The Advocate - Sept. 1, 2010

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SERVING WITH A SMILE

Padilla to be remembered with statue

By Alexandra Waite NEWS EDITOR

CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Filling the plate — Culinary arts student Jennifer Gonzalez serves her team’s chicken enchiladas to student Emily Rader during the Iron Chef Cook-Off in the Three Seasons Restaurant on Aug. 26. Students are required to work in teams to come up with the best dish in the annual competition.

BATTLE TESTS CHEFS

Culinary teams compete for votes

“They’ve all been working hard the past couple of days. Today’s fulfillment for them.”

By Cassidy Gooding STAFF WRITER

The culinary arts department kicked off the fall semester with its annual Iron Chef Cook-Off in the Three Seasons Restaurant Thursday. The competition, held once at the beginning of every semester for the past four years, was designed to prepare culinary arts students for a new semester of service.

“They’ve all been working hard the past couple of days,” culinary arts department Chairman Nadar Sharkes said. “Today’s fulfillment for them.”

As the coordinator of the competition, Sharkes gave teams of five or six students three ingredients to incorporate into dishes they then had to create together. This semester, the necessary components were salmon, halibut and chicken. Once assigned, the teams had two days to plan, test and ready their meals for customers.

Students, family, and college employees created a line that wrapped around the restaurant and paid a dona-

Nadar Sharkes,

culinary arts department chairman

tion of $5 for a ticket to try the entrées.

Once inside, each person received a plate and heaping servings of each team’s dish. Once they finished eating, customers were instructed to choose a favorite dish and place their ticket as a vote into corresponding jars for each team.

“We had two days, but we came up with our ideas in less than 30 minutes,” culinary arts student Armando Robinson said. His team, named Sex on a Plate, made salmon and halibut wontons and chicken and bacon egg rolls with a sweet and sour cherry sauce.

“For five bucks, you want to keep it simple,” Sex on a Plate team member Russel Lozano said.

Other teams, however, opted for more gourmet dishes.

“We made pasta carbonara, all from scratch, and chicken parmesan.” culinary arts student Adam Farr said. His team, Cook’s Delight, ended up winning the most votes at the close of the contest.

“We put a lot of work into it,” Cook’s Delight member P.J. Crystal said. “But we didn’t really care about winning.

We want an A,” she said jokingly.

“I voted for the pasta. It was very good,” Middle College High Schol student Dolores Williams said. As it was her first time in the Three Seasons, Williams admitted to being very impressed with how professional and “cool” the restaurant was.

The winners received prizes such as cooking sauces, portable grills and gift certificates to a slew of local eateries.

“In the kitchen, it’s always a team.”

Sharkes said. “(The restaurant) is opening on (Sept. 1), so this competition is good practice.” Sharkes said he was proud of how smoothly everything ran this semester, citing only a couple of arguments in the kitchen, where tensions have a tendency to run high.

Crystal and her teammates said the contest was more fun than it was stressful; something culinary arts students ■ SEE CHEFS: Page 4

Since the campaign to place a sculpture of former employee Martin Padilla in the plaza in front of the Student Services Center began on All College Day, the fund has collected $2,860 in donations.

Padilla “Martin was such an integral part of the campus and everyone loved him,” Communication, Liberal Arts, Skills and Services Division Dean Helen Kalkstein said. “He was so giving and loving.

We really want to honor him.”

The sculpture of Padilla will include a bust, pedestal

and a plaque explaining why the college chose him to be memorialized, Classif ied S e n a t e Within President Mercy Pono reach College said.

S e n i o r employees E x e c u t i v e must comAssistant to memorate the President Padilla.

M e l o d y Hanson said that once the initiative for the fund started on Aug. 12, the donations started coming in steadily. The goal for the fund is to reach $7,500 by the end of the semester.

When that goal is reached, the artist can start making the sculpture next semester and the official unveiling of the bust will be able to take place in fall 2011, Hanson said.

Fine arts professor Jiajun Lu, an internationally known

edit orial

page 2

■ SEE PADILLA: Page 4

Chang trial finds an end Assailant sees justice, sentenced 25 to life

By Sam Attal

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MARTINEZ — A Richmond man was sentenced over the summer to 25 years to life in prison for the first-degree murder and second-degree robbery of a Contra Costa College student.

On May 21, Marcellus Lewis Allen was sentenced for his involvement in the 2007 murder of 24-year-old Jinzhou Chang, a Chinese immigrant. Allen was also sentenced for possession of a firearm used to shoot Chang in the head, stomach and back on June 30, 2007 in El Cerrito.

“I feel very saddened for my client and his family,” defense attorney Daniel Cook said. “It was a tragedy for everyone

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

A Contra Costa College historian, professor, lecturer and friend to many has taken a giant leap in the area of social sciences.

Professor Manu Ampim, formerly the coordinator of the college’s history program for the past four years, was recently appointed the new chairman for the social sciences department, which includes subjects like sociology, psychology, economics, political science and history.

Former chairman J. Vern Cromartie will continue to teach sociology, as well as head the Umoja Program.

One of Ampim’s colleagues said that this move is going to be

beneficial to the CCC students.

“This assignment will be wonderful for the students,” Athletic Director John Wade said. “(Ampim) works well with the students while also raising the bar, meeting his and their expectations. I am elated that he can impact the campus community all the way around. It’s a win-win situation.”

Ampim’s education includes a bachelor of science degree in business management and a master of arts in history, both from Morgan State University in Baltimore. Additionally, he said he will complete his doctorate work in history sometime in the future.

In addition to his chair position, Ampim will continue his teaching in the classroom.

Current classes taught are United States History, offered as History 120 and 121; California History, offered as History 124 (offered in the spring); and African

The Contra Costa College student was murdered and robbed in June 2007 while working outside an apartment complex in El Cerrito.

■ SEE ALLEN: Page 4

Historian takes lead role Ampim advises social sciences

Chang

Dedicated speaker — Newly appointed social sciences department Chairman Manu Ampim lectures during his History 120 class in LA-100 on Monday.

Besides teaching at the college, Ampim leads trips to Egypt and other parts of Africa over the summer to help students gain a better understanding of his teachings.

“(Ampim) works well with the students while also raising the bar, meeting his and their expectations. I am elated that he can impact the campus community all the way around.”

John Wade,

athletics director

Civilization, offered as History 110.

Ampim began at CCC in the fall of 2006 and taught AfricanAmerican studies at Merritt College. He also focused much of his attention on his independent research through his business, ■ SEE AMPIM: Page 4 CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE

CMYK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “The First Amendment doesn’t exist so we can freely praise our public officials. It exists so we can freely criticize our public officials.”

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010 VOL. 95, NO. 2 ●

Editorial Support required

Chris Lamb educator 1998 Sam Attal editor-in-chief Dariush Azmoudeh associate editor Lamar James associate editor Cassandra Juniel spotlight editor

Faculty, staff efforts needed to reach goal

Malcolm Lastra sports editor Alexandra Waite news editor Cody McFarland scene editor George Morin photo editor Christian Soto assistant photo editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Corrin Bailey Hilberth Ibarra Natalie Estrada Elsie Fuller Cary Gooding Cassidy Gooding April Halog Jermaine Harrison David Kelley III Cheuk Ko Lina Lam Kathryn Moreno Janit Saechao Rodney Woodson Staff photographers Kavion Gordon Qing Huang Adam Oliver Staff illustrators Roy Chan Joel Ode Faythe Del Rosario Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 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 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 E-mail: advocate@ contracosta.edu or letters.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

OPINION

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010

E

ver since his untimely death on Aug. 28, 2008, college officials have been seeking an honorable way to memorialize the late evening and Saturday program monitor Martin Padilla.

While going largely unnoticed by students in his 22 years of service, Padilla provided a presence of stability and reassurance on campus for employees and students alike, whether they were fully aware of it or not. He worked tirelessly to ensure harmony in the college’s general state of affairs, going out of his way to help anyone in need.

Two years after his passing, the collective efforts to pay tribute to Padilla are finally being put into action.

Last year, college officials pushed to rename the Student Services Center in remembrance of Padilla, but were shut down by the district’s Governing Board.

Instead of giving up, a sub-committee of the College Council considered an easily attainable way to revere Padilla.

With the creation of a bronze bust of Padilla to be placed in front of the SSC, his legacy of dedication and watchfulness will be given a permanent place at the heart of the college.

The sculpture will include a pedestal and plaque describing his impact on the college and what he will be remembered for.

Though a majority of students within a few years will know little of Padilla or what he did, the sculpture in front of the SSC will preserve a piece of his memory and symbolize the selflessness and diligence he exemplified.

The college should be commended for admirably pulling through this tough situation, and finding a solution that is in many ways better than the intended tribute.

Having a statue in front of the SSC will be just as enduring as renaming a building after Padilla, while being much more personal and informational.

Rather than naming the building after him and risking no one remembering his legacy in years to come, members of the college will have a visual model and placard to commemorate his life and services.

Without any legal restrictions standing in the way, the college must work together financially to make sure the $7,500 goal for the fund is met by the end of the semester.

Nearly $3,000 in donations have already been collected, and any surplus funds will be donated to the Martin Padilla Scholarship Fund.

Members of the college and friends of Padilla should contribute.

The creation of the statue is the least the college can do to repay him for the 22 years he served loyally with selfless devotion and care.

ROY CHAN / THE ADVOCATE

■ Advice

Polite attitude makes citations avoidable

Y

ou’re stopped on the side of the road. Your window’s down, your license is ready and the cop behind you just popped his door open.

He’s about to strut over and write you a ticket for pushing 40 in a 25 mph zone. That’ll cost about $400 plus sitting through traffic school. Doesn’t he know you’re late for class? Hasn’t he noticed everyone speeds on San Pablo Dam Road?

You clench your jaw, ball your fists and feel your frustration bubbling. Just because this guy’s got a badge shouldn’t give him the power to degrade you. This is America and you have the right to give him a piece of your mind, right?

Freeze.

I wouldn’t call myself a pro at dodging tickets until my record stands at 10-0, but I feel I’m off to a good start to offer some advice.

Right off the bat, be calm when dealing with an officer.

For all he knows, you have a bomb strapped to your chest, so acting aggressive will irritate him. Bottom line is you’ve broken the law and got caught. Suck it up, get over yourself and smile.

It doesn’t matter if your cousin was gunned down for shoplifting and no one cares that your favorite band is N.W.A. He’s doing his job and now it’s in your best interest to be polite.

Don’t think that because you’re a male you’re hopeless. With that attitude, write the ticket yourself, fellas. I have a hunch that a cop pulling someone over for flaunting 10 or so mph is bored.

chance to jazz things up.

You want to make him laugh. Once you’ve coaxed a chuckle, tell him you’re sorry and you’ll slow down.

If you’ve been as friendly as I hope, he’ll believe you.

He’ll scan your license, and He’s looking for either an as long as you’re not wanted ego boost or a good laugh. for a bank heist, he’ll be Girls are lucky to potentially reluctant to write that ticket. provide both, but guys out The last time I got pulled there still have a chance. over for speeding, I fished I’ve been told that you a week-old Gatorade bottle should never admit anything from underneath the seat and to an officer, but don’t see told the officer my bladder that as tactful. When he asks was about to explode. He you how fast you were going, laughed and wished me luck humbly confess a number getting home in time. reasonably near what you I once watched someone were driving. He already send a cop into fits of gigknows you were speeding; gles (manly ones, of course) lying is just going to make by regaling him with a tale him angry. Keeping mum about his ambition to appear about the dead body in your in an episode of “COPS.” trunk is a good idea, but Just imagine what you’d like divulge the petty crime. to hear if you were stuck in Once you admit to your your car all day. flagrant disregard of others’ Now, if you’re not funny, safety in an appropriately crying can work. The first apologetic manner, he’ll ask time I was pulled over I you to remind him of the could barely answer the speed limit. Again, don’t lie officer through my sniffles. and don’t act dumb. He may Once he ascertained I wasn’t feel he should write the tick- drunk, he let me go. et to be sure you understand However, if for some reawhat those numbered signs son you are greatly attached on the side of the road are. to all that bravado and digAfter this, cops often like nity (or you’re a robot with to ask why you chose to broken tear ducts and no ignore said signs. Because sense of humor), there is of your correct answers so hope. Just be as genial as far, he can tell you’re a smart that titanium heart allows, person, so why were you stay honest and act repentant. breaking the law? He isn’t Even if you do end up with looking for your average the ticket, at least that smart excuse here. I suggest using mouth didn’t get you shot. your imagination.

Cassidy Gooding is a staff True, this is almost like writer for The Advocate. lying, but remember my Contact her at cgooding. hypothesis about this guy advocate@gmail.com. being bored? Here’s your

cassidygooding

CampusComment

How has the online-exclusive sale of parking permits affected you?

“It was an OK experience for me. I was just worried about getting it on time.”

“I didn’t get one. I just park in the residential (area) and walk to class.”

Scotty Anderson

Myeshia Ellison

economics

criminal justice

“I use the daily meter.”

Mario Austin accounting

“I had no knowledge of the new system and wasn’t able to get the parking permit when classes started.”

Iris Chung

business management

ROY CHAN / THE ADVOCATE

“I thought it was easy.”

Denali Knudsou biology

“It doesn’t affect me because I don’t drive to school.”

Christian Urrutia

media and communication arts

FORUM ■ Religion

malcolmlastra

Judgment of churchgoers ruins outlook

A

s a kid I always dreaded waking up early and going to church on Sundays.

Even to this day I prefer to sleep in or work on Sundays rather than sit in church.

Now, I am not saying that I am a non-believer of any sort.

I do read the bible and pray, but feel that missing church is not something for which God will commend or punish me.

Still, I noticed several people, especially avid churchgoers, look down on those who do not attend as sinners.

I began to ask myself, “since when did going to church make you any better than a person who doesn’t?”

Over the years and after numerous such occasions, I grew to realize that church is something I could do without.

One experience I would go through when I attended church was when fellow members would criticize and judge my family for what we wore.

Although we never showed up in our everyday attire, the last time I checked, church is a place where people receive inspirational and spiritual guidance, not where they take part in a fashion show.

I also find it funny that other people would tell me and my family how to live right amongst God when they had more problems than us.

Though church has its positives, as it delivers inspirational messages and changes peoples’ lives for the better, the negatives clearly outweigh the positives.

For example, the use of tithing to me is pointless and wrong. Tithing is the action of paying the church 10 percent of your income.

The church tries to make it seem like the man upstairs will not love you if you don’t offer a tithe and will bless an individual more if he donates more. This is pressuring to a church member who does not receive much income and can only give what he can afford.

I have no problem donating whatever I can afford, but the church shouldn’t put that type of stress on a person’s life by suggesting God will bless you based on the amount you give.

Shouldn’t church be a place where people want to change their lives and not a place where they are pressured into paying?

Those of you who tithe, ask yourself, who is getting the blessing, you or the preacher?

While most churchgoers are dealing with economic hardships and struggling to provide for their families, the preacher and ushers can be seen riding around in brand new cars, wearing expensive clothes and jewelry and living in upscale homes.

It’s sad to see a desperate family go to church for positive direction and in return be forced to give large amounts to a church where the preachers and ushers prosper from donations.

If that’s the case, churches might as well have a charge fee at the front window based on a sliding scale of how much one wishes to be saved.

Although I have no problem with the message Christian churches put out, I feel that without the critical judgment, fees and hypocrites, the church would be a better place.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

3

■ Growth

Hectic summer inspires change

T

his summer I took time to discover things about myself.

Going to school for 12 years nonstop has been my life. Since high school, I chose to go to summer school to gain more credits and stay ahead of the game.

This summer, I did something that would change my life for the better. I took the semester off to have time for myself and visit with family and friends.

I did not know that I would make decisions that may affect me for the rest of my life.

People have told me it takes a lifetime to find your identity. This summer helped me define myself, no matter what the norm thought of it.

In the past three months, I have traveled back and forth between Vacaville and Fairfield, visiting family and friends who I do not get to see often because of a lack of transportation or something school related.

I got a chance to open up and tell my cousins things I

lamarjames would not normally say to them. After conveying my hidden feelings, I felt better, as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

Being a more levelheaded thinker, I had to apply things I learned during college to some of the situations I would be thrown into.

I began to be a critical thinker, assessing problems as a whole and coming up with scenarios to make the situations better. I learned that little me could stand up and say, “no, this is not right, we have to think of a better solution to whatever problem we’re presented.”

Whether it was a rude host at a restaurant, a problem with a car or getting a traffic ticket while trying to take somebody to court to

take care of theirs, I noticed that I would react differently to the problems than I would have two years ago.

This was part of my maturing process and growth as a person.

I had to get out of my comfort zone to become this person. I had to do things that I never thought I’d do.

This was part of my selfdiscovery.

Sometimes negative thoughts or negative people will tell you that you cannot change, but I believe something totally different: change can be reached with time and getting to know yourself as a person.

In a way, I had to overcome my own negativity to overpower some situations in order to come out with the upper hand or whatever solution I thought was correct.

Summer brought circumstances I thought I would never have to deal with. I never knew that I would be sitting in a courtroom, watching someone ride off in the back of a cop car or

knowing somebody who would be going to prison for life, but these are some of the things I had to confront and help others get through.

I never knew that I would be the person close friends and family would come to when they wanted a release from a malicious or demeaning situation. I discovered things about myself that I never knew I had in me.

For the first time in five years, I cried and it actually felt good. I overcame fears of rejection and what others thought of me. This all made me want to become a better person and helped me do so.

At the end of everything, I knew that I could prevail over whatever tried to oppress me. I had fun over the summer, got a muchneeded break from my studies and discovered I could do more than what I thought I could accomplish.

Lamar James is an associate editor of The Advocate.

Contact him at ljames. advocate@gmail.com.

Celestial spasm

Consequences of solar flares grim, but preventable

By Adam Oliver STAFF WRITER

O

ne hundred and fifty-five years ago today, an anomalous natural disaster shortcircuited telegraph wires and sparked fires across the United States and Europe, even providing cities as far south as Rome and Havana with spectacular ionic skylight shows usually exclusive to the polar regions.

Its roots were nearly 93 million miles away in space, but events like these can still send particles accelerating toward the earth at nearly the speed of light.

The natural disaster being spoken of is a solar flare, an explosion of magnetic energy in the Sun’s atmosphere.

On Sept. 1 and 2, 1859, charged particles erupted from the Sun’s surface in a coronal mass ejection, overpowering the Earth’s magnetic field and entering into the atmosphere at exceptional speeds.

Combining great speed, colossal intensity and a directional opposition with the earth’s magnetic field, the circumstances on that day created the largest outburst of solar energy in recorded history, which many scientists appropriately refer to as the “perfect space storm.”

The then-just 15-year-old telegraph communication system did take a major hit, but the occurrence of an equal magnitude storm today would have far more cata-

strophic consequences.

This sort of disaster could compromise telecommunications, refrigeration, transportation, clean drinking water and other power-dependent amenities for months, or even years.

Damages could exceed $2 billion dollars a year, for several years of repairs.

As proven by a few recent storms, even a weak solar flare can send pulses of electromagnetic energy powerful enough to fry electrical transformers and wipe out power grids.

Two small solar storms in March 1989 knocked out most of the electrical grid in Quebec, leaving millions without power for nine hours and resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

Another somewhat weak storm hit in 2003, frying 14 transformers in South Africa and causing a blackout in Sweden.

With 14 transformers incapacitated, regions of South Africa remained offline for months to follow.

High-voltage transformers, which process and transfer huge amounts of electrical energy, are the part of a power grid most vulnerable to the effects of strong magnetic energy.

Unfortunately, they are also the most difficult to replace.

Weighing nearly 100 tons each, transformers are not easily transported from their manufacturing plants in Asia and Europe, and currently have a replacement time of three years.

Of course, terrestrial objects closer to the bursts of solar energy in outer space are at risk too. A solar storm in 1994 caused malfunctions in two communications satellites, interfering with network television, radio and newspaper services throughout Canada. Cell

phone reception, GPS systems and TV signal have also been affected by such interference to satellites.

Without adequate preparation for a solar storm, the United States could be knocked more than a decade into the past in a matter of days.

No power, no communications, no traffic regulation and no Internet.

Without technology, we’d be without what consumes a majority of our time. Economic activity would slow to a crawl. We’d have to learn to live life as those did almost a century ago while cities across the nation were being repaired and refitted with new electrical transformers and grid work.

The time it would take to recuperate from such damages could last anywhere from months to years.

Unfortunately, scientists warn of a significant storm to hit in the near future. The sun’s magnetic activity cycle will be approaching solar maximum in May 2013, and will be much more serious than NASA scientists previously had thought.

Luckily, we are not without protection from solar storms. By creating redundant, practically failsafe, components for systems and reinforcing satellites, we could greatly curb the impact an imminent storm could have on modern life.

The most essential preventative measure, the installation of power grid surge suppressors, could safeguard the near 5,000 electrical transformers across the United States at a total cost of just $250 million.

A bill requiring utility companies to protect the bulk power infrastructure was passed in the House of Representatives, but was not accompanied by a measure in the Senate.

With the excessive unpredictability of space weather, an ounce of prevention today is undoubtedly worth a pound of cure tomorrow.

Contact Adam Oliver at aoliver. advocate@gmail.com.

Malcolm Lastra is sports editor of The Advocate.

Contact him at w.

FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

CAMPUS BEAT

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

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Receive breaking news and updates by following The Advocate’s Twitter account, AccentAdvocate.

Newsline ■ CLUB RUSH

Groups seek membership The ASU encourages students to attend Club Rush today in the quad.

Presented by the InterClub Council, the event offers a chance for students to explore and join the different clubs on campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Polish dogs or hot links, chips and a drink can be purchased for $3.

■ TRYOUTS

Squad looks for recruits Tryouts for the cheerleading squad are being held today through Friday in the Recreation Room from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Students must be enrolled in at least six units. For more information, contact Michele Jackson at 510-235-7800 ext. 4513.

■ ASU

Sandwiches help funding The ASU will be selling peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to help raise funds tomorrow in the Amphitheatre.

For $2 with an ASU fall sticker, students can get a sandwich and a drink from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

■ COMEDY NIGHT

Department entertains

The drama department is hosting a Stand-Up Comedy Night on Tuesday in the Knox Center. Starting at 8 p.m. Students can attend for $7.

General attendees will be charged $10 for entry.

■ CONFERENCE

Motivational leadership Students are encouraged to attend the African American Male Leadership Conference in the Fireside Room on Sept. 8.

Sponsored by the African American Staff Association, a series of motivational speakers will give speeches from 3 to 5 p.m.

CrimeWatch Sunday, Aug. 22 A juvenile was taken to the hospital for observation after getting hit in the head during a football game.

Monday, Aug. 23 A victim slipped on wet pavement and complained of back pain.

Tuesday, Aug. 24 An officer responded to a report of a student who fell down the stairs. The student was transported to the hospital via American Medical Response.

A subject was stopped in traffic and was found to be in the possession of marijuana.

Wednesday, Aug. 25 A grand theft was reported.

Thursday, Aug. 26 An officer received a report of threatening messages on Facebook.

— Cassidy Gooding

ASU needs local assistance Sponsors needed to help fix deficit

To accommodate for their negaing to the ASU, he said.

“For the first time in a long time tive budget, the ASU has been looking for partthe Bookstore ners to help has not been “Everyone is in for some provide stup r o f i t a b l e ,” Camacho said. hard times. At a time when dents with the level of “No profit everyone is lacking, we same service as means no funding. Now there’s need to focus on working in previous no money to get years, only together. We’re going to this time, handed down to the ASU.” have to get creative to suc- those services The ASU has won’t be proyet to eliminate cessfully coordinate these vided solely their debt, but by the ASU, events” have deposited she said. roughly $500 The ASU Kelly Ramos, from Welcome plans on prointerim student life supervisor Week sales and moting and coordinating vendor fees from Anchor Blue into their account, he events with departments on campus and alongside outside partners to said.

No members were made aware raise funds.

As new student life supervisor, of the deficit before beginning the school year, Camacho said, caus- Ramos has been building good relaing the ASU to make significant tions with other departments on cutbacks to the course of events. A campus and with local businesses in lack of materials and refreshments hopes to work with them throughout to serve students during events is the semester to accomplish the many anticipated. calendar events, she said.

“Everyone is in for some hard This process is not one-sided, times,” interim student life supervi- however, as doing so will promote sor Kelly Ramos said. “At a time local vendors, both eateries and when everyone is lacking, we need retail stores, and provide an outlet to focus on working together. We’re for departments to reach students going to have to get creative to suc- through the ASU, she said. cessfully coordinate these events.”

“Not only is this a way to increase

By Cody McFarland SCENE EDITOR

The Associated Student Union found themselves with a debt of more than a thousand dollars at the beginning of the semester, despite projections last semester of a budget around $15,000.

The ASU has began the fall semester with a main operating budget of -$1,427.31 and their first priority is paying the deficit off, while still attempting to host events and serve students at regular operating capacity.

“To go from $15,000 to less than zero is going to take a tremendous amount of creativity to turn out successful. (The ASU) budget is our biggest challenge right now,” ASU President Joseph Camacho said.

The ASU receives funding in two primary ways. The first is through student fees, a dollar from the tuition cost of each unit taken, which can only be used toward “student advocacy,” Camacho said. The second is provided by the Bookstore, a sum of $15,000 if sales prove profitable.

This semester, sales did not yield enough profit to provide any fund-

funds, but it is also a way to reach out to the community,” she said.

The Inter-Collegiate Council (ICC), in charge of the allocation of funds for clubs, has since been contacted with a proposal by the ASU, Director of Public Relations Rodney Wilson said.

Keeping a general fund of $3,500 for clubs, the ICC has been presented with a request to co-sponsor ASU events, in which case they would have a role in their planning and promoting. They have also been asked to help fund events, even if they do not wish to be a part of the coordinating process, he said.

According to Wilson, members of the ASU have only been told of the budget by administrators and have yet to see an actual account ledger.

“We are in a position of shared governance. We should be able to see the figures firsthand,” he said.

Though it was not the easiest start, the entire ASU is determined to make this year a success, Wilson said. Thus far, things have not been so bad as to remove any calendar events.

“Our last resort, what we are trying to avoid at all costs, is canceling events,” Camacho said.

Contact Cody McFarland at cmcfarland.advocate@gmail.com.

Padilla | Memorial commemorates ■ FROM: Page 1

sculpture artist, has agreed to create the bust of the late evening and Saturday program monitor after the fundraising goals are met, President McKinley Williams said.

All donations are tax deductible by making checks payable to the Contra Costa College Foundation, Hanson said. Donations may be dropped off in AA-203 and Any money remaining will be donated to the Martin Padilla Scholarship Fund.

Lu said the entire process of creating the sculpture takes about six months.

“First, you have to create the image for the sculpture. Then you have to make the sculpture, cast the bronze and make the base,” he said.

Pono said the sculpture symbolizes something Padilla’s “willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, and his spirit of wanting to serve with such humility and grace.”

Padilla was killed in a car collision while driving from his Pinole home

toward campus on Aug. 28, 2008 after being hit head-on by a suspected car thief and parolee.

Chemistry department Chairman Leverett Smith said Padilla was a strong, reassuring presence around the campus and extremely visible, as his memorial should be.

Hanson said the subcommittee of the College Council had originally hoped to honor Padilla by renaming the SSC in his name last year, but the district’s Governing Board disapproved that plan due to various legal barriers and the fact that funding for such a project would cost millions.

The statue was the college’s approach of honoring Padilla in a more affordable way, she said.

The committee’s next step was naming the plaza in front of the SSC after Padilla.

“But what does that mean? Ten years from now, all of us who knew Padilla will be gone and no one will know why the plaza was named after him,” Dr.

Chefs

Smith said.

After that thought, the subcommittee regrouped and, with the help of Academic Senate President Richard Akers, decided to fundraise toward the creation of the sculpture and place it somewhere within the plaza. The exact location in that area has not yet been decided, Lu said.

Dr. Smith said CCC is a place that has a history, and it is not just buildings and schedules.

“The culture of the college is the people,” he said. “(Padilla) was dedicated and concerned, and we want to stress that importance to the college.”

Williams said anyone can donate, be it staff, faculty, students, or the public.

Making a sculpture in honor of an employee is not something colleges’ normally do, and this bust is going to say the school takes care of its employees, Lu said.

Contact Alexandra Waite at awaite. advocate@gmail.com.

■ FROM: Page 1

look forward to each semester.

“You don’t get to cook until your second semester,” first-semester culinary arts student Deanna Mandigo said. However, in order to still have the chance to experience hands-on restaurant service before they can fully participate, Mandigo and her fellow first-semester classmates did more front of house works like cleaning tables and pouring waters for customers instead of working in the kitchen.

Watching the competition is still an experience, Mandigo said. “I can’t wait to cook,” she said.

Contact Cassidy Gooding at cgooding. advocate@gmail.com.

Allen | Sentenced for 2007 murder, robbery ■ FROM: Page 1

concerned.”

During the sentencing, Huiquan Chang, Jinzhou’s father, wept in front of the jury as he testified.

“It’s a very heartbreaking thing to see and hear his pain,” Cook said.

Jinzhou was robbed and killed by three men as he washed a bucket outside an apartment complex he and his father were renovating on the corner of Belmont Avenue and Lassen Street in El Cerrito.

“He was working with his father to make ends meet,” Deputy District Attorney Mark Peterson said. “It’s a

tragedy for the victim’s father.”

On July 31, Allen, 17 at the time, and getaway driver, Dion Williams, 18 at the time, were arrested in Orinda. Police found the gun used in the murder on Allen.

As part of a plea bargain, Williams and accomplice Christian Latimore testified against Allen for lesser charges of voluntary manslaughter. Williams is serving seven years in prison while Latimore is serving 11.

The decisions made by Allen have led to his “wasted life,” Peterson said.

“I feel very saddened for my client and his family.

It was a tragedy for everyone concerned.”

Daniel Cook,

defense attorney

Huiquan and Jinzhou moved to the United States nine years ago in search of a better future.

Jinzhou was completing classes at the college in hopes to transfer to UC Davis. While he helped his father with construction jobs, he also worked in an after-school program.

Peterson said the murder is only part of a larger problem.

“It goes to show the need for crime prevention efforts in West Contra Costa County,” he said.

Contact Sam Attal at sattal. advocate@gmail.com.

Ampim | Professor appointed as chairman ■ FROM: Page 1

Advancing the Research (ATR).

Through ATR, Ampim conducts research, publishes material, makes presentations, conducts workshops, and leads educational tours. He is also a member of the Curriculum Instruction Committee (CIC) where he has served for more than 18 months.

Ampim has a special relationship with many of his students who benefit from his teachings beyond the classroom.

“I met professor Ampim in the fall of 2009 where he taught History 120, and I have also had the opportunity to work with him in ASU events,” ASU President Joseph Camacho said. “Significant to my life was the transition that occurred at that time. He was the catalyst that thrust me into the area I want to now major in, which is American government and history. His class was a good learning environment for me.”

Camacho also said that he hopes his children will meet someone like Ampim in their future.

There are many areas of opportunity involved in the social sciences department. Ampim addressed some of the key areas he would like to focus on in the next three months to make the department run smoothly.

“What the job entails is the coor-

dination of schedules for the disci- subjects,” Hodge said. “When the plines; addressing student concerns; position opened up for a full-time history professor, finding replacements for professors “(Ampim) brings a Manu applied and I’m happy he did.” who are out on leave; ensuring part-timers new perspective to She said Ampim is have office space; a matter and is very truly a historian, a researcher who loves ensuring everyone knows the policies good at details, as history and one who authentic inforand are adhering well as a person of finds mation. to them; provid“He brings a new ing feedback to see integrity.” perspective to a matwhere there needs to be adjustments; and ter and is very good Carolyn Hodge, ensuring they (pro- African-American studies depart- at details, as well as a ment chairwoman fessors) are on top person of integrity,” of what they should Hodge said. “With be teaching, as stated having leadership on their syllabus,” Ampim said. over the largest department on camHe also said that for departments pus, we are fortunate to have him. He to function effectively and serve stu- will do quite well.” dents to the best of their ability, Not only will Ampim lead social faculty and staff need to be on the sciences and teach classes, but he same page and embrace the same will also continue to work in the standards. other areas he focuses in. Those areas For those that know Ampim well, include the speaking engagements, his leadership in achieving these leading workshops, his field research goals can be seen through the skills and writing his book. To help him he has already demonstrated. remain focused and organized, he African-American studies depart- said he has a plan to accomplish ment Chairwoman Carolyn Hodge them all. knew him before coming to CCC. “My strategy is to be available “When I saw professor Ampim remotely — by cell phone and espeaking at a conference, I was mail,” Ampim said, “My focus is to impressed with his knowledge, his keep in front of all of the other things passion and his thoroughness of that I have to do. I believe if you are

organized up front, it will save you headaches down the road.”

Ampim said that having a degree in business management has helped him manage and organize, as he uses these skills with the staff to ensure that everyone is synchronized.

He takes off in the summers and lead trips to places such as Egypt and other parts of Africa. The next trip is scheduled for 2011 to Ethiopia for 13 days, beginning May 31 through June 12, with Egypt following for two weeks in June.

“I would like to expose more students to the field trips, as well as be able to travel to other parts of the states such as Washington, D.C. or Virginia to study the local monuments,” Ampim said. “When I travel, I am always looking for opportunities for students. It has not been easy.”

He has already made an impact and is looking forward to positive connections with students and colleagues.

“I am excited about this new opportunity and looking forward to working with all of my colleagues and hopefully inspiring them to be here and serve the students,” Ampim said.

Contact Cassandra Juniel at cjuniel.advocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

5

Defibrillators installed for emergencies Rescue devices in eight locations

Ulversoy teaches a life guarding class at CCC that goes over more detailed use of an AED, but he is assured that even the most inexperienced person could successfully administer the treatment

By Cassidy Gooding STAFF WRITER as long as the directions are followed properly.

Automated External Donated by American Medical Defibrillators (AEDs) have been Response, the eight new AEDs installed in eight new locations are located in the AA Building, around Contra Costa College’s the Early Learning Center, the campus. From the Applied Arts Gymnasium, the Health Sciences Building to the Knox Center, the Building, the Library and Learning AEDs can be found scattered Resource Center, the Knox Center, across the grounds for use in case the Physical Sciences Building and of emergency. the Student Services Center.

AEDs are portable electronic These eight are joining two predevices that have the ability to existing AEDs that have resided in resuscitate someone going into the Gym Annex Building and the cardiac arrest. They automatically Health Services Building, placed diagnose the cardiac arrhythmias strategically to ensure that some(abnormal electrical activity in the one in need anywhere on campus heart) of ventricular fibrillation can be reached by AED within (a cause of cardiac minutes. The donaarrest), and deliver tion of the units was an electrical shock “I thought it was part of the AMR’s to the person in danContra Costa most important County Public ger.

Students and fac- to have one in the Access Defibrillator ulty will be able to program. find them if needed gym. That’s what “The AEDs are in white glass cabi- you read about - being installed disnets marked with the trictwide, and we’re AED heart symbol some athlete with the first to get them. on the front. other two cola heart problem The According to leges (Diablo Valley dropping.”

Buildings and and Los Medanos ) Grounds Manager don’t have them up Bruce King, the yet,” King said.

Bruce King, new AEDs are user Building and Grounds Manager Though the friendly and reaspread of the AEDs sonably simple to throughout a wider operate. Once the glass cabinet is range of the campus may seem opened and the AED is activated, a efficient, there are those who recording begins instructing who- argue the units’ locations should ever is near. take more into account where stu“The pads themselves have pic- dents are being more physical. tures of international symbols that “I thought it was most important show you where to put them while to have one in the football stadium the machine tells you what to do,” and the Gym,” King said. “That’s physical education professor and what you read about — some athpool manager Jim Ulversoy said. lete with a heart problem dropping.

INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

In addition to two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) already installed, eight new units were installed around campus over the summer. In case of emergency, the AEDs can be accessed and used by anyone following the automated voice recorded instructions.

You don’t hear about it happening in an economics class; it happens in the Gym,” King said.

Ulversoy agreed that though a wider range for the AED spots is a good idea, he believes priority should have been the pool area.

Even though there are AEDs located in both the Gymnasium and the Gym Annex Building, Ulversoy explained that it would still take time to transfer the unit to the pool or the field during an emergency. “(From the pool), we’d have to go out the side gate, grab the

AED and come all the way back around (to the pool). That’s four or five minutes of crucial time lost,” Ulversoy said.

However, the existence of the AEDs is still just precautionary. Of the existing two in the Gym Annex Building and Health Services Center, athletic trainer Brian Powelson, who has dealt with countless sprains and bruises, said he hasn’t needed one during the past four years.

Even though the units themselves were donated to the school,

CCC still had to pay the labor costs of installing them. Though with a look back to September 2009 when CCC football player Wali Wright sustained a near-fatal injury during a game on campus and was saved by timely CPR, the insurance of the new AEDs is certainly comforting to many.

“If they save even one person, it was worth it,” King said.

Contact Cassidy Gooding at cgooding.advocate@gmail.com.

Parking permits exclusively online New payment process irks student body

By George Morin PHOTO EDITOR

The district changed the process of obtaining a parking permit to online only this summer.

Unlike in previous years, student parking permits will no longer be sold on campus through Admissions and Records or the Bookstore.

“We saw people going to the college to pay for classes and waiting in extremely long lines, then forgetting to get their parking permits,” Police Services Sgt. Ryan Huddleston said. “We basically are trying to streamline the process of getting your classes and parking permits all in one shot.”

Parking permits are

now available for purchase replace lost or stolen perthrough WebAdvisor, which mits in cases of loss or theft, goes through Credentials Huddleston said.

Students are required to Solutions, a third-party website that deals with the pay- pay using a credit card. After ment process. Automobile payment, a confirmation epermits are now $40 while mail is sent to the buyer.

Attached to motorcycles permits are “With change, peo- the message $25. Daily is a printpermits will ple will complain, able parkbe $3 and ing permit can be pur- but... I hope to see that is set chased from that it will help in to expire. kiosks locatBetween the the long run.” ed in the purchase parking lots and expiraRyan Huddleston, tion dates, on campus.

Police Services sergeant students can The district decidexpect to ed to choose Credentials receive a permanent, adheSolution through a bidding sive-backed permit in the process. This will be the mail.

“Everything people do first time the district has collaborated with the company. today is mostly through Obtaining a semester the Internet. Everyone has parking permit now requires a Facebook, Twitter, even the vehicle’s make, model, banks offer online banking, year, body type, color and so this is just another thing license plate number. The to add to that list,” Police information is used to Services Chief Charles

Gibson said. “Everyone nowadays is Internet savvy anyway, so I couldn’t see it being that much of a problem.”

Huddleston said when permits were sold on campus, tracking transactions became difficult.

Permit sales help pay to fix potholes and other issues with parking lots around campus. Since a separate database is now handling the sales, a budget for these repairs is easily determinable, Huddleston said.

With the sudden changes district-wide, however, not all students are happy.

“The advertisement stating it as an easy process isn’t necessarily true. The system lags and constantly crashes,” student Jared Amdahl said.

“Also, I dislike having to run my information and credit card information through a third-party site. And to those without credit cards or a computer it makes it

near impossible for them to obtain a parking permit.”

Huddleston said most people have adapted to the new process and more than 6,000 permits were sold districtwide over the summer since the switch.

Approximately 6,000 more permits have been sold in the first two weeks of the fall semester.

“With change, people will complain, but I’m very optimistic about it and hope to see that it will help in the long run of things,” Huddleston said.

“We live in the technological age. Either you’re on the technological train, or you’re left behind. But any of us at Police Services are more than willing to answer any questions about the online parking permits or the process of getting them.”

Contact George Morin at gmorin.advocate@gmail. com.

A closer look wIn order to obtain a parking permit, students must go through their WebAdvisor accounts to link to a third-party website.

The system helps keep track of lost or stolen permits. wA vehicle’s make, model, year, body type, color and license plate number are required.

Payments must be made via credit card. wAutomobile permits cost $40, while a motorcycle tag costs $25. wDaily permits now cost $3. They are still available at kiosks in parking lots across the campus.

Unused blue phones costly, discontinued College watch service replaces old resources

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

After seven years of use, the Contra Costa Community District has decided to remove the emergency blue phones from its campuses, replacing them with a college watch program.

Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos colleges were all subject to the removal of the emergency phones after the district made the decision to discontinue their use due to the phones’ lack of use by students and their expensive costs.

“The phones have been very expensive, costing the district a total of more than $300,000,” Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said.

The blue phones, which were located in lighted blue booths throughout the campuses, were used by students and staff to notify

Police Services in the case of an emergency.

With the lack of students actually using To use the phone, one would simply press the phones and the continuing durability a red button at the phone booth and answer problems, the district came to a decision to the phone to be connected immediately to a remove the phones from all three district colPolice Services. leges before the start of the “The blue phones were “We just came to fall semester.

“We just came to the able to work in three ways,” Gibson said. “By cellular, the conclusion that conclusion that we were land line and solar powered.” we were spending spending a lot of money for Despite having three the phones,” Gibson said. alternative ways to function, a lot of money for “Eventually the Chancellor’s approved our decithe blue phones were often the phones. (We Cabinet disabled due to either a low sion and insisted on going batteries or not enough solar decided on) using ahead and using the 4CD power.

College Watch.”

“We would always have the 4CD College The 4CD College Watch program will be administered a problem with the phones Watch.” dying out as the batteries in a similar way to that of would die out,” Gibson said. a neighborhood watch proCharles Gibson, “Sometimes (the phones gram, as signs will be disPolice Services chief played and a watch team will wouldn’t work) due to a lack of sunshine hitting the be formed by Police Services.

Also when an emergency occurs students phones.”

Gibson also said students would rarely are now to dial 911 from their cell phones. use the emergency phones as most students “The College Watch Program is all about protection and being aware of your surcarry cell phones now.

roundings,” Gibson said. “People can call in anonymously and report something suspicious happening on campus or in the area.”

CCC students have differing opinions about the removal of the phones.

“Removing the phones is somewhat of a good change because it saves the school money,” nursing student Katrina Luna said.

“I think the watch (program) will be useful.”

Student Esther Padilla said, “I think the (blue) phones were more effective and students may not be as dependable since they (may) not be around in that time of emergency,” .

With the addition of the 4CD College Watch, district and Police Services officials are hoping that it creates a safer environment on campus.

“The blue phones never provided safety,” Gibson said. “I think the college watch will be successful, adding to the safety of the college campuses.”

Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra. advocate@gmail.com.

6 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010

CAMPUS BEAT

Cameraman forced into retirement Benioff says goodbye after position slashed

part-time employee and began planning for the creation of the college’s television studio.

Hernandez and former Web administrator Roger Polk worked with Benioff to design the former studio that was located upstairs in the Music Building.

By Sam Attal EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “He was the guiding force in the hardware.” Polk said. “I’m privileged to have A key player involved in the creation and worked with him.” maintenance of the college’s television staAlthough at times the two did not agree tion was forced into retirement after 23 years on certain issues and topics, Polk and Benioff of service. grew closer as friends and colleagues during Former video production engineer Barry their time together.

Benioff said goodbye to his fellow employ“I had a little more production experience ees in May after his position was eliminated than (Polk) did. He had more operational as part of a decision made by the Governing experience,” Benioff said. “We complementBoard in the spring to ed each other as well as reduce classified staff. drove each other crazy.” “(Benioff) was just “If my position was Over time, Benioff one of those guys eliminated because helped develop student my work was no longer for KCCC you wanted on your internships required for the college, I and stepped up to a fullwould have liked to know production. He was a time position in 1997, as what I could do to help,” he became known as the very good editor” Benioff said. college’s cameraman.

The 67-year-old, who “I helped internally with Frank Hernandez, produced live shows for the the spirit of the employees senior dean of students college’s television station, and the image of the colKCCC, and helped implelege,” he said. ment telecourses, said his Technology Systems position became somewhat costly to run in Manager James Eyestone said Benioff’s a constantly-changing environment where heavy background in engineering aided his competing media such as podcasts and other approach to television production at the colWeb-hosted videos are taking over. lege.

“Telecourses are not as popular,” he Benioff originally had an interest in engisaid. neering before he became an employee of Still, many co-workers said his ability to the college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in produce content and work efficiently will be civil engineering from UC Berkeley and went something missed dearly by the college. on to Northwestern University in Illinois to “(He is) very dedicated, focused and a bit obtain a master’s degree in the same field. of a perfectionist,” Senior Dean of Students Benioff said he might enroll in history Frank Hernandez said. and social science classes at Laney College Hernandez and Benioff first met in the during his retirement. He also plans to spend late-1970s when they were students at Laney time with his girlfriend, Shelly Levinthal.

College in Oakland. Hernandez was manPolk, whose position was also eliminated ager of the station in the Peralta Community in the spring, plans to establish an off-camCollege District and saw Benioff as a key pus reading club with Benioff. partner in the post-production process.

“We’re fortunate to have each other as “He was just one of those guys you friends in the retirement mode we find ourwanted on your production,” Hernandez selves in,” he said. “It’s unfortunate (that) the said. “He was a very good editor.” college will not have him there.”

With the help of Hernandez, Benioff Contact Sam Attal at sattal. began doing small production jobs for the college in the ‘80s. He eventually became a advocate@gmail.com.

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

That’s a wrap — Former video producer Barry Benioff retired in the spring after his position was terminated by the Governing Board in a decision to reduce classified staff. Benioff, 67, worked at the college for 23 years.

Polk steps down, plans for future

By Cody McFarland SCENE EDITOR

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Getting juiced — Jamba Juice employee Tara Medlock serves a smoothie to student Margaret Vargas in the quad Monday. The kiosk helped raise funds for the ASU.

Gentle giant takes leave

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

Known for his big smile and gentle manner, Buildings and Grounds worker Louis Dildy retired from the district after 31 years of service due to an injury sustained while working.

Dildy began his career at D i a b l o Dildy V a l l e y The College in Buildings March 1979 and Grounds as a custodi- worker an, respon- retired due sible for the to an injury inside main- after 31 tenance of years at the the college district. campus. In Sept. 1982, he transferred to Contra Costa College, also as a custodian until 1984 where he then transferred to Buildings and Grounds, working the outside maintenance of the campus.

“Louis was the diplomat of the quad area. He greeted students as they came by with a big smile and was one of the best diplomats around,” Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said. “He was knowledgeable, always concerned about the students and took real good care of the grounds

for the college campus.”

Dildy injured himself in October 1999 picking up heavy bags of soil, causing major injury to his back. Although he finally underwent surgery in September 2009 to relieve pain and correct discs, the procedure only helped minimally.

Even with surgery and physical therapy, Dildy was unable to return to work. He is currently enrolled in a physical education class at CCC to help him with the exercise he needs for his back and legs.

Although he misses his time at the college, Dildy continues to carry on with a gentle smile while sharing his appreciation for the time he had working for the district.

“My 31 years working for the district were real good and I take pleasure in having served the students, faculty and staff,” Dildy said.

To keep his mind fresh and to become more knowledgeable, Dildy took a few courses at CCC, including political science, computer science, mathematics and physical education.

“I see the results of good education in my three daughters. Two of them are doctors, with one working in pediatrics and internal medicine and the other as a family practitioner.” His third daughter received her master’s degree in child psychology.

“I could not be happier about their success,” Dildy said.

Co-workers in Buildings and

Grounds said they remember the fun times they had with Dildy and recall his good humor and mannerisms.

“Louis was a good worker and he was good to work with. He was very easy going, loved to laugh and was very mannerable with the students; he would always greet people with a big smile. We nicknamed him the ‘Ambassador’,“ senior equipment maintenance worker Marc Mariana said.

“We had some good times in the past where we would cook barbecue. Louis was a great cook and he really could cook some great links.”

Although some barbecuing may lay in his future, Dildy has yet to make any long term plans for life after retirement.

“I’m still trying to decide what I want to do. Because of my disability, I am limited,” Dildy said.

“I am considering doing some volunteer work, such as in a hospital or with a youth program.”

For the short term, he plans to travel to Nashville, Tennessee to visit his daughters and grand children.

Dildy said he met a lot of good students and good managers during his tenure at CCC. “If I was able to continue working at CCC, I would. However, I had no other choice. I do miss working and to occupy my time more, I plan to be more active in 2011,” he said.

Contact Cassandra Juniel at cjuniel.advocate@gmail.com.

and set up PowerPoint presentations.

Through the years, Polk created many PowerPoint presentations for the president of the college. “(Polk) is the kind of guy that you could provide a vision and he would bring your vision to life,” Hernandez said. “He’s a go-to guy, the guy you want on your team.”

Technology Systems manager James Eyestone said Polk was a great employee, one that was competent in designing web pages and reliable in doing all the work he was assigned, describing his creation and maintenance of the college website as a “big and broad responsibility” he fulfilled excellently.

Eyestone has known Polk 12 years and had supervised him for the last three years of his employment, during which time he said he recognized Polk as being very self-sufficient, yet easy-going and approachable. “(Polk) is really good at finding answers,” Eyestone said. “If he didn’t know the answer, he’d help you find someone that did.”

“I like providing assistance and being useful wherever I am,” Polk said. He would not only point students in the right direction, but escort them across campus if they needed help finding certain buildings or faculty, he said.

Polk works cooperatively with others, is very respectful, and “implements instructions appropriately,” recently retired Video Production Engineer Barry Benioff said. Benioff met Polk at CCC in the early 90s and, although both men are now retired, they have remained friends outside of the college.

“Roger gets things done thoroughly and in a timely manner,” he said. “He’s really good at working with people one-on-one.”

Polk holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and communications from Friends World College, now a part of the University of Long Island, and a master’s degree in educational technology from San Francisco State University. He also completed five courses at CCC. Polk did a significant amount of wiring for the old television station in the Music Building and provided assistance when it was moved to the downstairs of the Applied Arts Building.

He has also helped Benioff in monitoring and managing MCHS television station interns when they both worked together.

The recent economic crisis has been anything but kind, but when budgetary problems resulted in the elimination of the position of Web administrator last June, 62-year-old Roger Polk’s forced retirement soon manifested into the realization of his true passion for traveling.

His love for travel was made apparent Polk to colleagues by the many vacations he took around the world throughout his career. Though he considered looking for new work immediately after his July 1 retirement and is presently working with an organization that saves injured animals in Costa Rica, he says he may never return to holding a steady occupation.

“Your life fills up with all these things you’ve always wanted to do.

Now that I’m retired, I can,” he said.

“I have no time for a job. What I do now is something truly gratifying, better than a paycheck.”

Since his retirement, Polk has gone hiking and mountain biking in the Sierra Nevada, and is currently planning a trip to the Yucatan. He has traveled around the world, visiting multiple countries in East Africa, India, Southeast Asia and Central America.

“I’ve always appreciated his adventurous side,” Senior Dean of Students Frank Hernandez said. “He lives quite the life outside the college.”

As for any retiree, ending a tenure of almost 23 years, especially not on his own terms, took some getting used to.

The lay-off notice Polk received earlier this year in May ultimately made the decision for him. He was considering retirement then, but hoped to wait until after the fall 2010 semester, to celebrate his birthday in September one last time with his friends and colleagues, he said.

“I miss the college and my close friends,” he said. “But I miss the human element most of all, constantly seeing and interacting with students and faculty, getting to help when and where I could.”

The development of new Web pages and maintenance of the college website were Polk’s principle Contact Cody McFarland at tasks. He also worked as a technical trainer, teaching staff how to use cmcfarland.advocate@gmail.com. multimedia within smart classrooms

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

7

Team hopeful with strong recruits Carter attracts talent to college

By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR

New coaches, returning players and a successful recruiting process have been the definition of the off season for the Contra Costa College football team.

Entering his first year as the Comets’ coach, Alonzo Carter made a splash in his new position to build and revamp a declining CCC football program. “(The off season) was challenging and great at the same time as we tapped into recruiting areas that recent CCC football teams don’t normally encounter,” Carter said. “Usually several high school coaches wouldn’t allow their players to come here to CCC as they would instead pass us up and go to Diablo Valley College or Laney College.”

Despite the perceptions about CCC, Carter was able to successfully reel in several talented freshmen to come play for him.

“We hit the jackpot at home in recruiting,” Carter said. “I wanted to make sure we took care of our home high schools first as we did a good job bringing in players from Richmond, Pinole Valley and El Cerrito.”

With the local schools covered, Carter also managed to bring in players from Oakland schools such as Castlemont, Fremont and Oakland Technical high schools as well as the former schools

CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Gaining momentum — Comets fullback Keon Burden (right) and running back Jimmy Hines (middle) run drills during practice on the football field Monday. he coached, Berkeley High and McClymonds High.

Carter even went as far as grabbing players from Vallejo schools and some non-residential high schools.

Several players who Carter landed on the Comet squad were former all-league first, second and third team players while in high school.

“A lot of these kids had no intentions of coming here as they were recruited to other schools, but we got them,” Carter said.

He said his secret to getting these talented players to come to CCC was basically explaining the great education the college offers and his ability to get them offers to NCAA division 1 schools.

“In the past I had kids go on and transfer to four-year D-1 schools and my only question for my freshmen was ‘where did they want to go,’” Carter said. “We are selling the kids the strong education here at CCC with recruiting.”

Along with education and fouryear college hopes, Carter also

offered freshmen another opportunity to rise to the next level of play due to several all-league recruits being snubbed by university recruiters.

“We’re all looking for a better opportunity since we didn’t get recruited to top schools out of high school,” first year offensive lineman Lloyd Pellom said. “We are coming here to CCC with a whole different mentality in the classroom.”

“Coach Carter always tells us that once we handle our business

(school wise) he will take care of us,” first year running back Jimmy Hines said.

Other than the strong recruiting process, the Comets are also have several returning players from last season’s and previous season’s squads, as well as key transfers.

“My returnees are coming into this season with the approach that people are watching them,” Carter said. “They have a hunger to win and lead this team in a positive way.”

Sophomore linebacker Noah Coogler, who played on the 20082009 Comet squad, which finished the season 1-9, said coach Carter has brought the best out of the players since coming to the college.

“He (Carter) brings in an attitude CCC football hasn’t seen in awhile,” Coogler said. “The last time Contra Costa won a championship was in 1986 and the credentials Carter is bringing here (are) definitely needed.”

The squad will be hosting a “Silver versus Blue” scrimmage match on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the football field.

With a new sense of determination and the will to win, the Comets are hopeful for success going into the season.

“Coach Carter brought us all together,” freshman running back Leroy Green said. “We are working hard for him and hopefully he can return the favor and we can win some games.”

Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra.advocate@gmail.com.

Squad seeks improvement few players who are new to the sport entirely, Shrieve said that the team is STAFF WRITER coming together and “gelling” nicely.

Even with their passing needing Despite being hired as coach of the some improvement, they will be strong Comets’ volleyball team just a few at digging, serving and playing hard, weeks before the season will start, he said. coach Zachary Shrieve and his squad The goal of any team is to win, are focused on improvement. something that the Contra Costa After the sudden resignation of for- College volleyball teams of recent mer volleyball coach Azure’ D Nunley years were unfamiliar with, amounting late this past summer, just three wins over the absence of a coach the past three seasons “I felt pressured and put the volleyball under Nunley. program in jeopardy. rushed because of all Shrieve said he’s There was talk just a very excited about his the paperwork. But team and the season couple of weeks ago about possibly can- now we can focus on to come, and that he celing the upcoming feels it will be fun. season until, finally, getting better, taking With Shrieve’s Shrieve was hired. coaching it one day at a time, CCC Almost immedirecord standing at ately after taking over improving every day.” 13-22 from his first as coach, he managed tenure as volleyball Zachary Shrieve, to bring the team coach from 1997-98, volleyball coach together for its first the ex-collegiate volpractice, moving it leyball player brings right along ever since. a knowledge and a love for the game “I felt pressured and rushed because back to the Comets, and it is felt by the of all of the paperwork,” Shrieve said. players he coaches.

“But now we can focus on getting betFreshman Comets’ setter Jazmine ter, taking it one day at a time, improv- Mendoza said that she loves the sport ing every day.” and has been a “volleyballer” since the Although there are just two players 6th grade. returning from last year’s team, and a “I’m excited about playing at a new

By Rodney Woodson

level,” Mendoza said. “We’re having a lot of fun.”

She pointed out that they have a lot of good hitters and that everyone has good footwork.

She also said that she likes her new coach, and that he is good at what he does.

Mendoza is also comfortable with his style of coaching and said that the turmoil over the past couple of weeks regarding the coaching situation has not distracted her at all.

Lynn Iosua, an outside hitter for the Comets, said that Shrieve knows what he’s doing. “He works on a lot of technique,” Iosua said. “He’s very descriptive and it’s easy to follow his instructions.”

Returning to the Bay Area after living in Reno, Nevada where she played high school volleyball, Iosua said that she is “stoked” about the upcoming season with the Comets and their coach, and feels that with hard work they can change the team’s recent history.

When asked about the late confusion over the coaching situation she said that it hasn’t affected her and that the team is just focused on getting better, getting along and understanding one another.

Contact Rodney Woodson rwoodson.advocate@gmail.com.

at

Coach cuts America’s chances T

he World Cup has ended, and for most teams, it is time to rebuild. And if there is anything that the United States’ loss to Ghana has shown, it is that it is the furthest that the team can go with current coach Bob Bradley.

Rebuilding a team usually starts off with the firing of the coach and bringing in a new one, as well as bringing in new players.

Unfortunately, the U.S. decided not to take the rebuilding route, signing Bradley to a four-year contract extension on Monday that will keep him as the coach for the next World Cup. There were many questions about Bradley’s future after the World Cup, as many thought he was incapable of taking the team to the next level and that he might have accepted offers to coach in the English Premier League for several teams.

Bradley may have had a good four-year run with the team, winning a Gold Cup and coming in second

dariushazmoudeh place in the Confederation Cup, but the reason for the United States’ World Cup elimination laid in his hands.

His decisions in the starting lineup against Ghana cost the U.S. the game by starting players who did not perform well and leaving midfielders Maurice Edu and Benny Feilhaber, who were making great contributions to the team, on the bench. Bradley ended up making a substitution in the middle of the first half and again at halftime to put in those two players, who should have started the game.

The early substitutions took a toll on the team, limiting their ability to switch out exhausted players later on in the game in a match that went into overtime.

The biggest mistake Bradley made was repeatedly starting forward Robbie Findley when he consistently proved himself the most useless player on the team.

A better option would have been to start forward Edson Buddle, who is still the top scorer in Major League Soccer, or even forward Herculez Gomez.

While many might say that the U.S.’s performance at the World Cup was good, spectators were constantly watching them fighting from behind. Only scoring three goals and having the lead for only four minutes in the entire tournament, their offensive weakness was a result of their lackluster forwards.

In their game last month, the United States lost to Brazil 2-0 in New York.

That was not the same Brazil team from the World Cup, but a new, inexperienced Brazil team that has already gone through a rebuilding phase with a new coach and players. The team was rebuilt so well that they made the experienced U.S.

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Working together — Volleyball player Ana Maria Vasquez hits to teammate Lai Saechao during practice in the Gymnasium on Monday.

team look like a bunch of rookies.

A good replacement for Bradley would have been Jürgen Klinsmann, who coached Germany to third place in the 2006 World Cup and was one of the top candidates to take the head coach position for the U.S. team after the Cup in 2006.

Bringing in Klinsmann would have benefited the U.S., first by bringing in new players to the squad that Bradley may have missed out on.

Secondly, given his background of not only coaching but also being a former player for the German national team, Klinsmann could have brought a European perspective and style of playing to the team.

The road to the 2014 World Cup has already begun, and the United States has chosen to take the same old beaten path as before to get there.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh. advocate@gmail.com.

Game of the Week Soccer Contra Costa College VS.

College of the Redwoods

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Where: Soccer field Records: CCC 0-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 in the Bay Valley Conference. Redwood 0-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 in the Golden Valley Conference.

Background: The men’s soccer team opens up preseason play against the Corsairs. The Comets are determined to start the season on a positive note after finishing the previous year with a 10-7-4 overall record, 6-4-2 in the BVC. Last season the College of the Redwoods and CCC tied in their only meeting with a 0-0 result. CCC fell short in reaching the playoffs. The Comets enter the season with a team filled with talented recruits and five returning players.

— Malcolm Lastra

8 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “Machete” (R) “Prince of Broadway” (NR) “Going the Distance” (R) “The Winning Season” (PG-13)

DVDs

This week: “Marmaduke” (PG) “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?” (PG-13) “House: Season 6” (NR) “Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season” (NR)

CDs

New releases: Goo Goo Dolls: “Something for the Rest of Us” Heart: “Red Velvet Car” Last Nights Vice: “Perfect Little Noise” Sum 41: “Screaming Bloody Murder”

Games

New releases: “Metroid: Other M” (Wii - T) “Castle Crashers” (PS3 - T) “Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Ultimate Edition” (XBOX360/ PS3 - M) “Dead Rising 2: Case Zero” (XBOX360 - M) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

l WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2010

SCENE

Album breeds passion Jazz ensemble explores creativity

By Cody McFarland SCENE EDITOR

Last spring, the college’s vocal jazz ensemble, known as JazzaNova, released an eightsong album that embodies the hard work, dedication and overall instrumental and vocal talent of the music department on campus.

The self-titled album, which took two years worth of work to produce, was released at the Spring Concert on May 21.

“I was working with a seriously advanced group — a group that broke the skill-level ceiling and has demonstrated a lot of vocal talent within the (music) department,” music department co-chair and professor Stephanie Austin said.

Austin considers the release of the album to be an achievement on many levels, primarily educational, as it represents the quality of music being taught on campus.

It also provides a forum in which to showcase the many talented musicians from the college, she said.

Former JazzaNova member Mac Esposito is proud to say that the group walked away with many memories and a truly professional product. “(The album) looks and sounds professional, like something you’d see on the shelves at Best Buy,” he said.

Though continuing to grow, the music department is still rather small and thus has its restraints.

The lack of a budget called for a lot of fundraising in order to pay for studio time and mastering, Austin said.

JazzaNova was built from

FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Harmony of voices — (L-R) JazzaNova students Sophia Ruiz, Daniel Ruiz, Mac Esposito, Carol Frida, Daniel Rojas, and Mahiro Yanai sing to a crowd during a show at the La Strada restaurant in San Pablo during a show on March 29. JazzaNova has recently released an independent album.

songs as the traditional English the ground up, from a group of ballad “Scarborough Fair,” Carlos inexperienced non-vocalists to a Santana’s “Primavera,” and the big vocal band that is now repjazz standard “Afro Blue,” resenting Contra Costa cdreview all of which are markedly College on a national level, different. having participated in the “As the group evolved, I Monterey Next Generation looked for tunes that would Jazz Festival and Reno Jazz not only challenge the memFestival, Esposito said.

“JazzaNova” bers but also embrace their “For two years I put my ★★★★★ heart, mind and soul into Artist: JazzaNova specific talents,” Austin Genre: Jazz said. “The songs we ended that band, and honestly, up choosing really fit the there are moments in songs Label: None Release Date: personality of the group.” where tears come to my May 21 Throughout listening eyes because I am so proud to the JazzaNova album, of everyone who has worked I could not help but think so hard to make it happen,” I hardly had the musical he said. expertise to write a review. After Exposure to other groups hearing each song about a dozen showed the members of JazzaNova the level at which they times, I felt even more unsure of myself. No two songs sounded the were expected to perform. They same, and not a single track clung had to perform not only competto any of the jazz stereotypes or ing against other community preconceived notions I had comcolleges, but universities as well, ing into this. I heard hints, detectformer JazzaNova member Sofia ed nuances, but not one of those Ruiz said. tracks could be pegged to a single “The pressure you feel in that genre. moment right before going on The eclectic yet indescribable stage is priceless, but the satisfaction of actually pulling it off sound, I soon realized, is what is even better,” former member makes JazzaNova truly great. I Danny Rojas said. “The countless came to understand the album hours of rehearsal really paid off.” embodies not the umbrella term The track list includes such for the multitude of genres encom-

passed by jazz, but the question “what is jazz?”

There are so many different styles of the jazz idiom displayed on the album, from the formalist, classic swing jazz of “Homecoming,” to the AfroCuban jazz of “Afro Blue;” or from the rock fusion styling of “Yatra Ta” to the Latin rock influence of “Primavera.” These are to name only a fraction of what those songs entail.

Esposito said that when a musician plays jazz, he or she really says something about the music with the way the musician projects his or her unique style and interpretation onto it. Few words are truer, especially when speaking of JazzaNova.

Just by surrendering your ears to the ensemble’s impeccable vocal harmonies and your feet to the inevitable toe-tapping brought on by a funky rhythm section, you, too, can come to understand that while the group is defined as a vocal jazz ensemble, the feeling of the sound it provides transcends definition.

Contact Cody McFarland at cmcfarland.advocate@gmail.com.

Animated release has viewers ‘glued’

By Kathryn Moreno STAFF WRITER

A new villain has once again struck Gotham City, and he is trying to put fear into those who aren’t scared of Batman.

This new masked figure is none other than the Red Hood.

In DC Animations’ new animated movie, “Batman: Under the Red Hood,” we are re-introduced to the Red Hood, who is not some lowlife bank robber; He has bigger plans than

that, much bigger.

We are introduced to him when he calls all the powerful drug lords in Gotham City to a secret meeting.

He tells them that unlike their current protector, the Black Mask, he can actually protect them, even from Batman himself, but for his services he requires 30 percent of their income.

The Red Hood is voiced

by Jensen Ackles. The movie also stars the voices of Neil Patrick Harris as Nightwing and Bruce Greenwood as Bruce

Wayne/Batman.

When we first see the Red Hood in battle his weapons of choice are two 9mm pistols, a cool looking knife and his fists.

Like his nemesis Batman, he’s packed with many trendy gadgets, minus the dark knight’s one-of-a kind utility belt.

When the Red Hood calls out to Batman by his real name, Bruce Wayne, this sends Batman in search for the Red Hood’s real identity. He begins to feel that he knows exactly who it is, which at first

seems impossible but then it becomes obvious because of what a specific person did to try to make amends with Batman.

Once Batman pieces together the evidence, he has to come face to face with a difficult decision between putting a stop to the Red Hood or letting him continue to put fear into the lives of the drug lords he protects.

From beginning to the end, this film had me glued to the screen, not just because it was a Batman movie, but also because it

was amazing.

If it were possible to give a movie a 10 star rating, this would be the movie, but sadly there can be only five stars. And this one gets them all.

dvdreview

“Batman: Under the Red Hood”

★★★★★ Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles Directed by: Brandon Vietti Genre: Animation MSRP: $15

Contact Kathryn Moreno at kmoreno.advocate@gmail. com.

‘Teenage Dream’ a terrible nightmare The other songs, although equally sassy and feminine, are STAFF ILLUSTRATOR not as memorable or half as enjoyable. The instrumentals in each Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” track are lost behind the baffling should have been a dream she yet repetitive lines. cdreview In retrospect, the kept to herself.

This is the third album by the music is not very mainstream female songwriter. original or interestThe cover art for the CD shows ing to begin with.

Perry lying naked on a cloud that Perry’s contralto “Teenage has the consistency of cotton vocal range is wastDream” candy. The dated, cheesy cover ed in this album. ★★★★★ matches the cheesy and gimmicky Artist: Katy Perry Something about tracks found on the album itself.

Genre: Pop having the deepest Paying attention to the album, Label: Capitol classical female singRelease Date: listeners can see why the song ing voice and using Aug. 24 “California Gurls,” featuring the it in a pop-oriented rapper Snoop Dogg, was chosen manner does not to be the single played over the sound very good. radio. The single seemed to be The margin of the songs conthe summer anthem for 2010. tains noticeably suggestive lyrThe song was number one on the ics. The best example that can Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks. be given is her song entitled The collaboration between the two “Peacock.” The name itself is offartists was a breath of fresh air color, to say the least. The lyrics over the radio at the time. are not very thought-provoking

By Faythe Del Rosario

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Candy clouds — Pop singer Katy Perry’s third and most recent album release “Teenage Dream,” features guest rapper Snoop Dogg in her latest hit single “California Gurls. The album was released on Aug. 24

and can sound a bit bizarre to people who have not heard Perry’s previous material on her 2008 album “One of the Boys.”

There are a total of 12 songs in the album. The length of the album is a little under 47 minutes.

Buying the two-disc deluxe edition of “Teenage Dream” gives the consumer five extra tracks, the majority of them being remixes of songs from the first disc.

Unfortunately, Perry’s new release cannot be called compelling or original, as there have

been similar albums from various female artists within the last two years. It is just another raunchy pop album that seems catchy to most at first, but will soon become either completely obnoxious or forgotten.

You should not feel the need to make a list of pros and cons to determine whether or not to purchase “Teenage Dream.” The best way to go about it is not doing so.

Contact Faythe Del Rosario at frosario.advocate@gmail.com.