WEDNESDAY l 11.16.16 OUR 67TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF. A protester holds up a sign in front of a trash can set on fire during a protest against the election of Donald Trump as president in downtown Oakland, California on Wednesday.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
ELECTION RESULTS SPUR OUTRAGE
Anti-Trump protests throughout East Bay:
Streets and highways became a platform for different community members voicing their discontent over the election of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Multiculturalism, unity and hope for the future inspired demonstrations in the cities of Richmond, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Berkeley and Oakland.
Republican victories blindside liberals, communities react BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
In the wake of the 2016 election cycle, Californians voted for local ballot measures, state propositions and candidates — but people nationwide were shocked by the results at the federal level. President-elect Donald Trump’s electoral victory on Nov. 8 has triggered a nationwide historic ripple effect throughout diverse communities of people who have been the target of his divisive rhetoric on the 2016 election trail. Despite winning the popular vote by about one million votes, Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton was beaten 290 to 232 in Electoral College votes. Protests have sprouted nationwide since Trump’s call for unity during his acceptance speech in New York early on the morning of Nov. 9. Contra Costa College political science department Chairperson Vanna Gonzales said many of her students have become discouraged and given up hope that the U.S.’s democratic republic reflects their values of acceptance, SEE ELECTION, PAGE 4
Conservative ideal threatens entry, fuels deportations Uncertainty fills lives of immigrant families BY Roxana Amparo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com
F Creative roots offer relief, reflect pain PAGE 5 FACEBOOK: /accentadvocate
or many undocumented people living in the United States, the election of Republican candidate Donald Trump as president has left them questioning what will happen to them and their families come January when he takes office. Throughout Trump’s campaign, he said he plans to enforce immigration laws including securing the border by building a wall, ending sanctuary cities, (cities INSTAGRAM: @cccadvocate
with policies to protect their undocumented immigrant populations) sending “criminals” and “rapists” home and keeping out immigrants and refugees in an attempt to “Make America Great Again.” “It’s hard to believe he won,” psychology major Ivan Rochea said. “The first thing that came to mind is that many people are going to get deported. What is going to happen now? There are a lot of doors that are going to close.” Rochea came to the U.S. at the age of 9 in 2012 from Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. As an undocumented student who qualifies for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, as well as for the Board of Governors Fee
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
TRUMP’S STANCE ON IMMIGRATION President-elect Donald Trump intends to implement an immigration system to increase wages and ensure jobs are offered to American workers. According to his campaign website, Trump plans to keep in check any uncontrolled foreign worker admission to the U.S. This includes a strict valuation of each immigrant’s likelihood for success and their ability to uphold American values and institutions. He has proposed a temporary suspension on immigration when safe vetting of immigrants can’t be ensured. Planned actions to enforce his system include ending sanctuary cities, detaining anyone who crosses the border without proper documentation, increasing the number of ICE agents and removing President Barack Obama’s Executive Order amnesties allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. legally. He aims to conduct joint operations with local, state and federal law enforcement groups to deport as many undocumented immigrants as they can track down starting on his first day, Jan. 20.
SEE UNDOCUMENTED, PAGE 4
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Quotable “It is not easy to be free men, for to be free you must afford freedom to your neighbor, regardless of race, color, creed, or national origin, and that sometimes, for some, is very difficult.” Helen Gahagan Douglas, writer, politician 1945 Roxana Amparo editor-in-chief Christian Urrutia web editor Marci Suela art director social media editor Lorenzo Morotti associate editor Benjamin Bassham Michael Santone news editors Robert Clinton opinion editor sports editor Xavier Johnson scene editor Reggie Santini spotlight editor Cody Casares photo editor Denis Perez assistant photo editor Tashi Wangchuk multimedia editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Advocate staff Sean Austin Jose Chavez Dylan Collier Salvador Godoy Naylea Hernandez Edwin Herrera Karla Juarez Perla Juarez Anthony Kinney Jaleel Perry Julian Robinson Jessica Suico Efrain Valdez Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accent.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.
opinion
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16, 2016 VOL. 104, NO. 10
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM
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EDITORIAL TRUMP FUELS CALL TO ACTION Grassroots ideas missing in political discourse
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ear, anger and uncertainty grips people in cities nationwide in the wake of 60 million voters endorsing Donald Trump as our president-elect, and his policies to “make America great again.” Trump’s resounding Electoral College victory, using a platform built on misogyny, nationalism and xenophobia, also comes with a Republican controlled House of Representatives and Senate. Have we regressed to a time when gas was cheap, guns were abundant and minorities were confined to certain parts of town? No, but now is the time to locally organize and make sure that does not happen by forming a political party that does not support corruption or fear mongering. Research. Become politically aware, take over the streets, storm into a city hall meeting, write, shout, talk — be heard. To protest Trump’s rise to commander-in-chief despite insulting immigrants, women and LGBT+ people with fearful rhetoric, Contra Costa College’s La Raza, Puente, ASU, Black Student Union groups held an Undivided March/Rally from the Student Services Plaza on campus to a sit-in at San Pablo City Hall on Thursday. It is the start of a discussion that is needed at CCC because its community is made up of people who Trump targeted during his presidential campaign. But grassroots organization is needed to harness this area’s cultural diversity. CCC can be a catalyst for a new political party or movement that will rise to replace the Democratic Party that failed to recognize our frustrations. All the movement needs a leader. Someone to rise up and speak for those who are too afraid of the perverse racial divide widened by the results of this election. Half of the nation elected a man who called Mexican rapists and criminals; who said he would build a wall and will deport families, ban Muslims and allow LGBT+ rights be trampled on by certain state legislation. Trump is our president-elect. Yet only a handful of student leaders and faculty were among the 100 or so people who marched the sidewalks of San Pablo Avenue. This group was mainly comprised of Middle College High School and Gateway to College students. According to the state Chancellor’s Office DataMart, about 10,000 students were enrolled at CCC in 2015-16 academic year. We are living through the most enlightening period in recent American history in one of the most diverse areas in the world, but less than one percent of CCC’s student population participated in its march. Students who dissented against the results of this election should be proud. But only further organization can quell the underlying hate and ignorance that hides beneath society’s surface and still thrives. Many people living in liberal and diverse cities were blindsided by the results of this election. We forget that we live in isolation to the rest of America, but we have been reminded. We need to harness our frustrations, fears and anxieties as fuel to create a political movement that stands for all working class people and not just the majority. People who are thinking about hiding — don’t. People of all religions, genders and ethnicities who reject fear mongering tactics and division need to organize under a new symbol. The results of this election should not be surprising, but liberal America forgot that the roots of institutional racism were always part of the nation’s bedrock. It’s our job to kill those roots through a new political movement that uses understanding and reason to trump fear.
MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
■ TRANSPORTATION
BART should expand line to West County E ver since BART began operating in 1972 serving the Bay Area, the Richmond line is the only service in the system that has gone without expansion. In the early 1980s, the BART West Contra Costa Extension began initial studies to find possible ways to expand the BART system to San Pablo, Hilltop, Pinole and Hercules, or a plan to extend the railway north from the El Cerrito Del Norte station. There has been an effort to bring BART to the West County area in the form of a new analysis conducted by the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) over the last two years. Recently the WCCTAC Board released several optional BART alignment plans to extend the current Richmond line or create a new link by using the north side of the El Cerrito Del Norte station with an alignment through the I-80 corridor. The plan would connect San Pablo, the Hilltop Mall area, Pinole and Hercules. There may be benefits for possible transit-oriented development opportunities for all cities. The expansion would greatly benefit Hilltop Mall since the property will soon be revitalized once the deal from the buyer is sealed. An all-elevated design concept connecting all four possible stations would be effective and ease congestion. There would be more urban land opportunities and it would be far cheaper to finance the project com-
as part of the extension studies the WCCTAC has been conducting within the last year. In present conditions, with high levels of traffic on the corridor, a BART extension to the West County area is predominant in this fast growing, pared to designing both an highly populated area. elevated and land-rail sysA BART extension will tem at the same time. reduce the amount of traffic But the question here is congestion on the I-80 corwhy didn’t BART extend to ridor West Contra Costa County It will provide more flexdecades ibility in commuting and in ago? recreational transportation. A BART The Recently, opponents have answer goes voiced their opinion on the extension directly to extension claiming it will the involveaffect the property value in will reduce ment of the West County area if a local politi- the amount BART expansion happens. cal backers According to a Property and backof traffic Value and Fiscal Benefits door-agreereport by BART, residents ments with congestion who live within half a mile the local of BART have an estimated communion the I-80 11 percent higher home ty leaders value compared a home exploring corridor. located more than five miles outlets to from a BART station. fund largeBringing BART to West scale transportation projects. Contra Costa County can Despite the studies, in happen. There is potential, the last decade, real estate but involvement is the key developers have been invest- to success to make any ing into housing projects transportation project come and businesses which are to reality. being developed and zoned Local politicians and throughout parts of the communities need to show booming West Contra Costa further interest and provide County area. input with a vision by forThe city of Hercules is mulating a long-term plan planning an intermodal that will benefit the next infill railway station that generation of residents who will service Amtrak Capital will be moving into the area Corridor commuters. in the future. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2018. Salvador Godoy is an staff This could be an member for The Advocate. approach for BART to conContact him at sgodoy.theadsider while analyzing an vocate@gmail.com. additional railway alignment
salvadorgodoy
CAMPUS COMMENT
Why do you think half of the country voted for President-elect Donald Trump?
“My opinion is that most people who voted were racist and didn’t really care about people’s insights.” Christopher Guzman
“I feel that people have lost empathy for the people and our country.” DD Farrell
computer sciences
undecided
“I believe it has to do with the white community. People fear change and were angry. So it was revenge.” Oscar Garcia civil engineering
“I think people were scared of Hillary and everyone who didn’t vote for Trump feels he’s going to start a revolution.”
“There are a lot of cruel uneducated white men in this country and not enough focus on the hard-working people living here.”
Emma Mink
Gisela Sierra
biological sciences JESSICA SUICO, NAYLEA HERNANDEZ, JOSE CHAVEZ / THE ADVOCATE
nursing
“Most people who voted for Trump are racist and didn’t really care about people’s rights.” Jesus Sanchez engineering
forum
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 11.16.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
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■ MARGINALIZED
Campus community ignores LGBT+ issues
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ontra Costa College has an outside perception as being a diverse, unified community college that embraces and accepts everyone from all walks of life. But as you start to peel back the layers, you begin to expose a core community that is underrepresented and even ignored. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT+) community remains voiceless and it is something that we should acknowledge because of a continued stigmatization that hovers over this vulnerable community. The stigmatization of the LGBT+ community is in response to decades of scapegoating by religious organization, the AIDS epidemic, feminine and masculine stereotypes and the lack of education and understanding. This confidence-robbing state of mind runs deep within each and every person who makes up the LGBT+ community. It has led to their fundamental rights being purged, embarrassing encounters in public, suicide, inequality, discrimination and a mass exodus of individuals into a safe zone of generic personality and a persona that fits what society deems acceptable. For those outsiders, who peek at the LGBT community through a pinhole, the state of mind is simple: ignore what you don’t understand. But here at CCC, this is something
you don’t notice. It is not something that is mentioned or this comtalked about. And that’s the problem. munity It is this lack of diawill remain logue by faculty and staff that becomes the closeted on catalyst of under-representation. campus, But here at CCC, you would never only know. Walking through observed the campus you can’t help but notice the through diversity, the everatmosphere, a pinhole of changing the melting pot of ignorance. students that make us all proud to be a part of CCC. It is their voices that have risen up, creating clubs sponsored by Student Life and the Associated Student Union that reflect these diverse communities. These clubs aim to educate students on campus, spreading awareness and getting them involved through activities, services and programs. Clubs on campus provide resources that the LGBT+ community desperately needs, especially in an environment like a community college. During a time when many students are having identity issues, an LGBT+ club can provide a safe place, access
Until then,
michaelsantone to counseling and services that are imperative. These types of services will also educate the student body who will then be sent into the world to pass on this knowledge and understanding. But this is a lot easier said than done for LGBT+ students as no such club exists on campus. Because of the outsiders’ state of mind and the blatant disregard for the critical connections that faculty and staff have failed to establish between themselves and the LGBT+ community, students who wish to have a voice are isolated, creating a homophobic campus. These students fear the backlash they may receive from their peers for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and until they feel safe and supported, they will continue to remain voiceless. Faculty and staff must undo their own decades-long personal neglect
of acknowledging the LGBT+ voice throughout our college. It should be through the initiative of the faculty and staff to reach out and gain the trust of the LGBT+ community and let them know they are safe and protected to express themselves. Until then, this community will remain closeted on campus, only observed through a pinhole of ignorance. Through the perseverance and dedication of those brave individuals who fought and continue to fight for the LGBT+ community, much has been accomplished, with more on the horizon. While societies throughout California and the nation make progress, the CCC LGBT+ community remains hidden behind the college’s veil of diversity. It is scary for me, as a gay male, to see this college as a homophobic place. But it is even more scary to call it diverse because then we are pretending it does not exist. As the country around us changes, CCC is moving in retrograde through decades of fighting for equality, acceptance and a voice. Michael Santone is an news editor of The Advocate. Contact him at msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com.
UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS to remain on the fringes Election confirms nation’s fears toward minorities
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n the eyes of millions of marginalized groups, a vote for Donald Trump is a vote for racism, misogyny, xenophobia, Islamophobia and the separation of undocumented people from their families. The people of the United States of America, who had the privilege of voting, have spoken and have chosen the greater of two evils as their next president. Over the next four years, millions of innocent, hard-working undocumented people, as well as citizens living on the fringes of society, will have to navigate a social minefield. This all stems from a decision that people who offer little consideration to the difficulties these groups face in life made for them. In some ways electing a Republican president who stands for the oppression and dehumanization of minority groups is a symbol of what America has always been. But now, closeted racists who have been silent for years, angry at America’s attempt at inclusion, have finally erupted. After feeling left behind, they now have a powerful platform and a representative to voice their opinion that America should shift its ideals back to an era resembling something less integrated. According to exit polls taken on Election Day, 63 percent of white men and 52 percent of white women voted for the Republican Party candidate for president, while the Democratic Party candidate had higher percentages from African-American and Latino/a men and women. Those who voted for Trump knew what he stood for (and more importantly against) because it was talked about throughout the primary season and his presidential campaign. Whether supporting the divisive rhetoric intentionally or unintentionally, the message is loud and clear for marginalized minority groups. It was felt across the demographic spectrum by people of all ages. This may be difficult to understand for someone who is not directly affected by Trump’s election. But for many people in the affected minority groups, anxiety is a real emotion. If someone who comes from a place of privilege wants to show support, lis-
roxanaamparo tening is the best way to open the lines of communication. It’s unfair to make members of groups targeted by Republican rhetoric feel as if what they believe is not valid when the message being sent is loud and clear. I am afraid for the women and young girls who will have to live in a world where those who commit sexual assault can become president. It is a world where transgender people will be harassed, Muslims will be targeted and every hard-working person of color who woke up the morning after election will be that much more insignificant. It is draining for so many to feel irrelevant in a place where they have tried so hard to make a living for themselves and for their families. The 61 million people who voted for Trump are essentially telling immigrants, Muslims, the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities and other marginalized citizens he targeted throughout his campaign that it’s OK to make them the scapegoat for America’s “decline.” It’s OK if women and young girls continue to be sexually harassed and assaulted. It’s OK if undocumented people are seen as “rapists” and “criminals” and (to you) their dehumanization is tolerable. A vote for Trump, because of the promises he made, by definition is connected to this belief. Trump said he plans to deport two to three million undocumented immigrants once he officially makes the White House his home on inauguration day — Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. According to Homeland Security’s immigration report from 2012, 11.4 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.S. America, the land of the free and home of the brave, has placed fear into the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants. If renewing the American Dream means getting rid of support for Dreamers, then maybe it is time for us to stop dreaming and start taking a stance against procedures that are
MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
against what we were taught is the American way. because It could be a conversation, an action now the in the community dreams of or even peaceful (or unlawful) protest like the ones that other have been happening undocu around the nation since election results mented were announced early Wednesday morning. people Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but could once those opinions create black holes for end at the minority groups and marginalized commuwhim of a nities, they become personal attacks. reality As a direct result of Trump’s promises TV host. throughout his campaign, I can honestly say that I am feeling a mixture of anger, fear and confusion. I am afraid because now the dreams of other undocumented people could end at the whim of a reality TV host. Trump established his campaign on the backs of undocumented people. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best… “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people,” Trump said, during his speech announcing his intention to run for the presidency at Trump Tower in New York City on June 16, 2015. I feel for those millions of immigrant families who may be torn
I am afraid
apart if Trump keeps his promises to overturn Obama’s Executive Order induced programs on day one of his presidency. These programs include Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that gives temporary relief from deportation, a twoyear work permit and hope to those qualifying undocumented immigrants living in the United States. DACA, the program, provides temporary relief from deportation and a two-year work permit to qualifying young adults ages 15 to 30 who were brought to the U.S. as children. It is also a program that I personally have benefited from. According to the U.S. Citizen and Resource Center, 77 (428,000) percent of DACA applicants are Mexican, and from Aug. 15, 2012 to March 31, 2014, 553,197 applications were approved. And the number has grown since initial statistics were compiled. But from this point on, and probably even after Trump’s presidency begins, the “land of the free” has put shackles on them with the normalization of dehumanization. For a long time, many Americans have been secretive about their thoughts and beliefs, but with the endorsement of racism, misogyny and xenophobia, one can only wonder what will happen next. Roxana Amparo is the editor-inchief of The Advocate. Contact her at ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com.
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campusbeat
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 11.16.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
NEWSLINE ELECTION | Trump’s path to White House examined TRANSFER
WORKSHOP TO OFFER ENROLLMENT HELP Transfer workshops are being offered to students applying to four-year universities this semesters for next fall. A workshop offering application assistance will take place today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in SA-227 for anyone who would like to find out more about different universities. This workshop is open to students who would like to apply and transfer to a CSU, UC or a private university. More transfer workshops will be held Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. in SA-227 and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in SSC-104. For more information, contact counselor Andrea Phillips at aphillips@contracosta.edu
REGISTRATION
ORIENTATION OPEN FOR CONCURRENT COURSES An orientation meeting will be held in SA-227 from 4 to 5 p.m. today for students wanting to participate in cross-registration with a four-year university. Cross-registration allows community college students to take individual four-year university courses for credit at their host school. Contra Costa College students are permitted to take a university course while part-time or full-time. Students must have already completed 20 transferable units and have a minimum GPA of 2.4. For more details, contact counselor Luci Castruita at lcastruita@ contracosta.edu.
PREPARATION
MATH JAM SESSIONS OFFER TUTELAGE Math Jam is a free math preparation program offered during the intermission break periods before the fall, spring and summer sessions. The program offers a supportive and relaxed environment that better enables students to overcome their fears and anxieties about math. The spring 2017 session begins on Jan. 9 to 13 and is now open for enrollment. Students receive an overview of key math concepts that is paired with college success skill-building sessions to support the successful completion of their upcoming math course. All students that complete the program will receive their math textbook on loan for the spring semester. For contact information, call the HSI STEM office at (510) 215-4815.
CRIMEWATCH Friday, Nov. 4: The parents of a Middle College High School student, who ran away from home, were inside the Welcome Center looking for her. She was located inside the building and returned to her parents. An officer received a complaint a student made against an instructor. A staff member reported a suspicious circumstance that occurred inside of the Baseball Field press box. Monday, Nov. 8: A student was asked to leave class and not able to return to campus until he meets with the Dean of Students Services Vicki Ferguson — Anthony Kinney and Jessica Suico
— The Contra Costa Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. The District does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.
Continued from Page 1 diversity and inclusion regardless of cultural differences. Gonzales said open discussions about the election results in her classes focused on signing petitions to be sent to red state representatives who have promised to vote for Trump when the Electoral College officially casts its ballot on Dec. 19. Many people living in the Bay Area, and other liberal cities across the nation, were blindsided and have started to organize to impeach or influence the Electoral College representatives to switch candidates. She said it is important for people to understand the popular vote and the Electoral College’s vote are connected on a state-by-state level and not at a national level. So while Clinton won the popular vote in many states because urban areas voted resoundingly in her favor, the working class white voter in electoral swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Florida gave Trump and his campaign just enough votes to win the Electoral College. While she encourages students to express themselves and protest, she explained that changing the decisions of the Electoral College representatives is a steep climb. “Even in states with the minimum of three representatives, all three would have to say ‘we know one candidate got more votes than the other, but we are going to thwart the popular vote and everything we stood for in our party and vote for other candidate’,” she said. “The likelihood of that happening is very remote.” Students enrolled at CCC, and throughout the Bay Area, fear that Trump will follow through with his threats to marginalize certain groups of people through policies he could pass through a Senate and House of Representatives, each controlled by a Republican majority vote. Puente Club and La Raza Student Union organized an “Undivided” march to San Pablo City Hall from the Student Services Center Plaza on campus on Thursday to denounce Trump’s comments depicting Mexican people as “illegals,” “criminals” and “rapists.” “Protesting does two things. It lets peo-
“Donald Trump tapped into an anti-establishment movement and the anger among working people like Sanders did, but Trump manipulated people in a different way. He focused his campaign on nativism, isolationism and xenophobia.” — Leonard McNeil, former CCC political science professor
ple feel supported and know they are not along although half the nation decided to elect Trump,” English as a second language major Marcela Sanchez said. “It also allows other people who didn’t vote to be more conscious of what could happen when you don’t.” About 100 CCC students and Middle College High School and Gateway to College students rallied with signs that targeted Trump’s misogynistic comments toward women, polarizing depiction of Muslims and passive approach to defending LGBT+ rights within states that have passed discriminatory legislation. La Raza studies department Chairperson Agustin Palacios said like most people he was in disbelief that the Republicans swept all three federal elections. “Hillary won the popular vote and the Electoral College has become a big focus for protesters,” Palacios said. “But it is ironic that Trump said the system was rigged throughout his entire campaign and Democrats have defended the system. Now Democrats are complaining that the system is rigged.” He said the best candidate to defeat Trump would have been Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. According to The Advocate poll (May 13, 2016) of 350 people on campus during the Democratic primary election, 70 percent voted for Sanders, 17 percent for Clinton, 8 percent did not choose a candidate and 2 percent voted for Trump. Some students are seeking to remain optimistic. “I really hope the GOP buffers him. I know
they are not all idiots. There are many Republicans who are morally and ethically opposed to Trump and his proposed policies,” Community Organizing Political Action club Vice President Jose Arebalo said. McNeil “I don’t think his presidency will be as bad as his campaign.” Despite some people feeling as though Trump will not be able to accomplish what he has promised to white-collar workers who voted for him, many people are discontented with the entire election process. ASU President Safi Ward-Davis said while she voted, she doesn’t believe a vote for Clinton would have made a significant difference as more information was coming out about the FBI’s investigation into her private email server, and Trump was under scrutiny for fraud and comments he made 11 years ago. “I don’t know if Hillary won we would be better off because of all of the baggage both candidates had,” Ward-Davis said. “Either way we voted we were going to lose as Americans.” Former political science professor Leonard McNeil said the main failures that allowed Trump to rise to power are the Democratic National Party presenting no cogent or progressive agenda that spoke to the needs of the voters and corporate media’s complicity. “The DNC shot itself in the foot when it worked with Clinton to step in to undermine Sanders and his populist campaign tactics,” McNeil said. “Donald Trump tapped into an anti-establishment movement and the anger among working people like Sanders did, but Trump manipulated people in a different way. He focused his campaign on nativism, isolationism and xenophobia,” he said. “It was not necessarily a racist campaign, but Trump was there to organize and galvanize sentiment around an anti-establishment platform that the Clinton camp represented.” McNeil said media complicity in the elections by giving free broadcast time and framing certain issues boosted misinformation leading to Republicans controlling all three branches.
UNDOCUMENTED | Safety precautions measure fear Continued from Page 1 Waiver to pay his community college tuition here at Contra Costa College, he said he is worried. “The Dream Act is helping me continue my education,” Rochea said. In addition to allowing undocumented students to pay an in-state tuition fee of $46, the Dream Act provides a path to citizenship for qualifying students. Trump has threatened to repeal the Dream Act. Another program that is in danger of ending under the leadership of Trump is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a piece of legislation that allows undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation. DACA protects undocumented immigrants from deportation, but with Trump as president, there is no assurance that millions of undocumented people will continue to have a chance at a path to citizenship. On Thursday, representatives from OneJustice, a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, visited CCC’s Student Lounge to offer guidance to undocumented families about DACA. OneJustice staff attorney and Program Director Juan Ortiz said, “If he decides he is going to end DACA, what happens? We don’t know if he is going to honor it and (allow) students to finish the two years deportation exemption.” OneJustice Community Relations Associate Claudia Pepe said their role is to try to bridge legal gaps between different communities. They visited CCC to inform families about the resources available. Ortiz was giving legal advice to families who have yet to apply for DACA. One of the fears undocumented people, who have yet to apply for DACA, have is having their information turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For those who are thinking about renewing it, Ortiz said there isn’t a lot of risk, but applicants must meet with an attorney for clarity on their individual cases. But for first-time DACA applicants, the risk is higher. Ortiz said he does think DACA is ending and when applicants fill out the application with their address, the information may not be as safe. “We don’t know what this new president is doing. He wants to
deport people who are undocumented,” Ortiz said. “When making a decision, they have to think about their families.” Leonardo Sanchez is an undocumented high school student at Sylvester Greenwood Academy in Richmond. He and his mom, Maricel Reyes, came to CCC to get information about DACA from Ortiz. Sanchez said talking to Ortiz made him feel better about his decision whether to apply for DACA or not. “He told us what we can do and how to use this information as an advantage,” he said. “I’m still trying to process everything. It’s still a lot to take in. I would advise people to stay calm, and have a clear mindset because this is just the beginning of it all.” With Trump as president of the U.S., Reyes said the risk for undocumented people has increased. “It’s frustrating to not know what is going to happen with undocumented students,” Reyes said. “But I have always said, whoever is going to be here (in the U.S.), is going to be here,” she said. Reyes said she came from Mexico, Tlaxcala in 2005 and has lived in San Pablo ever since. She said people should not show fear and continue to keep a clean record and show that immigrants are hard working people regardless of what anyone thinks. Ortiz said if immigration officers were to go to the homes of undocumented people, requesting to see them, they don’t have to open the door or let them in unless they have a court order. “You are protected by your home. But if you let them in, that is where you lose. Many people cooperate because they feel it is going to go much better. But it isn’t,” he said. Civil engineering major and Richmond resident Javier Ochoa said people have to research and educate themselves on their rights and on what to do if ICE ever comes to their homes. “Do not open the door,” Ochoa said. Ochoa said even though he voted, he believes he could have done something better to help mobilize the community and get more people to the polls. “It’s crazy. It’s incredible how people rely on others to vote but they don’t vote,” he said. “Hopefully Trump does something really bad so we can get rid of him.” Rochea said he remembers hearing people say immigrants come to this country to take jobs
away from deserving Americans and that immigrants are criminals. “People Ochoa don’t come just to take jobs. People look for opportunities that others don’t take, despite not having papers,” Rochea said. “I couldn’t believe it. It feels like a nightmare. It seems like we are going to live what people used to live back in the day when slavery was around.” CCC English as a second language professor Evan De Gennaro said, “Make no mistake, under Obama more workers were deported than any other time in U.S. history, as well as expanding war, drones and increasing the wealth divide. He was and still is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, as I believe Hillary Clinton would have been as well. Trump is a straight up racist, sexist wolf, no disguise.” De Gennaro said immigration policy is about creating fearful desperate workers. “They threaten deportation to shut people up and keep wages low or at zero. Workers of all shades, genders, etcetera need to get organized or we’ll be easily defeated every time. (If) my students disappear, I disappear.” Under Obama’s administration, between 2009 and 2015, more than 2.5 million undocumented people were deported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The record numbers of deportees earned Obama the moniker of deporter-in-chief during his presidential term. Trump said he plans to deport two to three million undocumented immigrants. Ochoa said he takes everything that has been happening personally. “They (undocumented students) are in school because of DACA, and I am sad and afraid he wants to take it away.” Ochoa said his immediate family has prepared for the worst to come upon Trump’s arrival at the White House. “When my dad went to send money to my mom, (who is in Mexico, Michoacán), there was a big line of other Latinos. People want to prepare for the worst, so some are even sending money to their families in Mexico just in case something happens to them,” he said. Ochoa said, “I feel like I don’t belong here. I feel the silence in my house, at school. What the fuck happened?”
“I couldn’t believe it. It feels like a nightmare. It seems like we are going to live what people used to live back in the day when slavery was around.” Ivan Rochea,
psychology major
Rochea said many people are just going to give up. They are going to think it’s over and they shouldn’t go to school. “There is hope. If we get together and fight for what is right.” “I think they should continue, because not coming to college is saying you know what, Trump, you are right. This is what we came for and we want to make a difference.” Rochea said, “If people are thinking about giving up, I want to tell them to fight and have hope either way, even if he is going to send us to Mexico.” De Genarro said, “As for the student thinking of dropping out, never drop out. “Keep on grabbing education wherever and whenever you can, but link up with workers of all shades, genders, orientations and learn how to fight back. “It sounds cheesy, but my little bro used to watch ‘Power Rangers’ all the time; why did they always wait to link up and kick ass? They always won when they did. “As long as we stay distracted and separated by our crumbs, titles and identity groupings, we’ll stay in a world like we have now. That’s the real choice we have every day, not the distraction we have every four years.” Financial aid assistant Patricia Herrera said it is important for undocumented students at CCC who qualify for the Dream Act application (BOG Fee Waiver and the Cal Grant) to know that the funds come from the state of California and not the federal government. She said she encourages any student who may be eligible to fill out a financial aid application for 2016-17 and 2017-18 if they have not done so yet. HSI STEM Manager Mayra Padilla said, “We have to stay peaceful and loving for one another. Fighting hate is not going to solve anything. We need a level of compassion.” She said, as a community, everyone should stand for justice and with anyone who has been oppressed.
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Flaws inspire creative outlook Adversity strengthens artist’s dedication to help community BY Michael Santone NEWS EDITOR
msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com
It is through the artist who paints work representative of universal emotions where art can have a profound impact on the lives of those who admire it. This drive to impact lives is the main purpose of art major Oghenetaze “Taze” Etibo, 21, who is working on changing the world through his craft of painting. “The other day I read about this girl who has suicidal thoughts because of the pain she’s feeling from cancer,” Etibo said, “I’m always thinking, ‘what can I do to stop that from happening?’” Etibo uses pastels to create works of art that feature adversities faced by children and women with scars, disabilities and birthmarks. Some of his pieces include a double amputee child wrestling with another child, a model with vitiligo and depictions of musicians Michael Jackson and Tupac. “I don’t just paint to sell them. I paint to help people who are going through stuff,” Etibo said. The underlying message of embracing one’s body and embracing what makes someone feel different runs through his entire collection. “When I’m riding on the bus, I see people happy and sad. It gives me inspiration,” he said, “When I draw, I pick out this sad emotion so people can relate, like, ‘he knows what I’m going through’.” Etibo was born in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria on July 15, 1995. He enjoyed life as a child growing up with a lot of friends and family. Creativity runs deep through his blood. Etibo’s aunt is a singer, his uncle is an artist and his brother is a dancer. After his father passed away in 2009, Etibo and his mother and his three siblings moved to Richmond, California. “I felt alone and different, but after a while people accepted me and when I learned English it was easier to fit in,” Etibo said. It was at Portola Middle School in El Cerrito where Etibo’s seventh grade art teacher sparked his interest in a variety of artistic methods, such as stained glass, portraits and collages. “Mrs. Marr made me see art as a therapy,” Etibo said. Etibo said Mrs. Marr acted as a second mother by introducing him to friends and helping him adapt to life in the United States. Etibo has a birthmark that cascades from his neck down to his arms and onto his hand. Etibo said he often found himself a target for bullying. “I was bullied a lot when I was little,” Etibo said, “People called me burned and when I tried talking to them they would look at me some type of way because they thought it was a contagious disease.”
“I get messages from people thanking me for my art, and that’s important to me.” — Oghenetaze “Taze” Etibo, art major
Etibo said he feels insecure about his birthmark, but he views it as like a signature. “It’s made me the person I am today,” Etibo said. Etibo found solace in his artwork creating pieces that really speak to those who are going through hard times or feel different. “When I got older I thought about this, ‘Did I just come to this earth to work? Or to help people through my art?’” Etibo said. Most of Etibo’s pieces feature children because of their innocent nature and minimal experience in life. He also features women, due to their delicate and soft feminine bodies. One of his signatures is to place his birthmark on the subjects in his paintings. “I incorporate my birthmark so people do not feel different about their skin, their skin color, or looking a certain way,” said Etibo. One of his paintings is of two children, a boy and girl, squatting and playing with something close to the ground. The little girl, whose arm and face are covered with a birthmark, has a worried look on her face as she stares off into the distance. The boy holds her hand. “In this one, the boy is comforting her telling her she’s not alone and not different from other kids,” Etibo said. Etibo began taking his talent and eagerness to help people seriously when he started taking classes at Contra Costa College in the summer of 2014. Neko Flores, digital art illustration major, said he has known Etibo for over a year and is continually impressed by his passion and talent for creating meaningful art. “He adds his birthmark, which goes that extra step further, to make it his own,” Flores said, “I feel like it has opened my eyes to my surroundings, because I didn’t realize about these issues of the body before.” Flores said he was captivated by all of Etibo’s art. “When you look at one of his paintings you get lost in the details and the message that he created, and when you come back there is self-realization,” he said. His art debut in December 2015 was in a display case in the Library and Learning Resource Center and featured a collection of eight women’s faces in black and white and the face of cinema’s legendary serial killer Chucky. “I felt proud to have my art hanging for people to see,” Etibo said, “I get messages from people thanking me for my art, and that’s important to me.” Mike Chavez, an undecided major, said he can’t help but stop when walking by one of Etibo’s paintings.
PHOTOS BY DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
TOP: Ogbenetaze “Taze” Etibo works on detailing an untitled piece of art by shading it in on Monday. BOTTOM: A boy holds the hand of a girl in a piece of Ogbenetaze “Taze” Ebito’s art. A key component to Etibo’s work is to inspire the community to feel human emotion.
Chavez said he specifically enjoyed a natural-colored painting with blues and greens of a girl with flowers surrounding her. “I can’t stop looking at it,” he said. Chavez said, “He (Etibo) creates the thought through someone’s eyes and he captures a real feeling in all of his paintings.” Etibo is preparing for his first gallery showcase in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery sometime in the spring 2017. “I am working on new pieces but the only problem that’s holding me back is frames being so expensive. But I won’t let that stop me from my goal,” Etibo said. Etibo said he plans on continuing to paint and draw while taking classes at CCC until he can find what he wants to do with his talents. “I want to be known for helping people with depression through art. You know, how Superman saves people? I feel like I’m here to save people.”
RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA PASSES Proposition 64 passes, certified areas to hold 15 percent tax
BY Michael Santone NEWS EDITOR
msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com
The passing of Proposition 64, which legalizes marijuana in California effective immediately, means adults 21 years and older can now grow, possess and use but will have to wait until 2018 before they can purchase marijuana at a certified dispensary. The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) passed 56 percent to 44 percent and will regulate the recreational use of up to an ounce of flowers and eight grams of concentrates, which include oils and waxes used to vaporize. The law also restricts personal cultivation to six plants grown in a fully enclosed and secure area, either indoors or outdoors. California has until Jan. 1, 2018 to come up with a process of how to administer licenses to those that will grow, transport and sell marijuana. The 15 percent tax to be placed on the retail price of marijuana will also be implemented in 2018. Also effective immediately is the decriminalization of marijuana. For those who already have prior non-serious marijuana-related offenses, for example, the possession of an ounce or less, will be reduced to misdemeanors. Those with prior convictions can petition the court to have their record cleared or reduced to reflect the new law. With the passing of AUMA there is an expansion of powers and duties of
the Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Public Health and authorized regulations by the Department of Food and Agriculture for cultivation, manufacturing and sale of industrial hemp that is effective immediately. The newly expanded departments will include regulations and control of the non-medical marijuana industry. Contra Costa College English adjunct professor Jeffery Smith said he has been a proponent of marijuana legalization. He said it is not necessarily because he want people to do it, but because he support people’s rights. Smith said that the passing of Proposition 64 is important in the long run b e caus e it deals with personal freedoms and the decriminalization of marijuana. Smith said he hopes Proposition 64 passi n g is the right decision for California going forward. M a r i j u a n a is legalized at the state level but there are still rules in place that protect CCC’s pol-
icies because of the classification of marijuana at the federal level. Due to funding the college gets as part of the California public school system, CCC must maintain a drug-free environment. This means people can’t smoke or possess marijuana while on campus. Police Services Lt. Tom Holt said it is not as if those who smoke marijuana are violent or can’t come to class and the format was already in place with medical marijuana dispensaries. Holt said, “It was just a matter of voting for the legalization.” Holt said, “There are going to be obstacles we need to address that we haven’t yet. One worry police have, is the driving aspect.” The district hasn’t given Police Services an updated policy if there were to be changes made on campus, “It is still illegal to have marijuana on campus,” Holt said. As it stands, being caught with possession is a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine or one year in jail. Holt said, “My advice to people who smoke: do it off campus to avoid any troubles.” Nursing major Nia Bell said the law should have been kept
the way it was. “There Bell said the fines, taxes and regulations are going are not beneficial. CCC English to be major Maria Sanchez obstacles said people will use we need marijuana anyway so legalizing it is a good to address idea. that we “I just hope the money goes where haven’t yet. it’s supposed to go,” One worry Sanchez said. The revenue to police have, be generated by the is the drivpassing of AUMA is ing aspect.” expected to pull in — Tom Holt. $1 billion annually Police Services Lt. for the state. The money would then be divided up into four categories. If there was $50 million per year, it would provide funds to mental health and substance abuse programs. Some $10 million would go to research to analyze the impact legalization has had on the state, $3 million will go to the California Highway Patrol DUI research and $2 million will go to research into medical marijuana’s usefulness and potential side effects. California is also estimated to save around $100 million per year due to the reduction in marijuana-related criminal costs.
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We now have a center, a place for veterans to sit and talk about classes, counselors and finances — resources we didn’t have when I was a student here.” — Leon Watkins, Armed Forces Service and Support Group club president
BART SEES SUCCESS IN UPGRADE MEASURE Voters approve Measure RR which grants BART repairs toward infrastructure BY Anthony Kinney ADVOCATE STAFF
akinney.theadvocate@gmail.com
BART riders can expect massive improvements throughout the Bay Area’s Rapid Transit system after voters passed measure RR on Nov. 9 authorizing the BART District to grant $3.5 billion in bonds for repairs to the aging rail system. The Bay Area’s 44-year-old rail system needs improvements, and BART is expected to replace 90 miles of severely worn down tracks, repair leaky tunnels and enhance the infrastructure’s durability against earthquakes, among other projects in its 107-mile, 45-station system. Lysette Ranese, a first-year pre-med major at Contra Costa College, said the improvements will make BART riders feel safer while being on public transportation. “It’s “I’m not a fan of the delays the great that repairs will cause, but I’d rather have the trains stop because issues BART is are being fixed rather than them getting an stopping from someone getting upgrade. hurt,” Sanchez said. The repairs also include improvIt’s welling BART access for seniors and deserved. people with disabilities as well as replacing old escalators and elevaEverybody tors at various stations. rides BART, Measure RR successfully passed, despite the fact that it was not on all not just a Bay Area county ballots. It needed specific a two-thirds majority to win and earned 70.1 percent of the votes group of cast. people.” San Francisco voters passed the — Hayley measure with 81.1 percent of the Thongvanh, vote and RR obtained 70.8 percent MCHS student of the vote in Alameda County. Only 59.5 percent of Contra Costa County voters voted yes to measure RR, even though statistics show that 70 percent of all transit trips in Contra Costa County are taken on BART. In the time of its emergence in the early 70s, BART originally carried 100,000 people per week. Now the rail system serves approximately 440,000 riders per weekday. That number is expected to increase 75 percent by 2040. That’s why BART plans on adding 306 additional trains to its tracks and to totally revamp its 1960s-era electrical system. “It’s great that BART is getting an upgrade. It’s well-deserved,” Middle College High School student Hayley Thongvanh said. “Everybody rides BART, not just a specific group of people.” Jimmy Sanchez, a CCC mathematics major, said the bond approval is timely because of the poor conditions of some trains. “Some of those trains are disgusting,” Sanchez said. “Money going to new train cars will make riding the BART more pleasant.” The extra trains will also help relieve highway congestion and reduce air pollution by promoting more people to ride public rail transit. BART’s website outlines its stations, improvements to the security and lighting systems at various stations and construction of a power infrastructure for the Warm Springs Station coming as part of the planned extension to south Fremont. Elisa Allen, a CCC nursing major, acknowledges that the bond is quite expensive. However, she agrees the bond is exactly what the aging rail system needs. “It’s a lot of money but it’s necessary and long overdue,” Allen said. “I ride BART all the time and sometimes it can feel a little unsafe. But I think the bond will allow for better security making riders feel safer.”
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
The Armed Services Support Group Club President Leon Watkins (left) and President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh (middle) receive a letter of appreciation from District 15 Assembly member Tony Thurmond’s representative during the opening ceremony of the Veterans Resource Center in the Amphitheater on Thursday.
Resource center opens to assist vets on campus BY Marci Suela SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
msuela.theadvocate@gmail.com
As a veteran, Contra Costa Community College District Trustee John Márquez is thrilled to see the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) open on campus. “A group of us veterans would sit in the (old) cafeteria talking about things we went through and console each other,” Márquez said. “We didn’t have counselors who understood our plight. We now have a center, a place for veterans to sit and talk about classes, counselors and finances — resources we didn’t have when I was a student here.” In commemoration of Veterans Day, students, faculty and community members gathered for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new center in the Amphitheater on Thursday. During the event, speakers ranged from Contra Costa College President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh to Armed Forces Services and Support Group Club President Leon Watkins. “The joining of two communities — veterans and Contra Costa College — is working together to support our active duty, National Guard dependents, reserve, spouses and veterans to succeed in obtaining a higher education,” Watkins said during the ceremony. “We realize that there are going to be hills and valleys to travel. As long as we stay focused on the goal, we will support the one percent that provides a blanket of freedom for the 99 percent that sleeps under it.” The VRC is currently open in SA-101 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Watkins said, “When active-duty personnel finish their service they’re not exposed to resources to achieve health benefits, housing and what they need to apply for school. What happens here on campus is we are attempting to find and offer resources to support their needs.” The VRC provides educational information and needs, connections
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Veteran Resource Center volunteer Melissa Davidson (left), Governing Board Trustee John Marquez (center) and Richmond Mayor Tom Butt talk during the grand opening of the Veterans Resource Center on Thursday.
to receive pension and compensation for one’s service, assistance to enter the Veteran Affairs system and assistance in finding housing, he said. Communications major Francis Chua was one of the 75 people in attendance of the ceremony. Chua is also an Air Force veteran. He said he received assistance at the VSRC in applying for his benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a VA-administered program which pays for tuition depending on the amount of active-duty service after 9/11. “I had to prove how much time I served so I can be given the appropriate amount monthly,” Chua said. “The center is a good resource for veterans wanting to go to school, but who are lost in enrolling and applying for their benefits.” As the daughter of a veteran, Associated Student Union President Safi
Ward-Davis said she is deeply appreciative of CCC honoring veterans during the ceremony. “When my dad came back from Vietnam he didn’t receive this kind of reception,” Ward-Davis said. “It’s great seeing different generations of veterans — past, present and future — from CCC coming together today to celebrate having this resource.” She said it’s an opportunity for the college to promote these resources to the community in order to aid veterans and their issues. “A lot of veterans drop because they don’t have an outlet to address issues like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),” Ward-Davis said. “When you get this resource for the community and for the college, veterans and their families can come in to receive assistance. They don’t have to go through it alone.”
Accreditation expands entry into auto industry BY Salvador Godoy ADVOCATE STAFF
sgodoy.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Contra Costa College automotive services department for the first time earned accreditation from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) last summer, providing benefits to young skilled automotive technicians who are striving to enter the automotive industry. Automotive services department Chairperson Lucile Beatty said the certification took three years for evaluation and the fall 2016 semester marks the first time for the program to become officially certified under NATEF. NATEF is a nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits post-secondary, public and proprietary training program schools
against standards established by the automotive industry. “This is a great milestone as (the program) will give a competitive edge for students in our department,” she said. “During certification, we worked closely with NATEF to ensure we have met the strict national standards. We’re glad that it has been achieved successfully.” Previously, automotive students who worked toward an automotive degree were required to transfer to an accredited automotive training program certified by NATEF in order to receive creditability once applying for an automotive job. Starting now, that has been changed. “Dealerships, automotive repair shops and other automotive businesses will look for applicants who have attended a school
“The certification is going to help boost my credibility and apply for a better position in the future.” Erick Gonzalez,
automotive services major
that has been NATEF certified,” Beatty said. Beatty said now that the program has been certified through NATEF, it will be easier for students to apply for entry-level job positions. The automotive department plans to negotiate with local dealerships to provide internships for students with the intention to have the applications offered for the spring semester. “In terms of internships, we are going
to begin working with the Hilltop Hanlees dealerships,” she said, “to see if they can provide internships to students here in the (automotive) department.” Automotive students who are enrolled in the program provided positive insight that will help boost their credibility once they are in the automotive industry field. Bruce Lacey, who is majoring as an automotive repair technician, said, “I felt pretty good when I heard about the program being certified by NATEF. It gives me more confidence to continue with my (automotive) career.” Erick Gonzalez, CCC automotive services major, said, “The certification is going to help boost my credibility and apply for a better position in the future.”
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Nan Carter, played by Kaitlyn McCoy (right), Simon, played by Alejandro Garcia (center right), and Sweetheart, played by Sarah Ann Piane (center left), listen to Kyle Carter, played by Umi Grant (left) apologize during a scene of “Exit, Pursued by Bear” at the Knox Center on Saturday. XAVIER JOHNSON / THE ADVOCATE
LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCES HINDER PRODUCTION By Xavier Johnson SCENE EDITOR
xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com
T
he drama department’s second play of the fall 2016 semester is interesting and funny, but the actors don’t bring any of the necessary emotion to make the production anything more than an average un-engaging 90 minutes for the audience. “Exit, Pursued by a Bear” is a play by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Angelina LaBarre. The production has three more shows in the John and Jean Knox Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors and $15 general admission. The actual content of the play is fairly interesting. The story is about Nan Carter, played by Kaitlyn McCoy, getting the assistance of her two friends, Sweetheart and Simon, played by Sarah Ann Piane and Alejandro Garcia, to enact her plan of performing short scenes from their abusive relationships past in front of her
tied up husband, Kyle Carter. They hope this will make Kyle repent of his wrongdoings. If Kyle doesn’t repent he will be left tied up in their home in Northern Georgia to be eaten by bears. This show suffers from poor acting throughout the play. The central problem with the acting is the portrayal of Kyle Carter played by Umi Grant. Grant is good with his facial expressions, but when he opens his mouth to speak it breaks the immersion in the play. Grant delivers lines as if he is reading them for the first time. A good example of this is during the second act. There is a quiet and intimate scene between Nan and Kyle, but due to Grant’s poor line delivery the emotion doesn’t connect. Having someone in such a crucial emotional climax being unable to deliver the emotional weight needed hurts the show. The acting is shaky as well when characters have to interact with each
Marvel welcomes ‘Doctor’ to shared cinematic universe Likable character dominates role, while visual effects engage audience
By Edwin Herrera ADVOCATE STAFF
eherrera.theadvocate@gmail.com
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arvel studios does it again, this time successfully translating “Doctor Strange” from Marvel’s vast comic library into a film that surpasses expectations and keeps its streak of great comic book films alive. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange. Cumberbatch is best known for his role as consulting Detective Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series “Sherlock.” He plays Dr. Strange with more arrogance and self-riotousness than Robert Downey Jr. does as Iron Man. A car accident leaves the arrogant neurosurgeon Strange with permanent hand damage. The accident hinders Strange’s ability to perform
as a surgeon and ultimately results in the end of his career. Not willing to accept the end of his career and the permanent damage to his hands, Dr. Strange spends his amassed fortune on risky procedures. The procedures end up having no positive effects on the state of his ailing hands. With little money left, he travels to Kamar-Taj hoping to find a cure. While traveling, Dr. Strange encounters the Sorcerer Supreme known as the Ancient One, played by three-time British Academy Film Award winner Tilda Swinton. The Ancient One shows Dr. Strange incredible things that make him realize he is not the center of the universe. The Ancient One plays an important role in making Strange understand
other. The interactions between the four actors don’t have a natural “Exit, Pursued by feeling. The actual diaa Bear” logue they are saying is Venue: Knox pretty funny. Center The constant quoting Directed by: of former President Angelina LaBarre Jimmy Carter by Nan Open Until: Nov. 20 Carter is funny and some witty lines said by Sweetheart and Simon are also good. The jokes and quick wit don’t connect as well as they should because the actors delivering them are missing comedic timing and the words sound like actors saying lines, not like people interacting naturally. The show isn’t completely bad, however. When actors are delivering monologues they are individually OK. Piane and Garcia are largely in the play for comic relief and they both have a few high points. Piane has a strong voice and is good at being expressive and enveloping PLAY REVIEW
the powers that are beyond imagination and brings up morality questions that make viewers question her methods. Strange quickly becomes interested and begs the Ancient One to allow him to become one of her students in the mystical arts. With this being Marvel’s sixth feature length film, the original story follows the traditional format. However just like making a pizza, the key ingredients are always dough, sauce and cheese. The only differences are found in the toppings. The story follows the same basic plot as the first “Iron Man,” that of an arrogant man who has to go through tragedy to become a likable hero. The biggest difference in “Doctor Strange” is that the characters are more compelling and are not just there for helping the film’s story along. And fortunately in this film Marvel does make a more interesting villain in Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), a former student of the Ancient One. Kaecilius is not a complex character, but he manages to draw empathy to his rebellion as he makes the audience question his former master. Despite not reaching the levels of Tom Hiddleston’s
the stage with her presence. Garcia is shaky when delivering lines, but has a good sense of who his character is and approaches the role with confidence. The clear highlight of the play is McCoy. She has a powerful voice that commands attention and is the only actor that delivers solid emotion. In the second act climax, McCoy is the saving grace of that scene. Her strong voice and facial expressions bring much needed emotion to the scene. “Exit, Pursued by a Bear” is a good play performed poorly. This show isn’t something people should go out of their way to see. The production is worth the $10 or $15 admission, but not worth the 90 minutes spent watching it. The time would be spent better doing something else like homework or seeing another show. Audiences should skip “Exit, Pursued by a Bear” and wait for spring 2017 to see the drama department’s upcoming shows “Two Sisters and a Piano” and “Godspell.”
SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE
Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) uses mystical arts during a scene of “Doctor Strange.”
Loki, he is good villain. The best toppings on this pizza are the visual effects. The team that handled the special effects of this film should be handed their Oscar right now, even before their nomination. When Dr. Strange is first introduced to the different dimensions, he goes on what can only be described as an “acid trip.” It is very difficult to explain what he witnesses, but the cinematography is incredibly beautiful. The best part about all the special effects and cinematography is that it does not take viewers out of the film. It draws them into it. In many films, 3D is a
MOVIE REVIEW “Doctor Strange” Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch Directed by: Scott Derrickson Genre: comic book
gimmick that doesn’t add to a film and is there to make a film more money. But this film must be watched
in 3D. From the buildings bending into themselves, to the beautifully designed worlds, the crazy action scenes and the manipulation of time are worth seeing. “Doctor Strange” is a great take on another little known character and a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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COMMUNITY UNITES UNDER FEAR OF DIVIDED FAMILIES Students voice their social, political concerns through peaceful walk
By Reggie Santini SPOTLIGHT EDITOR
rsantini.theadvocate@gmail.com
Students came together for the “Undivided” rally and march against President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday. About 100 Contra Costa College student protesters made their way down San Pablo Avenue chanting “Not my president” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, bigotry has got to go” as they headed to San Pablo City Hall to voice their opinion in a peaceful protest. “I might not have much to say, but I have something to say. Donald Trump will not take away my voice,” Contra Costa Community College District Student Trustee and Democratic Society Vice President Kwame Baah-Arhin said. Upon arriving at San Pablo City Hall students took turns voicing what they believe is wrong with the United States. They shouted “racism, sexism, bigotry and police brutality.” Before heading out to march toward San Pablo City Hall, students from the Puente Club, La Raza Student Union, the Black Student Union, Students for Education Reform, Middle College High School students and more gathered in the Student Services Center Plaza to share some words. Students used a megaphone to express why they decided to participate in the protest and why they don’t approve of Trump. Students expressed their fear of losing undocumented family members and friends who would directly be affected by Trump’s leadership. Some students teared up as speakers shared their personal narratives. When arriving at San Pablo City Hall, everyone gathered around for a peaceful sit-in. CCC student Noor Ayyad said her friend texted her asking if she was going to wear her hijab, because she did not feel safe wearing it now that Trump has been elected. “What will happen to me and my family now that he’s president? We are Muslims and my family was not born here like me,” Ayyad said. “A lot of my family and friends are immigrants and I don’t want to lose my family,” MCHS student Jessica Gedinuz said. Students spoke out about some of the things Trump has said he hates about them. MCHS student and Democratic Society President Andrea Webb said she is everything Trump hates. She is an immigrant black woman. She said she is thankful that her voice was being heard. Business major and police aide Corina Espinal said, “Why would you elect some billionaire that has no experience doing this. He is a racist who has no plan for this nation.” Music major Valeria Figueroa said she was thankful for the protest because it gave her a voice. “I am new to the college and I feel my voice is not heard. But today it is being heard,” she said. Students found an empty City Hall despite being told by Vice Mayor Cecilia Valdez that she would be there to greet them. Valdez told students before they left CCC, “City Hall will be closed today, but I will be there to listen to you
“I am disappointed that Vice Mayor (Cecilia) Valdez did not show up despite saying she would. But this is our land so we don’t need anyone to welcome us to it.” — Norma Valdez-Jimenez, counselor
and support you. Thank you for doing this, many students will be effected by your actions today.” Counselor Norma Valdez-Jimenez said, “I am disappointed that Vice Mayor Valdez did not show up despite saying she would. But this is our land so we don’t need anyone to welcome Valdez us to it.” -Jimenez Psychology major and Puente Club member Mauricio Duarte said, “The doors of City Hall might be closed, but the door of our hearts is always open.” As students made their way to the San Pablo City Hall, passersby honked their horns and cheered at the protesters. San Pablo community members even joined the protesters as they marched through the streets. Local resident Michael Norris said, “If people don’t say anything there will be prejudice all around. I am proud of CCC for doing this,” as he marched with the protesters. San Pablo resident Jose Ramo Prado said, “We need to change the system. It should be the people who pick the president of the United States and not the delegates.” He also said he moved here from Mexico 78 years ago and has never been more worried about his country. Local shop owners and employees came outside and voiced their opinion as well. “We all need to get together and protest right now. “We need to unite and sign petitions to see how far we can take this,” local barber Taurice Williams said. The peaceful protest was escorted through the city by San Pablo Police officers who blocked traffic to help students safely cross the streets. The Puente Club organized the “Undivided” rally and march protest during their meeting on Nov. 9. Fliers were sent out over social media with the help of La Raza and the Associated Student Union. Protesters met inside the Student Lounge around 11 a.m. to design protest signs and further organize the march and rally. “We went to Home Depot yesterday to buy the wood handles and cardboard for the signs. This was all planned over night,” Duarte said. Some CCC administrators came to show their support to those participating in the protest before they left for City Hall. CCC President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said, “I am proud of our students for using their First Amendment rights. It is important for us to share our perspective and hope that it spreads.” Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson said, “This protest shows the campus as one. I think of unity and pride when I see this. I support them 100 percent.”
Contra Costa College students chant and pus to San Pablo City Hall on Thursday.
Legend Contra Costa College “Undivided” march
West Contra Costa Uni School District high sch protest march
CCC
Young protesters demonstrate organization, leadership, resolve High school students occupy, march through Richmond, San Pablo BY Efrain Valdez ADVOCATE STAFF
evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com
About 2,000 students throughout the West Contra Costa Unified School District marched through the streets of Richmond and San Pablo on Thursday to show their unity against President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetoric against minorities. This was the second protest involving local high schoolers. During the first protest on Wednesday, students from Richmond, Kennedy and Leadership high schools took to the streets. On Thursday, however, protests were much larger as student organizers attracted students from Richmond, Kennedy, Leadership, Making Waves and Cal Prep high schools, who were all in attendance. “We need to protest because there have been a lot of discriminatory acts against many minorities,” Richmond High School student Karen Zepeda said. Minorities contribute a lot to the economy and it is awful that someone like Trump can stop (minorities) with a snap of his fingers, she said. “I am excited about what these young people are doing. I support their movement and I will be here every time they are out here protesting,” Richmond Ceasefire member Dewanda Joseph said. “I’m here to support youth because it is my community,” the founder of Direct Bay Area
Peace Keepers Gonzalo Rucobo said. He said he hoped to aid and keep this event non-violent by monitoring and guiding them with common sense. Some parents have Rucobo shown concern about their children protesting, missing class time and the possible dangers of being on the street. Joseph said she tells parents to “chill” and if they are scared for their children, they need to be here shoulder-to-shoulder with them. They shouldn’t be discouraging them. “I love their faces, I love their smiles and I love their boldness. It takes courage to do something like this at this scale,” Joseph said. The protest started at Richmond High School. The students walked along 23rd Street toward the Richmond Civic Center where students from the rest of the local high schools joined them. From there the students went eastbound on Macdonald Avenue where local business owners supplied bottles of water for them. “We have to support them because they are today and they are tomorrow. We, as adults, don’t need to agree with them. We just need to understand and lend an ear to listen to what they are saying,” Joseph said. During their march, they chanted “all lives matter” and “the people united, will never be divided.” The students then made a turn on to San Pablo Avenue northbound, eventually making it back to 23rd Street and Richmond High School where other students had positive words of encouragement for the protesters. The students’ statements were heard loud and clear as they marched the streets and
“We need to protest because there has been a lot of discriminatory acts against many minorities who contribute a lot to the economy and it is awful that someone like Trump can stop us (minorities) with a snap of his fingers.” — Karen Zepeda, Richmond high school student
waved their signs and flags. Current Diablo Valley College student and Richmond High School alumni Adrian Navarro said it was a beautiful thing seeing what the high school students of Richmond were doing. “This kind of event lets people know that we are all together and it gives us a sense of togetherness and unity,” Navarro said. Zepeda said that this was the first protest they did to this scale and that there will be more protests in the future to support those communities that have been marginalized. Rucobo finished the protest by thanking everyone for cooperating and being respectful to the neighborhood and businesses. Also, he thanked the Richmond Police and San Pablo Police departments and the California Highway Patrol for cooperating with them and keeping the streets clear, so there would be no altercations. For the most part, the protests were peaceful except for some students who were caught stealing candy at a local gas station on Wednesday. At Thursday’s protest, there was an odor of marijuana present at times and a student was questioned by an officer after the march.
Richmond High Sch ter) raise their hand protest against the
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Drama major Malea Reeves (left) and social sciences major Marisol Contreras sit, chant and hold signs during the “Undivided” rally and march from campus to San Pablo City Hall on Thursday.
PHOTOS BY CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
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Richmond High School students march on Wednesday in protest of the election of Donald Trump as president on Macdonald Avenue toward San Pablo Avenue in Richmond. CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
hool students Kahlil Spuial (left) and Michael Hampton (cends Wednesday on San Pablo Avenue in Richmond during the election of Donald Trump as president.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Richmond High School student Karen Zepeda speaks to thousands of high school students Wednesday on San Pablo Avenue in Richmond during the protest against the election of Donald Trump as president.
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Thousands of protesters gather at the three-mile long lake in downtown Oakland, California to hold hands during the “Hands Across Lake Merritt” demonstration on Sunday.
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A group of 60 protesters march to 47th Street and MLK Jr. Way after crossing over to West Oakland. They march on 47th Street toward Market Street on Saturday night. From there, protesters walk to Downtown Berkeley.
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A small group of 60 protesters were halted from crossing to west Oakland, California through 14th Street because of the close proximity to the freeway on Saturday night.
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Oakland Police officers halt the protest coordinators’ flatbed truck and the march at Washington and Eight streets on Wednesday night.
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Police halt protesters, Black Block starts chaos Police shut down demonstration, arrest 41 protesters in two days
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Richmond residents Ben Choi (left), Raquel Antolin (center) and Anure McGee (right) sit on 8th and Washington streets during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump in downtown Oakland on Wednesday.
BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
OAKLAND — About an hour into the march, tear gas, burning garbage, sage and incense smoke wafted through a hundred protesters bottlenecked at Washington Street and 8th Street at about 8 p.m. in downtown Oakland on Wednesday. Most people in the intersection were disoriented and fled to safety, just like the flat-bed truck carrying protest organizers did when the Oakland Police Department determined the demonstration to be an unlawful gathering a few minutes before the chaos. But as the smoke settled, scores of police officers surrounded a few people who sat in the middle of the intersection, cross-legged and holding up signs and their hands. Behind the protesters holding up signs that read “United we are Strong/ I am with you brother and sister” a fire burned. It was set by small groups of people who refer to themselves as “black block,” who dress in all black and wear masks at large protests. At this point the thousands of protesters that originally gathered at 14th and Broadway in downtown were split and property was begging to be damaged. Police officers began pushing their lines forward and arresting protesters who came to express their grievances with the underlying xenophobia and nationalism that fueled President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign. Since then, there have been five days of protests throughout the Bay Area and hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets nationwide to protest Trump’s victory and express their frustration with the electoral system. Among the first to be arrested was Anure McGee on Wednesday, an 18-year-old senior enrolled in the Gateway to College high school program at Contra Costa College. McGee was among the people in the intersection, on the frontline when the police began to squeeze space, push pro-
They could have handled that in a different manner. The police were the ones to force the protest to get to where it did.” — Anure McGee, Gateway to College student
testers back and arrest people resisting. “I found myself in the middle of a group of old men — police officers. I was getting tossed around like a hot pocket or something. I’ve never been in that kind of moment before,” she said. “I didn’t go out there to get arrested. “They could have handled that in a different manner. The police were the ones to force the protest to get to where it did. When people started tearing up the streets I was already arrested. “They put a knee on my back and aggressively put me in handcuffs, as if I were an animal. Like I had a weapon and I was going to pull it out.” Before the police began announcing it was an unlawful gathering, fireworks were tossed from the crowd of protesters toward the police line at about 8 p.m., and a fire was started near the congested intersection. “They just smoke bombed us. This had been a peaceful protest until some people acted up,” Rachel Masoude, one of the protesters holding up signs in the intersection, said. “The cops just said what we were doing was unlawful, but the police were the ones escalating the situation.” McGee said she does not regret getting arrested and understands how fear can escalate an otherwise peaceful situation. She encourages others to protest during the day and respect property, but within such a large crowd of people frustrated with the current state of politics, it is understandable how the situation could have gotten carried out of hand. “This is not a game. They aren’t playing,” protest organizer Alizia Walters said from the bed of the flatbed truck
Nov. 9, 2016 The night after Republican candidate Donald Trump is declared the president-elect, community organizers gather and speak to thousands of people in protest against the president-elect at 14th Street and Broadway in Oakland, California at 5 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., more than 8,000 protesters began marching. At 8:30 p.m., the protest is determined by the Oakland Police Department to be unlawful at Washington and 8th streets. Black block members, a group of anarchists, and other protesters destroy store fronts and vandalize buildings until 2 a.m. Thirty protesters are arrested and three police officers are injured.
surrounded by thousands of Bay Area residents on 14th and Broadway as she pointed to police officers blocking traffic on Wednesday night at about 7:30 p.m. “We are at war. So suit up, gear up, train up, join up and organize. Fuck this shit. We can’t go down without a fight.” As the flat-bed truck pulled out of the plaza, Walters asked the crowd to show the world that disciplined and organized resistance can help bring disenfranchised people together. “So to all you black folk, brown folk and all you well-meaning white allies we got elders, mamas and children out here who have come to make a disciplined and principled stand against fascism and tyranny — thousands of us y’all.” The initial protest however was derailed by black block members on Washington and 8th streets. McGee told those on hand, “Stay away from violent protest. Those are not productive and distract from the message people are saying,” she said. “It helps the (corporate) media and Donald Trump stereotype us. It does not reflect our image, and lets people say ‘there they go again.” In Oakland, 41 people were arrested during the first two nights of protests following Trump’s victory speech in New York early Wednesday morning, according to the Oakland Police Department officials. Most of the people who were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday do not live in the city. As life-long Oakland resident Noel Smith was trying to put out the initial fire that caused the police to determine the protests unlawful at Washington and 8th streets on Wednesday, some people told her to “let it burn.” Smith continued to stomp out the fire and others helped her as the people who started the fires slowly left the area and walked back onto Broadway. “When property is destroyed, problems begin to happen. Upset people came out here to protest Trump,” she said. “Oakland is a place where change can happen, but it cannot be done by tearing up the city we love.”
Nov. 10, 2016
PHOTOS BY DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Protesters meet at 14th Street and Broadway. At 10 p.m. protesters walk on Telegraph Avenue toward Berkeley, California. At 10:27 protesters marched to the I-580 freeway underpass at Telegraph Avenue between 34th and 36th streets where after several failed attempts, a group of them is able to walk onto the freeway through a fence they were able to open by force. California Highway Patrol officers arrive soon after arresting two people and pushing protesters off of the freeway onto Broadway at around 10:50 p.m.
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LEFT: Demonstrators hold hands along the 3.4 mile perimeter of Lake Merritt as a form of peaceful protest during the “Hands Across Lake Merritt” event in downtown Oakland, California on Sunday.
PHOTOS BY CODY CASARES AND DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
DEMONSTRATION SHOWS UNITY
Thousands gather to bring perspective
to election, foster solidarity
BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
OAKLAND — About 8,000 people surrounded the 3.4-mile perimeter of Lake Merritt here on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. to stand in solidarity with people who are threatened by President-elect Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric. As the sun began its descent behind the downtown skyline, Bay Area residents of various ages, genders and ethnicities filled the pathway along the lake for Hands Across Lake Merritt. At about 4 p.m., people raised their hands, clapped, shouted and then shared a moment of silence for undocumented immigrants, Muslims, women and LGBT+ communities who Trump exploited to win the presidency. “I am out here today because love trumps hate, and I want to show that every day. We know the fight that is in front of us,” Sierra Club National Program Director Jesse Simons said. “There is a rising white national movement that is threating this country, and it is fueled by economic uncertainty. “In order to deal with this, we need to build an anti-racist coalition that is here for the future.” The idea for the rally was promoted through a Facebook page created by 39-year-old Allison White. Over four days, the page garnered over 7,000 people saying they were going to attend the peaceful demonstration. People laid on the lawn next to the lake, enjoyed the musical performances and artwork by local artists as hordes of people circled the lake in downtown. Former Contra Costa College student Navi Thach, 31, said he never thought Trump would become president, and the results are devastating for the Democratic Party. “It’s just so surreal. People are worried about being deported,” Thach said. “I heard of some hate crimes by Trump supporters, so me and some of my friends have thought about buying guns.” He said he was at the first day of protests on Wednesday in downtown Oakland but he left just as the demonstration was determined to be unlawful by the police department, but the environment created by Hands Across Lake Merritt is
Nov. 11, 2016 Most of the protest at night consists of people walking up and down Broadway and along the streets adjacent to Frank Ogawa Station. Around 100 people were protesting at around 10 p.m. Unlike previous days, the night is free of violence. Although it seems unlikely to happen, Oakland Police officers guard freeway entrances and exits. OPD tweets out, “Expect a heavy police presence near on and off ramps in Oakland again tonight as we monitor ongoing protests.”
ABOVE: A demonstrator skates through the crowd holding a sign during the “Hands Across Lake Merritt” peaceful event in downtown Oakland, California on Sunday.
“I am out here today because love trumps hate, and I want to show that every day. We know the fight that is in front of us. — Jesse Simons, Sierra Club National Program Director
much more welcoming. “This is a lot more peaceful. I don’t think anything is going to happen here. There are too many people, so if anyone does try to do anything stupid we will calm them down. I don’t think (any anarchists) are here.” Oakland resident Janeth Ledezma stood at station two out of 21 rallying points on the north side of Lake Merritt as she encouraged people walking by to go to moveon.org and sign a petition that will ask Electoral College representatives to switch their votes from Trump to anyone else. “If our voices are loud enough, we can be heard by (the Electoral College representatives). I’m not here trying to promote representatives to vote for Hillary — anyone but Trump,” Ledezma said. She said she is Mexican, but because her friends have been targeted by Trump’s hateful comments throughout the campaign, she said it is her responsibility to act and spur action. “I have Muslim friends, and
over the past couple of days I have seen their fear,” she said. “Not everyone has the same resiliency as me and my family.” Berkeley’s Revolution Bookstore volunteer Ben Allen, 69, said the purpose of the protest is to tell the world and the United States that there are tens of millions of people who do not accept Trump as their president-elect. Allen said millions of people reject the idea that any type of oppression against people based on ethnicity, wealth, gender or culture should happen in a nation that is struggling with finding a sense of national unity. “Myself and other people will deter Trump and his people if they try to move against any of the populations he threatened and degraded. We will move in a more vigorous way to stop him,” he said. “We hope to have a strong enough force in this country that we will be able to stop that (type of rhetoric) and that this is the beginning of change in a human direction within a society that is already inhuman enough without (Trump’s victory).” Some people at the event were exposed to the opposite end of the political spectrum that is not normal in a liberal bubble that is the Bay Area. Oakland resident Megan Cody, 41, said she had just returned from Florida on Saturday and decided to come out and support the community with her children.
“I was in Republican stronghold,” Cody said. “There were a lot of people who were cheering on Trump. It was really intense. I don’t want to be ‘Trumpian’ so I don’t want to participate in the angry stuff. It gave me a perspective.” She said that being around so many people who were celebrating Trump’s victory and the Republican Party winning both the House of Representatives and Senate was interesting. But, she said, she enjoyed returning home. “I think (Hands Across Lake Merritt) is really peaceful and really loving,” she said. “People have come out to try to have their voices be heard in a kind way. In a time of heavy emotions, it is nice to see people supporting and loving each other.” Myisha Hill, 34, is a volunteer with Sidewalk Talk, an nonprofit organization that listens to people’s problems and provides advice. Hill stood next to the “Empathy Tent.” The tent was set up for people who wanted to talk about what is on their minds during this uncertain time in American history. “Today the focus is grief and anger. Those are the two major feelings we are dealing with today,” Hill said. “(These feelings are centered) around the results of the presidential election. And we want to help people figure out where do we go from here.”
ABOVE: A demonstator holds up a peace sign during the “Hands Across Lake Merritt” event at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California on Sunday.
Nov. 12, 2016
Nov. 13, 2016
Around 60 protesters meet at Frank Ogawa Station led by By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) and they march from downtown Oakland to the UC Berkeley campus and marched back to Rockridge BART Station. The march is peaceful and, unlike other protests, this one was able to continue through residential areas at night. Police monitor the march heavily, although the group is not large. The group, though, tries racing up a hill onto the I-580, but fails due to the hills steepness.
Thousands of peaceful protesters gather in downtown Oakland to hold hands all the way through the 3.4 mile Lake Merritt. Checkpoints are set up around the lake as Bay Area residents gather around its perimeter. Around 4 p.m. community members begin to clap and then hold hands. There is never a simultaneous hand grabbing throughout the lake due to leadership being on the north side of the lake.
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EDITORIAL CORPORATE MEDIA GROUPS UNDERMINE DEMOCRACY W Broadcast news
complicity helps Republican candidates dominate elections
hen accurate journalism is under attack, public awareness is the first casualty. Broadcast news organizations like CNN, MSNBC, NBC, Telemundo, Univision and FOX News ceded accurate and responsible journalism to focus on conflict, misinformation and increasing profit in their coverage of the 2016 presidential race. This perversion of journalism is a product of our profit driven neo-capitalist society. Framing is everything, but the frame during the 2016 national election cycle, and its aftermath, has been focused on conflict between two undesirable candidates. A narrow perspective on specific issues spreads partial truths. This is the status-quo, and is why many people were surprised that half the country voted for outsider Republican candidate Donald Trump for president. The harrowing truth is that the media conglomerates who own these corporations have been manipulating public understanding of core issues in American society for decades. Instead of seeking to
ILLUSTRATION BY MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
better the public understanding of certain issues concerning race, economic class and gender by showing both sides of an issue fairly, media outlets focus on what sells — conflict. The failure of corporate journalism to report accurate information was apparent throughout — during their coverage of this year’s Democratic and Republican primary elections, the presidential debates and now during the protests and riots that have swept major cities nationwide in the wake of Trump’s victory. Less than seven conglomerates, valued at more than $1 trillion in broadcast and online markets, own
all the news organizations listed above, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Yet nearly all corporate media organizations predicted a victory for Hillary Clinton. They called it even before she stole the Democratic National Party’s nomination from populist candidate Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Corporate media’s complicity in handing Trump the election can be traced through the amount of free press given each candidate. According to the Campaign Television Tracker website, Trump was awarded about $1.2 million, Clinton was given about $629,000 and Sanders
was spared only $191,000 in broadcast airtime during news reports alone. This is not just deplorable journalism — it’s immoral marketing. Corporate manipulation of masses of taxpayers and voters threatens democracy and our right to know. Another example of corporate media’s role in politics by spreading misinformation is in its coverage of the “Not My President” protests that have burned through major cities in red and blue states. Once the protests in Oakland were determined to be unlawful by the Oakland Police on Wednesday and Thursday nights, the chaos was dis-
played through TV screens nationwide. But Contra Costa College’s “Undivided” march rallied 200 students to walk along San Pablo Avenue to San Pablo City Hall on Thursday. The same day, thousands of West Contra Costa high school students shut down 23rd Street and marched to Richmond City Hall on Macdonald Avenue. But peaceful demonstrations were determined to be less important than watching tear gas canisters and Molotov cocktails being thrown in downtown Oakland by the same people who misinformed you about the election results in the first place.
Trump lied his way into office, will fail D
onald Trump is set to become the next president of the United States after winning the election on Nov. 9. Only one week has passed since the election and it is already clear that Trump intentionally tricked the Republican voter base into believing he was anti-establishment. Supporters of Trump gave him their blessing in the face of criticism by saying that they are tired of career politicians and the status quo. One of Trump’s biggest slogans is saying he wants to “drain the swamp” by pushing out political insiders and powerful special interest groups. Trump wants to be seen as someone who will help middle-class Americans — a notion that is simply untrue. Trump has essentially sold America snake oil.
xavierjohnson Trump is not a career politician, but early indications are that he will fill his cabinet with career politicians and Washington’s elite — some of whom will hold influential positions in his cabinet like chief of staff or attorney general. According to the New York Times, Presidentelect Trump will designate Reince Preibus as his chief of staff. A lawyer by trade, Preibus is the chairman of the Republican National Committee serving in his third term at the position. Preibus has also been a fig-
ure in the Republican Party on the state level since 2007 when he became chairperson of the Wisconsin Republican Party. This pick doesn’t feel like the “draining the swamp” message Trump has been repeating throughout his campaign. Preibus is a longtime politician and a leader in the Republican Party for almost a decade. He is the establishment Trump claimed to rage against. But this doesn’t just stop at Preibus. He isn’t the only longtime politician who Trump wants to put into his cabinet. According to the New York Times, Trump’s short list of cabinet candidates considered is filled with career politicians. The swamp isn’t being drained. It is being maintained.
He is the
For example, one of the establish- top candidates for attorney ment general is former New York Trump City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. claimed Giuliani has been a to rage member of the Republican against. Party since the 1990s and started an investment banking service named Giuliani Capital Advisors. These qualifications shouldn’t be an issue. Giuliani was a solid mayor in New York City and a respected prosecutor. However, when Trump talks so much about how Americans are tired of the status quo, it’s strange he’d be considering people who were a part of that status quo. The former mayor is a
longtime member of the Republican Party as well as a powerful figure in the private sector who lobbied for gas and oil companies. Career politicians weren’t the type of people expected to be running around the White House when Trump’s supporters cast their ballots on Election Day. They bought into his promises to “drain the swamp” and build a cabinet to represent middle-class America. Trump conned them. The Trump Administration will be filled with wealthy CEOs, bankers and establishment Republicans who will not look out for the interests of Trump’s middle-class voter base. Xavier Johnson is the scene editor of The Advocate. Contact him at xjohnson. theadvocate@gmail.com.
CAMPUS COMMENT
Do you think protesting is an effective way of creating change?
“It depends on what kind of protest it is. If it’s a violent one, it hurts our communities.”
“Protest influences change. Protesting assures you that you’re not alone.”
“It depends on the protest. Violent protests are not effective.”
Sky Aquino
Kachi Onyeador
undecided
administration of justice
Victoria Zaragoza
“Sometimes no, that’s why I don’t understand (these) Trump protest(s). He’s already president. We can’t do anything about it now.”
computer science
Jomari Robinson JOSE CHAVEZ, NAYLEA HERNANDEZ AND JESSICA SUICO / THE ADVOCATE
administration of justice
“No, because it’s not productive and can cause fights and riots.” Demond Washington communications
“Protest always makes change when people agree with each other and want change..” Monica Sharma English
sports
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Champs regroup, out pace opponents Top seeded
BY Robert Clinton
team starts
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
season, adjusts to coach, player changes
SPORTS EDITOR
Last year, the women’s basketball team finished in first place in the Bay Valley Conference (21-10 overall, 11-1 in the BVC) earning a No. 13 seed in the NorCal Regional Playoffs in the process. This year the team has a new coach, some new players, but the same championship aspirations as the 2016 season gets underway. With just three games in the books, first-year Comet coach Vince Shaw already has his team off to a 2-1 start. The team opened its season at the Los Positas Tournament led by the 2015 BVC Most Valuable Player Julian Robinson. After dropping its first contest to Modesto Junior College (3-1) 64-56, CCC rebounded to win its next two match-ups. “We are faster than last year offensively and defensively,” Robinson said. “It was just the first game. We still had jitters as a team.”
Robinson said playing with new teammates is different in live-game situations than it is in practice — especially this early in the season. “It’s an adjustment but not an uncomfortable adjustment,” Robinson said. “Last year there were more sophomores so everyone already knew what their job was on the court. Right now, we are still discovering our roles.” After leading 16-9 at the end of the first quarter, Modesto outscored CCC by 10 in the second quarter. CCC failed to get consistent stops and eventually fell to MJC after being outscored in the second half 35-30. “The first game was bull, but we regrouped for the second and third games,” Comet guard Lexuis Meriwether said. In their 77-52 win versus College of the Redwoods (0-2), the Comets, paced by Robinson’s 21 points, sprinted out to a 37-20 halftime lead. CCC held the Corsairs to 29 percent shooting from the field which sealed the win despite only making nine trips to the free throw line.
“We are faster than last year offensively and defensively. It was just the first game. We still had jitters as a team. — Julian Robinson, 2015 BVC Most Valuable Player
In the second game against Redwoods, five Comet players scored in double digits. Freshman Victoria Lopez had 18 points for CCC, while Meriwether, Dierra Mize and Azanae Lewis all poured in 11 points in the game. “The pace is so much faster on this level,” Lewis said. “We need to play together and be on the same page, but we are on pace and growing.” The team returns to action Friday against City College of San Francisco in the Sierra College Tournament in Rocklin at 1 p.m. In the final game of the Las Positas Tournament for the Comets, a 72-61
win against Lassen COMETS College (2-4), the team overcame a horrendous 4-29 shooing effort from behind the 3-point arc by forcing turnovers and CORSAIRS winning the battle-ofthe-boards. The Comets forced Lassen into 35 turnovers while also pulling down COMETS 56 rebounds. Robinson led CCC in scoring with 28 points. Lewis, Mize and Meriwether also contributed with double-digit COUGARS point totals of 15, 17 and 11 points respectively. Keyauna Harrison also made her presence felt for the Comets by grabbing 10 rebounds in the game. “Our concept is continuity. Everyone has a job to do to be successful,” Shaw said. “Every player might not be on the stat line, but everyone on the team is important.”
77 52 72 61
STOPPAGE TIME GOAL CLINCHES WIN, TITLE Comets edge the Storm to earn playoff berth BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
The lone goal scored in the game, during stoppage time, was enough for the Contra Costa College men’s soccer team to defeat Napa Valley College 1-0 to seal its third consecutive playoff berth and win the 2016 Bay Valley Conference Championship at the Soccer Field Thursday. During a Comet counter attack at minute 92, right-winger Anthony Maytum received Jahierie Gray’s filtered ground pass in full stride along the right center COMETS of the field about 40 yards from the goal. In between two Storm defenders, Maytum’s first touch created enough room STORM for him to burst into open space down the center and create a one-on-one goal scoring chance. As he neared the edge of the penalty area he slowed down enough to chip a right-footed shot toward the far post before defenders could close space. The backspin on the ball made it dip just below the goal post, grazing Napa Valley goalkeeper Sebastian Romero’s fingertips as he fell backward fully extended into goal. “When I saw that I was past the final player I looked up at goal and saw that the goalkeeper was far off his line,” Maytum said. “I took the chance. Once I hit the ball everything went in slow motion. I didn’t think I scored until I saw the ball hit the back of the net, and then I just went crazy — everyone went crazy. It was mental.” The Comets’ substitutes, coaches and fans roared on the sideline as players surrounded the winning goal scorer at midfield in celebration while some Napa players lay on the grass, exhausted — coping with the fact that their season was over. The Comets (12-7-2 overall, 8-1-1 in
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CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Comet Forward Anthony Maytum (right) runs to midfield to celebrate with his teammates after scoring a goal in stoppage time during CCC’s 1-0 win against Napa Valley College at the Soccer Field on Thursday.
BVC) let off their constant pressure on the Storm’s backline and parked the bus for the final two minutes of stoppage time to close out the scrappy 1-0 win. Now, CCC enters its third playoff match in three years with an eight-game win streak. Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said because the Comets won on Thursday they placed in a higher seed than last year entering the 2016 Northern California Men’s Soccer Regional Playoffs. “But we are just glad to be in the playoffs. That was our goal at the beginning of the year and we took a lot of knocks and bruises getting here,” Ferguson said. He said is proud of his mostly freshmen team’s resiliency overcoming a seven-game winless skid. The team has not lost since its 1-1 conference tie at Merritt College on Oct. 4. “But the team worked past it and now we are just happy to be the diver’s seat going into playoffs regardless of our seed. We just have to make the most of this chance.” He said the brackets for the first round, and locations, will be announced on cccaasports.org today, and the Comets could be scheduled to play as early as Saturday, or on Nov. 15. Napa Valley College (7-10-2 overall, 6-2-2 in BVC) men’s soccer coach Les Carroll
said his players gave everything they could throughout a fast, hard fought and physical game. The referees called 18 fouls and showed four yellow cards in total by the end of a direct, and ugly, battle for a playoff spot. During the first half CCC drew nine fouls. Most resulted in free kicks for the Storm inside the Comet’s defensive half. Crosses and lobs during counter attacks or set pieces posed a threat, but lacked finishing. “We could have notched two or three goals in the first half, but (Comet) goalkeeper (Eduardo Escamilla) pulled off a world class save,” Carroll said. Missed chances by the Storm’s strikers allowed Ferguson to re-evaluate his tactics at halftime. The Comets center attacking midfielder Abdulahi Mohammed said the difference between halves was possessing through square and back passes in the midfield to keep the opposing team chasing the run of play. The Storm did not score any of its seven shots throughout the first half, and its defensive backline allowed CCC to fire six shots during the second half. “(The Comets) played great football in the second half,” Carroll said. “They played
“But we are just glad to be in the playoffs. That was our goal at the beginning of the year and we took a lot of knocks and bruises getting here.” Nikki Ferguson, men’s soccer coach
really smart — but for us it all came down to fatigue and missing those early chances in the first half.” At the final whistle, both teams had eight shots. CCC sophomore Escamilla saved six shots in the first half and finished with seven, bringing his season total to 71 saves. Blocks, challenges and clearances by sophomore center back Edgar Yepes, Eduardo Martinez, Abraham Ayala, full wingbacks Eduardo Torres and Francis Semilla also provided a foundation for attackers to keep pressuring for a goal. “I thought it was going to be one of those games,” Yepes said. “But I’m glad we stopped playing into their direct and physical style and played our game. It was like playing kickball — plays were bypassing the midfield for most of the game.”
TEAM CELEBRATES SOPHOMORE PLAYERS, EARNS 3-1 DEFEAT Squad outworked by Yuba College in home closer BY Jaleel Perry ADVOCATE STAFF
jperry.theadvocate@gmail.com
The volleyball team lost its last home game of the season 3-0 against Yuba College (6-10 overall and 5-6 in the Bay Valley Conference) on Nov. 9. Although they lost, the Comets held their heads high and remembered to have fun. The Comets also held Sophomore Night during their last home game to honor the senior student-athletes on the team. Before the game began, the senior players on the Comets were praised
and applauded with balloons and posters from family, friends and teammates. Contra Costa College (2-17 overall and 1-10 in the BVC) started off all three sets scoring the first points. “I think the (women) played really well and played hard,” Coach Christy Tianero said. “They have a few things to work on, but they talked a lot, moved and scrapped the whole game and still had fun. That’s all that matters.” Yuba was at a disadvantage with three fewer players and no options for in-game substitutions. This was an opportunity for the Comets to use their superior depth to their advantage but CCC failed to capitalize. Their last game was at Solano Community College Tuesday after press time, where they tried to end their season a good note.
49ERS DEFEAT COMETS
25-14, 25-13, 25-19
The first set against Yuba was a long and competitive one early on for both teams. After a net malfunction, Yuba slowly pulled away with the lead at 16-10. The Comets called a timeout when down 18-10 to regain some composure. However, being down by eight points proved too much of a deficit for them to make a comeback in the first set. Forced errors by CCC also proved to be a problem that allowed Yuba to win the first set 25-14. Prior to the first set ending, the Comets never gave in and kept fighting. The second set began with the Comets scoring the first point again. However, Yuba quickly
“They have a few things to work on, but they talked a lot, moved and scrapped the whole game and still had fun. That’s all that matters.” Christy Tianero, volleyball coach
jumped out to a 7-1 lead, forcing coach Tianero to call an early timeout. CCC scored two quick points out of the timeout attempting to rally, but Yuba maintained its lead by a big margin the rest of the second set. Yuba won the second set 25-13. “I think we played our hardest and tried our best,” outside hitter Deanna Craighead said. Craighead was one of the
three seniors honored in the team’s Sophomore Night. The other two were right-side hitter Amy Palomares and outside hitter Alejandra Galvez. “Even though we lost, I still feel like we won because we had fun and played our hardest,” Galvez said. The Comets started the third set by jumping out to an early lead, 5-2, before Yuba was able to rally and tie the game at 9. The third set proved to be a very intense set for both teams. Tied at 13, CCC and Yuba went back and forth until Yuba was able to pull away slowly. CCC called a timeout when trailing 21-17, but forced errors ultimately ended the match. Yuba won the final set 25-19. “They had fun and that’s all you can ask for,” coach Tianero said.
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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 11.16.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
Defensive lapses define loss
■ OFF THE RECORD
Sophomore Night showcases sloppy season of change
efrainvaldez
HIGHLY VISIBLE ACTS OF DEFIANCE MAGNIFY ISSUES
BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
The football team missed an opportunity to finish with a share of second place in the Bay 6 Conference after giving up a game-winning touchdown in the closing minutes of Saturday’s 19-14 loss to City College of San Francisco at Comet Stadium. Despite sophomore Harris Ross’ heroic 22-carry, 181-yard rushing effort, which set the pace for the Comet offense, the game was ultimately decided by the Rams’ defense which held CCC (3-7 overall, 2-3 in the Bay 6) out of the end zone with just two minutes to play in the game. “It was the last game and we RAMS were playing for bowl eligibility,” Ross said. “Also, my grandfather is sick, so I realCOMETS ly wanted to play hard for him.” The contest, a match-up of two Northern California powerhouses, was dominated by big plays and bone jarring hits. Defensive b a c k s “We just Rodney didn’t finish. (10 tackles) and Lavon We wanted Washington to finish with (six tackboth a bang. If we les) found their played the way into the backfirst half like CCSF field to tally we played the tackles for early second things losses in the game would have to help keep been differ- the Rams’ offense from ent.” finding a comfortable Lavon groove. Washington “ W e defensive back just didn’t finish,” L. Washington said. “We wanted to finish with a bang. If we played in the first half like we played in the second, things would have been different.” The first quarter for both teams was marred both by punts and inopportune penalties. CCC had a chance to get on the board first, but that opportunity was lost as the 407 fans in attendance watched the 30-yard kick sail wide left. The scoring stalemate was snapped when, on CCSF’s next possession, the Rams traveled 74 yards in 15 plays to the Comet 5-yard line. With seven cracks at CCC’s defensive backfield, solid plays by Arthur Hayes, Jakari Simpson, R. Washington and DeAundray Tayler forced the Ram offense to settle for a 15-yard field goal. CCSF held a 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. In front of family in the bleachers and with second place on the line, CCC quarterback Cameron Burston took it upon himself to get the offense into gear. On the Comets’ first offensive possession of the second quarter, Burston rushed for 19 of his team’s 11-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a 7-yard rushing touchdown for the quarterback. CCC led 7-3 with 7:54 to play in the first half.
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BOX SCORES Football (Nov. 12) @ San Pablo, 7 p.m. Contra Costa, San Francisco CCC 0 7 0 7 — 14 CCSF 3 3 7 6 — 19 First Quarter CCSF — Hodis 22 yd field goal 1:34. Second Quarter CCC — Burston 7 yd run (Perez kick) 7:54. CCSF — Hodis 32 yd field goal 3:56. Third Quarter CCSF — Shaa 18 yd pass from McCullers (Hodis kick) 3:21. Fourth Quarter CCC — Burston 5 yd run (Perez kick) 14:56. CCSF — Jones 12 yd pass from Masoli (Masoli 2-pt conversion failed) 2:12. Individual statistics Rushing — CCSF — Modise 13 att, 60 yds 0 tds. — CCC — Ross 22 att, 181 yds, 0 tds. Burston 24 att, 75 yds, 2 tds. Passing — CCSF — McCullers 8-16, 121 yds, 1 tds 0 int. Masoli 7-9, 68 yds, 1 tds 0 int — CCC — Burston 7-17, 53 yds, 0 tds 0 ints.
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CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Ram defensive back Deante Fortenberry (24) tips a pass in the end zone away from Comet receiver Marquis Pippins (81) during CCC’s 19-14 loss to City College of San Francisco at Comet Stadium on Saturday.
Owning momentum, CCC’s defensive line continued to pour on the pressure. In a turn of events symbolic of the Comet season, freshman defensive lineman Richie George sacked the Ram quarterback forcing an opportunistic fumble. The ball was recovered by CCSF running back Lorenzo Longwood and carried 30 yards to the Comet 40-yard line. “Every team that beat us this year celebrated the win because they knew that we were no joke,” Comet coach Alonzo Carter said. “I’m not mad, but I am human so I’m disappointed,” The Rams would settle for a field goal giving CCC a 7-6 lead and CCSF the final handful of points before halftime. The Rams took the lead in the third quarter after being gifted a 14-yard shank by receiver turned punter Marquis Pippins. The Rams capitalized on the good field position by notching their first touchdown of the day. The six-play, 58-yard scoring drive ended with an 18-yard touchdown pass. The catch gave
CCSF its first lead of the evening. With its first drive in the third quarter ending with a shanked punt and nothing else positive to build on, the trailing Comets leaned on Ross and Burston to jump start the lethargic CCC offense. On its second and final drive of the third quarter, both sophomores made huge plays to get the Comets into scoring position. Despite building a reputation as a quarterback that finds comfort in the pocket, finding receivers streaking down and across the field, Burston used the second half to showcase his ability to get outside of the pocket and use his speed to capture much needed first downs. First, a 26-yard burst by Ross put the Comets across midfield taking the ball from the CCC 42 to the CCSF 32-yard line. Then Burston got loose on a broken play and scampered for 22 yards for another CCC first down. Another 13-yard rush for Ross set up Burston’s go-ahead 5-yard touchdown scamper at the end of the third quarter.
Receiving — SFCC — Jones 5 rec, 48 yds, 1 tds. — CCC — Mitchell 3 rec, 40 yds, 0 tds.
2nd Team All Conference Anthony Maytum (F), Eduardo Martinez (M), George Burrows (F)
Missed field goals — CCSF — 1 field goal. — CCC — 1 field goal.
Volleyball (Nov. 9)
Soccer (Nov. 10) @ San Pablo, 4 p.m. Contra Costa 1 Napa Valley 0 CCC 0 — 1 SFCC 0 — 0 Goals 1, CCC, Maytum 24, assisted by Gray 11, +90th minute. With this win against Napa, Contra Costa wins the BVC championship for a second year in a row.
@ San Pablo, 6 p.m. Yuba def. Contra Costa 25-14, 25-13, 25-19 Individual Statistics Yuba Aces — Batty 23 Kills — Carns 10, Vantress 8 Contra Costa Aces — Ayson 9 Kills — Ayson 3, Craighead 3
STANDINGS
Bay Valley Conference Awards
Men’s soccer Bay Valley Conference Final Standings
Defensive Player of the Year - Edgar Yepez (D)
Teams
GP W - L - T
Defensive MVP - Edgar Yepez (D)
CCC Napa Merritt Mendocino Yuba Marin
10 10 10 10 10 10
Midfield MVP - Juvenal Pena (M) Coach of the Year - Nikki Ferguson 1st Team All Conference Edgar Yepez (D), Eduardo Torres (D), Jordan Flechero (F), Eduardo Escamilla (GK).
865511-
1-1 2-2 2-3 4-1 8-1 9-0
Upcoming Schedule Regional playoff games TBA
Pct. .850 .700 .650 .550 .150 .100
Streak Won 8 Lost 1 Lost 2 Won 1 Lost 3 Lost 8
After three quarters, CCC was back in front 14-13. Now leading, the onus was on the Comet defense to hold off the talented CCSF squad. R. Washington took the task personally. On the ensuing drive, the safety sacked the Ram quarterback for 6-yard loss, forced a fumble on the play and recovered the ball. With the ball and the lead, a confident Comet offense put together a 19-play drive that ate up 4:30 on the clock. But it ultimately stalled forcing a CCC punt. Pippins pinned CCSF to its own goal line forcing the Rams to march 99 yards — the length of the field — in order to score. The Rams did just that. CCSF produced an 86-yard, 14-play scoring drive on which they converted a fourth and 13 by rushing 18 yards around the left side. The touchdown put CCSF ahead 19-14 giving the Rams a 5-point lead and the inspiration to thwart CCC’s final effort toward a comeback.
Football National - Bay 6 Conference Final Standings Teams
GP W - L - T
Pct.
Streak
San Mateo San Francisco Santa Rosa Contra Costa Diablo Valley De Anza
5 5 5 5 5 5
1.000 .800 .600 .400 .200 .000
Won 5 Won 2 Won 1 Lost 1 Lost 3 Lost 9
5-0-0 4-1-0 3-2-0 2-3-0 1-4-0 0-5-0
Upcoming Schedule Contra Costa has been eliminated from the postseason
Women’s Volleyball Bay Valley Conference Standings Teams
GP W - L - T
Los Medanos Napa Solano Mendocino Yuba CCC Laney
12 11 12 11 11 11 12
Pct.
10 - 1 - 0 .700 9-3-0 .650 8-3-0 .550 6-6-0 .150 5-6-0 .100 1 - 10 - 0 .850 1 - 11 - 0 .100
Streak Won 7 Lost 1 Lost 1 Won 1 Won 2 Lost 12 Lost 5
rotesters against President-elect Donald Trump stood outside of M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore during last week’s primetime Thursday Night Football game between the visiting Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. Football fans had to make their way through hundreds of protesters to make it into the stadium. This inconvenience bothered many fans and that’s just what the protesters wanted to achieve. The anti-Trump protest started in downtown and made its way through the city to the football stadium where they stood outside before and throughout the game. Protesting in the streets of major cities is the same repetitive story every time. Protesters start off the night peacefully, police begin to close in on them and then the anarchists start the destruction. Having a protest outside of a National Football League game is a great idea. Nothing can compare to the romance that America has with the sport of football. So, to get in-between that romance stings the American public deeply and that allows the protesters’ message to be heard more clearly. By interfering with the most beloved sport in this country the American public, politicians and the NFL will start to listen to the protesters. Getting in the middle of the money flow by disrupting a loved form of entertainment would bring so much attention to the protesters because people not connected to the issues would have to take notice. Imagine a large-scale antiTrump protest outside of a NFL playoff game or Super Bowl. The amount of coverage that would get would be immense. Keeping a protest on that large of a scale peaceful is key to leaving a resounding mark on the different audiences watching, listening or present at the football game. A Super Bowl audience consists of a wide variety of fans and casual viewers. At some anti-Trump protests, there have been anarchists who go and destroy private and public property which invalidates or degrades the meaning of the message. Having a protest outside of an NFL game is a great way to deter the anarchists because the games do not take place late at night and the parking lots don’t offer a lot of property to destroy. Making it hard for these anarchists to show up and destroy things is crucial to making these protests lawchanging events. By destroying property, it gives ammunition to the police to put the protesters down. If these more peaceful protests can take place during big sporting events, it will help change the stigma against the protesters and might allow politicians to make changes to policy or laws that will affect our future. Efrain Valdez is a staff member of The Advocate. Contact him at evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com.
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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 11.16.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
Protesters march through streets Bay Area residents gather to protest, denounce President-elect Donald Trump
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An Oakland Police officer holds the line with many other officers during the protest against the election of Donald Trump as president in downtown Oakland, California on Thursday.
Photos by: Denis Perez & Christian Urrutia FOR
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LEFT: A protester yells to the crowd of fellow protesters blocking the I-580 freeway as he is arrested by Oakland Police during the protest against the election of Donald Trump as president in downtown Oakland, California on Thursday.
Palo Alto residents Rachael Jordan (left) and Desiree Rose (right) hold up a tagged U.S. flag during a protest against the election of Donald Trump as president in downtown Oakland, California on Wednesday.
Protesters display signs and chant as they march on Broadway Avenue during a protest against the election of Donald Trump as president in downtown Oakland, California on Saturday.
Oakland Police officers stand in front of the protest coordinator’s flatbed truck at Washington and 8th streets during a protest against the election of Donald Trump as president in downtown Oakland, California on Wednesday.
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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 11.16.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
Thousands of West Contra Costa County Unified School District high school students regroup at San Pablo Avenue and Vale Road on Thursday during their protest against the election of Donald Trump as president.
YOUTH PROTEST AGAINST TRUMP
Photos by: Cody Casares, Denis Perez, Efrain Valdez & Christian Urrutia FOR
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Richmond High School student Misael Figueroa waves a Mexican Flag on San Pablo Avenue in Richmond, California on Thursday with thousands of West Contra Costa County Unified School District high school students during the protest against the election of Donald Trump as president.
Protesters hold signs during the “Undivided” rally and march organized by the Contra Costa College Puente Club and La Raza Student Union. The group marched to San Pablo City Hall from campus on Thursday.
Protesters hold sings during the “Undivided” rally and march organized by the Contra Costa College Puente Club and La Raza Student Union. The group marched to San Pablo City Hall from campus on Thursday.
Richmond High School students chant during a walkout march at Macdonald Avenue and 44th Street in Richmond, California on Wednesday protesting against the election of Donald Trump as president.