The Advocate 4-30

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

Toast of the town

Culinary department raises funds with finer tastes

sports X page 7

Landslide Comets unable to stop Eagles

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campus beat X page 5

scene X page 6

Revisiting a dream ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ opens tonight

VOL. 101, NO. 20

SINCE 1950 8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

“I’m here for no other reason than to change the world.”

David “Dajarah” Houston, humanities chairperson

Tuition remains at $46 per unit Course costs unchanged by budget proposal

edit orial

By Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

EMPATHY

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

A man of compassion — After 38 years at the college, David “Dajarah” Houston, current humanities chairperson, will retire to focus more time on writing books. He plans to come back and teach philosophy classes part time.

RADIATING

Houston will retire after 38 years at college, plans to focus free time on writing, spending time with family

By Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

Rebecca Canales walked into the small hallway of offices in the Physical Science Building cradling her 13-month-old daughter Sofia to present her to a person who, she said, has changed her life.

Canales said she felt compelled to bring Sofia to visit him, because it could be the last time she could before his retirement.

“I was so sad when he told us in our class that he would be retiring next semester — all of us were,” Canales said.

Humanities and philosophy professor David Houston, or Dajarah as he is known to his students and friends, is clearing out his office but he set aside the time to admire his student’s child.

“She is so precious,” he said with tears in his eyes as Canales showed him her daughter.

Houston has taught at Contra Costa College since 1976 and said he would be retiring at the end of June.

His office space is cramped and was moved from the old Humanities Building, but students have always been welcome

Former art department chairperson John Diestler has known Houston for the entirety of his teaching career at CCC. He said he remembers Houston’s enthusiasm dating back to when he was hired.

“He loves students. You can tell he connects very well with them,” Diestler said. “He is a very calm and compassionate person with a tremendous passion for life, a passion that he transfers to students.”

Apart from his responsibilities as the humanities department chairperson, Houston is currently teaching two courses, an Introduction to Philosophy Ethics course and an Understanding Love course John Diestler, former art department chairperson that he created in 2011.

“It is the responsibility of teachers to to drop by during his office hours for 38 create new courses, and Dajarah (Houston) years. has been very innovative in those regards,” “I’m here for no other reason than to Diestler said. change the world. I love what I do,” he said. He said the demands of the job, how- “Dajarah” ever, have simply become too much over Houston said “David Houston,” is what the years. he used to call himself until he realized that “I am working too hard and writing less his life experiences had altered him so sigand less because of the demands from the nificantly that he was no longer the person college,” he said. Houston has published he used to be. four books while working at CCC, includ“Dajarah” has become the pen name he ing “Mongain” in 2011.

Q SEE HOUSTON: Page 3

“He loves students. You can tell he connects very well with them. He is a very calm and compassionate person with a tremendous passion for life, a passion that he transfers to students.”

With all of the changes underway at California’s community colleges, it is nice for students when some things stay the same, especially the $46 a unit cost of tuition.

While the state has been pushing completion and the enhancement of student services at two-year colleges under the Student Success Act of 2012, the price of tuition at these colleges statewide has remained $46 per unit for the past two years.

Lower tuition

Community college tuition freeze has helped students, but lowering fees would help even more.

page 2

Q SEE TUITION: Page 3

Project to ‘revitalize’ sidewalks El Sobrante downtown to see renovation, trees

By Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

EL SOBRANTE — A renovation of the sidewalks along the stretch of San Pablo Dam Road between Appian Way and El Portal Drive is scheduled to begin in September.

If the San Pablo Dam Road Walkability and Community Enhancement project (SPDRP) does not begin the construction phase by Sept.

30, the funds will be frozen because of the Measure J funding law.

The Measure J funding law states that if the funds collected are not put toward improving transportation projects before the end of the fiscal year, the funds will not longer be available.

Q SEE SIDEWALKS: Page 3

Locklin shares life, success in sciences

By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Planetarium was filled with Center of Science Excellence students Friday to hear a representative from Element Six Technology speak about her life growing up in Richmond.

Before her job as a semiconductor application manager, Contra Costa College alumna Brooke Locklin said she had it rough growing up in Richmond.

Locklin said her parents were drug addicts, she was homeless, and dropping out of high school did not help her case.

After she got her GED, she took interest in science and joined the CSE program at CCC in 2006.

Opening up — Brooke Locklin, a representative from Element Six Technology, shares the opportunities that were provided to her through the Center for Science Excellence program during an open forum in the Planetarium

Locklin said she grew up with parents who were addicted to drugs and was at one point homeless.

“All those things gave me the motivation to finish school.

My parents were examples of what not to do with my life,” she said. “The CSE program became the pivotal moment in my life, and I attribute my success to this program.”

Locklin said her interest in the sciences stemmed from wanting to make things explode, so she became a nuclear engineer major when she attended CCC in 2006.

However, none of the fouryear colleges that have a nuclear energy program accepted her, so she changed her major to biochemistry and transferred Q SEE DIAMONDS: Page 3

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CCC alumna provides advice to students on Friday

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

Quotable “When truth is no longer free, freedom is no longer real.”

Jacques Prevert French poet 1951 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 30, 2014 VOL. 101, NO. 20 L

Editorial Keep fees at ease Tuition increase would hinder opportunities

T

he only conversation that needs to be had about tuition costs for community college is how to lower them.

California’s community colleges have long been seen as the affordable option to get one’s general education requirements done before transferring.

It certainly is cheaper than tuition at a CSU or a UC. But to think it is affordable simply because how blatantly other institutions of higher education rip off their students with outrageous tuition prices is ridiculous.

No student working a full-time minimum wage job could afford to go to a community college without financial aid. No student working two full-time minimum wage jobs could.

Luckily financial aid does exist, but doesn’t the fact that so many students need to utilize financial aid to pay for the “affordable” college option mean that college, in general, is unaffordable?

Tuition for community colleges has remained at $46 per unit for the last couple of years, which flies in the face of the last decade of constant tuition hikes. As early as 2003, tuition fees were just $18 per unit. Over the last few years, the hikes in tuition have been severe, while the wages students are earning on their jobs have not changed in the slightest.

A way has to be found to bring tuition costs, for all students, drastically lower.

While financial aid does exist, and is a huge boon to students who qualify, students should be able to pay for their own education.

The state seems to be assuming that all students come from wealthy, loving families, which is simply far from true.

Financial aid is an admirable step toward making college accessible to those without means, but if the trend in increasing the costs to students continues, it is likely that the state will be unable to support those who need assistance.

California’s constant budget crises are evidence of how large a burden educational assistance can be on the state.

So the state must look to where it can save money it allocates to higher education. Professors are essential, though one need only look at a number of colleges to see that college administration may be a large waste of funding.

Administrative salaries are also extremely high. According to a database compiled by the San Jose Mercury News in 2010, no college president was earning less than $200,000 a year, with many earning well over $250,000.

There is no doubt college administrators work hard. But given how much a college education can cost, maybe they should not be living such markedly different lives than the constituents they serve.

CODY MCFARLAND / THE ADVOCATE

N Military

Memories of corps cherished, criticized T

here was no defining moment in my life that caused me to decide that, two weeks after graduating high school, I would be on a bus heading to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego.

Joining the military was something that I had always wanted to do, but not as a profession.

Knowing I would only complete the initial four years of active duty, there would come a time of transition back to civilian life where I could apply behaviors and skills learned in the military to the pursuit of higher education or professional development.

The four years spent in the Marine Corps provided an even mix of some good and not so good memories.

I saw more of the world than I ever would have imagined — from the tropical beaches of Okinawa, Japan, to the blistering heat of Thailand, to the freezing winter desert temperatures of Afghanistan.

Undergoing Marine Corps training taught me many things, from weapons handling and combat techniques of a basic rifleman, to how to conduct myself out of uniform in a professional manner.

Specializing as an automotive diesel mechanic, I maintained fleets of Humvees as well as other Marine Corps specific troop and cargo transports.

Throughout the years

struggled with the loss of individuality.

The regulations stretched beyond the camouflage and “jarhead” hair cuts into speech, thoughts and actions.

Every aspect of life had an order defining what you could or could not do, how I learned the ins and outs to do it and when to do it. of every aspect of their Then came the time to operational requirements and eventually held a chief posi- return to the real world tion, with Marines under my where my opinion meant something again. command.

I’m now able Having been enlistto make my own ed and starting at the I have choices and can bottom, I often had little to no say about no regrets learn from any mistakes through anything that hapand pened. putting on communication being receptive of Any suggestions criticism, instead of fell on the deaf ears getting screamed at of superiors based on a uniform by a staff sergeant my rank, not merit. for four and brushing it off.

It wasn’t until I The bonds I made reached the rank of corporal after two years and while in the Marine Corps are ones that years that my opinion will stick with me was even considered while I for life, regardless among my chain of of how much time command.

I learned to remain don’t miss passes without communication. flexible in any situaThey will forever tion and never accept the Marine be my brothers and defeat, it simply wasn’t an option.

Corps, I do sisters.

I have no regrets I grew accustomed putting on a uniform to being aware of my miss the for four years and surroundings and to while I don’t miss adapt to fit the current the Marine Corps, I mission requirements. Marines. do miss the Marines.

Transitioning this to day-to-day life is simple Cody Casares is a staff — identify the goal and utilize anything and everything photographer for The at my disposal to get it done. Advocate. Contact him at ccasares.theadvocate@ I embraced the obvigmail.com. ous hurdles of physical and emotional exhaustion but

codycasares

CampusComment

Do you have any issues paying your college tuition?

“No, I get financial aid and that covers just about everything. But hearing what other people pay is crazy.”

Antoine Perkins business

“I get the Board of Governors fee waiver but have to pay for books with financial aid.

Balancing that between sports, school and work is tough.”

Eric Gambetta-Gaglielman Deandre Russell kinesiology

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

“Currently no, because of the Board of Governors fee waiver and EOPS. They cover about 90 percent of books and tuition.” computer science

“Yeah, financial aid is unorganized. Last semester I had to pay out of pocket and I applied this semester but still have not heard anything from financial aid.”

Inani Canady undecided

“Yes. I am having issues with financial aid because I had to drop a math class but I am not sure if I am going to have to pay for it.”

Loraine Zenaba business

“I have financial aid and without it, (going to college) would be impossible. I am an international student so it is about $251 a unit. I think it is way too expensive.”

Rita Beynan nursing

CAMPUS BEAT Follow The Advocate

Newsline Q POLITICS

Forum to explore immigration law The forum to discuss immigration policy is set for Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. in LA-100.

The purpose of the event is to expand the discourse regarding immigrant rights and to 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.

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 Student 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 MUSIC

Spring showcase to hit the Knox The Annual Spring Showcase will be in the Knox Center on May 16 at 8 p.m.

Contra Costa College’s music department will be featuring its Gospel Choir, JAZZ-ology, Jazzanova, classical jazz students, and the college chorus group.

Tickets for the event at $10 for students with a valid ID and $15 for general admission.

For more information about the event, contact music professor Stephanie Austin at 510-215-4824.

Q MEETING

Support for women offered The Young Women’s Support Group will be holding its weekly meeting in LA-206 at 3:40 p.m. today.

The purpose of the event is to provide a confidential space for women to give and obtain support.

Topics may include building confidence, bettering relationships, selfempowerment, and community.

Everyone is encouraged to attend to support each other and just to find more about what support is offered to women on campus.

Free food is provided to participants.

For more information about the meeting and group, stop by the weekly meetings in LA-206 at 3:40 p.m.

Q SUPER SATURDAY

Event to inform high schoolers Super Saturday will be held on May 10 in the Student Services Center at 8 a.m.

The event is a freshman orientation for those graduating high school seniors who have made contact with Contra Costa College.

At the orientation students will learn information about the college, support services offered on campus and meet other incoming students.

Students will receive a tour of the college and the different services provided around the campus.

Students will also be familarized with the different buildings on campus.

Navigation of the campus, due to the construction of the new Campus Center, will also be an important part of the event.

Students and their families will be able to meet counselors and college administrators while preparing for a successful fall semester.

For more information about the event, contact the Super Saturday coordinator Carla Matute at cmatute@contracosta.edu.

3

Tuition | Budget proposal halts fee increase Q FROM: Page 1

Receive breaking news and sports updates by following The Advocate on Twitter and Facebook. twitter.com/accentadvocate facebook.com/accentadvocate

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Senior Dean of Instruction Donna Floyd said, “Based on the governor’s budget proposal for the next (fiscal) year, (tuition cost) is not going up. I don’t know when fees will go up again.”

Tuition fees increased from $20 a unit in the 2008-09 academic year to $46 a unit in the summer semester of 2012, a 130 percent increase in just three academic years.

Dr. Floyd said that if tuition costs remain the same, it would serve as an incentive for students at Contra Costa College to continue taking classes here and complete requirements.

This is because students would know what to expect when it comes time to pay their bills for a given semester, and allow them to plan accordingly, she said.

“If fees don’t increase, it is a good thing for students because they can plan to pay the same amount during their time here,” she said. “When fees go up, it costs more to go to a community college, and that’s on top of the costs of books and materials.”

Director of Business Services

Mariles Magalong said California’s community colleges not only have the largest system with 112 colleges across 72 districts, but also boast the least expensive tuition costs per unit in the country.

“When you compare the cost of tuition (at California’s community colleges) to other states, and look at the current state of the economy, it is already the best bargain in higher education,” Magalong said.

Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson agrees.

When Ferguson was hired at CCC in 2003, she said she remembers a fuss over raising tuition costs from $11 to $13 a unit, which contrasted her experience at a community college in Louisiana where credits cost $95 each.

According to a report published this month by the state Chancellor’s Office, the average annual tuition and fees for a full-time student is currently $13,200 at a UC, $6,695 at a CSU and $1,104 at a community college.

The page in the report is aptly named, “Community Colleges are a bargain.”

Despite the inexpensive costs

of two-year schools in California, many students are still incapable of paying their tuition fees.

At CCC specifically, low socioeconomic standing and a prevalence of students being first generation college students — new to the system and possibly unaware of financial aid or other services — makes finding the necessary funding difficult for many.

Human health services major Tyre Foster said that, though tuition costs could be lower, he recognizes the nation’s economy is still healing from the 2008 financial crisis and that education, no matter how costly, is very important.

“Tuition costs are kind of high, but the prices for everything are pretty high right now,” Foster said.

“I’m 44 now and going to school, and that is a blessing. Everyone (has different motivations), but everyone can benefit from getting an education.”

For CCC students who need help paying tuition fees and other costs, financial aid and assisted living programs are available.

The state-funded EOPS assists students who qualify by providing

fee waivers and grants.

Students also have the option of submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive financial aid or other fee and book waivers from the federal government, if they qualify.

Nursing major Louise Muli said, upon arriving on campus two years ago, she had missed the deadline to submit her FAFSA and paid out of pocket for her first year at CCC. With her first year tuition costs totaling $1,100, Muli was ecstatic upon receiving federal financial aid via FAFSA, which required her to only pay $5 per semester for tax purposes.

“It was really expensive, especially taking multiple science classes,” Muli said, explaining that having multiple lab classes in the sciences, at 5 units each and costing $46 per unit, adds up quickly.

“Ten dollars instead of $1,100 — that’s a big (freaking) difference,” she said.

Though her financial aid has benefitted her greatly, Muli said she is saddened by the fact that financial aid does not cover summer semesters.

Sidewalks | Beautification Diamonds Q FROM: Page 1

Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante (CGES) member Sharon Korotkin said she has attended many El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council meetings regarding the project. The most recent was held on April 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the El Sobrante Library Community Meeting Room.

Korotkin said that during the meeting, the board was on the verge of getting the project funding approved. She said the project is “finally” out of the design phase but it has been in a long process since its creation in 2010.

The project will receive $2.4 million in funds from three different sources to repave the sidewalks and bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as providing easier access to all pedestrians.

A Contra Costa Transportation Authority application for the project states that funds from Measure J, the Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC), Proposition 1B and local road tax initiatives allocated $1.4 million, $700,000, and $327,000 toward funding the project respectively.

Associate Civil Engineer Mary Halle sent a report to Contra Costa County Public Works Department in District 1 (CCCPWD) Chief of Staff Terrance Cheung regarding the San Pablo Dam Road Project two years ago.

In the report, Halle wrote that the project will be sizable and require the cooperation of about 40-50 business owners on San Pablo Dam Road. During construction, pedestrians attempting to enter shops built closest to the sidewalk will be obstructed.

Korotkin said it will not only allow people with disabilities to easily dodge trash

“It will revitalize a downtown that is dire need of it.”

Sharon Korotkin

Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante

cans or uneven cracks in the sidewalk, but it will also beautify the street by planting elm trees and potted plants.

She said, “It will revitalize a downtown that is dire need of it.”

Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia announced the project during the most recent El Sobrante Stroll, an annual community event where residents and shop owners promote local businesses.

Gioia said, “In a year’s time, from Appian Way to El Portal, the sidewalk will be redone to make it easier for pedestrians to walk.”

Kim Hazard, a volunteer at the CGES booth who heard Gioia make the announcement over loudspeakers to people attending the El Sobrante Stroll, was excited to hear the news about the reconstruction to the downtown road.

Hazard said the project will be beneficial to the community by stimulating its economy through local business sales once it is completed.

Halle’s report states that the construction will continue into the 2015 fiscal year.

Sixty-seven elm trees and 14 planters are planned to be planted in the stretch of sidewalk when the project is completed, according to a landscape concept plans report issued for CCCPWD in August of 2013.

Q FROM: Page 1

to San Jose State in 2009.

“I wanted to be in nuclear energy, but I couldn’t get into a four-year college like Stanford, Oregon or UC Berkeley that have great nuclear energy programs, so I took biochemical engineering because it was the closest thing to nuclear energy,” Locklin said.

After Locklin gave a description of her life, she showed a presentation of her job at Element Six Technologies, a company that creates synthetic diamonds.

She also explained the many uses of diamonds, and the process to make them.

Locklin’s job at Element Six Technology is to find innovative and new ways to use diamond technology.

CCC student and civil engineering major Ramon Reynolds said, “I never knew the whole process of making synthetic diamonds, and I didn’t know there was (that much) to it. I thought people just wore them.”

Diamonds are the hardest natural material. They can only be cut by another diamond. Diamonds also can be made by either compression or thermal heat, Locklin said.

Chemistry major Ivan de Los Santos said, “I learned there was a way to make synthetic diamonds by using high temperature and high pressure. I knew (diamonds were) used a lot for industrial purposes, but now I know that there are different ways to use them in the field of sciences. There needs to be more events like this in the future.”

Locklin earned her first internship at Physics and Materials Engineering at UC Berkeley through the CSE program which provided the opportunity.

Throughout her studies at CCC and SJSU she decided to persist and persevere and landed a job in her field of study three weeks after she graduated from SJSU. CSE mentor Nancy Thorn said, “It’s pretty rare for people who were in her situation to overcome (those circumstances).”

Houston | Professor to retire, leaves legacy Q FROM: Page 1

uses as an acronym. He said the letters represent different people in his life who have molded him into the compassionate person he is today.

“It means awakening to the healing power of love,” Houston said.

He said after graduating with a double major in philosophy and psychology from Indiana University in Bloomington, he moved to the Bay Area in 1966. He said the furor for social change attracted him to the Bay Area, which he believed was the epicenter of social change.

Houston took a job as a minister when he first emigrated to the Bay Area.

He was inspired to become a minister because of his experiences growing up as young man during the civil rights movement.

“I marched from Selma, Ala. to Montgomery during one of Martin Luther King’s marches when I was young,” Houston said. “It was a profound experience.”

He said he left the church because he felt it was too restrictive of a means for the social change he wished to discuss and see.

He decided to begin teaching as a way to fulfill his passion for social change.

“Community college was a better fit for me,” Houston said.

Radiating empathy He said he wanted to start teaching when he took his eldest son, Jason, to a day care in Albany. As he was leaving, Houston saw his son step out onto the playground and decided to watch him through the fence for a while.

He said he watched his son walk up to the roundabout on the playground where three other boys were playing, and tried to join them but

Q Dissecting

D

David ‘Dajarah’ Houston, humanities chairperson

was pushed away.

“As the naive, happy boy he was, Jason thought that they were playing in good spirits with him,” Houston said.

He tried to get on the second time and was again pushed away. It was then he realized that he was not welcome.

“I could see in his face, this realization of sadness,” he said. Instead of fighting for a spot on the roundabout, he walked away to the corner of the playground to play with a toy truck by himself. He said that moment awoke something inside of him.

“I want a world that welcomes all my sons and daughters or anyone who is not treated well,” he said. “It struck me that a community college would be as good a place as any to create a different world.”

What Houston said he teaches in Understanding of Love course is empathy to all, devotion to the pursuit of knowledge and the appreciation of all life.

the name

and stand for

“I want a world that welcomes all my sons and daughters or anyone who is not treated well.

It struck me that a community college would be as good a place as any to create a different world.”

He also makes students share with the class moments from their lives when they felt an intense feeling of love or hate.

Houston said sharing is the most important part of the course.

Canales said, “You have to have (courage) to get up in front of the class and share.”

Houston said many students drop the course the session after finding out if they do not present an experience, they will not get a grade higher than a C. “(Understanding of Love) is not just a class to me — it’s a little crusade,” Houston said. “I believe in the possibility, a vision, of what we (humanity) can be. That is the way I have to live and go out. Hoping to infect.”

Canales was enrolled in the course the second time it was offered. The experience was so powerful she said she shared multiple times.

She said she talked about the relationship she has with her mother and the connection she is now sharing with her newborn daughter.

“It was hard to go up there and talk about it. A lot of people listening started crying too,” she said. “Having a child is a relationship that a person cannot understand until they have kids of their own.”

Houston said that the Understanding of Love course would survive in his absence. He said he has two people in mind to take over teaching it.

Diestler said most faculty realize that they are replaceable. He said the faculty all realize they do not own the college.

“When we move on it still exists,” Diestler said. “We are not meant to be irreplaceable, but we are meant to be missed. And David (Houston) will be missed.”

David

A

J and A stand for

Julie and Jason

R

A

H

stands for

stands for

stands for

Robert

April

Houston

SOURCE: “MONGAIN,” WRITTEN BY DAVID HOUSTON

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

CAMPUS BEAT

Faculty retirees to receive honors

By Sinoti Iosua STAFF WRITER

siosua.theadvocate@gmail.com

To honor faculty and staff for their years of service to Contra Costa College, the Retirees Reception will be held on Friday at 3 p.m. in the Library.

The event will recognize the dedication and hard work each individual has invested into the college.

A total of 10 faculty and staff members will be honored including Connie Anderson, John Gregorian, Helen Kalkstein and David Houston.

Senior executive assistant to the president Melody Hanson said the event is usually for staff, but students are welcomed to come.

“Each retiree has someone to talk on

their behalf for about five minutes about their time spent teaching at this institution,” Hanson said.

Although these staff members are retiring some come back part time to teach various classes, she said.

Former art department chairperson John Diestler, who retired last year, will be among those honored after more than 38 years at the college.

Student Nick Villazon said, “Since they’ve been teaching here for so long they deserve to be recognized. They’re the reason why we get a higher education.”

Psychology major Alexia Aokuso said that students should be informed about these events because it’s an opportunity to show gratitude for the investments teachers make toward the students’ education.

English professor Barbara McClain, who has been teaching at Contra Costa College for 21 years, is excited for this new chapter in her life.

McClain said, “My goal is to be retired and pursue all other interests like continuing my memoir, traveling the world, improving my Spanish and engaging in lifelong learning.”

McClain, who was also a CCC student in the 1980s, said that the students made her teaching career more enjoyable and made it a unique experience. The diversity the college is known for has made her career an educational experience itself as she has met students from 43 different countries.

Villazon said, “If I knew about this event earlier I would have bought my ticket to attend this event.”

The five Ws Who: Contra Costa College 2013-14 retirees What: 2014 Retirees Reception When: Friday at 3 p.m.

Where: Library Why: To honor and show appreciation for 2013-14 retirees for their service to the community and the college. Tickets are $25.

Speech department to host competition

By Madisen Williams STAFF WRITER

mwilliams.theadvocate@gmail.com

With the spring 2014 semester coming to a close, the speech department will host its last tournament. The Contra Costa College Intramural Speech Tournament will be held on May 8 from 3-6 p.m. in LA-100 and other classrooms on campus.

Students from CCC’s speech and debate team who are competing are required to participate in at least two rounds, as well as pay a $2 registration fee.

“The tournament is a chance for any and all students on campus to experience what it is like to participate in a speech tournament,” speech department Chairperson Sherry Diestler said.

Diestler said most of the competitors are enrolled in speech classes, and that they receive extra credit for participating.

“The judges of the tournament are made up of the speech and debate team and professors from the English, biology, journalism and speech departments,” Diestler said.

Depending on which event students want to enter, they will have approximately 2-10 minutes to present their speeches.

The categories include: impromptu, persuasive and informative speaking, and oral interpretation of literature, which may include reciting a poem, a dramatic mono-

logue or a brief story.

Students who place in first, second or third will be presented medals by President Denise Noldon.

“These medals can be worn during graduation as a medal of achievement,” Diestler said.

De’Alaundria Gardner, a speech and debate team member, speech tutor, judge and communications major, participated in the fall 2013 Intra-mural Speech Tournament.

She said, “As last year’s gold medal winner in oral interpretation, I am looking for students who have confidence in themselves and someone who is willing to have fun.”

Nursing major Ellianne Gocobachi said, “It’s a really good way to ween yourself into a completion if you haven’t done one before.”

She said there is not much pressure during the tournament, because it is a relaxed environment.

This year, there seems to be a smaller turnout of students who have signed up, but that means there will be a better chance of winning, Diestler said.

She said, “Participating in the tournament will give students the ‘edge’ on college applications and job resumés.”

To ease some student nervousness, Gardner said, “It doesn’t feel like a competition, but more like a social gathering and, in the end, everyone is a winner.”

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Impromptu — Speech tutor De’Alaundria Gardner practices an improvisational speech on Thursday in AA-113 for the Intramural Speech Tournament that will take place on May 8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

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CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

5

Rocking out — Jon Cyr, a member of the Hilltop Ukulele Lovers Academy, performs at the 7th Annual Food and Wine Event held in the Gymnasium on Sunday.

Cyr is a Contra Costa College alumnus.

Event augments funds for department, trips

By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

Attendees were greeted with a variety of food and wine as they entered the Gymnasium Sunday for the culinary arts department’s 7th annual Food and Wine Event.

The event raises funds for the Contra Costa College Culinary Arts Study Abroad Program, which sends 10 students to Italy to study culinary arts and culture each summer. The department raised approximately $45,000 on Sunday.

The Gymnasium was packed with people and food vendors from all over the East Bay. According to culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes there were approximately 1,000 people at the event. The students played a big part bringing this event together, Sharkes said. “I think this event is outstand-

ing in my opinion, and the students did a good job setting it up,�

Sharkes said. “We send students to Italy (each summer) to study the culture, and the food and wine event helps us fund it.�

Culinary students helped some of the vendors serve food to attendees, and some worked security at the event. The event gave culinary students a chance to show off all that they have learned from the culinary arts program. “It’s something we love to do, so this event helps us culinary art students show off our hard work.� culinary arts major Michael Sexton said. “As culinary arts students we work hard, and this shows that our hard work turns into trips to Italy.�

At the door, attendees were given a wine glass and a unique paper plate that acts as a cup holder, made by the company Party Green. The plates made it easy for attendees to move around and get

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

food from other vendors with their wine glasses.

Party Green Vice President Ron Clark said, “This is my fifth year sponsoring this event, and these plates are a good way for attendees to have their food and drink in the same place because they will have to walk everywhere at this event.�

Chef and partner of Yankee Pier Michael Dunn has been working the food and wine event since its inception in 2008.

Dunn’s restaurant is a seafood restaurant, and his booth served freshly chucked oysters.

Even though Dunn did not attend a culinary arts school or department, he said he loves helping enterprising culinary students. “Being in the food industry, it’s fun to support up and coming chefs,� Dunn said. “I didn’t go to school for culinary. I learned from the food industry. It’s just fun to give back to the industry that gave me so much.�

A helping hand — Culinary arts student Krishna Pan sets up cookies to be served during the 7th Annual Food and Wine Event held in the Gymnasium on Sunday.

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

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6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

SCENE

Modern rendition opens tonight ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ play to hit Knox

This week: “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (PG-13) “Walk of Shame) (R) “The Bachelor Weekend” (NR) “Bad Johnson” (NR) “Belle” (PG) “Beneath the Harvest Sky” (NR)

Blu-rays

New releases: “Labor Day” (PG-13) “The Legend of Hercules” (PG-13) “Escape from Tomorrow” (NR) “Gloria” (R)

By Nina Cestaro STAFF WRITER

ncestaro.theadvocate@gmail.com

The drama department, along with volunteers from the community, are diligently working to produce a contemporary rendition of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The production is set to open tonight at the Knox Center at 8 and continue through Saturday night.

Director Linda Jackson-Whitmore has produced more than 70 plays in her career. She said she chose this particular Shakespeare play because of the ease of the production.

“The plot is something people can relate to. It’s most satisfying as a director to see all the theatrical techniques, set, script and actors’ development gel and come together as a full-scale production,” Jackson-Whitmore said. “It’s been a while since a play of this scale has been assembled and I am very much enjoying it.”

Elena Battas, who will be playing the role of Hermia, said, “ I like to memorize lines beforehand and then get into the character in the moment. So when I’m backstage I am thinking about what scenes I am about to be in and I play off the other actors’ energy.”

Battas is excited to hear how the audience will respond to her rendition of Hermia’s character and the laughs the play will get.

Theater major Alejandro Garcia, who plays Lysander, said he loves being part of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” because he loves how he can make a character come off the script, become

Music

New releases: Pixies: “Indie Cindy” Archie Powell & The Exports: “Back in Black” Prins Thomas: “Prins Thomas III” Rodrigo y Gabriela: “9 Dead Alive”

Games

New releases: “MLB 14: The Show” (T) “Rambo: The Video Game” (M) “Abyss” (T) “Daylight” (T) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

real to an audience and immerse himself in all things dramatic.

“The point of this play is that magic makes everything better,” Garcia said.

Dramatic arts major Brittany Turner said, “I was ready to audition for Hippolyta as soon as I heard about ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ I’m really excited because I’ve been involved in acting since 2010 and this is the first leading part I’ve gotten.”

Turner wants to show what she can do with a leading role and said that she

likes to be challenged. This role is about as far from her actual persona that she could get, but she is up for the challenge, she said.

Miguel Garcia has designed the costumes for the play, designing, sewing and fitting students into their costumes.

He said he likes being around the energy of a full production.

Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner, who will be part of the production, said Jackson-Whitmore is very enthusiastic and involved.

“She’s first a teacher and then a director. It’s been fun being part of a play after a 10-year hiatus from acting,” Berner said.

With the condensed rehearsal time, this play comes together as a miracle.

Assistant director Bob Lane said the play is right on schedule. Lane also said the students are “very smart, diligent, hard-working and professional.”

Cost for students is $10 and $15 for general admission. Tickets will go on sale one hour before the show begins.

El Tazumal offers affordable cuisine Restaurant provides warm atmosphere

By Florinda Hershey STAFF WRITER

“The Rocket” (NR)

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Dream state — Queen of the fairies Titania (Julia Bourney) lays with her Indian changeling while being comforted during a rehearsal of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” premiering tonight in the Knox Center.

fhershey.theadvocate@gmail.com

El Tazumal offers good quality Salvadorian and Mexican food at a very affordable price.

The restaurant is so close to campus, it only takes about five minutes to get there by walking.

Located at 14621 San Pablo Ave., the restaurant offers a very comfortable and familiar atmosphere to patrons.

El Tazumal offers a wide variety of food options, which allow those unfamiliar with Salvadorian and Mexican food to try something new.

One can order tacos, salads, New York steaks with

rice and beans or opt to be more adventurous and order the pupusas, which are only $2 each.

Pupusas are a traditional dish from foodreview El Salvador made by stuffing a thick tortilla like “El Tazumal” dough with +++++ beans, Cuisine: cheese, Salvadorian pork or Where: 14621 other ingreSan Pablo Avenue, San dients that Pablo are lightly Price Range: fried. $5-$12 They also have aguas frescas, a sweet, fruity drink served in many different flavors.

When customers arrive, they are prompted to seat themselves by a wait staff and then they receive prompt attention.

The restaurant is noticeably clean and well orga-

nized, and one look around at the customers can show how happy they are eating at El Tazumal.

Elsi Ardon, a patron at El Tazumal, said she likes to eat there because the food has a delicious homemade taste.

She said the affordability of the food is another thing that keeps bringing her back.

At El Tazumal, a television is set out in the restaurant for patrons to watch.

The set is usually tuned to whatever local sport-

ing event or important soccer game that is on the air.

This allows sport fans to eat without missing their favorite team play, creating a place the whole family can enjoy.

El Tazumal had my attention after the first time I ate there. Seeing people enjoying themselves with their families made me want to come back.

I like to come to El Tazumal because, as a student, I do

not have to spend a lot of money trying to get food in between classes.

It has dishes that vary in price, but I like to choose the cheaper dishes.

El Tazumal offers an excellent restaurant near the college where students cannot only try something different, but also hang out with their friends near campus.

FLORINDA HERSHEY / THE ADVOCATE

N Sex

Have you heard about the female orgasm?

T he female orgasm is not a mystic unicorn waiting to be found.

Put down your latest issue of Cosmopolitan magazine because that overtly complicated position to reach your “g-spot” is not the key to your pleasure.

In fact, I think we may have put too much pressure on men to help us reach orgasm.

Sure, I’ve had my share of men who think, “Well, maybe if I give it to her hard enough and play with her nipples, it should work (it doesn’t).”

I can’t count how many times I have spoken to girlfriends who say they “think” they had an orgasm with their partner.

When you have an orgasm, you just know; your body tenses up, you scream, your mind rushes as you let go and you just want to fall asleep.

There is a scene in “When Harry Met Sally” at Katz Delicatessen in which Meg Ryan proves to Billy Crystal just how easy it is for women to fake their orgasms.

She proceeds to make moaning noises at the restaurant and

veronicasantos screams, “Oh god! Right there!” to prove her point.

Unfortunately, in most cases, it’s true.

We know that you’re trying, so we try not to kill your ego.

In the 10 years I have been “getting it” on the regular, it has only been three years since I have truly discovered what it’s like to have an orgasm through intercourse.

According to the Kinsey Institute, women are more likely to have an orgasm alone than with a partner.

Which brings me to my first solution — masturbation.

Don’t put the burden of discovering what gets you off on your partner.

You can’t expect him to just know where to go unless you know the right spots.

Think of it as intrapersonal communication.

Masturbation is just a way to communicate your sexual According wants and needs to yourself. That to the in turn, builds Kinsey your interpersonal commuInstitute, nication skills with your partwomen ner and leads him to all areas are more that need attention. likely Again, it to have is not just the male’s responan orgasm sibility to keep you going.

Reaching the alone peak requires an than ego boost.

I’ve been in with a situations where I can’t seem to partner. get any pleasure because I’m too busy thinking about my fat jiggling on my belly while my legs are in the air or how my butt looks when he’s behind me.

I had to learn how to accept myself.

The first time I had sex with my most recent ex-boyfriend, I literally looked at myself in the mirror and told myself, “Damn girl, you look hot tonight.”

And as cheesy as it may be, it worked.

I even did squats and jumping jacks to get myself pumped up with adrenaline.

Do whatever it takes to feel good about yourself.

If you think about it, you would not be in the bedroom, kissing with your clothes off, if he weren’t interested in the first place.

I’ve learned that once he sees you naked, no matter what body issues you have with yourself, he isn’t going to run away.

Unless of course, you say or do something awkward like mention the size of his penis in a non-flattering way.

Veronica Santos is the scene editor of The Advocate. Contact her at vsantos.theadvocate@ gmail.com.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 l THE ADVOCATE

Sliding to safety — Comet outfielder Timmion Hughes slides into first base during CCC’s game against Mendocino College at the Baseball Field on Thursday.

7

N Off the record

ryanmargason

Talent, speed strong within baseball team

A

Squad fails to stop Eagles’ onslaught

By Sean Whatley STAFF WRITER

swhatley.theadvocate@gmail.com

Winning its final home game of the season and ending a six-game losing streak was a task that Contra Costa College’s baseball team was not up to on Thursday.

The Comets (6-15 in the Bay Valley Conference) were not able to stop the Eagles in their 12-3 loss against Mendocino College (1011 in the BVC) at the Baseball Field.

The Comets end their season in last place in the conference.

Mendocino got on the first with an ScoreBoard RBIboard double by Brett Eagles 12 Loughlin in the first Comets 3 inning.

The Comets Season over: answered back in the 9-26 overall; bottom of the first 6-15 in the inning with the Comets’ BVC. second baseman JR Davis’ leadoff walk.

Conference An RBI single by finish: Comets’ outfielder Eighth Tyrone Bowie would give the speedy Davis enough time to score the run tying the game at 1-1.

An unassisted tag out by Mendocino’s pitcher Raymond Kerr brought the first inning to a close.

The third inning saw Loughlin earn another RBI, via a controversial single shot home run that put Mendocino ahead 3-1. The ball was called a home run, though some of the play-

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

ers believed it was a foul ball. CCC remained behind the rest of the game.

“I watched (the ball) and thought it hooked foul, but I didn’t really see it,” Loughlin said.

Comets’ designated pitch hitter Brandon Brown said, “It was a foul ball, because it didn’t hit the fence.”

The umpires’ decision to rule the hit a home run came with verbal protest from the Comets’ baseball coach Marvin Webb.

In the third inning Webb and Comets’ shortstop Jihan Weisner were ejected after their dispute with the umpire.

Comets’ starting pitcher Dominic Quilici was also ejected after hitting Mendocino outfielder Ben Miller in the head with a pitch in the top of the third inning.

“The pitcher was frustrated,” Webb said.

“He didn’t hit the guy intentionally.”

Quilici went 2 2/3 innings. He allowed five hits, three runs and struck out three batters before being replaced by relief pitcher Christian Suarez.

Suarez went 2 and 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run.

In the sixth inning, it looked as if the Comets would rally.

An RBI triple by CCC’s third baseman Timmion Hughes sent Davis across the plate.

An RBI by first basemen Byron Buckley brought the score to 4-3.

Kerr went eight innings allowing eight hits, three runs and striking out seven.

He had steady run support throughout the game, as Mendocino would have at least one run in every inning except for the fourth, fifth, and ninth.

Mendocino held the advantage for the entire

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

You’re out of here — Comet baseball coach Marvin Webb gets thrown out of the game by an umpire due to complaints about the ruling on a home run hit by the Eagles during CCC’s game against Mendocino College at the Baseball Field on Thursday. game, with two RBIs apiece for Mendocino’s second basemen Nick Agiliolo, first basemen Anthony Calton, catcher Kenny Semenko and Loughlin, which included his home run.

The Comets’ bullpen struggled throughout the game. Giving up a combined six earned runs and 13 hits, they were not able to slow the Mendocino offense.

“We were jumping on the 2-0 counts early and staying ahead of their (Comets) pitchers,” Loughlin said.

CCC’s defense committed four errors.

49ers dominate Comets, 25-8,13-0

By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

The softball team closed out its season with two mercy rule losses against Yuba College (1716 overall, 12-8 in the Bay Valley Conference) in a doubleheader on April 22 at the Softball Field.

A pre-game injury kept Comet pitcher Catilyn Bal out of the games, and forced Shannon Fowler to pitch both games.

Contra Costa College (5-21 overall, 4-16 BVC) lost 25-8 and 13-0 to the second place 49ers, and finished in fifth place out of six teams in the BVC. The score went back and forth in the first game, but in the top of the sixth inning the Comets fell apart. The game was tied 8-8 going into the top of sixth before Yuba scored 17 runs in that inning, which brought the game to 25-8.

In the sixth inning, the softball team failed to score. The game was called due to the mercy rule — a rule in many non-professional level sports that ends a game early if one team has taken what is seen to be an insurmountable lead.

In college softball, the rule is

Box scores Baseball (April 24) Mendocino College AB R H 5 1 2 1 0 0 5 1 2 1 0 1 6 1 1 4 2 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 1 3 3 2 2 1 1 4 1 3 1 0 0 5 1 2

Agliolo 2b Points 2b Calton 1b Souza 1b Mensell cf Loughlin dh D Miller dh B Miller rf Kerr rf Seaton lf Cristando lf Stout 3b Benson 3b Amaro ss Reagan ss Semenko c Totals

Contra Costa College AB R H RBI 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 1 1 4 0 0 1 3 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 0 0

RBI 2 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

Davis 2b Cowart 2b Hughes 3b Buckley 1b Bowie cf Rudolph cf Brown dh Jones dh Smith lf Cooper c Chavez c Weisner ss Galvez ss Ray rf

47 12 18 10

Totals

Mendocino College Contra Costa College Mendocino College

33 3 8

used if a team is 10 runs ahead of another after the fifth inning.

“The score was going back and forth. We would catch up to them, and they caught back up to us,” Comet third baseman Madisen William said about game one. “We were doing fine until the sixth inning — we just weren’t reading the ball well, and that caused a domino effect.”

The momentum from the first game carried over to the second game for both teams.

After pitching the entire first game, Fowler started again during the second match up. During the second game, she gave up two base hits before giving up a three-run homer to 49er catcher Samantha Prosser to bring the score to 3-0 in the first inning.

CCC gave up seven runs overall in the first inning in game two.

Fowler refused to comment after the game.

“The pitch was slow, and I knew (Fowler) was still tired from the first game.” Prosser said about her home run.

The Comets were held scoreless in game two, and that earned the 49ers another victory by the mercy rule. Fowler pitching two

full games ScoreBoard for the first time 49ers 25 this season Comets 8 was a disadvantage 49ers 13 for CCC, Comets 0 and Yuba took full Season over: advantage 5-21 overall; of that 4-16 in the opportuni- BVC. ty in game two.

Conference “Yes it finish: was abso- Fifth lutely a plus for us.

I asked Gubbine what happen to her other pitcher, and it was unfortunate that (Bal) was injured,” 49er softball coach Stephanie Reynolds said.

Since the sixth inning of game one, the 49ers scored a total of 30 unanswered runs. Prosser had two home runs with five RBIs in game two, and 49er pitcher Taylor Crabbe pitched five shutout innings before the mercy rule came into effect.

“I think we were all flustered from the first game,” Comet second baseman Sinoti Iosua said.

Kerr Abrams

Mendocino College

8.0 6 1.0 2

Contra Costa College Quilici Suarez Jackson McFadden Castaneda

Baseball (April 25) Contra Costa College AB R H RBI Davis 2b 5 0 0 0 Hughes 3b 5 2 5 2 Buckley 1b 5 1 0 0 Smith cf 5 0 2 2 Brown lf 4 0 0 0 Rudolph dh 4 1 2 0 Galvez ss 4 1 1 0 Cooper c 4 1 3 0 Ray rf 3 0 0 1

3

111 100 710 — 12 100 002 000 — 3 IP

H

R

ER BB SO

Totals

39 6 13 5

Contra Costa College

2.2 2.1 1.0 1.1 1.2

5 3 2 6 2

3 0 3 1 2 6 0

3 0 3 0 2 4 0

1 0 1 0 2 0 1

7 0

Totals

Contra Costa College Chavez Donaldson Suarez Jackson

2 0 0 0 2

Mendocino College AB R H Calton 1b 3 0 2 Amaro ss 5 1 1 Mansell cf 5 1 1 R Kerr cf 1 0 0 Ray Kerr cf 1 0 1 Loughlin lf 3 1 0 Beets c 4 0 0 Miller rf 4 1 1 Cristando 3b 3 1 2 Benson 2b 3 0 1 Agliolo 2b 1 0 0 Seaton dh 3 0 0 Points dh 1 0 1

Mendocino College Thaxton Paris Visinoni RBI 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0

34 4 10 4

000 100 500 — 6

021 001 000— 2

Totals

R 4 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 2

H 5 3 3 3 2 1 2 1 2

RBI 3 3 3 0 1 3 5 0 1

47 25 22 19

Yuba College

H

R

ER BB SO

5.1 1.2 1.0 1.0

6 1 1 2

4 0 0 0

3 0 0 0

6.1 9 1.2 3 1.0 1

Softball (April 22) Yuba College AB Gillmore cf 5 Jacky ss 6 Prosser 3b 6 Crabb 2b 6 Thome c 5 Cox p 4 Accola 1b 5 Ulman rf 5 Alvarez lf 5

IP

4 2 0

3 0 0

4 0 0 0 0 0 0

Contra Costa College Fowler

—0

H

R

ER BB SO

2.0 5 4.0 4

2 6

1 4

6.0 23 25

Ryan Margason is a staff writer for The Advocate.

Contact him at rmargason. theadvocate@gmail.com.

Crabb

5.0 3

Contra Costa College Fowler

5.0 16 13

0 1

0 3

Standings

10 2

1

Baseball

Bay Valley Conference

1 2 1

Softball (April 22)

RBI 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1

Totals

4

— 25

022 22 0 IP

Yuba College Cox Accola

Contra Costa College AB R H Duncan c 3 1 1 Brice 1b 4 1 3 Oshiro ss 3 1 1 Iosua 2b 3 1 0 Streeter cf 2 2 1 Figuera rf 3 1 1 Williams 3b 3 1 0 Reyes lf 3 0 1 Ryan dh 3 0 1

200 24 17

“(Yuba) was getting hits, and our defense started to get sloppy.”

Fowler allowed a total of 39 hits in the doubleheader, and a total of 22 earned runs. CCC’s defense also allowed a total of 38 runs in the two games.

Contra Costa College

6 1 1 1

27 8 9

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

‘A’ for effort — Comets’ outfielder Sharrell Duncan misses a catch during CCC’s game against Yuba College at the Softball Field on April 22.

t first glance, the talent on the Comets’ baseball team would be considered by many as mediocre.

However, this is not the case.

There is a lot of talent on the team.

At the start of the season there was a lot of speculation on how the Comets’ baseball team would perform.

But after the season, sitting in last place, the Comets are 6-15 in the Bay Valley Conference, and 9-26 overall.

The baseball team’s final batting average is .259, which is fifth in the BVC, and its on base percentage (OBP) is .313, which is last place in the conference.

Still, there were a lot of positives about the team in 2014, especially its fundamentals running the bases.

The Comets finished second in the BVC this season with 49 stolen bases. However, sadly, CCC was unable to find its rhythm in the field, making 45 errors this season.

Errors have kept the Comets fighting a constant uphill battle against themselves all season.

Sophomore outfielder Tyrone Bowie finished the season with a batting average of .373, which is ranked fifth in the BVC. The Comets also have a speed-demon in freshman third baseman Timmion Hughes, who stole 15 bases, the most in the conference.

Also, there is talent with sophomore infielder JR Davis, who has 23 hits and six RBIs this season.

With a team that has improved on both offense and defense, there is hope for a much better year next season.

The ace in the hole for the team this season was sophomore pitcher Daniel Galvez.

Galvez had an earned run average (ERA) of 3.04, with 12 strikeouts and eight walks in 50.1 innings.

There is also freshman relief pitcher Drew Donaldson. In seven innings Donaldson struck out five players, allowed two earned runs and had an ERA of 2.57, one of the best in the Comets’ bullpen.

With his speed and velocity, Donaldson is already an outstanding pitcher who will only grow with talent.

With the season at a close and the Comets sitting in last place, the players will have the offseason to work on their weaknesses. One of the main issues the pitching staff has had this season is giving up a lot of walks per game.

If the pitchers can reduce their walks and get more strikeouts next season, they can become a contender in the conference.

Yuba College AB Gillmore ss 3 Jacky 2b 3 Prosser c 4 Crabb p 4 Thome 3b 3 Cox lf 4 Accola 1b 3 Patterson rf 2 Alvarez cf 3 Totals

R 2 2 3 2 1 1 2 0 0

H 2 2 3 3 0 2 2 2 0

RBI 1 0 5 1 1 1 2 2 0

38 12 13 8

Yuba College Contra Costa College Yuba College

Contra Costa College AB R H Duncan c 2 0 0 Brice 1b 3 0 2 Oshiro ss 3 0 0 Iosua cf 1 0 1 Streeter lf 2 0 0 Figuera rf 2 0 0 Williams 3b 2 0 0 Reyes 2b 2 0 0 Newton ph 1 0 0

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals

0

720 15 000 00 IP

H

R

19 0 3 — 13 —4 ER BB SO

College of Marin Los Medanos College Yuba College Laney College Mendocino College Napa Valley College Solano Community College Contra Costa College

Softball

Bay Valley Conference Solano Community College Yuba College Napa Valley College Mendocino College Contra Costa College Merritt College

0

0

0

3

12 3

0

Bay Valley W L 15 6 14 7 11 10 10 11 10 11 9 12 9 12 6 15

Overall W L 21 15 23 13 16 20 19 17 13 21 13 23 11 24 9 26

Bay Valley W L 20 0 12 8 12 8 9 11 4 16 3 17

Overall W L 36 2 17 16 18 18 13 19 5 21 5 32

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

FOCUS

Closely watched — Referees surround jammers and blockers as they battle one another during the Bay Area Derby Girls event at the Armory in San Francisco on Saturday. The jammers are signified by the stars on their helmets.

San Francisco

ROLLING Photos by Qing Huang and Cody Casares

Satisfying conclusion — San Francisco ShEvil Dead members thank the crowd for showing up during the Bay Area Derby Girls event at the Armory in San Francisco on Saturday.

Under pressure — A Richmond Wrecking Belles jammer pushes through a member of the San Francisco ShEvil Dead in order to score points during the Bay Area Derby Girls event at the Armory in San Francisco on Saturday. The Richmond Wrecking Belles won the bout.

Clean pass— A Berkeley Resistance jammer scoots by unsuspecting Oakland Outlaw blockers during the Bay Area Derby Girls event at the Armory in San Francisco on Saturday.

Victory lap — Jammer Demanda Riot of the Richmond Wrecking Belles skates solo after passing blockers and scoring a point during the Bay Area Derby Girls event at the Armory in San Francisco on Saturday.

Blockade— San Francisco ShEvil Dead members link together to block a Richmond Wrecking Belle from scoring during the Bay Area Derby Girls event at the Armory in San Francisco on Saturday.