The Advocate 2-24

WEDNESDAY l 2.24.16 OUR 66TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

Prior leader sets sights on revival

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BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The organization that has been an integral part in organizing events for Black History Month and providing students with support is emerging from another lapse of inactivity.

Contra Costa College’s Black Student Union presidential candidate DeAndre Russell said he is planning to reestablish the club for a second time in 18 months.

Russell said he stepped away from his position as president during the spring semester to cope with a death in his immediate family while meeting his academic and athletic commitments.

“February is almost over — and “They I hate that we didn’t do a lot for Black History Month,” Russell said. didn’t have “I don’t want to start up the BSU much expejust to have it stop again. (The BSU) won’t have events this month rience in but once we have our first meeting organizing a in March we should get going and group. They plan events throughout the year.”

BSU adviser and African- thought American studies department everyone Chairperson Carolyn Hodge said the annual Talking Drum in the was going African World Community was to always canceled due to seismic retrofit agree project in the Knox Center.

While she said there are other with each events being hosted by other departments celebrating African other.” and African-American history, — Manu it was difficult to find a replaceAmpim, ment event of that scale without an history professor active BSU. Inter Club Council President Safi Ward-Davis said while the BSU is not the only club doing something for Black History Month, not having access to the Knox Center hinders the club because it usually hosts three or four events.

Russell said he has not confirmed a time and place for the club’s first meeting with Hodge.

Missed chance reflects needs. The Advocate explains the large percentage of African-American and first generation college students on campus is not reflected by the college’s Black History Month events list in an editorial on page 2.

SEE BSU, PAGE 5

MOTORISTS SEE PRICE AT PUMP DROP, COMMUTE MOODS IMPROVE With crude oil at $27 per barrel, drivers exploit gas prices, drive more often

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

In January, the price of crude oil dropped to $27 per barrel, down 25 percent from last year, bringing the AAA national average for a gallon of regular gas to $2.40, $1 cheaper than this time last year.

Whether it is chalked up to election year shenanigans or fluctuations in global energy markets, saving money at the pump is a welcomed stimulus package for California motorists and Contra Costa College students.

Business major John Velasquez drives a fullSEE PRICES, PAGE 3

FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Chancellor to resign top spot when contract ends District will begin search to replace Benjamin; committee will help

COMETS SECURE BVC CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 7

pick final candidates

BY Christian Urrutia EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

The district will soon commence its search for a new leader.

Chancellor Helen Benjamin will retire on Dec. 31 this year, when her administrative contract expires.

Dr. Benjamin, who served in the role of Chancellor since 2005, said her passion for teaching and administrative work as a facilitator for education, is what has kept her in this position and similar roles like it for more than 40 years.

“I have done this (for) a very long time.

When my term ends on Dec. 31, I thought it would be an opportune time to retire (when it comes around),” Benjamin said.

The decision was announced during the Jan. 27 Governing Board meeting at the District Office in Martinez.

There is a specific board policy that outlines the hiring for contract administrators, titled Board Policy 2057, the same process that was applicable to Contra Costa College’s presidential search will also apply to the search for a new chancellor.

A screening and interview committee will be formed comprising of representatives from administrations, faculties and staff, districtwide.

Further along in the hiring process, the committee will then narrow down a group of applicants, in which one of finalists will be selected by the district board.

Trustee Vicki Gordon said input from the outside community, including staff, faculty and students is vital and will determine the proceeding decisions from this point on.

“I think input is important from faculty, SEE BENJAMIN, PAGE 3

ABOVE: Chancellor Helen Benjamin speaks to faculty and staff in LA-100 concerning Contra Costa College’s presidential search in early January 2015.

Quotable “Our exploding religious diversity combined with our bitter cultural wars create a public square that is often not only crowded but hostile.”

Charles Haynes Freedom Forum 1997 Christian Urrutia editor-in-chief

Asma Alkrizy opinion editor Mike Thomas scene editor Robert Clinton sports editor Cody Casares photo editor Benjamin Bassham circulation manager Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Nora Alkrizy Joseph Bennett Tobias Cheng Dylan Collier Salvador Godoy Edwin Herrera Xavier Johnson Mickalea Manuel Yesenia Melara Jshania Owens Denis Perez Marlene Rivas Jason Sykes Mark Wassberg Atorriana Young Staff photographers Perla Juarez Jordan Khoo Denis Perez Tashi Wangchuk 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.

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EDITORIAL MISSED CHANCE REFLECTS NEED Black History Month sees low event list, outreach

Marci Suela art director Roxana Amparo Lorenzo Morotti associate editors

opinion

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2016 VOL. 103, NO. 14

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

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he National College Resources Foundation hosted a Historically Black College and University Tour at Diablo Valley College on Feb. 11 to provide students with information about transferring and three $65,000 scholarships.

The efforts of DVC’s faculty, Umoja program and Equity Committee in bringing the HBCU tour, along with 12 other Black History Month events, to DVC through cross-constituency planning should be applauded.

Contra Costa College’s effort during this celebration’s 90th anniversary to inform students, however, was uninspired.

This was due to the expectation that the African-American studies department and the Black Student Union would organize events.

Relying on these two groups this year proved problematic because history professor Manu Ampim is on sabbatical and the BSU has been inactive since the start of the fall 2015 semester.

Last semester, DVC Umoja Coordinator Yvonne Canada said she, various departments and the Pan-African Union started to organize the nine events on campus and four in the community celebrating or acknowledging African-American history. CCC in contrast only has four events planned on its campus.

This is especially disturbing because CCC has a larger percentage of AfricanAmerican and first generation college students based on headcount, according to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office online DataMart.

While DVC’s and Los Medanos College’s African-American student population makes up 5 and 16 percent, respectively, CCC’s population is at 20 percent.

Further, CCC’s first-generation students make up about 35 percent of its demographic, while LMC is at about 32 percent and DVC at 20 percent.

An email was sent to faculty at LMC and CCC on Dec. 18 informing them that all students are welcome to attend DVC’s events.

But wait. Why would the college with the largest demographic of African-American students not send any of them to this academically and culturally enriching event?

CCC Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene said, “It’s sad we didn’t follow up with the email. When (faculty) got the email we should have marked it on our calendars and let students know — we need to accept responsibility for dropping the ball.

Students at CCC should have been provided information about the HBCU Tour considering Gov. Jerry Brown’s Equity Plan to increase the college transfer and completion rates for African-American, Latino and white males.

While the NCRF would charge the college to include it in a tour, which only visited five campuses statewide, it is worthwhile to use some of the $556,170 available to CCC in equity funds to cover the cost such an event.

We need to come together as a college community if we want to nurture an environment of success for those who are often forgotten.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

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■ PERSEVERANCE

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Pursuit for passion adjusts career path

ollege can be one of the best moments of our lives.

It can also be one of the most stressful, especially if we don’t know what we’re passionate about.

It is OK if you are feeling lost for not knowing what your passion is because eventually you are going to find a profession that suits you.

As a first generation college student, I am making sure I make my family proud.

I want to be able to repay them for all the hard work they have done for me in order to continue my education.

Furthering my education is the only way I could repay them, but there was a problem.

I didn’t know what I wanted to study. I didn’t know what I was passionate about.

This problem was frustrating for me because I felt lost. Feeling lost discouraged me and made me feel like a failure.

During my senior year in high school I was completely confused over what I wanted to do with my life or what I was passionate about.

I thought about cosmetology school, business, and nursing but I was never fully sure.

Others seemed to know what it was they wanted to do with their lives, but I didn’t.

I felt left out most of the time so I never talked about it to anyone. It became a problem as my

yeseniamelara

home.

I started taking a variety of different classes and all of the sudden, I was becoming aware of what I liked doing.

I noticed I felt the happiest when I wrote my essays and got the chances to express my opinions.

Taking a speech class helped me become aware of my passion.

I always felt nervous and scared when it was my turn to give a presentation or speech, but it always felt good when people listened to me.

One day I began contemplating about what makes me the happiest. I came to the conclusion that what makes me happy is the art of expression.

I know that is my passion because I find myself taking communication and writing classes to help me improve these skills.

The point is, I was struggling so hard to find my passion.

I wouldn’t feel like a failure that I ended up becoming too stressed out.

Eventually I found what I’m passionate about. So for everyone who feels as lost as I did right now don’t worry — it’s OK. You’ll eventually find your passion through taking different classes or having various experiences.

Don’t be scared. When you find your passion, you will know.

classmates started applying for colleges and universities.

I didn’t apply because of the simple reason that I lacked a passion in It is OK if a particular subject. you are There was feeling lost no other choice for for not me but to enroll in a knowing community college and what your start fresh once more. passion is I started my first because semester at Diablo Valley eventually College back you are in fall 2014.

I was going to motivated to learn and find a find my passion but profession I also wanted to rush that suits through and you. get college over with.

During my semester I found myself struggling in college because I couldn’t find the correct path for me.

I was stressed.

Yesenia Melara is a staff So in spring 2015, I decided to enroll at Contra writer for The Advocate.

Contact her at ymelara.

Costa College due to the theadvocate@gmail.com. fact that it was closer to

CAMPUS COMMENT

Was Black History Month well represented on campus? Why or why not?

“There should have been a rally. The lack of events shows that the students are less involved.”

Andrea Molnar sociology

“I didn’t really think about it being Black History Month. There should have been a festival out on the tennis courts.”

Brian Nguyen undecided

XAVIER JOHNSON AND DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

“I didn’t notice that we didn’t have anything.

I saw a display in the Library, but it is not enough.”

“I didn’t know it was Black History Month.

We could have had an event outside the Student Services Center.”

Chris Lacayo history

Michael Douglas biochemistry

“The campus should have had an event.

Every group should be represented. The black and Latino community on this campus is so large. ” Ricardo Rivera Spanish

“There’s a big lack of awareness on campus. Not having events shows poor diversity.

There are other events on campus for cultures.”

Yolanda Harris psychology

campusbeat Follow The Advocate

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Planting mitigates concrete jungle Nonprofit clears old trees, sows replacements

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Newsline TRANSFER

STUDENT-LED TOUR AT UC DAVIS CAMPUS The Welcome/Transfer Center will be hosting a transfer day at UC Davis on Friday. The bus will be leaving at 7:30 a.m. and returning at 4 p.m.

During the free transfer planning event there will be a continental breakfast and lunch, a student-led tour, a panel discussion and information regarding possible majors.

Students will receive information about applying, financial aid, the transfer process, studying abroad and career or graduate programs.

In order to attend the trip, students must meet the criteria of being enrolled as a part-time or fulltime student, a first-generation college student, having low-income or part of CalWORKS, DSPS, EOPS, Per Ankh Academy, Puente, STEM or a veteran.

The student must have completed 12 transferable units and maintain a 2.5 GPA. The event is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information, contact counselor Andrea Phillips at aphillips@contracosta.edu or 510-2153914.

CrimeWatch Tuesday, Feb. 9: An officer responded to a report of a disruptive student.

Wednesday, Feb. 10: A student left her phone inside her bag unattended. Upon return, her phone was missing. No suspect information was given.

Thursday, Feb. 11: An officer responded to a report of a burglary at the Gym Annex Building.

Two students were involved in a minor non-injury traffic collision while on campus. Both students exchanged information.

A male driver was cited and released for two warrants out of Marin County. The driver was also given a citation for stop requirements and left the area without further incident.

Sunday, Feb. 14: A high voltage cable failed at the construction trailers. A small fire occurred with no property damage.

The fire department and PG&E responded.

Wednesday, Feb. 17: A student’s vehicle was taken without permission. No suspect information was given.

A student was too intoxicated to care for himself and refused to leave campus. The student was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

— Marci Suela and 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.

BY Christian Urrutia EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

RICHMOND — A group of nine volunteers, including employees of the Watershed Project, came together on Rheem Avenue for a very different Valentine’s Day activity on Feb. 14.

The Watershed Project, a nonprofit organization whose mission statement “is to educate and inspire communities to protect their local watersheds,” held a tree planting volunteer event on Rheem Avenue with the goal of planting six trees up and down the street.

A watershed is defined as an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins or seas.

This select service for residencies was made available through the Cal Fire grant, Urban and Community Forestry. It continues to sponsor the Watershed Project’s efforts.

But the small event is part of an expansive collaboration between the City of Richmond and another nonprofit, Richmond Trees, as volunteers strive for promotion and growth of the city’s urban forest and green infrastructure through community action and education.

According to the Watershed Project’s environmental educator Jennies Tran, Richmond Trees reached out to the Watershed Project in order to contribute to a shared goal of planting 10,000 trees within 10 years.

This is to counter the air pol-

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Rockridge resident Chris Randel forcibly removes a live Japanese Maple tree in the front yard of 2031 Rheem Avenue in Richmond on Feb. 14. Randel was part of a volunteer group that is overseen by the Watershed Project, a nonprofit organization bent on restoring the surrounding watersheds.

lution and improve surrounding greenery.

“Our goal is to plant 150 (within) two years for the local watershed but our vision is the 10,000 trees (initiative), which is in part because of the grant,” Tran said.

“We’re targeting underresourced areas. We conducted research suggesting a link between affluent neighborhoods and parks leading to exercise and with lower income areas with less trees that are unkempt, there tends to be higher rates of mortality.”

Improved air quality, carbon sequestration and improving environmental health are some of the ideas behind the day’s activities.

Watershed Project education coordinator Liza Dadiomov said, “We’re very hands-on toward restoring our watershed, (tree

planting) helps soften urban landscapes. We plant as many as we can. This is our third or fourth (tree planting) and anyone is welcome.”

She also said, “Everything we do is looking at the watershed as a whole and our approach is holistic, top to bottom, starting with preventing pollution going to the watershed and planting trees, rain gardens and bio swells.”

Strawberry trees were the replacements for the dead tree spots selected.

Ultimately, grants like the Urban and Community Forestry include planting larger trees like oaks and tracking greenhouse gases. Street trees are smaller therefore capturing less carbon dioxide, while oak trees contain a lot more carbon but also require large (planting) areas, Tran said.

“The tree planting (season) runs through March and our priority is the longevity of the tree and maintaining the trees through the first two years,” Tran said.

Hassan Ngadi, the Watershed Project’s greening and urban project coordinator, said the nonprofit needs to plant redwoods but that effort could not be feasible on Richmond city streets.

“We have to acknowledge the area (we live in) so we have to do it in parks. That involves canvassing, meaning we interact and talk with residents about what we are doing.

“We owe it to the next generation. Planting trees is education; we have arborists coming out and educating volunteers in order to raise expectations for ourselves and plant bigger number(s) of trees,” Ngadi said.

BENJAMIN | District ‘maverick’ ready for departure Continued from Page 1 staff, students and the community before we start looking for someone (to chair the committee) and go forward. We want to find out what is the best fit for the (district) board by setting parameters,” Gordon said.

She said the level of hands-on involvement from the board and choosing which administrative search firms to handle the application process greatly varies, and this scenario is no exception. “(In the past) some trustees follow the standard processes more strictly and then have the final say, while some tend to be more hands-on, maybe in the beginning but (this) all has to be discussed at open meetings,” Gordon said.

Gordon said that instead of directly going to a regular go-to search firm, the district could

potentially send out requests for proposals to find different firms capable of handling searches on a bigger scale.

“This (type of search) hasn’t been done in 11 years, so we need to be thoughtful and get input before moving (on),” Gordon said.

Benjamin said, “I enjoyed my work in the district and I worked really hard to devote myself for students to come and learn and to have the faculty fully engaged (with them). I continue to try as it is my passion.”

Trustee John Marquez said, “I have had a long working relationship with (her) first as a teacher and she, president (at CCC) and as (trustee) and chancellor.

“She has always been committed to the benefit of all students and always developed good relationships will the people she oversaw.”

“I think input is important from faculty, staff, students and the community before we start looking for someone (to chair the committee) and go forward.”

— Vicki Gordon, Governing Board trustee

Marquez said that Benjamin was stern on achieving results but appreciated the efforts that went into them.

She always spoke highly of the district, earning recognition from a community college level all the way to a national basis, he said.

Gordon said, “She’s a maverick, especially for women.”

“She has been with the district

for 26 years and going from an English teacher at (Los Medanos College) to district chancellor. She blazed the way for women of color and continues to inspire women, wherever she goes and helps break the glass ceiling (for women in executive positions).

“Her work ethic has been unbelievable, she puts in the time and energy. She’s nonstop, go, go, go,” Gordon said.

Benjamin said, “Teachers made an impact in my life. Because of that impact, I wanted to make the same impact to others.”

Gordon said at today’s Governing Board meeting at the District Office at 5 p.m., the trustees will accept Benjamin’s resignation after reports from the board are made.

The next step in the process will be suggested as a future agenda item in an upcoming meeting.

PRICES | Reduced gas costs boosts local businesses Continued from Page 1 sized American truck to campus from Solano County.

“The cheaper gas prices have been helping me out with the commute,” he said. “Even in my personal time I drive a lot more than I used to.”

Although supply and demand dictate pricing, markets make their purchaser believe that global industrial expansion mandates the steady overall price hike as demand increases for a finite commodity.

According to Reuters, officials from the International Energy Agency (IEA) state “the world could drown in an oversupply” of oil.

This could be fueled by competition between big oil companies, weakening demand or incremental global shifts to alternative sources of energy.

In this case, it is fear of a collapsing Chinese economy and as usual, big oil.

After the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) meeting last December, Saudi Arabia began a campaign to inundate the non-OPEC countries with oil.

Analysts speculate this is in an effort to force the U.S. and Russia to slow its oil production.

In Russia production was up to a rate of 10.8 million barrels per day. The U.S. produces 9.3 million barrels per day, according to the Energy Information Association (EIA).

No countries have dialed back production and Iran returns to the oil production field after sanctions are lifted later this year.

Although it benefits the nation’s drivers, minus the 250,000 oil industry job layoffs, all plummeting oil costs mean is lower prices at the pump.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Gas prices have reached a new low since January with crude oil prices dropping down to $27 per barrel. Reasons for the decrease in price may include competition between oil companies and weakening demand for alternative sources of energy.

Aside from the price per barrel of crude oil, which makes up 68 percent of the price of gas, consumers must factor in 13 percent for refining, 12 percent for taxes and 7 percent for distribution and marketing, according to the EIA. Through those calculations, the station owners set their prices. There is also a personal mark up for geographical pricing, a process that takes into account the price for gas at stations in the competing market space.

Kwik Serve, on the corner of Rollingwood and El Portal Drive near campus, boasts the

cheapest gas in Richmond with $1.99 for regular fuel.

“There have been more people in since the price has been down to $1.99,” Kwik Serve owner Sal Arikat said. “It makes me feel good to give people in the community discounts.”

The drop in gas prices helps with the cost of California living.

“I used to pay $2.98. Now I pay $2.14. It makes the drive from Sacramento easier,” kinesiology major Leander Carter said. “I used to fill up for $35 to $40. Now it’s like $25.”

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campusbeat

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Consistent dialogue brews rapport Police engage in strategy to reach community

BY Denis Perez STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

dperez.theadvocate@gmail.com

Students were given an opportunity to have coffee with police during the “Coffee with a Cop” event on Feb. 16 in AA-117, as an attempt to establish communication with Contra Costa Community College District Police Services.

As the name implies, the event was expected to breed a comfortable environment where dialogue could happen between campus officers and students through a cup of coffee, tea or pastries.

“I want people to know who we are.

We want to reach out to the community,” Police Services Corporal Tom Holt said.

ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis said officers want to stay in constant communication with the students and that is why they are developing a system.

The reputation of officers is ironically plagued by the same uniform that conceives them.

The event aimed to rebuild that image and “break the ice” between student and campus officers so they can build a close relationship.

With issues like police brutality becoming an important issue nationwide with extensive media coverage,

“

“I want people to know who we are. We want to reach out to the community” Tom Holt,

Police Services Corporal

stigmas continue to grow.

As the nation’s attention focused on San Francisco for its activities surrounding Super Bowl 50 at the beginning of this month, performer Alicia Keys honored the efforts of activists present at the event for protesting against police actions that caused the death of San Francisco resident Mario Woods.

A video went viral shortly after, showing Woods being showered by police gunfire on Dec. 2, with online users adding stigma-filled comments.

Communications major Josh Zara said despite negativity from Woods’ death and other situations that surround police, he still has hope.

He said, “I see police as symbol of good and hope.”

Officer David Sano said police brutality happens everywhere and people “always make comments about it.”

Holt said police brutality is not a major problem in California. One of the reasons is because of the intensity

of training the state requires.

Officer Vanessa Alvarado said that police brutality is bluntly apparent in the East Coast while California bolsters better policing.

Apart from better training, Officer Charles Hankins said that campus conduct for police is different than municipal policing. There is an opportunity to be interactive in a campus and more friendly.

“To my knowledge in seven years we (Police Services) have never had a ‘use of force’ complaint. Not even one,” Holt said.

He said this phenomenon could be because when district Police Services has 100 reports, San Pablo could already have 5,000 reports.

Although Police Services is staffed with tight-knit community-oriented police officers, people on the three district campuses still perceive them as harsh, corrupted and detached.

“We sometimes are unapproachable by many students,” Sano said.

During the event, a survey was passed out to the students and staff in attendance to gather feedback. It contained questions about their feelings toward safety and the police.

Ward-Davis said surveying students about the campus police was also done in Financial Aid Awareness Day.

“It felt like a French Cuisine. They usually give you really small portions but at the end I was stuffed too..”

— Elena Brattone, attendee

She said the ASU advertised In brief: the event sending out an email Officers and stublast to stu- dents were able to dents through have an open talk InSite Portal. in an open environAdministration ment.

Coffee, tea, of justice major Gregoria brownies and Murricia said other pastries were she attended served to sweeten because she was the event.

Surveys were interested after being notified by handed out for students to give email.

A l t h o u g h feedback on Police she had never Services. attended an on-campus event similar to “Coffee with a Cop” before, she said she was glad she took the opportunity to “casually” hold a communication with an officer.

“I enjoyed the open environment with the people and the officers,” Murricia said.

Holt said feedback from students is necessary and important.

Student and officer get-togethers like this one can only progress through constant communication in events and campus life.

WORKSHOP SIMPLIFIES FINANCIAL PROCESS Aide provides insight for completing FAFSA

BY Salvador Godoy STAFF WRITER

sgodoy.theadvocate@gmail.com

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

VALENTINE’S FUNDRAISER NOURISHES LOVERS

Pinole resident Carol Jenning (right) enjoys conversation with a friend during the 2nd Annual Cupid’s Season Dinner in the Three Seasons Restaurant on Feb. 11.

BY Yesenia Melera STAFF WRITER

ymelera.theadvocate@gmail.com

Romance filled the air as guests enjoyed each other’s company while basking in the glow of a candlelit Valentine’s dinner prepared by students.

The culinary arts department hosted its second annual Cupid’s Season Dinner on Feb. 11 at the Three Seasons Restaurant from 5 to 8 p.m.

Attendees got a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a romantic ambiance created by music, candlelight’s, champagne and a fivecourse meal prepared by culinary art students.

The price for a ticket was $30.

Culinary arts instructional assistant Angel Chau said an estimate of $1,200 was generated from the event.

Students in the program were given the opportunity to show off their cooking and teamwork skills by completing orders quickly, culinary arts student Tatiana Abrer said.

Culinary arts major Kevin Cornejo said this event was not only a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day together, but also a chance to build self-confidence, experience and improve time management skills while working in the kitchen.

Cornejo, who oversaw preparation of the short ribs, garlic mashed potatoes and carrots, learned what it took to put together a full-course meal.

“As soon as you see the menu you need to know cook times, what to prepare first,” he said. “You have to make sure you go in to it with a

“At first, when I saw the food coming out I thought it wasn’t going to be enough. But the food just kept coming. It ended up being enough to make me full.”

Lorraine Dirmetkr, attendee

plan, have your timing down and take things step by step. It helped me understand how to work better in groups and how to delegate tasks that best fit an individuals skill set.”

Attendee Lorraine Dirmetkr said despite the price she had to pay for Cupid’s Season Dinner, it was well worth it.

“At first, when I saw the food coming out I thought it wasn’t going to be enough. The food just kept coming. It ended up being enough to make me full,” Dirmetkr said.

Attendee Elena Brattone said she was also surprised with how much food the $30 ticket provides.

“It felt like French cuisine,” Brattone said. “They usually give you really small portions but at the end I was stuffed too.”

Dirmetkr said her grandson, culinary arts major Joseph Ramirez, was the one who told her about the event.

Overall she said she was satisfied.

“Everything was great. (The food) was delicious and well presented,” Dirmetkr said. “I would

gladly come back again.”

Culinary arts student Topaz Sanders said the event last year was a success. But this year Sanders said they made sure to be more organized.

“We learned what do and what not to do for this year’s event,” she said.

Students began making preparations for the event last semester.

Culinary arts student Lauren Patrick said, “We made the house fettuccine the day of and we did do some of the prep work the day before but we have been planning since last semester. We had to make sure the DJ was available for the date, find the linen, flowers and other decorations.”

After guest finished their dinners they were given the chance to get a Valentine’s Day picture taken for $5 by fine and media arts professor Dana Davis.

Culinary arts student Jose Ramirez, one of the cashiers of the night, was also offering the guests heart-shaped cookies for $1.

The money collected for the event is to raise funds for the culinary arts department, culinary arts assistant professor Elizabeth Schwarz said.

“We want to support our students with scholarship opportunities and unique experiences for them,” she said.

Davis said it was challenging to get the attendees to take a picture.

Ramirez also said it was hard getting them to buy cookies.

“Maybe next time we should include a picture and a cookie with their dinner,” Ramirez said.

With one week left, college and high school students are pressed for time to fill out financial aid forms across the nation before the deadline is reached on March 2.

To prepare students and families, the Financial Aid Office held a Cash for College workshop in SSC-104 on Feb. 17.

Attendees received professional assistance in filling out the 2016-17 FAFSA application and answers for any questions or concerns.

Financial Aid Assistant Patricia Herrera said it is a great opportunity not only to first-generation college students who need help to fill out the FAFSA forms, but to low-income students.

“We strongly encourage students and families to come and attend this special event and receive qualified assistance in filling out a student’s FAFSA “We strongly application,” Herrera said.

The California Cash encourage for College workshops students to also offer opportunities to determine a student’s eligicome and bility toward scholarships attend this and Cal Grants as well as assisting AB 540 students special event who are qualified for the and receive California Dream Act qualified application.

Students who arrived at assistance.” the workshop signed their Patricia Herrera, names to a sheet of paper financial aid assistant before proceeding to file their FAFSA applications.

Spanish-language assistance was also provided at the workshop, to individuals who needed further help in their language to completing the FAFSA online forms.

Attendee Victor Guzman, who is new to the college, said he struggled to complete the federal tax information that is a part of the FAFSA application.

“There are several income questions in the tax section that I really don’t quite understand,” he said.

Guzman said while filing the FAFSA application it was a stressful procedure to handle.

Undecided major Cecilia Mora said she did not find filling out any of the forms to be a complex task in finishing the online financial aid forms.

“I didn’t find filling out any of the FAFSA forms to be stressful while completing the application,” she said.

Herrera said there is a lot of “skip logic” to the 2016-17 FAFSA application which is even faster this time.

She said past applications took about 25 to 30 minutes to fill out. Now, it takes about 20 minutes to complete the application.

Once students completed their applications at the event, a survey was given to students for feedback about the quality of assistance.

The information is to determine on what could be improved for future Cash for College workshop events.

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BSU | Instability leaves campus with faltering representation Continued from Page 1 But he said he has spoken with students and has a small group to meet the five-member requirement and start spreading information about the first meeting.

“I know some people who are interested, who have ideas and who want to keep organizing events — but we need to focus on getting (the BSU) going first,” Russell said.

History professor Manu Ampim was co-adviser for the BSU before he went on his sabbatical at the start of the fall semester.

Ampim said all the former club members from the spring semester either transferred to a four-year or quit for personal reasons.

Another election will take place because Russell was BSU president for two semesters.

Ampim said because Russell was involved in starting up the BSU the first time so he has been allowed to run for re-election.

“He was not appointed. He was elected by students,” Ampim said. “So theoretically students could have chosen someone else even though he put forth the effort. And it doesn’t ensure his re-election because effort alone does not entitle someone to be president.”

Ampim said he will not be closely involved with the BSU election while he is on sabbatical, but encourages anyone interested in running for president to consider the responsibilities that come with the position.

He said students who want to become members or hold one of the five executive positions should attend the first meeting to learn about the BSU’s constitution and bylaws, meeting procedure and duties.

The art of compromise

In fall 2014, the BSU first meeting had a turnout of more than 50 students. But toward the end of the 2015 spring semester there were only four — and by the fall semester it had become completely inactive.

Hodge and Ampim said the club began to fall apart when Russell stepped away from his position to deal with the death of his sister in May. “What caused the BSU to become inactive was my sister’s passing,” Russell said. “It was hard to deal with so I took some time off and when I came back I had to focus on getting my schoolwork done.”

Ward-Davis said Russell notified her that the BSU would be unable to attract enough members.

“The BSU last semester did not have enough members because a lot either transferred or just moved on,” Ward-Davis said.

“It wasn’t because the BSU missed meetings.

(Russell) informed me that it would be inactive.”

Hodge said before it went inactive former BSU Vice President and Treasurer Bridgette Lott was the main student leader helping set up events for Black History Month last year.

“She was a very strong leader and still got her work done as a student,” she said.

Hodge and Ampim said the four other executive members were unable to operate as a club in Russell’s absence because differences of opinion and busy schedules.

Lott and former BSU Vice President Nakari Syon said their disagreement about

how money for the club should be spent and who would step up as a interim leader got in the way of establishing a replacement leader and caused a rift in the club.

Ampim said, “There was conflict. They didn’t have much experience in organizing and being part of a group. They thought everyone was going to always agree with each other as organizers.”

Syon said he designed T-shirts for the BSU and brought in an invoice for about $250 for approval at a meeting, but Lott said the $500 in the general ledger account would be put to better use if it were used to organize more campus events.

Because there were only a few students in the club, votes carried more weight and any absence would limit the ability to vote on action items.

“She had no reason not to, but her opinion was that BSU money could be spent for events,” Syon said. “But what else could be more useful than a visual representation for other students so when we are at events and hosting activities we look like a club.”

While Lott transferred to San Francisco State University, Ampim said Syon quit the BSU because of personal reasons, but did not inform anyone of his decision.

Lott said she does not remember exactly what it was that created “a lot of tension that affected the leadership roles of the club” but said it was not handled “maturely.”

Russell said, “If (Syon) didn’t quit he could have become president, but because he became the ASU president he can’t run in the BSU election.”

He said he accepts full responsibility for

not being on campus to calm tensions within the group.

“I learned from my mistakes last year,” he said. “I would provide more structure this time by making sure to keep Russell it at one title per member. It will be an upgrade so people don’t bump heads.”

Russell, Lott and Syon said despite the breakdown in communication last semester they Lott learned valuable lessons in the art of compromise.

Ampim said the nature of student activism is conflictual and fluctuates in participation rate. But retaining students at a two-year Syon college club compared to one at a university is difficult.

Students that go to four-year universities usually come from out of town, he said.

Because they are not at home they have to become more connected to people through clubs — so they tend to do better and are more consistent in its membership.

“So the best way to bridge one academic semester to the next is by staying connected to advisers,” Ampim said. “It requires close interaction with Hodge and (Russell) to help things move in the BSU.”

Historical, current efforts overlooked Promoting present, future leaders essential for unity, growth

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The black experience in America is not easily discussed, as systematic oppression tends to make those who benefit from it, or suffer because of it, emotionally temperamental.

In an attempt to remedy this, in the U.S., we compartmentalize the accomplishments of blacks throughout the country’s history into one month, ensuring a justifiable ignorance for the other 11 calendar months of the year.

“Why only one month,” AfricanAmerican Staff Association President John Wade said. “It’s always been an insult to me that we only celebrate the contributions of blacks in February. We hear the same MLK speech. There are so many great icons past and present that it takes more than a month to recognize them all.”

Originally founded as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926, its purpose was to teach black history in the public school system.

The February association was made in respect to the birthdays of social reformer and abolitionist Frederick Douglas and for President Abraham Lincoln.

Although more can be done to recognize these contributions, for now, the month serves as a platform to educate those willing to participate.

In the current era of racial politics either overtly or silently guiding the

course of the presidential election season, involvement in a month of black acknowledgment is met with unpredictable responses.

Colleges in the district have different paths to participation. Los Medanos College only has one event listed for Black History Month while Diablo Valley College boasts nine campus events that began Feb. 1.

Contra Costa College has no events listed on its website, but will host former Black Panther and professor Paul Alkebaum on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. in LA-100.

The lecture is a continuation of the W. E. B. Du Bois lecture series by sociology department Chairperson Vern Cromartie and Jeremiah Sanderson of the Leadership Institute.

There is also a month-long exhibit in the Library and Learning Resource Center commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party and a display recognizing the decades of service by blacks in the military.

Some see the lack of an overt appreciation of Black History Month by campus organizations as a slight to its black students.

“The presentation seems kind of light,” African-American studies major Dean Hodges said. “All I’ve really seen is the Black Panther display. We don’t see enough of our accomplishments around campus.”

Others, like Dr. Cromartie, recognize the administrative attempt to host events that promote learning the current and historical relevance of the black experience yearround.

“It’s a both and not an either or,” he said. “We definitely need the month. I’ve been here 16 years and have always sponsored events and lectures under the W. E. B. Du Bois lecture series, but they don’t get much coverage.”

Cromartie said performances do not fully highlight the culture and events surrounding Black History Month.

“Even with The Advocate there is always a space to highlight Afro-centric forms of expression, like singing or dancing. Yes, that absolutely deserves to be highlighted. But substantive lectures rarely get the same exposure and that shouldn’t be,” he said.

America has always been more comfortable with the idea of having its blacks around for entertainment and less so with the idea of intellectual exchange, Cromartie said.

The idea of DVC having a larger assortment of black history events bodes well for the district, supporting the idea that the least diverse segments

of society be provided with multiple options of cultural enlightenment.

From slavery to Jim Crow, the prison industrial complex to predatory lending practices, the U.S. economy was built on the backs of black people.

Yet, despite the efforts of the most powerful nation in the history of civilization to subjugate, denigrate and relegate black accomplishments to the bowels of history, blacks continue to shape modern culture through academics, entertainment and technology.

A retrospective of the accomplishments of black women innovating in STEM fields would own the bulk of the month on its own.

From former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairwoman and theoretical physicist Shirley Jackson to Valerie Thomas, whose breakthroughs in 3D technology were the basis for 3D imaging applications in medicine and in 3D televisions.

Opportunities for black women in science arose from the Fair Employment Practices Committee. Implemented during WWII, it prohibited race-based discrimination in the U.S. defense industry, spawning a generation of forgotten heroes of science and technology.

“Recognizing these accomplishments is not only for AfricanAmericans, but we invite a cross section of people to learn and participate in events that should happen 366 days a year,” history professor Manu Ampim said.

Performance sheds stereotypes, hypes ‘powerful’ message

BY Asma Alkrizy OPINION EDITOR

aalkrizy.theadvocate@gmail.com

A burst of liveliness and inspiring dialogue will be presented in the form of a play highlighting African-American experiences on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Knox Center.

The free performances are organized by Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Innovation at the District Office in collaboration with the drama department chairpersons from the three colleges in the district.

Actress and playwright Echo Brown’s one-woman show “Black Virgins Are Not For Hipsters” will be touring Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos colleges.

“The show is powerful and has a lot of messages about race, class, gender and identity,” CCC Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson said.

“While it is one woman’s experience as a black female, it has depth that resonates across color lines and gender.”

Succinctly, “Black Virgins Are

Not For Hipsters” features Brown recalling her dating experiences when losing her virginity to a white hipster and her struggles as an African-American woman.

She said the show explores the challenges of trying to embrace your beauty while being a dark skinned woman in a society that still doesn’t celebrate dark skin in the same fashion as light skin.

“The show tries to paint a picture of the multi-dimensionality of black womanhood challenging stereotypes,” she said. “It also paints a more substantial and meaningful picture of what it means to be a black woman in society.”

Her initial intention when writing “Black Virgins Are Not For Hipsters” was to produce a show depicting all her past dating “escapades” and how she found dating in the Bay Area difficult, Brown said.

“But as I started to write the show, several of my own life traumas started to emerge and I realized I was writing a very different show,” she said.

Brown said it took two years to

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Actress Echo Brown’s one-woman show “Black Virgins Are Not for Hipsters” will be held in the Knox Center at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The free performance will also have a Q-and-A session afterward.

develop.

“During the development stage, I would rehearse three hours a day, for four days a week,” she said.

Not only has the play brought a sense of community to the district, but “Black Virgins Are Not For Hipsters” was nominated for both the Outstanding Solo Production and the Will Glickman Award.

“In 16 years that I have been teaching in the CCC drama department, I have never seen something so special,” drama professor Kathryn McCarthy said. “This is a play that is going to speak to a widely diverse audience.”

McCarthy said the play touches on both comedy and serious subject matter.

Some instructors on campus have even assigned their students to watch the play give them the opportunity to decipher the cultural and racial barriers in 21st century American culture.

“I have assigned the play to my students to promote self-pride,” African-American studies department Chairperson Carolyn Hodge said.

“I want for students to embrace their culture and color and understand other people of color as well

because we have come together so many times in history.”

Theater major Derian Espenoza said he plans to attend it with his friends.

“What drew me into the play is that it’s a one-women show,” he said. “The play looks modern and the hipster thing sounds new. As a theater major, I love watching plays and heard from my instructors that it is good. I am looking forward to it.”

Gilkerson said she approached the three drama departments after viewing the performance last semester.

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Hurlers, hitters fuel lopsided victory Team snaps fourgame losing skid against the Rams

Outfielder Derrick Parnell (middle) congratulates catcher Lawrence Duncan after scoring a run during Thursday’s game against City College of San Francisco at the Baseball Field.

BY Dylan Collier STAFF WRITER

dcollier.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Comets came out swinging early against City College of San Francisco to eventually win 11-1 at Comet Stadium on Thursday.

Contra Costa College’s (4-4 overall) three pitchers combined to almost pitch a shutout.

This win for the Comets was critical as they snapped out of a four-game losing slump before they take on rivals Diablo Valley College (6-3 overall) Thursday in Pleasant Hill at 2 p.m.

“Today we played well as a unit.

Everybody won and played their parts today,” baseball coach Brian Guinn said. “We got guys on base, and moved guys over (into scoring position) and played good on defense.”

In the bottom of the first the Comets jumped out ahead by scoring three runs to start off the game. The Comet shortstop Jamal Rutledge’s single was followed by first baseman Allen Ressler’s walk.

The subsequent hitters brought these runners to home plate to put the Comets in the lead 3-0.

It wasn’t just the Comet offense that won them the game, but their heads-up plays on defense that prevented San Francisco (0-9 overall) from scoring.

In the top of the second inning the Rams second baseman Isaq Lewis hit a pop fly to right field for the second out. The Ram runner on third, Abe Villafana, tagged up and darted home in an attempt to score.

When Comet right fielder Eric Whitfield caught the ball, he didn’t hesitate before heaving it all the way from the outfield to the catcher. The throw only bounced once while on its way to the plate to bypass the cutoff man.

COMETS

RAMS

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

It was a spectacular throw to earn a double play and get out of the inning.

“When I made that throw the wind was blowing out against me, but I called for it,” Whitfield said.

“We don’t get to make a lot of huge plays, but when we do it’s really exciting to help the team out.

“I knew that if the ball came my way I’d have a shot to throw him out at the plate,” he said. “It’s also a real confidence booster to know you have someone who can scoop it up, and apply the tag.”

In the bottom of the third, the Comets kept chipping away at San Francisco pitches.

Comet catcher Lawrence Duncan singled and then he stole second base. Then, center fielder Evan Ray stepped to the plate and

hit an absolute bomb that went about 360 feet to left field — over the high fence.

It was Ray’s second home run in the past two games.

“It was a fat pitch and I just hit it hard. It was a fastball — a little high — but I put a little extra ‘oomph’ into it,” Ray said. “They call me ‘Trout’, in reference to Mike Trout who plays for the Anaheim Angels, because we have a lot of similarities.

“We’re about the same age, we’re both fast runners, we have about the same build. We’re both outfielders, and we can both hit the ball far because we have power — so they just decided to call me Trout.”

The bottom of the fourth inning would be the Comets’ most

“Today we played well as a unit. Everybody won and played their parts today. We got guys on base, and moved guys over (into scoring position) and played good on defense.”

— Brian Guinn, baseball coach

productive offensive inning of the game. Comet second baseman Jon Quintal started it off with a single, and soon was pushed to third base by hits from left fielder Rabonnie Carter and Rutledge to load the bases.

Ressler then knocked in Quintal

Gladiators uncover Comets’ limitations

BY Dylan Collier STAFF WRITER

dcollier.theadvocate@gmail.com

HAYWARD — The softball team was outscored by 48-5 during a difficult doubleheader on Feb. 11 at Chabot College.

Contra Costa College (0-2 overall) softball coach Karolyn Gubbine was supportive of her team throughout both games (30-5, 18-0 respectively) that ended in the fifth inning because of the 10-run mercy rule.

In softball, if one team is ahead by 10 or more runs, the game GLADIATORS after five innings instead of going the full seven innings.

After the first game it was clear that the Comets’ defense needed work. In COMETS the second inning, starting pitcher Anna Palter gave up a grand slam that was absolutely powdered GLADIATORS over the left side of the center field fence. The Comet outfielders lacked speed and it became apparent when the left outfielder dropped a pop COMETS fly.

While CCC had nine errors by the end of the first game, it cut that total in half during the second game.

During the second inning of the first game the Comets gave up a three-run knock — Chabot’s second home run of the inning.

The Gladiators scored seven runs with two swings of the bat. The Comets gave up 16 runs, seven hits, seven RBIs and committed seven errors in that inning alone.

Despite Chabot being an offensive powerhouse averaging at least 12 runs per game, the Comets had opportunities to make routine outs in the outfield.

Left fielder Nancy Bernal and center fielder Amy Polomares combined to tally five errors in the first game to only fuel Chabot’s heavy hitting lineup.

“It’s not only my first year playing for (the college),” Bernal said. “It’s my first year playing softball in general. I just try to hustle each time, but I’m new to softball so I’m still learning.”

In the forth inning it was as if the baseball gods momentarily strengthened Palter’s arm to help persevere the score and get out of the inning.

Although she gave up five runs, she dug her cleats into the dirt and retired Gladiators Amanda Coley, Melissa Jauriqui and Ashley

30 5 18 0

11 1

Tarango in that order.

“I do “When on the mound the best I was really trying to focus on the moment and with what not let any past mistakes get to me,” Palter said. “I we have. think a lot of (my team- I believe mates) were being hard on themselves so I just everybody wanted to show them that is able no matter what the score to learn is we’ll fight to the end.

“No matter what posi- softball no tion you’re playing you matter what should still bring the same intensity, leadership kind of and focus to the game.” experience Even though the Comets had a tough day they have.” against an undefeated — Karolyn team, Palter proved her- Gubbine, softball coach self as a worthy leader on the field playing as pitcher and center fielder in the first game and then as shortstop during second.

“We had a strong presence managing our pitchers on the mound, and the leadership within our circle,” Gubbine said.

She shifted her players to different defensive positions during the second game and the Comets’ fielding improved. Her changes are reflected by the closer score gap compared to the first game.

Although there were a few more errors in the outfield, the Comets began getting their gloves on the ball more than in the first game.

Gubbine rotated between three pitchers throughout the second game. In the bottom of the fourth inning the Comets brought on their closing pitcher Sidney Davis.

Davis fired in strike after strike and only allowed four batters to step up to the plate.

The notable differences were how she commanded the mound and the speed of her fastball.

Gubbine said her coaching style is strictly developmental and she aims to help her players continue to improve as the season progresses.

“I do the best with what we have. I believe everybody is able to learn softball no matter what kind of experience they have,” she said.

“I’m excited for this year, and we’ll just keep throwing everybody into the groove so we can excel and move forward.”

The Comets are scheduled to play Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill on March 8.

The first pitch of the upcoming doubleheader will be thrown at 1p.m.

with an RBI to keep the bases loaded.

“We came through with hits with runners in scoring position,” Guinn said. “We had a couple of key hits when it counted.”

The home team went on to get four runs off three hits in that inning to make the score 9-0.

The Comets had scoreless fifth, sixth and seventh innings but tacked on two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth on a double by Whitfield (two doubles, 2-4 and four RBIs).

“I’ve been working on my batting with coach Guinn,” he said.

“And working on keeping my hands back, being patient and developing an approach against college teams.”

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Tournament loss tarnishes BVC title win

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

After successfully capturing the Bay Valley Conference title with season ending wins against second place Merritt College and Mendocino College, the men’s basketball team defeated the College of Alameda 108-73 in the first game of the BVC tournament Tuesday in the Gymnasium.

The team made quick work of the Cougars (3-23 overall and 1-11 in the BVC) in game one, but hit a familiar roadblock in the form of Yuba College (16-13 overall and 6-5 in the BVC) in round two, losing a double-digit lead and eventually the game 73-70 Wednesday in the Gymnasium.

The seventh 49ERS seeded Comets will get a chance to redeem themselves as the team faces No. 10 seeded Cosumnes COMETS River College Friday at 7 p.m. in the Gymnasium in the opening round of the NorCal Regional Playoffs.

Coming into the tournament CCC (23-7 overall and 11-1 in the BVC) is ranked fifth in the state and first in the BVC, according to the most recent California Community College Athletic Association poll posted Feb. 15.

“It’s a bad loss regardless of ranking or playoff status — it still hurt us,” Comet guard Rae Jackson (14 points, five assists) said. “We didn’t beat them before and their best player was injured this time.”

Despite being up by double figures and losing, the circumstances that led to the Comets’ demise were not without controversy.

In the game, CCC had six points removed from its side of the official scorebook, combined with four points added to the Yuba total, resulting in a 10-point swing.

The problems eventually led to the head official removing the clock operator following the

73 70

replacement of the official bookkeeper earlier in the contest.

Tempers reached a boiling point when, with 7.2 seconds to play and down by one, Yuba nailed a 3-pointer to go up two points.

The 49ers fouled as the Comets attempted to race the length of the court and score, with 6.5 seconds on the clock.

“Everyone was screaming, one ref said reset the clock to 6.5, the other said 7.2 and there was a lady screaming 5.9 at the top of her lungs from the other side of the court,” clock operator Destanee Alexander said. “The lead official screamed he was in charge and to set the clock back to 7.2 even though the ball was passed in after the shot was made at 7.2.”

She continued, “I set the clock back to 7.2 and gave the finger to the woman screaming 5.9 who was on the other side of the court behind the official. That is when he removed me — not for the confusion, for the obscene gesture.”

“We didn’t underestimate them; we are confident that we can beat anyone we play. Between the refs and the scoreboard we feel like we beat ourselves,” Comet forward Larry Wickett said.

Despite Comet coach Miguel Johnson receiving a warning for profanity in the first half for hiccups at the scorer’s table, the team was still able to carry a seven-point lead into halftime, 33-26.

“You have a goal when you set out, so we just have to remain focused and not satisfied with mediocrity or even conference titles,” Johnson said. “The goal is to be the last team playing.”

Yuba took its first lead 60-59 with three minutes left.

Momentum swung back and forth as the game hung in the balance. As the Comets fouled to stop the clock, the 49ers made free throws and handed the Comets a three-point 73-70 loss.

Officially the decision to remove points from the Comets resulted in a loss that stands without redress.

“

7

You have a goal when you set out, so we just have to remain focused not satisfied with mediocrity or even conference titles. The goal is to be the last team standing.”

— Miguel Johnson , men’s basketball coach

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Point guard Bobby Syvanthong powers his way through the Yuba College defense during the Comets’ Bay Valley Conference tournament loss on Feb. 17. Syvanthong was fouled immediately after the attempted lay-up.

COMET QUINTET STEALS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

OAKLAND — The battle for supremacy in the Bay Valley Conference came down to the final night of conference play as a quintet of Comets closed the door on second place Laney College’s championship chances with a 71-63 victory Friday.

CCC, seeded No. 13 in the NorCal Regional Playoffs, begins postseason play Friday at 7 p.m. against No. 4 Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill.

On Friday both teams carried identical 10-1 records into the contest and a celebration of the Eagles (15-10 overall and 10-2 in the BVC) sophomore players added an extra bonus to fuel Laney’s incentive toward victory.

For the Comets (21-9 and 11-1 in the BVC) the adversity of suiting up just five players and the prospect of needing to play a perfect game to win was the impetus for a near-flawless first-half performance and ultimately enough to take home the conference crown.

In the Comets’ previous game Feb. 17 at Yuba College, guard Sydney Vidal was ejected from the contest for screaming a profanity on the court.

“I feel horrible,” Vidal said. “It was a bad decision, but I wasn’t aware of that rule. I feel like it was unfair that there was no warning given.”

The Comets went on to win the game 77-68, but the infraction also carries a one-game suspension, disqualifying Vidal for the final game against Laney.

Without the ability to substitute and fouls being the most precious commodity on the court, CCC embraced facing the seemingly insurmountable odds.

After seeing scores tied at seven

and 12, the Comets finally took the lead on a Briah Davis (seven points) jumper well into the first quarter.

A longer, leaner Comet team beat the Eagles to loose balls and long rebounds throughout the first quarter.

Sophomore guard Tynisha Adams (26 points) was virtually unguardable, hitting 3s or knifing into the heart of the Laney defense for lay-ups.

A tight game early became an exhibition of perimeter ball movement and high-low post play between freshman standout Julian Robinson (15 points, 12 rebounds) and BVC stalwart Jacqie Moody (11 points, 12 rebounds).

“Defense was our biggest concern. We wanted to play disciplined, stay under control and communicate well,” Robinson said.

Robinson’s high-post decisions of draining elbow jumpers or finding Moody on the block gave the Eagles fits, forcing adjustments that inevitably left Adams or sophomore guard Daizah Pounds alone to pick apart the Eagles from behind the arc.

Pounds earned her second triple double of the season notching 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

“I told my teammates I would die on the court before losing a championship to Laney,” Pounds said. “I was ready to put the game on my shoulders because I knew how big it was.”

Even with the frantic pace and the raucous crowd, Comet players (known for their volatility) kept their composure by limiting verbal outbursts and, most importantly, not reaching on defense to foul.

The Eagles forced a 4-0 run to end the half, but an Adams 3-point buzzer-beater gave the Comets a 38-32 lead at halftime.

Seemingly a COMETS harbinger of good things to come, Davis knocked down her second 3-pointer of the EAGLES season early in the third quarter. Moody and Robinson continued to dominate the play inside as the Eagles finally hinted at wilting under the weight of the situation.

Back-to-back lay-ups by Adams and Davis forced Laney into a timeout with five minutes remaining in the third and the Comets in front 50-36.

Following the timeout, Laney gave its fans something to cheer about by going on a 6-0 run.

Moody quieted the crowd, earning a foul and draining both free throws, giving her squad a decisive third quarter advantage, 56-47.

The Eagles clawed away at the Comet advantage and cut the lead to 10 with three minutes to play.

The crowd became electrified as the Comet lead was smashed to six and then five with two minutes to play.

The crowd sat stunned in silence until its eruption as Laney forced a 10-second violation and a two-shot foul of which one was converted.

With just minutes left to play, Robinson fouled out, leaving the Comets at a distinct disadvantage.

In the closing minute Laney frantically searched for a way to take advantage of the CCC misfortune. For the Eagles, faces of strength grew somber as time ran out.

Playing four on five for the last minute and a half, the Comets held strong and overcame literal odds en route to a 71-63 victory and the Bay Valley Conference title.

71 63

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Comet forward Julian Robinson drains a jump shot during the Comets’ Bay Valley Conference win against Laney College on Friday.

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 2.24.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

Culture illuminates, excites visitors for lunar new year Photos by: Christian Urrutia FOR

ABOVE: A lion greets parade attendees during the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Festival and Parade between Bush and Pine Streets in San Francisco on Saturday.

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LEFT: A performer with the Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo marching band plays a tune during the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Festival and Parade between Bush and Pine Streets in San Francisco on Saturday.

RIGHT: Hundreds of San Francisco residents and non-residents attended the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Festival and Parade in San Francisco on Saturday.

ABOVE: Two performers inside a lion continue on their route for spectators during the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Festival and Parade between Bush and Pine Streets in San Francisco on Saturday.