The Advocate 9-23

WEDNESDAY l 9.23.15 OUR 66TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.

“ I love being out there filming. I love capturing the energy of happy moments.”

Sakeema Payne, videographer

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

Filmmaker eyes campus life through creative imagery Payne sees different perspectives, captures student realities behind the lens of her camera

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

Taking time to produce films is a daunting task, especially when faced with 12 units of class, working as a tutor in College Skills Center and serving as a student ambassador in the Welcome/Transfer Center.

For Sakeema Payne, a 19-year-old communications major, however, making time to pursue her lifelong passion of film making despite her other obligations is an easy choice. Students may recognize Payne from around campus by her big hair, and even bigger smile. Payne can even be seen helping out in the concession stands at athletic contests on campus.

“At the age of 5 she told me she was gonna be an artist,” Payne’s mother LaVora MathisPayne said.

Payne graduated from De Anza High School. She said when she graduated, people challenged her choice to go to a community college, but it did not deter her from coming to Contra Costa College.

Spring will be her final semester on campus and she plans to attend San Jose State after leaving CCC. Mathis-Payne said she encouraged her daughter to start somewhere with less pressure in order to zero in on what she actually wanted to study before going to a four-year school.

As a child Payne had trouble writing and would frequently throw tantrums and work herself into a tearful frenzy while frustrated by her studies. It was not until her mother secured the help of a tutor that Payne was able to overcome her emotional hurdles.

Mathis-Payne said she enrolled her daughter in summer art classes, which helped to express herself and to relax.

Now as a student ambassador, Payne works to help students become acquainted and situated at CCC. Payne said assisting students helps her to find peace of mind. She added that she genuinely enjoys tutoring students in the College SEE PAYNE, PAGE 3

CARPOOLING PROGRAM ON BRINK OF CLOSURE

Community unites over annual stroll

BY Mike Thomas SCENE EDITOR

mthomas.theadvocate@gmail.com

PAGE 8 CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Play festival recognizes women’s struggles

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

NETFLIX TRACES DRUG LORD’S EXPLOITS PAGE 6

ABOVE: Communications major Sakeema Payne aspires to create films focusing on themes of love and romanticism after shooting videos for the various departments on campus.

The Union Women Actors Coalition’s (UWAC) presented various short stories in its showing of “Empowering Women”, in the Knox Center at 8 p.m. on Monday to raise support for female theater artists throughout the Bay Area.

The UWAC was created by a group of women taking part of the Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), a labor union representing actors and stage managers in theater, who were concerned about the limited opportunities that women have, not only

in theater, but their struggle living in a patriarchal society.

Chairperson of UWAC Susan Shay said the Saturday before the play, five playwrights were given a prompt themed “Empowering Women,” and were given only 24 hours to create a 10-minute play.

The playwrights then turned over their scripts to their team of directors and actors to read overnight, rehearse and perform.

“I was glad to see the plays were about relevant issues in today’s life, but were also sadly historical,” San SEE EMPOWERING WOMEN, PAGE 3

(Far left) Janis Bergmann performs the play “Yellow” during the Union Women Actors’ Coalition (UWAC) in the Knox Center on Monday.

Students at Contra Costa College are unaware of the carpool program on campus. It is on the cusp of ending because not a single student signed up for the program this fall semester.

The program was experimental last spring semester. The program awards a $50 gas card per semester for signing up and participating in the program.

“We had eight people sign up for the program last spring semester,” Building and Grounds Manager Bruce King said.

“No one has signed up this semester at all.”

Student Life Coordinator Ericka Greene plans to inform the students about the program via email and flyers.

“I’m working on getting (the emails) out,” she said. “I expect people to start enrolling for fall (semester) when the emails, flyers and websites go out.”

The Sustainability Committee, which King is a part of, came up with the idea during one of its monthly meetings. A representative from 511 Contra Costa transit helped the program by providing in a $50 gas card for students who participate in the program.

“We had our sustainability meeting (on Sept. 3), and (we talked about) how SEE CARPOOL, PAGE 3

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Quotable “To look for information and quotations from women or gays or people of color when we’re writing stories about minorities is to perpetuate stereotypes.”

Fred Brown president, society of professional journalists 1998 Christian Urrutia editor-in-chief Roxana Amparo Lorenzo Morotti associate editors Robert Clinton sports editor Mike Thomas scene editor Jose Jimenez spotlight editor Cody Casares photo editor Marci Suela editorial cartoonist Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Asma Alkrizy Benjamin Bassham Brian Boyle Joseph Bennett Keno Greene Xavier Johnson Magali Mercado Monae Pearson Javier Ramirez Jason Sykes Mark Wassberg Larry Wickett Staff photographers Jordan Khoo Denis Perez 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, 2013, 2014, 2015 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accent.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

opinion

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2015 VOL. 103, NO. 3

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

●

EDITORIAL CARPOOLING CRISIS Free program with lackluster interest at risk of elimination

F

ailing to relay information in a timely and effective manner has created significant problems at Contra Costa College. So much so that a free, and eco-friendly parking permit option is on the verge of shutting down only a semester into its inception because a substandard advertising effort from the Office of Student Life and the Associated Student Union.

As of Tuesday, not a single student had signed up for the free carpool parking permit, or taken advantage of designated parking spots near the Gymnasium, or the one-time $50 reimbursement in the form of a gas card upon joining.

The carpool parking pilot program became available at the start of the spring semester, and even then only eight people signed up for the permit.

Only 15 students can sign up for the program, which is limited by the size of the designated carpool parking lot — Lot 5.

On the college website, under Student Life, it states one of the Office of Student Life’s goals is to promote programs, services and collaborative partnerships through social outreach.

This semester, however, could see the end of a pilot program that is unique to CCC throughout the three campuses in the Contra Costa Community College District.

The Advocate strongly urges students to take advantage of the permit that is on the brink of elimination or else the college will see another useful option disappear before it can fully grow.

The qualifications are simple enough.

One has to be enrolled in at least one class, and must have two other passengers who are also CCC students. Drivers must include a copy of their insurance, license and registration along with submitting his or her application.

The permit application can be picked up at the Office of Student Life located in AA-109, the same as the ASU Office.

Once the application is completed it must be turned into Police Services and then applicants are able to receive the gas card through the Office of Student Life, provided by 511 Contra Costa transit.

Signing up is well worth it considering the center of campus is still under construction, making parking a scarce commodity. But the biggest upside for this permit is that it is free with no cost to apply.

They pay you to park on campus.

The ASU and Office of Student Life has done an inadequate job of promoting the withering carpool program and letting students know about its benefits — both for students and the environment.

The potential cost-saving incentive should be enough to attract 15 out of CCC’s 6,500 students. This privilege should be posted everywhere available — Insite Portal email blasts and sporadic fliers from the Office of Student Life alone cannot sustain the program or allow it to expand.

It needs help.

The college website does not even mention the carpool parking program. Students should be encouraged to sign up for the program through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MARCI SUELA / THE ADVOCATE

■ LIFESTYLE

Removing the weight from my body, soul W hen the mother of my child and I split up for good, I used to think the worst.

It was a bad ride, ups and downs, until one day we both went our separate ways.

Looking back now, I believed I was living on hell on Earth.

Everyone They goes through say their own hardships that and tribulations and gangsters this I understand now. don’t cry, I was sitting in and if that a well-furis the truth nished room, starthen I am ing right into the eyes realizing of a complete strangthat I am no er I had never met. gangster.

That awkward silence we have all experienced runs through my mind as I begin to frown. Except this is not your typical relationship. No, this time it is personal. It is fresh and it is just freaking weird because she is my therapist.

Damn, that felt good to get off my shoulders.

But now I feel like Tony Soprano looking over my shoulder because there are certain rules to this life.

I was not supposed be successful here at Contra Costa College and getting ready to transfer, but inside that room with my hot-ass therapist is where I found

josejimenez that silver lining.

Before I decided to attend college for the first time back in the summer of 2013, I lost a good job as a mailman, gained 85 pounds and drank all kinds of poison every day.

I remember looking at my 4-year-old son at the time and crying every time I saw him because I had failed him as a father.

They say gangsters do not cry, and if that is the truth then I am realizing that I am no gangster. It is just not me. My stints in the Martinez Juvenile Hall and the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility in Byron always felt like gang-banging was the way I was going to live life.

But I told myself that was not me.

My son gave me the strength to move on and get back on track, even after my therapist said things that made it seem as if it were my fault.

In a weird way, talking to a complete stranger helped and it made me realize what was important in life.

It was the little things like enjoying the moment.

I don’t need to care about what other people think about me.

Being 5-foot-6 and 250 pounds was not the busi-

ness, so I remember going for long walks. Walking led to running, and running, I believe, led to me getting an “A” in PE-102A. A little humor there, but getting fired as a mailman was embarrassing enough.

However, it allowed me to find my current job as a dispatch supervisor for UPS, and I am now thriving.

And here at Contra Costa College I received a scholarship, maintained a 3.5 GPA while never dropping a class.

The best part of all though was that I got primary physical custody of my son Anthony.

Full custody? I wish.

California has its rules and in time I believe things will change for all the good fathers out there.

But for now I am kicking ass in school and not minding about the single ladies who look at me all weird whenever I enter the classroom because after all, I do not have time for them.

Plus I found a beautiful Virgo along my trails who said she would ride and die with me no matter my current situation, and I can get down with that.

I have a message to all the single parents out there balancing school and life.

The struggle is real, but remember that after every dark night, there is a bright day.

Jose Jimenez is the spotlight editor of The Advocate.

Contact him at jjimenez. theadvocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS COMMENT

Would you use the free carpool permit if you knew about it? Why or why not?

“Yeah, it’s easier. We could split the cost. I could get my brother and cousin to sign up with me.”

Angel Rivera

“Yeah, I could help my friends if they needed it. It also depends on where my classes are.”

“Yes, it’s a great resource. (Carpooling) saves gas money, and it’s convenient.”

Amante Nepomuceno

Malea Reeves

undecided

kinesology

forensic anthropology

“No. I live out in Concord and I commute between three schools. It wouldn’t be useful.”

Moriah Campbell nursing

“I would use it. It’s more efficient if I would be able to park closer to classes. It’s also a good way to spend time with friends.”

“It might depend on the location of our classes.

I wouldn’t buy it if I could just park closer to my class and pay less.”

Perla Juarez

Rigel Lun

communications XAVIER JOHNSON AND JORDAN KHOO / THE ADVOCATE

undecided

campus beat Follow The Advocate

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PAYNE | Artistic works provide glimpse of persona Continued from Page 1

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NEWSLINE DONATIONS

RED CROSS DRAWS BLOOD, SAVES LIVES The American Red Cross is having a blood drive today, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, in the Recreation Room (bottom floor of the Applied Arts Building room117) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will give about a pint of “whole blood,” requiring up to an hour of their time. Donors will also receive a limited edition T-shirt while supplies last.

Donors should have a light meal and be hydrated before donating.

Bring your driver’s license, donor card, or two other kinds of identification and the names of any medications you are taking.

If you are sick or in poor health, do not attempt to donate.

For information on this or other nearby blood drives visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code CCC, or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

CRIMEWATCH Friday, Sept. 11: An officer conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation and it was determined that the drivers did not have a driver’s license. The subject was cited.

Saturday, Sept. 12: A student was assaulted by an unknown person at the Bus Transfer Center. The student was assaulted while waiting to transfer to another bus. A video of the incident was located on Facebook and booked into evidence. The student declined medical attention and did not desire prosecution.

Sunday, Sept. 13: No reports taken on this date.

Tuesday, Sept. 15: A student reported damage to her vehicle’s front window. There is no suspect information.

Tuesday, Sept. 15: A staff member reported that basketball jerseys were stolen from a cabinet in the Men’s Locker Room.

— Roxana Amparo

CORRECTION In the Sept. 2 issue of The Advocate on page 7 in the story titled “Fierce game ends in stalemate,” the story said Modesto Junior College knocked the men’s soccer team out of 2014 playoffs.

That is incorrect, it was Fresno City College.

In the Sept. 16 issue of The Advocate on page 3 in the story titled “Soccer team faces uncertain future,” the story said that former women’s soccer coach Nikki Ferguson took that position in 2008. That is incorrect, he started in 2009.

The Advocate regrets these errors.

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

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Skills Center.

Payne said she received her first camcorder when she was just 11 years old, and since then she fell in love with filmmaking. She said her first camcorder was a birthday gift from her father.

Payne said of her earliest work involved filming the neighborhood dogs and cats with her cousin and afterward they would edit their clips.

Her father, Paul Payne, said ever since she was little, she was always eager to help other people.

Payne said she realizes that a lot of what she does provides aid for those people in need of resources, but it is her focus.

She said creating and editing videos was necessary for her as a creative outlet.

“I love being out there filming,” she said. “I love capturing the energy of happy moments.”

Athletic administrative assistant Shawna Belfield said, “I don’t know how she does it.

Nothing seems to slow her down.”

She said Payne takes great pride in everything she does.

Payne said her next video project will be to show a breakup via a film titled “Seasons,” where she will show the different stages of a romantic relationship. She said she has about

“I don’t know how she does it.

Nothing seems to slow her down.

—

, administrative assistant

30 minutes of planned footage.

The young videographer says the romantic episodes from the film do not directly mirror events from her personal experiences but instead are little pieces of life she thinks a large audience will relate to.

“I was in a relationship, and after the relationship ended it only took a couple of months until the idea for ‘Seasons’ started to develop in my mind.” Payne said. “But I don’t want it to be about me, I don’t want to come across like Taylor Swift.”

But for now, “Seasons” is still on the drawing board, Payne said. She said she is currently working on producing an informational video for the Math Lab here at CCC. Payne, however, also pointed to a CCC policy which she believes hinders students development.

“They don’t give media students enough time to use the computers in the media lab,” She said, “I’ve already completed the program but when I was a part of it, it was hard to make time to use computers because they can only be used under a professor’s supervision.”

The media lab computers are the only ones on campus available to students that offer the full, updated suite of Adobe creative programs.

Payne has already achieved her Certificate of Achievement in Digital Film here at CCC. She said she wants to major in advertising when she transfers, but plans to continue her filmmaking because it is something she loves to do.

Fine and media arts department Chairperson Ellen Seidler said Payne was one of the best students during her Introduction to Digital Film Production and Intermediate Digital Film Production courses.

“She was motivated and focused. I’d like to clone her,” Seidler said.

Among the videos Payne produced is a short video titled “Pharrell Williams-HAPPYWe Are Contra Costa College!” that has garnered over 1,000 views.

Payne has a positive outlook on life, and brings her passion for life to everything she does, whether it be creating videos or helping her fellow students.

For the future, Payne plans to create video to go along with a pop-up tutoring event.

Payne said a lot of her work has been geared toward a niche audience, but she is excited to work on projects that she believes a much wider audience will enjoy.

EMPOWERING WOMEN | Exposes real life situations Continued from Page 1 Mateo resident Josiah Polhemus said.

Polhemus said it was beneficial for people of different ages in the audience to experience events depicted in the plays under the umbrella title “Empowering Women.”

The five empowering plays depicted different situations women encounter throughout their lifetime.

These plays were: “Mind the Gap” by playwright Madeline Puccioni, which highlighted the inequalities women faced in the workforce; “What Price Beauty” by playwright Lynne Kaufman which focused on the extremes women go through to meet society’s expectations of beauty; “Queen Leara” by playwright Torange Yeghiazarian, which showed the trauma and shame rape victims go through in their search for justice; “Ourstory” by playwright Betty Shamieh, which was based on how society would be different through a matriarchal lens; and “Yellow” by Kirsten Brandt which demonstrated the fear women have of walking alone and being “catcalled” or overtly sexualized and having to smile through their degradation.

The actress’ passion about the content was clearly felt by the audience as they each brought their characters to life once the spotlight hit.

The audience responded with laughter during the occasional comical ironies such as seeing the world through a matriarchal perspective in the play “Ourstory”, which is set in the year 3015.

The audience also listened attentively in silence while the more intense situations occurred such as in the actress’ suffering in “Queen Leara”, which showed how women who were victims of rape are forced into not speaking out due to fear of being

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

(Left to right) Allison Rich and Janis Bergmann perform the play “Yellow” directed by Kirsten Brandt during the Union Women Actors’ Coalition (UWAC) “Empowering Women” presentation at the Knox Center on Monday.

“I was glad to see the plays were about relevant issues in today’s life, but were also sadly historical.”

— Josiah Polhemus, San Mateo resident

silenced by patriarchal pressures that control society.

Focusing on real life concepts that impact women on more than an emotional and social level, Oakland resident John O’Hagan said having the chance to see women in theater perform powerful stories hit home because of the reality of the situations.

In the play “Yellow,” the different encounters showed how women and young girls are harassed on a day-to-day basis by having the women switch roles with men in catcalling scenarios.

The underlying message in the series of plays was directed toward women who are afraid of speaking out

against their assailants to rise above societal pressures as well as to raise awareness about issues women face.

Audience member Camilla Ford said having her 15-year-old daughter learn about women empowerment made her feel “proud” because women and many other young girls, may have to face in their lifetimes.

Shay said more than 50 percent of ticket sales were from women. Tickets were $25 at the door and $15 if bought beforehand.

While profits and donations are accumulated for the CCC Foundation scholarship for theatre students and engaged equity guest artists, a portion of the ticket is tax deductible.

“We don’t feel like there are enough equity women on stage and backstage to promote women’s work,” Shay said.

Part of the audience in support included actor Oakland resident Megan Kilian said she expected the play to be successful because of the experienced actors and playwrights.

CARPOOL | Lack of demand threatens program Continued from Page 1 can we get information out there,” King said.

“We had five good suggestions. One of them was we could use the ticker tape in the (Student Service Center) building.”

The Sustainability Committee came up with more ideas to get the program more exposure including putting the information up on the college website, and on the new signage that is on the corner of El Portal Drive and Campus Drive.

King said he has reached out to fine arts media department Chairperson Ellen Seidler to get information about the carpool program on the website after he noticed that the website had information on general parking permits, but not anything referring to carpooling.

“I even went to Ellen Seidler to see that she publishes the program on the college website,” he said. “If you go on the website and there is a section for parking — you see information about where to park, and how much a (general) parking permit is, but nothing about car pooling.”

King said the committee reached out to CCC Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh for funding for fliers. CCC’s media design specialist Tim Gleason said he would design the fliers for the carpool program.

Students can pick up an application at the Student Life Center located in AA-109.

Students “I even went to Ellen Seidler to see that she publishes must submit the applica- the program on the college website. If you go on the website tion to Police Services, along and there is a section for parking — you see information with proof of about where to park, and how much a (general) parking pertwo student mit is, but nothing about carpooling.” passengers — Bruce King, buildings and grounds manager that will be accompanying the driver.

All three passengers must be CCC students “I think it needs to advertised more, ” to qualify for the free carpool parking permit. Hayter said. “It took me 45 minutes to find While there are designated parking spaces parking here, so I think this can help with parkfor students who sign up for the program in ing for some people.” parking Lot 5, adjacent to the Gymnasium, the Culinary arts major David Vidrine said he permit still grants carpoolers the option to park had no clue about the program and added that anywhere on campus if the lot is full. some of his classmates missed class because Most students, however, have never heard they don’t have a way to campus. about the carpooling program at CCC. As of today, the program is on brink of One of the benefits from the program is the being closed down after one semester of stu11 parking spots located in Lot 5, which are dent use. King said the only way to prevent the reserved for carpooling cars only. program from shutting down is if students sign “There are plans to expanding the parking up for program and take advantage of the free spaces if the program is successful,” King said. $50 gas card.

“For the students that sign up, there are 11 King said he knows every college student available parking spots. wants free money.

Student Nicholas Hayter said he wishes he “Students get a $50 gas card per semeswould have known about this program earlier ter,” Greene said. “It is to help encourage get because he has a vehicle that can fit enough through the process, and serves as a thank you people and finding a parking place could be a for participating in the program.” little easier with a parking permit.

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campusbeat

WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM 9.23.2015 l WEDNESDAY l THE ADVOCATE

Pelosi visit aims to spur political involvement

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

Author and activist Christine Pelosi was welcomed to LA-100 to speak on the importance of constitutional rights in honor of Constitution Day on Thursday.

Pelosi has many titles. She served as deputy attorney of San Francisco, as executive director of the California Democratic Party, chairperson of the California Democratic Party Women’ Caucus, was elected five times in the Democratic National Committee, co-founded the Military Families Council, and serves on the Stake Holder Board of Young Democrats of America.

The event was co-sponsored by Contra Costa College, The Law Club, Pathway to Law School and The League of Women Voters. Students were attentive as Pelosi spoke on the importance of the U.S. Constitution, and to know what it is about. ‘“We the people,’ this is what we are suppose to be about, this is what America is suppose to be about — the people,” Pelosi said.

She focused part of her speech on getting people to know what’s their call to service, knowing their purpose to do something for their own personal future as well as for the future of their country.

“Each of you are here on campus because you want to send some sort of message to the future. There’s something that you want for your own future,” Pelosi said. “So think, how do we identify our call to service?”

Students were moved by Pelosi’s words.

President of The Law Club and Pathway to Law School student Nora Rodriquez said, “She really wants to reach out to people and have them vote and serve whatever purpose they can and help out.”

Part of being an activist is instilling that kind of courage in others, Pelosi said.

CCC student Leslie Yang said Pelosi

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Author and activist Christine Pelosi speaks to audience members about the importance of the Constitution and the rights it provides on Thursday in LA-100. Pelosi discussed recent political issues, police brutality, feminism and immigration.

didn’t just preach about the Constitution, but she told students to follow their dreams and know their call to service.

The importance of voting was greatly talked about, and Pelosi stressed how each vote counts.

She said change is possible if people vote for what they think is right. If they do not think something is worth their vote then they should still vote anyway — it could make a difference.

She also discussed recent political issues happening in our country and how they all tie in to the constitution. Issues she said voters should be aware of are police brutality, racial profiling, death penalty, feminist issues and immigration.

“We have racial profiling, we’ve got marriage equality, we’ve got birthright cit-

izenship, just to name three that were on the news this week,” Pelosi said. “You’ve got conservatives who want to amend the Constitution to take out birthright citizenship and there’s an actual debate on whether that should be removed. These are real issues worth fighting for.”

She said it is OK to take risks early in life and to use your knowledge as a force for good and express your thoughts. “(Pelosi’s speech) benefits us,” Yang said.

“How she says to practice your rights and actually use your voice because you have power. So don’t let (your political power) go to waste.”

The crowd was engaged and Pelosi made sure to keep the crowd interested by speaking on topics about the Constitution’s importance, motivational stories, advice and recent

politics issues.

The president of the Law Club seemed pleased with how the event panned out.

“It was a great starting point,” Rodriguez said. “That was the first event that the Law Club (helped) put together and I can’t wait to put on more events together that reach out to the CCC community.”

She said events like Constitution Day help students and their careers by giving them the opportunity to meet inspiring people who are making real changes in the political world.

Pelosi said, “Constitution Day should be everyday” and the people it should represent need to fight for what is right and be prepared to always know what you are fighting for, to know your goals and to always vote because that’s how things begin to change.

Eddie Rhodes gallery boasts faculty artwork Staff, faculty art exhibit open to students, closes Friday

BY Benjamin Bassham STAFF WRITER

bbassham.theadvocate@gmail.com

The Contra Costa College Staff and Faculty Show in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery in the Art Building is now open for visitors and the last day to see the works of art is Friday.

“It speaks very well for the faculty, and these are the unpaid staff. A lot of things wouldn’t get done without them,” professor Dana Davis, who curates the gallery, said.

“We’re not going to have a formal opening — we may have a closing. I always like to have a closing,” Davis said.

“It has a pretty good sampling of what our staff and volunteers can do. Everything from ceramics to sculpture, painting, photography and even design.”

— Anthony Gordon “The problem is a lot of people don’t know where the gallery is, or even that we have one,” he said.

Psychology professor Anthony

Gordon said, “The gallery is a great location (with fantastic lighting, but) in a perfect world the gallery would be more in the center of campus, more accessible to everyone.”

“It has a pretty good sampling of what our staff and volunteers can do,” Gordon said. “Everything from ceramics to sculpture, painting, photography and even design.”

Painter Sai Thongvaugh, one of the displayed artists, seems to have a particular talent for turning a bright splash of paint into a glowing taillight, or a gleaming bracelet.

Allen Perlof made a pottery bowl that looks like wood around the edges,

so much that you doubt your own eyes in the places where the illusion breaks.

Perlof said it was a slightly older piece he had recently rediscovered, and brought out for the gallery. “I really like it, I hadn’t seen it in a long time,” he said.

The piece is the result of a lengthy process involving a heat gun, stretching and multiple firings. The wooden appearance is actually the incidental result of the stretching, rather than design.

Davis’ own work is photography, and includes close-ups of limbs, and of Barbie dolls. The dolls are bought on the cheap, and presented as purchased.

“I don’t need to make a statement, everyone does that for me,” he said.

Constitution Day booths struggle to garner attention

BY Cody Casares

Student Raquel Garcia speaks to Supported Education Services coordinator Anntheia Farr during Constitution Day at the Student Services Center Plaza on Thursday.

PHOTO EDITOR

ccasares.theadvocate@gmail.com

Students made a poor showing at the Constitution Day event at the Student Services Plaza on Sept.

17.

“More could’ve been done with advertising for Constitution Day,” ASU President Nakari Syon said.

“I think it was just bad timing, and more students were focused on midterms.”

Syon said he could not even attend the event, due to a midterm exam.

The event started at 11 a.m. and had four booths set up with information from the Contra Costa Health Services department, Disabled Students Programs and Services, the Financial Aid Office and the counseling department.

Many of the tables set out in front of Student Services remained empty as students simply walked by. One hour past the start time, roughly 10 students stopped to explore the plethora of information presented at the booths.

Syon said that advertising for the event was limited because of regulations about where the ASU can place fliers.

“We have to post ads on designated message boards around the campus,” he said. “We can’t just post things up on doors in students’ faces or large blank walls for students to see.”

Coordinator of Supported Education Services Anntheia Farr, who set up a booth, said,

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

“(Constitution Day) is supposed to bring awareness to the rights on campus that students have.

Students need to connect with the services on campus.”

Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene said, “The goal is to have students come down and learn about student services and chat about what the Constitution is.

We want to inform students of the Constitution and about the rights that they have.”

Greene said, Constitution Day is mandated by Title IV funds and is an event that takes place at col-

leges across the nation. Students here at Contra Costa College who stopped by the Student Services Plaza could have picked up a pocket sized U.S Constitution book, information about student services and prizes from the booths set up by the campus departments.

Some of the items available are stress balls, Board of Governors waiver forms, a spin prize wheel and Constitution quizzes.

Psychology major Zakarriyah Burns said he was glad he stopped and was introduced to some online resources that could benefit him.

He said he had not heard of the event before or seen advertisements for the occasion but decided to stop regardless.

“It gives students a chance to see who’s working in the background.

I’ve seen a few people walk by so hopefully more will stop (at the event),” Burns said.

Few students did.

There were two separate events that took place around the campus throughout the day with one being a speech by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi’s daughter Christine Pelosi on the importance of

Constitution Day and a movie screening of “Unconstitutional: The War on Our Civil Liberties” at the Knox Center.

The two other events exhibited much greater participation than that of the one Student Services Plaza.

While participants merely trickled into the Student Services aspect of the Constitution Day, Pelosi’s speech on the importance of the Constitution filled LA-100 with around 100 attendees. The screening that took place in the Library had around 50 participants.

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CIVIL LIBERTIES UNDER ATTACK Political science professor Vanna Gonzales introduces the “Unconstitutional” documentary during the Community Organizing and Political Action Club (COPA) film forum in the Library on Thursday.

DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE

BY Robert Clinton SPORTS EDITOR

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

American civil liberties and the length the government goes to infringe upon them was the topic of discussion as the Community Organizing Political Action Club (COPA) held its inaugural event on Thursday in the Library and Resource Center.

The Constitution Day event, a screening of the 2004 documentary “Unconstitutional: The War on Our Civil Liberties,” left many in attendance wondering if the government citizens have been taught to trust actually represents the public interest.

Sociology major and attendee Macina Taylor got the message the film was intended to send.

“The government has a history of setting the law aside when they become afraid,” Taylor said. “So no, I’m not surprised that immediately after Sept. 11 the government began illegally detaining and harassing people.”

In the documentary, the antagonist is the Patriot Act. It exposes the law to viewers in hopes of highlighting failings connected to its implementation.

Contra Costa College has a history of supporting protest movements. In 1968, the Library and Learning Resource Center was used as a set location for the film “Zabriskie Point,” a movie about a student uprising.

Political Science professor Vanna Gonzales carried on the theme of maintaining an inquisitive sense of skepticism in the face of persistent governmental overreach, even with the expiration of the Patriot Act earlier this year.

Twenty-four hours later, the Freedom Act was passed. It is a law that was created to restore provisions from the Patriot Act. “Sometimes it takes an egregious event to focus hearts and minds but that doesn’t mean everyday work doesn’t matter,” Gonzales said.

Politicians, lawmakers and lawyers tried and failed throughout the film to justify the treatment of U.S. citizens and non-citizens at home or abroad.

In the film there are countless examples of violations like those committed at the Abu-Ghraib Military Detention facility in Iraq, or crimes that took place at Guantanamo Bay. As for COPA, the executive board felt its first event was a success.

“I think it was a good presentation on infringement of our (civil) liberties and a good first event in the name of protecting us,” COPA President and economics major Wali Khan said.

Of the nearly 50 students who packed the far corner of the room, many seemed to relate to the film and found the testimonials given by those who were interviewed to be far beyond reasonable.

Gasps could be heard throughout the presentation.

Even in the face of a legacy of abuse of power and disregard for the rights provided through citizenship, students and activists cannot get complacent.

“The struggle always continues,” Gonzales said.

Debate team anticipates SF State linguist challenge

BY Magali Mercado STAFF WRITER

mmercado.theadvocate@gmail.com

Students on the speech and debate team will be competing at San Francisco State University on Saturday.

A small group of students from Contra Costa College will be representing the speech and debate team against a number of other community college, as well as some four-year universities from across the state, including UC Berkeley.

Joseph Carver, director of the speech and debate team, is determined to see the team do well in the competition.

Carver said, “San Francisco State will be our opportunity to make a statement on who we will be this year, we want to get on the right foot.”

Carver said the speech and debate team currently has about four competitors, but the team has already grown.

“We’re now looking at a team of about nine people,” Carver said.

Competitors will be competing in a total of

three categories: parliamentary style debate, a form of informative speech known as public address and oral interpretation of literature and poetry.

Rounds in the tournament will consist of five or six students competing against each other, with a judge or judges deciding how well they all did. Each speech ranges from eight to 12 minutes long, Carver said.

Lerecia Evans, a member of the speech and debate team competing on Saturday said, “My speeches are usually eight to 10 minutes long.

You have to be cautious and not go over or too far under the given time, because you can lose points for that.”

Students can utilize the same speech, practicing and gaining strength for other competitions, or can take the opportunity to give numerous speeches over the course of the weekend.

Evans said she wants to do well in the tournament in order to represent CCC well.

“We really want to win for the school,” Evans said.

Wyllene Turner, another member of the

speech and debate team, said that winning is not the only important aspect of the competition.

“If you’re just looking to win, you’re not really learning,” Turner said.

Evans said, “It’s good to win but I’m mainly looking for feed back in my speeches from the judges to improve our speeches because we want to go to state and national (tournaments) this year.”

Carver said that one of the major benefits of competitions is that students grow on a personal level from the experience.

“I think the training and preparation really help,” Carver said. “Students learn how to handle criticism and really benefit from the experience.

Carver said the speech and debate team is currently running drills, practicing their speeches as their teammates critique them in preparation for the tournament.

He said there are more competitions they will compete in this year, and the team is hopeful to go to the state and national speech and debate competitions in the spring.

HARMON FILLS INTERIM LEADERSHIP ROLE

BY Roxana Amparo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ramparo.theadvocate@gmail.com

Intent on providing support for Contra Costa College students, a new interim vice president joined its community in early Aug., after Tammeil Gilkerson, former vice president, took on a role at the District Office.

Jane Harmon has already begun her one-year interim position with CCC and has been working closely with fellow administrators, and faculty to strengthen a series of statewide education initiatives.

“My agenda is their agenda,” Dr. Harmon said referring to her colleagues.

Harmon said she plans on working to bolster CCC’s academic and economic resources for its students to take advantage of.

She said she hopes that working closely with counselors will increase student success.

Prior to being hired at CCC, Harmon was president at Yuba College this past Feb. and has held various high-ranking administrative positions that have allowed her to gain the experience necessary to be fit for the job.

After only working with Harmon for only a short amount of time, Dean of Student Services Vicki Ferguson said Harmon is the “perfect” candidate for the interim vice president position.

“Her experience — her expertise — and her organization skills.”

Ferguson said. “It takes a unique individual (to be vice president of a community college).”

Harmon said she and Ferguson will be working together to promote the Student Equity Plan, a

Interim Vice President Jane Harmon is passionate about supporting students at Contra Costa College. Prior to being hired at CCC Dr. Harmon was president at Yuba College.

CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE

new initiative for California Community Colleges that will shift focus toward creating a more inclusive academic environment.

The student equity plan focuses on equal education opportunities for student and promoting student success regardless of race, gender, economic class or any physical disabilities.

Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Helen Benjamin said, “(Harmon) has a tremendous amount of experience, is committed to diversity and understands the (two-year) college community.”

Interim President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh speaks from experience when she said those taking on an interim position have to “hit the ground running.”

“There isn’t time to go through the training process,” Mehdizadeh said, “They have to understand the situation right away.”

Harmon has held interim positions at different community colleges, including Moore Park and Allen Hancock College as interim vice president and her first interim position was at Shasta College.

Dr. Benjamin offered CCC’s previous vice president, Gilkerson, a position as a Diversity Inclusion and Innovation Officer in June at the District Office.

She said the district needed someone with the “commitment” and “dedication” that Gilkerson has shown during her time at CCC. When Gilkerson was called with an open opportunity at the district, she said she was reluctant to leave CCC, but said it was an opportunity she had to take.

Now, she takes part in the district’s procedures such as policies and how to improve situations regarding faculty and students districtwide.

Harmon said community colleges have been her focal point because she is able to provide opportunities to students by working closely with faculty and administrators.

Before CCC, Harmon set aside some time for a family trip to Switzerland, Italy and Paris.

For Harmon, she said growing up close to her grandmother Marie Harmon, who attended college and read to Harmon as a young girl, instilled a high regard for education within her.

She said her grandmother told her that she should not be afraid because life is going to require stepping out of her comfort zone, but reassured her that it is part of the learning process.

“I’m going to encourage people to take risks,” she said.

Gilkerson said. “She is qualified. And often times a new perspective can benefit the college.”

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‘Magical realism’ drives narcotic novela

By Brian Boyle STAFF WRITER

bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com

T

he only thing necessary for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing.

This is just one of the themes explored by on one of Netflix’s newest original series — “Narcos.”

“Narcos” follows the dramatic life of Pablo Escobar — one of the most infamous drug lords to ever live, and the efforts of the DEA and Colombia’s various police forces to bring the drug lord, and his infamous Medellin Cartel, to justice.

The show, which premiered its first season in its entirety on Aug. 28, is yet another smashing success from Netflix.

Coming off the popularity of “Breaking Bad,” “Narcos” shows that when talking about the violent world of illicit drugs, truth is far more interesting than fiction.

Though “Narcos” is embellished in some areas for drama’s sake, the show sticks as close to the reality of the events that transpired from 1976 to 1993, the time which a young Escobar, played by Wagner Moura, trafficked and profited from selling cocaine.

During the 1980s, Escobar held Colombia in a grip of terror as he subverted the government in Colombia by buying those he could, and killing those he could not.

During that time he was tied to thousands of murders, a ruthless bombing campaign and he was even alleged to have hired a communist guerrilla group to hold Colombia’s Supreme Court hostage.

The show’s creators collaborated with the original DEA agents who hunted Escobar throughout the 1980s — Javier

Peña (Pedro Pascal) and Steven whatever is necessary to stop Escobar. Holbrook’s portrayal Murphy (Boyd Holbrook). of Murphy is almost as comMurphy, as the show tells, pelling as Moura’s of Escobar. began his career chasing hippies in Miami for selling mari- He is a man possessed when it juana, and very quickly evolved comes to Escobar, but has to balance his obsession over the into a daily fight for his life drug lord with his duties as a against Escobar’s minions. father and husband.

Escobar’s cocaine empire Murphy’s story explores was said to have earned $60 one of the other major themes million per day during its of “Narcos” —that when one peak, what would be an estimated $130 million if adjusted hunts monsters, one must be careful not to become one. for inflation today. Escobar Peña, Murphy’s partner in himself was said to command Colombia, serves as his foil. a personal fortune of over $25 billion. With this unimaginable Where Murphy is an idealist, Peña has been in Colombia for fortune, Escobar waged what far too long, and has gathered was essentially a civil war in serious doubts Colombia, holding the country hostage with his particular TELEVISION about whether REVIEW anyone can be style of negotiating, which trusted. In real always boiled down to, “Plata o “Narcos” life, Escobar Plomo” (silver or lead).

Director: José proved the Escobar was protected by old adage that the people of Medellin, largely Padilha Starring: Pedro every man because he paid for the conPascal, Wagner has his price, struction of schools, hospitals, Moura, Boyd buying politisoccer fields and literally hand- Holbrook Release Date: cians, judges, ed money out to the poor in Aug. 28 military comthe streets. manders, CIA Moura delivers an outstandagents and ing performance as Escobar. whatever local police stood in He manages to portray him his way. in a calm, stoic manner, while In the show, Escobar’s sucstill radiating danger. Escobar cess in this area has made Peña was deadly when crossed, and edgy, and paranoid, and Pascal Moura makes that perfectly clear in his performance. Every manages to demonstrate this while also showcasing a fervid word Escobar utters during love of the various pleasures the course of the show is of life. Peña is a character who laced with threat, and Moura’s believes that no one around portrayal of Escobar makes it him can be trusted, just as he obvious the only thing more dangerous than his scowl is his is also a character that believes every day could very well be smile. his last.

Murphy, the “gringo” DEA Escobar’s life was not only agent hunting Escobar, begins violent, but he had his own the show as an idealist in love share of sordid love affairs. with his job of taking drugs In the show, Escobar beds a off the streets of Miami. Yet, journalist named Valeria Velez as the show continues, his (Stephanie Sigman). Velez is steadfast idealism is withered, loosely based off of Virgina until he becomes a hardVallejo, a journalist ened veteran willing to do

now living in America who once upon time was Escobar’s lover. She has detailed her life in her book, “Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar.”

Velez’s career benefits tremendously from her affair with Escobar. She is able to be the first journalist on the scene of all of the atrocities Escobar’s cartel committed. Velez’s character is a hard one to like.

She is self-serving, greedy and clearly willing to go to whatever lengths are necessary to advance her station.

The show is done in the style of magical realism, a style which was birthed in Colombia, the country in which the show is filmed. The show strives to capture as historically accurate an account of Escobar’s cocaine cartel as possible, while using dramatic flair to instill its message.

Long shots which display the beauty and wildness of Colombia, Murphy’s voiceover narration and even the subtle; yet dramatic, lighting of the show combine in a way to make “Narcos” is less of a show and more of an experience.

While watching, one can go from pondering America’s responsibility in creating the massive drug trade still plaguing Latin America to this day, to be gripped to the edge of their seat as Escobar’s men wage their war in an instant.

Viewers go from laughing at the variety and beauty of life, to having their stomachs seize with the sheer brutality of which man is capable.

The show sticks as closely as it can the history of Escobar’s drug war and imparts a lesson about the U.S.’s own responsibility and effect in the world at large.

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I wasn’t paying attention to the stats during the game. I only focused on getting the W, limiting mistakes and not committing any turnovers. — Cameron Burston, Comet quarterback

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COMETS ROMP INTO WIN STREAK

BY Lorenzo Morotti ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Comet running back Robert Wilkes plows over Tiger linebacker Clay Jones and into the end zone during Contra Costa College’s 37-28 win against Reedley College on Saturday at Comet Stadium.

Football squad edges out Tigers in gridiron battle Comets

BY Robert Clinton

protect

rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com

21st place state rank with win COMETS

37 28 TIGERS

SPORTS EDITOR

The Comets faced their biggest challenge of the year thus far, trailing just before halftime then roaring back to score late and defeat previously unbeaten Reedley College (2-1) 37-28 on Saturday at Comet Stadium.

The prospect of this game being decided in the final quarter was not a foreign concept to the Contra Costa College (3-0) coaching staff. When the two teams met last year it took a heroic fourth quarter touchdown to solidify CCC’s victory.

This game would be no different.

Stellar performances by Comet quarterback Cameron Burston (21-24 for 354 yards passing, four touchdowns and no interceptions) and receiver Frank Stephens (six receptions for 244 yards and three touchdowns) were overshadowed by a defense that netted four sacks and four clutch interceptions, two of the picks by defensive back Nico Hurst.

“I wasn’t paying attention to the stats during the game,” Burston said. “I was only focused on getting the W, limiting my mistakes and not committing any turnovers.”

The game started slowly, with neither generating much offense. Either the abnormally warm San Pablo afternoon was to blame or the extensive amount of time each team undoubtedly spent watching film leading into the contest.

Three punts and a turnover on downs ended the first four series of the game. It was not until Reedley broke the scoring drought with a touchdown eight minutes into the game that the two teams began heating up.

CCC’s response was unimpressive, settling for a 30-yard Lorann Fonseca field goal after plowing deep into the Tiger red zone.

Trailing 7-3 after one quarter, the Comet offense still could not get into a productive flow. The Tigers capitalized on a costly CCC penalty and translated the gift into six points on a 12-yard rushing touchdown.

“The times they did score were more from mental mistakes on our end,” CCC linebacker Teddy Noble said. “We wanted to come out firing and play gap control, (defensive) assignment football.”

With the deficit growing and the offensive line whiffing on pass rushers for most of the first half, Burston somehow put together an eight-play drive completing seven passes ending with a 25-yard touchdown to Stephens, cutting

BOX SCORES Football (Sept. 19) Reedley College, Contra Costa College Reedley 7 7 14 0 — 28 CCC 3 14 14 6 — 37 First Quarter Reedley — Horton 21 yard touchdown from Bray (kick Good) CCC — Fonseca 30 yard field goal Second Quarter Reedley — Bray 12 yard touchdown run (kick good) CCC — Stephens 25 yard touchdown pass

CODY CASARES / THE ADVOCATE

Comet tight end Jaelen Collins catches a pass against his helmet during Contra Costa College’s 37-28 win over Reedley College at Comet Stadium on Saturday.

Reedley’s lead to 14-10.

Feeling momentum creeping in, the combustible Comets harnessed that energy, stopping the Tiger offense by way of a Jackson Finch interception that the safety returned 42 yards up the field.

His return was a more practical choice than the lateral route he took returning an interception in the Comet home opener two weeks ago.

Burston made Reedley pay for the mistake with a lead-taking 53-yard touchdown to Stephens.

CCC led 17-14 at the half.

Out of the halftime break, the Comets showed no signs of easing up. Just three plays into the half Stephens found himself darting 77 yards into the end zone after receiving a laser pass from Burston.

For Stephens, the catch would be his third touchdown of the game.

“We have a unique group. They’re young so you need to shake them up sometimes — we only have 20 or so sophomores,” CCC coach Alonzo Carter said. “I tell them if they can withstand the best of any team for the first two quarters then we will be OK in the second half because of our (roster) depth.”

Comet receiver Malcolm Hale (five receptions, 25 yards, one touchdown) made fielding a punt as difficult as it seems, fumbling a return just a series later that led directly to a Reedley touchdown.

But in a fashion indicative of this game, it was Hale who was on the receiving end of a 13-yard touchdown

from Burston (kick good) CCC — Stephens 53 yard touchdown from Burston (kick good) Third Quarter CCC — Stephens 77 yard touchdown from Burston (kick good) Reedley — Mclaughlin 8 yard touchdown pass from Bray CCC — Hale 13 yd touchdown from Burston (kick good).

Reedley — Horton 59 yard touchdown from Bray (kick good) Fourth Quarter CCC — Wilkes 8 yard touchdown run (kick failed) Individual statistics Rushing — Reedley — Avery 11-84, Harrison 6-23-, Bray 11-3. — CCC — Daniels 7-21, Burston 13-15, Harper 3-3.

Passing — Reedley— Bray 19-47-313.

pass from Burston just minutes later.

Stunned and discombobulated following a 40-yard Falcon kickoff return, the Comets would promptly give up a 59-yard touchdown pass one play later.

But the Comets still led 31-28 after three quarters.

Both teams played conservatively going into the final quarter with neither willing to risk having a big mistake be the reason for a loss.

After the Comet defense forced a Falcon turnover on downs, Comet running back, deemed “bruising back” by his teammates, Robert Wilkes blasted his way across the goal line, giving CCC six more points.

It was now time for the defense to take the spotlight.

A six-yard sack by Comet linebacker Amari Mount (three tackles and one sack) and another interception by Hurst (four tackles and two interceptions) highlighted the next Tiger possession and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Comet defenders would continue to rattle Reedley signal caller Austin Bray, forcing a third down sack and fumble recovered by the Tigers.

Leading to a drive-ending, hope-killing six-yard sack on fourth down by Chima Onyeukwu (six tackles and one sack).

The Comets play at 6 p.m. Saturday on the road against a Merced College team that played tough until the end last year against the Comets, with CCC narrowly winning the game 27-20.

— CCC — Burston 21-24-354.

Receiving — Reedley — Horton 8-86, Harrison 6-23, Moore 1-18, Johnson 1-16. — CCC — Stephens 6-244, Taylor 5-42, Hale 5-25, Nelson 1-19, Collins 2-16, Pippins 1-9.

Field goals — Reedley — None. — CCC — Lorann Fonseca 1/1 30 yards Record — Reedley — 2-1 — CCC — 3-0

SCHEDULE

at Yuba College, Oct. 17, 6 p.m. vs. College of the Redwoods, Oct. 24, 1 p.m. at Shasta College Oct. 31, 6 p.m. vs. Mendocino College Nov. 7, 3 p.m. at San Jose City College Nov. 14, 3 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. Lake Tahoe Community College, Sept. 25, 4.p.m. vs. Yuba College, Sept. 29, 4 p.m.

Football at Merced College, Saturday, 6 p.m. vs. Los Medanos College, Oct. 3, Homecoming, 6 p.m.

at Napa Valley College, Oct. 2, 4 p.m. at College of Marin, Oct. 6, 4 p.m. vs. Mendocino College, Oct. 9, 4 p.m.

The men’s soccer team went down a goal early in the game, but recovered quickly to overwhelm Chabot College in a 7-1 romp in Hayward on Thursday.

After the team’s third straight win, Contra Costa College (4-1-1 overall) is tied for first place in the Bay Valley Conference standings in non-conference play with Napa Valley College.

“Once they scored it was COMETS like a wake up call,” Comet striker Bryan Vega, who tallied one GLADIATORS goal and assist, said.

“We knew we were the better team and started to play like we normally do and the floodgates opened.”

The Comets outshot the Gladiators (2-3 overall) five to one with 17 and 3 shot totals respectively.

While Gladiator striker German Villalobos managed to sneak in a goal at nine minutes into the game, due to a defensive error, the Comets rewrote the storyline before the end of the first half by scoring four goals in 23 minutes.

Comet striker Pedro Rodriguez provided a brace within this time by scoring two goals at minutes 19, and 30.

These goals were assisted

by Comet right back Alejandro Gonzalez who lobbed passes into the penalty area from the attacking right wing. Gonzalez finished the game with three assists.

Center midfielders Jesus Villagrana and Jorge Avina also added to the 4-1 score at halftime when they found the back of the net at minutes 25 and 42.

“There was a point we knew we won,” Villagrana said. “When we scored the third goal it was still an open game, (the Gladiators) were pushing back (offensively). But after we scored the fourth they put their heads down and you could tell (the Gladiators) gave up.”

The offensive onslaught continued into the second half when Avina’s pass into the box connected with Villagrana’s forehead to loft the ball over Gladiator goalkeeper Gustavo Rodriguez, who had come off the goal line, and dip under the crossbar into the right side of the goal at minute 70.

Comet strikers Bryan Santos and Vega finished the route with goals at 82 and 51 minutes.

Gonzalez and Rodriguez assisted these goals, respectively.

The goal at minute 51 marked a 5-1 score. Rodriguez said he had made a run down along the right side of the field to receive a diagonal pass sent from center field.

“I sprinted to the ball toward the end line while a defender was right behind me,” he said. “But I beat him to (the ball) and sent a line drive cross to (Vega).

“I didn’t really have time to think where I sent (the pass) exactly as I was falling down. I thought he was going to score with his foot, but (Vega) finished with a diving header instead.”

Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said unlike the 6-1 loss against Modesto Junior College on Sept. 4, the Comets made the best of their chances and put the game away before the second half.

“We played some good soccer and took advantage of opportunities,” Ferguson said. “The onslaught of goals against (Butte College) last week carried over.”

CCC’s subsequent game was played Tuesday at City College of San Francisco. The results can be found on cccaasports.org.

The team’s next home match is Friday at 4 p.m. against Lake Tahoe Community College.

“We are looking forward to the challenge, but we have to show that we are capable of competing with the top soccer programs in Northern California,” Ferguson said. “Evergreen Valley College (Aug. 29) and Modesto JC were challenges, and these games against CCSF and Lake Tahoe (College) won’t be any different.”

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STROLLING THROUGH EL SOBRANTE Photos by: Cody Casares FOR

MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CCCADVOCATE.COM

LEFT: Contra Costa College volunteers wave to spectators during the parade at the El Sobrante Stroll on San Pablo Dam Road on Sunday. CCC showcased its ambulance followed by a trail of students and faculty.

RIGHT: Rodeo resident Nick Noble flies high over El Sobrante resident Alex Lopez at the BMX show during the El Sobrante Stroll on San Pablo Dam Road on Sunday.

ABOVE: Fairfield resident Augustin Lara admires Bruce and Darby Sutherland’s 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 during the El Sobrante Stroll on San Pablo Dam Road on Sunday.

ABOVE: El Sobrante resident Jason Lopez jumps over eight volunteers without the use of a ramp on his BMX bike during the El Sorbrante Stroll on San Pablo Dam Road on Sunday.

RIGHT: Gregory McDowell rides his horse as a part of the parade during the El Sobrante Stroll on San Pablo Dam Road on Sunday.