page 8

Ward III Rinn takes vacant seat

Q SEE SB 150: Page 6

sports X page 10

Neville a key element All-conference player humble on, off court

CMYK

By George Morin

With the signing of Senate Bill 150 by Gov. Jerry Brown last week, California’s high school students who are concurrently enrolled in college classes will no longer be subject to out-of-state tuition fees due to their undocumented status. “The passing of SB 150 affects every community college in California,” Gateway to College counselor Joseph Camacho said. “We are all bound by the same laws.” College President Denise Noldon said that administrators and staff are working with the district Governing Board to ensure that a policy will be put into place in accordance with the new law. Contra Costa College is host to two high schools — Middle Valdez College and the Gateway to College program — and stu- She said dents from both are concur- she is in rently enrolled in classes at support of SB 150 CCC. The bill, SB 150, will go and feels into effect Jan. 1, 2014. The the district law states that undocumented should high school students and their adopt the families will no longer have to bill and pay the out-of-state fee of $254 stand by it. per unit. “I contacted the students’ affected by the fees parents and explained the situation,” Middle College Principal Anne Shin said. “I let them know what choices were available to them before SB 150 had passed.” AB 540 was signed by ex-governor Gray Davis in 2001. That law allows undocumented students who have met certain requirements to enroll into the college of their choice without having to pay out of state fees because of their residency status. However, the requirements for a student to fall under AB 540 include attending at least three years of high school and graduating with a diploma or GED, registering or currently enrolling in an accredited college in California and they cannot hold a non-immigrant visa. Students attending MCHS or the Gateway program did not meet these requirements because they were still enrolled in high school. “Take into consideration that most college campuses don’t normally have a high school in them,” counseling department Chairperson Norma Valdez-Jimenez said. “When AB 540 passed over a decade ago, it only took into account high school students about to graduate or those already enrolled in college.” Dr. Noldon said a letter was sent to all undoc-

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2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “The Church recognizes the need for freedom of speech and freedom of the press — but she goes further. Rights imply corresponding duties. The proper exercise of the right to information demands that the content of what is communicated be true and — within the limits set by justice and charity — complete.” Pope John Paul II 2001 George Morin editor-in-chief Rodney Woodson Cody McFarland associate editors Brian Boyle news editor Jared Amdahl opinion editor Mike Thomas sports editor Veronica Santos scene editor Qing Huang Christian Urrutia photo editors Janae Harris assistant photo editor Lorenzo Morotti editorial cartoonist Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Jeff Baker Jose Jimenez Ryan Margason Heather Wallin Evelyn Vazquez Stephen Son Marci Suela Anna Madoshi Staff photographers Camelia Dillard Staff illustrators Joel Ode 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 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.235.7800 ext. 4315 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: advocate@ contracosta.edu or letters.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

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013 VOL. 101, NO. 7 L

Editorial

Removing opportunity Absence of program damages community

ocational programs train students to do a specific task and teach specific skills. They don’t require transfer to four-year colleges, thereby allowing students to leave a community college and immediately find a job. The closure of Contra Costa College’s dental assisting program denies people, mostly young women in the West County area, a chance at landing not only a job, but a career. There have been many reasons given for the program’s indefinite suspension. President Denise Noldon, up until recently, has ignored the established process to discontinue a program. Academic Senate President Wayne Organ believes this is the real issue. But the real issue is that the college does not seem to recognize the importance of vocational education. The focus of the college, and education nationwide, has been primarily on academics in recent years. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs, among others, have been pushed as the means to an end that is gainful employment. CCC’s administration has seemingly forgotten that the goal of the college is to prepare students for their future, whatever that future may be. The goals of the college should not be how to better fill the classrooms at UC Berkeley or at San Francisco State only. The goals of the college should be to meet the diverse educational needs of its surrounding community. And the world needs mechanics. The world needs nurses. The world needs dental assistants. Right up to its closure, the dental assisting program here had a waiting list for people to join. Since the college’s opening in 1950, there has been a consistent demand by people in the community for the dental program. By removing it from the curriculum, CCC is taking a stance against opportunity. If opportunity honestly comes knocking, CCC has slammed the door in its face. If the college and the surrounding community are to grow and prosper, courses must be offered that allow students to leave the college and improve their community. District and college administrators need to understand that by denying opportunities to people in West County, they are asking people to leave the county. A message from Dr. Noldon on CCC’s website says, “I am certain that whatever your educational goals may be, Contra Costa College will be the place to achieve many of them.” Noldon is right. CCC is a great place to achieve your educational goals. Just not if you are interested in dental assisting.

LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE

N Vanity

Plastic surgery leaves scars on civilization

onda West, the mother of rap star Kanye West, died at the age of 58 during a cosmetic operation on Nov. 12, 2007. West’s death was caused by complications during her scheduled breast augmentation and abdominoplasty, or “tummy-tuck.” This is one of the many reasons why plastic surgery should not be done unless absolutely necessary. A case of necessary cosmetic surgery would include things like someone getting skin from first degree burns or a broken nose fixed. These instances require reconstruction of damaged body parts. In this context, it is understandable that someone would pursue plastic surgery to reconfigure his or her appearance to normality. However, there a vain and superficial stigma is attached to a person when it comes to plastic surgery as means to reconstruct a body part or parts to appear more beautiful or better. Society has dictated to the world what beauty is. And through this it is apparent that people are selfcentered and focus on the physical, so much so, they are willing to spend an exponential amount of money to purchase a procedure. People are mutilating their bodies to better fit the image of “beauty.” This can expose the true disposition of a person’s heart per his or her decision to completely change appearance. No one is in a true posi-

ple think less of themselves, less of vanity and more about the well being of others? The areas in the world that need financial and communal help could possibly receive the assistance needed if the world weren’t so vain and superficial. This is a contintion to judge anyone who ual thing; as people are born decides to pursue cosmetic and young people grow, they surgery with the purpose of “improving” their appearance are constantly faced with liv— excluding the reasons for ing in a world of instant gratification and selfa procedure as means centered ideas. It is to reconstruct a defecThe United everywhere — in tive body part as the media, at school, mentioned above. at shopping centers, However, it can be States everywhere. speculated that a perArgumentatively, son who pursues cos- remains anyone can take the metic surgery solely stance that what a for appearance might person decides to do be more inclined to be the with his or her body, superficial or suffer leading is completely his or from extremely low her decision because self-esteem. This is why cosnation with it is that person’s body. metic surgery — for Furthermore, othpurpose of becoming the most ers have argued that like something else is sometimes a — should be in quescosmetic itdecision to pursue tion. the surgery for the The United States surgeries satisfaction of anothremains the leading er person. nation with the most cosmetic surgeries performed. Web MD reports that some people performed. change their appearance for According to the data their spouse or partner. analysis by The Economist, The idea of changing onebased off of population, Korea, Greece and Italy had self for someone else seems selfless, but are people now increasing rates of cosmetic being taught that physical surgery with more than 10 appearance is a priority, procedures performed for that it matters most and that every 1,000 people in 2011. everything else is secondary? What seems to be a big I hope not. investment toward plastic surgery could be an even Steve Son is a staff writer larger investment for truly desperate causes in the world for The Advocate. Contact such as homelessness, starva- him at sson.theadvocate@ tion and disease. Could peo- gmail.com.

steveson

CampusComment

Should vocational education programs be cut?

“No. I have a vocational license in cosmetology. Not everyone is able to go to school for long periods of time. Some people have families and children.”

“No, because it’s a great opportunity to learn specific skills and it’s not hurting the school.”

“No. I always saw it as a positive way to help students with getting their career going quicker and easier.”

“No. They should have a variety of vocational programs for us students so we won’t be lost and confused.”

Javen Bradshaw

Diana Jucha

Ericka Dixon

business

Mona Blake

health and human services HEATHER WALLIN AND JANAE HARRIS / THE ADVOCATE

biology

journalism

“No. We need those programs for the community and it can be inconvenient for people who have kids and families. ” Anna Martin

health and human services

“No. It helps kids who are less fortunate to help expand on their education.” Joshua Parker liberal arts

CAMPUS BEAT Follow The Advocate

However, last week the reset button on the Receive breaking news and official process to shutter the program was sports updates by following pressed. The Advocate on Twitter and Academic Senate President Wayne Organ Facebook. said, “(Thursday) at the College Council twitter.com/accentadvocate meeting, in a move that surprised everyone, facebook.com/accentadvocate (President Denise Noldon) asked the College Council to reconvene the task force to consider evidence of ‘financial hardship to the institution’ to support the program’s suspension.” The administration’s goal, that the program be suspended or discontinued, has not changed. Q SUPPORT “No, I don’t see that (dental assisting returning) happening,” Dr. Noldon said. Organ said the program is now set to go through the college’s Program Revitalization, Suspension and/or Discontinuance Procedure, in order for Noldon to present evidence that the Blood Centers of the Pacific dental assisting program presents a financial will be conducting a blood drive hardship to the college. today in the Student Services Plaza Noldon said, “The action taken in College from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Council was to reconvene the task force from There will be a bloodmobile last year so management can present data in vehicle on site where workers will support of program suspension.” administer and collect the blood The next College Council meeting is Nov. donations in a clean environment. 14 at 2 p.m. in B-2. Volunteers are wanted to donate blood. All donators are required to Loss of a staple have a form of identification. Everhart ran the program from 1988 until Snacks and juice will be pro- it was suspended last year. Dental assisting vided to those donating blood. classes were a part of the curriculum when CCC Students and faculty are encour- opened its doors in 1950. aged to show support by donatAt this time of the year, in the past, Everhart ing blood today and can make would be training students, most often young an appointment to donate blood women, to be dental assistants. Now, her time at www.bloodheroes.com. Click is occupied by other activities. ‘Donate Blood’ and enter the spon“I’ve been reassigned to close out the proser code: contracc. gram. I have to get rid of old records and For more information about the files,” Everhart said. “We’re still technically an event, contact ASU Coordinator accredited program, so I still have to file reports Erika Greene at 510-235-7800, ext. on how the department is doing. It’s really frus4407. trating. It’s sad, really.” The program offered students a certificate of achievement in dental assisting, or, for those who wished to continue, an associate of science Q OPPORTUNITY degree in dental assisting. Students completing a certificate of achievement in dental assisting are eligible to take the state and national dental board examinations to become registered and certified dental assistants, Everhart said. Students graduating from the program and An Eminent Domain Forum passing their exams were capable of finding will be conducted in LA-100 from jobs as registered dental assistants, which could earn them $18-$24 per hour, a wage based upon 4:30 to 6 p.m. today. Sponsored by the Associated the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Student Union and the Richmond Sister college Diablo Valley’s dental assistProgressive Alliance the forum ing department Chairperson Linda Boyd said, will inform students and the col- “Dental assisting isn’t just a job, it’s a profeslege community about what emi- sion. It’s a career. No other program allows nent domain is. students to double their earning power in as Richmond Mayor Gayle little as 10 months.” With dental assisting no longer offered at McLaughlin will be speaking and answering questions during the CCC, students will have to look at other institutions, like DVC, in order to pursue that career. event. For more information, contact CCC’s dental program, which was rated as ASU Coordinator Erika Greene at higher quality than DVC’s in a 2010 study done by PhD’S Schools website — http://graduate510-235-7800, ext. 4407. school.phds.org/ — has had a tumultuous recent history on the campus. Reasons for the suspension and probable Q INFORMATION final closure of the program have ranged from enrollment numbers, which are kept low due to state mandates placing strict restrictions on the teacher-to-student ratio in dental assisting classes, cost to the campus, student completion rates and the cost to replace equipment when The STARS program will be it breaks down or needs replacement because conducting an open forum in LISC- of wear. 107 today from noon to 1 p.m. Despite the various reasons provided above, Police Services is working in there is still a lack of documentation supporting conjunction with the Student Life them. Center and putting together a work“They (the President’s Cabinet) have providshop to inform students and faculty ed no evidence to support their claims,” Organ about the importance of working said. “They’ve been sitting on their hands.” with police officers. Police Services hopes to add a A decade of controversy face to the badges that protect the Noldon is the most recent CCC president college. to deal with the program. Former president For more information, contact McKinley Williams, who was president from ASU Coordinator Erika Greene at 2005-2011, was the first president to take a criti510-235-7800, ext. 4407. cal look at dental assisting. Then, former interim president Dan Henry, January-June 2012, also oversaw the process of suspending or discontinuing dental assisting. When Noldon became president on July 1, 2012, the dental assisting program had already Saturday, Oct. 5: been designated as in trouble three times, and No reports were taken on this was scheduled to be suspended. date. When Noldon inherited the problem of what to do with dental assisting, there was no process Monday, Oct. 7: in place for discontinuing programs. The lack A MCHS student was disrup- of a process violated District Governing Board tive during class and was asked to Policy 4008. leave the class. Organ created a timeline, detailing the history of dental assisting’s program reviews and any Tuesday, Oct. 8: discussions regarding whether or not it should Officers responded to a medical be suspended or designated as a department “in emergency. The student was trans- trouble” that occurred in official campus meetported to the hospital by American ings, at district board meetings or in memos that Medical Response. circulated between campus officials. “I was able to find records going back about Wednesday, Oct. 9: 10 years,” he said. No reports were taken on this According to Organ’s timeline, the first time date. concerns about the cost of the dental assisting program were raised in 2001. At that time the Thursday, Oct. 10: college did not have a policy in place on how No reports were taken on this to discontinue a program. The program, howdate. ever, was not placed on the list of programs in trouble. Friday, Oct. 11: The first time the program would be desigNo reports were taken on this nated as a program in trouble would be in 2008, date. when, according to Organ’s timeline, Williams identified it as such in a memo to former college Saturday, Oct. 12: vice president Carol Maga. No reports were taken on this When a program review of dental assisting date. was completed on Oct. 16, 2008, however, it was recommended that dental assisting be Sunday, Oct. 13: expanded or “enhanced.” No reports were taken on this By Dec. 9, 2009, however, according to an date. Educational Planning Report by the district Board of Trustees, dental assisting was once — George Morin again designated as a program in trouble. On Sept. 14, 2010, another program review report, written by Everhart, went through the validation process. During the validation process, a validation committee made up of fac-

Blood drive held in quad

Eminent domain forum today

Police Services hosts workshop

CrimeWatch

Dental | Program goes through elimination Q FROM: Page 1

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WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

ulty and staff from outside the department read the review, meet with the head of the program being reviewed, and release their recommendations. The validation report for dental assisting in 2010 recommended the program Everhart be maintained, and does not include a recommendation that the program be placed on the list of programs in trouble. On Nov. 18, 2010, the final recommendations for the program, which comes from the President’s Cabinet, were released. The program was not recommended to be placed on the list of programs in trouble. In those recommendations the President’s Cabinet wrote, “We commend you (the dental assisting program) for an increase in productivity.” The minutes from the cabinet meeting contain no reference that dental assisting should be, or was to be, designated a program in trouble. The cabinet agenda for Nov. 18 includes the fact that former Academic Senate president Richard Akers reviewed the program review, and that it was to be discussed in the cabinet. However, details of the discussion are not included in the minutes. “If it (the discussion of the program in the cabinet meeting) isn’t in the minutes, then it doesn’t exist,” Organ said. Despite there being no recommendations that the program be viewed as in trouble, on Dec. 8, 2010, another Education Planning Report by the district board again included dental assisting on the list of programs in trouble. Still according to Organ’s timeline, on May 2, 2011, in a memo to a district official from Maga, the program was said to be scheduled for suspension. The dental assisting program was able to continue throughout the 2011-12 academic year, due to a grant from The Unity Council. The grant, which was for $302,000, paid for the operation costs, the personnel costs and new lab equipment, more than covering the cost of the program for the year. A year later on May 2, 2012, the newly penned Administrative Procedure: Program Revitalization, Suspension and/or Discontinuance was approved by the College Council and was added to the College Procedures Handbook. The new policy on discontinuing programs was added as Procedure E 5005.0. During the spring semester 2012 and shortly before The Unity Council grant ran out, the program was suspended and, at this point, Everhart was told the program had been discontinued. Organ said that during the College Council meeting on March 14, 2013, the Council came to an impasse. He said the student, classified staff and United Faculty representatives refused to vote to discontinue the program without evidence showing that dental assisting was a financial hardship to the college. Management representatives refused to vote on removing the program from suspension. Everhart and Organ both have expressed concerns that the process to discontinue a program has not been followed. “The decision to discontinue the dental assisting program was made without following the established process,” Organ said. Everhart said, “If the process in place were honored, it wouldn’t hurt so bad.” Organ said that the lack of evidence being provided has become a “trust issue” for faculty. Crafting a procedure The Administrative Procedure: Program Revitalization, Suspension and/or Discontinuance is a five-stage process, according to the College Procedures Handbook. Stage one is a proposal request — which is a request to either revitalize, suspend or discontinue a program. This request must be supported by a program review and its associated validation report and is then submitted to the College Council. Stage two is a review of the proposal request. The College Council considers the request and either approves or denies it. If the request is approved, a task force is assigned to work on a recommendation report. This report is to recommend whether the program in question should be maintained, revitalized, suspended or discontinued. Stage three is the program analysis form stage. A program analysis must be completed within two weeks of the proposal being approved. This analysis is supposed to contain reports on current and past data pertaining to the program, such as program costs, completion rates and enrollment. Stage four is when the task force gives its recommendation. The final stage is the College Council’s decision. The procedure also states the college president has full responsibility and authority to implement a decision as designee of the district Board of Governors. The procedure explains that if the college president does not implement the decision of the council, he/she must submit his/her reasons, in writing for deviating from it, to the council. The procedure does not require the president to implement or follow the council’s decision, only that the president report her final decision to the Board of Governors with the reasons for her recommendation. When speaking of the drafting of the procedure, Noldon said, “The policy had to give me flexibility to make an executive decision, to say, ‘This isn’t good for the college’.” Organ said he does not feel that the policy was followed. He said, “I feel like the policy was manipulated in bad faith so Denise (Noldon) could get what she wanted.” With the economy the way it is, Everhart said, “I just feel, being such a small department with only one full-time faculty member, that I was an easy target.” A community affected The dental assisting program has not been

without its supporters. Governing Board President John Marquez said, “All programs that would help students get a job upon completion are essential.” The grant from The Unity Council, a nonprofit organization that focuses on community development, gave the department $302,000 to cover the department’s costs during the 2011-12 academic year. “I was able to use the money to buy new supplies too,” Everhart said. “I was able to buy all new lab equipment, and set aside $10,000 to purchase supplies that students would normally have to pay for out of pocket.” Noldon broke the grant down item-by-item, explaining how it was spent. “Most of the grant went to paying her (Everhart’s) salary,” Noldon said. Noldon outlined the expenditures for the program, showing that $162,414 was spent on certificated personnel. Everhart explained that the bulk of the grant did go to salaries and benefits for herself and the two part-time faculty members who taught in the program. “The grant was able to save the district from paying our salaries for that year,” Everhart said. “I’m not teaching right now, but they (the district) are still paying me. They should put me to work helping students.” Luz Carbullido, a former CCC student who went through the dental assisting program in 1997, said, “It’s sad (to see the dental program close). It was a great program. It was another option for people who didn’t want to go to a four-year school.” Lilia Sandoval, another former student from CCC’s dental program, agreed with Carbullido. Both are currently working as dental assistants for Dr. Bill Van Dyk, a San Pablo dentist. Sandoval said, “It’s really sad that CCC won’t offer (dental assisting) anymore.” Carbullido said that the program was a huge boon to working mothers. “The dental assisting program really worked with a young mom’s schedule,” she said. Neither Noldon or Everhart are currently sure what will be done with the new, unused lab equipment. “Because it (the dental assisting equipment) was paid for by a grant, it’s hard to disperse the equipment,” Noldon said. “We might be able to move it to somewhere else in the district or see if local dental offices want it. We’re not sure yet.” Dr. Van Dyk, a dentist whose office is about three minutes from the CCC campus, has been a vocal supporter of keeping the dental assisting program. “Everyone who works for me went to Contra Costa,” Van Dyk said. “We need this program. It’s easy for big, corporate-owned dental franchises to pull someone off the street and train him or her. But most dentists are in small, private practices. We just can’t afford to do that. They need a quality education.” Noldon cited the fact that dental assistants can receive on-the-job training as one of her reasons for wanting to discontinue the program. “Losing the program won’t be a hardship on West County. Dental assistants can receive training in the office,” Noldon said. Linda Boyd, DVC’s dental assisting chairperson, voiced her support for CCC’s program. “All of the dental assisting instructors support each other. We know Sandra (Everhart). We took courses with her,” Boyd said. “The problem is, administrators just look at the bottom line. They don’t look at what we contribute to the community. “You can work in a dental office, as a product representative for a company, as an insurance agent. When you become a registered dental assistant, a lot of doors open for you,” Boyd said. Van Dyk said, “(The closure) is frustrating. You hear from President Obama on down that we need to focus on getting people in jobs. You hear colleges saying the same thing. Closing the program spits in the face of everything they’re trying to do.” Despite the described need for it, Noldon does not believe there is an imminent need in the community. “Three people have called me about the program (since she became president July 1, 2012). Three,” Noldon said. Despite repeated attempts to contact her, district Chancellor Helen Benjamin was unavailable for comment as of press time on Tuesday. Claims lack evidence Throughout the muddled process of suspension and discontinuation, many reasons have been given and debated by everyone involved in the process. “They told me enrollment was down, but the classes were always full. There was a waiting list,” Everhart said. Regarding the perceived low enrollment, Boyd said, “(Due to state mandates) we can allow only 24 students to take the program at once. Every year we have 50-60 students attempting to add into it.” The relative cost of the program has also been cited as one of the reasons for the decision to close it. “There’s a certain point where the cost outweighs the benefit,” Noldon said. Everhart said, “They said we were too expensive, but expensive compared to what? Denise (Noldon) said a cost-benefit analysis would be done, but I’m not sure if it’s even been started. Organ said, “They (President’s Cabinet) have provided no documentation or evidence backing up their claims. I did a comparison between another program and dental. I compared it to nursing, another health program with state-mandated student-teacher ratios.” Organ’s analysis showed that the nursing program costs the campus about $1 million more than the dental assisting program did each year. Dental assisting cost the college $228,700 per year, according to Organ’s analysis. Noldon found Organ’s comparison between the two programs to be unfair. She said, Q SEE DENTAL: Page 6

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013

CAMPUS BEAT

Diestler mentor to students, faculty alike Speech co-chair receives district recognition By Veronica Santos SCENE EDITOR

vsantos.theadvocate@gmail.com

At an afternoon reception last spring, speech professor and department co-Chairperson Sherry Diestler had four minutes to give her audience a brief biography, as she accepted prize for “She allows the Contra Costa freedom in Community her class- CD oi sl tl rei gc et room as far Teacher of the Year. as assignShe did not use ments go. the time to She does boast about not speak her career and accomto us like plishments. she we need to Instead, used her be told how minutes to K-12 to follow tell teachers directions.” from Contra Costa County about the Akilah Shaheed, liberal arts major benefits of starting their students’ college careers at community colleges. “It gave me an opportunity to tell them about our focuses on teaching, helping students achieve their dreams and success before they transfer,” Diestler said. Winning the award gave her the platform to communicate to others what the college has done for the community. After being notified as a recipient of the award, Diestler said she felt encouraged by the support of the college’s administration and faculty. “I told my kids, ‘I think I might be dying soon,’” she said while reflecting on recent events. A retirement party was held for her husband, former art professor and department chairperson, John Diestler. Also, the Bay Area Rescue Mission awarded not only the college, but her church as well, for their efforts in the community.

“In a way it sort of feels like, ‘OK, here’s your legacy, you’re done now,’” she said. “But I don’t feel done.” Her teaching philosophy is based on knowing that each of her students has a different starting point from others. The focus is taking students from where they are and what they know about communication and then using different means of helping them achieve their goals. Her techniques include using real life situations and applying them to communication lessons, such as how to argue well or simply how to decisively say “no.” In the 38 years Diestler has been a part of CCC, one of her greatest accomplishments has been the creation of the speech lab. When she first started as a parttime instructor, the college only offered a Public Speaking class. With the help of Diestler and her speech department colleagues, they were able to bring in interpersonal communication and critical thinking classes. “I’m very grateful for being able to work with my co-chair, Dr. Connie Anderson, who took our speech team to the next level and won national recognition for our students,” Diestler said. Along with their adjunct faculty members, they have all committed to their department policy of “academic freedom belongs to students.” She has also written the textbook, “Becoming A Critical Thinker,” which has been used by 100 colleges in the United States and Canada. “It confirms that what we are doing with our students is universal,” Diestler said. The speech department was awarded $1,000 and their goal is to use the money to create a stateof-the-art speech lab. A dinner and ceremony was held at the Concord Hilton with professors from the college coming to support Diestler as the district representative. Winners were also given letters from the California Assembly and Congress. Liberal arts major Akilah Shaheed, who has taken three of Diestler’s speech classes, said Diestler is deserving of the teacher of the year award. “She allows freedom in her classroom, as far as assignments go. She does not speak to us like

INSPIRATIONAL

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Always helpful — Speech professor and department Chairperson Sherry Diestler won the district award for Teacher of the Year for the 2013-14 academic year. Adjunct speech professor Lucy Guisto nominated Diestler because of her work as a mentor. we need to be told how to follow directions,” Shaheed said. “The freedom allows room for creativity and to voice our opinions.” To win this award, Diestler was nominated by a faculty member. Academic Senate President Wayne Organ said, “Someone nominated Sherry. We sent out the names to the faculty members and Sherry won.” Adjunct speech professor Lucy Guisto sent the Academic Senate an email nominating Diestler for the award. In the nomination email, Guisto writes that Diestler is a phenomenal mentor. She men-

tions that she is supportive and always available to help in any way, whether it is to judge and coach speech tournaments on the weekends or help students at the speech lab with any questions they may have. “She is the most amazing person to work with, ever. She is just inspirational,” Guisto said. After winning the vote from CCC faculty to represent the college as District Teacher of the Year, Diestler then sent a 10-page application. She said that filling out and answering the questions on the application made her go

back and reflect on why she loves teaching. “The happiest part is working with the incredible students we have. I’ve taught at a number of other colleges. Our student body is the most loving, interesting and motivating group,” Diestler said. “A lot of students have had to bounce back from hard things, so I’ve learned a tremendous amount from them.” Her perspective on winning the award is that she is representing the faculty from the college and she said she is proud to have the privilege.

Students seek out transfer opportunities College ambassadors deliver information to hopeful undergrads By Heather Wallin STAFF WRITER

hwallin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Students congregated in the Student Services Center Plaza Oct. 8 for this year’s Transfer Day event hosted by the counseling department. Representatives from California colleges, out-of-state colleges and paid internship programs brought “There was a lot were to Contra Costa of information College for stuto obtain I didn’t know dents information (about colleges they need in to transfer before today). order from CCC. Music could I’m really interbe heard comested in UC ing from the Davis and San s u r r o u n d i n g parking lots. Diego State to Students singstudy biological ing their favorite songs under sciences, but Cal the karaoke tent a level of State-East Bay added excitement. really got my M i d d l e College High attention today.” School student Kenda Green Kenda Green, was among the MCHS student people brave enough to perform. Alicia Key’s “Diary” rendition was easily mistaken as a professional track when Green’s voice boomed through the speakers. “There was a lot of information I didn’t know (about colleges before today),” Green said, adding, “I’m really interested in UC Davis and San Diego State to study biological sciences, but Cal State-East Bay really got my attention today.”

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Seeking answers — Nursing major Jean Bikindou (right) asks for information from UC Berkeley admissions representative Gianna Filomeo (left) during the annual Transfer Day at the Student Services Center Plaza on Oct. 8. Andrea Hamel, Humboldt State University’s transfer and graduation counselor, encountered more prepared students compared to last year with well thought out questions. “Not many students have heard of (HSU), so we’re here for exposure,” Hamel said Among the California colleges were outof-state attendees like the University of Nevada. Representative Rachel Lane only had a four-hour drive to CCC. She attended last year’s Transfer Day as well, but felt this year there were not as many interested students. Lane sipped water and said she liked last year’s location better, too, as her booth was directly in the sun, this year. Lane was not the only attendee who appeared overheated. Candra Raynor, a health educator for Kaiser Permanente

School of Allied Health Services, fanned her face while talking to students. Raynor said this is the first time KPSAHS has participated in the event and “it gives students a clearer perspective with what they could do with their education.” Raynor told a CCC student interested in the school’s radiography course that “a lot of women who graduate (from radiography) become mammographers” – screening for breast cancer. Among the booths was CCC’s own Puente Club. Puente Club is much like a support group, helping students figure out what they need to transfer to a four-year college. “This year Puente Club added Dreamers, so every student can join,” student Rosa Alonzo said. “Our main goal is to see people con-

nected,” Alonzo said. Puente considers its members “familia,” Spanish for family, and works hard to maintain connections and support. This semester, members will tour an undecided university, and a scholarship will be offered next semester. Every student was in high spirits, excited for future possibilities. Isaiah Green and Natalie Romero, MCHS students, were found waiting in line for Little Caesar’s pizza and soda being offered in exchange for a student identification number. Green said the event is a nice way to get options. Both Green and Romero were most interested in the UC San Diego booth and noticed a lack of people at the booth for UC Santa Barbara.

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

SHARED GOVERNANCE

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Proposed plans — Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board (right) speaks to the rest of the board about concerns he has with Contra Costa Trustee Vicki Gordon (left) looks on as Student Trustee Ivan De Los Santos College. De Los Santos plans to increase student involvement and interests.

Santos strives for student interest

Board trustee takes role of leadership By Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

Wordy agenda items and reports focusing on activities districtwide can often drown out the voice of student concerns during the monthly Governing Board meetings. San Pablo native and chemistry major Ivan De Los Santos wants to ensure students’ voices are heard loud and clearly. De Los Santos, student trustee for the 2013-14 academic year, plans to expand the trustee role by integrating student participation in any way possible across the district. “Student participation can be as small as being in class and actively asking questions,” he said. The student trustee acts as a representative of CCC, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College and reports on general information regarding student government activities at each one of the district campuses. De Los Santos said he is supposed to outline three goals for the duration of his trusteeship, a one-year term in which the goals are decided upon during the Student Trustee Advisory Council meetings. “One of the goals is that the student trustee would be able to second a motion, so we’re going to try and push for that for the next student trustee. “So say, if a trustee (presents a motion) or

some kind of plan to go through, the student trustee can say whether or not it would be good for students by seconding the motion and that would open it up so that everybody could vote on it,” De Los Santos said. He said another goal would be to have an associate trustee serve along with the student trustee so that the responsibilities of the position are much more understandable when elected. “When I started as trustee, I was kind of lost and the Governing Board (members) tell you to do this and that, but don’t tell you exactly how to do it,” he said. With an associate trustee, by the time you have become the trustee, you would be more capable of carrying out the duties of the position, De Los Santos said. But the third goal is what De Los Santos is fixating his greatest emphasis on — student involvement. Joining clubs, adding more classes and having students participate in events that clubs hold without necessarily being in a club are some of the ways De Los Santos said students can get involved. “If students see counselors, that’s student involvement. If they’re talking to financial aid people, EOPS, DSPS, anything really, would be considered student involvement, as long as we have students seeking out programs, professors, or other students to work with,” De Los Santos said. Despite providing tutoring while attending Middle College High School, De Los Santos did not actively seek to engage with students after graduating. Joel Nickelson-Shanks, instructional assistant for Gateway to College, who graduated from MCHS the same year as De Los

“I’m confident he can accomplish many things and he’s extremely dedicated. He’s one of the few people I know that is.” Abraham De Los Santos, Ivan’s brother

Santos, said they were not the best of students because they did not take school too seriously and did only what was necessary to graduate. “Back in high school, counselors told students not to hang out with us,” NickelsonShanks said. “Now, it is completely opposite and I see Ivan as someone who really cares, someone who’s genuine in his passion for helping — not just in helping students here at CCC, but who cares about the community as a whole,” he said. Older brother Abraham De Los Santos said his family is proud of how far Ivan has come and of his military involvement. “Growing up I didn’t really see that he was going to be in a role of higher responsibility that he is in now,” Abraham said. “Being in the Navy had a big impact on him. He was already open-minded, but afterward his perceptions on life became broader and, because of it, he bloomed,” he said. De Los Santos joined the Navy a year after graduating from MCHS with the intent to pay for college without having to take on debt.

“Leaving for the Navy, it really opened my eyes to how our country really is, because you get people from everywhere and, given that there was much racism. It wasn’t blatant racism, but it’s definitely sobering,” he said. On his return to the college, De Los Santos brought with him a changed perspective. He saw a need for students to get together because of their opinions and ideas and started his club, Mind Over Body. He said that the club tries to promote student and community activity and, after creating the club, De Los Santos become involved with Adelate, Metas, and Gateway to College as a tutor. Student Maria Lara, who was tutored by De Los Santos, and is now a part of Mind Over Body, said one of the projects they are doing is a food drive called “Scare the Hunger Away.” “Starting a week before Halloween, we go out and ask for cans, not candy, and plan to do this weekly up until November,” she said. Associated Students Union President Ysrael Condori said De Los Santos has a great concern for the achievement gap and for student success in general here at CCC. Condori said the student trustee presents the concerns of the students in way to ensure all three colleges are included. “We are talking about attending LMC and DVC’s student senate meetings and seeing what we can propose as a district in the upcoming weeks,” Condori said. Abraham De Los Santos said, “I’m confident he can accomplish many things and he’s extremely dedicated. He’s one of the few people I know that is.”

Library hosts poetry reading by Del Bourgo By Evelyn Vazquez STAFF WRITER

evazquez.theadvocate@gmail.com

JANAE HARRIS / THE ADVOCATE

Proud moment — Adjunct English professor Rafaella Del Bourgo recites her poetry to the crowd in the Library on Oct. 9.

Not all poets have the opportunity to have their works published, or be recognized with prestigious literary awards. Poet and English professor Rafaella Del Bourgo has had the honor to be recognized as an award-winning author both in the United States and abroad. Del Bourgo has won many awards, including the Lullwater Prize for Poetry, the New River Poets Award, the 2012 Paumanok Prize and first, second and third place awards in the Maggi H. Meyer Memorial Poetry Contest. This semester, Del Bourgo was the Author Talk guest at Contra Costa College on Oct. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Library and Learning Resource Center. Bibliographic professor and librarian Judith Flum said Author Talk is an event for those interested in literature and she encourages students to attend and learn something new from experienced and talented writers from the Bay Area. The audience of approximately 90 people responded well to Del Bourgo and her poems. She was able to bring to life several of her poems with her vivid use of language and illustrative description. “Often my audiences laugh and sometimes

cry as I read,” Del Bourgo said. “This means I’ve done my job of touching their hearts, as well as their minds.” She shared some of her published poems and explained each of them for the majority of the event. She also briefly discussed some of her experiences as a published poet and what influenced her to become one, explaining that her poems are comprised of her many life experiences, as well as anecdotes. The attendees laughed and responded positively throughout the event, especially as she read one of her early poems titled, “I Am Not Kissing You,” from her first published book. Student Nina Cestro said she found the poetry of Del Bourgo to be “powerful poetry,” and thought it was inspiring. Librarian Judy Flum said she was impressed and, although she personally does not read poetry, was very interested. Attendees had the opportunity to ask Del Bourgo questions. One attendee asked her how long she had been writing for, to which Del Bourgo answered 18 years. She then told the audience she is encouraged to keep writing as both a means to engage readers into the process of writing and to remain disciplined. “I like hearing feedback and, most importantly, hearing that I am able to reach the audience and encourage them to write poetry,” Del Bourgo said.

6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013

CAMPUS BEAT

Dental | Department extracted Q FROM: Page 3

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comparing dental assisting to nursing is like comparing a paddleboat to a battleship.â&#x20AC;? When told Noldon saw his comparison of the two programs as unfair, Organ said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If she thought it was disingenuous then she needs to give me something to compare it to. If she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to compare a paddleboat to a battleship, then give me another paddleboat.â&#x20AC;? Productivity and completion rates were some of the other reasons provided in support of closing out the program. Everhart explained that it did sometimes take students two or three years to complete the program. She said that due to outside obligations, students would sometimes have to take time off and re-enter the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost all of my students in the program had jobs outside of class,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of them had kids they had to take care of. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t join a vocational program because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have responsibilities.â&#x20AC;? Everhart said that even students who did not complete the program were often able to find entry-level jobs in dental offices. Noldon said that they considered options on how to boost productivity and completion, but no ideas really seemed to offer a real solution. Adding prerequisite classes to enrolling in the program was one avenue the college explored, Noldon said. The idea was not put into place because there were worries about the preparedness of students who attend CCC. Noldon said she believed Sacramento City College and DVC had prerequisites to joining their dental program, but she was not sure. Noldon said that prerequisites may work for them, but not for CCC, due to the level of preparedness of students at those colleges. She said that colleges like Sacramento City would often have students who already completed two- or four-year college degrees taking classes in their dental program. Noldon said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;They receive a higher caliber of students than we do.â&#x20AC;? Organ said that the issue of whether or not dental assisting should be closed is not the real discussion the college should be having. Organ said he believes the real issue is the process to suspend or close the program has not, at this point, been followed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It may have been a good decision to close the program,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it really is a financial hardship for the college then it might have been a good decision. If she (Noldon) had provided even half-way decent evidence, the (College Council) probably would have been fine with it. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do the worst thing you can do to a department, it has to be transparent. Faculty and students need to know why.â&#x20AC;? Organ said that former interim president Dan Henry emphasized that in order for a process for discontinuing programs to work, there would have to be goodwill on all sides. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goodwill is where we fell apart,â&#x20AC;? Organ said. Cost is the driving factor for Noldon wanting to close the program.

SB 150 | Helps

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend money that we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t collecting. Grants are nice, but they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fund a program permanently,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the same funding (the college) had eight or nine years ago, so (program supporters) canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask us to spend like we do.â&#x20AC;? Noldon said that the bottom line is, the campus cannot keep having programs that it is incapable of staffing or fully funding. She explained the college is still not meeting its enrollment goals, and, as such, money has to be focused where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most needed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather have a small institution with fully-funded programs than a lot of variety,â&#x20AC;? Noldon said. Noldon said Everhart did a phenomenal job running the program, but that in the end, the college was asking too much of her. The fact that students can look elsewhere for dental assisting instruction was another fact that influenced her decision, Noldon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are private schools around. DVC is nearby, students donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go here to get training,â&#x20AC;? Noldon said. Though whether or not students are doing that is not known. Boyd said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We (DVC) really thought weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d see an enrollment bump when CCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program closed, but we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. We get the same number of students trying to add every year.â&#x20AC;?

Q FROM: Page 1

umented student families of MCHS and Gateway asking students to prove their residency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we did not receive a response, we had no choice but to charge the students the out-of-state tuition fees,â&#x20AC;? Noldon said. Academic/Student Services Manager Mayra Padilla said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re asking a 14-year-old if he is a documented citizen.â&#x20AC;? Most high school students taking 12 units a semester were forced to drop at least half of their units to lessen the financial strain that had been placed on their families. Camacho said that most of the students who were affected by the out-of-state fee associate themselves as Chicanos, brought to the United States by their parents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students in question received the out-of-state (tuition) bill toward the end of the spring 2013 semester,â&#x20AC;? Camacho said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some students were â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the able to enroll, but not all of them.â&#x20AC;? Gateway to Dr. Shin said that out of the 20 students who were directly affected by the fee, a College proâ&#x20AC;&#x153;handful of studentsâ&#x20AC;? considered dropping out of school altogether because of gram did not financial issues. pay my fee, I Camacho said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A choice had to be had no way made quickly before the semester started. At this point we had already cut them to pay for down to the minimum number of units it. I would and a few were still not able to pay the tuition to take classes here at CCC.â&#x20AC;? have stopped Gateway to College alumni Takay going to Takataka is close friends with one of the students affected by the oversight built school cominto AB 540. pletely.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Toward the end of the semester, I ran into her in the hallway on the way to our English class. She was in tears,â&#x20AC;? Takataka Katherine Esquivel, MCHS student said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was able to calm her down and she told me she was being charged with outof-state tuition bills. Unless she paid the fee off by the start of the next semester, she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to graduate high school.â&#x20AC;? Takataka said the out-of-state tuition fees did not directly affect him, but the unnamed student was his friend and he empathized with her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was crying because she was getting kicked out of school for something out of her control,â&#x20AC;? he said. During the summer, the Gateway program and administration had to do something to alleviate the financial burden that the outof-state fees were causing undocumented families. Camacho said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At this point, we had two options: we could either turn these students away or we could find the money somehow and just pay off the rest of the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; debts.â&#x20AC;? Gateway student Katherine Esquivel did not fall under the protection of AB 540 and was forced to drop many of her classes toward the end of her senior year, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the Gateway to College program did not pay my fee, I had no way to pay for it,â&#x20AC;? Esquivel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would have stopped going to school completely.â&#x20AC;? Camacho said that to pay for the out-of-state tuition the Gateway program allocated funds that would have gone to a counseling program for students and adults struggling to maintain a 2.0 GPA. The program will not see that money return.

Lost opportunity If students are not turning to DVC for dental assisting, there are other options. Nearby are private colleges, such as Heald and Carrington College, also offer courses in dental assisting. The costs for these institutions, however, are much higher than CCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Receiving a certificate of achievement from Carrington College will cost a student about $19,000, according to Carringtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. Receiving an associate degree from Carrington can cost up to $32,000. Heald Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website says that completing the dental assisting program there can cost up to $17,000. Everhart compared these costs to CCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. She said CCC students typically would pay about $3,000 for the same degrees and certificates they could get from the expensive private colleges. Noldonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement that the dental assisting program will now face a final review process with the College Council, after so many decisions have been made, does not bode to well for dental assisting. Noldonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stated reasons for going through the process are so management can provide evidence that the program was and is a financial hardship to the college. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been closed down for so long (since May 2012), that it would just cost too much to start back up,â&#x20AC;? Noldon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we brought it back now, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just be setting her (Everhart) up for failure.â&#x20AC;? Everhart said the program would only fail without the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility in supporting programs?â&#x20AC;? Everhart asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is every department now supposed to fund themselves?â&#x20AC;?

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CD hits hard with listeners Album leaves fans wanting more material By Jared Amdahl OPINION EDITOR

jamdahl.advocate@gmail.com

There are few things in this world that are as enjoyable as an album that plays seamlessly from track to track and is completely listenable in its entirety. With the new full-length debut self-titled album from San Francisco-based power-trio Fuzz, listeners get just that. Released on Oct. 2, “Fuzz” is a solid album that is enjoyable to listen to from start to finish. The embodicdreview ment of pure 60s psychedelic rock ’n’ roll, Fuzz grinds out eight songs in just 36 minutes of play “Fuzz” time. +++++ While the Artist: Fuzz length of the Genre: Metal Label: Burger album is disapRecords pointing, it is Release Date: only so because Oct. 2 more of Fuzz, at any point, would be a good thing. Ground-shaking noise is the theme of the album — power chords and distortion. But while the theme of the album may be extremely simple, the execution of their idea is nearly flawless. This is a band that knows its sound and plays it just as well as some of its predecessors such as Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix and the Groundhogs. Fuzz is producing the same sound as these bands, but almost 40 years later. Some credit is needed, however. Fuzz does it well. Starting off with the song “Earthen Gate,” the album comes in softly. An almost medieval sounding guitar begins to play over a low-toned drum pattern. Thoughts of knights, nobles and wizards in star-studded robes fill the listeners’ minds. And then it happens — a facemelting guitar riff that changes everything.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

PLAYING WITH PASSION

The pace of the song quickens and the tone for the rest of the album is set. From the first song the album continues into “Sleigh Ride,” a punk-influenced song with demonic tones. With the copy of lyrics that comes with the vinyl version of this album, one can read what the members of Fuzz are trying to say with their music — primarily proto-metal darkness and constantly sticking with the topic of the dark unknown. The album continues into “What’s in My Head,” its slowest song, but also one of the best. “What’s in My Head” is a complete jam session and it is easy to tell this song was spawned just out of the three instrumentalists playing around. But that’s what has made the three friends famous. The leader of the project, Ty Segall, is a successful musician on his own and is known for his tight connection to the garage rock style. Fuzz is the fifth band that Segall has performed with over the past seven years. He is joined by guitarist Charlie Moothart, who has performed in several other bands with Segall. The collaboration between the two and their long-time friend, Roland Cosio, the bass player for Fuzz, is one of their best. For the first full-length album produced by Fuzz, it really is quite good. The only bad thing about the album is that it is not long enough. Over the past year Fuzz has put out several 7-inch vinyl releases, each consisting of just two songs. However, most of those songs are missing from the group’s debut album. Why not just include a song or two from those releases to make fans happy that they bought the album? Not that Fuzz’s fans aren’t happy. Perhaps the other songs did not follow well enough to the theme Fuzz definitely portrays throughout the album. It seems that they purposely left the music out for some reason. Despite this one drawback, “Fuzz” is a solid album and one SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE that is needed in any rock ’n’ roll With rage — “Fuzz” front man Ty Segall’s newest release, self-entitled “Fuzz,” slams listeners music collection. with heavy guitar rifts and reverberating drum lines.

39th season brings new comedians, skits By Heather Wallin STAFF WRITER

hwallin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Emmy Award winner Tina Fey hosted a lackluster premiere of the 39th season of “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 28 featuring musical guest Arcade Fire. Aaron Paul, as Jesse Pinkman from AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” saved the show with his cameos. The introduction skit was a familiar occurrence with Jay Pharoah playing President Obama. Obama introduces citizens voicing their concerns (and praises) of Obamacare. Pinkman (actor Aaron Paul) of “Breaking Bad made his first of three appearances in the Obama skit. Fey was appropriated as “SNL’s” “den mother,” giving her approval, and at times silent disapproval, to the six new cast members. With six new members, this is one of the least experienced casts “SNL” has had in recent memory. However, the new members lack diversity, as five of the six are white men. Fey introduced them warmly with a sense of optimism, but not before she said, “It’s a rebuilding year.” The SNL cast said goodbye to Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, and Jason Sudekis at the end of season 38. SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE Fey brought out the new cast referring to New cast — Cast members Cecily Strong (left) and Seth Meyers perform a scene in the 39th season of “Saturday Night them as “kids” and “adorable.” She asked Live” that brings new faces and returners to its long history of funny material on NBC. the audience, “Isn’t she just so cute?” talking about newcomer Noel Wells. Fey asked her and shimmied backward, Fey mouthed to His comedic timing was on point. Fey Meyers, introduced Cecily Strong as cohow old she was. the camera, “I’m not doing this (joining the was to decide which of two people was a host. Meyers will be leaving “SNL” in When Wells said she is only 26, Fey dance number).” new cast member or from Arcade Fire. February. Strong seemed nervous but excitphysically cast her There were a After she guessed, the new cast member ed. At one point, her eyes began to well up as to the outside of the number of forget- would try to say something to her when she talked about the “Update” women who tvreview group — an overtable skits through- Thompson would shout, “Hey! No lines! came before her such as Amy Poehler, Jane “Saturday Night Live” played joke about out the night. Many You get no lines! That’s something you Curtain and Fey. +++++ competition among jokes fell flat and gotta earn.” Strong’s new role was celebrated, but her Starring: Tina Fey, Cecily Strong, women. some of the returnAt one point in the skit, Fey asked for a role as “the girl you wish you hadn’t started Seth Meyers, Keenan Thompson As any long-time ing cast members lifeline in which Lorne Michaels, the show’s a conversation with at a party” will be sorely Network: NBC viewer would know, did not live up to longtime producer, appears. missed in future “Weekend Update” interTime slot: Saturdays, 11:30 p.m. the new member their potential The joke was he was in control of the views. Genre: Comedy initiation involves However, a hiring process yet could not figure out which Bobby Moynihan as the obnoxiously back up dancing for memorable skit was one is the new cast member either. He asked, opinionated “drunk uncle” was brought back the night’s host. a previously taped “Is it the black one?” obviously referring to to the “Weekend Update.” Aaron Paul made The six new cast members reappeared rendition of HBO’s “Girls” with newcomer Thompson. a final appearance as his meth-nephew — after an outfit change in blazers and black Wells as Hannah, played by Lena Dunham. “Breaking Bad’s” Jesse Pinkman made another dedication to “Breaking Bad.” bottoms that were ripped off to reveal gold Wells’ Hannah was a spot on impersonation another cameo in the commercial for “EAnother standout skit featured Vanessa flame hot pants when Fey yelled, “Shorts.” of the annoyingness of the character. meth,” a smokeless meth pipe. He endorsed Bayer and Strong in their re-occurring roles The cast thrust their hips as Fey circled Keenan Thompson as a talk show host for the product at the end saying, “You know as former porn girls selling designer shoes. around them. the “New Cast Member or Arcade Fire” skit it’s good, because it’s blue.” Arcade Fire’s musical performances were As the group synchronized their routine was also great. “Weekend Update,” hosted by Seth just OK.

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013

CAMPUS BEAT

Seminar teaches students finances

MONEY MANAGEMENT

Weekly workshop stresses stability By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Single Stop hosted a Financial Fitness workshop on Oct. 8 in the Assessment Lab in the Student Services Building for students and faculty. Mission San Francisco Counseling Program Manager Diego Pinto gave tips and explained some strategies on better ways to save money. Pinto gave a brief introduction of himself and displayed a chart that shows how many Americans are currently going through financial hardships. One of the issues today, he said, is people in the U.S. do not know how to save money, which leads them into debt. “It’s my job (showing people how to save) and the outcomes are amazing. If I can help them now, I can possibly change their future,” Pinto said. “If you don’t have savings, you’re living at risk.” Pinto broke down saving money into three areas — the knowledge that any situation can change, becoming your own financial expert and planning your life goals. All of these subjects have to do with guidance, he said. He also stressed that people who are in debt usually can get out of it without paid professional help. “The problem today is that we think we

JANAE HARRIS / THE ADVOCATE

Going into detail — Mission San Francisco Counseling Program Manager Diego Pinto explains ways to save money during a Financial Fitness workshop at the assessment lab in the Student Services Building on Oct. 8. The workshop shows students the importance of managing their money and runs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. need experts, but we don’t,” Pinto said. “What we really need is companionship and guidance.” The workshop, held weekly, is a way for students and faculty to learn about financial coaching, he said. Single Stop is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping students claim benefits they qualify for, of which they may be unaware. In addition to Single Stop students holding one-on-one financial coaching sessions with Pinto, Single Stop Outreach Coordinator Laura Van Tassel said the workshop is to reach out to students. But it was a one-on-one session at first.

“It’s really about learning how to use financial strategies,” Van Tassel said. “It’s helping people make smart decisions (on spending money).” A lot of people do not know what financial coaching is, or what it’s about, Pinto said. People who are in debt do not really know where to start to climb out of it. Pinto helps his clients understand how to start the process to getting out of debt. “There is a high need for it and (Pinto) works on their financial needs,” interim manager Teresea Archaga said. “The financial coach helps people understand how to make a budget.” Van Tassel said Single Stop staffers have

attended one of these workshops and got a lot from the session. “I learned a lot of new strategies and ways of saving money,” Van Tassel said. Archaga agreed. “I know where my money goes now. Sometimes people don’t really pay attention because they normally pay with their debit cards now,” Archaga said. These workshops are held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Assessment Lab. Single Stop is working on a better time for the workshops, making it easier for students to attend. Financial coaching oneon-one sessions are being offered by Single Stop staff also.

Insurance owner takes vacant position State Farm Insurance agent voted to seat By George Morin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com

At a special meeting on Oct. 8, the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board unanimously approved a replacement for the Ward III seat on the board. Matthew Rinn, of Pleasant Hill, was appointed to the seat on the board that has remained vacant since former Governing Board

President Sheila Grilli died on Aug. 31. Rinn’s appointment to the seat will continue until the next scheduled election for board trustees on Nov. 4, 2014. After 12 Ward III residents submitted their applications, the district board went through a daylong interview session on Oct. 8. The board went through every applicant, one after another, interim board President John Marquez said. The district board voted and chose Matthew Rinn, a State Farm Insurance agency owner, as the best “fit” for the position, Marquez said. Rinn said he wants to better the community college system

and hopes his involvement on the district board can help with that. “My interest in applying for the position Rinn was due to a desire to better the community college district,” he said. “Hopefully we (the district board) can see how we can be a better neighbor to the communities that surround our colleges.” Rinn graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita in 1991. He is an alumnus of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. Rinn worked for In-N-Out

Burger for 16 years and then went on to own his own State Farm Insurance agency. “I may not have a strong educational background, but I was once a student at a community college and realize the importance of them in our communities,” Rinn said. Rinn said he does not think he was the most qualified for the position, but appreciates the district board’s decision to bring him on board. He said he plans to see how the district board can better incorporate technology in the classroom. “With the ever growing generation of students focused mostly on technology, we have to stay relevant to them (students),” he said.

“My interest in applying for the position was due to a want to better the community college district. Hopefully we (the district board) can see how we can be a better neighbor to the communities that surround our colleges.” Matthew Rinn,

Governing Board trustee

College Foundation swings for funding By Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

EL CERRITO — City and business employees from the community surrounding Contra Costa College came out in droves during the Sy and Beverly Zell Golf Tournament at the Mira Vista Country Club here on Oct. 7. The country club and the CCC Foundation host the “Swinging for Scholarships” golf tournament and awards banquet every year. The tournament is held to raise funds for scholarships made available to CCC students and provides resources that support CCC’s programs and services. One distinguished leader from the community is also celebrated for his or her contributions to higher education during the banquet. Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-14th District) was this year’s guest of honor. According to Martha Parsons, tournament coordinator, “Swinging for Scholarships” earned about $100,000 in 2012. Parsons said that all and all, about 120 people were in attendance for the 2013 event. Sponsors for the event could purchase a diamond, platinum, or California gold sponsorship in order to play, each costing $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Another way to enter was in a tournament foursome, which consisted of four playing spots costing $1,500 total. As of press time, according to Eric Zell, who is the tournament committee chairperson and a member of the CCC Foundation board, the event this year grossed about $80,000. “But we don’t have the exact number yet,” Zell said. No diamond sponsorships were purchased and Chevron Richmond Refinery

and the Richmond Sanitary Service were the only two platinum sponsors this year. In total, 24 foursomes were entered in the tournament, with a goal of 30, Zell said. CCC Foundation President-elect Mila Coffey said this is the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year and the amount of money raised depends on the turnout of golfers and the number of sponsorships purchased. “The Zell family has been instrumental in putting the event together,” Coffey said. Zell’s sister Bonnie Zell said, “My parents (Sy and Beverly) were very committed to the community in any way possible.” Bonnie Zell, a physician, said her father, a former Foundation board president, created the golf tournament in 1999 to raise money to help students achieve their academic goals. “My brother Eric has continued that legacy and led the tournament every year since Sy died in 2002,” she said. College President Denise Noldon said the tournament is an integral part of the Foundation’s development efforts. “The (Zell Family) helps out each year and community sponsors support the college so much in what the college is doing and trying to do,” Dr. Noldon said. Noldon said the scholarships are dispersed through the CCC Foundation to students who apply for them. Eric Zell said, “I try and make sure the golfing experience is good. We got close to the number of foursomes we wanted for this year. They like supporting the college.” Richmond attorney Josh Genser chose to attend the tournament out of a friendship with former CCC president McKinley Williams and a chance to enjoy golf. “I like playing golf with Mack and I’ve known Eric all my life, so I wanted to come out for the Foundation and support what it does for the community,” Genser said.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Straight chillin’ — Former college president McKinley Williams (left) and Richmond attorney Josh Genser (center) look on as Martinez resident Phillip Vince hits a putt during the Sy and Beverly Zell Golf Tournament on Oct. 7.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

Women’s soccer preview 2013

Women’s soccer team plans to finish season strong Roster 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 24 26

Gyselle Garcia Jasmine Escobar Lorena Rodriguez Rosalba Fernandez Liliana Reyes Michelle Padilla Andrea Garcia Terra Johnson Elise Monterrosa Rosalina Medina Laura Hurtado Yasmeen Lopez Janet Santoyo Ashley Foster Yvonne Alanis Christy Cortez Amelia Howard Marisol Mora Gibsy Vilchis

keeper keeper defender midfielder defender defender midfielder midfielder defender defender midfielder midfielder defender forward midfielder midfielder defender forward defender

freshman sophomore sophomore freshman sophomore sophomore sophomore freshman freshman sophomore sophomore freshman sophomore freshman sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman

Last season by the numbers Overall record 2-13-3 Conference record 1-9-2 Conference finish sixth Record thus far this year 4-7 overall, 2-4 in the BVC

At a glance Head coach: Nikki Ferguson Key returners: Jasmine Escobar, keeper; Liliana Reyes, defender; Laura Hurtado, midfielder; Andrea Garcia, midfielder; Marisol Mora, forward

Bay Valley Conference chances bleak, but squad remains focused on playing hard 10 goals apiece. Keeper Jasmine Escobar said the mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com squad has missed Centeno because she was a good forward and was aggressive An inability to finish games was the in the box. problem last season for the women’s soc“We lost (Centeno) who was the playcer team. Contra Costa College finished er with the biggest impact on our team.” in sixth place with the record of 1-9-2 in Ferguson said. “Losing her was a huge the Bay Valley Conference, 2-13-3 over- loss for us taking into consideration that all, but scored 34 goals in 2012. she accumulated 20 points.” The Comets had lots of opportunities Even without Centeno, the 2013 record to win many of their games, but fatigue for the women’s soccer team is currently usually crippled the defense. 4-7-1 overall, 2-4 BVC. “If you look at the statistics (last seaCCC is still having trouble finishing son) we had a lot of chances, but we just strong, but the team won two preseason couldn’t finish,” sophomore midfielder games, one more than last season. Laura Hurtado said. “Outside (the field) The Sept. 3 game against Lassen we communicate more, unlike last sea- College, the team’s season opener, is a son. We had separate cliques. But I feel good example of the way the Comets like this year we are more of a group.” struggle to finish off an opponent. This squad’s motivation to play The game was tied 1-1 at halftime, together is greater and the players bring but CCC had a defensive meltdown in out the best in each other. Talking to each the second half and gave up four straight other on and off the goals. field is something “Overall, the team chemis“Going back to that they are excitthat game we could ed about. Hurtado try is a lot better and they have easily gotsaid they have more ten back into it,” like being around each communication and Ferguson said. other. And they make each a lot more talent. Hurtado is lead“Overall, the ing the team in goals other competitive during team chemistry is a with 12 so far this practices.” lot better and they season. Sophomore like being around forward Michelle Nikki Ferguson, each other,” womPadilla is behind women’s soccer coach en’s soccer coach her with five. CCC Nikki Ferguson said. has netted 23 goals “And they make each other competitive so far this season. during practices.” The squad also has trouble winning CCC has seven returning sophomores fights for the ball late in games because on its 18-player roster. Ferguson added 11 players get tired. freshmen to the roster for 2013. Defender Ferguson said the team’s main weakElsie Monterrosa is the standout among ness this season is transitioning from the new players. defense to offense, and vice versa. Ferguson said he thinks she contribHurtado said, “Our weakness is our utes more than the rest of the freshmen fitness. We get tired early. We have to and has an extensive soccer background. have stronger stamina.” “She is the fastest player on the team Reyes agreed. and she can play every position,” sopho“Sometimes we would get tired and more defender Liliana Reyes said. “She give up,” she said. reminds me of Deanna (Guzman) and CCC was on a two-game winning she is the only one that yells during streak after beating Los Medanos College practice.” and the College of Marin, but the streak The squad will be without four key was snapped by a loss at Napa Valley players from last season. The big loss is College on Thursday. forward Heisell Centeno, who was one The Comets’ next game is at Solano of the top scorers on the team last season. Community College on Friday at 3:30 She and Hurtado finished the season with p.m. By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

Key players Medina

Midfielder

Sept. 3 vs. Lassen College 5-1 L Sept. 10 vs. Skyline College 3-2 L Sept. 13 at Monterey Peninsula College 3-0 W Sept. 17 at Mission College 5-1 W Sept. 20 vs. Feather River College 4-2 L Sept. 24 vs. Solano College 2-0 L Sept. 27 vs. Mendocino College 4-0 L Oct. 1 at Folsom Lake College 8-1 L Oct. 4 vs. Los Medanos College 6-2 W Oct. 8 at College of Marin 3-0 W Oct. 10 at Napa Valley College 2-0 L Oct. 15 vs. Yuba College, 2 p.m. Friday at Solano Community College, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Mendocino College, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 25 vs. Folsom Lake College, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Los Medanos College, 3:30 p.m.

Hurtado

Reyes

Defender

Schedule

Defender

Nov. 1 vs. College of Marin 3:30 p.m. Nov. 5 vs. Napa Valley College 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Yuba College, 3 p.m.

10 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013

SPORTS

Neville brings height, skill to the squad All-Conference player humble on, off court By Jose Jimenez STAFF WRITER

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

Ready to demolish her opposition, yet still sweet and humble. Couple that with a must-win mindset and the determination to work hard and achieve her dreams. That is how All-Conference women’s volleyball sophomore outside hitter Jessica Neville enters a game and lives life. Neville is Contra Costa College’s premier player on the volleyball team who has an overall record currently at 2-6. She leads the Bay Valley Conference in kills per set at 4.32 and points per set at 5.3. She also leads the team in points, blocks, hitting percentage and is second in assists. Neville has aspirations of making the All-State volleyball team and will continue to juggle both her athletics and academics, as she simultaneously pursues her major in nursing. “She represents (the team) well, both on and off the floor” volleyball coach Zach Shrieve said. “She is calm and competitive and has a great demeanor. Jessica has had a great impact on our team and she is our rock and she makes us go.” The benefits of her height and love for the game have molded Neville ever since she was a child. Standing proudly today at 5 foot 11 inches, she said she was not always comfortable with her height and, at times, felt out of place among her classmates and siblings. “At Shannon (Elementary School), I was the tallest girl in my grade and I really did not like it. All the kids would look at me differently because I was not the average looking girl,” Neville said. “Especially during middle school, I felt that guys were just not that into girls that were taller than them. But as I have gotten older, I feel more comfortable. I can see the good things about it now. I definitely love being tall now.” Neville grew up in Pinole.

While growing up, there were misconceptions of which sport she was to play because her height was so different compared to the other children. She started playing volleyball in middle school sometime around the seventh grade, while also playing basketball. Prior to that time, a lot of people in her life managed to push her into basketball because of her height. Everyone assumed that basketball was “just right” for her, Neville said, but volleyball was something different and she was really intrigued by it. That decision was not the most popular choice among her inner circle, she said. Going up against family members’ and friends’ opinions that she should continue to play basketball, she stopped playing basketball her sophomore year at Pinole Valley High School and began to focus on her love for volleyball. Neville credits her family, past teachers and coaches for helping her “branch out” and cease playing a sport she did not love. Despite the wishes of others alongside the various decisions that come with growing up, Neville managed to keep a level head in making her decisions with certainty. “I have known her since we were teammates at Pinole Valley and she has always been this calm and collected person,” teammate and setter Richelle Ledesma said. “It is rare to see her get frustrated when she is making mistakes, or worse, when we (the team) are making mistakes. Her calmness toward everything is soothing for this team.” Shrieve agrees. “She is smart, considerate, dependable and helpful. Great player, but an even better person,” he said. Neville said that she does not care about the negative perceptions of others and will continue to have her must-win mindset. “I want people to know that, yes, you can do all these great things, but be humble,” she said. “No matter where you’re from, where you’ve gone or what you’ve been through, you can do anything.”

CALM AND COLLECTED

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Bright demeanor — Sophomore Comet outside and All-Conference player, hitter Jessica Neville brings experience and height to the women’s volleyball team.

Team falls flat in three straight sets By Ryan Margason STAFF WRITER

rmargason.theadvocate@gmail.com

The volleyball team lost to Los Medanos College (4-11 overall, 2-4 in the Bay Valley Conference) in three straight sets on Friday at Pittsburg 25-11, 25-7, and 25-23. With a win on Wednesday at Laney College, Contra Costa College (2-7 overall, 2-4 in BVC) were looking to get a second straight win. The Mustangs had good control and good serves, beating the Comets 25-11. In the first set as they let two serves go right by them. “I thought the ball was going out of bounds,” freshman outside hitter Ella Gauna said. “They are a good serving and hitting team.” The Mustangs were controlling the game from the beginning. “We were not together as a team,” sophomore outside hitter Jessica Neville said. “Lack of communication and lots of emotion will get the better of some of us,” freshman middle blocker Rachelle Cuevas said. With the second set in play, the Comets’ were down and struggling, as the score ending 25-7. As the Comets serving out of bounds though out the game.

“I did not have much control.” Cuevas said. ScoreBoard As the Comets kept struggling threw out the second Mustangs game. The Comets still have def. Comets trouble serving out of bounds. 25-11, 25-7, “I did not step back to give 25-23 myself room,” Neville said. As the third and final set Next game: was under way the Comets Today vs. were starting to find its rhythm Solano and gave LMC a fight. With Community the finale score 25-23, the College, 6 Comets passing was getting p.m. better and they had more energy. Cuevas said. “You have to pass really hard to play good volleyball” coach Shrieve said. “We were passing better.” As the Comets rallied and kept up with LMC, but just could not finish. The Comets were down 18-7 and came back and tied it at 23-23, but LMC scored two straight to take the game. “We all had energy out there,” Neville said. “We were a team again.” The next volleyball game will today at the Gymnasium against Solano Community College (113 overall, 5-1 in BVC) at 6 p.m. ADVERTISEMENT

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Out of reach — Comet middle blocker Rachelle Cuevas (middle) and outside hitter Jessica Neville (right) miss a hit by the Mustangs during their third set against Los Medanos College in Pittsburg on Friday.

SPORTS

Keeper Rojas shows talent inside posts to live with it,” Rojas said. Rojas was 6 years old when he moved to Richmond. There he began playing for a youth team whose name he had trouble remembering. “When I first started playing for the youth team I was playing By Lorenzo Morotti in the defense as a right-back,” he EDITORIAL CARTOONIST said. When a position for keeper lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com opened up on the team he felt like During a soccer match, the goal- he should take it. keepers’ gloves are the last line of Rojas admitted that he became defense against a striker rifling a tired of the mundane conditioning well-placed shot at the goal. that he had to participate in at his The Comets’ goalkeeper, position as a defensive wing. He Gustavo Rojas, is well aware that gave goalkeeping a shot and he even the slightest error on his part enjoyed it. after the ball leaves a striker’s cleat “Under stress I feel like I play could be costly. better,” he said. “The keeper is the team’s last He worked to improve his resort,” Rojas said. “Being the reflexes, positioning and overall last man in the back, I can be goalkeeping abilities slowly from the deciding factor in whether our season to season. Rojas attributed team wins or loses.” his development as a keeper to Men’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller the training regimens of his past said that Rojas became Contra coaches. Costa College’s starting goalkeepRojas said that playing as starter by outperforming the first and ing keeper for John F. Kennedy second string goalkeepers, on and High Schools’ varsity soccer team off the pitch, at the beginning of is what motivated him to play at a the 2012 season. higher level. “Rojas is committed to his posiDuring Rojas’ senior year at tion as goalkeeper on this team,” Kennedy the team played a “friendZeller said. “He shows up to every ly game” against rival El Cerrito practice, works hard and gives his High School. He said he remembest effort durbers rushing out ing matches.” to beat a striker “The keeper is the to a loose ball After only in the penalty four games last team’s last resort. box. season, Rojas Being the last man Rojas said became the starting goalin the back, I can be when he slid in sideways to keeper, a posithe deciding factor in trap the ball tion he has kept well into the whether our team wins with his body, the attacking 2013 season. or loses.” striker followed Rojas’ hands through with his have saved 43 Gustavo Rojas, kick, fracturing shots otherwise Comet keeper Rojas’ ribs. destined for Rojas said goal during his 880 minutes of play for CCC this he played through the pain the rest season. He is currently ranked no. of his 2011-12 high school soccer season. 23 in the state among keepers. “It would hurt even to breathe,” “When Zeller told me I was starting I didn’t question it and he said. “It hurt even worse when kept at it all season, playing hard- I dove.” He brought that dedication of er and harder each game,” Rojas the sport with him to his stellar said. Rojas was born into a Mexican freshman season for CCC. “Rojas does well under presculture inundated with passion for the game. As a boy, he and his sure. He is a pretty reserved guy,” cousins would meet at local parks Zeller said. “He is a leader who and “just play soccer,” Rojas said. speaks through actions, not his He felt that soccer was a natural words.” Striker Marco Solis said Rojas choice for him. As a child, Rojas lived in San has improved since last season. “I feel like he can become even Francisco’s Mission District with his parents. Rojas and his mother better if he keeps playing,” Solis moved across the bay to Richmond said. Like most goalkeepers, Rojas when she divorced his father. “It was hard at first, but I learned has room to improve his abilities.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

THE LAST MAN

Student-athlete balances family, team, education

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Strong stature — Comet men’s soccer team goalkeeper Gustavo Rojas has dedicated countless hours at practice to bring his agility, experience and quiet leadership to the squad. Right defensive back Samuel Mendez said that Rojas steps onto the field knowing what is required of him. “His fast reflexes are the reason that he is able to get so many crucial saves, but he needs to work on his positioning in the box,” Mendez said. Zeller said Rojas is a great close range shot stopper but his com-

mand of the penalty area has been inconsistent this year. Striker Brian Randall said that the traits of a good goalkeeper are quick reflexes, awareness and agility. “He has all of these characteristics,” he said. Comparing goalkeeping to life, Rojas said learning how to step up and take control of any situation

while remaining focused on the ball is key to success. “Goalkeeping is a challenge,” Rojas said. Even the best goalkeepers in the world are not strangers to having shots slip past them, he said. “Failure happens to everyone all the time,” Rojas said. “All you can do is learn from those mistakes, keep your mind on the future and never give up.”

Lack of creativity costs Comets a win By Lorenzo Morotti EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

A turbulent first half and a late game goal that was called offside cost the men’s soccer team vital regional “power points” in a 2-1 loss to Santa Rosa Junior College at the Soccer Field on Friday. “Gentlemen, need I remind you that we need these power points to make the playoffs,” men’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller said before the start of the game. “We were able to beat Yuba 2-0 on Tuesday, but Santa Rosa is much better team than Yuba,” he said. “Hopefully, we will be able to string some wins together.” The Bear Cubs (3-1-0 in the Big 8 Conference, 6-3-3 overall) are ranked No. 6 in Northern California. Contra Costa College (1-3-2 in the Bay Valley Conference, 5-6-2 overall) is ranked No. 22 in the same region. The Comets opened the first half possessing the ball in the backfield. “Swing the ball,” Zeller yelled to his right- and left-backs. The players on the wings need to move the ball faster, he said, during the opening minutes of play. However, the SRJC midfielders and forwards played deep enough to apply pressure to CCC’s backline. This constant pressure caused Comet players to make long passes into midfield instead of switching the play to the opposite end of the field. SRJC’s midfielders were able beat the Comet players to the ball in the air almost every time. The Comets kept the ball in the

midfield, but ScoreBoard had trouble b r e a k i n g Bear Cubs 2 into the Bear Comets 1 Cubs’ final third of the Next game: field. Friday vs. O n e Merritt College, chance at 4 p.m. goal started from a giveand-go-pass between CCC striker Brian Randall and center midfielder Roberto Calixto. Randall moved into open space and settled the ball 30 yards out. Using his speed and finesse, Randall was able to dribble the ball past four defenders cutting inward toward the edge of the penalty box. With little time to think, Randall propelled a low right-footed shot directed at the left corner of goal. SRJC’s keeper Andrew Tepping, dove to his right to save the well placed shot. The Bear Cubs were able to take the lead immediately after this play in the 15th minute of play off of a counter attack. A diagonal pass from the left back reached the right midfielder who had made the run to intercept the ball at the edge of CCC’s final third. An early cross from this position to the far post reached SRJC’s striker Omar Nuno deep in the Comets’ box. Unmarked and with time, his head found the airborne ball. Nuno placed it barely out of CCC keeper Gustavo Rojas’ reach. At the end of the half the Comets trailed 1-0. During halftime, Zeller made a

formation change from a three-man backline to a four in an attempt to open up play to the wings. “We need to step up and challenge them,” Zeller told his team at the break. “As a team, we need to move the ball up the field quicker. There is too much dribbling happening out there. “Test the keeper,” Zeller told his offense. “He has the sun in his eyes and we have the wind at our backs.” Twenty-two minutes into the second half the Bear Cubs extended their lead with a diving header in the box by Nuno. Eight minutes later the Comets answered with an early diagonal cross from right midfielder Bobby Gonzales. The ball found Calixto unmarked just inside the penalty box. Calixtos’ first shot was low and blocked, but not held, by SRJC’s keeper Tepping. Calixto was able to get a second shot off, blasting it high-left past Tepping at the 30-minute mark to close the gap to 2-1. The tempo of the game in the closing minutes was controlled by the Comets desire to tie the game. Movement on and off the ball was quick and each play ended with a miss or block. A late-game Comet goal scored by Randall was marked offside by center-referee Chris Seiwald. Zeller and the Comet players were outraged by the call, claiming Randall was not offside. “I can guarantee that I was not offside. I was behind the ball before the layoff pass,” Randall said. “Highway robbery,” Zeller yelled at Seiwald.

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Pushed aside — Comet forward Bobby Gonzalez (left) gets pushed by Bear Cub defender James Jimenez during the second half of CCC’s game against Santa Rosa Junior College on the Soccer Field on Friday.

12 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 2013

FOCUS

Down low — Berkeley resident Lily Miyazaki hula hoops on Shattuck Avenue The event encourages community outreach by hosting local food vendors and during the Sunday Street in Berkeley Festival in downtown Berkeley on Sunday. music groups to perform during the festivities.

Dancing in the streets of

BERKELEY Photos by Qing Huang

Keeping the heat — A chef from African-Caribbean Foods serves steak tacos during Local gathering — Berkeley residents watch from their bikes or sit on the Sunday Streets in Berkeley Festival in downtown Berkeley on Sunday. the street while listening to a band at the Sunday Streets in Berkeley Festival in downtown Berkeley on Sunday.

All together now — Hayward resident Esteban Warren sings with his band during the Sunday Streets in Berkeley Festival in downtown Berkeley on Sunday.