The Advocate 2-12

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B campus beat X page 5

Memoirs

CMYK

Jazz group crafts album

Structures lost evoke emotions

Vocal students work together on new release

CMYK

scene X page 6

spotlight X page 8

Love comes into season Valentine’s Day myths, gifts explored

VOL. 101, NO. 14

SINCE 1950 8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Robbery

elevates concerns Cell phone snatched from victim waiting at Bus Transfer Center

By George Morin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Lack of cafeteria, food options leave students in nutritional limbo

By Brian Boyle NEWS EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail. com

Students at Contra Costa College have a large list of restaurants available to them when lunchtime rolls around.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of these options are off campus.

A hungry student at CCC who wants to eat on campus has three choices — Subway, Three Seasons, or buying snacks at the Bookstore. Lines in the Bookstore, lines at Subway and the large rush of students into Three Seasons and the Express Café illustrate the desire for, and the necessity for, campus food options.

Although students eagerly eat at the restaurants on campus, variety is high

editorial More food options needed Lack of selection on campus is unacceptable and students deserve variety.

page 2 on the list of student demands.

Psychology major Kilber Molina said, “I eat at Subway probably two times a week, and it’s a fair price, but I’d really like to see more options.”

Ronald Argueta, an automotive technology major who also eats at Subway twice a week, said, “The Subway is pretty much the same as it is everywhere, but the price is a little higher. I’d really like to see more places to eat on campus.”

Q SEE FOOD: Page 4

A 30-year-old adult female was strong-arm robbed for her cell phone around 5:15 p.m. at the Bus Transfer Station on Feb. 5. She reported the crime to Police Services at approximately 6 p.m.

Police Services Lt. Jose Oliveira would not provide the name of the female victim as of press time on Tuesday. She was not hurt in the robbery.

According to Oliveira, the victim described her assailant as an adult African-American male wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans.

The victim told P o l i c e Services the assailant snatched her cell phone after a “tug Oliveira of war” for the phone until the assailant pushed the victim and ran off across the street toward the Del Camino-Valencia housing complexes with her phone.

The victim told Police Services she saw a group of students who watched the crime occur but did not intervene or attempt to stop the assailant.

According to the report filed with Police Services, the victim Q SEE ROBBERY: Page 4

Residents may see rationing

By Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

On Jan. 17, Gov. Jerry Brown issued a Calif. state of water emergency that urged residents to cut back water consumption by 20 percent after experiencing the state’s driest year in recorded history.

“The drought won’t effect students too much,” Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. “The landscape will be stressed and we could lose some plant life.”

Last year, Contra Costa College used 16,964,671 gallons of water and Diablo Valley College used 29,888,234 gallons from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) according to information compiled by Contra Costa Community College District Energy Manager

in brief X Gov.

Jerry Brown issued a California state of water emergency that urges residents to cut back water consumption by 20 percent on Jan. 17.

Q SEE DROUGHT: Page 4

Recalling King’s Contra Costa College visit NEWS EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

The March on Washington, D.C., by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and 200,000 of his supporters in 1963 is remembered as one of the most iconic moments in civil rights history.

Yet many are not aware that a mere six months after that famous march, on Feb. 14, 1964 — 50 years ago this week — Dr. King visited the small city of San Pablo, and gave a speech in the local community college’s gymnasium.

The then 35-year-old civil rights leader from Georgia spoke to more than 2,000 students and members of the East Bay that evening at Contra Costa College.

Tickets cost only $1, and allowed people to listen to one of the most influential men of the century speak during his first trip to Northern California.

King came to speak about the importance of the Civil Rights Act, and how imperative it was to pass it into law. His speech at CCC happened a mere three months after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

“I think the greatest tribute the nation can have for the late President Kennedy is to pass the Civil Rights Bill without a change of one word,” King said to the

Ted Radke,

former Contra Costa College student

crowd gathered in the Gymnasium, as quoted in the Feb. 21, 1964 edition of The Advocate.

King’s charisma won over the crowd.

“He brought down the house,” former student Ted Radke said. “The gym was packed. I’ve never seen a crowd so excited.”

Former state assemblyman John T. Knox was able to spend time with King at the reception for him after his speech.

“He had a quiet determination and could look you right in the eye,” Knox said, as quoted in the April 5, 2000 edition of The Advocate. “He really had an interest in what people had to say.”

King came with a message of nonviolence and of acceptance. King stressed how important it was to come together as a community in the struggle for civil rights.

“He focused on morals and principals above race and religion,” Q SEE KING: Page 4

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

leader

By Brian Boyle

Humble stature — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sits in the Contra Costa College Gymnasium on Feb. 14,1964, prior to delivering a rousing speech to a packed house.

“He brought down the house. The gym was packed.”

FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

50 years ago students, faculty, locals gathered on campus for speech by civil rights

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Martin Luther King Jr. civil rights leader 1968 George Morin editor-in-chief Cody McFarland Lorenzo Morotti Rodney Woodson associate editors Brian Boyle news editor Jared Amdahl opinion editor Mike Thomas sports editor Veronica Santos scene editor Qing Huang Christian Urrutia photo editors Janae Harris assistant photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Fanisha Ayatch Joseph Bennet Jamah Butler Nina Cestaro Daniel Cifuentes Sharrell Duncan Florinda Hershey Ryan Holloway Sinoti Iosua Jose Jimenez Van Ly Ryan Margason Manning Peterson Stephen Son Mark Wassberg Sean Whatley Madisen William Staff photographers Cody Casares Jordan Khoo Staff illustrators Joel Ode Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.235.7800 ext. 4315 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: advocate@ contracosta.edu or 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

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014 VOL. 101, NO. 14 L

Editorial Options deserved

Lack of food choices leave students hungry

S

tudents at Contra Costa College have very limited food options on campus. A CCC student gets to choose, most days, between junk food at the Bookstore, Subway or eating at the Three Seasons Restaurant for lunch on campus.

Students who want any form of variety on their plate are forced to look off campus to satisfy themselves.

Considering how much students at CCC pay to go to school here, they deserve to have affordable, healthy meals on campus. A well-fed student body is a happy student body. Hunger pangs have to be the most distracting ailment a student can have while sitting in class.

At Diablo Valley College, students have a much wider selection of places to eat. Like CCC, DVC has a culinary department-run restaurant. DVC also has a school cafeteria, which serves relatively cheap breakfast and lunch food.

DVC also features a small café, also run by the school, a bookstore that sells junk food and an Asian restaurant.

A CCC student can have a sandwich, junk food, or whatever they choose to serve at Three Seasons that day. On any given day, a DVC student can chose from at least three different cuisines.

The lack of food options on campus is a problem.

Not only does the lack of variety encourage students to venture outside of campus, where their options are far from healthy in the immediate area, but it also hurts the college by letting people eager to spend money walk off campus.

By having a larger variety of options on campus, the administration could increase revenue for the college.

CCC needs to increase enrollment, and it also needs to improve student performance.

It may not be a cure all to solve both problems completely, but more food would go a long way toward making students actually want to be here.

The college is taking steps toward this end.

Director of Business Services Mariles Magalong said when construction is finished, the new Student Activities Building will have more room for food vendors.

The vendors also will not have to pay to have the new building’s cafeteria brought up to code, which should attract some of the vendors the last round of bidding to operate on campus scared away.

The college should look toward its solution for Subway when construction is done — food trucks.

Once the new cafeteria is open, the administration could still rent space to a few food truck style vendors, to allow not only for more food options on campus, but for increased revenue for the college.

LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE

N Woes

Construction across campus an obstacle

A

fter returning from winter break, the campus has been changed due to the ongoing construction that is rebuilding the Contra Costa College campus to bring its facilities up to date and able to withstand earthquakes.

The process of rebuilding the school is making many students frustrated, however, with hopes that the end results will be worth it.

There is much to celebrate for future students, but as of now the reconstruction has made some things, like a simple trip to the Bookstore, an unnecessary obstacle.

For instance, as if parking weren’t already a pain before the construction, now the problem has taken on a whole new form.

Students have said they must wake up earlier than usual, just to get a parking spot near their class.

Even after parking, the trek from the parking lot to classes makes the whole process a morning workout.

One of the only benefits that actually comes with the construction is that students get their cardio in before class, especially when running late.

I personally try my best to get to school about 20 minutes before class just to ensure I have a close parking space and enough time to walk there. My first class is in the Liberal Arts Building. It was a short walk before, but now I have to walk around the Library past the Applied Arts Building and finally up two flights of stairs.

Another factor that makes

have been moved to different parts of the campus.

Student activity on campus looks as if it has decreased due to the lack of space available.

It was simple for the Associated Students Union parking such a hassle is how to inform students about upcoming events happening they shifted staff parking into student parking, pushing on campus before, but now it’s more difficult as students students even further away. are scattered.

Even the most impacted Aside from place on campus student life, the is experiencing It wouldn’t campus is not a wave of reconappealing to struction woes, the Bookstore. be a surprise if future students who plan to apply Going from next semester. a large space to student It wouldn’t be a small portable a surprise if sturoom has caused dent enrollment both the staff and enrollment decreases during students to become this time of reconweary of the new decreases struction. location.

However, in Those who pur- during the the long run the chased books at campus is going the beginning of time of to be much better the semester know than it was before. how much of a The next gennightmare the line reconstruction. eration of students was.

On a daily basis there are should have the opportunity to learn in new facilities and times when the lines get too long and the Bookstore staff we should want them to have must close the door and let a a better experience at a community college. line travel outside.

“Nothing worth havThere are not enough designated areas for lunch, aside ing comes easy” definitely applies to our current situafrom the crammed picnic tables next to the Bookstore, tion as students.

Unfortunately, we are for students to meet, read or experiencing the obstacles study. that come with reconstrucCCC used to be a lush, green campus, but all of that tion while the future students will reap the benefit. changed when the construction company cut down Sinoti Iosua is a staff writmany of the trees on campus.

A lot of people were upset er for The Advocate. Contact her at siosua.theadvocate@ by the uprooting and felt that some of the plants could gmail.com.

sinotiiosua

CampusComment

What food options would you like to see on campus?

“I would not mind a fruit stand.”

“A burger place that’s not McDonald’s.”

“I want to see a Jamba Juice.”

Melvin Pineda

Pablo Perez

Chris Boonpeng

chemistry

English

computer science

“Stuff that’s quick like a taco truck, some Chinese food and healthy food. They could make money if they sold frozen yogurt during summer time.”

Joselle Dancel

human development CODY CASARES AND MIKE THOMAS / THE ADVOCATE

“Subway is OK, but I would like to see something healthier that is not commercialized.”

“Probably like a Starbucks or Jamba Juice stand or a burrito truck would be cool.”

Jenell Singleton

Earnest Wilson

business administration

automotive services

FORUM

Fast food gets put into express lane

M

any fast-food industries have seen a hike in sales since the recession and many are trying out new ventures to keep customers coming back.

One of those is the idea of express fast-food or fast-food on demand.

Seasons of Japan, a fastfood Japanese restaurant, had a successful grand opening on Jan. 6.

There was a line of customers curious as to what this mysterious restaurant was about and what it has to offer.

“My food came out before I even finished paying,” one customer outside said, “Service was fast, great and the food was awesome.”

“When you see a line of customers,” Toshi Hirata, the son of the CEO of the entire Seasons of Japan franchise said, “they stand there for 20 minutes just on their phone, not minding at all that they are standing there for 20 minutes before they get to the front of the line. But as soon as their wallets come out, their ‘patience clock’ starts ticking.”

Hirata said, “So they are pleasantly surprised when they get their food right away.

But get them to stand around for 20 minutes after they paid and you’ll be sure to receive some complaints.”

Even Chipotle, a branch of McDonalds Corp. one of the leading fast-food industries in the world, uses a similar business model and has had great success.

The best part of restaurants, like Seasons of Japan or Chipotle, is not only the friendly and speedy service but the quality of the ingredients of the food.

They use products from free-ranged farmed animals, no added chemicals to dairy products and all prepped, cooked and ready to serve to each order.

If that’s not what a customer is looking for in fast-food dining, I don’t know what is.

I’ve noticed that fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Burger King have gotten a lot slower.

I believe that part of the reason being is that the menu has gotten more complicated with not much nutritional benefit added.

Too many new items are added and there is too much for anyone to look though while in line.

Furthermore, the employees have to keep learning new recipes causing production speed to decrease as well.

Almost every time I order from McDonald’s, I have to check my bag to see if they got my order correct.

The level of service at these fast-food restaurants is far from exceptional.

Compared to other places that value customer service like restaurants like Seasons of Japan.

If McDonald’s reverts back to its more simple menu as it did in the early 90s, then all it would have to do is concentrate on making the food right and getting the order right.

Production speed will increase and people will be going back to being confident with a coke, some fries and a cheeseburger because that’s all they want to order.

Hopefully with time these fast-food restaurants will see the value of their old ways.

Steve Son is staff writer for The Advocate. Contact him at sson.theadvocate@gmail.com.

3

MailBag

N Restaurants

steveson

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Lack of Transfer/Career Center leaves student lost for information Editor: In regards to the published article by Jared Amdahl titled “Essential Resource Missing” (Advocate, Nov. 20), I totally agree that the lack of a Transfer/Career Center is a huge problem for our students.

Since the transfer center was cancelled, we (students) need to make an

appointment with regular counselors to get transfer information.

My process of meeting with a counselor took about a month and he didn’t have the accurate knowledge to inform me of my transferring concerns, which left me confused and frustrated.

I feel like I didn’t receive any information that I needed and the four weeks wait was wasted.

As a student at CCC, I feel like the help for transferring to a four year college is very limited.

Also, DVC has available help for transferring, employment, resumé

building and personal statement writing.

Why don’t we have these services?

I strongly believe it is very unfair because they are in the same college district.

Students from DVC have large space to receive help in a timely manner, however, CCC students need to wait up to a month just to get an answer to one question. CCC should reopen the Transfer/ Career Center to boost up the college’s transfer rate.

Jael Chong, political science major

Remembering Dr. King’s visit I

t was the year of 1964; I was enrolled in the coveted curriculum of architectural engineering at Contra Costa College, San Pablo, Calif.

Suddenly, I was startled by the ringing of the phone.

It was Sushma, a fellow student, one of the four students from India on campus.

“Hello Syed, (the American way of organizing names had made me Syed), hope I am not interrupting anything,” she said. I recognized the voice immediately and greeted her with a “Hi Sushma.”

Then continued the response, “Not really, I am merely trying to solve a calculus problem for Hancock’s math class tomorrow,” I said. “This gives me a break from the intensity of concentration.”

She said, “Dr. Martin Luther King is scheduled to address the student body at the college Gymnasium at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

“Do you think you can attend the event?” she asked.

I responded, in an apologetic tone, “I don’t know if it is possible for me Sushma.

I will be very busy with homework.”

She was relentless. She insisted, “Syed, Dr. King has publicly stated that he has adopted Gandhi Ji’s philosophy of nonviolence in his campaign for civil rights.

“That connects Dr. King with the Indian Independence movement in a remote way.

“It would be very interesting to hear what he has to say.”

I thought for a second, trying to plan a schedule for myself on the spur of the moment. “OK Sushma, you have convinced me, I will attend.”

“Good,” she said, “I will wait for you in the lobby at the Gym at 6:30 p.m. Please don’t be late; we must get seats as close as possible to the stage.”

To which I said, “OK, I will see you in the lobby at 6:30 tomorrow.” We ended the conversation and I went back to my calculus problem.

I saw Sushma as I approached the Gymnasium.

Without acknowledging she said, “Quick Syed, let us go in. The place is filling up fast.”

And she started to dart toward the entrance. I followed her. We found two seats in the third row.

As we sat down, waiting for the ceremonies to begin.

I watched Sushma bring out an autograph book from her bag.

I remarked immediately, “Don’t tell me you are going to attempt to autograph Dr. King.” “Of course,” she said.

I continued, “You realize that Dr. King is known to have said in the past that he does not believe in autographs and has adopted a policy of no autographs.”

“There is no harm in trying Syed,” she responded boldly, “I will be the happiest woman on the campus if I succeed.”

Then she said, “Risk has

guestcommentary Syed Wajahat Hussain its rewards you know.”

At precisely 7 p.m. the president of CCC came on to the stage and addressed the student body first.

There were some announcements, then a description of the protocol for the speech and instructions on exiting the Gym after the event.

Finally, he stated, that Dr. King had expressed a desire to meet the student body after his speech.

He will be taken to the Fireside Room immediately following the speech. Where he will be at the entrance and greet students.

Just then I heard the college president announce, “Here is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” At that point four big and tall men wearing black suits and dark glasses came on to the stage and positioned themselves at the back, with their hands clasped at their front.

These presumably were the security men forming the front of the entourage, followed by Dr. King.

Dr. King was a person of medium height and stocky figure, with crisp facial features and a face that emitted a lot of energy.

He was a very impressive human being indeed.

That was the moment the whole student body burst into a unified clapping session and slowly, one-by-one every one stood up in the gesture of a standing ovation.

The clapping went on for a few minutes and then the college president raised his hand in a gesture to settle the audience down.

The introduction consisted of a long list of Dr. King’s accomplishments so far and a little history of the movement he represented.

Then finally the presentation, “Here, ladies and gentlemen I give you, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The whole crowd went wild one more time.

The speech was mostly a discussion of what he was trying to accomplish.

He wanted the categorizing of people by their creed and races to disappear from American culture. However, he insisted that the followers of the movements must accomplish this in a nonviolent way. No one in this movement shall carry arms at any time. The methods shall be restricted to education through speeches and seminars, civil disobedience and personal sacrifices.

Anyone who wishes to join the movement shall leave his material assets and his weapons behind and shall be prepared for any unforeseen consequences.

At the end of the speech, there was a lengthy questions and answer session. At the end of the session he went forward and invited everyone to come over to meet him in the Fireside Room. The crowd was ecstatic; there was a long

standing ovation as he left gressed. the stage.

Suddenly one day the Sushma and I quickly media flashed the depressing followed the crowd to the news of Dr. Martin Luther Fireside Room and joined King’s demise. queue of well-wishers. The I felt as if a bolt of lightline was already impresning had gone through me. sively long.

The only emotion I could We were now close to conjure up was, “What a the entrance, I could see Dr. waste of brilliance.”

King shaking hands, remarkThe same night as I lay in ing and laughing or smilbed I thought of the time I ing in response to students’ had met him and shook his remarks. hand.

It was now the turn of the I remembered the sincergroup ahead of us to enter ity in his speech, his pleasand meet Dr. King. Each of antness in his mannerism the girls greeted Dr. King and behavior. and stood around asking Then suddenly I began quick questions. to examine his accomplishHe answered very polite- ments and thought “His life ly. was so parallel to the life of Sushma entered the room; Gandhi Ji.” Gandhi Ji started I was a short his movement when he was brutally thrown out of the Just then distance behind her. second-class compartment from a train in South Africa.

She greeted I heard Dr. King Dr. King started his with a smile. movement when Rosa Parks the college He looked was arrested and taken out of at her for just a city bus when she refused president a second and to give up her seat to a white took a step man. back.

Both movements mainannounce, “You are tained their nonviolent from India!” nature to the end.

“Here is he exclaimed Gandhi Ji’s supporters with an audi- marched. So did Dr. King’s Dr. Martin ble element supporters. Gandhi Ji’s of surprise in supporters harvested salt to his speech. break an unfair law.

Luther Then Dr. King’s supporters sat shook her at lunch counters of restauKing Jr.” hand and rants that had restricted clisaid, “I entele policy.

He was a believe very Gandhi Ji finally constrongly in vinced the British to give up Mahatma India. a very Gandhi’s Dr. King convinced President Lyndon Johnson to impressive philosophy of nonviosign the Civil Rights Act and lence and I make a commitment to the human have tried war on poverty. hard to folFinally, both peace loving being low it as leaders, Gandhi Ji and Dr. closely as King, died at the hands of possible.” assassins. indeed.

Sushma Then I remembered stood there completely Sushma’s reasoning: “The unshaken with a slight smile Civil Rights Movement in and said, “I thoroughly USA is connected with the enjoyed listening to you Indian Independence movement in a remote way.” today Dr. King, Thank you for addressing us.”

Syed Wajahat Hussain Now it was my turn, I had is a Contra Costa College to compose myself after the shock of watching what had alumni. Send letters to the editor and guest commenhappened. taries to accent.advocate@ I managed it somehow gmail.com. with a smile.

Then shook his hand warmly and all I could say was, “Dr. King what an educational discussion, I thoroughly enjoyed your speech.

Thank you for visiting our campus.”

He shook my hand and bowed and said, “I am humbled, thank you for coming to hear me.”

Days passed, life proILLUSTRATION BY LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014

Follow The Advocate

CAMPUS BEAT

Department opens auditions

will direct the drama department’s take on “A three.�

Midsummer Night’s Dream.�

He also said that this spring CCC will hire a STAFF WRITER “Here at CCC we have a very strong vocation- new chairperson for the drama department and jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com al staff and a great technical staff,� Dildine said. that it will be a “pretty big expansion� from the “A Midsummer Night’s Dream� is a comedy days of former chairperson Clay David.

The Knox Center and the Contra Costa describing hilarious events surrounding the mar“I encourage people to sign up for drama College drama department have two major riage of the Duke of Athens. Mischievous magic classes,� he said. “It’s a fun way to get some productions in store for this semester. and fairies inhabit a forest where most of the play breadth (requirements) in your major if you’re The drama department held auditions is set. ‘flirting’ with some classes you need.� for William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Shakespeare was an English poet and playThe drama department has already held audiNight’s Dream� on Friday, Saturday and wright widely regarded as one of the greatest tions and intense rehearsals have already begun Sunday.

English language writers ever. He is known as for “In The Blood,� directed by Tyrone Davis. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream� will be England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon.� “In The Blood� is a play by Suzan-Lori Parks Q THE HUB the final play the department is doing this Dildine said that the department has under- and is centered on a homeless mother of five. semester. The play is one of Shakespeare’s gone a new regime and that along with music and There will be lovingly comical moments amid the most popular works, and is widely per- dancing collaborations, the Knox Center will be harsh worlds of poverty. formed across the word. very busy in the near future.

Dildine said “In The Blood� is a classic tale of “We can always use more people,� Doug “Last year we only had one production dark drama with good taste of humor.

Dildine, interim drama department coordina- (‘Twilight: Los Angeles 1992’),� Dildine said. “Sign up for Drama 220 in the fall and just The HUB is now in operation tor, said. “Everybody has an actor in them.� “We reactivated Drama 230 and are producing come on down and audition if you never have,� for students looking for help with Linda Jackson-Whitmore, who directed the two plays this semester. For the fall semes- he said. “It’s a fun form of art.� homework or any subject in PS- “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,� ter of 2014, we are slated to produce a total of 107.

The HUB is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

The Hub includes counselors, instructional faculty, students, snacks and conversation.

Q FROM: Page 1 A proposal from the Safety Committee campus in the morning,� he said. “Most of our For more information visit the never approached the group for assistance. includes the installation of surveillance cam- police aides have class in the morning so most HUB in PS-107 on Mondays and The victim then boarded the 76 AC Transit eras around the three entrances to the college of our patrolling is done in the evening when Tuesdays. bus. From the bus, the victim said she saw her on Castro Road, Mission Bell Drive and Mills it’s dark on campus.� assailant at the Jack in the Box on San Pablo Avenue.

Crimes at the Bus Transfer Center have seen Avenue, just down the street from the college Police Services is reviewing the footage at a decline in the past year, Oliveira said. and Bus Transfer Center, Oliveira said. the Bus Transfer Center to get a better timeline “I wasn’t aware of a robbery on campus,�

Q HERITAGE When Police Services reviewed the surveil- of what happened, and where exactly the crime medical assistant Derrikka Miller said. “They lance footage, they saw no evidence of the took place, Oliveira said. should have a police report that is sent to robbery that was reported to them at the Bus “In response to the robbery we have more students, maybe through a mass text message Transfer Center during the time of the crime. police aides on campus in the evening hours to system so students can be aware of crime spikes There were no current leads for a suspect as try and curb this issue from happening again,� on campus.� of press time on Tuesday.

Oliveira said.

Jordan Boone, liberal arts major agrees.

An African Heritage Month celSurveillance cameras were installed at the Oliveira said, Police Services has more open“Even if it’s the theft of a cell phone, stuebration will be held on Feb. 13 Bus Transfer Center due to a spike in robberies ings for police aides on campus. dents have a right to know,� Boone said. “We from 6-8 p.m. in the Knox Center. in the fall 2011 semester. “We’re looking for police aides to patrol the can be another eye for the police.�

The event will showcase the history of the African drum and the traditional form of communication, as well as how it was used for various purposes, such as orally recording, preserving and sharing community history and culture.

Q FROM: Page 1 The event is sponsored by the Q FROM: Page 1 precipitation levels in the area up to more The lack of options on campus can be traced back to African-American studies depart- David Vaznaik. than 13 inches. the old cafeteria that existed before the demolition of the ment, the African-American Staff “All the water we get from EBMUD is “Though the storms were welcome,� Student Activities Building.

Association and the ASU. purified and safe to drink,� King said.

Public Information Representative for Director of Business Services Mariles Magalong said For more information contact A lot of the water that is used at CCC EBMUD Nelsy Rodriguez said, “EBMUD that when the college was originally accepting bids for the African-American studies depart- is to maintain the Soccer, Baseball and needs additional rain and snow over the contract to provide food for the campus, one of the requirement Chairperson Carolyn Hodge Softball fields, King said. He said that next few months to replenish reservoirs.� ments was that any vendor interested in selling food must at 510-215-4934. each time they have to water the fields, She said while they certainly encour- use their own money to set up the cafeteria. The restaurant about 30,000 gallons of water are fed age customers to ration water there is no that would service the campus would be responsible for through the sprinkler systems. King said need for customers to be concerned about making sure everything was up to code and sanitary. the weather determines exactly how often not having enough water to drink. “When the vendors were informed of the expenses they Q PRESIDENT’S DAY the fields are watered.

Rodriguez said, should the Pardee would have to incur in order to operate on campus, most To decrease the upkeep costs of the drop to a critically low level, EBMUD of them completely backed out,� Magalong said. “In the fields, a well was dug five years ago dur- could ask for additional water conserva- end, only Subway and another vendor were interested, and ing the 2008-09 California water crisis. tion, supplement water supplies with the Subway’s prices were much less expensive.� “The well feeds all athletic fields that Sacramento River via Freeport, or attempt Before construction began, Subway generated a small need it, and if it doesn’t run dry it can save to purchase water from another agency. revenue stream for the college through a commission of The campus will be closed from us a heck of a lot of money,� King said.

Whether any of those methods happen their profits.

Friday to Monday in observance Vaznaik said that the increase of water would be up to the board of directors, Though Subway continues to serve the college, now of the birthdays of Presidents consumption on campus this month could she said. that construction has relocated the Subway on campus to Washingon and Lincoln. possibly be due to the recent demolition Many campuses in our district, espe- the small, modular truck near the Bookstore, that revenue The campus will reopen on of the Humanities and Student Activities cially CCC and Diablo Valley College stream has dried up.

Tuesday. buildings on campus. Purified water that are located in a Wildland Urban Interface “We extended Subway’s contract to the end of construcis being pumped through hoses for “dust (WUI). A WUI is defined in the tion,� Magalong said. “A part of their contract, though, is suppression.�

Community Wildfire Protection Plan for that we would forgo the commission if they provided the The water usage report provided to Contra Costa County, prepared by the capital for the truck themselves.�

Q SEMINAR CCC by the EBMUD for January 2014 Diablo Fire Safety Council, as an area This decision was made in order to continue to provide shows 1,140,700 gallons of water have where urban environments border a natu- students with a options on where to eat on campus. already been consumed by the college ral landscape. If dry conditions continue When construction finishes in three years, students at — roughly 36,767 gallons per day. into the summer months, wildfires may CCC could have a much different outlook on eating on Last January, only 225,148 gallons become a major concern for people living campus. of water were consumed on campus, or in these WUI areas.

When construction ends, Three Seasons will be located A seminar to support urgent 6,822 a day. Water usage on campus has Without adequate amounts of pre- in the new cafeteria, which will also have room for two field research in Sudan, the “Save increased tremendously since last year. cipitation, brush fires can become a major other vendors to sell food to students, Magalong said.

Nubia Project,� will be held on The Pardee Reservoir is located in concern for the district come the summer “When the new cafeteria opens we will have to redo Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Mokelumne River water shed in the months. the bidding process, to see who can operate on campus,�

LA-100.

Sierra Nevada. It supplies the East Bay Water usage at CCC for June and July she said.

The seminar will focus on the with 90 percent of its water. of last year was 5,986,992 gallons accordBusiness administration major Ben Martin said, “I was classical African civilizations of This area recently received more than ing to Vazniak’s water usage records. surprised they had a Subway here, but I never eat on camancient Kush and Nubia and how 6 inches of rainfall since Friday, bringing pus.� they are in jeopardy of being permanently flooded by a series of ADVERTISEMENT dams along the Nile River in northern central Sudan.

Time is limited for history professor Manu Ampim and his research team to document the remaining archaeological evidence Q FROM: Page 1 cultures, is important. before the flooding begins in those Radke said. “He focused on what was “By not taking any ethnic studies areas. good for the nation as a whole.� courses, our students here are missing Admission for the event is $10 Yet, 50 years later, the nation is still out on a complete picture of our history,� for general admittance and $5 for struggling with inequality — be it racial, Hodge said. students with their student ID. gender, or based upon sexual orientation.

She stressed how she makes her classFor more information on the “There is still racism in this coun- es a “safe haven� where students can feel event call Ampim at 510-273- try,� African-American studies depart- free to ask questions about other races 2456. ment Chairperson Carolyn Hodge said. and cultures.

“Things are just more subtly denied to King helped change the world in the people of color and to women.�

1950s and 1960s, until he was shot to One would expect, 50 years after he death in Tennessee in 1968. His assasspoke here, that King’s message of equal- sination would prove to be almost the ity for all would be more widespread at prophetic end to the speech he made at CCC, yet many students are unaware that CCC four years prior.

Wednesday, Feb. 5: he even spoke here. “Before the victory is won, some will A former boyfriend and girl“I never knew that he (King) came be thrown in jail, others will face violent friend got into a physical alterca- to visit and speak here,� nursing major death,� King told the crowd in the Gym, CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE tion in the Applied Arts Building. Max Kamthai said. “That says something “but their deaths will not be in vain if we about this college, that he chose this col- can bring about a period when the people An officer conducted a pedes- lege ahead of other ones in our area.� in our country are no longer faced with trian stop on a minor and he was Hodge said, “We have this image in the nightmare of racial living-death.�

King laid his life down for racial and found to be in possession of mari- our minds that everything is perfect now,

juana and tobacco products. The but it really isn’t.� cultural equality. His struggle has served

minor was cited and released on La Raza studies professor AgustĂŽn as the inspiration for many, and a powerscene.

Palacios said that in order to get an asso- ful teaching tool for students across the đ Small Classes đ Financial aid and scholarships available ciate of arts degree, the type of degree nation. đ Outstanding faculty with academic đ Classes start in January and August “We need to keep his dream alive,�

A student was robbed at the community colleges offer, a student is and real world expertise Bus Transfer Station. The student’s not required to take a single ethnic stud- liberal arts major Arlen Downing said.

đ Convenient campuses in Santa 925.867.2711 property was taken by force and ies course. “He was a great leader for civil rights. It Rosa, San Jose, Pleasanton, $$$ #! # ! " and Sacramento fear. An area check for the sus“We should learn more about each feels good to know I go to a college that pect was conducted with negative other’s culture and history,� Dr. Palacios King spoke at.�

King’s message of culture acceptance results. The victim did not suffer said. “Not making any ethnic studies any physical harm due to robbery. course a requirement for an A.A. is a is especially important to members of the mistake.�

San Pablo community. One need only — George Morin Hodge agreed with Palacios, saying step onto campus to see how racially cultural pluralism, or learning about other diverse it is.

Receive breaking news and sports updates by following The Advocate on Twitter and Facebook. twitter.com/accentadvocate facebook.com/accentadvocate

By Jose Jimenez

Newsline

Space open for student study

Robbery | Mugging raises campus concern

Knox Center to hold celebration

Drought | Lack of water Food | Wanted

Campus closed for holiday

Event to inform college body

King | 50-year-old speech

CrimeWatch

SAN FRANCISCO

S A N TA R O S A

SAN JOSE

SACRAMENTO

PLEASANTON

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

5

Loss of buildings bears memories Demolition brings out past experiences

By Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

Throughout the years, the hub of the college in which students regularly congregated and socialized has bounced around various locations, but remained roughly in the middle of the campus.

Today, the middle of the campus is a graded lot full of rubble, heavy machinery and turned dirt. What once stood in that lot, aside from a viable hub for students to relax in, were the Humanities Building, Student Activities Building and Amphitheater.

These original pieces of Contra Costa College, which will remain in the memories of the students and college employees that once learned, taught and grew in them, were demolished to make room for the new Campus Center, scheduled to open in fall 2016.

Those structures had been on CCC’s campus since it first opened.

“A lot of memories went down with those buildings,” Melody Hanson, senior executive assistant to the president, said. “A lot of fond memories.”

Such sentimental memories will not soon fade.

Hanson said she remembers the campus as far back as when she was 8 years old, when she attended gem and mineral shows with her family in the Fireside Room.

“I remember when there were actually fires in the fireplace there,” she said.

Journalism professor and department Chairperson Paul DeBolt was a student at CCC from 1973-75 and remembers the masses of students that used to congregate

“The construction of the new Campus Center is exciting.

I’m just a sentimental old fool. The new buildings are for the next generation to become attached to.”

Melody Hanson,

senior executive assistant to the president

between the H and the LA buildings. He describes the location as one of the early gathering spots on campus.

Small, cramped classrooms that felt the scorn of the sun by midday are forever ingrained in DeBolt’s mind whenever he recalls the old H Building, he said, adding that is probably the reason why a large portion of the building was converted into Admissions and Records in the early 1980s.

Before this time, Admissions and Records was located in the Art Building.

Hanson remembers when Admissions and Records was housed in the H Building when she was a student. She said she remembers waiting in long lines to enroll for classes.

Despite the building feeling a bit claustrophobic, Hanson recalls her time spent there as “good.”

DeBolt also recalls the designated smoking room that was in the H Building, near where the math department was located before moving to its current swing space in the Applied Arts Building.

“It only lasted about two years,” he said.

“It was a really dumb idea.”

Even after such a short run, the cigarette smoke left that room reeking for years to come, DeBolt said.

District Governing Board Trustee John Marquez, who was a student at CCC in the

late 1960s and early 1970s, said, “The H Building was very popular in my days at CCC. I remember many meetings, getting input from others. It was there that I noticed the lack of a Chicano studies department and became a student leader of a group that met with college officials and the chancellor to make (that department).”

Marquez not only co-founded the Latino Club in 1969, but was involved in the formation of the La Raza studies department as well.

“I am proud to say that I am one of the founders of that department,” he said.

Marquez also reminisces about the various performances he witnessed in the old Amphitheatre.

Marquez said Carlos Santana played in the Amphitheatre in his early days, and that Tower of Power also once played at the Amphitheatre.

He said he recollects the raucous scene, saying that local high school students had cut class to come see Tower of Power that day and that the Amphitheatre was so packed that there were students on the roof of the Student Activities Building just to get a good view.

Another notable guest to visit CCC was political activist Angela Davis, who spoke to students in the Amphitheatre on the Friday following the Rodney King verdict in May 1992.

Darris Crear, lead operations assistant for the Bookstore, said he holds dear many memories from his time as a student in the late 1990s.

As a member of the Associated Students Union in 1999, Crear spent much of his time in the old Student Life Center, between the Bookstore, the ASU chambers and the cafeteria.

During that time in the college’s history, that portion of campus acted as a hub for students, he said.

Hearts opened through personal perspectives

By George Morin and Christian Urrutia STAFF WRITERS

accent.advocate@gmail.com

Sharing of one’s feelings or emotional experiences to allow self-understanding is done not often enough, according to a class that does not see itself as a regular setting for students.

Humanities and philosophy department Chairperson David Houston said what his students do in his Understanding Love course is share personal feelings tied to an emotional event. “(Emotional events) can be either an up or a down. This is not a normal class and I have no interest in this being a regular class,” Houston said.

Student Eleanor Demby said, “The class focuses on everyday experiences and life experiences, and (Houston) speaking on the subject is comfortable and not intense.”

Demby also said the humanities course, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Computer Technology Center, expands and explores the entire topic of love.

“Not (just) in the erotic sense, (the course) is about the universal sense of love — like the love of trees or how you love different things,” she said.

English major Demetri Doiron said love is something that everybody needs and wants, and taking this course has enabled him to identify that set of emotions.

Doiron had previously taken another course with Houston and still needed to fulfill humanities units needed to transfer. He

enrolled once he saw the listing.

“He touches (love) from all angles and makes you express how you feel, not what people think of you,” Doiron said.

Houston stresses how students cannot simply drift through the course.

“This class is more demanding because you can’t hide in this class. (Because of that) students today are quicker to irritate. A lot of our problems, I think, are because we’re less loving now and less caring — we are good destroyers,” he said.

He also said students are often times too angry to admit their problems, and hold them in longer than what is mentally healthy.

“There are jerks everywhere and your personal (everyday) experience is intricate to what the human community will become,” Houston said.

He added that the class is an attempt to have a setting where people can be more honest with each other and open up.

Doiron also said the class helps students communicate with each other and therefore better know one another.

“You leave feeling expressive, and since you understand love better, you’ll be able to dish it out more effectively,” Doiron said.

Demby said that love cannot be taught, but can be researched. He compared it to remorse.

“Most people make the mistake of attaching themselves emotionally and not understanding what’s behind it,” she said.

Each student recounts a past emotional experience in front of class along with presentations on the four course books, done in

groups.

Dental assisting major Esmeralda Madriz enjoys the fact that students share, because everyone learns what afflicts individuals on the inside, instead of just the outside.

Fellow student Susan Hildago also finds it enjoyable to understand different love stories. She said a lot of people don’t know the meaning of love.

Hildago said she plans to share about the time her niece was born describing it as an “innocent love,” and wants to learn more about love, in general.

Demby shares that same sentiment with Hildago.

“I’m curious about the course because I don’t know what to expect and Houston’s ideas are always interesting,” Demby said.

Houston also talked about how the push for standardization is eliminating courses without a definitive student learning outline or immediate results.

Former drama department chairperson Clay David, who during his tenure had discussed plans on coteaching a class with Houston, said the idea of a humanities course with a simplified outcome is hard to do. It is about the heart and the mind, not a grade.

“It is hard to quantify the spirit of this course. Say, for example, if you are in a math class, you can at least measure how well you are doing in the course, but when we talk about philosophy, inspiration, celebration, hope or a journey of the arts, it could take years for it to be quantified,” David said.

“You can’t quantify feelings of inspiration and compassion,” he said.

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“Everyone hung out in the cafeteria back in the day. You were almost guaranteed to see your friends pass through at one time or another. It was the hub of the campus for a while,” he said. “It’s interesting to think about how many students passed through it.

And now it’s just gone.”

DeBolt said, “Buildings don’t last forever. Everybody goes through it — if you live long enough, you see old things go.

Watching those buildings get demolished so quickly, it was really sad. They sure took them down fast.”

But timing is everything for a college trying to increase enrollment and persistence while modernizing the campus. The new Campus Center is due to open in fall 2016.

Crear said he is looking forward to the new center.

“Change can be a good thing, and that building needed a change,” he said. “Every big rainstorm, the ceiling in the back stockroom (of the old Bookstore) would leak.”

The new Bookstore that will open within the new Campus Center is said to be very modern and more customer friendly, he said, though a concrete floor plan has yet to be decided.

“The construction of the new Campus Center is exciting. I’m just a sentimental old fool,” Hanson said. “The new buildings are for the next generation to become attached to.”

Marquez said, “I know that the students in the surrounding community will be proud of the new structures once they (the buildings are up and they (students) can see them.

A lot of thought and effort has been put into their design.”

TEACHING HARMONY

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Hands on approach — Business major Erik Patterson (left) listens to David Houston, humanities department chairperson, during Houston’s Understanding Love class in CTC-114 on Thursday. The class focuses on seeing the commonality of different perspectives and experiences with love and emotion.

6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “RoboCop” (PG-13) “About Last Night” (R) “Endless Love” (PG-13) “Winter’s Tale” (PG-13) “Adult World” (PG-13) “Date and Switch” (R)

DVDs

New releases: “The Best Man Holiday” (R) “The Counselor” (R) “Ender’s Game” (PG-13) “All Is Lost” (PG-13) “The Armstrong Lie” (R)

CDs

New releases: Band of Horses: “Acoustic At The Ryman” Halls: “Love To Give” Hands: “The Soul Is Quick” Aesthetic Perfection: “’Til Death” Cheatahs: “Cheatahs”

Games

New releases: Strider (M) Thief (M) Lighting Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (T) Sid Meier’s Civilization V: The Complete Edition (T) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014

Jazz group crafts album

SCENE

PITCH PERFECT

Release of music provides students experience, merit

By Veronica Santos SCENE EDITOR

vsantos.theadvocate@gmail.com

As part of its curriculum, the music department’s jazz ensembles, Jazzanova and Jazz-Ology, are currently working on their third album, which will be released next spring.

Released in May 2013, their second CD, “Starting Here, Starting Now” was a two-year project that showcased the talent of two generations of Jazzanova and Jazz-Ology members. Jazz-Ology member and department assistant Stephanie Rios said they are currently working on releasing the album through music streaming programs such as iTunes.

The Music Building’s brand new recording studio will be used for the first time this spring to record the upcoming CD’s rhythm section. Recording for vocals will take place in Milpitas with Grammy award winning producer Bill Hare, who is also a producer for NBC’s show The Sing Off. “We record each year — this spring, and we’ll record next spring, and we will also release next spring. It’s a two-year cycle,” music professor Dr. Stephanie Austin said. “Four groups are represented. Jazzanova and JazzOlogy this year, and Jazzanova and Jazz-Ology next year.”

Dr. Austin said most people do not understand the financial side to releasing a CD. “We’re not given the money to do this. We raise every single dime,” she said. According to Austin, nearly $9,500 is used to record, compared to the $25-$30,000 that low-budget CDs usually cost.

“So we’re really putting this out economically,” Austin said. Fundraising is made possible through Jazz-Ology, whose main goal is raising money for the CD. “What’s cool about (releasing an album every two years) is that usually people who are in Jazzanova one year might be in Jazz-Ology the next year,” Jazz-Ology member Selenne Ruiz said.

“So it’s really cool to hear how your voice changes.”

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Practice makes perfect — Music majors Stephanie Rios (right) and Selenne Hernandez (middle) are showcased on the latest album by Jazzanova and JAZZ-ology titled “Starting Here, Starting Now.” The process is done within a time crunch. “As far as production goes, you just have to communicate...we had a two to three week turnaround (on “Starting Here, Starting Now”),” said Rios. Communication must be precise. They must communicate with graphic designers, account managers and make sure tracks are available on time. Austin said that it took two weeks to mix, duplicate and ship their last CD, prior to it being released at their spring music showcase.

Jazz-Ology member John Matthew compared his experience to a “9mm gun with a 50 caliber bullet.” Matthew said, “I was nervous because (Hare) has recorded with award winning artists. Just to be in that recording studio was a privilege.”

The album title, “Starting Here, Starting Now,” was chosen because it was the most personal song for Jazzanova members, according to Rios.

“We put the extra work into that song because it’s so emotional,” Ruiz said.

Due to the 2011-12 Jazzanova members all being Spanish speakers, Rios said they made the song their own by working together to translate and change the lyrics into Spanish. “So we opened up in Spanish and it was the most personal,” she said.

For Austin, the most difficult part of her job is the inability to pick literature for the groups in advance. She must first

see who comes in, hear how they sound and find charts which will fit with their sound.

“You don’t pick the literature and then pick the group, you pick the group and then pick the literature,” she said.

This keeps the groups from singing songs which do not fit who they are as vocalists.

The groups learn between four to eight pieces of music throughout the year. By March, the group decides by

consensus which three or four songs they will record.

“Listening to the recording is a reward because we can never capture what we’re doing with our cell phones,” Jazz-Ology member Eben Miller said.

“It has also made me appreciate the other people in my group a lot, to be able to hear their voices crystal clear.”

‘Lego Movie’ provides laughs, drama Neeson) do all of his dirty work. Mr. Business sends him off to stop the duo and retrieve a piece simply known as “the piece of resistance.”

Mr. Business needs

By Jose Jimenez this last piece to add to STAFF WRITER his collection, known to jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com the LEGO world as “relics.” Along with other It has been more than household items, such as a 80 years in the making dirty Bandbut LEGO finally has the Aid, these movie for which the brand moviereview objects are has been yearning. related to The LEGO brand values the “man imagination, creativity, upstairs,” fun, learning, caring and whose quality so the motion pic“The Lego unseen ture by Warner Brothers is Movie” hand rules family-friendly. +++++ the busy Chris Pratt voices Starring: Chris little plastic Emmet, a construction Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, world. worker with a generic Will Arnett, Liam And that face who follows all the Neeson, Morgan is what instructions given to him Freeman Directed by: Phil the film and that is what he does best. This trait plays a sig- Lord, Chris Miller focuses on, Where: imaginanificant role as the movie Everywhere tion and reaches its climax.

Genre: Adventure, creativity, He stumbles upon and comedy everything befriends Wild Style, aka LEGO is Lucy (Elizabeth Banks). supposed to She was sent by Vitruvius be about.

(Morgan Freeman), a If viewers expect to blind old man, to find the see all of their beloved “Building Master.” This LEGO themed characmaster is the prophecy ters, they may be disapof the LEGO world and pointed because this film this individual will undo is solely based on LEGO all the evil destruction of Construction City toys.

President Business (Will When the movie does Ferrell). show a different character, President Business has Bad Cop/Good Cop (Liam for example, someone like

Film influences imagination in children, adults

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Out of the block — “The Lego Movie” focuses on the imaginary life of Emmet, a construction worker who saves the day with wild antics.

Gandalf from Lord of the Rings or Michelangelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it is only for a few words or a quick glimpse.

No Marvel characters are in the film and given how big Marvel is today that is pretty disappointing.

There is, however, special attention given to details crafted by the animators.

Super geeks will be thrilled with cameos from

Billy Dee Williams and Anthony Daniels who both reprise their roles from Star Wars as Lando and C-3PO. The movie is rated PG for mild animated action and humor that can be sensitive for families with toddlers.

For example, when one of Mr. Business’ robots asks Batman, “Who are you here to see?” Batman says, “I’m here to see…. your butt!” The LEGO movie hits the heart at the

very end and the only animated film I can remember doing that was Pixar’s “Toy Story 3.”

Overall the movie will please audiences of all ages with plenty of big laughs and smiles for it is a brilliant piece of imagination.

It is recommended to see it in 3D so viewers can have the LEGO pieces popping up right in front of them. This will be two hours worth one’s money and time.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Strong second half seals victory Defense retains lead over Eagles, crushes offense

ScoreBoard

Comets 84 Eagles 68

Next game: Today vs. Los Medanos College, 5:30 p.m.

By Lorenzo Morotti

Follow this game live at twitter.com/accentadvocate

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

Throughout the game, Contra Costa College was able to control the rebounding battle en route to an 84-68 win against Mendocino College’s women’s basketball team Friday in the Gymnasium.

“This is a very important game,” Eagles coach Jodi Steliga said pregame. “The Comets are a quality team, and a win tonight is valuable for us to close the gap from third and second place in the Bay Valley Conference.”

“Both these teams are coming off a loss,” Steliga said. “CCC lost to Napa and we lost to Solano last week, so both of our egos are a little hurt — we just have to wait and see who responds first tonight.”

“We are itching to get a quality win on the road,” she said.

CCC (9-3 in BVC, 17-7 overall) remains in second place beneath a Solano Community College (13-0 BVC, 22-4 overall) team that has yet to be beaten in conference play.

After defeating the third place Eagles (7-6 BVC, 12-10 overall), the Comets extended their margin over Mendocino to three games with less than a handful of games remaining on the schedule.

“We are now three games ahead of the third place team with only four games left in the season,” women’s basketball coach Paul DeBolt said post-game. “With this win tonight, we pretty much clinched the post season — but

nothing is certain.”

For Mendocino, this loss possibly means the end of its playoff berth dream. “At this point I don’t know if we have a chance at the post-season,” Steliga said post-game.

CCC scored first with a layup by guard Joie Wyatt, dribbling past three defenders to score on a break, after forcing a turnover.

Seconds later, Mendocino responded when sophomore guard Crystal Cervantes found the net from a distance to tally three points.

The Comets played solid defensively by closing down space in the paint and forcing the Eagles to take shots from a distance.

Guards Raven Caldwell, Jewel Rogers and Joie Wyatt dominated the key, grabbing rebounds, which transitioned into fast break layups or forced Mendocino fouls. MC had 10 fouls by the end of the half to the Comets’ three.

CCC went 9-13 in free throws during the first half, and tallied three 3-pointers when the Eagle defense locked down in the key.

Mendocino made two 3-pointers and two field goals at a slower tempo.

With 15 minutes left on the clock in the first half the teams were deadlocked 10-10. This was the pivotal moment of the game.

CCC forced three consecutive

turnovers under its own net to score each time.

The Comets harnessed this offensive momentum to maintain a slim lead for the remainder of the game.

The first half ended 39-36.

The Eagles offensive efforts by Cervantes and guard Jaylen Wilson kept the pressure on the Comets’ defense.

“They are a good team. They kept us pushing up and down the court,” Caldwell said. “But that’s our style of play so it was no problem for us.”

Both teams opened the second half of play with 3-pointers from Caldwell and MC guard Kaleigh Lincoln. At this point, however, the Mendocino defense was unable to beat CCC’s offensive players in the air to win the rebound.

This gave CCC a second chance at close range to extend the lead.

Multiple times the Comets scored on second chance shot attempts.

In some instances, different CCC players grabbed offensive rebounds up to three times in a possession to finally score.

“We needed to win more rebounds,” Steliga said. “We gave them too many second opportunities.”

Fourteen minutes remained and CCC’s fast-paced offense began to gain more momentum because of solid defensive coverage in the key that forced turnovers.

With 11 minutes left before the final buzzer, CCC extended its lead to eight points, 60-52.

With five minutes left, Mendocino trailed 70-58.

“We have a very aggressive style of play — offensively we wear teams down,” DeBolt said.

“It’s what we do and our next game against Los Medanos will be no different.”

By Brian Boyle NEWS EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Box scores Men’s basketball (Feb. 7) Mendocino College (58) Clark 2-3 0-0 4, Avant 1-1 0-0 2, Shavies 1-1 0-0 2, Butler 5-8 2-4 11, Delaughter 2-3 0-2 4, Hartfield 0-1 1-2 4 , Ketter 7-10 1-2 15, Thomas IV 7-12 0-4 14.

Totals 25-39 4-12 58.

Contra Costa College (59) Mize 4-9 9-10 20, Workman 3-7 0-1 6, Jones 5-8 0-0 13, Vance 0-0 1-2 4 Outing 2-7 2-6 6, Carney 1-1 0-0 2, Brown 1-1 2.

Totals 16-33 12-19 59.

Three-point goals Mendocino — Escobar 1 Hartfield 1. Contra Costa — Baulwin 1 Newell 1, Vance 1 Jones 1.

Fouled out Alameda — None. Contra Costa — None.

Women’s basketball (Feb. 7)

Mendocino College (68) Cervantes 1-14 4-6 15, Lincoln 1-7 0-0 14, Vargas 4-11 1-4 9, Edmonds 3-9 8-8 11, Blundell 2-6 0-0 4, Wilson 6-15 0-0 12, Newton 1-5 0-2 3.

Totals 18-67 13-27 68 Contra Costa College (84) Rogers 7-21 15-18 29, Caldwell 5-19 5-10 19, Wyatt 7-10 3-4 17, Coleman 5-12 4-4 15, Adams 1-12 0-0 2, Jones 1-5 0-0 2.

Total 25-74 27-36 84.

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Far ahead — Comet guard Wilford Carney drives the ball up the court while Eagle guard Jay Poleon attempts to catch up during CCC’s game against Mendocino College on Friday in the Gymnasium.

With the Comets trailing 56-54 Mize sank a goahead 3-pointer with 37 seconds left in the game, but the Eagles’ freshman guard Stacey Butler put them back ahead with a layup down the middle, bringing the score 57-56 with 3.6 seconds left. With no timeouts left, the Comets gave the ball to their best player, Mize, and Clark fouled him with the Comets in the double bonus.

Mize made both of his free throw attempts to seal the win for CCC. Mize said that he loves being in these crucial situations, and “being clutch” is in his genes.

“It was all in my hands and I had to make these free throws. I haven’t been shooting them well in the past,” he said about his game-winning free throws.

The Comets have to win the rest of their four games to have a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Two of those games are on the road at the College of Marin and Solano Community College. CCC is currently 3-4 in its away games.

The Comets are currently on a three-game winning streak.

“It’s always tough to play on the road — we have to make good plays and knock down our shots,” Johnson said.

Mize said, “At the end of the day its win or go home for us. We have to approach every game like a playoff game.”

The Comets’ next game is at home against fourth place Los Medanos College at 7:30 today. The Comets lost 80-72 to LMC in Pittsburg on Jan. 14.

Three-point goals Contra Costa — Caldwell 4, Coleman 1.

Mendocino — Lincoln 4, Cervantes 3, Newton 1.

Fouled out Mendocino — none. Contra Costa — none.

Rebounds Mendocino—25 (Edmonds 9, Vargas 9), Contra Costa 52 (Rogers 20).

Assists Mendocino— 8 (Edmonds 3 ), Contra Costa 17 (Coleman 5).

Softball (Feb. 4) Chabot College AB R Tarango ss 5 2 Olvetti 2b 4 0 Stark dh 5 0 Knowlton cf 5 1 Fulton 1b 3 0 Rich p 4 1 Camacho rf 2 0 Koening c 4 0 Nairaikelau3b 4 1 Fagundes lf 0 0 Duffy ph 2 0 Aqua ph 2 0 Totals 40 5

Contra Costa College AB R H RBI Reyes lf 4 0 1 0 Iosua 2b 4 0 1 1 Oshiro c 4 1 1 0 Brice cf 4 2 2 0 Duncan ss 4 0 0 0 Streater 1b 4 0 3 2 William 3b 4 0 0 0 Ryan dh 3 1 0 0 Bal p 2 0 0 0 Figueroa rf 1 0 0 0

H RBI 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 12 5

Totals

Chabot College Contra Costa College Contra Costa College

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

No pressure — Comet guard Tynisha Adams (right) jumps up for a layup while Eagles guard Crystal Cervantes (left) watches during CCC’s game against Mendocino College on Friday in the Gymnasium. The Comets were victorious, 84-68.

Gladiators trample Comets 5-4, 10-4

Basketball squad stops Mendocino A crucial foul committed by Eagles’ sophomore guard Emmit Clark led to two Comet free throw shots, lifting the men’s basketball team to a 59-58 victory against Mendocino College (7-16 overall, 4-9 in the Bay Valley Conference) Friday at the Gymnasium.

Sophomore guard Davion Mize hit the clutch game-winning free throws to keep the team in third place.

Contra Costa College (13-11 overall, 7-5 in the BVC) came out sloppy and defensively ScoreBoard offensively in the first half, and Eagles Comets 59 sophomore center Alfred Eagles 58 Thomas IV had his way, scoring 12 points, predomiNext game: nately against freshman forToday vs. ward Darius Workman in Los Medanos the post.

College, 7:30 “Big 44 (Thomas) had a p.m. good game tonight. He was playing physical with me and he had me frustrated,” Workman said about the first half.

The Comets could not rebound the ball, and were making bad shot decisions. It was freshman guard Marcel Jones’ 10 points that kept the team in the game, but the Comets trailed 33-32 at halftime.

In the second half the Comets’ defense forced 15 turnovers on the Eagles. The defense also made adjustments to completely shut out Thomas in the second half, holding him to two points.

“We just tried to push him off the block and started to play him outside and he got some fouls,” men’s basketball coach Miguel Johnson said.

Sophomore guard Wilford Carney said, “When I came off the bench I felt like we had to play good defense, so we started talking and got in front of the opponents to make plays.”

7

34 4 8 3

000 011 21 - 5 210 010 00 - 4 IP

H R ER BB SO

Bal (L)

8.0

12 5 2 4 9

Chabot College Rich (W) 8.0 8 4 3 *No current standings for preseason play

Totals

H 3 2 4 3 2 3 2 1 1 0

Contra Costa College AB R H RBI Reyes lf 4 2 2 0 Duncan ss 4 0 2 0 Oshiro c 4 1 2 1 Brice cf 2 0 1 0 Streater 1b 4 1 2 0 Iosua 2b 4 0 1 0 William 3b 4 0 2 0 Ryan dh 4 0 1 0 Figueroa rf 2 0 0 0 Myers ph 1 0 0 0 Newton ph 2 0 0 0 Bal p 0 0 0 0 Totals 35 4 13 1

RBI 1 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 1 0

36 10 21 8

Chabot College Contra Costa College Contra Costa College Fowler (L) Bal Chabot College Rich (W)

Game of the Week Women’s basketball

Softball (Feb. 4) Chabot College AB R Tarango ss 5 2 Olvetti 2b 3 0 Stark dh 4 3 Knowlton cf 4 1 Rich p 4 1 Koenig c 4 1 Aqua 1b 4 1 Camacho rf 4 0 Fagundes lf 3 0 Fulton ph 1 0

1 6

HAYWARD — The Comets’ softball team (0-2 overall, 0-0 in the Bay Valley Conference) struggled to find its footing against the Chabot College Gladiators (2-2 overall, 00 in the Coast-North Conference), losing 5-4, and 10-4 against the Gladiators in a doubleheader on Feb. 4.

The Comets’ first game was a very close 5-4 contest, which came down to a single strike in the 7th inning, which Comet pitcher Caitlyn Bal was unable to secure.

After the first game, Contra Costa College’s softball coach Karolyn Gubbine said, “This was a tough loss.”

CCC errors would lead to a sixrun pounding in the second contest.

Taking the field for their second game, the Comets and the Gladiators both looked like completely different teams compared to the first.

“We brought the bats a lot sooner in the second game,” Gladiators’ softball coach Ashley Lokey said.

On the field, the Comets fell apart during the second game.

“I think the pressure just got to some of the girls,” right fielder Elvira Figueroa said.

Multiple errors along the Comets’ third baseline cost the Comets dearly, and allowed the Gladiators to race home throughout both games.

Slow responses by the Comets’ infield allowed the Gladiators to end up on base more than the quality of the Gladiators’ batters did.

Comet left fielder Liliana Reyes hit a single against Chabot’s pitcher Jessica Rich to start game two.

Reyes’ hit would turn into the

first run ScoreBoard scored during the secGladiators 5 ond game, Comets 4 when the Comets’ Gladiators 10 c a t c h e r Comets 4 Kaitlyn Oshiro Next game: bunted to Saturday vs. earn two San Francisco, runs for the at noon.

Comets.

These two runs would be the only runs the Comets scored for the first four innings of the second game.

Chabot, however, was much more aggressive and successful at the plate.

Comets’ pitcher Shannon Fowler allowed 14 hits in the first two innings. Two of those hits were doubles by Chabot shortstop Ashley Tarango and Rich, respectively.

Chabot was able to turn those 14 hits into nine runs against Fowler.

Gubbine made the call to pull Fowler at the end of the second, replacing her on the mound with Bal, who pitched in the first game.

During the third inning, Chabot managed three hits against Bal, which resulted in one more run for the Gladiators bringing the score to 10-2.

Reyes would earn the Comets’ third run of the game at the top of the fifth inning. Streater would earn the Comets final run in the top of the seventh. Though neither of these runs could begin to make up for the eight-run deficit the Gladiators had already created.

Gubbine said, “I’m not upset with the loss. All and all I’m happy with it. We’re exactly where we should be at this point.”

451 000 00 - 10 200 010 00 - 4 IP

H R ER BB SO

2.0 4.0

14 9 6 1 0 5 1 1 0 1

7.0

9 4 1

*No current standings for preseason play

2 6

Contra Costa College VS.

Los Medanos College When: Today, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Gymnasium Records: CCC 17-7, 9-3 in the BVC. Los Medanos 6-17 overall, 2-10 in BVC. Background: The Comets trumped Mendocino by a 16-point difference last week in the Gym. If CCC wins again tonight it would ensure a second place finish and probably post-season berth by widening the gap with third place in the BVC with only three games left to play in the season.

— Lorenzo Morotti

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 2014

SPOTLIGHT

A DAY FOR LOVING VIBES

History behind mythical Saint Valentine explored, enjoyed

By George Morin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Valentine’s Day is the annual holiday celebrating and honoring lovers.

The day of love takes place on Feb. 14 and is celebrated by exchanging gifts to express affection.

The roots of the holiday, however, are shrouded in mystery and its origins have become themes in many legends.

History.com says one legend traces the holiday to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration actually commemorated on Feb. 15.

As Christianity came to dominance in Europe, pagan holidays were often renamed for Christian martyrs. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius changed the date to the 14th and renamed the festival as a Christian feast day for the martyr St. Valentine, who lived in the third century.

Although it is unclear exactly who the historic St. Valentine was, according to allaboutpopularissues.org, many scholars believe he was a priest who attracted the disfavor of the Roman emperor Claudius II. According to Protestant and Catholic legend, Valentine was a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies for soldiers in opposition to Claudius II. When Claudius found out about the secret marriages Valentine was performing, he had Valentine arrested and jailed.

Another version of the history of St. Valentine involves his time in prison awaiting his fate and how he befriended his jailor, Asterius.

The jailor had a blind daughter who Asterius requested Valentine heal.

The Catholic legend has it that Valentine miraculously restored her sight.

Just before his execution, the saint asked for a pen and paper and signed a farewell message to the daughter signed, “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that has lasted throughout the ages.

A break-off of that story says Valentine actually fell in love with the daughter and would write her love notes.

The holiday has evolved over the centuries.

By the 18th century, exchanging handmade cards on Valentine’s day had

become common in England.

Associatedcontent.com states the tradition spread to American colonies in 1840, where the first commercial Valentine’s Day greeting cards were created by Ester A. Howland who produced elaborate valentines with lace, ribbons and pictures.

Supposedly, Charles, the duke of Orleans, sent one of the earliest cards in 1415 to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, according to associatedcontent.com.

The card is now preserved in the British Museum.

According to the Greeting Card Association, 25 percent of all cards sent each year are valentines.

While the world may not know exactly how the holiday started, who St. Valentine was or if he had any connection to the holiday, Catholic.org reports that he was an actual person thanks to a recent unearthing of an ancient Roman catacomb and church dedicated to a St. Valentine.

Gift ideas Sometimes Hallmark does not make a Valentine’s Day card that can truly tell your loved one or friend how you feel or how they make you feel.

Instead, give your valentine a handwritten note.

You can write down anything and everything you want to tell them.

They will love it as long as it comes from the heart.

Step out of the box and give your lover or friend something special this year.

Create a personalized candy basket of your interest’s favorite goodies.

Creativity and originality go a long way especially when it comes to showing someone how well you know him or her.

Whoever said compact discs or mixtapes were a thing of the past may be right, but why not keep the tradition going by making your special someone a CD with a playlist of songs that remind you of him or her? There is no better way to give a heartfelt gift that takes time to create by carefully choosing songs the receiver will enjoy. Feel free to add some oldies and goodies.

ILLUSTRATION BY CODY MCFARLAND / THE ADVOCATE

Flower guide: This Valentine’s Day, why not surprise someone with flowers? They are a great way to show appreciation for someone.

Red Rose The Lover’s Flower, a red rose conveys passion and love.

When you give this flower to a valentine, what you are saying is, “I love you and this is a token of my appreciation.”

Orchids For a flower that perfectly captures the beauty of the holiday, orchids are a clear representation of elegance.

A sincere delight to the eyes and to the nose, they are sure to enchant anyone.

Lilies

Tulips Tulips are wonderful flowers for showing affection to the one you care about. Tulips can come in a bouquet, alone or accented with other flowers, such as roses and lilies.

Rather than love, however, tulips convey a message of fondness, making them particularly suitable for friends and family.

As a symbol of virtue and beauty, lilies are a classic gift of innocence and purity. In full bloom, these flowers showcase the beauty of the Valentine’s Day spirit. They can range from white, purple and yellow.

N Valentine’s day

Perception of love not affected by day

B

eing an adult on Valentine’s Day is terrifying.

Looking back, I remember going to the store with my mother to pick out just the right Valentine’s Day cards for my class.

The only choices I had to make were between Looney Tunes or Ninja Turtles, or if I wanted to bring cupcakes or cookies to the class’ party.

The hardest decision I had to face was which Valentine’s Day card I wanted to give to the lucky boy I had a crush on.

It needed to be the cleverest of them all.

There was no pressure. I was just looking forward to candy and not doing schoolwork.

Today, stepping out to have lunch only to be seated near a couple who sit next to each other instead of across from each other is nauseating.

Although an everyday occurrence, the fact that it is Valentine’s Day makes the action worse.

I find myself sitting there judging, knowing it is only happening due to the pressures of having to be romantic on a certain day.

Even while in a relationship, Valentine’s Day has become less special and a hassle.

Although I never celebrate with my

veronicasantos boyfriend, a little part of me wants a box of chocolates and sunflowers when I wake up in the morning and I am unsure why.

My only assumption could be the display of red and pink packaged treats that scream to be consumed.

And social pressures have made me believe that receiving these items is validation that someone loves me. But that is easy.

I have met women who expect jewelry and $100 a plate dinners from their boyfriends and husbands on Valentine’s Day. One can only imagine what they expect for their anniversaries.

It was much more simple as a child.

Showing one’s feelings meant buying a candy gram or making a card with glitter and markers and it only cost a few dollars.

There was no need for physical contact or pressure to have sex.

Years ago, trying to connect with my romantic side, I visited a website to find a restaurant where I could celebrate.

Almost every restaurant I had in mind was booked and every other restaurant only had spots open after 9 p.m.

The flower selecCelebrate the tions at the grocery store way children do. were lacking by the Gather all of afternoon and all of the your loved ones funny, witty Valentine’s Day cards instead of just were taken.

I did not your significant realize how much planning it took other. just to be somewhat romantic.

It felt as though I needed to be responsible just to remember to make reservations weeks in advance.

Finding flowers felt like a competition.

Eventually, I gave up after realizing everything I had planned felt like a cliché.

Yet the clichés were impressive as a child. Girls amused themselves with sweets and cards with cartoon characters.

Valentine’s Day was exciting, a gathering of friends and acquaintances in the classroom.

There was no pressure to be extravagant.

Now it feels as though Valentine’s Day is a reminder that if one is in a relationship, there is a job to be done.

And if you are single, a man or woman walking around with flowers feels like a slap in the face, reminding you of your age, making you question why you are nowhere near settling down.

This Valentine’s Day, single or not, ditch the social conventions of Valentine’s Day. Celebrate the way children do.

Gather all of your loved ones instead of just your significant other.

There is no need to impress those who already appreciate the love you give them year round.

The only thing relationships call for is the experience of enjoying each other’s company.

Veronica Santos is the scene editor of The Advocate. Contact her at vsantos.theadvocate@gmail.com.