The Advocate 12-9

WEDNESDAY l 12.9.15 OUR 66TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

CALLS FOR REFORM OF UNFAIR PRACTICES Accreditation process changes in lieu of fiascos

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Vocal resonance aims to dazzle Intimate musical selections yield stylistic variety to seasonal showcase

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

Bonded together through musical notes and chords, vocal jazz choirs Jazzology, Jazzanova and Chamber prepare to end the semester with strong vocal cords during their final performances.

“We share music because it brings people together. We have a very diverse department with a close knit group of people,” music professor Stephanie Austin said.

While preparing their ensembles and “songlets,” the music majors maintain themselves in M-116 or in the piano lab with 8 a.m. rehearsals.

To end the semester, there will be a vocal and piano program student showcase on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. in the Knox Center.

The showcase “Songs of the Season” will showcase jazz, gospel, songs of the season and “a little bit” of

“We share music because it brings people together. We have a very diverse department and a close knit group of people.”

— Stephanie Austin, music professor

everything, Dr. Austin said.

Music major Chanel Dahdal said music is intimate and every person has a different interpretation of it.

“I love music. It is a main vein,” she said. “I’ve been singing since I could talk.”

Music major Ninoangelo Lastimosa said their job as performers is to make everything look easy and for the audience to enjoy.

The three vocal choirs consisting of music majors have a level of skill required. Jazzology consists of a more

“redefining and proficient” stance and instrument usage and rehearsing separate, Dahdal said.

Students have to audition to be part of chamber, she said.

This semester Jazzanova formed with all new people and have been working on recruiting members through promoting themselves during local events or through fliers.

Dahal said, one of the challenges faced this semester is having to raise funds on their own. “The school doesn’t count music as a transferable requirement.”

Austin said, “We don’t have a budget to operate.

“The money from the music department is shared throughout the whole department and we receive a small, small, small portion of it,” she said.

Oftentimes funds are gathered

ABOVE: Music major Savannah CofieldBey (left) rehearses with the Jazzanova performance group on Monday in M-116.

SEE JAZZ, PAGE A4

In response to the State Chancellor’s Office’s third iteration of its “Accreditation Task Force,” the California Community Colleges Board of Governors unanimously voted last month to direct the Chancellor’s Office to develop a new model for accreditation of the state system’s 113 schools.

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), the commission that accredits California community colleges, was found by the task force to “lack credibility and no longer meets the current and anticipated needs of the California community colleges.”

Not only covering the community colleges of California, the commission formed in 1962 also oversees the accreditation of Hawaii’s schools.

The shift in direction was precipitated by the accreditation fiasco at City College of San Francisco in 2013. In that case, the commission moved to repeal the school’s accreditation.

The move did not stem from the school failing to meet the academic needs of its over 70,000 students. The focus fell more along the lines of failing to adequately track its students academic performance and failing to keep what the commission felt were appropriate reserve funds.

The commission issued its findings in a 66-page report detailing excessive short term borrowing and failure to maintain adequate facilities.

SEE ACCREDITATION, PAGE A4

ASU APPROVES FINAL GROUP OF GRANT APPLICANTS Board reviews clubs, departments requests, award nine out of 19 CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Associated Student Union’s Grant for Support program is closed for the 2015 fall semester, and its board approved nine out of the initial 19 applicants.

ASU Finance Committee Chairperson Jun Chen said seven applicants that had events or purchases that were not restricted by time constraints would have its application put on hold and will carry over to the next semester.

Chen said the requests that were put on hold are from the Transfer Center, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, Veteran Services, La Raza Student Union, the culinary department (two applications) and Jazzanova and Jazzology programs at Contra Costa College.

The ASU Internal Executive Board, however, did approve the final four of five applications for the semester at its meeting on Nov. 20 ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis said.

Ward-Davis said the three applicants that were denied were Per Ankh, Law Academy Club and the counseling department. She said because of a “scheduling conflict” within the counseling department, a representative SEE GRANT, PAGE A4

City Council extends Richmond Promise City officials set $1,500 as cap for all students seeking Chevron’s support program

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Richmond City Council finalized the requirements for its graduating high school residents to take advantage of Chevron’s $35 million Richmond Promise scholarship program.

According to its website, on Nov. 17 the council approved that starting in 2016, all Richmond residents who graduate high school in the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) are eligible to receive up to $1,500 for their initial year in college — regardless if they choose to go to a four-year university or community college.

Interim Contra Costa

College President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said the original wording in the Richmond Promise was not as inclusive as the recent council ruling.

Mehdizadeh said the Richmond Promise initially gave graduating high school students enrolling into a four-year university the opportunity to apply for up to $2,500 while students enrolling into community college could only get up to $500.

“I wrote a letter to the city council saying that the allocations were not equitable,” she said. “Some students are not ready to go to a four-year and if we want to promote student success then we need to SEE PROMISE, PAGE A4

ABOVE: Angelica Arriaga, program director for College is Real, a college readiness program, gives advice to Richmond High school graduate Marvin Parra in the College and Career Center at Richmond High School on Monday.

STUDENTS GEAR UP FOR WINTER FESTIVITIES B SECTION

Hoop season preview dunks into coaching, key additions PAGE A7 & A8

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Quotable “News unfolds but is never complete. It is written in haste but not carved in stone. It often wounds but more often it heals.”

Paul K. McMasters The Freedom Forum 1998 Christian Urrutia editor-in-chief Roxana Amparo Lorenzo Morotti associate editors 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 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, DEC. 9, 2015 VOL. 103, NO. 11

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

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EDITORIAL RECRUITMENT FOILS PROGRAM ASU Grant for Support needs student involvement to thrive

I

f the Associated Students Union is not going to take steps to abolish the $5 Student Activity Fee, then it should recruit more people to ensure student generated revenue is used effectively with its Grant for Support program.

The ASU needs to boost its online and campus recruiting so it will have enough members for the board to properly review and process Grant for Support applications next time.

As of press time Tuesday, the ASU has nine board members. At its last meeting on Dec. 2, only half of those members showed up, barely making a quorum, while former ASU Director of Training and Recruitment Luana Waters has only attended two meetings since she took a paid interim position in the Dean of Student Services Office on Oct. 1.

One such leading example of how the shortage of board members involved has affected the ASU’s operations is the approval of nine Grant for Support applicants out of a possible 10.

While The Advocate applauds the Finance Committee, comprised of Chairperson Jun Chen and ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis, for screening all 19 applicants for the semester and contacting representatives promptly, having such a small committee is counter intuitive to the inclusive-decision making the ASU claims to exemplify.

Screening these applications will become even more difficult as WardDavis said she will be stepping away from her position with the ASU. Current Director of Press Relations Richa Dahal will have to ensure that she follows through with the social media revamp if the ASU hopes to have a large staff, skilled enough to handle a larger influx of applications quickly and fairly.

This could become especially key as the funds that are used to fund the Grant for Support program are charged to every student at the start of every semester.

According to Chen, the Grant for Support program can only approve applicants for up to $2,500 in additional funding for campus events or purchases that are not covered by institutional costs, but would benefit a large portion of students.

With the reinstatement of the program this semester the ASU Finance Committee re-worded the old application to only allow up to 10 applicants to receive funding per semester — and a total of $10,000 less to spend.

But now the time frame has closed for applying, leaving seven applicants requests on hold until next semester.

Presently, the ASU board has nine members but with half of them missing at various meetings, how does it expect to make an inclusive and fair decision that reflects the interests of Contra Costa College’s 6,500 students?

While it is not an easy task, The Advocate encourages the ASU to boost its recruitment as it is the only way it can maximize its efficiency. Added recruitment would ensure that future applications are handled diligently and carefully considered — instead of rushed.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

■ FANTASY

Fantasy league football prods competitive drive W hile drafting smartly and managing the waiver wire are keys to fantasy success, few owners lift up a trophy at season’s end without dealing some trades and making gutsy calls along the way.

So whether you are coasting to the playoffs or have been way out since week 10, the logic is always to basically play .500 football and get a chance at a championship with your team.

Real life NFL players who disappoint statistically are “busts” and those who exceed expectations were either draft bargains or great pick-ups by savvy owners.

Either way, fantasy football is huge right now.

In fact, according to website forbes.com, 32 million Americans spend $467 per person in leagues they join and about $15 billion in total playing.

I am guilty by association because out of the three leagues me and my other football fanatics are in three-fourths of the pot of money is over $5,000.

It starts in the pre-season, after you pay the dues for your respective leagues, that you can begin to imagine building the perfect team.

Currently, I play in a Yahoo and nfl.com league.

The Yahoo league is a PPR (points per reception) league and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown leads my group of players not named Tom Brady.

Brady, who I drafted in the sixth round, was a great bargain because as of Aug. 14, 2015, Brady was battling his suspension from NFL Commissioner Roger

josejimenez

Goodell over “Deflategate,” and many owners passed up on him because of his uncertainty.

And in a “It is my league where Atlanta one-two Falcons punch that quarterback Matt Ryan will proba- and Denver Broncos bly win me quarterback Peyton some Manning are undermoney that performing in real life I will use fo and were before my family.” taken I picked Brady, I honestly feel good about my chances of winning money this year.

I have won money before, but it was baby money compared to today because I was barely getting my feet wet.

Now I am a veteran, a pro.

I lick my chops every Sunday fantasizing about how my players will play out the weekend.

I read blogs from writers who work for the NFL Network and NBC on Fantasy Live so I know I am not the only one who is crazy.

The money is easy if you know what you are doing, but there is always a side of caution.

When playing, always

check your league settings to see how the points are distributed.

For example, if you play in a league where quarterbacks can get a lot of points for touchdowns thrown, then draft that quarterback early — the Brady over Brown draft debate “on who is number one” if you will.

But, if the situation calls for points being handed out like candy for every reception, then you do the latter.

I drafted Brown with my 1st overall pick, and got lucky with Brady.

It is my one-two punch that will probably win me some money that I will use for college and my family.

After all, I have to pay for tuition next semester at San Francisco State University.

We all have our own opinions about players and how we think a fantasy team is built for success, which is why fantasy football is so fun and worth every penny.

Whether you stacked on running backs with the first two picks, or wide receivers, you know how you want your team to look and feel good about it each and every week.

That is why millions of Americans play fantasy football, sometimes even for free (do they still make those leagues?).

Good balance equals some money in most cases with a little bit of knowledge, and mostly pure luck.

Cheers to the rest of your fantasy season.

Jose Jimenez is a staff writer for The Advocate.

Contact him at jjimenez. theadvocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS COMMENT

Should the Richmond Promise program give $1,500 to all college students or just university students?

“They should because some students just won’t be able to attend a university. The money will still be going to education either way.”

Yesenia Melara journalism

“A four-year university should receive more money because the cost of attending is much higher.”

Moises Yacila computer science

XAVIER JOHNSON, JORDAN KHOO AND DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

“The same amount. The students are all going toward the same goal whether or not they are attending a junior college or a university.”

Katherine Escobar nursing

“The same. Why wouldn’t they get the same amount?”

Natalie McCosker

“I think everybody has their struggles. It should be the same amount for whatever the student chooses.”

undecided

Meshech Burrell biology

“Yes. They’re still working hard wherever they choose to go to college.”

Marquis Blake culinary arts

forum jasonsykes

BEHAVIORAL NORMS SHIFT, CIRCULATE AROUND PHONES

T

he perception of relationships continue to change over time. With all the technological advances in the world today people have found new ways to get in contact with others. Within these new ways to get into contact with one another, this also changed the way a relationship can work. Instead of making plans to go on a date, an individual may just text him or her all day.

The evolution of the cell phone changed the ways of communications as well.

Before text messaging, we were forced to go spend time with the people we wanted to talk to. Being around one another was the only way you were able to talk if you wanted to hold a conversation.

People are becoming more reliant on technology causing most of us to forget about things that we did before we were able to text on our phones all day.

Even when most people are spending time with friends or a significant other, the phone is still out.

Modern day hanging out is different since the phone is essential. Using it intensely is now normal.

The issue about having the phone out is that some people are doing it subconsciously. It is as if individuals are becoming braindead with the use of a smart and mobile device.

With cameras, cell phones even promote laziness as individuals facetime while still in bed instead of going out.

The desire for physical communication will become nonexistent.

Smart phones have made communicating faster as well.

Although the addition of smart phones in daily life is doing harm to our communication skills, it has also generated some positivity.

Instead of asking someone where they are or what they are doing, we can now simply video chat with them and see it ourselves.

Smart phones have without question given us easier access to just about everything we could possibly need for an everyday use.

It is amazing how most of us are walking around with a mini computer in our pockets.

Many probably do not think twice about what they are carrying when using a smart phone.

But with the smart phone soaring to its peak, does that mean we are beginning to witness the decline of physical communication?

It is possible that many of us can balance both of communcating physically and virtually.

At the rate and the way we communicate now, it will be hard to do both if easier ways to see each another are continuously invented.

This goes from writing each other letters because that was our only form of communication to “facetiming” when we are bored.

We have come a long way.

But that does not mean we have to forget how things were before we had cameras and the Internet.

Jason Sykes is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact him at jsykes.theadvocate@gmail. com.

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■ NOURISHMENT

Food reflects richness in health S

oul food evokes the warm spirit of tasty food and communal unity at an escalated rate during the holiday season, and denotes the polarization of food nourishing the soul.

The obstruct of the latter needs to be understood through the lineage of the antebellum South and soul advocates after the Great Migration who thrive on the consumption of wholesome foods to nourish a soul.

The expression of soul food being a staple of the black cuisine needs to hail the traditional vegetables grown on farms and fish caught from the ocean. It honors our ancestors who maintained a wealth of health with the most accessible ingredients in their immediate environment.

I was presented with the reality of this notion once I engaged in a paleo-lifestyle, commonly referred to as the “caveman diet.” The decision

environments, exuding the essence of fortune to their sense to agriculture and trading of principal goods produced by hand.

People who consider themselves as millennials may hail from aspiring miners or fishermen.

However, the educated and to nourish my body through affluent readership of the food was the recommended British newspaper, The counterpart upon my partici- Independent, saw headlines pation in a workout plan. that read “Meet Mansa Musa Along with rigorous I of Mali” in 2012, deeming exercises, my trainer recom- him the richest human being mended I eat foods that grow in all history with a fortune from the earth. of $400 billion.

Making the decision to By traveling through difhave a vegetable smoothie ferent parts of Mali, Musa post workout was not an was able to sustain comeasy habit to develop, until merce with salt and gold I understood the biology trades. of exercising muscles and The startling reality spans requiring particular fuel to over thousands of years, givfulfill the strenuous motion ing evidence of generating previously experienced. a wealth of health for these An educator shares the ancient cultures. It is critical rare pre-colonial life of to know the triumphant hisAfricans depicting a royal tory of Africa. nature from their home Soul food is not only

kenogreene

known to be glorious fried chicken and cornbread dishes. It is also synonymous as a means of minimal allotments for enslaved AfricanAmericans who were designated once a week.

This polarization of perspectives provides knowledge worthy of purposeful rapture to eat foods today essential to reconstruction.

Living “rich” to our ancestors was more about producing traditional techniques to sustain the culture of a community to best thrive with adept identity.

The idea of soul food now has shifted because a multitude of environmentally conscious products create a wholesome existence for the body to function at an elevated rate because food provides the direct exchange.

Keno Greene is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact her at kgreene.theadvocate@ gmail.com.

SNAPCHAT LURES

users to snap while driving Careless use of app behind the wheel possibly devastating

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

M

any people know that using a cellphone while driving is dangerous. It is against the law and there are constant advertisements about how dangerous it can be to just glance at a cellphone for just a second while driving.

Well it seems that people have forgotten that rule when it comes to entertainment. Drivers, young and old, are aware of the popular social media app Snapchat, an app for people to take a quick picture or video and send it to friends for a couple seconds before it vanishes forever.

The app is greatly used for people to share what is going on in their dayto-day life without the commitment of having it be there for long periods of time, unlike popular picture app Instagram. It’s a quick snapchat of anything that’s going on. People can post whatever they want for the day and by the next day it will be gone.

There are more than 100 million Snapchat users worldwide according to Business Insider and the number of users is increasing daily.

As the app gains popularity, more people seem to become reckless with the app. It seems that people just want to constantly show friends that they are doing something. Which is completely OK — there is nothing wrong with sharing — but the problem seems to be when people tend to use the app carelessly.

A habit has now become common among Snapchat users while driving.

Drivers will record themselves with music in the background and become careless. I’ve had friends guilty of doing this with the app. While it maybe cool to be driving somewhere and showing people where they are, I get quite worried for their safety.

Everyone knows the dangers of using mobile devices while driving and know that it is against the law. Yet that doesn’t seem to stop users.

According to distraction. gov, drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of the dis-

tracted drivers in fatal crashes. Mobile devices are distracting our young generation and it’s putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.

I don’t know why people still seem to use devices while driving? Perhaps it’s confidence. Many people actually believe that an accident can’t happen to them or they know what they are doing because they have experience driving.

There’s this sense that makes young drivers feel invincible. No one is invincible; no one is safe from an accident. No one is safe and it can happen to anyone.

The saddest thing is most people don’t take the dangers of using a phone app while driving seriously until they are affected when a family member or friend is seriously injured.

Then the guilt starts to set in and it must be the worst feeling in the world I assume, being that the accident could have easily been prevented if the driver refrained from picking up his phone while behind the wheel.

It’s quite upsetting, but I also think it is quite selfish of someone to be so careless while driving. How could someone have no regard for other people’s safety, or their own?

The average time a driver’s eyes are off the road while on a phone is about five seconds. When driving at 55 mph that’s like covering a football field blindfolded according to distraction.gov. That’s a lot to cover in a short amount of time. So when drivers think that they are capable of

checking their phone while their eyes are on the road, they really don’t.

Driving and using cellphone apps is a talent that a person should not risk their life to perfect. Its also been said that cellphone use and driving could be the equivalent, if not more dangerous than, of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Maybe the law should enforce stricter cellphone use policies while driving. If the price of a ticket for using a cell phone while driving is raised maybe that would also put some fear into drivers so they would think twice about using their cellphones so recklessly.

I don’t know what the fuss is all about with Snapchat and using it while driving. It’s not going to make much of a difference if people know where others are going. I’m all for Snapchat and yeah it is pretty cool that different locations have different filters for every city.

I love Snapchat. It’s a great app and I might even be a little addicted to it at times. I like posting things about my day-to-day life. I like posting songs and silly things. It’s fun showing people I’m at a concert or at a party. I like viewing the additional accounts the app comes with.

Showing friends a quick snap is easy, but when others are putting their lives at risk to show what they are doing it’s not very fun. All I can think about is how dangerous it could be and the consequences of what could happen if one variable slips.

As the holidays are approaching it gets a bit more nerve-racking as more people are on the road rushing to work, to the family reunion or to buy that last minute holiday gift. It’s important to be more aware of the road and other drivers.

I’m sure with this season more drivers are going to want to show they are going home for the holidays or going to parties. I think that it’s best if they just leave all the Snapchatting for when the driving is over.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

■ TECHNOLOGY

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GRANT | ASU approves, denies, postpones requests Continued from Page A1

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NEWSLINE THREE SEASONS

BUFFET TO PROVIDE FRESH FOOD OPTIONS The Holiday Lunch Buffet will be taking place at the Three Seasons Restaurant in AA-239 today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students have the chance to enjoy a buffet-style menu for the price of $10.

In order to make reservations contact wchau@contracosta.edu.

CHARITY

TOY DRIVE BRINGS JOY TO LOCAL KIDS The Bay Area Rescue Mission is organizing its first annual Lamorinda Challenge Christmas Toy Drive, which ends on Dec. 19.

New unwrapped gifts, ranging from $15 to $20 will be accepted as gifts for children.

The goal is set for 3,000 gifts.

For more information contact BARM at 510-215-4555.

MUSIC

LIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE KNOX CENTER

The showcase “Song of the Season” will take place on Dec. 18 in the Knox Center starting at 8 p.m.

The showcase will feature Jazzanova, jazz choir, piano and other vocal performances.

Tickets are on sale for $10 for students and $15 for general admission.

For more information contact saustin@contracosta.edu.

CRIMEWATCH Tuesday, Nov. 24: A non-student reported a domestic violence incident. An officer notified Richmond Police Department to conduct a residence check for the person in question.

Monday, Nov. 23 An officer was flagged down regarding a student injury. The student declined medical attention and left without further incident.

Wednesday, Nov. 18: A student worker and an assistant coach got into a verbal argument.

No physical fight occurred.

Thursday, Nov. 12: A non-student was cited and released for an open alcohol container. The non-student was issued a 626.6PC admonishment form. The form restricts him from returning to the campus for seven days. The non-student said he understand and left the campus.

— 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.

failed to appear and plea to the board.

Math professor Sherry Sharufa’s plea on behalf of Per Ankh on Nov. 11 to hold a banquet for 18 students in the program and to pay for a faculty retreat was rejected for funding.

She said Per Ankh Academy was denied because the board “felt (Per Ankh’s) reason for funding did not benefit the majority of the student body on campus,” while the Law Academy could not maintain its status as a club due to not having enough students.

Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene said departments and clubs that have not presented to the board receive emails about the status of their Grant for Support application.

Ward-Davis said that the ASU did not spend $7,897 that will go back into Grant for Support allocation budget that is funded by the $5 Student Activity Fee account. “(The ASU) is not picking favorites,” she said. “We must scrutinize every aspect of each application — we have to find a way to curb excess costs because the money for the Grant (for Support) is coming out of the ($5) student activity fee.”

Chen said this semester, the Grant for Support can only approve up to 10 applicants for up to $2,500 each in additional funding for campus events or purchases that are not covered by institutional costs, but would benefit a large portion of students.

“The applicants will not receive their money in the general ledger account (clubs) or as a check (departments) right away,” she said. “It takes 10 days after the approved request is received by the business office for the check to be sent, or for the funds to be transferred into a club’s general ledger.”

The first set of ASU Grant for Support recipients are Jump for Jamaica event, campus-wide tutoring, athletics, drama department and the Student Life office.

Ward-Davis said the final set of applicants who were approved up to $2,500 after presenting their case to the board are;

“The ASU) is not picking favorites. We must scrutinize every aspect of each application — we have to find a way to curb excess costs because the money for the Grant (for Support) is coming out of the ($5) student activity fee.”

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to get minorities into the pipeline for major federal justice positions.”

McNeil said the date and the location for the event have not yet been determined.

“Political science is about empowering students — evolving students — and recruiting students to make political issues come alive,” he said. “We will do our best as educators to honor any support the ASU can give.” ,

ASU Vice President of Club Affairs

Library and Learning Resource Center The Library and Learning Resource Center (LLRC) was approved for $2,347 to be used to purchase 14 additional reserve textbooks and 10 reserve print cards for students.

While the application was approved on Nov. 13 after safeguards were implemented to ensure that textbooks would return damaged and to monitor the print cards, Senior LLRC Assistant Tadelech Yoseph presented to the board on Nov. 4 Yoseph was included in the first group of grant for support applicants, but was told by the board that it needed a system to ensure that they cannot be returned damaged.

HSI-STEM The Hispanic-Serving Institution and Science Technology Engineering and Math program were granted $2,000 to provide food for students who attend Math Jam from Jan. 19-22.

At the ASU meeting on Nov. 11, HSI STEM staffer Yrsael Condori asked the board for funding to purchase food for regular session workshops that will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and night workshops from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“We plan to attract 30 to 35 students per session,” Condori said. “There are five in the morning and two at night — so that is roughly 210 students.”

Condori said he received an email from the ASU promptly notifying that it granted his requests after its Executive Board meeting.

Financial aid The Financial Aid Office was given $2,000 COPA to hold an event in front of the Student Services The Community Organizing for Local Center on Feb. 3 to inform students about the Action Club was approved for $1,577. process to apply for financial aid. Instructional At the ASU meeting on Nov. 11, assis- assistant Carlos Ramirez presented their reason tant political science professor Vanna Gonsales for funding to the board on Nov. 18. and political science professor Leonard McNeil Two weeks before the meeting Financial asked for funding to promote and organize Aid Supervisor Monica Rodriguez said, “We a series of on-campus panels with political are asking for $2,200 to pay for food, props for leaders, community organizing workshops for a luau theme, a DJ and for marketing.” students at the beginning of the 2016 spring Rodriguez said not only will the event will semester. have free food and an opportunity drawing, “The panel will talk about the voting the event provides students the opportunity to rights act,” Gonsales said. “We plan to invite meet with financial aid staff and find out how California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin to take advantage of financial aid.

Liu. The person who trained him advocated

JAZZ | Singers display harmonic skill ACCREDITATION Continued from Page A1 through ticket sales and students are required to sell $200 worth of tickets during the semester as part of their grade, Dahdal said.

Ticket sales are aimed toward family members, friends and anyone in the community willing to support.

Dahdal said they take donations as well.

The jazz groups visit other colleges to perform their and so are sometimes featured due to their likability as a group.

Austin said they will attend the Columbia Jazz Festival during the first weekend of March.

She said they already started rehearsing.

Student performers are set on a high pedestal once completing the basic courses of beginning group voice (MUSIC 170).

There are four levels to the group voice, Latimosa said. Once past level two, it is expected to be able to read notes.

When practicing in their recording room they have their

pare for their performances in “Everyone has an Lastimosa said being asked how opinion on how music much time spent practicing is one of the toughest criticism to should sound like. We receive. learn how to metabolize Students learn proper breathing techniques, tone placement criticism and it is humand how to read notes, Dahdal bling because you can’t said.

Austin plays a crucial role for have any kind of plan the performers as a source of diswhen you come into this cipline. The bar is set high during rehearsals. program.”

The countless hours spent practicing inside the soundproof — , music major rooms in the Music Building allows students to notice their music books opened hitting note improvements. for note.

They have the chance to sing Lastimosa said, “What inspires for each other and give construcme to do music is my family. We tive criticism. used to jam together.”

“Everyone has an opinion on He said prior to his perfor- how music should sound like,” mance he still feels his fingers Dahdal said. “We learn how to shake with nerves but once he is metabolize criticism, and it is in performance mode he tunes humbling because you can’t have the world out. “I try to be a cool any kind of plan when you come cucumber when I perform,” he into this program.” said.

After dedicating countless hours of intense practice to pre-

PROMISE | Ruling promotes education Continued from Page A1 provide equity and make it $1,500 for all students.”

At CCC there are two functioning high schools, Middle College High School and Gateway to College.

Both are K-12 institutions that provide their students the opportunity to experience a college atmosphere while taking classes that count toward a student’s major.

MCHS Principal Anne Shinn said the Richmond Promise will benefit most of its 300 students.

“Any money for our students is good,” Shinn said. “Especially for our students who are concerned about how they are going to pay for college with their financial situation.”

MCHS senior Kathia Arias said she wants to study economics at UC Santa Cruz next year, which would cost about $13,000 per year.

“I would definitely use the money. I need all the (financial) help I can get,” Arias said. “I plan on working a lot of jobs because I cannot get a lot of financial aid because I cannot legally — I am an undocumented student.”

Arias said when she was 4 years old her parents brought her with them when they left Mexico.

“Because I fall under (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) DACA, I cannot apply for financial aid that asks for a social security number, so my options are limited,” she said.

“If I could avoid taking out student loans by working three jobs instead, I would because it is hard for people coming out of college to pay off student loans, especially with the low economy and high interest rates — it’s a lot to handle.”

Mehdizadeh said Dean of Enrollment Dennis Franco, Director of Economic and Workforce Development Kelly Schelin, HIS-STEM Grant and Metas Program Director Mayra Padilla and Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson met with city officials Bill Lindsay, city manager, and Shasa Curl,

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Middle College High School 11th grader Betsy Hernandez (left) helps her friend Anareli Bedolla with a project in AA-113 on Monday.

administrative chief, on Wednesday to discuss the changes made and the implementation of the Promise.

Shinn said that she is grateful Richmond City Council approved that Chevron would fund students going to four-year universities the same amount as those going to a community college.

Mehdizadeh said, “A lot of work still needs to be done” regarding how students will be informed that they can apply for the Richmond Promise, she said it provides and equitable foundation for Richmond resident students to pursue higher education they could not otherwise.

“UCs, CSUs or private colleges are much more expensive,” she said. “Students get more bang for their buck if they come to CCC for their first two years of general education — I mean why not? There are smaller class sizes, the teaching is more hands-on, there is a warm and diverse atmosphere that prepares students for a four year — and it saves them a considerable amount of money.”

Continued from Page A1 That attempt to withdraw accreditation was eventually overruled by a judge on July 31, 2015 following a lawsuit by United Faculty (UF) and other faculty unions.

For years, they have objected to what they feel is an inconsistent and burdensome accreditation process driven by the ACCJC. “The court system found ACCJC actions to be in violation of professional standards.”

Contra Costa College Academic Senate President Beth Goehring said. “While we want to assure a quality education for all students attending colleges in California by having regular accreditation visits, the accreditation body must also assure us that they meet the legal and ethical standards necessary to provide oversight.”

The district’s United Faculty was one of the first to bring its discrepancies with the commission into the public sphere.

In 2009 it helped craft a resolution of “no confidence” in the ACCJC that was delivered to the commission and the State Chancellor’s Office by the California Community College Independants (CCCI).

They are an independent bargaining agency for the California community college faculty members.

Eventually, a state audit also found inconsistencies in the commission’s dealings with different school’s - coupled with an overall lack of transparency.

“The ACCJC took a more punitive approach when it came to accreditation compliance,” CCC Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said. “It will take years to know what it will effectively mean to move away from the ACCJC.” The task force also blasted the ACCJC in its own 270-page report that the commission had resisted calls to change for years.

It also concluded that the ACCJC was too punitive in its treatment of some colleges and that its members seem to care more about regulatory issues than helping schools improve.

After the first task force recommended reforms but got no action from the commission. Then the situation worsened when like City College, College of the Redwoods and Cuesta College were put on sanctions.

This led to the formation of a second task force. That group did not release a report.

Following the inaction, the CCCI along with Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose) and Jim Nielson (R-Gerber) asked for a legislative audit into CCC accreditation which led to the third task force.

campus beat

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Laptops available for use in Library Grant

BY Denis Perez

allows

dperez.theadvocate@gmail.com

for free access, aims to increase student success

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Although there are 34 desktop computers available in the Contra Costa College Library and Learning Resource Center, oftentimes they are all being used by students.

Depending on the time of day there are about five people who notify Librarian Megan Kinney that they are waiting to use a computer.

Kinney said that there are times when students who walk into the Library see the computers full and walk out without notifying someone they need a computer.

To help alleviate this problem, starting in the spring 2016 semester there will be 30 laptops available for students to use in the Library.

Technology Systems Manager James Eyestone said the first of these laptops will be available Thursday.

The laptops are already purchased and on campus and are in the process of having software installed.

Kinney said checking out a laptop

will be as easy as checking out a textbook or headphones from the front desk.

The laptops are expected to benefit students. Not a lot of other libraries can offer this deal, library department Chairperson Judy Flum said.

“This will help (students) have more tools to become successful in their school work and it will break the barrier of not owning a computer,” she said.

The laptops will offer students mobility, which the desktops don’t offer.

Students will be able to take these laptops anywhere within the confines of the Library. They are able to go into the silent rooms and work in groups, she said.

Art major Daniel Block said the Library offering the use of laptops will be helpful because he would not be forced to have to sit by the other desktops, where other students are having conversations.

Nursing major Jennifer Mohica said even though she owns a laptop, checking out a laptop straight from the Library would be better. She would not

software, he said.

Flum will said she also be walking around and monitoring the content usage of the laptops, just as she does for the desktops.

She said the CCC Library is the first in the Contra Costa Community College District that will have this pro— Judy Flum, library department gram available to students. chairperson By offering laptop use at CCC, Flum hopes that other libraries including those at sister colleges Diablo Valley and Los Medanos, will be influenced to have to carry her own laptop from her do the same. home and worry about it getting stolen.

By following the same path of proWith students already using the viding laptops, other colleges would desktops often, the laptops will have have to apply for a grant like CCC did. to endure a lot of usage when they are Flum said that they applied at the available. end of the spring 2015 semester and Eyestone said the laptops will be were not notified until late September ready for that. The laptops will be in that they had received Instructional pristine condition every time they are Equipment Fund from the California turned on because of the software they Community College Chancellor’s will have.

Office.

The laptops will have classroom Eyestone said the budget for the management software which will be laptops was $14,000 and $3,000 for able to filter out certain websites and equipment and software. block any unnecessary downloaded

“This will help (students) have more tools to become successful in their school work and it will break the barrier of not owning a computer.”

RIGHT: Richmond Vice Mayor Jael Myrick, along with seven other panel speakers, discuss voting issues after the COPA film showing of “Electoral Dysfunction” in the Library and Learning Resource Center on Nov. 18.

EBMUD PAYS TO INSPECT CAMPUS WELL

BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Panel, film educates voters

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

Community Organizing and Political Action (COPA) held a film-screening event for students to get insight and spread the word about the importance of voting.

The event was held in the Contra Costa College Library on Nov. 18 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This is COPA’s second screening this semester of their Fall Film Forum and their first time having a panel to answer questions at the end of the film.

COPA Vice President Xenia Rivera said, “We chose it because next year is an important election and it’s important to learn voting rights.

The film “Electoral Dysfunction” covered topics on voting. Former Daily Show correspondent Maurice “Mo” Rocca spoke to people about the issues of voting, what the Electoral College is, how the voting process works and some of the flaws in the system. The film also explained voter ID laws, issues in voting, voter fraud and the primaries work.

COPA club adviser Dr. Vanna Gonzales said, “It is an important film to share because there is a lot of confusion

about how the system works. It is important to get people curious and get people involved.”

Philosophy major Alfonzo Ramos said, “It was a really helpful film and it cleared some confusion about how voting works.”

Seats filled as students gathered to watch the film and hear local community and city representatives speak on important election topics that were discussed in the film.

A group of eight panelists were present. Eren Mendez and Paul Burgarino from the County Elections Division, former Democratic Party of Contra Costa County Chairperson Chuck Carpenter, Vice Mayor of Richmond Jael Myrick, Chairman of Contra Costa County Republican Party Rohit Joy, President of the West Contra Costa League of Women Voter Rita Xavier, Ruby MacDonald of the LWVBAE services and Joan Carpenter from county Supervisor’s Office.

The panelists talked about the importance of activism and how to get involved by volunteering to help campaigns.

Chuck Carpenter said activism works and leads candidates to winning elections by having people volunteer. When peo-

ple go out of their way to help others, it shows that the candidates care.

The importance of voting was a major topic of interest among the panelists.

Myrick said how presidential elections are very important but it is the midterm elections that garner less attention that people must vote in to be able to make a difference as well.

The panelists seemed to be persuading the audience on which political direction to move into as they promoted their political party and how other parties have affected decisions in the government.

“I felt like the panel was speaking on party issues and trying to get us to vote for either Republicans or Democrats,” Ramos said.

The many topics discussed in the film and the event was the reason why COPA decided to have a group of panelists for students, Dr. Gonzales said.

“It’s important to be aware of what is coming up ahead of time and to get informed (on political issues),” she said.

“We get events like this because a lot of people can’t take a political science class and these are things that touch everyone’s lives. COPA wants to educate people on these issues.”

The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is paying Contra Costa College $1,500 per year to access the well on campus and survey local groundwater.

Tom Francis, senior civil engineer for EBMUD’s water supply improvements division, said the water company is obligated under the California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) to inspect groundwater levels in its territory.

EBMUD was not previously monitoring this area, but under pressure from the drought the space being monitored is being expanded to include EBMUD’s northern territory.

An agreement approved through the district Governing Board will allow EBMUD to access what it needs to meet the state’s mandate.

Today the college well’s cap will be adjusted to make the necessary measurements possible.

Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said the well, which lurks on the sidelines of the Soccer Field, was installed in 2010 by recommendation from the campus Sustainability Committee.

The well is 400 feet deep, but water is taken at 270 feet to water the athletic fields.

Francis said, “(The state) is trying to provide to the public information over time on the groundwater level.”

According to CASGEM’s description on water. ca.gov, measurements will be taken every spring and fall “to track seasonal and long-term trends in groundwater elevations in California’s groundwater basins.”

College Technology Systems Manager James Eyestone, who was on the newly formed committee when the well was constructed, said, “We weren’t in a drought when we decided to buy it, but we’re certainly glad we did.”

The nearby, but closed, El Portal Elementary School had used a well to water its fields for over 15 years, and it seemed sensible that CCC could do the same, he said.

CCC’s well is one of three wells in EBMUD’s northern territory that are being tapped to examine local groundwater.

King said the athletic fields were about 50 percent of CCC’s water use, except for the AstroTurf football field.

Company pays for bins, gives committee budget Signal Campus offers $300 per month for ad space on recycling

BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Sustainability Committee is getting its first real budget, through a deal with Signal Campus, who will pay for the privilege of placing recycling bins around campus.

Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said the advertising company Signal Campus approached with an offer to pay Contra Costa College $300 per month to place six recycle bins on the grounds.

Signal Campus makes their money back on the deal by selling advertising space on the recycling bins. King said recycling services have been lacking and funding is always tight, so the district Governing Board approved the contract in November to run for five years until Sept. 30, 2020.

King said the Sustainability Committee has always scraped by on occasional grants and charity, with King

sometimes paying out of his own pocket.

The Sustainability Committee has been responsible for overseeing Arbor Day, Bike Day and Earth Day events on campus. It also handled the installation of bike racks, and even convinced the college to install a well to tap groundwater to irrigate the athletic fields.

Technology Systems Manager James Eyestone, who was formerly on the Sustainability Committee, said, “There’s an incredible amount of creative thinking about funding. (But) there are not a lot of problems you can solve with zero dollars.”

On Sept. 15, King and Custodial Services Manager Darlene Poe asked the Operations Council to allocate the profit from the deal to give to the Sustainability Committee, and the Operations Council members voted it so.

The committee will take responsibility for the recycling program and its

“There’s an incredible amount of creative thinking about funding. (But) there are not a lot of problems you can solve with zero dollars.”

— James Eyestone, technology systems manager

proceeds. The bins will have three slots for plastic, glass and cans.

King said, “The recyclables have some value, and some people make the effort to collect them. This will make that collection easier (and cleaner).”

Academic Senate President Beth Goehring, who is on the Operations Council, said the revenue from the recyclables would be insignificant to the college so community members will still be free to take them as before.

He said he hopes to install the bins by the end of the year, so they will be

ready by the spring 2016 semester.

The idea is to place the six bins where people eat, King said. Two at the Applied Arts Building, one at the lower entrance, one by the Three Seasons Restaurant, one near the Bookstore, one in the Gym Annex, one at the Student Services Center and one at the Library and Learning Resource Center.

The one near the temporary Bookstore will be moved when the Campus Center is ready next fall.

Signal Campus has similar arrangements with over 100 other colleges and universities, but CCC is the first locally, he said.

“Now that we have a budget,” Poe said, “we will be able to start using it to get things done instead of sitting around a table at 7 a.m. and talking about all the sustainability projects we would like to see on campus.”

King said, “It finally does give us a little bit of a budget. We can be a little more proactive.”

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spo

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BASKETBALL PR

Comets address roster vacancies Men’s basketball season is underway, coaching staff seeks to get a few sophomores with freshmen

BY Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

After a strong start in the Las Positas College tournament last season, the men’s basketball team struggled to find its identity after the departure of three out-of-state players due to financial aid issues. The Comets started 2-1 before going on a five-game skid after that tournament last season.

“We had to re-think and change our identity,” men’s basketball coach Miguel Johnson said.

CCC snapped out of its “I think slump heading into conference games and finished the this year the 2014-15 season 14-12 over- freshmen all, 11-5 in the Bay Valley are a talentConference.

Even though the Comets ed group, missed the playoffs last year, they were able to build but there team chemistry and only are some endured loses from the top growing three teams in the BVC. This year the Comets are pains we getting used to playing with have to go each other. The majority of the basketball players this through as year are freshmen while a team.”— some sophomores transferred from other colleges. Miguel Johnson, Sophomore guard Bobby men’s basketball Syvanthon, a Diablo Valley College transfer, said he coach wanted to play basketball for his hometown and help bring a basketball environment back to CCC. “I think this year the freshmen are a talented group, but there are some growing pains we have to go through as a team,” Johnson said.

“We have to get the freshman and all of the first-year sophomore guys that haven’t played under me to understand what’s expected.”

After a two-year hiatus, First Team AllBVC selection forward Larry Wickett returns for his sophomore season and is already making an impact on the court.

Johnson said the coaching staff addressed all of the team’s weaknesses from last season by recruiting freshman who can shoot the perimeter shot, and size for the low post game. He said he thinks this time the team is a contender for a playoff berth with all the talented fresh-

men on the roster.

“We have talented freshman like Rae Jackson, who is capable of scoring 25 points per game,” he said, “and we have Jeremiah Alston who can make 3-pointers and Deonte Smith at 6 feet 7 inches who gives us a presence inside.”

The Comets currently hold a 3-3 overall record. Due to early season lack of chemistry, the squad has been inconsistent on finding a groove during the games. This led to some tough losses during the tournament games.

“I feel like we’ll come together soon,” Syvanthong said. “It’s a long season, so you know we have a lot more days to get everything together. By conference time I think we’ll be ready. But as for the tournament games, at least we came out with a even record.”

The potential of the team showed in a 84-77 loss to Santa Monica College Thursday at the Diablo Valley College tournament. The Comets were down 43-38 at the end of the first half after trailing by 10 points early in the game. But they cut the deficit in half with some intense defense. In the second half they showed flashes of the intense defense, but it was not enough.

“I feel like we beat ourselves in the game and we didn’t play at our own pace,” freshman guard Jason Wright said. “I feel once everyone connects and finds their roles we will be an unstoppable team.”

Syvanthong said the guard position will be the core of the 2015-16 team because he said he and Wickett are the vocal leaders of the team. The team does have a history of playing together before joining the Comets. Some grew up with each other and played together at different times in their lives.

“The point guard always has to be the leader of a team. Others players can be leaders, but the coaching staff wants the guards to be the vocal leaders on the court,” Syvanthong said. “It’s not going to take that long for us to gel because we’ve played together somewhere, either open gym or other leagues. We’re all pretty close.”

The team’s next game will be against Butte College (5-2 overall) at the Foothill College tournament Friday at 8 p.m.

The Comets currently sit at sixth in the state in field goal percentage shooting 49 percent. They are shooting a decent 34 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.

ASSISTANT COACHES

AT A GLANCE Head coach: Miguel Johnson (9th season)

Jason Maples DeAngelo Mack Ivan Allison

Key returners: Larry Wickett, forward; Danzell Walker, forward Key losses: Tajai Johnson, guard; Dawson Johnson, guard, Justin Johnson, forward;

Johnson

Key newcomers: Bobby Syvanthong, guard; Deonte Smith, center; Rae Jackson, guard

LAST SEASON BY THE NUMBERS Overall record 14-12 Conference record 11-5 Conference finish fourth

Dwight Wilson Bobb Syvanthong Larry Wickett Jason Wright Jalen Walton Rae Jackson Karjuan Brown Danzell Walker Deonte Smith Jalen Dominique Jeremiah Alston DeAndre Russell Anthony Sullen James Allen

55 Tyrell Chenevert

Dec. 11-13 vs. Butte College in Foothill College Tournament 8:00pm Jan. 5 at Yuba College 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 vs. Los Medanos College 5:30 p.m.

ROSTER 1 3 4 5 10 11 13 15 21 23 25 32 35 42

SCHEDULE

Jan. 9 at College of Alameda 7:30 p.m. guard guard forward guard guard guard guard guard center guard forward center guard forward forward

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

Jan. 12 at Solano Community College 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs. College of Marin 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 vs. Napa Valley College 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Merritt College 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 vs. Mendocino College 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. College of Alameda 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 at College of Marin 7:30 p.m.

KEY PLAYERS

Feb. 10 vs. Merritt College 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 at Mendocino College 7:30 p.m.

Syvanthong guard

Smith

center

Jackson guard

Wickett forward

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Team opens with positive record

REVIEWS 2015

Women’s basketball team takes gold at Los Positas, crash out of Comet Classic, aim for playoff berth

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

After the 2014-15 season ended sooner than the women’s basketball team and coach Paul DeBolt would have liked, this year’s Comet squad is eager to right some of the wrongs that plagued the team last year.

Without First Team All-Conference guard Ahjahna Coleman, who left to play at the University of Maine-Fort Kent, CCC is left in the capable hands of six returning sophomores led by First Team All-Conference forward Jacqie Moody.

Moody averaged nearly 18 points per game for the Comets last year and is now leading California community colleges in field goal percentage, helping propel CCC to an early 7-3 record.

“We prepare hard every day, but some days are tougher than others,” Moody said. “We have been breaking each other down in practice for so long that now we are ready to break down other teams.”

The women’s basketball opened its preseason by winning the Los Positas College Tournament in Livermore on Nov. 12, 13 and 14.

With talent-fueled expectations, CCC cruised to a 90-53 victory over Cuesta College, which advanced the team to the semifinals against Modesto Junior College.

After soaring past Modesto, the Comets beat the College of the Redwoods in the championship game 103-74.

“We are turning into a solid full-court defensive team. We’re intimidating in our press,” DeBolt said. “We are also shooting a strong 30 percent from the 3-point line. Both are a bit of a surprise.”

Moody started where she left off last season tallying 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the initial contest. Comet freshmen Destanee Alexander and Julian Robinson also scored in double digits in the first game.

The 2015-16 Comets stand to be a matchup nightmare for other teams in the BVC. Touting one of the most imposing players in conference (Robinson) with a sweet touch from the perimeter, teams will have to honor her shot leaving Moody ample space to control the low block.

At Las Positas, Robinson drew defenders out and showered mid-range jump shots over their outstretched arms.

SCHEDULE Dec. 10-12 vs. San Joaquin Delta College in Santa Rosa Tournament 4:00 p.m.

ASSISTANT COACHES

AT A GLANCE Head coach: Paul DeBolt (30th season)

Ebony Young Teri Williams Alicia Hernandez Keith Allison

Dec. 18-20 vs. TBA College of San Mateo Tournament time TBA

Key returners: Jacqie Moody, forward; Tynisha Adams, guard; Daziah Pounds, guard; Sydney Vidal, guard

Jan. 5 at. Yuba College 7:30 p.m.

Key losses: Carol Oldan, guard; Ahjahna Coleman, guard

Jan. 9 vs. Napa Valley College 1 p.m.

Key newcomers: Destanee Alexander, guard; Julian Robinson, guard/forward; Renee Gentry, guard; Jayoni Lewis, guard; Kaylonii Bardell, forward; Janelle Pansoy, guard

Jan. 12 at. College of Marin 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 vs. Los Medanos College 5:30 p.m.

The strategy worked as designed allowing Moody and freshman forward Kaylonii Bardell ample space to put back rebounded misses or swing the ball to perimeter shooters.

“We just want to remain composed and never feel inferior to any team for any reason,” sophomore Daizah Pounds said. “I don’t want us to submit to any team nor change who we are.”

Against Modesto, the Comets shot, rebounded and defended their way to owning the lead from beginning to the end of the contest.

The Pirates were pre“We vented from getting the ball just want across half court several times in the first half due to remain defensive pressure. composed to CCC’s The Comets’ run a frantic style of full court presand never that forces primary ball feel inferior sure handlers into getting the to any team ball out of their hands sooner than they would like. for any Offensively, the Comets reason. I are paced by the high-enerdon’t want gy play of sophomore guard Tynisha Adams who averto submit aged 16 points over three to any team games.

“We are a hungry team,” nor change sophomore guard Sydney Vidal said. “We are tired of who we playing against each other are.”

— we need some fresh — Daizah meat.”

In the deciding game Pounds, sophoof the tournament, seven more guard Comets scored in double figures, with two players, Robinson and Pounds, earning double digit rebounds as well.

The squad is still gelling as a team as most of the players are used to being the focal point of their respective basketball teams in previous years.

“They’re used to being able to do what they want to do. It’s different in college, but I’ll still take 7-3 at this point in the season.” DeBolt said.

Sitting atop the BVC with a 7-3 record weeks before conference play begins, the balanced Comet squad is more than capable of making a better run for the postseason than it did last year.

DeBolt

LAST SEASON BY THE NUMBERS

Jan. 16 at Solano College 3:00 p.m.

Overall record 13-13

Jan. 20 at Laney College 5:30 p.m.

Conference record 10-6

Jan. 27 at Mendocino College 7:30 p.m.

Conference finish fourth

ROSTER 0 1 3 10 11 14 21 22 25 32 34

Kaylonii Bardell Janelle Pansoy Sydney Vidal Jacqie Moody Daziah Pounds Renee Gentry Destanee Alexander Julian Robinson Tynisha Adams Jayoni Lewis Briah Davis

forward guard guard forward guard guard guard guard/forward guard guard center

freshman freshman sophomore sophomore sophomore freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore

Feb. 3 at Napa Valley College 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. College of Marin 5:30 p.m.

Feb 10 vs. Solano College 7:30 p.m.

KEY PLAYERS

Feb. 12 vs. Laney College 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 vs. Los Medanos College 5:30 p.m.

Adams guard

Robinson guard

Pounds guard

Moody forward

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campusbeat

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Wireless technology overloads capacity Spectrum begets limitations within reach around campus

BY Asma Alkrizy STAFF WRITER

aalkrizy.theadvocate@gmail.com

Although the Ruckus Wireless Network provides Internet access for students and staff members, many at Contra Costa College advocate for updating the Wi-Fi system.

“It’s frustrating sometimes when I have to log in over and over again,” psychology major Jeilo Gauna said. “You have to get access multiple times instead of automatically logging in.”

Many students believe that CCC’s Wi-Fi system as frustrating and troublesome when it slows down, drops connections and requires students frequently to log in at certain locations around the campus.

“They should update the (wireless network) system to make it faster,” business and administration major Emilio Perez said, claiming that it took him time to understand the mechanics of the wireless network in residence. “It should come without a login.”

The last time the campus Wi-Fi network was updated was in 2013, along with sister colleges Diablo Valley and Los Medanos colleges.

The Contra Costa Community College District updated the Wi-Fi network to give registered students

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

and classified staff members a faster and secure system, and to allow them to have easy access to the Internet.

However, despite the updates to the system, it seems that CCC’s wireless network contains a limited wireless spectrum available for all students.

James Eyestone, CCC technology systems manager, said despite the frequent wireless network logins students are subjected to, the college’s Wi-Fi system has to operate this way.

Eyestone said the wireless network performance relies on the availability of the wireless spectrum. When the spectrum reaches its limits, he said, it could affect wireless communication.

He said students possess many of devices and there is a certain amount of spectrum available in the Wi-Fi system before (the network) is slowed down. “Sometimes students aren’t even using their devices when they’re connected to

the Internet.

“This creates a busy spectrum with these students using certain amounts of the spectrum that could be used by other students who are really using their devices.

This slows down the wireless network “ Allowing students to log in frequently, Eyestone said, allows more spectrums for other students.

“I actually like how the Wi-Fi access is functioned because not anyone can use it,” computer engineering major Ogheneyengbame Akpojiyoubui said. “I like the fact that you have to log in, but when connection times out when we move to a different location, it can become annoying.”

Ruckus Wireless network requires an InSite Portal ID and password for students to connect to the Internet.

In addition, the students and classified staff members are not the only ones gaining access to Wi-Fi, as the wireless network is also

available for guests and faculty too.

Eyestone said the employee and student network works the same.

“For guest network, the name and password are kept confidential,” he said. “People who aren’t enrolled at CCC or who come from other colleges can log in as guests.”

“I’m definitely going for making Contra Costa College’s Wi-Fi system faster,” Akpojiyoubui said.

“But I believe for that to happen, the wireless network should be limited for guest users.”

Eyestone said the college’s wireless network disconnects after 60 minutes at certain locations on campus, and this requires students to log in again to connect to the Internet.

However, the wireless network login works differently for campus employees.

Eyestone said, “(Classified staff) have the option of registering the device for a year, so they don’t have to log in each time they use Wi-Fi.”

ABOVE: Ruckus Wireless operates on a wireless spectrum which students connect to, often times leading them to sign in mulitiple times.

Presidential search breeds skepticism

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

The search for a new president for Contra Costa College is in full effect as the Presidential Search Committee held its first meeting Nov. 3.

The process of finding the right candidate is long as the search and hiring process will continue until March. In the meantime faculty and students have shared their thoughts and curiosity over the search.

Music department Chairperson Wayne Organ said the new president should be able to lead and needs to be an inspirational leader.

“Colleges live or die on leadership abilities and the person who leads

has to be inspirational enough to make others follow their vision — to inspire us on what we could do.”

Last year the many students felt they were shut out of the search. A total of $40,000 was spent to find a president, yet no candidate was chosen.

Anthropology adjunct professor Lisa Schwappach-Shirrif said, “You always like to see success but sometimes saying no (to the candidates) is a good answer too.”

Early childhood development major Jessica Contreras said, “I feel like we aren’t given much information about this search. I didn’t know one was going on until recently. If money is being used to search for a president, then students should be more informed about the process

and committees should be sure in who they are going to pick instead of not choosing.”

Art major Raul Barajas said, “I hope this search goes well. I hope the college finds a good compassionate and strong-willed leader. I think the college could use someone who will ultimately be there for the students and looks out for our best interests.”

Barajas said, “I do wonder if it really takes a large amount of money to just find a president. But if it finds the students a good one then it should be worth it. I hope the (search) committee shares more information about how the process is going.”

Schwappach-Shirrif said, “I found that they (search commit-

tee) strongly involve the faculty and staff in the process and I believe students are also involved in the process as well. As a faculty member here I’ve always felt very supported and very involved. CCC is one of the most supportive environments. You really feel a part of the community.

“I look for more expansion in our programs, support in the faculty and students. Program development is always a plus and I’ve really seen that here. I’d like to see that trait continue (in a president),” Schwappach-Shirrif said.

Contreras said, “I hope we get someone who focuses on students and the different departments and programs here at the college. I’d like to see them really get involved

with our events and interact with students, I think that’s important for them to succeed and be well liked.”

The college currently has Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh at the helm.

“I think she (Mehdizadeh) is fabulous and is one on the best presidents we’ve had. I think she could give us what we need and if she was our permanent president, we would be in good hands,” Organ said.

Students and staff will hear from the college during the spring semester. There will be public forums held for college and community members to attend and get to know the final candidates for CCC president.

Film experience caters to unenlightened minds English class imparts lessons in cinema

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Film as Literature class brings out students’ creativity and opens their minds to various film genres.

The class, recognized as English 163, Film as Literature, is taught from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Students can learn about the terminology of films and filmmaking, as well as see films that students may not aware exist.

English department Chairperson Jeffrey Michels, who teaches the class, said, “I like to use the course to broaden people’s horizons and to show them that their tastes are different than what they thought.”

The class shows a wide variety of films from old silent black and white films to foreign films. Students are not aware of their favoritism until something new is shown.

Dr. Michels said there are people who do not like films that aren’t in English yet he likes to show them and they end up being popular with the students.

“I try to expand people’s understanding

of what’s out there — not just big blockbusters,” Michels said.

With the terminology taught in the class, students learn new ways to view the films.

Communications major Sakeema Payne said the class lets her see and notice things in films she would not have noticed before in a film. “(The class) directs the audience’s attention in a area that the director wants the audience to think and look,” Payne said.

Students go over vocabulary in a lecture on a film and that film is shown afterward.

Business major Victor Mendez said learning the vocabulary and watching a film afterward helps in understanding the work.

“He (Michels) brought up (Sigmund) Freud’s theory and then showed us a film that connected with the theory.” So far I’ve liked the movies he’s shown, Mendez said.

The class can definitely get the creative juices flowing in students, which can beneficial and important for students.

“We teach far too little art and film, things that inspire people to think creatively and to think outside themselves,” Michels said.

Courses like literature and film can alter students’ thoughts. Michels said that showing how other people live and look at the world is key for an educated person to know.

The way one person looks at the world is not the only way or valid way to look at the

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Students in the English 163, Film as Literature, course watch “The Battle of Algiers” in LA-110 on Nov. 24. The course shows a variety of foreign films.

world.

Michels said the class is important because “all of us are raised by film and television and our images of what it is to be successful, what it means to be sexy, what we should get out of life is molded by the images on the screen and the stories we see. So understanding how those stories work and how directors manipulate (is important). It’s important to learn how to think critically, especially about such a dominant genre that almost tells you not to think critically.”

The class can teach students to think outside the box but the class is also a time to

enjoy watching films.

“I think the class is very relaxing. It’s not the most rigorous class on campus,” Michels said.

“Watching movies is the best part (of the class). It makes the time pass. I took this class as a requirement, but I’d rather watch movies than take an art class,” Mendez said.

“Sometimes it’s good to have a course in your schedule that feels more like a break,” Michels said.

Payne said she highly recommends students interested in film to take the course because it has inspired her.

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BVC champions buckle in playoffs Comets conclude title drought, lose to Rams again

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The men’s soccer team not only sealed its first Bay Valley Conference Championship in 10 years, it also secured a consecutive berth into the NorCal Regional playoffs.

When the Comet coaching staff and players clinched the BVC championship and a consecutive playoff spot, they did not expect they would be seeded to play the same team that handed them a 3-0 shutout playoff last year — the Fresno City College Rams.

Despite freshman Comet striker Alan Morales scoring a goal at minute 80, Contra Costa College (12-6-4 overall, 8-1-3 in the BVC) buckled defensively 15 minutes into the second half at Fresno (13-5-2 overall, 4-2 in the Central Valley Conference) to lose 4-1 on Nov. 21 — ending the Comets’ seven game undefeated streak.

“It’s tough to go on the road and win, especially in the playoffs. But it was a hard-fought game,” Rams’ coach Eric Solberg said. “It was a better game than the last time we played. (The Comets) are moving in the right direction.

“If (CCC) found a goal first it would have been a whole different game. But thankfully we had good runs at the start of both halves.”

Starting at minute 60, the Rams scored four goals during a seven-minute stretch to smother the Comets’ chance of progressing further into the playoffs.

“It was a battle between two good teams,” Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said. “It was just a matter of who was going to capitalize on a mistake first.”

At minute 67, the Comets trailed 4-0 despite their defense only allowing three opposing teams to score more than two goals in their 22-game season.

“We sort of broke their spirit by scoring three goals in four minutes (60, 61 and at minute 64),” Solberg said. “But during the last 15 minutes (the Comets) played their butts off. I saw (Ferguson) pacing the sideline yelling ‘keep fighting — don’t give up.’ I was impressed.”

Under a clear sky and the roar of support from Rams fans who chanted, “Let’s go FCC/ Let’s go,” the Comets struggled to find an offensive flow throughout the first half.

“All it takes is one goal,” Ferguson said. “When you worked

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Ram midfielder Sergio Segura shields the ball from CCC players Pedro Rodriguez and Alejandro Gonzalez during the Comets’ playoff game against Fresno City College in Fresno on Nov. 21.

“It was a battle between two good teams.

It was just a matter of who was going to capitalize on a mistake first.” — Nikki

goalkeeper.

“It hurt,” Comet freshman goalkeeper Eduardo Escamilla said.

“No one in the (BVC) has ever taken a shot on goal like that. It was a real wake up call.”

After the game, Escamilla had 83 saves to finish in 15th place in Ferguson, men’s soccer coach most saves statewide.

Ferguson said going down a hard to make it to the playoffs, goal was a “shock” as “(the Comets) getting scored on takes a moment have been talking about this game to soak in because of all the blood, from day one of this season. sweat and tears shed to get here.”

But despite the final score, FCC outshot CCC three to two Ferguson said he is proud of the at the end of the first half, but by team’s progress since he took the the end of the game the Rams’ position as coach of the men’s socoffense dominated with 10 shots to cer team two years ago and having the Comets’ four. to make do without key players Nic “Going down 1-0 was mentally Bob, who quit for personal reasons, draining, especially when the score and Kevin Navas, who tore his was 0-0 at halftime,” Ferguson said. ACL before the start of the season.

Comet center defensive midThe team also dealt with lead fielder Jesus Villagrana said, “We goal scorer Pedro Rodriguez (nine did not stay disciplined enough. goals) warming the bench for three The foul committed near (the pen- games after suffering a foot injualty area) cost us the whole game.” ry against Lake Tahoe College on Ram center attacking midfield- Sept. 25 — one game before it lost er Sergio Segura initiated the scor- its conference opener 2-1 to Yuba ing spree off a free kick at min- College — and Missael Hernandez ute 60. Segura bent in a blistering having to get six stitches on his left left-footed shot into the top left nostril after a Mendocino College corner of the goal, from 22 yards player stomped his nose under his out, past a fully extended Comet cleat in the dying minutes of a 1-1

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Ram midfielder Austin Ramos (left) and Comet defender Carlos Munoz battle for possession of the ball during the Comets’ playoff game against Fresno City College in Fresno on Nov. 21.

tie on Nov 3.

“We have a lot of personalities on our team,” he said. “I am proud of our sophomores and what they have accomplished over the last two years; earning consecutive playoff spots and winning the BVC championship this year.”

Not only was Ferguson voted as BVC Coach of the Year for leading

his squad into the playoffs and ending a 10-year drought without a BVC title, three Comet players were voted to the All-Conference First Team and four were voted Second Team All-Conference.

Centerback Edgar Yepez earned Defensive Player of the Year and BVC MVP honors.

Carter earns Coach of the Year accolade

BY Jose Jimenez SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Coach Alonzo Carter has been voted the 2015 Coach of the Year Award. The Pacific 7 Conference presented the award to Carter after he led the Comets to a 9-1 record, Pac 7 championship and a fourth straight bowl game appearance.

Arguably the most dedicated, motivated and inspirational coaches to ever walk the hallways of Contra Costa College was voted as the 2015 Coach of the Year — Alonzo Carter.

The Pacific 7 Conference presented Carter with the award after leading the CCC football team to a 9-1 record and a bowl berth.

It is his third such award in four years. While he savors the moment, he said it is all about giving back to his young men on and off the football field.

“I just want to give back. This is my passion. I remember when I started here we were 1-9, but all of a sudden we’ve won four straight conference championships and some of my students are heading off to some major four-year institutions after they finish with CCC — and that’s what it’s all about,” Carter said.

In his sixth year at CCC, Carter has established a culture of winning for his student-athletes who have streamed into the program.

“When I first got hired by (Athletic Director John) Wade and former CCC president McKinley Williams,” he said, “I remember all of us agreeing that the most important factor of us working together was to see the players graduate.”

Carter said not many people

know this about him, but he was a CCC student just before he started to build his legacy at the college.

He keeps every contact in a black binder that contains over 100 scouts’ phone numbers and also those of individuals looking to conduct business with him and CCC. He calls it his “Bible.”

“Those relationships, you keep them in your pocket,” he said.

“Ken Norton Jr., Steve Sarkisian and Brian Polian are just some of the people who have influenced this entire process. So when they say ‘coach of the year’ it all goes back to graduation, transferring to four-year schools and giving them (students) a part of me that’s in you,” he said.

There is no off season for Carter because he said he and men’s soccer coach Nikki Ferguson have created a friendly wager about who can get the most kids to transfer with a high GPA. “I’m very competitive and Ferguson used to have the most.

But now I’m kind of passing him,” Carter said with a laugh. “It’s literally my second season, the off season, and I love to get these kids transferring on offers from these four-year schools.”

Wade said Carter has done a great job this year even with all the freshmen on the team.

“He is an excellent coach, great schemes, good (assistant) coaches and he does everything he needs

to do to be successful,” Wade said.

He also said he appreciates how the coaches all attended CCC as students, so the coaching staff can actually say they know what it is to be a struggling student in college.

“Carter will always be able to look back and say he did it the hard way, his way, with his family and completed school when things didn’t look good,” he said. “Any student can look up to that for motivation.”

Cameron Burston, 2015 CCC quarterback, said during their 11game winning streak, dating back to last season, Carter always had the team focused.

“That’s the word, blood,” Burston said. “All four quarters of every game and throughout the season that man has had us focused like no other.”

Even Comet defensive lineman Marquis Pippins said he is motivated to graduate from CCC and transfer to a four-year university, but he is especially happy with moving up in the conference again.

“We’re now going to play in the Bay 6 Conference in 2016 and this is all because of Carter,” Pippins said.

Carter remained humbled and honored when he accepted the coaching position at CCC. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I am committed to building something special here for all these kids, now and in the future.”

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LEFT: Comet defenders swarm to tackle Hartnell running back Marcus Washington in hopes of forcing a fumble during the Living Breath Foundation Bowl in Salinas on Nov. 28.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Comets dulled in bowl re-match Promising season ends with loss to rival Hartnell College COMETS

28 41 PANTHERS

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

SALINAS — The 2015 Comet football season started with promise, but ended in less than ideal circumstances as the team lost 41-28 and failed to repeat as Living Breath Foundation Bowl champions at Hartnell College (10-1 overall and 5-1 in the Gold Coast conference) on Nov. 28.

Before the young Contra Costa College squad (9-2 overall and 5-1 in the Pac 7 Conference) had a chance to adjust to the magnitude of the situation, the Hartnell quarterback dumped the ball off to his running back leading the Panthers to their first score of the day.

“I felt they were a little more focused and hungry,” Comet coach Alonzo Carter said. “For the first time our youth showed. Not that we played badly. We just played young.”

Although many offensive categories between the two teams were nearly identical, (Hartnell with 19 first downs to the Comets 20 and CCC’s 276 passing yards to the Panthers’ 274) those similarities were not reflected on the scoreboard.

Holding a 7-0 lead halfway through the first quarter, the Panthers put themselves in position to score once more before the beginning of the second.

Early in the game, the Comets struggled offensively. If not for the

Coach Alonzo Carter addresses his team after a disappointing bowl game loss to Hartnell College Nov. 28 in Salinas.

“I felt they were a little more focused and hungry. For the first time our youth showed. Not that we played bad, we just played young — Alonzo Carter, Football coach

efforts of freshman running back Harris Ross (17 carries 137 yards), CCC would not have been able to sustain its offensive drives for as long as it did.

“We have a young team and it was the first time in that situation for some of our players,” Ross said.

“Our collective energy level was lower than usual before the game.”

Late in the first quarter, the usually reliable freshman signal caller for the Comets, Cameron Burston (16-37 for 276 yards two TDs), committed the first of his two turnovers — the second was just his third interception of the season.

On the fumble, Burston used his signature scramble to buy time, loosely carrying the ball in one hand prepared to throw as he had successfully done in so many contests this season.

Taking the snap from his own 30-yard line, Burston scrambled to his left where CCC had three receivers. But electing to run he was promptly hit from behind.

The tackle ejected the ball out of

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

his grasp and into the possession of the Panthers.

Hartnell quickly converted and ended the first quarter up 14-0 by way of a 16-yard touchdown reception.

The Comets soon found redemption when Burston threw to receiver Malcolm Hale (5 receptions, 84 yards, one TD) for a 22-yard touchdown.

Hartnell would answer. But instead of scoring through the air, its next two scores would come on the ground. The first was a 14-yard rushing touchdown and the second a 12-yard scamper to close out the half.

At halftime, CCC trailed 27-7.

“Halftime was the turning point,” Comet defensive lineman Chima Onyeukwu said.

“We realized that we would lose if we kept playing sloppy. Because of our team’s youth they didn’t understand the circumstances.”

Defensively, the Comets picked it up after halftime. Defensive end Anthony Ledoux had a standout game by earning seven tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. Safety

Rodney Washington also stood out for CCC by taking down five Panther ball carriers with one tackle for a loss.

Even the kicking game was not on par with the Comets’ usual prowess. Allconference kicker Lorann Fonseca missed both field goal attempts — one was blocked and the other hit the bottom of the crossbar.

The only score of the third quarter came on a 15-yard touchdown play to give the Panthers a 34-7 advantage to begin the fourth quarter.

“People who usually show up didn’t show up,” Hale said. “We knew that they had a lot to play for. (Hartnell) came into the game hostile.”

As the day grew long, the Comets began to realize the depth of the hole that it had dug for itself. The only score allowed was on another check down to the running back who darted 43 yards into the end zone.

“It was a lack of pride and heart,” all-conference Comet defensive back Nico Hurst said.

Field condition undermines safety Injuries, lawsuit potential urge swift restoration or repairs

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The men’s soccer team won its first Bay Valley Championship in 10 years, but the condition of the Soccer Field does not reflect the program’s recent success.

During coach Nikki Ferguson’s premier season as Contra Costa College men’s soccer coach last year, the team managed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2005 — the same year the last time it won the BVC title under its former coach Rudy Zeller.

“It (the field) has always been a headache since I started coaching (at Contra Costa College in 1998),” Zeller said. “Me and the training staff had to do a lot of the maintenance work on our own because it was not happening regularly.”

After The Advocate inspected the Soccer Field on Tuesday, one end line is elevated and dry while the other is sunken in and moist. The surface in between is uneven, patchy and poses a liability for the college, and the success of the team, if someone gets injured.

Ferguson said he has complained about the poor conditions of the field to Athletic Director John Wade and Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King, but little has been done to improve a lopsided and uneven field or provide a temporary solution.

“It’s not perfect,” Wade said. “But it’s better than a lot of fields. Some fields in other countries are absolutely awful,

but great players still emerge from those conditions.”

King said it is challenging to maintain all 86 acres of the campus with only three workers on his staff, but he said he agrees with Ferguson that the Soccer Field needs repairs.

“The Soccer Field is almost at the point where it is unsafe to play on,” King said. “When we can, we lay out patches of sod where it’s really uneven and dry, but the players’ cleats tear it up quick.”

On Sept. 25, leading Comet goal scorer Pedro Rodriguez suffered an injury on the Soccer Field during the last non-conference game against Lake Tahoe Community College.

Rodriguez said he tried to cut and then accelerate to get past a defender, but he planted his right foot on an uneven patch of the Soccer Field less than 10 minutes into the game.

He had to sit out three games. The Comets went on to lose their conference opener against Yuba College. But once he rejoined the starting line up, he only increased his goal tally, which was eight before conference, to nine by the end of the season.

When BVC play started, he was in second place statewide in goals scored.

By the end of the season Rodriguez had slipped in ranking down to 37th place.

“A good field cannot hurt a team’s performance,” King said. “But a bad field can.”

After a Comet home game on Oct. 9, Mendocino College coach Shane Huff said, “The condition of the field is a

A hole clearly visible on the Soccer Field shows the current state of the field and how neglected it has become and, in certain instances, dangerous for players.

ROBERT CLINTON / THE ADVOCATE

disservice to the players because it is not conducive to an atmosphere of success.”

After the Comets tied their first non-conference game against Evergreen Valley College, its coach, Joseph Silveira said, “Contra Costa (College) is a tough team with talented players. We can’t wait to play them again, but hopefully they fix the field before then.”

King said a possible solution to the problem could be using some of the $84.4 million allocated to CCC from the passing last year’s $450 million Measure E Bond.

“It could be used to repair or build a new Soccer Field,” he said. “The wordage in Measure E says it could be used for classroom (infrastructure) projects.

To me, it is what students want. They don’t care about fancy offices — they care about classrooms.”

Interim College President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said projects to renovate the Gym Annex Building and the Gym, using Measure E funds, is still in the design process as the administration is working with the district to review the plans of the athletic department.

Contra Costa Community College District Facility Planner Ray Pyle and King said that they did not see anything in the athletic department’s Powerpoint presentation about renovating the Soccer Field.

King said that does not rule out the possibility of adding the Soccer Field to the Measure E project list.

“A lot of teams come from all over to play games at our facility,” Mehdizadeh said. “We would really like the condition of the field to be more on par with what our students deserve.”

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Comets take sixth after Foothill loss Winning attempt fails as opponent pressure increases COMETS

66 68 OWLS

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The women’s basketball team came into the 16-team 22nd Annual Costa Classic tournament ready to make a statement, but it left with more questions than answers after splitting its four home games — including a heartbreaking 68-66 loss to Foothill College on Sunday in the Gymnasium.

“It’s a chance to get four home games,” Comet coach Paul DeBolt said. “It’s a good event and healthy for women’s basketball. We are an established and well-known program that attracts good teams to play.”

The action was intense through the tournament with no game providing more opportunities to stand and cheer than the Comets’ final game of the tourney versus Foothill.

After leading 31-22 at halftime, Contra Costa College let multiple opportunities to secure the game slip from its collective grasp.

“Maybe we were a step slower due to fatigue,” CCC forward and the All-Tournament Award recipient Kaylonii Bardell said. “We thought (the Owls) were going to lay down after halftime but they didn’t — we underestimated them.”

The squad’s offense frantically worked to secure a shot in the final 10 seconds of the contest only to have the attempt blocked.

Then, like a gift sent from the basketball gods, Comet guard Tynisha Adams (19 points) was fouled while heaving a shot from half court with two seconds left on the clock earning her three shots from the free throw line.

Adams left the first shot short, meaning the best CCC could do was tie. Then after missing the second, the home team’s only hope was an intentional miss that Foothill corralled effectively to end the game.

“I blocked everything out. My team, their team — I was completely calm,” Adams said. “I could feel my body leaning back — I think I was too relaxed.”

The Comets shone brightly for most of the four-day tournament that spanned from Thursday to Sunday.

“Maybe we were a step slower due to fatigue.

We thought (the Owls) were going to lay down after halftime but they didn’t — we underestimated them.”

— Kaylonii Bardell, Comet forward

In its wins against Modesto Junior College and San Jose City College, CCC met all expectations with a combined win total of 67 points.

Its next attempt to regain a winning posture is Thursday at the Santa Rosa Junior College Tournament. The Comets first match-up of the three-day event is against San Joaquin Delta College at 4 p.m.

Delta ranks first in the Big 8 Conference and their high paced offense ranks tops in 3-pointers attempted and second in 3-pointers made.

Against Modesto, the Comets led 49-28 at halftime but were outscored by the Pirates 17-16 in the third quarter. The third quarter has been kryptonite for CCC as it was outscored by most of its opponents this tournament in it.

In the win against San Jose, CCC featured a balanced scoring attack paced by forward Jacqie Moody (21 points), guard Julian Robinson (15 points) and Adams with 22 points.

The game was littered with highlight shots by Comet guards Daizah Pounds and Jayoni Lewis.

Mission College handed the Comets their first loss of the tournament on the second day of competition.

The Saints used a high-paced offense that ranks them among the top colleges in the state in shots per game.

After every Comet shot, made or missed, Mission let loose a Hail-Mary type pass to a streaking teammate who inevitably sank a layup or a 3-pointer.

The Comets found a way to disrupt the offensive rhythm the Saints established at the onset of the game.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

The team used defensive length to disrupt Mission’s passing lanes and used positioning to step in front of driving Saints, eventually leading to CCC’s post players drawing charges.

The pace wore on all of the players, Mission included, as players were seen patting their heads or tugging at jerseys to signal their respective coaches that a blow was in desperate need.

At halftime, the Comets faced a 19-point deficit at 66-47. While CCC outscored the Saints in the second half, it still came out on the short end of the total with the 104-91 loss.

Comet forward Jacqie Moody tallied 25 points in the Mission contest.

“We didn’t rebound and I didn’t make the shots that I needed to make,” Moody said. “We got beat back down the court. It was a lot of running, but both teams played hard.”

As for the other teams in the tournament, Fresno City College beat Diablo Valley College 72-63 to take first place. Third place was taken by Mission College, leaving the hosting Comets in possession of sixth place in the 16-team tournament after its loss to Foothill.

Owl guard A.J. Leasau blocks a shot

by Comet guard Tynisha Adams during the Contra Costa College Classic at the Gymnasium on Dec. 6.

PLAYERS WORK TO SECURE TEAM CONNECTION

BY Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Comet guard Bobby Syvanthong flies past Corsair guard Brandon Baker for a layup during the Diablo Valley College tournament at DVC on Dec 3.

The men’s basketball team finished 1-2 in the Diablo Valley College tournament that spanned from Thursday to Saturday. A lack of team chemistry played a huge part of the Comets’ defeats.

In its first match of the tournament on Thursday, Contra Costa College (3-3) lost 83-77 to Santa Monica College. The Corsairs led throughout the entire first half, however some stellar defense and a 3-pointer sunk by Comet freshman guard Rae Jackson cut a 10-point deficit in half. Santa Monica (7-2) led 43-38 at halftime.

“When we were down by 10 our sense of urgency was much higher,” Jackson said, “and we knew we had to be aggressive on defense.”

The Comets struggled to find a rhythm at the start of the second half. However, CCC started to predict the Corsairs’ passing lanes to force some turnovers. After a lay-up by Comet guard Bobby Syvanthong the game was tied 46-46 with 16:20 left in the half.

Comet sophomore forward Larry Wickett split a pair of free throw to help the Comets hold onto a one-point lead with 15:36 left.

CCC was still forcing turnovers, but during the next play it would give possession right back to the Corsairs. The Comets committed 23 turnovers in the game and the majority of them were passes sent out of bounds.

“I feel like we beat ourselves in that game. We didn’t play at our pace,” freshman guard Jason Wright said.

The Comets’ defense forced 13 turnovers in the game, but they did not take advantage of opportunities to score.

After a decent first half behind the 3-point line, going 3-7, it disappeared in the second half as the Comets only made 29 percent of their shots to end the game 5-17.

The Comets also missed some layups and made just 60 percent of their free throws by the end of the contest.

“We just had a bad shooting day, and the worst part is we have some really good shooters on our team,” Syvanthong said. “(The Corsairs) had more rebounds because of their height — they hustled for the ball quicker than us and their size out-matched ours.”

The squad is still getting used to playing with each other. The young, talented freshmen and

“When we were down by 10 our sense of urgency was much higher and we knew we had to be aggressive on defense.”

— Rae Jackson, Comet guard

COMETS

68 78 GIANTS

the first year sophomores are still getting used to basketball coach Miguel Johnson’s system.

“We have a lot of great talent,” Syvanthong.

“As soon as we come together I think we will be a great team.”

Wright agreed. “The season has just started and the talent is there. As soon as everyone connects and gels we will be an unstoppable team.”

The Comets got back on track against San Jose City College (2-7) by winning 68-53 on Friday.

The Comets had control throughout the entire game, and forced 42 turnovers on the Jaguars.

While last year’s Comet team lacked size, this roster has two centers and a handful of power and small forwards with the size and wingspan to defend and compete for more rebounds.

“When we start out strong we play very well,” Syvanthong said. “We played with a lot of energy and heart in that game, and when we play together, we’ll definitely get the wins.”

Comet freshman forward Jeremiah Alston had a 75 percent shot success rate with 15 points, going 3-4 from the 3-point line. Jackson had 11 points and made 45 percent of his shots by the end of the game.

CCC lost 78-68 to College of Sequoias on Saturday to finish sixth in the eight-team DVC tournament. Wickett and Syvanthong combined for 30 points in this game.

“This season is different already because of the amount of talent we have,” sophomore guard Danzel Walker said. “Offensively, we are coming together and as we get in the flow and become more consistent, we can be one of the top teams.”

For any team, especially at this point in the season, there is always room for improvement.

“We have the maturity and ability to shift defenses,” Johnson said. “Now we have to watch our approach to the game.”

The Comets are scheduled to play against Butte College at the Foothill College tournament in Los Altos Hills on Friday at 8 p.m.

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Regional auto show lures crowd

Hundreds of attendees congregate to view and inspect multiple foreign and domestic imports during the 2015 San Francisco International Auto Show at the Moscone Center on Nov. 26.

Photos by: Christian Urrutia and Jordan Khoo FOR

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

Cosmetic Car Care employee Zach Lyle wipes off the fingerprints of attendees on an Infiniti Q60 coupe during the 2015 San Francisco International Auto Show at the

Moscone Center on Nov. 26. Lyle and other employees were responsible for the maintenance and visual aesthetics of the models on the show floor.

Sunnyvale resident Karthik Gangu scans the dashboard inside a 2016 Range Rover during the 2015 San Francisco International Auto Show at the Moscone Center on Nov. 26.

Hayward resident Amir Edwards and San Francisco resident Shaun Willett inspect a 2016 Maserati Alfieri during the 2015 San Francisco International Auto Show at the Moscone Center on Nov. 26.

A Subaru WRX STI sits on the show floor during the 2015 San Francisco International Auto Show at the Moscone Center on Nov. 26.

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Fall concert aims to alter how people view dancing

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“You can’t teach experience, you have to live it. And to have the experience of managing people was an extraordinary opportunity.” — Charles Gibson, former district police chief

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WHICH MOVIES WILL YOU USE AS A HOLIDAY ESCAPE? Don’t be left out.

Check out this winter’s hot movies — originals and sequels.

PAGES B4-B5 CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

ORGANIZATION DONATES FREE MEALS, HELPS COMMUNITY PAGE B3

Beloved figure leaves legacy of inspiration District police chief retires after 40 years of protecting, serving

Church hosts play to adore Christmas’ values, family PAGE B6

offerings inundate volunteers accepting gifts for

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

The James Earl Jones-like voice and presence of a well-noted police officer will no longer grace the offices and hallways of the Contra Costa Community College District.

Former district police chief Charles Gibson retired on July 22, but he still serves in the capacity of administration of justice adjunct professor here on campus by teaching three courses on the subject.

“I’m satisfied with the contributions I made as police chief,” Gibson said. “It has been honor and a privilege to serve the students (over the years).”

Gibson is leaving his full-time position after almost 10 years and with plenty of experience under his belt prior to him even starting the role as district police chief.

“I started out in the Oakland Police Department and I remember growing up idolizing a family friend, named Gregory Jacobs, a police officer who looked just like me,” Gibson said.

Gibson said he realized through his early years that police are not bad folks, but are good people. He remained at OPD for 30 years, six as a jailer and 24 as an officer.

“Jacobs made me realize that

“I’m satisfied with the contributions I made as police chief. It has been honor and a privilege to serve the students (over the years).”

— Charles Gibson, Former District Police Chief

I can do it too,” he said, “which is why I wore a (blue) uniform for 40 years.”

He said part of his reasoning for being a cop was carrying the metaphorical torch to ensure that African-Americans and minorities could pursue a career in the criminal justice field and that they too could become police officers. “(Jacobs) provided a friendly environment for my community and strived for positive relations within. So naturally community outreach was my main focus.”

Contra Costa College Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said Gibson has a great presence when he walks the campus because of his genuine concern for students and his ability to connect with them as a communicator.

Interim District Police Chief

Chad Wehrmeister said Gibson is professional, but it is hard not to get close to him as his kindness spills over because he cares about his employees while also not afraid to show it.

Gibson, a New Orleans native, joined the Navy as a young man and spent two tours of duty in Vietnam from 1972 to 1975, which he said gave him the opportunity to grow as an individual and travel. “(Serving in the Navy) was of course an eye opener no matter where you are,” Gibson said.

“People are people, but after the Navy I fell in love with California.

The last station I was in was Alameda and afterward I got a job in the city of Oakland as jailer.”

Gibson said he enrolled at the College of Alameda after the men’s basketball coach witnessed him playing ball and invited him to join the team.

Although unsure at first because of his full-time work schedule, Gibson said he was persuaded and eventually transferred to Cal StateEast Bay after earning his associate degree and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice.

Gibson said he continued to

ABOVE: Former district police chief Charles Gibson listens to friends and family talk about his storied career as chief and as a police officer during his retirement party at Diablo Valley College in the Diablo Room on July 30.

SEE GIBSON, PAGE B2

CHARITABLE ERUPTION OVERWHELMS TOY DRIVE Donations,

Orators take center stage at showcase

BY Christian Urrutia

kids

By Xavier Johnson STAFF WRITER

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

The sixth annual Contra Costa College Toy Drive is looking to have its biggest year ever as it provides toys to needy families throughout the Bay Area this holiday season.

Police Services Officer Tim Thomas and Corporal Charles Hankins have been working on the toy drive since its inception. While it started as a drive on this campus only, it has spread to Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College too.

This year the drive has expanded to working together with the Early Learning Center and EOPS on campus.

Thomas said he wants the drive to keep growing and sees where he can take this fundraiser. Thomas said the drive is lookCHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE ing to collect upward of 10,000 toys.

Police Services Officer Charles Hankins (left) and Buildings and Grounds The Bay Area Rescue Mission Vice SEE TOYS, PAGE B2

Manager Bruce King help upload toys for the sixth annual Toy Drive by the Parking Annex close to Castro Road on Friday.

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Rhythmic variety on display Dancers cross cultural genres in grand showcase

BY Jose Jimenez SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

The blazing sounds of old funk music by the group Cameo, and its rendition of “Candy”, filled the Gymnasium with melodic reminders of the holiday season.

The students and dance participants were finishing up one of their many practices before the Fall Dance Concert on Friday in the Knox Center.

Contra Costa College’s dance program returns to the John and Jean Knox Center stage to share an evening of dance from around the world, urban jazz and hip-hop instructor LaTanya Tigner said.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m., and general admission is $10 (cash or check), but $5 for students.

Tickets are now available at the CCC Bookstore or at the front door at the time of the event.

Tigner, CCC teacher and professor, will coordinate the show and is expecting the audience to be inspired.

“Not only will the audience be impressed by the hard work the students who are performing accomplished, but I hope this inspires others to pursue their dreams and join a dance class, club or course,” she said.

“Also, just come to appreciate dance and see what dance can do to us, what it can do to the mind, body and soul,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Tigner said she is happy to see her students working school and two-a-day practices.

She said the concert will have all types of musical performances from Brazilian/ Samba, Tango, jazz, ballet, ballroom/ Latin ballroom, Zumba, hip-hop, modern contemporary performances and others.

All performances will come from CCC students, she said.

Tigner said this is only the beginning

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Undecided majors (center-left) Chrystal Chen and Oscar Rodriquez dance during the DANCE-166A Beginning Argentine Tango and Swing Dance class on Monday. The exercises are in preparation for the Fall Dance Concert this coming Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Knox Center. Tickets are five dollars for students, general admission $10.

semester.

She said she will teach Beginning African Dance, PE 170A-2246, and it will be offered next semester on Tuesday and Thursday from 12:40-2 p.m. inside the Gym Annex Building in room 10.

— LaTanya Tigner, urban jazz and hipThe course is for one unit. Tigner hop dance instructor said the spring semester course will focus on traditional Central and South of what her big plan will be for the spring African dance forms and their respective

“We have a great offering of classes and our students work so hard so they deserve it.

influence on more contemporary, and current, African-American dance forms such a hip-hop fraternity stepping and dance hall.

“I’m expecting fabulousness from our dance program in the next few months,” Tigner said. “We have a great offering of classes and our students work so hard so they deserve it.”

For more information contact Tigner at ltigner@contracosta.edu.

State approves instructional equipment funds State grants more than $300,000 to update outdated tools

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

The State Chancellor’s Office has granted $386,771 to Contra Costa College, which will be given to selected departments and used for purchasing instructional equipment.

Business Services Director Mariles Magalong said, “The State Chancellor’s Office gives the money to the district, it is then distributed by Full Time Equivalent Students funding (FTES), to whoever needs the money.”

All of the departments at CCC were able to apply to receive some of the funding for their instructional equipment needs.

Magalong said, “Everyone has the opportunity to receive funding and all departments have the opportunity to apply.”

Music department Chairperson Wayne Organ said about 15 departments applied for equipment and went through a process of paperwork. Budget and planning committees presented recommendations for funding to the College Council which then looked over the applications.

There were rubrics that were looked at and adjusted for each department and finally each department was scored for approval and how much money they would receive was listed.

A total of 11 departments were funded for the 2015-16 year at CCC. Those included were the automotive department that was funded $53,621, biology (anatomy/ physiology) was funded $25,000, English was funded $4,145, English as second language (ESL) was funded $450, fine media and arts (FAMA) was funded $5,018, kine-

“Everyone has the opportunity to receive funding and all departments have the opportunity to apply.

— Mariles Magalong, Business services director

siology, health and physical education (PE) was funded $118,621, the Library was funded $66,000, music was funded $3,665, math was funded $83,369, nursing was funded $4,882 and Library Innovation Project was funded $22,000 for a total of $386,771.

New possibilities arise for students as these departments receive funding.

Organ said, “This is the first time in about 10 years that this has been offered

to CCC for funds for instructional equipment. A lot of this equipment (on campus) is old so it’s good to see this.”

Each department will use the money for whatever needs and purposes they have. “We need new drums and a bass amplifier so we’re going to get that,” Organ said.

Anthropology professor Lisa Schwappach-Shirrif said, “I think it’s pretty exciting that this opportunity exists — you know, for us to be able to add to our equipment and get more things going because everything we get benefits the students. More hands-on material (is good) and all of that really benefits the students.

“There are always more things that we need. We have a list that we go through so we could build a better teaching collection each day for students,” Schwappach-Shirrif said.

GIBSON | Life of law enforcement ends for district police chief Continued from page B1 play basketball at Cal State-East Bay and it was there he met his wife, who was the athletic trainer.

“I met my lovely wife because she was the athletic trainer employed at the time I was playing ball and she used to wrap up my ankles after games and now I get to wrap my arms around her,” Gibson said.

“Oakland was an amazing city to serve.

Being part of the OPD equates two years of service to five years because of the high call volume. With all those activities happening it provided an insurmountable amount of experience that allowed me to move up in the ranks as I prepared eventually, in

some aspect, to become the police chief of been followed and I’ve been constantly in “One thing I took away from CCCCD,” he said. service — serving has been my life.”

Gibson said, “You can’t teach experience, the chief is the value of your District Police Services Officer Tim you have to live it. And to have the experi- education. Particularly for African- Thomas said, “One thing I took away from ence of managing people was an extraordithe chief is the value of your education.

Americans, it is important to nary opportunity.

“Particularly for African-Americans, it is “I was watch commander, which is the graduate and get your degree. He important to graduate and get your degree. person who takes charge and approves orders (Gibson) inspired me to finish college and inspired me to finish college and in the absence of the police chief. I was in he was, in some ways, a father figure to me.” charge of the swing shift which meant I was he was, in some ways, a father Thomas credits Gibson for inspiring him in charge of the city of Oakland,” he said. to work at the college. figure to me.”

Gibson cites the experience of managing Gibson said, “I’m proud of the diversity — Tim Thomas urban unrest in forms of protest, and other that I brought to the district and the orgarowdy behavior, as what prepared him for nization’s (Police Services) need to reflect his later role. and I thought maybe I want to teach and so I the college community it serves. I’m proud “It was a natural transition as I spent 30 took the opportunity to do so. it does.” years in Oakland. So it was time to change My life has been planned and the plan has

TOYS | Benefit expects greater contributions than previous years Continued from page B1 President of Development Woody Tausend said the mission provides collection barrels at the college campuses. The rescue mission also helps with transporting the gifts received to Willow Springs Church in Moraga for wrapping.

Speech department Chairperson Sherry Diestler is instrumental in helping the Bay Area Rescue Mission organize the Toy Drive on and off campus.

Diestler said she works with the volunteers at her church, Willow Springs Church, to wrap gifts that will be given to families during the Christmas party thrown by the rescue mission in the Richmond Civic Center Auditorium on Dec. 23.

Tausend said the effort by the Willow Springs Church is bigger than last year. The goal for this year is to wrap 3,000 gifts. He said this expanded effort brings in a new geographic area into the Toy Drive.

Tausend said the efforts of Thomas as well as the increased effort of Willow Springs Church in Moraga could at least double, or possibly triple, the number of gifts that can be

“We started (the Toy Drive) at CCC, but each year it kept growing. This year will be the first year we work with the Early Learning Center and Extended Opportunity Program and Services.”

— Tim Thomas

distributed.

Not only are the efforts of the toy drive going to help the Bay Area Rescue Mission, Thomas said he will also be working with the Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Department to deliver toys to families all around Contra Costa County on Dec. 9. He said Toys for Tots in Concord will be distributing toys as well.

Thomas said several thousand toys will also be received by his long time friend Patrick McClellan in the Los Angeles area next week. Thomas and Hankins said they will drive down to Los Angeles and bring the truckload of toys back to

the Bay Area.

The toy drive began when Charles Gibson, the former district police chief, asked each officer to find a community project.

“I started a program called S.T.A.R. which stands for Student Together Awareness Response,” Thomas said.

Under this umbrella he began the toy drive, which Thomas said Hankins jumped at the opportunity to help his fellow officer.

“We started (the Toy Drive) at CCC, but each year it kept growing,” Thomas said.”This year will be the first year we work with the Early Learning Center and Extended Opportunity Program and Services.”

Thomas said he wants to work more with DVC and LMC to get the Toy Drive to be more important within their campus communities.

Thomas says the toy drive is a way to help the community as well as a way to help Police Services get to know the CCC’s campus community and give back to the students that need help.

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“We are blessed to have the things that we have, and we want to give back to the community.” — Maria Maki, SAMA coordinator

Over 1,000 hot dinners given for the holiday

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce filled the bellies of Richmond community members at the Richmond Civic Center on Nov. 25 during the Thanksgiving banquet.

The Bay Area Rescue Mission (BARM), a nonprofit organization in Richmond that provides food and shelter for those in need, opened its doors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and were ready to provide 1,500 meals.

“For a lot of people this may be the only Thanksgiving meal they have,” Bay Area Rescue Mission Vice President Woody Tausend said. “We are trying to help lower income families,” he said.

Tausend said there is a lack of “positivity” in the community and the banquet brings fun for everyone.

The BARM plans the banquet annually to provide a free meal for anyone entering the doors of the civic center.

Attendees listened as BARM members and graduates shared testimonials of their life before coming to the mission.

Programmer Kevin Brown said the BARM “saved” him. “I’d be dead if it weren’t for the mission,” he said. “I was a hardcore alcoholic.”

Through aid and support while in the program for 21 months, Brown’s life took

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

A chef talks to volunteers and staff persuasively before serving the donated food at the Richmond Civic Center on Nov. 25.

a different route. “I found a new identity,” he said.

A primary focus for the BARM is to impact the lives of its community members.

Contra Costa College student Darwain Buchanan said the rescue mission helped him get through his hardships. Prior to completing the program offered by the BARM, he saw himself in a tough situation, he said.

“They (BARM) had a spot for me and now I am giving back to the community and doing my part.”

Brown, along with all of the programmers, helped seat the crowd while they waited for meals to be served.

John Anderson, BARM president and CEO, said, “I was homeless myself on the streets of Southern California.”

Volunteer Services Manager Marshelle Wilburn said, “This is all to raise awareness about those in need and so people can understand you are (potentially) a check away from homelessness.”

Wilburn said about 800 meals were served during last year’s banquet.

An estimated 750 meals were served and some attendees even went back for a second plate, Tausend said.

The tightly packed, autumn decorated tables allowed for close conversations and holiday vibes.

While student and parent servers opened up the food service with a salad, a traditional Thanksgiving meal and pumpkin pie to close, attendees shared conversations.

“This is comforting. It feels like home,”

BARM representative Terri Birdzell said.

Tears filled Birdzell’s eyes as she fed her baby.

“If my baby likes the food, it means it is good,” she said.

Brown said, “Anything the mission can do for the community is reflected here through this banquet. Having a whole community come together is special.”

SAMA Academy of Martial Arts volunteered at the event for the third year and had 40 to 50 students and parents present.

“We are blessed with the things we have and want to give back to the community,” SAMA Program Coordinator Maria Maki said.

She said her group travels from Pinole to show support for the Richmond community.

Nursing major Austin Tauanuu (right) shakes hands with Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson during the “Dinner with Faculty” event on Monday.

Free spaghetti dinner given by ASU, faculty

BY Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Students taking night classes were treated to a free spaghetti dinner from the Associated Students Union on Monday evening in AA-117.

Each portion was supplied with a platter full of pasta, chicken wings and salad.

“The ASU put on a fantastic event and they invited our evening students to share a meal with our faculty and others,” Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said. “It’s a wonderful thing for our students to get to know the day faculty and it was great turnout.”

With a limited variety of food on campus, the ASU wanted to provide students with a filling choice of grub.

ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis came up with idea when she

used to take night classes at Contra Costa College. The entire event cost under $500 and was supplied through the student activity fee.

It was also a chance for students to meet the faculty and Police Services on campus.

“The idea behind this event is that the night students only have one food option on campus and that’s Subway,” Ward-Davis said. “We also wanted the night students to be familiar with the daytime faculty and for them to be comfortable with Police Services.”

Police Services Corporal Tom Holt wants to reach out to the students around campus in an attempt to show students that Police Services is not only for bad things that happen on campus. Holt’s main goal is to gain student trust in Police Services and build rapport with them.

“I’m trying to work with the (ASU) and whoever I can, so we can establish a friendly

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

relationship with students,” Holt said. “I want to use younger people to relate to other students, so we can find out what we’re doing right and wrong.”

Ward-Davis and ASU President Nakari Syon advertised the event beforehand and the turnout was a success because they ran out of food. Also, some professors brought their classes to AA-117 for the free meal.

Students also saw this event as a good way to connect with their professors and as a cost saving measure for food.

“You get to know all of the faculty members, and it’s cool to get to hang around our professors,” kinesiology major Christian

Corranza said. “It gives you that student and teacher bond, and it lets us know that we are on the same page.”

The Foodies Unite Club prepared all of the food for the event. However, Foodies Unite Vice President Mayra Hernandez gets all the credit for cooking all of the dishes.

She prepped everything at the last minute after finding out she was the only member that was available to do it.

“They (ASU) gave us all we needed and I just cooked it,” Hernandez said. “We hit a few little snags and I didn’t get all the help I needed and I had to do it all by myself, but at the end I had a job to do.”

BANQUET BOLSTERS FUNDS, SMILES FOR HOLIDAYS Midday

feast offers bountiful helpings to hungry attendees

BY Cody Casares PHOTO EDITOR

ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com

Culinary arts department and Chairperson Nadar Sharkes bustled around the kitchen weaving through culinary students, preparing for the hankering line of ravenous patrons waiting to get in the doors.

“Make sure to smile,” Sharkes said, “We’ll be busy.”

The Three Seasons Restaurant hosted a Thanksgiving Banquet on Nov 25. The event began at 11 a.m. and by 11:30 tables were filled with families and friends who were feasting on the bountiful feast prepared for them by the culinary department students.

Residents from around the East Bay traveled to Contra Costa College to get their share of food.

Berkeley resident Daryle Corr said, “I’ve been coming here for 18 years. It’s one of my favorite places to eat.”

The event raised over $1,000, Sharkes said, with 120 patrons filling their bellies with the Thanksgiving feast. All the money raised during the banquet will go back into the department and pay for the materials needed to continue to host events like this one.

“It’s always a mad house,” he said. ”We don’t have a budget

so everything is paid for by the department. The students did outstanding work.”

Patrons were greeted at the door and charged $10 for a plate. From there they could stroll down the line of food trays filled with turkey, chili, buttermilk and sour cream cornbread, spinach and feta cheese stuffed chicken breast, roasted acorn squash, pastel de lengua, caramelized onion stuffing, braised greens with turkey bacon, chorizo and date stuffing and Puerto Rican pork shoulder.

The event was served buffet style leaving the opportunity for seconds or even thirds.

Middle College High School English teacher Myriam Godfrey said, “For the price of $10, it’s incredibly worth it. The squash, corn bread and flan were really good.”

Dessert was another obstacle for patrons to tackle with chocolate raspberry bombs, cheesecake, chocolate decadence, flan, butter cookies and brownies, lemon squares, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and lemon raspberry parfait.

El Cerrito resident Chis Silvia said he came to pick up a special order that he called in and decided to stay when she saw the spread of food being presented.

“I liked everything,” she said,

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

“the corn bread dressing and stuffed dates were really good.”

The Three Seasons Restaurant is hosting a Christmas Banquet that began Tuesday and continues today. The charge is $10 and it is being served in a similar style to the Thanksgiving Banquet but with a new spread of grub.

Sharkes said the Christmas Banquet provides a wider selection of food with it being celebrated throughout the world and

Thanksgiving being localized to the United States.

“The Christmas Banquet provides more of a choice for food.

With Thanksgiving you’re limited to turkey and other Thanksgivingthemed food. Christmas is more fun.” Sharkes said.

Some of the entrees that will be served are pork tenderloin stuffed with mushrooms, chorizo with cheese fondue, leg of lamb and truffled macaroni and cheese.

Berkeley resident Daryle Corr fills her plate during the Thanksgiving Banquet in the Three Seasons Restaurant on Nov. 25.

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ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Genre: Fantasy/Action Release Date: Dec. 18 Rating: PG Director: Walt Becker Starring: Jason Lee, Kimberley Williams-Paisley, Justin Long, Josh Green

Alvin and the chipmunks embark on a journey in hopes of fleeing from their future-to-be antagonist stepbrother due to a misunderstanding. Music manager Dave (Lee) has a career he enjoys and meets Samantha (Williams-Paisley), a doctor. When the trio discover there is romance between them, they flee to save Dave from ruining his life.

JOY

Genre: Drama Release: Dec. 25 Rating: PG-13 Director: David O. Russell Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper

Young entrepreneur Joy (Lawrence) breaks traditions carried throughout four generations in a family while creating herself as she goes. Facing betrayal, loss of innocence and the scars of love, she finds a business dynasty and creates her own matriarchy.

She decided to take action and make a better life for herself but has to break through her father’s (De Niro) expectations.

THE BOY

Genre: Thriller/Horror Release: Jan. 22, 2016 Rating: PG-13 Director: William Brent Bell Starring: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, Diana Hardcastle

A young nanny named Greta (Cohan) finds herself taking care of a life-size doll when she takes a nanny job in a remote English village. Greta discovers the couple lost their 8-year-old son 20 years earlier and use the doll to cope. The doll is treated like a human and they leave her with a list of strict rules that she must follow. When Greta begins to ignore the list, she notices that things out of the ordinary start to happen.

SISTERS

Genre: Comedy Release: Dec. 18 Rating: R Director: Jason Moore Starring: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, James Brolin, Kate McKinnon, John Cena

Poehler takes the role of divorced Marla, who reunites with her hothead sibling Kate (Fey) after learning they have only one weekend to clean out their old bedroom. The two decide to throw one final bash before their parents place the family home on the market. As the party starts to get out of control, the sisters realize there may not be a house left afterward.

Season we hot flic

The Advocate takes a sne from romantic comedies to action

BLURBS BY Roxana Am Jose Jimenez an

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IN THE HEART OF THE SEA Genre: Drama Release: Dec. 11 Rating: PG-13 Director: Ron Howard Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland

In 1820, three crewmen (Hemsworth, Walker and Murphy) board the New England vessel Essex and face a battle of survival when a mammoth-sized whale attacks with force leaving them out in the ocean. Pushed to their limits facing starvation, panic and despair, the crewmen are forced to resort to the unthinkable. The tale inspired author Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.

LEGEND Genre: Suspense/Thriller Release: Nov. 20, 2015 Rating: R Director: Brian Helgeland Starring: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, David Thewlis

Reggie Kray (Hardy) and his unstable twin brother Ronnie rise to power in London’s 1960s East End. They use ruthless violence to grow their influence.

Police Det. Leonard “Nipper” Read becomes an threat to the twin brothers who build a criminal empire in London’s underworld through elaborate robberies, murders, protection rackets and night clubs.

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DIRTY GRANDPA Genre: Comedy Release: Dec. 18 Rating: R Director: Dan Mazer Starring: Zac Efron, Zoey Deutch, Robert De Niro

Lawyer Jason Kelly (Efron) is tricked by his grandpa Dick (De Niro) to accompany him on a drive to Daytona Beach, Florida for a wild spring break full of frat parties, bar fights and wild karaoke. The only problem is that Kelly is one week away from marrying his boss’ daughter who will put him closer to a partnership at his firm. Dick tries to change Kelly’s mind by trying to make him realize she is not the one.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction Release Date: Dec. 18 Rating: Not rated Director: J.J. Abrams Starring: Harrison Ford, Jon Boyega, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley

The film takes place 30 years after defeating the Galactic Empire, where the Empire and the Alliance become the Resistance and the First Order.

Han Solo (Ford) and his allies now face a new threat with villain Kylo Ren (Driver) and his army of stormtroopers.

elcomes cks

eak peek at winter films; n-packed movies, don’t be left out

THE BIG SHORT

Genre: Drama Release: Dec. 23 Rating: Not rated Director: Adam McKay Starring: Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt

Four outsiders are able to see what the large banks, media and government refuse to take into consideration — the global collapse of the economy. They make a bold investment that leads them into the dark side of modern banking causing them to question everything and everyone. The film is based on the true story and best selling book by author Michael Lewis.

mparo, Marci Suela, nd Jason Sykes

WRITERS

ate@gmail.com

MOJIN: THE LOST LEGEND

Genre: Fantasy/Thriller Release: Dec. 18 Rating: Not rated Director: Wu Ershan Starring: Qi Shu, Chen Kun, AngelaBaby

THE REVENANT

The film is an epic adventure about a trio of legendary robbers, the Mojin, who are enjoying life in New York City. That is until they are given a proposition by a client and accept the job offer. They go back to their old ways raiding the secrets and treasures of ancient tombs in China. As they discover each hidden passage they face more extreme challenges while their friendships and loyalty are tested.

Genre: Drama/Thriller Release: Dec. 25 Rating: R Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Lukas Haas, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson

Legendary Frontiersman Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) is injured during a brutal bear attack while exploring the wilderness in the 1800s. Glass’ hunting team leaves him for dead and he must use his survival skills to make his way home safely. During a moment of grief, he searches the wintry terrain to track down John Fitzgerald (Hardy), the former who betrayed and abandoned him.

THE HATEFUL EIGHT Genre: Western/Gangster Release Date: Dec. 25 Rating: R Director: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth

Bounty hunter John “The Hangman” (Russell) and his fugitive prisoner (Leigh) race toward the town of Red Rock in post-Civil War Wyoming and encounter another bounty hunter (Jackson), a man claiming he is a sheriff. While the eight travelers search for shelter during a blizzard they are greeted by four strangers and they soon learn they may not arrive at their destination after all.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MARCI SUELA/ THE ADVOCATE

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“We are trying to express the reason behind Christmas.”

— Lori Busworth, group youth leader, Valley Bible Church LEFT: Adults and children surround the Grinch during the “Night of Hope” concert at Valley Bible Church in Hercules on Sunday.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Message of faith, joy lifts souls Holiday

BY Roxana Amparo

worship

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

provides people with hope

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

HERCULES — Valley Bible Church opened its doors to bring holiday spirit through choir and live performances at 6 p.m. on Sunday during its Christmas Gospel concert “A Night of Hope.”

“We want to tell people there is hope in Jesus,” Worship Ministries Director Deborah Giese said.

“People will fail you. All will fail you. Jesus Christ will be there for you.”

Giese organized the evening with the help of the worship choir comprised of an estimated 40 members, orchestra, praise dancers, youth actors and other community members.

The choir group members were dressed in long, black robes standing on the main stage during the majority of the performances.

Children youth performers from Bethlehem Child Care Center were dressed as Disney characters and took the stage to dance.

“We are trying to express the reason behind Christmas,” Group Youth Leader Lori Busworth said.

“We are spreading the word of

“I was a pastor’s daughter and I got pregnant with not one kid, but two. I was 20 years old and God came in during that time to rescue me.”

— Deborah Giese, worship ministries director

how Jesus was born and how he lives forever,” she said.

Giese said the annual event brings joy to members of the community and reminds her of where she started.

“I was the pastor’s daughter and got pregnant with not one kid, but two.

“I was 20 years old and God came in during that time to rescue me,” she said.

Busworth said she works helping children and has been part of the church for 17 years.

Others were dressed as angels during “Listen to the Angels Singing” by Michelle Collins and Nick Orosco playing guitar.

Adults were dressed in long robes during their performances

and kept the spirit alive by wearing glowing smiles aimed toward the audience.

The vivid visuals engaged the audience and kept them waiting for the next set to start.

Giese said the lighting crew played an important role during the set as the lights were dimmed.

The virgin Mary and her newborn child took the stage when “Mary Did You Know?” began and the cameras were zoomed into her nurturing baby Jesus.

Rodeo resident Gale Couflan said she heard about the event through a flier and said it was her first time attending the performance.

“I enjoyed the message of joy and was lucky to attend the event tonight,” she said.

Spoken word artist Randy Osti said, “This is what we celebrate, Christ, the newborn king,” during his piece “The Incarnation.”

As the performances were ongoing, members of the audience attentively watched and some swayed along with the music.

One of the performances brought to life Christmas through the Grinch, providing humor.

For some audience members Valley Bible Church offers peace and hope.

Church member Ellen Goco said, “We had been looking for a place and God brought us here.”

Church member Jonathan Goco said he and his family have been members of Valley Bible Church since 2005.

Goco said they are returning members of the church because of the welcoming environment and peace it brings him.

His two granddaughters and daughter were part of the performance.

Goco said it is important for the younger generation to have faith in God. Concord volunteer Cathy Rasmussen said at Valley Bible Church the friendly environment makes volunteers feel welcome and provides a spot for young children to invest their time.

To close the night, “Hallelujah” was performed by singers Rebecca Webster and Greg Ormeo.

The crowd cheered as all performers gathered on stage coming back through the aisles with their costumes.

in brief Valley Bible Church held its annual Christmas Gospel concert, “A Night of Hope.”

Live choir and performances began at 6 p.m. telling the story of Christmas.

Youth group, children and adult performers varied in ages and were dressed up in costumes to match the song they were performing.

CERAMICS CONTRIBUTE TO DEPARTMENT REVENUE Student pottery pieces showcase community

BY Denis Perez STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

dperez.theadvocate@gmail.com

The art department’s ability to supplement budget costs to help students acquire necessary supplies illustrates the gift of original creation bred in an unrestricted environment.

The art department sustains its clay and tool budget by selling pottery made by students and staff during the Pottery Sale they have every semester.

The sale has been going on for 30 years.

For those years students have been able to pay a small material fee of $9 to be able to use an almost unlimited amount of clay in class. The Pottery Sale this semester was held last week and ended on Friday.

Not being able to do this would create restrictions that impede the students’ ability to advance and reach their full potential, according to instructional aide Allen Perlof of the art department. He has been helping students at Contra Costa College for 15 years.

Perlof has been working artistically with ceramics for 30 years.

He has seen that allowing students to use as much clay as they need lets them explore their creativity and practice the skills they have learned in class.

Perlof said that if students had to buy the clay themselves there would be some reservations as to how much they would be

“They create it from their hands. They create beauty and beauty makes everyone happy.”

— Juli Wu;ferdingen, humanities and philosophy professor

able to create.

“It is a limiting thing.” instructional aide Darnell Turner said. “A bag of clay is roughly $15.”

Depending on how many pieces they will do and how big the piece will be, students will go through three bags on average per semester per student.

“Some students would not have the extra income to pay for bags of clay,” fine and media arts adjunct professor Jiajun Lu said.

Although there is no limit to the amount of clay a student can use, art teachers like Lu make sure students are well aware that they must take into consideration their fellow potters.

The Pottery Sale has an average income of $2,500.

Last semester they only made $2,000, some $500 below their average. Lu said that sometimes they make $3,000-$4,000 and sometimes $2,000.

The pieces are low in price. They start at $1 and go up to as much as $30.

Near the east side entrance to the Art Building on the left hand side lies a glass display in which the art instructor’s choice pieces were displayed for a silent auction.

Each piece is identified by its given number and is chosen using a bidding chart located on the table right in front of it.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Blanca Vizcarra, nursing major, looks for a small pot for her boyfriend during the annual Pottery Sale in the Art Building on Dec. 3.

The silent auction has no price limit and bids can soar to upward of $30 for a single piece.

In the open sky room by the east entrance was displayed many pieces that ranged from $1-10. In the Eddie Rhodes Gallery, a few steps away, there were finer pieces ranging from $10-$30.

These prices would be higher if the pieces were sold with labor taken into consideration when establishing the cost.

“The price does not match the time. The pots could go for much higher,” Perlof said.

Some creations can take up to 28 hours in total to make.

If a piece taking 15 hours to make goes at $3, the labor cost would be .20 cents an hour.

Although the economic pricing is well under the normal standard, the opportunity and benefit this sale creates for patrons makes up for the low prices.

For undecided major Krystle Hasket, a student enrolled in Art 140, art is a form of expression in which you can manifest your feelings into your creations.

Perlof said in ceramics you learn a craft, teaching you discipline, management of time, and you are able to relax and focus on the piece you are forming.

The limit of what students can create is based on the limits of their imagination Perlof said.

“They create it from their hands. They create beauty and beauty makes everyone happy,” Juli Wulferdingen, humanities and philosophy adjunct professor, said.

“That is why I bought said, a lot.”

She said it is also nice knowing that she will have purchased not only a great piece of art due to the great effort of the potter, but also helped buy part of a bag of clay.

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THIS FALL THE

BOOKSTORE

WILL PAY FOR

YOUR

BOOKS

Contra Costa College Bookstore textbook buyback Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 14-15.............9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 16-17......9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18..............................................9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PHOTO ID REQUIRED We pay up to 50% no matter where you bought your books. We buy books, even if you purchased them online. Bring all CDs, DVDs, tapes and supplemental materials with your textbooks.

All textbook rentals are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18

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“I made sure the classrooms were situated properly. It was a cool experience.” — Daniel Santos, communications studies major

Nursing major Joaquin Simmons performs a persuasive speech during the Intramural Speech Tournament on Thursday in LA 108.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Match offers ‘cool experience’ Showcase features expression of thought through skillful speaking

BY Asma Alkrizy STAFF WRITER

aalkrizy.theadvocate@gmail.com

The speech department gave Contra Costa College students a chance to showcase their speaking skills and express themselves in an Intramural Speech and Debate Tournament on Thursday.

The Intramural Speech and Debate Tournament was hosted in the Liberal Arts and Applied Arts buildings, where students presented their performances in different rooms depending on their chosen type of speeches.

Communication studies major Daniel Santos said the students who participated should consider joining the speech and debate team.

“It’s a nice experience and you have the chance to express yourself and work together in a friendly environment,” he said of the speech team.

During the speech tournament, students waited for their names to be called by a judge. Participants were categorized by speech faculty or by their propensity for public speaking.

Criminology major Daisy Ramirez presented a persuasive speech about late-term abortion,

“It’s a nice experience and you have the chance to express yourself and work together in a friendly environment.”

— Daniel Santos, communications Studies major

arguing against abortion after the third trimester.

“The unborn child has developed most parts of his or her body — the hands, feet, and brain,” Ramirez said “It’s really atrocious to know how the abortion process goes.”

She said at the first procedure, doctors jam scissors into the baby’s skull, and then comes the evacuation process, where they use surgical instruments, such as vacuum aspiration, to grab parts of the body of the fetus and “rip them apart.”

Ramirez emphasized that she wasn’t arguing for banning abortion completely.

“There needs to be a valid reason for a woman to get an abortion, such as having her life at risk. Not any woman can choose to abort her unborn baby.”

In keeping with topics that weigh heavily on the minds of the American public, student speakers touched on a wide array of topics.

Biology major Omar Thiongave reinforced the importance of maintaining strict gun control laws to ensure safety.

“Anger can drive a person to commit a crime,” he said.

“Shootings I’ve heard of at universities, such as the shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University, forced me to support gun control laws.”

“Giving everyone guns leads to registered and unregistered ones being procured, which can place individuals at risk of getting shot.”

Communication major and showcase judge Rose Rubin said the presentations were good.

She said, “Students seemed less nervous than many of the students I’ve seen (before). I advise students to introduce the sources they get their information from when listing facts or examples.”

Rubin said she’s currently taking a Speech 141 course, and she’s enjoying the class. “Communication studies have been my interest for as long as I can remember,” she said.

“I’ve taken speech courses, and, as a result I’ve gained and learned skills

which led Professor Sherry Diestler and Joseph Carver to select me as a judge for the tournament.”

She said Diestler, Carver and others in the speech department organized the Intramural Speech and Debate Tournament.

Santos said that he, along with other speech and debate team members, assisted the speech instructors to organize the event.

“I made sure the classrooms were situated properly. It was a cool experience,” he said, referring to the different classes students had to attend to present their speeches.

All the rooms arranged for the speech presentations were posted on a wall in the Liberal Arts Building, listing different types of speeches, such as informative, persuasive, impromptu and others.

Some of the students in the tournament are participants in the speech and debate club, and others joined to speak for an extra credit opportunity in their speech classes.

Thiongave said that if it weren’t for the extra credit opportunity his speech instructor provided to everyone in his class that he would not have participated in the Intramural Speech and Debate Tournament.

in brief Speech department hosted its intramural Speech and Debate Tournament on Thursday.

The event featured students from the debate team and nonteam members.

Held in the AA Building and the LA Building with multiple rooms hosting contestants.

Presenters touched on topics that are current to America’s turbulent landscape.

ORAL INTERPRETATIONS SET DRAMATIC SCENERY Verbal excellence owns “All of the students came Knox Center production through and presented well. Each

BY Xavier Johnson STAFF WRITER

xjohnson.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Student Speaker Showcase held in the Knox Center on Nov. 17 featured students using the medium of speech to entertain, provide insight, and spur thought-provoking conversation between attendees.

The night began with a healthy-sized crowd waiting in their seats ready to hear the first speech.

After a short introCarver duction by speech and debate team coach Randy Carver, the night began with an oral interpretation of literature.

Lerecia Davis performed the oral interpretation entitled “The Talk.”

Her speech was about an AfricanAmerican mother talking to her young African-American son about how to deal with the police. The crowd remained engrossed in each one of Davis’ words.

After the strong start to the night, a short film by student filmmaker Sakeema Payne was shown.

The film showed the speech and debate team’s recent trip to Reno, Nevada for a speech competition.

Payne’s presentation was an interesting

of them brought a different feeling.”

— Randy Carver, speech and debate coach

look into the team members and their extensive preparation. Speech professor Sherry Diestler said she hopes the film will encourage students at Contra Costa College to join the team.

Speech and debate team member Richard Pinkard took the stage for an impromptu speech. He was given a topic and had only two minutes to prepare a five-minute speech.

Pinkard said the speech was hard and preparing in front of such a large audience created difficulties. Despite the formidable task, he was able to deliver a speech with a clear structure.

Pinkard said to do well with an impromptu speech he needs to relate the quote given with people, connecting the dots to make the speech clear.

After the impromptu speech, varying types of elocution were displayed.

Student poets and authors performed an oral interpretations about the struggles of urban youth, while two students performed a comedic scene from a play.

The penultimate performance of the evening was by guest speaker Ady Abbott. She performed an oral interpretation from her own solo show.

The crowd laughed consistently through-

DENNIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Lerecia Davis, student speaker, performs an oral interpretation during the Student Speaker Showcase at the Knox Center on Nov. 17. She discuses the difficulty of explaining police brutality to her children.

out Abbott’s performance. The production is a good example of what can be done with a speech, Diestler said.

To cap off the night, six students took the stage for a parliamentary debate.

The debate topic was the lack of food options on campus and possible solutions to it.

Carver said the topic was relevant to the campus community and got the crowd involved.

The affirmative team, consisting of Johana Gurdian and Richard Pinkard, proposed expanding the Three Seasons Restaurant as a solution. The opposition team, consisting of Wyllene Turner and Alfonzo Ramos, countered by proposing food trucks as the solution,

Prior to the debate, Carver told the audience to interact and cheer or boo.

The audience complied giving lively reactions. The energy of the crowd flowed into the debate. As the crowd showed more energy the debaters fed off that energy.

Gurdian said the parliamentary debate was fun. The mood was much more relaxed than a competition debate but the crowd’s energy made the debate more enjoyable.

The night ended with Carver wishing the audience a farewell as the audience members left the Knox Center with smiles on their faces after an engaging evening.

“All of our students really came through and presented well. Each of them brought a different feeling,” Carver said.