WEDNESDAY l 2.3.16 OUR 66TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.
3,240 The recent FTES peak in spring of 2011 was reached even though the enrollment head count had been dropping since 2009.
2,326 The current FTES count for spring 2016, as estimated as of Feb. 1 (Monday), though it has only dropped about 62 total FTES since last year.
Despite steady trend, some expect ‘imminent’ rebound FTES drops 2 percent, classes with low enrollment could see ‘trimming’
BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER
bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com
Headcount is up, but enrollment is down, and the college is hurting. To oversimplify, a Full-Time Equivalent Student represents 15 semester units that students have enrolled in. The amount of FTES directly affects the funding a college receives from the state. Dean of Enrollment Dennis Franco said as of Feb. 1, “We’re about two and a half percent lower than this time last year —10 days into the semester.” Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner said, “It’s lower than we’d like it to be (and) it’s been low for a few years now.” Franco said, “We’re up roughly 4 percent in actual number of students.”
“It’s lower than we’d like it to be (and) it’s been low for a few years now.” — Jason Berner, Liberal Arts Division dean
But those students are taking fewer units of classes. Catherine Frost, the director of Admissions and Records said, “We’re slightly down (in FTES) but there’s still another week to register. If each student would take just one more class that would make a huge difference.” Senior Dean of Instruction Donna Floyd said, “I would certainly like to see enrollment increase. We have a lot of late start classes.” “I don’t know if I’d use the term dire,” Berner SEE ENROLLMENT, PAGE 4
Shrinking FTES:
Though headcount is up this spring, enrollment reports show a consistent drop in Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES) funding for the college over the past six years, endangering existing classes.
REPLACEMENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM STALLS IN HIRING TASK BY Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR
mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com
SparkPoint, a nonprofit organization that helps students pay for necessary expenses, is in the final processes of partnering with Contra Costa College as a replacement for Single Stop USA. The financial coaching program that is replacing Single Stop — which ended
editorial
Single Stop
Students aiming to earn a degree but need financial help are without resources. PAGE 2
SEE SPARKPOINT, PAGE 4
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Chevron grant to move into ‘capable hands’ Civic Center
BY Cody Casares
Plaza hosts
ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com
first Richmond
DOGS VIE FOR TOP SPOT, PUREST BREED PAGE 7
Promise scholarship workshops
PHOTO EDITOR
RICHMOND — High school seniors and their parents gathered in the Richmond City Council Chambers on Wednesday for the first of several workshops designed to help students apply for Chevron’s $35 million Richmond Promise scholarship program. While the city is currently managing the scholarship program, it will pass on all respon-
sibility to another organization, Richmond City Manager Bill Lindsay said. “We are going to move this to a separate nonprofit organization, but the city is helping to patch this now,” Lindsay said. “After it takes flight it will be in the capable hands of Jessie Stewart who is the brand new executive director of the Richmond Promise Organization.” SEE PROMISE, PAGE 4
ABOVE: Richmond City Manager Bill Lindsay discuses the Richmond Promise Scholarship program in the Richmond City Council Chambers on Jan. 27.
Quotable “Words are chameleons which reflect the color of their environment.” Learned Hand federal judge 1945 Christian Urrutia editor-in-chief Marci Suela art director Roxana Amparo Lorenzo Morotti associate editors Asma Alkrizy opinion editor Mike Thomas scene editor Robert Clinton sports editor Cody Casares photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Nora Alkrizy Benjamin Bassham 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 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.
opinion
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3, 2016 VOL. 103, NO. 12
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EDITORIAL RESOURCE STILL MISSING College fails to prime smooth transition for financial help
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his is the first tax season since 2011 in which there are no resources on campus where students can seek financial coaching because Single Stop USA shut down when its $74,000 grant ended in the spring 2015 semester. While Contra Costa College is currently working to replace the non-profit organization that paid for the cost of students taxes, legal services and food with a similar organization — SparkPoint — the college did not plan a smooth transition despite early warning signs Single Stop could not sustain itself. According to a 2011-12 Achievement Gap Report, compiled by the District Office of Research and Development, the program received $298,171 in grant monies to sustain operating costs from 2011-15. It had to latch onto CalWorks in 2012 to continue helping students living in poverty have enough extra money to stay enrolled. The Advocate finds the lack of foresight involved in getting a replacement program at the college ready before college could no longer fund Single Stop as an egregious blunder — especially considering the student population CCC serves. During the three years it served the college, the state approved about $7.85 million in Board of Governor Fee Waivers, according to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Financial Aid Summary Report. While the BOG waiver is not directly connected with Single Stop, the amount of money granted to the college to pay off these institutional costs shows people in CCC’s service area need these programs. Former Single Stop Manager Teresea Archaga said most students came to the office when their financial aid fell through or when they needed help with their taxes. But because college administrators planned for Single Stop to eventually be able to pay its own operating costs, the college was not ready to find a replacement when it could no longer support the non-profit program. If only they thought about Single Stop struggled? The truth is that students who want to go to college, but can’t afford it are with one less resource.
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Letters needed
he Advocate staff works as hard as it can to serve as the voice of Contra Costa College students, but there are opinions and issues we miss. We need to hear from students and faculty to cover the campus fully. Send us your opinions or interests. Send letters to the editor to accent. advocate@gmail.com or deliver them to our Newsroom in AA-215. Letters must be signed, are limited to 300 words, and are subject to editing for libel, space constraints and clarity. — The Advocate Editorial Board
MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
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■ CRITICAL INSIGHT
Society wrongly deems skeptics as ‘crazy’ I
always wondered why the sky is blue, what makes us dream, what exists beyond the universe, because I was curious. But when I began to question my authorities on controversial matters, people started calling me a conspiracy theorist. The irrational stigma against being a conspiracy theorist is undeserving. It segregates the ability of the mind to think critically and seek for the truth in complex terms. It’s like what my English instructor said. “Some people just like to accept simple answers. There are no such things as easy explanations anymore. It requires effort to seek for the truth.” The ability of the mind to question, scrutinize and seek the truth just describes us as curious and skeptical humans. But mainstream media and society single out conspiracy theorists as crazy and irrational people, as they are conditioned to ridicule ideas that seem to be different and pose a threat to how pleasant society is. Whether the individual’s theory seems accurate or not, once he or she is labeled as a conspiracy theorist, their words don’t matter. The use of loaded terms, such as conspiracy theorists, are meant to influence the audience by using emotionally charged words rather than their literal meanings to mislead the public from listening to the
asmaalkrizy
investigating and then forming an opinion about it. I can conclude an incident as a hoax by providing a detailed analysis of how the deceased person in the picture doesn’t resemble the victim or criminal. Yet, mainstream media would still call me crazy. Am I sane because I do not agree with the rest? Or because I’m seeking for my own truth? After reading “1984” by George Orwell, I became aware of how society can easily label an individual as insane because of their contradicting views toward a certain issue. In a totalitarian society, the majority of the civilians accept the lies of the rulers. The protagonist Winston seems to question if he’s insane or a genius who discovered a horrid truth. Winston was a true skeptic who sought for the truth despite knowing his views contradicted what his society believed. Even though skeptics may not always be right, their ability to scrutinize and evaluate information makes them unique and intellectuals. Society should not taint the human mind’s ability to think critically and question the information presented to the public. Being curious and skeptical are parts of our nature as human beings.
individual’s assertions. No one will listen or take them seriously because the audience created a crazy and paranoiac image of them. Certain “There theories about conare no troversial topics, such such as the new world order, things are often dismissed as easy before any of the informa- explanation is closely tions examined. It is true some formed anymore.” theories contain little to no evidence and can be proven inaccurate, but other theories sound plausible. Some even turned out to be true, such as the Operation Northwoods and Manhattan Project. Because the term “conspiracy theorist” possesses negative connotations of craziness and irrationality, I will call the human mind’s ability to question the world and think as skepticism. Skeptics are not the first Asma Alkrizy is the opinones to agree with what the ion editor of The Advocate. majority of people think. Contact her at aalkrizy. They approach the theadvocate@gmail.com. information by analyzing,
CAMPUS COMMENT What tax services do you use?
“I’m 17 actually. I don’t work right now so I don’t file them.”
“I don’t do it myself, I ask my mom to file them for me.”
Ikjot Shegill
Haley Haynes
engineering
biology
“I don’t file because my parents are able to do it for me.”
Marcus Pippen Coraima Espinal nursing
CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
“No, I’m not working so I don’t file.”
undecided
“Actually, I am an international student, so I haven’t worked yet.” Hajar Sertou business
“I’m in MCHS, so I don’t work.” Bemister Tessema
Middle College High School
forum ■ INTO THE WILD
codycasares
‘NATURAL’ WORLD OFFERS POIGNANT INSIGHT INTO SOUL
I
f you live in the Bay Area then you are probably surrounded by bustling traffic, vast infrastructure and neighbors sometimes only a wall away. With such close proximity to others it is easy to forget that there are environments that differ from the urban surroundings that we call home, where the only traffic is the occasional critter scuttling along in search of food — where the only infrastructure is living, breathing and ever changing. To experience, even in the slightest, any one of the latter is a critical reminder of one’s history and connection to it all. Being surrounded by a natural environment offers a chance to decompress and presents the opportunity to release the constant stress brought on by the modern world. To be alone in a heavily wooded area with only what you can carry on your back is a truly surreal experience. Everyone should try it. Priorities switch from external worries to more internally focused thoughts of “where do I go now? What do I see in front of me or what am I hearing or feeling right now?” You don’t need to be connected to the Internet to connect with yourself. Everything can be viewed as a learning experience while embracing some of the natural instincts that are washed out in our daily city dweller lives. All possessions need to be carried on your back, and because of this it is much easier to prioritize what is really necessary. Many of the electronics we use daily lives are not as essential as an extra pair of socks, water, food, a sleeping bag, a form of shelter and, of course, toilet paper. Also requiring the physical strength to get anywhere is a humbling experience as it exposes how much we take modern transportation for granted. Driving to the top of a scenic ridge does not give you a feeling as rewarding as hiking to the summit yourself. Now there are people who do not seek to conquer Half Dome in Yosemite, or dwell in an isolated area of Denali National Park in Alaska. For people not ready to commit to such remote adventures, a simple stroll through Wildcat Canyon Regional Park here in the East Bay, which provides 2,427 acres of rolling hills with spectacular views, can deliver a similar calming experience. Even to sit alone in the Atrium on campus for 30 minutes between classes allows one to release stress. While it is important to remember to get away from it all, it’s equally as important to reconnect once you return — don’t be a hermit. At the core of it all it is important to remember that not everything we experience needs to come in the form of a text message or the latest viral video on YouTube. Getting lost outdoors is not always a bad thing. Cody Casares is the photo editor of The Advocate. Contact him at ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com.
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 2.3.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
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■ CULTURAL BARRIERS
Lack of experience stalls success F
irst-generation college students may feel frustrated due to psychological challenges and a lack of guidance. These issues can prolong the academic plans for these students, who don’t have a sense of direction upon enrollment. The Center of Student Opportunity (CSO), a nonprofit organization that aims to empower first-gen students through their path in college, defines the term as anyone whose parents or guardian did not receive a four-year degree. Because their guardian or parents lack personal college experience, first-gen students have to work twice as hard. If not properly guided, these students can struggle with endeavors of planning their academic path toward a paying career while balancing multi-generational family dynamics. As a first-gen student, I faced problems including a mentality of being on my own, a shift in identity and feeling pressured to achieve a
marcisuela degree. According to Contra Costa College’s 2015 Student Success Scorecard, the percentage of first-gen students on campus during the 201314 academic year was 48.7 percent of the 10,875 students enrolled. That is almost 5,300 students who may be dealing with these same issues. If CCC wants to increase student success, it needs to provide more resources to serve as a support system because these students also deal with psychological challenges for choosing their academic routes. Lack of resources prevented me from identifying myself right away as a first-generation college
student. As a result, my ignorance was categorized with a pool of indecisiveness and lost individuals in need of guidance. My parents emigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines during the 1960 and 70s with a mindset of Filipino traditions. Upon the transition, they focused on continuing the practice of prioritizing care for their elders while adjusting to American culture. Because of low-income circumstances, providing for our family came first and they were unable to focus on improving their own lives through academic resources. Achieving a successful adaption to a new culture provided a stable environment for my upbringing. Since my parents grew up in the Philippines during a different era, I encountered generational and cultural barriers when discussing academics. Because they were born in a rural area with different standards, my parents perceive education as a step to improve one’s lifestyle.
“Kapag dumating ng tamang panahon ay makakatulong sa iyong sariling pamilya,” as my mom would say. It translates, “When the right time comes for you to have your own family, this will help you make your life better.” As a result, the consequences of them skipping college left me with the struggle of having to understand the process without their help. I turned to wordof-mouth from peers and researched on my own in deciding my future. If a counselor or professor can provide aid beyond a planned academic path, there would be an increase in student success. It would also establish a nurturing environment as first-gen students, who could have been lost like me, and provide assistance to their peers who are in need of guidance. Marci Suela is the art director of The Advocate. Contact her at msuela.theadvocate@ gmail.com.
RAPE CULTURE undermines human rights Disturbing report reflects cultural biases, lethargy BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR
ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com
T
he disturbing reality of our society in which nine out of 10 victims of rape are female and one in 33 are male embodies rape culture’s suffocating grasp on female identity. Although rape is a serious crime and state laws punish rapists, Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) also reports that 98 percent of rapists will never spend a day in prison. Rape culture, a term adopted in the 1970s by feminists, normalizes sexual assault and makes excuses for the perpetrator. It teaches the victim to avoid rape instead of teaching the rapist that his actions are wrong. Mainstream media outlets use misogynistic language in song lyrics, rape comedy, rape prevention tools and victim blaming and shaming to support rape culture. When thinking of how rape occurs, the image of the perpetrator jumping out of the bushes or dark alley and sexually attacking the victim comes to mind. This scenario has been instilled in our minds, but according to RAINN four out of five times the victim knows his or her attacker — and 47 percent of rapes are committed by a friend or acquaintance of the victim. Rape culture gives women tools to avoid rape by telling them how to dress, act and behave. Rape culture raises the questions women fear to hear: Did she have too much to drink? Was her dress too short or her top too low? Was she walking alone at night? Was she
being too friendly? While measures are taken into consideration to help women avoid being victims of rape, they are not enough. Four guys at North Carolina State University created a nail polish called Undercover Colors that changes colors to identify date-rape drugs. While they said their goal was to “invent technologies that empower women to protect themselves from this heinous crime and quietly pervasive crime,” this only is a temporary solution that distracts from the normalization of rape culture in our society. According to a Waging Nonviolence People Powered News & Analysis article entitled “Rape, Rape Culture and the Problem of Patriarchy,” by Robert Jensen, professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, males often seek power through sex but also use their power to their advantage. Rape culture says the victim could have avoided their assault altogether by following rape culture’s “laws” and excuses male violence. Some of these laws are supported through lyrics, such as the wellknown Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” When Thicke sings, “I know you want it,” he is promoting non-consensual sex. Thicke sings, “You’re a good girl,” which according to rape victim testimonials are usually the words coming out of the mouth of their perpetrator. N.W.A’s song, “One Less Bitch,” also promotes misogyny and violence against women when MC Ren wrote, “The bitch tried to ‘gank’ me so I had to kill her.”
And people who downplay the significance of those lyrics are supporting rapists simply because of their economic strength and popularity are supporting rape culture too. Living in a culture that glorifies male violence through music and action movies while over-sexualizing the female body trivialize sexual harassment, making it the norm and allowing room for victim blaming. Victim blaming is “putting blame for the occurrence of a traumatizing event on the survivor instead of blaming the perpetrator,” according to Humboldt State University’s Stop Rape & Response & Prevention website. Rape culture is creating prevention education and support programs for rape victims and teaching the importance of consent on college campuses instead of teaching rapists to not rape. At the University of ColoradoColorado Springs, college women were told to “vomit and urinate” as potential ways to repulsing their assailant. And the popular saying “No Means No” was swapped out for “Yes Means Yes” and adopted by more than 800 colleges and universities to raise the importance of consent. Instead of creating prevention programs for women, organizations should focus on the root of the issue and educate men who rape is wrong in any circumstance. According to National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. But more than 90 percent of campus victims do not report the assault. According to California rape laws consent often becomes a controversial defense because the argument may require evidence of the victim’s sexual history. Unless the victim is a child or someone “lacking mental capacity,” then it is very difficult to prove rape in court. Rape culture is not always a man jumping out the bushes of an alley. It is the concept that the victim could prevent their rape if they follow the rules while the perpetrator’s actions are overlooked. Rape culture, for some, is considered a myth made up by feminists looking to exploit men, but it is thriving as it perpetuates the normalization of sexual assault of women in our society. MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
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NEWSLINE FUTURE PROJECTS
COLLEGE TO DISCUSS $450 BOND MEASURE Contra Costa Community College District Facilities Planner Ray Pyle said Bond Measure E plans and phasing of upcoming construction projects will be discussed at the next College Council meeting on Feb. 11 in LA-100 from 2 to 4 p.m. Contra Costa College was allocated $84.4 million of the $450 million awarded to the district, Pyle said.
SCHOLARSHIPS
WORKSHOPS OFFER GUIDANCE, SUPPORT Scholarship workshops will be offered by on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. in the Assessment Center for students who plan to apply for spring 2016 scholarships. During the workshop there will be information about the available scholarships, how to apply, help with personal statements and how to ask for references. Scholarship deadline is on March 7 at 4:30 p.m. in the Office of Financial Aid. For more workshop information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 510-215-3958.
AWARENESS
FINANCIAL AID TO INFORM STUDENTS The second annual Financial Aid Awareness Day will take place today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside in the Student Services Center Plaza. There will be tables with information on resources students can use. As part of the setup, Disabled Students Programs Services (DSPS), Welcome/Transfer Center and others will take part. Food, music, games and giveaways will be happening during the event. For more information regarding Financial Aid Awareness Day, contact the Financial Aid Office at 510-215-3958.
CRIMEWATCH Monday, Dec. 17: It was determined that a female student posed a danger to herself and she was transported to the hospital for mental evaluation. Tues, Dec. 21: A gas line broke during construction. Tuesday, Jan. 11: A custodian got an electrical shock from a wire in the custodian closet. The custodian declined medical attention. — 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.
More than two years into its $52 million open-“heart” construction project, Contra Costa College’s three new arteries are on schedule to be aligned by May to make way for the remaining technical work that will seal the gaping hole on campus. Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said Lathrop Inc., the contractor hired by the Contra Costa Community College District, is on schedule to have the Campus Center and Classroom Project’s buildings ready by April 30 for the installation of the fixtures, furniture and equipment. “At about $52 million, (the Campus Center Project) is the largest project in the district’s history,” King said. “It tore down two buildings at the heart of our campus to build three much bigger and progressive facilities.” He said final phase of the Bond Measure A (2006) funded project will happen over the summer to ensure that the three-story General Education Building, College Center Building and Fireside Hall are ready for students and faculty use for the fall semester. Critical Solutions, a project and construction management consultant firm hired by the district, Project Manager Ron Johnson said Lathrop’s contract with the district and other expenditures such as fixtures, furniture and equipment is expected to be completed within the overall bud-
get for construction. “Overall, the Lathrop contract work is expected to be completed ahead of the original contract’s substantial completion date of mid-June 2016,” Johnson said. “During the summer months, the remaining (furniture, fixtures and equipment) will be installed in the buildings; so the buildings are ready to go for the start of the fall semester.” According to TBP/ Architecture, Inc.’s website, the firm that developed the buildings’ designs, once the project is completed it will provide the campus with 102,622 square feet of modernized space within the facilities. King said faculty and division dean offices will be in the General Education Building that will mainly house Liberal Arts classes as it contains 11 classrooms, four computer labs and a 200-seat lecture hall. Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said Student Life, culinary arts, the Bookstore, administration, business services, research and planning, marketing, economic development and grants, Academic Senate, Career Technical Education and Middle College High School will all move into the College Center Building. “The completions of (the College Center and Classroom Project buildings) means a lot for our college community,” Mehdizadeh said. “Because it shows our connection with taxpayers in the surrounding communities who funded the project wanting to see renovations to
the pathway of education from West Contra Costa Unified School District to Contra Costa College. “It is wonderful seeing their hard earned money being put to phenomenal use,” she said. “It will allow students to be in modern learning spaces that are uplifting.” Johnson said construction workers are currently installing interior floor panels, brick veneer onto the exterior and will begin paving exterior walkways once the scaffolding is removed in the coming months. Mehdizadeh said it is exciting to see so much progress daily, but was especially impressed with the classrooms in the General Education Building. “(The General Education Building) is the furthest along. The classrooms in it feel so extremely open and airy that it makes me want to take classes,” Mehdizadeh said. “Especially because students will be able to sit and enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Tamalpias while taking part in the learning process. It will be a wonderful new space that our students deserve.” Not only are the new facilities more modern than those that stood at the heart of CCC for more than half a century, the now demolished Humanities and Student Activities buildings, but are also more stable in case of an earthquake along the Hayward Fault — a slip-strike fault with a 31 percent probability to produce a major quake in the next 30 years according to the USGS — the same fault that bisects the campus. Mehdizadeh said because the
Hayward Fault runs under the campus it is divided into three zones, habitable (green), not cleared (yellow) and exclusion (red) that are determined by seismic studies done by Kleinfelder Inc. District Facilities Planner Ray Pyle said that because CCC is located within 2,000 feet on either side of the Hayward Fault it “falls under the Alquist-Priolo Zoning Act (of 1972).” “The first thing the district did was a very detailed analysis regarding where it can and cannot build,” Mehdizadeh said. “Yellow zones can be turned into green zones through extensive drilling, but you cannot change the status of a red zone.” She said because the Student Activities Building (built in 1958) and the Humanities Building (built in 1955) were located in the “habitable” zone, the site for the nearly complete College Center and Classroom Project did not require further seismic study. According to the college’s Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit Studies report prepared for the district by Thornton Tomasetti Building Solutions in November 2011, the Humanities Building and Student Activities Building were rated at a seismic risk level of V and IV out of VII, respectively. The Seismic Rubric indicates any building at a public institution that is rated at a Seismic Risk level IV is structurally “questionable,” while a V or higher is deemed “unacceptable”.
ENROLLMENT | Funding reflects shrinking numbers Continued from Page 1 said. “It’s serious though. We need to do some trimming.” Floyd said, “This semester we’re really looking at low enrolled classes that could be combined (or eliminated). But a low enrolled class could be the only class that’s in a certificate (of accomplishment.)” The need to provide somewhat specialized classes makes some possible cost saving measures very counterproductive. Removing certain classes could push students to enroll at other colleges and continue the bleed at CCC. “There may be limits on courses offered to encourage classes to fill to capacity,” Floyd said. The 2.6 percent drop, though unpromising, is not set in stone. Students are still adding and dropping classes, and the late start classes complicate it further. Berner said, “Until a week before classes started all three colleges were way up (in enrollment). I think we were up 17 percent then down by 4 percent, then up again.” Floyd said, “(Those earlier figures are) com-
“We’re looking to continue partnerships with the high schools. Outreach and recruitment is a big help.” Dennis Franco
dean of enrollment services
paring apples with oranges. We started last spring one week sooner.” So the numbers might be slightly wobblier than usual. Ignoring FTES, between half the campus being torn down and funding cuts, Contra Costa College has shrunk each year from a peak head count of more than 9,000 in spring 2009 to a low of under 6,500 last spring. Some limited effort is being made to drum up enrollment. Franco said, “We have student success support programs at local high schools (and) people working to boost awareness of online enrollment.” This mostly means CCC courses are being
outsourced to local high schools, and classes are being taught that count for credit at CCC. Floyd said, “We’re looking to continue partnerships with the high schools. Outreach and recruitment is a big help.” Franco said there are a variety of factors that could be blamed for reduced FTES — from the better economy giving more people jobs, to the perception of the college as a construction zone. Floyd said, “Construction probably has an impact on enrollment. Classes are not all full to the max. We would have to survey folks to see. “After construction is completed there could be a boost in enrollment. There was at the other two colleges (after their recent construction work.)” Berner said, “Anytime a college gets new facilities it gets more students. We won’t be so constrained in terms of classroom space and (the college will) certainly be more attractive. “My feeling is I am personally guardedly optimistic.” He said, “We’re about where we were last year. I do believe a rebound is imminent.”
SPARKPOINT | Nonprofit partners with community Continued from Page 1 during the spring 2015 semester due to a lack of funding — needs to hire a coordinator for the program before it can open for student use SparkPoint Site Director Betty Cantrell said. While similar to Single Stop, SparkPoint has a different approach to help students who struggle to pay for college. “SparkPoint has a different focus than Single Stop,” EOPS/ CARE & CalWORKs Manager George Mills said. “It’s more oneon-one counseling and financial coaching.” Former CCC Single Stop Manager Teresea Archaga said the
nonprofit organization provided students living in poverty in its services area opportunities to make their living situation better through grants and financial workshops. “Single Stop is a way of supporting students through financial barriers by providing coaching and legal services for students,” Archaga said. “I made things easier for students who were struggling financially.” Cantrell said, “Students in (SparkPoint) will receive financial education to help students with their goals and where they stand with their credit score.” She said there are 13 SparkPoint
centers across California and two of them are in the career centers of colleges. SparkPoint has been at Skyline College since 2010 providing students with a lot of services on campus, Skyline Interim Program Director Chad Thompson said. “Our benefit office helps with food stamps, medical insurance and screening,” Thompson said. “It used to be more difficult when we didn’t have a division for benefits (at Skyline).” He said other benefits include access to a free food pantry and assistance with getting jobs on or off campus. “We have a food pantry with
fresh produce and canned goods, so students can do a little grocery ‘shopping’ around here,” he said. “We have a career related support system, meaning we help students get jobs and help with writing their resumes.” According to singlestopusa.org, more than 46 million people in the United States live in poverty and the group provides services for them. Before Single Stop had to latch onto another program to stay active, it assisted students at CCC for three years through similar means until it ceased operations during the spring 2015 semester, Archaga said.
PROMISE | Graduating seniors begin applications Continued from Page 1 The Richmond Promise is a Chevron funded $35 million scholarship program available to high school seniors who graduate within West Contra Costa Unified School District starting with the high school seniors graduating in 2016, Lindsay said. Those students who meet the requirements are eligible to receive up to $1,500 for either a four-year university or community college of their choice. “The Richmond Promise is brand new for us as it is brand new for you, so we’re all kind of learning about it and inventing it together as we go,” Lindsay said. “There aren’t too many of these (programs) in the U.S. There are somewhere between 20 and 30 of varying sizes and our program is very ambitious — and we believe that in just matter of several years we will be among the very biggest programs of its kind.”
According to richmondpromise.org, as of Jan. 2, applicants must be Richmond residents who have attended a high school within WCCUSD for at least four years. “It’s a great program to reach out to high school students who want to go to college,” El Cerrito High School senior Omar Mendoza said. John F. Kennedy High School senior David Flores said, “I’ll be the first in my family to go to college and I want to use my education to support the community. “I want to major in psychology and open up my own business here in Richmond as a marriage family therapist,” Flores said. “The Richmond Promise will help and we can use all the help we can get.” He said he was recently accepted to San Francisco State. Vincent and Dahynelia Hunley, whose son attends a private school within WCCUSD, both said it is great to finally have a program that
applies to students in private schools as well as public schools. “It feels good to be paying all these taxes to public schools and finally be able to get something back,” Vincent Hunley said. “Our son’s school let us know about (the Richmond Promise) and we decided to come check it out because of the eligibility and simplicity of it all.” Dahynelia Hunley said, “The City of Richmond worked a deal to help our children.” Lindsay said the scholarship program aims to do more than just provide financial support for graduating high school students. “Writing checks is the easy part,” he said. “We want to try to influence the system to be able to provide good college readiness and education for students as well — and that of course prepares them for the work force.” Lindsay said the program hopes students with the Richmond Promise build connections and come back to Richmond later and support the growth of the community.
5
campusbeat
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 2.3.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
CLUB AIMS TO SUPPORT VETERANS EDUCATION BY Cody Casares PHOTO EDITOR
ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Armed Forces Support Group (AFSG) is starting its first full semester as a club and has plans to assist veterans in their pursuit higher education after military service. AFSG aspires to provide bus passes, gas cards, grocery cards, and even bridge tolls, to ensure that the veterans have everything they need to go to school, club president Leon Watkins said — who is a veteran himself. “It’s a student body club that has been created to support veterans through their journey coming out of the military, going to school and graduating and going beyond,” he said. ASU Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward Davis said, “The club was activated Oct. 6, 2015 and currently has five members.” The club, however, has yet to hold its first official meeting, Watkins said. As a result of being approved as a student body club late last semester, the club is currently working with member’s schedules to determine a convenient time to meet and pass on information about AFSG at the weekly Inter Club Council meetings, he said. Even though the club has yet to conduct its first official meeting Watkins has started assisting veterans local to CCC. “At this point for the spring semester veterans are given 10 percent discount at the Bookstore. Thanks to (Bookstore Supply Buyer) Nick Dunn,” Watkins said. AFSG Faculty Adviser, and English professor, Michael Hassett said Watkins approached him last semester in search of filling the advisor position and he took the role. Hassett said he is a veteran as well having served in Vietnam from 1968-69 as a Marine sergeant. “It’s veterans helping veterans,” Watkins said. The club, however, is not exclusive to veterans, Watkins said. “Anyone can be a member but the understanding is that members are here to support the veterans,” he said. “Everything we do is to go full circle back to the college to support veterans. “We are attempting to support veterans to the point where we want to provide aide and camaraderie to where once the new Veterans Center opens it becomes a sort of USO.” The USO is a non-profit organization that provides services such Internet access, food and entertainment to active duty servicemen and servicewomen as well as veterans. “It’s (AFSG) a good thing. I was at Long Beach City College after I got out and we had nothing back then.” Watkins said, “I was on my own.” Watkins is also able to extend support for veterans regardless of their participation in the club by assisting them in the Veterans Corner office located in the Student Services Center. “I’m here to support the veterans in getting through the paperwork, provide faculty for veterans to talk to and ensure that they are going in the direction of meeting their goals as far as pursuing higher education,” he said.
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Artist Debby Miller’s oil paintings hang in the current Eddie Rhodes Gallery exhibit, “Look Homeward: Shades of Costco.” It focuses on the devaluation of symbols during an age of commercialism and will be up until March 4.
‘Shades of Costco’ gallery exposes consumer culture
BY Marci Suela ART DIRECTOR
msuela.theadvocate@gmail.com
Art provides individuals with a new perspective toward commonplace actions and symbolic figures in retail spaces. Currently in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery, the exhibit “Look Homeward: Shades of Costco” features oil paintings made by artist Debby Miller. The artist’s reception was held on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Art professor Dana Davis, who curates for the gallery, works as a photographer for Miller and invited her to display her pieces at the college. This particular show will be up until March 4. Davis said having Miller exhibit her work helps students think creatively about ordinary objects and spaces. “Costco is so frequently visited that it becomes prosaic and you wouldn’t think that as a place of inspiration when creating art,” Davis said. “But when you look at this exhibit, Miller has given this ordinary and worldly place a sense of magic.” When studying art, there are techniques and exercises students should practice and memorize. Miller has been working on this art series for the past two years. She said the techniques she learned give her freedom to portray what she wants in her artwork. Davis said although practicing often may not be easy, seeing a huge set of paintings together like Miller’s exhibit may help students realize what they can accomplish. “Art has two things,” Davis said. “The recognizable hook, which is Costco here, that makes your viewers stop. Second is the ambiguity, forcing them to investigate what is in between.”
“Art has two things. The recognizable hook, which is Costco here, that makes your viewers stop. Second is the ambiguity, forcing them to investigate in between.” Dana Davis art professor
The centralized theme of the exhibit uses Costco as a familiar backdrop to depict the devaluation of symbols during an age of commercialism and reflect on the culture of materialistic fulfillment. Miller said, “It’s the opposite of the environment at a farmers’ market, where there’s a sense of relationship between others as interacting with fresh fruit. At Costco, those sensory things are set aside so you can get what you need.” While the paintings portray common sightings within the “big and complicated space,” Miller said the dark palette highlights the mercantile environment and adds value and depth to the composition. “Costco is a recognizable place, just a nuts-and-bolts space. (The limitation of color) makes it more for your imagination than of an actual setting,” she said. Upon entering the room, a painting opposite to the gallery’s door invites entering viewers with an elongated perspective of customers eating at Costco’s infamous red and white sitting area. Albany artist Janet Monfield said, “It’s unusual how (Miller) captures the truth in a way. Not by how it looks, but she captures the feeling of being there. In the
painting, you don’t really see the faces which is similar of how you would act at Costco.” Marin artist Janet Bogardus said this painting was one of her favorites because of Miller’s use of a deep red and bold white against a dark background. “There’s a lot of beauty in the picture even though it is a bleak sight. People look so down to earth in (the painting) just by their posture,” Bogardus said. “It goes with a theme of what is a meal for modern Americans compared to what it used to be decades ago.” Miller said the paintings are reflective to the current economy. Costco is essential because “they have good prices and good products.” An individual can go there to buy their groceries, furniture and decor all in one place. Walnut Creek artist Marianne McCraney enjoyed a painting of a glimmering white chandelier hanging at the corner of a metal shelf with a blurred out price tag against a muddy background of a gridded ceiling. McCraney said the chandelier is reminiscent of its elegant depiction in earlier paintings by other historical artists. Monfield’s perspective regarding the wholesale store is now changed since viewing Miller’s artwork. “Costco will never be the same for me now. It makes me want to look more closely when I go there,” Monfield said. “I think it’s amazing seeing how an artist can portray something ordinary, yet it can affect our views.” Hours of the gallery vary by day: Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mathematics professor Edward Cruz presents note-taking strategies to his Math Jam cohort in AA-103 on Jan. 21.
Math Jam program changes perceptions of learning potential Free workshop spans four days, gives vital lessons BY Denis Perez STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
dperez.theadvocate@gmail.com
Math Jam is a free three-day accelerated learning program organized by HIS/STEM for students who need help with mathematics. Math Jam had its 2016 Intersession on Jan. 19 to 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m for the day program, and Jan. 19 to 22 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for the night portion. Students who attended Math Jam engaged in college-success counseling workshops and activities. HSI/ STEM Grant Program Coordinator Kelly Ramos said Math Jam aims to supplement students’ needs. Ysrael Condori, HSI/STEM staffer, said that Math Jam is able to break academic and social barriers through community building in an
environment where students build The Math Jam relationships with coun- program aims to selors, STEM connect students p r o f e s - with resources, sors, tutors peers and spring and other semester math s t u d e n t s . and counseling C o n d o r i faculty. said students Students review who partici- key concepts for pate in Math their upcoming Jam are math courses. loaned the math textbooks for the courses they planned to take this semester. Students are diverse in many ways but something they might have in common is a fear of math. Natasha Singer, music major, said she had not taken a college class since 1995. Singer said she didn’t take college seriously and instead became a singer in a “hardcore” band. After moving to New York and creating a three-song EP, available on iTunes, she said she returned to
in brief
CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
college ready to gain a degree and pursue a career as a music teacher. She said she realized life is about raising her 7-year-old child, and not about money or fame, but in order to raise and support her child using her love for music she needs to pass Math 118. “Three days (of Math Jam) changed my life,” Singer said. Math Jam has given her affirmation that she can get through school after 21 years of being out of school. Opl Franklin, sociology major, said she had not taken a math class since last year. Franklin said she is grateful to be able to shake all the rust away from her math skills thanks to this program. She said she is also happy that she doesn’t have to stress about buying her textbook, only returning it back to the
Bookstore. Both Franklin and Singer had fears about math classes but both of them now agree that the Math Jam counseling sessions have removed that fear by allowing them to connect with students who also struggle with math. The Math Jam staffers created a sense of empathy and connectedness when they shared their personal lives with the students Singer said. Jeilo Guana, psychology major, said he is considering transferring to UC Santa Cruz after being accepted, but is still open to other possibilities. Guana said he attended Math Jam two consecutive times. He said Math Jam program is a mixture of psychology and math class. “It’s perfect,” Ramos said about
the fact that students in Math Jam are being prepared by people who will later teach the math courses they need to transfer. Guana said students who participate in Math Jam are less likely to be intimidated by social barriers because of “ice-breaking” activities with other students and teachers. Ramos said Math Jam collects data from its participating students after every session and HSI/ STEM staff has found that the program is working. She said that Math Jam has been “evolving” since its start four years ago because of the routine surveys that ask for student opinions. For example, Math 125, Algebra for Statistics, is a new course that was created because of student feedback.
6 campusbeat Timeline explains presidential search WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 2.3.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
Picking Contra Costa College’s next president: 2015-16 Oct. 7 Jan. 28-Feb. 1 Chancellor Helen The Screening Benjamin announces Committee memsearch for president of bers independentContra Costa College. ly conduct appliThe Governing Board cant screening approves the position electronically via profile that is later postwebsite. ed on 4cd.edu within December-January the human resources Active recruiting for section. the position will continue until enough applications are filled out and submitted.
Early February Selection is made of six to eight semi-finalists to be invited to the first interview session.
October November December January February Oct. 10-17 Chancellor solicits names of committee members as called for by the hiring procedure for college administrators.
Nov. 20 Print ads are placed and circulated while the website profile becomes operational.
Mid February Five finalists are forwarded to the chancellor by the Screening Committee. March 14 Governing Board meets with one finalist.
March 7 Chancellor meets with the Search Committee to discuss finalists.
March
Jan. 28 Applications are due.
April
May
March 9 Chancellor discusses the final candidates with the Governing Board.
Early February Search Committee meeting #1 held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Agenda: Committee orientation and training; and discussion of rating criteria for selection.
June The president will begin transitioning activities with employees and community members.
June
July
Start Date To be negotiated. March 17 Chancellor announces the new president.
March 3-4 Finalists’ public forums, campus tours and informal meetings will take place along with interviews with the chancellor.
INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC BY CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
Source: Contra Costa Community College District
WORKSHOPS ACCENTUATE GRANTS Departure tweaks process, faculty attempt to make transition seamless
BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR
ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com
As scholarship deadlines approach, students have the chance to attend a series of workshops offering guidance for the application process. Charles Ramirez, Financial Aid Office student coordinator, said the most recent scholarship workshop was held on Jan. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Assessment Center, located inside the Student Services Center, for those seeking one-on-one help filling applications. “We are trying new things by making Web pages, and being active on social media to let people know that we are having scholarship workshops,” Ramirez said. “It’s free money. Grants are being given away, but a lot of times students do not actually apply for these scholarships.” Applications must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office on March 7 by 4:30 p.m. to be processed, Financial Aid Supervisor Monica Rodriguez said. Because Jennifer Dyment, former scholarship coordinator, has assumed
Financial Aid Office extends influence Upcoming events lend help to night students BY Asma Alkrizy OPINION EDITOR
aalkrizy.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Financial Aid Office extended its hours of operation into the evening on certain days and also on Fridays to help night students through their financial aid applications in the Assessment Center. A series of Financial Aid Nights on Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 20, April 26 and May 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. aim to draw night students, who may be unable to visit the office during its daytime hours, to sign up for financial help at Contra Costa College. Social and behavioral science major Jocelyn Eragg said Financial Aid Night was a great idea to reach out to every student on campus. “(Financial Aid Nights) is great because
the new role of foundation advancement manager at the District Office, Rodriguez said she will be in charge of collecting and processing students applications in the Financial Aid Office inside the SSC until the college can hire a replacement. Ramirez said their job throughout the process will be to raise awareness about the scholarships and the dates for the workshops. To promote scholarships, the financial aid team has a carousel set up inside of the Student Services Center in front of the financial aid desk, showcasing the different scholarships available. Students can submit applications in person or by email or fax as long as they meet the March deadline. Rodriguez said there are about 60 scholarships in the College Foundation that students can apply to depending on each scholarship’s prerequisites. Ramirez said scholarships are classified as external or internal. External scholarships include those funded by a donor, organization, business or foundation outside of the College Foundation, such as the Kennedy King
it gives people the opportunity to come in at a later time to gain financial aid assistance,” Eragg said. “I see it as convenient and a big plus for night students.” Financial Aid Supervisor Monica Rodriguez said the decision to organize the Financial Aid Night event was spurred by the need to want to reach out for more students who can’t make it to their hours of operation. Rodriguez said she organized the series of events with the help of Student Coordinator Charles Ramirez and Dean of Enrollment Services Dennis Franco. “We looked over our data-driven decision and took into account CCC’s student population,” Rodriguez said. “We compared the students who filed for FAFSA with the number of students enrolled on campus, and thought about increasing the rate of students getting financial aid assistance.” She said increasing the student number wasn’t the only factor that led to the decision of extending the financial aid’s hours of operation. She said the Financial Aid Office sought to provide college students who are full time or work a part-time job a chance to take advantage of the financial aid services. “We want to look at the big population, not just students who are able to receive our financial aid services,” Rodriguez said. She said that some CCC’s students don’t take advantage of financial assistance, and this stems from the disadvantaged students not receiving financial aid assistance due to their class and working schedule conflicting with the financial aid’s hours of operation. Ramirez said the Financial Aid Nights give opportunities for more students by working around time constraints. He said sometimes hours conflict with a student’s class schedule and as a result prevents them from receiving financial aid
“It’s free money. Grants are being given away, but a lot of times students do not actually apply for these scholarships.” Charles Ramirez
Financial Aid Office student coordinator
Memorial College Scholarship Fund. The Kennedy King Memorial College Scholarship Fund awards a twoyear scholarship of $5,000 per year to students of ethnic minority groups who have demonstrated academic success. Students who are interested in the Kennedy King scholarship must submit their applications to the Financial Aid Office by Friday. Internal scholarships, which include department and program scholarships, such as African American Studies, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Nursing Program among other scholarships, are provided through the College Foundation. Rodriguez said additions to the internal scholarships this semester
include the political science and nursing departments. Financial Aid Assistant Patricia Herrera said students will know whether they could qualify for the scholarship before applying because the requirements are listed clearly on the applications. “A lot of students are afraid to look for these scholarships,” Herrera said. “We are here for international students who ask ‘is this for me?’” Students planning to apply for the general scholarships must be enrolled in at least 12 units for spring 2016 with a 2.5 GPA. Several $750 general scholarships are awarded to students who are continuing their studies at CCC for 2016-17. Ramirez said students that apply to more than one type of scholarship have a good chance of being approved for multiple because other students usually do not apply. “We try to guide students and encourage them to apply,” Ramirez said. “But a lot of students don’t take the chance.”
CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
Administration of justice major Daisy Corona receives help regarding her FAFSA application at the Financial Aid Office desk in the Student Services Center Building on Monday. The office is now open some days in the evening.
services. “We also provide lab hours now and have extended our hours of operation to Fridays,” Ramirez said. “These changes allow more students to gain help and we’re able to reach for different type of students.” This spring semester offers financial aid lab hours, where students will have access to staff members who can help guide them through the online application process and find helpful resources. The financial aid lab hours of operation have also been extended to the evenings from 4 to 6 p.m., which gives students more time to get financial assistance.
“The financial aid (lab hours) allow oneon-one help,” Ramirez said. “Students get to interact with staff and ask them specific questions.” He said helping students is difficult over the counter rather than a one-on-one appointment. “In lab hours, staff show students where to go and help them one-on-one,” Ramirez said. “It is better than just explaining the application process to them.” The Financial Aid Office has also extended its hours of operation on Friday to 8 a.m. to noon, Rodriguez said.
focus
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7
CANINES STRUT ON THE CATWALK Photos by: Cody Casares & Denis Perez FOR
MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM
ABOVE: Vicky Carlomango and her daughter Livi show some love to Tayra (black) and Shadow (brown) during the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show at the Cow Palace in Daly City on Saturday. Tayra and Shadow are therapy dogs that regularly visit hospitals and assist patients in the recovery process.
RIGHT: Oksana Fagenboym, of “Oksana Elegant Grooming,” tends to Rockin Rolla Sky the poodle during the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show at the Cow Palace in Daly City on Saturday.
LEFT: Hawaii resident Adrian Agard runs a lap of the judging area with his dog Storm, a Lhasa Apso, during the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show at the Cow Palace in Daly City on Saturday.
ABOVE: Storm, a pure bred Lhasa Apso, poses during the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show at the Cow Palace in Daly City on Saturday. LEFT: Attendees gather around the judging stations to watch as the dogs compete alongside their owners.
8
sports
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 2.3.2016 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE
“
It’s a constant pursuit for perfection. We approach each game like it’s just another game on the schedule. I try to make sure it’s not about the other team — it’s always about us.”
Comets amass eight-game winning streak Team’s drubbing of Cougars poises it for playoff shot BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
The men’s basketball team protected its position as the eighth ranked team in the state by notching its eighth win in a row with a 103-82 drubbing of the College of Alameda (2-20 overall and 0-9 in the Bay Valley Conference) on Friday in the Gymnasium. Contra Costa College (19-6 overall and 8-1 in the BVC) has slipped into a comfortable rhythm since conference play started and is now in first place in the BVC — ahead of COMETS College of Marin by two games. With only one BVC loss and winning COUGARS 16 of its last 18 games, the team is poised to make a push for the playoffs with only three games remaining on the conference schedule. “It’s a constant pursuit for perfection,” Comet coach Miguel Johnson said. “We approach each game like it’s just another game on the schedule. I try to make sure it’s not about the other team — it’s always about us.” In Friday’s matchup, the basement dwelling Cougars came out playing with purpose to knock down a 3-pointer at the onset of the game. Comet freshman Jerimah Alston (17 points) set the pace back in CCC’s favor by knocking down two 3-pointers en route to an early 8-3 Comet lead. “I felt like this was a good game. I had my mind right, looked through my Bible before the game,” Alston said. “I was feeling it. I had a good vibe — I felt like I was free.” The conference leader tightened
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— Miguel Johnson, men’s basketball coach
“I felt like this was a good game. I had my mind right — looked through my Bible before the game. I was feeling it. I had a good vibe — I felt like I was free.” — Jerimah Alson, freshman forward
its defensive grip on the Cougars early in the first half. Following a CCC guard Rae Jackson (7 points) block that sparked a break leading to a Jackson lay up, the home team led 25-15 with 12 minutes left in the first half. “This is not one of our toughest opponents. Some would say it’s a cupcake game,” Jackson said. “They (Comet coaches) want us to play tough defense and rebound and execute the offense if we are not running. No one-on-one tonight.” The Cougars set their claws in an attempt to contain the Comets offense and not let the contest get out of hand. Alameda capitalized on some of CCC missteps and cut the lead to six as the up-tempo Comets were slowed by the rapid succession of referee whistles. Both teams had earned 10 fouls with three minutes remaining in the first half. With the score closer than expected and six minutes remaining in the half, 28-21, the Comets produced a series of acrobatic plays through guard Anthony Sullen (17 points) to spark a 21-10 run to end the first half. At halftime the Comets led the Cougars 49-31. Seemingly intent to ground their opponent into the hardwood, the Comets opened the second half with a 7-0 run. Alameda’s first made shot of the half was on a desperation buzzer-beater as the shot clock ticked to zero. “We had the same game plan. We just executed on defense in the second half,” Comet forward Larry Wickett (17 points) said. “The defense got better as the communication got better on both ends. When everyone gets involved we
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Comet guard Anthony Sullen goes up for a layup during Contra Costa College’s 103-82 win against the College of Alameda in the Gymnasium on Friday.
play more like a complete team.” The buzzer beating shot would only serve as a false symbol of hope for Alameda. Following CCC’s impressive second half spurt, the Cougars seemed to accept their fate as the Comets barreled along to combine for a 29-point lead by way of a 20-9 scoring run. With 12 minutes remaining,
and the score at 69-40, life could be seen draining from the Cougar players along with the collective hanging of their heads. With the BVC’s second place College of Marin hosting CCC tonight, the Comets were happy to walk away from Friday’s game with no injuries after their 103-82 victory over Alameda. The Mariners (12-9 overall and
6-2 in the BVC) visited San Pablo on Jan. 16 for a heated contest that saw the Comets escape a loss with a 86-81 win. In that game the CCC scoring attack was led by point guard Bobby Syvanthong with 16 points. Sullen contributed 14 points, 12 for Jackson and 10 for Wickett and freshman point guard Dwight Wilson.
SQUAD ROLLS LANEY, MARIN TO MAINTAIN BVC LEAD BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Comet forward Jacqie Moody shoots a layup against Mariners’ guard Molly Carmody during CCC’s 80-57 win against College of Marin in the Gymnasium on Friday.
After its 85-71 win over second place Laney College, the women’s basketball team (17-8 overall and 7-0 in the Bay Valley Conference) made quick work of an unprepared College of Marin squad by snatching its seventh consecutive win on Friday in the Gymnasium. The Mariners (3-15 overall and 2-5 in the BVC) hit the court confident, as if the six remaining Comet players on the roster would not be able to maintain a competitive edge — or the final 80-57 score. After jumping out to a quick 7-2 lead the Comets failed to secure rebounding positions and allowed the Mariners to fight back to tie the game at 11 all as time wound down in the first quarter. The Mariners were paced by guard Monica Vasquez who tallied 12 points and seven rebounds. With roughly one minute left in the first quarter, Comet sophomore guard Daizah Pounds (11 points) nailed a 3-pointer from the wing. Following a defensive stop, CCC point forward Julian Robinson (19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists) blew by defenders to make a lay up. “We just try to keep in mind our team goal to keep improving no matter what team we play,” Pounds said. “Our focus is still the postseason.” The 5-0 run ended the quarter and gave CCC a 16-11 lead. Sophomore Jacqie Moody (31 points, 14 rebounds) dominated the majority of the game, although her performance was nearly overshadowed by that of Robinson who was just three assists shy of a triple double.
Before the game, women’s basketball coach Paul DeBolt said he was not worried about Moody stepping up to the challenges his team will face as the season winds down. Moody continued to clean the glass but also expended vast amounts of energy. And considering the Comets facile roster depth, — Jacqie Moody , sophomore forward stamina will continue to be a factor. The Comets get a bit of a break “When our post-to-post action is in the way of a late working, it’s beautiful,” Moody said. season bye week, “(JuJu) Robinson wouldn’t shoot. She due to Los Medanos COMETS just kept feeding me the ball and tell- College canceling its ing me I was open. 2015-16 women’s bas“Having fewer players makes us ketball season. streamlined, it makes us all have The time to re-tool to focus more. It drives it into our could not have come MARINERS minds that we have to stay strong.” at a better time as the Moody was virtually unstoppa- Comets are set battle ble in the post and with the help of three of the top four forward Briah Davis (two points, 12 teams in the BVC to rebounds) kept the Mariners from close out the season. establishing any semblance of an CCC will face Solano College on inside presence. Feb. 12 in the Gymnasium and travel A 3-point play by Moody with to Marysville to play Yuba College on seven minutes remaining in the half Feb.17 in preparation for a rematch gave the Comets a 24-13 lead and a against Laney College in Oakland on double-digit advantage that would Feb. 19. not be relinquished for the rest of Without looking past Marin, the the game. Comets cruised through the fourth CCC led Marin 36-26 at halftime. quarter giving the Mariners no hope The Mariners failed to gain their of making any scoring run to get sea legs to start the third quarter as back in the game. Robinson picked up right where she “We wanted to work on things that left off by nailing another mid-range we haven’t been doing well recently,” jumper. women’s basketball assistant coach With Robinson using her drib- Ebony Young said. “Tonight it was ble-drive to draw multiple defend- about execution and adjusting on ers then dishing the ball to Moody, defense.” space was cleared for sophomore Outscoring the Mariners by at guard Tynisha Adams (17 points, 10 least five points in every quarter and rebounds and seven assists) to get controlling the offensive and defenshots in the paint with some drib- sive glass allowed the Comets to ble-penetration of her own. make quick work of their opponent CCC built on its halftime lead and en route to a 80-57 victory. ended the third quarter 60-42.
“Having fewer players makes us streamlined, it makes us all have to focus more. It drives it into our minds that we all have to stay strong.”
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