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WEDNESDAY l 4.26.17 OUR 67TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

“

I know that I earned these scholarships with blood, sweat and tears. I do not believe in doing your best, because some days your best is not good enough.”

ASU USES STUDENT FEES TO PAY FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE

— Sasha Graham, liberal arts major

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Associated Student Union Board voted to use funds from the $5 Student Activity Fee (SAF) to pay 25 percent of Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks’ full-time salary for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

At its meeting on April 19, in a 7-1 vote, the Contra Costa College ASU Board approved the allocation of $17,656 to augment Nickelson-Shanks’ full-time salary.

The waivable $5 fee is charged to students, districtwide, upon enrolling into classes every spring and fall semester.

“That money is coming from the Student Activity Fee,” ASU President Safi Ward-Davis said at the student government’s weekly public meeting.

Nickelson“(Some) of the Shanks money that comes in will be used to pay The for Joel,” Ward-Davis Associated said. “So, Joel works Student for (the ASU Board).”

Union ASU Treasurer agrees to Arius Robinson said pay 25 per- the district deposcent of the its SAF funds into Student Life the ASU’s operating coordinabudget annually to tor’s salary sponsor club events, with the scholarships or any $5 Student student-led commuActivity Fee. nity projects.

Wa r d - D a v i s explained that this is not the first time the ASU agreed to use student fees to pay a portion of its advisers’ salary, and it won’t be the last.

The 2015-16 ASU Board agreed to cover the cost of a full-time Student Life coordinator until 2018-19 with annual approvals, Ward-Davis said.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Liberal arts, social and behavioral sciences major Sasha Graham (left) hugs college President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as she reacts to the news of winning the $40,000 per year Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship during a reception in the Student and Administration Building on April 18.

Scholar, mother earns national scholarship Student will receive $40,000 for three years

BY Roxana Amparo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

SEE ASU, PAGE 3

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Super Saturday offers guidance, opportunities PAGE 6

Culinary department hosts Food and Wine, raises $30,000 Outside venue excites huge crowd, brings profit

Netflix series raises awareness of suicide, sexual assault, bullying PAGE 7

BY Dylan Collier ASSISTANT SCENE EDITOR

dcollier.theadvocate@gmail.com

The college hosted its 10th annual Food and Wine Event on Sunday, outside in the Campus Center Plaza from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The yearly event is held to fund a study abroad trip to Italy for 10 students from the culinary arts department.

Approximately $30,000 from ticket sales and auctions were raised this year.

Culinary arts instructional assistant Angel Chau said that when the managing staff adds in the money from donations, sponsors and pre-sales tickets that figure will nearly double to near $60,000.

For the past nine years, the event was held in the Gymnasium, but this year holding it outside seemed to make sense for everyone.

The food and wine vendors lined the sidewalk with the sun blazing down and musical tunes resonating throughout the air

“I have come to this event every year for the past five years and I like that it’s outside because it really adds to the ambiance.”

Matt Metcho, attendee

outside the Student Dining Hall.

The culinary arts department made it elegant by placing a red carpet that ran from the first wine vendor by the entrance, to the tables and music area outside of the cafeteria.

“I think the event has evolved so much this year by holding it outdoors and got us out of being enclosed in the Gym. This way, we were able to show people about our little oasis in the dessert,” previous recipient of the Italy scholarship and former culinary arts student Joe Quario said.

Chau said that she was SEE FOOD AND WINE, PAGE 3

ABOVE: Attune Wine booth representative Jason Campbell (left) pours Richmond resident Barry Grant a glass of 2015 chardonnay during the Food and Wine Event in the Campus Center Plaza on Sunday.

Liberal arts, social and behavioral arts major Sasha Graham is one of 55 two-year college students in the nation to receive the $40,000 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship.

Through this scholarship, Graham will receive $40,000 per year for three years to complete her undergraduate studies at a four-year university.

Graham will also receive $50,000 annually for up to four years to complete her post-baccalaureate.

The scholarship will cover tuition, books and living expenses.

Graham, who thought she was meeting with Contra Costa College President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh in her office in the Student and Administration Building on April 8 with other administrators, soon found out the gathering was scheduled to surprise her and celebrate her achievement.

“I feel so grateful,” Graham said with tears in her eyes.

“I am filled with so much joy because it has been so hard to get through these last few years.

I am really starting to feel like I did do the right thing by coming back to school.”

As applause filled the room, Graham said she did not expect to receive the scholarship.

“People were saying, ‘you are going to get it,’ my close friends that is, even though it was very competitive. But I wanted to win it. I was afraid not to win it,” she said.

“This means so much.

Somebody is appreciating what I am doing even if nobody else is.

“It’s been a hard road and I think people who go to this college are on a similar path. It’s very difficult at the community college level. Most of us don’t have money and might not have childcare. (They even) might be looking for a place to stay.”

The criteria to earn the SEE GRAHAM, PAGE 3

2

Quotable “The standards of live news have sagged deep into the entertainment department several floors below.”

Ed Turner, editor at large, CNN 1998 Roxana Amparo editor-in-chief Marci Suela art director Lorenzo Morotti Michael Santone associate editors Benjamin Bassham Anthony Kinney news editors Robert Clinton sports editor opinion editor Xavier Johnson scene editor Dylan Collier assistant scene editor Reggie Santini spotlight editor Denis Perez Cody Casares photo editors Efrain Valdez Yesenia Melara social media editors Tashi Wangchuck multimedia editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Advocate Staff Sean Austin Madison Burfield Jose Chavez Dahn Bey Karla Juarez Jaleel Perry Julian Robinson Valeria Garcia Jshania Owens Kyle Pierce-Turley Isaac Resendiz Matthew Robinson Jessica Suico Carlos Suarez Desmond Sylva Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Member

Associated Collegiate Press

California Newspaper Publishers Association

Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accentadvocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 VOL. 104, NO. 20

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

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EDITORIAL ‘LAST RESORT’ PICKS POCKETS

ASU Board votes to use student fees to pay adviser’s salary

T

he Associated Student Union Board renewed its agreement to use student fees to pay for part of a full-time employee’s salary because the college administration couldn’t find funds elsewhere to pay it.

At the weekly public ASU meeting on April 19, only one ASU member voted against covering 25 percent of the student life coordinator position’s full-time salary using the $5 Student Activity Fee (SAF).

ASU Treasurer Arius Robinson said the district deposits SAF funds into the ASU’s operating budget annually to sponsor club events, scholarships or any student-led community projects.

And while using student fees to pay for college employee salaries does not violate any state, local or district mandate, it should.

Covering $17,656 of the salary for the position equates to about 3,531 students paying the $5 fee for one semester.

Former college vice president Tammeil Gilkerson and Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson asked the ASU Board to vote to use student fees to pay the rest of Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks’ full-time salary.

This is a blatant conflict of interest.

There is no way for the ASU to refuse the conditions of Nicholson-Shanks’ salary agreement because the Student Life coordinator also is the ASU’s adviser, which they need to function as a student government.

And because this is the second year students will be absorbing the costs, without a campuswide statement or a written contract, this agreement is unethical.

ASU President Safi Ward-Davis explained that the former ASU Board initially agreed to pay 25 percent of his salary until 2018-19.

She said former ASU Board negotiated that there be annual approvals.

Ferguson said asking the ASU to pay for this college cost was a “last resort.”

The fact that the students are paying part of an employee’s salary tarnishes the claim of transparency that the ASU and administrators present to everyday students.

The ASU Board’s decision to approve the funding was not unanimous, and the one dissenting voice in the room spoke to the crux of the conflict.

“Don’t get me wrong,” ASU Senator Cynthia Anderson explained to the rest of the ASU Board. “I think he’s worth it, but I don’t think 25 percent of his salary should come from us. I feel we need to put more pressure on the district (to provide funds).”

There is no denying that the Student Life coordinator should be a full-time position to help foster a campus culture. But the cost should not be funded by the students — even if it is only for a few years until enrollment improves funding.

Ferguson cited restrictions on other state grants as the reason why she asked the student government to shoulder the costs until enrollment increases.

“We had to get guidance from Business Services (on the legality).” Ferguson said. “If (the ASU Board says) ‘no’ then the position would have to go back to .75. That would decrease hours of operation and activities.

The ASU Board needs to stand up for the student body, and just say “no.”

Having a full-time Student Life coordinator is helpful — but students, who have to pay for tuition and textbooks, cannot afford these costs.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

■ SPEECH

Cursing is mainstream, overuse mars integrity N

owadays words like “damn” and others have become as common as hello and goodbye in everyday conversation.

We were taught that these taboo “curse words” were never to be spoken, whispered or even thought about or you’d be sent straight to hell — in a handbasket.

Well, metaphorically, that is.

Growing up, using these bad words was like living on the wild side.

They made the shortest person feel tall, and the weakest person feel strong.

Having to casually look over your shoulder for any sign of an authority figure before dropping a few A-holes and F-bombs was thrilling, of course, until you got caught.

In an instant, your entire life would flash before your eyes and a bar of Irish Spring soap was there to combat the blasphemy.

But this, the prohibition of profanity, was a part of the fun and excitement of saying “curse words.”

Even as adults, these delightfully shocking and vulgar figures of speech were a rarity among society.

These words, if spoken, would result in public crucifixion by peers and strangers.

It was their jarred glares, when words like “shit” were said, that stood them ready to hogtie you.

It wasn’t so long ago that even the slightest gasp of “bitch” would send those you were conversing with into anaphylactic shock.

Ultimately, this is what

the center of popularity and laughter.

Even while out in public, the intensity only increases, as children scream “damn” and “ass” throughout the frozen food section of a local grocery store.

And they do this as their made “curse words” so great. parents laugh and smile This is what turned these in encouragement, while bidding you a hearty good age-old expressions into little pieces of integrity that morning.

Or, during serious converwere once used to demonsations, you are met with a strate a point. guffaw after expressing how Whether it was due to bad your day has been. childhood trauma manifestAll meaning and integrity ing itself into an adult verfor these words have dission of a zesty bar of soap, solved and it’s such a tragic or just the pure adrenaline loss to humanity. rush when But these “curse words” using Growing up, have done more than lose these their meaning — they have words using these lost their effect. when it They have evolved into was neces- bad words words of endearment and sary.

They was like living camaraderie.

Now, a derogatory term is were a nickname given to besties. filled with on the wild Other words of profanity are meaning used in place of adjectives, and soul. side. verbs and nouns.

But But this loss, as the prohithese words, which are now bition of profanity dwindles inescapable throughout society, have lost this mean- away, has only created a future generation who will ing and integrity.

They just don’t mean what not know the true meaning and effect of these words. they used to.

We have fostered a generThese now overused and ation that will never feel the mundane “curse words,” excitement or understand which are expressed by the power they once held in almost everyone and used before and after every other conversation.

For the good ol’ days of word, have died. “curse words,” the thrill is These words have been gone, and thoroughly oblitoverused by a society with erated to never return. no respect for dramatic effect.

Michael Santone is a news You can’t set foot outside editor of The Advocate. without being exposed to a Contact him at msantone. barrage of has-been words, theadvocate@gmail.com once the source of shock and awe, but which are now

michaelsantone

CAMPUS COMMENT

If there was a mental health center on campus would you go and why?

“I already have a personal counselor, but it would be helpful to students if we did have one.”

“That is something that is interesting, but I wouldn’t go. I would like to see it on campus for students.”

“If I was stressed out, I would go. I feel like it would help me if I did need the help.”

Marc Lopez

Jesse Chao

kinesiology

undecided

music

JESSICA SUICO, REGGIE SANTINI/THE ADVOCATE

“Yes because it is always good to talk to people about things going on that are bothering you.”

Kevin Navas Orlleeda Wright nursing

“Yes. I think it is great to help other people. If the problems interfere with our school work then it is good to have help.”

“I would go because it would be easier for students to access it if we had one on campus. I would also recommend it to other people.”

Cinthya Zuniga

Catalina Barrera

Spanish

art

campusbeat

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 4.26.2017 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

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NEWSLINE ASU| Student fees used to pay for full-time role RESEARCH

PROJECT AIMS TO SAVE CIVILIZATION History, anthropology and geography department Chairperson Manu Ampim will be presenting the results of his team’s 2016-2017 field research on Monday.

It will be held in the Knox Center at 6 p.m.

Students who attend the event will have the chance to learn about his ongoing project to help save the ancient civilizations of Kush and Nubia from flooding.

They will also see Ampim’s records on the practices of remote groups in the Omo Valley region.

For more information, contact history, anthropology and geography department Chairperson Manu Ampim at mampim@contracosta.edu.

WORKSHOP

TIPS FOR STRESS RELIEF OFFERED A stress management workshop will be held in GE-212 on Thursday.

The workshop will be from 2-3 p.m.

Students will learn how to recognize and understand what causes stress and the effect it has on the body.

Students will be able to develop strategies to manage stressful situations that they may encounter in their daily lives as college students.

For more information, contact HSI STEM Coordinator Kelly Ramos at kramos@hsistem.com or visit PS-109.

CRIMEWATCH Tuesday, March 28: A student reported a restraining order violation with Police Services.

A student reported losing her iPad in the Campus Center Plaza.

Saturday, April 1: A visitor’s vehicle was burglarized while parked on campus.

There are no suspects or witnesses at this time.

Tuesday, April 11: A staff member reported leaving her car’s trunk unlocked. When she returned she found belongings stolen. No other information has been reported.

Tuesday, April 11: Officers received reports of vandalism that occurred on upper Campus Drive.

Wednesday, April 12: Officers responded to a medical report.

Tuesday, April 13: Officers responded to a medical report.

Friday, April 14: A Middle College High School student reported losing his laptop.

— Anthony Kinney, Roxana Amparo and Reggie Santini

CORRECTION In the March 1 issue of The Advocate on page B2, in the story entitled “Professor talks failures of education system, bias,” history, anthropology and geography department Chairperson Manu Ampim was listed as the history department chairperson.

The Advocate regrets this error.

— The Contra Costa Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. The District does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.

Continued from Page 1 “The person in (NickelsonShanks’) position previously was not paid as a full-time employee,” she said. “It was only at .75, but whoever is in that position does the work of a full-time employee.”

Covering the $17,656 salary augmentation for the position equates to 3,531 students paying the $5 for one semester.

ASU Senator Cynthia Anderson voted against renewing the agreement.

“I can see $5,000 or even $10,000, but $17,000 is quite a bit from the budget,” Anderson said.

“That is a nice sum that could have benefited more students. But I understand people have to be paid.”

Before the ASU Board members voted last week, Ward-Davis explained that Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson and former vice president Tammeil Gilkerson approached members of the previous ASU Board asking for this funding.

Former Student Life coordinator Ericka Greene said the ASU Board was approached at the end of the 2016 spring semester after it had voted to approve the use of SAF funds to hire an part-time office assistant to increase Student Life Office hours.

She said the ASU went back on that vote, and negotiated the terms to augment the Student Life coordinator to a full-time position in closed meetings with Ferguson and Gilkerson.

Ward-Davis said, “(Gilkerson) and Ferguson came to the ASU and asked if it would sponsor the 25 percent to jump his pay up to 100 percent, or full-time.

“The ASU voted on it (last week) and we agreed to cover the 25 percent to make (Student Life coordinator) a full-time position.”

Ward-Davis said NickelsonShanks was hired in August, after the position was posted by the college with full-time hours, pay and benefits.

“I can see $5,000 or even $10,000, but $17,000 is quite a bit from the budget.”

Cynthia Anderson, ASU senator

Finding funds Ferguson said the Student Life coordinator’s main role is as the ASU’s adviser, but is still a college employee with other responsibilities under the department of Student Life.

Ferguson said the college’s budget did not have enough money to fund a full-time employee due to the college’s low enrollment.

“Each college is responsible for how it uses its funding, and the college spends about 90 to 95 percent of the budget on employee salary and benefits,” she said.

She said after looking for funding elsewhere, going to the ASU was a “last resort.”

“I agree that this position should be paid by the college’s general funds, but we have to look at what these funds go toward,” Ferguson said.

“We have to understand we are in growth mode and have to be recruiting (more students). The college would gladly make that position whole, and take off the students’ portion of the payment once enrollment increases.”

Robinson said voting to cover the 25 percent of the position’s salary was not an easy decision, but if Nickelson-Shanks was not a full-time employee it would hurt the ASU more than covering the $17,000 for three years would.

“I don’t believe students should cover the cost,” he said. “But the Student Life coordinator’s job caters to students.

“And I don’t think having 25 percent more would change how we operate. We still do a lot with what we have.”

According to the ASU’s account details, provided by CCC’s Business Office, the ASU

had a starting balance of $50,000 for the 201617 fiscal year.

The $17,656 to fully fund the position was Ward-Davis taken from this year’s budget.

At the meeting, Anderson said the district should cover the extra cost if the college can’t.

“I’m always concerned if there are enough funds for what the ASU wants to get done,” she said at the meeting as she explained why she voted no.

“And like I said, that is quite a big sum going to someone’s pay, but I get it,” she said. “I think he’s worth it. Don’t get me wrong, but (the money) shouldn’t be coming from us.”

Ferguson said there is no college, district or state policy that explicitly restricts an ASU Board from agreeing to pay for a district employee’s salary.

California Community College Chancellor’s Office Student Leadership Dean Margaret Ortega said that there is no writing in the Student Fee Handbook that restricts this payment.

“When it’s an internal agreement, the college and district have their own structure of policies,” Dr. Ortega said.

At the ASU meeting, WardDavis said, “The next president and the next ASU Board can say ‘looking at our budget we can’t do this anymore.’ It’s written like that in the contract.”

Interim burdens Business Services Supervisor Nick Dimitri said this was a verbal agreement between the college administration and the student government, and there is no written contract on file.

Dimitri said the 25 percent the ASU covers is not an ongoing cost and must be reapproved by the ASU Board annually before he can process the payment.

editorial

“The cost will go up every fiscal year, but not by ‘Last much,” he said. resort’ “Only to cover small increas- picks es in benefits pockets pay.”

Ward-Davis A portion of the said, “We $5 fee students didn’t want to pay when they make a con- enroll in courses tract with the college without is going toward being capable the salary of of saying our Student Life budget is not Coordinator strong enough Joel Nickelsonto continue to Shanks, upon do that.”

ASU vote.

Ferguson PAGE 2 said that if the ASU Board were to vote against the agreement, then the position would return to part-time status.

“We would have to decrease office hours and decrease student activities,” she said.

College President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said she approved the agreement last year when it became clear that keeping the Student Life coordinator as an interim or parttime position would not help the college increase enrollment.

“It’s student money,” Mehdizadeh said. “If the student representatives feel this is something they are willing to spend student fees to support it shows the value of this position.”

Ferguson said she agrees a parttime position would hinder the growth of campus culture.

“It was tough not having someone in that positon full time,” she said. “It was a very stressful time.”

Ward-Davis said because it was a part-time position, the college was unable garner enough quality applicants for the position.

Ferguson said once they put the bid out as a full-time position they made it explicit that it may drop back to 75 percent in three years if the college budget still can’t cover the cost.

GRAHAM | Scholar recognized, awarded $40,000 Continued from Page 1 scholarship includes being a student at an accredited two-year community college, planning to enroll in a baccalaureate program at an accredited four-year university by fall 2017, having a GPA of 3.5 or better, demonstrating financial need, and having not yet enrolled in or attended a four-year college.

“This is amazing,” Graham said. “I applied just to apply because it was a really big amount.

I thought, ‘Why not just give it a shot?’”

Mehdizadeh said Graham not only won the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, but she also won the $10,000 Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship and the Brandon Schnurr Memorial Scholarship for $500, the Associated Student Union Leadership Scholarship for $1,000 and the EOPS Transfer Scholarship (the amount is yet to be said).

“I promise to give back,” Graham said. “I plan on going to law school. I love everyone here, and I love kids. I want to fight for them. I want to fight for this college and those who are here that don’t have much.”

Graham said, “I know that I earned these scholarships with blood, sweat and tears. I do not believe in doing your best, because some days your best is not good enough.”

Graham said she wants to attend Stanford

“Other than the fact that I had a minor panic attack, it was really, really exciting to find out (Graham was chosen).”

George Mills,

CalWORKs/EOPS program manager

University, but is also waiting to hear back from UC Berkeley. As of now, she has been accepted to UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz.

EOPS counselor Julie Skoler said, “I am so excited for Sasha. I’m really happy that she’ll have the money to pay for college so she can continue to develop and not worry.”

Skoler wrote Graham a letter of recommendation to submit in her scholarship package.

She said, “I particularly wanted her to apply for scholarships. I just want to help students get money to pay for college. That’s a passion of mine.

“When I met her, her transcripts did not match her potential,” Skoler said.

“I could identify that Sasha had good communication and relationship skills because when I met Sasha she had strong connections with faculty.”

Skoler said Sasha shared her home situation with her professors.

“It is good to share what is going on with personal lives with teachers to keep them updated,” she said.

Graham is a single mother with a 9-year-old son, Armon. “I love my son,” she said. “I see how bad public education is, especially if we’re black. We come (to CCC), we have to start in remedial courses and we (don’t) get that robust education.”

CalWORKs/EOPS Program Manager George Mills said, “The minute I met Sasha I could tell that she was passionate about her community. For me, community is one of those things that is very important. Anytime I find someone who has an understanding and appreciation for community and is willing to advocate, not just for themselves, but for their community, I’m ready to (support) that person.”

Mills said, “Other than the fact that I had a minor panic attack, it was really, really exciting to find out (Graham) was chosen.”

Graham said she is thankful that she had the support she needed to find herself and her path to success.

“I do believe that to get what you deserve requires sacrifice, dedication and continuing to work at the highest level possible,” she said.

FOOD AND WINE | Community, businesses network Continued from Page 1 pleased with the number of people who showed up, setting the total number at approximately 1,000.

Chef Elisabeth Schwarz said what she liked most about the event was seeing people have fun and enjoy good food.

Schwarz said she takes great pride in teaching students how to achieve that.

Attendee Matt Metcho said, “I have come to this event every year for the past five years and I like that it’s outside because it really adds to the ambiance.”

“It’s also cool that you can go from building to building and it provides a lot more room this way,” he said.

In the Fireside Hall a silent raffle was held, as was a cake raffle as many food vendors from local areas showed off their dishes.

Rodeo-based restaurant El Sol, a family-run business run by Armando and Josephine Orozco, was there promoting its catering services. The Orozcos said they pride themselves on using their

own family recipes from Mexico.

The chefs of Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen traveled from their main restaurant located on Shattuck and Kittredge in Berkeley. They came to introduce the public to the joys of Cajun and Creole food and to support their local culinary community.

The cake raffle was the main contribution from the pastry chefs in the culinary arts department.

The advanced baking students designed many decadent cakes, including one that consisted of white chocolate on the inside with alternating layers of chocolate mousse and salted caramel buttercream with Kahlua buttercream on the outside.

Entry into the raffle was $5 per person and announcements of the winners were made every half hour.

Many former students of culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes attended the event to represent their restaurants, showing that their hard work under Sharkes paid off.

The owner of Lemon Tree

“I learned how to deal with large crowds and how to cater a big event.

There were more people than I thought were going to be here.”

Daphne Ponce,

first year culinary student

Catering Company, Cecilia Romero-Chavez, said she always knew she wanted to start her own business in the culinary world, so she decided to take culinary classes at Contra Costa College.

“Two years ago, I planned this event and in 2013 I was a recipient of the Italy scholarship award.

What I learned here is teamwork, respect and love of food,” RomeroChavez said.

She said nothing has changed since she left and that Sharkes does what he can and that he’s an advocate for the department.

Romero-Chavez said Sharkes is so knowledgeable and that she

always goes to Sharkes if she needs a second opinion pertaining to something in her own catering business.

Sharkes “There were approximately 19 wineries and 30 different food vendors represented and we were pleased with the venue,” Sharkes said.

First year culinary arts student Daphne Ponce said, “I learned how to deal with large crowds and how to cater a big event. There were more people than I thought were going to be here.”

Toward the end of the day, many items were auctioned to the highest bidder, such as a Cleveland Browns autographed football from 1961 for $150 and a chef ’s outfit for $200.

The festivities ended with Sharkes announcing the 10 winners who get to go to Italy this summer as part of the Study Abroad Program.

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campusbeat

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FAST-A-THON FUNDRAISES FOR CHARITY Muslim club organizes fast, hosts banquet

BY Robert Clinton OPINION EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

In keeping with its mission statement to create a greater sense of community between Muslim and non-Muslim students on campus, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted a fast and feast to highlight food insecurities and the plight of global hunger.

Over 80 students and staff members participated in the Fast-a-Thon which raised over $400 for the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP).

The club sold $5 participation tickets during the week prior to the event in which applicants committed to fasting from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. followed by a traditional Mediterranean dinner, raffle and presentation by guest speaker Abdul Aziz.

“This is what college is all about. Learning from other cultures and helping each other grow,” Student Services and Instructional Support Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks said.

The event serves as a precursor to Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of prayer, fasting and introspection.

This year, Ramadan is recognized in the U.S. from May 26 through June 25.

Prior to dinner, MSA President Rayah Khaled spoke to the over 70 people in attendance about the food crisis affecting one out of every six people across the country.

The event started on time and made seamless transitions between the food, entertainment and educational portions of the afternoon affair.

Tables were prepared by MSA members with dates and water, foods traditionally eaten to break the fast before consuming a full meal.

As the food arrived, other members of the club prepared plates for the line of people, more than half of whom had fully committed to abstaining from food for the entire day.

The club served green salad, chicken-tika-masala, chana, rice and samosa.

Chana is a traditional Pakistani dish with a curry base that is typically made with a

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Muslim Student Association’s Fast-a-Thon, a day long event, featured a celebration banquet for students who pledged $5 to fast. The pledges were invited to a banquet celebration to break their fast hosted in the Fireside Hall on April 20.

“This club is united and it has an excellent president (Khaled) who pushes her club members to also strive for success.”

—

associated Student Union president

chickpea or garbanzo bean base.

Samosa is a fried or baked finger food with a rich filling. An infusion of potato, onion or other vegetables can be used to fill these international treats.

“Club members had made an agreement with each other to contribute in any way that we could to the Fast-a-Thon,” Khaled said.

“Everyone knew what to do, but it helps to have a big club. We are planning to do a second one in the future.”

Young Drama Club hosts Shakespeare, milkshakes Group performs ‘Doing Thy Will,’ generates funds

BY Benjamin Bassham NEWS EDITOR

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Understudies, Contra Costa College’s newly formed drama club, hosted an event they called “Milk Shakespeare,” to provide cheap milkshakes and free Shakespeare to the campus.

Running from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday in the Fireside Hall, the event opened with an ice chest full of ice cream, chocolate syrup, milk, whipped cream and a jar of cherries. Club members set up a table with blenders in front of the Fireside Hall. They began cutting up fresh strawberries and bananas and sold blended milkshakes for $3 each.

A straggling line built up across the plaza almost immediately.

Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner said the event was for general fundraising for the club.

Drama professor Angelina LaBarre said this was the Understudies’ first event.

The play, which LaBarre directed, was a staged Chavarria reading of “Doing Thy Will,” which was written by drama department Chairperson CarlosManuel Chavarria.

LaBarre said the play is a mashup of various Shakespearean plays and sonnets, attempting to put “all of Shakespeare’s comedies in one play.”

Regarding the event’s name, she said, “It was a good tie-in with the milkshakes. We couldn’t help the pun.” The play got started at 11:30 a.m. and wrapped up a bit after noon. Anyone could sit down to watch, with or without a milkshake.

Chavarria said the play was put together in less than two weeks, and the script was written in only one month.

He said the play draws from plays like Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” “King Lear,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Twelfth Night,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and portions of Sonnets 18 and 130 are recognizable in the mix. Chavarria said that since the play was being rushed out, some of the play’s complexity, in particular the fools and

musicians, had to be cut.

The characters have been condensed down to nameless archetypes to allow the disparate stories to blend together.

The Princess is played by Jelain Maestas, the Baron by Oz Sobal, and the Queen and Duke are both played by LaBarre.

Understudies member Cody Poehnelt, who played the King, said planning the performance in a hurry was unavoidably chaotic, so they decided to embrace the chaos. “So let’s make it chaotic,” he said. “(The play) is less about the lines and more about us being fools.”

A staged reading typically uses no costumes or set, and minimal stage movement, with the actors reading from scripts.

For “Doing Thy Will” the actors sat behind stands holding their scripts, labeled with their roles. The actors made use of just enough props and choreography to avoid any possibility of the audience taking anything seriously.

The Witch, played by Shadia Iman, narrated events, including her own actions, like “blowing” actors back to their seats with a puff of air, and a wave of her arms.

At one point the Witch narrates that the King shows no compassion, and King shows a sign reading, “No Compassion.”

And they never seem to break character, if you assume their characters are actors.

When the script says the Queen spits on the King, Labarre turned to the Witch and said, “I’m not going to spit on him.”

The most absurdity came from the added complexity of LaBarre playing both the Duke and Queen. She danced between two scripts, two chairs and two name tags.

Poehnelt said the bit with the name tags was LaBarre’s own idea. She got a surprising amount of mileage from switching first seats, then alternately attaching the name tags from the script stands to herself and finally wearing both of them. The dramatic action scenes required considerable complicity from the one being acted on.

For moments when the script called for music, the musicians were replaced with LaBarre’s iPhone playing an instrumental version of Kelis’ “Milkshake,” to keep the theme of the event’s punny title.

The play concludes on the Witch’s line, “My milkshake doth brought all the boys to the bard.” Shakespeare is known as the “Bard of Avon.”

LaBarre said the Understudies working the table outside sold about 50 milkshakes.

Chavarria said that the Understudies might, eventually, put on a bigger, more complete performance of the same play.

The roar of voices and stomach rumblings fell silent once dinner was served as conversations shifted to full-mouthed murmurs of how good a halal meal actually tastes.

Halal meals use meat that is prepared in strict accordance with Islamic regulation.

“The chicken is the best thing here. It has a nice flavor and it’s not too spicy,” Middle College High School student Ashanea Green said.

“Most importantly, when listening to the speaker, I learned the importance of fasting and what it means to Islamic culture.”

During the meal, Aziz explained the meaning of fasting and explained the importance of having sympathy with people who do not have the benefit of eating every day.

Prior to converting to Islam eight years ago, Aziz fasted for two years, sunrise to sunset, before making the decision to dedicate

his life to Islam. “Some people fast and get nothing but hungry, but its real purpose is God consciousness,” he said.

After the meal, the club held a raffle for six $25 Visa gift cards as a show of appreciation to all who donated their $5 toward GRIP. The charity is an interfaith, multi-racial collaboration dedicated to the preservation of human dignity, transforming lives and furthering social justice.

On its website, it describes its programs and services as being tailored for local individuals and families in need of food, shelter or supportive services.

“This club is united and it has an excellent president (Khaled) who pushes her club members to also strive for success,” Associated Student Union President Safi Ward-Davis said.

“The Fast-a-Thon was a very important and successful event.”

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Super Saturday displays resources Student Life Coordinator Joel NickelsonShanks (left) takes a selfie above liquid nitrogen smoke with biology major Abigail Serrano (center left), biological major Katherin Guevara (center right) and SparkPoint Coordinator Bill Bankhead during the Super Saturday event in the Student Center Plaza. on Saturday.

CODY CASERAS / THE ADVOCATE

BY Jshania Owens ADVOCATE STAFF

jowens.theadvocate@gmail.com

Super Saturday, which provides incoming freshman an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Contra Costa College, was held for the fourth year in a row, this time in the heart of the college, Campus Center Plaza.

Several students and counselors came to help set up and organize the orientation, which encompassed all its allotted time.

The event was scheduled 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured a raffle that gifted three iPads donated by Workforce Development Office.

“Having the event outside gives everything a better vibe. It gets noisy indoors. This feels like a four-year university event,” Dean of Enrollment Services Dennis Franco said. “We’re showcasing what we’ve got here. It feels like a campus that has finally healed.”

Aside from just learning about classes, incoming freshmen also have a chance to join campus clubs.

“We have outreach counselors from high schools helping out,” general counselor Suzanne Huey said.

Puente Club Vice President Alejandra Canelo has contributed to Super Saturday in the past and understands the amount of work that goes into making the event successful.

“Super Saturday is helpful for students,” Canelo said. “It’s good for freshmen interested in clubs, financial aid and making friends.”

Although about 400 people were expected this year, only about half showed up Saturday morning.

ASU President Safi Ward-Davis said, “Last year holding the event in the Gym made it more interactive, more condensed and there were more students in attendance.

Hopefully more students will arrive later since it’s still early.”

Pamphlets were given out from representatives of organizations, departments and resource officers throughout the college.

At the Student Life booth, Negwa Alghazali enjoyed meeting the new students.

“It’s good for the students to host so they can get experience and they don’t just spend their time here talking to staff,” she said.

Haroob Sandho also greeted students at the student life booth.

“It’s good for the students to go to Super Saturday and get the information they need,” Sandho said.

The prospective students got the opportunity to ask questions, collect candy and various other souvenirs the departments and clubs were giving out.

Incoming freshman Marion Hazzard was informed about each program and organization that had display tables at the event.

His mother, Angela Young, said, “We were able to see what he can major in. Also, we were able to take in the college and get help with filling out papers that we couldn’t get online. We enjoyed it.”

Students were able to meet with a CCC counselors to select their fall classes and get firsthand information about the college from current students in the Fireside Hall.

“My experience was great today,” high school senior Daniel Sorozana said. “I saw a little of what it would be like if I came here.”

Speech tournament showcases talent

BY Jessica Suico ADVOCATE STAFF

jsuico.theadvocate@gmail.com

Today is the last day to sign up for the Intramural Speech Tournament that Contra Costa College is hosting May 2.

The tournament begins with student check in, registration and judge orientation at 3 p.m.

Round one runs from 3:30-4:20 p.m. and round two is from 4:30-5:20 p.m., which will be followed by an awards ceremony.

Check-ins will be outside the General Education Building.

Competitors will receive a confirmation email with student entries by Friday.

Students should turn in entries as soon as possible, so faculty and tournament hosts can fill spots and even reach out for extra judges if needed.

Speech professor Joseph Carver said, “The students benefit from a little taste of speech and debate, and public speaking, (so) they recognize that public speaking isn’t all that scary.”

Carver said it gives students confidence in their speaking and it is practice for them.

Students will be competing in one event of their choice.

Students will not be able to change their mind after they turn in their sign-up sheet to their instructor or to Carver’s office in AA-113.

Students will be committed to compete in both rounds on tournament day. Students are required to stay for performances from their peers, even after they present.

The judge will cut the student off if they go too far over their time limit.

Students should try to maintain focus, energy and active listening while in the round.

“The students benefit from a little taste of speech and debate, and public speaking (so) they recognize that public speaking isn’t all that scary.”

— Joseph Carver, speech professor

Electronic devices are not permitted during competition.

If a student distracts one of their competitors, the student will be immediately disqualified from the tournament.

The student’s instructor will be notified and disqualification could possibly impact any points being earned in that class.

Speech department Chairperson Sherry Diestler said, “This year there are three types of speeches that are going to be presented: informative, persuasive and oral interpretation of literature.”

One of the highlights of the event is that it is free and there will be snacks for the competitors, Diestler said.

“Sometimes, we have had over 100 students participate, but this year we are aiming for 75 so we can have enough judges,” Diestler said.

The judges are speech professors, faculty or tutors. Students give the same speech in each round, but to different judges, Diestler said.

Carver said what he observes from students after a tournament is that they have smiles on their faces.

“Students have told me that it is a fun thing to be a part of. They get relief when they are

done because they realize, once you start giving the speech it’s not as scary as before,” Carver said.

Marine Corps veteran Leon Watkins said, “I definitely like that there is a speech tournament held on Carver campus, because after taking Diestler’s class, I’ve learned communication is key in life.”

Watkins participated in the Intramural Speech Tournament last year and is participating again this year.

Watkins said one thing he likes about the speech department is how diverse it is and said speech is the most important thing in the world.

“Being able to interact with other speech students who enjoy speech like you do is what I benefit (most from by) participating in the tournament,” Watkins said.

Watkins said he would recommend this tournament to students on campus.

The classrooms that students will speak in will be posted on the walls outside of GE-225.

The room postings will not be placed until after registration is complete.

Students will find their name on the list and then proceed to the room they’re assigned.

After the first round, students will have about 10 minutes before the next round starts.

During that time students will go back to GE Building and check the new list of classrooms of where to perform their speech for the second round.

After finding the room for round two, it will be the same process as round one.

Wellness Week brings stability Week to offer emotional, educational support

BY Michael Santone ASSOCIATE EDITOR

msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com

Wellness Week, scheduled for Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to combating the woes associated with student life, and the approach of finals.

Instructional Counseling Assistant Vanessa Johnson said each day of Wellness Week will encompass a different health theme and consist of education, entertainment and food.

“I want to do this for the students,” Johnson said. “I just want to let them know they are not alone.”

As a former Contra Costa College student, Johnson said working through issues on campus was hard as it was almost impossible to find solace or resources.

“During my experiences there were no services, academically, to help me.”

The goal of Wellness Week, she said, is to provide students with “access, access, access” to resources on and off campus.

On Monday, with the theme “A Healthy Lifestyle,” students will learn about healthy food choices and the fact that they have access to CCC’s food pantry.

Activities will include a culinary food demo, as well as a mobile farmers market with a free food giveaway.

On Tuesday, a wellness health fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Center Plaza and include resource tables, art

“I want to do this (wellness) for the students. I just want to let them know they are not alone. During my experiences, there were no services, academically, to help me.”

Vanessa Johnson,

instructional counseling assistant

therapy, zumba, a photo booth and a food truck.

A smaller resource fair will take place that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Student Lounge for those who could not make the afternoon festivities.

The evening fair will have the theme “Taco Tuesday” and have giveaways, donated from the college president’s office.

May 3 will be dedicated to increased awareness of violence and violence prevention.

From noon to 2 p.m. in the Fireside Hall an “active shooter film” will be shown as well as a “Know Your Rights” presentation.

To end the week, on May 4, the theme will be,“Just Breathe,” which will bring awareness to stress management and self-care.

Activities will be held in the Fireside Hall and include three professionals to provide massages to relieve stress and a stress management workshop.

“Hopefully we can create an atmosphere of safety and support,” Johnson said. “I really want to give students that access to education, wellness and motivation.”

Johnson first brought the idea up at the March 22 Associated Student Union meeting

where she requested the $2,500 to help fund the week of well-being.

The event and its budget were approved by the ASU on April 12.

However, the funds will not be released until ASU reviews the invoices for the purchases made with the $2,500.

“I totally understand that they (the ASU) need to see my price points and what I’m spending the money on,” she said.

ASU Treasurer Aireus Robinson said, “Wellness week affects all students and has the potential of really impacting and helping those who get involved.”

Robinson said that the $2,500 will come from funds gathered by the $5 student activity fee.

“Everything has been set in motion and the funds are pre-approved and waiting,” he said.

Last semester, Johnson, along with other faculty members, put together a wellness day which introduced students to health related knowledge and resources.

“There’s so much going on right now, and so many ideas floating around, I said, ‘Let’s do a week this time,’” she said.

Vice President of Club Affairs Jose Arebalo said Johnson really wants to make sure the college spreads awareness about health issues and access.

“Their goal is to reach out to (at least) one out of five students during the wellness week,” Arebalo said.

Often students don’t know they can reach out to counselors for help, and spreading awareness is good for those who need more resources, he said.

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Alumna succeeds, guides Mendoza’s experience, empathy embodies meaning of success

BY Robert Clinton OPINION EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

To give back to a community that made potential success a reality is the most humanitarian example of character and appreciation a person can provide, specifically, when working to make the lives of everyday people in that community better.

At Contra Costa College, students come from all walks of life and for an institution to fulfill its educational obligation it is imperative that faculty and staff are able to empathize with the students it serves.

For counseling assistant Leticia Mendoza, the ability to relate to life at CCC as a student comes from first-hand experience. She fostered her campus community ties as an English as a second language student at this very campus over a decade ago.

“Leticia exemplifies what our mission for the college is. She is a pivotal example to students here, starting as an ESL student, working hourly and then being hired full time to work as a counseling assistant,” Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson said.

“And then to watch her finish school and walk the stage a few years ago —it’s been an honor to watch her grow in that capacity.”

Born in Michoacán Mexico, Mendoza had two specific goals as a child. First, she knew that she wanted to work in an office, but, most importantly, she wanted to help people.

Mendoza moved to Fresno when she was 23, with her then husband, following her older brother who had already established himself in the Bay Area.

Before divorcing, the couple moved to the Bay Area where Mendoza enrolled in ESL classes at CCC. “My first goal was to learn the language because when I got here I didn’t speak any English,” Mendoza said.

“It was hard, but I was lucky to get a job in my first semester on campus. That helped me learn quicker because only one of the instructors that I was working for spoke Spanish.”

Mendoza’s first job on campus was washing dishes in the culinary arts department.

Then she was hired as a tutor for students taking Spanish classes.

After earning her associate degree, Mendoza considered other opportunities but felt working at CCC offered her the best chance to help people tracing her footsteps on the same pathway to success.

“I’ve always liked to help others and I feel

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Counseling assistant Leticia Mendoza has built a successful career at the college she attended. Mendoza holds a reputation on campus as an empathetic figure to the English as second language (ESL) community at Contra Costa College.

“I’ve always liked to help others and I feel like here I have the opportunity to help people like me — people who come from other countries without speaking the language.”

— Leticia Mendoza, counseling assistant

like here I have the opportunity to help people like me — people who come from other countries without speaking the language.

Especially those who speak my language,” Mendoza said.

“From here I can help them learn, advance and be successful. Having this position allows me to help people the way that I want to help them.”

Mendoza serves as an inspiration to students, young and old.

Recently a woman came to Mendoza who wanted to drop her ESL classes because she thought that she would not be able to learn what was required in them.

As an adult, the student thought her age would prevent her from grasping the information like the younger students in her

classes.

Mendoza encouraged the woman by explaining that she too had returned to school as an adult, graduated and that it was possible for anyone to accomplish their educational goals.

Not only did the woman remain in school, but she also brought her daughter to speak to Mendoza for inspiration.

“I still see her coming to take her classes,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza’s calm demeanor and personable attitude makes her an easy person to talk to.

“What I’ve noticed when I’ve been in situations with her in dialogue with students is the way she (Mendoza) puts students at ease,” CCC President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said.

“She has a wonderful way of maintaining eye contact and excellent listening skills.

“She makes students, prospective students and members of the campus community feel valued and good about who they are, which in turn makes the college look good.”

After years of working in the old Welcome/Transfer Center in the Student Services Center, Mendoza recently shifted positions and began working in the new Career/Transfer Center in SA-227.

“I’m glad Leticia stepped outside of her

comfort zone in counseling services and into the retention and transfer side,” Ferguson said.

“She told me that she wanted to expand her knowledge so that she can help more students with transferring — I’m really proud of her.”

Business administration major Daniella Matute has known Mendoza since before enrolling at CCC and values the information and encouragement she has received from the counseling assistant.

“I’ve trusted her since before I got here because she was friends with my sister, so whenever she gives me advice I take it,” Matute said.

“Now that I work with her, I take advantage of having someone that can help with all of the issues that come with transferring.

The transfer process can be overwhelming so when I get frustrated she always keeps me focused on my goal.”

For Mendoza, CCC has provided a life changing opportunity and the ability to make a difference in the lives of other people.

“For someone like Leticia who has gone through the educational process here, recognized that she gained a lot from the college and wanted to give back is a true reflection of community,” Mehdizadeh said.

TEACHING STYLE COMMUNICATES WARMTH Speech professor creates bonds within classroom

BY Reggie Santini SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

rsantini.theadvocate@gmail.com

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

CCC speech professor Joseph “Randy” Carver stands in front of felt pennants of universities he has attended and universities that his speech students have transfered to in AA-113, the Speech Lab, on Monday.

While sitting in his high school vice principal’s office speech professor Joseph “Randy” Carver was told, “School is not for everyone.

You should pursue other venues in life.”

“Like most of us I hated high school. I graduated high school ‘Magna Cum Barely.’ I didn’t know I was graduating until a few hours before everyone walked the graduation stage,” Carver said.

He grew up in San Antonio, Texas as an avid comic book reader and military school student.

He attended Texas Military School from kindergarten until his junior year of high school.

At that point he was transferred to McArthur’s public high school.

“I went to school with the same group of 20 people for the majority of my life. Transferring to a (large) public school left me feeling completely lost.”

Carver said there was never a pivotal moment in his high school experience because he was never there.

“I wish I had put in as much effort into school as I did in avoiding campus police and my teachers,” Carver said.

“It is shocking to look back as a professor and notice how many of those teachers did not belong in a (high school) classroom.”

Despite his struggle, Carver graduated and headed straight to Texas State University following high school.

Contra Costa College speech department Chairperson Sherry

“My entire journey through school was me looking for a home.”

— Joseph Carter, speech department professor

Diestler said that Carver’s wide range of interests and experiences are what helps him to be a great speech teacher.

Carver said that his study of rhetoric in college made him learn to question things. That is when he wrote a college paper at Texas State about Captain America.

“Comics gave me permission to imagine,” Carver said.

“My dad used to just hand me Batman, Superman and Spiderman comics. Anything that I was interested in he would a find a comic about it.”

“If you read any of the classic ‘Superman’ comics they show you in a pretty clear cut way what is right and what is wrong. And those comics are what began to shape me,” Carver said.

Speech tutor Will Jackson said, “Randy is great with bringing pop culture into lectures to keep students interested. He does a great job.”

Diestler said, because of his past experiences and his interests, he is truly able to relate to a student’s passions.

Carver said growing up with comics helped him shape his perspective on society, power, privilege, life and how things in the world work.

He said that while living under the social pressures of conservative Texas, he was able to find inspiration and an outlet through comics.

“I was able to see a deeper perspective of life,” he said. “It took me seven years to get my (bachelor’s degree).”

Carver changed his major many

times before “finding a home in the speech department.”

He said, “My entire journey through school was me looking for a home.”

Carver received his master’s in communication from TSU. Following his graduation, Carver began teaching at the historically black college Prairie View A&M University.

“I was there to teach my students speech, but they were teaching me about power, privilege and whiteness,” he said.

Carver said that he got to see both sides of the racial and financial spectrum while teaching in Texas.

Jackson said, “I am transferring to Berkeley in the fall and I owe that to Randy (Carver).

Communication can be really boring. But he goes above and beyond to make it fun.”

Diestler said Carver’s students appreciate his expertise, knowledge, dedication and approachability.

Carver moved to California and began teaching business communication at San Francisco State University in 2012.

Carver joined the CCC faculty in the fall semester of 2014.

“He is super creative and has brought great changes to our department,” Diestler said.

“He is the whole package. He is professional and engaging. I knew that his experience at PVAMU would help him connect with our students.”

“He’s revamped the speech lab by filling in all the open spaces,” she said.

When Diestler goes on sabbatical next semester Carver will take over as department chairperson.

Jackson said, “He’s the Superman of speech. Randy has a perfect score on ratemyprofessor. com and he’s truly earned that.”

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’ y h W s n o s a e R ‘13 de-mystifies suicide Series examines sexual assault, slut shaming

By Reggie Santini SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

rsantini.theadvocate@gmail.com

M

ost of us can agree that high school was not the best time of our lives. We struggled to find ourselves, and dealt with low self-esteem and all the drama that raging hormones cause.

The struggles of being a teenager in the Facebook era are now amplified and broadcast to thousands in a matter of seconds.

Everything from receiving a failing grade to slipping and falling on wet grass is constantly being shared for the world to see and comment on.

The reality is that teenagers have always been horrible to each other. Add in the fact that kids today are able to easily bully each other from the anonymity of their computer and you find yourself holding a much larger, squirming sack of problems.

Whatever your reason is for hating those four long years of your life, you can bet that Netflix’s latest series, “13 Reasons Why,” will have a character you can relate to.

The series begins a few weeks after the suicide of a junior classmate Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford).

The series unfolds with the narrative help of 13 cassette tapes recorded by Baker before her suicide. The 13 episodes of the series represent the 13 tapes, which deal with the excruciating details and buildup to, and aftermath of, Baker’s suicide.

The tapes give insight into Baker’s mind. They allow viewers to experience 13 impactful moments in her life.

By stepping inside her head they are able to connect with the character on a personal level.

Viewers experience everything from her thoughts about the cute boy in her class to her growing insecurities regarding her body. We get to be part of the happy and sad moments, like when she kisses the boy she likes, or when she is shamed and laughed at for things she did not do.

Baker’s story is tough to watch, but it raises awareness of many taboo topics.

Bullying, rape, sexual assault, slut shaming and many other forms of abuse are all represented in this TV show.

REVIEW As someone “13 Reasons who grew up Why” with HBO, I believed Starring: Dylan graphic scenes Minnette, Katherine of violence did Langford not have much Network: Netflix of an effect.

Genre: Teen, However, after Drama watching the rape scenes of Baker’s best friend Jessica Davis, and of Baker herself, my opinion changed.

As we are forced to watch a helpless, drunken and almost blacking out Davis be raped, we are left with a lingering feeling of sadness and helplessness.

This feeling is only mirrored and multiplied when we are forced to watch Baker raped by the same person.

The camera stays focused on Baker’s face for the majority of the scene. We witness her fists slowly give way and her body go limp as her rapist continues to force himself on her. We are forced to sit and watch as her body goes limp and her head scrapes against the cement boarder of the hot tub with each forceful thrust. Her face goes from shock and despair, to the still gaze of a girl who

Hannah Baker Baker’s character is unlocked through her tapes, but she is dead before the show begins.

In 13 cassette tapes she recorded before her suicide for 12 classmates and one for her counselor, Mr. Porter, Baker reveals why she ended her life. Viewers learn about Baker through the actions committed against her in the tapes. She was slut shamed, bullied and sexually assaulted by her peers.

Bryce Walker

Walker is the most despicable character in the series. He is misogynistic and gropes Baker to prove that she does have the “best ass” in the freshman class.

During one of their high school parties, Walker forces himself onto Davis, while she is passed out drunk. He is the 11th person on Baker’s list and rapes Baker in a hot tub.

has just had the essence of her personhood murdered.

The harrowing scene leaves a melancholic and vile feeling within its viewers.

And thanks to the many talented directors Netflix provided, each topic is handled with respect and the purpose of raising awareness and putting a stop to it.

The tapes eventually end up with Baker’s classmate Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette), who is struggling to cope with Baker’s death.

Jensen is the physical driving force of the series.

Guided by Baker’s tapes, Clay takes us on a haunting journey as he looks for answers and retribution for all the horrible things done to Baker.

One of the most jarring results from Baker’s tapes comes from Clay’s development from an awkward introvert into an outspoken fearless teenager.

As Clay listens to each tape we are further introduced to the multiple layers of each character. The cast understands the material being dealt with.

Each actor in the show does their part to bring one of the diverse characters to life.

The more viewers learn about each of the people who came in contact with Baker, the more they see how the show paints these characters as real humans, not just two-dimensional characters.

No character is inherently evil or good, despite some of them making truly abhorrent decisions. Each motive and action comes from something deeper than just being bad.

As viewers watch the emotional and physical abuse of Baker, they see Langford’s amazing portrayal of Baker go from a happy, up beat student to a shell of who she was. She is able to display the sadness and hope her character faces in a fantastic portrayal.

Alex Standall Standall is the new kid who hangs out by himself on campus. He meets Jessica Davis and Baker and they immediately become close. Standall and Davis start dating and soon stop hanging out with Baker. When Standall makes a list and labels Baker as “best ass” in the freshman class and Davis as “worst,” Davis thinks Baker has been flirting and those relationships end.

Justin Foley Foley is Baker’s first crush and kiss. On a night out with him, Foley takes a raunchy photo of Baker and begins the rumor that she is a slut. As seen through the memories in the tapes, Foley allows his best friend, Bryce Walker, to rape his girlfriend, Jessica Davis, at a party. Foley is afraid to have that information exposed by Jensen and wants to keep Davis unaware of it because he fears their relationship will end.

Minnette does a great job of playing the stoic and troubled Jensen. His portrayal of the grieving friend who might have something to do with Baker’s suicide is a treat to watch. Minnette nails the paranoia and thirst for retribution perfectly.

As the story unfolded, and I learned more about each character, I found myself feeling pity for them. I even began to understand the reactions they had to specific situations.

This especially comes to mind thinking back on the story arc of Justin Foley (Brandon Flynn).

Foley, a character I hated from the start of the show, slowly turns from a douchey jock into a victim of poor upbringing and abuse.

Jay Asher, who wrote the book on which the series is based, serves as its main writer and does a fantastic job. There have been many teen dramas, but never one with such believable characters.

As the plot progresses, viewers are introduced to the adults who failed Baker.

The program shows viewers that teenagers are not the only ones to fall prey to the unhealthy social hierarchy of high school.

Counselors and school officials fear dealing with subjects that could lead to potential negative attention to themselves, their star students or the school. Baker’s story gives us a horrifying look at the helplessness that teenagers can feel when those who have been given charge of their lives fail them.

The show doesn’t hold back.

It is stark and often difficult to watch, and has little closure.

By showing the buildup and aftermath of those types of abuses, alongside its amazing cast, “13 Reasons Why” is able to elevate itself above the average teen drama.

Clay Jensen Jensen is the main character. The story follows him as he listens to all of the tapes Baker leaves behind prior to her suicide. Jensen was secretly in love with Baker but was always afraid to tell her, until it was too late.

Jensen is portrayed as a nice guy with good intentions. As he listens to the tapes, he becomes more frustrated with people’s actions against Baker. Seeking retribution, Clay goes out of his way to expose those who hurt Baker.

Jessica Davis Davis is the best friend Baker was looking for.

They would hang out at Monet’s Cafe and had hot chocolate while talking about boys and laughing until Alex Standall came into their friendship and started dating Davis, leaving Baker alone again.

8

sports

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 4.26.2017 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

■ OFF THE RECORD

kylepierce

DRAFT PICKS NOURISH TEAMS, PROVIDE HOPE

Comet outfielder Rome Watson (right) dives into home plate during Contra Costa College’s 8-6 loss against Mendocino College at the Baseball Field on Saturday.

A

fan’s relationship with their team is a complicated one. Fans endure a lot of emotions: the joy of scoring, the dejected feeling of watching your team fall behind, the frustration of terrible officiating, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Through the highs and lows, fans stay by their team’s side. But how do fans of teams with constant lows stick by their teams? Two words — optimism and patience.

All you can do as a fan is to remain optimistic and support your team. Even when your team has been awful, you must hold on to hope.

Look at every move toward a rebuild as the next stepping stone to be competitive again.

For bottom of the barrel teams, as Joel Embiid would say, “Trust the process.”

The worse your team performs the more likely they are to get a better draft pick.

Teams then have a chance to rebuild You never through the draft. know who Fans then have young can develop players that they to be the next can remain optimissuperstar, so tic about. get to remain hope- They watch these ful your team players develop and can get a improve their overall player with game.

You can get excitepotential. ment from watching the individual performances of these young talents that your team drafts, in hope that they can turn into a franchise player that you can build the team around.

Remain optimistic, and remember that any young player can turn into the next franchise player.

Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas was the last pick in the 2011 draft and has turned into one of the top point guards in the league.

You never know who can develop to be the next superstar, so remain hopeful that your team can get a player with potential and develop him into that next level player.

To see the glory days, you got to stick through the dreadful ones.

Raider fans know this best.

They stuck through 14 years of losing, remained optimistic and patient as they watched their team develop into a true Super Bowl contender.

Some winning droughts are longer than others. The Chicago Cubs went 108 years without winning a World Series championship.

Now they sit atop of the MLB, fresh off a championship, and are favorites to repeat.

Of course, 108 years is more than a lifetime of waiting, but it’s proof that every team will eventually turn it around.

You must remain patient and optimistic.

Every team has its time on top.

It’s just a matter of time before a losing team climbs its way back up to the top.

Kyle Pierce is an Advocate staffer. Contact him at kpierce. theadvocate@gmail.com.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

Hitting, inexperience lead Comets to extra inning loss

BY Dylan Collier ASSISTANT SCENE EDITOR

dcollier.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Comets (11-25 overall and 6-12 in the Bay Valley Conference) were able to squeeze in a win against visiting Mendocino College (6-12 in the Bay Valley Conference) on Friday behind starting pitcher Casey Edmunds who pitched a complete game, but lost in a four-hour crusade on Saturday.

The win on Friday put an end to their six-game losing streak, but Contra Costa College couldn’t carry the momentum into the next day, losing in 11 innings 8-6.

The Comets return to the field Thursday to play Napa Valley College at 2:30 p.m. at the Baseball Field.

Saturday’s game against Mendocino College was anything but typical. In fact, it was a backand-forth offensive battle that never had a dull inning.

Comet starting pitcher Brandon Owens kept the game close, allowing CCC to take the lead in the third inning.

Comet shortstop Justin Summers said, “At this point in the season, we are just trying to have fun and play good baseball.

Every game is meaningful to us, and we don’t take anything for granted, especially with (John)

Velasco out for the rest of the season.”

Velasco broke his leg while running the basepaths in the Comets’ 9-5 loss against Yuba College at the Baseball Field on April 19.

In the third inning, the Comets let loose an offensive barrage and managed to produce runs, starting with two outs.

First, shortstop Justin Summers hit a line drive to left-center field.

Then second baseman Elijah Smith found first base on a single hit hard at Eagle third baseman Robbie McIntosh.

The infielder bobbled the ball and couldn’t turn a play at either bag.

Center fielder Rome Watson hit a hard grounder back at Mendocino pitcher Hank Harris who made a wide throw to first base. He followed that error with a bad throw to third base, then, a late throw to the plate.

The sloppy play resulted in Summers, Smith and Watson all crossing home base on errors.

At the end of the third inning, CCC led 3-1.

In the sixth inning sophomore Eric Whitfield planted a hanging slider over the left field fence for the Comets fourth run of the game.

The run allowed the Comets to maintain a 4-3 lead over the

“I feel like we need to come together more and work on our hitting. If our hitting comes at the right point, that will translate into wins.”— Casey

Edmunds

Eagles.

After the Eagles scored three runs in the ninth inning to take a 6-4 lead, the Comets quickly bounced back from the two-run deficit.

CCC started its ninth inning rally on a line drive hit by right fielder Rabonnie Carter — a hit that barely squeezed past second base into the outfield grass.

“I was just thinking I had to get on base, and I wanted to hit something up the middle of the field,” Carter said.

At the end of nine innings, the game was tied 6-6.

As the game went into extra innings, Mendocino strung together a few hits in the 11th that put two more runs on the scoreboard to lead 8-6.

CCC infielder Casey Edmunds said, “I feel like we need to come together more and work on our hitting. If our hitting comes at the right point, that will translate into wins. We need to fix little

kinks in our hit- EAGLES ting, especially in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings when it counts the most.”

COMETS On Saturday, the Comets two biggest opportunities to win the game were in the ninth and 11th innings, but again fell short when it mattered the most.

The morale in the Comet dugout has been low since it was announced third baseman Velasco must sit the rest of the season out because of his broken leg.

He jumped over Yuba third baseman Darrell Doll and when he came down he landed on his leg in such a way that put too much pressure on his fibula and ankle.

“It always makes a big difference and hurts when you’re missing your power hitter at the front of your lineup,” assistant coach Michael Jefferson said.

Whitfield said, “Although we lost (to Mendocino), I want to remind the freshman that we need to build a good program. So if the Comets ever make it into playoff contention, we can say we started something.”

8 6

BOND MONEY FUNDS POOL EDGE RESTORATION Repairs to deck perimeter mitigates injuries, accidents

BY Efrain Valdez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com

The college Pool will soon undergo renovations to the deck surface and edges due to moderate cracking and chipping.

“The cracking and chipping on the edge of the deck is caused by the wheels on the tarp reel falling into the Pool and the ground movement due to the nearby faults,” physical education professor Jim Ulversoy said.

“The last major renovations that were done to the Pool were completed in 2004 when the they replaced the tile inside of the Pool,” Ulversoy said.

Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said, “Leftover funds from Measure A, a bond passed by voters in 2006 to upgrade local schools, will pay for the resurfacing of the edge of the deck by the Pool.”

The Measure A funds are the same funds that were used for the construction of the Student and Administration Building and the General Education Building.

“The renovations will be solely focused on the edge of the deck, but if there’s enough money we will try to resurface the whole deck,” King said.

The renovations are mainly being done to quell the concerns of swimmers who feel they may get hurt while walking around or getting in and out of the pool. Some students have already obtained minor scrapes in the area.

“Swimmers here have had more hand injuries than feet injuries,” Ulversoy said.

“There isn’t anybody that I have heard of or seen get hurt while around the Pool,” Middle College High School

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

A corner of the Pool edge shows cracks that have created an uneven surface close to the edge. More cracks can be found throughout the cemented area around it.

student Malea Reeves said. “Honestly, the Pool has always looked the same. It’s just the pump that broke and we haven’t practiced in weeks so championships are going to be a struggle since the other teams are way ahead.”

King said the Pool pump broke over a week ago and that they ordered a new one April 19 and that it should arrive in seven to 10 business days.

He also said that there is no timetable for when repairs to the deck will take place.

“If only the edge of the deck gets resurfaced, the Pool should only be closed for about a week or two. If the whole deck is resurfaced, it could be closed for longer,” King said.

“The Pool is used for 11 months of the year. The only time it is closed

is during winter break,” Ulversoy said.

“The Pool is used by high schools, students here at the college and its open to the public during the summer time.”

King said that pools are very expensive to maintain, but that this renovation will help the facility maintain its status as one of the better pools in the area.

“This Pool was built in 1970 and was opened in the spring of 1971, so it has been used heavily for many years,” Ulversoy said.

The architect that is overseeing the remodeling of the Gymnasium, Gym Annex Building and the locker rooms is also in charge of the Pool project.

For now, King said, the Pool will stay in this condition but will receive its much-needed attention within the next year.