WEDNESDAY l 4.22.15 OUR 65TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.
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Alameda resident Sarah K. chants with protesters inside the Oakland City Council Chambers during the first stop of the Shut Down Day rally in Oakland on April 14. The protest was organized to raise awareness about the increase of police officers using lethal force.
We can’t combat these injustices by simply saying, ‘Fuck the police.’ We have to put out legitimate complaints we have with our society.” Michael Lerner, rabbi and Shut Down Day advocate
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
‘Shut Down Day’ urges outrage against system Police brutality cultivates alarming death toll, nationwide protests, debates over reforming historically subjective policing BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
OAKLAND — A mass of protesters marched Southbound from Oscar Grant Corner on 14th Street and Broadway here on April 14 with the intent to send a clear message that police brutality is running rampant in cities nationwide. Consisting of mostly young college and local high school students, the protesters flooded Broadway and made their frustrations heard at City Hall, Oakland Charter High School, Laney College’s Student Center and
the I-880 on-ramp near Broadway. Along the way, a procession of police squad cars followed the protesters who were chanting, “Back up, back up/ We want our freedom, freedom/ All these racists pigs / We don’t need them, need them,” as they held up banners that read, “Black Lives Matter.” Oakland Police Department arrested one of the hundred or so protesters when they rushed past a homeless encampment and up the dirt embankment onto the freeway at the end of Alice Street, near 7th Street, at 3:30 p.m.
The protesters were unable to halt the flow of freeway traffic and were limited to holding up signs and chanting on the side of I-880 due to a combined effort of the Oakland PD and California Highway Patrol. Before the 1 p.m. march, protesters supporting National Shut Down Day stood under clear sky across from City Hall and listened to members of the Stop Mass Incarceration Network and the Revolutionary Communist Party discuss their grievances with SEE PROTEST, PAGE 3
WATER PUMP REDIRECTS LIFE SOURCE TO EAST BAY FOOD, WINE SHOWCASES LOCAL SHOPS, EATERIES PAGE 6
CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Chicano image, pride shifts in ‘bloody’ war MexicanAmericans adjust cultural perceptions during
Oakland ‘Shut Down’ rallies against police brutality PAGE 8
human, civil rights era
BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
Mexican-American involvement in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War influenced young people to redefine the term Chicano and demand social equity during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and early 70s. La Raza studies professor Agustin Palacios traced the evolution of the term Chicano while giving a condensed, yet comprehensive, history of Mexicans in the U.S. to a group of 25 students Friday in the Library and Learning Resource Center from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. His “Lecture and Discussion of Chicano
Participation in the Vietnam War and Their Struggle for Civil and Human Rights in the United States” is only one part of the Big Read, which is a month-long communitywide reading program facilitated by West Contra Costa County Library and Contra Costa College, and grant-funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. West County’s Big Read focuses on Tim O’Brien’s novel about the Vietnam War, “The Things They Carried,” in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the bloody conflict’s end. “(The Vietnam War) was a very bloody war; SEE BIG READ, PAGE 3
ABOVE: Agustin Palacios, La Raza studies professor, speaks to students during the Big Read’s “Lecture and Discussion of Chicano Participation in the Vietnam War and Their Struggle for Civil and Human Rights in the United States” seminar held in L-107 on Friday.
Half full San Pablo Reservoir goads first ever Freeport usage BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
As California is in its fourth year facing a drought, East Bay Municipal Utilities District is diverting water from the Sacramento River for the first time in its history. E B M U D Public Affairs Representative Nelsy Rodriguez said on April 14 the Awareness district board unan- needed imously approved Pumping needusage of the ed water to the Freeport Regional East Bay will Water Project to cost EBMUD pump water to the and thus San Pablo Reservoir, potentially raise which is at 54 per- the cost of its cent of its capacity. customer’s Earlier this water bill. month, Gov. Jerry Brown also made SEE PAGE 2 history by directing a mandatory 25 percent statewide water usage reduction. The district, in collaboration with Sacramento County Water Agency, helped build the Freeport water treatment and pump station for a total cost of $1 million, and was finished in 2010. However, this is the first time the
editorial
SEE DROUGHT, PAGE 3
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Quotable “As a newspaper we have to stand up for what’s right and not worry about what’s politically feasible.” Alan Bauer editorial page editor, The Idaho Statesman 19997 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 Jose Jimenez spotlight 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 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, 2015 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accent.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.
opinion
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — VOL. 102, NO. 18
WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM
EDITORIAL VOICES NEEDED IN DROUGHT First state mandated water reduction plan in action
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s California experiences its most arid four-year period in history, it is vital that Contra Costa and Alameda county residents are aware of a possible increase to their water bill and why. On April 14, East Bay Municipal Utilities District Board unanimously voted to approve a districtwide election that will allow customers within its service area to either approve or decline a 25 percent surcharge for water. EBMUD Public Affairs Representative Nelsy Rodriguez said notices and ballots will be sent out to its customers that must be filled out and returned before June 9. Rodriguez said any ballot that is not returned will be considered as a “yes” vote. She also said if the surcharge is passed, the funds collected will be used to pay for the operational fees of using the Freeport water treatment and pump station to divert needed water to the San Pablo Reservoir from the Sacramento River. And this is completely within EBMUD’s legal right to do under Proposition 218, which was put into effect in 1997 and requires that counties, cities and special districts obtain ballot approval to finance projects. So take advantage of this opportunity provided to you by your state legislators to become aware of changes being made to your water bill and the intent behind the increase. As of now, 2015 has been the second driest year in state history, and only second to the 1977 drought. Assuming, however, that the rest of the year continues to see record low rain and snowfall, this year’s drought may take the record. According to an EBMUD Water Supply Briefing Report issued to its water operations department on Tuesday, the rainfall level of the Mokelumne River Basin, the area that provides 90 percent of East Bay residents with water, is the driest on record over a four-year period. As of April 1 its nearby snowpack, which feeds fresh water into the basin, is only at 3 inches compared to the usual 32 inches. And a macro survey of statewide snowpack is measured at only 1.5 inches compared with the average of 28 inches. From 2014 to 2015 this equates to a drop from 25 percent of normal snowpack to 5 percent. Much of the state has not been as fortunate as the Bay Area during this drought due to nearby water supplies, and reflects in recent decisions by legislators and Gov. Jerry Brown, who mandated a 25 percent statewide water use reduction in early April. This decision marks the first water reduction mandate in state history, after consumer water saving efforts were cut in half from a measly 12 percent to an even lesser 6 percent since last year. Not only should East Bay residents be aware of the pressure this drought is placing on the environment, but of the personal and political implications as well. If you want to save money by avoiding the surcharge, pay attention to your incoming mail. Then make a decision, or someone else will for you.
MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE
N SOCIETY
Social media allows for alternative personas S
ocial media have a great effect on our lives as teens and young adults. Although they have their many advantages, they also allow people to portray themselves in ways that are not who they actually are. This creates conflict in real life when expectations are raised based on an imaginary online persona. Inevitably, the failure to deliver in person can build on insecurities and create a greater need to enhance one’s digital image. This cycle captures many who spend their waking moments scrolling the many platforms that exist to give people a chance to live vicariously through the lives of strangers. They may flaunt expensive items that are not even theirs, but post pictures like they own the items, in order to look “cool.” Social media have allowed people to transform themselves and allow them to have an alter ego that is far from who they really are. That one person that has all of the followers and looks like they have everything they need most of the time may be completely the opposite. The people who put on an act on social sites are seeking attention or acceptance. It is disturbing that
jasonsykes
sibly be. Nobody wants to be around someone who acts differently when they are around certain people. The generation we live in is full of people who want to be popular and crave attention. The greed for attention and the desire to be liked is what makes people pretend to be that ideal “cool” person. Many of us want fame and are willing to do anything to do to get that recognition, even if it means manipulating their personality in order to fit in. It’s really sad to see so many young people doing things just because they are afraid of being disliked by others. The mentality of this generation needs to change from wanting attention and doing anything to gain it to being who they are, regardless of what others may think of them. Because ultimately, people will see through the lies that someone is displaying. So just avoid it by being yourself at all times no matter what the situation is. Those who gravitate toward you are going to like you for who you are and not for the material things you have.
someone can be content with having two personalities in which one of them isn’t who they really are. Be yourself no matter what the situation is because Those eventually those who who get to know the posers gravitate will figure out the photoward niness. There you are is nothing wrong with going to being yourlike you self. In fact, you should for who be proud of who you are. you are You shouldn’t and not live your life trying to for the impress your peers. material But rather things focus on yourself and you have. what is best for you. People are going to like you because of your personality, not because of the material things you own or how many followJason Sykes is an assistant ers you have. sports editor of The Advocate. So instead of having Contact him at jsykes.theadthose split personalities, vocate@gmail.com. just focus on being the best you that you can pos-
CAMPUS COMMENT
Do you agree with the possible 25 percent surcharge increase to your water bill?
“Yes, if it helps. It (the 25 percent increase) has its goods and bads.”
“No. I don’t think it will get people to stop using water. People will continue using water.”
“Yes. They have to pay more so they will be motivated to conserve water.”
“I do not agree with it. It would be a lot more money coming out of my pocket.”
Jesse Gonzalez
Mary Singh
Samneet Singh
Rosemary Nwankwor
history
anthropology
engineering
“Yeah. To help with the environment because it is bad to waste water.” Rosemary Clemons
undecided
liberal arts
“There will always be a charge. Whether there is a drought or no drought. Let’s be honest.” Sergio Corona psychology
ROXANA AMPARO, JACKIE MOODY AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE
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PROTEST | Social unrest reflects nation’s dark past “These people protesting police
Continued from Page 1
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NEWSLINE Q EARTH DAY
DONATIONS PROMOTE RECYCLING EFFORTS There will be a community donation for Earth Day today from 12-3 p.m. at the overflow parking lot, across from the Gym. The student life department and Goodwill will collaborate and collect any used clothing, books, dishes and other donations to help reduce waste. Anyone interested can drop off donations. For further information, contact the DSPS office at 510-215-3969.
CRIMEWATCH Wednesday, April 8: Several empty hypodermic needles were found in the dirt area west of the Comet Stadium. A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation and it was determined the driver had an expired driver’s license. The subject was cited and their vehicle was not towed. A college employee reported his vehicle was broken into off campus by an unknown suspect. Friday, April 10: An unknown suspect stole a Police Services golf cart. Monday, April 13: A staff member reported a door to the Automotive Technology Center was vandalized by an unknown suspect. A student worker was arrested for a warrant for failure to appear. An officer conducted a civil standby while a student retrieved her lost cellphone from a stranger. Tuesday, April 14: A student reported the theft of her wallet.
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excessive use of force by police agencies in the United States. Revolutionary Communist Party member D’ Andre Teeter said, “I want to give a shout out to students, to street youth and the OGs for letting their presence be known on this special day,” to a group of protesters across from City Hall massing on Oscar Grant Corner. “Let’s not fight each other, but the system instead,” Teeter said. “And to the people of faith, the intellectuals, the people in the Stop Mass Incarceration Network and artists who are here today, you are the whitecaps of this righteous wave in this struggle for justice against murdering cops.” Rabbi Michael Lerner also addressed the gathering crowd when he said, “We can’t combat these injustices by simply saying, ‘Fuck the police.’ We have to put out legitimate complaints we have with our society. “We have to put forward an image of the kind of world that we want.” Meanwhile, Gary Miller, employee of the Revolution Bookstore in Berkeley, was passing out fliers in front of a large sign strewn over the side of a large delivery truck that read “stop murder by police” above the faces of 40 people who became the victims of lethal force used by police officers. “In the month of March alone, 111 people have been killed by police,” Miller said. “Compare that with the United Kingdom, which since the early 1900s, has only killed 69 people.” Teeter said, “And anyone who says that police murdering people is not running rampant in this country has not checked out this stat.” He said he and others who work at the Revolution Bookstore are responsible for spreading the small fliers throughout Contra Costa College in hopes of attracting more students to join in National Shut Down Day. Macro viewpoints CCC history professor Manu Ampim said if
violence have legitimate grievances that in themselves are critiquing the system of policing in the U.S. and should be listened to and addressed.”
— Agustin Palacios, La Raza professor
that statistic is true, the reason police officers in the U.S. have killed more people in one month than the U.K. has in over a century is because the difference in weaponry they are allowed to carry, and this nation’s oppressive history toward minority groups. According to a Justifiable Homicide Report by the FBI in 2013, there were 461 cases where lethal force was used, and only in three of those a firearm was not used. And spanning from 2009 to 2013, there were 2,084 reported cases where a police officer killed a felon; only in five cases a firearm was not used. This report does not take into account the lives of non-felons or cases that go unreported. “There are less (police homicides) in the U.K. because their police do not carry guns,” Ampim said. “And there is a larger percentage of people of color here than in England. In the U.S. we have a large percentage of groups that have never really been part of the mainstream. “And there are more cases of police brutality in this country because of our history with slavery,” he said. “Millions have been enslaved and their descendants are now viewed as second-rate citizens.” La Raza professor Agustin Palacios agrees that this country founded its society with the intent to marginalize certain groups of people and the remnants of this ideology linger today. “Poor people and people of color generally reflect (wealth inequality) in this society, which is if you are not wealthy you do not have much of a say in government, compared to people who do have money,” Dr. Palacios said. “People with money don’t have to protest. They just
donate, lobby or pass laws.” Ampim said that while he supports the Black Lives Matter movement and their criticism of police officers abusing power, he challenges the youth to examine a larger issue that adds onto the death toll but largely goes unnoticed. “We need to be consistent if (the black lives matter movement) wants to be credible,” he said. “These illegal shootings by police need to be stopped, but we must first look at the internal crime in our communities.” While he said he does not condemn the protesters and their right to express their grievances, Ampim believes this frustration is derived from concrete socio-economic problems that perpetuate violence within ethnic communities, which must be acknowledged. “Black lives matter, but we cannot be selective with our criticisms,” he said. “If we want to take the discussion to the next level, then all lives have to matter in every respect, from community to community and city by city.” Palacios partially agrees with Ampim, but said while violence within ethnic communities is a legitimate issue, it distracts people in this society that what they are facing at large is institutionalized racism. “When you put it into the black-on-black, brown-on-brown or brown-on-black context, you are distracting people from the real issue of institutional racism and structural inequalities,” Palacios said. “Violence in a community is a problem, but it is different when it is the police that are doing (the killing).” He said violence can be defined differently and there is a distinct difference between breaking some windows, writing graffiti and shooting someone down. “These people protesting police violence have legitimate grievances that are in themselves critiquing the system of policing in the U.S. and should be listened to and addressed,” he said. “We should not criticize them for acting out in frustration. Police are not supposed to be an external force, they are supposed to work for us. They are supposed to protect and serve and not act out of fear — it’s their job.”
DROUGHT | Freeport pump prompts additional fees Continued from Page 1 district has had to divert water to ensure its 1.3 million people living in its service area that reached the reservoir on Saturday, and it could possibly hit customers’ wallets. Rodriguez said, “(EBMUD is) currently in the process of raising the surcharge of water by 25 percent by June. “It will be doing this through a districtwide water election that is allowed through Proposition 218. It will be mailing out notices to people in the service area who have an opportunity, until June 9, to oppose this surcharge. But, if people decide to not vote or forget to, EBMUD will consider that as a ‘yes vote’ and will impose the surcharge.” She said if voters approve this surcharge, the revenue raised will be used to pay off the remainder of the cost of using the Freeport water treatment and pump station to send water to the East Bay. Ninety percent of the East Bay’s water supply comes from the Mokelumne River Basin, northeast
“We have enough
water to get us through this year and next year if this dry weather continues. But after that we are looking at a difficult situation.” — Nelsy Rodriguez, EBMUD press representative
of its service area. She said after the water is pumped from the Sacramento River, it travels through the Pardee Dam and Camache Reservoir before being funneled along the Mokelumne Aqueduct to the San Pablo Reservoir. Rainfall in the basin this January, however, reached historic lows, only seeing 0.15 inches of precipitation compared to the 8.7 inch average. “Water levels are dropping every day and, with the rain season over, there is nothing on the horizon until August, November or December,” Rodriguez said. “We
have (5 percent of) snowfall in the Sierra Nevada so all the water that is left is in the reservoirs which are mostly half full. We have enough water to get us through this year and next year if this dry weather continues. But after that we are looking at a difficult situation.” The statewide snowpack plummeted from 25 percent to its current state from last year. Contributing to the driest fouryear period in the state’s history, second to 1987-1990, according to Tuesday’s EBMUD Water Supply Board Briefing Report. To cope with these mandatory state water reductions, Costa Community College District Chief Facilities Planner Ray Pyle said the district will be working to compile comprehensive data in regards to water usage at campuses districtwide to provide to the state Chancellor’s Office. Pyle said most people do not know that this district has multiple water service providers due to how far apart the three campuses are located from each other. “We get five to 10 different
water bills every month,” he said. “And the multiple meters at each college has its own bill because (the district) gets it water from different sources. “We should have the data ready for the Chancellor’s Office (as of press time today or Thursday). We have to gather all the bills and aggregate each campus’ water usage along with the district as a whole — it won’t be easy.” Contra Costa College Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King agreed with Pyle when he said it is difficult to track the water usage on campus because it has four separate water meters. “It is very important we conserve water, but it’s hard to do much else outside changing up the landscape, which uses the most water on campus and throughout California. King said Buildings and Grounds workers recently replaced landscape areas with mulch and drought resistant plants, tearing out water dependent grass and plants.
A traffic stop was conducted on a student riding a bicycle. The student was found to be in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.
BIG READ | Vietnam War spurs cultural revolution
Wednesday, April 15: A conduct referral was reported. No further information provided.
Continued from Page 1
A student reported she had fallen in the Knox Center and fractured her right arm on December 12, 2014. A culinary arts student fell during class. The student injured his arm and shoulder. The student has not sought medical attention. — Roxana Amparo and George Morin
CORRECTION In the April 8 issue of The Advocate on page 9, in the story titled, “Melodies engulf Knox Center in jazz extravaganza,” Claudia Villela is identified as a member of Jazzology. That is incorrect. Villela is a professional singer from Brazil. The Advocate regrets this error. — The Contra Costa Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. The District does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.
lots of people died,” Palacios said. As many as 80,000 Latinos fought in the “very costly” Vietnam War, and represented 19.4 percent of the 57,605 American deaths, he said. He said many Mexicans joined the military at the time mainly because of socioeconomic disadvantages, and represented a disproportionate number of deaths during the conflict. “However, we must also take into account the other side, which had a lot more casualties than the U.S.” This conflict cost the lives of 444,000 North Vietnamese and 578,00 Vietnamese civilians, he said. Palacios not only addressed the social unrest that escalated in various barrios throughout the 1960s and early 1970s because of these alarming statistics, but also highlighted misconceptions that Mexican-Americans have about their ancestors’ history, and their evolution of the term Chicano. He asked the question, what is the difference between a Chicano and a Mexican-American? He quoted Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar for an explanation when he said, “A Chicano is a Mexican-American with a nonAnglo image of himself. He resents being told Columbus ‘discovered’ America when the Chicano’s ancestors, the Mayans and the Aztecs, founded highly sophisticated civilizations centuries before Spain financed the Italian explorer’s trip to the ‘new’ world.” Palacios said the term Chicano was not always used as a source of pride. He said Chicano is an old term that was
“The police brutality that brown people faced was just as bad as it was on the black side.”
— Ebony Mohammed, music production major
used by the Mexican community before the 1950s to refer to other Mexican immigrants that look native and poor. It was a derogatory term that was not used as a badge of pride until the 1960s. “Those poor natives and their descendants took it, turned it into a badge of pride,” Palacios said. “Yes, I’m an Indian, yes I’m poor and yes I’m a Chicano. These youth redefined the term.” Ebony Mohammed, music production major, was one of the students in L-107 during Palacio’s presentation. Mohammed said she was given a new perspective on the struggles that MexicanAmericans faced during the Vietnam War after Palacios showed footage from the largest student walkout in national history. Palacios showed footage of the student blowout during his presentation and it depicted images of police brutality that mirrors the current situation many minority groups are facing today. “I had no idea that during the civil rights movement we (African-Americans) had the same common enemy as them (Chicanos),” Mohammed said. “The police brutality that brown people faced was just as bad as it was on the black side.” The video focused on Salazar and the events that led to him being killed during the East Los Angeles protests of 1968 when a police deputy shot a gas canister into a bar that hit him in the
side of the head. “It was during this time period Chicanos began making connections, like why are we fighting in this war?” Palacios said. “And why are we killing (other people who are oppressed)?” At the same time the Black Panther Party was also making claims that the Vietnam War was not worth its death toll while social injustices continued everyday within U.S. borders. History major Rose Cowens was also in the audience and said the student walkout grabbed her attention. “Using this as historical background we should not accept social constructs as they are,” Cowens said. “We now have the Internet, but these people didn’t, and we need to take advantage of this tool.” Palacios said during the late 1960s, AfricanAmericans and Mexican-Americans realized that they were both victims of a common imperial empire and that is when you saw the rise of the Brown Berets and ethnic studies programs at San Francisco State, which CCC modeled its own after. “They were less tolerant of the racism in their society and more willing to engage in direct action and protests to change those conditions,” he said. He said the word Chicano was created after Mexico was colonized twice, first by the Spanish until the Mexican Revolution of 1821 and again during the Mexican-American War from 1846-48 by the U.S. “This history of colonization, by both the Spanish and then the U.S., has shaped the status, the presence and the sense of self of Mexican-Americans today.”
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campusbeat
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Grants launch dreams into inception Students selected for prestigious honor based on merit
BY Roxana Amparo NEWS EDITOR
ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com
Fourteen Contra Costa College students were awarded the Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship for their dedicated efforts in academics and community involvement. The Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship is given annually and has been a financial relief for community college students in Contra Costa County seeking to transfer to four-year institutions. Since 1968 it has given $8,000 to each eligible student from the three Contra Costa Community Colleges: CCC, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College. “Contra Costa College students are very competitive for scholarships,” Kennedy-King Scholarship Board President John McPeak said. Recipients from CCC are Valeria Avila, Nubia Azuara, Chanel Barton, Brandon Cipriano, Jose Jimenez, Arin Keel, Jeanette Martinez, Alexis Mercado,
Natalie Ramirez, Gonzalo Reyes, Stephanie Rico, Christian Talavera, Brenda Vega and Darling Zamora. Biochemistry major Vega said, “It was astonishing to see how many people were there (at DVC for the semi-finalist interviews), but it felt good knowing that a lot were from CCC and a lot were my friends.” She said the scholarship money will help pay her tuition in part, as will other sources of financial aid, such as money from FAFSA and work studies. McPeak said the scholarship committee looks for students with “reasonably strong” academics, a 3.0 or better, and who have evidence of making a difference in the community, whether it be through on-campus clubs or volunteering at a church. This extends the opportunity to students like sustainable environmental design major Cipriano, who was made eligible by his involvement with the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, The Puente Club and METAS, among others.
“I’ve never won anything, so I wasn’t expecting to get it,” he said. Cipriano and other recipients were on a trip with the Puente Club when they received the good news. “When I got home and opened the door, my parents started crying, and then we both started crying,” he said. He said students looking to apply for next year’s Kennedy-King Scholarship should apply regardless of the outcome, and to not be disappointed because the feedback can be applicable elsewhere. The applicant must also be part of an underrepresented group and have sufficient units to transfer to a four-year institution for the next fall term. McPeak said the number of students selected depends on the funds raised. Scholarship donations come from all over Contra Costa County and donations range from $100 from individuals to the full $8,000 from businesses. The money goes toward paying tuition for the university of choice and the students receive four installments of $2,000 per semester, he said.
Before the official semi-finalist interviews at DVC on March 28, students had the chance to attend a mock interview in conference room AA-216 to prepare them for the real thing. Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson said students were given feedback on the way they dressed, spoke and they way they responded to the questions. Nursing major Burton said the mock interview gave her some clarity on what type of questions might be asked during the real interview and how to respond. La Raza studies major Martinez said the feedback received at the mock interview allowed her to “elaborate and stick to a point” when it came to the real interview. Recipient Ramirez said winning the scholarship made her feel accomplished because she knows her hard work paid off. This year’s scholarship award event will be on May 15 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Concord at 6 p.m. Individual tickets will be on sale for $75 each.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES FREE SOFTWARE
Microsoft reaches a bargain districtwide for email access BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER
bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE
Anne Shin (right), principal of Middle College High School, talks to MCHS students about their school’s accreditation process in HS-101 on April 15. The high school received 18 commendations from Bob Simons, chairperson of the accreditation board, and will receive the final verdict regarding its accreditation next school year.
Course focuses on literature to impart critical thinking Future English course to fulfill transfer requirement
BY Jared Amdahl OPINION EDITOR
jamdahl.theadvocate@gmail.com
A new English course is in the works and will be added to the 2015-16 course catalog offering more learning options to students. The proposed course, English 2B, once approved by the state will fulfill the same critical thinking requirement provided by English 1C, but will instead focus on literature rather than the aspects of argumentation, English department Chairperson Jeffrey Michels said. “I think it is incredibly valuable to take a literature course in college,” Dr. Michels said. “The problem is, a lot of these literature courses we have now are electives, and you have students that are computer science majors that may or may not take these classes.” He said that there is practical value in a course like English 2B that will allow students to gain
knowledge through literature rather than focusing on how to build an argument through social and philosophical text. Chemistry major Kelly Finnigan said, “Thank God they’re adding this class. I’m not trying to learn law and philosophy in an English class. It is very frustrating. I don’t want to memorize (logical) fallacies.” Biology major Sean Harris said, “As a biology major I’m not into arguing with people over law. I’d rather take the class that focuses on creativity, which it sounds like English 2B would be just that.” Michels said the class was to be installed into the catalog this fall but has been delayed to spring 2016. It has already been approved by a the College Instruction Committee and the district Governing Board but must now be approved by the state, which can take anywhere from four to five months. The class would provide options not only to students, but to the
professors on campus who would possibly teach the class. English professor Michael Hassett is one of those cases. “(English 1C) teaches argument with text that focuses primarily on a philosophical or sometimes sociological point of view. I’d like to possibly teach (English 2B) — it would give me a little bit more range,” Hassett said. “For instance, this semester I’ll be drawing from several texts, such as ‘Devil’s Highway’ or ‘The Things They Carried.’ So as for students, they may like (English 2B) a little more.” One of Hassett’s students, music major Vince San Felipe, said, “I don’t really have too much interest in the things we read in class.” He said that having another option could possibly be a better idea. Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner said, “It will gives students more options. It will be for people that are more interested in literature.”
A deal between the Contra Costa Community College District and Microsoft has yielded the benefit of a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to anyone using a Microsoftbased InSite email account. This bargain has rolled out districtwide. Microsoft is offering similar deals to any organization that signs up, for a modest fee. “If you like Microsoft Office it’s a great deal.” James Eyestone, Contra Costa College technology systems manager, said. Student Lizeth Hinojoza said, “I already downloaded it. It’s easy to get to. I use Word mostly.” Educators have expressed concern over the partnership between corporation and public education, as it is indoctrinating a generation of students in the use of Microsoft programs, and efficiently cutting out potential competitors, but it’s still free to students and that’s hard to argue with. “It depends on how you feel about it,” Eyestone said. Student Mai Pham said, “ (I won’t download it) I have (Word) already.” The deal will be available to students for the foreseeable future and students can keep using the programs until they graduate, as long as the district lets them keep their InSite email. To download a copy sign in with InSite ID at aka. ms/4cdGetOffice365. The download is compatible with either Apple or Windows products.
in brief A deal between the Contra Costa Community College District and Microsoft allows students to download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365. The download includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint One Note and Outlook. The deal will be available to students for the foreseeable future and students can keep using the programs even after they graduate.
“If
you like Microsoft Office it’s a great deal.” — James Eyestone, Contra Costa College technology systems manager
DEPARTMENT BROADENS WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE BY Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR
currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com
Come fall 2015 students majoring in health and human services will be able to take a course in which understanding and dealing with one’s emotions is the focus. Health and human services department Chairperson Julie Shieh-Cook will teach the course, which is under the current title of Health and Human Services 100L, Emotional Intelligence. The subject matter to be discussed is centered on identifying emotional competencies such as emotional awareness or optimism, and using a seven-step process to help students guide themselves toward self-confidence and peace. The idea for the class arose from Shieh-Cook’s sabbatical during the fall 2014 semester. “Students don’t go to counseling until it’s a crisis, so if they were given tools that could help them
actively seek a solution and solve the problem, it would help prevent that level of desperation,” ShiehCook said. Applying for a sabbatical is a competitive process and part of the process is seeing what she could do to constitute the sabbatical and whether she was doing enough to warrant one, but nonetheless Shieh-Cook wanted to hold a community education class to test out the emotional intelligence concept, she said. Shieh-Cook taught a community education class as a part of the sabbatical and emotional intelligence was a part of that workshop. “HHS-100L came out of the research I did and I reached out to different universities, a lot of whom offer some type of this course,” she said. Shieh-Cook said that during her research she read 38 different academic studies and discovered significant positive correlation
between emotional intelligence, a professional career and academic success. “I completed this (school of thought) into one process from the scholarly articles that I used and it is a seven-step process you go through that applies to emotionally-driven problems,” she said. The seven-step process breaks down the emotional approach to problem solving through inner guidance and counsel. “Emotions have a purpose. There’s something to bring them out, and students drop out for one reason or another, so there’s nothing more valuable than learning to be your own best friend and counselor in times of stress,” ShiehCook said. First, students would center themselves and look within to identify the problem. Then, the individual is responsible for claiming the problem, owning whatever is causing nega-
tivity by describing what happened that initiated it, and figuring out what he or she needs to do to change it. Resolving the problem, reaching out to others and receiving help occurs next when the individual realizes what needs to be done and uses self-compassion to do so. The remaining steps concern the individuals themselves with recognizing patterns and showing people that emotional reactions are patterns — ones that may not need to be applied at the moment and could be recognized as problem indicators. One way to emotionally problem-solve is to re–pattern. That is, to replace that old pattern with a new pattern and recognizing what triggers these thoughts, feelings and ultimately actions. “By transforming the pattern and getting rid of the emotion or emotions that were bothering us, we then decide on how it won’t
happen again and we center again in this step,” Shieh-Cook said. Health and human services major Michael Harris said HHS students can use emotional intelligence to deal with clients experiencing negative emotions routinely and be able to problem-solve more efficiently, as well as having a handle on one’s own emotions. “You never know what kind of problems clients may have in this capacity (therapy), so you have to be in control, and I would think emotional intelligence would matter a lot for that,” Harris said. Health and human services cochairperson Aminta Mickles said she will definitely support the class and that she expects awareness to spread through word of mouth. “Students come in and talk about it and begin to tell others. HHS wants to create experiences that last and that apply to their lives today and in the future,” Mickles said.
campusbeat
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Larger electronic signage DISPLAY CASE HIGHLIGHTS to update existing fixture BILINGUALISM, BENEFITS BY Jason Sykes
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
jsykes.theadvocate@gmail.com
BY Roxana Amparo NEWS EDITOR
ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com
A display case for the “Proud to Be Bilingual” campaign is set up in the Library and Learning Resource Center entrance to raise awareness for, and to embrace, different languages. It will run until the middle of May. “A message (anyone) should take from this campaign would be to spread your wings and learn a second language,” dental assisting major Irwin Quintero said. “If you already know a second language, learn a third one so it can help you in your future.” Through the display case, campaigners are trying to inform students, staff and faculty about what bilingualism means, English as a second language professor Elisabeth Xiezopolski said. Pictures of celebrities that speak a second language decorate the Library display case. Among the celebrities who speak a different language are Will Smith, who speaks Spanish, Sandra Bullock, who speaks French, and founder of YouTube Steve Chen, who speaks Mandarin. Library assistant Joan Cesca said it is a “wonderful” display that shows off a lot of nationalities. Quintero helped design posters in Photoshop that will be seen around campus, as well as the poster inside of the display case. La Raza studies major Maria Lara also took part in the campaign. She created a flier for the inside of the display case with a more “urban” feel to it, she said. “To me it says to be proud of your language and where you come from,” she said. Near the display case is a sheet with links to informational videos and articles regarding the benefits of knowing a second language, and the impact on the brain. Quintero said the campaign has taught him that those who are bilingual are better critical, flexible and creative thinkers because knowing more than one language helps you gain different perspectives. Lara said many people leave their country seeking new opportunities, but once they arrive they do not know how to speak the language. Although they are not embarrassed, they are not too proud of it. Knowing a second language can be beneficial when it comes to people not speaking the local language, she said. ADVERTISEMENT
A new Contra Costa College electronic sign will be installed onto the obelisk located on the corner of Mission Bell and El Portal Drive to attract more students to the college. The obelisk is a four-sided stone pillar that currently has a small electrical sign that displays school events and updates. Business Services Supervisor Nick Dimitri said this will change when a new 7-foot by 9-foot full color, video capable, Internet ready sign will replace the outdated electronic signage. Technology Systems Manager James Eyestone said in the past there has been problems updating the sign because it would not receive the messages being sent. When the server was updated, it still was using the same service connections that all of the electrical signs around campus were installed with initially. When the server began to fail, it caused problems with updating the signs and the light bulbs to constantly burn out. Business Services Mariles Magalong said the installment process is going to take some time, but it should be here before June 30. The delivery of the obelisk is not in the college’s control but they hope to have it delivered within the time frame they were told. In order for these changes to happen, a large amount of money will be paid. Dimitri said that the purchasing and installation would cost about $80,000. CCC is able to afford the new installment and obelisk using the college’s operational funds. Over a period of time the college built a budget that would allow it to save all of the money it has accumulated through miscellaneous revenue, Magalong said. The new signage was purchased from Stewart Signs company and will be different from previously used on campus. Everything will be in color and the electrical signs will no longer show red letters, Dimitri said.
A new electronic sign will be installed onto the obelisk at the corner of Mission Bell and El Portal drives to attract more prospective students to the college. GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
It will be the first time the college has a sign that is in full color. Eyestone said, “The first one is going to be a trial run to see if (we) like it.” After the installation, there are plans to replace the electrical sign in front of the Knox Center. Finding a place to hang the screen will take time and money. Eyestone said, “CCC has been working on its imaging and marketing to
improve enrollment.” The installation of this new sign is a step toward trying to get people to not just drive past the college but to instead go and check out the campus. Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said CCC is getting a “state of the art sign.” Taking on changes to attract attention to buildings will increase campus visits and improve enrollment, he said.
ACADEMY ENHANCES LEARNING WITH ETHNIC INFUSION, HISTORIC VIBE Per Ankh creates route “We don’t want this to be a for a group. It’s an acadto success, examination crutch emy — it’s going to be hard work BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
In an attempt to enhance the cultural and educational experiences of students, the Per Ankh Academy is recruiting for its first transfer learning community for fall 2015. Per Ankh (House of Life) was the ancient Egyptian name for schools or libraries where scribes prepared their hieroglyphic texts, and was also known as the center for knowledge and learning. “We chose to make it an academy over program because it represents a higher standard — it’s something to be desired, something you want to be a part of,” math professor Sherry Sharufa said. There are requirements that need to be met before entering the academy. Completion of English 142A or a score according to that level on the assessment test. Although the academy looks to cultivate student success through a curriculum responsive to the legacy of African intellectualism, the courses are not exclusive to black students. “In the cultural classes or events we hold, usually 60 percent of the crowd is not black,” history professor Manu Ampim said. “We always draw diverse audiences.” Some in academia believe cultural classes limit a student’s overall growth and may delay academic development. “We don’t want this to be a viewed as a crutch to a group,” Sharufa said. “It’s an academy — it’s going to be hard work and have high expectations.” After a year of planning, the courses are ready to be offered this fall. The courses include English 142B, Psychology 103A and Introduction to African-American Studies 110. Marketing and communications coordinator Michelle Jackson and psychology professor Andrea Phillips created an integrated English and psychology curriculum that complements intersecting aspects of the fields and the people whose legacies may have been lost in the process. The program is funded by the Student Equity Plan administered through the California Community College Chancellor’s
and high expectations.”
— Sherry Sharufa, math professor
Office. It focuses on increasing access, course completion, degrees, certificates and transfer for all students measured by success indicators linked to the California Community College Success Scorecard. The scorecard measures student progress and success statistics in public higher education across the country. “The equity plan receives money to help students overcome obstacles and improve success rates,” Sharufa said. “This money is intended for students of African descent to improve basic skills in English.” As with any culturally specific program, the fear of decreased diversity in general history or English programs has to be taken into account. Professors have been known to place minimal value on the contributions made by those not in the popular majority. Some educators feel comfortable not highlighting the works of great women or minorities because there may already be a curriculum dedicated to their legacy. That was a problem some women’s studies department heads had when working to keep their programs afloat. “Any professor that uses that argument is only looking for a reason to leave out authors of significance,” Ampim said. Even though cultural events on campus do draw healthy audiences, it has to be taken into account the amount of students that are enticed to come by the lure of extra credit. On campus, students of all races expressed interest in the enhanced learning experiences that will be provided by the academy. “When these classes become available I would definitely consider taking them,” culinary arts major Virginia Trowbridge said. “I’d learn things that they didn’t feel like I needed to learn. The history books always tell the story from their perspective.” The saving grace for the academy is that it is not a recessive program without real world applicable value. Per Ankh promotes a rigorous curriculum allowing students to successfully transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree and sustain a legacy of excellence.
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Novel comes to life at Knox Center Free Big Read events showcase Vietnam stories BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER
bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Big Read has come to Contra Costa College and kicked off with a dramatic reading at the Knox Center for the Performing Arts. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts intended to draw the community together in the reading of a single book, and this time the book in question is “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. The book is a structured compilation of anecdotes from the Vietnam War. English department Chairperson Jeffrey Michels said, “It’s a love story, and a book about stories. One of the things “It’s a love they carried was stories.” story, and a Director of the per- book about f o r m a n c e stories. One CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE by the Word of the things Army Sgt. William Jackson (left), a communications major, speaks to students and faculty during the “Memory Traffic and the Trouble for Word with War Stories” forum held in the Library and Learning Resource Center on April 15. Jackson served in the Afghanistan War and Performing they carried shared his experience as part of “The Things They Carried” scholar events occurring throughout this month. A r t s was stories.” Company P a u l — Jeffrey Michels, English department Finocchiaro chairperson said, “It’s about horror. It’s about the worst thing that can happen.” Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors member John Gioia said that with the 40th anniversary of the end of the war approaching, it was time to “tell the story of the Vietnam War (and) how it affects our society.” There will be more than eight events at CCC, and 20 in total, all album on April 7. sixth song, sometimes set the stage for what ALBUM “What For?” is the epitome of “Lilly,” my own can mess an album up at times of which are free to attend. REVIEW easy listening. Classical rock ’n’ personal favor- — obscurity. The first event was a perfor“What For?” roll chords paired with a funky ite. But Bundick makes valid points mance by the Word for Word +++++ bass line brings every song into a The chorus in almost every song. Performing Arts Company on Artist: Toro y Moi April 10 in the Knox Center from cohesive idea that makes the overbegins to play Lyrical content ranges from livGenre: Soul-rock all theme for the album — deep over dreamy ing life and learning from mistakes 7-9:30 p.m. Release Date: By Jared Amdahl April 7 thought and relaxation. guitar pluck- to, of course, a classic love song Word for Word tries to live up OPINION EDITOR It sounds as if the album must ing, layered motif at times. to its name, presenting the author’s jamdahl.theadvocate@gmail.com have been recorded in a studio with echoes of Having listened to Bundick’s work as it was written, with as few changes as possible. f you have not listened to the filled with springtime mist that ambient sound work throughout the last five years, new Toro y Moi album, you helped to catch every decibel of and synthesizers. it is always difficult to say where he This includes reading the charshould work toward changing reverb at just the perfect pitch. “Everyday’s like this/ no one may end up next. acter’s lines in third person. that. This album gets better the more goes nowhere.” Over that time period he has In the words of the actors, “It’s Toro y Moi’s latest release it is played. The words are uttered just bare- managed to navigate his way a little bit jarring (to perform), but you forget yourself.” “What For?” has shown yet anothWhile the first track, “What ly over the shallow sounds of the through the chillwave, downtemer side of music the 28-year-old You Want,” is a nice introduction background instruments. po, trip-hop and ambient music Director Finocchiaro selected producer Chaz Bundick is capable to the following songs, the second It hits a place of the soul that is scenes successfully. two chapters from the book to presof creating. half of the composition is easily too relatable. Which is what is very intriguing ent: “In the Field” and “Sweetheart Having begun his career in the best. “What For” is one of the more about this latest album — he has of the Song Trabong.” It was an unusual performance, 2001, Bundick has changed Toro y It can be annoying when the refreshing series of songs recorded moved from electronic instrumenMoi from being a bedroom record- first half of an album is so boring and released in the last year. tation backed by sample experiwith the third person dialogue, ing name for himself, into what is it can turn a listener off from hearFrom beginning to end, there mentation, to making solid live actors trading off narration and now a live-touring band. ing the rest. is something Bundick is trying to music played by a complete band. sometimes sharing lines. And with Bundick as the main But as soon as the fifth track portray with his music and lyrics In 2010 when I heard “Causers Finocchiaro said, “(O’Brien) had the guts to write the story — I had creative force behind the project, “Ratcliff ” begins to play, Bundick’s alike. of This,” his first full-length album, he has successfully transcended downtempo-based background And the answer is in the title of I never would have believed he the guts to try to perform it.” several genres of music before he comes out indefinitely and makes the album, “What For?” would sound like this now. The next Big Read event will be released this contemporary, psy- the album. Asking a rhetorical question And that is a good thing in this today in the Library from 5:30-7:30 chedelic-influenced soul-rock It then casually moves into the in the title of a composition can case. p.m.
Seasoned producer spins fresh ‘soul-rock,’ ignites ‘What For?’ album illustrates deep thought, relaxation
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Professionalism and networking unite sponsors Restaurants, wineries to make annual visit BY Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR
currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com
With summer and the culinary arts department’s annual study abroad trip drawing near, the department looks to proceed from the upcoming Food and Wine Event fundraiser to finance its trip to Italy. The eighth annual Food and Wine Event will take place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Gymnasium. The event provides the majority of funding used by the culinary arts department to award select culinary arts students scholarships to study abroad. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Every year, new faces from the community are introduced to the culinary arts department at Contra Costa College through the Food and Wine Event, which piques curiosities as to what students in the department do and where the fundraiser’s proceeds go, culinary arts assistant professor Elizabeth Schwarz said. “It all goes to the funding for study aboard scholarships,” she said. “We do our best to incur as little expense as possible, for students.” Culinary arts department assistant Angel Chau said, “The last two years we raised $45,000 to $55,000, and this year we expect about the same.” Chau said the sponsors take care of any
FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE
Buffalo Bill’s Brewery employee Casey Chattler pours its Tasmanian Devil Ale for a patron during the 6th Annual Food and Wine Event held in the Gymnasium on April 21, 2013. Money raised at the event goes toward the culinary arts Study Abroad Scholarship program.
preparation costs during the setup of the event. She said there are close to a dozen sponsors this year, including Chevron, City of San Pablo and Mechanics Bank, among others. Culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes said guests feel surprised upon arriving due to the sheer size of the event and of how many attendees show up.
Student professionalism and networking have been some of the highlights in previous years, Sharkes said, with venders notifying him of wanting to participate in the future. “‘I’m with you next year’ is what a lot of venders say to me afterward, so the guests are not the only ones who enjoy it,” Sharkes said. “(People) always ask when the next one
is going to be or ask about other events,” Schwarz said. “A lot of guests end up enjoying the spread of beverages and food, live music and entertainment, opportunities for live and silent auctions and the fun atmosphere, which anyone Sharkes coming for the first time can enjoy.” Sharkes said that at least 21 wineries and 25 restaurants and bakeries will be attending this year — some new and some that have been with the event since its start eight years ago. Culinary arts major Maryum Simpkins said newcomers should expect a wide variety of culture and diversity in food and in people at the event. “Just getting the interaction with venders is a fantastic experience,” Simpkins said, who is in her third semester with the program. She also said the event provides opportunities for students to see the possibilities of potential jobs and work experience and how becoming an expert at your practice is vital. This year Simpkins is overseeing the delegation of student participation after working with a winery as an assistant last year. “It is an aspect of the business side we should learn (working with the venders) and it is also a niche for students who benefit from learning how to develop professionalism skills in the business world,” Simpkins said. “We’re still working together as a team, even if we aren’t the ones who get chosen to go (study aboard in Italy).”
sports
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We have to pick through the entirety of the season and pick out the little things we do well and build on them — that’s how we are going to get better.” — Karolyn Gubbine, softball coach
N OFF THE RECORD
robertclinton FINDING MORAL VICTORIES WHEN DEFEAT IS IMMINENT
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ith any competitive endeavor there is always one constant: someone will win and someone will face the agony of defeat — although, the best contestants learn from losses and use them to correct deficiencies becoming a better competitor. Still, is second place merely the first to be labeled a loser, or (as the cliché explains) is it not about wins and losses, but ultimately how you play the game? In competition rarely is anyone left undefeated. Around campus, coaches and players have varied yet similar approaches to taking the occasional, or regularly occurring, “L.” Women’s sports on campus collectively dipped in win percentage across the board this past year, most notably soccer and softball. After only netting one win last fall in soccer and none this spring in softball, it is almost a necessity to find moral victories to sustain morale after each contest. Sharonda Jones has been a part of both losing streaks for CCC. Jones was a defender on the soccer team and also plays outfield and third base for the softball team. Her last win in Comet blue was in a soccer match nearly six months ago, Oct. 7 against the College of Marin. That amounts to a 30-game losing streak. “It sucks most of the time. Everybody wants to do things their own way until it’s time to play like a team, but you can’t just turn on the team button. When it starts to look like things are not going to get a whole lot better it starts coming down to coaching,” Jones said. “Sometimes teams start to expect to lose and you need the coach to pick everyone up. Everyone handles it differently. It’s frustrating — I even thought about quitting earlier this season.” The experience is the exact opposite for champion Comet wide receiver Frank Stephens. The freshman did not win a game in high school (St. Elizabeth in Oakland). In four years his team’s record was 0-40. “The difference between all of the losing in high school and now is hard work,” Stephens said. “Practice is more intense, there is more attention to detail and conditioning. It feels good to be a champion now. In high school we didn’t have a lot of players, so some of the losses can be blamed on depth. But we kinda sucked.” The highs and lows following wins and losses should be measured. Most players are disappointed after a loss. The danger is getting stuck in a spiral of negativity, causing them to lose more confidence and raising the percentage of having future poor performances. According to sports psychologists from Peak Performance Sports, keeping a resilient mentality is the best way to not be swayed by poor performance or loss. The athlete should focus on strengths, while remaining immersed in the present moment. Robert Clinton is the sports editor of The Advocate. Contact him at rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com.
GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
Comets’ shortstop Angelica Espinol (right) fails to make an out during CCC’s loss to Napa Valley College at the Softball Field on Thursday. The Comets ended their season with a doubleheader loss to the Storm, 20-0 and 15-0.
Season ends in dramatic loss Team finds ways to improve minus capturing victory
BY Robert Clinton SPORTS
EDITOR
Rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Napa Valley College Storm let out a deluge of runs onto the scorecard with a 20-0 and 15-0 doubleheader sweep of the softball team Wednesday at the Softball Field. In the final game of the season the Comets (0-30 overall and 020 in the Bay Valley Conference) faced a monumental task if they were to end the season on a positive note. The squad played host to second place NVC (25-13 overall and 13-5 in the BVC) who were poised to rebound into playoff form after winning only two of its last five games. “Our goal is to always compete and get better each day,” NVC coach Michelle Hobbs said. “We repeat it in practice, before games, that’s what we use as our motto to prepare for competing at a high level in the playoffs.” Both contests would be defined by pitching. The Comet bullpen is locked down by army of one, ace, reliever and closer Cicily Ragsdale. The freshman has thrown complete games in most of the doubleheaders this season for the team. When not starting she was quickly summoned for relief. In contrast, the Storm started the first game with Jena Pescio (13-6) on the mound. The pitcher helped her own cause, hitting two for three with four RBI’s and a grand slam. “I knew it was going out right
when she hit it; I put my head down and waited for the bases to clear,” Comet pitcher Cicily Ragsdale said. “It’s the shittiest feeling in the world. All you can do is start over and get ready to make the play at one. It makes you never want to throw that pitch again.” The Storm brought the thunder early and jumped out to a 6run lead in the first inning. They followed the first frame with two five-run innings that could have driven the Comets into a shell. The squad responded and held the visitors to four runs for the rest of the game. Including another Napa home run. This time it was NVC batting average leader Olivia Henderson (.529). “It’s about heart and attitude,” Comet left fielder Catherine Nieva said. “We didn’t get down or argue. When we play together things work out for us.” When the bleeding stopped CCC found itself on the losing end of the first game 20-0. CCC shortstop Angelica Espinal anchored the infield defense, covering her area and turning an unassisted double play in the first game. Although the squad only gave up two runs in each of the first two innings of the second game, it was fielding that led to the team’s problems. Ragsdale initiated routine ground balls that were either not fielded or not fielded quickly enough to get off a throw that could beat the runner to a base. As in the first game, pitching would be the difference in the second. Not only did Storm game one starter Precio support her effort by smashing a grand slam, game two starter Jordan Samson would also homer en route to a two for three with three RBIs hitting
STORM
20 0 15 0 COMETS
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LEFT: Comet outfielder Stacy Fernandez catches a fly ball for an out during CCC’s loss to Napa Valley College at the Softball Field on Thursday. GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
performance that would fortify NVC’s game two chances. Comet coach Karolyn Gubbine said, “We have to pick through the entirety of the season and pick out the little things we do well and build on them — that’s how we are going to get better.” While being dealt a 15-0 loss in the second game, the team did show growth and there were plays that were made that would not have been made earlier in the year. The problem lies in the number of plays that are made in relation to the ones that should be.
First-year player Stacy Fernandez caught the final fly ball of game one and is one of the new players that has shown measurable growth this year. Earlier in the season that fly ball would not have ended the inning and probably would have extended the deficit. “In the beginning we were all separated, but as we progressed through the season we got to know each other and we started to get better,” she said. The team finished the season winless, dropping the final two opportunities of the year.
FALCONS SWEEP COMETS IN CONFERENCE PLAY Folsom’s early lead results in quick fall for squad
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BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR
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The baseball team fell victim to the same problems that plagued them the majority of this season, failing to get timely hitting and clutch pitching en route to a 6-1 loss against Folsom Lake College Friday in Folsom. Although the Falcons (21-12 overall and 13-8 in the Bay Valley Conference) only had two more hits than the Comets (6-26 overall and 4-17 in the BVC) it was the eight runners stranded on base that would be the squad’s downfall. “I scored the one run on a sacrifice fly. When I did get a hit, I stole second and third and still couldn’t make it home,” Comet third baseman Antonio Straughter (3 for 4 hitting) said. “Pitching was rough today and our defense wasn’t up to par. We have three games left and we still want to finish strong.” FLC scored two runs in the first and continued to pile on the points throughout the game. The Falcons scored at least a run in all but three of the games’ innings. If CCC is to finish strong they will have to undergo a full-scale turnaround
before Thursday’s game at Solano Community College at 2:30 p.m. There was an aura of apprehension as the bus left for Folsom amid news of a viral infection spreading across the Folsom campus. It was determined to be foot, hand and mouth disease and deemed a nonissue for the visiting team. “There were rumors of a neurological infection going around, but the athletic trainer up there said we were OK to play,” Comet coach Marvin Webb said. The Falcons tallied four runs before CCC could even break the seal on its half of the scoreboard. FLC first baseman Nick Schumacher (3 for 4 hitting) singled in two runs in the first inning, followed by another run in the bottom of the third. Folsom kept the scoring alive in the bottom of the fourth, scoring another run on an error by shortstop Lumus Russell (0 for 4 hitting). “Based on how the season has gone, I just wanted to get on base early and get things started, but I ended up having a terrible game on offense and defense,” Russell said. The shortstop has been nursing
a badly injured pinky finger on his glove hand and is scheduled for surgery today. Despite the severity of his injury, Russell never uses the pain as an excuse and rarely speaks of the impairment. On a day when only five Comets hit the ball into fair territory, it was not until the top of the sixth inning that Comet back catcher Lawrence Duncan (1 for 2 hitting) netted a sacrifice fly to score Straughter for the squad’s one and only run. “There was not a lot of offense out there today,” Comet second baseman Kevin Spence (1 for 1 hitting) said. “We weren’t taking advantage of good opportunities at the plate. With the long innings the heat became a factor.” The Falcons scored two more runs effectively hijacking the Comets’ momentum and making it tougher for the squad to end on its much-desired high note. “We definitely want to end (the season) on a high note and hopefully better than we started,” CCC outfielder Rome Watson said. “All we can do is play each game like it’s the last one and for some of us it is.”
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LEFT: Protesters rally in the Oakland City Hall Chamber in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza during the Shut Down Day rally in Oakland on April 14. The protesters listened to speeches and raised concerns of police militarization and brutality toward people of color.
ABOVE: Protesters storm Oakland City Hall in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza during the Shut Down Day rally in Oakland on April 14.
LEFT: Oakland resident, Jim Foster holds up a photo of Oscar Grant while marching during the Shut Down Day rally in Oakland on April 14. Grant was shot to death by former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle at the Fruitvale Station in Oakland on Jan. 1 2009.
ABOVE: Maya Malika, a member of the Revolutionary Communist Party, shouts in front of the Oakland Police Department on 7th Street during the Shut Down Day rally in Oakland on April 14. RIGHT: Protesters hold up their hands while marching down the street during the Shut Down Day rally in Oakland on April 14.