The Advocate 11-18

WEDNESDAY l 11.18.15 OUR 66TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

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LEFT: Lauren Butler, a Million Student March organizer and UC Berkeley senior Lauren Butler rallies other protestors to chant with her during the Million Student March at California Hall, UC Berkeley on Thursday. The protest called for tuition-free education, creation of a $15 per hour minimum wage for jobs campuswide and the remission of any existing student debt.

“We have to resist the idea that abolishing tuition is radical.”

Lauren Butler, Million Student March organizer and UC Berkeley senior

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

March to erase debt, joins nationwide protest Free tuition, $15 per hour wage highlight student demands in solidarity with day of action aimed at taxing Wall Street business interests

BY Christian Urrutia EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

BERKELEY — Students advocating for tuition-free education, cancellation of all student debt and a $15 per hour campuswide minimum wage were met with strong backing at Sproul Plaza on the campus of UC Berkeley on a nationwide day of protest Thursday.

The planned advocacy and protests were part of the Million Student March, a nationwide day of action, where students at four-year universities around the country called for

three key demands and promoted new legislation aimed at eliminating student debt and taxing Wall Street corporate interests.

“We have to resist the idea that abolishing tuition is radical,” Lauren Butler, one of the lead organizers of the protest and a UC Berkeley senior said.

Butler talked about the concept of normalizing free college education during her speech to crowd members that included National Nurses United coalition members and Cal students.

Protestors and speakers gathered in front of Sproul Hall near the corner

of Telegraph and Bancroft avenues at 2 p.m. where they gave speeches and carried signs showing their own respective student debt. The students then marched to California Hall, an administrative building.

From there, dozens of protesting students placed their signs on and around the building, creating a symbolic wall of debt that many of them believe belongs to the UC administrators and the U.S. government.

Yashmeen Ahmed, organizing director for the Associated Students SEE MARCH, PAGE 3

TASK FORCE EMPOWERS FORMERLY IMPRISONED MONSTROUS SCULPTURES, DOLLS ADORN ART GALLERY PAGE 8

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Performance brings love, despair to stage Six riveting scenes featuring romance, humor

Win still eludes Comet grasp, losing streak remains PAGE 7

embody human experience

BY Keno Greene and Mike Thomas STAFF WRITERS

accent.advocate@gmail.com

A romantic play was presented at the Knox Center Friday night.

Drama students portrayed John Cariani’s “Almost Maine,” a play about residents in a small town going through the struggles of falling in and out of love.

Former drama adjunct professor Patricia Laine was originally supposed to direct “Almost Maine,” but left for undisclosed reasons. After her departure, adjunct drama professor Angelina LaBarre took over the directorial duties of the play and salvaged it.

She also had plenty of setbacks while creating

the play.

“I trust her that she can get it done (although) she had no prior knowledge of the play,” drama department Chairperson CarlosManuel Chavarria said.

“The show was already cast when I took over. I had to do some rearranging in the cast because some people quit for personal reasons and one of my actors got injured.”

LaBarre said.

In admittance, she had no previous knowledge of the play and enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skill sets of her promising casting. “(Drama major) Umi Grant who was in ‘In the Blood’ last fall, stepped SEE PLAY, PAGE 3

ABOVE: Drama students Umi Grant (left) and Oz HerreraSobal (right) enact a scene from the play “Almost Maine” during a preview performance in the Knox Center on Thursday.

District implements plan for support services, programs

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

Current and formerly incarcerated individuals will soon have the chance to receive educational and support services when returning or beginning an educational plan at one of the district’s three colleges.

The Current and Formerly I n c a r c e r a t e d Educational Youth and Adult opportunities Task Force was approved by the Governing Current and Board on July 22 Formerly and convened in Incarcerated Youth early September. and Adult Task Comprised of Force aims to 16 individuals from varying provide resources, c o n s t i t u e n c y instructional groups, the task support. force is scheduled to return before the board PAGE 2 at its Dec. 9 meeting to provide recommendations for how these services and programs will be rendered.

“The board directed that a task force be convened to study the feasibility of developing model youth and

editorial

SEE TASK FORCE, PAGE 3

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Christian Urrutia editor-in-chief

EDITORIAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Roxana Amparo Lorenzo Morotti associate editors

Lower recidivism, more jobs mean safer communities for all

Quotable “Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.”

Thomas A. Edison inventor 1921

Jared Amdahl opinion editor Robert Clinton sports editor Mike Thomas scene editor Jose Jimenez spotlight editor Cody Casares photo editor Marci Suela editorial cartoonist Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Asma Alkrizy Benjamin Bassham Joseph Bennett Keno Greene Xavier Johnson Magali Mercado Jason Sykes Mark Wassberg Larry Wickett Staff photographers Jordan Khoo Denis Perez 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. 18, 2015 VOL. 103, NO. 10

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

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he proven success rate of incarcerated individuals who turn to education while in prison, or once out, cannot be neglected by the district.

According to a 2013 report by the RAND Corporation, entitled “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education,” it states that receiving correctional education while incarcerated reduces an individual’s risk of recidivating — which means being sent back to prison.

A key finding in the report concludes that inmates who participate in correctional education programs are 43 percent less likely to recidivate than those who did not.

And the authors of the RAND report found that inmates receiving correctional education had better chances of employment after their release.

The Contra Costa Community College District’s plan to create a Current and Formerly Incarcerated Youth and Adult Task Force supports the idea that those in prison should have an opportunity to live all while minimizing incarceration rates through educational programs.

These programs will benefit individuals seeking to reconstitute themselves into society and their families after years spent in prison.

The districts’ plan is to minimize the disproportionate incarceration rates of low-income African-American and Latino students by establishing education programs for inmates and formerly incarcerated students.

While the task force is still in the early stages, The Advocate commends the district for promoting rehabilitation instead of deterring or retribution tactics — the main principles of the current prison industrial complex.

The committee tasked with reviewing issues and opportunities related to offering student support services and instructional programs for currently and formerly incarcerated youth and adults needs to ensure that the approvals of these programs are not biased, stigmatized decisions.

Negative connotations must not undermine equal access, especially if it involves limiting the formerly incarcerated to certain courses.

But the task force already has four models designed to integrate with its support services and instructional programs that will provide people opportunities to fulfill a jail or prison sentence by participating in an educational program.

It is crucial that this task force foster on-campus support for formerly incarcerated students with additional support services through the EOPS and DSPS programs at Los Medanos College, Diablo Valley College and Contra Costa College.

Almost all of these potential students will go through the EOPS program when arriving at college and the strength and backing of this service has to be solidified as a foundation.

The task force has to make sure its recommendations correlate with an easy transition to an educational pathway at anyone of its three colleges when it presents to the Governing Board on Dec. 9.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

■ ISLAMOPHOBIA

Media bias misguiding the American public A

fter hearing about the Paris attack that following Saturday morning, I realized the strength of biased media, and that they will judge information that deserves more attention over what information should be ignored.

As the Paris attack filled headlines on Friday over the ISIS atrocity, Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, just a day earlier, was attacked by the same extremist group ISIS, and was left in the corner mourning over its losses.

Facebook gave out a Paris flag users could post on their profile, to display their sorrow for the Paris attack, but didn’t offer a Lebanon flag profile for the attack in Beirut.

Don’t those lives lost in Beirut matter too?

The attention the Paris attack received, of which I don’t disapprove, in comparison to the forgotten Beirut, was biased.

I realized this when I attended class Saturday. It made me feel uncomfortable, probably an awful omen signaling the start of a cursed day for all Muslims around the world.

However, what bothered me most were the looks I received from people.

I couldn’t comprehend whether it was a look of sadness or hatred.

Some of them looked at me, and once I stared back, quickly tugged their heads and continued walking on their path.

Before going to class I decided to go fix my headscarf, which was in disarray.

“Stupid wind,” I thought

asmaalkrizy

as I ascended the stairs leading up to the restroom.

If only I knew the horrific news waiting “It took me for me in that place.

I came years to in contact with a short, erase the plump old despicable lady with dyed platiimage the num hair.

As I stood media fixing my headscarf in negatively front of the mirror, tryperpetuated ing to maina perfect after 9/11.” tain fold while wrapping it around my head, the old woman approached me.

“Hey, may I ask you a question,” she said hesitantly. “Do any non-Muslims hassle you after what happened in Paris?”

“H-hassle me?” I stuttered, and I immediately knew this conversation had some connection with the peculiar stares I received earlier. “No,” I swallowed.

And there the old lady informed me about the Paris attack.

I remained composed, but inside me, a volcano erupted.

Again those terrorists caused bloodshed, killing at least 128 people in Paris.

But something else upset

me.

The terrorists have succeeded in giving the media another chance to cast a shade upon all Muslims around the world, including those having nothing to do with the attacks.

It took me years to erase the despicable image the media negatively perpetuated after 9/11.

I’ve carved a smile on my face when meeting with other people; a smile I wish will subdue any negative thinking about Muslims.

I couldn’t imagine the hasty judgments people were going to throw at me or to any Muslim because of this extremist group.

“Sorry if my words scared you or anything,” the woman’s voice roused me.

“No, it’s all right,” I swallowed and said, “I also heard a day before those terrorists attacked Beirut.”

“I actually have heard about this,” she said. And that was all she said in sorrow for all the people who died in Beirut.

“Please be safe,” she said and left, as I tried to swallow, feeling that the dying embers of 9/11 were back again.

After reading the Paris attack news, it then hit me the media was covering the Paris attack heavily, while ignoring the ISIS suicide bombings in Beirut, and other atrocities ISIS has caused in other countries.

We all should pray for every ounce of blood shed under the hands of ISIS. Asma Alkrizy is a staff writer for The Advocate.

Contact her at aalkrizy. theadvocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS COMMENT

Would you feel comfortable attending class with a formerly incarcerated student?

“It depends on what they were in for.

Anything worse than theft would make me uncomfortable.”

Ryan Gonzalez undecided

“Yeah, I would be comfortable. If they follow all the rules like every other student, then I would be fine.”

“I would be OK with it.

Everyone should have the opportunity to get an education.”

“Probably not. Just knowing they were in prison would make me uncomfortable.”

Zenea Larot undecided

Brandon Crowl

Melchor Vasquez engineering

XAVIER JOHNSON AND JORDAN KHOO/ THE ADVOCATE

undecided

“Yes. It is not on me to judge their past. We all are here to get our education to help our future.”

Malcolm Jackson nursing

“Yes. They have the right to go back to school. They deserve a second chance.”

Bernadette Ravanera undecided

campus beat

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LEFT: Participants raise their fists to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement while a speaker discusses ongoing issues with police discrimination during the Million Student March at Sproul Plaza in Berkeley on Thursday.

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NEWSLINE TRANSFER

FOUR-YEAR OPTIONS, MEETING TO BE HELD An orientation for transferring students and MCHS seniors will take place on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m., Dec. 8 at 5 p.m., Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. in SSC Room A. Students will learn how to update UC/CSU applications, apply for graduation, request associate degrees for transfer and apply for scholarships and FAFSA. For further information contact the counseling department at 510215-3936.

REGISTRATION

OPPORTUNITY FOR UNIVERSITY COURSES Orientation meetings for the University Cross Registration and Enrollment Program will take place Thursday and Friday from noon to 1 p.m. in the SSC room A. Students have the chance to enroll in lower division courses at UC Berkeley, CSU East Bay, Mills College or JFK University while attending CCC. For more information contact counselor Lucy Castruita at lcastruita@contracosta.edu.

CRIMEWATCH Thursday, Nov. 5: A female student disrupted class and got into a verbal argument with another student.

A student reported to Police Services that her vehicle was vandalized while on campus.

A student became ill while inside the Library and Learning Resource Center. The student declined medical attention.

An officer received a report of two students smoking marijuana near the Music Building.

A student was transported to the hospital regarding abdominal pain.

Saturday, Nov. 7: Two dogs escaped from a neighboring house which is connected with a campus parking lot. The dogs bit a student while he was walking to his vehicle. The student declined medical attention and the two dogs were taken into custody

by Animal Control.

Monday, Nov. 9: An officer conducted a traffic stop and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to a nearby detention center.

Thursday, Nov. 12: A female student was upset over a citation she received. She entered Police Services lobby and began to argue with the dispatcher and police aides.

— Roxana Amparo

— 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.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

MARCH | Student demands, issues voiced in unison Continued from Page 1 Union of University of California, said students wanted to create a sense of shame for institutions like UC Berkeley for complying with corporate greed of Wall Street and raising tuition by placing signs on the building.

According to Butler, college graduates leave UC Berkeley with an average debt of $30,000, mostly from rising tuition rates in 2014.

“Why is it radical when tuition didn’t even exist 50 years ago,” she said referring to the California Master Plan of 1960 for Higher Education, which reaffirmed the state’s prior commitment to the principle of tuition-free education for in-state residents.

Butler said, “Legislation like the (California Master Plan) once existed and it protected our education as a right. So we must not trick ourselves into believing that we are fighting an impossible fight or that we asking for something that is too big because we are not.”

Organizers and participants of the Million

“My son’s (tuition) is more than $33,000 each year and he’s going to have to pay it off for the next 20 years like I did.”

— Katy Roemer, Kaiser Permanente nurse

Student March movement, including those here on Thursday, wanted those on hand to understand and promote the College for All Act, a bill introduced by current Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

The legislation would provide $47 billion per year to states to eliminate undergraduate tuition and fees at public colleges and universities.

It lists reforms for student loans, work study, a simplified student aid application process and is fully funded by what is known as a Robin Hood tax on Wall Street.

The Robin Hood tax would impose fees

on investment firms, hedge funds and others by 0.5 percent on stock trades, 0.1 percent on bonds and a 0.005 percent on derivatives. The estimates are that this provision could raise hundreds of billions of dollars a year, enabling student tuition costs to be waived.

Butler said, “What we are doing is reclaiming our education. The young people of this country are not going to sit back silently and watch as Wall Street infiltrates our educational system.

“Our education has been devalued by this government to the level of a commodity to be gambled with by the one percent.”

Katy Roemer, a nurse at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, said she incurred a significant amount of debt to attend nursing school and continued to pay for it for more than 20 years.

Roemer, a member of the California Nurses Association, said, “My son’s (tuition) is more than $33,000 each year and he’s going to have to pay it off for the next 20 years like I did.”

TASK FORCE | Instructional program provides plan Continued from Page 1 adult student support services and instructional programs,” Contra Costa Community College District Associate Vice Chancellor of Educational Services Sally Montemayor-Lenz said.

Aside from lowering statewide incarceration rates, the effort of the task force is hoped to cause social change, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor Andrew Jones said.

According to the United States Department of Justice, within California 750 of 10,000 adults were incarcerated in 2013, and 569 of 10,000 people of all ages were incarcerated the same year.

“Many of the people who have been incarcerated are poor and of color,” Jones, chairperson of the task force, said. “We are looking at ways to make systematic changes.”

Four potential models were suggested by the task force at its July 22 meeting: A restorative jus-

“If they are here it doesn’t mean they are going to get violent or cause problems. Why would they jeopardize (the opportunity).”

— Kenneth Reynolds, EOPS instructional support coordinator

tice program in which individuals may fulfill a jail or prison sentence by participating in an educational program; consideration of a program that offers the incarcerated support services as they transition back into the community; an on-campus support program providing additional support from programs like EOPS, DSPS and other student programs; and consideration of a prison-centered program where courses are taught through the distance education program or college faculty teach

courses in the prisons.

Already supporting the initiative are Contra Costa County schools, Cal State-East Bay, UC Berkeley and other probation and sheriff departments, Jones said.

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

Since 2014, Reynolds has worked with over 250 formerly incarcerated students, guiding them along their educational pathways with a load they can manage.

“I pave the road,” he said, “I manage their paperwork, they talk to counselors to get to their goals and their only job is to go to class and get a grade.”

Reynolds said often times services aimed to meet students’ educational needs leave out overlooked groups, such as the incarcerated, who are in need of an opportunity to prove themselves worthy in the face of social stigma.

Jones said the district wants students to take the initiative to reach out for the services once offered districtwide and be identified as incarcerated. Reactions from students, however, are varied.

While some students are supportive, for others it is intimidating, he said.

He said the identification of incarcerated students is not to further their stigma, but to offer adequate and appropriate services to these individuals that will truly benefit their needs.

“The person sitting next to you could have been incarcerated and you wouldn’t have known it,” he said.

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

“If they are here it doesn’t mean they are going to get violent or cause problems. Why would they jeopardize (the opportunity)?”

PLAY | ‘Almost Maine’ highlights small town life Continued from Page 1 up and “We call it the brotook the lead when mance scene, it’s about I was not pres ent,” these men that already she said. have a friendship and T h e don’t know that it’s a play had a cast of relationship too.” four actors — Oz Herrera-Sobal, drama major in which had some of the actors playing various roles during the show. The duration of the show was only an hour, LaBarre said.

“Out of the 11 scenes we only selected six,” LaBarre said.

This decision allowed the cast to focus on the art of theater, Chavarria said.

“For me, I am new to the (drama) department. We are making some changes, redefining the program and making it a transferable degree,” Chavarria said.

“Most of the different characters in the play were played by the same actors,” drama major Oz Herrera-Sobal said. “Only thing that ties them together is they live in the same town.”

Students had to be flexible during the numerous changes that immersed during pre-production, LaBarre said.

During the course of the play, the characters find love, lose love and even explore sexual identity with the immersion of homosexuality

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Danielle Mallari (left) and Oz Herrera-Sobal (right) perform a scene from the play “Almost Maine” during a preview performance in the Knox Center on Thursday.

too.

One sappy scene showcases Herrera-Sobal and Grant drinking beer by a frozen lake.

Grant’s character, Chad, discusses his rejection by a potential date who credits the way he smells as prominent in his rejection.

After sharing the experience with his male friend, Chad finds out that he has feelings for his best friend Randy (Herrera-Sobal).

Following the realization each character literally falls on the stage, repeatedly, in recognition of their romantic emotions for one another.

“We call it the bromance scene. It’s about these men who already have a friendship and don’t know that it’s a relationship too,” HerreraSobal said. “The falling for each other was just the cheesy part of it.”

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campusbeat

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Library collection sees revitalization An Instructional Equipment Fund has been approved by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to purchase an updated collection of books for students to access at the Library and Learning Resource Center. Only 24 percent of the Library’s books were published since 2003.

BY Asma Alkrizy STAFF WRITER

aalkrizy.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Budget Committee has approved an Instructional Equipment Fund from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office for Contra Costa College’s Library and Learning Resource Center to purchase new books to update its collection.

Library department co-Chairperson Andrew Kuo said the instructional equipment funds application was submitted in late September with a grant of $66,000 that will improve the Library’s services and resources.

However, Business Services Director Mariles Magalong said they are still in the process of finalizing the instructional equipment Library fund and that will happen after their budget meeting next Wednesday.

“We just don’t have an exact date of when it will take effect,” she said.

Library department co-Chairperson Judy Flum, who has been working for 15 years in CCC’s Library, said when the grant was approved, she said she felt “delighted” the Library finally had money to update its book collection.

She said the grant will not be used solely on books, but also allocated to different areas in the Library, such as digital and electronic materials, that need improvements.

The money distribution of these resources includes $10,000 for print books, $30,000 for e-books, $21,000 for stream media and $5,000 for DVDs. While the grant is on its way, the Library currently faces a poor book budget, where most books are outdated and torn out.

“Books can become outdated and sometimes it’s not a problem,” nursing major Rico Salvador said.

“However, when it comes to textbooks, especially in the sciences where information gets updated, I believe those textbooks should be replaced with new ones.”

Flum said according to the Equity Plan Committee only 24 percent of the Library’s books were published within the last 12 years, when that number should be at least 54 percent.

“CCC has an extremely low, poor book budget,” she said. “Back then, the budget of the Library was approximately $8,000. Last year, the book budget was $11,000, which is still low in comparison to the average book budget of $50,000.”

Because CCC falls short on its book budget, students often have trouble finding updated information for their writing assignments, she said.

“That’s why our Library subscribes to databases and e-books, which we pay for every year,” Flum said. “These resources offer updated information students can utilize for their writing assignments.”

Senior Library and Learning Resource Center Assistant Tadalech Yoseph said the Library only provides one copy of reserved books for a limited time, not enough for 30 students. Because of that, the books are heavily used with pages torn out.

“We want to help many students gain access to resources,” Yoseph said.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

ASU to decide names of Campus Center Project

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The ASU Executive Board will be breaking a close vote between the last two building names for the Campus Center and Classroom Building Project at its meeting today at 2:15 p.m. in LA-204.

At the College Council meeting on Thursday in LA-100, its 16 members unanimously voted that the final decision be made by the ASU after Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh announced the top picks from two online surveys.

Mehdizadeh said it is best to have the ASU’s 10 member board vote because if the College Council were to approve the results of the surveys the three-story Classroom Building and the two-story Student Activities Building would be called “the College Learning Center” and “the College Center,” respectively.

College Council, however, did approve the name of the smallest building and the newly constructed street adjacent to Rheem Creek near the Student Services Center.

The Community Building will be known as “Fireside Hall” and the street sign between Castro Road and Library Drive will read “Comet Way.” The ASU board will vote to decide if the three-story Classroom Building will be called the “College Learning Center,” (53 votes) or the “General Education Building” (51 votes).

The difference in votes regarding what to call the two-story Student Activities Building, however, is greater.

Mehdizadeh said the survey received 66 votes for “College

Center,” and 39 votes for “Student and Administration Center.” She said once the ASU board makes its decision, then it will be sent to the President’s Cabinet.

The result will be forwarded to the 16 members in College Council.

“I was happy to see that College Council voted unanimously to have the student leadership determine the final name of the two large buildings,” Mehdizadeh said.

“The naming of our spaces represents us as a college.”

During the College Council meeting, Mehdizadeh said she sent out emails to all employees and the ASU with a link to the shortlist online survey.

“Since the vote is so close, 53-51 (for the Classroom Building),” Mehdizadeh said, “would it be OK for us (College Council) to hold a vote now to call it the General Education Building so we won’t have so many ‘centers’?”

But ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis and Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene said they never received the email sent from the President’s Cabinet on Oct. 19.

After the ASU representatives said, “We didn’t vote,” Mehdizadeh suggested that Ward-Davis, Greene and ASU Senator Addy Brien, a Middle College High School student, cast a vote at the meeting to break up the repetition in the names. “(The email for the shortlist survey) was supposed to have been forwarded to the ASU,” Mehdizadeh later said. “Either it wasn’t received, or the (ASU) students represented in College Council didn’t see it.”

Greene motioned a point of order to add 10 minutes to

the item. The College Council unanimously approved. After moments of consulting with Brien and Greene, Ward-Davis said, “We like the General Education Building due to the fact there are so many ‘centers’.”

Academic Senate President Beth Goehring quickly motioned that the ASU should discuss and vote on this item with a full ASU board at its “The next meeting.

M u s i c naming of department our spaces Chairperson represents Wayne Organ econded us as a col- sthat motion and said, “We lege.” would not — Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, have a real interim president board opinion if we allow (the three ASU members) to vote now.”

Mehdizadeh supported the idea but with the constraint of only allowing the ASU to select two names that were the highest voted for the three-story Classroom Building and two-story Student Activities Building.

She said the ASU is limited to the “College Learning Center” or “General Education Building” in naming the three-story building and “College Center” or Student and Administration Center” for the two-story options.

Ward-Davis said, “We are fine with Fireside Hall and Comet Way, but we will discuss the names of the other two buildings with the board.”

Mehdizadeh said the contractor, hired to make the signs, needs the finalized names to meet the August 2016 opening of the buildings. Because of district policy, the ASU will only be able to select

between the two names for the three-story Classroom Building with the most votes in the second shortlist survey that closed on Nov. 2.

The first general survey went online on Sept. 15.

Business Services Director Mariles Magalong said she sent an email to all employees and ASU members asking to submit specific names that best represent the function of the buildings for the first survey on Sept. 11.

“According to (Contra Costa Community College) district (Board Policy 5029 and Business Procedure 10.52),” Magalong said, “we cannot name a building in someone’s honor unless they were instrumental in sponsoring legislation that gave funds to construct the buildings or if they donated a large sum of money to the college.”

She said the Operations Council created a shortlist within three to four weeks after the first survey was closed.

According to the Operations Council spreadsheet provided by Mehdizadeh, the 111 submissions it received in the first survey were narrowed down to 10 for the second survey.

Submissions recognizing: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., CCC’s deceased evening program monitor Martin Padilla, former history professor and indigenous rights activist Lehman Brightman, counselor Alfred Zuniga, Rosie the Riveter, district Chancellor and former college president Helen Benjamin, Booker T. Washington and District Ward I Representative John Marquez and more, were all disqualified by the Operations Council adhering to district procedure for naming campus buildings.

COMPACTOR CRUSHES WASTE, GENERATES BONUS FUNDS Recycling program saves $375 monthly

BY Denis Perez STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

dperez.theadvocate@gmail.com

Along the path leading to the Baseball Field, a blue trash compactor has been installed to reduce waste and help keep the campus clean.

The trash compactor is a machine used to minimize the size of waste material or biomass by compacting the trash. It saves Buildings and Grounds $375 per month, Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said.

Community and Government Affairs Manager Biella Moore said the Richmond Sanitary Service has been serving Contra Costa College since its opening in the 1950s.

Moore said CCC has been a long-time customer and they try to help the college as much as they can.

Richmond Sanitary General Manager Services Shawn Moberg said he could give Buildings and Grounds a small compactor to reduce material waste.

The compactor came to the college broken but was fixed within three months.

King said when the offer was presented he was not hesitant and accepted.

Moore said if they purchased a new trash compactor, it would have cost them an estimated $50,000.

“I am not a professor nor a faculty member, but if I can save money for the campus to make it better, that is where my part comes in,” King said.

The funds saved throughout the years to come will go toward the Buildings and Grounds budget.

At $375 per month for 12 months comes out to $4,500 that King will implement to sustain the campus.

Business Services Supervisor Nick Dimitri said the Buildings and Grounds budget is an estimated $586,000.

King said all the money they used to lease the trash compactors in the past could have paid for two of them but the college does not have that much money to pay upfront for the machine.

He said it was practical to lease it.

The trash compactor helps the two 10-yard trash dumpsters to not fill up so fast causing trash to overflow.

Buildings and Grounds worker Mike Mayo tosses a bag of garbage into a trash compactor located behind the Baseball Field on Monday.

The compactor saves Buildings and Grounds $375 per month.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

This cuts the cost of getting the trash removed by Richmond Sanitary Services.

When the process of compression starts, trash and cardboard are put into the open space and filled to the top.

Buildings and Grounds worker Mike Mayo said the process takes about 2-5 minutes depending on how much trash is already in there.

campusbeat

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PARTICIPATION REFLECTS INTEREST Women’s athletic program struggles to flourish

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

Female students with an interest in athletics were invited to meet in GA-40 Thursday afternoon to discuss the viability of adding a new sport to the four women’s athletic teams already offered on campus.

Held shortly after lunch, the 1 p.m. event was advertised far in advance with fliers and email alerts to instructors notifying them of the need to gather all potential athletes.

Like efforts in the past, the outcome, and attendance left much to be desired.

“When people want to play basketball, they find a way to get to the gym,” Comet Athletic Director John Wade said. “They have to want to play — I can’t make them.”

In past meetings at Contra Costa College, and similar meetings at sister college Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, the symposium only inspired one student to show up.

Every student in the Contra Costa Community College District fills out an interest survey after completing a college application.

For CCC, the answers with respect to interest reflect the actual in-person

“Maybe the teachers in the activity classes can help recruit players. It’s disappointing. I wonder how we can encourage them to tell us more of what they want.”

— Beth Goehring, Kinesiology professor

attendance of the meetings.

For the athletic activities listed only gymnastics, competitive shooting, lacrosse, track and soccer generated interest, and even then it was only one respondent per sport.

The activities also include bowling, badminton, crew, cross country, fencing, golf and wrestling.

Soccer received one vote of interest, yet, CCC still failed to field a complete women’s squad this fall.

As it became apparent that the event would flame out, Athletic Administrative Secretary Shawna Belfield, along with physical education instructor Alena Summer, made a last attempt to hustle up some athletic women by making an announcement about the meeting in the fitness classes

in session in the Gymnasium at the time.

“I was surprised because there were four ladies in the Fitness Center who said they were interested but didn’t show,” Belfield said. “This isn’t the end.

We absolutely are going to try to inspire interest every semester.”

There were women on campus that expressed interest in competitive dance or cheer.

An implementation of either could potentially generate a larger pool of athletically inclined women. Cheer was on campus years ago but is not listed as a sport by the California Community College Athletic Association.

“In years past, cheer was active but it was set up as a club which needed an adviser,” Wade said. “To get someone that wants to do it every day, on top of their regular work, is a large commitment.”

Competitive dance, not recognized by the CCCAA, but still an option to spur activity, is still hindered by inconvenience and red tape.

“Before there could be a competitive dance team there would have to be tiered classes to build students up to a competitive level,” physical education professor Latanya Tigner said. “With

Forum convened to gauge attention: A conference to discuss the creation of new women’s sports teams was held on Thursday in GA-40.

Only one student showed up to participate in the meeting.

Athletic activities that received singular votes were gymnastics, competitive shooting, lacrosse, track and soccer. the new repeatability restrictions in place, that isn’t going to happen.”

With interest statewide in a consistent decline, new methods of garnering nothing more than warm bodies to actually field a team may take some strategic maneuvering.

Kinesiology professor and Academic Senate President Beth Goehring has some ideas that could help the numbers shift in a positive direction.

“Maybe the teachers in the activity classes can help recruit players,” Goehring said. “It is disappointing. I wonder how we can encourage them to tell us more of what they want.”

Classes combine, increase success

BY Jose Jimenez SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

The possibility of two math courses being combined and units counted as transferable is a plan for spring 2016.

Mathematics professor Susan Van Hattum said mathematics department Chairperson Terrill Mead met with individuals associated with the student success equity board earlier this semester trying to authorize a combination of both math courses.

Contra Costa College students will have a higher chance of passing math courses.

They will be able to move on to other math courses sooner if the combination of both happens, she said.

“Right now we have a compressed schedule where students have to take Math 118 (Elementary Algebra) or lower during a semester based on their assessment scores.

Then, Math 120 (Intermediate Algebra) whenever they can in order to enroll in a higher level of math courses for graduation or to transfer,” Van Hattum said.

“Those of us who teach math on this campus love it and wish students would love math too. However, that is not always the case because there currently is no other alternative except for our Math 125 (Algebra for Statistics) course.”

She said Math 125 has a higher success rate and students enrolled in any math class can enroll in Math 164 (Introduction to Probability and Statistics) after passing Math 125, and skipping Math 120.

“A lot of students don’t know about the class because it is known as 100-A in the class schedule,” Van Hattum said. “That is old news because they have changed the name since and we have three courses being offered for the spring.”

She said the combination of Math 118 and Math 120 does not guarantee combined transferable units. Math 125 can be the easy way out for students who dislike math.

“It’s the biggest news right now in our

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Math 118 and Math 120 are planned to be combined in order to heighten student success. Only 35 percent of students who enroll in Math 120 and 15 percent from Math 118 eventually enroll in Math 164, Introduction to Probability and Statistics.

“It’s the biggest news right now in our math department because the students who do not generally care for math want to get through stats and go on to a four-year institution. We don’t want math here on campus to get in the way of students surviving college, or fail college, but that’s what happens.”

— Susan Van Hattum, mathematics professor

math department because the students who do not generally care for math want to get through stats and go on to a four-year institution,” Van Hattum said. “We don’t want math here on campus to get in the way students surviving college, or fail college, but that’s what happens. MATH-125 can change all that.”

Mathematics professor Emanuel Baptiste said, “If they allow for the (cohort) and it pushes through (the combination of the two

classes Math 118, Math 120), then it will get students ready for statistics.”

Art major Amanda Trujillo said she found English courses easier than math courses at the college.

“I wish that it would have came into fruition sooner because math is hard. Especially after you take a couple of years off from school after high school like I did,” she said.

“If they do it then students should take advantage of it.”

She said she stopped with math after passing statistics in four semesters, and is currently in her fifth semester.

Undecided major Amarjit Singh said math came natural him and he started in Math 120 after the assessment tests.

He spends time studying calculus with a group of students inside the Hub in the Physical Sciences Building.

Singh said the combination of courses should happen if it makes transferring easy for students not good in math.

“If I did not do so well in the math assessment test then I would not know where I would be,” he said.

According to the California Acceleration Project, a statewide program in support of

redesigning community colleges developmental English and math curriculum and increasing student completion, students are determined to have a 70 percent chance of being unprepared for college math.

Van Hattum said that is not right because the college assessment tests score the tests lower than they should.

She said for every student who begins one level below the transfer level of statistics in Math 120, 35 percent of them will complete statistics within three years.

If they begin two levels below transfer in Math 118, she said the number drops to 15 percent.

Three levels in classes lower than Math 115, it is only 6 percent. It is just “horrible,” she said.

“Overall, there are five scenarios for students where something can go wrong,” Van Hattum said. “And that is not even factoring in your personal life.”

She said the economics and ethnicity of individuals interlink the endeavors of students struggling to get through the required math classes, and those who are not good with numbers associated with algebra and statistics.

COPA TO EXHIBIT ELECTORAL COLLEGE DOCUMENTARY Club sponsors film, exposes flaws in voting systems

BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

The film “Electoral Dysfunction” will be shown in the Library and Learning Resource Center by the fireplace today, from 4 to 6 p.m.

It will be the second film of the Community Organizing and Political Action (COPA) club’s Fall Film Forum.

Political science assistant pro-

fessor Vanna Gonzales said, “The film’s a national level look at the 2012 presidential campaign.”

The film will cover various facets of the electoral process like how political primaries work, voter ID laws, what the Electoral College actually is and some of the failures of the system.

The documentary follows former Daily Show correspondent Maurice Alberto “Mo” Rocca.

The film’s promotional material says, “After discovering that the right to vote is missing from the (U.S.) Constitution, political humorist Mo Rocca sets out on a road trip to see how voting works — and doesn’t work — in America.”

The film is “a humorous and

“I think our political system is mired in moneyed interests.”

— Wali Khan, Community Organizing and Political Action president

nonpartisan look at voting in America.”

The narrative wanders through a haze of inconsistent and sometimes insane voting laws, dubious political maneuvering and counterintuitive ballot designs.

The film addresses the question of why individuals technically do not have the right to vote.

A half-hour panel will follow the showing, where local political

experts will talk about how it boils down in local politics.

Dr. Gonzales said, “It brings it down to our local, Contra Costa, level.”

COPA Vice President Xenia Rivera said, “Instead of just being a film, there is people there who are maybe a little larger than life.”

The speakers will include Chuck Carpenter, the immediate past chair for the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, Contra Costa County Republican Party Chairperson Rohilt Joy, Rita Xavier of the West Contra Costa County League of Women Voters and others.

Politics are important but it is always hard to present the issues that regular people can digest,

COPA President Wali Khan said.

“I think our political system is mired in moneyed interests. Our two-party system disadvantages any third party,” Khan said.

After the panel, Café Soleil will cater a small reception for COPA, Business and Pre-Law club members to discuss joint activities.

The COPA club is making a push to get more people involved in the process that rules their lives.

There will be a push to get attendees interested in being paid poll workers.

If 25 people commit to being poll workers, then free training will be provided.

For more information, contact Gonzales at vgonzales@contracosta.edu.

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We see an increase in community support during the holidays with more food drives and fundraisers than any other time of the year.”

spotlight

— Rachel Braver, communications coordinator, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Richmond resident Christa Zizi (right) recieves bread from Concord volunteer Steve Dasovich at the Bay Area Rescue Mission’s Food & Distribution Center on Friday.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Charity, help exemplify hope Rescue missions, shelters prepare for holiday influx

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

As the holidays approach, local nonprofit organizations prepare their donations and annual feasts to open doors to community members in need of holiday delicacies.

Local food banks distribute food and strive to satisfy the needs of their low-income community members who may not have enough to eat.

“We see an increase in community support during the holidays with more food drives and fundraisers than any other time of the year,” Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Communications Coordinator Rachel Braver said.

Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Office Coordinator Lauren Strouse said, “We would not be able to feed all the people we do just through donations.”

The majority of goods they receive are from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wal-Mart and other donors depending on where the food banks are located.

The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano is providing holiday

“We are always helping people. We give them a place to stay and provide them with meals.” — Darrell Olson, Bay Area Rescue Mission’s manager of food and distribution center

meals for its community members at its three locations — Concord, Fairfield and Oakland.

Strouse said the difference between holidays and non-holidays is that it is the main season for food drive pick-ups.

During Thanksgiving, turkeys are donated to be given to the local members of the community.

“We are always helping people.

We give them a place to stay and provide them with meals,” Darrell Olson, Bay Area Rescue Mission’s manager of Food & Distribution Center said.

“We are getting a grant to buy 1,500 turkeys for Thanksgiving,” he said. “We will have tickets available.”

To qualify for a turkey, applicants must be of low-income and provide an ID.

If they do not meet the requirements, the mission will work with them, Olson said.

“There is the risk of constant scams,” he said.

The annual Thanksgiving banquet will take place at the Richmond Civic Center where volunteers will help serve lunch on Nov. 25.

Olson said there will be canned goods, sweet rolls and rice as part of the Thanksgiving pantry.

He said organizations like the Association of Gospel Rescue Mission (AGRM), a nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, food, youth and family services, education and job training, can be found all over the Bay Area and change lifestyles for members of the community.

Braver said, “The food bank provides food to one in eight residents of Contra Costa and Solano counties. We do that through direct programs and partner agencies like pantries and soup kitchens.”

She said during the holidays they provide an additional 30,000 households with food to make special holiday meals.

“This is in addition to our regular food distributions to over

190,000 people each month,” she said.

Local food banks provide donated goods to pantries on a daily basis and during holidays to create a welcoming environment for families or individuals to feel at home.

Concord volunteer Steve Dasovich said his life changed drastically since he started getting involved with Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond.

“I am in recovery,” he said. “I used to use drugs and I am trying to change.”

Dasovich said he is attentive to individuals requesting bread, tortillas and other available food items.

Richmond resident Christa Zizi said she will return to collect Thanksgiving goods.

She said she has been picking up food from the local mission for three years.

“It has greatly impacted my life,” she said.

Patrick Davis, director of Men’s Ministries at the Bay Area Rescue Mission, said they receive food from Trader Joe’s, Safeway and Costco among other stores to have something to give to locals during the holidays and non-holidays.

in brief Local food banks apportion food to assuage low-income families during the holidays.

Thanksgiving turkeys are donated to be given out to community members.

Bay Area Rescue Mission will purchase 1,500 turkeys to be given away.

Applicants must be low-income and show an ID to receive a turkey.

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING ACCENTUATES DEPRAVITY Traditional retailers welcome rabid buyers

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

Thanksgiving is a well-known holiday to many people. Friends and family gather together and give thanks to all that is good for them. Though lately, it is Black Friday that has been getting more attention than Thanksgiving.

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year and it is the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Every year many stores open up early in the morning with the promise of discounts on store items. Stores open as early as midnight and customers even camp out for days, just to get a glimpse of the sales.

Many people enjoy the day off to get some holiday shopping done but others don’t enjoy the event as much.

“I think (Black Friday) is overrated. The sales aren’t that much of a difference and there is a shortage of items at stores knowing there will be a lot of people,” early childhood development major Jessica Contreras said.

It has become known that people seem to become more aggressive during this time, as there have been many reported incidents of fighting and people getting trampled at stores.

These are just some of the effects the day has on people.

Computer science major Cristhaine Rocha, who previously worked at Target on

“Everything is heightened at that moment. People just go crazy and expect things to go their way.”

— Cristhaine Rocha, computer science major

Black Friday, said people are desperate to get a good deal.

“People are definitely more on edge during this time. Not all of them, but there is always a good amount that you see when shopping,” she said.

This aggressive behavior seems to become a norm to individuals.

Sociology major Gabriela Diaz said that there are aggressive shoppers wanting to do either Christmas shopping or shop for their own needs.

“People don’t even think about what they are doing. They just grab and think only about the good deal they got in the end.

That’s normal now,” Diaz said.

Contreras sees the behavior differently.

“It’s not normal that people get aggressive. I think it’s a competition and people are naturally competitive and that’s where the aggression comes from,” she said.

When there is a limited number of an item, people tend to overstep their boundaries and act in a manner they normally would not, Contreras said.

Rocha said, “The day, especially in the morning, is fast paced. People want to hurry and grab what they need. Everything is heightened at that moment. People just go crazy and expect things to go their way.”

Diaz said because people are interested

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping days of the year, sees huge sales put on by department stores throughout the country, even extending to some online websites. Black Friday will fall on Nov. 27 next week, the day after Thanksgiving.

in technology, the popularity of Black Friday has risen.

“Recently it became popular because of the technology boom. We are a part of the technology age. It is just a smart marketing move from businesses,” she said.

Rocha said that electronics is one of the more popular sections of the store on Black Friday.

“People want to buy TVs or headphones or phones and cameras. Anything that is 50 or a couple of hundred dollars off, people will buy it,” she said. “It can be good for buying early holiday presents. If you (pay attention) you can get good deals.”

People feel the day takes away from the festivities of Thanksgiving because people queue up a day before and wake up early to get some shopping done.

“It is disappointing that it is after

Thanksgiving because it takes time away from family,” Contreras said.

Diaz said people now think about Black Friday first.

“If they don’t think about Thanksgiving, Black Friday is probably what come to mind,” she said. “I definitely like to do some shopping, but I don’t like the waking up early or dealing with the shoving and long lines. I like sales but I don’t have the patience.”

Although the day brings frustration and aggression, people still tend to go out on the day, taking in a glimpse of what they can get their hands on.

Diaz said, “I hope people can take a moment on that Thursday to really give thanks, be thankful of how privileged they have to be able to go shopping and take their mind off the craze that is Black Friday for a bit.”

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Conference title ends 10-year drought Team exceeds prediction, captures BVC crown, playoff spot

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

Two goal line clearances by Falcon defenders denied the men’s soccer team from scoring in the first half, but Comet center back Edgar Yepes preserved the clean sheet on the other end with a goal line clearance in the second half in Friday’s 0-0 tie at Folsom Lake College.

“The ball got past me and was going into goal (at about minute 70),” freshman Comet goalkeeper Eduardo Escamilla said, “(Yepes) got (to the goal line) in time and saved us the game.”

Entering its ultimate conference game of the season at Folsom, Contra Costa College (12-5-4 overall, 8-1-3 in the Bay Valley Conference) already clinched its second consecutive playoff berth by sealing first place in BVC standings.

Because second place Mendocino College (12-5-4 overall, 6-3-3 in BVC) tied 3-3 at Merritt College on Nov. 10, it was knocked out of contention to be named 2015 BVC champions — a title that is now reserved for the Comets after a 10-year drought.

“It has been about 10 years that the team has been without a conference title,” Escamilla said. “This year is one worth remembering and I am glad to be able to be part of a team that made history since (CCC earning a BVC Championship) has not happened in a long time. It feels good to bring that

status and legacy to the team and the college.”

The Comets will play in the first round of the NorCal Regional Playoffs on Saturday. Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said, as of press time on Tuesday, he does not know who they will be playing or where, but the finalized brackets were released on Tuesday and can now be found at cccaasports. org.

“We cannot let our nerves get the best of us, and after the good run we had in season it’s easy for that to happen,” sophomore Comet striker Bryan Vega said. “It feels good to be first in (the BVC) after 10 years without a title and earning another playoff spot.

“But last year we did not make it past the first round of the playoffs (against Fresno City College). We have to use the momentum from this season to carry us further into the playoffs. But nervousness will arise. We just have to be more confident than nervous.”

The Comets finished conference play with 27 points, three points ahead of second place Mendocino, and a .792 win-loss percentage. Each win in conference is worth three points, a loss worth nothing and a tie worth one point.

Vega said playing against Folsom in its final conference game of the season was good preparation for the playoffs as it was a hard fought match under a cloud of heated anticipation.

Championship capsulation: Comets win conference title after 10-year title drought.

CCC plays in first round of NorCal Regional Playoffs Saturday.

Team finishes conference play with 27 points, three more than second place Mendocino College.

“We took this game as preparation for the playoffs,” he said. “The atmosphere was great as a lot of people came out to support (Folsom) for their sophomore night. The home crowd and team were pumped up, but so were we.”

At minute 70 in the 0-0 tie, Falcon (5-13-3 overall, 3-6-3 in the Bay Valley Conference) right midfielder lobbed in a 45 degree cross toward a left midfielder who made an overlapping run toward the right edge of the penalty area, sophomore Comet right wing back Alejandro Gonzalez said.

While the ball was in the air, Escamilla said he had rushed off his line to anticipate the headered back pass because the ball was going toward Comet center back Davis Okonkwo.

“I told him to header the ball back to me, but the turf field was still damp and the ball was slippery,” he said. “So when

he went up to header COMETS the ball, it skimmed his head and in turn went in the air toward the (Folsom) striker.”

Sophomore Comet FALCONS center defensive midfielder Jesus Villagrana said before the ball could touch the ground the Folsom striker lobbed the ball over Escamilla, who was already near the end of the penalty area, toward the empty goal using his head.

“There was a miscommunication in our defense,” Villagrana said. “(Okonkwo) headered the ball back to (Escamilla) but he did not see the (Folsom) striker. (Escamilla) came off his line but (Yepes) saved it on the (goal) line.”

Gonzalez said the Comets dominated the first half in possession, but Comet striker Alan Morales and center attacking midfielder Jorge Avina had clear shots at minutes 20 and 30 blocked by goal line clearances similar Yepes’ save. “(Folsom’s) center backs came out of nowhere twice in the first half. We were more organized in the first half and had more chances on goal,” Gonzales said. “But in the second half we played sloppy and there was a huge gap in the between the defense and the midfield. It allowed Folsom to dominate the entire second half.”

0 0

Trouble dooms arduous crusade

Comet setter Paula Sanchez (left) and middle blocker Alejandra Galvez attempt to block the ball hit by a Cougar defensive specialist during Contra Costa College’s 3-0 loss in Alameda on Friday.

Winning effort does not translate to victory COUGARS DEFEAT COMETS

25-10, 25-06, 25-18

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

The volleyball team played its final road match of the year, facing the College of Alameda for the second time this season and falling once again in straight sets 25-10, 25-6 and 25-18 Friday in Alameda.

The Cougars are by no means a volleyball powerhouse, nestled just two spots above the Comets who own the bottom spot in the BVC. In the pair’s first game, CCC matched its highest point total in any set thus far (21), but still fell in straight sets Oct. 14 at home.

The Comets failed to match that output in Friday’s game but still remained competitive, tallying 18 points in its final losing set.

“In the last set we got back to working as a team,” Comet outside hitter Arcenia Macedo said. “We knew we could play better like we did in the first set, so we really tried

our hardest in the last.”

To open the match, CCC mirrored the Cougars’ effort and intensity.

When the set got out of hand, Comet players held firm, refusing to quit in the face of a relentless Cougar attack.

Alameda middle blocker Nadia Beard (20 kills and 27 targeted attacks) controlled the pace of the action, filling her stat line with numbers that accurately depicted her activity level.

Beard ranks first in conference in five statistical categories points (310), points per set (6), total blocks (57), solo blocks (48), and kills (211).

CCC dropped the first set 25-10.

Offensive output was not lost for the Comets. Outside hitter Deanna Craighead (four kills and 16 targeted attacks) and mid-

dle blocker Alejandra Galvez (six kills and 17 targeted attacks and six digs) worked to keep the squad in the match.

“I felt like we played at the same pace as them (Alameda),” Craighead said. “We had a good chance, so it helped me play tougher.”

However, in the second set things fell apart for CCC. Rather than fight through miscues, the team began to focus on its mistakes. The trend devolved into poor defensive communication and completely dissolved the unit’s ability to work as a team.

The third was the most productive match for the Comets.

The team put aside its poor showing in the second set and galvanized around the unified effort it offered in the first.

It began to play with the confidence of a

team that came just four points shy of winning a set versus the same Cougar team just a month earlier.

The Comets battled in the third, exchanging volleys and solid serving with the Cougars, keeping the match close from beginning to end.

In practice, with such a young team the focus has been learning to work through adverse situations and maintaining a positive attitude while improving fundamentally.

“The third was the best set we played this year,” CCC coach Christy Tianero said. “We were neck and neck until the end.”

The team’s valiant final effort fell short and the 25-18 third set eventually slipped into the hands of Alameda.

The Comets played their final game of the season Tuesday night after press time.

SQUAD FINDS RHYTHM, CAPTURES PAC 7 CROWN Players focus on weights, technique for bowl matchup

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

SAN JOSE — The Comet football team (9-1 overall and 5-1 in the Pacific 7 Conference) clinched its fourth conference championship in a row, this time in dominating fashion, by way of a 40-15 victory over San Jose City College in its final regular season contest this season.

The Jaguars (2-8 overall and 2-4 in the Pac 7) included the Comets in its sophomore night festivities. The gesture, seen as a sign of goodwill after San Jose’s Oct. 31 fight with Mendocino College and resulting Eagle forfeiture forced the cancellation of CCC’s final home game Nov. 7.

“We used the extra time to really focus on our craft, watching film, hitting the weight room and working on fundamentals,” Comet wide receiver Sterling Taylor (three

catches, 90 yards, one TD) said.

“We wanted to finish the season how we finished the game tonight.”

JAGUARS San Jose’s sign of good faith was not reciprocated by the Comets, as defensive stalwart Chima Onyeukwu (eight tackles, one sack) made early Jaguar possessions an exercise in futility.

CCC linebackers Amari Mount (five tackles) and Ted Noble (three tackles) also found breach points in the San Jose offensive front, allowing multiple stops to be made behind the line of scrimmage.

Eager to return to live action, the Comet offense slipped back into its familiar groove.

CCC quarterback Cameron Burston (26-40 295 yards, four TDs, one interception) found receiver Frank Stephens (8 catches, 86 yards, two TDs) early, which opened the way for running back Harris Ross to gash the Jaguars up the belly for a 21-yard first quarter touchdown.

Holding San Jose scoreless in the first half by forcing punts on COMETS

40 16

“It’s all preparation.

You have to come out focused.

I visualize every play in my head so I have an idea of what to expect, then I go hard on every play.”

multiple possessions, the Comet offense had opportunities to put the game out of reach early.

Burston uncharacteristically missed open receivers at the outset and threw just his second interception of the season. To make matters worse, the pick was thrown in the end zone.

— Chibu While being Onyeukwu, chased out of defensive end the pocket to his right, the quarterback threw the ball across his body, gifting the ball into the hands of an opportunistic Jaguar defensive back.

The turnover merely gave the Comet defense another chance to establish dominion over the overmatched Jaguars.

Defensive end Chibu Onyeukwu (3.5 sacks) recorded two sacks

on the failed drive, returning the ball to Burston who promptly hit receiver Frank Stephens for the final score of the half.

“It’s all preparation. You have to come out focused,” Chibu Onyeukwu said. “I visualize every down in my head so I have an idea of what to expect, then I go hard on every play.”

At halftime CCC led San Jose City 14-0.

Ahead by two scores and in control defensively, the Comets shifted from competitive to complacent.

Feeling the game was in hand, players began to look past the Jaguars, checking the scores of other games to get a picture of who they may face in their impending bowl game.

The Comets will face Hartnell College Nov. 28 in Salinas in their bowl game.

While CCC watched the scoreboard of other games, the team lost sight of its own.

The Jaguars strung together two quick second half scores and were an extra point miss away from knotting the game at 14.

Midway through the third San Jose trailed by a point, 14-13.

But the high-powered offense of the Comets struck back, this time on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Burston to Taylor, expanding the CCC cushion to eight at 21-13.

Injuries, some lingering, some new, struck the Comets in the second half as Noble and Ross were both sidelined with ankle injuries.

Its focus regained, the Comet offense struck again with another yard gobbling drive fueled by the quick instincts of Burston.

The drive ended with a Burston to Stephens 22-yard touchdown pass-catch.

“We finally hit our groove in the third quarter,” Stephens said.

“We just want to execute better.

We worked on technique all week in practice.”

One Lorran Fonseca field goal, a safety and another Burston to tight end Jaelen Collins touchdown pushed the CCC point total to 40, while the defense buckled down and held the Jaguars to one field goal for the remainder of the game.

“This is the fourth year in a row that we’ve won conference.

With one game left, our four quarter focus starts now,” CCC coach Alonzo Carter said. “Whoever we play, it’s not going to be easy.”

8

scene

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 11.18.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

“

Unleashed

MOVIES

I wouldn’t know what to call them, but they resemble the creatures from ‘Where the Wild Things Are’.”

— Anne Austin, San Pablo Art Gallery curator

This week: “The Hunger Games: MockingjayPart 2” (PG-13)

Proposal aims to bridge gap

BY Jose Jimenez

“The Night Before” (R)

SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

“Secret in Their Eyes” (PG-13) “Horror” (NR)

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

“The Plotting” (left) and “Guardian of the Underneath” (right) by Brooke Leigh Fletcher are on display in the “Dolls and Things” exhibit in Maple Hall at the San Pablo Art Gallery.

“We Are Your Friends” (R) “Gringo Trails” (NR) “Jimmy’s Hall”

MUSIC

New releases: Adele - “25” Enya - “Dark Sky Island” Freddie Gibbs “Shadow Of A Doubt” Chris Brown - “Royalty” Pye Corner Audio “Prowler”

GAMES

Monstrous features embellish sculptures

Gallery highlights altered creatures, digital paintings

“Sometimes my sculptures are based off of a person I know or just people I observe.” — Brooke Fletcher, artist

BY Roxana Amparo

Things Are’.”

“The faces are extremely expressive and convey all kind of emotions,” Austin said. “They are a little frightening but the name takes away the scary from them.”

Names like “Puddles and His Troubles,” given to a sad-looking monster, can derail observers from the idea of scary.

Both artists work with an assortment of mediums and pieces to create their pieces.

Fletcher said she likes to “blur” the lines with materials by using organic found objects, such as bones, dehydrated vegetables, hair, birds nests and others. She also uses inorganic material, such as epoxy resin, latex rubber, faux fur and whatever else she needs to get the desired effect.

Fletcher’s piece “The Plotting” is made out of ceramic, epoxy resin, mixed media, organic and inorganic materials. The sculpture has ceramic feathers and is reminiscent of a big bird sitting on a log while having a mischievous look on its face.

McCarthy-Tamayo said, “I am an artist of many interests and a variety of skills in both fine and commercial art.”

Digital paintings, hand-painted canvases and clothing decorate the

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

SAN PABLO — Little sculpted creatures, dolls and digital paintings from two Richmond artists decorate the San Pablo Art Gallery at Maple Hall here while the art exhibit “Dolls and Things” is on display through Dec. 13.

The exhibit displays the creations of artists Brooke Fletcher and Patricia McCarthy-Tamayo, who share a unique perspective in the world of art.

“Living beings inspire me, from humans to animals to insects, and everything in-between,” Fletcher said.

“I enjoy extracting vulnerabilities and frailties as seen in the physical and emotional realm.”

Among Fletcher’s creations are little creatures called Smurdles. They stand on feet of three toes while their other features include bug eyes, frowns, rough skin and a set of hair on a gremlin-after-dinner body.

“Sometimes my sculptures are based off of a person I know or just people I observe,” she said.

San Pablo Art Gallery Curator Anne Austin said, “I wouldn’t know what to call them, but they resemble the creatures from ‘Where the Wild

Creole food creates

“Star Wars Battlefront” (T) “Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash” (E) “The Crew: Wild Run Edition” (T)

Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

— Mike Thomas

walls while dolls and things are displayed on pedestals.

Walking up the stairs leads to other art forms made by Fletcher located on the second floor of the building, such as jean jackets with well-known comic characters painted on them, dolls with fur and real bone pieces to add to the detail.

Austin said the work the artists do is “painstakingly detail-oriented.”

McCarthy-Tamayo recreates orphan dolls by mixing and matching pieces which results in a creation such as “Wolfgang,” an infant wolf doll holding a milk bottle with its long claws.

“No two dolls are ever alike unless requested or if twin dolls are created,” McCarthy-Tamayo said.

Austin said McCarthy-Tamayo approached her during an art opening and said, “I alter dolls.”

Austin said, “Send me photos. Send me JPEGs.” Upon receiving a spot at the gallery, Maple Hall allows for Bay Area artists to display their art free of charge for up to five weeks, Austin said.

“We don’t take commissions. It is a wonderful thing for the community of artists,” she said.

Prices for the pieces on display range from a digital illustration at $20 to an “Endangered Species” seven-piece acrylic painting for $850.

Austin chooses to display an artist’s work in various ways: online, galleries or announcements. Local artists also reach out to her during art receptions or send art packets.

CAJUN CUISINE YIELDS SENSATIONAL FLAVOR Local

New releases: “Fallout 4” (M)

The ASU has tentatively scheduled a dinner on Dec. 7 for Contra Costa College students who prowl the night on campus looking for some grub before evening classes.

Inter-Club Council President Safi Ward-Davis came up with the idea to bring students and faculty together outside of the Applied Arts Building.

“It’s for the A dinner with students in faculty and the nighttime to voice their students is set to opinions and take place concerns, since Dec.7-10.

The dinner will most of them are not here allow students during the day,” who attend Wa r d - D a v i s evening classes to said. “This is unite with the first time evening faculty.

CCC will host The exact time such an event at of the dinner is yet night. The din- to be decided but ner will serve is expected to be a meaningful 5-7 p.m. purpose for evening students.”

She said the event is designed to bridge the gap between night students and will allow them to mingle with the evening faculty.

Ward-Davis said the dinner will be called “Dinner with the Faculty.”

A preliminary time of 5-7 p.m. has been set.

“I still have to get with the Three Seasons Restaurant and students working at the Switch before we can get the final details out,” she said.

Ward-Davis said the date may change as well.

As of now the items on the menu include spaghetti, salad, dinner rolls and chicken.

Undecided major Miguel Angél, who takes Physical Geography at night, said a dinner of any sorts would be greatly appreciated since food choices at night are scarce.

“I come here and Subway is closed and the Bookstore is closed,” Angél said. “All I have is a vending machine in the Liberal Arts Building if I’m hungry during break for my nearly three-hour class.”

He said the choices of food look pretty limited in the daytime anyway, but that “the new campus center opening up this fall should change all that, hopefully.”

Any donations are welcome, Ward-Davis said. The ASU is working to get all of her specific requests met so she can throw a dinner before the fall semester ends.

in brief

BLU-RAYS

New releases: “The Man from U.N.C.L.E” (PG-13)

ASU DINNER TARGETS EVENING POPULATION

traditional ambience

By Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

R

ockin’ Crawfish in the San Pablo Center has a stellar lineup of Cajun and Creole food from bivalves to crustaceans.

It features real Cajun cuisine that will leave your mouth watering and nose running from its spicy flavors and aromas.

All fiery food lovers would enjoy the Rockin’ combo with spicy flavoring with their seafood entrees.

It is sensational blast of flavors in your mouth. But be warned, these flavors will have your hand reaching for the water to cool down.

The seafood entrees are served in a plastic bag with a black bowl on the bottom in which to throw the shellfish remains.

Lime wedges, salt and pepper are served as condiments with the meal.

With these savory flavors blasting in your mouth, you have to try the buttery garlic noodles they serve.

The pasta is served in a bowl with fresh basil and

minced garlic for additional flavors.

“Rockin’ You can Crawfish” also start out Cuisine: Cajun with some of food the scrumpLocation: 2300 El tious appetizPortal Drive, Suite L, San Pablo. ers that are on the menu.

These include chili cheese Cajun fries, or you can go lighter with just regular Cajun fries with the choice of waffle or steak-cut fries.

Rockin’ Crawfish has exceptional seafood gumbo.

The broth is flavorful, but there are more vegetables than meat in the potage. They make sure you get at least two succulent prawns in the soup.

There is also the option of buying the seafood entrees by the pound and the price is based off of the market. But you can buy a half-pound of the entrée for a cheaper price.

The prices are posted on the wall when you go into the store for easy access.

Since it is a messy meal, every guest is supplied with a bib and the tables have white paper for placemats. The RESTAURANT REVIEW

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Crawfish and other seafood entrees are sold at market prices per pound. Happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 3-7 p.m. with $3 draft beers and discounted garlic noodles and fries.

atmosphere mirrors a sports bar located near a Louisiana bayou. The restaurant’s walls are painted with murals of a jazzy crawdad dancing around New Orleans.

Want to catch a game?

They have five flat screen TVs ready to go when game day arrives.

To add to the inviting atmosphere, guests are allowed to draw on all of the wooden walls and some of the furniture in the facility.

There are a lot of signatures of past customers marking their history on the walls of Rockin’ Crawfish. The place has a tank filled with live Dungeness crabs.

The Cajun restaurant is open Monday- Friday from 2-10:30 p.m. and on the weekends 1-10:30 p.m. However, they do have a happy hour from Monday through Thursday from 3-7 p.m. with $3 beers on tap also $5 fries and garlic noodles.