The Advocate 9-17

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WEDNESDAY l 09.17.14 OUR 65TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

“ I love teaching biology because I love biology. I suspect that if I knew any other subject as well as biology, I’d love teaching that, too.”

Dr. Tarp was given the AGS Golden Apple award in August for his ability to engage students and promote their success in the classroom.

This marks the second time Tarp has won the award in 22 years.

Chris Tarp, biological sciences co-chair and professor GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Students award Tarp with Golden Apple Professor reaps award for a second time in 22 years, teaching ability in classroom honored

BY Cody McFarland ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

I OTHER GOLDEN APPLES  2013 — Manu Ampim, history professor

 2012 — Mark

Wong, astronomy, physics and engineering assistant professor

 2011 — Jon

Celesia, physics and astronomy department chairperson and professor

Book rental program eliminated PAGE 6

t is always a boon to students when a professor makes fundamentals tangible through lectures that are interesting and enjoyable.

In the case of biological sciences department Chairman and professor Chris Tarp, these qualities are what students recognized when they nominated him for the annual Golden Apple award.

The brainchild of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, the Golden Apple award is presented each fall to a professor who students believe is both dedicated to, and prolific, in helping students achieve academic success.

Having been awarded the apple in 1992, Dr. Tarp said he takes winning again 22 years later as a sign that his ability to engage is not waning.

Tarp said his passion for teaching is compounded by a desire to help students progress, to learn about people and cultures different from his own and the performance aspect of being in front of a class.

“It’s good to know my skills are still decent,” he said, “in contrast to eroding with age.”

Despite Tarp’s modesty, his past and present students agree that he has the uncanny ability to make any biological

topic intriguing and class sessions fun.

Psychology major Jennifer Osoria, AGS vice president, said that he teaches using analogies to put things into a relatable context for students to grasp.

The only criticism anyone offered is that Tarp is a “tough grader.”

“Some say his class is tough, but classes at (four-year universities) are tough or even more difficult,” Osoria said. “Really, he is preparing (students) for what’s next.”

AGS President Brenda Vega said she has also heard of Tarp’s “reputation,” but added that students who attend class and labs and complete coursework on time should fare well in his biology classes.

Vega is currently taking BioSc 140 — Principles of Biology, with Tarp.

She said the difficulty of his class is mitigated by the enjoyment students get from his teaching style and ability to make the material interesting.

“I like his class a lot. I haven’t taken biology since high school, so it’s a new class, new material and a lot of work. But (Tarp) has made it fun,” she said.

Nursing major José Alvarez agrees.

“He gets his lecture done and still has time to joke around and make people laugh,” Alvarez said.

SEE GOLDEN APPLE, PAGE 4

MAN DIES IN CROSSWALK JUST OFF CAMPUS Possible suicide takes place on El Portal Drive

BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

PAGE 7

SEE SUICIDE, PAGE 4

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Automobiles zoom past the crosswalk on El Portal Drive only hours after the death of Justin Liu. The 27-year-old transient male allegedly killed himself at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 10.

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‘BOJACK HORSEMAN’ ENTERTAINS, EDUCATES

The victim of a suspected suicide at a crosswalk on El Portal Drive on the morning of Sept.

10 has been identified as Justin Liu, a 27-year-old transient Asian-American male, Contra Costa County Sheriff Coroner’s Department Deputy Scott Anderson said.

Liu died at approximately 5:30 a.m. that morning, San Pablo police officer Jeremy Johnson said.

Sgt. Brian Bubar, of the San Pablo Police Department, was the watch officer on duty when the incident happened at the cross-

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Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

Quotable “In a world of too much information, there is too little explanation. You can do hard news shallow and you can do soft news with depth. We need to be deep on whatever the topic is.”

David Westin President, ABC News 1998 Lorenzo Morotti editor-in-chief

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 Roxana Amparo 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

Vol. 102, No. 2

Editorial NOT JUST ANOTHER NAME Death of ‘transient’ sadly goes unnoticed

George Morin art director Cody McFarland Rodney Woodson associate editors

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A

man died mere feet from the Knox Center on Sept. 10 in what the San Pablo Police Department is calling a suicide.

Justin Liu, a 27-year-old man the police have labeled a transient, or in other words homeless, had his life come to a sudden and abrupt end at 5:30 a.m. that morning.

His death has widely gone unreported, and few have talked about it.

The end of Liu’s life is a tragedy. His death is an event this community needs to think long and hard about.

As a “transient,” Justin was most likely a face that many in this community had grown accustomed to seeing, as are many of the homeless faces that dot the East Bay. It is a sad fact that his face has left the bay, but it is a far sadder fact that as a community, the people of the East Bay allow many of their neighbors to sit on the streets — cold, hungry, and in Liu’s case, in need of help.

In this era of selfies, many people cannot bother to look beyond themselves and give any real thought to those in need of help around them.

The sting of suicide is a festering wound in the community, just weeks after the suicide of Bay Area resident and actor Robin Williams. Suicide is a permanent and desperate end to life’s problems and failures, as well as life’s joys and triumphs.

Those whose minds have turned to suicide are often not seeking help, as whatever has caused them to settle on such a violent end has clouded their minds. The tragedy of suicide is, that in such a self-obsessed world, it is truly up to those around the victim of suicide to help them.

There are hotlines, help centers, hospitals or police stations that will try to prevent a suicide if they can. Yet these resources were not called on last Wednesday.

This is a community. That means people live here, call this area home. Families are made and raised here. There is no easy answer to what the community can do to help those oppressed by poverty and mental illness. But something has to be done.

Whether it is self-inflicted or not, violence has too often been the cause of death for many here in the East Bay. This should not be a community where anyone in need of help should feel he or she has no other choice but suicide.

The streets were flecked with a young man’s blood near a college where thousands of students attend school, and just down the street from a middle school.

Most went about the day as if nothing had happened.

That is the saddest part of all. His family and those that called him friend will remember Liu, but everyone who calls this area home should remember him.

Silence, like a cancer, will only allow the problems of mental illness, poverty and suicide to grow.

The community needs to talk about Liu’s death, and how another tragedy like it can be prevented.

MAYRA GARCIA / THE ADVOCATE

N ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

Support should not come from hashtags T he little bit of time in a day that is not consumed by matters revolving around ourselves is spent checking up on others and other ongoing events. Scrolling through social media sites and applications, we can become much more aware of current issues or trending topics.

There is currently the ice bucket challenge, which has stirred up quite the frenzy.

As many may already know, the purpose of nominating others to complete the challenge, which consists of being drenched in ice cold water, is to raise awareness about the crippling disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

There is much controversy concerning the water waste that accompanies the challenge. Being that California is in a drought, the waste of water is the last thing needed. However, we must keep in mind that our current generations are becoming more tech savvy. Most people get their information from Twitter or Facebook.

The challenge is greatly advertised via Instagram and has acquired monumental recognition through the site. Following the outbreak of challenges, the ALS Association reports that there have been an astounding $107.4 million in donations. Considering that, perhaps the negative aspects

to have a video to post on the web.

The majority remains silent when asked if they donated. We cannot become heroes through following the crowd and giving the bare minimum. Dousing oneself in water and uploading it for all to see has raised of the challenge should be overlooked. The way things awareness, and that’s a start. are going, people are trying But what we really need to do is change ourselves and to fix one issue while haphazardly worsening another. our attitudes.

Saying “it In all honesty, if doesn’t matter” it were not for the An issue or “it won’t make popularity and a difference to widespread ice should not help” is nothing bucket challenges, but excuses for the ALS would still be need to have lazy. Who would completely under have ever guessed the radar and that videos of a hashtag unheard of. people pouring Although this water on themhas been phenom- trending in selves would have enal for the cause, so much it has brought to order to catch brought hope and support light the wretched to a terrible disreality that we have our attention. ease? Yet, we will established. The not get anywhere saddening thing is by putting aside matters that we have converted to that desperately require our giving our attention to what is mainstream and has been attention and actions.

The phrase “ignorance is classified as important by others around us, instead of bliss” seems to be something setting our attention to what to live by and the effects are becoming atrocious. needs to be done.

An issue should not need There are wars and great to have a hashtag trending issues of injustice going on in order to catch our attenin the world around us, but tion. If so, we are failing as a so long as celebrities and people. our friends take no note of it, it gets pushed to the Marlene Rivas is a staff backburner and forgotten. writer for The Advocate.

Many of the people who go Contact her at mrivas.theadthrough with the challenge vocate@gmail.com. do it for the recognition and

marlenerivas

CampusComment How useful has the Welcome/Transfer Center been to you this semester?

“They have dedicated staff, but more one-onone (assistance) would be helpful for those who need (extra) help.”

Roberto Cortez

“I think it’s good for those people who are unsure of what they need to do to transfer.”

“I didn’t even know there was a transfer center but it’s good that we have one.”

Monica Slaton

Gloria Perez

biology

business administration ROXANA AMPARO AND MAYRA GARCIA / THE ADVOCATE

computer science

“It’s useful. There are a lot of students who are unaware of what to do to transfer to a good school.”

“I think it’s really cool because now students can get help and won’t feel lost or stressed (about transferring).”

“I will definitely go once I am ready to transfer.

Some students don’t know how to find ways to transfer.”

Alejandra Del Toro

Katrina Khoonsirivong

Holly Keuth

undecided

biological science

biological science

forum N DIET

mayragarcia Wholesome food offers nutritional value, finer health

E

ating wholesome foods can benefit the busy life of students by building a stronger mind and body.

As an athletic college student I want to get the most out of what I consume.

Because of this, I decided to become aware of the foods that I eat.

Although I was under the impression that all I needed to understand was what ‘organic’ meant. I determined that ‘organic’ does not mean natural.

Organic foods are grown without the use of artificial chemicals — or so I thought. I learned there was much more I needed to know regarding wholesome eating.

By identifying the opposition of organic foods I came closer to acknowledging what I should, and should not, eat.

When foods are processed, chemicals are added. The addition of chemicals ensures a long-lasting product but lack any nutritional value.

It seems like mankind has learned to worry more about preserving food rather than getting any nutrition out of it.

If the world were coming to an end, however, processed foods would be ideal for post apocalyptic survival I was under the impression that I knew the ideal to-go snacks — choosing iced tea and pretzels over chips and soda.

I now understand that added chemicals and sugars prevents food spoilage.

Pretzels, are low in vitamins and nutrients and iced tea is equivalent to soda, due to added sugar. I was in no way benefitting from what I believed to be the healthier choices of snacks.

This realization opened my eyes that I lacked important knowledge.

Knowing this influenced my newfound food ideology.

After glimpsing through a few articles, I recall reading that those affected by hypoglycemia, (a condition commonly connected with the treatment of diabetes) the brain steals glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, and can create negative effects such as depression, anxiety, anger, and panic attacks.

The effects can inclusively lead to suicide. Not only was this piece of information alarming, but also frightening because a lot of prepackaged food has an excessive amount of added sugar.

The information sparked my new dietary initiative and now, for the most part, I cut prepackaged foods from my diet.

Eating wholesome foods makes more sense than reading nutritional facts on a granola bar label and trying to decide whether or not this is good for me.

The point of eating is to fuel the body so it can function properly and getting the best out of what we consume should require some consideration.

My advice for those still seeking healthier choices is simple. Eat what goes bad, because what goes bad is good.”

Mayra Garcia is a staff illustrator for The Advocate.

Contact her at mgarcia.theadvocate@gmail.com.

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.17.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

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N FERGUSON

Retaliate through knowledge M

ike Brown’s body laid helplessly in the middle of the street in Ferguson, Mo. Social media were the first to report what happened that day. My heart was broken, and so many emotions ran through me as I saw several video clips and live images on social media of many witnesses documenting this horrifying moment.

I was hurt.

Not because this was a young black man who was killed by a white cop, but because this was an innocent young man whose life was taken from him at such a young age.

His life was taken by a man who seemingly had hatred in his heart, who probably felt like he lost when Mike Brown broke free and tried to run away.

Racism plays a big part in the Ferguson case, but what bothers me the most is when others retaliate by destroying their own community.

Most individuals see it as an opportunity to destroy small businesses in their com-

janaeharris

munities and rob and steal from these individuals who are all trying to survive like everyone else in the neighborhood.

Then there are others who want justice to be served in a more peaceful manner.

By lighting candles near the area where an individual was killed and where they come together to pray.

This entire Ferguson case is all about color. We’re still defined by the color of our skin, and we still can’t all see each other as human beings. I find it sad that after all these years, we still can’t seem to treat each other equally.

If Mike Brown was killed by another black teenager, would the coverage be so large? If a white man was killed by a black cop in a

predominantly white neighborhood, justice would have been immediately served.

Why is it that when a white cop kills a black man it drives black people crazy?

Why is it socially acceptable for us to destroy ourselves and our community, but there’s a huge uproar when a white man does it?

In order for justice to be served, we need I send my to educate ourselves, prayers to respect one another set the people and examples the of Ferguson. for next generation on how to treat one another. We need to show the youth how war and gun violence is not the correct answer.

People need to uplift each other and build our communities rather than burning them down — showing the naysayers that people can unite and become powerful by doing what’s right.

How can we find peace

and justice when we can’t even find peace among ourselves? The Oscar Grant story, that later turned into a movie, became difficult to watch. The movie did not add in any of the actual protests and rallies that lasted weeks after the incident.

It was awful seeing individuals in Oakland destroy their own town.

Small business owners, who make up Oakland’s downtown community, were afraid that people would loot or destroy their shops in light of the protest for Ferguson.

I send my prayers to the people of Ferguson. Anger and violence is not the answer.

Let’s retaliate through knowledge and with prayer, so that the families of Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, and Mike Brown can finally and truly lay their children to rest Janae Harris is an assistant photo editor of The Advocate.

Contact her at jharris.theadvocate@gmail.com.

POLICE STATE

responses and people gather in protest, such as a controversial murder, a riot may spark from citizens.

In that sense, preparation for a violent and wildly destructive situation to form from protests is necessary. Yet, just as when patrolling a regular street on a regular day, officers involved in these situations are supposed to use

BY Rodney Woodson ASSOCIATE EDITOR their own “good” judgment on whethrwoodson.theadvocate@gmail.com er or not to use excessive force. emilitarizing the police is a The Bureau of Justice Statistics topic that raises a lot of discus- reports that 4,813 civilian deaths sion, especially in the wake occurred before, during or after of the murder of Ferguson, Mo. teen police involvement, between 2003 and Michael Brown on Aug. 9.

December 2009 (the last year the data Video footage of local law enforce- was available). Of those deaths 2,931 ment agencies (LEA) riding through or 61 percent were because of homicivilian neighborhoods across the cides committed by police personnel. country in tanks, riot gear, and with The BJS defines homicide as the assault rifles and other military equip- willful killing of a human being by ment is being plastered across social another, excluding death by neglimedia and the Internet. gence, accident or justifiable homiOver recent years the police have cide. If there have been 2,931 intenbeen gearing up, seemingly, for war. tional killings of civilians by police But, with the FBI reporting that vioofficers, should beefing up their artillent crime has seen a steady decrease lery be something that the governsince the early 90s, putting more fire- ment condones? power in the hands of the local LEAs Between 2001 and 2010 the FBI seems to be a bit much. reports that 1,259 officers have been In 1993, 1,926,017 violent crimes killed — 541 are felony murders with were reported in the U.S., while in the rest, 718, being accidental.

2012, the last year the data was posted, So, here’s the math of it all — over violent crimes reported dropped to a 10-year span, 2001-10, there was an 1,214,462. Violent crime, as defined average of 125 officers killed in the by the FBI, is an offense that involves line of duty per year, whether it be or threatens to involve force, such as accidental or felonious. From 2003-09, murder, forcible rape and aggravated the average of murders alone commitassault. ted by an officer on a civilian stood One might wonder if a recent at about 418 per year. That means for spike in crime may have sparked the every one officer killed on duty three upgrade in local LEA arsenals. This citizens were murdered by police offimay not be the case since studies show cers from 2003-09. that in 2008 violent crimes reported So again, why the military equipstood at 1,394,461, that is 179,999 vio- ment? Section 1033 of the National lent crimes more than the 2012 mark. Defense Act of 1997 allows the The U.S. has not seen a full revolu- Department of Defense to transfer tion since gaining independence from excess military equipment to state and the British and there are a grand total local law enforcement agencies. of zero wars that have been fought on Of the guidelines and qualifications American soil since Americans from for participation in the Section 1033 the north battled it out with those of program a couple stand out. the south during the Civil War. Taking priority for reasons of Although there seems to be no request and approval of issuneed for local agencies to arm themance for this equipment, selves for the apocalypse, it is not accordsomething that people have never seen ing to the in the country before. During the civil rights movement, the police used very similar tactics for crowd control as they use now. No, they may not have had tanks, armored cars and various assault rifles, yet they still greatly overwhelmed ordinary unarmed citizens and physically abused them just for peacefully protesting, which is a U.S. citizen’s First Amendment right.

In Ferguson, the police are employing the same tactics, however, they brought out their new toys to play with.

When situations draw emotional

Aggressive cops given military weapons, tanks

D

Department of Defense, are counterdrug and counterterrorism actions, and in order for these agencies to keep what they are sold, this equipment must be used within a year and remain in use for a full year.

The House of Representatives introduced HR 4934 on June 23. Sponsored

by Utah Rep. Chris Stewart, its purpose is to prohibit certain federal agencies from using or purchasing firearms.

While the bill is designed to take weapons out of the hands of federal agencies, it does nothing to demilitarize local and state police agencies.

The bill also amends Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, which basically means that federal agencies can no longer investigate local law enforcement agencies nor are they granted access to files, records or other materials in order to gather information and relay that information to congress.

As the subject of demilitarizing the police swirls and the demand rises for stricter control of the police, the federal government seems to be easing up. When tragedy strikes and state and local law enforcement are involved in the shooting and killing of someone, as President Barack Obama said in his address on Aug. 12 referring to the incident in Ferguson, federal agencies work with local police to investigate.

In Ferguson, the department that officer Wilson works out of is helping to investigate a murder he committed while on duty? What about a conflict of interest? Does that not exist in our justice system?

The very aura of a police officer in America is threatening; patrolling with multiple guns and other weapons in residential areas, schools, shopping malls and at all major sporting events where families are present in great number. For the most part, the officers in these aforementioned places are the most armed and dangerous people in the area, so why such need for advanced weaponry?

Is the government encouraging this behavior by allowing the people who patrol our streets access to military grade machinery? Other than griping about being in the “one percent” or protesting yet another murder, isn’t it the duty of the U.S. people to stand up and legally take a stand against such blatant injustice, or are the U.S. populous cowards?

The Second Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms, and in some cases there are those who use aggressive and sometimes deadly force against officers — but is loading up with weaponry in an attempt to war it out with police the answer? Only time will tell.

RODNEY WOODSON / THE ADVOCATE

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.17.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

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CITY OF SAN PABLO ACHIEVES NATIONAL HONOR Local community, delegates compete in Denver

BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

Newsline ■ awareness

SAVE NUBIA PROJECT HOPES TO INFORM The Save Nubia Project will bring awareness to possible flooding in areas known before as Ancient Kush and other areas in Sudan and will be held on Sept. 27 in the Knox Center.

The project is led by history professor Manu Ampim and the purpose of the project is to document, record, and publish historical archaeological evidence on the importance of historic regions located in northern and central Sudan.

For more information contact Manu Ampim during his office hours from 12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m on Monday and Wednesday, on Tuesday from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. or mampim@contracosta.edu.

■ coast

ANNUAL CLEANUP HITS PINOLE

SAN PABLO — The National Civic League awarded the City of San Pablo the 2014 AllAmerican City Award because of advancements in economic development, the addressing of health issues, and a substantial drop in murder rates over the past two years.

San Pablo City Manager Matt Rodriguez said that city council allocated $40,000 from its budget to send 26 delegates to Denver, Colo. to compete against 24 national finalists from June 12-16. “(AACA) is the highest honor the (NCL) can grant for civic engagement,” Rodriguez said. “We are a small city, but we care for each other.”

San Pablo Mayor Paul Morris said he and other delegates representing the city presented the different accomplishments to a

panel of 12 NCL judges.

“We told a compelling story about how our community pulled together to confront these issues and consider solutions,” Morris said.

More than 100 cities nationwide submitted applications to the (NCL), but only 25 finalists were selected, Rodriguez said. Out of the finalists, 10 cities were selected to receive the AACA. NCL’s mission is to reinforce democracy by increasing the capacity of the nation’s people to effectively and responsibly participate in and develop healthy, prosperous communities across the United States.

Community services manager and San Pablo Economic Development Corporation (SPEDC) member Greg Dwyer was one of those who made the trip to the competition.

“Out of the cities invited to go and compete for the award, only two were from California,” Dwyer said.

SPEDC is a non-profit organization focused on economic and workforce development by delivering programs, providing easy access to training required to expand local businesses and

establish a positive reputation for San Pablo.

Rodriguez said that the SPEDC workforce training programs have lowered the unemployment rate in San Pablo by 10 percent, from 22 percent to 12 percent, in two years.

Dwyer said that while the city improved lowering the job crisis, it was also making strides toward healthier living for its residents.

Rodriguez said, “Over the past two years, there has been extensive efforts made by the city to lower and bring awareness to the alarming childhood obesity rate.”

The Childhood Obesity Task Force (COPTF) was established in 2012 after data from the 2010 California Physical Fitness Test (PFT) deemed that more than half of children living in San Pablo were obese.

Dwyer said, “At 52 percent, San Pablo had the third highest rate of obesity in California, and the highest in Contra Costa County.”

In order to reduce the high percentage of childhood obesity, the city has improved access to healthier foods by hosting farmers markets and promoted exercise through the construction and planning of community parks.

in brief WITHIN TWO YEARS

 San Pablo is named one of 10 cities that won 2014 All-American City Award.

The first time since 1976.

 SPEDC reduced the unemployment rate by 10 percent. San Pablo had zero murders in 2013.

 San Pablo increased its

number of community parks, street renovations.

Rodriguez said new parks and projects have been made possible because of the efforts of the San Pablo Police Department solving investigations and preventing murders.

“Last year there were no homicides in the city and the crime rates dropped to the 1985 level,” he said.

“Ninety-two percent of all crimes were also solved. It was rated the highest amount of solved cases in the Bay Area.”

I like his class a lot. I haven’t taken biology since high school, so it’s a new class, new material and a lot of work. But (Tarp) has made it fun.” — Brenda Vega, AGS president

“

The 30th annual Coastal Cleanup, California’s largest volunteer event, is scheduled for Saturday.

The volunteer event will be held locally at Bayfront Park in Pinole from 8:30-noon to remove litter the regional shoreline.

For more information call 510-724-9018 or email CoastalCleanup@ci.pinole.ca.us

■ transfer

TAG WORKSHOP TO BE HELD IN CENTER A UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) workshop will be held today from 9-10 a.m. in the Assessment Center in the Student Services Center.

A transfer representative from San Francisco State will be in the Welcome/Transfer Center in the SSC from 9:40 a.m.-2 p.m. today.

A second UC TAG workshop will be held in the Assessment Center in the SSC Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

A transfer representative from Samuel Merritt University will be in the Welcome/Transfer Center in the SSC from 9:40 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Monday.

Applying to the UC workshop — learn to use the Transfer Admissions Planning Tool will be in the Assessment Center in the SSC from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday.

A St. Mary’s College transfer representative will be in the Welcome/Transfer in the SSC from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Writing the UC Personal Statement Workshop will be held in the Assessment Center in the SSC from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

To make appointments or RSVP for workshops, please contact the counseling department at 510-2153936. For further questions, contact counselor Andrea Phillips at aphil-

CrimeWatch Tuesday, Sept. 2: An officer met with a student who requested a police report.

An unknown suspect stole a student’s purse.

Tuesday, Sept. 9: An officer responded to a medical incident involving a student who was transported to the hospital.

An officer conducted a traffic stop and it was determined the driver had a suspended license. The driver was cited and the vehicle was towed.

— Lorenzo Morotti

Dr. Tarp holds out his second Alpha Gamma Sigma Golden Apple award. The honor society bestows the award to one professor each academic year at the beginning of the fall semester.

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

GOLDEN APPLE | Professor earns AGS award Continued from Page 1 “The fact he’s having fun while doing it (teaching) makes it all the better.”

Alvarez believes Tarp truly deserves the Golden Apple. He references his 8:10 a.m.

BioSc 110 — Introduction to Biological Science class in which Tarp manages to maintain interest and keep his class lively and participatory, despite the fact that most students in the class appear to have just woken up.

Tarp said, “I love teaching biology because I love biology. I suspect that if I knew any other subject as well as biology, I’d love teaching

that, too.”

Tarp received his undergraduate degree from UC Santa Cruz and a Ph.D. in zoology from UC Berkeley. He began working at Contra Costa College as an adjunct professor in 1984 and became full time in 1990.

He said he is driven by continual discovery and the eternal pursuit of education.

“He is a very passionate teacher,” Osoria said. “That passion spills over onto his students.”

In his free time, Tarp partakes in many biology-related hobbies.

“I’m a dedicated bird watcher. I also love

nature photography and hiking,” Tarp said.

He also enjoys reading and completing do-it-yourself projects along the lines of car or home maintenance, he said.

Though it has not been advertised in the past, Vega said that the online election for the Golden Apple award is not exclusive to members of the AGS, but includes all students with a valid student ID number. Vega said when casting those ballots, students must provide a short explanation for their choice.

Members of the AGS are discussing ways to advertise the election in the future, she said.

SUICIDE | Early morning death near Knox Center Continued from Page 1 walk 50 feet from where Castro Road, on the Contra Costa College campus, meets El Portal Drive.

The crosswalk’s safety lights and audible sensors, meant to protect pedestrians from oncoming automobiles, were not functioning weeks before the fatal incident and were still not working when The Advocate checked at presstime Tuesday.

At 8 a.m. the day of the incident a cleanup crew began to wash the site of blood with a mixture of water and cleaning chemicals. By 8:30 a.m. police and first responders finished cleaning the area and reopened the crosswalk and El Portal Drive to traffic.

Bubar was at the scene of the incident and later said, “What I can tell you is that it was not a homicide.”

District Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the San Pablo Police Department because it occurred on the west side of CCC’s campus.

San Pablo Police Chief Lisa G. Rosales said Liu’s next of kin have been contacted and the investigation is now under the Contra Costa County Sheriff Department’s jurisdiction.

Sheriff Coroner’s Department Deputy Chad Pryor said he can’t release the cause of death until the coroner’s report is completed.

Police Services Lt. Jose Oliveira said any police department is exempt from releasing what would normally be public information

when doing so may impede that department’s investigation.

“It’s standard practice involving suicides,” Oliveira said.

“Imagine hearing news that a family member may have killed themselves through a media group, instead of an officer contacting the family. (It’s) a more personal way.”

edit orial Suspected suicide

The local community should mourn a largely unreported death and address issues of mental health to prevent further loss.

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STUDENTS DISCARD FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING Dedicated speech professors prompt change in students

BY Roxana Amparo STAFF WRITER

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

The speech department is highly recognized for its successful speech and debate team and helpful professors who transform students into capable public speakers.

Taking second place in the Northern California Final at San Joaquin Delta College last spring, the speech and debate team earned another medal for its extensive collection. Competing against other community colleges and four-year universities, the team has maintained a solid reputation.

But behind the many successes of the team stand invaluable coaches: speech department Chairperson and professor Sherry Diestler and professors Hans Craycraft, John Perez, Natalie Kellner and Randy Carner help students improve their public speaking skills while preparing them for real life situations.

The dedicated group of instructors work to help students recognize that

they can advocate for themselves and the things they believe in, Diestler said.

“Most of us (speech) coaches came from a place where public speaking was something we feared,” she said. “It is our mission to help other people (work past fears of public speaking).”

The speech department offers a variety of speech courses, from Speech 120 — Public Speaking to Speech 141 — Argumentation and Debate, in which students can practice their public speaking skills.

Students can learn the basics of giving a speech in the classroom, and receive one-on-one tutoring in the speech lab.

The speech lab is open to anyone who wants to become better at interpretation, oral speeches or debating.

The lab is located in AA-113C and is open every Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Tuesday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tutoring is available for ESL students.

Communications and English major Diamonique Spain, who works in the speech lab as a tutor, said that her abil-

“Most of us (speech) coaches came from a place where public speaking was something we feared.

It is our mission to help other people (work past fears of public speaking).”

“

Sherry Diestler, speech department chairperson ity to perform a good speech came with some practice. Spain said she did not consider herself a great public speaker or debater before taking up a role on the team.

“It makes you a critical thinker and that is so helpful,” she said.

Craycraft said that the team helps students to do necessary research, analyze things thoroughly and prepare a well-organized stance in the midst of debate.

“Being part of the team teaches students how to think things through rationally,” he said. “It allows you to be intellectually quick on your feet.”

Diestler said that joining the team benefits students who want to break out of their shell and broaden their perspec-

tives of the world.

This semester, the speech and debate team will participate in a series of events.

The first on the list is the upcoming Intramural Speech Tournament at San Francisco State.

The tournament will be a three-day event from Sept. 26-28, and will consist of two opposing teams. They will be given an abstract, random topic to research for their debate.

The next planned event is the annual Speaker Showcase, which will take place in the Knox Center on Nov. 13.

There will be an Intramural Speech Tournament on campus on Dec. 3, outside LA-100 at 3 p.m. It is open to all CCC students to participate in.

Twenty young trees were planted last week in response to thrips, an infestation of tree killing insects that killed the old trees.

Following the removal of the trees, an irrigation system was also installed so the newly planted trees could be watered easily.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Twenty infected trees replaced in parking lot

BY Cody Casares ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com

Trees infested by a tree killing insect have been cut down and removed from campus in Lot 2 next to the Gymnasium.

The Buildings and Grounds Department contracted an outside group to remove 20 trees which had been infested with the insects.

Following the removal of trees, an irrigation system was placed in the area, with the goal of watering future trees that have been set to replace the infected trees, Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. “(The cost of) removing the trees was about $4,500, to cut them down, remove and grind the stumps,” King said, “it was a great deal.”

The trees were infested with a sap robbing insect called a thrip.

Thrips, also known as thunderbugs, are a slender bodied insect with thin wings.

The thrips kill trees by slowly consuming the tree’s sap stored in its leaves, causing the leaves to curl, dry and ultimately die.

“(The cost of) removing the trees was about $4,500, to cut them down, remove and grind the stumps. (Tree removal) was a great deal of work.” — Bruce King, buildings and grounds manager

“

The species of removed trees that populated the dividers in the parking lot were Myoporum Laetum, which were the only trees infected.

The trees removed from campus are known for their resilience to harsh environments, however, the prolonged California drought, coupled with a thrips infestation came to a head, and began to kill the trees, King said.

Once the trees were found to be infested with the insects, the decision was made to cut them down.

King said the alternative to removing the trees was to instead treat the infestation with powerful and potentially harmful pesticides.

The trees were not just cut down, but the stumps of the trees were also pulled from the ground, and then ground up he said. This ensured that any thrips still in the stump could not spread to any

nearby trees, thereby continuing the infestation.

The new trees will be about 6-10 feet in height when they are fully matured, he said.

“We’re hoping once the landscapers get done, people will be happy with the new look.” he said.

Business and administration major Chris Vilaisak said, “There’s a lot of trees on campus, but it’s not enough. It could look better.”

“I think it looked better before though. I’ll miss those old trees,” Vilaisak said.

Each year Buildings and Grounds plants 10 new trees as well as an additional 10 trees on Arbor Day. According to a study done at UC Davis, little is known about the thrips, as it was only recently discovered in samples sent from California to Australia for study.

ADVERTISEMENT

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Carlos Escobar, a landscaper, sprinkles dirt near a newly planted tree in Lot 2 on Sept. 8.

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

FOOTBALL WEBCAST MAY SOON BECOME REALITY The athletic department seeks partnership to stream games

BY Brian Boyle SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

The athletic department at Contra Costa College is in talks with a Bay Area organization to begin filming and streaming the football team’s home games online.

At their weekly meeting, which is to be held today at 2:30 p.m. in AA-207, the Associated Students Union will discuss if the board should fund the online streaming venture.

Athletic Director John Wade approached the ASU on Sept. 10, during its weekly meeting. Wade presented the proposal he received from the company Bay Area Sports TV. He said the company wishes to broadcast football games online.

BASTV is a company that films and live streams high school, collegiate, semiprofessional sports games and even professional minor league baseball games.

BASTV was formed earlier this year, from what was Vallejo Sports. Vallejo Sports was an organization that filmed sports games in the Vallejo community; something the group has done for the last three years.

“We’re talking about doing something we’ve never done before,” Wade said.

He said other colleges stream their games, and the attention it draws those programs is substantial.

Skyline College is one example of a community college that streams athletic events online. Skyline Dean of Kinesiology and Athletic Director Joe Morello said Skyline originally purchased video equipment in order to stream the college’s graduation ceremonies online.

He said that after the purchase, the college was looking for a way to use the equipment more than once a year and that is when they began streaming basketball games online.

“I was shocked by the numbers of people watching,” Morello said. “Some games we would have 200-300 people

They (the ASU) should help fund it, but maybe go in for something close to 50-50. They should be responsible and help fund it, but not completely.”

“

David Navarro, student

watching it online; people who, for whatever reason, could not physically attend the games.”

Morello said that his department advertises the streaming games through no extraordinary means.

“We let students know about the event through the student alert system,” Morello said. “We also directly contact the other team and put a link up on our website. We pretty much rely on word of mouth and social media to get the word out.”

Students David Navarro and Ji’ere Hogan said they would watch football games that were streamed online.

“It would just be way more convenient,” Navarro said.

Wade said that BASTV wishes to broadcast CCC’s home games, and the cost would be approximately $325$400 per game.

During the Sept. 10 ASU meeting, ASU President Antone Agnitsch said that the board should consider Wade’s proposal and discuss the issue during today’s meeting in AA-207 at 2:30 p.m.

Senator Luana Waters and Agnitsch dominated the conversation, and most of what was said was in favor of supporting Wade’s program.

Hogan said the ASU should support the athletic department’s proposal, but he warned that the board should be careful with student’s money.

“They (the ASU) should help fund it, but maybe go in for something close to 50-50,” Hogan said. “They should be responsible and help fund it, but not completely.”

Wade said during the ASU meeting that the athletic department was willing to partner with the ASU and pay

for the cost of some of the four remaining home games to be streamed.

Tim Banks, BASTV’s camera crew chief, said that the cost of streaming the games breaks down as follows: $100 per game for a sports commentator, $150 for the cameras and camera switcher and another $150 for insurance.

“There could always be more cameras if (the college) wants more angles, but that’d cost more” Banks said.

He said his cameramen work for about $15 per hour. The additional cost per cameraman to the athletic department would be approximately $75, he said.

Banks said the way the streaming would work would be that he would provide the college a link they could put on the website, and students could watch the game either at the college’s website, or at bayareasports.tv.

Banks said the cameras he uses are the JVC Professional 600 and 150 models, which record in high definition.

He said he would need about 3 hours to set up his equipment to film.

Part of the partnership in streaming CCC’s games would require that BASTV be regularly updated with correct rosters and schedules, he said.

The liaison between Banks’ company and CCC would be Tim Fitzgerald, another BASTV employee.

Morello stressed the ability to live stream college events online helped foster a bigger community at Skyline.

“It is just something really nice you can do for students,” Morello said.

“There are lots of events outside of athletics a college can stream.”

College website gets redesign Students split on new design’s success

BY Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

Just as most websites have become more user friendly, Contra Costa College’s website has received an update.

In July, CCC’s website acquired a whole new look and style to accommodate requests from the community for an updated interface.

Ellen Seidler, fine and media arts department chairperson who helped design and implement the site, said, “The whole process was about streamlining our website making it attractive and inviting for potential students, current students, and members of our community.”

Business major Perla Contreras said CCC’s website is now easy to use because of its simplicity.

She said the navigation is simple to understand and displays enough info on each sub-menu to ensure clarity compared to her previous school City College of San Francisco’s website.

“I’m not tech savvy at all but the visual images help to get your attention and show you what you’re looking for,” Contreras said.

Kinesiology major Simon Carlos said, “I think it (the website) sucks, it loads slow and

everything seems like it is out of place. I think for me at least I got used to the old site because I thought it was simple enough.”

Administration of justice major Jesus Banuelos simply uses the website to check messages through InSite Portal and did not think too much of the new design. He said he only uses the website to get to InSite Portal.

Color and layout design were the notable differences between the old site and the new one, as well as new ways to navigate the different pages of the website.

“The website is our portal to the public, so we want to make it easy to use,” Seidler said, who was given the task of designing the new layout.

Seidler said she looked at other college websites for inspiration but relied primarily on experience she gained from creating web pages for various Internet blogs.

“That’s why I got involved with this because I knew there was a desperate need to update the website but there were no available resources to hire someone (full time),” Seidler said. “(Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson) spearheaded the whole plan and I had release time, which faculty members often get release time for doing various things to help differ-

ent departments. I said I’d do it and we started the process last spring, so I worked all spring and worked a lot over the summer and went live at the end of June,” she said.

Gilkerson was not available for comment, as of press time Tuesday.

Technology Systems Manager James Eyestone said the redesign stemmed from the college administration being asked to redesign the site from the community and comments about outdated information.

“People couldn’t find things and could not easily find information. Navigation issues and aesthetics were some of the common problems we were trying to satisfy,” Eyestone said.

The new site can post up-todate information, Seidler said. By constantly showing new content, the college can make the site more dynamic and attractive.

It will also list academic and community resources.

“Part of the problem is that there hasn’t been a full-time webmaster, no gatekeeper, no one person whose job it was to have a handle on the whole picture,” Seidler said.

Things are grouped together in ways that make sense and the infrastructure for the site is run through Wordpress, Seidler said.

ASU DISCONTINUES BOOKSTORE RENTAL DISCOUNT PROGRAM

BY Brian Boyle SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

A program that made renting certain required textbooks for popular class sections cheaper for students, sponsored by the Associated Students Union, will not be continuing this year.

“Many students, myself included, aren’t buying (textbooks) from the Bookstore,” ASU President Antone Agnitsch said. “A lot are going to Amazon (for their textbooks).”

Agnitsch said he is currently having problems gathering data from the Bookstore over the effectiveness of the program, which was started by former ASU president Ysrael Condori. Agnitsch said the program was ineffective largely because the way it was designed.

“The way it worked, I just learned, was we (the ASU) just gave money to the Bookstore and they lowered the prices of some books,” Agnitsch said. “It just looks like a waste of $15,000.”

Agnitsch said he is also having problems getting necessary data from Condori.

One such student, toxicology major Kent Mamongay, said he goes to Amazon and even browsed numerous EBay pages in order to find a cheaper way to purchase his books.

“Some of my books this semester cost $300,” Mamongay said. “(The ASU) should do what they can to lower prices for books, so students shop at the Bookstore.

That way (students) get cheaper books and the school still gets some money.”

Physical therapy major Tory Wilkerson said he is also worried about the growing cost of books.

“We need books,” Wilkerson said. “Anything that helps students get them is a good idea.”

Mamongay said driving students toward the Bookstore, instead of online shops, allows students to get their supplies in time for classes.

“If I buy from the Bookstore, I have my books,” Mamongay said. “If I buy online, I have to wait for it to be delivered.”

Last year, Condori was quoted by The Advocate in the Sept. 18 issue as saying the ASU had planned to donate $15,000 to the discount program in the fall semester, but was only able to donate $5,000.

Condori said his board would donate a total of $20,000 the following semester. The ASU only managed to donate $10,000 in the spring semester.

Condori said at the end of last school year, the ASU looked at the book rental program and decided that not enough students were using it. He said that, by the end of spring semester, the ASU had discounted books in psychology, history and pre-calculus as well as other math sections.

According to Condori, the program was targeted at specific class sections, which were in a consistent high demand, that had relatively expensive textbooks.

Bookstore lead Darris Crear said that he could not comment on the overall effectiveness of the discount program.

“I helped the students I helped with it,” Crear said. “It wasn’t exactly marketed toward any individual group of students.”

Agnitsch said that if the ASU did not reconsider the decision to not repeat the rental discount program, then the money would likely be funneled into offering students the chance to win scholarships offered through the ASU.

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Do you know the story of the dad from ‘The Brady Bunch’?” — Diane Nguyen “If I recall correctly, he was raising three boys of his own.

They were four men, living all together...yet they were all alone. That is profoundly sad.” — BoJack Horseman

“

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BoJack Horseman Star of the hit 90s sitcom “Horsin’ Around,” BoJack spends the majority of his golden years drinking, eating toaster strudel and re-watching the same episodes of the show he did 20 years ago on permanent repeat. It never gets old for him.

Laughs from the horse’s mouth NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES HILARIOUS, THOUGHTFUL

BY Brian Boyle SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

T

Princess Carolyn At 14 years old, Princess Carolyn is no kitten.

She is BoJack’s agent and occasional lover.

She dreams of a successful career or a happy family, but her dedication to BoJack is slowly dwindling her chances for either.

a distrust of mailmen that borders on insanity, or losing his mind when someone knocks on the door.

The comedy is often mature as well, such as BoJack finding more sexual release from watching the old episodes of his show instead of the woman who shares his bed.

Twenty years after his show ended, BoJack has fallen far from grace. He has had no work since the conclusion of his “Full House” style sitcom, and spends the majority of his days in a drunken or coked-out daze.

In an effort to revitalize his career, the agents in BoJack’s life have pushed for him to write his memoirs, as anyone who spends their time in such self-destructive ways must have an interesting life. BoJack quickly learns he has no business writing a book, and soon hires ghostwriter Nguyen.

The plot flows from there, and each episode of the season feels like the natural progression of the one before it. Unlike most cartoons, BoJack is not episodic — the story is told throughout the season. The story is engaging and rich with character development. The viewer will realize toward the end of the season that these are simply not the same characters from episode one.

Netflix spares no expense on “BoJack Horseman.”

The show is littered with guest appearances from television, Hollywood and even Broadway stars.

Stephen Colbert (“The Colbert Report”), Kristin Chenoweth (“Wicked”), Olivia Wilde (“House”) and even Ken Jeong (“The Hangover”) all lend their voices to characters in “BoJack Horseman,” some for only a single episode.

The show is funny and deeply engaging. It is hard to ask for more than that from an animated comedy about a horse. “BoJack Horseman” is worth watching.

PAGE DESIGN BY GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

he newest addition to Netflix’s repertoire of original series is a smashing success.

“BoJack Horseman” is about its title character, BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett), a self-obsessed and horribly depressed horse that was the star of a famous ’90s sitcom “Horsin’ Around.”

BoJack himself is a bitingly witty horseman who is incredibly smart.

BoJack has strong principles but little in the way of a moral code. He lives mostly alone, except for his friend Todd (Aaron Paul), who crashed one of BoJack’s parties years before and never left.

Other characters that color BoJack’s life are his girlfriend Princess Carolyn, a purple cat that works as a talent agent, and Mr. Peanutbutter, another former sitcom star, whose show blatantly rippedoff BoJack. Finally, there is Dianne Nguyen, the Boston born author that is ghost-writing BoJack’s memoirs.

Netflix released the show in its entirety, as is its model, and viewers can watch all 12 episodes right now.

The show is a surprising cartoon.

“BoJack Horseman” is a comedy, and there are plenty of laughs to be had, but viewers will quickly find themselves growing oddly attached to the animated people, animals and animal-people.

At face value, it is a cartoon about a horse, but after a few episodes it becomes painfully obvious the show’s main focus is depression. The show is filled with deeply moving moments that breathe a sense of life into the characters.

Whether it be BoJack driving silently home after an intense confrontation with someone that use to be a friend, or Princess Carolyn gazing out of her work window as her phone wishes her a happy birthday — “BoJack Horseman” finds a way to ride its audience until they find themselves wishing the second season was here.

The comedy in the show comes from BoJack’s sardonic wit, the show’s less than tongue-in-cheek mocking of the entertainment industry and from the fact that many of the characters are animals.

It is hard not to find it funny that the feline Princess Carolyn hates being called “Catty,” or that BoJack feels the need to stress that he is not stubborn, he’s a horse.

The comedy stands in balance to the deeper moments. Many of the laughs in the show are just silly, like Mr. Peanutbutter, the dog, harboring

Diane Nguyen

Todd Chaves

Mr. Peanutbutter

She is the Boston born, AsianAmerican ghostwriter with a “thing for horses.”

She is contracted to write BoJack’s memoirs nd has her own problems to deal with, including her father’s dying wish to be ground into chum and thrown in “Derek Jeter’s fat f***ing face.”

Todd had a future once but it was derailed by an addiction to violent video games.

Todd spends most (all) of his time on BoJack’s couch, where he has a tendency to eat all of BoJack’s toaster strudel and just generally enable BoJack’s drug abuse.

Mr. Peanutbutter is a go-getter.

He lives in the present, never giving much thought to the past or the future.

He isn’t afraid to make viewers ask the important questions such as, “Who doesn’t love a dog with his head in a bucket?”

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‘BREAK BREAD’

Unleashed

MOVIES

ART EXHIBIT EXPLORES OPPRESSION, LIBERATION

This week: “The Maze Runner” (PG-13)

Multi-faceted gallery to hold reception

“The Guest” (R)

BY Cody McFarland

“This is Where I Leave You” (R)

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

cmcfarland.theadvocate@gmail.com

“Tusk” (R) “A Walk Among the Tombstones” (R)

BLU-RAYS

New releases: “Godzilla” (PG-13)

“

“The Fault in Our Stars” (PG-13) “Think Like a Man Too” (PG-13) “Burning Bush” (NR)

MUSIC SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

New releases: Shellac “Touch & Go” Jason Moran “Blue Note” My Brightest Diamond “Asthmatic Kitty” Lia Ices “Jagjaguwar”

GAMES

New releases: “Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Revolution” (T) “Flockers” (NR) “Fairy Fencer F” (T) “Air Conflicts: Vietnam Ultimate Edition” (T)

Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

Liberation from oppression, be it from forces that are physical, psychological or societal, is intrinsic to all of mankind.

In this month’s exhibit on display in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery titled “Politics, Power and the Human Condition: Art and Liberation,” this concept is explored and extended six different ways by six artists.

Each artist’s opus encourages a unique dialogue regarding humanity, subjugation, individual freedom, coercion and deliverance, to name only a few of the concepts presented.

A reception will be held for the exhibit Thursday from 4-7 p.m. in the Rhodes Gallery in A-5. Refreshments will be provided and some, but not all, of the featured artists will be present.

Featured artists include Lorraine Bonner, Adrien Heloise, Judy Johnson-Williams, Carolyn Martin, Christopher Olsen and Julee Richardson. From hand-cut paper reliefs to oil on canvas to sculpted clay, the materials and techniques used are as “One of diverse as the artists. the most Bonner, who works with clay, said, “I have important now begun a new features of series, some of which is represented by the the clay is work in the gallery, in the ease which I envision the actual human beings, with which our people, each of us with our own combina- it is postion of melanin, keratin, sible to underlying blood vessels and fat which create a convey huskin color as unique as man charour fingerprint, coming together to resist the acteristics abstract themes of dom- and exination and hierarchy represented by white pressions, and black. I refer to this which I new series as ‘Multithink make hued Humanity’.”

Olsen, on the other it easier hand, brings to the gallery his “Modern for people Madonnas,” tradito relate to tional oil paint on canvas or wood panel- the work ing depicting modernday women with chil- and see dren. He employs the something Renaissance technique of Chiaroscuro, a strong of themcontrast between light selves in and dark, and combines conventional aspects of it.” the Madonna, like the Lorraine presence of a halo and Bonner, feaarchitectural features, tured artist with contemporary women.

“I use traditional themes rendered in a contemporary way,” he said.

From his travels, where he draws inspiration, Olsen has depicted women from various places of modern controversy, including Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan and Cambodia.

He said what he likes about oil is that it is archival, as well as open to more technique options, as opposed to acrylic paint or water colors, which he describes as “not his thing.”

Bonner said, “One of the most important features of the clay is the ease with which it is possible to convey human characteristics and expressions, which I think make it easier for people to relate to the work and see something of themselves in it.”

Arranged at the beginning of September by adjunct fine art professor and acting gallery curator Dana Davis, the gallery has appeared closed to passers-by and received minimal foot traffic.

“The gallery still has access issues, as there are few volunteers willing to sit gallery during the day,” Davis said. “Anyone may ask any faculty or volunteer staff to open the gallery. They simply close the locked door when they leave.

“We are insured but it might be tricky if the gallery is untended and something disappears. There have been no thefts in the gallery as far as anyone can remember.”

Despite the setbacks, Davis said he is still very excited for the gallery and reception, adding that he has made some recent improvements to the room.

“I think that the gallery is a great space,” Davis said. “It handles shows that combine flat work on the wall and sculpture on the floor quite well.

“We have added LED lights because of their efficiency, as well as the fact that the old halogens continually blew the circuit breakers.”

‘Black Jesus’ brings fresh comedy The new subversive television show yields an alternative view of the modern messiah’s day-to-day struggle in Compton

BY Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

S

ix episodes into the season, “Black Jesus” has proven that some people’s minds are not ready and their hearts are not open for this show.

“Black Jesus” might be derogatory for the closedminded Christians, but the shows gives an imitation of what would happen if our savior was alive on Earth today.

Nobody knows what ethnicity Jesus Christ was, unless you were there at his birth.

With the show “The Boondocks,” viewers experience live action “nigga moments.” According to Aaron McGruder, the creator of “The Boondocks,” a nigga moment is when somebody lets ignorance take over his or her mind, which can lead to violent outcomes.

In this live-action show, Christ and his followers get into these shenanigans all over Southern California.

While Christ tries to spread his love and compassion, his followers sometimes lose faith in him when something goes wrong in their lives.

The televised show is different from its YouTube counterpart. For instance, Christ has loyal followers by his side, while on the Web show everyone around him doesn’t think much of him.

On these misadventures the “Son of God” curses, drinks,

kicks it with drug dealers and smokes blunts while on the mission to grow marijuana and vegetables in his community garden.

Black Jesus’ circle of three men and a woman all have different personalities that get them into these sticky situations.

Most can call them his present day apostles.

Some call the show blasphemy, but the show is no worse than the Some call other realthe show ity shows that are blasphemy, being watched but the show every day.

The is no worse show impresthan the other sively portrays reality shows Christ’s personalthat are being ity as he is in the Bible. watched So scratch every day.

Christ as a stoner and his slacker friends — his personality shows how loving and compassionate he is for all mankind. Christ knows everyone he comes across by name and sometimes uses that to his advantage.

The way most of the mis-

adventures end, the outcome always makes Christ look like the moocher because it’s never his resources that get stolen or wasted.

The white and brown robe in a 2014 Compton makes him look like a bum, and the sandals with his dusty feet do not help his case either. But it also does not help that he gives away the money and heals the enemy. Just like in the Bible, whenever Black Jesus is in a violent situation, he turns the other cheek.

Charlie Murphy, who plays Vic, is the landlord of the apartment complex where Christ and his followers live.

Vic is the skeptical hater on the TV show and tries to convince the modern day apostles that he is not who he says he is.

He is an angry black man who does what he can to spy on what Christ is doing and tries to sabotage his plans.

Before the show aired on Adult Swim, a lot of Christians have called this a mockery to our savior, and that it should be removed from the air.

People calling this show blasphemy are the closedminded people who never watch the show.

However, some people have to watch the show twice to realize that the show is not bashing Christ, but is just a perception of how anyone can be influenced by their surroundings.

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Alizée continues with catchy tunes

SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

F

rench pop sensation Alizée released her sixth album over the summer — a light, upbeat and infectiously catchy pop album titled “Blonde” to match the star’s new hairdo.

There is something oddly soothing about listening to music in a foreign language, and the romance languages in particular bring a beauty into their music that is hard to match.

“Blonde” is Alizée’s romp with more electric, upbeat sounds fans of K-pop are more familiar with, and the driving, repetitive beats of most club hits. Alizée makes the sound her own by bringing the odd blend of her influences, such as David Bowie and Madonna, to bear the ’80s and ’90s inspired guitar riffs.

“Blonde” is the quintessential pop album, which is what makes it great. It isn’t loaded with pretention and is easy to listen to. “Blonde” fits as naturally on a long car ride as it does on a dance floor or as the background music when reading a book. It won’t be redefining any genres, but it does not need to. “Blonde” is perfectly self-descriptive as it is as light and carefree as the hair color.

“Blonde” continues Alizée’s trend of completely changing her style between albums, with

“Gourmandies” (2000) Alizée’s first album. The then 16-year old Corscian was discovered by the famous French singer Myléne Farmer.

The track “Moi Lolita” launched Alizée into the public sphere.

“Gourmandies” is a light, upbeat and poppy debut album.

her last album “5” featuring a blend of Spanish style guitar work and jazz-inspired beats.

The title track opens with the anthem “Le monde est aux des blondes” (“It’s a blonde’s world”), the definition of a guilty pleasure. The song is nothing more than the singer celebrating her change of hair color and, to put it bluntly, the song is trash.

Yet the uplifting, driving beat of the track will get the listener’s heart racing and it is oddly hard to turn off. Playing it in a room with those who cannot understand the language has the same effect. It is hard to call a pop song that is so infectiously catchy and listenable as anything other than a success.

“Blonde” is an odd mix of heartfelt love songs and personal messages from the singer. In the sixth track, ‘Bi,’ Alizée sings about how natural love is, regardless of how it is oriented. She sings “Tonjour de l’amour, baby / Qu’on soit XY ou bi / On est qui on veut aujour’hui” which is roughly “It’s always love, baby, whether XY or bi, we’re who we want to be.”

“Bi” is just one more track on “Blonde” that ends in tapping feet.

There is something distinctly French about Alizée’s “Blonde,” and it loses much in translation. Despite this, American audiences should

“Mes Courants Electriques” (2003) Despite the name, Alizée’s sophomore album heavily features instruments. The album is the last studio album on which she would collaborate with Farmer.

find “Blonde” an easy listen.

Alizée’s addictive rhythms accentuate sentiments Americans have been listening to forever, such as the power and violence of love.

“Blonde” is an easy bridge for American audiences to cross into French culture — one that is largely shared.

Alizée’s referencing of American celebrities and heroes throughout her work, such as Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali, as well as her American and British musical influences, only adds to the ease of listening to the Corsican singer.

Lyrically, “Blonde” is a step back for Alizée, but musically, the album is far more catchy and memorable than any of her earlier work.

It is a solid pop album that is as easy to drive aimlessly to as it is to dance to. Alizée’s blend of eastern and western pop is a pointlessly fun and uplifting success.

“Psychédélices” (2007) This album was an experiment for Alizée. It features auto-tuning and the synthesizer, and has the singer taking a foray into hip-hop on one track on the poppy album.

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

BY Brian Boyle

“Tout Alizée” (2007-08) After a very successful tour in Mexico, Universal Records released this album in Mexico only. The album is a compilation of her first two LPs, featuring 15 total tracks.

“Une Enfact du Siécle” (2010-11) It’s Alizée’s most risky album. A far departure from the “Lolita” she debuted as. The album takes a very mature and sober tone.

“5” (2013) A blend of Spanish classical guitar work and American jazz — Alizée’s soulful voice throughout many of the tracks is enticing, with tracks such as “Je veux bien” making their way into the popular FIFA franchise.

BUNGIE HITS NEXT-GEN CONSOLES WITH ‘DESTINY’

Game developer receives acclaim with new shooter

BY Jared Amdahl and Mike Thomas STAFF WRITERS

accent.theadvocate@gmail.com

S

pace travel has always been a thing of fascination in the video gaming world. As early as the classic arcade game “Space Invaders,” which was released in 1978, have video-game developers tried to virtually place gamers into the final frontier. And now, it is time to chalk up one more epic space tale.

After four years of development Bungie Studios, a video-game developer based in Washington, has released a space-traveling massive-multiplayer console game by the name of “Destiny.”

Since its release on Sept. 9, “Destiny” has sold more than $500 million in units worldwide.

“Destiny” is an online-only role-playing game that connects thousands of players in an open world through the first-person perspective.

The game allows for up to three friends to play online through missions and battles of epic proportions.

Action is the name of the game in “Destiny” with some

“Destiny” is a new game released by developer Bungie Studios on Sept. 9 that allows gamers to play online through the first-person perspective.

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

firefights being able to last up to two hours.

The game runs smoothly, but due to the sheer vastness of the game players can and sometimes will be left confused as to what is going on while the background story is being explained.

There is something about space, bullets, explosions and a large amount of adrenaline that distracts players from paying attention to what the characters on screen say.

The story takes gamers to a place in time where the human race is on the verge of extinction.

While exploring Mars, a human exploration team locates a massive sphere called “The Traveler”. The sphere speaks to the humans and shares its knowledge of upgraded technology, which in turn creates an age of prosperity for the human race.

Many of the planets in the solar system become colonized by humans, but humanity eventually expands too far.

On the edge of space sits “The Traveler’s” most notorious enemy, called “The Darkness.”

After years of war, “The Darkness” destroys the major-

ity of civilization on Earth.

With its last breath “The Traveler” sacrifices itself to save the last city on Earth and calls upon the Guardians to save the galaxy.

Gamers choose between three classes of Guardians, the Titan, Warlock and Hunter.

Each has a set of unique abilities to battle “The Darkness.”

The enemies attack in large groups making the game a challenging experience.

This is not a problem though, as each Guardian can carry up to three weapons, thereby packing a substantial amount of firepower.

Gamers gain experience from doing missions and defeating enemies which in turn levels up their character.

If there is one thing Bungie is capable of doing, it is creating a good competitive multiplayer experience.

And while “Destiny” is primarily a cooperative game, they did not forget to include a way for you and your friends to battle to the death over the Internet.

The Crucible allows for teams of six to kill each other over and over again while trying to complete objectives like capture the flag.

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.17.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

TROJANS DOMINATE SQUAD, WIN IN SHUTOUT

COMETS

2 1

TROJANS

BY Robert Clinton STAFF WRITER

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

SAN BRUNO — The women’s soccer team drove 50 minutes to Skyline College in an unsuccessful attempt at earning its first preseason win but lost 5-0 on Sept. 9.

The search for Contra Costa College’s (0-4 overall) first win continues after the squad entered the match with just enough players to make this an official contest and not forfeit. “Our regular TROJANS goalie (Christy Garcia) was out with a prior appointment,” assistant coach Magaly Juco said.

The replacement Comet goalkeeper Marielena Salizar was immediately COMETS challenged by three corner kicks in the first three minutes of the game.

Each Skyline attempt was defended brilliantly.

Five minutes into the match, after withstanding Skyline’s unsuccessful offensive surges, CCC was scored on when the Trojan attacking players seized a goal-scoring opportunity.

A defensive backline gave up too much space to allow Trojan player Ileana Moncada to unleash a shot from outside the box. Mocada’s errant shot, however, became an assist.

The ball somehow found its way through the congested Comet box, only to fall at the feet of Trojan player Deandra Thomas, who tapped it in mid-stride, for an easy goal.

CCC has been outscored 20-2 so far this preseason.

Against the Trojans, the Comets used a bump and run style of play. This physical game plan allowed them to get more shots on goal earlier than in any other preseason game so far this year.

With 25 minutes left in the first half, however, fatigue started to become evident on the faces of Comet defenders. Trojan coach Kevin Corsiglia said he also picked up on the non-verbal cues.

Comet players began to relish the brief opportunities to bend over at the waist with knees in hands awaiting the arrival of their second wind.

Taking full advantage of a deep roster, the Trojans sent in fresh wingers and strikers to tighten up the pressure on an overworked CCC defense.

The Trojans then poured in four goals within the final 20 minutes of the first half of the game.

CCC entered the second half ready to play. This time, the Comet goal had Abigail Perez as anchor.

Skyline also made squad adjustments. Corsiglia used 11 of his 13 available substitutes to start the second half.

Skyline’s field is covered by AstroTurf, a surface the Comets are not used to playing on. But the field’s location also offered another unique advantage to the Trojans.

“Teams coming in here have to get used to the size and feel of the surface,” Corsiglia said. He said the east to west field orientation fed a constant stream of Bay Area turbulence into the face of unsuspecting visiting goalies.

“The way the wind blows down there (east) can make the ball do some uncharacteristic things,” Corsiglia said.

Comet coach Amanda Beckenhauer said, “All things considered we played pretty well today. We still have players adjusting their work schedules to fit the game schedule.”

CCC successfully shut out a Skyline offensive for the remainder of the second half.

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GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Trojan center backs Luis DeAlba (left) and Salvador Guzman (right) fail to contain Ogheneyengbame Akpojiyovbi (center) as he attempts to head the ball toward goal during CCC’s 2-1 win against Skyline College in San Bruno on Friday.

Comet backline keeps shape, maintiains defensive rhythm

BY Lorenzo Morotti EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

SAN BRUNO — Blankets of fog buried the field at Skyline College, as the Comets emerged victorious from a final, desperate 15-minute Trojan barrage Sept.

12 at 3 p.m.

Despite ceding a penalty kick goal 25 minutes into the second half, the Comet backline held the score at 2-1 halting the Trojans’ savage attempt to break the Comet lead.

Skyline coach Daniel Link said, “We got a boost of energy after that (penalty kick) but we couldn’t catch a break.”

By controlling the Trojans’ attacking third and then relying on their fourman wall to defend against the Trojan counterattack, the Comets (2-3-0 overall) managed to end their three-game losing streak.

Comet starting left wing back Enri Refunjol scored both of the Comets’ goals in only two shots. Refunjol’s shots were struck from within 5 yards of the Skyline goal.

The Comets had 16 shots on goal against the Trojans’ eight. This earned Trojan goalkeeper Fauris Franco 10 saves

by the end of the game.

Refunjol scored during the Comets’ first corner kick at nine minutes.

Rightback Jesus Villagrana delivered the ball into the box, which was deflected by a Trojan defender toward Refunjol, who slotted it in with his left foot.

Comet center back Bradley Alman said the opposing team’s players pressured the Comets’ defensive third more during the second half.

“They started tackling harder later in the game,” he said. “You could tell that (the Trojans) were frustrated.”

Four yellow cards were given to Skyline’s attacking players in the second half and by the full 90 minutes the team had accumulated 17 fouls.

At 65 minutes into the game, the Comets held a 2-0 lead until a Trojan midfielder lofted a forward pass into the box which led to a questionable foul.

Comet goalkeeper José Ayala rushed out to smother the loose ball, unaware of his supporting defensive players.

Alman had moved behind Ayala into the right side of goal.

Ayala managed to deflect a panicked chip shot by Trojan foward Jorge Avina to send the ball up and backward toward

the goal.

Alman leaped upward into the top right corner of the goal to head the ball clear just before it passed the goal line.

The wind caught the ball, spinning it into play only yards away from goal to give Avina a second chance.

Three Comet players rushed the ball, eclipsing Avina, who went down before he could manage the shot and the whistle was blown.

Alman said “(Avina) just ran into (Refunjol) and fell over. It shouldn’t have been a foul.”

Center official Michael Samaan said either Alman or Refunjol, who had made the run in to assist, pushed Avina.

Samaan admitted post game that he was not quite sure what exactly happened in the box.

“I don’t really know what happened,” Samaan said. “I saw someone go down and I just blew the whistle.”

The Comets finished with 14 fouls, none of which were bookings.

CCC will play its final non-conference game against the Chabot College Gladiators at the Soccer Field on Friday at 4 p.m.

WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM FAILS TO EARN FIRST WIN Comets’ defense unable to stop Renegades’

offense

BY Robert Clinton STAFF WRITER

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

Three Renegade goals in the first 10 minutes of play earned the Comets their fifth loss in a row on Friday at the Soccer Field.

Contra Costa College (0-5) lost its past three games by a 5-0 deficit as complacency plagued the women’s soccer team at the outset of every game played so far this season.

The Renegades took complete advantage of the Comets’ tentative attempts to hold onto possession of the ball early in the first half and resulted in an early drive up the center field for forward Rosario Rodriguez to score only two minutes into the game.

The Renegades continued their offensive bombardment to score two quick goals.

The first shot eluded a sliding Comet defender Deanna Gonzalez at five minutes and the second developed from a break up the goalie’s right side nine minutes after the opening whistle.

Ten minutes into the match, the Comet players were finally all present and accounted for, but trailing 3-0.

CCC’s goalkeeper Christy Garcia seemed to take the rapid

succession of the Renegades’ goals personally.

Garcia, however, went on to stop the next seven shots on goal including a rocket of a free kick from the corner of the box on her right side.

“I missed some practice this week, so this morning they had me try some new techniques with the conditioning coach,” Garcia said.

“Every game I get a little more confident, I wasn’t used to playing on this level.”

Garcia, with 11 saves, got the ball out from the box better against Bakersfield than she has in any of her best kicks all year.

The CCC defender Marielena Salizar also cleared the ball out of her team’s defensive third repeatedly.

“Everyone should be trying to step it up right now,” Salizar said.

Kicking the ball up the field gives the Comets’ attacking players a better chance to push forward in space without a congested midfield.

Salizar got the ball out with enough air for her teammates to field the pass and keep moving, but the Renegade defense held the Comets to only two shots at full time.

CCC striker Abigail Perez

RENEGADES

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COMETS

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

claimed both strikes.

Comet coach Amanda Beckenhauer said she does not intend to move Salizar from her defensive position in hopes of creating scoring opportunities.

“When I move her around it throws everything off,” Beckenhauer said. “Last game I had her in goal and it threw off our defensive continuity.”

She said, “(Salizar) has more of a lofty shot so when we do get offensive opportunities we try to get the ball to (Abigail-Perez) — who has more of a line drive kind of ball.” Perez had two shots on goal.

The Comet coach has yet to find a remedy for her team’s lethar-

gic emergence, occurring in every contest this season.

“It’s like the first 10 minutes they’re not there,” Beckenhauer said. “Their position is off, they’re not seeing the other players, they’re not thinking.”

CCC has only given up three second half goals this season.

Beckenhauer will alter the pregame drills hoping to bring players up to game time intensity.

“We have to come out hard first and not just get physical on counterattacks,” Beckenhauer said.

The Comets continue nonconference play as they prepare to clash against Hartnell College at the Soccer Field today at 4 p.m.

Comet defender Taheerah Brewer (left) keeps possession of the ball during CCC’s 5-0 loss to Bakersfield College at the Soccer Field on Friday.

sports

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.17.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

Chabot defeats Comets

N OFF THE RECORD

robertclinton

COACHES EVALUATE NEW QUARTERBACKS

GLADIATORS WIN

25-13, 25-16, 25-7

BY Jason Sykes

S

STAFF WRITER

jsykes.theadvocate@gmail.com

HAYWARD — The Chabot College volleyball team used size to sweep the Comets during its match Sept. 10 at Chabot.

The Contra Costa College (2-3 overall) volleyball team’s six-player roster left it without any reserves for substitutions.

CCC setter Richelle Ledesma said, “It was hard without Valeria. She is our main middle player.”

Without Valeria Avilla, who was out with an injury, coach Zachary Shrieve was forced to play some of the Comet players out of their normal positions.

“We were out of position and we lacked in height,” Shrieve said.

The second set looked like it would have a different showing from the Comets, with them managing to hang with the much larger Gladiators for the first minutes, but CCC failed to maintain their intensity, allowing the Gladiators to end the set 25-13.

The Comets turned into a more defensive team during the third set.

CCC moved in a flurry around the court, diving and doing what they could to keep the ball in play, and scoring opportunities alive. This effort fell short, however, and the Gladiators finished the Comets in the second set 25-16.

“We had more energy in the last set,” middle-backer Muey Saeyang said. She added that the squad would have won if they had more energy throughout the game.

Chabot used their much larger roster during the first set.

The Gladiators were able and willing to rotate players in and out of the game. This tactic allowed their squad to remain fresh and energized, while the Comets’ energy was drained away.

Fresh players and a full team allowed the Gladiators to close the set 25-7.

Outside hitter Rachelle Cuevas led the Comet offensive with seven kills.

Ledesma ended the game with 10 assists and three digs.

The Comets next game will be against Yuba College Friday in the Gymnasium at 6 p.m.

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Comet outside hitter Kailey Walker (right) attempts to loft the ball over the net toward Gladiator players Krissa Marie San Juan (left) and Mary Newman (middle) during CCC’s loss to Chabot College in Hayward on Wednesday.

FALCONS HUMBLE FOOTBALL SQUAD FALCONS

50 21 COMETS

Comet quarterback Terrance Barnes (left) escapes a tackle during CCC’s loss to West Hills CollegeCoalinga at Comet Stadium Saturday.

Football squad’s impotent offense compounds

special teams, defensive errors

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

BY Robert Clinton STAFF WRITER

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Comets struggled to contest the offense of West Hills College-Coalinga (2-0) during a 50-21 loss at Comet Stadium on Saturday.

Contra Costa College (1-1) elected to kick after winning the coin toss. The defense promptly got the ball back for starting quarterback Emmanuell Williams and the Comet offense. Williams took advantage of the early opportunity by completing a beautiful 34-yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Hale up the left side of the field.

The Falcons, led by quarterback Freddy Taliulu marched up the field on a drive accented by two long WHCC runs. Culminating the drive was a 3-yard touchdown pass to receiver Anthony Mahoungo. A failed extra point left the score at 7-6.

The visiting team scored seven more times before CCC would tally any points on its side of the ledger.

11

Trailing in the fourth quarter, however, did not hinder the Comet’s tenacity.

“That was the best hole they opened up all game,” Arodin said. “When I saw it I just wanted to hit it hard and get through.”

CCC led 7-6 after the first quarter. The Comet defensive front got good penetration, stalling a number of Falcon drives and giving the offense a number of opportunities to develop a consistent rhythm.

Football coach Alonzo Carter said, “Offensively we were not in sync (to establish) drives or get ourselves in position to allow the defense to take a breath.”

Lacking consistency and continuity on offense, the Comets mustered only 100 yards rushing on the day and 209 yards passing.

Beginning in the second quarter, the impotent offense began to take its toll on the defense.

Things fell apart for the Comets when West Hills scored 30 points in the sec-

ond quarter. CCC fumbled and Falcon linebacker Tashad Charity recovered it for a touchdown.

Added to this were two touchdown passes from Taliulu, and a 19-yard touchdown run by Tyron Jones.

An additional Falcon field goal sent the Comets into the half trailing 36-7.

At the start of the second half, the Falcons recovered a 12-yard squib kick and quickly capitalizing on excellent field position with a 23-yard touchdown pass.

CCC’s defensive line never stopped fighting in this contest.

Another bright spot for the Comets was decent play

by Carter’s quarterback carousel.

Freshman quarterback Jonathan Banks showed poise when leading the Comet offense. He completed six passes for 83 yards and one late game touchdown.

Banks also scampered for 53 yards on four carries, leading the team in rushing for the game.

Football (Sept. 13)

West Hills College-Coalinga, Contra Costa College WHCC 6 30 7 7 — 50 CCC 7 0 0 14 — 21 First Quarter CCC — Hale 34 pass from Williams 10:14 WHCC — Mahoungou 3 yd pass from Taliulu (kick failed) 8:46.

Second Quarter CCC — N/A WHCC — Cooper 1 yd run. (2pt conversion is good) 8:29 Fulford 29 yd pass from Taliulu. (2pt conversion is fumbled—no score.) 4:17 Charity 0 yd pass from Taliulu. (Hague kick is good.) 2:54 Jones 19 yd run.(Hague kick failed.) 1:38 Canes 45 yd field goal. 0:00 Third Quarter WHCC— Jones 29 yd pass from Taliulu. (Canes kick is good.)

CCC — N/A Fourth Quarter WHCC— Ardoin 25 yd run. (Fonseca kick is good).

CCC — Ardoin 25 yd run. (Fonseca kick is good.) 13:15 Jones 22 yd pass from Banks.(Fonseca kick is good) 6:21 Individual statistics Rushing — WHCC- — Jones 13-86. Brown 1-67, Cooper 7-67, Taliulu 7-31, Wells 7-25, Cross 2-14, Sanders 4-7, Mahoungou 2-0 — CCC — Banks 4-31, Barnes 1-26, Ardoin 11-22, Jones 1-7, Kazakoff 3-4, Story Jr. 1-4, Stephens 1-4 Passing — WHCC— Williams 8-10-104, Banks 6-14-84, Kazakoff 4-8-3 — CCC — Taliulu 10-21-122, Wells 2-3-31 Receiving — WHCC-Coalinga — Jones 657, Brown 14-67. Cooper 7-34, Taliulu 7-31, Wells 7-25, Cross 2-14, Sanders 4-7— CCC — Jones 2-45, Barnes 2-35, Cornish 2-30, Stephens 3-29, Taylor 3-28, Hale 4-27 Missed field goals — WHCC-Coalinga — Hague 1-3, Canes 2-3— CCC — None.

Record — WHCC — 2-0 overall. — CCC — 1-1 overall.

triking first meant nothing as the Comets had no answer for the offensive onslaught West Hills College-Coalinga inflicted during its 50-21 route of Contra Costa College in Comet Stadium Saturday.

The contest was, for all intents and purposes, decided before the first half ended.

But, the preseason is for evaluation, and Comet coach Alonzo Carter used this seemingly lost cause of a game to evaluate his signal callers — also to find out who, if anyone, is prepared to take the reins.

Establishing a lead dog before the season gets underway is paramount for a good team. The selection of the coach’s play calls, along with different blocking schemes, are aspects that become magnified when there are questions at quarterback.

Having, or not having, a staple at quarterback affects the offense’s rhythm in a number of ways, even down to the spin and flight of the ball, when considering a left or right-handed passer.

The offensive line takes the brunt of the criticism, especially if the lack of rhythm results in protection issues.

Instinctively, linemen know they may not have to hold blocks as long for a scrambling quarterback, as they would for a pocket guy.

Not having a set quarterback in practice and in games makes it difficult for the rest of the offense to predict what to expect from the QB in certain situations.

CCC fans could be heard during the game questioning if the line was even blocking for the quarterback quartet — especially as one quarterback’s fumble was recovered in the end zone for a West Hills touchdown.

“We played four quarterbacks today. That’s rare for me,” Carter said. “We just need to establish which of our guys will be taking the lead role.”

Carter said he’s considering running a dual quarterback system this year. History shows that his last try at a two-tiered system yielded less than desirable results.

In the 2011 season Carter attempted to run the two QB system utilizing Jeffery Anderson and Lamar McKnight. That year the Comets finished third in the conference with an overall record of 6-4. The team failed to qualify for a coveted bowl game.

With athletes only allowed two on-field seasons in JC football and the relative young age of his squad, reasonable minds can only determine that stability will only make the team stronger.

Though it is early in the year, starting, and sticking with 6 foot 3 inch freshman Jonathan Banks, should be taken into consideration.

The first year Comet showed poise, racking up 53 yards on the ground and 83 yards through the air, including a touchdown pass. His unwavering workman like demeanor at the end of a tough loss may be the kind of captain this team needs to get past this turbulent start.

Robert Clinton is a staff writer for The Advocate.

Contact him at rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com.

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WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 09.17.2014 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

focus

STREETS SHUT DOWN FOR FUN Photos by: Qing Huang FOR

MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: CCCADVOCATE.COM

ABOVE: Noah Brown, a San Francisco resident, shows off his skateboarding skills during the Sunday Streets in the Western Addition on Fulton Street in San Francisco on Sunday.

RIGHT: San Francisco residents Aaron Cortez and his daughter Chloe Cortex laugh while bubbles pass by their faces during the Sunday Streets in the Western Addition on Fulton Street in San Francisco on Sunday.

LEFT: Jon Strange (left) performs street magic to an audience during the Sunday Streets in the Western Addition on Fulton Street in San Francisco on Sunday.

ABOVE: San Francisco resident Max Sandoval climbs on a faux boulder wall during the Sunday Streets in the Western Addition on Fulton Street in San Francisco on Sunday.