The Advocate 3-18-2015

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WEDNESDAY l 3.18.15 OUR 65TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

“ Changes are not a problem.

I believe in the concept that this is a small world and one should not be intimidated by drastic changes.”

Early childhood education major Michal Sarang Schmoisman thoughtfully works on a painting during her Art 124 class in A-6B on Feb. 19.

Schmoisman immigrated to the United States to pursue a better life for herself and her children.

Michal Sarang Schmoisman, early childhood education major

Devoted mother makes move for children, quality of life Michal Sarang Schmoisman’s international quest to find peace brings her to Bay Area

BY Marlene Rivas STAFF WRITER

mrivas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Schmoisman Currently enrolled at Contra Costa College, she is working toward a degree in early childhood education while also improving her artistic skills through art classes.

She has three children in K-12 who she is raising in Orinda, California.

The United States is seen to people in many parts of the world as the land of opportunity.

Many people leave behind their homes and everything they have ever known to embark on a journey in hopes of not only improving their lives but the people who they love.

This dream is exactly what led Michal Sarang Schmoisman to leave her home in Israel for Sao Paulo, Brazil and ultimately to Orinda, California to start her new life.

Schmoisman commutes to Contra Costa College to take classes to earn a degree in early childhood education while working in the Skills Center as a tutor for statistics and business.

“Changes are not a problem,” she said.

“I believe in the concept that this is a small world and one should not be intimidated by drastic changes.”

The biggest challenge she faces, along with many other immigrants, is learning a new language.

While English is her second language, she embraces the challenge and does not let this obstacle limit her from excelling academically.

Her speech professor Joseph Carver said

COLLEGE’S PRESIDENT SEARCH IN PROGRESS

every time she speaks up in class she is taking steps toward understanding the English language while boosting her confidence.

“Sometimes during class you can see (Schmoisman) thinking through her thoughts,” Carver said. “You can feel her energy as she pushes through the language barrier. She takes a couple of seconds but she completes the thought instead of getting stuck and giving up.”

International Education Coordinator SuiFen Liao said she recalls how Schmoisman scheduled to meet with her and get to know the school before her classes were even set to begin.

“She is disciplined,” Liao said. “She knows what she wants and she’s aiming for it.”

In the upcoming year, Schmoisman said she plans to work at a job off-campus that is directly related to her major.

Liao said that CCC was the best option for her or anyone else moving to the Bay Area from another country.

Schmoisman said her journey to the Bay Area began when a friend of hers in Israel introduced her to an Argentinian man whom she married and moved back to his country of origin in South America.

While living in Argentina for a short while they set up a business accessorizing the SEE SARANG, PAGE 4

SCHMOISMAN’S JOURNEY Israel — Her county of origin where she lived most of her young life.

Argentina —She moved to this country with her husband who she met in Israel and started her family.

Brazil — Despite natural beauty, she left here with her family because of urban violence.

California — She recently relocated with her children and is now taking classes at CCC.

Catcher sets goal to reach next level

Barbara Stevens Strauss combines ceramic sculpture with organic arrangements during the “Texture Times Two” artist reception held Thursday in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery.

BY Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

SEE PRESIDENT, PAGE 4

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

PAGE 11

EXAMINING WOMEN’S IMPRINT ON HISTORY The Advocate takes a deeper look at women’s issues and leaders, their accolades and struggles, in a male-dominated society.

PAGES 6 & 7

Gallery highlights artists Ceramic, woven artworks grace Eddie Rhodes

BY Marlene Rivas STAFF WRITER

mrivas.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Eddie Rhodes Gallery is hosting the works of two very different artists in its current exhibit, “Texture Times Two.” The artists’ reception was held March 12 from 4-7 p.m., where students and other guests of the

gallery had a chance to meet the sculptor and weaver responsible for the eclectic exhibit.

The gallery featured the works of two artists, weaver Maj-Britt Mobrand and sculptor Barbara Stevens Strauss.

The center of the room held Strauss’ sculptures that involved flower arrangements and the walls were covered with Mobrand’s wide-ranging woven art.

“Once I started hanging it I thought, ‘Wow! The balance between strength, grace and beauty is wonderful,” adjunct

fine art professor Dana Davis, who curates the gallery, said.

This particular show will be up until March 26.

Its hours vary by day: Monday through Thursday and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Faculty within the Art Building can be asked to open the gallery for viewers, Davis said.

Mobrand said she has been weaving since her grandmother taught her as a young girl. She SEE EDDIE RHODES, PAGE 4

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The hunt for the next Contra Costa College president is well underway.

Although the search is still in the active recruiting phase and all applicants are to remain confidential, six to eight semi-finalists will be picked by April 24 and a target of five finalists will be forwarded to the district chancellor

by May 12.

The chancellor will announce the winning candidate in mid-June.

“I am pleased to report that the search process is proceeding on schedule,” Association of Community College Trustees Search and Retreat Consultant Pamila Fisher said. “Interested persons can learn more details about the search and the position by going to the college’s website.”

Dr. Fisher is the consultant hired by the district to lead the permanent president hunt. All pertinent information regarding the search, including a

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Quotable “My profession of journalism is a mission to help other people.”

Maria Cristina Caballero Colombian journalist, 2001 Lorenzo Morotti editor-in-chief George Morin art director Cody McFarland Rodney Woodson associate editors Roxana Amparo news editor Jared Amdahl opinion editor Robert Clinton sports editor Jason Sykes assistant sports editor Qing Huang Christian Urrutia photo editors Janae Harris Cody Casares assistant photo editors Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Benjamin Bassham Nina Cestaro Rodney Dunlap Marlene Rivas Florinda Hershey Jose Jimenez Manning Peterson Evelyn Vazquez Mark Wassberg Kadijia West-Dickens Staff photographers Jordan Khoo Staff illustrators Marci Suela Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 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: accentadvocate@ 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, MARCH 18, 2015 VOL. 102, NO. 16

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EDITORIAL LACKING VITAL PERSPECTIVE

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Women’s studies courses marginalized districtwide

nfluential women in history are rarely the focus of history classes in the K-12 public school system in California, but this does not mean community colleges should follow suit.

Women’s History Month is a period of time set aside annually to recognize and appreciate women from all walks of life.

It is impossible, however, to recognize the vast number of women who have changed history in a span of just 31 days.

Appreciating women throughout human history should not be reduced to a social obligation to post something about it on social media once a year.

Recognizing the impact of these accomplishments would need more than a lifetime despite what the name of the celebratory month imposes.

A way to promote a lifelong quest to understand the under-appreciated role women play in our paternally-focused society would be to implement a women’s studies program at Contra Costa College.

According to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office online Data Mart, CCC has the highest ratio of female to male enrolled students among the three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District as of the 2014 fall semester.

At CCC, 58 percent of students are female, 40 are male and 2 percent are unknown.

This percentage makes the percentage of women larger than that at Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College by about a 6 and 5 percent, respectively.

And compared to colleges in the San Francisco, Peralta and Solano districts, the only college with a larger ratio of females to males is Oakland’s Merritt College with 59 percent.

Out of all of these college districts, however, the CCCCD is the only one that does not have a program that provides an interdisciplinary overview of women’s studies.

A student interested in studying women’s history, trends and issues would have to enroll at Berkeley City College, which is the nearest community college that offers a Women’s Studies Certificate of Proficiency.

Currently, there are only three courses offered at CCC that relate to women’s studies, but none are directly transferable for students wanting to specialize in women’s studies.

These courses are Sociology 142 — Intro to Gender; Social Science 140 — Contemporary Women; and English 274 — Women in Literature.

At DVC there are four courses and LMC does not have a single course related to women’s studies in any sort of context.

The district needs to meet with college leaders from the three campuses to evaluate their respective demographics to gauge where interest for a women’s studies program lies.

Until then, The Advocate encourages the college to create a committee of interested faculty and students to work together and evaluate courses that exist or if some need to be created for CCC to launch a women’s studies program.

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N BODY IMAGE

Negative perceptions hinder self-values W

omen in today’s society are not taught to accept themselves for who they are.

Rather, they are taught to focus on promoting judgment, competition and disrespect for one other.

This is a harmful enabler that sends out a message making it OK for anyone, including influential people in the media, to disrespect the purity of what being a woman is.

There is a mold which society has shaped to force women to look, act or be a certain way in order to gain respect as a person with valid thoughts and purpose.

Living to meet unreachable expectations causes emotional harm to those trying to fit in, in order to be acceptable to society’s commands of how a woman should look.

It can cause depression or deep-seated self loathing, which causes women to feel ashamed of their body image.

This simply diminishes the connection between women instead of working toward solidifying the bond that women should experience with one another.

Women are often perceived as crazy, emotional and generally receive the low end of a lot of things in comparison to men.

Despite the sad truth, we live in a patriarchal society in which men receive the higher power simply because they are men.

Women are placed on a

roxanaamparo

This can lead to sometimes drastic changes in body shape, functions and weight.

Society has reasons to bring women down whether it is by making them feel too thin, too thick or just not good enough.

According to eatingdisorderhope.com, 10 million women and one million men suffer from anorexia in the U.S. Nine out of 10 people with anorexia are women. It is a serious eating disorder that can potentiality lead to death.

There are a variety of factors as to why, but one of them has to do with the environment and how thinness is highly valued in society.

When in reality, every single woman should know she is beautiful and should appreciate herself for who she is, not for how far off she is from whatever society tells her to be.

Young girls are being sent the message that thin is beautiful. It is important to teach the younger generation self-value and most importantly, self-love.

It is time to begin noticing that regardless of shape, weight or form, everyone matters equally.

Whether curvaceous or thin, it is important to stay physically healthy, appreciate and accept the differences among each other — even if no one else does.

high pedestal of expectations.

It is safe to say that most women have felt looked down upon, solely based on being connected It is to their important feminine side. to teach There is noththe ing wrong with younger showing emotions, generation caring and feeling self-value comfortand able in one’s own most skin.

Women importantly, and men alike judge self-love. and talk down to women based on appearance, actions and preferences.

It shows how deep of an issue it has become in today’s generation. But the behavior goes back even further.

It is something that has become internalized to the point that it has reached the younger generation.

Roxana Amparo is the Between the ages of 10 and 14, and some younger, news editor for The Advocate.

Contact her at ramparo. girls reach puberty, which is the time that their bodies theadvocate@gmail.com. are developing.

CAMPUS COMMENT Who is the most influential woman to you?

“Demi Lovato because she supports young girls who struggle with their body image.”

“Dr. Nancy Thorn because she helps motivate students to follow their goals.

Fatuma Alkaheli

Ngan Dam

undecided

biological studies

ROXANA AMPARO, JACQIE MOODY AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE

“Comandante Ramona because she was an officer in the Zapatista Army of National Liberation and was a devoted activist.”

“Dolores Huerta because she was part of the United Farm Workers and did a lot of work that supported women.”

Alejandro Gonzalez

Maria Lara

La Raza studies

political science

“Rosa Parks because she stood her ground and I respect that.”

Khamraj Adjudev physical sciences

“Doris Day because she took the outlook of a woman and changed it when she played the role of a tomboy in one of her films.”

Tatiana DeLacey journalism

forum N WAR AND WOMEN

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N MAIL BAG

We want to hear from you Reader responses help cover the college completely

ninacestaro

RAPE, WAR INSTILLS FEAR, DEVASTATES WOMEN, CHILDREN

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hen one is asked to think of reasons to oppose the United State’s renewed intervention in Afghanistan, one readily thinks of having our soldiers sent to their graves.

But does anyone ever give thought to the decades of damage done to women and children?

War hits the poorest and most vulnerable the hardest.

Because rape is used as strategic weapon to guarantee victory over contested boundaries, women are not safe in Afghanistan.

The reason sexual violence is used against women is because of the way it humiliates women, stigmatizes people and ensures communities will be filled with fear and be easier to control.

This kind of brutality blasts families apart, kills communities and destroys lives.

Due to the shock of experiencing these horrific sexual crimes, many thousands of women in turn deal with a physical, psychological and financial turmoil.

While rape is categorized One as a war crime in places of five where wars rage on, viowomen lence against women is will be still pervasive domestically. the As the war victim on women increases of rape abroad, so too does it or increase in the United attempted States.

In this rape country a women is in her raped every 90 seconds. In lifetime. a study asking teenage girls about their first sexual experience, 25 percent claimed to have been raped.

One of five women will be the victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime.

This goes part in parcel with a culture wherein women are devalued in so many ways.

Wage discriminatory practices and very brief maternity leave policies for new mothers maintain a patriarchal system.

This teaches young men to treat the women around them as somewhat inferior. How do we end this cycle?

The only fact we do know is the damaging effects of war cannot be simply understood as what right-wing pundits call collateral damage.

Nor measured by the profit margins of the military industrial complex.

Women and male and female children must live through the most dangerous aspects of war.

Victims usually with no ties to the conflict then being in that particular are of the world.

And who is held accountable?

Americans owe it to ourselves to ally with women who speak out against the sex crimes inflicted upon them and seek to make this a safer world for every child and woman to live.

T

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

N THINK PIECE

OVERCOMING stigmas of adoption

Absence of connection with biological roots fosters feeling of emptiness, hope, self worth

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

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s an adopted child born after legalized abortion every day I wake up is like a gift because from the beginning of my life I know I was not supposed to be here.

That feeling never goes away. It instead exists in the back of my mind along with a host of other insecurities that are born from having no connection with my biological roots.

For some there is an emptiness that comes with being adopted. It starts with realizing at an early age that you are truly alone.

I was birthed by a 15-year-old high school honor student from an average household. The story I was told is that she did not want to jeopardize her academic future carrying the burden of a child.

Adopted a week later, I luckily grew up with two of the best parents anyone could ask for.

According to information provided by the U.S. census bureau, 2.1 million children are adopted each year into a wide range of circumstances.

Ultimately, her choosing adoption over abortion was definitely better for my future but after witnessing the birth of my first son, it opened the door to many more questions.

Was it the moment my mother’s eyes met mine that it became clear that I was not worth bonding with?

Was there no father to look at my face and see his grandfather’s chin or his mother’s nose?

How is it that no rational thought was had that culminated with giving your creation, your responsibility, a chance?

Even in less than ideal circumstances.

I still have admiration for the homeless or disabled people struggling to keep their children with them.

Most parents seem to share the idea that going through a tough situation with a child is better than placing your baby in the hands of absolute uncertainty.

Inevitably the mind fills in the answers and rather than dwell in an emotional fortress of solitude, the focus shifts to

more rational ideas.

Thoughts of an unknown medical history or potential genetic abnormalities take precedence over emotional needs.

There is no way to know what dormant gene skipped a generation and is waiting to prey on my unsuspecting children.

These sophisticated questions do not replace the earlier ones — they sustain them.

Real emotional connections are harder for me to make and when those relationships falter, it seems easier to walk away because deep down I know I have been truly alone all of my life.

When you live with the idea that your own mother did not want you it is easier to get over the normal breakup or fading friendship.

For some there is an over-expressed desire to be loved.

For me it’s both.

I yearn for attention, however, I can withdraw from relationships and generally have no problem looking back.

It was never easy to discuss this with my adopted mother because I did not want to hurt her feelings.

Also, I knew she would say what she had to so I would always feel reassured.

My mother never showed me anything but unconditional love, so I have always been protective of her feelings.

I remember when people would talk about seeing themselves in their children, and she would always glance at me to see if there was a reaction.

I knew she looked because I was looking to see a reaction in her.

Could she really love me the same if I was not actually a part of her?

Our shared reality was always present. It was not a bad thing, but it was defi-

nitely a thing.

Talking these things out with a professional is the best way to understand these feelings.

The stigma that comes with speaking to anyone in the mental health profession makes it almost a fringe option to finding a path to mental clarity.

Speaking to a professional does not Speaking label you as crazy, the same way a trip to the to a dentist does not mean you have meth teeth. professional Talking it out is like mental floss, does not bits of debris are discarded, leaving room label for healthy roots to you develop.

Little known to as crazy. students on campus is the Confidential The same Student Assistance Program. way a trip Eligible students taking six or more to the units are entitled to five free visits to a dentist mental health professional. does not The service is offered throughout mean the Contra Costa Community College you have District.

A brochure on the meth teeth. program is available at all Student Service Centers at Diablo Valley College, Contra Costa College and Los Medanos College.

Nina Cestaro is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact her at ncestaro.theadvocate@ gmail.com.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

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campusbeat Clubs promote action

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Follow The Advocate

BY Jared Amdahl

Liberal arts major Robert Butcher (right) and political science major Chareisha Gordon (left) perform for students during Club Rush at the Tennis Courts on March 11.

OPINION EDITOR

jamdahl.theadvocate@gmail.com

Receive breaking campus news and sports updates by following The Advocate on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can find a digital copy of this paper on Issuu. twitter.com/accentadvocate facebook.com/accentadvocate instagram.com/cccadvocate issuu.com/the_advocate

NEWSLINE Q ATHLETICS

VOLUNTEERS TO PLAY AGAINST ALL-STARS A free wheelchair exhibition basketball game is open to all members of the community and will be hosted in Gymnasium starting at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Volunteers from Contra Costa College will challenge the BORP All Stars at 7 p.m. after a live performance from the Jazz Ensemble of California School for the Blind.

CCC’s athletic department and the Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program are organizing the event.

For more information call the athletic department at 510-2341575.

Q WORKSHOP

INSTRUCTORS OFFER PROGRAM SUPPORT There will be an introduction to Microsoft Word and Powerpoint in the Library and Resource Center in LLRC-107 from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Students will have the chance to learn how to use Microsoft Word.

The instructors will offer quick tips on how to use bullet and number lists, insert images and tables and how to format research papers.

Students will also learn how to create and edit slides and print out handouts. For more information, contact the Library at 510215-4921.

The annual Club Rush event was held March 10-11 and while it did not draw in as many students as previous years, campus clubs were still able to inform some of the student body what kind of clubs are available.

“Out of the 19 active clubs on campus, 12 of them participated.

But the ICC still gave out information on the clubs that were missing,” Inter-Club Council President Safi Ward-Davis said.

“Between the two days we had 326 students sign in and receive raffle tickets, although I feel we were closer to around 400.”

The modest turnout was attributed largely to having the event hosted at the Tennis Courts, away from the majority of campus buildings and classrooms.

Associated Students Union President Antone Agnitsch said, “Normally the location of Club Rush is in the center of the school, which is currently under construction. Last year’s Club Rush was held in the alleyway behind the (Liberal Arts) Building and held a crowd of people similar in number.”

Engineering major Diego Garcia said, while the event

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

was organized, not enough people showed up.

“I’m sure the food helped draw people in, but this is too separated from the rest of the school,” Garcia said. “I feel like nobody realizes it is going on over here.”

Student Juan Turcios agreed.

“The space is nice, but too far away from everyone,” he said.

Physics and engineering major Luis Vega was a student representing the Puente Club booth at Club Rush.

“We’re here fundraising and try-

Continued from Page 1 licensing of brands.

However, they could not remain there for long because of the economic crisis of 2000 so they decided to relocate their family and business to Brazil.

Upon arriving in another country, she fell in love with the natural beauty of Brazil and its wonders, but this new setting led to unimagined troubles for her family.

It turns out that Sao Paulo is a city riddled with violence — to the point where she said she was worried about the well being of her three children.

“They were afraid to walk the streets,” Schmoisman said. “I did not feel comfortable letting them even go outside.”

There was the constant risk of being assaulted. She was living proof of that having been robbed many times. She recalls how her youngest son would cling to her when walking

through the streets.

Knowing that she wanted to give her children a better, safer life and not deprive them of a positive childhood, she decided on setting a new course for them.

Schmoisman decided to test her chances with a new life, all over again, in the Bay Area.

She managed to acquire a student visa and made the move, leaving her husband behind because he said he wanted to maintain the business. She said her life has changed for the best.

After recently arriving to Orinda, her youngest son would often ask, “There are no thieves here right? No one will get me?” She said she is now relieved over the fact that she can tell her children that they are safe.

The welcoming people and support that she has encountered has allowed her to continue succeeding in everything she does.

She said she chose to live in Orinda so that her son could attend Miramonte High School.

The school has a high performing water polo

Continued from Page 1

A college employee was involved in a non-injury vehicle collision.

A student caused a disturbance inside the college Bookstore. The student was asked to leave due to his behavior.

Wednesday, March 4: An officer conducted a pedestrian stop. During the search, drug paraphernalia was found inside of the person’s purse.

Thursday, March 5: A non-student was a victim of identity theft. An unknown suspect used the victim’s information to register for classes.

CORRECTION In the March 4 issue of The Advocate on page 5, in the story titled “Cramped Fitness Center drives athletes to seek realistic options,” student and Fitness Center volunteers made the claims about the heating and air conditioning not working, not Contra Costa College’s men’s soccer coach Nikki Ferguson.

The Advocate regrets the error.

team, which her son is very passionate about.

Having many reasons she can use to become discouraged or hopeless, Schmoisman has found a way to view her bad experiences as a doorway to new opportunities.

She said she is sure that her three children will thrive more in the Bay Area than anywhere else. She has a 14-year-old girl, 17-year-old son and her youngest son is in the first grade.

For now she is taking classes that work toward her major but she has enough time to also be able to take a class involving her favorite hobby — painting.

“Apart from being easygoing and friendly,” Liao said. “(Schmoisman) is open-minded and enjoys diversity.”

In the future she said she hopes to get her teaching certificate while trying to sell her artwork, which she is creating in class, on the side.

She said it is possible she will open up her own business in the U.S.

EDDIE RHODES | Tapestries PRESIDENTIAL| Hunting

Thursday, Feb. 26: An officer responded to a dispute between two people at the Bus Transfer Station.

Monday, March 2: An officer conducted a welfare check in the Music Building on a student who was making threats to harm herself via email.

Two students won iPad Minis through a raffle.

One competition rated clubs on the number of signatures they obtained during both days of the event.

The first place club in the competition would receive $200, with second and third places taking $150 and $75, respectively.

Winners from first to third place were the Vietnamese Student Union, La Raza Student Union and AGS Honors Society, Ward-Davis said.

SARANG | Traverses thousands of miles to Bay Area

CRIMEWATCH

An officer responded to an emergency of a student having a seizure. The student was transported to the hospital.

ing to spread the word as to what Puente can do for students,” Vega said.

The ASU reached out to the student body through fliers, social media and email blasts sent to student emails.

Agnitsch said, “All in all there was $3,700 spent on Club Rush; $1,200 on gelato, $1,500 on the jumpers and $1,000 cash advance.

“I’d like to hold smaller events out here in the Tennis Courts more regularly so students can come to expect it,” he said.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Two community members look at a weaving during the “Texture Times Two” artist reception held Thursday in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery.

Continued from Page 1 continued to weave throughout her life as her passion grew.

Her friend and guest of the gallery, Inger Troy, said, “I’ve seen her pieces develop and get better.”

Mobrand’s pieces included a few different kinds of weavings such as Navajo wedge weaving, which she likes because of the texture it gives her pieces. She drew inspiration from the materials used in her work, things she liked and everyday moments.

Another one of her pieces, titled “Watermelon Man,” was inspired by a watercolor painting made by her granddaughter, which she then recreated with yarn.

The quilts are more contemporary and vibrant than traditional weavings, Davis said.

Decked out in a full kimono, Strauss displayed her love for Japanese culture by putting together her Raku themed sculptures with the art of Japanese flower arranging, called Ikebana, which she has been practicing for over 10 years.

“By putting flowers in Raku movement, it extends the design line,” Patricia Bengston, friend of both artists and gallery guest, said.

“The flowers and wool are soft and complement each other — they are in harmony.”

Strauss said she is very spontaneous with her sculptures and for the most part does not take more than a couple of hours on each.

Three-dimensional art became a great interest of hers because the sense of how to place things is appealing, she said.

She considers Eastern art to be less aesthetic than that of Western culture and the simplicity and beauty of it captivated her.

Ikebana is what Strauss calls “a living culture,” which focuses on design. It is structural not functional and including it in her pieces helps to bring them to life, she said.

Although her heritage is not Japanese, Strauss said that she is Japanese on the inside, and the art has helped her connect more to the culture.

“You can bridge cultures with an understanding of art,” she said.

timeline and list of Presidential Search Committee members, can be found on the college’s home page under the link “CCC’s Presidential Search.”

Former college president Denise Noldon was serving in her third year as president when it was announced on Jan. 7 that she was selected to take the position of vice chancellor of student services and special programs at the state Chancellor’s Office.

Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, district vice chancellor of education and technology, was chosen to be interim president of CCC through July 31, or until the college hires a permanent president. Mehdizadeh began her interim term Jan. 16.

“A major challenge for the next president, and a major focus of the position, will be recognizing and addressing enrollment issues,” she said.

The college’s annual full-time equivalent student (FTES) count reported for academic year 201314 was 5,689 FTES and projections for this year are even lower, sitting at 4,793 FTES. Community colleges in California receive state funding per FTES. One FTES is the equivalent of one student enrolled in 15 semester units or multiple students enrolled in a combined 15 semester units.

According to DataMart on the state chancellor’s website, FTES totals have not dropped below 5,000 FTES in more than 20 years.

In the short time Mehdizadeh has spent as interim president, efforts have been focused on revamping the entirety of the college’s strategic planning process, including increased outreach and the enhancement of programs and services meant to assist incoming students, she said.

A list of 11 ideal characteristics and a list of 13 opportunities and challenges for the future president are posted online. The lists

highlight CCC’s desire for a president that is accessible, innovative, trustworthy and overall proficient as a leader and in social, cultural and technological interactions.

“My role is to suggest procedures for conducting a fair and successful search, widely recruit for the best qualified candidates and facilitate the process used by the search committee to narrow the pool down to three to five top finalists,” Fisher said. “The other service our organization provides is comprehensive reference reports to (district) Chancellor (Helen) Benjamin for each of the finalists.”

Presidential Search Committee member Jason Berner, the liberal arts division dean, said at this point the committee is waiting until its April 24 meeting to review candidates’ applications and select between six and eight semi-finalists to be invited to the interview session at the committee’s successive meeting May 12.

“All of the business pertaining to the search committee is handled exclusively during its meetings,” Berner said. “There is no discussion (of presidential search business) outside of meetings.”

And for good reason. Fisher said if information pertaining to applicants is leaked prior to the official public announcement, it could lead to applicants dropping out or filing lawsuits against the college for non-confidentiality.

Mehdizadeh said whoever is selected to be the future president will inherit a culturally rich and diverse community to serve.

It is the president’s job to lead the college into a future of continued excellence, she said.

“We have a strong community and that community has a strong connection to the college,” she said. “There is a real love for (CCC) when you talk to folks in Richmond and San Pablo. I think the community sees that the college has made a difference and wants these opportunities to be available for future generations.”

campus beat

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COMMUNITY TO UNITE BY BOOK County Library partners with college to host discussion series focusing on veterans

BY Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

A federally funded, communitywide reading program is set to begin at Contra Costa College on April 10.

A two-month-long series of scheduled events will take students and West County residents alike on a literary journey into the minds of war veterans with group book discussions, panel speakers, live readings, workshops and more, revolving around Tim O’Brien’s acclaimed book on the Vietnam War, “The Things They Carried.”

“The idea behind the Big Read is to try and get a whole community to read one book and open up discourse about it,” Library department Chairperson Judith Flum said. “We’re hoping to get students, faculty, staff and members of the community all together and talking.”

English assistant professor Heather Roth is helping coordinate the program and wrote up an informational packet

for faculty on what exactly implementing a Big Read at CCC would entail.

Though Roth was unavailable as of press time Tuesday, according to the informational packet, the Big Read acts “as a way to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War and to honor the community members who settled in Contra Costa County as a consequence of that war.”

All programs are free and open to the public. Flum and Roth are also seeking volunteers to help facilitate all of the events.

The Big Read begins April 10 in the Knox Center from 7-9:30 p.m. with a staged reading of “The Things They Carried” performed by the Word for Word Performing Arts Company.

Tickets are not required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating will be on a firstcome-first-served basis, Flum said.

Ian Richards, senior community library manager of West County Library, said, “The live reading at the

kickoff event will be very interesting.

The staged reading will have a lot of power.”

Consecutive Big Read events are scheduled through May 28; however, CCC’s on-campus events conclude May 5 with a discussion led by adjunct English professor and Vietnam-era veteran Michael Hassett, titled “Vietnam: Childhood’s End,” in L-107 at 4 p.m.

Hassett said he agreed to participate in discussions for sake of “solidarity with other veterans.” He is interested in interacting with other veterans and talking about their shared plight, having experienced the hardships of war.

He said the issues facing Vietnamera veterans are the same that modern day veterans returning from the Middle East are confronted with.

“Hopefully it opens up a dialogue between old and young veterans,” he said.

The federal grant for the Big Read comes from the National Endowment for the Arts and was awarded to the

The Big Read Grant: A federal grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts Supports organizations across the country in developing community-wide programs that encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences

West Contra Costa County Library, who in turn partnered with CCC for its accommodating Library and Learning Resource Center.

Richards said it was a “natural partnership” and that the County Library has partnered with CCC in the past.

“We are one of 77 participating libraries to receive the Big Read grant this year,” he said.

For more information or to volunteer to assist the program, contact Flum or Roth at jflum@contracosta.edu or hroth@contracosta.edu, respectively.

Contra Costa College Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh digs a hole for a tree to be planted during the Arbor Day celebration at the culinary arts Garden on Friday.

AWARENESS RAISED THROUGH FRUITFUL PLANTING, PLANNING

BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

In celebration of Arbor Day, the culinary arts department with Buildings and Ground planted 10 fruit trees in the department’s garden behind the Applied Arts Building Friday at noon.

Contra Costa College Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh gave the opening speech about the importance of trees to a group of about 50 students and faculty standing in the beaming afternoon sunlight.

“Trees are essential to our world and offer a wide range of benefits to our environment,” Mehdizadeh said. “Just looking around and seeing all the trees is already helping me breathe better.”

She said the 10 fruit trees that were planted will help reduce pollution, prevent erosion, attract more wildlife, save energy and provide general beautification of the garden in the long term.

Glenn Scott, math professor and Sustainability Committee member, said, “Aside from making this terraced part of campus more beautiful, this is a great way to show that the (culinary arts) program is working toward becoming sustainable. “(Culinary) students will be able to work in the garden, pick fresh fruit to cook with and serve it in the (Three Seasons) restaurant.”

Culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes said the students in the program are learning how to combine environmental sustainability while working in a kitchen.

Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said, “In three years these trees will start produc-

“Trees are essential to

our world and offer a wide range of benefits to our environment. Just looking around and seeing all the trees is already helping me breathe better.”

— Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Contra Costa College interim president

ing fruit and once that happens (students) will be able to use them in the restaurant.”

King said the 10 trees planted in the terraced garden were a purple crush hybrid plum, sweet cherry, Asian pear, red Bartlett pear, yellow crush apricot hybrid, sweet merlot plum, two lime trees and a mystery tree.

“We’ll know what that mystery fruit is in three years,” he said.

“Until then it will keep us in suspense.”

HSI/STEM Office assistant Ysrael Condori said, “(CCC’s) culinary department uses some of the produce that is grown in the garden and I think that is really cool.”

King said, “But if you don’t like trees or Arbor Day, then come for the food.”

Students from Baking 120 and Cooking 214A and B classes prepared beef kabobs, calzones and fruit water for attendees of the Arbor Day tree-planting celebration.

Scott said he was informed about the Arbor Day celebration by attending the monthly Sustainability Committee meetings every first Thursday of the month at 7 a.m. in the R Building, in between Lot 10 and the temporary Bookstore.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Condori said, “Sustainability is something that our students should be aware of and events like (Arbor Day) do a good job to promote (the Sustainability Committee’s) efforts.”

King said his department used $150 from their budget to purchase the trees from Home Depot.

Dr. Susan Lee, LAVA Division dean, said, “(The Arbor Day treeplanting) is great. I love that our students are up-keeping this gar-

den and making (CCC) an even better environment.”

Mehdizadeh ended her speech by quoting John Muir, an environmentalist advocate who founded the Sierra Club and protected the Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park.

She said, “It has been said that trees are imperfect men and seem to bemoan their imprisonment rooted in the ground. But they never seem so to me. I never saw

a discontented tree. They grip the ground as though they liked it, and though fast rooted they travel about as far as we do.

“They go wandering forth in all direction with every wind, going and coming like ourselves, traveling with us around the sun two million miles a day and through space, heaven knows how fast and far.”

Campus foliage tamed after neglect Poison oak, African gazania threaten native plant life

BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

Saws are roaring, trees are screaming and wooden bodies are being hauled away.

Contra Costa College’s grounds are seeing a flurry of activity in recent weeks, but some areas are getting more attention than others.

CCC Building and Grounds Manager Bruce King, who has been overseeing the work, said, “The (district) Chancellor (Helen Benjamin) wanted us to spruce up the grounds.

A board member made a comment. It might be something that was passed on to all three district colleges.”

The main effort has been to trim the college’s trees and plantings into shape. The work has included the clearing of poison oak from hillsides and maintenance of the college’s venerable palm trees, but has not included Rheem Creek, King said.

Rheem Creek runs through the campus, following the Hayward Fault line, and is recognized as a protected wildlife habitat, supporting possums, squirrels, turkeys, hummingbirds and deer.

Six years ago the creek benefited from the Rheem Creek Restoration

Project, which removed trash, pruned trees, stripped out invasive species and replaced them with native plants, biotechnology professor Katherine Krolikowski said.

The creek has seen little maintenance since then, and it shows. Short raised placards were installed denoting the names of the native plants, but now many of them are lacking their plants.

“Naked Buckwheat” declares one placard, indicating an empty field of wood chips. “Scarlet Monkey Flower” says another, indicating more of the same wood chips.

King said, “Some of the plants plain old died. (The placards) were put in with a little cement.”

Elsewhere, European ivy, and African gazania are spreading out, threatening the native plant life. In general the creek exhibits broken branches, dead trees and garbage, and seems like an obvious target for the chancellor’s requested “sprucing up.”

But, it isn’t as simple as charging in with some shears and good intentions.

“It’s hard for us to actually get into these creeks. We can’t just go in. We have to get special permits from the Fish and Game Department and the Army Corps of Engineers,” King said.

The creek’s status as a protected watershed works against it, erecting walls of red tape, and preventing essential maintenance.

“We can do some things. The Urban Creek Council has given us some guidance,” King said.

King and his workers are permitted relative liberty further from the creek banks, and are obliged to clear any blockages of the creek that occur, but the creek itself is not explicitly within their domain.

“I’m not sure if anyone maintains it.

Whose job is the creek supposed to be?”

King asked.

The creek’s tributary running between the Student Services Center and the Campus Center construction area is in worse shape, having more native trees, but heavy growth of European ivy and a thicker accumulation of garbage.

Biological sciences department Chairperson Chris Tarp said, “Whenever I go there I come back with a sack full of trash. I wish there were a more organized effort to clean up the (area).”

Dr. Krolikowski, who frequently sends her biology students to get samples from and study the life in the

creek, said, “At least half of my Bio 110 students note the trash down in the creek.”

The tributary was not a focus of the restoration project and what native plants are there come from work done prior to the most recent restoration project.

“Over the decades the tributary was planted with native plants to cover a fairly naked area, and to provide resources for biology. I’d love to see it made better,” said Dr. Tarp, who in his youth planted some of the now 50-yearold trees.

Krolikowski said, “I would like to see the ivy removed so that part of the creek can really shine. I think we have a really great resource that’s been allowed to grow over.”

The Rheem Creek Restoration Project was funded by a grant, was carried out by volunteer workers and that work is now slipping into decay.

“That’s the problem with grantfunded projects. The money runs out, then there’s no one to maintain it,” Krolikowski said.

A sign at the creek reads; “Rheem Creek Watershed, Ours to protect” — a pledge that no one in particular has been keeping.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CMYK

CMYK

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spotlight

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LACK OF WOMEN’S STUDIES MIRRORS CURRENT INTEREST Adding more female focused classes requires thorough ‘study’

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The addition of a women’s studies department can be an integral part of any wellrounded learning institution’s option for course study.

Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said there are many factors to consider before such a program can begin at Contra Costa College, including considerations over the needs of the campus, the level of student interest and the educational pathways such a program would open up.

“We would have to do a study,” she said.

The department gives students a chance to examine w o m e n’s experiences and qu e st i ons “Women’s of gender studies is from multiple per- important sp ectives, because includin school ing cross c u l t u r a l everything s t u d i e s , from sports literature, r e l i g i o n , to history history and is told from a range of topics the male r e l a t i n g perspecto women across the tive.” social spec— Melissa Price, kinesiology trum. major “ W e had an active women’s studies program in the past. It was very successful at helping women re-enter the workforce,” health education department Chairperson Sandra Everhart said. “Budgetary cuts and diminished interest ultimately brought an end to the department.”

Courses in this major expand a student’s knowledge of cultural contributions by women from different ethnic groups from around the world.

It also provides a woman’s perspective on the study of sexual and racial oppression.

City College of San Francisco employs a successful method to keep its interdisciplinary department successful.

Its foundation is the Diversity Collaborative. It highlights the intersecting identities of students belonging to various marginalized groups, strengthening all by working together.

“The Collaborative is an

important piece. We see our department’s strength as part of a larger unit,” CCSF women’s and interdisciplinary studies professor Elizabeth Arruda said. “It takes dedicated faculty who support the department, not just through women’s studies cross-listed courses but also attending events. There also has to be committed and active students who show by example the value of the classes and degree.”

Student strikes in the Bay Area during the late 60s led to the establishment of ethnic studies departments at colleges in the region.

Although the radicalized aura of change has dissipated in the region, students at CCC know the importance of the department.

“Women’s studies is important because in school everything from sports to history is told from the male perspective,” kinesiology major Melissa Price said. “If the classes were offered I probably wouldn’t take them. I only take the classes I need to graduate. I’m sure a lot of people who want to learn more about women’s issues would.

It would be better if they were mandatory.”

Computer Technology Center volunteer, and someone who marched for women’s equality in the 60s, Reina Berman views the situation differently.

“It took women who were feminists labeled as radicals to fight and be ostracized for what we have today and now it’s taken as a given,” she said.

“We fought for non-menial jobs and inclusion into the decision-making process.

We even had to fight to get our own names on our credit cards.”

Without it women wouldn’t be here. Women are still fighting for equal wages, she said.

Prevalent in today’s society is the idea that the contributions of women throughout history are vastly larger than the scope of one department, and the accomplishments of women should be given their proper respect in any field of study.

Cabrillo College (in Aptos) women’s studies department Chairperson Teresa Macedo said, “Accomplishment by women should be included in other studies but it makes it harder without a core (set of courses) in the department.

“Without a common core it makes it easier for administrators to pair courses down.”

Celebratory month recognizes struggle W

omen’s History Month began in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L 97-28, which allowed the country to observe Women’s Week surrounding Women’s Day, celebrated annually then on March 8.

Over the next five years Congress passed many joint resolutions continuing Women’s History Week. In 1987, The National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to pass Pub. L 100-9, which designated the month of March as Women’s History Month.

Strides were made to dissolve women’s suffering with the passage of affirmative action laws during the civil rights movement. Despite the benefits garnered by all women, women of color still remain disproportionately marginalized in America.

There is still work to be done, but the historic voice of feminist activism has been hijacked by the rhetoric of some of its earlier opponents.

If all women supported affirmative action, along with minority men and progressive white men, attempts

to undo gains made through the movement would be useless.

In the days since the civil rights movement, white women, who some argue benefitted the most from affirmative action, began to show waning support for the movement.

It became obvious after the passage of the act that legislative nondiscrimination would not be enough to alter the nation’s opportunity structure.

This sentiment was put on display in 1996 when only 42 percent of white women voted to keep affirmative action in place by way of California ballot initiative Proposition 209.

Women voters outnumbered male voters that year, accounting for 53 percent of the vote. Also, Democrats exceeded Republicans 42 to 38 percent, according to the California Secretary of State’s official statement on voting.

At the ballot box, white women are voting more like white men on the issue because they increasingly identify their issues as being tied to that group. A targeted portrayal of

affirmative action taking jobs away from their sons and husbands contributed to influencing the shift.

Women did not choose to divide themselves — they are actually divided. Intersectional feminists try to use the language of intersection and inclusion to understand the differences between people, and at the same time, work together.

Women can and do exist in multiple oppressed communities. Sexism affects women, racism affects people of color, but a woman of color is impacted by both.

Since white women have made significant gains in the 45 years since the civil rights movement, they vote as if affirmative action is no longer needed.

It seems they identify more with their perceived racial interests than gender or reproductive rights and have the privilege to overlook issues of intersectional oppression.

A study by The Global Poverty Report says, today, women make up half of the world’s population but represent 70 percent of the world’s poor.

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Political science major Maria Lara looks toward the Women’s History Month display case in the Library on Monday. The case has been reserved and set up by social science professor Majeedah Rahman in celebration of Women’s History Month for the past 11 years.

Tribute showcases historic women

BY Jared Amdahl OPINION EDITOR

jamdahl.theadvocate@gmail.com

For the past 11 years, social science professor Majeedah Rahman has reserved the display case in the Library during Women’s History Month.

During this time the display case houses a tribute to the famous women of the world. The case is set up by her classes here on campus.

“It is an educational tool. There are women out there that can kick butts, you feel me? Now we have an opportunity to talk about it with this display,” Rahman said.

“We have some ideas that we need to change.

I wish we would spend more time talking about it. It looks at all different cultures. I like having the students learn about exactly how far we’ve come as a society,” she said.

She said each class is given a theme, such as women in the arts or women in government.

Each class then develops a team, researches and then plans a display for their given topic.

Some of the women featured range from musical artist Janis Joplin, to the Japanese mayor of Yokohama, Fumiko

Hayashi.

“It is there for students to look back at all the things we have done. It shows that women can play almost any role. Sometimes it just has to be on display, because we tend to forget that sort of stuff,” she said.

Behavioral sciences major Lavonda Phillips said, “It is beautiful. It brings out a lot of history and puts it on display. It gives people an idea of exactly what women have done. One day I hope I could make it up on a wall like this.”

The display case is reserved by many different groups over the course of

the academic year. Library department Chairperson Judith Flum said she enjoys when Women’s History Month comes around to see the usual display of famous women.

“Every year (Rahman) does a Women’s History Month in the display case and she involves her students,” Flum said.

“It is very nice because I always have several people come up and give their compliments on the display it is always wonderful to hear about it,” Librarian Megan Kinney said, “I love when anyone adds to our display case.

They did a fantastic job.”

Local leaders encourage female involvement KATHY CHAO ROTHBERG

GAYLE MCLAUGHLIN

IRMA L. ANDERSON

LISA G. ROSALES

The current mayor of San Pablo is the first Lu MienAmerican to ever hold the position nationwide.

As a seven-year-old she and her family fled Laos during the late 1970s amid the aftermath of the Vietnam War like the thousands of other Indochinese refugees.

Rothberg became a U.S. citizen in 1985 and was appointed to the San Pablo City Council in 2012.

She graduated from El Cerrito High School, went on to graduate at UC Berkeley and ultimately went to Golden Gate University to earn an MBA. She was appointed mayor in January due to her expert knowledge about community economic development, nonprofit management and youth and adult employment programs.

A local committee she is currently involved with is the San Pablo Economic Development Committee (SPEDC) board.

The first mayor of Richmond to represent the Green Party served two terms from 2006 to 2014.

Current City Council Member Gayle McLaughlin has lived in Richmond since 2 0 0 1 after moving to the Bay Area after studying at Rhode Island College in the late 1990s.

McLaughlin is responsible for creating the Richmond Progressive Alliance, a non-partisan progressive group in West Contra Costa County comprised of people from the Green, Peace and Freedom and Independent Parties.

During the most recent 2014 fall election, the RPA has garnered a nationwide reputation by using grassroots campaigning to defeat a multi-million dollar endorsement of Corky Booze by Chevron.

She continues to be an advocate for social and environmental justice within the city and during her term put an end to police checkpoints that targeted undocumented immigrants.

The first A f r i c an American woman to be elected as mayor of R i c h m on d , California (2001-06) blossomed into a political figure in the early 1990s while working as the director of nursing for Contra Costa County Health Department (CCCHD).

During her time as Richmond mayor, Anderson worked closely with the West Contra Costa County Unified School District to create the “Kids First” program and secure $8 million in funding from the state.

She also became an advocate for economic redevelopment of downtown and reducing the crime rate through community outreach programs.

She was also the first African-American woman to hold a seat on the Richmond City Council in 1993.

Before that she was hired by CCCHD as director of nursing, a position that she still holds today,

The current San Pablo Police Chief is the first Latina to ever hold the position in the city when she was appointed a year ago after moving to the Bay Area.

Only 25 other police chiefs are women among the 228 municipal police departments throughout the state.

Before earning a master’s degree in public administration at the University of La Verne, Rosales was already the recipient of many accolades during her time as a police officer in Southern California.

She was awarded the Pasadena Police Department Chief ’s special award in the beginning of 2001 for excellence for her management of the Youth Unit and developing the Youth Accountability Board.

She said she plans to bring similar youth cadet programs to the city by next year in hopes of creating a stronger tie between San Pablo’s ethnically diverse communities and the police department.

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“

Women (professors) are needed everywhere. Not only for young females to know they are important, but for young males to respect and understand that gender has nothing to do with personal skill levels or accomplishments.” — Jasmyn Oliver, former Contra Costa College student

PROVIDING HOLISTIC HISTORY

Educator traces roots, contributions of ethnic groups to world’s story

LEFT:

AfricanAmerican studies department Chairperson Carolyn Hodge lectures during her History of African Americans in the U.S. class in LA-103 on Thursday.

Hodge had a supplemental role in remodeling Contra Costa College’s AfricanAmerican studies program almost 16 years ago when she was first hired.

BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

A passionate pursuit of knowledge compelled a strong-willed, caring woman to leave her home to invest in the lives of students, professors and programs at Contra Costa College.

Black Student Union Vice President Bridgette Lott said, “At first I thought to myself, OK, I’m going to go to this (history) class and just go about my business.”

“But once I sat down and opened myself to what (my professor) was offering it made me more appreciative of people who possess that much knowledge and are willing to share it with others. It makes me want to do the same.”

African-American studies department Chairperson Carolyn Hodge left her hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan and worked in five different states before her travels brought her to enroll in San Francisco State University in 1980.

Hodge, however, dropped out of Western Michigan State University in the late 1960s just as the civil rights movement was dying and the brief Summer of Love had begun to blossom.

She said it wasn’t until she experienced the rich ethnic diversity of people living in the Bay Area that she realized what it was she wanted to do with her life and the reason it took her 14 years and thousands of miles to find out.

“When I was enrolled at SFSU I discovered that not only did it have a black studies department but it also offered Native American, Chicano, Asian-American courses,” she said, “I wanted to know all of it. So I told myself that I am going to teach history, but I needed all the pieces of the puzzle first.”

She graduated with a double major in Africana studies/social science and a double minor in American Indian studies/history by 1994.

Lott said, “(Hodge) helped me and other students improve our leadership and organization skills because she is the BSU’s adviser, but she also helps us find our academic paths through her teaching.”

She said she will be transferring to SFSU in the upcoming fall semester after taking Hodge’s recommendation.

History professor Manu Ampim said, “Hodge always puts students first. She is the kind of person who is never satisfied with what she knows and is always learning.”

Hodge took what she learned while doing her undergraduate work under the nation’s first black studies department at a major university and eventually remodeled CCC’s African-American studies program after SFSU’s.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Ampim said it has been 16 years since the college first had an African-American studies department thanks to Hodge and former dean of the Natural, Social and Applied Science Division Terrence Elliot. “(Hodge) established credibility for the African-American studies department at CCC by bringing the standards used at SFSU,” Ampim said. “When (Hodge) came to CCC, there was already an African-American studies program but it was not a solidified department.”

He said this is because the professors before Hodge and Elliot did not have proper credentials to teach such a specialized field of study.

Former CCC student and 2008-10 BSU president Jasmyn Oliver recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in ethnic and media studies.

Oliver recently returned to campus to speak with Hodge and Ampim to reminisce with her old BSU advisers and history professors.

“I was excited to take (Hodge’s history) class because a lot of students who took her before were telling me her class was hard and I should drop,” she said. “So this made me want to take her class even more and once I was enrolled I was not disappointed.”

Oliver said the workload Hodge assigns students is “exactly” the same amount she was given at UC Berkeley.

When I was enrolled at SFSU

to know they are important, but for young males to respect and understand that gender I discovered that not only did has nothing to do with personal skill levels or accomplishments.” it have a black studies departLott said the topics Hodge covers in class ment but it also offered Native are focused on the socioeconomic struggles of ethnic minorities in the United States American, Chicano, Asianwhile tracing the ancestry of these groups American courses. I wanted to back to their countries of origin.

La Raza studies professor Agustin Palacios know all of it. So I told myself has an office with Hodge since he was that I am going to teach history hiredshared as a full-time professor in 2009. but I needed all the pieces of the “Hodge is experienced,” Palacios said. has a good personality that welcomes puzzle first.”— Carolyn Hodge, African “She students to strengthen theirs while also American studies department chairperson opening them to new ideas.”

The same year he was hired, the Chicano However, she said she regrets not taking studies was merged with African-American Hodge’s advice to go to SFSU instead. studies through an administrative decision.

“Take her class if you can so you can get He said both of these areas of study fall prepared for the upper division work because under cultural ethnic studies that originate your undergraduate work will happen wher- from the struggles of the 1960s and 70s expeever you decide to go.” rienced by people of color in the U.S. Lott was also attracted to take Hodge’s Both Lott and Oliver agree that learning classes because it seemed challenging and other culture’s history is just as important as also because it was being taught by a strong learning your own.

African-American woman.

Palacios said, “It’s important for students Oliver said more often than not gender is have a department that takes historical culused to categorize people and set limitations tural and social issues seriously to produce but can be overcome through hard work and future scholars and activists of color,” he resilience. said. “We both share the struggle for social “Women (professors) are needed every- justice.” where,” she said. “Not only for young females

N STEREOTYPES

Modern society still imposes gender roles Despite social

progress, women continue to face workplace limitations

T

his month serves as tribute to women everywhere for all that they have done and continue to do.

Throughout history women have played multiple roles. They have been caretakers, warriors, activists and workers.

Women have stepped in when men were not able to perform their duties.

And those same women raised the men to begin with.

However, even though women have proven themselves capable, again and again, they continue to be seen as inferior to men by many. Perhaps the issues of equality are not as severe as they once were.

It is thought that we are now in a modern, better time. People are more open-minded.

Technology has advanced greatly and many important social issues are almost a thing of the past.

But no, this is not the case.

Women are still considered incompetent for some jobs.

They are sometimes paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same work.

All the while, they are quite normally expected to produce and

marlenerivas raise a family.

The social stereotypes and expectations set on women have managed to stay alive throughout centuries and continue to be passed down to new generations today.

We continue to tell our little girls that they cannot join in with the neighborhood boys in sports or other activities because “it’s not a girl’s game.”

Girls are expected not to rough house, even at a young age when it is normal.

They are pushed toward baby dolls, pretty Barbies and dollhouses.

Their play toys are not often construction toys, toy doctor kits or footballs.

As they grow older it is drilled into their minds that they will be the co-head of a household, never truly in charge, because the con-

cept of “the man of the house” is still around.

Although it is now encouraged that everyone go to school and pursue higher education in order to be professionals, women are constantly being pushed for other things.

We are expected to raise a family and from a young age are taught to do domestic chores seeing as we will someday have to care for Women our children — as well as a full have grown man.

I always stepped hated when my mother would in when put emphasis on the fact that men were I had to know not able how to cook or clean because I to perform am a girl. That would usually their duties. be followed by my grandmother scolding me and saying I couldn’t just lay around like a boy.

The thought of a woman not bearing children continues to be foreign and strange to others.

People often tell my aunt, who is childless and closing in on 40

years old, that she “still has time” even though she has decided she does not want children.

In certain cultures, due to the machismo that is alive and well, it is males who are more privileged, often very unequal in comparison to the girls in their families.

I saw this often with my friend whose father always put his son, although younger and rebellious, before his three daughters in terms of material possessions, chores and discipline.

The fact that women are still considered less than men even though they are also doctors, lawyers and soldiers fighting alongside men in wars and impacting the world as much as they are, is terrible.

It is not understandable for me and I don’t think it should be accepted.

This mindset in society is ridiculously outdated and although there is still much to change before we can consider it improved, it is things like Women’s History Month that remind us of the power that women hold.

Marlene Rivas is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact her at mrivas.theadvocate@gmail.com.

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spotlight

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LACK OF WOMEN’S STUDIES MIRRORS CURRENT INTEREST Adding more female focused classes requires thorough ‘study’

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The addition of a women’s studies department can be an integral part of any wellrounded learning institution’s option for course study.

Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said there are many factors to consider before such a program can begin at Contra Costa College, including considerations over the needs of the campus, the level of student interest and the educational pathways such a program would open up.

“We would have to do a study,” she said.

The department gives students a chance to examine w o m e n’s experiences and qu e st i ons “Women’s of gender studies is from multiple per- important sp ectives, because includin school ing cross c u l t u r a l everything s t u d i e s , from sports literature, r e l i g i o n , to history history and is told from a range of topics the male r e l a t i n g perspecto women across the tive.” social spec— Melissa Price, kinesiology trum. major “ W e had an active women’s studies program in the past. It was very successful at helping women re-enter the workforce,” health education department Chairperson Sandra Everhart said. “Budgetary cuts and diminished interest ultimately brought an end to the department.”

Courses in this major expand a student’s knowledge of cultural contributions by women from different ethnic groups from around the world.

It also provides a woman’s perspective on the study of sexual and racial oppression.

City College of San Francisco employs a successful method to keep its interdisciplinary department successful.

Its foundation is the Diversity Collaborative. It highlights the intersecting identities of students belonging to various marginalized groups, strengthening all by working together.

“The Collaborative is an

important piece. We see our department’s strength as part of a larger unit,” CCSF women’s and interdisciplinary studies professor Elizabeth Arruda said. “It takes dedicated faculty who support the department, not just through women’s studies cross-listed courses but also attending events. There also has to be committed and active students who show by example the value of the classes and degree.”

Student strikes in the Bay Area during the late 60s led to the establishment of ethnic studies departments at colleges in the region.

Although the radicalized aura of change has dissipated in the region, students at CCC know the importance of the department.

“Women’s studies is important because in school everything from sports to history is told from the male perspective,” kinesiology major Melissa Price said. “If the classes were offered I probably wouldn’t take them. I only take the classes I need to graduate. I’m sure a lot of people who want to learn more about women’s issues would.

It would be better if they were mandatory.”

Computer Technology Center volunteer, and someone who marched for women’s equality in the 60s, Reina Berman views the situation differently.

“It took women who were feminists labeled as radicals to fight and be ostracized for what we have today and now it’s taken as a given,” she said.

“We fought for non-menial jobs and inclusion into the decision-making process.

We even had to fight to get our own names on our credit cards.”

Without it women wouldn’t be here. Women are still fighting for equal wages, she said.

Prevalent in today’s society is the idea that the contributions of women throughout history are vastly larger than the scope of one department, and the accomplishments of women should be given their proper respect in any field of study.

Cabrillo College (in Aptos) women’s studies department Chairperson Teresa Macedo said, “Accomplishment by women should be included in other studies but it makes it harder without a core (set of courses) in the department.

“Without a common core it makes it easier for administrators to pair courses down.”

Celebratory month recognizes struggle W

omen’s History Month began in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L 97-28, which allowed the country to observe Women’s Week surrounding Women’s Day, celebrated annually then on March 8.

Over the next five years Congress passed many joint resolutions continuing Women’s History Week. In 1987, The National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to pass Pub. L 100-9, which designated the month of March as Women’s History Month.

Strides were made to dissolve women’s suffering with the passage of affirmative action laws during the civil rights movement. Despite the benefits garnered by all women, women of color still remain disproportionately marginalized in America.

There is still work to be done, but the historic voice of feminist activism has been hijacked by the rhetoric of some of its earlier opponents.

If all women supported affirmative action, along with minority men and progressive white men, attempts

to undo gains made through the movement would be useless.

In the days since the civil rights movement, white women, who some argue benefitted the most from affirmative action, began to show waning support for the movement.

It became obvious after the passage of the act that legislative nondiscrimination would not be enough to alter the nation’s opportunity structure.

This sentiment was put on display in 1996 when only 42 percent of white women voted to keep affirmative action in place by way of California ballot initiative Proposition 209.

Women voters outnumbered male voters that year, accounting for 53 percent of the vote. Also, Democrats exceeded Republicans 42 to 38 percent, according to the California Secretary of State’s official statement on voting.

At the ballot box, white women are voting more like white men on the issue because they increasingly identify their issues as being tied to that group. A targeted portrayal of

affirmative action taking jobs away from their sons and husbands contributed to influencing the shift.

Women did not choose to divide themselves — they are actually divided. Intersectional feminists try to use the language of intersection and inclusion to understand the differences between people, and at the same time, work together.

Women can and do exist in multiple oppressed communities. Sexism affects women, racism affects people of color, but a woman of color is impacted by both.

Since white women have made significant gains in the 45 years since the civil rights movement, they vote as if affirmative action is no longer needed.

It seems they identify more with their perceived racial interests than gender or reproductive rights and have the privilege to overlook issues of intersectional oppression.

A study by The Global Poverty Report says, today, women make up half of the world’s population but represent 70 percent of the world’s poor.

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Political science major Maria Lara looks toward the Women’s History Month display case in the Library on Monday. The case has been reserved and set up by social science professor Majeedah Rahman in celebration of Women’s History Month for the past 11 years.

Tribute showcases historic women

BY Jared Amdahl OPINION EDITOR

jamdahl.theadvocate@gmail.com

For the past 11 years, social science professor Majeedah Rahman has reserved the display case in the Library during Women’s History Month.

During this time the display case houses a tribute to the famous women of the world. The case is set up by her classes here on campus.

“It is an educational tool. There are women out there that can kick butts, you feel me? Now we have an opportunity to talk about it with this display,” Rahman said.

“We have some ideas that we need to change.

I wish we would spend more time talking about it. It looks at all different cultures. I like having the students learn about exactly how far we’ve come as a society,” she said.

She said each class is given a theme, such as women in the arts or women in government.

Each class then develops a team, researches and then plans a display for their given topic.

Some of the women featured range from musical artist Janis Joplin, to the Japanese mayor of Yokohama, Fumiko

Hayashi.

“It is there for students to look back at all the things we have done. It shows that women can play almost any role. Sometimes it just has to be on display, because we tend to forget that sort of stuff,” she said.

Behavioral sciences major Lavonda Phillips said, “It is beautiful. It brings out a lot of history and puts it on display. It gives people an idea of exactly what women have done. One day I hope I could make it up on a wall like this.”

The display case is reserved by many different groups over the course of

the academic year. Library department Chairperson Judith Flum said she enjoys when Women’s History Month comes around to see the usual display of famous women.

“Every year (Rahman) does a Women’s History Month in the display case and she involves her students,” Flum said.

“It is very nice because I always have several people come up and give their compliments on the display it is always wonderful to hear about it,” Librarian Megan Kinney said, “I love when anyone adds to our display case.

They did a fantastic job.”

Local leaders encourage female involvement KATHY CHAO ROTHBERG

GAYLE MCLAUGHLIN

IRMA L. ANDERSON

LISA G. ROSALES

The current mayor of San Pablo is the first Lu MienAmerican to ever hold the position nationwide.

As a seven-year-old she and her family fled Laos during the late 1970s amid the aftermath of the Vietnam War like the thousands of other Indochinese refugees.

Rothberg became a U.S. citizen in 1985 and was appointed to the San Pablo City Council in 2012.

She graduated from El Cerrito High School, went on to graduate at UC Berkeley and ultimately went to Golden Gate University to earn an MBA. She was appointed mayor in January due to her expert knowledge about community economic development, nonprofit management and youth and adult employment programs.

A local committee she is currently involved with is the San Pablo Economic Development Committee (SPEDC) board.

The first mayor of Richmond to represent the Green Party served two terms from 2006 to 2014.

Current City Council Member Gayle McLaughlin has lived in Richmond since 2 0 0 1 after moving to the Bay Area after studying at Rhode Island College in the late 1990s.

McLaughlin is responsible for creating the Richmond Progressive Alliance, a non-partisan progressive group in West Contra Costa County comprised of people from the Green, Peace and Freedom and Independent Parties.

During the most recent 2014 fall election, the RPA has garnered a nationwide reputation by using grassroots campaigning to defeat a multi-million dollar endorsement of Corky Booze by Chevron.

She continues to be an advocate for social and environmental justice within the city and during her term put an end to police checkpoints that targeted undocumented immigrants.

The first A f r i c an American woman to be elected as mayor of R i c h m on d , California (2001-06) blossomed into a political figure in the early 1990s while working as the director of nursing for Contra Costa County Health Department (CCCHD).

During her time as Richmond mayor, Anderson worked closely with the West Contra Costa County Unified School District to create the “Kids First” program and secure $8 million in funding from the state.

She also became an advocate for economic redevelopment of downtown and reducing the crime rate through community outreach programs.

She was also the first African-American woman to hold a seat on the Richmond City Council in 1993.

Before that she was hired by CCCHD as director of nursing, a position that she still holds today,

The current San Pablo Police Chief is the first Latina to ever hold the position in the city when she was appointed a year ago after moving to the Bay Area.

Only 25 other police chiefs are women among the 228 municipal police departments throughout the state.

Before earning a master’s degree in public administration at the University of La Verne, Rosales was already the recipient of many accolades during her time as a police officer in Southern California.

She was awarded the Pasadena Police Department Chief ’s special award in the beginning of 2001 for excellence for her management of the Youth Unit and developing the Youth Accountability Board.

She said she plans to bring similar youth cadet programs to the city by next year in hopes of creating a stronger tie between San Pablo’s ethnically diverse communities and the police department.

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7

“

Women (professors) are needed everywhere. Not only for young females to know they are important, but for young males to respect and understand that gender has nothing to do with personal skill levels or accomplishments.” — Jasmyn Oliver, former Contra Costa College student

PROVIDING HOLISTIC HISTORY

Educator traces roots, contributions of ethnic groups to world’s story

LEFT:

AfricanAmerican studies department Chairperson Carolyn Hodge lectures during her History of African Americans in the U.S. class in LA-103 on Thursday.

Hodge had a supplemental role in remodeling Contra Costa College’s AfricanAmerican studies program almost 16 years ago when she was first hired.

BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

A passionate pursuit of knowledge compelled a strong-willed, caring woman to leave her home to invest in the lives of students, professors and programs at Contra Costa College.

Black Student Union Vice President Bridgette Lott said, “At first I thought to myself, OK, I’m going to go to this (history) class and just go about my business.”

“But once I sat down and opened myself to what (my professor) was offering it made me more appreciative of people who possess that much knowledge and are willing to share it with others. It makes me want to do the same.”

African-American studies department Chairperson Carolyn Hodge left her hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan and worked in five different states before her travels brought her to enroll in San Francisco State University in 1980.

Hodge, however, dropped out of Western Michigan State University in the late 1960s just as the civil rights movement was dying and the brief Summer of Love had begun to blossom.

She said it wasn’t until she experienced the rich ethnic diversity of people living in the Bay Area that she realized what it was she wanted to do with her life and the reason it took her 14 years and thousands of miles to find out.

“When I was enrolled at SFSU I discovered that not only did it have a black studies department but it also offered Native American, Chicano, Asian-American courses,” she said, “I wanted to know all of it. So I told myself that I am going to teach history, but I needed all the pieces of the puzzle first.”

She graduated with a double major in Africana studies/social science and a double minor in American Indian studies/history by 1994.

Lott said, “(Hodge) helped me and other students improve our leadership and organization skills because she is the BSU’s adviser, but she also helps us find our academic paths through her teaching.”

She said she will be transferring to SFSU in the upcoming fall semester after taking Hodge’s recommendation.

History professor Manu Ampim said, “Hodge always puts students first. She is the kind of person who is never satisfied with what she knows and is always learning.”

Hodge took what she learned while doing her undergraduate work under the nation’s first black studies department at a major university and eventually remodeled CCC’s African-American studies program after SFSU’s.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Ampim said it has been 16 years since the college first had an African-American studies department thanks to Hodge and former dean of the Natural, Social and Applied Science Division Terrence Elliot. “(Hodge) established credibility for the African-American studies department at CCC by bringing the standards used at SFSU,” Ampim said. “When (Hodge) came to CCC, there was already an African-American studies program but it was not a solidified department.”

He said this is because the professors before Hodge and Elliot did not have proper credentials to teach such a specialized field of study.

Former CCC student and 2008-10 BSU president Jasmyn Oliver recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in ethnic and media studies.

Oliver recently returned to campus to speak with Hodge and Ampim to reminisce with her old BSU advisers and history professors.

“I was excited to take (Hodge’s history) class because a lot of students who took her before were telling me her class was hard and I should drop,” she said. “So this made me want to take her class even more and once I was enrolled I was not disappointed.”

Oliver said the workload Hodge assigns students is “exactly” the same amount she was given at UC Berkeley.

When I was enrolled at SFSU

to know they are important, but for young males to respect and understand that gender I discovered that not only did has nothing to do with personal skill levels or accomplishments.” it have a black studies departLott said the topics Hodge covers in class ment but it also offered Native are focused on the socioeconomic struggles of ethnic minorities in the United States American, Chicano, Asianwhile tracing the ancestry of these groups American courses. I wanted to back to their countries of origin.

La Raza studies professor Agustin Palacios know all of it. So I told myself has an office with Hodge since he was that I am going to teach history hiredshared as a full-time professor in 2009. but I needed all the pieces of the “Hodge is experienced,” Palacios said. has a good personality that welcomes puzzle first.”— Carolyn Hodge, African “She students to strengthen theirs while also American studies department chairperson opening them to new ideas.”

The same year he was hired, the Chicano However, she said she regrets not taking studies was merged with African-American Hodge’s advice to go to SFSU instead. studies through an administrative decision.

“Take her class if you can so you can get He said both of these areas of study fall prepared for the upper division work because under cultural ethnic studies that originate your undergraduate work will happen wher- from the struggles of the 1960s and 70s expeever you decide to go.” rienced by people of color in the U.S. Lott was also attracted to take Hodge’s Both Lott and Oliver agree that learning classes because it seemed challenging and other culture’s history is just as important as also because it was being taught by a strong learning your own.

African-American woman.

Palacios said, “It’s important for students Oliver said more often than not gender is have a department that takes historical culused to categorize people and set limitations tural and social issues seriously to produce but can be overcome through hard work and future scholars and activists of color,” he resilience. said. “We both share the struggle for social “Women (professors) are needed every- justice.” where,” she said. “Not only for young females

N STEREOTYPES

Modern society still imposes gender roles Despite social

progress, women continue to face workplace limitations

T

his month serves as tribute to women everywhere for all that they have done and continue to do.

Throughout history women have played multiple roles. They have been caretakers, warriors, activists and workers.

Women have stepped in when men were not able to perform their duties.

And those same women raised the men to begin with.

However, even though women have proven themselves capable, again and again, they continue to be seen as inferior to men by many. Perhaps the issues of equality are not as severe as they once were.

It is thought that we are now in a modern, better time. People are more open-minded.

Technology has advanced greatly and many important social issues are almost a thing of the past.

But no, this is not the case.

Women are still considered incompetent for some jobs.

They are sometimes paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same work.

All the while, they are quite normally expected to produce and

marlenerivas raise a family.

The social stereotypes and expectations set on women have managed to stay alive throughout centuries and continue to be passed down to new generations today.

We continue to tell our little girls that they cannot join in with the neighborhood boys in sports or other activities because “it’s not a girl’s game.”

Girls are expected not to rough house, even at a young age when it is normal.

They are pushed toward baby dolls, pretty Barbies and dollhouses.

Their play toys are not often construction toys, toy doctor kits or footballs.

As they grow older it is drilled into their minds that they will be the co-head of a household, never truly in charge, because the con-

cept of “the man of the house” is still around.

Although it is now encouraged that everyone go to school and pursue higher education in order to be professionals, women are constantly being pushed for other things.

We are expected to raise a family and from a young age are taught to do domestic chores seeing as we will someday have to care for Women our children — as well as a full have grown man.

I always stepped hated when my mother would in when put emphasis on the fact that men were I had to know not able how to cook or clean because I to perform am a girl. That would usually their duties. be followed by my grandmother scolding me and saying I couldn’t just lay around like a boy.

The thought of a woman not bearing children continues to be foreign and strange to others.

People often tell my aunt, who is childless and closing in on 40

years old, that she “still has time” even though she has decided she does not want children.

In certain cultures, due to the machismo that is alive and well, it is males who are more privileged, often very unequal in comparison to the girls in their families.

I saw this often with my friend whose father always put his son, although younger and rebellious, before his three daughters in terms of material possessions, chores and discipline.

The fact that women are still considered less than men even though they are also doctors, lawyers and soldiers fighting alongside men in wars and impacting the world as much as they are, is terrible.

It is not understandable for me and I don’t think it should be accepted.

This mindset in society is ridiculously outdated and although there is still much to change before we can consider it improved, it is things like Women’s History Month that remind us of the power that women hold.

Marlene Rivas is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact her at mrivas.theadvocate@gmail.com.

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Club activities promote interests

focus LEFT: Students congregate and mingle to learn about clubs on campus during Club Rush, sponsored by the Associated Students Union at the Tennis Courts on March 10.

Photos by: Cody Casares, George Morin and Christian Urrutia FOR

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

RIGHT: (Left) Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers President Valeria Avila dances with Vice President Christian Talavera to a Banda tune during Club Rush at the Tennis Courts on March 11.

Gaming Guild President Eric Gambetta-Guglielmana showcases a gear from the club’s equipment case to an interested student during Club Rush at the Tennis Courts on March 11.

RIGHT: Middle College High school students Minahil Khan (left) and Erica Mendoza (right) battle one another using cushion rolls on a jumper during Club Rush at the Tennis Courts on March 10.

ABOVE: History major Jesse Gonzalez tosses a ring toward empty bottles as part of a ring toss game during Club Rush at the Tennis Courts on March 11.

scene

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This was a time for the community to come together and hear beautiful music.” — Wayne Organ, music department chairperson

9

ART GALLERY TO DISPLAY WATERCOLOR MEDIUMS

Student-driven exhibit to showcase department

BY Roxana Amparo NEWS EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Watercolor Show art exhibit will be on display in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery from now through April 25 to showcase a variety of student artwork through watercolor paintings and other mediums.

Art professor Dana Davis said the department wants to expose the students’ art and the hard work they invested in cre- Student, ating their pieces through art community gallery displays. art will be disArt professor Donna played in Eddie Fenstermaker said, “(The Rhodes Gallery Watercolor Show) is a celebration of the group of (artists) The art show currently (at Contra Costa will primarily focus on College).”

Students enrolled in the dif- watercolor but ferent art classes and artists from highlight other a local senior center will have mediums their work on display, she said.

Artwork will Anyone can visit the gallery be on display during the days the exhibit will be open and get a glimpse of a from March 6 to April 25. variety of student work.

Davis said it is rewarding for the students who invest time and effort into their artwork to “(The see other people appreciate their Watercolor creations hanging in a gallery.

He said the artists are so eager Show) is a that they agreed to help set up their own creations, which are celebration predominately, but not limited of the group to, watercolor mediums.

Watercolor is a painting of (artists) method in which paints are currently made of pigments suspended in (at Contra a water-soluble vehicle, meaning the paint is able to dissolve Costa in water.

College).”

Fenstermaker, however, said, — Donna “There will be a variety of waterFenstermaker, color media.” art professor Apart from watercolor, there will be gouache, water miscible oil, acrylic, granite and others. Gouache differs from watercolor in that the particles are larger due to a higher content of paint, almost chalk-like causing the paint to be heavier and opaque. Water soluble oil also called “water mixable” is a type of oil paint that when mixed with water can be thinned and cleaned up with water.

Davis said, “The work is expanding away from watercolor.” He said the gallery facilitates the sale of the artwork because most student artists do not do commission work.

But student artists are still interested in selling their artwork and can be contacted at the event he said.

in brief

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Guest harpist Constance Koo precisely strums her instrument during the West County Winds musical performance organized by the music department in the Knox Center on Sunday.

Ensemble produces classical symphonies

‘Relaxing’ sound waves engulf Knox Center Sunday

BY Jason Sykes ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

jsykes.theadvocate@gmail.com

The West County Winds’ appeasing sounds reverberated throughout the Knox Center during a free concert on Sunday.

The ensemble hosted the musical event at Contra Costa College, the first of two other concerts planned by the music department for the spring semester.

The WCW played classical songs from Richard Rogers to Ralph Vaughn Williams.

Music department Chairperson Wayne Organ and WCW’s Sue Crum conducted the symphonies.

Organ said. “This was a time for the community to come together and hear beautiful music.”

While the WCW includes some students, it consists of mostly professional musicians and teachers.

The ensemble consisted of brass, percussion and woodwind players hailing from cities throughout the Bay Area.

The musicians had limited time to play with one another and had just seven rehearsals before the show.

Organ said, “(Musicians) do this for a living so (limited practice

“(Musicians) do this for

a living so (limited practice time) was not a problem.”

— Wayne Organ, music department chairperson

time) was not a problem.”

He said he invited some special guests to come to the event and speak about the different selections they were playing.

Among the speakers were Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Athletic Director John Wade and Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner.

As the ensemble began to play each piece from different composers the audience members were fully engulfed by soothing sounds.

Local resident Gabriel Soulman said, “I thought it was very nice, all of the wind instruments were very relaxing.”

The unique sound of the WCW captivated the audience as it did its best to cover many of the popular classics.

Soulman said if the performance were any longer it would have felt “dragged out.”

But contrary to what he said,

the concert may have been a little too short for some people’s desires.

Another member of the audience Tom McWay said, “It could’ve been longer, but an hour and 15 minutes was just about right.”

Every song selection that was played reflected an overall theme of relaxation.

The music was mostly soft but at times would become powerful with more emphasis on certain notes.

The relaxing sounds allowed the audience to escape their reality and enter a land full of peace.

Soulman said, “I could see it as if I were on the sea.”

The concert appealed more toward an older generation. The audience was comprised of many friends and family members who came out to support the musician’s in the WCW musical ensemble.

The concert was a success for the department showing progress from previous events with less of a crowd.

Building off this momentum is something the music department hopes to continue to do.

Another upcoming Knox Center event for the music department is set for May 17.

ART PARTY’S SECOND INSTALLMENT ‘FASCINATING’ Berkeley-based artist gathering gains momentum

BY Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

BERKELEY — A one-night monthly art gallery and artist gathering is taking shape in the historic Sawtooth Building, where its second ever meeting Friday night turned out a congested success.

The Berkeley Art Party reflects the joint effort of sculptor Barbara Stevens Strauss and ukulele maker Michael DaSilva, who dedicate their studio — the DaSilva Ukulele Co. — to artwork and the intermingling of artists and community members from 6:30-9:30 p.m. every second Friday of the month.

“We are trying to generate communication between local artists of all types and do so in a venue that is upbeat to present people’s work in,” Strauss said. “We also do it to get inspiration from one another. It is a side benefit if we sell any work.”

Strauss’ work is currently featured on Contra Costa College’s campus in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery exhibit “Texture Times Two” in the Art Building, and will be until the end of the month.

At the Art Party, while guests trickled in and out that evening, an average of 20-30 people occupied the space at any given time.

Each Art Party features the works of four artists. All artists in the area are encouraged not only to

attend, but to contribute as well.

“Sharing the space is really important,” DaSilva said. “A lot of these artists don’t have a venue to present in, or don’t have the money to rent out a space.”

The exhibit drew an assorted, albeit aged, crowd. While few college-aged adults were in attendance, the majority of guests had firsthand knowledge and art-themed anecdotes from life in the 1960s.

All ages are welcome, there is no admission charge and parking can be found with ease outside along Eighth Street, or the offshoots at either end of the building, Dwight Way and Parker Street.

This month’s party featured the works of Susan Brady, Oleg Lobykin, Martha Storm and LaWanda Ultan.

Brady and Ultan contributed wall-mounted pieces in a variety of mediums, from ink, pencil and paint to mixed media. Lobykin and Storm brought sculptures that were easily distinguished between materials and styles, adding to the diverse array.

Storm, owner of Bad Squirrel Pottery in Oakland, had a striking seahorse named “Cosmo” on display. The light colored glaze applied in various consistencies to the dark clay created an effect like bone in the areas where the glaze was thickest, while creating contrast in the thinly glazed, darker areas of the sculpture.

She also had a large rendition of the elephant-headed Indian god Ganesh on display, as well as small ceramic bowls she made with handwoven, glazed pine needle tops.

Community members and artists mingle during the second ever Berkeley Art Party in the DaSilva Ukulele Co., Suite 28, of the historic Sawtooth Building on Eighth Street, Friday night.

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

“Artists are so focused on their own work in the studio. Events like these get them out of the studio and talking to one another and to people in the community,” Storm said. “It keeps artists from working in a vacuum. It gets you connected to people and to reality.”

On a nearby table sat the sculptures of Lobykin. A plant-like tendril cast in bronze lay in the center amid platformed and freestanding sculptures of organic quality. These pieces used handpicked and carved beach stones to different effects, some permeated by metallic veins and shapes.

“I used natural shapes as a base, then put in these man-made intrusions,” Lobykin said. “I wanted to represent harmony and coexistence within nature. We abuse nature as humans and I wanted to show that there can be balance.”

Despite the four-artist limit per Art Party, Tom Russell, Berkeley

resident and owner of Taurus Designers and Builders, found the variety of art among Friday’s featured artists to be “fascinating” and diverse.

Russell said he was particularly fond of the mixed media wall hangings by Brady, which used different boards as bases stuck with a range of materials, including crinkled and decorated paint tubes, nails and buttons.

“I really like these (mixed media) pieces. In a way they remind me of building,” the Bay Area-based architect said.

“There are all these threedimensional pieces, buttons, nails and pins that work together to support the art, like how the pieces of a building support its overall structure. It’s very interesting.”

Polite discussions of life, art, local history and artistic motivations were held over glasses of wine and craft brewed beers. A large

spread of hors d’oeuvres was there to sate any mouth craving sweet, savory or salty.

Refreshments were either brought by guests for their own consumption, or donated to the event, Strauss said.

“I like (the one-day, pop-up gallery idea) a lot, but it’s not the best for display,” Russell said. “The lighting isn’t great. Fluorescent lights hanging 30 feet above our heads just doesn’t cut it.”

Strauss said, “We have yet to get spotlights. We’re still evolving this thing.”

Artists interested in displaying their works at the next party can contact Strauss, who acts as curator, through the website berkeleyartparty.com.

“I like to mix it up between media, whether 2-D or 3-D. Two of each is the current formula,” Strauss said.

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“

We walked people in the second game but that wasn’t really the issue. The Solano players kept finding ways to hit the ball into the gaps to keep runners moving. — Rogell Ryan, Comet third baseman

FALCONS

13 0 17 4 COMETS

FALCONS

COMETS

Comet assistant coach Claire Scott hypes up shortstop Angelica Espinal after she was safe at first base during CCC’s 17-4 loss to the Falcons at Solano Community College on Thursday.

Victory continues to elude Comets

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Ongoing fielding woes hamper offensive production

By Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The softball team faced off against Solano Community College at the worst possible time for the squad, losing both games of a doubleheader 13-0 and 17-4 to a red hot Falcon team on March 12 in Fairfield.

The Falcons (14-6 overall and 6-0 in the BVC) came into the game on an eight-game winning streak, extending back prior to their conference opener.

The Comets (0-16 overall and 0-6 in the BVC) have yet to win this season, and the team is searching for that elusive first victory.

“We are getting better. We just need to be more consistent,” CCC first baseman Alexus Daily said. “In the second game we communicated better as a team and made better throws in from the outfield. We just need to have more confidence at the plate.”

The Comets return to action Thursday to take on the Storm at Napa Valley College. It is an afternoon doubleheader, with 1 and 3 p.m. start times.

In the first game, newcomer Jacqie Moody, fresh off the Comet basketball team, covered numerous plays of hard hit fly balls in the outfield.

Comet starting pitcher Cicily Ragsdale was facing a monumental task as the first place Falcons are currently playing their best ball of the season.

SCC is coming off of a 19-4 drubbing of third place NVC and before that the Falcons put up 47 unanswered runs against De Anza College during a doubleheader on March 7.

Ragsdale gave up nine runs in the first inning of game one, but settled in to only give up four more runs after the damage was done.

“They had a tight strike zone for Cicily in the first game,” Comet shortstop Angelica Espinal said. “Solano had a lot of runners getting on base on walks

“In the second game we

communicated better as a team and made better throws in from the outfield. We just need to have more confidence at the plate.”

— Alexis Daily, Comet pitcher

and (advancing on) steals.”

Comet third baseman Rogell Ryan was injured on an attempted tag out of a stealing base runner.

As Ryan swiped down for the tag, the runner’s spike rammed her ankle, rolling it inward, forcing Ryan to sit out the rest of the game.

After dropping the first game 13-0, the Comets sent Daily to the mound to face the Falcon offense in game two.

The pitcher gave up half as many hits as Ragsdale but the Comets committed four fielding errors.

“I’m looking to keep my composure on the mound,” Dailey said. “You can’t control everything that happens out there, so I just have to let things go.”

The injury to Ryan in the first game affected the whole team, and with her absence, the bottom half of the lineup found a way to put the bat on the ball to come away with three of the team’s four RBIs. “We walked people in the second game but that wasn’t really the issue,” Ryan said. “The Solano players kept finding ways to hit the ball into the gaps to keep the runners moving.”

The Comets held the Falcons below their 14.8 runs per game in the first 13-0 loss. However, the squad failed to duplicate the feat during the second game, and lost 17-4.

“Solano was a tough game,” Comet softball coach Karolyn Gubbine said.

“I’m happy we stuck in there and generated runs by any means.”

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Comet softball players Angelica Espinal (left) and Melissa Watkins collide after a successful catch during CCC’s 17-4 loss to the Falcons at Solano Community College on Thursday.

Seafood fundraiser looks to generate funds, fill bellies Seeking to recover funds after substantial cut inspires community event

By Nina Cestaro STAFF WRITER

ncestaro.theadvocate@gmail.com

Sweet crustacean aromas and familiar faces will engulf the Gymnasium for Contra Costa College’s 14th Annual All You Can Eat Crab Feed fundraiser on March 28.

The $40 ticket will buy you unlimited mouthfuls of crab while also entering you into a raffle drawing and gift baskets at the door.

Comet softball coach Karolyn Gubbine said she is one of the volunteers for the upcoming community feast and unity event.

“It is important to do something to support CCC,” Gubbine said, “And it is important to help out the athletic department.”

Athletic Director John Wade said the annual fundraiser is organized by a range of supporters to assist the expenses of coaches and student-athletes who to help defer athletic department costs for officials, travel, supplies, entry fees and other costs.

Wade was quoted in the Nov. 20, 2013 edition of The Advocate saying, “In 2003 there was a significant California recession where college and university funding was cut across the board by 43 percent.

Interested in crab?

An

all you can eat fundraiser held in the Gymnasium, March 28 Proceeds

support the athletic department Tickets

provide attendees all you can eat crab and also entry into a raffle drawing “(In athletics) we were reduced from a budget of about $112,00 to $66,000,” he said. “It was a substantial cut and we have never been able to recover.”

Vacaville resident Joe Williams was in attendance at last year’s crab feed fundraiser.

“The kids need money,” Williams said, “And the school isn’t going to give them (enough) money.”

Dining tables will be set up in the middle of the Gymnasium floor where the athlete-servers will be able to check up on guests who can’t get enough crab.

These student-athlete volunteers’ responsibilities will range from selling Comet apparel and additional raffle tickets to helping prepare the food.

FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Richmond resident Charles Jefferson (right) and Jayvyn Cash (center) grab some crab at the 13th Annual All You Can Eat Crab Feed in the Gymnasium on March 29, 2014.

Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene will also be a volunteer for the crab feed.

Green said she was motivated to help “because helping people makes me feel good.”

Other volunteers who will be lend-

ing their time to support the community and CCC sports teams are basketball coach Miguel Johnson and athletic department administrative assistant Shawna Belfield.

For tickets or more information, call (510) 234-1575.

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11

“

DESPITE SETBACKS ATHLETE PREVAILS

Growing up, my dad’s management skills helped me in my game as a kid. But he also pushed me hard when I first started and didn’t play favorites. — Lawrence Duncan, Comet catcher

Making a difference on the field, classroom

BY Jose Jimenez SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

Sitting in a room where Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) takes place awaiting test results after experiencing brain trauma could diminish an athlete’s motivation.

But for Contra Costa College catcher Lawrence “Davey� Duncan, this was not the case. “I honestly believed the doctor was going to say I couldn’t play baseball anymore.�

Duncan regularly had to sit on an ice-cold hospital table. He suffered three concussions over a five-month period while he played on the Newark Memorial High School football team. “I was fine with the doctor telling me I couldn’t play football ever again,� he said.

In 2009, Duncan would end up sitting out the rest of his only football season to cope with head trauma and evaluate his athletic options. “Baseball is my passion,� he said. “As a little kid I remember all of my Little League teammates being scared of the ball. I was the only one getting back (behind home plate) and enjoyed suiting up with all that heavy catcher gear.�

Currently, he ranks first in the Bay Valley Conference with the least passed balls as a catcher.

His father, Larry Duncan, said his son’s faith and tribulations through injuries have made him the anchor of CCC’s pitching staff this season.

Statistically, he is one of the better catchers in the BVC. Larry Duncan said he was with his son throughout the recovery period of his head injuries. “He was going against some bigger kids at the time in high school and (Davey) was definitely seeing some stars afterward,� the elder Duncan said. “The hard-ass coach, which was me at the time, didn’t know it was a concussion. “However, my fatherly instincts immediately came out and I soon realized something was seriously wrong. “I was worried and scared after learning about the long-term symptoms of concussions.�

After the concussions, Duncan played basketball his sophomore year at Newark Memorial, but said the athletic passion in him was dying. “Something was missing,� Duncan said. “I was looking for a spark.�

The year 2010 would end up being his final one at Newark Memorial.

His mother, Denise Duncan, said the commute from Vacaville to Newark was strenuous.

So Denise Duncan said she enrolled her son at Rodriguez High School in Fairfield.

Duncan said she was happy with the move and knew her son would welcome the new change because he always got along with everybody.

She said as a “little guy� Duncan was a natural team leader — a “team-first� type

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Comet catcher Lawrence “Davey� Duncan leads the Bay Valley Conference with the least passed balls as a catcher. Duncan is known for the loud vocal leadership he brings to the Comet baseball team.

„ “He always makes everyone on the team laugh and is just so easy to get along with. He has been an inspiration on my life since I have joined the team and I consider him one of my brothers.�

— Randy Rudolph &RPHW LQĂ&#x;HOGHU

of guy.

Newark, she said, was a less desirable place to be for Duncan because he was able to get better academic guidance and baseball training playing for the Mustangs. “I was very happy as a mother,� she said. “While I bet he missed his friends at Newark, I believed he would be OK with the move because he adjusted to change so well.

Plus he was the class clown. “He would always make people laugh. He always found a way to get out of a funk, no matter what.�

Close friend and Comet outfielder Randy Rudolph, who is also from Fairfield, said Duncan is a very talented and knowledgeable person who knows how to brighten people’s lives. “He’s also a stand up comedian,� Rudolph said. “He always makes everyone on the team laugh and is just so easy to get along with.

He has been an inspiration on my life since I have joined the team and I consider him as one of my brothers.�

Duncan said he met Rudolph when he transferred to Rodriguez High School. This is where Duncan also met Mustang baseball coach Jason Chatham.

Chatham said he still remembers when Duncan came to the team his junior year in high school. “We already had a good team,� Chatham said. “Players were already established on the Mustangs, especially our senior catcher at the time. But (Duncan’s) personality really came out. Even after our practices, he was always the last guy to leave the baseball field.�

He said Duncan always puts in extra work but was waiting for the right moment to put him into a game.

His opportunity came during a playoff game in 2011 when Duncan played during the playoffs against Placer High School in the semi-final of the Sac-Joaquin Section Championships, Chatham said. “I felt the other catcher wasn’t ready for the moment and I looked at (Duncan) and knew he was ready,� Chatham said. “You couldn’t rattle this guy.�

The Mustangs won the section championship on Duncan’s solid catching and play calling behind home plate and the rest is history, he said.

Duncan is the youngest sibling in his family and has two older sisters, Sera-Rose, 23, and Desirae Durbin, 31.

He said he and his sisters have built a strong relationship with his parents, who he calls his “best friends.�

Growing up his mother was president of his Little League team, the Newark American Little League ballclub.

He said he became fascinated with SportsCenter and ditched cartoons for good, watching all the athletes on TV. He knew he had to do whatever it took to feed his competitive appetite for playing baseball.

His father quickly told him catching was going to be his spot in the lineup from now on and said if Duncan really wanted to play baseball, he was best suited for suiting up and getting behind home plate. “He was a duck in water,� his father said. “He loved putting on all the equipment and he just enjoyed being around all the action.

Catchers pretty much touch the ball all the time just like pitchers. And he thrived on it.�

Duncan did not play T-Ball growing up.

His father put him straight into the next level. “I love baseball and welcomed all the competition ever since I was small,� Duncan said. “Growing up my dad’s management skills helped me in my game as a kid. But he also pushed me hard when I first started and

didn’t play favorites.�

Growing up his father told him the assumption of T-Ball was essentially “babysitting�.

Larry’s philosophy is that an individual’s baseball skills could not really be presented at the T-Ball level.

He said he ultimately decided to coach Duncan through his first year of baseball. “I’ll do anything for (Davey),� Larry Duncan said. “Our relationship is far more than baseball. It’s about family, his future and not just about what’s happening right now in sports.�

Duncan is third on the Comet team in steals and walks. So far this season he has a 1.000 fielding percentage, according to California Community College Athletic Association stats.

Duncan’s aggressive play, combined with his baseball IQ are attributed to watching his favorite players, Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals and Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants, play baseball. “I try to incorporate their skills into my game when I’m playing,� he said. “I might not be the fastest, but my aggressiveness while running bases and catching skills make me the player who I am today.�

Where his baseball skills take him after CCC is currently undecided, Duncan said.

He said he is a California kid at heart and dreams about playing for his favorite baseball team — the Los Angeles Angels.

However, to get to that level, Duncan said he will have to continue to train hard to make it to Division I baseball.

He said going east across the Mississippi River to Alcorn State is a possibility, but he will ultimately decide when he graduates from CCC majoring in liberal arts.

Comet baseball coach Marvin Webb said Duncan is a good team player and a hard worker. “He’s already a good catcher,� Webb said. “But he is always working to get better.�

Comet pitcher Christian Sadler said that is what separates him from the rest. “He’s good at blocking balls and knowing how to frame pitches perfectly,� he said.

HOME RUN IGNITES MARINERS’ STAGNANT OFFENSE Solid

pitching fails to propel squad to victory

MARINERS

6 4

COMETS

BY Robert Clinton

LEFT: Comet first baseman Kevin Spence leans toward the ball after failing to make an out during CCC’s game against the Eagles at Laney College on March 7.

The Comets won the away game, 4-3. Since that game, the Comets have lost two straight games to College of Marin.

SPORTS EDITOR

jrclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The baseball team squared off against the College of Marin for its second game in a row, rallying for three runs in the eighth inning but still earning a 6-4 loss Thursday in Kentfield.

Contra Costa College (5-14 overall and 3-5 in the Bay Valley Conference) jumped out to an early lead and held the Mariners (12-6-1 overall and 6-1 in the BVC) in check for the majority of the game.

Starting Comet pitcher David Gustafson (0-3) kept COM off of the board until he gave up a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. “The homer changed the momentum of the game,� Comet outfielder Rudy Rudolph said. “They started stringing hits together after that.�

The two-run sixth fueled a productive seventh inning for the Mariners.

Three singles advanced the base runners into scoring position with the final run of the inning coming on a wild pitch.

After maintaining the lead for the first half of the game, CCC found itself facing a 5-run deficit of 6-1.

The Comets will need to find a way to capitalize on its advantages when they take on fifth place Folsom Lake College Thursday in Folsom at 2:30 p.m.

Missing their leader in batting average Timmion Hughes (.383), made the

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Comets work harder to manufacture runs.

Comet center fielder Leander Carter reached base on balls and eventually scored on a wild pitch. Relief pitcher Antonio Straughter also registered a hit and eventually crossed the plate.

“I fractured my finger sliding back to first base trying to beat a pickoff attempt a few games back,� Hughes said. “I’ll be back as soon as I get this cast off.�

Third baseman Loomis Russell, was driven in on right fielder Kevin Spence’s single that ended the Comet eighth

inning scoring push.

Ultimately the runs were not enough and the squad came up short, losing consecutive games to the Mariners. “We got the lead early, but we lost focus,� Spence said. “We battled back but we just couldn’t get it done.�

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HILARIOUS SCENES ON DISPLAY

By George Morin

Oz HerreraSobal (left) and Jamie Barnheart (right) act out their roles during the scene “The Universal Language” during the play “All in the Timing” in the Knox Center on Saturday.

The play ran from March 11 through Saturday.

ART DIRECTOR

gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com

T

he masterfully crafted acts of “All in the Timing” were well received by the crowd in the Knox Center Saturday afternoon, demonstrating the play’s lasting relevance two decades since its creation.

Contra Costa College’s drama department presented eight lively and comedic acts that highlighted the humor that can arise solely from the use of language in a play. The minimal use of props during the scenes did not hinder the actors’ ability to entertain.

With the use of strong facial expressions, clear speech and movement across the stage, the actors were able to grab the audiences attention and keep it throughout the acts.

In the act “Words, Words, Words,” three chimpanzees wearing tutus named after famous authors are forced into attempting to write the play “Hamlet.” Sarah Piane, Sadara Welch and Kaitlyn McCoy played the silly simians rewriting Shakespeare.

The chemistry between the three actors was exceptional, as they did not skip a beat engaging in their banter about literary works and English vernacular.

The three chimps laughed over the different connections of words that they would type onto their typewriters and made fun of the authors they portrayed.

One could see from the variety of acts in the play that the actors were very comfortable with one another, as well

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

as in each character they would portray.

Actor Welch stood out for her ability to quickly move from one act to another while playing completely different roles. She played Jonathan Swift, Leon Trotsky and the safari man on television during the acts “Words, Words, Words,” “Variations on the Death of Trotsky” and “Time Flies,” respectively.

Her robust and captivating stage presence was felt as she yelled for “revenge” on her unjust captor during the act “Words, Words, Words.” Welch is certainly an actor to watch for in upcoming performances at the Knox Center.

The other actors were also able to quickly move from one

act to another, transitioning from markedly different characters with ease.

The overall humor of the different acts was broad and easy to digest — one does not need to be a great intellectual or have a huge grasp on literary history to find the acts hilarious.

The act “Sure Thing” was, as its name suggests, an instant hit with the crowd. The romantic romp showed two strangers replay their first meeting in a café over and over again. Every time the eager suitor’s words failed him, a bell would ding and the scene would begin anew.

Derian Espinoza played the man and Irena Miles played the subject of his affection, the ADVERTISEMENT

young woman sitting alone at the café table reading a book.

After various comedic tweaks that refresh his approach, the two finally connect romantically through language.

The overall idea of not saying the right thing at the right time was well received by the crowd and the applause truly boomed following that particular act.

American playwright David Ives wrote the original screenplay for the comedic acts in 1987 as a collection of short plays. Director and adjunct drama professor Angelina LaBarre’s rendition of the multiple acts sticks closely to the original screenplay.

Throughout the collection

of the eight comedic acts, seven actors portrayed a plethora of characters.

The multiple one-act comedies focused on how the individuals communicated with one another while using a limited physical set and placing emphasis on the actors and personifying the various characters.

Approximately 50 people were in attendance at Saturday’s 2 p.m. showing in the Knox Center. The showing of the performance ran from March 11 through Saturday.

The drama department’s upcoming performance “Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Kelly Ground will run from April 29-May 2 in the Knox Center.