The Advocate - Oct. 13, 2010

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

Spastic change

Experimental band enhances tunes

sports ◆ page 7

CMYK

scene ◆ page 6

campus beat ◆ page 5

Victory Team procures second win

Wildlife flourishes Critters multiply, populate campus

VOL. 95, NO. 6

SINCE 1950

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

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

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Summit held in capital

LISTENING TO LOCALS

Chancellor in attendance

By Cassidy Gooding OPINION EDITOR

ADAM OLIVER / THE ADVOCATE

Concerned stare — Students Diana Rajabi (left) and Taylor Griggs (right) discuss issues and propositions with Richmond mayorial candidate John “Z” Ziesenhenne during the Rock the Vote forum in the Recreation Room Thursday.

A date

Forum allows county entrants to reach student voters, discuss societal issues

with the

candidates

By Faythe Del Rosario STAFF WRITER

To give faces to the many campaign signs around the area, local candidates spoke at the 2010 Rock the Vote Candidate Forum in the Contra Costa College Recreation Room on Thursday.

The Associated Student Union hosted the event, presenting students with the opportunity to meet and speak with the candidates. The entrants are running for office in San Pablo, Richmond, and other cities around the East Bay, and also included those who are trying to get placed on the West Contra Costa Unified School District Governing Board.

Each candidate had a 10-minute block to give brief background information of themselves and their priorities if elected into office. There was also a short moment after each of their blocks to take a few questions from the audience.

More than 15 candidates were present at the occasion, including the city of Richmond’s current mayor, Gayle McLaughlin.

McLaughlin is running for re-election as mayor. She talked about what she has done to help Richmond and what she plans to do.

She said she believes education should be the top priority, not the casino that may be built at Point Molate, insisting that students and the youth in general will help the city strive.

“As youth, you are essential for change. Without you, we will be in a struggle,” she said.

Richmond city council candidate Courtland “Corky” Boozé also believes that students make all the difference in a well-rounded community.

He said, “The leaders of tomorrow are sitting here today.”

ASU Senator Albert Ambris was the project manager for the event.

Rock The Vote was put together because students are out of touch with politics these days, he said.

Ambris said that by having the candidates speak, the forum allowed students to realize that there is much going on in the community and that they need to know the people that are making these changes.

“Their (the students) voice matters and these people in office are here to

represent them,” he said.

Many of the candidates talked about various issues that included budgets, international student housing, unemployment and how they will provide help to the students at CCC. The speakers had different opinions about where money should be allocated, whether on Point Molate or programs and construction for the community. Public safety was also a concern that they addressed.

“If we do not have a safe city, no one will want to do business here,” Richmond city council member Nat Bates said.

WCCUSD district board President Madeline Kronenberg brought to light the problems the school district faces.

“The last four years have been difficult. We lost 28 percent of our budgets,” she said.

According to Kronenberg, the students are not being provided the necessary attention that is needed.

“California does not walk its talk.

No one has made a commitment to finance education,” she said.

Before the event was paused for intermission, there were not many students present. Ambris described

More than 100 invited guests from educational districts throughout the nation gathered at the White House for the first ever summit concerning community colleges on Oct. 5.

District Chancellor Helen Benjamin was one of only three guests invited from the state of California.

“Helen Benjamin is one of the most recognized leaders in community college education,” Academic Senate President Richard Akers said. “She leads the 30th largest community college district in the nation. I believe her history of advocacy engenders her to such opportunities as to being invited to this summit.”

“I think a summit like this was an excellent idea,” Dr. Benjamin said. “Nothing like this has ever happened ■ SEE SUMMIT: Page 4

BENJAMIN

edit orial Follow through

While President Obama’s plan to make community college more accessible gives hope, it needs to be acted upon without more budget cuts.

page 2

Student’s car stolen

By Sam Attal

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A student’s vehicle was stolen from campus somewhere between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sept. 30.

Police Services officer Jon Caires said student Veronica Vasquez parked her mother’s four-door 1991 green Honda Accord facing eastbound on upper Campus Drive near the Music Building that morning. It was found unattended the following day in Berkeley.

“Someone literally took the car from (the college) to get from point A to point B,” Caires said. “They took the car to get to Berkeley and ditched it.”

Caires responded to the report and found no pieces of broken glass or any evidence

■ SEE FORUM: Page 4

■ SEE CAR: Page 4

Hunger walk aids Richmond residents STAFF WRITER

RICHMOND — Students, adults, children and family pets joined in the 24th annual Harmony Walk to end hunger Saturday in attempt to raise awareness of the problems that are happening in the community.

For the fourth year, Chevron of Richmond sponsored the event that was held in the Civic Center Plaza. Since the event began at 8 a.m., free breakfast was provided, offering walkers pancakes, their choice of bacon or sausage and a side of cantaloupe.

Director of the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) Kia Croom organized the event. She brought together all the exhibitors that came representing their organizations, schools and the people.

“(I attended the walk) to support GRIP, which is a fine organization that does a lot of good work, and to let people know about our school (St. Jerome Catholic School),” volunteer Marla Korte said.

GRIP helps the hungry and the homeless by providing a place for them to get food and shelter. They have a 75-bed capacity emergency shelter and eight other studios that are for families that have no place to stay. They run a soup kitchen that feeds up to 300 people a day and are available 365 days a year. It is an organization of religious congregations that have one common goal: end hunger and homelessness.

“I think it’s good,” participant Kerry Moriarty said. “It’s helping people that don’t have food to eat by keeping shelters open in Richmond.”

Carrows Restaurant in El Cerrito ■ SEE WALK: Page 4

CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Feeding the hungry — Jamersina Preston (left) from the Kiwanis Club serves pancakes donated by Carrows Restaurant to Richmond resident Sonya Moore at the Richmond Civic Center on Saturday.

CMYK

By Natalie Estrada

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

CMYK

2 THE ADVOCATE Quotable “If we’re going to live as we are in a world of supply and demand, then journalists had better find a way to create demand for good journalism.”

Bill Kovach journalist 2001 Sam Attal editor-in-chief Dariush Azmoudeh associate editor Lamar James associate editor Cassidy Gooding opinion editor Cassandra Juniel spotlight editor Malcolm Lastra sports editor Alexandra Waite news editor Cody McFarland scene editor George Morin photo editor Christian Soto assistant photo editor Jermaine Harrison circulation manager Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Hilberth Ibarra Natalie Estrada Cary Gooding April Halog Cheuk Ko Lina Lam Janit Saechao Rodney Woodson Staff photographers 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, OCT. 13, 2010

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010 VOL. 95, NO. 6 ●

Editorial Action required

Obama administration must act upon plans

P

resident Barack Obama held a first-of-its-kind summit on community colleges at the White House last week. More than 100 guests from community college districts all over the nation were invited to attend.

In his opening address, Obama praised the community college system for its tenacity in opening doors for the middle class, calling them the “unsung heroes” of education.

Obama explained to those at the summit, as well as those watching at home, that higher education is the path to remaining strong as a world power.

He stated that, “The nations that outeducate us today will out-compete us tomorrow.

“America does not play for second place and we certainly don’t play for ninth,” he said.

He stressed that more than half of the students in community colleges drop out before transferring or receiving a degree, despite the bridge two-year colleges offer to students unable to jump straight from high school to expensive four-year institutions.

To fix this problem, he has decided to reallocate some funds to make community colleges even more accessible.

In addition, he wants his administration to create new programs that will create partnerships between businesses and colleges to help graduates find jobs.

And, he has challenged community colleges to turn out five million additional graduates in the next decade.

The college administration believes this goal is realistic, but that working toward an objective this size with limited resources is potentially dangerous.

Say community colleges, despite facing statewide cuts, do indeed shoot out five million more graduates by 2020. If administrations are upping the completion rates solely to meet this mandate, the quality of education may not meet the standards of the past. Getting students out may become more important than giving them a meaningful degree.

Furthermore, a comment about competitiveness made by the president is worrisome. If community colleges are able to reach their goal despite having a lack of funds, will the government correlate increased success with a diminished pool of resources, suggesting that if colleges have to compete for money success will rise?

To skirt this hazardous connection, Contra Costa College administrators must continue to demand the resources the college needs to function. Students and management alike must show that the college can deal with adversity and budget cuts in hard times, but that it will not stand for them indefinitely.

And state government should not be permitted to think slashing community college resources is an effective way to pinch their pennies.

FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE

■ Humanity

Abortions inhumane, excuse mistakes

Y

ou’re sitting at a desk, thinking about how your life is going to change if you go through with the birth process. After sitting there for 10 minutes, the doctor walks in and asks, “Are you ready?” All you can do is stand up and nod.

Some women have a hole of guilt in their hearts after doing the unthinkable, and others just use it as another form of birth control. The idea of killing a baby, or a fetus, is just something that I would never think about doing.

Yes, others may say don’t speak without knowing how it feels to see your life suddenly hit a bump at a young age, but the way I see it, if you’re ready to have sexual intercourse then you must be prepared for the consequences.

There is no good reason to kill the one thing that is not responsible for what you did that night when a condom was not available and you had unsafe sex. If you’re not ready or prepared then just don’t do anything that is going to put your body and future at risk.

Abortions are not 100 percent safe, and the process in which the fetus is ejected from the uterus is just inhumane.

The other day, I became curious, and looked up images of abortions on Google. The sight was worse than I could have ever imagined. There were images of fetuses that were torn apart, and others did not even look like babies any more. In one image the fetus had its arm,

leaves you in tiny little pieces while you have no say in it. It’s inhumane to be selfish enough to want to end a baby’s life to enjoy your own.

I see no justification for abortion, whether you’re an immature teen who didn’t know how to use a condom leg and head ripped off its properly or a victim of rape. body. The picture was so Rape is one of the touchy disturbing that it made my subjects that often justifies stomach turn. an abortion. If you think Abortions can be perabout it, it’s not formed at almost any the baby’s fault time period of the If you’re that you were at fetus’ life. the wrong place Suction aspiration at the wrong is an abortion method ready for time. I’m not used during the first saying that the 12 weeks of pregsexual girl who was nancy. This process raped asked for requires anesthesia to intercourse, it, but the child be administrated via in her womb is the patient’s cervix to then you just as innocent help dilate it. A sucas the victim. tion curette, which is There are a hollow tube with must be many other a knife-edge tip, is ways to deal then inserted into the prepared with the fact womb. that you got The instrument for the pregnant, but is then connected to abortion should a vacuum that is 29 times more powerful consequences. not be part of those options. than a household vacWould you want to be uum. This process tears the fetus and placenta into small sucked into a machine that tears every piece of you, and pieces and sucks it into a bottle that is then discarded. then be thrown in the garbage as if you are nothing?

By 12 weeks, the latIt’s time to think about our est this process can be choices, and either live up to performed, the fetus has a heart beat, all blood cells are the consequences or choose a better life for a child, such as produced by the liver and putting it up for adoption. At spleen, all arteries are presleast with adoption, the child ent, the brain is formed and has a chance to live and love. vocal chords are complete.

Some fetuses cry in the Natalie Estrada is a staff womb and can feel pain. writer for The Advocate.

Imagine getting sucked Contact her at nlestrada. into something that chops advocate@gmail.com. your body completely and

natalieestrada

CampusComment

Do you feel safe parking your car on campus?

“Sometimes during the day, but at night I don’t know. You never know who’s out there.”

“I do feel comfortable parking on campus. I see police all the time, and I live in the area.”

Dariel Segura

Will Bartho

radiology

English

“Not really, because it seems someone already tried to break into my car. I can tell the (police aides) are doing their jobs though.”

“I park in the more open parking lots, but I mostly feel safe.”

“At night the security is out in force so I feel safe.”

Scar Scott

Tamika Kelly

health and humans services

health and human services

“I know of a lot of people who have had their cars broken into, and it makes me feel unsalfe about parking around campus.”

Jessica Chin

Mariana Aguliera liberal arts GEORGE MORIN AND FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE

radiology

FORUM ■ Culture

alexandrawaite

Identity not defined by heritage

I

may be half Mexican, but I am incapable of maintaining a conversation in Spanish.

After explaining my severe lack of knowledge for the language when meeting people of my ethnicity, I am always met with confused stares.

“Didn’t your parents teach you?” they ask, almost instantaneously. “No,” I reply.

“My family is white and I’m adopted.”

The questions that follow about being adopted never bother me, but feeling obligated to explain the absence of qualities that are expected of me and not having anyone in the same situation to relate to tends to upset me.

My inability to associate with the cultures of my biological parents sometimes leaves me feeling excluded and alone.

I often wonder, even though I grew up in a different environment from my biological parents, does that prohibit me from ever identifying with Mexican and Native American culture?

Does a person’s ethnicity truly mean anything if that person never knows the meaning themselves?

When you are an outsider looking into those who grew up with their biological families, having pride in one’s heritage seems to be an extremely large piece in constructing the puzzle of a person’s identity. That pride creates a sense of stability and belongingness, leaving people without that opportunity feeling like something is missing.

Sometimes it reaches an extreme where individuals who strongly identify with their ethnicity exude arrogance and make others feel ostracized for not being knowledgeable of their ethnic background. These types of people often look at those who are unfamiliar with their family’s culture as traitors, or as thinking they are too good to associate with it.

I can recall several instances where people would tell me, “You’re not a real Mexican,” or “That is so white,” in reference to an activity I participated in with my family. Regardless of whether or not such comments are intended as jokes, I find them ignorant and insulting, making the people come off as condescending jerks.

Perhaps the desire to attain a cultural identity is only based upon societal pressure.

If this is the case, then it may be best to accept that I grew up not knowing my ethnic background and trying to obtain that information as an adult is not completely necessary.

Not being attached to a cultural identity can even be a good thing. The detachment encourages the development of a unique identity and allows for an open mind toward many different cultures. With that open mind, more people could overcome the forces that segregate various races.

At the end of the day, I cannot escape my genetic heritage and plan to learn more about my biological family’s ethnic roots, but those roots will never determine who I am. Only I can determine that.

Alexandra Waite is news editor of The Advocate.

Contact her at awaite. advocate@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

3

■ Coexistence

Religions aim to promote peace

M

ost religions talk about promoting peace and love for your fellow humans, but there are people in this world who have turned these words around into violence and hate.

Sometimes cultures are divided by religion, by different beliefs that people cannot agree upon. Not even just cultures, but groups of people themselves.

Religious differences have been the cause of many wars, with the most notable being the Crusades, when the Christians and the Muslims fought each other in a war that lasted for a period of 200 years.

The original objective was for the Christians to take control of Jerusalem and the Holy Land from the Muslims.

Jerusalem was an important place for both religions.

For the Christians, it was where Jesus spent most of his life and where he was crucified. For the Muslims, it was where Muhammad had been and prayed at the

same line of religion and actually follow the same God, but they all call their God by a different name.

They all believe in the same beginning that includes Adam and Eve and study the Old Testament in their own holy books.

Dome of the Rock, which is The main difference is a very holy place for them. who they follow. Judeans But even today we see believe that their Messiah followers of these religions hasn’t arrived yet, while hating one another. The main Christians believe Jesus is reason for hate in these cases the son of God and Muslims is ignorance. believe Jesus is a messenger Islamic extremists are one of God but Muhammad is of the religious groups that the main messenger. unfortunately promote hate Despite all these differand violence against othences, their goal was never ers. While there are radical to promote violence, but Christian groups, they are instead to spread coexistence not as widely known but do and peace to the world. still exist.

Having parents of differWhat is usually highlight- ing religions, one Christian ed when looking at these and the other of Bahá’í faith, religions are the negatives I was able to see the differof their individual God and ences yet similarities each their leader, either Jesus or brings.

Muhammad. Sadly, it is the Bahá’í is another religion similarities that are overthat somewhat follows the looked. same lines but sees Jesus, Christianity, Islam and Muhammad and others as Judaism all come from the divine messengers.

dariushazmoudeh

Being a Christian, I can see how Jesus tried to make the world a better place, and from what I read about Muhammad, I can tell he tried to do the same.

Individually, we don’t have to be part of a religion to see the wisdom in their words, and the words of faith they promote do not have to be directed toward a religion, but just toward life.

To promote peace, we need to respect each other’s religions and not try to pressure them with our own. This philosophy goes not just for religion, but everything in general such as culture and sexual orientation.

To use part of a quote from Jesus, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you.”

Dariush Azmoudeh is an associate editor of The Advocate. Contact him at dazmoudeh. advocate@gmail.com.

Clean f r e a k s

Overly cleanly practices bring allergies, illness

By Cody McFarland SCENE EDITOR

T

here is nothing more horrifying than an enemy you cannot see. At least, that’s the premise behind the grossly popular antibacterial products that line store shelves these days.

Geared at eliminating bacteria that cause infection and sickness, these products also kill the naturally occurring bacteria that are ever-present on and in the human body. Though good hygiene is socially uplifted, there is such a thing as being too clean.

The most popularly recommended course of action would be shower once a day, washing your hair every other day. However, the frequency at which you bathe differs from person to person depending on body type and the rate at which your body produces its natural oils. Excessive washing of any part of the body will result in that area drying out and cracking and may induce increased future oil production, which can lead to things such as acne.

Not only does overly clean behavior have negative effects on the natural production of oils by your body, it may also have harmful effects on the development of your immune system.

In a late-1990s study conducted by health researcher Erika Von Mutius, allergy and asthma rates were compared from East and West Germany.

Her initial hypothesis was that children growing up in the poorer and dirtier cities of East Germany would suffer more from allergies and asthma than youth in West Germany, a cleaner and more modern environment.

After concluding that children in the polluted areas of East Germany had lower allergic reactions and fewer cases of asthma than children in the West, Von Mutius formed a new theory, entitled “The Hygiene Hypothesis,” that says children who are around numerous other children or animals early in life are exposed to more microbes and therefore have stronger immune systems with more tolerance for the irritants that cause asthma and allergies.

In an online article titled “Talking Dirty” from news website Salon, author Susan McCarthy reports that this hypothesis suggests that the human immune system has evolved two types of biological defenses: the Th1 and Th2. While Th1 lymphocytes respond to bacteria and viruses, the Th2 lymphocytes respond to parasites and are accountable for releasing histamines and sheets of mucus to remove these parasites from the body.

Proponents of this hypothesis believe that when one defensive sys-

tem lacks practice fighting bacteria and viruses, usually the result of an overly sanitary lifestyle, the other system becomes too powerful and attempts to compensate for the other in the form of an allergic reaction to harmless substances like pollen.

It is suggested that developing immune systems in infants may become unbalanced if they are not met by enough viruses and bacteria, warranting the overactive Th2 response, as Th1 reactions may not be sufficiently stimulated.

The results are awful for those who have developed allergies, as itchiness, sneezing and mass quantities of mucus arise from something as harmless as contact with pet dander.

McCarthy also made mention to a study conducted by the Institute of Child Health in Bristol, which concluded that out of 14,000 children, those who had daily baths and who washed their hands more than five times a day had 25 percent more asthma-like symptoms.

Although many antibacterial products marketed to the public today do no more than your standard bar of soap and water, many others are successful in killing both good and bad bacteria.

Good bacteria, known as probiotics, aid digestion and keep pathogenic substances in check.

Unfortunately, there is no way to distinguish between the two when it comes to sanitation, and a lot of the time probiotics are sacrificed in the elimination of pathogens and other harmful bacteria.

One worry of scientists is that fast-moving bacteria will quickly evolve mechanisms to survive antibacterials.

Charles Rock, a member in biochemistry at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., studied triclosan, one of the most widely used antibacterial and antifungal agents, following the spike in popularity of antibacterial products.

Rock concluded that the widespread use of triclosan in everyday products such as lotions and kitchen

cleansers “will lead to the appearance of resistant organisms that will eventually compromise the usefulness of triclosan and other antibacterials that interact with the same target.”

In other words, the continued heavy use of sanitary agents will ultimately nullify their effects; bacteria will adapt and sanitizers will no longer have an effect on them.

“This could add one more immunity to the bacterial arsenal and make the evil superbacteria that dwell in hospitals — bacteria that gobble antibiotics as a tasty appetizer before they feast on your living flesh, for example — even harder to kill,” McCarthy said in her article.

I lied. There is something even more terrifying than an enemy you can’t see: one that you can’t see — or stop.

My advice is to establish a bathing schedule that fits your body; don’t worry about the bacteria on your children, influence them to go outside, have fun and get messy; and do not encourage the frequent use of hand sanitizers in day-to-day life. Save such germophobia for where it counts: in a hospital or restaurant.

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

ROY CHAN / THE ADVOCATE

4 THE ADVOCATE

CAMPUS BEAT

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010

accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

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Newsline ■ HOMECOMING

Rally boosts school spirit The football team, cheerleaders and ASU will be hosting a “Blue and Silver Day” rally on Thursday in the Amphitheater from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in the festivities in Comets’ colors to pump up the football team for the Homecoming game Saturday at 1 p.m.

There will also be a tailgate party and barbecue potluck near the tennis courts starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

■ DSPS

Series shows ‘Deaf’ film The third installment of the DSPS film series, the short film “Voices in a Deaf Theater” will be shown in LLRC-107 from 11 a.m. to noon today.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

■ PROPOSITION 13

Panel meets to inform

TSTL is hosting a panel discussion about Proposition 13 in the Fireside Room today from 1 to 3 p.m.

The panel will include politicians from the Richmond City Council and the state Assembly explaining the proposition and its effects on educational funding 30 years later.

■ TOWN MEETING

Delegate to visit campus

Rep. George Miller, of the 7th Congressional District, will be the star speaker of a Town Hall meeting in the Recreation Room Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m.

All are invited to attend and listen to Miller’s plans and ideas for education as well as voice any questions.

■ EOPS

Workshops aid studies EOPS is hosting a series of workshops for students who are falling below a 2.0 grade point average. The series will assist students in improving their academics.

The next installment will be held Tuesday in SSC-104 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Summit | Community colleges assigned goals ■ FROM: Page 1

before.”

Led by Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, the summit both commended community colleges for their educational contribution and set new standards for the two-year system.

President Obama also gave a short speech on the subject before opening the floor for Dr. Biden and the delegates.

“President Obama’s speech was very supportive of community colleges and the work we do,” Benjamin said. “He also posed a challenge to us, however, with the National Completion Agenda. It’s a very lofty goal.”

The agenda, also known as the College Completion Agenda, lays out America’s plan to become a world leader in education by 2025.

One of such plans is President Obama’s American Graduation Initiative, which is a program that will reallocate funds to make community college more affordable for students. This initiative is an effort to fulfill the president’s pledge of 5 million additional community college graduates by the year 2020.

“I think (the additional graduates) are possible as long as there is not only the goal in place, but a plan along with it,” Benjamin said. “If we are all held to a certain amount of achievement to adhere to, with good plans set, it is very reachable.”

Senior Dean of Research and Planning Tim Clow and Dr. Akers agree that with hard work and opti-

Car | Stolen

credit for what we do in terms of changing people’s lives and making a difference every day, which is an appropriate assessment.”

Middle or lower class students, including single working parents, soldiers returning from war and dependents of low income families, all find an educational haven in community colleges for preparing to transfer or getting a degree.

It is the administration’s hope that the measures proposed at the Community College Summit help to start narrowing the achievement gap our college is faced with.

“Right now, the achievement gap is just research,” Clow said.

“President Obama is trying to get us to record that certain ethnic groups are not successfully completing like others.

“He wants us to gather the data on this, then sit down and try to have a discussion about race, ethnicity and things that set us apart culturally and how all of us are responsible for creating environments where every student has an equal chance.”

This process of recording information will be a nationwide effort to diminish the fissure of achievement between students from different backgrounds. As for CCC, Clow believes “classified and certified staff, management and students will be a part of this free and open dialogue. CCC is not afraid of this discussion.”

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

Target site

■ FROM: Page 1

suggesting forceful entry into the vehicle. He said the person who stole the vehicle most likely used a device or pick made specifically for opening vehicle locks.

Police Services Sgt. Jose Olivera said the thief’s choice of car is not out of the ordinary.

“Honda Accords are popular,” Olivera said.

The area where Vasquez parked is heavily populated by cars and is somewhat hidden by trees. Caires said upper Campus Drive is usually traveled only by students and college employees, not random people passing through the college.

“The person up there is there to steal a car or is a student,” Caires said.

Contra Costa College has had three other vehicle thefts on campus this year. On Jan. 26, a two-door 1989 red Honda Civic was stolen from the parking lot in between the Gym Annex and the armory. It was taken between 2:30 and 5:40 p.m.

A two-door 1994 red Honda Civic was stolen from Lot 4 by the Gymnasium between 2:30 and 6 p.m. on May 1.

A two-door 1994 red Ford Thunderbird was taken on Aug. 30. The car was also stolen between 2:30 and 6 p.m. from Lot 4.

Olivera said although the campus has seen a drop in car thefts from last year, it is still important for students to be careful of where they park. “(Students should) park in a well-traveled area,” he said. “Obviously, (parking) on campus is better than off campus. We’re not going to patrol off campus.”

He said there are also a number of steps students can take to prevent car theft.

“Don’t leave anything valuable in the car,” Olivera said. He suggests students should try to have alarms installed in their vehicles, but if the cost is an issue, steering wheel and pedal locks may help deter thieves as well.

Contact Sam Attal advocate@gmail.com.

at

A student’s four-door 1991 green Honda Accord was stolen from upper Campus Drive near the Music Building on Sept. 30 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The car was found unattended the next day in Berkeley.

sattal.

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Forum Walk | Richmond battles hunger ■ FROM: Page 1

the outcome of the first half as “shaky.” Classes that provide extra credit for coming will give students more incentive to go, he said.

Students like Cristian Mejia thought the event was very beneficial to those on campus.

“It was a good opportunity for the students at school.

You got information straight Monday, Oct. 4 from the source,” he said.

A victim reported that English major Jeanette his vehicle was vandalized Alanis found the issue of while parked on campus. budget the most important topic the candidates covered.

Tuesday, Oct. 5 “It seems like most of the A staff member reported money that we do have is receiving threats from a stu- not being given to schools,” dent. she said.

There was a wide variThursday, Oct. 7 ety of food and beverages An officer responded to a provided to those attending non-injury traffic accident. the forum, courtesy of the culinary arts department.

Officers received a disorAlthough the event flier derly conduct report. stated that the event would be finished at 4 p.m., the Friday, Oct. 8 forum ended an hour early.

A victim’s vehicle was burglarized while parked on Contact Faythe Del campus.

Rosario at frosario.

— Cassidy Gooding advocate@gmail.com.

CrimeWatch

mism, 5 million more degrees and ready for a career. certificates is not unrealistic.

“There are so many people with “I draw the parallel to when different goals, skills and abilities,” Kennedy said, ‘We’re going to the Benjamin said. “Some don’t want a moon in 10 years,’” Akers said. four-year degree, or even an asso“This was a huge goal, but it started ciate’s degree. Some may just want this outgrowth of knowledge. training for a certain skill. Different “So much came from this simple people have different skills and all goal.” the options are out there. Community Akers explained that the momen- colleges need to make sure people tous commitment can become certiof getting to the fied and employmoon in a decade able.” “(The goal is) poslit a fire under A lofty goal, sible as long as there indeed. the scientists and engineers of One chalis not only the goal Kennedy’s day, lenge to Skills in place, but a plan motivating them for America’s to make great Future is the rate along with it.” leaps and bounds at which technolin a small amount ogy is changing Helen Benjamin, of time. in society. district chancellor “I think pledg“Education ing 5 million becomes ineffecgraduates is a similar-sized pebble tive when the students’ technological in the pool,” he said, that will lead to know-how exceeds their professors,” achievement in a variety of areas.

Dr. Clow said. “We need to stay curAnother program outlined by rent. We need to start changing the President Obama is a partnership way we teach.” between community colleges and Creating more programs and large corporations called Skills for classes to ready students for enviAmerica’s Future. The program ronmentally motivated jobs is one relies on finding new ways for busi- example of evolving the curriculum. nesses and colleges to work together In his speech, President Obama to harness the talent of American hailed community colleges as students. “unsung heroes” of education, since One way to do this, according to they are accessible to many more the president’s plan, is to match the students than most four-year instituwork in community college class- tions. rooms to the needs of a corporate “It’s pretty common for people to boardroom. In this way, once stu- refer to us that way,” Benjamin said. dents receive a diploma, they will be “It suggests we don’t get enough

■ FROM: Page 1

sponsored the free breakfast, serving up 1,000 pancakes made by General Manager Mark Yonemura.

“I started making the pancakes at 3 a.m. We (at Carrows) definitely like helping out the community,” Yonemura said.

Clubs from all around Richmond and more than 25 exhibitors joined in the ceremony. A group of young adults from the club Play Works helped by blowing up balloons and getting things ready for the event. They cheered as walkers started their way around the block, handing out free bottles of water for the three-mile walk.

“I’m out here to promote a healthy community and, you know, just to have fun,” volunteer for Play Works Khai Chatfield said.

Also on hand was a disc jockey from the radio station KDYA 1190 AM The Light.

The music played had the guests grooving and had others singing along. DJ Brotha Phil called all the walkers

to attention, then announced Sobrante, though one of different speakers, one them was not participating of whom was Richmond because he wanted to run Mayor Gayle McLaughlin. instead of walking at an easy She spoke before the crowd, pace with a child on board. letting the community know There were also two that she rabbits was with that the them and children “I think (the walk) was ready o u l d is good. It’s helping cfeed to walk for and change. pet. All people who don’t Boot of these have food to eat by c a m p activii n s t r u c - keeping shelters open ties were tor Omari free and in Richmond.”

Williams, a l l owe d a l s o the chilKerry Moriarty, known as dren to participant “Coach have fun O,” had all and expethe walkrience ers get on the grass and do new things. stretches and jumping jacks The organization West before the walk. The music County Reads was there, pumped up the participants allowing kids to pick gently and they were ready for the used books to either read for walk. the time being or keep.

The children were pro“I think this is the secvided multiple activities for ond time we’ve been here their enjoyment, including a at GRIP,” West County jumper that they could enter Reads board member Tana and exit as they pleased. Monteiro said. “We get to as Two ponies were provided many community events as

by Horse Paradise in El possible.”

The Kiwanis Club of Richmond gathered all their volunteers to help at the event. The club helps students get out and help their community.

Jamersina Preston is one of the adult volunteers and the person that brought Kiwanis to Richmond High School. She now works at Lovonya Dejean Middle school, where many of the kids that go to school there are homeless. She attended the event not only to volunteer, but to let others know about the percentage of students who come from homeless families.

“I think it’s a great event.

I used to work at GRIP, so this event is really special to me,” community engagement specialist for Chevron Andrea Bailey said.

The Contra Costa County’s homeless population totals more than 4,157 people. Out of these numbers 53 percent are children.

Contact Natalie Estrada at nlestrada. advocate@gmail.com.

CAMPUS BEAT

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

5

Disabilities explored through films Library movie series recognizes

By Cassandra Juniel SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

The month of October marks a special time in the lives of many.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time set aside to increase the public’s awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities.

It also provides a means to educate the public about disabilities.

Honoring individuals with disabilities is also occurring at Contra Costa College, where the third annual Disability Awareness Film Series is taking place.

This event is co-sponsored by the CCC Library, Staff Development and DSPS offices. The eight-film

series will continue to run through Oct. 27.

“This year, five to six titles shown two years ago are being repeated. We were not able to purchase any new ones due to budget restraints,” Library Coordinator and Media Librarian Ellen Geringer said. Some of the subjects that will be covered are deafness, autism, dyslexia and Down syndrome.

Added to this year’s series is, “Job Search for People with Disabilities,” to be shown on Tuesday. Geringer expects a large audience.

“This is the first year we have had this one on job searching and I hope many will come to see it.

A lot of students who have gone through certain disability situations have not thought about how to look for a job, and how hiring is handled by the employer,” Geringer said.

Faculty members will moderate

most of the films.

“Moderators are ‘matched up’ with the particular subject matter of the films. For example, Sandra Moore’s background is in early childhood development and she will moderate ‘Boy in the World,’ which is a film exploring the life of a preschool student with Down syndrome,” Geringer said.

Each moderator strives to get at least one key message to his or her audience.

“People with special needs are everywhere and are every age and call for a sensitive, tolerant and loving society,” humanities professor David Houston said.

The directors and producers of the films deliberately use humor while transmitting useful information through the films. Such is the case with one title, “Twitch and Shout,” which discusses Tourette’s, a genetic neurological disorder that

causes the symptoms of such things as involuntary movements.

“The students may have family members who have some of these disabilities. During the showing, people get to ask questions either during or afterward. Humor is used to break the ice in order to make people feel comfortable,” Geringer said.

Individuals were notified about the film series through fliers posted throughout the Library and from the CCC calendar.

Student Bradley Fisher, who is disabled and gets around campus in his wheelchair, wanted to know how students are notified of the events when they don’t receive emails.

“It would have been nice to have received this information and others like it through our e-mails. I happened to hear about it through a friend,” he said.

Professor takes on dean spot NEWS EDITOR

College wildlife intrigues, pesters

By George Morin PHOTO EDITOR

CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE

Problem solver — Leverett Smith has been teaching at Contra Costa College since 1994. On Monday he took the position of interim NSAS dean left vacant

by Terence Elliott’s temporary move to Los Medanos College. and he gives a lot of thought to various issues and steps to take,” Kalkstein said.

Hernandez said the position of a division dean requires problem solving, and the ability to figure out budgetary issues and scheduling.

“The goal here is continuity,” Smith said.

“This is an interim position, there is no grand plan for change. The idea of an interim position is to keep the ball rolling and tweak things along the way.”

Smith grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Berkeley High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UC Santa Cruz and immediately after graduating, went to Ghana, Africa to teach chemistry and math with the Peace Corps for two years. After returning to the United States, he worked to earn his doctorate from Cornell University.

“My whole career has been all over the map. This is the 17th year I’ve been here at CCC, which is double the amount of time I’ve spent at any other job,” Smith said.

Some of his previous jobs include editing specialized books in chemistry and chemistry-related subjects for the Academic Press, Inc., managing the Pacific Environmental Laboratory in San Francisco, and teaching at Diablo Valley College and Merritt College.

Smith will not be teaching while he serves his term as interim dean, but plans to return to a full-time faculty position.

“Everyone has been very encouraging, nice and reassuring,” Smith said. “I have some things to learn and I hope that I learn them properly.”

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

Students to encounter Florence

By Janit Saechao STAFF WRITER

The Contra Costa Community College District is working with the American Institute for Foreign Study in offering students the chance to study for a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Each college has the ability to send 35 of its students to the program.

In the spring of 2011, approximately 140 community college students will be studying various general education courses with Florence as their classroom setting and temporary home.

From Jan. 29 until April 29 of next year, these students will be able to explore, learn and study with professors from America as

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

Campus turkeys expand, irritate

By Alexandra Waite Long-time chemistry department Chairman Leverett Smith took over the position of interim Natural, Social, and Applied Sciences Division dean on Monday.

Dr. Smith will fill the position until June 30, while former NSAS Division Dean Terence Elliott serves as interim senior dean of students at Los Medanos College.

Smith began working at Contra Costa College in the fall of 1994 as a chemistry professor.

“I thought he was very knowledgeable in his field and he came with great recognition from the college he worked at before,” President McKinley Williams said of hiring Smith. “He also had industry experience and we thought he would fit in great with the department.”

By 1996, Smith worked his way to chemistry department chairman, a position he has held up until Monday, with the exception of two years.

Liberal Arts Division Dean Helen Kalkstein said Smith’s long tenure at the college has helped him to understand CCC. “We expect that it will be a very smooth transition for him,” Kalkstein said.

Williams said Smith has been supportive of students over the years, attending student forums and theater productions.

His affection for students is also apparent in his desire to gain a strong start in the division’s assessing of student learning outcomes within individual courses and programs.

By making the SLOs a priority, it will show how well the division is performing and maintain institutional accreditation, allowing students to get the classes they need, Smith said.

Outside of teaching, Smith has helped students by mentoring in the Center for Science Excellence and assisting students in obtaining grants and internships.

In 1999, the NSAS Division dean during that year died and Smith sat in as division dean for that spring semester. “(Smith) has been around for a number of years being a full-time faculty member and the fact that he has been a department chair, a division dean and participated in a district leadership workshop was why he was chosen,” Senior Dean of Students Frank Hernandez said.

As Smith serves as interim NSAS division dean, the position of chemistry department chairperson will be handed over to chemistry professor Thuy Dang.

“He works very hard, he’s very ethical

Attendance at the events in the past years has been good, according to Geringer. She also said that many of the students come because their teachers offer extra credit points.

Even though they may come for the extra credit, some get more than they bargain for.

“Sometimes the students come, find out that it is interesting, and then come back to see other films, bringing more people with them,” she said.

All of the films are housed in the Library and are available to be checked out at any time, with additional titles available from prior years to be found in the Library’s Media Collection binder or the online catalog.

well as those from Italy.

Students will be able to earn 12 to 15 units, all transferable toward a bachelor’s degree.

Although the program is not designed for any area of study in particular, almost all courses being offered are those having to do with humanities, social sciences and arts.

Alecks Ilich, the district director of the program, said, “Instead of taking a humanities class in a classroom, students will be able to go to museums, churches and other historical sites.” Their experiences will be taken outside, giving them a firsthand look and much better insight.

While studying in Florence, students will have unlimited access to numerous museums including Uffizi Gallery, San

Marco Museum and Medici Chapel, Ilich said.

Being in Florence will give students a chance to learn outside of a classroom environment.

Ilich said this is a cultural program tailored for the city itself.

Students are going to be able to explore Florence.

This program will have students living in apartments in the historical center of Florence.

While taking general education courses, they will be taking other classes and experiencing a variety of other cultural activities.

Students will be taking an Italian Life and Culture course, teaching them the historical, political, economic and cultural aspects of the city of Florence and of Italy.

While there, they will also be taught the basics of the Italian language. Students will be instructed through walking tours, cooking classes and lectures on wine tasting. Also, they will be given chances to appreciate ballet and attend concerts.

When asked how this program benefits students, Ilich said, “We need global education to be successful as an individual. More universities now are requiring students to study abroad.”

Experience requires more than just being in a classroom, he said. It requires being out in the world because that is what we are all going to be exposed to.

Contact Janit Saechao at jsaechao.advocate@gmail. com.

The wild turkey population on campus has increased significantly within the last four years.

During that time, the number jumped from three to 23 turkeys living on the campus grounds, Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said.

Meleagris gallopavo, or more widely known as the common wild turkey, spend most of their time up in the hills of the campus during the day while classes are in session, and are seen mostly in the early mornings and in the late afternoons near buildings and roads.

The creek brings them a drinkable water source, and the lack of predators makes the campus a very safe environment for them and other wild life. A turkey’s main diet consists of mostly nuts and grass, which is abundant in the hills of the college.

However, the turkeys have become a disturbance to some of the faculty on campus. They have been found to block the entry ways to the buildings of the Early Learning Center. Incidents like this have become more prominent recently.

“We open at 7 a.m., so we have an issue with the turkeys bothering the parents and their children while they drop their children off for class. One of the workers will have to come out and ‘shoo’ away the turkeys, so the parents can come in. They have begun to become a nuisance,” Early Learning Center site supervisor Marva Lyons said.

At a college Safety Committee meeting on Sept. 24, the turkey issue was brought up. It was decided that the turkey population may not be an big issue at the moment, but with time it may grow to be a safety problem for the campus.

The group also discussed the growing complaints about the groupings of turkeys scaring people who take evening classes.

“I was walking to my truck later in the evening when I was getting off work,” Custodial Services Manager Darlene Poe said. “There was a whole herd of them gathered near my truck. It startled me.

There were a whole lot of them.”

“Cat lovers leave food for stray cats, but this isn’t approved, because it attracts other types of animals,” King said.

Opossums and raccoons are attracted to the cat food, and begin to live on campus.

Opossum families have a history of getting into buildings on the campus. Two years ago, one got into the R Building which houses the Maintenance Department and animal control had to come and relocate the family, he said.

“A baby possum was once found in classroom. Three of us big Buildings and Grounds workers went in for the possum, and when given the chance we jumped (back), and a student was able to catch it with his bare hands. It was a pretty funny experience,” King said.

“I’ve noticed the increase in turkeys around campus. I think it’s a pretty nice thing to see. They don’t really bother me,” student Jack Supuya said.

“It is unsure how many turkeys the campus grounds can sustain. But we will see with time. Thanksgiving is coming up,” King said with a chuckle.

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

6 THE ADVOCATE Unleashed

Movies

This week: “Jackass 3-D” (R) “Red” (PG-13) “Down Terrace” (R) “Conviction” (R)

DVDs

This week: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG) “Jonah Hex” (PG-13) “Leaves of Grass” (R) “Lost Boys: The Thirst” (R)

CDs

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010

SCENE

Movie tours social genius Facebook inventor played on big screen

By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER

Facebook, the creation of one of the world’s youngest billionaires, has already accumulated 500 million members worldwide, and Sunday night I went to see how it all happened.

In “The Social Network,” Jesse Eisenberg superbly moviereview plays the role of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook.

“The Social Personally, Network” I don’t like to ★★★★★ sit in a theater Starring: Jesse and wait 15 Eisenberg, to 20 minutes Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake anticipating Directed by: something David Fincher exciting to Where: Everywhere happen, so I was relieved Genre: Drama to see the movie begin with Zuckerberg being

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Facebook Phenomenon — Directed by David Fincher, “The Social Network” tells the story of Facebook and its creator Mark Zuckerberg’s act of stealing the idea from his friends Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. The movie provides an informative and entertaining perspective on the creation of the website.

dumped by his girlfriend, who called him an arrogant joke.

The actors really get into their roles and make their characters believable.

You can see the terror in Justin Timberlake’s eyes when his character is found by the police using drugs in an upstairs room at a party.

The continuous onslaught of rude remarks and arrogance

by Zuckerberg leads you to believe that Eisenberg personally knows his character. This movie might make some people despise Facebook and some might

even choose to delete their profiles. I must admit, after Zuckerberg took the idea of Facebook by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss and created his own social network, I was a bit angry myself.

Especially after he diluted his best friend’s (Eduardo Saverin) company shares to less than one share. But after Saverin and “the Winklevi,” as Zuckerberg put it, received hefty settlements, I no longer felt their pain.

While being sued, the fast talking CEO is able to adequately defend himself against prosecuting law-

Badly Drawn Boy: “Part 1 - Photographing Snowflakes” Belle and Sebastian: “Write about Love” Less Than Jake: “TV/ EP”

Games

“Rivets” will continue a picture of life during the through Oct. 26 onboard war, with scenes mounting OPINION EDITOR the SS Red Oak Victory, a variety of issues. Racism in Richmond. Tickets are tension, ration lines, While a huge portion of $20. For more information shifting gender roles and America’s population was visit www.galateanAmerican optimism overseas fighting World players.com. playreview are a few of the War II, women left behind From the slightly themes explored. rallied to fill industrial jobs dilapidated venue, Perhaps the most and fight from home. with rusty walls and amusing theme The Galatean Players rows of fold-out presented is the use Ensemble’s production of chairs for the audiof propaganda, or “Rivets” “Rivets” tells the story of a ence, to the decidbiased and incendi★★★★★ group of men and women edly amateurish cast, Venue: SS Red ary media messages Victory working in the Kaiser “Rivets” is a musical Oak by the governDirected by: Shipyards in Richmond that is charmingly ment. In between Kathryn McCarty Open Until: Oct. during the years of World raw. scenes, the main War II. In two acts with The plot is scat- 26 stage would go several songs, the cast fills tered, following dark. To distract the the SS Red Oak Victory, several story lines audience from the a ship docked onsite of and families that are united scrambling of the cast to the Kaiser Shipyards, with by their work in the shipchange the set, a spotlight their tale. yards. The dialogue paints would light a small area

STAFF WRITER

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes (PS3, XBOX360, Wii -E) Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals (DS - E10+) Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

Contact Rodney Woodson at rwoodson.advocate@gmail. com.

to the far left with nothing but a curtained backdrop and a microphone. A man would approach the microphone and read a bulletin with an advertisement, patriotic message or sports highlight from the past, mimicking a radio broadcast.

Chemistry on set is natural, as all the relationships between characters seem neither forced nor faked. The small space they perform in, however, makes some of the bigger song and dance numbers feel overwhelming. The bar or workplace scenes are so filled with unsynchronized activity that it is sometimes difficult to decide

where to watch.

Other than that, the acting and vocals are very impressive. At times, especially during the solos, some of the voices raised goose bumps.

The challenge the young interracial couple face among their discriminating peers is one that still strikes a chord today.

Overall, “Rivets” offers its audience an opportunity to take away a better picture of the struggle fought by the home-front soldiers, known widely as “Rosie the Riveters.”

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

‘Tera Melos’ matures style

By Adam Oliver

New releases: Medal of Honor (PS3, XBOX360, Wii, PC - M)

at who Zuckerberg really is. It’s obvious that he’s not the nicest person in the world, but who cares. He gave us Facebook for free in a world where everything costs money.

Some compare Facebook to MySpace, but the simple format and operation of Facebook has put other sites on the back burner.

This is entrepreneurship at its finest. Zuckerberg is a legend in American history and this is his story.

‘Rivets’ holds WWII themes together

By Cassidy Gooding

New releases: Lil’ Wayne: “I Am Not a Human Being”

yers.

The movie has a run time of two hours, which is decent for a movie based on true events, though it seemed shorter.

This was probably because it was informative and entertaining, or maybe because 95 percent of the people I know have a Facebook account. To see where it all came from is mind boggling, considering that 20 years ago there was no Web and the second youngest billionaire in the world has made his fortune off of a website.

“The Social Network” gives viewers a sneak peak

Transitioning them from dissonant, under-produced math rock to cold-calculated, melodic mastery, Tera Melos’ recent release “Patagonian Rats” marks a point of stylistic maturity for the trio.

It is not to say that their previous albums and EPs are in any way subpar or rudimentary, but just lacking a portion of the acute definition and structure that makes “Patagonian Rats” feel whole.

Tera Melos manages to fuse its signature break beat technicality with newly adept vocals and harmonies to create a dynamic, more easily digested product.

But for some of us, this difficulty in digestion was half the fun. It challenged our ability to sense the subtlest accents amid a cloudy cacophony of erratic time signature changes and spastic drum and string melodies.

But the well-pressed presentation of “Patagonian Rats” only enhances and clarifies their overall style.

The upbeat, poppy cadence of the former, riddled with melodic and speedy riffs, sways fluidly from catchy choruses to twitchy and sporadic bits of instrumentality.

“Another Surf ” undercuts this more conventional harmony entirely. An accelerated joyride through cdreview the rhythmic discord of horns, strings, percussion and synthe“Patagonian sized sounds, Rats” it echoes the ★★★★★ grinding and Artist: Tera Melos Genre: uninhibited Experimental interludes the Label: Sargent band often House floats into live. Release Date: Sept. 7 Though little else on the album is as clearly akin to their experimental, pedal tweaking past as is this song, it is their ability to blend these elements with the unpredictable yet synergic structure that makes the rest of this album so outstanding and innovative.

In addition, the introduction of consistently dominant vocals to this album doesn’t

distract from the musical complexity.

Vocalist, guitarist and synth player Nick Reinhart’s singing cements the sometimes wandering melodies and effectively accentuates the harmony in a way that is refreshing.

This is made evident in, “Party with Gina,” the longest song of the album, which is almost extensive and inclusive enough to summarize the band’s newly perfected style altogether.

Poppy and playful in its beginning, “Party with Gina” winds its way into the intricate and tranquil guitar work of Nick Reinhart, then segueing into a distorted, effect-heavy breakdown nearly one-third of the song in length.

Progressing in feeling from the optimistic and upbeat to the vulnerable and destitute, with its tugging syncopation and unorthodox combination of chords, Tera Melos’ music has a way of evoking emotion and sincerity. Though not a new skill of the band, it has taken on a more reminiscent feel in “Patagonian Rats.”

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

SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE

Amping it up — Tera Melos’ new album “Patagonian Rats” brings a new sound compared to the band’s previous albums.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE

7

CCC defeats Rams 36-6 Solid defense stops Gavilan at 144 yards

CCC’s special teams set the tone of the game early by forcing and recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff. The turnover was the first of five by the Comets, and it also led to the game’s first touchdown.

By Rodney Woodson A quarterback sneak STAFF WRITER by quarterback Jeffery The Comet football team Anderson put the Comets up improved to a 2-3 overall 6-0. After completing a 10record after a complete team yard touchdown pass from effort catapulted them past Anderson to running back Gavilan College (0-5 overall) Keon Burden, the Comets in a 36-6 win on Saturday at increased their lead bringing the score of the game Comet Stadium.

After the Contra Costa to 13-0.

A second quarter fumCollege defense gave up ble recovery by more than 490 the Rams put total yards with at CCC’s weak offenScoreBoard them 24-yard line. sive plays on On third down, Oct. 2 against Comets 36 Ram quarterMendocino Rams 6 back Cameron College (3-2 Hernandez overall), coach Next game: threw a 34-yard Alonzo Carter Saturday vs. touchdown pass said he wanted Redwoods, to wide receiver to prove that the 1 p.m.

Matt McGrill. team was better At halftime the than the statisscore was 13-6 tics showed.

And he said playing solid in favor of the Comets.

Anderson said that the defense was key.

In Saturday’s game, the team wanted to run the ball defense responded well by effectively to “establish a improving its previous per- running game” and “see formance by only allowing what we could do.”

The ground game proved 144 total yards to the Rams.

QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE

Nice moves — Comet wide receiver Jordan Morrow shakes off a Ram defender en route to a 41-yard punt return touchdown at Comet Stadium on Saturday. CCC defeated Gavilan College 36-6. effective for CCC as it was able to gain 147 rushing yards.

After Anderson’s second rushing touchdown, the Comets gained the lead by 14 points in the third quarter.

“Our offense is really starting to click now so we just wanted to show that,” Anderson said.

Comet wide receiver Jordan Morrow’s touchdown made on a 41-yard punt

return brought the score to 27-6.

“Special teams played really well,” Carter said.

“This is the second week in a row that we’ve scored on special teams so that’s an important part of the game for us too.”

Morrow said that the Comets wanted to prove to everyone that they were a different team than last year when the they were only able to win one game.

CCC running back Leroy Green, who led the game with 65 rushing yards, said that the offensive line played “the best game they’ve ever had blocking.”

Late in the game, the Comets were able to score the game’s final touchdown with a 24-yard pass from Anderson to wide receiver Kevin Aguirre.

Despite the big win, Carter felt that his team needed to improve on ball

security as they gave the ball away twice. Carter said that they needed to work on limiting penalties and increasing quarterback protection as well.

“We’re not a large team,” Carter said. “So it’s important that we are able to protect (the quarterback).”

Contact Rodney Woodson at rwoodson. advocate@gmail.com.

Comets caught in Mustangs’ stampede Squad stumbles against LMC

competitive (standpoint), they were just a better team than we were.”

He said the team’s fitness was not where it needed to be and with just two substitutes available to Contra Costa College, players had

By Dariush Azmoudeh ASSOCIATE EDITOR to play longer than usual.

The Comets hope to make PITTSBURG — The lockdown improvements during their next defense used by the Comets in the home game against College of the first half of Friday’s game failed to Redwoods at 1 p.m. on Friday. stop Los Medanos College.

Unfortunately for CCC, playing As the first half began, the more offensively in the second half Comets (0-8-0 overall, 0-2-0 in the didn’t bring much hope in scoring Bay Valley Conference) went in full as the Mustang defense held the force by keeping all their players on Comets to only two shots, totaling the defensive half of the field and for three in the entire game. not making an attacking play for an The Comets improved in the entire 30 minutes. second half with a more The lack of offenorganized playing style, ScoreBoard however, they need sive plays made by the Comets allowed the more improvement for Mustangs 5 Mustangs (7-2-1 overfuture games, Comet Comets 0 all, 1-0-1 in the BVC) midfielder Daisy Huizar to pressure offensively said.

Next game: and to score two goals “I think we can Friday vs. in the first half — one improve in passing, getby midfielder Juliana ting through balls and Redwoods, Guillen in the 11th mingoing to the goal,” she 1 p.m. ute and another by forsaid. ward Laura Martinez CCC’s cluster of in the 17th minute. The players set up in their Mustangs eventually won the game goal box made it difficult for the 5-0.

Mustangs to get through, but the lack “Sometimes you have to make of offense from the Comets allowed adjustments based on the talent of LMC to have a great amount of ball your team and your opponent and possession and to take seven shots right now we’re kind of banged up,” in the first half.

Comets’ coach Nikki Ferguson said.

The Comets first shot of the “From a numbers stand point, we game came at 31 minutes into the were down some players and from a game on a long range free kick

Box scores Women’s soccer (Oct. 8) Contra Costa, Los Medanos CCC 0 LMC 2

0 — 0 3 — 5

First Half 1, LMC, Guillen 15, 11th minute.

2, LMC, Martinez 17 (Gregerson), 17th minute.

Second Half 3, LMC, Chavez 7, 56th minute.

4, LMC, Riveira 18, 84th minute.

5, LMC, Acosta 11 (Gregerson), 87th minute.

Yellow Cards None.

Individual statistics Goals — CCC — None. — LMC — Guillen, Martinez, Chavez, Riveira, Acosta.

Assists — CCC — None. — LMC — Gregerson 2.

Shots on goal — CCC — 2. — LMC — 6.

Saves — CCC — Junco 1. — LMC — Paulson 1, Sublasky 1.

Record — CCC — 0-8-0 overall, 0-2-0 in BVC. — LMC — 7-2-1 overall, 1-0-1 in BVC.

Football (Oct.9) Gavilan, Contra Costa Gavilan 0 6 0 0 —6 CCC 6 7 14 9 — 36 First Quarter CCC — Anderson 1 yd run (kick blocked) 12:03.

Second Quarter CCC — Burden 10 yd pass from Anderson (Munguia kick) 14:49.

Gavilan — McGrill 34 yd pass from Hernandez (kick blocked) 7:12.

Third Quarter CCC — Anderson 1 yd run (Munguia kick) 7:00.

CCC — Morrow 41 yd punt return (Munguia kick) 2:56.

Fourth Quarter CCC — Safety 7:55.

CCC — Aguirre 24 yd pass from Anderson (Munguia kick) 5:12.

Individual statistics Rushing — Gavilan — Holder 10-19, Criswell 6-26, McGill 1-0, Parker 1-2, Hernandez 3-0, Moniz 1-1, Pulido 1-7, Stewart 4-6. — CCC — L.Green 18-65, Hines 9-24, Burden 2-1, Allen 4-13, Anderson 7-9,

shot by defender Moni Rodriguez after Ferguson gave the team the nod to attack. After the shot, the Comets’ offense began to take form and pressure the Mustangs into the second half.

“We play like that sometimes because we’re not that strong (at attacking) so we try to play more defensive so we can’t get scored on that much,” Comet forward Vanessa Johnson said. “We start defensive first so they won’t score a lot so we can keep our energy for the second half since we don’t have that many girls.”

While the shift in the second half allowed the Comets to play more on the offense, it left them vulnerable to counter-attacks which Mustang midfielder Astrid Chavez capitalized on by scoring in the 56th minute of the game. “(In the second half) we tried to take a few more chances and create some more scoring opportunities for ourselves,” Ferguson said. “I think we got two or three quality chances on the frame but we didn’t get any results out of it.”

The Mustangs’ final two goals came three minutes apart from each other toward the end of the game.

Ferguson said the Comets need to improve on their fitness and their one-on-one defending, but despite that the team’s effort was still evident throughout the game.

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

Bryant 4-4, K.Green 2-21.

Passing — Gavilan— Hernandez 6-12-1 55, Criswell 1-6-1 19.

— CCC — Anderson 16-30-1 165.

Receiving — Gavilan — McGill 3-56, Stewart 1-19, Cornell 1-3, Fields 1-5, Holder 1- (-9). — CCC — K.Green 2-22, Allen 1-5, Morrow 2-26, Hal 4-50, Aguirre 2-33, Williams 2-8, Lovett 2-24, Burden 2-18, Bryant 1-1.

Missed field goals — Gavilan — None. — CCC — 1.

Record — Gavilan — 0-5 overall, 0-0 in Coast. — CCC — 2-3 overall, 0-0 in BVC.

Schedule Football vs. College of the Redwoods, Saturday 1 p.m. at American River College, Oct. 16 1 p.m. vs. Solano Community College, Oct. 23 1 p.m.

Men’s soccer vs. Merritt College, Friday 4 p.m. at Napa Valley College, Monday 4 p.m. vs. Yuba College, Oct. 22 4 p.m.

Women’s soccer vs. College of the Redwoods, Friday 1 p.m. at Solano Community College, Tuesday 3:30 p.m. vs. Yuba College, Oct. 22 1:30 p.m.

Women’s volleyball at Yuba College, Today 6 p.m. vs. Los Medanos College, Friday 6 p.m. at Napa Valley College, Oct. 20 6 p.m.

Standings Women’s soccer Bay Valley Conference Pts. Solano 6 Los Medanos 4 Yuba 4 Mendocino 3 Contra Costa 0 Marin 0

W 2 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 0 1 2 2

T 0 1 1 0 0 0

Overall W L 7 2 7 2 4 3 2 8 0 8 4 4

T 2 1 3 0 0 0

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Getting a head — Comet defender Moni Rodriguez heads a ball during the game against the Mustangs at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg on Friday. LMC won 5-0.

SportShort Offense unable to capitalize on plays, Pirates loot men’s soccer team, 2-0 Failed opportunities in connecting with the goal hurt the men’s soccer team as they fell to Modesto Junior College 2-0 on Thursday in Modesto.

The Comets (3-7-1 overall, 2-2-0 in the Bay Valley Conference) played strong defense throughout the game, which set them up for numerous scoring attempts.

However, they could not capitalize as the Pirates (7-3-1 overall) took the victory in a non-conference game.

“We got in the (scoring) box quite a bit of time in the game,” coach Nikki Ferguson said. “We had a lot of quality chances at goals that we didn’t take advantage of.”

According to Ferguson, Contra Costa College came out well prepared in the first half against Modesto, as it stayed in competition with the Pirates.

Despite the evenly matched first half and a tough 4-4-2 defense displayed by the Comets, the Pirates were able to put points on the scoreboard first.

“The game was pretty even,” Ferguson said. “We are still having issues in finishing (around) the goal.”

Offensive struggles displayed throughout the season continued to haunt CCC as many of its goal attempts were missed due to inaccuracy.

The Comets trailed Modesto 1-0 at the

end of the first half. Ferguson adjusted CCC’s defense entering the second half, converting from a 4-4-2 defense to a 34-3.

“I changed our defensive formation from a 4-4-2 (scheme) to a 3-4-3 to try and put more pressure on Modesto’s backs,” Ferguson said. “(The change worked well) and created several scoring opportunities for our offense.”

However, the offense could not capitalize as the Comets repeated their same offensive performance in the first half.

CCC’s defense could not hold up its intensity as the Pirates managed to score their second goal.

“After that second goal, it seemed to have kicked the spirit out of our team,” Ferguson said.

The Comets hope to improve on their goal shooting in their home game against Merritt College (4-4-2 overall, 2-0 in the BVC) on Friday.

“We’re in a need of luck right now.

Right now the ball isn’t bouncing our way,” Ferguson said. “In order to be successful and maintain our team goal in (winning) our conference it requires luck, and we are not getting any.”

— Malcolm Lastra

8 THE ADVOCATE

l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13, 2010

Fair gives facts, keys

CAMPUS BEAT

Questions answered by delegates

By April Halog STAFF WRITER

The Transfer/Career Center held its annual Transfer Day on Monday in the Student Services Center Plaza.

Transfer Day offered students a chance to meet and talk to representatives from various California State University, University of California, independent, out of state and private colleges.

The representatives were there to hand out brochures offering information about their campuses and guides for admission. They were CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE also able to discuss transfer requirements, the majors Escape routes — Art Institute representative Rudy Abalos (right) speaks to Contra Costa College student Najla Farhad at Transfer Day their schools provide, cam- in the Student Services Center Plaza Monday. Representatives from a variety of colleges offered information about their schools. pus life, financial aid and colleges they are interested Universities represented. dates for open houses for in.

Meanwhile, UC Berkeley, to discuss whether the budget total of five people coordi- students to transfer to a colinquiring students.

Student Thomas Meredith UCLA and UC Merced cuts would affect the admis- nating the event. This year lege or university of their Many students found the took time to talk to a repre- were among the many UCs sion of transfer students. there were fewer who helped choice as well as provide event to be a good way to help sentative from UC Santa Cruz with representation at the University of Idaho out due to budget cuts, and career planning services. them decide which schools and received information on event. was one of the few out of they had to work under conBesides Transfer Day, to apply to for admission. the psychology department. state colleges that attended straints. the office offers students a The Art Institute of Student Due to the lack of assis- chance to schedule appointMeredith’s California in San Francisco Transfer Day. Representative Antonio d e c i s i o n and the Academy of Art Heather Ropelato said that tance, Harrison was not able ments with representatives Rojas “I’m currently weigh- to apply to University were among the she came to the event to to put up as many fliers as for individual advising, said, talk to students after the uni- she wanted to. workshops on completing Santa art schools represented. ing my options, and UC “ I ’ m versity started to receive an Despite the setbacks, admissions applications and Cruz was There were a few pric u r the people gave me a based on vate institutions that were increase in applications from Harrison said, “We did get how to write a personal staterently a good turnout today. All the ment essay and campus tours intend- represented as well, such as California students. lot of good informa- his we i g h “We take pride in doing schools that registered (to of selected UCs and CSUs in ed major Saint Mary’s University and ing my this,” Transfer/Career Center attend) came.”

Northern California. tion on what kind of and the Patten University. options, coordinator Robin Harrison The Transfer/Career of This year some of the classes they offer and location and the Contact April Halog at Center is located in the the cam- UC and CSU representatives said. people ahalog.advocate@gmail.

According to Harrison, Student Services Center.

The pus. He informed students that a lot of financial aid.” gave me said, “It’s their programs have become last year’s Transfer Day had office is designed to prepare com. a lot of got really impacted due to budget cuts.

Antonio Rojas, g o o d nice pro- Because of this, UCs and student ADVERTISEMENT inforgrams and CSUs limit the number of mation looks nice students transferring to their on what kind of classes they out there.” campuses and representaoffer and financial aid. ” Cal State-East Bay, tives encouraged students A lot of students found San Diego State and San to apply early. However, the Transfer Day to be a good Francisco State were three majority of CSU and UC ���������������� opportunity to research the of the California State representatives were unable ���������������������

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Baseball, softball dugouts get facelift Overdue renovations to be finished shortly

He added that aside from modifying the fields, they are currently constructing a well near the athletic fields. Once complete, the new well will provide water for the fields.

The use of the well should reduce maintenance costs, which King said are about

By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER $30,000 every summer.

Comets’ baseball coach Marvin Webb The $30,000 renovation of the base- said the improvements give the fields a ball and softball fields is bringing overdue “fresh look,” and he believes the team will upgrades to the athletic facilities on cam- be encouraged to do well on it. pus.

According to coach Webb, there are parts Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce of the dugouts that have been in place since King said the changes he attended CCC in 1972. to the fields are part of After the reconstruction “We want everything is complete, coach Webb a project that should be completed within the looking good (and no believes that the fields next few weeks. The will be much improved. matter the cost), it’s backstops and fences on “We are trying to build both diamonds are being a program,” CCC softall worth it.” repaired, along with the ball coach Edward Miller bleachers and dugouts. said. “We want everyEdward Miller, He said the college was thing looking good (and softball coach given a $29,500 budget no matter the cost), it’s all for the improvements. worth it,” Miller said.

The project will bring a safer environBefore the renovations, the softball fence ment and nicer look to the field areas. was a potential tripping hazard to the players Hopefully, King said, the changes will also and the bleachers needed a great amount of help to draw talent in the future. work, Miller said.

So far, only the cement work has been The backstop on the softball field has completed. Aside from the railing on the holes in the bottom of it, which could be new stairs, workers will continue to do car- very dangerous for players during action at pentry in upcoming weeks on the dugouts. home plate. Miller said that he is glad to see The new cement stairway will mirror the the college is spending money to improve old stairs which were the only way to enter some of its older facilities. He would like the dugouts. The new staircase was designed to see visitors come to CCC and notice how to safely assist players entering the dugouts nice the campus is. after exiting the field.

Comet baseball first baseman Joe Aioldi King said that players in the past would said the current dugouts aren’t that bad. He hang on the roof of the dugouts and swing said that he’s dealt with worse but he likes in. the upgrades because it makes the field look Workers will be completely replace the “more professional.” wooden benches inside the dugouts as well Aioldi said that the changes to the dugas fix the holes in the backstops. outs make it easier and more convenient for “The current dugouts have been here for himself and the other players to leave the more than 20 years,” said King, who also field. mentioned that Contra Costa College is the Contact Rodney Woodson at rwoodson. oldest campus in the district and that better looking facilities will help recruit talented advocate@gmail.com. athletes in the future.

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