The Advocate 4-23 by The Advocate

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

Competing for a cause

College hosts 14th Annual Special Olympics

campus beat X page A5

Bicycles

Campus to see new bike racks

CMYK

focus X page A12

scene X page A7

Revisiting a classic ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ still able to dazzle

VOL. 101, NO. 19

SINCE 1950 20 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

Oil tax proposal to hit wallets

Senators debate merits of 9.5 percent increase By Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Oil Severance Tax initiative proposed by Sen. Noreen Evans (D-Humboldt County) is sponsoring a bill that would impose a 9.5 percent tax increase per barrel of crude oil that companies extract from the ground up and down California. In Senate Bill 1017, Evans states that the tax can potentially raise $1 billion annually to reduce tuition and mandatory fees for students in California’s community colleges, UCs and CSUs. K-12 schools will also receive funding under the proposed initiative. Opponents of the bill question if the new tax is necessary, considering the existing oil taxes and

Changes to California’s community colleges augment services, limit options for students The Advocate takes an in-depth look at the Student Success Act of 2012 that will take affect when registration for the 2014 fall semester begins on Monday. Stories examine how the act will affect priority registration dates for students who have 100 or more units and the orientation process for students enrolling directly from high school into community colleges. The entire B section is devoted to stories and graphics to help students navigate the changes.

Q SEE TAX: Page A4

Campus soon to see surveillance Districtwide push to install live video-feeds By George Morin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Surveillance cameras will soon be erected at the three entrances to the college. Campus and Police Services officials from the three sister colleges met on April 16 at the District Office in Martinez to discuss the locations of surveillance cameras on the Contra Costa,

edit orial You will be watched Camera installations need to violate privacy as little as possible.

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Ford turns life around, optimistic about future

goal for life

SCENE EDITOR

vsantos.theadvocate@gmail.com

After serving three years in prison, Clarence Ford never thought he would one day find himself transferring to a four-year university. Ford recalls sitting up and observing his environment while in prison in 2008 and saying, “Damn, what the hell am I doing here? How the hell did I get here?” He was charged with robbery in the first degree. Today, Ford’s name sits on the Dean’s List and he is a recipient of both the Kennedy-King and the Associated Student Union scholarships. He currently holds the position of community organizer and researcher for the Safe Return Project in Richmond. This summer, Ford will be graduating with two degrees — associate of arts

degrees in liberal arts, and social and behavioral sciences. When Ford was released from prison in the spring of 2011, he found himself having to re-adjust. He knew what his new goals would be, but had no idea about how to reach them. He sought out services and resources with the help of a re-entry coach, he said. “Fortunately, I had a home to come back to. I had somewhere to live and a lot of people (who were incarcerated) don’t have that,” Ford said. “That’s one of the main things that’s central to somebody’s successful re-integration into the community.” English professor Barbara McClain said Ford could have easily fallen back on the hardships and obstacles in his life and used them as an excuse for not completing his work. However, she said, he recognized his responsibility toward Q SEE FORD: Page A4

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focus,

By Veronica Santos

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

Dean’s List recipient adjusts to college, finds

Top of the list — Clarence Ford, a community organizer and researcher for the Safe Return Project in Richmond, will graduate from Contra Costa College with two associate degrees in May. Ford has transformed his life after going to prison for robbery in 2008.

CMYK

OPINION

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Quotable “Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.” William Pitt British statesman 1783 George Morin editor-in-chief Cody McFarland Lorenzo Morotti Rodney Woodson associate editors Brian Boyle news editor Mike Thomas sports editor Veronica Santos scene editor Qing Huang Christian Urrutia photo editors Janae Harris assistant photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Fanisha Ayatch Joseph Bennett Nina Cestaro Daniel Cifuentes Sharrell Duncan Florinda Hershey Ryan Holloway Sinoti Iosua Jose Jimenez Van Ly Ryan Margason Manning Peterson Mark Wassberg Sean Whatley Madisen William Staff photographers Cody Casares Jordan Khoo Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 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: 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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 VOL. 101, NO. 19 L

Editorial

Monitoring unwelcome Surveillance cameras not real protection

he United States is a surveillance state. In recent years that fact has become obvious. With it, however, has come another fact. Most people are OK with the fact that we live in one. With that in mind, and with no opposition, the Contra Costa Community College District has decided to add cameras to campus for police use. This is no surprise, though their purpose and choice of placement is questionable. The district Governing Board wants to place cameras at the entrances and exits to campus. The benefits of this have been stated as being: Police Services can monitor foot traffic and it allows for criminals to be monitored as they flee the campus. These benefits of placing cameras here sound very nice, but they are not going to stop someone from smashing a car window. Cameras at the entrances and exits are not going to prevent a person from strong arm robbing a student in a parking lot. In short, they are not going to prevent crime here. If someone steals a car from a parking lot, once that person leaves campus he or she has the choice to go in any number of directions as the campus is near I-80 and San Pablo Avenue. It is hard to imagine what actual benefits cameras will have at campus entrances and exits. Cameras in campus parking lots, however, may at least stop someone from stealing a car. When a would-be thief looks up and sees his face has just been recorded, he may just decide against committing a crime. That is the only good reason to install cameras on campus. Solving crimes is important, but money should be spent on preventing crimes from occurring. If students are expected to give up a measure of their privacy to the college, then college and district officials need to make sure they are doing everything they can to ensure that students are benefiting from the invasion. Cameras should be placed on campus only if their placement is advertised to everyone, particularly students and staff, in areas where people’s movements will be recorded, and if those cameras are placed with the sole purpose of discouraging people from committing crimes here. Cameras at the entrances and exits of campus do not serve this purpose. They are a way of monitoring who is on campus. Cameras will allow police to identify “suspicious” subjects who may or may not ever be related to a crime or “incident” on campus. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But cameras being added to campus entrances and exits are far from even an ounce of either.

LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE

N Accomplishment

Scholarships open doors to possibilities

or some people, going to college adds a tremendous financial strain on their lives. Still, each school year, hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed. Is it because students are convinced they won’t be awarded them, or do students just not know about these opportunities? Some students might not even know where to start. For many students, community college is considered their last stop, because they don’t believe they can afford to move on to a fouryear institution, when, in fact, they may be eligible for many scholarships and grants. I never believed that transferring to a four-year school was possible for me. Growing up in a poor neighborhood, my early life was shaped by brutality and loss. Gang violence took both my father and my brother away from me at a young age. Suddenly I felt more alone than ever before. The loss of my father and brother had not only been hard on me emotionally, but also gave way to new financial struggles. When my mom was unable to make ends meet, I had to find some way to help support my family. I was forced to grow up fast and I started doing things that I wouldn’t normally do — things that went against everything I believed

son in my family to attend a four-year institution wouldn’t have been possible for me. Scholarships are out there. There is help available for those who need it, like me. But, there is not much information around campus about these opportunities. in. I got deeper and deeper While searching for scholinto the same dangerous arships, I found myself pretty lifestyle that had already much on my own. taken away so many people It was challenging to I loved. search and apply Suddenly, I was for scholarships trapped and began to It wasn’t without any help, think there was no but I made do. hope of getting out. Being a serious It wasn’t until until I student is stressful I began attendenough. With big ing Contra Costa began workloads some College that I started students barely to turn my life attending have time to do around. anything else. Through educaCCC, that Adding ecotion I discovered nomic hardships my potential and and the stress of realized I had more I started filling out intricate options. application forms, I began to realto turn my students can easy ize that education find themselves offered me a way overwhelmed. out of a life I didn’t life around. I believe there want to live, but felt Through should be more forced into. opportunities for Now that I am students to work ready to graduate education with professors to and move on to a four-year college, I I discovered receive guidance and help througham confronted with out the application new struggles. After barely mak- my potential. process. It is important ing it at a junior college, I didn’t know how I because, for many, scholarwas going to face the daunt- ships can change the outing tuition costs of a univer- come of their lives and fund their dreams. sity. If it weren’t for the multiSharrell Duncan is a staff ple scholarship opportunities that had been offered to me, writer for The Advocate. Contact her at sduncan. continuing my education, theadvocate@gmail.com. and becoming the first per-

sharrellduncan

CampusComment

How do you feel about cameras on campus?

“I think it is a good idea to monitor for safety. Also, if there is an incident you can review the footage for facts instead of going off hearsay.”

“Cameras would be good for certain locations, like parking lots, to help with theft.” Adam Plumber undecided

“The campus needs security cameras. People who are not even enrolled come on campus and commit crimes. The cameras could be used help to catch them.”

Maryum Simpkins culinary arts

CODY CASARES AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE

Ana Martin

health and human services

“I have not seen much theft or crime on campus so I think cameras would be invasive if placed anywhere but parking lots.”

“I am fine with cameras as long as they are not in every hallway. But public meeting places would be fine for security purposes.”

“As long as the cameras are to keep us safe and are used correctly I have no problems with them being on campus.”

Joshua Johnson

Jeffery Lopez

Kaitlyn Jeffus

film

computer information systems

undecided

FORUM N Technology

Social media hinders our appreciation

ecently, I have had friends and family checking up on me since I decided to take a bold step back from social media. Although I appreciate all of their concerns, I am doing just fine. In fact, the past couple of weeks have been the best. I have decided to spend my time wisely by taking care of deadlines and not procrastinating. I have made the decision to turn my phone off to prevent distraction during these times. The need to constantly have my phone on hand is diminishing and my priorities have become easier to accomplish. From there I began to have some extra time to spare. Instead of draining my life away through the Internet and social media, I decided to invite my friends to participate in fun activities. In the past weeks, I have made time to bargain shop at thrift stores, sunbathe at the beaches and parks in San Francisco, indoor rock climb in Oakland and play golf and laser tag. All of these moments became fun memories with friends instead of wasting my life away in front of a computer screen all day. I felt more alive. Although my friends shared these moments with the world through social media, they were actually showing others that there are things in the Bay Area that can be more fun than the Internet. It’s crazy how much technology and social media consumes us. I caught myself waking up to my phone instead of waking up to thank God. I caught myself going through my phone during work events and in school. Then I started to notice many people doing the same. I’ve seen people bump into each other due to texting and constantly having their eyes on their phone. It started to look and feel like an addiction. And if you had one or more of these experiences, you may also be addicted. I remember feeling that addiction with MySpace, AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) and BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) more than 10 years ago. That addiction took over my social life because I was so consumed with the Internet. I found myself drifting off into the Internet world from evening until dawn. I put on weight, I was fatigued and felt horrible about the whole situation. I now realize that there is more to life. I go outside more often and participate in activities not involving the Internet or social media. I promised myself I’ll never let the Internet world take over my life again. I need a break. These days people would rather text than talk. I would rather hear the voices of my loved ones yet we have found ourselves in a position where it is harder to find topics of conversation. Sometimes you are unsure of what to say because you are so used to checking news feeds and it feels almost as if you forgot how to communicate.

Death penalty could empty prisons I

janaeharris

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

am writing to you with my concerns about capital punishment in California. As of 2012, California has 746 inmates sentenced to death who are still living and are not going to be executed anytime soon. We talk about needing more space in our prison systems all the time. Well, why not start putting capital punishment into use instead of just releasing inmates who have committed other crimes, who are still worth saving. Since 1893, only 513

guestcommentary

die a natural death under the state’s supervision. Most people do die a natKaitlin Oshiro ural death before they make it to their execution dates, people have been executed but while they are dying in California. over the years they are takI know there are people ing up space in our prisons. who can be wrongly conIf we are not going to victed and they can chalactually use capital punishlenge their verdict, but when ment, why not let those waitit is overruled for the second ing to be put to death live on time, actions then need to be very strict house arrest and taken. let them die a natural death I believe when a judge or in their homes? jury sentences someone to We could let other people be executed they really mean serve their time for crimes they want the defendant to they have committed, and

have been convicted of, instead of just letting them go. With that said, we should take capital punishment away and sentence these criminals to life in prison with no possibility of parole. We, as citizens, cannot complain when we do not ask for a change in the system ourselves. Kaitlin Oshiro is Contra Costa College student. Send letters to the editor and guest commentaries to accent.advocate@gmail.com.

Coverage denotes importance

Lack of airtime for women’s sports saddening

after he managed to turn a rant about Miami Dolphins’ Richie Incognito’s locker room scandal into a bashing of women athletes and sport reporters. Bruce started off his talk show with, “To some of you this will come off as very misogynistic. I don’t care because I am very By Lorenzo Morotti right.” Men ASSOCIATE EDITOR He followed it up lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com by saying that the are not world of sports is a he amount of women’s sports man’s domain and the only that is broadcast by major tele- there is no place for vision networks is dwarfed in comwomen in his “sandones parison to their male counterparts. box.” The few events that are covered are He also said that capable of often done so by old, white men who many “sensitive demean or sexualize women athletes. men” have been conplaying A report titled “Gender in vinced otherwise by Televised Sports,” researched and “ultra-feminists.” sports written by Mike Messner from USC He then brings and Cheryl Cooky from Purdue his bigotry into full and University, points out that nearly 90 context when he percent of game commentators are demeans women should male. commentators, fans Most male commentators disregard and sport reporters certainly skill, tactics or the precise movements who react with conmade by women athletes during a cern for injured male not be the game because they would rather focus athletes. on the color of their sports bras or “If any of this only ones how good a particular player’s hair gets too gruesome may have looked during the game. for you, go write a celebrated The language used to describe restaurant column,” women by commentators today, he said. “Go write for doing however, has become less sexist and a housekeeping colso. misogynistic than it was 15 years ago. umn. Get out of the The world of sports and sport jour- world of sports. nalism, however, has remained a bas“Go cover politics, go cover the tion for male commentators, coaches, school board, go cover whatever is an athletes, managers, fans and reporters interest to you,” he continued. who continue the marginalization of “If you like sports you have women on the field. to accept a certain amount of Radio sports analysts and talk show Neanderthal being served with it.” hosts like Damon Bruce are a perfect In fact, fans of sports do not have example of the twisted perception that to accept that poor judgment call. many men still have toward women in The number of women who watch sports today. sports has been growing ever since Earlier this year, Bruce was susTitle IX passed in 1972, when more pended for a week from KNBR radio women began participating in high

school and college sports. Major network coverage of any women’s sport, however, is at an alltime low, according to the “Gender in Televised Sports” report. The report shows the decline of broadcast time women’s sports receives from major television network affiliates. In the report it states that ABC, CBS and NBC combined only devoted 4.7 percent of airtime for women’s sports in 2009. Airtime includes any televised coverage of sporting events, commentaries or even highlights. The amount of broadcast time these networks gave women’s sports rose from 5 percent in 1989 to about 9 percent in 1999, before plummeting to 1.6 percent a little over a decade later. ESPN is the worst offender of minimally covering women’s sports, only devoting 5.7 percent of its total airtime to women’s sports since 1999. The particular spike of attention that came about in 1999 can be directly correlated to Brandi Chastain. Chastain scored the game-winning penalty kick for the United States women’s national soccer team during the World Cup final against China. She was so overcome with emotion that she took her jersey off and began to celebrate with her team. Her historic goal, however, was not the most important topic for major media networks. The clip of her taking her jersey off in celebration was considered more newsworthy and was aired on every television network for weeks. Chastain was criticized by many male commentators who wondered why she “exposed” herself. Many audience members watching across the U.S. had no idea who she was until the celebration received excessive coverage. The bottom line is coverage denotes importance. If major network affiliates continue to demean women athletes by denying them airtime, then no one will take women’s sports seriously. And the time that these networks provide for women’s sports coverage should not be used to demean women, but to celebrate their athletic accomplishments. Men are not the only ones capable of playing sports and should certainly not be the only ones celebrated for doing so.

Janae Harris is the assistant photo editor of The Advocate. Contact her at jharris.theadvocate@gmail. com. LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE

A4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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Newsline Q POLITICS

Forum to explore immigration law The forum on the politics of immigration will be on May 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. in LA-100. The purpose of the event is to expand the discourse regarding immigrant rights, explore a path to legalization and citizenship for undocumented immigrants. There will be a forum to discuss the breadth of knowledge regarding the political, social, economic and cultural issues that confront immigrants. As a group students and faculty will examine the “push/pull” factors regarding immigration and migration, plus how immigration is transforming U.S. racial politics. The event is sponsored by the Associated Students Union, the La Raza Studies and the Social Sciences departments. For more information about the event, contact professor Leonard McNeil at 510-215-1262 or by email at lmcneilsp@gmail.com.

Q TRANSFER

Student services hosts workshops The Student Services Center will host workshops this week to help students learn more about transferring to four-year colleges. Today in the Student Services Center Conference Room A, a workshop titled “It’s Never Too Early to Prepare and Write the UC Personal Statement” will be presented from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information, contact counselor Andrea Phillips at 510215-3914.

Q CITATIONS

Tickets can be challenged

CAMPUS BEAT

Act saves student DREAMs By Jose Jimenez STAFF WRITER

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is flourishing for students enrolled in Middle College High School (MCHS) and the Gateway to College program. MCHS math teacher Sanet Hipolito said the act is ensuring that many students coming to Contra Costa College can receive an education. Located on the first floor of the Applied Arts Building, MCHS and the Gateway program are the two driving institutions for high school students located at CCC, she said. Hipolito said helping minority students who are said to be “at risk” earn their high school diploma,

while simultaneously gaining college credit toward an associate degree or certificate, can change lives. Since the DREAM Act was passed in October 2013, and with the passing and establishment of Senate Bill (SB) 150, students can easily be found around campus “getting back on track,” she said. Gateway to College student Monique Jones said, “It was really scary at first. They (administration) were really kicking people out if you weren’t at least trying to be tutored or using the resources around you.” Jones is a Gateway student and has been enrolled in the program since August. She said the transitioning period was very hard because the entire program expected students to both understand college classes and suc-

ceed in courses. “However, I understand now they (teachers) just want you to try your very best,” she said. “As long as I finish the entire program, they (Gateway) will help me with grants and getting enrolled in other schools after this.” SB 150 went into effect this past January but both Hipolito and Jones were unaware that the DREAM Act was in effect. “I’ve only been a faculty member at MCHS for three years,” Hipolito said. “But I know for a fact that 75 fortunate students are selected in attending MCHS and the Gateway program each year.” Every year administrators submit requests to the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to “recruit” students who are academically struggling in high school, she said.

Tax | Oil to fund colleges

Drilling for funding The Richmond Progressive Alliance is a community collective of organizations, city commissions and neighborhood councils advocating against corporate influences in politics. Andres Soto is a co-founder of the RPA. He said that he and fellow members are in “strong” support of Sen. Evans’ proposed oil severance tax. Soto said that targeting money toward the community colleges is what the system needs to accommodate residents in search of higher education. “Community colleges are institutions desperately starved for funding,” he said. “Money brought in by the oil severance tax can be used to remedy this public issue.” He said California’s community college system would benefit the most. “It would allow the poorer, working class person to afford the cost of enrollment and enter the professional work force and stimulate the economy in the long term,” he said. Similar tax proposals in the state’s history have been defeated by the oil industry before. To become law, the bill needs to

Ford | Grows Q FROM: Page A1

Q FROM: Page A1

recent Senate bills passed to support higher education. “I don’t think this is the year for new taxes,” Gov. Jerry Brown said in a press release. “I just think we want to do everything we can to live within our means before going back again and trying to get more taxes.” In favor of the new oil severance tax are students and faculty currently in public institutions of higher learning that have experienced a large spike in tuition costs since the budget cuts of 2010. Associated Student Union Director of External Affairs Kirsten Kwon said the tax is necessary to make community colleges more accessible to students who may not be able to afford the expensive tuition fees. “The tax won’t raise gasoline prices,” she said. “It will mainly affect oil companies that are already bringing in billions in revenue every year.” Over the last five years students at community colleges have had to pay 130 percent more in tuition, books and fees. The funds raised by the oil severance tax will be divided between two other public institutions: the Department of Parks and Recreation and California Health and Human Services Agency. Each will receive 25 percent of generated funding if the bill is passed. The remaining 50 percent of the money would be deposited into the General Fund before reaching the California Higher Education Fund. It would then be allocated depending on the minimum funding requirements for each school district.

Hipolito said since she has been at CCC she has seen about 300 applications submitted from families seeking a better education for their children. “It is a special opportunity to attend here because students can earn an associate degree while completing high school,” she said. “What more could any challenged student ask for?” She said that “students can kill two birds with one stone” and even though they are technically high school students, they are treated as college scholars. “I’m taking college classes right now and getting reliable resources from the DREAM Act,” 11th grader Dejanai Chatman said. “The probation period may be daunting but it can only improve our attitudes towards college in a positive direction.”

“Community colleges are institutions desperately starved for funding.” Andres Soto,

co-founder of the RPA

receive two-thirds majority votes from each house of the Legislature. If the bill were to pass, the severance tax would go into effect immediately as an urgency statute. “We have had problems getting bills like this through the Legislature in the past because the amount of money energy companies spend buying votes,” Soto said. “It is necessary to exercise our political rights to expose that the governor is in the pocket of big oil companies. If this bill does not pass, it will show that Brown and the oil companies are against the people of California.” California is the nation’s fourth largest producer of oil after North Dakota, Texas and Alaska. It is the state only out of 36 major oil-refining states to not have a severance tax. The three states listed employ a minimum severance tax of 6.5 percent, 7.5 percent, and 25 to 50 percent depending on the net value of the oil, respectively. Gas spikes Californians Against Higher Taxes (CAHT) spokesperson Beth Miller said, “Just two years ago, voters approved more than $7 billion in higher taxes and earlier this year the governor announced the state had a $5 billion budget surplus.” CAHT press consultant Sabrina Lockhart said the oil severance tax would do more harm to the fragile economy than benefit. “California has the highest gasoline prices in the nation,” she said. “Another tax can drive that costs even higher. It (Oil Severance Tax) is not what the state needs right now.” While California is the only state without an oil severance tax, it is the most heavily taxed state when it comes to oil production she said. “Oil companies are taxed before the oil is pumped out of the ground, all the way through the production line, and when it reaches the pump.” The biggest problem CAHT has found with the proposed severance tax, she said, is that implementing it will add to the cost of the refining process for oil companies and in effect raise the cost of gasoline for consumers. Lockhart said that raising the price of gasoline will lead to an increase in prices of anything shipped through California, such as everything one buys at the supermarket. All of the oil produced in California is used in the state, she said. “Another big concern is that by penalizing these companies, it will make the state more dependent on foreign, out of state oil sources.”

Students can have their parking citations that have been issued on campus appealed by picking up a citation appeal request form from Police Services. On the form, students must give a brief description of why they would like to appeal the citation. Do not send any money with the request to appeal. Include copies of information detailing the explanation of why you are disputing the citation. Upon receiving the citation, students have up to 21 calender days to appeal it. Failure to pay or appeal the citation within 21 calender days may result in additional late penalties being assessed. Repeated unpaid parking citations may result in the vehicle being towed and/ or impounded. Please forward your citation, completed agency review form and any supporting documents to: Contra Costa Community College District, c/o Citation Processing Center, PO Box 22814, Denver, CO 80222-2814. It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to receive a response. For more information about the citation appeal request form, con- Q FROM: Page 1 tact Police Services at 510-236- Diablo Valley and Los Medanos college cam2820. puses, District Chief Facilities Planner Ray Pyle said. “We want to focus our attention on the college perimeters and the different Early Learning Centers at all three of our colleges,” Pyle said. Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said, Monday, March 31: “This (installing cameras) is long overdue. We A student was accused of threat- (the district) need to provide a safe environment ening an employee in the Student for faculty, staff and students.” Services Center. After further Pyle said, “We (the district) are only funded investigation it was determined to for programming and the initial design at this be a code of conduct issue. point. Source of funds for the full design and implementation for the project is still being Wednesday, April 2: explored.” Two college employees were The district is in the early stages of developinvolved in a physical altercation ing the details of the camera project. The district with each other in the Gym Annex has to meet with a security firm to discuss the Building. Both employees met basic concepts and scope of the project, includwith their supervisor regarding the ing which areas will be the hosts to the cameras, incident. he said. During the meeting, the constituents from Tuesday, April 8: all colleges and the district talked about the A non-student was found with possibility of using solar power-to-power the drug paraphernalia. The subject individual cameras, he said. was arrested and transported to the Gibson said due to the logistics of the projMartinez Detention Facility. ect, deciding what equipment to purchase will — George Morin still take some time. Gibson visited the Peralta Community

his own success. “He is a teacher’s dream student,” McClain said. Ford attended a PACT (Program of Assertive Community Treatment) meeting in Richmond and met CCC EOPS student services and instructional support coordinator Kenneth Reynolds. Ford spoke with Reynolds after the meeting and was given a college catalogue. “I kind of already knew I was going back to school, but he (Reynolds) reinforced that idea,” Ford said. On his first semester back at school, Ford earned a 2.5 GPA. Last semester, Ford ended with a 4.0 GPA. “When I first met Clarence, I knew he had potential,” Reynolds said. “There was no doubt. He was obviously very intelligent and picked up direction very quickly.” Ford described who he used to be as a product of his environment, where criminal behavior was glorified. His re-entry into the workforce proved to be difficult at first. The dreaded question, “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” loomed over his job applications. It was not until he joined the Safe Return Project team that Ford realized his potential, he said. With the help of Ford and his team, the Safe Return Project has led the movement to advocate omitting the question from the city of Richmond’s job applications. Ford said it gives employers the chance to get to know who their applicants really are before making snap judgments on their character based on their pasts. This way, in the eyes of the employer, he said, everyone is equal. “Since I’ve had this job, I’ve had a chance to get that question, the very same question that disqualified me from getting employment, (removed,)” he said. While in prison, Ford said he spent his time reading and surrounded himself with people who he calls humble individuals, who regularly told him, “You ain’t supposed to be in here.” Now, education is Ford’s main focus. “To come from that, and to be where I’m going now, there are really no excuses because it’s possible, especially if you’re determined to do it (get a college education),” he said. He said one of his proudest achievements so far has been being awarded transfer to a UC “because I didn’t even know that was possible for someone who was getting out of prison.” Ford has been accepted into UC Santa Barbara but is waiting to hear from UC Berkeley before making a final decision, he said. He said his ultimate goal is to have an influence in his community, to be a lawmaker. He wants to change the outlook of the younger generation, to prove that they do not have to become hip-hop artists or athletes to achieve a wealthy, meaningful life. Having many professors as part of his support system has made a huge difference in his life, he said. Of six former parole officers, only one showed interest in his future, unlike the teachers who really supported him and his decisions, he said. “To give (that support) to a person who comes from a background of being told that he could never be successful, being called dumb, being told he’ll be back in prison again and not have any power, having that support system makes all the difference,” Ford said. “It’s motivation to keep going.”

Cameras | College to soon see surveillance

CrimeWatch

College District and viewed their district-wide surveillance camera project. He described the project as “impressive.” “(Peralta has) cameras all over the place watching the different campuses, a centralized location for all the feeds for the cameras with two dispatchers ready to call in an incident,” he said. “If something happens at their colleges they can see what happened.” In the fall of 2013, four vehicles were stolen from parking lots on the CCC campus, Police Services Lt. Jose Oliveira said. “Something needs to be done to curb these crimes,” he said. There are plans to put a total of three surveillance cameras up at each of the street entrances to the college. One will be placed at the corner of Mills Drive and Shane Drive by Lot 10, another positioned on the Knox Center to look over Castro Street and one on Mission Bell Drive by Lots 1 and 2, he said. Cost of each surveillance camera is estimated anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000 just for the unit itself, Pyle said. The college already has nine surveillance cameras that Police Services can monitor positioned around campus. There are three placed at different angles around the Bus Transfer Station and six positioned in the Student Services Center, Oliveira said. The college has addi-

tional surveillance cameras in places such as the Bookstore, culinary arts area and Computer Technology Center. “Having more cameras on campus will increase the overall security of the college and its students,” Pyle said. Students believe that surveillance cameras on campus would increase their feeling of safety. Nursing major Yesenia Panucl agrees. “Cameras on campus is a good idea. Ask any girl and I’m sure they would agree,” Panucl said. “They (the college) need to do something about the lighting on campus as well. It’s really dark at night. How can cameras pick up any footage if it’s too dark?” Health science major Lei Chao agreed. “Especially with the increase in crime rates, if we have more cameras I’m sure it would help out. But we need more personnel on campus. Cameras can only help after the crime. We need deterrents from crime,” Chao said. Business major Missael Rodriguez does not believe that the campus should house any more cameras. Rodriguez said, “It’s not like the cameras would actually be physically protecting anyone. The college should hire more employees in place of cameras. That would be a much better idea for safety overall.”

CAMPUS BEAT WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

$10,000 grant to promote cycling

l THE ADVOCATE

LACK OF ROOM

Funding by 511 will go toward bike racks By Sinoti Iosua STAFF WRITER

siosua.theadvocate@gmail.com

Students who use their bikes as transportation to campus will see a change in bike racks and locations soon. Contra Costa College has been granted $10,000 from a group called 511, which provides transportation information for the Bay Area. 511 is a transportation information group managed by a partnership led by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Transportation. For about a year, Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King has been placing requests for a grant to replace the older bike racks with newer, more stable ones, he said. King said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I finally got the call, I asked how much we would receive and they said about $10,000.â&#x20AC;? With the much needed funds for bike racks, Buildings and Grounds will be responsible for installing the new structures. As of now, there are new bike rails found near the Music Building which was recently renovated. Sociology major Cameron Jones said he would like to see bike racks at every building instead of having them spaced out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They should definitely put the new racks in front of every building because there will

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Out with the old â&#x20AC;&#x201D; New bike racks will soon populate campus replacing the current worn and limited racks. The new racks will provide students places on campus to lock up their bikes, instead of seeking out makeshift locations. be more students here in the future after the reconstruction is finished,â&#x20AC;? Jones said. With 13 buildings on campus, there are only eight bike rack locations which are scattered around heavily populated areas. The outdated bike racks make it hard to fit five bikes at a time on each, leaving students with no choice but to park farther from class than needed. In hopes of increasing the number of new bike racks, King wants to promote a more green mind set among students by encouraging them to ride their bikes. Psychology major Liliana Reyes said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refreshing to start the day off with morning cardio because it gives me a chance to clear my mind.â&#x20AC;? Adding to the health and environmental benefits, students who ride their bikes to

school generally get from class to class faster because they can ride to the next building. A bike repair station located between the R Building and the Bookstore is equipped with essentials such as an air pump, allen wrenches and mini wrenches. Beside the repair station is one of the two bike lockers on campus. The bike lockers provide extra security allowing students to place their bikes completely in the storage space and lock them in, ensuring access by only the student and Police Services. These over-the-top bike lockers were provided by the same group roughly eight years ago with the help of former Center for Science Excellence director Dr. Joseph Ledbetter.

Reyes said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I go to softball practice I have to leave my bike at the fence where I can see it because the nearest bike rail is near the Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Locker Room and I forget to grab my chain sometimes.â&#x20AC;? The lack of rails near classes provokes students to create their own bike racks and chain their bicycles onto handrails, campus maps and disabled parking signs. When campus construction is complete the installation of newer bike rack models should be in place within the vicinity of each entrance to the new buildings. Biology major Ana Huynh said the students who ride their bikes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the service needed like those who drive cars. King said the grant given by 511 will soon give those who ride their bikes to the college more parking options.

Construction workers cause gas leak By Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

A gas line on campus was clipped and ruptured by construction workers digging near the Library and Learning Resource Center at 10:30 a.m. on April 10. PG&E shut off the gas that was being pumped into the broken plastic line while college employees directed students off campus, a process that took about two hours total. Police and aides shut down the campus and did not allow students or staff in for the duration of those two hours. Roadblocks on both ends of Campus Drive and Library Drive were taken down at 12:15 p.m. to allow students back onto the campus, once PG&E determined the area was safe, Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. Evacuations of students in buildings located on the west side of campus began within 10 minutes of the rupture, roughly at the same time PG&E arrived on the

scene, King said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The line was snipped by construction workers but PG&E clamped it shut. It is not a permanent fix, but there is no longer any gas escaping,â&#x20AC;? he said. Students were evacuated from the LLRC, Applied Arts, Biology, Physical Science, Health Science, and Liberal Arts buildings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are evacuating campus,â&#x20AC;? College President Denise Noldon announced as she moved through crowds of confused students being directed to the front of the Student Services Center. Summer Davis was one of the students being led up Campus Drive during the evacuation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one knows what is going on,â&#x20AC;? Davis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very disorganized.â&#x20AC;? Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner was one of the many faculty members who were directing students along the road to the meeting point. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make your way to the Student Services (Center),â&#x20AC;? he said over a megaphone. Berner said he was alerted to

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the leak as he stepped out of the building that runs parallel to the LLRC, when he was hit by the strong smell of gas. Art major Jazmer Harrison was outside with his painting class when the evacuation began. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had no idea (what was happening),â&#x20AC;? he said, explaining that

By Cody McFarland

SAN FRANCISCO

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

he found out when he saw hordes of people coming his way and asked what was going on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been painting out here all week.â&#x20AC;? The only areas of campus not evacuated were the Gymnasium, Gym Annex Building, Computer Technology Center and the Early Learning Center because they

were far from the site of the leak, King said. Hundreds of students were led to the meeting point. Many chose to leave campus. Those who remained were contained in front of the SSC, about 100 feet away from the origin of the gas leak.

Artwork of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sensual qualityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on display until Saturday

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Waiting in the street â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Students wait on Mills drive by Lot 10 due to a gas leak caused by construction workers working on a pipeline on Library Drive on April 10.

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Students will have their last chance to view the exhibit currently hanging in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery in A-5 on Friday during its closing reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moments and Cycles,â&#x20AC;? the gallery is a reflection of the cyclical nature of the world with emphasis on seasons and the passage of time. The exhibit features the ambient and sensual works of two artists, Debra Stuckgold and Oliver Dillon. Acting gallery curator, adjunct fine arts professor Dana Davis, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just read a definition of beauty today from an old Oxford Dictionary. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defined as a pleasure to the senses. If there is one word to describe this gallery, then, it is beautiful. It immediately appeals to the senses and you can feel it.â&#x20AC;? Though the showing will be taken down on Saturday, it will remain open for the rest of the week and guests will have the chance to meet the artists and partake of the food and refreshments offered at the reception on Friday. Featured artist Stuckgold describes her work as interactive, installationbased art that represents the passage of

time and employs light and shadows as part of the experience. Stuckgold said the materials she uses vary between projects, but for this particular show she used screen printed Mylar and ink, with lighting set in specific positions to have her work and those experiencing it cast shadows that add to the artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subtle yet ever-changing aesthetic. Her work is largely based on the seasons and concepts of decay and regeneration, using the nature-inspired arabesque motifs of Islamic Art. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her work is very accessible,â&#x20AC;? Davis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It draws you in instantly with its sensual quality.â&#x20AC;? After Davis contacted her to be the sole attraction of the gallery, Stuckgold contacted Dillon, whose work she said addresses similar concepts and would expand upon the basis for the exhibit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were interested in juxtaposing our works together,â&#x20AC;? Stuckgold said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The gallery is a play on presence and absence, and with that idea weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been looking at time through different variables.â&#x20AC;? Dillon brings different media to the gallery with graphite drawings on paper and oil paintings on canvas. He describes his work as timelines that represent cycles he has noticed throughout history, and uses knowl-

edge from personal studies in the sciences and quantum physics to draw cyclical parallels between the micro and macro. His work is a blending of art, science and history that examines chaos in varying contexts and touches on phenomena that come full-circle, with the ultimate goal of furthering the human understanding of the universe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my large timeline, there are these moments of chaos that seem so small when you zoom out to get the whole picture, but there is so much going on inside and outside of these little moments that reflect various cycles in life,â&#x20AC;? Dillon said. He explained that the large timeline is representative of a cycle, but it is also filled up by many smaller cycles that may appear minuscule in relation to the bigger picture, but are just as complex and relevant to life. Davis said due to uncertainty around how many guests will show up on a Friday evening for the reception, refreshments will be provided by art department employees and not the culinary arts department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be challenging getting a good student turnout on a Friday night,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see what happens.â&#x20AC;?

A6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “Brick Mansions” (PG-13) “The Other Woman” (R) “The Quiet Ones” (PG-13) “Blue Ruin” (NR) “Locke” (R) “The Machine” (R)

DVDs

New releases: “Barefoot” (PG-13) “Bettie Page Reveals All” R “Big Bad Wolves” NR “Labor Day” (PG-13) “The Legend of Hercules” (PG-13)

CDs

New releases: Asher Roth: “RetroHash” Neon Trees: “Pop Psychology”

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

SCENE

‘Salad Days’ delivers pop in new style

CARRYING WEIGHT

Demarco refines sound, explores musical ability

The third track “Brother” sets the tone for the rest of the album. Slow paced drums hold together erratic guitar plucking that is contrasted by a funk influenced bass line. By Lorenzo Morotti “You’re better off dead, ASSOCIATE EDITOR when your mind’s been set lmorroti.theadvocate@gmail.com from nine until five” stands out from the chorus which If you’ve spent summers repeats throughout the song struggling to wake up at until the tempo changes at the noon with little ambition to 2:30 mark. It is here that the do anything besides meet up use of floor pedals and other with some friends at a local tools propel the song into a park to share wider threshold of sound. raunchy jokes cdreview The title track “Salad and altered perDays” is the fastest on the ceptions, then album. It exhibits Demarcos’ this is the pop versatile voice and lyrics album to telewhich jump between scat, port you back. “Salad Days” freestyle and meaningful Life expe+++++ minimalism. riences are Artist: Mac Demarco “Let Her Go,” is the fourth expressed Genre: Pop track. It opens with an up through Label: Captured tempo guitar riff that jangles pseudo-lazy Tracks along to a groovy bass line. It lyrics, jangly- Release Date: is the most upbeat track on the guitar riffs and April 1 album; Demarco’s lyrics are dreamy-psynot however. chedelic under“Tell her that you love her tones. / if you really love her / But Mac Demarco’s third fullwhen your heart just ain’t sure length album “Salad Days” / let her know,” opens up the was released by Captured Tracks music label on April 1. song and is repeated throughout. It has already garnered more The slowest track is listens on Spotify than his two “Chamber of Reflection.” previous albums. With no guitar, the song His artistic progression winds around synthesized into the realm of “off-kilter” pop music makes this the best noise with drums and bass. Demarco tries to explain album the Canadian singer/ how important solitude is songwriter has released since for the human mind with the band formed in 2009. “Understand that when you “Salad Days,” is short and leave here you will be clear / sweet. The album can be listened to in its entirety in about You will be among better men — alone again.” 30 minutes. His crude humor, and attiEach song flows into tude can be seen live at the the next, and listening to Great American Music Hall in Demarco’s lyrics leaves you SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE San Francisco on July 8 when Reverb — Mac Demarco’s artistic progression into “off-kilter” pop music in his with the feeling that you had Mac Demarco comes to the subconsciously been taught a latest work features dreamy psychedelic undertones and pseudo-lazy lyrics full Bay Area. lesson in life and love. of lessons on life.

‘Rick and Morty’ expands minds By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

TEEN: “The Way And Color” The Menzingers: “Rented World” The Whigs: “Modern Creation”

Games

New releases: “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (T) “Octodad: Dadliest Catch” (T) “Daylight” (T) “Child of Light” (T) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

When you get a snarky intoxicated genius scientist and a timid young sidekick, it’s a recipe for disaster. “Rick and Morty” has given Adult Swim viewers something fresh to watch. Four episodes into the season, Cartoon Network has already renewed it for a second season. The show has a lot of hilarious moments with raunchy comedy, but it gives viewers a lot to think about when it comes to a parallel universe. It also proves that poorly drawn animation does not make a difference on how good a show can be. This might really be the best show on television today. The show has a science-fiction focus, espetvreview cially on how space is the final frontier. The “Rick and Morty” comedy in +++++ the show Starring: Justin Roiland, Dan is what Harmond makes the Network: Cartoon show fresh. Network Rick’s witty Time slot: ways in out- Monday, 9 p.m. smarting his Genre: Comedy foes, including the way he mentally bullies Morty, are hysterical. He knows Morty’s weaknesses and uses them to his advantage on the show. Rick being drunk 99

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Alternative comedy — The extraterrestrial environment brings out Rick’s wit and cynicism and forces Morty to take part in his mad schemes of science, which is only complicated by the fact that he is also an alcoholic.

percent of the time, is really a cry for help with all he’s been through and seen. The show is really “out there,” and there are some hidden dirty jokes with aliens in every episode. Rick and Morty’s bumbling from one situation to the next provides constant laughs for viewers and leaves audiences wanting more. From the creators of the hit show “Community,” and with the voice talent of “Adventure Time’s” Earl of Lemongrab, the show is about how Rick Sanchez manipulates his grandson, Morty Smith, into going with him on misadventures through alternative realities for science. The show takes view-

ers to realities where inanimate objects are the dominant species and they use humans as chairs. The best thing about this show is that it leaves viewers thinking about reality. It also leaves viewers thinking about what they are going to think of next. Even though Rick is an egotistical know-it-all, he does show compassion to his grandson on their misadventures. Morty’s family is somewhat dysfunctional. It shows that a parent showing up at a doorstep after 20 years of not seeing him can change one’s life forever. In one episode Rick creates a love potion so Morty can win the heart of the girl of his dreams when he

attends a dance for people with the flu. You would think a flu dance would be the main problem, but it is the least of the problems in the episode. The ingenious plan works on his crush, but the effects of the potion wear on everyone at the dance. Morty’s love fever becomes an epidemic, and everyone worldwide wants to have sex with him — yes even the males. Unsuccessfully trying to find a cure and turning the infected people into deformed monsters, Rick and Morty transport to a reality where a deformed Rick is turning everyone into normal human beings. Before the transporta-

tion, the Rick and Morty in that reality die by an explosion, leaving the real Rick and Morty to take their places in that universe. After burying their alternate selves, Morty’s facial expression tells it all. He is trying to comprehend what just occurred, and know he has to live in a reality that’s not his, while Rick is just drinking his sorrows away like nothing happened. The way it does not phase him makes you think that this isn’t the first time this has happened to him. I loved the sad song by the artist Mazzy Star that fits in perfectly with the scenario after the two bury their dead counterparts.

SCENE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ REVISITING

After 53 years Hepburn still able to entertain, stands as amazing testament to female liberation By Brian Boyle NEWS EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

‘B

reakfast at Tiffany’s” is a very interesting film. The 1961 movie stands as a testament to the growing sexual revolution, with Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of the rather sexually free Holly Golightly. The movie has also been ranked as the number two most racist film in history by complex.com, for the use of the character Mr. Yunioshi. Yunioshi is Golightly’s neighbor, who lives above her in their apartment building. A Japanese immigrant, Yunioshi embodies every possible negative stereotype that has been leveled against the Japanese, and to add insult to injury, the recently deceased Mickey Rooney, who passed away on April 6, portrays him. The producers painted Rooney’s face tan, put buckteeth on him and told him to squint. In 2011, a planned public screening of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in San Francisco sparked an online petition to boycott the showing entirely. Yet, despite the blatant racism in the film, it is hard not to love “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The film is based upon the book of the same name, by author Truman Capote. Set in New York, the movie follows about one year of the life of Golightly. Golightly is a young, beautiful woman. She is the 1961 version of Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton. A socialite to the bone, Golightly spends her days travelling around New York, enjoying parties and going on dates with men of varying age. Golightly has no job, and ultimately has no need for one. As she is wont to say, “Anyone who is a gentleman will offer a girl $50 for the powder room.” The film’s opening scene has become iconic. In silence, save for the a backtrack of “Moon River,” which was written for the movie, Golightly eats a croissant while gazing through the window of Tiffany’s jewelry store before walking home. Her explanation for this ritual is one of the first glimpses into Golightly’s mind. She explains that she is sometimes subject to the “mean reds,” and when she gets them, the only cure is to go to Tiffany’s, where “nothing really bad could ever happen.” Golightly makes sure to explain that the “mean reds” are different than the blues. “The blues are for when you’re getting fat, and maybe it’s been raining too long. You’re just sad, that’s all,” Golightly said. “The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid, and you don’t know what you’re afraid of.” While at home, Golightly is interrupted from sleep by her co-star George Peppard (1928-1994) who

plays Paul Varjak, a struggling author who, much like Golightly, has resorted to selling his company for money. Varjak is a kept man, with his benefactor being a slightly older, married woman (Patricia Neal), who pays him for his time and for sexual favors. The movie very carefully treads over how promiscuous Golightly is, but the implication is that, though she may not be sleeping with every man who pays her, she is trading sex for money. Varjak falls in love with Golightly almost immediately, which is understandable, as the stunningly beautiful Hepburn plays her. This is a problem for Varjak, because as she expresses upon climbing through his window late at night to snuggle with him till she falls asleep, Golightly is only interested in being friends. It is soon revealed that, unlike Varjak, Golightly has a more compelling reason for choosing the oldest profession, and a rather dark past to go with it. Golightly is attempting to earn money to support herself and her brother Fred, who is in the military. Golightly describes Fred as very sweet, but very slow. Golightly has also been married. When she was only 14 years old she married a man in his 50s, Doc Golightly (Buddy Ebsen). Their marriage took place in 1955, long after the death of the idea that a 50-year-old man marrying a 14-year-old could be normal. The movie is a romantic comedy, and, unlike most in the genre, is hilarious. Laughs come readily from Golightly’s sarcastic outlook on much of life, as well as from her attempts to evade the many “rats” that would pursue her. Given the time, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” uses sexual innuendo liberally. Golightly is not your typical woman of the times. Where many other movies of the period have attempted to make women seem sexually pure, Golightly’s past is blatantly muddied. Golightly is forward, and brazen, more so than any female character in a movie previously. Golightly’s motto is “It is quite useful to be top banana in the shock department.” The two characters inevitably fall in love, though their romance takes many interesting turns. Golightly is fickle and continuously rebuffs Varjak. One day she’ll be hot, and the next day cold. Varjak spends much of his free time watching as Golightly chases after a string of wealthy men. After the two share a romantic day together followed by a passionate kiss that fades to black, he finds her suddenly cold, and that he is apparently

Lost Treasure

just “another rat” in her eyes. The use of calling men “rats” by Golightly seems to refer only to men that she has slept with, or at least attempted to bed her. Varjak all but spits in Golightly’s face, but instead opts to treat her in kind. Varjak slips her a $50 check, letting her know it is “For the powder room.” Varjak longs for Golightly, yet is content for much of the film to watch her rush headlong into relationships that are always doomed to fail, content to be her friend for a long time. When the two are on screen together, they convey an attraction that, while subtle, seems all too real. Both are in possession of their own baggage, but they are capable of understanding one another completely. Golightly is a free spirit trapped in a cage of her own making. A tough woman, having endured years of pedophilic abuse, raising four children that were not her own while supporting a brother that needs her, Golightly is not bowed by her burdens. She bares them proudly, and will do anything to overcome them. Unlike many leading ladies of the time, Golightly does not want saving, she is attempting to sacrifice herself to save those she cares about. While doing this, she also refuses not to support her friends. Varjak is a failing author, whose only real fan and advocate is Golightly. She embodies traits that Hollywood had long used to create leading women that appeared pure and above reproach. Golightly is loyal, she is supportive and above all generous, and yet she is sexually liberated: The film challenges its audiences to question how they view women, while also thoroughly entertaining them. Golightly is such a strong, impressively captivating character that she elevates the movie far above its racist elements. Conversations have been had about separating authors and directors from their work, usually associated with claims of pedophilia

against Phil Spectre and Woody Allen, but “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” requires a different conversation. With this movie, one has to attempt to separate the film from itself. Would the film suffer if Yunioshi were not in it? Not even slightly, yet he is there nonetheless. The movie flies in the face of the conventional way movies portrayed women at the time, which marks “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” as one of the greats. Golightly is a very sexual character. She plays the field, lives alone except for her cat and speaks her mind regardless of if anyone wishes her too. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is rare in that it has a female lead that is an actual person, and not a composite of what Hollywood wished women would be. The film is not without its failings. The run time is about two hours long, yet it feels much longer. This is largely due to it having multiple endings, one being placed right in the middle. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was not the first movie to make this mistake, and many have refused to learn that if a director has an ending in the middle of the movie, the second half will seem inexplicably longer. The movie also overuses the song “Moon River.” The song was written specifically for the movie, and for Hepburn, who had no formal training as a singer. The song only covers one octave in order to disguise her lack of practice. Yet the song is in the movie so often that by the time it plays at the end, it is hard not to be sick of it. Despite the very superficial failings and the blatant racism, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is an amazing film. At the time, it was one of the most progressive movies in regards to how women were portrayed. The movie is hilarious, and able to keep one laughing or smiling from start to finish. Romantic comedies are not everyone’s thing, it’s understandable, but if one loves a good romance, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” may be one of the best ever filmed.

A8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Workers rights tied to colleges

CAMPUS BEAT

ACTIVISM

Forum tackles union plights, education By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Knox Center was full of students and faculty on Monday looking for information about workers’ unions in California. Executive Vice President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization Tefere Gebre gave a concluding speech regarding the middle class and workers’ unions. “We need the middle class because you can’t have a democracy without a middle class,” Gebre said. The event started with President Denise Noldon’s introduction speech. She then introduced board director of the Young Workers of California, Andrea Nicholls. Nicholls talked about how she started off as an intern organizing hotel workers. When she was young her family had to pay out of pocket for her to see a doctor. As of today, 7 percent of workers are in a union, and 4 percent of workers under the age of 25 are in a union, she said. She said, her goal is to get young workers to join a union and to help them to be informed about how a union can benefit them. “Young Workers of California is not a union. It’s an organization of young people who want to be active in a union,” she said. Two speakers later, it was Gebre’s turn to

JANAE HARRIS / THE ADVOCATE

All together — Tefere Gebre, executive vice president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization, expresses his concern about the current state of workers’ rights and how student involvement is needed. give his speech. He started off saying that he’s from Gondar, Ethiopia, and he is all about organized labor. He showed a slideshow that featured factory workers that are in a union enjoying their job with smiles on their faces. He went into detail about how America needs to get back its days when organized labor was readily accepted. The next generation (should) always be better than the previous, but this generation is not living up to its potential, he said. “We’re rebuilding the power that was once in us individually,” Gebre said. “America has always taught that the next generation will always be better than the previous, and we need to get back into that.” At the end of the event, the speakers answered questions from the audience which brought the attention of psychology

major Tyler McDonald. McDonald wanted know a little bit more about the program and stayed at the end to ask more questions to the speakers. “I picked up a lot of things about workers’ unions,” McDonald said about attending the event. “I would have loved it if they made it a little bit more about education.” The workers’ unions are a group of organized workers who use their combined voice in the workplace, and impact wages and work hours. The event was to help students become aware of what a union is and to inform them of their purpose. The speakers also gave the audience ideas on how to create a union at their workplace. Nicholls said she hopes that those who attended the event can start a conversation about a union at their workplace, so the word can spread. “It means a voice on the

Ability Club to host fundraiser Bay Area outreach program to take part in exhibition game

By Ryan Holloway STAFF WRITER

rholloway.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Ability Club will be hosting a wheelchair exhibition basketball game in the Gymnasium on May 8. It will be a fundraiser for the Contra Costa College athletic program and the Ability Club. The exhibition game will pit students and faculty playing against the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program All-Stars, which is a nonprofit organization that advances the lives of people with physical disabilities through sports and recreational

activities. “The Ability Club is a college club that raises disability awareness on campus and in the community,” Ability Club adviser Eric Appel said. This is a collaborative effort to raise proceeds for both worthy organizations. “We’ve set a goal of $10,000,” Ability Club President Dan Hardin said. The event will be free and open to the public. Prior to the tip-off, which is set for 7 p.m., there will be a live concert by the California School for the Blind’s jazz ensemble beginning at 5:30 p.m.

There will also be a halftime performance by CCC’s own Guitar Club. The event is still accepting individuals who are interested in participating and the BORP All-Stars will be providing extra wheelchairs. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Appel said. To make a contribution to the fundraiser or for more information, those interested can visit www. gofundme.com/2worthycauses. Checks are accepted and may be made payable to: CCC Foundation Friends of DSPS. They may also be submitted at the DSPS Office in SSC-109.

“We’re rebuilding the power that was once in us individually. America has always taught that the next generation will always be better than the previous, and we need to get back into that.” Tefere Gebre,

executive vice president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization

job, respectful pay and benefits — things that should be basic rights to all workers,” she said. “Unions are the major entity that can fight back.”

The five Ws Who: Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program All-Stars and Contra Costa College’s Ability Club What: Wheelchair basketball exhibition game When: 7 p.m. on May 8 Where: Gymnasium Why: Donations are being accepted prior to the free event that will go toward funding CCC’s Ability Club. There is no minimum for the donations.

President recognized as Woman of the Year City of San Pablo bestows honor on Noldon By Van Ly STAFF WRITER

vly.theadvocate@gmail.com

In an auditorium full of bright colors, warm lighting and an electric energy, President Denise Noldon was honored as San Pablo’s Woman of the Year at the Masonic Lodge in Richmond. The San Pablo Annual Installation Awards dinner, which took place Saturday, honored the man, woman and business of the year for their contributions to the community. The winners are determined by sending out slips to the San Pablo Chamber of Commerce Committee, and of the 100 slips sent, approximately 35-40 were returned for a tally, San Pablo Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wright said. While M.A. Kahn and the Chapel of the Mission Bells Wilson & Kratzer Mortuaries were honored with man and business of the year, Dr. Noldon had the most notable presence. The crowd roared with applause when Noldon received her awards from Wright, Mayor Paul Morris and Antonio Medrano, vice president of the San Pablo Chamber of Commerce. Her smile mirrored the happiness emanating from the room. Although she had just been honored, Noldon remained humble by expressing her gratitude

“Noldon does very well in terms of letting the public know what we have to offer. When she speaks, people listen and not everyone has that quality.” John Marquez,

Governing Board trustee

to her family and the city of San Pablo. Noldon confessed that she did not know much about San Pablo in particular when she came to the city. “I had no idea that my notion of a loving community would extend not only to my college but also to the community of San Pablo,” she said. San Pablo itself has affected her in a positive way, she said. Noldon intends to continue her service to the community by providing more educational opportunities, and enabling others to give something back to their community, she said. “I plan to keep staying on the same path and to keep making the community great,” she said. An example of Noldon’s active presence in the community is encouraging people to vote for Measure E, a district bond measure that helps finance improvements to Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos colleges, District Governing Board Trustee John Marquez said. “Noldon does very well in terms of letting the public know what we have to offer. When she speaks,

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

people listen and not everyone has that quality,” he said. Athletic Director John Wade said, “She shows a connection to the community, especially with the city of San Pablo. The city

feels really strong and continues to grow strong with her leadership.” When Morris presented the award to Noldon, he recounted when Noldon came to the city of San Pablo as the college presi-

Ceremonial — San Pablo Mayor Paul Morris hands President Denise Noldon her Woman of the Year award voted by the San Pablo Chamber of Commerce Committee on Saturday.

dent. “She hit the ground running,” Morris said. “She’s worked extremely hard, not only at the college, but in the community.”

CAMPUS BEAT WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Assembly turns into ASU meeting Presentation fails to attract audience

l THE ADVOCATE

ADVOCATE

“It’s always a good thing to present these issues, even if there is (only) one person in the audience.”

By Sean Whatley STAFF WRITER

swhatley.theadvocate@gmail.com

Ericka Greene,

To help promote its upcoming election and raise awareness of local and statewide issues affecting community colleges, the Associated Student Union held a General Assembly on Thursday. Hosted in LA-100 at 4 p.m., the assembly covered a range of issues, including new state mandates under the Student Success Act, California Senate and Assembly bills, the district bond measure and the upcoming ASU elections. Unfortunately, the ASU’s attempt to inform students of state and local issues affecting community colleges was not noticed by the student body as only one person showed up. Condori “Everything was last minute,” ASU parliaASU presimentarian and presidendent hosted tial candidate Antone the event Agnitsch said. “Students to inform aren’t going to attend if the student they don’t know about body about it.” important The assembly was issues. But moderated by ASU due to late President Ysrael Condori, advertisewho started the meeting ment there with a YouTube video was only titled, “Student Success one student Initiative: Priority in attenRegistration.” dance at In the video, California the General Community Colleges Assembly. Chancellor’s Office Dean of Matriculation and Early Assessment Sonia Ortiz-Mercado detailed the new enrollment priority policy and the strict qualification guidelines regarding the Board of Governors fee waiver. Condori also gave a presentation on local bond Measure E, which, if passed this June will help fund the development and improvement of campus facilities, structures and systems at the three colleges in the

ASU faculty adviser

Contra Costa Community College District. The only person in attendance that was not a ASU member was CCC alumnus and advocate of Measure E, Janice LeightonArmah. Armah said that the funding provided to the district through measure E would help make things easier for students, faculty and staff at all three colleges. ASU faculty adviser Ericka Greene said, “It’s always a good thing to present these issues, even if there is (only) one person in the audience.” Greene said that students had other concerns such as work and midterms to deal with, so it was understandable that students did not attend, but added, “I wish more students were able to attend.” Agnitsch said that the ASU needs to advertise these events in different ways. The social media platforms used were not effective in drawing in an audience. He said the ASU needs to work better as a team to reach out to students through social media in order to promote awareness of issues that concern the development of community college and campuses in the state. ASU Director of External Affairs Kirsten Kwon gave a presentation on various Senate and Assembly bills that relate to community colleges, which includes a bill that would allow community college districts to provide classes to inmates in city and county jails, and another in which two-year colleges would be able to offer bachelor degree programs. The assembly ended with a discussion about the upcoming ASU election and the candidate’s announcements of candidacy. ASU Director of Public Relations Valeria Avila is seeking re-election to her current position, and ASU Parliamentarian Agnitsch is running for president. Condori said, “I expect the next batch of senators to learn from this (lack of advertising), but the General Assembly is something we will definitely do again.”

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Informative — Associated Student Union Director of External Affairs Kirsten Kwon talks about Senate and Assembly bills targeted for community colleges during the ASU-hosted General Assembly held in LA-100 on Thursday.

UC Davis to house ceramic art exhibit Student sculptures displayed at university By Mike Thomas

The five Ws Who: Art department students What: Ceramic arts exhibit

SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Art students statewide will have their ceramic work showcased at the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts in UC Davis. Twelve students from Contra Costa College will attend the three-day art conference starting on Thursday. Half of the students going will have their ceramic art on display for other students from four-year university and junior college students in California to enjoy. CCC students have attended this “This is a conference for the huge deal past four years, and since 2010 they have because stukept coming back. Art professor Jiaju dents get Lu brings his stuto see their dents to the event to allow them to get a work disbetter perspective of played by art. “This college has professionbeen going to this als.” event for four years,” Lu said. “Students Ellen Sasaki, can show off their art student work to professionals and get a better understanding of art.” The Associated Student Union had its hand in funding for the trip to UC Davis, so the 12 students going to the event did not have to pay for the trip. The conference will have some workshops, and also some professional art will be showcased. “This is like the next generation of ceramic arts,” art student Ellen Sasaki said about the upcoming conference. “This is a huge deal because students get to see their work displayed by professionals.” The event is not a competition, but it is a conference where art students around the state can show off their work to other colleges. Students will get to meet professional artists through workshops and it will be a place to network. The attendees will be able to see a lot of

When: Thursday to Sunday Where: UC Davis Why: Student work will be put on display and students will network with professional artists. ceramic work, art major Lawrence Buford said. “This is their life’s work and they get joy from that,” he said. Sasaki and art major Linda Lewis are two of the 12 going on the trip. Both want to take the opportunity to learn from professionals and their peers. “I want to see my work come into context with all students coming from different campuses,” Sasaki said. Lewis said, “You get inspiration to see this type of work and you become amazed at what people do at these conferences.” English major Dalilah Carmagnola’s art is one of six pieces representing CCC at the conference. She crafted a blue and pink ceramic geometric flower with a coil vase as the base of the art. Carmagnola is thrilled that her piece is going to be displayed at the event, and can’t wait to see what other colleges have to show at the conference. “I’m excited that I am one of the students that is representing CCC,” Carmagnola said. “I’m kind of excited to see what the other students have to show.” One of the biggest pieces for the event will be from Buford. His piece is an enormous three dimensional head of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which is made of clay. After some mishaps with his piece, the head looks exactly like the late civil rights leader. He got the idea from the fact that Dr. King spoke at CCC five years before his assassination. “It took me a long time to make this piece. The base of the head even got cracked while making it,” Buford said about the process of his masterpiece. “Martin Luther King visiting our college inspired me to do this project.”

A10 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

SPORTS

Coaching veteran sets game aside Zeller to step down as coach, leaves legacy By Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorroti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The men’s and women’s soccer teams will each undergo a change of leadership over the summer. After 16 years of commanding his team from the sideline of the Soccer Field at Contra Costa College, Rudy Zeller will step down from coaching. “After 36 years (coaching soccer) it’s time for me to move on. I think it’s the right time to retire from coaching and reduce my workload,” he said. Zeller said he will not be leaving the college and plans to continue teaching physical education classes for two more years. Athletic Ferguson Director John Wade said he Leaves the was informed of women’s Zeller’s decision team to last month. coach the Wade has men’s soc- named women’s cer team soccer coach this fall. Nikki Ferguson as Zeller’s replacement, giving the team and its new coach plenty of time to prepare for the 2014 fall season. Only a few weeks after Zeller announced his retirement to his players and coaching staff during a practice in mid-March, an application for Ferguson’s former position as the women’s coach was posted on simplyhired.com on April 3. “We hope to fill the (women’s) position before the season starts in August,” Wade said. “But there is no timeline right now.” There are a few people who have made inquiries about the job but the college is waiting to attract more applicants, he said. This is not the first time that Zeller has stepped down as coach, Wade said. In 2009-10, he went through some personal issues

and took a leave of absence from his coaching position. Ferguson coached both soccer teams that season. Wade said managing two teams would put unnecessary stress on any coach. “We don’t want to put him (Ferguson) through that again.” Wade formed a hiring committee to conduct interviews with applicants for the women’s coach position on Thursday. The committee consists of himself, Zeller and physical education department Chairperson Beth Goehring. Goehring said, “We are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic, has had experience working with the student population, and someone who is motivated to go out into the community and recruit players.” Let it be When Zeller told sophomore Davis Okonkwo and his teammates, many were not surprised. There were rumors about him leaving for months but nothing was certain, Okonkwo said. During the speech, “He became very emotional,” he said. “You could tell he (Zeller) was sad that he is leaving.” Returning sophomore Brad Alman plays for CCC’s men’s soccer team but is enrolled at sister school Diablo Valley College, which does not have a soccer team. Zeller called Alman on his cellphone to tell him he will no longer be coach, Alman said. After the conversation, he said he empathized with Zeller’s decision to hand over the reins to Ferguson. Zeller has been not only directing the Comets’ soccer team, but also serves as the athletic department’s chairperson. “I did not have as much time as I would have liked to dedicate to (the soccer team) because of my responsibilities as department chair,” Zeller said. “At 64 (years old), coaching and being the department chair, I was overwhelmed. The workload was beyond what I am fully capable of.” Turning over “He (Zeller) was the head coach for a long time — but soccer is changing,” Alman said. “We

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Love of the game — Men’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller smiles after being drenched with water by his team after the Comets shut out Yuba College 2-0 on Nov. 12, his last game as coach. had a good season last year but he (Zeller) felt like we would have a better shot at a title if another guy stepped in — someone who can devote more time to the team than Zeller could last season.” Ferguson said with the cooperation of players and coaching staff, he will direct the Comets to the best of his ability in preparation for the new season. “I hope to improve the team,” Ferguson said. “Zeller has a good, established program. We need to maintain that level of excellence in practice during the coming summer months,” he said. “I’m excited for this opportunity,” he said. Zeller concluded his final season at CCC with one of the best records in recent history. The Comets finished second (7-2-3) in the Bay Valley Conference, (116-3 overall) to Merritt College by ceding low scoring games early in conference play. Missing a playoff berth by only five power points, two games and a tie. Ferguson said the focus of the team will not only be on winning games, but taking what he learned from his 22 years of coaching to motivate his players to do well in their classes as well.

Liliana Reyes played for the women’s soccer team last season. She was taken by surprise when told about Ferguson’s new coaching position, however she is confident that Ferguson will excel once the new season is underway. “He (Ferguson) is a strict coach, but a good one. He is consistent and is always planning ahead,” she said. “Everything he does in practice leads into the next drill. He has a teaching style that is flowing.” Okonkwo said, “Not only is he committed to winning games, but to winning scholarships.” He said he believes Ferguson and the Comets will contend for a playoff spot right away because male players have a higher level of talent and dedication than female players, who shine academically. Ferguson disagrees with part of that statement. He said, “I don’t think people should be viewed, or labeled as either a women’s or men’s coach,” he said. “I’m just a coach. If you’re good at what you do, gender should not matter.” Zeller said while the quality of players will not change much from the women to the men — the number of players who show up to tryouts will. He said the men’s

team has always had a higher turnout when it comes to recruiting. “He will have twice as many players to pick from. He’ll have a greater opportunity to create a successful program.” Assisting the future Okonkwo said Zeller is still involved with the team. He has shown up to multiple practices after his announcement to help out with the transition. Alman said Zeller is still teaching the spring semester soccer training class and both assistant coaches, Jon Scoles and Andres Orejuela, will return as part of Ferguson’s coaching staff. He said Ferguson has shown up to a few practices to be introduced to players, positions and tactics. New and returning players are excited to find out how the new coach will alter the “identity” of the team, Alman said. “Zeller is setting up Ferguson for the new season,” he said. “But moving forward, it will be all up to Ferguson,” he said. Reyes said he will have no problem being the enforcer if need be. “Players won’t be able to push him around. When his foot comes down, it stays down,” she said.

N Off the record

Living with Bosox Nation fever

ne of the abundance of my life’s blessings is the daily privilege of choosing to be a lifetime Bosox fan — aka Red Sox fanatic. You know why? Because we’re like sex, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, horse manure, illegal drugs and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. We’re all over the world. I’m never surprised when or where I encounter members of my Bosox family. Thirty years ago I bought three prime box seats in the 10th row behind the Red Sox dugout for the A’s-Sox game at the Oakland Coliseum. This was a special occasion for my nephews, Perry and Cyrano Jones, who were visiting from Hartford, Conn. They had never been to a Bosox game. And guess who we sat behind? Eight loud, rabid, pennantwaving Bosox Nation nuns from Brockton, Mass. Perry said, “I didn’t know nuns could go to baseball games.” My rapid reply was, “Well, now you know cuz this is Bosox Nation territory.” Today is the first day of 2014 Bosox spring training camp. So, I put on my Boston-blue T-shirt with the 2-inch high white print “YANKEES SUCK” logo on the front. The #51 bus transports me east on University Avenue to complete my research at the University of California School of Public Health Library in Berkeley. A 6 foot tall, muscular Asian male in the early 20-age range boarded the bus and sat across from me. He was wearing khaki jeans, a dark blue baseball cap with a yellow script Cal logo and a bright red T-shirt with a Boston-blue 2-inch high “WICKED SMAHT” logo on the chest. I smiled at him and hollered, “Bosox Nation, right?” He returned the smile and answered, “There are only two kinds of people in this world. Us and those who wish they were privileged to be us.” He was wicked smaht and a Cal grad student to boot. We shared a ceremonious tap of our right hand knuckles. I documented my Bosox history starting with, “I’m cradle to grave Fenway Fanatic.”

the 1986 winners trophy to the New York Mets. And another visit to “Heartbreak Hotel” was made by the Red Sox faithful. As far back as 1970 I honestly did not believe we would ever play in, or win, a World Series during my lifetime. Jimmy Pitchell, my high school classmate at Bulkeley and Bosox Nation member, shared the same opinion. A majority of Red Sox fans in I still enjoy the reverie of listening New England secretly shared the same to the Red Sox games while sitting on deep-seated negativity. my grandpa’s lap before dozing off. I The Bosox had not won the World contracted Bosox Fever from B.F. (my Series since 1918. My grandpa vividly grandpa’s full name was Benjamin remembered that Franklin Crosby) while growing up in one. “We sold the white three-story house on Brown ‘Because I’m Babe Ruth right Street in the south end of Hartford. after we won the One of my most excruciating expe- a charter Series and that’s riences as a suffering Red Sox surwhen the ‘Curse member of vivor was listening to the one-game of the Bambino’ American League play off at Fenway was born,” he the Bosox Park on Monday, Oct. 4, 1948. painfully said “Marse” Joe McCarthy started Denny Nation. with a sigh. Galehouse and our ass was in the outOur World We’re 95 house from his first feeble pitch till Series victory in the last out. Lefty Gene Bearden and 2004 was actupercent his Cleveland Indians barbecued our ally the Bosox’s Boston butt 8-3. sixth World scar tissue. After the game B.F. informed me, Championship, “The curse of the Bambino still lives The other 5 but the first one in Fenway, sonny-boy.” I never asked since 1918. The him if the Bambino was that Italian percent is day after the family that moved in down the street 2004 Series, undiagnosed my Hartford three years earlier. I could swear that cute, brown-haired girl told me Homie, Michael psychosis.’ her name was Lisa Gambino — not Fontanello, and Bambino. I danced the tarThis unfortunate event occurred antella, hugged, screamed and cried two years after we lost the 1946 in public on the street in the Financial World Series to the St. Louis District of San Francisco. He’s a Cardinals in the seventh game on the Bosox Nation lifer, born and bred in “mad dash” by Enos Slaughter, aka Hartford, like me. “Country.” The folks scurrying up and down Those damn carnivorous Cardinals Montgomery Street didn’t think it was ate our “Impossible Dream” again in unusual to see two 50-plus old dudes the seventh game of the 1967 World doing “the crazy cha-cha” in Baghdad Series. Jim Lonborg started for us by the Bay. with only two days rest. Bob Gibson, They had no idea we were acting a future Hall of Fame inductee, domi- out and celebrating the dream we had nated the finale giving up only three never dared to dream. Last week I hits and fanning 10 batters to seal a called Michael to discuss meeting to 7-2 victory. see our World Champion Bosox durNineteen years later, Bill Buckner ing their 2014 visit to play the A’s in let the World Series roll between his Oakland. We’re definitely going to be bow-legs at first base and handed there.

manningpeterson

“Now that we have won three World Series in the last 10 years all those rude, loud-mouth Yankee yahoos can just swear at us while they suck, shake their empty heads and stick ‘em where the sun don’t shine,” Michael said. My answer was, “Tell our truth, my brother.” Today is Thursday, March 20, 2014. It is now noon on the first day of spring. I’m standing in a four-person line at the Cooperative Center Credit Union in South Central Berkeley. This is my financial operation station. A late 40ish, relaxed, 5 foot 6 Caucasian cat with a brownish-gray Van Dyke beard, red and white cane and canine companion eased in line behind me. I noticed he’s wearing a blue Bosox cap with the two red socks on the front. I am African-American. I asked him, “Are you a member of the Bosox Nation, bro?” He grinned and said, “You got that right, bro.” “How long have you been a member?” he asked. I answered, “Since I was born in Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Conn. on Feb. 3, 1935. That’s 79 years and if I die tomorrow I’ll have a smile and be completely content because I lived to see our Bosox win three World Series.” My erratic path moved me six miles south to the VA Health Services Center in Oakland. My skilled doctor, Alix Magloire, advised me, “The pathology results from your cyst I sent reported it was only scar tissue.” “I could have told you that, Doc,” I replied. “How would you have access to that information?” he asked. “Because I’m a charter member of the Bosox Nation. We’re 95 percent scar tissue. The other 5 percent is undiagnosed psychosis. “Another fact I learned having done medical research worldwide is there is no know antidote or cure for Bosox fever. Let’s keep it that way. Thank you very much Doc. I’m outta here. Go Sox go.” Manning Peterson is staff writer for The Advocate. Contact him at mpeterson.theadvocate@gmail.com.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Comet errors result in loss Stolen bases by LMC provides necessary runs

Social media hurts athletes future, lives

STAFF WRITER

swhatley.theadvocate@gmail.com

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Loose glove — Comet first baseman Byron Buckley loses control of the ball as a Mustang outfielder runs into first base during CCC’s game against Los Medanos College on the Baseball Field on Thursday. The Comets fell 8-2 to the Mustangs.

“The wind also had an effect on the game and that aggressive strategy worked out in our favor.” Dominic Quilici, Comets’ pitcher

said. “The ball wasn’t going anywhere.” LMC was able to take the lead early, scoring two runs in the first inning via an RBI single by Mustangs’ first baseman Ryan

Welsh and another RBI single by Mustangs’ third baseman Steven Otaguro. The Comets put a run on the board in the second inning. CCC third basemen Timmion Hughes got on base due to an error by Welsh. Before scoring, he advanced to third base on a single hit by Comets’ shortstop Jihan Weisner. From third Hughes capitalized on a wild pitch and scored a run cutting LMC’s lead 2-1. Right fielder Even Ray’s RBI single in the sixth would be CCC’s only earned run during the game. “We were swinging the bats well, but anything that got hit in

the air was being caught,” Smith said. Chavez had a rough game. He pitched six innings, allowing eight hits, five runs, two earned runs and issuing five walks. His Mustang counterpart Ben Polansky fared much better. He pitched all nine innings allowing eight hits, two runs and two walks. Losing the previous extra inning games to LMC took a lot out of the team, Smith said. “It’s demoralizing, but we’ve got to keep playing.” The Comets will play their last three games at Mendocino College starting Tuesday.

Squad falls to Eagles, 3-0, 12-4 Comets unable to find momentum in games By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Poor defense by the Comets in the sixth inning helped Mendocino College (11-17 overall, 7-9 in the Bay Valley Conference) sweep a doubleheader from the softball team Friday on the Softball Field. The meltdown in the sixth inning came after a Comet fifth inning rally produced a run. ScoreBoard Contra Costa College (5-19-1 overall, Eagles 3 4-14 BVC) lost 3-0 in Comets 0 the first game and 12-4 in the second game. Eagles 12 The Comets strugComets 4 gled with hitting throughout the first Next games: game and into game Tuesday vs. two. Yuba College, In the second game, 1 and 3 p.m. Comet pitcher Shannon Fowler pitched two scoreless innings before she gave up two runs in the third inning. Fatigue started to show in Fowler’s pitching, which allowed more hits by the Eagles. “They just kind of busted it open,” Comet softball coach Karolyn Gubbine said about Mendocino’s hitting in game two. “They (Eagles) were catching up to our pitching and hitting the gaps on our defense.” Mendocino third baseman Sabrina Moore

Box scores Baseball (April 17)

Contra Costa College AB R H RBI Smith lf 2 1 0 1 Buckley 1b 5 1 0 0 Davis 2b 5 0 1 1 Bowie cf 5 2 2 0 Huges 3b 5 3 3 0 Chavez c 4 2 2 3 Brown dh 4 0 2 1 Weisner ss 3 1 2 1 Ray rf 4 1 2 1 Quilici 0 0 0 0 Totals

Los Medanos College AB R H RBI Meadows 2b6 3 4 5 Lacey ss 3 1 2 2 Jacobson rf 3 1 2 2 Welsh 1b 5 0 1 0 Otaguro 3b 5 1 1 0 George lf 4 1 1 1 Foreman c 5 2 2 1 Polansky dh 5 1 1 0 Hill cf 3 2 1 1 Blackburn p 0 0 0 0

37 11 14 8

Totals

Contra Costa College Los Medanos

Contra Costa College Quilici Jackson Suarez (L,0-0) Los Medanos College Blackburn

016 12 003 02 IP 7.2 0.0 2.0 11.0 3.0

H 10 1 5 6 5

R 10 0 2 1 7

39 12 15 12 010 00 — 11 014 11 — 12 ER BB SO 9 0 2 1 1

4 2 0 3 1

4 0 0 1 0

N Off the record

mikethomas

By Sean Whatley After losing two extra inning games earlier in the season to Los Medanos College, the Comets struggled to score in their final game against LMC Thursday. CCC (5-13 in Bay Valley Conference), fell 8-2 to LMC (126 in BVC) in a windy conference game to sweep the series. “It’s been a tough series,” Comets’ outfielder Lamar Smith said. “We just got outplayed.” The Comet defense had trouble throughout the game, allowing nine stolen bases and committing six errors. “The pitcher’s arm was slow and the catcher’s arm was sore, and they were able to capitalize on our weakScoreBoard nC e sCs , C” Mustangs 8 c o a c h Comets 2 Marvin Webb said. Next game: Comet Thursday vs. pitcher Mendocino Philip College, 2 Chavez p.m. walked Mustang shortstop Ryan Lacey, who then stole second on a 3-2 count. Mustang outfielder Matt Jacobson then advanced to second off a hit by Mustang’s first baseman Ryan Welsh. Jacobson went on to steal third base on a 1-2 pitch count to bring Lacy home. LMC coach Anthony D’Albora said that the running ability of a handful of players allowed his team to put pressure on the Comet defense. “The wind had an effect on the game and that aggressive strategy worked out in our favor,” D’Albora

A11

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Have to be quicker than that — Comets’ shortstop Kaitlin Oshiro fails to make the out against Eagles outfielder during CCC’s game against Mendocino College at the Softball Field on Friday. The Comets lost both games to the Eagles, 3-0 and 12-4. put the Eagles on the board when she hit a grounder to third base. CCC third baseman Madisen William could not scoop the ball in time. This error brought in Mendocino shortstop Kyndle Smallwood giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the third inning. The Eagles extended their lead to 2-0 at the end of the third inning. “It was a physical mistake,” William said. “I wasn’t fast enough to get the ball.” It was not until the bottom of fifth inning in game two that CCC scored. With one out, Comet outfielder Brandie Newton got to second base due to a throwing error to first base by Eagles’ second baseman Amber McQueen. It was outfielder Elvira Figueroa’s double that brought Newton home to put the Comets back in the game. Figueroa went 3-for-3 at bat and had an RBI in game two. Figueroa said, “We wanted to do our best today. I just felt we had to today because we are getting close to the end of the season.” The Comets ended the fifth inning down 2-1. During the top of the sixth however, the

Fulton Simanek Ogolin McLeod Mead (W, 0-0)

1.1 0.2 2.0 1.0 2.0

Baseball (April 18) Los Medanos College AB R H RBI Meadows 2b 3 2 1 1 Lacey ss 3 2 2 0 Jacobson rf 4 1 1 1 Welsh 1b 4 0 1 1 Otaguro 3b 5 0 3 0 George lf 5 0 0 0 Foreman c 5 1 3 0 Polansky p 4 0 0 1 Hill cf 4 2 1 1 Totals

37 8 12 5

Los Medanos College Contra Costa College Los Medanos College Polansky (W, 0-0)

3 0 3 0 3

3 0 1 0 0

2 0 1 0 0

0 0 1 1 1

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Totals

32 2 8

ER BB SO

9.0 8

6.0 1.1 1.1 0.1

Softball (April 18)

Contra Costa College AB R H Smith lf 3 0 0 Rudolp lf 1 0 0 Buckley 1b 4 0 0 Davis 2b 4 0 2 Bowie cf 3 1 2 Hughes 3b 3 1 0 Chavez p 3 0 0 Ray rf 4 0 1 Weisner ss 4 0 2 Quilici c 3 0 1

200 300 030— 8 010 001 000 — 2 IP

Contra Costa College Chavez (L, 0-0) Surezll Donaldson Castanada

0 0 1 0 1

Mendocino College AB R H Smallcomb ss3 1 2 Higgins c 3 0 0 Moore 3b 3 0 1 Contreras 1b 4 0 1 Davis rf 4 1 1 Macias lf 1 0 0 McQueen 2b 3 1 1 Kamita dh 3 0 1 Webb cf 2 0 0

Totals

RBI 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

26 3 7 2

Mendocino College Contra Costa College Los Medanos College Lopez

8 1 3 0

Comet defense began to dissolve. In the sixth inning the Eagle’s hitting also started to improve and they managed to push six runs across the plate. “I think they (Eagles) just got some good hits,” Figueroa said. “I don’t think it was us.” The Comets added one run in the bottom of the sixth inning to bring the score 8-2. CCC outfielder Cierra Streater added an RBI double to bring pitch hitter Catilyn Bal home. But with the bases loaded the Comets were unable to score another run. “My teammate fueled the fire in me to hit the ball when she got on base,” Streater said. Mendocino added four more runs to its lead on the top of the final inning. CCC rallied back in the seventh, but only managed to score two runs to end the scoring. Even though the Comets began to get more hits they left three more runners stranded on base. “The bases got loaded and everyone hit the ball,” Streater said. But, unfortunately for CCC, they hit the ball right at Eagle defenders.

5 1 2 0

2 0 0 0

Contra Costa College Bal

2 1 1 0

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals

26 0 6 —3 —0

ER BB SO

7.0 6

7.0 7

Softball (April 18)

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

000 111 0 000 000 0 IP

5 1 0 0

Mendocino College AB R H Smallcomb ss4 3 2 Higgins c 4 2 0 Moore 3b 5 0 1 Contreras 1b 5 0 2 Davis rf 5 1 1 Macias lf 4 1 1 McQueen 2b 4 2 2 Kamita dh 3 1 2 Webb cf 4 2 2 Totals

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

RBI 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 2

38 12 13 8

Totals

Mendocino College Contra Costa College

31 4 10 4

002 006 4 — 12 000 011 2 — 4 IP

RBI 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

ER BB SO

Mendocino College Willis

7.0 10 4

Contra Costa College Fowler

7.0 14 12

10 3

ocial networks are going to be the death of professional careers one day. The way we have access to famous athletes now is not beneficial to them. It’s not fair that one tweet could ruin a person’s hard work and dedication, just for saying how he or she feels at the time. It is not right for them to receive death threats on these social networks. As a Twitter user, it’s fun to tweet and say what’s going through my mind, or to rant about something. I absolutely love sharing my thoughts and opinions. It’s fun to share thoughts about gaming, sports and my life. As average people we don’t think to watch what we say online, but it could hurt us in the long run. Retired National Football League running back Rashard Mendenhall had an up and down pro football career. He went from being in the coach’s doghouse to being one of the top five running backs in the league. After overcoming these odds, he became the poster boy of what a professional should not say on Twitter. On May 3, 2011, the day after al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden’s assassination, Mendenhall spoke his mind on Twitter saying most people tweeting about this topic don’t even know what took place on 9/11. Even though he spoke the truth, it painted an image that he supported what Bin Laden did, even though he was just against the terrorist being killed by U.S. forces. That image is still stuck in the public’s mind today. This is not the only controversial thing he has tweeted. He responded to Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson’s tweet about the NFL lockout by comparing playing in the league to slavery. Some people read it the wrong way and automatically thought that Mendenhall was a racist. All of this led to his early retirement at 26 this offseason. I was shocked as a fan of his to see him retire so early. There are many other professional athletes who have found themselves in trouble because of their tweets, but athletes have also received death threats on Twitter. In 2011, the San Francisco 49ers shocked the world by winning the NFC West and going deep into the playoffs that year. The 49ers hosted the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game and with the game tied 17-17 in overtime, Niner wide receiver Kyle Williams fumbled a punt to put the Giants in field goal range to win the game. After the game he received death threats on Twitter. The threats got so bad he had to deactivate his Twitter account. Sports fans today are getting out of hand. Now that we have the power to give athletes a piece of our mind when they mess up in a game, people need to realize they are only human. At the end of the day, sports are just games that don’t really matter. They are simple fun. And social network posts are all fun and games until you’re in a job interview, and a potential employer is checking your feed. Mike Thomas is the sports editor of The Advocate. Contact him at mthomas. theadvocate@gmail.com.

A12 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

FOCUS

Taking off — Runners launch from the starting line in the men’s 50meter run as they complete during the East Bay Buffaloes’ 14th Annual Special Olympics Track Invitational on the track in Comet Stadium on April 12.

COMPETING FOR EACH OTHER Photos by Qing Huang, Cody Casares and Christian Urrutia

Raise the roof — Rick Daniels of the Hayward Hurricanes high fives his way to receive his certificate and commemorative cap at the East Bay Buffaloes’ 14th Annual Special Olympics Track Invitational on the track in Comet Stadium on April 12.

Joyous victory — RADD team member Greg Nebs celebrates his accomplishment of winning one of the 400-meter runs during the East Bay Buffaloes’ 14th Annual Special Olympics Track Invitational on the track in Comet Stadium on April 12.

Head to head— Runners sprint down the track from the starting line in the women’s 50meter run at the East Bay Buffaloes’ 14th Annual Special Olympics Track Invitational on the track in Comet Stadium on April 12.

Prepare for launch— Malcolm Miller heaves the shot in the men’s shot put event at the East Bay Buffaloes’ 14th Special Olympics Track Invitational on the track in Comet Stadium on April 12.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

SPOTLIGHT

SECTION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

State mandated change to priority registration will alter which students receive first pick of classes in fall 2014 semester By Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

espite not knowing of the statewide push for student success, Antonio Rojas knew it was finally time to move forward with his education. As friends from high school and college classmates moved on to universities or garnered degrees around him, Rojas spent a turbulent six years, marked by indecision and funded by long hours at low-paying jobs, trying to find his calling at Contra Costa College.

Mountains of self-exploration, five attempts at choosing the right major and more than 100 completed units later, the hopeful nursing major has completed almost all of the prerequisites to gain entry into a nursing program. Yet, due to the changes to priority registration under the Student Success Act, Rojas has one of the lowest fall semester registration priorities because of his high unit volume.

What

Consequently, he has little chance of getting into the impacted Organic Chemistry class he needs at CCC for entrance into certain nursing programs. “I know I’m not the only person who takes long at this,” Rojas said. “It’s just, you spend all this time trying to figure things out. You finally figure out what you want to do with your education, but then all the units you’ve taken hold you back.” Part of Senate Bill 1456, known as the Student Success Act of 2012, mandates that incoming students to community colleges in California who complete orientation and assessment, meet with a counselor, declare a major and establish a comprehensive educational plan will be given higher priority to register for classes than returning students with 100 or more accumulated units.

editorial Act limits self-exploration State mandated push for student success limits students’ time to find themselves.

page B2

Though this change to registration begins in fall 2014, its effects have already been felt by students with 100 or more units who have checked and seen that, when registration for fall classes opens up, they will be some of the last students in line. With a registration date of May 27, as frustrated as Rojas may be, he said he has no intention of giving up on his goal and plans to submit an appeal to

Q SEE PRIORITY: Page B3

’s ins

ide:

Move regist at your ow ration limits n pace: Ch ange stude Defin i n t p i n o ssibili n priority succe g terms: ties ss are W X page exam ords beh B2 ined, i n Getti d stude expla ng or nt ined i Cente r to ai ented: Cam X pages d tran pus to B4-B s Faces ition t add n 5 o e p w We colleg with s ushing s lcome e u tuden ts to h ccess: Cou X page nselor elp th B7 em pe takes rsist time X page B8

CMYK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

B2 THE ADVOCATE

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Defining success, how that affects us

ILLUSTRATION BY LORENZO MOROTTI/THE ADVOCATE

Editorial

Hindering success

Student Success Act mandate that allows fully matriculated students to enroll before long-time students ushers in new era at California’s community colleges

f the changes occurring at California’s community colleges under Senate Bill 1456, otherwise known as the Student Success Act of 2012, none holds as much weight with returning students as the changes to registration priority. Effective when enrollment for the fall 2014 semester begins Monday, incoming students who complete orientation and assessment, meet with a counselor, declare a major and develop an educational plan will be given an earlier registration date than returning students with 100 or more accumulated units. A loss of priority due to high unit volume can be appealed to Admissions and Records by students with the appropriate documentation of extenuating circumstances. Competitive demand and overcrowded classrooms are the biggest reasons these students who are losing their registration priority at Contra Costa College would want to appeal their cases. But if new students who are compliant with the state’s new system have high priority, and returning students who can prove they deserve to retain their priority through appeal have high priority as well, how can anyone expect the system to change? It is a stretch to believe the changes put in place under the act will actually allow students to complete goals faster.

It is understandable that the state wants to give priority to new students who think they immediately know their educational goal and can move through the system in two years. However, such a mandate leaves little room for students to change their minds, let alone explore their options and their passions, before deciding on a major. Most students give two reasons they chose to attend a community college: it is significantly cheaper than the cost of a four-year school, and it provides a way for them to acclimate to higher education while giving them a chance to explore academic options. But the Student Success Act ultimately takes the option of exploration away from community college students. What happens if, after two years of work toward a major, a student finds his or her initial educational goal does not suit him or her and wishes to pursue another path? Even though she knew her major before arriving at CCC, biology major Danielle Odeh-Ajero still needed three years to complete her classes, and many other science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors take even longer to develop their foundations before transferring. High demand for courses limited to just a few sections made getting the necessary classes difficult for Odeh-Ajero.

Even students who retain their registration priority end up competing for the sections they need to make academic progress, and often times stick around an extra semester or two to just get into them. With the state’s new emphasis on churning out educated individuals as rapidly as possible, it would be nice if CCC would offer more class sections, especially in impacted departments like English or history. Of course this may not be possible even as CCC’s administration is leveraging what limited resources it has to comply with the Student Success Act and meet the educational needs of students, all while the campus is obstructed and classroom space limited due to construction of the new Campus Center. One result of the Student Success Act is that the community has been taken out of community colleges, making the experience less personal. Another is the reduction of class variety, as augmenting the system to get students to graduation quicker is shifting focus toward core classes and the most popular electives, slowly phasing out less popular, but just as relevant, classes. But the ultimate result is these colleges are no longer community centers for self-exploration, lifelong learning and skills improvement, but just forgettable stepping stones on students’ hurried routes to graduation.

CampusComment

How would you define student success?

“Being on time to your classes is very important. And if you don’t show up at all how can you expect to learn anything?” Lucy Gonzalez sociology

“Being a successful student is never giving up even if you fail and being able to stay focused on the assignments you have to do.” Rosy Flores undecided

CODY CASARES AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE

“Success is passing your classes and, if it applies, transferring to a four-year college.”

“You have to have ambition to be successful in school. Without any ambition you cannot succeed.”

Jannat Mann

administration of justice

“Being a successful student is having good time management, because it allows you to get your work done and be organized.”

Tylyn Sutton undecided

Anthony Arndt business

“Student success is a give and take process. You get back whatever effort you put in.” Erik Patterson business

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Getting ready for the fall semester

Orientation process implemented State pushes high school graduates to enroll in new orientation course

By Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The new statewide Student Success Initiative will alter the enrollment process for graduating high school students entering Contra Costa College. The new process that will be implemented for fall 2014 semester is intended to help new students transitioning into college become oriented toward the goal of transferring to a four-year college. Admissions and Records Director Catherine Fites said the new orientation process will only affect incoming students. Counselor Norma Valdez-Jimenez said the new six hour orientation course (Counseling 108) will be available for graduating seniors to take all at once or in two hour increments. Fites said the process would benefit new students who declare their major as “undecided.” “We are the first stop for students wanting to go to college who are clueless as to exactly what they want to do with their lives,” Fites said. New students are also required to take the assessment tests and create an educational plan with a major or lose

“We are the first stop for students wanting to go to college who are clueless as to exactly what they want to do with their lives.” Catherine Fites,

Admissions and Records director

the privilege of priority registration. New students who comply with the new enrollment process will be able to register as early as May 10, Fites said. Counselor Robert Webster said if students out of high school choose not to undergo the new enrollment process, then they will have to wait until registration opens up to everyone in June. The orientation serves as a guided tour of campus for new students to get to know the physical layout of the campus. Valdez-Jimenez said counselors take groups of 20 students at a time in Counseling 108. Fites said, if a student cannot meet with a counselor in person, he or she will have the option to complete the

orientation process online. Gateway to College senior Roberto Fites said, “Having a specialized Lopez was taken by surprise when educational plan is the most important informed of the new enrollment propart of the new process.” cess. After learning about the act, Lopez A penny for a major said he agrees with Houston. The educational plan is nothing new, “Students should not be forced to Webster said. decide what they want to be for the rest “When you’re 18, 19, or 20 you of their lives at such a young age,” he really don’t know who you are as a said. “That is the great thing about colperson and making a life decision can lege. You get an idea of what you want be difficult,” he said. “A lot of students in life by exploring different classes.” are undecided. A student will state a Middle College High School social goal and then change his or her mind sciences teacher Rico Adkins said — it happens all the time.” he also had not heard anything about He said many students require more the new enrollment process. Once guidance in deciding on a major. “This explained, he said the new hands-on process is something we need to help approach is a good thing for graduating them (begin to) develop a career.” high school students. Humanities department Chairperson “We have one counselor in our David Houston said, “I didn’t know my school who is very overwhelmed,” he major until my senior year in college. said. “This change is good. We need Students should be uncertain. It is part more counselors to work one-on-one of the life-long learning process.” with students to give them the guidHouston said placing so many ance they need to put them on the right restrictions on students who are unsure track.” of their futures does harm to the Valdez-Jimenez said high school California community college system. students who can’t decide on a major He said students should be allowed should consider liberal arts, she said. to enroll into the classes they want and “Students can either go into math, figure out their career paths through science, humanities, art, the social sciexperiences only obtained by taking a ences, communications or English if variety of college courses. they want.”

Priority | State mandated initiative pushes completion Q FROM: Page B1

Admissions and Records in order to maintain some priority and register well before that date to get the Organic Chemistry class he needs. “All students can appeal their priority registration date,” Director of Admissions and Records Catherine Fites said. “If there is no documentation of extenuating circumstances, then the student is not likely to be given priority.” CCC President Denise Noldon said extenuating circumstances can include having a unit-intensive major, such as engineering or nursing, or being displaced by the workforce and returning to improve skills at the institution in which one accumulated a high unit volume or received a degree. “In many cases our students have legitimate reasons to retain priority, but they have to provide the necessary documentation,” Dr. Noldon said. “(Such appeals) are handled on a case by case basis.” Another option for students with more than 100 units is to submit an early graduation petition, which allows students to receive top priority in getting the last few classes they need to graduate or transfer, Fites said. “We still have the early graduation petition, but you only have one attempt in your life to use it in this district,” she said. Although the deadline has passed for students to turn in an early graduation petition for fall, they may still access the petition form on the college website to receive priority for spring 2015. The form should be submitted to Admissions and Records between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15. With the best intentions While the changes to priority registration may negatively affect some students, the priority given to new students who complete enrollment and assessment, meet with a counselor and form an educational plan will, theoretically, allow them to move through the system faster with an organized framework of the classes they need and higher priority to guarantee access to those classes. Noldon said the old system of determining priority registration rewarded unit accumulation, which is not a clear sign of progress toward a degree, certificate or transfer. “The goal of the Student Success Initiative is to ensure that people who are

making satisfactory and efficient progress toward their goals do not get held up by the system,” she said. “We want to give students the guidance to set goals sooner, to therefore meet their goals sooner.” To ensure students are getting the proper guidance to set and complete goals in a timely manner, the Student Success Act also mandates that community colleges statewide enhance student services, including orientation, assessment and counseling. Working with limited resources, CCC is currently looking at how it can leverage the efforts of its employees to effectively move in the direction of the initiative and meet state mandates on schedule, Noldon said. Counselor and counseling department Chairperson Norma Valdez-Jimenez said, “The initiative has increased our workload, but of course our primary goal is always to serve students. We’re challenged to think outside of the box, to be more strategic, purposeful and creative in how we serve students.” With the assistance of dedicated counselors and enhanced services, such as the online educational planning tool that launched last month, students at CCC, whether new or returning, should be better equipped to set and meet their goals, Valdez-Jimenez said. Nursing major Yesenia Panucl said she likes the idea of the Student Success Act streamlining college services and the transfer or degree completion process. Panucl said that because the nursing program at CCC is so impacted, it is very competitive and difficult to get into, adding that nursing students must maintain satisfactory grades to avoid being terminated from the program. She said she thinks that incoming students determined to get out quickly really do deserve priority over those who have many units but have yet to complete a degree, certificate or transfer program. “It pushes students to move on after two years,” she said. “Students who stick around limit class availability for new students. One hundred units is a lot. I wouldn’t want to stay around that long.” Preparedness, not swiftness “There needs to be a cap, but I’m not sure if 100 (units) is generous enough,” physics and astronomy professor Jon Celesia said. “We (teachers) feel students

“It’s one thing to be spinning your wheels, but another to really be advancing. To go slow is to go strong.” Jon Celesia,

physics and astronomy professor

need to create a strong foundation before moving on, and often times that means more units. A strong and broad foundation is recommended for all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) majors.” Another popular program on campus, STEM is also highly competitive and unitintensive. Celesia said it is ideal for STEM students to have a foundation in both biology and chemistry. Studying ethics and the humanities to accompany the sciences is just as important, as well as communication, which will allow students to clearly articulate their ideas and research findings, he said. “The initiative — the push to get students out quicker — will ultimately weaken the quality of the end product,” he said. “There needs to be time for exploration.” Danielle Odeh-Ajero, biology major and Center for Science Excellence assistant, said she knew before arriving at CCC in fall 2011 that she was going to major in biology. Though she will have more than 100 units after this semester, OdehAjero is not concerned with losing her registration priority because she will be graduating. However, she said she could see STEM majors who started the program after taking time to explore their options easily accumulating 100 or more units, and recognizes how stressful losing their priority can be. “Getting the necessary classes on time can be frustrating, especially in higher level sections where there aren’t multiple sections offered,” she said. “Often times (STEM majors) can’t just take that class next semester because it’s a class that’s only offered once a year.” She referenced Physics 231, the highest level physics class offered at CCC, which is limited to two class sections per year. “It’s a (degree) requirement, but it fills up fast,” she said. “I understand what (the state) is trying to do, but the number

of classes I need and the conflicts in the schedules make it hard. You pack your schedule as (much) as you can, but in some cases two years isn’t enough time.” Celesia said, “It’s one thing to be spinning your wheels, but another to really be advancing. To go slow is to go strong.” Keeping persistent Like many individuals who started their college studies at community colleges, Rojas set out to learn about himself and improve his academic foundation before paying four-year tuition costs. “I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. That’s why I went to a community college instead of a university,” he said. But the statewide push to get students through the community college system faster, accompanied by however California’s legislators choose to define success, seems to take the community out of community college, he said. Noldon said, “There’s not one standard definition (of success). I believe it is the self-definition by students of their achievement of their own stated goals.” Though it took him awhile, Rojas discovered his calling and set his educational goal. Now, the only things standing in his way are the changes to registration priority under the Student Success Act. While the act has, and will continue to, enhance student services, Rojas said the counselors at CCC have been helpful and supportive throughout his six plus years on campus. “(The counselors were) very helpful,” he said. “They told me everything I needed to reach my goal, the classes, grades I needed and how to apply.” He did not go to just one counselor, but saw different ones at least once a year. However, Rojas does not think that if he had met with the same counselor more often he would have made his decision to major in nursing anytime sooner. “I had to figure it out myself,” he said. “You choose a goal (not them), and they tell you how and what you need to get there. “I finally decided on a goal because I was getting older, friends had moved on from school and it was time to start getting my life together.” Rojas said he is determined to get his degree, his life together and be successful, even if he has to do so in spite of the Student Success Initiative.

B4 THE ADVOCATE

SPOTLIG

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Student success scorecards

Keeping score State mandated scorecards for each college in the district keep track of success, completion ollege C a t s o C a r 48.3% t n : ll Co a r e v o s e letion rat p m o c 2 1 2011

Gender .9% Female: 51 Male: 43.4% Age 0.8% Under 20: 5 % 20-24: 40.6 % 25-49: 38.4 35.3% 50 or over: Ethnicity % erican: 37.6 African-Am ndian: 100% American-I % Asian: 64.6 .7% Filipino: 48 4.2% Hispanic: 4 der: 50% Pacific Islan White: 52%

2011-12 c Diablo Valley Co llege ompletion Gender r a t e s overall: 61 Female: 6 3.9% .1%

Male: 58.4 % Age Under 20 : 62.8% 20-24: 55 .9% 25-49: 39 .6% 50 or ove r: 31.6% Ethnicity African-A merican: 32.9% American -Indian: 2 0% Asian: 74 .6% Filipino: 5 7.4% Hispanic: 53% Pacific Isla nder: 50% White: 60 .7%

2011-12

College rall: 41.9% s o n a d e Los M n rates ove tio comple

Gender 43.1% Female: 0.2% Male: 4 Age 0: 44.3% Under 2 8.6% 20-24: 2 7.4% 25-49: 2 % er: 36.4 50 or ov y 4.1% Ethnicit rican: 3 e m A n Africa 25% -Indian: n a ic r e Am 2.3% Asian: 6 .9% 44 Filipino: : 39.9% Hispanic 46.2% lander: Is ic if c Pa 4.1% White: 4

Defining

State required change to complete educational go Full-time student:

A person enrolled in at least 15 un semester with a declared majo

Matriculation:

When a person enrolls in college, take ment tests and begins his or her col experience as a student.

Orientation:

The process of taking assessment te making an educational plan, and ta mandatory Counseling 108 class, a introduction to college.

Repeatability:

Regardless of withdrawal or substand grade, a student is allowed to take up to two times before needing to appeal in order to repeat the course

OTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Definition of key words

ng what’s on the board

hanges occurring at community colleges in California aimed at allowing students nal goals faster are re-defining roles and processes, changing face of two-year schools

ast 15 units a red major.

ege, takes assessr her college

ssment tests, n, and taking the class, a .3 unit

ubstandard d to take a class eding to make an he course again.

Registration priority:

The designated time frame that a student can enroll in classes for a selected semester.

Student success scorecard:

An online representation of the ethnic and gender make-up and academic performance of community colleges. Colleges are put into groups and ranked against “like colleges.” The scorecard can be found at www.scorecard.cccco.edu.

Completion:

When a student earns a degree or a certificate in his or her designated field. Completion will also be measured by subgoals set by the state, including the completion of basic skills preparation, first 15 semester units, first 30 semester units, and, finally, certificate, degree or transfer.

Transfer:

Educational plan:

An organized outline of classes built around a student’s declared major, designed to move students through the system quickly.

When a student completes his or her educational goals at a community college and transfers to either a UC, CSU or other four-year college. CCC is now offering associate degrees for transfer, which guarantee students who complete one admission into a local CSU.

Degree:

Success:

A mark of achievement in a designated major or field. CCC offers associate and transfer degrees, certificates of achievement and accomplishment.

(Your definition here) INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC BY CODY MCFARLAND AND GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

B6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

SPOTLIGHT

Benefits of junior colleges, degrees

Community colleges personalize learning By Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

Community colleges have a reputation for allowing students to inexpensively complete their general education before transferring to a university, but to imagine this as the only benefit of community colleges would be a mistake. The two-year colleges in the state, such as Contra Costa College, not only charge bargain-bin prices for higher education credits, but also provide individual support, certificate programs and the necessary services that allow students to develop strong academic foundations before moving on to a university. “Above everything, (community colleges) are more personal,” David Houston, humanities and philosophy department chairperson and professor, said. “But it’s not just more personal encounters and individual attention, it’s the personal commitment of professors to the students.” Houston said that classroom settings in universities are less intimate and often times students are taught by teaching assistants instead of the actual professor. The result is a research oriented setting in which students rely on themselves and their own fact-finding abilities with little to no individual attention from the professor to address their questions or concerns. Journalism professor and department Chairperson Paul DeBolt said, “We don’t lower standards, we work with students and provide support where they need it. Students who think that’s the norm will be surprised when they go to a university.” Houston agrees. “The teachers here have such a high level of commitment. They are real teachers,” he said. “They are more focused on their teaching than their dissertation.” Associated Students Union President Ysrael Condori said his experience at CCC and service on the ASU Board changed his outlook on life and ultimately his career path. He said what inspired him most about some of the college’s employees was hearing how they too began their higher educations at CCC and, after completing higher level degrees, returned to work at the college to make it better. DeBolt is a prime example of this phenomenon. He has taught at CCC for 34 years and was a student here from 1973-75. He also had his four children attend community colleges before going to universities, to ensure they had a firm idea for their futures and strong foundations before paying high tuition costs at four-year schools. At CCC specifically, DeBolt said students exploring their higher education options and themselves have some of the best support structures made available to them. “Students really have an advantage with all of the services offered at Contra Costa, from counseling to financial aid and assessment,” he said. “It’s first class.” Middle College High School student Diamonique Spain said, “The number one benefit (of community college) is you save a lot of money.” After graduating from MCHS later this semester, Spain will return to CCC for another year, or at least one more semester, to help her decide what she will major in, she said. She is currently considering majoring in African-American studies or marketing and communication. “I don’t really know what I want to be and I would hate to spend money at a four-year school while figuring that out,” she said. Houston said, “Community colleges open the door to higher education. They give students a chance to get a feel for what college is like and for what they want to do with their education.”

Initiative empowers vocational education Programs supply real world work experience, certificates for job market

By Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR

currutiaw.theadvocate@gmail.com

Career technical education programs are seeing a few changes to certifications and basic skills instruction as part of the Student Success Initiative but will remain as valuable as ever for students. “A couple of things that are impacting the career technical education programs from the Student Success Initiative is that, first, we’re developing stackable certificates,” Dona DeRusso, interim director of economic and workforce development, said. DeRusso said that students earning certificates could start building them on one another, ending with an associate degree in their desired field. “We (Contra Costa College) are finding that students are completing at a higher rate because of how we’re aligning the certificates,” DeRusso said. Administration of justice department Chairperson Rick Ramos said students continually go back to work after receiving certificates of achievement and accomplishment. Ramos said, “Stacking certificates in (administration of justice) for example leads up to an associate degree for transfer.” Ten programs of study listed within the CTE programs offer associate degrees, while 12 are available for certificates of achievement. Certificates of accomplishment are also offered in seven CTE disciplines according to the college course catalog. DeRusso said that as students progress through the lowlevel, mid-level certifications and eventual graduation with an associate degree, they have the possibly of earning up to $50,000 or $60,000 immediately after. “The earning potential is pretty decent at entry level positions and continues to grow at each higher certificate,” DeRusso said. Wide arrays of CTE programs are offered ranging from automotive services and culinary arts management to nursing and health and human services. CTE counselor Jeannette McClendon said, “Students trying to get into these programs usually are not intending to transfer with a degree. They have a skillset in mind that they want a certificate for.” McClendon said that CTE has partnered with economic and work-force development to serve ex-convicts along with any other students whose English and math skills might not be as high as others. This is something that falls in line with what the Student Success Initiative is also changing for CTE programs. “The second thing we’re doing is incorporating skills instruction for math and English courses so students can gain skill attainment,” DeRusso said. She said this builds opportunities to move into college level general education classes.

“We (Contra Costa College) are finding that students are completing at a higher rate because of how we’re aligning the certificates” Dona DeRusso,

interim director of economic and workforce development

Developing educational plans and making sure that there is a clear understanding of how the sequencing for stacking certificates operates, is another objective of the Student Success Initiative, DeRusso said. An element of the Student Success Act of 2012 (Senate Bill 1456), also called the Student Success Initiative, is geared toward strengthening and supporting college student preparedness with emphasis on technology, increasing transfer and degree completion rates. “All (three) grant projects for CTE are really geared toward student success,” DeRusso said. Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson said students in CTE programs know what they want and are doing well. The Carl “How do we continue D. Perkins that?” Gilkerson asked. Vocational Nursing major Aileen and Technical Guzman said students Education have to want to do well in Act, Design an intensive and competi- it-Build it-Ship tive field of study such as it grant, and nursing. the California “You have to work Linked you’re way up as it is a Learning really difficult program District to get into. But it’s worth Initiative fund the wait,” Guzman said. the Career Dr. Cheri Etheredge, Technical nursing department Education prochairperson, said chang- grams at CCC. es implemented by the Student Success Initiative The Student would only be restrict- Success ed to nursing graduates Initiative will needing to attain a bach- place more elor’s degree. emphasis on The emphasis is part basic skills of one of the goals the instruction Student Success Initiative for Career plans to improve transfer Technical and completion rates. Education “By 2020, 80 per- students and cent of nursing students streamline need to attain a B.A. and the transition we’re collaborative with to earn both Cal State-East Bay and certificates thankfully our attrition and associrates are low,” Etheredge ate degrees, if said. desired. Attrition means a reduction in the number of participants involved. “Thankfully we do not have attrition rates above 15 percent and once students get in, it’s sort of like a big family,” she said. Culinary arts Chairperson Nader Sharkes said the Student Success Initiative is brought up in division meetings but there has yet to be a substantial change within the program to align with the initiative. He said culinary arts is already rigorous and the graduation rate is exceedingly high for the college and state.

in brief

New degree aims to streamline transfer process Three departments offer opportunities for specific majors By Brian Boyle NEWS EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

Contra Costa College is just beginning to offer the new associate degree for transfer, which was created by the state Legislature in 2010. “We are definitely a little behind,” Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson said. “We’re finally beginning to catch up though.” CCC currently offers three transfer degrees. The degrees offered are in administration of justice, communication studies (speech) and physics. Gilkerson said the college is attempting to create an additional 13 transfer degrees. English professor Joy Eichner-Lynch said that the English department had put together a proposal for a transfer degree, but it was rejected. The English department is currently attempting to create a degree proposal that will be met with approval, she said. The degree was created by Senate Bill 1440, which was introduced by state Sen. Alex Padilla as a way to allow students a

faster means of transfer. “It still requires the same number of units as an associate degree,” Gilkerson said. “Before there were classes required for transferring that were not required to get your A.A. The new degree lets students get their transfer requirements done while earning a degree.” The bill is an attempt to homogenize community colleges across the state. Gilkerson explained that, in the past, community colleges had a wide array of names and descriptions for what was ultimately the same course. The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges helped create a course identification numbering system (C-ID) in order for students to identify similar courses at any given campus. Colleges are required to make their transfer degree courses identifiable by a C-ID. Sherry Diestler, CCC’s speech department chairperson, said, “The C-ID is meant to make sure that wherever you get your degree, it has the same meaning.” Diestler said because of the C-ID requirement her department has to go through their course offerings again to make sure the degree is still state certified. The new degree requires community colleges to partner with what the bill describes as “local” CSUs. When a college creates their transfer degree, it guarantees the student completing that degree a spot in a “local” CSU.

Gilkerson said the local CSUs that CCC will feed into are San Francisco State and Cal State-East Bay. In order to achieve the new degree, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, as well as complete the 60-unit requirement for transfer. The degree further aids students in that it limits the number of units a CSU can force a student with a transfer degree to take. When a student transfers to a CSU with a transfer degree, that student will enter as a junior, with only 60 units left to earn their bachelor’s degree. Departments at CCC are using other departments to round out their transfer degree offerings, Diestler said. She said that the communication studies degree also requires a class from the journalism department. The requirement that students only achieve a 2.0 GPA at their community college may not adequately prepare them for CSU level courses. “It depends entirely on the teacher,” Diestler said. She explained that at CCC, the speech department makes sure to hire teachers that also have an English degree, to make sure that students taking speech courses also receive preparation in other ways. “I’ve heard of other schools that don’t require students to outline, or write the couple thousand words that are basically mandated,” Diestler said. The website adegreewithaguarantee.com

“It still requires the same number of units as an associate degree. Before there were classes required for transferring that were not required to get your A.A. The new degree lets students get their transfer requirements done while earning a degree.” Tammeil Gilkerson, vice president

allows students to search for community colleges that offer transfer degrees that meet their specific needs. The website allows students to search for a college by a specific degree offered, or to search for specific colleges and see what degrees that campus offers. Where CCC currently only offers three transfer degrees, sister colleges Los Medanos College and Diablo Valley College offer many more. LMC offers 13 transfer degrees at the moment, including psychology, history and theater arts. DVC offers 18 different transfer degrees, including mathematics, geology, early childhood education and English.

SPOTLIGHT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Welcome Center, what it will bring

Student services given more space Former offices to move to house new center By Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

Anyone unfamiliar with Contra Costa College will soon have a place to become acquainted with the campus and all the services it offers. The work-in-progress Welcome Center, located in SSC-111, will host a staff of employees and a number of services designed to ease the initial period of confusion many new students experience when arriving on campus. Computers for registration, seating arrangements with tables and employees from several different student services areas will be available in the Welcome Center to assist with student needs or questions. “In order to better serve students we need a Welcome Center,” Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson said. A definitive date has not been set for the opening of the center, but the planned time frame is late May to early June, Ferguson said. The space currently undergoing its transformation into the Welcome Center is the Dean of Students Office, located in the Student Services Center. The Dean of Students Office will be moved to the present International Students Office, which is moving into the Admissions and Records Office. English as a second language student Susana Landeros said the idea of a Welcome Center is great because she was unsure of where to go for help and guidance when first arriving at CCC. “Hopefully we can offer more help to people who speak English as a second language in the Welcome Center because so many Spanish-speaking students here (at CCC) have trouble understanding some things,” Landeros said. Landeros, upon arriving to CCC to register for classes, had to wait for someone

“Another thing students want is to have a Transfer/Career Center, so as the (Welcome Center) is being developed students have a chance to give input (about its services).” Ysrael Condori, ASU president

to translate for her, which ended up taking more than three hours for them to show up, she said. Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson said, “My understanding is that students wanted a space where they could register and receive support about transferring, so we’re pushing the center forward.” Gilkerson said the college is beginning to prepare SSC-111 with furniture and renovations done by the Keller Group Office Environments. All the services made available to CCC’s students, such as financial aid, Admissions and Records, EOPS and Single Stop, could use the space, she said. Two permanent counseling assistants will be in the center to help with EOPS needs and for general questions. The new space has yet to be given a concrete floor plan. Counselor Andrea Phillips said, “Until I see the center (completed), it’s hard to say what we are going to do with the space.” While Gilkerson and Ferguson plan to host visits by UC and CSU representatives within the Welcome Center, it will not be the main focus of the center. Phillips, who devotes a percentage of her time communicating with students through InSite Portal about upcoming transfer events, plans to spend time in the center during peak registration times to assist students. “There has yet to be a plan of action, but one thing for sure is I’ll probably be spending a lot of my time there,” Phillips said. “But until the Welcome Center is operational, I

Things to come: Representatives from UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, Mills College and other four-year institutions will visit and hold appointments with students in SSC-111 two to three times a month.

A row of banked computers will be installed on the wall

between SSC-111 and the new Dean of Students Office, to be used for new and continuing student registration.

Two permanent counseling assistants will be housed in

the Welcome Center for drop in questions. Employees from offices such as financial aid, EOPS, and Admissions and Records will also rotate in and out on a regular basis. INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC BY CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

can’t really say.” Ysrael Condori, Associated Student Union president, said that the Welcome Center has the potential to be seen as a direct resource for students interested in knowing about the campus and its services. Condori said that ASU student senators could help out, as part of their weekly volunteer hours, and Student Life would also have student ambassadors present at the center. “Another thing students want is to have a Transfer/Career Center, so as the (Welcome Center) is being developed students have a chance to give input (about its services),” Condori said, referencing a focus group the ASU performed last year. “Hopefully we can have an idea of what it is going to be before it starts to operate,” he said. The former Transfer/Career Center was last active in 2011. Once housed in SSC-106, it was removed due to budget cuts to the general fund for the state education system. Los Medanos College’s CARE program coordinator Robin Harrison said, “I was the (CCC) transfer center coordinator for seven

years and the last transfer coordinator up until (CCC) was no longer able to fund it. “It was a really wonderful program and because of the way we ran the center, we had a lot of success.” She said it was an integral part of the school where students could help each other and it provided strong networking opportunities within that space. “The past Transfer/Career Center (at CCC) was devoted to transferring and included 10 computers in the middle of the room,” she said. Computers for online transfer applications and personal statements were only a couple of the various services formerly offered at the CCC Transfer/Career Center. “I had one student who, over a period of several months, would come to me for help with her personal statement,” Harrison said. “We ended up rewriting her statement six times, and that’s a service you can’t get unless you have a Transfer/Career Center. “A transfer day event isn’t enough time to provide that kind of service to students,” she said.

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B8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

SPOTLIGHT

Different faces of community college

Sharing a senior student’s story By Manning Peterson STAFF WRITER

mpeterson.theadvocate@gmail.com

The business card he handed me last fall at the College Skills Center reads Federico (Fred) Casanares — “Professional Senior Student.” Fred walks the talk and talks the walk of a man who is constantly seeking to learn, grow and succeed as a scholar. The dictionary defines professional as “following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain.” Senior is “older or elder” and “of higher or of the highest rank or standing.” Student is “any person who studies, investigates or examines thoughtfully.” Fred was born in New London, Conn. on Dec. 24, 1931. “I got shafted out of my first Christmas by coming out of the shaft one day early,” he said with a sly smile. He is now 82 years old and overjoyed to be alive, sane, healthy, happy and mentally alert. Most of his original playmates aren’t playing anymore in the sandbox of life. Fred grew up in West Oakland at Tenth and Chestnut. “I originally intended to go to University High School, but they closed it. So I started high school at McClymonds and then transferred to Oakland Tech. Tech had a better academic program with the best teachers, plus I wanted to be on the gymnastics team. I won first place in the all-around competition at the Oakland High School Gymnastics Championship Tournament in 1949. People still stop me and say they saw me win that tournament,” Fred said with a tone of obvious pride. He continued, “I graduated from Tech in January of 1950. When I started at CCC in September of 1950 I had no idea what a college major was. After one semester I decided to major in music. It was a no-brainer for me. “My mom had bought me an alto sax when I was in elementary school. I’ve always loved all kinds of music, but jazz has been my favorite,” he said. Fred attended CCC off and on for the next dozen years while working part time or full time. He graduated in 1963 with an associate degree in music. “I’ve always loved the variety of courses available as well as the student/staff cultural diversity here at CCC,” he said with a note of nostalgia in his voice. He can usually be found at noon Tuesday and Thursday at The Senior

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Professional senior student — Contra Costa College alumni Federico Casanares (left), 82, shares memories and lunch with adjunct professor Fritz Pointer in the Three Seasons Restaurant on Feb. 25. The two meet at the restaurant twice a week.

Scholars Seminar table in the Three Seasons Restaurant on campus. “The food is well-prepared and nutritious. I always have fun talking smack at (emeritus CCC English professor) Fritz Pointer about our misspent youth in West Oakland. I lived in the upper crust section,” he said, followed by a loud laugh. Fred now resides in reckless retirement in Richmond with his wife Lita. Their six children have grown, gone and started their own families. He retired after 26 years of community service with the City of Richmond Housing Department. His last position was housing finance representative. “It’s a fancy title for somebody who processed home improvement loans,” he said. “Eight years ago there were three generations of my family attending, or involved at, CCC. My youngest son, Phillip, daughter Natasha, and I were taking classes while my grandson was doing his thing in the Child Care Center. Phillip was preparing to graduate with a triple major in English, history and film-making,” Fred said proudly. Since he graduated, Fred has taken or audited courses at CCC in the fundamentals of cooking, Spanish, fitness training principles, pre-algebra, nutrition, Latin jazz dance, yoga, step aerobics and others.

He is the product of modest, humble parents. His Filipino father served his career as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. His mom was a loving, nurturing black/Native American/Irish melting-pot homemaker. His next planned classroom challenge will be Tagalog. “My dad was traveling a lot while on duty, so I never had a chance to become fluent in the language of my Filipino roots. I did learn a few words of profanity, which I still use occasionally,” he said, followed by a huge grin. When asked why he keeps taking classes at CCC he quickly replied, “To ward off the potential pull of early dementia and Alzheimer’s. I don’t want to end up somewhere as a doofus talking to myself or not knowing what my name is.” Fred’s other passions in life are being a life-long member of the Oakland Raider Nation and a season ticket holder, spending time with his grandchildren, listening to jazz and making this world a more healthy, sane and serene space for all. About possible changes or improvements at CCC he said, “Someday I would love to see the law rolled back to when seniors were able to attend CCC for free. The policy when I graduated was a free educa-

tion for all California community college students. All you had to do was sign up for class and buy your books. Those were the good old days. Now it costs everybody $46 a unit. If you’re an international student you get grabbed for $200+ a unit.” How would folks personify Fred Casanares? The consensus is he’s a chronologically-gifted, warm, friendly, intelligent man who loves to laugh. He thoroughly enjoys the challenges of the world of academia. He is CCC’s resident educational excellence role model and gold standard. He’s Diogenes without the lamp wearing a CCC Comets cap and sweatshirt. “Do you remember the ‘Superfly’ album by Curtis Mayfield back in the day?” he asked. “One of the songs is titled ‘Freddie’s Dead.’ Well, this Freddie is not dead yet. Todavia estoy vivito y coleando (that’s Spanish for I’m still alive and kicking).” “I don’t plan to just sit around getting old and ugly. I’m going to do all I can to keep living a quality life while I continue learning one day at a time, thank you very much. Peace out, bro.” Peace out to you too, Fred. You “da professional senior student.” Keep on keeping on with your bad senior self.

Counselor creates bond with services Guide helps connect pupils to community By Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

Whether she is providing guidance, recommending the right classes or helping students develop educational plans, counselor and counseling department Chairperson Norma ValdezJimenez puts forth the effort to make a connection with her students. Tucked away in the counseling department within the Student Services Center, in a room typically occupied by her and a student, Valdez-Jimenez fulfills her duties as a counselor and department chairperson, as well as handles responsibilities on the Subcommittee on Orientation, part of the districtwide Student Success Initiative task force. She believes the key to student persistence and goal completion — the focus of the Student Success Initiative — lies in establishing a connection with students and making them feel like they are a part of the campus and part of something larger than themselves. If there is one thing students pick up on when in her

“She has the role of a leader and is very professional, which might seem intimidating, but when you sit down with her one-onone you get that connection.” Luis Vega,

physics major

presence, it is that ValdezJimenez really cares about their needs for self-actualization and their futures, Puente Club President and physics major Luis Vega said. “She has a really strong personality that engages students,” Vega said. “She has the role of a leader and is very professional, which might seem intimidating, but when you sit down with her one-on-one you get that connection.” Julian Godinez, pre-nursing student and counseling desk assistant, agrees. “She’s awesome. She’s pretty much my boss, but it doesn’t really feel that way,” Godinez said. “She’s very open and easy to talk to about anything.” Valdez-Jimenez is also fluent in both English and

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Hard at work — Counseling department Chairperson Norma Valdez-Jimenez speaks with a student in her office in the Student Services Center on Friday. Spanish, bringing her bilingual and bicultural capabilities into play to better serve Contra Costa College’s student population, more than 30 percent of which is Hispanic. In addition to her roles as counselor, chairperson and on the student success task force, Valdez-Jimenez is responsible for co-founding the Puente Program at CCC, which offers academic support for Hispanic students. Godinez said ValdezJimenez is popular among students, adding that she gets asked for by name quite often. When Associated Students Union President Ysrael Condori first arrived on campus, coming from Peru, he said the connec-

tion Valdez-Jimenez established with him served to strengthen his bond to the college and influenced him to explore his options and set goals. “Norma helped me clear up the doubts I had when I first came here,” Condori said. “She has a lot of knowledge in instructing students as to which classes to take to meet their goals. She also recommends extra-curricular activities that coincide with your goals and points out resources students may overlook.” If the key to persistence and success truly is establishing a campus connection, it is unanimous among students that Valdez-Jimenez does this well.

Outside of helping students develop ed plans and register for the classes they need to graduate. ValdezJimenez said she helps students find solutions to the personal life challenges that face CCC’s diverse student demographic. “Our students are amazingly resilient. The things that get in the way of student success are not a lack of potential or because they are not smart enough,” ValdezJimenez said. “It’s their personal life challenges.” Abstaining from giving advice, she said she listens to her students to get a feel for where they are coming from, then presents questions that prompt them to find the answers within themselves. “I don’t believe in giving

advice,” she said. “I believe in being fully present in that moment that (the student is) in my office. I ask questions that can further help them explore the question in front of them. They ask themselves, respond to themselves and find the answers within themselves.” Her counseling methods have resonated with many of the students she has seen throughout the years. Whether it is just to say thank you, give her a hug or tell her what they have accomplished post-CCC, graduates and transferees are regularly coming to the SSC to check in with their favorite counselor, Godinez said. “People who have graduated come back just to see her,” he said.