CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B
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sports X page 7
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‘Grand Theft Auto V’ steals spotlight
Volleyball squad snags first win
Newest installment in series provides gamers with brand new options
Neville key to momentum in Comets’ victory over Eagles
VOL. 101, NO. 4
SINCE 1950 8 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM
THE STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.
District board in need of filler
Alternate transport explored
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Committee in search of sustainable solution
By George Morin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
gmorin.theadvocate@gmail.com
By Lorenzo Morotti
The Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board is soliciting applicants to serve as an appointed member for Ward III of the board until the next regularly scheduled election for board trustees on Nov. 4, 2014. Applicants must be residents of Ward III, which Marquez includes most of Concord, Marquez Martinez, will be the Pleasant Hill interim and Pacheco. Governing The previBoard presous district ident while Governing the district Board presiboard waits dent and Ward to fill the III board trustvacant seat. ee Sheila Grilli, 75, died on Aug. 31, leaving a vacant position to be “That filled. money The new could and district board trustee will be should seated at the district board go to meeting on students Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. Due to the — not an vacancy of the election.” board presidency, Trustee John John Marquez, E. Marquez has interim Governing taken the reins Board president as the interim district board president. The board gave approval at its Sept. 11 meeting to fill this position by provisional appointment instead of the more costly option of an election, which would cost up to $417,000, district Chancellor Helen Benjamin said. “This would be an economical solution to this issue,” Dr. Benjamin said at the district board meeting on Sept. 11. Marquez agrees. “We chose the provisional Q SEE WARD III: Page 3
EDITORIAL CARTOONIST
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
dents build their confidence and become effective public speakers. And in doing so they learn that through the power of public speaking, they can transform their lives, their communities and our world.” Speech department co-Chairperson Sherry Diestler said, “They (the speech and debate team) are the wonderful fruit of the department.” Students of any major can overcome their fears by taking advantage of the speech classes offered at CCC, Diestler said. The college now also offers an associ-
People who commute to campus are being encouraged to participate in an online transportation survey created by the Sustainability Committee to determine possible incentives for alternatives to automotive transportation. The survey was implemented to allow students, staff and faculty to decide X The what would be the next Sustainability step taken in support of a Committee more sustainable Contra is conductCosta College. ing an online “We need support from transportation students and administra- survey. tion if we want to spend money on transportation X The results alternatives that would will influence in turn save them money decisions and help get them onto made to campus,” Sustainability improve green Committee member transportation and geography profes- on and off sor Christopher Johnson, campus. said. These alternative transportation options include programs like the AC Transit Easy Pass, new and improved public bicycle facilities and an online carpooling network called Zimride. “We hope to get people out of their cars,” member of the Sustainability Committee and Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. “If we want to keep CCC green, we must consider the alternatives.” If people choose an alternative transportation option it would help clear up automotive congestion on and around campus as well as reduce CCC’s carbon footprint, King said. The Sustainability Committee is responsible for the maintenance of the local ecosystem by meeting goals set by the California Sustainable Community and Climate Protection Act, he said. The act, passed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008, allowed the California Environmental Protection Agency to create emission reduction goals that local governments must meet by 2035. “There has been a big push in California focusing new development around transit hubs or existing high density areas,” Johnson said. These “big pushes” include local governments adhering to the transportation and housing planning process to achieve goals set in place by the California Global
Q SEE SPEECH: Page 3
Q SEE SUSTAINABILITY: Page 3
in brief
CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
Developing an idea — Speech and debate coach Darren Phalen (left) listens to English major Hayley Callaway as she prepares her speech during a Argumentation and Debate class in AA-113 on Thursday.
OVERCOMING FEAR By Veronica Santos SCENE EDITOR
vsantos.theadvocate@gmail.com
A crowd stares, heartbeats race, palms sweat, anxiety kicks in and words become almost obsolete — glossophobia, or fear of public speaking, is the number one fear of most Americans today. The student tutors and professors in Contra Costa College’s speech department aim to get rid of those fears in their students. Speech department co-Chairperson Connie Anderson said, “What we try to do is help stu-
Ampim receives AGS Golden Apple award By Brian Boyle STAFF WRITER
bboyle.theadvocate@gmail.com
History professor Manu Ampim is anything but ordinary. The Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society recognized that as well when they awarded professor Ampim its Golden Apple award. Every year the AGS selects a professor whom they believe does the most to help students achieve academic success. “We’re an honor society. We choose the professor that we believe helps students choose their academic goals,” AGS President Rodolfo Orellana said. Ampim is certainly the professor to do that. He is driven by a desire to see his students succeed.
“I love hearing that my students have gone on to be successful and happy,” Ampim said. Having not only traveled the world, he was able to observe and practice teaching at all levels and in other countries. “I’ve taught high school, middle schools, elementary schools, all sorts of community and private schools. I’ve seen so many teaching scenarios. I have even taught in England, in adult schools,” Ampim said, recalling his travels. “I’ve been to 19 different countries,” he said. Life of a scholar Ampim was born in Mobile, Ala., but he grew up in the Bay Area. Q SEE AMPIM: Page 3
GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B
Professor honored for ability, work that inspires student body
A worthy recipient — History professor Manu Ampim was awarded the Alpha Gamma Sigma Golden Apple award for his desire to see students succeed.
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2 THE ADVOCATE
OPINION
l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013
Quotable “Freedom of speech is something that shapes our nation. It is vital.” Robert Redford actor 2001 George Morin editor-in-chief Rodney Woodson associate editor Jared Amdahl opinion editor Mike Thomas sports editor Veronica Santos scene 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 Vazquez 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.theadvocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013 VOL. 101, NO. 4 L
Editorial
Window of opportunity Funds raised from fee create ample potential
W
ith a surplus of $35,000 raised by last year’s student activity fee, the Associated Students Union has the opportunity to enrich and improve Contra Costa College and its surrounding community — provided it does not miss this window of opportunity. The large amount of money the ASU currently has in its coffers does not include the funds raised from this year’s activity fee, the exact amount of which will be determined later in the college year. It is, however, estimated that there will be more than $30,000 raised again from the fee by the end of the year. That adds up to a possible $60,000 the ASU can spend on what it deems worthy on campus. The number of activities, benefits and perks that could be available to students at CCC is only limited by the things the ASU and student body can imagine. Two years ago there was no student activity fee and, with that absence, no $35,000 sitting untapped to be used in a way student government officers felt was best. But now that money is there, which means it is time for action. Threats of program and class cuts are very present today. Colleges throughout the state are forced to cut class sections and academic programs to meet their budgets in the ever-changing state economy. But with the ASU’s Grant for Support, programs and departments can receive up to $3,500 of funding for their operations. This is just one of the ideas the ASU has come up with to allocate the activity fee funds. With several other ideas still being formulated and debated, the ASU representatives have been putting much thought into how the money can be invested properly. But their mission is far from over. What should now be on our student government’s mind is how else can the community and college alike be enriched, preserved and improved with these funds generated by the activity fee? With students working together with ASU officials like President Ysrael Condori, an actual change for good can come out of this surplus of cash. Wise spending and good ideas can help transform some of the college programs, departments, student clubs and organizations on campus. The ASU must not only keep up the pace and properly allocate these funds, but remember where the money came from in the first place — students. By not forgetting this, they will hopefully understand that the dollars must be invested wisely back into the student body.
LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE
N Success
Smartphone apps cause dependencies A
s technology advances, we have become more and more dependent upon it. Almost every day we can discover a new aspect or advancement in the technology that surrounds us and is expected to simplify our lives. The ever-updated iPhone is a prime example, but the smartphone in general has become a common tool grossly relied upon today. Smartphones today contain applications and such apps are allowing us to complete many tasks easier than ever before at the touch of our fingertips. The most common apps used are those from the Apple Store or for Android and they enable us do anything from play games to shop without the need of even getting up. Could it be that technology is disabling us instead of helping us? The smartphone is undeniably useful in its ability to help us. It keeps everything from our contact list to our grocery list, allows us to have face-to-face conversations with people thousands of miles away. We also use apps to catch a taxi with the utmost ease. However, we often find ourselves lost when we do not have our cellphones with us or their batteries run out. We simply cannot function properly in mainstream American society without our smartphones. They even help us remem-
only requirement is to have a level of competence to merely look something up and not commit it to memory. Aside from distractions of phone usage, future generations face many other problems. ber important dates and times For example, let’s say you and phone numbers. take a road trip. All the time you hear As a member of this gensomeone say, “Hold on, let eration, you’re liable to just me look on my put the address of phone,” when your destination asked to recall a Almost every into your smartperson’s phone phone and let it day we can number. do all the work An important instead learning point that can how to use maps. discover be made from As a result excessive use of not knowing a new aspect of these devices how to navigate would be the a map, the likelidistractions that or advancement hood of getting middle school, lost increases and, high school and in the technology in the event that college students your phone dies, face. you could end that surrounds Many of up stranded in an these students, unfamiliar place. us and is on varying acaYour cellphone demic levels, won’t be so smart expected to get easily disthen, huh? tracted by their We should all simplify our phones. learn to live withThey put out the excess aside homework lives. dependency on to spend time our smartphones. in the popular social media After all, there are some apps such as Facebook, people around the globe who Twitter and Instagram. have never owned a cellSocial media, alongside phone and they are still alive excess smartphone usage, and well. have created a conflict in this So, what makes us so difgeneration. ferent? It has been proven that the Evelyn Vazquez is a staff excessive use of smartphones writer for The Advocate. can reduce our short-term Contact her at evazquez. memories. theadvocate@gmail.com. Because we don’t have to think much anymore, the
evelynvazquez
CampusComment
How should the student activity fee be spent?
“It should be spent on more up-to-date campus facilities and books. We all could use that.” Phasian LeDee culinary arts
“It definitely shouldn’t be squandered. It should be spent on us (students).”
“They (the ASU) should put it toward more events like Welcome Week.”
“Putting money towards more tutors in different areas would help us (students).”
Joshua Jackson
Cynthia Ezeokoli
Dillon Buffi
film
MCHS
psychology
“Since it’s our (the students’) money it should be spent on us for something like scholarships.” Abhijeet Kumar engineering
“They (the ASU) should spend it on making books cheaper for students (in the college Bookstore. That would definitely help out all of us (students).” Nikita Adarkwah nursing
GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
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Newsline Q HOLIDAY
Campus closed in observance The campus will be closed on Friday in observance of Native American Day. Classes will reconvene on Monday.
Library to open at 8:30 a.m. The Library will be opening 30 minutes earlier Monday through Thursday, beginning Tuesday. Students will now be able to print out documents before most classes that begin at 9:10 a.m. The Library’s new hours for Mondays through Thursdays will be from 8:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Hours for operation on Fridays and Saturdays will be from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. For more information, contact the Library front desk at 510-2357800, ext. 4318.
Q TRANSFER
Students explore options, colleges Contra Costa College’s Annual Transfer Day will be held on Oct. 8 in the Student Services Plaza and is set to begin at 10 a.m. University representatives from the Bay Area and beyond will man tables and hand out transfer information and advice to interested students. All students are invited to engage in this display of collegiate opportunity and information sharing. Students can find out first hand what they need to transfer to the school of their choice. For more information, contact the ASU at 510-235-7800, ext. 4237.
Q FUNDRAISER
Golfing for scholarships The 14th Annual Swinging for Scholarships Golf Tournament will be held at the Mira Vista Golf Country Club in El Cerrito on Oct. 7. College officials and local business people will golf to fundraise for scholarships for CCC students. If you are interested in participating in the golf tournament and want more information, contact the Scholarship Program Coordinator Jennifer Dyment at jdyment@contracosta.edu.
CrimeWatch Monday, Sept. 16: Officers responded to a student who found a syringe in the Applied Arts Building. Officers collected the syringe and brought the item to their evidence room. Wednesday, Sept. 18: A student reported she was having chest pains and was transported to the hospital by American Medical Response. A student reported his car was vandalized by an unknown person in Lot 10. Thursday, Sept. 19: A homeless man was found intoxicated on the foot bridge by the Student Services Center and was transported to the hospital by American Medical Response. Saturday, Sept. 21: A student was given a warning about misusing a handicap placard that was not his or hers. — George Morin
3
Workshop fights plagiarism Noodle Tools seminar informs student body By Heather Wallin STAFF WRITER
hwallin.theadvocate@gmail.com
The “Avoid Plagiarism with NoodleTools” workshop is today from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in LLRC-107. Librarian Judith Flum will be leading the workshop. Plagiarism is the imitation of another person’s words and thoughts without permission or proper citation. The first part of the workshop will cover the ways students can unknowingly plagiarize and the second
Checking for plagiarism will be easier than ever with current technology, she said. “I noticed a big plagiarism probProfessors are using websites like Desire2Learn lem on campus years ago. A lot to supplement their class and students are being to turn their original papers in virtuof it seemed accidental from stu- instructed ally. dents being unorganized.” The program then checks the paper for plagiarism and reports back to the student and professor how much of the paper is forged, Flum said. Judith Flum, librarian The NoodleTools membership is free to Contra Costa College students, but must first be created half covers NoodleTools membership and site on campus by the student, she said. navigation, Flum said. “Students need to create an account on camNoodleTools is an online organizational tool pus to authenticate they are a student, and then that allows users to manage their research infor- they can use (NoodleTools) anywhere,” she said. mation in a way that directly links the source. The workshop will be repeated Oct. 14 from “I noticed a big plagiarism problem on cam- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 12:30 to pus years ago,” Flum said. “A lot of it seemed 2 p.m. accidental from students being unorganized.”
Speech | Group boosts courage Ward III Q FROM: Page 1
Q HOURS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE
ate degree in communications that transfers to a CSU campus. Instilling confidence When delivering a speech in front of a crowd, English major and speech and debate member Hayley Callaway said what goes through her mind is, “Oh my gosh... I hope I don’t mess it up or go out of order.” But with the help of her team and the professors, she is able to run the speech through her head and feel confident in her skills. “They are so devoted. They work tirelessly to hone us. I’ve learned most about life on the speech team,” Callaway said. Most employers say that the most important traits they look for are speaking and listening skills, Diestler said. “The speech classes emphasize those skills. Being good in a research field is not enough. You need to be able to communicate your ideas.” The student learning outcomes for the department have been focused on student confidence over the past few years. Diestler said, every semester, students are asked to rate their confidence level in communicating from a scale of one to 10. By the end of the semester, students are then asked to rate their confidence again, and the department has found great results, according to both Diestler and Dr. Anderson. Diestler is aware that due to the common fear of public speaking, some students avoid the classes.
However, “one of our shyest students won first place in persuasive speaking at Ohlone (College) last spring,” Diestler said. “It’s great to see people take on this challenge because in some ways it’s like an athletic challenge. I like to think of it as the academic Comets.” Building a community The classes and Speech Lab located in AA-113C are not only for those interested in the field of communications. Both Diestler and Anderson encourage students of any major to take advantage of their class offerings. Speech and debate team member Alejandro Romero said, “It helps develop good communication skills because in the real world, you need to be able to communicate with others.” Any student, including ESL students who may need help with their speech, can use the lab. Tutors are available by appointment or dropin hours posted by each tutors’ contact information at the lab. Diestler said she wants to provide regular students the same opportunities to practice their speeches. “It’s great to see the tutors who have had to compete help train the regular speech students,” Diestler said. “They’ve learned new skills to help train others so it’s great to see (them) using their speaking, outlining and research skills to train students who are just starting.” She said the lab gives students a taste of a four-year college experience and that it is vibrant environment for students to gather.
One of their biggest events is the Intramural Speech Competition, held at CCC. This allows students who have never competed a chance to get a taste of how it feels to deliver a speech in front of judges. The event is an opportunity to work with other departments in the campus. This includes help from the Associated Students Union, catering from the culinary department and college administration. At a tournament last spring at Ohlone College, Diestler said they had brand new competitors. Every time a CCC student won an award, the other students on the team would cheer loudly. To her, it built team spirit and support. Looking forward Although the college is a commuter campus — some students have children and full-time jobs, “We are constantly recruiting,” Anderson said. There are students who want to take the classes but are faced with conflicting schedules, she said. The co-chairpersons want to inform students that classes such as Speech 160A (Speaking in the Community) and 160B (Forensics) are open entry classes. Students are able to sign up for the classes with .5 to 4 units, depending on the hours, by the census date. “We are always trying to find students who would like to compete,” Diestler said. “They shouldn’t be afraid of competition because they are shy. There’s such a variety of ways to be involved.”
Q FROM: Page 1
appointment instead of the special election for the obvious reason that it would be a huge amount of money,” he said. “That money could and should go to students — not an election.” Applications are being sought from candidates who have the ability and time to fulfill the responsibilities of being a member of the district board, Marquez said. The responsibilities of being a trustee to the district board include; full participation by attending all district board meetings and district events, knowledge of the communities one is serving and a commitment to community colleges and their missions, he said. “We have a lot applications,” he said. “There’s a big interest in education and that’s the kind of person we need for this position.” People interested in applying had until Monday to complete and submit a cover letter, application form, resume, supplemental questionnaire and three letters of reference to the district in Martinez. All forms were located on the district website at www.4cd.edu or could have be picked up at the district office. A special district board meeting will be held on Oct. 2 to review all applications and determine which persons are to move forward to the interview stage. Another meeting will be held on Oct. 8 to interview the selected individuals and select the provisional Ward III trustee, Marquez said, with the seat filled on Oct. 9 at the regular meeting of the board in Martinez.
Sustainability | Committee conducts survey Q FROM: Page 1 ing alone to campus,” he said. “The transportaWarming Solution Act passed two years prior. tion survey will help us decide how to proceed Current transportation trends are a major with alternative transportation incentives that cause of environmental damage on and off cam- help reduce single-occupancy vehicle use.” pus, he said. With gas prices in the According to the surrounding area averaging “There is very little California Air Resources about $4 per gallon, the accuBoard emission report in room for bikes around mulative price for gas over 2008, vehicles account for the span of one school week here (San Pablo).” 40 percent of greenhouse can be rather costly for those gas emissions in the state. If with a lengthy commute. Richard Phung, the environmental repercus“Carpooling is a great student sions caused by automotive way to save money without transportation are not a perhaving to take the bus or suasive enough reason for students to drive less bike,” Johnson said. often, perhaps the high cost of gas will change Zimride is a carpooling network where stusome minds, Johnson said. dents are able to log in using their WebAdvisor “Students likely spend a lot of money driv- account and review listings of other students
either willing to drive or in need of a ride. “It connects potential carpoolers and would cost about $12,000 a year,” Johnson said. Students at the mercy of the AC Transit system would greatly benefit from a bus pass with the cost of a round trip being $4.20. “I ride the bus every single day and it costs a lot,” student Lamar Harbason said. “I spend roughly $15 to $20 a week just riding the bus to school and back.” The most affordable way of getting to where you need to go in a reasonable amount of time is by riding a bicycle, Johnson said. Student Richard Phung said, “There is very little room for bikes around here (San Pablo). I ride my bike every day down San Pablo Avenue to get to class and I have to ride alongside traffic that is going roughly 40 or 50 miles per hour.”
Ampim | Professor receives Golden Apple Q FROM: Page 1
“I was raised in San Francisco and Daly City,” he said. Starting his college career in California, Ampim attended Skyline and Cañada colleges, before moving out of state to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md. He received his undergraduate degree in history from Morgan State, the same college where he would finish his graduate degree. “I also spent time studying in Oxford (England),” Ampim said. Ampim can be seen as a true scholar. After spending his youth learning and studying, he would spend his time after college studying and learning. “I did a lot of hands-on research on the ancient African cultures of Egypt, Nubia and ancient Kush. I traveled all over doing handson research with ancient artifacts,” Ampim said, discussing the independent research he did after receiving his degrees. Ampim, however, is not the only one who gets to benefit from his years of research. “I updated Contra Costa College’s history text. It now comes with my syllabus, so students can
access it easily, and chapters referencing my own research,” he said. A natural student, professor Ampim uses an ancient proverb to explain how he ended up here at CCC. “One who learns teaches,” Ampim said with a smile. He never intended to become a professor, but simply fell into it, he said. “While I was getting my degree, people would ask me to come speak to their middle school, to different classes. When I was in Baltimore, a local radio show asked me to do a guest spot,” Ampim said. Passion for students With such a breadth of experience and knowledge, it is not hard to imagine why professor Ampim was picked to receive the Golden Apple award. “We nominated the professor that’s helped us,” AGS Vice President Kirsten Kwon said. “We pick the one we like the most.” Kwon is not the only one to share that sentiment about Ampim. Business major Sergio Tostado said, “He knows what he’s teaching. He really gets into the mate-
rial. He gives you so much detail.” Communications major Tadessa Imborgsteg agrees. She said, “He’s (Ampim) such a clear communicator. He speaks very clearly when explaining things and spends time with students making sure they know (the material.)” It is very hard to imagine that a matter of traffic could have denied CCC of Ampim. “I live in Oakland,” Ampim said. “When I was doing independent study, my office was 5 seconds away.” He said the idea of commuting 25 minutes was almost inconceivable. Luckily, the drive from Oakland to CCC is opposite regular commute traffic, he said. Ampim does more than just teach the local community and is the coordinator of the Save Nubia Project. The SNP is dedicated to preventing the Sudanese government from building several dams that would flood and destroy many archaeological sights, forever erasing the history of the Nubian people. Aside from his full plate, Ampim believes in focusing on the
students. “The problem (with the state of education) is you see a lot of professors who don’t care about their students — they aren’t focused on helping students become successful,” Ampim said. “I’ve seen so many of my colleagues who are only interested in maximizing profits.” For Ampim, knowing his students have gone on to be happy and successful is the best part of teaching. Teaching was just the natural career choice for Ampim; he felt the need to share his experiences and research in order to help students. Ampim said he loves being able to share the fruits of his research. Though teaching seemed like the only real choice for Ampim, he recognizes not everyone feels the same way, and has some advice for students. “Find something you love, something you’re good at, and find a way to get paid for it,” Ampim said. “As long as it’s legal,” he said with a chuckle. “As long as it’s legal.”
4 THE ADVOCATE
l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013
CAMPUS BEAT
OVERLOOKED ISSUE
ILLUSTRATION BY LORENZO MOROTTI / THE ADVOCATE
Temperature holds heavy influence Student learning affected by heat, cold By Christian Urrutia PHOTO EDITOR
currutia.theadvocate@gmail.com
With the Autumnal Equinox having begun, classroom temperatures should become less of a problem for students. Two of Contra Costa College’s older buildings, Applied Arts and Liberal Arts, have given several students grief over heat. “I have class in the (LA Building) on the top floor, and it is really hard to focus because it gets too hot and hard to breathe to where it’s stifling,” engineering major Lauren Matias said. Air conditioning is, at times, the only relief for students having to endure class on warmer days. “Some buildings are better than others, a lot of tinkering has to be done in order to move the air in different locations,” Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. While most of the buildings on campus contain air conditioning, LA does not.
Matias said, “(The heat) is ongoing even degrees and maintained in that range.” now. The only way to cool down is to open He also said that Buildings and Grounds the windows and with the construction going only has two maintenance workers for the on it makes it annoying.” 22 buildings located on campus so they Due to the construction of the new usually rely on complaints to alert them to Campus Center, Lot 9 is currently being cooling issues. set up for portables that will house the Fans are a quick and common resolution temporary Bookstore and in these types of situaother Student Activities “(The heat) is ongoing tions. According to King, Building occupants for fans can change the room the next three years. even now. The only temperature by 5 to 10 Social science major degrees, but cannot comMaria Alexander said, way to cool down is to pletely ease the physical “It makes the learning open the windows and discomfort many stuenvironment difficult to encounter. with the construction dents focus on and you also feel Physical education lethargic because of the going on it makes it professor Beth Goehring heat.” said that students irriannoying.” Alexander said that tated by the heat often during the second week of feel increased levels of Lauren Matias, school, the air conditioner aggression and feelings engineering major had broken down in her of agitation. Instead of math class in AA-211 and focusing on the class, made learning difficult. students focus on their own discomfort. “(The class) would be sultry and hot and But Disabled Students Programs and usually you would be dripping with sweat Services instructional assistant Richard making it too hot to focus and it’s uncom- Stollings said that students would not care fortable,” Alexander said. about the buildings’ temperature if the enviKing said, “By state regulations it (class- ronment for learning is suitable enough to room temperature) has to be within 68 to 72 (attract) a student’s attention.
If the individuals care about learning it won’t matter where they are, he said. But as physics professor Kevin Shambrook points out, in the Physical Science Building, there are several issues confronting students when temperatures go up. “Firstly, it gets to be too hot for students and because of that, they are tired and sleepy and a lot of them have jobs so they can’t pay attention to the lecture as easily,” Dr. Shambrook said. He said when the Planetarium, also in the PS Building, heats up to more than 80 degrees, the fans turn on and students in that room have a much harder time listening to the lecture and whenever the professor asks a question it is hard for them to hear what it was. “Students tend to sit in the back of the classroom where it’s cooler and away from the front,” he said. Matias also proposed that the air conditioning should not be one overall system because not all the classrooms are the same and do not have the same number of people in them and are different sizes. “Each room should have the ability to change the AC accordingly,” she said.
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YOUR DESTINY AWAITS CHRISTIAN URRUTIA / THE ADVOCATE
Government input — Social sciences professor Majeedah Rahman speaks to students about the importance of understanding the Constitution during the Teaching and Learning Round Table held in LA-100 on Sept. 17.
‘Round Table’ event helps raise awareness Constitution Day held to inform, help voters By Steve Son STAFF WRITER
sson.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Teaching and Learning Round Table raised awareness of voting rights, the Constitution and the Supreme Court decisions that could affect voting for particular groups of people in LA-100 on Sept. 17. Terence Elliot dean of the Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division and moderator of the event wanted to better educate and help the students to be conscious of their voting rights. Sociology professor J. Vern Cromartie wanted to engage the students, “To pay homage to Constitution Day,” he said. Cromartie spoke on the 2013 Supreme Court decision that rendered Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 unconstitutional. Section 4 implemented anti-discrimination voting laws, such as doing away with literacy tests as a prerequisite to vote. Cromartie said the dismantling of Section 4 undermines Section 5, which requires that certain states and districts in the South receive approval from the federal government before they make any changes in voting procedure.
“I want the students to be engaged politely, first, by voting. But beyond voting through demonstration,” he said. The students were taught about a few prominent civil rights activists who helped with the voting movement such as Vernon Dahmer, Fannie Lou Hamer and Septima Clark. Cromartie quoted Gil Scott-Heron saying, “Nobody can do everything, but “I want the everybody can do something.” students to The students be engaged were then encourpolitely, first, aged to take a stand and be part by voting. But of a demonstration beyond voting that empowers the community on through dem- its right to vote, especially to those onstration.” who are discriminated against. J. Vern Cromartie, The event sociology professor included a question and answer session where students voiced their opinions. Student Michael Davis said, “The government manipulates the Constitution so that the blacks do not vote.” Student Terrance Bradford agrees. Bradford said, “It’s psychological warfare that the government puts on black people.”
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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE
5
A HELPING HAND
EOPS has given aid, support for 41 years By Jose Jimenez STAFF WRITER
jjimenez.theadvocate@gmail.com
Forms of help can come in a variety of different colors and sizes and that is exactly what the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services is all about. The EOPS is located in SSC-102. The purpose of the EOPS is to “Last year we help high school had to meet seniors and returning students tranan enrollment sition into higher education. capacity of The program’s 525 students curriculum is to preand the EOPS designed pare students for college level acaexceeded studies. that number. demic EOPS counselOverall, here ors help students basic English at CCC, we with skills and selfdevelopment for served 800 college success. students last Established in 1972, the Contra year and this Costa College year over 900 EOPS program students are is a state-funded academic support expected to program for qualified low-income enroll.� students, which helps them pursue Sarn Saepharn, and achieve their EOPS assistant educational goals. The EOPS program can help students with career and personal counseling, academic book support, priority registration, tutorial referral services, parking permits, field trips to four-year colleges, scholarships
JANAE HARRIS / THE ADVOCATE
Receiving aid — EOPS Club Treasurer Shelby Wichner (left) gets help with classes from EOPS counselor Dionne Perez during a counseling appointment in SSC-102 on Monday. and a summer academy for high school students transitioning to college. With cuts to education funding in the state of California the EOPS is able to survive thanks in part to help from Sacramento. “I have spoken to the coordinator in Sacramento and they are restoring the program and looking to give us (EOPS) about $180,000,� EOPS assistant Sarn Saepharn said. “Last year, we had to meet an enrollment capacity of 525 students and the EOPS exceeded that number. Overall, here at CCC, we served 800 students last year and this year over 900 students are expected to enroll.� Roughly 550 students are currently enrolled for the fall semester. That’s a small order for a program that has the money to
Fifth annual ‘Soul and Spirit’ event celebrates city
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rmargason.theadvocate@gmail.com
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my pocket. Books can be so expensive and they give you print cards, and they can give you so many other things too. So I think it (EOPS) is really effective.� Single parents can find more help with their EOPS sister program, the Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education Program. Laile Alamari, an EOPS student summed up the application process quite simply: “It was easy.� Office hours for EOPS are Monday through Thursdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m in SSC-102. For more information, students can call 510-235-7800, ext. 4356 or 4513, or visit the EOPS website at www.contracosta.edu/studentservices/EOPS.
Festival draws in crowd, revitalizes Richmond
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help a student as long as that student remains eligible, Saepharn said. In order for students to remain eligible for the EOPS they must be enrolled in 12 units, not have completed more than 70 degree-applicable units, keep a minimum 2.0 grade-point average and meet with an EOPS counselor three times a year. The EOPS wants students to have an educational plan and to help build a pathway to success. “The impact of the EOPS counselors is insightful and very helpful,� EOPS student Daniela Dane, who received an EOPS book grant, said. “Last semester, I had to get help from outside of school to cover costs exceeding $700, but this semester I paid $40 out of
PLEASANTON
RICHMOND — Rain did not stop the food, music, wine and dancing in historic downtown Richmond this year at the Spirit & Soul Festival and fundraiser. The Richmond Main Street Nonprofit Organization put on the fifth annual street festival from 1 to 5 p.m. last Saturday. The events founder and Executive Director Amanda Elliott said the festival’s purpose is to bring the people of Richmond together with great food and wine, music and people. The mission is to “rebuild downtown Richmond,� Elliott said. With a dramatic decrease of attendees in comparison to last year’s count of 1,000 people, this year the festival drew a crowd of about 200 guests. The music, food, wine and all day raffle were the highlights of the day ADVERTISEMENT
even though it rained. There were homemade goods, There was even a 94-year-old organic skin care products and health woman dancing in he crowd. salves, accessories, clothing, handThe festival took place at the cor- made jewelry and fine art for sale at ner of Harbour Way and Macdonald the event. Avenue. There were many types of food Those in attendance were enter- from Cajun/creole food, to Thai nootained by live music from Bay Area dles and curries, to barbecue and soul native and world renowned pop/rhythm food. and blues singer Dahrio Wonder. Other There was a little bit of everything performers included for anybody’s kind Richmond native of appetite, Elliot “This is my first Andre Thierry and said. year playing and I’m blues bands The A VIP wine Zydeco Magic and garden was also definitely going to Club Nouveau. presented with red love coming back to and white wines. Jay King, a singer with Club The event also such a great event in included Nouveau, who lived an all day in El Cerrito for raffle giving away Richmond.� many years, said, San Francisco “This is my first Giants and Oakland Jay King, year playing (here) Athletics tickets, Club Nouveau and I’m definitely concert tickets and going to love coming back to such a much more. great event in Richmond.� Richmond public officials are tryThis was a chance to give back to ing to have a positive reputation by the community. having events like this, and by giving Elliott called and asked King if he back to the community. wanted to perform this year. The Richmond Main Street “Of course I wanted to play again. Initiative, a community non-profit It’s a great event for the city of group, is dedicated to re-vitalizing the Richmond,� King said. city’s downtown area.
6 THE ADVOCATE
SPORTS
l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013
Football Preview | 2013
Young, talented squad seeks to maintain momentum Under fourth year coach Alonzo Carter, Comets strive for BVC playoff once again
Schedule Sept. 7 vs. Foothill College 35-28 W
worry about his offensive weapons. These days he is focusing more on defense. STAFF WRITER “What can you say? Last year we led jbaker.theadvocate@gmail.com the conference in interceptions – this year Success is something the Contra Costa we don’t even have one but we’re leading College football team has become accus- in sacks,” Carter said before Saturday’s game. tomed to lately. When asked if the secondary needs to Last year the Comets went 8-3, including 5-0 in the Bay Valley Conference be more aggressive looking for the interceptions stats, Carter said he is not worried where they won the conference title. It was coach Alonzo Carter’s first con- about the stats as long as his players, “get ference championship. The coach then led the reps and improve.” From the 2012 team, conference-leadhis team to a 39-25 victory over Monterey Peninsula College in the Living Breath ing running back Rashad Hall (Utah State), Foundation Bowl. standout offensive lineman Desmond This year the Comets have started 2-1. Harrison (University of Texas), and top Their first two games were decided by pass-catcher Ronald Butler (Utah State), a touchdown — a win against Foothill among some others, have transferred. On the defensive side, defensive end College (2-1) and a loss at De Anza College (3-0). Then, on Saturday the Comets Demetrius Cherry and linebacker Eriquel spread it out a bit with a 44-32 victory over Florence are gone but freshmen and returning sophomores are Gavilan College. Now in his fourth “Scheming don’t mean already contributing. rosyear, Carter knows shit if you don’t exe- ter Significant the team is striving to changes aside, the improve. cute. You need to per- players do not seem to mind too much and are “We’ve had a form it.” getting comfortable. change-over of about Defensive lineman four or five players on Alonzo Carter, the D-line, and another Travon McGilbraComet football coach four in the secondary. Brooks was “feeling really good” before They’re still getting the game against Gavilan. He had just used to each other,” Carter said. When off the field, coach Carter’s come off a brilliant 10-tackle performance easy going nature contrasts nicely with (including three for yardage loss) against his intense on-field demeanor. One thing De Anza. “I think the defense is in sync shows through: though many of the play- – we improve every day,” McGilbraers are new, Carter has a good feeling Brooks said. “It’s going to be a break out game for about the team. The team is still finding success among the defense,” added sophomore defensive both its sophomores and freshmen as they back Dominique Harrison. “Plus we got these new unis. Like they learn to play together. Star sophomore running back Davonte say – look good, feel good, play good,” Sapp-Lynch has had three straight games Harrison said, referring to the brand new of more than 110 rushing yards and leads midnight and sky blue jerseys that the the BVC in rushing touchdowns (five). football team first donned at Friday’s Sophomore quarterback Malik Watson practice. And Harrison was correct with his forhas played solidly with three straight games of more than 210 passing yards. Watson’s tune-telling. In the game against Gavilan, main offensive weapons include team- the secondary indeed broke out, to the tune leading freshman wide receiver Terrance of three interceptions, including one by Barnes (team leading 62 receiving yards defensive lineman Da’Seion Cole returned per game), freshman wide receiver Larry for a pivotal touchdown. The looseness with which the team Cornish III (team leading 14 receptions) and sophomore wide receiver Phadrae conducts itself seems refreshing and conWhite. White sat out his freshman season tagious. “Scheming don’t mean shit if you don’t execute. You need to perform it,” with a broken leg. Coach Carter does not excessively said Carter. By Jeff Baker
Sept. 14 at De Anza College 27-21 L Sept. 21 vs. Gavilan College 44-32 W Saturday at Hartnell College 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at Sacramento City College 6 p.m. Oct. 12 BYE Oct. 19 vs. Yuba College 3 p.m. Oct. 26 at Shasta College 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at Mendocino College 1 p.m. Nov. 9 vs. College of the Redwoods 3 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. Los Medanos College 3 p.m.
Last season by the numbers Overall record 8-3 Conference record 5-0 Conference finish first
Key players
Quarterback
Running back
Harrison
Sapp-Lynch
Watson
Cornish Wide receiver
Defensive back
Roster 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 61 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 80 83 84 85 86 87 90 91 92 95 98
Christopher Brown defensive back Theodore Spann defensive back Dominique Harrison defensive back Daquan Stewart defensive back Antoine Picket Jr. defensive back Larry Cornish III wide receiver Robert Mulder wide receiver Malik Watsom quarterback Terrance Barnes wide receiver Phadrae White wide receiver Chauncey Carter wide receiver Byron Thomas quarterback Jermiah Rainey wide receiver Jarmon Coleman linebacker Rilwan Adedeji quarterback John Dawkins quarterback Stefan Thompson wide receiver Anthony Stewart wide receiver Elijah McClendon defensive back Marquez Mackey defensive back Tyron Stevens running back Greg Chucks defensive back Davonte Sapp-Lynch running back Isaiah Burks defensive back Jarrell Walker defensive back James Lewis Jr. running back Joshua Covington running back Leshawn Lampkins defensive back Matt Ross defensive back Steve Harris defensive back Keir Abrams fullback Marshon Ardoin running back Kruger Story Jr. running back Darnell Dailey linebacker Renwick Gibbs fullback Demauriae Burris defensive back Anthony Allen defensive back Edward Bailey defensive back Ted Noble fullback Derrick Hogan linebacker Steven Mills linebacker Otis Guillebeau defensive back Rondell McNair linebacker Eliijha Iakopo tight end Fonokalafi Misi linebacker Travon McGilbra-Broook llinebacker John Admas kicker Flenoid McCleary defensive line Jentrell Woodard linebacker Phillip Forrestant linebacker Deshawn Hall defensive line Isaiah Armstrong linebacker Daris Workman linebacker Lavaka Maile linebacker Alem Amores offensive line Oluwatomi Ajimatanrareje linebacker Yacoub Hammoudeh offensive line Armani Holloway defensive line Erik Hamilton offensive line DeAndre Haynes offensive line DeOnte Reynolds defensive line James Reid defensive line James McNeeley offensive line Gabriel Davis offensive line Andre Gray wide receiver Devon Walker wide receiver Joshua Parker wide receiver Daniel Halliday tight end Anwar Webster wide receiver Phillip Edwards tight end Iwuohs Chiuike wide receiver Darien Sensabaugh tight end Da’seion Cole defensive line Obinna Chinaka defensive line Takkarist McKinley defensive line
sophomore freshman sophomore sophomore sophomore freshman sophomore sophomore freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore sophomore freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore freshman sophomore freshman sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman sophomore sophomore freshman sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore freshman sophomore sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore sophomore freshman
SPORTS
Comet defense secures victory
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE N Boxing
PIVITOL MOMENT
jeffbaker
Mayweather holds record, undefeated
A
All-conference player Neville key to first win By Jamah Butler STAFF WRITER
jbutler.theadvocate@gmail.com
The volleyball team rode momentum and the striking ability of sophomore outside hitter Jessica Neville in the fifth set to defeat the Mendocino College Eagles (0-5, 0-1 in the Bay Valley Conference) in the Gymnasium on Friday. Neville, the all-conference standout, started fast and early, making her presence felt with hard kills throughout the first set. “The tips my teammates set up for me were very helpful,” said Neville, who was responsible for many of the points scored. Contra Costa College (1-3, 1-0 BVC) controlled the first set, setting up its impact ScoreBoard player for numerous picture perfect opporComets def. tunities at the net, on Eagles 25-18, 18-25, the way to a 25-18 25-15, 19-25, win. The Comets got out 15-12 of synch during the second set and were Next game: nearly shut down. Today at Outside hitters College of Alexandria Pruett and Marin, 6 p.m. Kourtnie Greene of Mendocino effectively timed the CCC attack, blocking many shots at the net leading the Eagles to a 25-18 win and a 1-1 tie in sets. “We had lots of ups and downs in this game,” women’s volleyball coach Zachary Shrieve said. The fourth set began with a back-and-forth battle where neither team maintained more than a one-point lead. “Our offense was very streaky,” Shrieve
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
Up and over — Comet outside hitter Jessica Neville (middle) spikes the ball over the net during the game against Mendocino College on Friday. The Comets were victorious. said. The Comets lost the fourth set 25-15. Neville agreed, and also said that the team picked up the pace after a slow start. With the teams tied 2-2 through four sets, the ball began to fly in set five as each squad’s first win hung in the balance. CCC relied heavily on Neville, who responded by scoring consistently in set five. “She was incredible through all sets,” Shrieve said. Points were exchanged and highly contest-
ed much like the rest of the game. One point from the Eagles would be answered quickly with a strike from the Comets. With the score tied 12-12, CCC was able to close out the game with three unanswered points and win the final set 15-12. “We need to play smart because anything can happen,” freshman middle blocker Rachelle Cuevas said. The Comets visit College of Marin today at 6 p.m. in Kentfield.
Squad’s determination pays off By Jeff Baker STAFF WRITER
jbaker.theadvocate@gmail.com
Confidence was not lacking before the Contra Costa College football team (2-1) defeated Gavilan College (0-3) 44-32 on Saturday at Comet Stadium. “Oh yeah, we’re gonna win,” coach Alonzo Carter said before the team’s final practice of last week. The final score does not reflect CCC’s rusty start. It spotted Gavilan College 13 points until a field goal by Comet freshman kicker John Adams put CCC on the board as the first quarter finished.
“It was really one of our sloppier games,” coach Carter said. “We had to physically wear that team down to win.” Slow starts and big finishes have become a regular occurrence over the Comets’ first three games. “As a former track coach I am putting pride in this team’s conditioning. We are working on being built for four quarters,” Carter said. There was a legitimate reason for the team’s slow start this week. Because of a misunderstanding, Gavilan brought their blue uniforms. The new CCC uniforms which were to debut on Saturday are
dark and sky blue, so the Comets But after the rough start, perhad to change their jerseys right haps the game’s pivotal play was before gametime. when CCC sophomore defensive The game was delayed for half lineman Da’seion Cole interan hour and took the cepted a pass, and team out of its rhythm took it 24 yards for a ScoreBoard touchdown, cutting the to start the game. “We were so hyped Comets 44 Gavilan lead to 19-16. up that in the first half “Da’seion was Rams 32 we basically spent incredible. He’s a energy on nothing,” two-sport star and he Next game: Carter said. brought it down with Saturday The Comets’ high at Hartnell one hand, like a basemotional state was ketball rebound,” College, 6 also due, in part, to p.m. Carter explained. the recent passing of The Comets go on offensive lineman the road for their next Daris Workman’s mother. two games. CCC’s next contest is “It was highly emotional for in Salinas at Hartnell College at 6 several reasons,” said Carter. p.m. Saturday.
Team fails under Eagle pressure By Lorenzo Morotti EDITORIAL CARTOONIST
lmorotti.theadvocate@gmail.com
Relentless offensive pressure from Feather River College (6-3-1 overall) resulted in the men’s soccer team’s 1-0 loss on the Soccer Field Friday. “We had a bad game,” men’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller said. “The defense did well, but as a team we fell flat.” FRC’s quick movement on and off the ball was a ScoreBoard constant problem for Contra Golden Eagles 0 Costa College Comets 1 (4-3 overall). From the starting Next game: whistle, pressure, Friday at Napa rather than posValley College, 4 session, was the p.m. Golden Eagles’ tactic. FRC’s midfield dominated CCC by constantly rushing Comet players in possession, cutting off angles and not allowing the Comets enough time to think clearly and complete a pass. The Golden Eagles did this throughout the game. The home team tried to quickly build up play from the backfield with short intricate passes on the ground, but producing a play
7
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
Battle for the ball — Comet midfielder Romario Pena (middle) battles against a Golden Eagle defender during the game against Feather River College on the Soccer Field on Friday, became almost impossible against a team as structured as the Golden Eagles. “They were very organized in the backfield,” Comet freshman midfielder Lorran Santos said. CCC was only able to get past the Feather River defense a handful of times and each was a wasted opportunity in the box. Sophomore Golden Eagle forward Seon Ripley was the only player on the pitch to net a goal, which came in the first half. A wild airborne cross-pass into a crowded goal box was deflected upward before meeting Ripley’s skull, which gently lofted the ball over Comets’ keeper Gustavo Rojas into the exposed net. “The first goal should not have happened,“ Zeller said. “Our goalie came out too far leaving the net vulnerable.” With the second half only five minutes old, Comets nearly tied the score. A lobbed pass
from the midfield reached Comet freshmen striker Brian Randall, but he couldn’t establish a solid position for the shot. “We didn’t play well,” Santos said. “In order to (play better) we must change our attitude on and off the pitch. Being on a team isn’t enough — we have to become a family to win.” The Comets had only three shots to the FRC’s five. “They were the better team, closed down faster and applied more pressure,” Zeller said. “It shows us that we need to work on our movement off the ball, practice stringing together passes, and take advantage of when we have possession,” Zeller said. “They wanted it more than we did,” said Zeller. CCC will play its first Bay Valley Conference game at Napa Valley College at 4 p.m. Friday.
s it turns out, Floyd “Money” Mayweather is quite good at boxing. Mayweather again rose to victory on Sept. 14 against junior middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. A huge fight to be sure. The feeling among fans was that the undisputed pound-for-pound champ, Mayweather, had to prove himself to support his “Greatest Welterweight Of All Time” claims. But really, at 45 wins without defeat, what does Mayweather have left to prove? The buzz around Alvarez was twofold: He was undefeated, also against varying levels of competition, and the showdown with Mayweather was being held on Mexican Independence Day. Alvarez is the most popular Mexican fighter of the last 15 years. He never backed up despite losing most rounds. Mayweather, 36, dissected his 23-year-old opponent. “Money” nearly matched Alvarez in punches landed, despite throwing far fewer. Mayweather got the majority decision behind scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 114114. The only scoring controversy was how the third judge scored the fight a draw. Financially, the boxing card was the biggest in history. It generated $150 million in revenue from 2.2 million pay-per-view buys and a soldout crowd in MGM Grand, Las Vegas. Mayweather was guaranteed $41.5 million for the fight, with Alvarez at a $12 million guarantee. For a sport, boxing, which is at an all-time low in popularity, those numbers are jaw dropping. People still come out in droves, if a bout is seen as “can’t-miss” or an “event.” Mayweather is a huge part of the big-budget feeling. He and Alvarez had the help of hours of hype on media like HBO 24/7, which highlights the combatants’ training regimens and their opinions on the other guy. When you have the right personnel and ingredients, you can take what turned out to be an average fight and make it into a big budget profit. It could be as simple as this: People pay money to see “Money” get knocked out. Well, it never happens. The only fun left is in the fact that he is legendary as long as he stays undefeated. In the 1940s, the smoothest welterweight ever, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, started his career that ended with a 128-1 record, fighting a brutal schedule. In the 1980s, “Sugar” Ray Leonard’s claim to greatness came from his Olympic gold medal, followed by super bouts and victories over the greatest fighters of his time, including Hagler, Duran, and Hearns. We will never know how “Money” would have fared against the greatest poundfor-pound fighters of all time. The greatness lies in his being included with the greats. Still, it must be quite a feeling for Mayweather to be the modern-day best in the world and the biggest villain in sports. He’s not villainous from being dishonest, like Lance Armstrong or A-Rod, but for being so damn good and not afraid to show it. Jeff Baker is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact him at jbaker.theadvocate@ gmail.com.
8 THE ADVOCATE
SCENE
l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2013
Michael De Santa Michael is a retired bank robber in his early forties who lives with his dysfunctional family on the proceeds of his former life of crime. After being introduced to Franklin and Trevor he quickly picks back up from where he left off in his life of crime, but now in Los Santos.
Rockstar
introduces
LOs santos ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ breaks sales records while gamers are given the video game experience of a lifetime. after the flashback as players delve into the lives of the three very differSPORTS EDITOR ent protagonists. mthomas.advocate@gmail.com Michael is a retired bank robber turned dysfunctional father. When a highly-anticipated video Franklin is an ambitious Grove game comes out, it can either be fun Street gangster who wants to make it or fail to deliver. as a big-time criminal. Rockstar Games, a video game Trevor, the final character to be developer based in New York City, introduced, is a loose cannon. has launched its newest endeavor Described by Michael as, “hell on “Grand Theft Auto V,” which is a game that delivers — and then some. Earth,” Trevor is not to be messed with. The developer has created the Each character has one special most ambitious, violent and creativeability. ly-indulgent piece to date. Franklin has the ability to slow Having been in circulation for just down time when driving, while over a week, the game has grossed Michael does the same when shootmore than a billion dollars. “Grand Theft Auto V” pushes the ing. Trevor’s special ability sends envelope of what is possible in a virhim into a drug-induced rage, that tual reality. allows him to inflict Attention to detail is the most gamereview double damage while noticeable characteristic of the only taking half the updated new features. amount of damage Every inch of the 49 square-mile he would normally island of San Andreas has been take. developed to resemble real life. “Grand Theft Rockstar has The map on “GTA V” is the bigAuto V” made vast improvegest created for the series so far. +++++ ments to the way It takes 30 minutes to drive Studio: Rockstar its infamous series around the entire state that includes Games plays. forests, mountains, beaches, oceans, Genre: Actionadventure The miniature sprawling suburbs and the vast MSRP: $59.99 map on the bottom metropolis of Los Santos. left of the player’s The game explores every aspect screen that shows of criminal life, from the low-life thug, to silver-tongued bank where the character is currently located is modeled after a stereotypirobbers. cal GPS interface that can be found This is done through the in many modern cars today. three main characters of Vehicle customization is back as the game, Michael De Santa, well. Franklin Clinton and Trevor Players can customize everything Phillips. on their car from engines to bodyThe story follows the antiwork to license plates. heroes as they venture through San Car damage is more realistic than Andreas, making money any way it was in previous games. they can. If a car is damaged in a certain Most other “Grand Theft Auto” place it will affect the steering or the games have been known to start off ride. slowly. Car customization is not the The main character of the game only thing that has been revamped. is usually introduced by name, folWeapons can now be customized as lowed by a small buildup that leads well. to the first mission. Players will be able to purchase Not “Grand Theft Auto V,” howupgrades for guns like scopes, supever. pressors and weapon colors. The game’s high-intensity action Bank heists and pulling a big is immediate. score are a big part of the main misStarting sion. off with a Before being able to pull a job, flashback of a bank heist, the however, a player must prepare for the heist by completing a checklist story jumps to a young which can consist of things like hirMichael and Trevor ing a getaway driver or finding nectrying to escape the essary resources. police. Rockstar plans to bring “Grand Character Theft Auto Online” out on Tuesday. developPreviews show players owning ment their own house and setting up crews takes with online friends. This mode will place bring the wonderful game play and graphics of “Grand Theft Auto” to friends around the world. By Mike Thomas
Franklin Clinton Franklin makes a living in Vespucci Beach as a repo man for a unscrupulous Armenian car dealership. Also a member of the gang Grove Street Family, he receives support from the gang throughout his missions as he slowly tries to separate himself from the burdens of life in the ghetto.
Trevor Phillips Phillips is Michael’s former partner in crime. He lives alone in a trailer in the desert of Blaine County, where his reckless and psychopathic behaviors are fuelled by his drug addiction. Trevor reunites with Michael to try to convince him to return to a life of crime.
PAGE DESIGN BY GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE