The Advocate - April 21, 2010

By Lauren ShiraishiOPINION EDITOR

The first step toward fix-ing the current health care system has been taken, with the recent passage of a health insurance reform bill.

Under this bill, signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 24, health care will become more affordable, ensuring

that more Americans, from families to individuals working for small com-panies, will receive health coverage.

Its passage has been met with feelings varying from rejoice to dis-appointment, to somewhere in between the two.

“It’s a good step in the right direction, but

it’s a baby step,” La Raza studies department Chairman Agustin Palacios said. “We still have a whole marathon in front of us.”

Health and human servic-es department Chairwoman Aminta Mickles said she is excited about the passage of the bill, as it has been “a long time in the making” and will help a lot of people, hope-

By Asia CamagongASSOCIATE EDITOR

It was in the way his wild determination bore into the eyes of his ambi-tions, sending a stare con-vincing all who knew him that success was bound to happen.

Such persistence is only a fraction of what many saw in Genesis Polo on any given day.

“He’d go on with his own philosophies,” friend Herrick Hernandez said. “If he had set goals, there was no way to turn him

By Diana ReyesOPINION EDITOR

A man and a woman were shot while driving near the college after coming to a stop at the intersection of Rollingwood Drive and Fordham Street on April 5, police officials say.

The incident took place in an unincor-porated part of Richmond at approximately 11:08 a.m. about half a mile from Contra Costa College, when the unidentified pair, a 24-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were driving a gold sedan and encountered two male suspects in their 20s riding in a white or silver pickup truck, Contra Costa Sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee said.

He said the suspects who have not yet

Rockers tear it upMuse enraptures at Oracle Arena

Program delightsFood, wine event helps raise money

C M Y K C M Y K

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

C M Y K C M Y K

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

THE WEEKLY STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.SINCE 19508 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

VOL. 94, NO. 19WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010

ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

MentorBarnes offers

experience

scene page 6◆ sports page 7◆

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Pounding out a rhythm — San Francisco Taiko Dojo drummers beat on their instruments at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Sunday. The festival fea-tured a variety of entertainment, such as dancers and massive floats rolling together during the parade, to honor the blooming of the cherry blossom. For more photos, see page 8.

SOUND OF TRADITION

Shooting hurts two

campus beat page 4◆

Obama eyes U.S. health system reform

Polo, 21, a man of goals

■ SEE POLO: Page 3

Billto fixcare setup

Rally builds bonds with fun games

Determined youth killed in car crash

By Lamar JamesNEWS EDITOR

Middle College High School (MCHS) students enjoyed fun in the sun for their second and final rally of the school year, celebrating a bond between classes and the strength of school spirit in the Amphitheatre Friday.

Because MCHS is jointly shared with a college campus and students take high school and college classes, students do not share the same high school experience many would refer to as “normal.”

“This is something for the stu-dents to do to take the stress off of them,” MCHS professor Danilo Baoas said. “The rally is very impor-tant to them, because it is a time when they can come together to bond as a group.”

He said students devote a lot of time to their academic school work and rarely get a chance to have fun and relax.

“This is a time when students do not feel the pressure of school and have a little down time,” Baoas said.

This is a “normal experience” for the students, Baoas said, and he enjoys hearing the screaming and laughing, because he knows students are having fun.

Students enjoyed music and played competitive games amongst the classes during the event.

“We are all having fun over here. This gives the students who work hard a chance to let loose and be teenagers for once,” MCHS student Elaine Gabriel said. “(Most students are) juggling a lot of work and doing so many things in between. So this is a good time for students to just enjoy themselves and not stress about school.”

Gabriel said students partake in events like this, because it gives them an outlet to be wild and scream and see crazy things.

Students perform dances and musical performances.

“When I was performing, it was very nerve-racking up there at first, because it was hot and the song was dedicated to someone in the

Getting low — Middle

College High School junior Isaac

Fowler tests his flexibil-

ity during a dance

at the rally held in the

Amphi- theatre Friday.

The event, which is

held once a semester, was intend-ed to build

connections between

MCHS stu-dent and let

them have a break

from their schoolwork.

MICHAEL SUE / THE ADVOCATE

PoloThe 21-year-old Middle College High School grad-uate died on March 24 when his 1995 Acura Integra col-lided with a light pole at the edge of the roadway on Interstate 80 in Richmond.

Students let loosein Amphitheatre

Health reformedPassage of health reform bill will help residents of low-income communi-ties to suc-ceed.

page 2

editorial

■ SEE SHOOTING: Page 3■ SEE HEALTH: Page 3

■ SEE RALLY: Page 3

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010 ● VOL. 94, NO. 19

EditorialA burden mitigatedMedical reform helps reduce youth pressure

hen students graduate from high school and make the transition into higher education and adult-

hood, they face rites of passage.Excitement is found in meeting new

people, learning to make intelligent choices in social gatherings, discover-ing in-depth knowledge in their major course of study and often, living on their own for the first time.

These college years bring fresh per-spectives of responsibility to these young adults as they embark on a jour-ney to independence. But growing up comes with a price.

Throughout the United States, and in California especially, students face ris-ing tuition costs, course section reduc-tions and competition for employment opportunities after graduation.

Basic necessities for survival, such as housing, utilities and food must be paid. Also, along with financial obliga-tions to repay debts incurred through-out one’s academic career, there exists issues finding affordable health care.

Almost one in every five individuals in California is uninsured, with young students and workers age 19-26 as one of the most vulnerable groups. Despite students’ attempts to take the best care of themselves, with hope that they will never need to see a doctor, nobody is insusceptible to sickness.

Passage of President Barack Obama’s health care reform bill on March 24, however, brings a sense of hope.

As a result of the $875 billion bill, millions of Americans nationwide will gain access to affordable care through Health Insurance Exchange, an expan-sion of Medi-Cal, improved Medicare benefits and on-the-job coverage.

Also, starting six months after being signed into law, private insurance com-panies will extend their coverage for their policyholders’ dependents until age 26, despite school enrollment sta-tus. This is a major win for the eligible 3.8 million young adults in California.

Independent students, part of an approximately 4.1 million uninsured Californians, will have access to care by purchasing benefits through the Exchange, most with the help of afford-ability credits and subsidies.

These changes are necessary in low-income areas that tend to have higher rates of uninsured residents and demand for financial assistance, such as Contra Costa College’s neighboring Richmond and San Pablo cities.

There are arguments that the reform is not enough and that universal health care is needed. But in an economy that is still attempting to recover from a recession, the health care reform is a positive step in that direction.

With one less burden to carry, stu-dents must take full advantage of the government’s attempt at extending a healing hand.

W

“It looks better, but it’s harder to find things. I liked the old one better.”

Oliver Sunsocial science

CampusComment

What do you think of the college’s Web site remodel?

“I haven’t checked it out yet. I’m going to check it out now, though.”

Cody Poehneltundecided

“It confused me at first, but it looks professional now.”

Jamal Elzofriundecided

“Its all right. It’s a bit more user-friendly. I’m still not used to it, compared to the old one.”

Kevin Cuevacommunications

“It’s pretty cool. I like it. There are no computer lags and the pictures look clear.”

Channelle JoseMCHS

“I haven’t seen it yet.”

Mia Luomathematics

Quotable“The First Amendment is

not intended only for what somebody may think is

the truth. It is intended for freedom of speech.”

Arlen SpecterU.S. senator (R-Pa.)

1998

Holly Pabloeditor-in-chief

Sam Attal

associate editor

Asia Camagongassociate editor

Alec Surmaniassociate editor

Cassandra Junielspotlight editor

Diana ReyesLauren Shiraishi

opinion editors

Dariush AzmoudehMalcolm Lastra

sports editors

Lamar JamesAlexandra Waite

news editors

Brent Baintosocial media editor

Erik Verduzcophoto editor

Paul DeBoltfaculty adviser

Staff writersLissette Alvarez

Mairat AssefaAlison Calais

Tanisha FrazierHilberth Diaz Ibarra

Cassidy GoodingMarjorie Riformo

Staff photographersKevin Chourarath

George MorinJoe Phutiyotin

Raul ReyesRicardo Sanchez

Christian SotoMichael Sue

Desmond SylvaRoman Young

Staff illustratorsJames Heck

Cody McFarland

HonorsACP National Newspaper

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2009

CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award

1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000

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2010

Member

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Journalism Association of Community Colleges

How to reach usPhone: 510.235.7800

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E-mail: [email protected]

or [email protected]

Editorial policyColumns 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.

DARIUSH AZMOUDEH AND MALCOLM LASTRA / THE ADVOCATE

Cosmetic experiments on animals inhumane

■ Animal testing

iggles floated like bub-bles over the shelves of

candy-colored shampoo bot-tles, and I shushed the girls next to me as a woman with a bright red collared shirt passed our aisle.

The three of us tensed as she paused at the mouth of the scene of our trouble mak-ing, and my first instinct was to bolt. I stood my ground, though, trying my best to look nonchalant as she eyed us for what seemed like ages.

My friend, little sister and I heaved a collective sigh of relief as the Target Team member eventually went on her way, leaving us to con-tinue our mischief.

With all the shifty-eyes, snickers and adrenaline pumping between our trio, one might assume we had been shoplifting.

Instead, we were armed with a roll of stickers and a pocket-sized brochure listing which beauty product com-panies test their wares on animals before putting them on the market.

Type “animal testing” into Google’s image search, and I promise what pops up will not be pretty. The results on YouTube are even worse.

The use of mice, rabbits, cats and even monkeys to test the results of differ-ent chemicals is a practice scientists have relied on for decades to make sure the products they manufacture are safe for the public. This means that every time Herbal Essences wants to make a new hairspray or Covergirl thinks they should jump on Lady Gaga’s blue lipstick train with something that

needs to be cleared by the FDA, lab rats or rabbits are their first models.

The man-made chemicals used in shampoo, foundation, nail polish and numerous other products are slath-ered on these animals’ skin, sprayed into their eyes and forced down their throats to test for any adverse side effects.

Obviously, this is cruel.When you sign up

for PETA’s (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) newsletter, they mail you a roll of stickers with clever slogans and eye-opening graphics bashing this practice. They probably figure most people stick them on binders or note-books, hopefully to become conversation starters.

My sister and I, however, had a better idea.

First, we attacked the cos-metics. We stuck the warn-ing labels on mascara tubes, eyeshadow palettes and bot-tles of bronzer. Not one of the brand names on our list of offenders was spared.

Before long, we had moved on to the aisles dedi-cated to hair products.

We were ruthless in our combat, slapping stickers on a slew of shampoo and con-ditioner combos . The third of our party, my close friend who happens to reach 5-feet-11-inches, even stretched to

adorn the placeholder signs boasting names like Pantene or Garnier Fructis with big red decals.

If you are wondering if the products in your beauty arsenal are tested on animals, PETA has a full list of all the companies that use the practice that can be found on its Web site. If you are not up to all that research, read the labels on your belongings. If there’s no line reading “This Product not Tested on Animals,” chances are it was.

Next time you are shop-ping, take a moment to peruse the ingredients of the things you are buying. The 13-letter chemicals are not only daunting to your tongue, but to your well-being. If you do not know what is in some-thing, do you really want it on your face? Just imagine it scalding a mouse’s skin in its developmental stages.

If our efforts made even one person stop and think before throwing that Maybelline lip-gloss into a basket, I feel we won our battle.

Because really, experi-menting this way on animals is not only horrendously cruel, but also unnecessary. If these big-time companies used natural ingredients in their products, there would be no need to test them for safety.

Thus, there would be no need for a rabbit to be sport-ing this season’s latest make-up trends.

Cassidy Gooding is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact her at [email protected].

JAMES HECK AND CODY MCFARLAND / THE ADVOCATE

cassidygooding

G

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 20102 OPINION

audience,” MCHS student Angelica Camacho said. “But then I began to feel the energy from the crowd, and I completely loosened up.”

A crowd favorite who has per-f o r m e d at both r a l l i e s , Camacho said she l o v e s p l ay i n g music, as it is one of her passions and get-ting the chance to perform in front of class-mates is an amazing thing to do.

“My classmates are so very supportive of me, and I really appreciate that,” she said.

Gabriel said that at the rallies, bonds are built, and she always enjoys seeing Camacho perform.

“I really like her singing,” Gabriel said. “She’s pretty good. She always does her best to entertain.”

MCHS professor Katherine Williams said this event is important because it unifies the school and builds school spirit.

She said it is a great chance for students to have some friendly completion and have fun.

“Kids should enjoy school not work, work, work,” Williams said.

Contact Lamar James at [email protected].

been identified, opened fire about seven times, shooting the 24-year-old man in the head. He was air-lifted to John Muir Trauma Center in Walnut Creek.

The 23-year-old woman was shot in the ankle and taken by ambu-lance. Both are expected to survive, Lee said.

“The sus-pects have not yet been found, but we are still c o n d u c t i n g forensic tests based on the evidence col-lected at the scene,” he said.

A witness who refused to disclose his name said both cars stopped at the intersection and began arguing.

“I was riding my bike when I saw them arguing, then the guys in the

truck started shooting,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

To date, the descriptions of the subjects are uncertain, Lee said.

Since the incident took place dur-ing the week of spring break, no emer-gency procedures were taken among

the campus.P o l i c e

S e r v i c e s Sgt. Ryan Huddleston said protocol would have been enacted if it had hap-pened at a dif-ferent time.

“If (a sim-ilar incident) would have h a p p e n e d

while school was in session, depend-ing on the location, we would lock down the campus,” Huddleston said.

Contact Diana Reyes at [email protected].

Newsline

Saturday, March 20A non-student injured

himself during a martial arts tournament at the college.

Monday, March 22A parole suspect was con-

tacted for parking in a dis-abled parking space. It was later determined he had a knife in his backpack, inside the trunk of his vehicle.

Wednesday, March 24An adult male was con-

tacted for exposing himself. It was later determined he was a disabled person.

Friday, March 26A bus driver reported

an argument that occurred between herself and a patron. The patron was escorted off the bus without further inci-dent.

Tuesday March 29A suspect was stopped

for a traffic violation and marijuana was discovered inside the vehicle.

Thursday, April 1A suspect was trying

to sell victim’s stolen cell phone back to him.

—Alexandra Waite

CrimeWatch

■ FROM: Page 1

accenta d v o c a t e

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

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

CAMPUS BEAT WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE 3

■ TRANSITION

Crafts being sold in quad

The Transition Program is holding a handmade crafts sale today from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the quad.

Items range from jewelry to household decorations.

All proceeds will benefit the Transition Program, and the fundraiser will continue on April 28 and May 5.

Shooting | Richmond

“Kids should enjoy school

not work, work, work.”

Katherine Williams,

Middle College High School professor

ADVERTISEMENT

INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

In the neighborhood — The April 5 shooting took place at an intersection located less than a half mile away from the college.

Contra Costa CollegeLot 10

away from (them).”Polo, a Middle College

High School and Contra Costa College graduate liv-ing in El Sobrante, died in a single-car accident on eastbound Interstate 80 near Carlson Boulevard in Richmond when his car col-lided with a light pole at the edge of the roadway on March 24. He was 21.

According to California Highway Patrol officer Sam Morgan, the crash occurred at about 3:50 p.m. when Polo’s 1995 Acura Integra avoided contact with another vehicle speeding across the freeway.

Morgan said the driver lost control of the vehicle and slid several hundred feet into the interstate’s right-hand shoulder.

Polo was declared dead at the scene while Hernandez, who sat in the passenger seat, survived with bruised lungs and a broken clavicle.

Hernandez was taken by helicopter to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek while the highway was shut down on both sides for about 30-40 minutes, Morgan said.

Currently, the accident is being inves-tigated as a n o n c o n t a c t hi t-and-run, and prelimi-nary witness infor mat ion has indicated that the speed-ing car was a black BMW, he said.

“(Polo) wasn’t a reckless kind of person,” MCHS pro-fessor Steve Hoffman said. “For something like that to happen, it’s so sad. (People) never realize how easily they could take someone’s life.”

Hoffman, who taught Polo during his junior year at MCHS, said he recalls the serious yet friendly nature of his young student.

Whether seeing him sit-ting alone on the bench near the entrance to the Applied Arts Building or on top of a desk surrounded by his peers before the beginning of class, Hoffman said Polo was both considerate and respected by his classmates.

“He was really sincere and really kind, but not in a way that people would take advantage of him,” he said.

Refusing to succumb to the discouragement often attached with the difficulty of understanding course con-cepts, Polo frequently came to Hoffman with questions about other classes, he said.

“He was serious about what he did,” Hoffman said.

Viewings were held for Polo from March 28-31 at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary in Daly City.

A burial service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, south of San Francisco, on April 1 attracted more than 600 people, sister Princess Polo said.

Polo graduated from MCHS in 2007 and earned his associate degrees in gen-eral education and business from CCC. He later went on

to attend San Francisco State as a business major.

Hernandez, a friend of Polo since their freshman year at MCHS, said Polo initially sought to become an entrepreneur, hoping to use his devotion for shoes to fuel his vision for someday selling them.

Yet, in the last few months, Polo began to rethink his plans and started to find interest in pursuing a career geared toward travel-ing, Hernandez said.

Despite a fluctuating decision for a future career, Polo is still described as an embodiment of notable moti-vation, working two jobs while studying as a full-time student.

“He was a determined person and whatever he saw his eye on (that) he wanted, he’d find a way to get it,” Princess said.

Hernandez said, while working at Blockbuster Video in San Pablo on week-days and LensCrafters in Richmond on the weekends, Polo used his earnings to help support his mother with

living expens-es.

“ H e wasn’t just all for himself. He was for his family,” H e r n a n d e z said.

A f t e r g r a d u a t i n g and becoming f inanc ia l ly stable, he had plans to buy his mother, M a r i l y n

Abellan, a new house, Princess said.

“He had a good connec-tion with his patients and cus-tomers here,” LensCrafters Manager Noel de Guzman said. “He was (more like) a consultant than a sales per-son.”

De Guzman said custom-ers were drawn to Polo’s car-ing and amiable character.

“He had that youthful spirit that (people) wanted to reconnect to,” de Guzman said.

Regardless of the work-load that Polo carried, de Guzman said he was still a “valued asset” to the com-pany.

“I don’t know how the kid did it,” he said.

Polo was born on Jan. 9, 1989 in Redwood City and raised within the San Francisco area before mov-ing with his mother and sister to their home in El Sobrante.

Polo is survived by his mother and sister.

Though relatives have not created a memorial fund since the funeral, Hoffman received approval from the MCHS principal to organize an account inviting donations for the Polo family.

Checks can be mailed payable to MCHS with a memo for the Genesis Polo family fund. For more infor-mation, donors can contact Hoffman at 510-235-7800, ext. 4411.

Contact Asia Camagong at [email protected].

Polo | Ambition■ FROM: Page 1

fully restoring jobs that were lost in the last few years.

The reform will affect millions of Americans, rang-ing from children to senior citizens.

Nursing professor Roberta Hoffman said the bill will extend medical coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and diabetes.

Young college students are also set to benefit, as students will be able to stay on their parents’ health insur-ance up until the age of 26, social sciences department Chairman J. Vern Cromartie said.

According to www.healthreform.gov, 4.5 mil-lion seniors would receive free preventive services.

“The first time a lot of people are introduced into the health care sys-tem is when they get really sick and go to the emer-gency room,” Director of Nursing Maryanne Werner-McCullough said. “Prevention is where it’s at.”

Currently, the United States is the only developed nation lacking a public health care system.

Werner-McCullough said that as a result of increased coverage, there will be a greater need for more health care providers.

“My hope is that (the reform) will open up the job market, which has been tight due to the economy,” she said.

Another effect of the bill is that insurance companies can no longer deny medical coverage due to pre-existing conditions or kick someone off their insurance if they become ill, Dr. Cromartie

said. This will address prob-lems of bankruptcy, he said.

“Some people lose every-thing because of insurance; 66 percent of people who have filed for bankrupt-cy have done so because of medical care issues,” Cromartie said. “I applaud President Obama for making the improvement of public health care a priority.”

While many have nothing but praise for the passage, others believe that it is only the first step toward solving the issues of health care in the United States.

Student Christopher Calubaquib said he has mixed feelings about the reform bill, because while it does provide coverage for thousands who did not have it before, others will still not have coverage.

“We were promised some-thing better than we got,” Palacios said. “We’re still far from what we need, which is universal health care.”

Contact Lauren Shiraishi at [email protected].

Health | Reform Rally■ FROM: Page 1 ■ FROM: Page 1

■ FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA Night to educate

The Financial Aid Office is hosting FAFSA Night workshops to provide stu-dents with information on financial aid and assistance with completing the online application.

The events will be held in the Student Services Assessment Center on Thursday, Tuesday and April 29.

Assistance will be avail-able for Spanish-speakers.

■ ASU

Pajama Jam to entertain

The ASU is throwing a Pajama Jam on Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Recreation Room.

Attendees should dress in appropriate attire.

Music will be provided and there will also be perfor-mances by a special guest.

■ TRANSFERRING

Center plans reception

Students planning to transfer in the fall are encouraged to notify the Transfer/Career Center.

The college wishes to honor these students at the annual Transfer Reception to be held in May.

Food will be provided for guests.

For invitation informa-tion, contact Robin Harrison at 510-235-7800, ext. 4241.

“He was really sincere and really

kind, but not in a way that people would

take advantage of him.”

Steve Hoffman,Middle College High School

professor

“If (a similar incident) would have happened

while school was in session, depending on the location, we would lock down the

campus.”

Ryan Huddleston,Police Services sergeant

“Some people lose everything because

of insurance; 66 percent of people who have filed for bankruptcy have done so because of medical care

issues.”

J. Vern Cromartie,social sciences department

chairman

By Lamar JamesNEWS EDITOR

A friendly assortment of food and wine vendors and a happy atmosphere dawned upon the Gymnasium Sunday, as part of the third annual Food and Wine Event hosted by the culinary arts department.

The event was a fundraiser to help send stu-dents who are in the culinary program and have applied for the proper scholarship abroad to study, culinary arts department Chairman Nader Sharkes said.

This will be the second time students will be sent to China to learn fine dining skills and to cross the cul-tural boundaries of gourmet cuisine, Sharkes said.

More than 60 restaurants, wineries and breweries worked alongside the culi-nary arts department to make the event a success, he said, and to raise money for stu-dents who will be receiving scholarships.

“This was a wonder-ful event,” Sharkes said. “Students really work hard to get the vendors to come out, and to set up, and to organize, and it came out to be the best one yet.”

He said that he was really

proud of his students and was impressed to see the way they handled themselves with an extreme amount of pressure.

Additionally, Sharkes said this year’s turnout was better than last year’s.

“I am happy to see the attendance is high,” he said. “We have a lot of support from the community, and this shows it.”

Sharkes also said that the event is a chance for students to network and connect with potential jobs, because students are assigned to a specific station and it gives them a chance to showcase their skills to a possible employer.

Instructional assistant Joyce Edwards said that even working the door can be a “fast and furious area.”

“This is where all the action is. You get to see all the people flowing in,” Edwards said. She said the money from the event will fund the trip, which costs about $5,000 a student, as they will travel to the north-ern and southern regions of China.

“The students will be going with Martin Yan, from the restaurant Yan Can Cook, and he will be showing and guiding them on their trip,” Edwards said.

Participants at the event got a chance to sample all kinds of foods and wines from restaurants such as Aidells Sausage Company, Restaurant 615, Caliente

Sisters Catering and Mira Vista Country Club, and win-eries such as Gallo Family Winery, One True Vine and Hannah Nicole Vineyard.

Maggie Ball, 50, of El Sobrante, said everything was superb.

“I enjoyed every booth,” Ball said. “I got a chance to walk around and taste all the different foods. It was wonderful.”

She said events like this give people a chance to meet new people, see new things and try things they may have been curious about trying, but had never been exposed to.

“This is a great oppor-tunity for students and for community members to help students,” Ball said.

Culinary arts student Juanisha Robinson said the day was an exciting learn-ing experience. “We have a passion for this, and many of us have dreams of being a chef,” Robinson said. “People helping them to reach their dreams lets stu-dents know people are will-ing to help.”

Robinson said that in the future one of these companies may want to hire students first, because they have the experience and have already made an impression on that company through events such as this.

Contact Lamar James at [email protected].

Program raisesfunds with food

SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Fill it up — Quintessential Wines representative Kate Myers pours Argentine wine at the third annual Food and Wine Event held in the Gymnasium Sunday.

Gala recognizes contributors of college

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 20104 CAMPUS BEAT

ADVERTISEMENT

Experience, wine, edibles flow aplenty

By Holly PabloEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EL CERRITO — Four honorees were recognized for their contributions to the col-lege at the sixth annual Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremony fundraiser at the Mira Vista Country Club here on March 26.

The night celebrated the support and suc-cesses of District Attorney Mark Jackson, a 1992 recipient of the Kennedy-King Memorial Graduate Scholarship, former librarian Bruce Carlton and a group of orga-nized labor trades. And retired senior library assistant Joan Tucker, also on behalf of the late Agnes Clements, became the first moth-er-daughter recipients to be inducted.

Combined with Contra Costa College’s 60th anniversary commemoration, “That Was the Year That Was,” the class of three individuals and one organization enjoyed a culinary extravaganza featuring modern remixes of 1950s food favorites with their families and friends.

Video presentations about the history of the college and the inductees were presented

during the ceremony, held in the Vista Room, followed by introduction of the honorees.

Clements, a former library technician, was the first African-American woman to be employed at the college when it first opened in 1950 and worked as a senior library assistant until 1974.

Tucker worked with her mother in the library for one year in 1973, she said, and the love and affection that Clements showed to the students, faculty and everybody she met made her spe-cial.

Clements died in 2004, Tucker said, and would be surprised of the honor because she never expected recognition; she was only being herself.

Jackson thanked his role models in the audience and extended his faith in the com-munity college system.

“I am truly humbled and honored,” Jackson said about being recognized for his expertise in cyber-crime and identity fraud in the Bay Area. “College students need to work hard

because time is going to pass whether you do something or not, and community college is a wonderful place to start.”

With proceeds benefiting the CCC Foundation and its scholarships, approxi-mately 60 tickets at $100 each were sold for the gala, Senior Foundation Director Linda Cherry said, which the college began planning before winter recess.

Among attendees were Governing Board Trustee Tomi Van De Brooke, Athletic Director John Wade and Richmond City Council member Maria Viramontes.

The Hall of Fame pinpoints three areas of recognition: orga-nizations or individuals that have shown community support, former employees that surpassed their duties and have not been employed by the district for a minimum of five years and former students that can attri-bute their accomplishments to their educa-tion at the college.

Carlton, long-time Friends of the Library

member and former secretary of the Foundation Board of Directors, said that the years that he worked at CCC were pivotal for him because of his interactions with his peers and students.

“It was so much fun working at CCC. It was not work,” he said. “How lucky I am to have had such colleagues and exciting, inter-esting students to work with.”

A coalition of three labor unions were inducted for their support of the college Foundation and instrumental part in rallying for the approval of a 2006 bond measure to update and modernize campus facilities.

Greg Feree of the Contra Costa Buildings and Construction Trade Council, Aram Hodess of Local 159 and Steve Silver of Local 342 of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters were present for induction.

President McKinley Williams said that for 60 years, the college has provided stu-dents with love and nurturing needed for success.

“We’re celebrating the fact that we’re still here, and we’re still changing lives,” Williams said. “That, to me, is the essence of CCC.”

Contact Holly Pablo at [email protected].

Hall of Fame gains four additional faces

Web site undergoes large reconstruction

“It was so much fun working at (Contra Costa

College). It was not work. How lucky I am to have had such great colleagues and exciting, interesting students to

work with.”

Bruce Carlton,former Contra Costa College librarian

By Asia CamagongASSOCIATE EDITOR

As student Jorge Cortes peered over his friend’s shoulder to catch a glimpse of the new college Web site, he could not deny the pres-ence of a notable difference seen from just one glance.

After nearly two years of reconstruction, the newly developed campus Web site, www.contracosta.edu, made its debut on March 19, fea-turing an updated look and structure meant to make it easier for current and pro-spective students to search and navigate through the available information.

“(It is) a substantially bet-ter program,” Vice President Carol Maga said. “The entire organizational structure (of the old version) had some incoherent mechanism of information.”

While the aesthetics of the Web site have experi-enced a shift, Maga said the redesign is also aimed to pro-

vide more features for the students than the previous version.

By implementing addi-tional elements, such as printable Admissions and Records forms, the site will better cater to student need, she said.

“It is really designed so that future students can go right here and get all they need,” she said.

Students will also be able to receive up-to-date infor-mation regarding changes in class schedules that may be different from what is pub-lished in print, she said.

“This is our start of a good structure to provide information and (show) how it has opened up for people to enter,” Maga said.

Cortes, an engineering major, said his initial thought about the Web site overhaul was that it appeared to look “more official,” which may encourage students to use it as a helpful resource.

“It might intrigue people to go look and try it just

to see if (they’ve) added new features,” Cortes said. “It makes (the college) look better.”

Maga said there is a lot more information about the college now available on the Web site.

Yet, though the makeover is intended to provide more services to students, some admit rarely using the site.

Media communications major Ashley McCullough said she was unaware that the site was even undergo-ing changes, as she seldom visits it.

Though admitting a lack of use, McCullough said the old version did not make it difficult for her to find the information she needed, though it did require some effort.

“Common sense led me in the right direction, but it wasn’t just there for me,” she said.

Contact Asia Camagong at [email protected].

Annual event recognizes local women

Advocate wins individual, group awards

CAMPUS BEAT WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE 5

By Lissette AlvarezSTAFF WRITER

By promoting a whimsical and positive atmosphere, the 10th Annual Contra Costa College National Women’s Program aimed to honor local women for their contributions in West Contra Costa County.

The CCC National Women’s Program, held at the Knox Center on March 24, was hosted by Contra Costa College and the West Contra Costa Branch of the American Association of University Women.

The event was designed to show appreciation to some of the local women who have made a differ-ence in the community.

Supervisor John Gioia said one of the reasons why the event was

such a success was because of the audience enthusiasm, as it cheered and clapped for all the honorees.

Audience members were not the only ones full of energy that night, as the honorees and their presenters also expressed enthusiasm through their diversity and unique stories.

Realtor Linda Lipscomb, who was awarded for her community volunteerism in Kensington, said one of the best speakers at the award ceremony was Hercules Planning Commission Vice Chairwoman Myrna de Vera.

De Vera was awarded for her involvement in the architectural designs in Hercules and for serving as the treasurer of the Filipino-Americans of Hercules.

“Although she seemed prepared for her speech, she spoke beauti-fully,” Lipscomb said. “She gave the best speech out of all the other honorees.”

Former honoree Gretchen Gillfillan said Gioia did an amaz-

ing job introducing some of the honorees. The audience responded well to his sense of humor and his appreciation for the women being honored that night.

“The women on this stage are great role models for young women. They really seem to care about the community,” Gioia said.

Environmental advocate Doria Robinson, who was honored for her efforts in reconnecting urban communities with urbanized land-

scapes, said one of the honorees that stood out to her was senior advocate, Georgia Manessis.

Manessis was awarded for her efforts in helping the elderly. When she retired at age 48, due to bore-dom she quickly came out of retire-ment and answered an advertise-ment to drive seniors on van trips.

“It was interesting hearing her story, especially the part where 18 years later, she is still driving that same van,” Robinson said. “She

may have retired from her day job, but she never retired from being a part of the community.”

Vice Mayor for the City of San Pablo Genoveva Calloway said her favorite part of the evening was the CCC Chorale performance.

“I thought the music was very classy. It tied in really well with the program,” Calloway said.

Contact Lissette Alvarez at [email protected].

CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE

All smiles — Georgia Manessis extends appreciation for being recognized for her volunteer work in the Pinole Senior Center at the 10th Annual Contra Costa College National Women’s Program in the Knox Center on March 24. The event honored local women contributors.

Female leaders honored in Knox

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By Lissette AlvarezSTAFF WRITER

By utilizing diverse talents and working together as a unit, The Advocate staff ran away with the coveted Pacesetter award for a 13th time, along with 27 other awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) State Convention.

The JACC convention was held at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles April 8-10. The conference reward-ed the staff for its work over the calendar year of 2009 and through on-the-spot con-tests at the event.

The Advocate staff’s awards included Online Journalism General Excellence, Enterprise Story/Series, General Excellence Newspaper and Front Page Layout.

Yet, winning awards was never really the main focus, and the whole point was to be recognized for what they bring to the table, Editor-in-Chief Holly Pablo said.

Adviser and journalism department Chairman Paul DeBolt said, “The awards and recognition are nice because sometimes it seems like the students don’t get a lot of positive feedback on campus.”

DeBolt said there were about 50 California community college represented at the con-vention and 600 students total.

Pablo said that even though most of the staff will be transferring after this semester, the program will continue to thrive.

“The Advocate members who went to the convention were very nervous, especially when it came to the Pacesetter, because they had won it several times before,” Pablo said. “We wanted to keep the tradition going,”

DeBolt said the group that went to the convention is very talented and seems to really complement one other.

One of the participants included Pablo, who won first place for On-the-Spot News Story category.

Pablo, who also won a $700 scholar-ship, said she was surprised and honored to have walked away with the award, not only because she had to compete against 79 other people, but because it dealt with a very dif-ficult subject: distracted driving.

“The mother of a victim of distracted driving was there. It was pretty emotional,” Pablo said.

Another award winner was Associate Editor Asia Camagong, who won second place for Mail-In Column writing and third place for On-the-Spot Feature Story.

“Winning awards made me feel more

accomplished,” Camagong said. “I felt more secure knowing that I had won something.”

Staff Illustrator Cody McFarland, who won first place in Mail-In Editorial Cartoon and placed second for On-the-Spot Editorial Cartoon, said the recognition felt great.

“It was big news for me,” McFarland said. ‘It was an honor for me to represent (Contra Costa College).”

Receiving awards was not the only reason why the convention was worth attending, as it also gave the students room for personal growth, DeBolt said.

First-time attendee and Sports Editor Malcolm Lastra said he had no idea journal-ism was that big a deal across the state’s community colleges.

Contact Lissette Alvarez at [email protected].

JazzaNova thrills eatery

Newreleases:“Avatar” (PG-13)

“The Lovely Bones”(PG-13)

“Crazy Heart” (R)

“The Young Victoria” (PG)

“The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!” (NR)

Games

CDs

DVDs

Movies

This week:“The Losers” (PG-13)

“The Back-Up Plan” (PG-13)

Newreleases:Circa Survive: “Blue Sky Noise”

Cypress Hill: “Rise Up”

The Apples in Stereo: “Travellers in Space and Time”

Sevendust: “Cold Day Memory”

Caribou: “Swim”

Plants and Animals: “La La Land”

Kate Nash: “My Best Friend is You”

Trans Am: “Thing”

Unleashed

Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.

Newreleases:“Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper” (XBOX360 – T)

“Blood Bowl” (PSP – T)

“The Monster Tri” (WII – T)

“All Star Karate” (WII)

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 20106 SCENE

Exhibition showcases student talent

By Marjorie RiformoSTAFF WRITER

The soothing sounds of acoustic jazz played in tune rang throughout the extrava-gant leeway of the La Strada restaurant on March 29.

Students in the college’s vocal and piano departments, including JazzaNova and a selected soloist, performed classical pieces.

A party of 60 accommodat-ed visitors, family and friends attended the showcase and were delighted by how well the per-formances ran smoothly over a fine meal of Italian cuisine.

Carol Prieto, a member of JazzaNova, has been practicing two semesters for the presenta-tion.

“My purpose here tonight was for the people to be a part of the music, to feel what I feel when I am performing,” Prieto said.

Clapping, swinging and nodding to the tempo is how the audience showed great appreciation, not only toward the group, but to the music as well.

“I had a good time. It was good music, and on top of that, (there are) very nice people here tonight,” Contra Costa College student Bucky Rodrigues said. “The ensemble was definitely well coordinated and worked as one. I’m glad I had a chance to experience this event.”

Student Francisco Rodarte particularly enjoyed the soloist performance.

“It is definitely something different from what I listen to every day,” he said.

Songs such as “Homecoming,” “Legacy” and an “Open Invitation” were per-formed, which presented a slow intense text and burst of music presented in the context of the current world.

The whole jazz choir came

together and collaborated to sing “Da-du-da,” which brought several voices together to form one.

The choir gave off a well-coordinated vibe that filled the room with a taste of improvisa-tional music and kept the crowd amused.

Mac Esposito, bass and voice soloist, performed his

own mother’s lyrics, who has also recently joined the vocal jazz class herself and showed content toward her son’s achievement.

“If you sound good then you look good,” he sang.

He explained that if some-one is not passionate about how complex this music is, then it will be difficult to get inside

the music being recited.Esposito said the maestro

of the ensemble, music depart-ment Chairwoman Stephanie Austin, pushed the class to practice and practice so perfor-mances will seem effortless.

Contact Marjorie Riformo at [email protected].

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Sound of music — (From left to right) JazzaNova students Carrie Yu, Sophia Ruiz, Daniel Ruiz, Carol Frida and Daniel Rojas sing to the crowd at the JazzaNova event held in the La Strada restaurant in San Pablo on March 29.

By Cassidy GoodingSTAFF WRITER

The excitement didn’t really hit me until I walked into the dome and saw Brian Aubert’s guitar innocently propped up center stage.

Silhouetted by a royal purple spotlight, sur-rounded by the rest of the band’s gear, the glittering black ax welcomed the droves of people into the Oracle Arena.

As the 30 extra minutes I arrived with ticked by, the seats all around me filled up, and the floor level became densely packed with a diverse array of people.

The place was humming with the excitement of thou-sands of people chattering and awaiting the show.

Then, the lights went down and we all screamed — half out of relief that there would be no more waiting and half out of sheer excitement.

The Silversun Pickups, an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, took the stage and immediately jumped into its first song.

Everyone stayed seated, and the applause after each song was finished, as well as the general participation in the lead guitarist’s attempts to warm up the crowd, was only half-hearted.

The Pickups’ stage pres-ence screamed confidence. The only conclusion I can draw from the crowd’s ho-hum reaction is it was saving its energy for the main event.

When the intermission ended and the three mem-bers of Muse appeared atop 100-foot towers above us all,

nobody was left in their seats.Between the mosh pit rag-

ing on the floor level, light shows accompanying the music and the flawless vocals from lead singer Matthew Bellamy, I was transfixed.

Muse, a British rock band that has only recently become mainstream in the U.S.,

released an album last September called “The Resistance.”

As its show at the Oakland Coliseum was one of the last stops on the Resistance tour, I expected most of Muse’s setlist to be made up of newer, more electric-influ-enced songs.

I was ecstatic, how-ever, when the band played a great slew

of its older pieces, weaving ever-changing sounds together seamlessly.

Bellamy even sat at a piano at one point to serenade us with the classic Broadway song “Feelin’ Good,” a cover from the 2001 album “Origin of Symmetry.”

What this group lacks in numbers (there is only Bellamy on vocals and guitar, Christopher Wolstenholme on bass and Dominic Howard on drums), it makes up for in imagination.

Lasers, smoke machines and tricky spotlighting made the already energetic perfor-mance intoxicating.

The only complaints I can register for the night were the overpriced merchandise and the 20-minute wait for a BART train.

Despite these two grum-bles, I wish I could see Muse live every night.

Contact Cassidy Gooding at [email protected].

“Resistance

Tour”

★★★★★Headliner: MuseWhere: Oracle Arena

eventreview

By Alexandra WaiteNEWS EDITOR

Students from the speech, drama and media and communications departments interacted with the audience through various performances during the Speech, Drama and Media Showcase held in the Knox Center on March 25.

The showcase included oral interpre-tations of literature, persuasive speech-es, drama performances, a compilation of student-made videos and a parlia-mentary debate demonstration.

“The event worked out well,” speech

department Chairwoman Connie Anderson said. “The whole idea was to have a collaborative effort of all the performing arts departments.”

Student Ashley Schauer started the night off with an oral interpretation of literature, where she embodied women murderers and chronicled their crimes while holding and flipping through her manuscript.

Political science major Maria Rubio said events such as the Speech, Drama and Media Showcase are important for students, because they help them break out of their bubble.

Many students are taking speech classes, and seeing experienced speak-ers at this event can help them with their own speeches, Dr. Anderson said.

The first persuasive speech, per-

formed by student Michelle Saechao, discussed the issue of universal health care and aimed to convince the audience that health care should be more acces-sible to Americans.

Student Daniel Hernandez said the speech was good, because Saechao would alternate between speaking in a serious tone and displaying emotion.

“People don’t realize on the speech team we have drama, prose and poetry,” speech professor Julie LaBrincha said. “If there’s an inner actor in you, it’s a great way to express yourself.”

Near the middle of the showcase, the large projector screen was lowered to present the video compilation pro-duced by media and communication arts students. The video captured Bay Area culture with images of graffiti

and skateboarding, an advertisement for chewing gum and a portrayal of the sleep deprivation of a college student.

Anderson said the purpose of the event is to show students the flavor of the fruit the college has to offer.

Teachers want students to be a part of these programs, she said, because the programs’ future depends on recruiting.

The event ended on the high note with a parliamentary debate demonstra-tion on whether the Richmond oil refin-ery should be closed down.

The audience was allowed to shout in favor or in defiance during speeches.

“We had a very interactive crowd,” Rubio said.

Contact Alexandra Waite at [email protected].

Performing artists demonstrate skills

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‘Resistance’ tour captivates crowd

By Malcolm LastraSPORTS EDITOR

The lack of hitting forced the softball team to split two games in its last home doubleheader against Napa Valley College April 14, winning 2-1 in the first game and losing 2-0 in the second.

The Comets (14-22 overall, 10-12 in the Bay Valley Conference) failed to get into a steady hitting rhythm throughout both games against the Storm (14-18 overall, 11-7 in the BVC), as they were able to take the first game after a game-winning single, but were held scoreless in the second match, only able to get on base three times.

“I wanted to come out explosive and show fans that we are a good team, (especially) for our last home games of the season,” coach Ed Miller said. “We won a game, but we didn’t play smart and it cost us.”

The first game of the doubleheader was described as a “pitchers’ duel” by Miller, as the teams played 11 innings due to strong defensive play.

“Our pitcher (in the first game being Genevieve Reyna) had about nine or 10 strikeouts,” Miller said. “Our defense was

good, however, our offense was nonexis-tent.”

Contra Costa College was able to take the win in the 11th inning after third base-man Victoria Takahashi hit a clutch single down right field to bring home second base-man Inez Hudson.

“I just wanted to hit it down right field, and I got the run in,” Takahashi said.

Both teams entered the sec-ond match continuing their high defensive intensity, however, each again showed a lack of hit-ting.

The Comets had a potential momentum-changing hit in the fourth inning after Reyna blast-ed the ball toward left field. However, Storm outfielder Pat Del Rosario caught the ball and rocketed it to second baseman Sarah Priestley who tagged out Takahashi for the double play.

CCC was able to get a double play of its own after catcher Krystyna Fisher snagged a pop up from Del Rosario and threw it to Hudson to tag out Napa Valley shortstop Katie Gutierrez.

“These last few games we have been

playing good defensively,” Takahashi said. “We are definitely growing as a team.”

Offensively, however, the Comets seemed out of sync hitting the ball all game, as players could not adjust to the pitching of Napa Valley’s Lucinda Knudson, who almost finished the game with a no-hitter,

only allowing two hits.“We weren’t making any

adjustments to the pitcher,” Reyna said. “We weren’t lis-tening to our coach, and they (exploited) a lot of our bad habits.”

CCC was only able to get on base three times due to a walk and two hits.

This season, the Comets are fifth in the BVC in batting average with a .267 average,

hitting the ball 153 times out of 574 plate appearances with a combined 98 runs.

“The hitting (all season) was horrendous,” Miller said. “Our hitters played scared. The players I expected to hit well didn’t.”

In the second game, the scoreboard final-ly opened up in the seventh inning with two outs and Del Rosario and Storm catcher Samantha Sciutto on base. Comet pitcher

Vanessa Kersten allowed Napa Valley out-fielder Natalie Burton to hit a line drive sin-gle between the third baseman and shortstop to bring in both runners and take a 2-0 lead.

“I was trying to get the ball, and it hap-pened so fast I thought we were going to be three and out,” Reyna said. “The hit got us down, but at the same time it was a wake-up call and obviously we couldn’t capitalize.”

The Comets are 6-10 at home this sea-son.

CCC, however, was able to close out its season on a strong note, winning both games of its final doubleheader of the season on the road Thursday against College of Marin (1-30 overall, 1-18 in the BVC).

The Comets shut out the Mariners in both games, winning 8-0 in the first game and 10-0 in the second.

“In practice, they hit pretty good, (although) it looks like they are intimidated. That’s the results they had from playing scared,” Miller said. “(However), I’m proud of their hard work this year. It’s just that my expectations were high and no hitters met my expectations.”

Contact Malcolm Lastra at [email protected].

By Malcolm LastraSPORTS EDITOR

He was both a two-time Rose Bowl winner at Stanford University in 1970 and 1971 and a Super Bowl champion for the Dallas Cowboys at the cornerback position in 1978.

Former Contra Costa College ath-lete and current Athletic Equipment Manager Benny Barnes helps coun-sel and mentor current student-ath-letes to give only their best in their life endeavors.

“Barnes is a motivator,” foot-ball cornerback Malcolm Ajayi said. “He taught me a lot about the game since he used to play the same position I cur-rently play.”

Mentoring is nothing new for Barnes. He helped steer underclassmen in the right direction during his senior year at Kennedy High School, as he was among the first to graduate from the school.

“(Barnes) is very supportive, and he also gave me great advice about transferring to another school,” volleyball middle hitter LaShara Johnson said. “He’s a good role model to a lot of African-American students, especially the athletes.”

Barnes does more than the aver-age equipment manager ought to do. Not only does he dedicate his time to the normal duties as equipment manager — washing jerseys, watch-ing over traveling vans, making sure players pay for their equipment — but he also assists the players, coaches and shows support to all the teams.

“What Benny does here is sim-ply giving back to the community,” Athletic Director John Wade said. “He can basically do anything he

wants with the reputation he has as a Super Bowl winner, but he chose to work here, and that says a lot since the area here gets a bad reputation.”

Barnes also helps out around the athletic department, aiding coaches and faculty.

He lent a helping hand to the men’s basketball team as assistant coach Glen Graham had to fill in for the absence of coach Miguel Johnson for a couple games this past season.

“He made sure that I had the vans and directions to where I needed to go for our games,” Graham said. “I love him to death, and we need more people like Benny Barnes in this world.”

Barnes took over as equipment manager in 1994 after the retirement of for-mer athletic equip-ment manager J.D. Banks.

“J.D. was one of my mentors here when I attended CCC. He was like a father figure,” Barnes said. “With him retiring, I felt that this was the job I wanted to do.”

Barnes said that he wants to give back to CCC, as the college helped him to become the person he is today.

“(You need) people to push you and to help you, whether it be advice or direction. And you have to give that back,” Barnes said. “I came back to give these kids the same experience I had here.”

Off campus, Barnes spends time with his wife and four kids going to places such as Reno, Las Vegas and Cache Creek Casino. He also enjoys watching and cheering on the Comet athletes.

“He’s always making sure these athletes do the right thing with their lives,” Graham said. “Its obvious he is doing his job as many athletes come back to see him.”

Contact Malcolm Lastra at [email protected].

Barnes lends helping hand

ScoreBoardStorm 2 Comets 0

Season over: 14-22 overall,10-12 BVC

Former champion mentors athletes

SPORTS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE 7

ERIK VERDUZCO / THE ADVOCATE

Role model — Former Contra Costa athlete, two-time Rose Bowl winner at Stanford University and Super Bowl XII champion for the Dallas Cowboys, Benny Barnes gives back to the com-munity by serving as a mentor and counselor for current Comet athletes and coaches.

BaseballContra Costa College

V S.

Los Medanos College

When: Thursday, 2:30 p.m.Where: Baseball fieldRecords: CCC 6-24 overall, 3-16 in the BVC. Los Medanos 23-8 overall, 14-5 in the BVC.

Background: The baseball team looks to finish the season strong at home in the final game against Los Medanos College. The Comets were unable to contain the Mustangs in their first meeting, as they lost 13-9. A lack of hitting and mental mistakes on defense have been major problems all season for Contra Costa College, as it is currently in last place in the Bay Valley Conference. The second-place Mustangs are currently on a two-game win-ning streak and hope to extend this streak. The Comets seek to stop Los Medanos outfielders Vince Bruno and Sam Faleafine, who lead their teams with six home runs each. So far, CCC has a total of four home runs as a team, which is last in the BVC.

Game of the Week

Los Medanos College

SportShortTeam able to pull out victory despite late Napa Valley surge

Box scoresSoftball (April 14)

Napa Valley College Contra Costa College AB R H RBI AB R H RBIBarrera 1b 4 0 0 0 Hudson 3b 3 0 0 0Knudson p 3 0 0 0 Takahashi 2b 3 0 1 0 Priestley 2b 3 0 0 0 Reyna ss 3 0 1 0Gutierrez ss 3 0 2 0 Leintz 1b 3 0 1 0Del Rosario rf 3 1 0 0 Oshiro lf 3 0 0 0Sciutto c 3 1 0 0 Kersten p 2 0 0 0Galzote 2b 3 0 2 0 Fisher c 2 0 0 0Burton lf 3 0 2 2 Hernandez cf 2 0 0 0Logan cf 3 0 1 0 Meza rf 2 0 0 0

Totals 28 2 7 2 23 0 3 0

Napa Valley College 000 000 02 - 2Contra Costa College 000 000 00 - 0

IP H R ER BB SOContra Costa CollegeKersten (L) 7.0 7 2 0 3 2

Napa Valley CollegeKnudson (W) 7.0 7 0 0 1 5

StandingsBaseball

Bay Valley Conference Bay Valley Overall

W L W LSolano Community College 15 4 19 12Los Medanos College 14 5 23 8College of Marin 12 7 14 16 Mendocino College 11 8 16 12Laney College 10 9 16 14Yuba College 7 12 10 19Napa Valley College 4 15 11 19Contra Costa College 3 16 6 24

With an early start of five runs in the first inning, followed by consistent hitting, the baseball team earned an 11-9 home win Friday against Napa Valley College.

“They swung the bat pretty good. They clutched up and had timely hits,” coach Marvin Webb said.

Despite putting up a five-run lead in the first inning, the Comets (6-24 overall, 3-16 in the Bay Valley Conference) allowed the Storm (11-19 overall, 4-15 in the BVC) to catch up in the fifth inning.

Four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning were enough for Contra Costa College to seal the win, although NVC was able to score twice in the ninth inning.

“The team showed a lot of intensity,” first baseman Ronald Morris said. “We fought hard and didn’t give up when things got tight.”

Comet pitcher Wesley Tramble had a complete game with nine strikeouts and earned himself the win.

The Comets play their last game of the season Thursday at home against Los Medanos College at 2:30 p.m.

Webb said that the final week is important for the players to play hard to earn scholarships into four-year colleges.

“In professional baseball, they call it the ‘salary drive,’ but for these guys it’s the ‘scholarship drive,’” he said. “We’re going to battle, play hard and win every game.”

— Dariush Azmoudeh

“He’s always mak-ing sure these ath-letes do the right thing with their

lives.”

Glen Graham,asst. men’s basketball coach

Comets split games in home doubleheader

bloom

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 20108 FOCUS

FESTIVALin

Transfixed — People look on as the Grand Cherry Blossom Festival parade moves down Post Street toward Fillmore Street in the Northern California

Cherry Blossom Festival held in San Francisco Sunday. The festival celebrates its 43rd year as one of the most prominent celebrations of Asian tradition.

Epitome of grace — A Nippon Minyo Buyo Renmei Dance Studio performer dances for the crowd at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Sunday.

photos by George Morin

With joy — The Michiy Hanayagi Dance Studio performs an ancient dance for the crowd on Post Street at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Sunday.

Admiration — Crowds look on as a Michiy Hanayagi Dance Studio group and the rest of the parade approaches the corner of Post Street and Webster Street at the Northern Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Sunday.

Tradition — San Francisco’s Sword Society conducts a samurai dance for the crowd during the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Sunday.

A sight to behold — A cherry blossom flower blooms from a tree at the Northern Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Sunday. The Northern Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of the cherry blossom’s flowers.