The Advocate 9-10

Page 1

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

CMYK

CONSTRUCTION OBSTRUCTION

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

ART DIRECTOR

gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com

With construction ongoing in the middle of campus, students continue to find themselves adapting to the temporary footpaths to get around from classto-class. Business major Daniel Lee said, “Parking is a high commodity around here. I had to drive around the campus two times just to find a spot close enough to my class.” The approximately $52 million construction of the new three-story classroom building and student activities building, also call the Campus Center, began with the demolition of the 57-year-old Student Activities and Humanities buildings before the 2014 spring semester. Over the summer, Lathrop Construction, Inc. replaced pipes and sewer lines under Castro Street. The installation of these pipes over the summer was an “important” part of the construction since these pipes will be used SEE CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 3

WELCOME CENTER

Welcome/ Transfer Center now open College resource returns to CCC after three years BY Jared Amdahl

The foundation for the new Campus Center and the three-story classroom building will rise in the area soon, but are not due for completion until fall 2016. Students are forced to use alternate footpaths around the site to navigate the campus.

WEDNESDAY l 09.10.14 OUR 65TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

GYM ANNEX BUILDING

SQUAD DEFEATS CABRILLO IN FIRST GAME COMETS DOMINATE SEAHAWKS ON THE ROAD IN SEASON OPENER, 36-14

T PAGE 7

Enrollment drops by 1 percent in one year T PAGE 5

STAFF WRITER

jamadahl.theadvocate@gmail.com

In 2011, Contra Costa College eliminated its Transfer Center due to budgetary issues. But now, three years later, the newly installed Welcome/Transfer Center acts as an accessible source of information for students in need of help to become acquainted Resource with college revived life and transWelcome/ ferring. Transfer Center Doris Gray brought back, is just one of beneficial to the students student body. attending CCC who found herself in need of help registering for classes online. The first place she went was the Welcome/Transfer Center located in SSC-111 in the Student Services Center.

Two-story building receives overdue lift

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

A construction worker sits outside the Gym Annex Building on Monday. An external lift is being installed after spending years in planning limbo due to a lack of state funding.

Gym Annex meets federal law after 42 years BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmoroti.theadvocate@gmail.com

edit orial

PAGE 2

WOMEN’S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEWED

SEE CENTER, PAGE 3

T PAGE 6

Access to the north entrance of the Gym Annex Building, adjacent to Comet Stadium, is closed off as construction crews prepare to complete the installation of an external lift by December. Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said the project, which will help students with mobility issues who are unable to navigate the stairs to reach the second floor, began on July 26 and must be completed before Dec. 25. Contra Costa Community College District Chief Facilities Planner Ray Pyle said that about a year ago the district hired Critical Solutions (CS), a project and construction management consultant firm, to help manage the various construction projects on campus. He said the district decided to bring CS on board when it became apparent the GA Building project was stagnated due to a lack of new funding from the state. CS assisted him with securing the $700,000

We will not take any shortcuts when it comes to student safety.” John Leary, on site Critical Solutions projects manager

total construction cost from funds left over from the passing of Measure A in 2006. After Pyle spoke with on site CS managers, Ron Johnson and John Leary, he said he feels assured that the lift project will be done prior to the December deadline. King said the development contractor, who won the bid at $500,000, B. Brothers is currently digging out the area where a foundation will be poured to secure the frame that will hold the prefabricated lift that is scheduled to arrive on Oct. 1. Leary said once supporting structure for the pre-fab lift is built and put into place, it would have to undergo three weeks of extensive testing by a Division of the State Architect inspector until it is deemed safe for student use. “We will not take any shortcuts when it comes to student safety,” he said. In the meantime, Athletic Director John Wade’s office, in GA-90, is located right next to the construction on the second floor of the building. He, along

with coaches, professors and students, has had to get used to taking routes around the construction site since July. King Wade said having only one exit and entrance available, on the south side of the GA Building, has caused confusion among students who are unfamiliar with the building’s layout. He said while the building has been crowded because of the construction site blocking foot traffic that normally would pass straight through the building, he has not heard any complaints. Men’s basketball coach Miguel Johnson said getting in and out of the GA Building, so far, has been not been much of an inconvenience. Finding an open parking space during the week, however, has been frustrating. Johnson said faculty parking has been impacted due to conSEE GA LIFT, PAGE 3

CMYK

BY George Morin

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK


2

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.10.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

Quotable “In Dickens’ day, the news wasn’t delivered in a deferential whisper — it arrived like a rude democratic missile crashing through a windowpane.”

Van Ly opinion editor Jose Jimenez sports editor Mike Thomas scene editor Brian Boyle spotlight editor Qing Huang Christian Urrutia photo editors Janae Harris Cody Casares assistant photo editors Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Jared Amdahl Robert Clinton Salvador Godoy Krysta Gonzalez Florinda Hershey Princess Hughes Mickalea Manuel Marlene Rivas Jason Sykes Manning Peterson Mark Wassberg Sean Whatley Staff photographers Jordan Khoo Staff illustrators Mayra Garcia Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accentadvocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

opinion

RESOURCES RESTORED

Lorenzo Morotti editor-in-chief

Cody McFarland Rodney Woodson associate editors

L

Editorial

Adam Goodheart writer 1998

George Morin art director

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2014 Vol. 102, No. 1

Installation of center lives up to college’s mission

F

or more than 60 years, the college has provided educational opportunity to those living in and around the East Bay Area. Due to a lack of readily available funding from the state, the ability to provide such opportunity has become a struggle with every passing semester. Time and time again college administrators have been forced to cut classes and departments in order to afford operating on a level that is still beneficial for students. A more recent example took place in the fall semester of 2011 when the college’s Transfer Center was closed in order to save money. During the three-year period of the center’s absence, those in need of transfer information were forced to go through the counseling department or thumb through pamphlets or catalogs. Because guidance and direction were in such high demand, students would have to wait for weeks at a time, in some cases, just to get the chance to meet with a counselor. The need for students to have access to timely information was not only apparent, it was blatantly hurting students’ ability to get the necessary resources to transfer, attain a certificate or graduate. At the beginning of this semester, the campus finally received an adequate replacement for the missing center. The Welcome/Transfer Center was installed inside the Student Services Center, room SSC-111, where the Dean of Students Office was once located. The response to the center from the college community was immediate. Julian Godinez, a part-time student worker in the Welcome/Transfer Center, said that the new facility stays consistently busy throughout the day, and that much is apparent to anyone walking through the SSC. The new center is open Monday -Thursday from 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Students can inquire about things that anyone would normally need help with at a community college, such as registering for classes online or meeting with transfer representatives from four-year universities. A space once rarely occupied by students is now a heavily used hub for obtaining useful and pertinent information about college life and transferring. Part of the Contra Costa College mission statement reads: “The college equitably commits its resources using inclusive and integrated decision-making processes to foster a transformative educational experience and responsive student services that ensure institutional excellence and effective student learning.” With the installation of the new Welcome/Transfer Center, the college is living up to its mission to provide easy access to resources and information for students who need it.

MAYRA GARCIA / THE ADVOCATE

Battling obesity an everyday struggle B health

eing morbidly obese is often viewed as a physical struggle. But after going through the process of post weight loss surgery, it became a mental battle for me. Three years ago, I made a life-changing decision to get the duodenal switch because I was a 654 pound 20-year-old. The DS switch is a type of bariatric surgery where the patient’s stomach is cut and stapled into a twoounce pouch, and the small and large intestines are rearranged, which makes the food go straight through the large intestines. This prevents the body from absorbing as many calories from foods, so the body mal-absorbs the calories that turn into fat. Since the surgery I’ve lost 353 pounds from the DS switch. I was born with asthma and was diagnosed with sleep apnea at the age of 16, and the surgery cured all of that. The DS switch is also known for curing people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Looking back, however, I realized getting the surgery was the easy part. During my time of recovery, I was in an emotional stage where I fell into a depression. I used to sit in the dark all day watching TV, overthinking everything. I remember staring at myself in the mirror everyday to see if it the surgery was working. The day I knew I was making progress was when someone sat next to me on BART. I was shocked and in disbelief,

person’s opinion of myself. The thought of talking to another person terrified me and being a journalist was going to be a problem in the long run. Since joining the newspaper, I have learned a lot about myself and the culture but then I remembered I am of socializing as a human being. I’m not afraid to be not that 600-pound person myself around people, and I anymore. have done numerous things. Going through that emoI got to enjoy an amusement tion, I can say it was not the park again, and that challenging part for was a wonderful me. The challenging Just think, experience to ride part was learning roller coasthow to break out three years on ers again. I got to of my shell and be myself around peo- ago I stayed fly on a plane to Chicago, and that ple. It felt like I had was the first time I to remember who I was all over again in the house traveled outside of California. I also because I started to realize that I will playing doubt my abilities always be considand always thought a big person, less of myself. video games ered standing 6 feet 4 My experience inches tall, and “Big of being over 600 all day. Mike” will always be pounds was little my nickname. kids looking at me I sometimes realize that I with terror, and people treatstill live the morbidly obese ing me like I was a monster because of my weight issues. lifestyle, and I always hold I used to think “why should I back in social situations share my thoughts with peo- because of it. But socializing is becomple when all they do is ignore ing a little bit easier for me, and judge me based on the which is a skill that I just way I look?” need to work on. Just think, My perception of selfthree years ago I stayed in worth led to apathy, social dissonance and is what made the house playing video me into this shy quiet person games all day. I have become since returnMike Thomas is the scene ing to Contra Costa College editor of The Advocate. after my surgery. I became Contact him at mthomas. a staff writer for the The Advocate because I wanted to theadvocate@gmail.com. confront my fear of another

mikethomas

CampusComment How has the construction site impacted you?

“(I think the construction) is annoying at times.” Joanne Lahip

“I have a disability, which is my leg. It bothers me to catch a different route (since the construction started).”

“(The construction) does not bother me, but it affects other people from what I have seen.”

“The (construction) smell gets into our class. It is a hazardous area.”

Rigel Luna

ROXANA AMPARO, MAYRA GARCIA, SEAN WHATLEY AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE

“It is a hassle to get to class (because of navigating around the construction site).”

Javier Millian Liliana Reyes

Guillermo Estrada

“(The construction work) makes us get to class late.”

Devin Houston


campus beat Follow The Advocate

CrimeWatch Monday, June 23: An officer conducted a pedestrian stop and it was determined the subject was in possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was transported to the substation and released with a citation. Tuesday, June 24: An officer conducted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was found to have no driver’s license. The driver was cited and the vehicle was towed.

3

ASU to raise awareness through ‘branding’ BY Brian Boyle

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

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.10.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

Another semester has begun at Contra Costa College and the Associated Students Union has already held several meetings. The ASU has hosted its meetings every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in AA-207. The board is headed by President Antone Agnitsch, who served as the board’s parliamentarian under former ASU president Ysrael Condori. His board so far is much smaller than Condori’s, consisting of only himself and four other members. A full ASU board is comprised of 20 students and Agnitsch has a long way to go if he wishes to see a full board. The current ASU board consists of Agnitsch as president, Huong Vu as vice president, Safi Ward-Davis as the vice president

of club affairs, Zoey Li as treasurer and Diksha Chhetri as secretary. “The ASU is having a phone app developed to inform students about what we do,” Agnitsch said. He said the ASU is also looking to increase the amount of “branding” that their shared governance committee participates in, by handing out free items with the ASU name and logo on them. “Last year we handed out a lot of things that said CCC on them, and we want them to say ASU so people know that it is coming from us,” he said. Ahmed Mudhish, dentistry major, said he could not name a single member of the ASU, and has not been to a single meeting. Nursing major Christopher Brooks agrees. “I do not know where they (the ASU meetings) are. Also, it is an assumption, whether true or not, that the meetings don’t coincide

with my school or work schedule,” Brooks said. This semester, the ASU is likely to receive roughly $30,000 from the student activity fee. Also, according to Agnitsch, the ASU has approximately $20,000 left over from the funding the fee generated last year. Agnitsch said that the ASU has a responsibility to ensure the money generated from the student activity fee is going to students. “We want to let people throughout the campus know that there is money available for them,” he said. The ASU’s Grant for Support Program allows for people through the college community to petition the ASU for funding necessary for events or supplies. Agnitsch said that the ASU is setting up rules regarding how much money any individual group can receive, as well as how often they are allowed

to utilize the grant. Brooks had a few suggestions for the ASU on how they should spend the money generated by the fee. “As the name implies, it’s the student activities fee, so it should go towards activities for students,” he said. “There should be club fairs, movie screenings, things that influence social interactions within the student body.” As far as activities go, the ASU is currently planning to host its Fall Festival on Oct. 28 and 29 at the tennis courts near Comet Stadium. During the most recent meeting of the ASU, Ward-Davis said that the annual Club Rush event the ASU hosts is in a quagmire. She explained at the meeting that no club advisers had responded to her emails, and that the number of active clubs this semester is down from 22 to 11.

Thursday, June 26: A student was approached and slapped in the face by another male suspect. Wednesday, July 2: An officer responded to a report of an employee involved incident. Monday, July 7: An officer responded to a medical emergency at the Women’s Locker Room.

Laborers work on the foundation for the new Campus Center on Aug. 20. The new Campus Center and three-story classroom building are scheduled to completion by the 2016 fall semester.

Tuesday, July 8: A victim reported an unknown suspect scratched her vehicle while it was parked on campus. Friday, July 9: A student reported a domestic battery she witnessed as she was leaving class. The two subjects were contacted and transported to the station for questioning. Saturday, July 10: An officer responded to culinary arts department for a medical report. Tuesday, July 15: An unknown male suspect confronted another male at the Bus Transfer Station and asked him if he wanted to buy marijuana. When the male said no to the suspect, the suspect then threatened to take his phone. The suspect then ran away. Thursday, July 17: An unattended backpack containing marijuana was found near the college Bookstore. Monday, July 28: An officer conducted a traffic stop and it was determined that the driver had a suspended driver’s license. The subject was cited and the vehicle was towed. An officer received a report from an employee regarding a suspicious circumstance. Hercules Police Department made contact with the subject. Wednesday, July 30: An officer conducted a pedestrian stop but the subject evaded the officer. He was later apprehended, arrested and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. Tuesday, August 12: An officer observed two males drinking on campus. One male was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. A case of battery in the Applied Arts Building was reported to Police Services. Wednesday, August 20: A staff member reported a theft in the Applied Arts Building. Thursday, August 21: A student reported the theft of her wallet in the Applied Arts Building. Tuesday, August 26: A student reported her parking permit and class schedule missing from her vehicle. Wednesday, August 27: A victim reported she was jumped at the Bus Transfer Station after a verbal altercation at the Library and Learning Resource Center. Thursday, August 28: A student disrupted several classes. The student was told not to return until cleared by the dean of students. — George Morin

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

CONSTRUCTION | Parking still a ‘commodity’ Continued from Page 1 for the new Campus Center and three-story classroom building, Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. The walking paths around campus are the same as last semester and now have signage to help students navigate their ways around the college, authorized by Disabled Students Programs and Services, King said. One path takes students between the Student Services Plaza and the Computer Technology Building. It goes across the footbridge and along a newly constructed pavement walkway behind where the Humanities Building stood, up to the Biological and Physical Sciences buildings. There is a wooden staircase on this pathway that restrict this walkway from being used by people in wheelchairs. The other walkway travels from the Student Services Plaza across the footbridge to the

parking lots that lead to the physical education complex, and then back across the car bridge to Library Drive, which leads students to the other side of the college by the College Bookstore and Subway. The college has updated maps of the walkways available around campus. Lathrop Construction, Inc. installed utility lines from electrical, gas and water lines during the spring semester. The foundations of the new Campus Center and the three-story classroom building have been installed and are in place, he said. “(Lathrop Construction, Inc.) are up to speed with the project,” he said. “I could see there being delay with rain in the future, but I’m sure they have planned for that.” There are weekly construction meetings every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Applied Arts Building conference room where Lathrop Construction, Inc. workers and college offi-

cials discuss different issues and topics that deal with the construction on campus. Lathrop Construction, Inc. publishes a weekly calendar that is available at every meeting, which includes construction updates. “It’s a way we can keep in touch on issues and stay relevant with each other,” King said. The campus has updated the maps of the student pathways around campus, as well as all pathways compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Due to the construction, the college has closed down Lots 5, 7 and 8 to store construction equipment and provide on-site parking for construction workers. This has led to less parking available for students and staff. “I had to park all the way on Shane Drive this morning,” chemistry major Marisela Hernandez said. “I even bought a parking permit, but all of the spaces were taken in Lot 10.”

GA LIFT | Underway CENTER | Offers services Continued from Page 1 struction workers and large cement trucks having to park near the site on the north side of the building. “We have to park on the street with the students and finding an open spot has been tough,” he said. Wade said, “It has been hard dealing with the construction but it is for a great cause.” Pyle said, over the years, every time a class was held on the second floor and a student with mobility issues signed up for the class, it had to be relocated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). “It becomes a scheduling problem for the college,” Pyle said. So a modular lift that is easy to install was chosen to remove any access barriers for students with mobility issues, within the smallest time frame possible. He said the GA lift project will not only bring the structure into compliance with the ADA, but will also bring all three of the multi-story buildings on campus up to code. ADA code states that a public entity may not deny the benefits of its programs, activities and services to individuals with mobility issues because its facilities are inaccessible. California community colleges and all K-12 schools are public institutions. Students with mobility issues

may still be unable to reach the Physical and Biological science and Art buildings without transportation assistance from DSPS or police aides because the buildings are terraced onto a hillside without ramps or flat surfaces leading to them. King said bringing the entire We have to campus up park on the to ADA code would street with require about the stu$6 million in funding dents and — “much finding an more money than the (dis- open spot trict) has to has been spend.” B e c a u s e tough.” the GA Building was Miguel erected 42 Johnson, years ago, well before men’s basketthe imple- ball coach mentation of the federal ADA law, the immediate installation of a lift was not mandated. The statute does mandate that the college must work toward completing projects that bring it up to ADA standards or risk having buildings closed.

Continued from Page 1 “All of the employees were very helpful — they show you how to use the computers and they explain everything very thoroughly,” Gray said. The Welcome/Transfer Center is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m.5 p.m. on Fridays. The center has four student workers, two hourly staff members and normally a single volunteer, counseling assistant and Welcome/Transfer Center facilitator DeEbonie Noureddine said. “I think the campus has needed a center like this for a long time, or at least I’ve heard,” Noureddine said. It is the first point of contact for students that wish to become a little more familiar with the campus, she said. “Students come here to apply and register,” but are capable of inquiring about everything else a new student would need, such as where to go for basic information, she said. During an interview with The Advocate in April, Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson said, “My understanding is that students wanted a space where they could register (for classes) and receive support about transferring, so we’re pushing the center forward.” The now functioning Welcome/ Transfer Center is exactly that, and has been used by many students since the doors opened at the

beginning of the semester. Julian Godinez is a part-time college employee and student working in the Welcome/Transfer Center. In his short time being employed in the new facility, he has noticed a constant flow of students in need of help in a multitude of areas. “I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” Godinez said, “and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., it is super busy.” Noureddine said that because it is the beginning of the semester, most students come in to inquire about basic information, including where to find classes or how to register. But as the semester continues, the facility will gear more toward transfer questions and concerns, she said. “We’re in welcome mode at the moment. But as the semester goes on, we’ll transition into transferring,” she said. Allan Sugarbaker is a returning student that has achieved his associate degree in Web Design and is attending CCC in hopes of transferring to a four-year college to achieve a degree in media studies. “I’ve actually been in there a few times now, and it is usually pretty helpful. There are people there that will answer my questions or at least point me in the right direction,” Sugarbaker said. There are normally at least three employees in SSC-111 at all times to help students.


4

campus beat

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.10.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

SEISMIC RETROFITS

A construction worker tars the roof of the Physical Science Building on Aug. 20. The 58-year-old building recently received seismic retrofits between the summer

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

and fall semesters to reduce risk of injury to occupants in the event of a major earthquake.

Seismic retrofitting upgrades buildings

RECEPTION

Four locations on campus receive necessary renovations BY Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

Since the campus rests atop an active fault line, two of the oldest classroom buildings were seismically retrofitted between the summer and fall semesters. The nearly 60-year-old Biological and Physical Science buildings, as well as the Football Press Box and maintenance warehouse, received necessary retrofits in the five-week gap because of their proximity to the Hayward Fault, an active earthquake fault running through campus that geologists consider past due for a major earthquake. Today, amid classes and the bustle of students, construction workers continue to polish off the minor details of their punch list in the BS and PS buildings before the project can officially be completed and contracts signed. “It was a full-time job; we were onsite every day, all day,” John Leary, construction project manager for Critical Solutions, Inc., said. “We knew butts had to be in seats by Aug. 15, no exceptions.” Contracted by Critical Solutions, Inc., SW Allen Construction, Inc. out of Sacramento secured the bid for the retrofit project at $975,000, less than the $1.6 million soft cost estimate made by officials from Thornton Tomasetti Building Solutions, Inc. Funding for the project comes from a 2006 California State Bond measure rebate of about $8 million. Leary said that despite the tight time

frame, the renovations were completed on time and went smoothly, with the exception of a clipped electrical wire that has left the BS Building without functioning clocks. Kinesiology major Valeah Downer said that she has noticed a construction crew fixing the roof of the PS Building, a separate project of the college’s, but was unaware of the retrofits administered to both buildings over summer. Because she takes classes in the 54-year-old BS Building, Downer said she hopes the retrofits serve their intended purpose in event of a major earthquake. The Contra Costa College Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit Studies report prepared by Thornton Tomasetti in November 2010 details the extent of structural and nonstructural deficiencies of all buildings on campus. Each building was assigned a seismic risk level between I and VII, with level VII posing the greatest risk to occupant safety in event of a major earthquake. The BS and PS buildings were at seismic risk levels IV and V, respectively, prior to receiving retrofits. “If you’re a student, you wouldn’t think we did anything,” Leary said. “Most of the retrofits are pretty much invisible.” He said that structural steel braces and connections were added to

the BS Building, as well as X bracing to exterior walls. Near the center of the building, part of the floor was excavated to replace existing concrete and rebar to stiffen up that section, where two new shear walls have been erected. In five classrooms and the hallway, compression struts were added to strengthen the grid ceiling, designed to keep panels from popping up during a temblor and falling down, he said. The PS Building received compression struts in the hallway and in offices 107-109. Braces have been placed where the roof and exterior walls connect to reinforce the outside edge of the building, he said. Buildings on campus that have been retrofitted include the Early Learning, Computer Technology, Library and Learning Resource and Student Services centers and the Liberal Arts Building. “Having been in California so long, earthquakes seem iffy since I’ve experienced many. Maybe it’s because I was born after the big one (Loma Prieta, 1989) and didn’t experience the damage, but generally I’m not too worried,” Evelyn Leon, electrical engineering and computer science major, said. “But I think it’s wonderful they did (the retrofitting) and fixed the old buildings right up.”

COOP EDUCATION

Program allows working students to earn credit Elective units offered with two classes BY Roxana Amparo STAFF WRITER

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

Working students with limited time for taking classes can earn transferable units through the Cooperative Education Program, a federal program that has been connecting community employers with students for more than 40 years. The units students earn count as electives and can be used to help students reach the 60 units necessary for transfer or to meet a financial aid prerequisite. The only requirement is that a student does his or her job and a willing supervisor from work meets with

the student’s instructor, once at the beginning and again near the end of the semester, to log the student’s progress. Computer science major David Ahmad, a returning coop student, said he is appreciative of the program because it allows him to supplement his rigorous schedule with 3 units to make him a full-time student and qualify him for financial aid through EOPS/CARE. “Having a coop class is good because it gives me 3 units that go toward my classes,” he said. “I am able to (focus on) hard classes while keeping my 12 units.” Coop ed instructor Mary Johnson said the program alleviates stress on students by providing them easily obtainable and transferable units, while remaining career oriented and in the students’ best interests. “The program consists of

two courses: Coop Ed 160 and Coop Ed 170. They are repeatable and students can take up to 16 units of coop ed altogether,” she said. Coop Ed 160-General Work Experience allows students who work any job, paid or unpaid, from babysitting to volunteer work, to enroll in 1-3 units. Coop Ed 170Occupation Work Experience requires students to have a job in direct relation to their major. Students can take 1-4 units of Coop Ed 170 a semester. As a Coop Ed 170 student, Ahmad said he greatly benefits from getting transferable college credit for the real world work experience he receives as an IT technician at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Johnson said it is not too late for interested students to enroll in a coop ed class this semester.

“The program is offering a late start class beginning on Sept. 24. Johnson A late add code is not required,” she said. Returning students who have taken two semesters of coop ed must go to Admissions & Records to complete a Petition to Repeat Form. It is guaranteed that the student is accepted, unless he or she has exceeded the maximum 18 units, Johnson said. Returning for his fourth semester in the program, police aide Arturo Zazueta said he uses the opportunity as a means of fulfilling financial aid requirements. For further information, contact Johnson at majohnson@contracostacollege. edu.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Students listen to speakers during the AfricanAmerican Staff Association event in the Three Seasons Restraurant on Sept. 3.

EVENT REACHES OUT TO COLLEGE ATHLETES Teachers, staff highlight importance of academics BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmoroti.theadvocate@gmail.com

Political science adjunct professor Rome Mubarak stood behind the podium in the Three Seasons Restaurant Wednesday and uttered the word, “Tenacity.” He described it as a quality that many athletes have during big games, but not as often in their important academic endeavors. “The same tenacity you (student/athletes) show during big games should not be left on the field,” Mubarak said. “You need that aggression and need to focus it in your academics. You need a back up plan.” He spoke at the African-American Staff Association’s welcome reception held to inform new students about various academic and financial resources available statewide and on campus. The event organizers also hoped to encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them during their time at Contra Costa College. While the event’s promotional flyer invited all new African-American students, the 70 students in attendance were all male athletes. Football coach Alonzo Carter said he ended his practice early so his players could attend the event. Faculty, staff and administrators told students about the different programs and people on campus that are available to help them. Then the culinary arts department served a buffet for all in attendance. Some spoke about how college is a means that allows students to grow and become more involved in the surrounding community. Other speakers used alumni as examples of how success is determined by a student’s support system. Athletic Director John Wade said the reason for holding the event was to help new students navigate their way smoothly through their short stay at the community college by using state-funded support programs and advice from faculty and others on campus. An example is Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS), a state-funded program for low-income students who qualify to receive scholarships, book grants, and academic guidance from counselors, in person. Mubarak said events like these are important because historically, African-American students are under-represented at four-year colleges and universities. Contributing to this problem is a lack of adequate academic support at the two-year level to help these students transfer to a four-year college. “It is good for (them) to see someone of their likeness having the necessary tools for success. Especially graduates or faculty.” He said CCC is on the verge of creating a cohesive system for under-represented students who are moving out of a low-income community. “We want the students to come to campus and have a sense of extended family.”


campus beat STUDY ABROAD

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.10.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

5

IRON CHEF

APPRENTICES TRAVEL, LEARN ITALIAN CUISINE Charitable event provides student scholarships BY VAN LY OPINION EDITOR

vly.theadvocate@gmail.com

Over the summer, 10 culinary arts students traveled to Italy for the department’s study abroad trip from June 5-18. “Students learned the difference between our cultures, and the technique of making authentic Italian food, not pseudo-Italian,� culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes said. Each student was awarded a $5,500 scholarship, which covered the cost of flights, tuition and other accommodations. The funding for the trip was provided by donations from the annual culinary arts department’s Food and Wine Event held at Contra Costa College. Cities the group traveled to included Rome, Parma, Ferrara, Asti, Modena and Nettuno. Students attended classes at various schools such as Academia Barilla. During the trip they discovered the Italian way of life and cooking. Culinary arts student Brandon Canindin said the key to traditional Italian dishes is in their simplicity and fresh ingredients. “In Italy, the ingredients are always fresh,� culinary arts student Margaret Fowler said. “GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are prohibited in Italy.� In terms of technique, the Italian approach is simple — less is more.

The fewer ingredients, the better it tastes, culinary arts student Theresa Castro said. Fowler said that the food supply is generally dependent on location. “They eat very regionally,� she said. “If they are near the ocean, they cook and eat seafood.� In their classes, students learned to make distinct dishes such as ravioli and salad, but the main focus would often be pasta. “Italians eat pasta every meal,� Sharkes said. “We got tired of eating pasta. So for every city we visited, I researched Chinese restaurants that we would go to.� Students were selected based on their 500-700 word essays, interviews, GPAs, work experience, letters of reference and participation in the Food and Wine Event. They visited wineries, farms, and factories, learning about the production of certain foods, such as Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, wine and balsamic vinegar. Castro said, “My favorite part of the trip was being able to go where the chefs worked. One woman was (very) kind and treated her workers as family. “On a day-to-day basis, Italians take their time to enjoy life. Everything (is closed) from noon to 3 or 4 p.m. At night, we would spend our time exploring the cities and towns.� For Sharkes, the highlight of the trip was the students’ expressions. “There are students in the program that have never left the country or state,� Sharkes said. “The looks on their faces when they were in Italy were priceless.�

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Street food highlighted BY SEAN WHATLEY STAFF WRITER

swhatley.theadvocate@gmail.com

The culinary arts department at Contra Costa College hosted its Iron Chef Competition to initiate the beginning of the 2014 fall semester. Culinary students and instructors worked together to put on a buffet style lunch in the Three Seasons Restaurant in AA-239. “We always have different themes for the (Iron Chef) event,� culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes said. “The theme this time was casual street food, like what you would find at food trucks.� Student bakery chef Ron Webster said., “(Iron Chef) is a friendly competition. It is an opportunity to show (Sharkes) what the (culinary students) can do.� Five teams competed against each other, preparing dishes centered on the theme of street food. “This event is a way to kick off the open-

ADVERTISEMENT

ing of the (Three Seasons) restaurant,� baking instructor Claire Legas said. “Its a way to get the campus community excited.� The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The competition served as a fundraiser for the culinary arts department. The $5 admission granted guests a ticket, which they would later return in order to vote for their favorite dish. Dishes included a kabob medley, chicken pancit with fried wontons, chicken sopas, garlic noodles with grilled lemon chicken and lumpia. Team Blasion won first place with its lumpia creation, while the TNT Divas placed second with their garlic noodles. Third, fourth and fifth place were awarded to team Bozos (kabob medley) team Funky Chicken (chicken pancit) and team Salsa (chicken sopas), respectively. “The lumpia was top dollar, but the two sauces were what did it. They hit the palate hard,� team Blasion competitor and student Malcolm Moore said.

ENROLLMENT

Where earning a bachelor’s degree meets

“I want to transfer today!�

FTES totals continue to dwindle, college set to receive $1.4 million Enrollment declines 1 percent in one year BY LORENZO MOROTTI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

“With \HDU URXQG HQUROOPHQW DQG DFFHVV WR IDFXOW\ Ζ NQHZ 1DWLRQDO ZDV IRU PH 0\ DGYLVRU WUDQVIHUUHG P\ FUHGLWV DQG QRZ ΖȇP RQ P\ ZD\ â€? ~ Michael, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 2QH &RXUVH 3HU 0RQWK Č? )LQDQFLDO $LG Č? <HDU 5RXQG (QUROOPHQW

6DQ -RVH &DPSXV 7LVFK :D\ 3OD]D (DVW Č? k 1DWLRQDO 8QLYHUVLW\ 18 B

Culinary arts major Tatiana Abrea (left) serves a dish to Brenda Pless, a senior library assistant (right), during the Iron Chef Competition in the Three Seasons Restraurant on Aug. 28.

$ 3ULYDWH 1RQSURȴW 8QLYHUVLW\ Serving the Public Good™

QX HGX WUDQVIHU

The number of students enrolled at Contra Costa College for the 2014 fall semester has declined by 1 percent since last fall, bringing the current deficit to 3.2 percent since 2012. Enrollment district wide is less than it was during the fall 2013 semester by 0.8 percent. Dean of Students Vikki Ferguson said, “While enrollment is down, we (CCC) are in a mode where we can be innovative with our ideas to improve educational resources to maintain the students we do have and see what we can do to increase that number.� One Full-Time Equivalent Student, the measure for how the state funds community colleges, represents a single student who is enrolled and taking a course load of 15 units. Admissions and Records Director Catherine Fites said that the apportionment of our FTES is how the college is funded. “When our FTES is down, it is because there are not enough students enrolled,� she said. Ferguson said that due to the downward trend in enrollment numbers the district has had to enter a “state of stability� in order to capture growth funding from the state. “A state of stability is when the state (California) pays the college (CCC) at the highest rate of funding possible, even if there is a dip in enrollment,� she said. While in this state of stability, the state grants the college additional time to bring enrollment up and, ultimately its FTES, or risk losing that growth funding. Director of Business Services Mariles Magalong said that CCC’s base FTES target for 2014-15 is 5,581. According to the Fall 2014 Enrollment Report, CCC had 2,509.9 FTES as of Aug. 8. CCCCD Vice Chancellor of Finance Jonah Nickolas said CCC had to borrow 475 FTES from the summer because the college was short of its base target of 371 by the end of the spring 2014 semester. Nickolas said, however, because of the new Student Success and Support Program (SSSP) and Student Equity (SE) there has been an additional $4.1 million allocated to the existing district budget. Ferguson said students can access SSSP through the Insite Portal. SSSP is a state-

wide resource that students can access to schedule assessment tests, educational plans and college orientation. CCC Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson said that the statewide SE program adopted the model put in place by the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) established in the 1960s. “It is an amazing program focused on student equity. (EOPS) helps low-income, first generation college students, which is what a lot of our students are,� she said. Nickolas said that CCC will receive $867,000 (from SSSP) and 346,000 (SE) to be used to create the $1.4 A state of million in allocated stability is funds. He said that this is when the the first time the state has provided the dis- state (Calitrict additional fund- fornia) pays ing even if enrollment has continued to drop the college over the last two years. (CCC) at Gilkerson has been focused on improving the highthe low enrollment fig- est rate ures and raising FTES through the Student of funding Success Act of 2012 possible, (SSA) and closing the even if achievement gap. SSA mandates that there is a incoming students at community colleges in dip in enCalifornia who complete orientation and rollment.� assessment, meet with Vikki Fergua counselor, declare a major and establish a son, dean of comprehensive edu- students cational plan will be given a higher priority to register for classes than returning students who have an excess of 100 units or more. “If we can help students stay persistent in academics and (continue at CCC), we do more to increase enrollment because (just) bringing in more bodies is not the answer,� Gilkerson said. “Getting students thinking about taking more units and actually completing them will help our enrollment rate and also make our students more successful.� She said that if CCC focuses more heavily on student success by providing proper guidance and support, it would eventually drive enrollment in the right direction to fund the colleges’ future.

“


6

sports

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.10.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Lassen College beats squad 5-0 Soccer team’s preseason losing streak continues BY Robert Clinton STAFF WRITER

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

Suffering a 5-0 loss against Lassen College, the women’s soccer team left the field in defeat for the third time in as many preseason tries, Friday at the Soccer Field. The Comets (0-3 overall) were more mentally engaged to begin the match than they had been in previous games. The back and forth defensive effort, and sheer physical nature to start the match seemed to be exactly what Contra Costa College needed to become immersed in this contest. Lassen’s (1-3-1 overall) first goal came on a deflected ScoreBoard save that presented itself perfectly at the feet of Lassen Cougers 5 midfielder Maria Sanchez Comets 0 before she kicked it in. CCC was still in high Next game: spirits after surrendering the Friday vs. deflected second chance goal, Bakersfield as Comet goalkeeper Christy College, 4 p.m Garcia (seven saves) seemed more alert than in the team’s previous two contests. Comet defender Gibsy Vlichis said, “We just need more long passes, and to push up on defenders (better).” With only two shots on goal in the first half, CCC made little headway offensively. There was, however, a lot of pushback on defense. Comet newcomer Taheerah Brewer used her superior frame and footwork to out position, out body or plain out work Lassen players for possession of the ball. Brewer said, “When we did have the ball we tended to hold it more than attack.” Two more goals were scored by Lassen in the first half. CCC forward Mayra Garcia said. “When we get the ball we have to be constantly moving forward.” The Comets will be at home against Bakersfield College, Friday at 4 p.m. SOCCER PREVIEW

TEAM PREPARES FOR CONFERENCE BY Robert Clinton STAFF WRITER

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Contra Costa College women’s soccer team is set to embark on its 2014 season, with Bay Valley Conference play starting Sept. 26 at Folsom Lake College. At the helm for the Comets is first year coach Amanda Beckenhauer. She replaces Nikki Ferguson who will coach the CCC men’s team this fall. Beckenhauer served as an assistant to Ferguson in 2013. Although finishing the season with an overall record of 7-12, the Comets ended the year in fifth place in the BVC at 5-9. A lack of scoring plagued the Comets last year as CCC finished the season being outscored by 30 goals. Around every turn, no matter what evasive action the team employed, offensive deficiency remained the primary obstacle in the team’s path to success. Beckenhauer will be without the team’s leading scorer Laura Hurtado, who finished her sophomore season in 2013 as the BVC’s fourth best goal-scorer. Her 15 goals will be sorely missed as well as her leadership. This year’s Comet squad is split evenly with six freshman and sophomores. Although there aren’t many players returning from last year’s team, the coach is confident in the skill level of her players. In contrast, the men’s program carries 26 players on its roster. The first year coach is more than certain that as her players work themselves into game shape the team’s shallow bench shouldn’t present much of a problem for the Comets. “We are good enough to go out there with the players we have and compete with anyone — as long as we play up to our ability,” Beckenhauer said. “The only reason I worry about our lack of depth is the risk of injury. Other than that I can work with what we have.” Comet sophomore forward Lucia Barboza-Mariscal knows bringing a new team together can open the doors to all kinds of distractions.“We all need to focus before coming onto the field, ignore any off-the-field issues and not allow any outside influences.”

Lassen midfielder Jordain Shedrick (left) challenges defender Taheerah Brewes (right) for possession of the ball during CCC’s loss to Lassen College at the Soccer Field on Sept. 5. CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

MEN’S SOCCER

Pirates edge Comets BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

Modesto Junior College scored a late-game goal to edge the Comets 2-1 on the Soccer Field on Sept. 2. Contra Costa College’s (1-1-0 overall) erratic positioning repeatedly slowed down its passing play in the midfield to allow the Pirates to read developing CCC passing plays and dispossess the ball throughout the first half. Comet assistant coach Andres Orejuela said his team could have won the game after displaying a heightened level of communication between players in the second half, but poor communication and errant passes during the first half made it difficult for CCC to come back. “The way the (Comets) played in the second half is how we should have played from the beginning. Unfortunately, we did not play the full 90 minutes today — only 45,” Orejuela said. Late in the game, with the scored tied 1-1, solid chemistry between the Pirate midfield and backline produced a series of quick one-two passes to bring the ball up the right wing in the 87th minute. The game winning play developed in the MJC (1-0-2 overall) defensive third of the field with the Comet backline positioned too high once the play reached midfield. MJC right back Christian Vega had the ball returned to him from the midfield to burst down the wing to cross the ball to center defensive midfielder Luiz Velazquez, who had made an overlapping run toward the far post. Velazquez received the pass in open space and had just enough time to remain composed mere yards in front of CCC goalkeeper Jose Ayala and tapped it in for the game-winning goal with only three minutes remaining. MJC coach Sebastian Gutierrez said, “It’s great we didn’t leave here with a tie. Our players kept the game on the (CCC) side of the field for the first half keeping us in control of the game.” CCC was outshot 9-1 in the opening ADVERTISEMENT

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Comet midfielder Carlos Munoz (right) heads the ball away from Pirate midfielder Diego Duran during the first half of CCC’s 2-1 loss to Modesto Junior College at the Soccer Field on Sept. 2.

half and only produced one corner kick to the Pirates’ four. At game’s end, the Comets had five shots to Modesto’s 12. CCC center back and captain Brad Alman communicated well with his defensive backline even after an early injury that forced CCC to use its first substitute of the game. Michael Gonzalez went into the game at the 10th minute after Nicolas Bob rolled his ankle trying to keep possession during a 50-50 chance on ball. Alman said, “I knew what I had to do.” He moved from the center back position out wide toward the right back position to cover space that the quick attacking wingers were using to get into the attacking third in attempts to send in the cross. Ayala only had two saves in the first half because most of MJC’s shots were off target. He finished the game with five saves.

The Pirates’ ScoreBoard attacking pressure on Ayala Pirates 2 and the CCC Comets 1 backline subsided momen- Next game: tarily when Friday at Gonzalez Skyline forced MJC College 3 p.m center back Mohanad Aljwaizawi to score an own goal in the 75th minute. On that play, Gonzalez launched an aerial ball toward the near post from 35 yards out off a free kick. When Aljwaizawi attempted to header the ball clear, it deflected off his head to the far post and into the goal past Modesto goalkeeper Luis Garcia. Gutierrez said, “The guys just lost focus in the midfield and gave up a foul that led to the own goal.”


sports

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.10.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

7

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Comet running back Harold Holcombe stares down Cabrillo College defensive back Ryan Reyes during CCC’s 36-14 victory over the Seahawks in Aptos on Saturday.

Holcombe finished the game with 125 yards rushing on 20 carries, giving him an average of 6.2 yards per carry. His performance led all rushers.

football

Comets start season, blow out Seahawks Football squad begins year with double-digit win BY Jose Jimenez

ScoreBoard

Comets 36 Seahawks 14

Next game: Saturday vs. West HillsCoalinga 3 p.m.

SPORTS EDITOR

Follow this game live at twitter.com/accentadvocate

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

APTOS — Two costly special teams mistakes kept the Contra Costa College football team from starting the season with a shutout as the Comets opened the year with a 36-14 victory against Cabrillo College here Saturday. “We came out real slow and we should’ve just jumped on them,” Comet defensive back Chauncey Carter said. “If we did our job on special teams they would not have scored those two touchdowns. But our defense pulled together in the end,” he said. CCC was forced to punt on its second possession after an opening possession touchdown drive when quarterback Zachary Kazakoff ran the ball in to score on an option play. Late in the fourth quarter, Kazakoff scored on a fourth-and-goal play to score his second touchdown of the night and to seal the game at 33-14. After the first Comet touchdown long snapper Michael Angelo Ison missed a key block allowing penetration from inside the gaps and the Seahawks blocked Terrance Barnes’ punt attempt giving the home team an instant red zone opportunity. Two plays later, the Seahawks

Box scores Men’s soccer (Sept.. 2) Modesto Contra Costa Modesto 1 Contra Costa 0

1—2 1—1

First Half 1, Modesto, Castorena 27 (Martin), 41st minute. Second Half 2. CCC, Gonzalez 6 (Michael), 75th minute. 3. Modesto, Velazquez 17 (Luiz), 86th minute. Yellow Cards Modesto 0 CCC, 0 Individual statistics Goals — Modesto— Castorena, Velazquez — CCC — Gonzalez Assists —Modesto — Vega, Garcia — CCC — n/a Shots on goal —Modesto — 13. — CCC — 3. Saves — Modesto — Saucedo 4. — CCC — Ayala 5. Record — Modesto — 1-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 in Big 7. — CCC — 1-1-0 overall, 0-0-0 in BVC.

Women’s soccer (Sept. 5.) Lassen Contra Costa Lassen 5

0—5

scored on a slant across the middle to tie the game 7-7 in the first quarter. During CCC’s next drive, coach Alonzo Carter put Emmanuell Williams in as quarterback. Harold Holcombe III rumbled for a 25-yard run and ran for eight more on the next play. A quick quarterback draw helped the Comets pick up a first down and set up the biggest pass of the night. Williams, after play action, rolled out left and threw a perfect pass to wide receiver Sterling Taylor for 31 yards. This put the Comets in a position to score with a first-and-goal. “We have a lot of talent at quarterback,” Holcombe III said. “We have different packages which allows all our QBs to get in and make plays.” CCC running back Kruger Story Jr. eventually scored on an option play, faked well by Kazakoff. Comet kicker Lorran Fonseca missed the extra point to make it 13-7. Holcombe said it may seem odd, but playing multiple quarterbacks may be the trend this year — having CCC signal callers all playing regularly and to specifically designed plays.

Contra Costa

0

0—0

First Half 1, Lassen, Sanchez 7 (Maria), 17th minute. 2. Lassen, Permodo 17 (Victoria), 20th minute. 3. Lassen, Permodo 17 (Victoria), 40th minute. 4. Lassen, Sanchez 7 (Maria), 43th minute. 5. Lassen, Permodo 17 (Victoria) 56 minute. Second Half 3. Lassen, 0 4. Modesto, 0 Yellow Cards CCC, Abigail Perez, 1st minute. Individual statistics Goals — Lassen — Sanchez 2, Permodo 3— CCC — n/a Assists — Lassen — Sanchez 2, Kester 2, Permodo 1 — CCC — n/a Shots on goal — Lassen — 16. — CCC — 4. Saves — Lassen — Lazaarini 2. — CCC — Garcia 7. Record — Lassen — 1-3-2 overall, 0-0-0 in Big 7. — CCC — 0-3-0 overall, 0-0-0 in BVC.

Volleyball (Sept. 5.)

Contra Costa def. San Jose City College 25-17, 25-19, 28-26. Individual statistics Aces — CCC — Ledesma 22, Zaragoza-Soto 2, Saeyang 1. — SJCC — N/A Spikes — CCC — Walker 14, Rachelle 7, Avila

Williams said, “I’m not sure if the quarterback shuffle will be all season but I do know we are all very competitive at the position.” Following the score, the Comets’ punt coverage allowed a sideline gap for Cabrillo’s wide receiver Dominic Bonner to score on a 55-yard punt return to make the score 14-13, Seahawks. “Coaches say there is an 80 percent chance of winning if you execute on special teams,” Chauncey Carter said. “We’re satisfied with the win but we know we could have played much better.” CCC’s second half defense shut down the Seahawks, who failed to score a single point for the remainder of the game. In the third quarter Jones scored in the red zone from the 7-yard line to make the score 19-14 Comets, and they never trailed again. After the Comet defense stopped Cabrillo for a quick three-and-out, Justice and wide receiver Frank Stevens connected for CCC’s longest touchdown play of the night — a 71yard screen pass. Justice drove the Comets down into the red zone but threw an interception. He was then substituted out for the remainder of in the game. “At this point right now our quarterback situation is (three passers in rotation),” Williams said. “At some point though, the team will want to gel around one (QB) — its leader.” The Comets next game will be their home opener against West Hills College-Coalinga on Saturday at 3 p.m.

4, Zaragoza-Soto 3. Ban 1, Ledesma 1, Saeyang 1. — SJCC— N/A Blocks — CCC — Rachelle 8, Avila 6, Zaragoza-Soto- 6, Ban 4, Walker 4, Ledesma 2 — SJCC — N/A Record — CCC — 1-2 overall, 0-0 BVC. — SJCC — 0-1 overall, 0-0 Coast-North

Volleyball (Sept. 5)

Contra Costa def. College of the Redwoods 25-16, 25-23, 25-19. Individual statistics Aces — CCC — Ledesma 17, Rachelle 2, Saeyang 1, Avila 1.— CR — N/A Spikes — CCC — Walker 12, Avila 6, ZaragozaSoto 4, Ledesma 1, Saeyang 1. — CR — N/A Blocks — CCC — Rachelle 9, Ban 6, Avila 4, Ledesma 3, Waker 2, Zaragoza-Soto 2. — SCC — N/A. Record — CCC — 2-2 overall, 0-0 BVC. — CR — 1-1 overall, 0-0 Golden Valley.

Football (36-14)

Contra Costa, Cabrillo CCC 7 6 13 10 — 36 CAB 7 7 0 0 — 14 First Quarter CCC — Kazakoff 4 yd run. (Fonsca kick is good) CAB— Bonner 13 yd pass (Daily kick is good) Second Quarter CCC — Story Jr. 4-yd run (Fonseca kick failed) CAB — Bonner 51-yd punt return (Daily kick)

volleyball

SQUAD DOMINATES LANEY TOURNAMENT BY Jason Sykes STAFF WRITER

jjsykes.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Comets won both games to go undefeated in a volleyball ScoreBoard tournament held at Laney College Comets def. on Friday. Contra Costa College Jaguars (2-2 overall) beat San Jose City 25-17, 25College and the College of the 19, 28-26 Redwoods by winning every set in both contests. Comets def. After beginning the sea- Corsair 25son with two losses, CCC was 16, 25-23, able to bounce back and focus 25-19 on improving its performance in consecutive games. The Comets Next game: were able to return home at a .500 Wednesday at overall win percentage by control- Chabot 6:30 ling the rhythm and energy of p.m. both games. During the Comets’ first match against SJCC they struggled to find their rhythm early on. “We underestimated them and got lazy,” outside hitter Rachelle Cuevas said. Comet coach Zachary Shrieve said it was hard for the team to get going but they managed to communicate well enough to win each set and sweep the Jaguars. CCC outside hitter Kailey Walker led the offensive barrage with 14 kills and six serving aces for a total of 20 points, while setter Richelle Ledesma had an impressive 22 assists. Both players led the way for the Comets to win each set — 25-17, 25-19, and 28-26. As the second game against COR started, the Comets displayed the high energy level that Shrieve challenged the team to harness before the game. The Comets were able to control each set with the help of some key players. Walker led the team again with 14 kills and two aces. Ledesma followed up with another stellar game with 17 assists and some impressive digs. Contributions from every player, however, won all three sets — 25-16, 25-23, and 25-19. “We were more vocal the second game and more aggressive,” middle-backer Valeria Avila said. While the Comet victories in the Laney Classic are a success for the program, key sophomore middle-backer Avila suffered ankle injury off the court. She is a veteran on the team and her availability for the upcoming game at Chabot College is questionable.

Third Quarter CCC — Jones 8-yd run (2pt conversion failed) CCC — Stephens 75-yard from Jones (Fonseca kick good) Fourth Quarter CCC — Kazakoff 1-yd run (Fonseca kick is good) CCC — Fonseca 29-yd field goal. Individual statistics Rushing — CCC — Holcome 20-125, Story Jr. 967, Simmons 7-53, Jones 4-21, Kazakoff 7-10, D.Jones 2-7, Cornish 2-1, Williams 1-(-10). — CAB — Wilcox 3-6 , Copeland 2-6, Whitlow 1-(-1), Ross 4-(-2), Contreras 1-(3), Daily 1-(-18), Layne 6- (-24). Passing — CCC — Jones 9-16-2 181, Williams 10-112-0 35. — CAB— Layne 18-32-1 138, Pope 0-3-1 0. Receiving — CCC — Stephens 3-114, Taylor 6-97, Barnes 3-36, Cornish 2-23, Hale 3-11, Holcombe 1-7 Jones 1-5. — CAB — Bonner 8-62, Wilcox 1-24, Hasegawa 3-22, Sinnott 1-17, Ross 2-12, Smith 1-2 Wargon 1-1 Copeland 1-( -2). Missed field goals — N/A — . Record — CCC — 1-0. — CAB — 0-1.

Schedule Football Saturday vs. West Hills College-Coalinga, 3 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Reedley College, 7 p.m. Sept. 27 vs. Merced College, 3 p.m. 0ct. 4 at Los Medanos College, 1 p.m. Oct. 11 BYE Oct. 18 vs. Yuba College, 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at College of the Redwoods, 1 p.m. Nov. 1 vs. Shasta College, 3 p.m.


8

focus

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.10.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

A student runs across Library Drive toward the Student Services Center on Aug. 20. With construction shutting down the middle of campus, students are forced to use the alternate footpaths to get from class to class.

NAVIGATING

OBSTRUCTION PHOTOS BY: QING HUANG For more photos, please visit our website: cccadvocate.com

Technology systems assistant Mark Williams walks across the elevated foot bridge from the Physical Sciences Building to the Liberal Arts Building on Sept. 4. Williams

walks past recently erected girders for the new three-story classroom building, which is scheduled to open for the fall 2016 semester.

Students walk down Library Drive next to the orange k-rails that separate the sidewalk from the road on Sept. 4. The k-rails that were installed during the spring semester help maintain two-way traffic on the thoroughfare for pedestrians and motorists alike.

A student crosses Library Drive in front of the construction of the new Campus Center and three-story classroom building on Sept. 4. The center is scheduled to open for the fall 2016 semester.

A blue direction sign rests on a cyclone fence near the Physical Science Building directing students around campus. The new signs help students navigate the campus due to changes in paths because of the Campus Center construction.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.