The Advocate 9-18

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campus beat X page 5

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scene X page 6

Drama investigates duality of drug life

Repair station provides aid

Season five of ‘Breaking Bad’ keeps viewers on the edge of their seats

Addition to college encourages alternative transportation

VOL. 101, NO. 3

SINCE 1950 8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

ASU plans funding allocation

SHOWING COMPASSION

$5 activity fee put into place, raises large sum

By Brian Boyle STAFF WRITER

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

With an ambitious plan to benefit students of all sorts, the Associated Students Union looks to improve campus life with the student activity fee.

Every semester, a $5 student activity fee is collected from each student. At the beginning of each semester students can waive the fee. To do so, one needs to go to the ASU Office located in AA-109, and fill out a waiver form.

That form must then be delivered to the Cashier’s Office.

The final chance to waive Condori the fee was on Aug. 27, but next semester students wishing to waive the fee need to repeat the process during the first two weeks of the term. Failure to pay or waive this fee will prevent students from registering for classes.

Last year, the ASU was left with a $35,000 surplus from the fee. This year the ASU has multiple programs in place to use the majority of their funding generated by the student activity fee.

“We want to have a surplus every semester,” Q SEE FUNDS: Page 3

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

A sign of respect — Kathy Ramos (right), Joey Camacho’s grandmother, thanks a friend for support during the fundraiser for Joey Camacho at the Moose Lodge in San Pablo on Saturday.

Supporting family Family, friends show comfort, love, respect

By Rodney Woodson ASSOCIATE EDITOR

rwoodson.theadvocate@gmail.com

SAN PABLO — On June 21 the 3-year-old son of Student Life Coordinator Kelly Ramos and former ASU President Joseph Camacho was diagnosed with leukemia — a cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues.

To help pay for little Joey Camacho’s hospital expenses that are not covered by the parents’ medical insurance, a fundraiser was held at the Moose Lodge in San Pablo on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

“I had just finished my doctorate program and the family was about to go on vacation to (Cabo San Lucas),” grandfather of Camacho, administration of justice department Chairperson Rick

Ramos said fighting tears. “I came home and my wife was distraught — she then told me that Joey had leukemia.”

Ramos, and other family members attest to getting ready for the international trip when it was discovered that the 3-year-old middle child of Joseph Camacho and Kelly Ramos had a fever and a stomachache.

Two faces were missing at the beginning of the event — Kelly Ramos and Joseph Camacho — who were at home with their son who could not attend because of a low white-blood cell count due to his chemotherapy treatments.

After about an hour, Camacho made it to the event.

“Something was wrong but (Joey) couldn’t verbalize exactly what it was,” Camacho said

InSite mail system to be updated

By Jared Amdahl OPINION EDITOR

jamdahl.theadvocate@gmail.com

in brief X Family,

friends and supporters showed support at the Moose Lodge in San Pablo.

X The

fundraiser was in support of Joey Camacho who has leukemia.

Students, staff and faculty at Contra Costa College are in the midst of a district-wide email system change. The switch is in hopes of making InSite mail, offered to every student and staffer through the InSite Portal, more user-friendly.

“In general all the college’s email is hosted through Microsoft,” Technology Systems Manager James Eyestone said. “We’re just moving from one Microsoft product to another.”

The college is currently switching from Microsoft Live@edu to Microsoft Office 365.

The new software will make InSite mail faster and should be easier for faculty and students to understand, Eyestone said.

“Microsoft has had several different email

Q SEE SUPPORT: Page 3

Q SEE INSITE: Page 3

Tour emphasizes student success

PHOTO EDITOR

currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com

Paying for a child’s education can be a common stressor among parents, but the United Negro College Fund’s Empower Me Tour held in the Gymnasium on Saturday argues a different point.

“What we’re trying to commu-

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

By Christian Urrutia

nicate is that as difficult as it may seem, there is information out there that will help you fund and pursue your education,” Paulette Jackson, UNCF vice president of development, said.

“We help to bring them into a position where they can do just that,” Jackson said.

Sponsored primarily by Wells Fargo, the Empower Me Tour hopes to provide fiscal awareness, personal responsibility and academic readiness for higher education to young audiences and parents alike.

Contra Costa College served as CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE the first location for the nationwide Enlightenment — Author Tawan Perry lends his advice to high school and college students tour now in its sixth year. during the United Negro College Fund’s Empower Me Tour in the Gymnasium on Saturday.

Q SEE TOUR: Page 3 Perry gave his consulting expertise on what is neccessary to complete after the SAT’s.

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Nonprofit hosts nationwide event in Gymnasium

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2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “If people are informed they will do the right thing.

It’s when they are not informed that they become hostages to prejudice.”

Charlayne Hunter-Gault journalist 1989 George Morin editor-in-chief Rodney Woodson associate editor Jared Amdahl opinion editor Mike Thomas sports editor Veronica Santos spotlight editor Qing Huang Christian Urrutia photo editors Lorenzo Morotti editorial cartoonist Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Jesse Armenta Jeffery Baker Brian Boyle Jose Jimenez Ryan Margason Heather Wallin Jamah Butler Evelyn Vasquez Stephen Son Cody McFarland Marci Suela Staff photographers Janae Harris Camelia Dillard Staff illustrators Joel Ode Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.235.7800 ext. 4315 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: advocate@ contracosta.edu or letters.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013 VOL. 101, NO. 3 L

Editorial Leaders wanted

Apathetic students lack campus involvement

I

t would seem that students who attend community colleges are no longer interested in becoming involved to promote change.

Students today idly sit by while their futures are messed with by none other than — the man.

California legislation over the past decade has had a habit of cutting the budget for education, with little opposition from those directly being affected — the students.

The community college system in California currently has more than 2.3 million students enrolled at 112 campuses.

Less than 7,000 of those students are here at Contra Costa College.

Despite the potential that a couple million students possess, only 4,000 students from community colleges gathered to march on the Capitol in Sacramento during last spring’s March in March event.

With money being cut from education, now is a time for students to collaborate and participate in events that can better a student’s future.

Within a 30-year period, tuition at community colleges in California has gone from being free to $46 per unit.

This, in part, is due to students not having the support needed to stand in opposition and stop the state from raising the fee.

And it will continue to increase, which is an unfortunate truth.

What could have created such a strong sense of apathy among the community college student population? Perhaps it is the student population itself.

Strong leaders are needed to direct and facilitate the needs and desires of the student body.

A leader with a strong voice is something the students of California do not seem to have.

Things are too set up for students in today’s age. Sign up for classes and show up are the bare minimums of a student’s responsibilities. And the bare minimum rarely evokes change.

Many of the younger students enrolled at community colleges are too glued to their smart phones or engaged in social media life to take the time to realize they can actually have a voice in their education.

It is almost as if some are zombies, worried more about Instagram followers than their future.

Back in 1968, if students protested it more than likely ended in a police riot.

Perhaps students feel like it is a waste of time to stray too far away from the paths set up for them by legislators and college administrators.

With the new matriculation process, colleges no longer encourage involvement in anything that doesn’t involve an ed plan or completion rates.

Or perhaps, students no longer care.

LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE

N Dancing

Controversial dance given bad publicity

A

lthough the form of dancing known as “twerking” has received recent negative feedback in the media, it shouldn’t be something frowned upon by society.

Just because there is now a name for a certain way a woman dances doesn’t change the fact that the style has been around for years.

Twerking is a form of dancing where a woman thrusts her hips back and forth creating a shaking or wobbling of the buttocks.

Although no one really knows where the name came from or where the dance started, in 2013 the word “twerking” made it into the Oxford dictionary.

It just so happens that the American population did not take notice until twerking became popular outside of the urban community.

And what people don’t know, and don’t understand, can sometimes make them upset, confused and outraged. There are consequences that can occur if this dance is taken out of its norm. At Scripps Ranch High school in San Diego, students in a multimedia class decided to make a twerk video on campus during school hours.

The video went viral and fell into the dean’s hands and all students involved were suspended and the seniors involved were unable to walk the stage for graduation.

So let’s say that this incident happened in a more urban high school? Would the students have the same consequences as those stu-

and vibration of a favorite song that gives a person an urge that cannot be resisted and requires no choice but to jump up and run to the dance floor to drop it and pop it hard.

A way to show confidence and love for your body dents who went to Scripps is twerking in front of the Ranch High School? mirror. It emphasizes that More than likely not as students in a more urban set- big behinds are not to be ashamed of. ting normally do not It is very sexual face the same conse- It and explicit and quences as those at be a fun way places like SRHS. emphasizes can to spice up your Many artists in relationship with the hip-hop industry that your partner. But have made songs twerking is an adult about it and gave big type of behavior people great music and should not be to dance to, which performed just anyencourages many behinds where. clubs and special It bothers me events to create a are not that individuals “twerk wall.” would upload their Twerking caught to be twerking videos everyone’s attenin areas in which tion recently when it should not be pop sensation Miley ashamed expressed.

Cyrus showed the I came across a world her version of. few videos of twerkof twerking at the MTV Video Music Awards. ing gone wrong, which led to many disasters — like the It caught the attention woman who fell onto candles of so many people that it and set herself on fire while became a huge controversy. twerking.

There were those who supAlthough there are plenty ported her movement and others who believed that she of benefits from twerking, it should only be done during was on drugs. Twerking is not only a fun way to express appropriate times.

Twerking should not be oneself, but also a good way to exercise and shed unwant- expressed in grocery stores, at kids’ birthday parties or at ed pounds. work or school.

Since it is used in many different exercise classes, Janae Harris is a staff such as Zumba and jazzercise, it is a good form of car- photographer for The Advocate. Contact her at dio and muscle toning.

Twerking can appear when jharris.theadvocate@gmail. com. you hear the beat, rhythm

janaeharris

CampusComment

How involved are you in campus life?

“I’m involved in the Yoga Club and talking to advisers about taking trips for meditation.”

“I’m in Yoga Club and Psychology Club.”

Ryan Roos psychology

“I play football so I guess I’m involved. But other than that, I’m not involved at all. I haven’t seen anything I’d be interested in.”

Brittany Johnson psychology

Elliott Dupree sociology

HEATHER WALLIN AND JAMAH BUTLER / THE ADVOCATE

“I take a music class because I enjoy it, but work prohibits me from joining anything else.”

George Davis culinary arts

“I work at the Early Learning Center and I’m involved in programs like CalWorks and EOPS that benefit students.”

“I help (Contra Costa College’s) garden by taking care of plants and clearing out weeds.”

Elijah Toumoua

Christina Nance child development

MCHS

CAMPUS BEAT Follow The Advocate

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

Funds | Fee brings in possibility of support request will be approved or denied.

ASU Director of External Affairs Kirsten Kwon Last semester, only six clubs and departsaid. ments took advantage of the support grant. The The ASU is continuing its partnership with ASU gave the physical education department Single Stop to offer students the Emergency $4,607.47 to purchase new treadmills for the Transportation Fund. Single Stop is a student Fitness Center. The ASU also donated $4,500 to financial assistance program, with a representa- the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society (AGS) tive in the Student Services Center. Through last year.

Single Stop, the ASU will offer $7,000 worth According to Kwon, this donation helped of bus passes and gas cards to students in need the AGS attend their spring conference in Los of financial help.

Angeles.

ASU President Ysrael Condori said, “We “It (the support grant) lowered the cost from (the ASU) are also talking to Wal-Mart to more than $200 per person to just $20 per pertry to offer Wal-Mart gift son, which was just the bus cards through Single Stop.”

Kwon said. She is also “We want to have a fare,” Condori is speaking with the the AGS vice president. local Wal-Mart manager to Students will also reap surplus every semesreceive the cards at a disthe benefits from the stuter.” counted rate. dent activity fee in the form Student clubs and departof textbook rentals. Though Kirsten Kwon, ments can also seek to benthey had planned to donate ASU director of external affairs efit from the fee. The ASU $15,000 to the Bookstore has set up a grant system to make textbook rentals known as the Grant For Support where clubs cheaper for students, the ASU was only able to and departments can request up to $3,500, a donate $5,000. limit that is new to this semester, from the ASU “There was an issue with the payment at the each semester. beginning of the semester. We plan to roll over The grant is meant to help support student the extra and donate $20,000 next semester,” activities on campus. Any club or department Condori said. can go to AA-109 and pick up a grant applicaThis semester’s donation added a number tion, which must then be resubmitted to the of history sections to the list of books availASU. This semester’s deadline for the grant was able for rental, while also decreasing their Sept. 17, though there will be a second chance price. When explaining why they chose history to apply on Nov. 15. texts, Condori said, “We looked at the most In order to receive the grant, applicants must expensive texts and tried to make them cheaper. state explicitly what the money is to be used for. Next semester we will look at the most expenApplicants must also explain what benefit stu- sive books and class sections with the highest dents will receive from the event or program the enrollment numbers to decide what books to money will be used for. The ASU president will make cheaper, we’re really going to look at the then add the request to the ASU’s next meeting data.” agenda, where the ASU members decide if the Scholarships are also being offered through Q FROM: Page 1

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

Newsline Q SPIRIT

Annual festival comes to town The 5th Annual Spirit and Soul Festival and Fundraiser will be at Harbour Way and Macdonald Avenue in Richmond on Saturday.

The event will include rhythm and blues pop sensation Club Nouveau, as well as other artists.

An outdoor marketplace, local artisans, food vendors, wine tasting, and raffles will be a part of the event.

The community and students are welcome to attend the free event which will run from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact organizers at 510-236-4049 or visit the website at www.richmondmainstreet.org.

Q WORKSHOP

Learn to avoid plagiarism An Avoid Plagiarism with NoodleTools workshop will be hosted in the Library on Sept. 25.

NoodleTools is an online citation and note card system that can help students organize their citations.

Students will learn how to prevent accidental plagiarism by staying organized with NoodleTools.

The workshop will focus on how to keep track of resources and notes, as well as keeping citations in a correct form.

Students are welcome to attend the workshop for free.

For more information, contact the Library front desk at 510-2357800, ext. 4318.

Q ASU

Student union to hold meeting The Associated Students Union’s weekly meeting is today from 2 to 4 p.m. in AA-145.

The ASU will discuss topics ranging from how the student activity fee funds will be spent on campus clubs and campus events.

Non-ASU members are welcome to attend the meetings and voice their opinions directly to the ASU. For more information, contact the ASU at 510-235-7800, ext.

4243.

CrimeWatch Saturday, Sept. 7: No reports were taken on this date.

Sunday, Sept. 8: No reports were taken on this date.

Monday, Sept. 9: Graffiti was located on the Baseball Field’s fence that runs along Castro Road.

Tuesday, Sept. 10: A student reported an unknown suspect scratched his vehicle with an unknown object.

Wednesday, Sept. 11: A student reported her vehicle was vandalized with an unknown sharp pointed object.

An instructor reported she believes someone tampered with her office door.

Thursday, Sept. 12: No reports were taken on this date.

Friday, Sept. 13: No reports were taken on this date.

— George Morin

3

the ASU. There are scholarships being offered for Middle College High School students as well as Contra Costa College students.

There are two $1,000 scholarships being offered to MCHS students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. There are also an additional two $500 scholarships being offered to MCHS students with a minimum 2.0 GPA. To apply, students need to go to CCC’s website and fill out the application. These scholarships are being offered for the spring semester.

The website fails to list or explain the scholarships being offered for regular college students. Anyone interested in more information regarding scholarships for non-MCHS students should seek out the ASU Board in its office, AA-109.

The student activity fee will also be used to host ASU events on campus. Constitution Day began Tuesday and will continue today.

This event is a celebration of the signing of the United States Constitution. The ASU will also host a fall festival in October. More ASU-sponsored events will be announced as time draws closer to their planned dates.

The ASU is actively seeking students interested in participating in student government.

Joining the ASU will allow students to voice their opinions on what should be done with the student activity fee.

“It’s a great opportunity to develop leadership and skills necessary in every work environment,” Condori said about joining the ASU. “The student body needs more responsible leaders that will represent them at the college and district level.”

Non-ASU members can also attend their meetings and voice their opinions on what is done with student activity fee. The ASU meets from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays in AA-145.

InSite Q FROM: Page 1

solutions, and we believe that there will be an improvement by making this switch,” he said. “When we moved to the newer mail product, we noticed better integration, better user experiences and I think the easier we make the systems the more likely people will be to use it.”

Faculty and staff email accounts made the change of systems during the summer of 2013, but the student email system had to wait.

Technology systems assistant Mark Williams said, “We have essentially just moved from a locally-hosted server to a cloudbased system.”

With the email system now operated from a cloud rather than a local system, users of Office 365 can now access certain types of files, documents and calendars from anywhere.

District officials currently do not have a date when the student emails will be completely integrated into the new system, Eyestone said.

Before the migration to Office 365 had been placed underway, all emails associated with CCC were hosted through Live@edu through InSite Portal.

But during the summer of 2012, Microsoft had announced that users of Live@edu would be upgraded to the new product, Microsoft Office 365, for free.

“We just finished the switch for faculty and staff, and now we’ll be doing student emails next,” Eyestone said. “As of right now it’s somewhat on hold, so I don’t believe it has been communicated to the students just yet.”

With no set plan for finishing the migration, students have not been notified that their email accounts could soon be affected.

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Attentive gaze — Administration of justice department Chairperson Rick Ramos looks on as people arrive during the fundraiser to support his grandson Joey Camacho at the Moose Lodge in San Pablo on Saturday.

Support | Fundraiser a success of Joey’s favorites — pizza and peanut butter and jelly about the discovery of his son’s illness. “His mood sandwiches. was changed and he seemed a little irritated. We took Other than donations, the family also gained finanquite a few trips to the doctor before (they) figured out cial support by way of a silent auction. Items such what it was.” as 49ers and Raiders sports memorabilia were up for The brainchild of a few members of the fam- grabs to the highest bidder. ily, the fundraiser drew more than Also up for auction were Star 100 family and friends of the Wars, Frank Sinatra and Elvis “One of (the family) Presley memorabilia.

Camachos’ and the Ramos’, members of the community — including Items such as Starbucks and goals is to have this Rick Ramos’ former professor and Oakland A’s gift baskets, baseball (vacation to Mexico) cards and bottles of wine were current Governing Board Trustee John Marquez. off to those who bought after his 6th birthday. raffled “As a parent, grandparent and raffle tickets. great grandparent — when trag- We’re very hopeful it’s “Kelly and Joe’s friends got edies occur in your family it is this together,” Joey’s grandmother going to happen.” important for the community to Kathy Ramos said. “I’m so grateful show support and become aware for the support of their friends.”

Rick Ramos, that (the tragedy) could happen to Although people gathered on Joey Camacho’s grandfather them (too),” Marquez said as he the basis of a family tragedy, smiles entered the Moose Lodge. graced the faces of many of the attendees. Many stated “When (tragedies) happen, sometimes you have to they felt positive of the situation because of Joey’s get help from family and friends.” prognosis.

Upon entering the venue Marquez handed over Rick Ramos said his grandson is expected to make a donation — a check worth $500 and said, “I will a full recovery within a three and a half year period if donate more if there is a need.” all goes well.

To entertain the supporters, Rick Ramos’ Good “One of (the family) goals is to have this (vacation Time System (GTS) Band performed. Family and to Mexico) after his 6th birthday,” he said. “We’re friends dined on a roasted hog, tri-tip, as well as two very hopeful it’s going to happen.”

Q FROM: Page 1

Tour | Empowering workshop hits campus Q FROM: Page 1

The Gymnasium featured an interactive tour zone of informational tables consisting of the Gates Millennium Scholars program, Richmond Police Activites League, the Richmond branch of the NAACP and numerous others.

Tish Norman, founder of a consulting company named Transforming Leaders Now, started the day off by saying, “The best of the best has convened for you guys today.”

Norman said, “For parents this is a customized conference to meet student goals because of the wide gambit of options available out there. This helps them to successfully pursue higher education.”

A selection of 13 workshops based on preparations for college and financial stability were held for students around the campus, after the opening speech.

Arjean Hayes, a Middle College High School sophomore, said that the speakers who stood out in one particular workshop were helpful by showing men what to wear in a business setting.

“A lot of the time young men don’t know how to dress or even tie a tie,” Hayes said.

After attending the workshops, Mitchell Baker, a senior at Hercules High School, said the event helped students have a mindset to represent themselves at both school and work.

It also helps to ensure job placement in

a competitive market after graduation, Baker said.

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Tammeil Gilkerson said, “I feel this was really significant to the college and community and solidifies what we have been doing here and how we’re helping students.”

Vicki Ferguson, interim dean of student services echoed Gilkerson’s sentiments.

“To hold an event by a nationally recognized organization is such a huge statement and shows that this is a special place to learn for the community,” Ferguson said.

Matriculation Services Coordinator Kenyetta Tribble contacted Denise Miles, vice president and national partnerships manager for Wells Fargo, about hosting the event at CCC. Tribble who had attended a prior Empower Me Tour event said, the UNCF had reservations about hosting it again in the Bay Area after San Francisco State had a low turnout of 150 attendees, the previous year.

But after receiving the go ahead from college President Denise Noldon, the event ended up having 742 registered attendees not including persons who registered the day of the event.

Miles said that CCC is a premier area due to its vibrant youth and the diversity surrounding the campus.

The event is not only focused on AfricanAmerican students, but all minorities who wish

“What we’re trying to communicate is that as difficult as it may seem there is information out there that will help you fund and pursue your education. We help to bring them into a position where they can do just that.”

Paulette Jackson,

UNCF vice president of development

to pursue the same educational goals, he said.

“I don’t think any other place could have served as the kickoff location for the tour other than here,” Miles said.

The concluding panel’s session, “Keepin’ it Real,” included a small group of celebrities discussing their respective career successes and struggles followed by a question and answer session.

One of the panelists, record executive Amir Windom, said, “We got to where we are because someone invested in us, so this is just our way of paying it forward.”

4 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013

CAMPUS BEAT

In cheer — Performers sing and march down San Pablo Dam Road during The Stroll, an annual community event held in El Sobrante on Sunday.

Crowd amasses for annual ‘Stroll’ in El Sobrante

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Community convenes for 20th anniversary

my hard work with others, it makes me feel good,” Ed Santos, owner of a cherry red 1937 Ford Roadster, said.

While cars may have been a hit among the older crowd, local bicycle shop The Peddler attracted most of the younger demoBy Lorenzo Morotti graphic.

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com Immediately after the parade, volunteers working with The Peddler helped set up a EL SOBRANTE — Thousands of people ramp for local BMX bikers to put on a show from many cities across the East Bay strolled for spectators. up and down El Sobrante’s historic San Veteran BMX rider Nick Noble stole Pablo Dam Road last Sunday. the show by performing a backflip multiple The usually-busy road running though El times during the session, leaving on-lookers Sobrante was closed to automotive traffic in awe. from early in the morning until 5 p.m.

The Stroll has become a tradition in this The Stroll is an annual community small unincorporated area nestled between event organized by the cities’ Chamber the urban sprawl that is Richmond and the of Commerce to encourage residents to gradual expanse of golden slopes cascadbecome more involved ing into Wildcat Canyon with local businesses and Regional Park.

“Such a large event each other.

“I was at the very first allows us to pitch our stroll 20 years ago. A This year marks The Strolls’ 20th consecutive has changed, but for project ideas to pass- lot year. the better,” Danny Roay, “El Sobrante needs a member of the local ing residents in the The Stroll. It reminds us chapter of the Hell’s community. These that there is living, changAngels motorcycle club, ing community around projects would change said. “It’s great to be out us everyday,” Nancy here and check everyNorthern, a local hat ven- their daily lives for the thing out. You don’t get dor, said. better. El Sobrante is to see this many people Residents of El getting along that often.”

Sobrante and neighboring changing and we need People welcomed the cities flowed carefreely in change of pace — usualto change with it.” between two rows of parly the street is a constant allel tents set up along the stream of commuters Martha Gribsy, sidewalks on the clear and chugging along on route volunteer sunny day. to far away jobs.

The Stroll replaces the droning sound Organizations such as Citizens for a of bustling traffic with meaningful conver- Greener El Sobrante had a booth spreadsation among neighbors. Noxious fumes ing awareness of local transportation and blasted from tailpipes were instead sweet aesthetic issues that have plagued the area aromas inviting attendees of The Stroll to a for decades. wide variety of food trucks and tents.

“Such a large event allows us to pitch our The parade that was led by local high project ideas to passing residents in the comschool marching bands attracted the most munity,” Martha Gribsy, a volunteer with attention around noon, an hour after the Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante, said. event began.

“These projects would change their daily Aside from food and music, there were lives for the better. also many vintage cars on display.

“El Sobrante is changing and we need to “Cars are my hobby, and if I can share change with it.”

A family tradition — A performer and his son ride his horse down San Pablo Dam Road during The Stroll in El Sobrante on Sunday.

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE ADVERTISEMENT

YOUR DESTINY AWAITS

Event to introduce clubs to students Student government oversees ‘Club Rush’

By Heather Wallin STAFF WRITER

hwallin.theadvocate@gmail.com

Club Rush will introduce students to the extracurricular possibilities on campus this week. The event began Tuesday and will continue today in the quad from noon until 2 p.m.

The Associated Students Union sponsored event will provide fun attractions to excite students, including complimentary ice cream — that is if they are one of the first 200 students to speak to club representatives.

ASU President Ysreal Condori proposed the new dessert incentive to get students interacting with clubs.

On Tuesday students were invited to put their knowledge to the test with a trivia game. Small prizes were given to the winners of the contest.

A sumo suit set will be provided today.

Students will be asked to sign a consent form before their match.

“It’s really safe,” Condori said, “but we don’t want to be liable.”

On hand both days will be a DJ playing music in the quad.

There are currently 20 active clubs including the Yoga Club, Guitar Club and Sisterhood of the Traveling Laptops. Clubs are enticed to participate in the event for funding awarded for most recruited members and best table presentation.

There are four inactive clubs await“It’s really ing new members. safe, but we The Black Student Union, Chess Club, don’t want to Tae Kwon Do Club, and Toastmasters be liable” Club all need reactivation.

Ysreal Condori, Students can form ASU president a new club by having at least five members, a college staff or faculty member as an adviser, and by completing an application for a new campus club.

The adviser will then send off the completed application and a meeting will be arranged with the Inter-Club Council, which governs campus clubs.

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CAMPUS BEAT

New jazz vocalists added to ensemble

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

5

IN UNISON

JAZZ-ology draws in new talented members

By Veronica Santos SCENE EDITOR

vsantos.theadvocate@gmail.com

JAZZ-ology, the most exclusive of the three jazz vocal groups in the music department, has been assembled with some new members for the 2013-14 school year.

Every year students are invited by music professor Stephanie Austin to audition to become part of the vocal ensemble. This year, members include Lucia Perez (lead soprano), Selenne Ruiz (second soprano), Stephanie Rios (alto), Eben Miller (tenor) and William Sims (bass).

JAZZ-ology was formed in the fall of 2011 by Dr. Austin to give students a chance to work at a commercial level in the music industry. After only two years, they have been chosen as national finalists in the Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey in the spring of 2013. They are also Reno Jazz Festival category award winners.

Vocal music major and second soprano Ruiz, who will be joining the ensemble for the first time, is excited to see how the group develops and works together. Auditions were held on Aug. 19, 20 and 21, each day with a different process. “(The most rigorous part of the auditions) I think, was having all that pressure to sing in front of people and compete with other vocalists,” Ruiz said.

Invitations are sent to students who have achieved strong musicianship skills: vocal control and agility, demonstration of the jazz style, professionalism and how well they perform, Austin said.

On the first day of auditions the students

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Practice time — JAZZ-ology members Stephanie Rios (left) and William Sims hone their vocal talents in preparation for upcoming events in M-116 on Sept. 9. The group held auditions to gain new talent for their jazz ensemble. came in for a rehearsal as a group. The second day was also a rehearsal but with an interview process.

“She asked us how we handle stress and if we’re up to the challenge,” Rios said. The third day of auditions included a review of the song assigned and a performance of the chosen solo piece. Each member is also required to schedule one gig per semester for the entire group, as well as fundraise.

“You need to have balls. You need to leave all of your personal issues and worries and come in as a professional,” Rios said.

Ruiz said their experience in JAZZology would give them a “taste” of the professional world. They will learn what will be expected of them outside of school and what to expect during performances.

“It’s always a blast working with Dr. Austin. She motivates you. She doesn’t add

“You need to have balls. You need to leave all of your personal issues and worries and come in as a professional.”

Stephanie Rios,

JAZZ-ology member

any more pressure. You have to add pressure on yourself (to do well),” Ruiz said.

As a former member of the ensemble, biological science major Daniel Hernandez said the hardest part of being in JAZZ-ology was the music charts and performing while making it look effortless.

JAZZ-ology is currently working on two

pieces, “Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’” and “Signs of Spring.” The group’s first performance will be at the Cuesta College Jazz Festival in San Luis Obispo in November. They are scheduled to record an album next spring in which the backing tracks (piano, bass and drums) will be recorded in the music department’s Studio E-13, department chairperson and Academic Senate President Wayne Organ said.

Austin said this year’s group will continue as strong performers and represent the college well. They have already been chosen to be featured performers in a state community college league convention.

Former JAZZ-ology member Jessica Neihus said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the art of vocal jazz. I was also able to connect with many talented individuals along the way.”

Bicycle repair station promotes sustainability

By Lorenzo Morotti EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Green convenience — The newly installed bicycle repair station has been placed in Lot 9 adjacent to Police Services in hopes of encouraging students and college employees to consider environmentaly-friendly transportation alternatives.

A small bike repair station has been installed in Lot 9 to attract students and faculty to a zeroemission transportation alternative, while construction and portable classrooms diminish parking volume on campus.

Engulfed by the rumble of jackhammers and dump trucks, it may have been hard to notice building maintenance worker Aaron McCoy installing the free-to-use bike repair station on Sept. 5.

The bike station, adjacent to Police Services, is discreetly tucked away between the green bike lockers and the current construction zone.

“The bike station was built in hopes of encouraging people to start biking to class instead of driving,” Building and Grounds Manager Bruce King said.

“Parking will become a premium during construction.”

Losing Lot 9 for the next three years, the campus will see an influx of panicked students and staff scrambling for a parking spot before class.

The cost of the overall project proposed by the Sustainability Committee was roughly $850, King said.

The walk-up bike stand is a metal pole about 4 feet tall. Two ADVERTISEMENT

metal prongs that curve outward allow students to rest their bikes either by the top tube of the bicycle frame or their seats.

The prongs are covered in thick plastic that protects the frame from scratches and other damage.

Fastened by metal cables, the tools connected to the bike repair station are limited to small repairs only. Tethered to the stand are two bike levers for removing tires, one short flat-head screwdriver, two Phillips-head screwdrivers, one short and one extended, one adjustable wrench, one double-sided 15and 13-centimeter wrench, and one Allen wrench key set.

This is the first step taken by the Sustainability Committee to reduce automotive congestion on and around campus and, like most first steps, has a few kinks that still need to be worked out.

Major tools that were overlooked by Buildings and Grounds include a chain tool required to repair a broken chain and the even more necessary tire pump.

Snapped chains and flat tires are malfunctions that can easily be fixed if the proper tools were available at the bike repair station.

“Transportation is a huge issue here at Contra Costa College,” student and Sustainability Committee member Marîa Nuñez said as she conducted a transportation survey on campus.

The survey contains questions

asking students their primary mode of getting to campus.

Current survey results show that more students than not drive themselves to campus.

“The Sustainability Committee hopes to change that (the majority of students drive to campus),” Nuñez said. “Students are very excited with our plans to revitalize the campus through improving mobility.”

The bike repair station is an essential step in the committee’s pursuit of reducing emissions and promoting healthy lifestyles, she said.

“I believe the bike repair station is beneficial for the campus, but we can do more,” Sustainability Committee member and geology professor Christopher Johnson said.

“Many campuses throughout the state are actually paying students to ride their bicycle to class instead of driving,” he said. “Stanford, being one of those schools, pays $300 per student.”

The committee must observe other campuses’ sustainability efforts across California in order to gauge what can be done to improve CCC’s campus, he said.

Other ways the Sustainability Committee is intending to reduce waste and congestion on campus is by proposing AC Transit bus cards and carpooling options for students, Johnson said.

6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013

SCENE

TRAGEDY RE-IMAGINED

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Business is booming — (left) Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) and Walter White (Bryan Cranston) relax after a long day of cooking methamphetamine under the guise of their bug bombing venture in season five of the AMC critically-aclaimed series “Breaking Bad.”

Series enters its final cook

‘Breaking Bad’ show comes to a close

every Sunday night thanks to show creator Vince Gilligan and his crew.

This season has been no exception.

It appears that the show runners have forgone the subtlety and nuance

By Jeff Baker of previous years (which built rich, STAFF WRITER multi-faceted characters) in favor of a jbaker.theadvocate@gmail.com no holds barred death match for this Willy Wonka once said, “The susfinal season. pense is terrible… I hope it will last.”

If you don’t watch, see the quick “Breaking Bad” fans everywhere summaries below. would resound: “Us too.”

If you do watch regularly, try On Sept. 29, AMC’s “Breaking watching it standing up for maximum Bad” will close the final chapter of devastation. its critically acclaimed cornucopia of What you need to know for the characters and storyline. final cook: two weeks is too little time There are just two episodes left in to catch up on the whole series, but one of the greatest final seasons ever you can catch the first five seasons for a TV series. now on Netflix, Blu-ray With nearly 50 television award and DVD. Here are some Now, wins and more than 150 nominabroad strokes of what you tions, “Breaking Bad” is now on may have missed: the a short list with dramas like “The Walter White: Stopped Sopranos,” “The Wire” and “Mad remaining teaching the youth of Men” in the “Greatest TV Drama Albuquerque in favor of of All Time” debate. questions slinging meth with his Ten years ago you may have junkie dropout student, in the known AMC (if you were aware Jesse Pinkman in season of it at all) as American Movie one. He has shown morseries Classics, or as the network that alistic judgment of varyshowed old 1940s movies and not decency throughout. are fewer, ing much else.

In his world as the meth Now, along with the critically kingpin, Heisenberg, the but they acclaimed “Mad Men” and cult well-being of others must legend “Walking Dead,” “Breaking seem at times be compromised Bad” has helped make AMC a for the good of himself more heavyweight cable network, both and his loved ones. in television ratings and critical It is not clear-cut as important to when he “broke bad.” acclaim.

“Breaking Bad” has effectively It could have been when than quadrupled its audience with 5.9 he told a meth addict to million viewers for this season’s “stay out of his territory” ever. premiere, as opposed to 1.4 million outside of a Home Depot viewers for the season one finale in in season two. Maybe it was when he 2008. had Jesse kill Gale, the lab assistant, In short, the show is about high in the end of season three so that school chemistry teacher Walter White Walter and Jesse could be the only Sr. (Bryan Cranston). expert chemists in Gustavo Fring’s lab.

He initially has two simple goals: to Certainly it had to be before he get treatment for the lung cancer with organized the murders of 10 jailed which he was diagnosed in the first drug connections in order to keep episode, and to leave financial security them from snitching to the DEA in for his family as he is likely has but a season five. year to live.

One theme is clear: the show’s Unfortunately, he will never be able directors desired and succeeded in to do these things on his teacher’s sal- creating a Mr. Nice Guy who slowly ary, a satirical comment on the meager but surely transforms into the devil’s salary of school teachers. henchman. Threatening forces, after So the mild mannered instructor all, can come from an unknown and decides, desperately, that he will use unsafe place and threaten what we his chemistry expertise to cook meth- hold dearest. But as Heisenberg says, amphetamine. he is “the one who knocks.”

He collaborates with a flunkyGustavo Fring: Owner of the ficturned-drug-dealer Jesse Pinkman titious “Pollos Hermanos” chicken (Aaron Paul) and lives life on the restaurant. Also doubles as the masterrazor’s edge under his drug-kingpin mind boss of Walt and Jesse. alias, Heisenberg.

Skyler White: Walter’s wife. The That was where we started nearly first two seasons largely dealt with six years ago in season one.

Walt hiding the Heisenberg alter-ego Now, the remaining questions in completely from her. She separated the series are fewer, but they seem from Walt upon finding out he was a more important than ever. drug lord and had a steamy affair with Let the suspense lurk. her boss, Ted Beneke (Christopher Loyal fans can rely on sustained Cousins). drama and perhaps a heart arrhythmia Once she reconciled with Walt in

season three, and accepted him for sleeve in the form of those neo-Nazi’s who he was, she became as unscruwho put the hit out on ten prison men pulous a criminal as he. No half-mea- for Walt. sures, right?

This brings us to… DEA agent Skyler concocted a story where Hank Schrader: Married to Skyler’s Walt’s drug money came from gamsister, Marie. Also happens to be a bling winnings and duped her sister high ranking Albuquerque police offi(Marie) and brother in-law (Hank). cer and has worked with the DEA. He She also developed a money-launder- has been tracking down the infamous ing scheme involving the car wash Heisenberg for the past four seasons.

Walt previously worked at for supple- At the end of last season, he finally mentary income back in season one. discovered that Heisenberg is his Skyler has been tough, grounded and long-time buddy and brother-in-law, intelligent, but the relationship with Walter.

Walt has now come full circle.

Now, family is out the window.

She has most recently buckled It has been Hank versus Walter this under the pressure season and even of being with the the sisters have tvreview evil Heisenberg been estranged “Breaking Bad” in the last episode and are sticking +++++ and chased him by their men. In Starring: Bryan Cranston, Aaron out of the house the last episode, Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris Network: AMC with a large kitchWalt’s hired neoTime slot: Sundays, 8 p.m. en knife.

Nazis wound up Genre: Drama Jesse Pinkman: doling the justice Walter’s unlikely to Hank. In a prodigy. Despite twist, Walt tried flunking Walt’s high school class, to stop it, citing “he’s family,” but the Jesse has an unmatched affinity for hired guns already had their orders. making meth. He has a long history of Marie: She loves the color violet drug problems and at many points has and is extremely supportive of husbeen closer to Walt than Walt’s own band Hank. Early on in the series, she family. was a minor character who had a klepHe has been the hero to save the tomania problem, likely a manifestaday like when he orchestrated an tion of marital problems with Hank, escape for himself and Gus Fring’s who was initially written as kind of a crew out of Mexico in a shootout. He chauvinistic pig. has also thoroughly screwed entire It turns out Hank was only conoperations, like when he allowed the sumed by justice and putting an end meth RV to die in the middle of the to the drug lord Heisenberg and his desert, nearly leaving himself and supernatural meth. She was rightfully Walter dead. devastated upon hearing the news that There has been a love and hate Walt escaped Hank’s arrest and that relationship between Walt and Jesse. the tables were turned on her husband.

He is almost a designated son, not the Walt Jr. aka Flynn: The apple of his biological one or even the one Walt parents’ eyes. The young actor, who asked for but the intimacy between plays Walt Jr., RJ Mitte, has minor these two characters is unmatched in cerebral palsy and went into acting to the series. educate viewers on the condition. He An episode this season, entitled is usually seen eating breakfast foods “Rabid Dog” covered Jesse’s emofor some reason, but when inserted tional breakdown and disenchantment into a scene or given extended lines, with “the business.” He threw millions always comes through. away in stacks of dollar bills throughHe was the last remaining character out the streets of Albuquerque and to discover his father is Heisenberg. behaved like a stupefied mute when It crushed him, but Skyler had to tell confronted. But Jesse is not just an him per an agreement with Marie once unpredictable rabid dog; he is also an Hank had Walt captured. Flynn is also orphaned dog with little family. Many the most inherently good character, times he has only wanted the approval and the only one not consumed with of Mr. White. destroying others.

But this season, Jesse’s patience for Vince Gilligan has been quoted Walt’s full-measure enforcement has saying he never thought the show grown thin. The last straw was when would last more than three seasons, Jesse suspected that Walt poisoned his a sentiment I shared, not because the girlfriend’s son, Brock. Jesse did the show was not of quality, but because unthinkable by joining Hank to, in his of the subject matter of a dying cancer words, finally bring Walter to justice patient as main character. because he “always gets away with it.”

In any event, one thing is clear, the Moreover, we were last left with a series, unlike many others, has the shootout in the middle of the desert: absolute faith of its audience that all Jesse, Hank and Hank’s right hand, loose ends will be tied. In many ways, “Gomie,” finally trapping Walt/ this is a farewell to a golden age of Heisenberg to serve justice. But in television. typical fashion, Walt had a trick up his

SPORTS

Comets fizzle in closing minutes

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE

7

BREAKING AWAY

By Mike Thomas SPORTS EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

The football team rallied on its final drive, but came up short and lost to De Anza College 27-21 in Cupertino on Saturday.

Coming into the game the Dons (2-0) were ranked No. 8 and Contra Costa College (1-1) No. 23 in the state.

CCC plans to ScoreBoard pick it up when it hosts Gavilan Dons 27 College at Comet Comets 21 Stadium Saturday at 3 p.m.

Next game: The Comets Saturday had possession of vs. Gavilan the ball with 43 College, 3 p.m. seconds left in the fourth quarter and the score tied 2121.

De Anza defensive end Austin Bengal intercepted Comet sophomore quarterback Malik Watson and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown, making the score 27-21. Don kicker Shawn Henner missed the point after touchdown.

The Comets had an opportunity to win the game. Starting with the ball on its 6-yard line, the squad marched down the field to the Dons’ 2-yard line where the drive stalled.

Comet coach Alonzo Carter said on the last play of the game the Comets did not pick up the De Anza blitz well, causing an incomplete pass to Comet sophomore running back Davonte Sapp-Lynch.

“We got down to the two-yard line and came close but fell short,” Carter said. “We had our chances to win that game.”

Watson agreed.

“We were competing, executing plays. It was just toward the end (De Anza) had more points then we did,” Watson said.

As of right now the Comets are ranked fifth in the state in passing yards with 615.

In their first two games the Comets have been 7-for-11 on trips to the red zone.

Carter and the football team want that stat to improve in the next game. Watson said that is something he and CCC can improve on as a unit.

“I believe every time we get the ball we should score,” he said. “Whether it’s once or five times — we should score every time.”

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Quick footing — Comet forward Brian Randall (left) drives the ball past Butte College midfielder Ryan Campbell during their game against the Roadrunners on the Soccer Field on Sept. 10. The Comets were victorious, 2-1.

Win leaves much to be desired focused against every team no matter who they are,” Solis said.

STAFF WRITER While their efforts were not fruitful, the jbaker.theadvocate@gmail.com Roadrunners did match CCC in shots on goal at 6-6 in the first half.

In the words of Contra Costa College Though the Comets’ execution left somemen’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller to his thing to be desired, they had higher percentteam, “It was a working man’s win.” age shots than Butte.

No, the game was not pretty, but it At 41:30, the Comets’ point leader and was another ‘W’ in the standings, all the center-forward freshman Brian Randall same. CCC defeated the Butte College secured an insurance goal for the Comets.

Roadrunners 2-1 on Sept. 10 on the Soccer Creating his own room, he controlled the Field improving to 3-1 overall on the sea- ball from near midfield and got the Butte son. Butte fell to 0-4 goalkeeper off his feet overall.

“We could have beaten with a shot attempt.

It well could have Randall’s immediate this team with a lot been a runaway victory, follow-up kick put the but turned out to be a Comets ahead 2-0. more ease.” very close contest.

“I find the gap and “We could have beatattack at a high pace.

Rudy Zeller, en this team with a lot Whether I find the open soccer coach more ease,” coach Zeller man or I take the shot said. “We didn’t play pretty and we’ve got (myself) it’s all done quickly,” Randall said some things to work on.” postgame. “I was able to body (the goalIn the first half of play, neither team keeper) off and poke it around him.” was able to get the advantage until a goal The second half offered a number of

by Comet sophomore left center-forward Comet scoring opportunities that were either Marcos Solis putting them on the board at off by a hair or fell completely flat. about 21:00.

In the second half, CCC outshot Butte 9CCC looked a bit rusty going into this 3 but missed many makeable shots, mostly game after its big win against the previ- in a stretch at the beginning of the second ously unbeaten American River College half. squad on Sept. 6.

A missed penalty kick by Comet fresh“We need to work on finishing and stay man midfielder Roberto Calixto at 78:00, folBy Jeff Baker

ScoreBoard

Comets 2 Roadrunners 1

Next game: Friday vs. Feather River College, 2 p.m.

Follow this game live at twitter.com/accentadvocate

lowed by a crossbar ricochet miss by Comet sophomore left wing Bobby Gonzalez, and lastly a goal-allowed by Comet keeper Gustavo Rojas summed up the not-so-pretty victory.

“Gustavo said the ball took a bad hop off his toe and off the grass on that goal,” coach Zeller said. “(In a win like this) defense is so important,” sophomore midfielder Romario Pena said.

“Coach is always telling us how defense wins championships and it was a key today.

At times when we couldn’t control the ball our defense stepped up.”

Zeller said, “We didn’t get the goals we should have — the penalty kick and other missed opportunities by the net.”

He said finishing runs for solid strikes has been a pivotal part of practice and will need to continue to be for the team to improve.

Offensive flop puts pressure on defense Back line crumbles in second half

in the first half, but Skyline midfielder Ileana Moncada netted a goal to tie the SPORTS EDITOR score, ending the half. With so many mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com scoring opportunities, women’s soccer The women’s soccer team struggled coach Nikki Ferguson said the squad offensively and lost 3-2 to Skyline should have been up 5-1 in the first College (1-1) Sept. 10 on the soccer half. He said he does not have an answer field. Trojan forward Iris Clavel scored to why his team is missing so many the game-winning goal with eight min- chances to score. utes left in the game.

“We had five chances to score (a The Comets next game will be goal),” he said about the offensive strugagainst Feather River College on Friday gle. “We totally dominated the game but at home at 4 p.m. at the end of the day we have to put the The Comets (0-2) were ahead 2-1 ball in the net to win the game.”

By Mike Thomas

Comet defender Elise Monterrosa said, “We played as hard as we could but we just couldn’t finish.”

Contra Costas College’s two goals came by sophomore midfielder Laura Hurtado, and right now she is the only player on the team who has scored goals in the team’s first two games of the season. The Trojans first goal is what fueled her into scoring more goals and bringing the Comets back into the game.

“I was energized and I had an urgency to score,” Hurtado said. “We were

one down and we needed to ScoreBoard get pressure on Trojans 3 (Skyline).”

Comets 2 The Trojans had 14 shots at goal to CCC’s Next game: 12. CCC keepFriday vs. er Jasmine Feather River Escobar had College, 4 p.m. three saves, while Skyline keeper Jessyca Morales had eight saves.

Lack of consistency leaves squad with another loss Corsairs dominate court for three-set victory

By Jose Jimenez STAFF WRITER

jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Out of reach — Comet outside hitters Rebecca Gehlen (left) and Jessica Neville attempt to block a hit by Corsairs outside hitter Linda Williams during their game against the College of the Redwoods in the Gymnasium on Sept. 12.

“We have got to recognize what the opposing teams are doing with their hands, their techniques, and we need to anticipate.”

Zachary Shrieve, Contra Costa College’s women’s volleyball team volleyball coach hosted its first home game of the season against College of the Redwoods on Sept. 12.

CCC (0-2) trailed in every period of the game “I just want to play,” Neville said. and lost each set, 16-25, 25-27 “This is only the beginning and 17-25. and we have to be consistent.”

ScoreBoard “(It was) nerve wracking for After having to call backthe first home game,” CCC outto-back time outs in the third Corsairs def. side hitter Paula Sanchez said. set, consistency is exactly what Comets Nerve wracking or not, coach Zachary Shrieve looks to 16-25, 25-27, 17-25 College of the Redwoods (2-0) improve. was not intimidated by the home “We have got to recognize Next game: crowd and simply dominated the what the opposing teams are Friday vs. Cañada Comets for three straight sets of doing with their hands, their College, 6 p.m. play. techniques, and we need to anticFollow this game live at The second period was close ipate,” Shrieve said. twitter.com/accentadvocate because of a ferocious come“We learned some great things back led by sophomore Jessica in our scrimmage games against Neville. some top teams, but lost against Down 16-23 in the second set, the Comets rallied Skyline and again here tonight against Redwoods.” late to tie the score 23-23.

The Comets next volleyball game is a road match Neville scored four straight points to cap off a against Cañada College at 6 p.m. today. comeback that fell short.

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2013

SPORTS

Men’s soccer preview | 2013

Soccer squad starts preseason strong with new blood Schedule Aug. 27 vs. Skyline College 2-1 L Aug. 31 at Shasta College 4-3 W Sept. 6 vs. American River College 1-0 W Sept. 10 vs. Butte College 2-1 W Sept. 13 at Fresno City College 4-1 L Sept. 16 at Chabot College 4-2 W Sept. 20 vs. Feather River College 2 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Napa Valley College 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 vs. Merritt College 4 p.m.

Oct. 4 at College of Marin 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 vs. Yuba College 4 p.m.

Oct. 11 vs. Santa Rosa Junior College 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 vs. Napa Valley College 4 p.m.

Oct. 18 vs. Merritt College 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 vs. College of Marin 4 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Yuba College 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 BYE

21 freshmen, 7 sophomores revitalize team with depth, quickness on offense, defense appreciates these top performers, he has recently been singing the praises of a multitude of players, and he thinks this jbaker.theadvocate@gmail.com is one of the most talented teams he has Last year was a season of turmoil coached. for the men’s soccer team. It started the “There (isn’t a star on the team). The season 0-8 before surging to finish 7-2-3 star is the whole team. Lorran Santos and in the Bay Valley Conference and 7-10-3 Randall and all of them have been workoverall. ing so hard,” Zeller said.

The Comets know they have their Maybe the Comets are improving not work cut out for them if they want to only because of more familiarity with improve on their previous, uneven sea- each other, but something else — hard son. work.

“It’s all about the team effect now,” The team is looking sharp after every men’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller said practice and game, but squad members know they have a following a Contra Costa College victoway to go before “It’s not new forma- long ry against American they can win another River College on tions or schemes but BVC title, which has Sept. 6. not happened since a personnel change. 2005.

Truly, teamwork is the central theme Gonzalez said We’re seeing what here early in this socthey are getting better each player can do cer season and lookand more up to speed ing ahead. in different positions. every week.

But the Comets He is sure Zeller Today I had Brad, now have 21 freshwill put much focus men on their 28-man Luis, and Travis in the on the team’s strateroster, and of the gies and tactics. middle and I couldn’t seven sophomores, “There are some several are transfer have scripted it better. defensive changes, students and firstchanges in the midtime CCC players.

They are playing orga- field,” Zeller said “It’s my first year about how he is with the team. I think nized and confident on tweaking his team this season. there are only about defense.” five returnees from “It’s not new forlast year; I transferred mations or schemes, Rudy Zeller, from Colorado,” but a personnel Comet men’s soccer coach Comet freshman forchange. We’re seeing what each player can do in different posiward Bobby Gonzalez said.

“I do feel that every practice and tions. Today I had Brad, Luis and Travis game we are gelling and clicking more in the middle and I couldn’t have scripted — getting used to each others’ strengths it better. They are playing organized and and weaknesses, we’re progressing,” confident on defense.”

New day – new team.

Gonzalez said.

Sophomore keeper Gustavo Rojas The personnel changes every year, but agreed. this season more so than ever.

“It’s getting tough in the heat, but the Former first team all-BVC midfielder, communication is coming along with this Carlos Lozano, for example, is no longer team. We’re practicing hard and finding on the squad and neither is freshman out which places we need to be in and standout defender Mason Quintero. when,” Rojas said.

But there is a bounty of new talent The Comets are 4-2 as of right now eager to carry the team back to glory. with freshman forward Brian Randall The Comets won their game on the and sophomore midfielder Marcos Solis road against Chabot College, 4-2 on leading the squad in points.

Monday and host Feather River College But while coach Zeller certainly at 2 p.m. on Friday on the Soccer Field.

By Jeff Baker STAFF WRITER

Nov. 1 at Napa Valley College 3 p.m.

00 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 35

Max Sonnier Bobby Gonzalez Enri Refunjol Erick Medrano Brad Alman Zarel Avila Klebber Machado Romario Pena Dominic Serrano Pedro Rodriguez Marcos Solis Brian Randall Davis Okonkwo Max Lovelle-Vado Travis Watson Lorran Santos Gio Guerro Cristian Garibay Antonio Garibay Sam Mendez Carlos Rivas Juan Pablo Guiterrez Roberto Calixto Rafael Vega Alexander Mikano Luis Raymundo Gurjeet Singh Gustavo Rojas

keeper defender defender midfielder defender forward defender midfielder midfielder forward forward forward forward defender defender midfielder midfielder midfielder forward defender defender midfielder midfielder defender defender defender defender keeper

freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore sophomore

Last season by the numbers Overall record 7-10-3 Conference record 7-2-3 Conference finish second Record thus far 4-2-0

At a glance Head coach: Rudy Zeller (16th season) Key returners: Marcos Solis, forward; Gustavo Rojas, keeper; Romario Pena, midfielder Key losses: Omar Arellano, forward; Mason Quintero, defender; Carlos Lozano, defender; Juan Carlos Vargas, midfielder Key newcomers: Brian Randall, forward; Brad Alman, defender; Pedro Rodriguez, forward

Key players

Forward

Midfielder

Rojas

Forward

Pena

Nov. 8 at College of Marin 3 p.m.

Solis

Randall

Nov. 5 at Merritt College 3 p.m.

Nov. 12 vs. Yuba College 3 p.m.

Roster

Keeper