TOKE UP! PG. 3
EYE IN THE SKY PG. 6
TOGETHER
WE RISE P.4-5 SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE’S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1922
VOLUME 102 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 7, 2018
EDITORIAL
meet the EDITORS
Heather on the Record: Marching is not enough Heather Roegiers
Editor-in-Chief · kroegiers.express@gmail.com
As I write this, rain gathers into an abstract art display on my window. I remember experiencing my first rainstorm from indoors after spending four years sleeping outside and hitch-hiking across the United States. I thought about jumping into a river. I wanted to submerge myself in the privilege of getting soaked, knowing words like “warm” and “dry” no longer meant life and death. Now I worry about getting my hair extensions wet, as if the world would end. Soaking wet in a rainstorm does not sound like a privilege, but it never sounds like a privilege to the one who has it. Whether homeless, or behind on bills, or just in need of a vacation, the gravity of our problems always feels relative to our circumstances. In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Holocaust Survivor Viktor Frankl described suffering like a gas in that any minute amount is enough to fill a room. I’ve heard the difference between heaven and hell described like a room with a big cauldron of soup in the middle. In hell, everyone has a spoon that’s so long, they can’t reach their own mouths. In heaven things are exactly the same, but they use the spoons to feed each other. I can’t see other people’s obstacles. I can’t measure my privilege against another to see who owes whom. But I can say I am not fed until you are fed. I can say an injustice against you is an injustice against me. I can say that so long as the excuse, “he had a gun” can pacify the majority of the population, then gun ownership is not really my right, but my privilege, and privileges can be taken away. If someone else’s legal status can be questioned, then my legal status can be questioned. Compassion is under attack. The city of El Cajon in San Diego county adopted a food-sharing ban in October 2017, because they thought they could solve their
Editor-in-Chief Heather Roegiers Managing Editor Vince Ybarra News Editor Jason Pierce Features Editor Casandra Garcia Sports Editor Nick Pecoraro Photo Editor Bobby Castagna
Hepatitis A epidemic by starving people. In response, a moderate group of organizers started a free meal program called “Break the Ban” as an act of civil disobedience. A dozen people were arrested on Jan. 14, including a 14-year-old. In my travels, I never found a city without some sort of anti-homeless ordinance. Some are as simple as an ordinance in Arcata, California, that prohibits dogs in public from being stationary. All dogs in public must be on a walk. There is no purpose to this law but to target homeless people, and it’s designed to affect most people as little as possible. Selective enforcement does the rest. To the housed who have never experienced homelessness, the dogs are a nuisance. To the homeless, they are a woman’s independence, a veteran’s therapist, and an assistant for people living with disabilities and mental illness. Cities fear that if they’re too easy on the homeless, then more will come, so ironically, the most popular solution to homelessness in the United States right now is to remove the very rungs on the ladder necessary to climb out of that situation. Shelters and public restrooms are closing, and it’s becoming harder to stay clean, fed and rested. These ordinances also have a ripple effect, because as they cause the homeless population to migrate and seek greener pastures, the cities they end up in are pushed to similar measures. The homeless issue is a microcosm of the immigration issue. At the heart of both these issues are not bigots, but the indifferent; people unwilling to address the causes of displacement and destitution because it does not affect them personally until it hits their backyard. The inconvenient truth is it will take more than marching to solve these crises before they become tragedies. The right to assemble and petition our grievances is a beautiful gift from our ancestors and a responsibility we owe our children to protect, but if every other day of the year, our activism entails keeping the Design Adviser Josephine Newitt Assistant Design Editor Trevon Norton Cover Photo Bobby Castagna Cover Caption Thousands gather in Southside Park at the corner of T and Sixth streets for the second annual Women s March Jan. 20. Advisers Randy Allen, Jan Haag
Staff Photographers Jackson Durham, Megan Horn, Phoenix Kanada, Destinee Lang, Jiaxin Lu, Vanessa S. Nelson
EDITORIAL POLICIES Views published in the Express do not reflect those of the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees, the Associate Student Government, City College, Journalism department, administration, student body, or faculty; unless otherwise stated.
Staff Reporters Margo Alexander, Nita Gardipee, Anastasia Jones, Chelsea Knowlton, Jason Reed, Amari Smith, Julian Tack, Rose Vega, Ashton Byers
MEMBERSHIPS Journalism Association of Community Colleges California Newspaper Publishers Association
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Heather Roegiers, 29, is a poet and former street performer. She spent four years hitch-hiking across the U.S. and wrote a book of poetry called Silence is a Weapon.
Heather Roegiers Editor-in-Chief
soup kitchen out of our neighborhood rather than volunteering there, then we are marching for nothing but our own image. Face it — if you ever wondered what you would be doing in Hitler’s Germany, you’re doing it now. Would you be satisfied with a march? Nine volunteers from the faith-based organization “No More Deaths” have received felony charges in Arizona in the last few months for harboring immigrants. Complaints filed with the Arizona District Court include providing migrants with “beds and clean clothes” and “food and water.” These are crimes now. Forget the fact that the right to migrate should be a value baked into the recipe of anyone who calls this land America. If Republicans succeed and run out of immigrants to deport, all those jobs being generated for the Trump administration’s Gestapo will need a new enemy. The corrupt justice system being finetuned against them will be systematically deployed against the rest of us. But when the people come together, then no one is powerless. On Jan. 23, El Cajon dropped the food-sharing ban, claiming the Hepatitis A threat to be over. The decision came five days before the San Diego “Food Not Bombs” organization expected hundreds of people to attend their solidarity event Jan. 27. They plan monthly actions until the charges are dropped against the El Cajon Twelve. That’s social justice. ♦ CONTACT US Let the Express know what you think. Letters should be 300 words or less. Please include contact information. No anonymous letters will be printed. The Express reserves the right to edit or reject any article, advertisement or illustration deemed inappropriate, including letters to the editor.
Robert Castagna, 36, earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice 2005. He has two internships, is a freelance photographer, runs a monthly science talk series and is creating a podcast.
Bobby Castagna Photo Editor
Vince Ybarra Managing Editor
Vince Ybarra, 28, has an AA degree in business. He s studying journalism to go into entertainment news. This semester he wants to develop his social media skills.
Casandra Garcia, 21, has been on the Sac City Express team for three semesters. She loves cars and wants to be an automotive writer.
Casandra Garcia Feature Editor Nick Pecoraro, 35, works as a sports writer for the Folsom Telegraph and interns for KCRA 3. He and his wife have a 2-year-old daughter and are expecting a son.
Nick Pecoraro Sports Editor Jason Pierce, 39, is studying visual journalism and wants to start his own music website. He loves traveling, hiking and backpacking.
Sacramento City College 3835 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822 Phone (916) 558-2561 ext. 2562 Fax ( 916) 558-2282 E-mail express@scc.losrios.edu Website saccityexpress.com
Jason Pierce News Editor SCCEXPRESSNEWS
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NEWS
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Pot causing a stir on campus
City College contemplates the consequences of cannabis Chelsea Knowlton
Staff Writer · cknowlton.express@gmail.com
Scholarships available!
Marijuana, weed, Mary Jane, grass, dope, pot, Puff the Magic Dragon. Wake and bakers, occasional tokers and even those that have never touched the devil’s lettuce can’t ignore the political debate around legalizing recreational cannabis. Opinions over the new Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year, are mixed on the Sacramento City College campus. Though medical cannabis has been legal in California since 1996, it would be another 20 years until recreational use was granted the same status. Recreational use of the drug became legal the day after the November 2016 election, but recreational retail licenses weren’t available until Jan. 1 of this year. According to CityOfSacramento.org, recreational cannabis users must be 21 years old to legally possess recreational cannabis, it can’t be smoked in public, and users are limited to owning no more than 1 ounce.
Recreationally, yeah, it s fun just like liquor, but at the same time there s actual medical value. Sam Gibbons
City College student
Though California is known as a mostly liberal state, not all of its residents identify the same way. Some SCC students have expressed their concern over the new regulations. “People that are sick, that need medicine, then OK, I agree with that,” says 19-year-old Sacramento City College student Karolina Castilla, who doesn’t use cannabis herself. “But people that are addicted to it, I don’t agree with that. They’re going to kill themselves.” Though cannabis doesn’t have the chemical capability to be addictive in the same way that drugs like heroin and cocaine do, it does have the capacity to be emotionally addicting for people who use it as a coping mechanism, according to SCC Health Services’ nurse Wendy Gomez. Her concern is that the drug is going to become too normalized. “I think the law took away any stigma that may have prevented someone from using a gateway drug,” says Gomez.
$182,000 in scholarships were awarded to City College students in 2017. Nearly half of all applicants received money. 284 scholarships were given to 184 students, says Rachel Larsen, college development officer. I would estimate approximately 400 students applied last year. Apply at scholarships.losrios.edu. The deadline to apply is March 1 at 4 p.m. General Eligibility • Must have successfully completed a minimum of 12 units at Sacramento City College by the end of the fall 2017 semester. • Must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at Sacramento City College for the spring 2018 semester. After the November 2016 election, cannabis was legalized for adult use in California. ¦ Photo by Phoenix
Kanada · pkanada.express@gmail.com
“Now that it’s legal, I think there’s going to be more people trying it than would have before.” However, as a countermeasure to that, it is written in the Adult Use of Marijuana Act itself that revenue generated from legal recreational sales will be partially used to fund public health programs that educate youth to prevent and treat substance abuse. Another common concern is the lack of regulation surrounding cannabis and DUIs. According to the city of Sacramento’s Office of Cannabis Policy and Enforcement, the California Legislature is still in discussion about what the cannabis induced equivalent to a .08 blood alcohol content is. City College student Jessica Tellez, 19, another non user, expressed her concern over this. “People that just want to use it just for fun, that could be dangerous because they could be driving,” says Tellez. “They could kill themselves or someone else.” However, not all reactions to the new law are negative. Other students, like 25-year-old Sam Gibbons, is a current user in both the recreational and medicinal camps. He claims that cannabis isn’t nearly as physically harmful as alcohol but is
just as fun with actual health benefits. “Recreationally, yeah, it’s fun just like liquor, but at the same time there’s actual medical value,” says Gibbons. “With mental problems I’ve had in the past, it definitely helps deal with the symptoms if used properly.” Gibbons isn’t the only Sac City student to use the drug to help ease mental health problems. Enrique Correa, 21, doesn’t smoke much anymore, but says medicinal cannabis was a big help to him when he needed it. “I used to be a smoker back when I voted for it. Now I’m not really at all, but I’d still vote for it,” says Correa. “It helped me out a lot when I had some mental health problems.” And yet some students say the new law is just the beginning of an entirely new direction drug enforcement laws should be going in. Nineteen-year-old Max Wren says he’d like to see this law go a step further. “I’m for the legalization of all drugs,” says Wren. “In my opinion, I think that by legalizing all drugs that it would put the drug cartels out of business, and it would stop a lot of bloodshed. It would lower a lot of crime because people would be buying their drugs legally.” ♦ · · ·
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Application Material • Student ID (your 7-digit identification number) and password • Date of birth • Answers to the following questions: 1. Explain your educational goals. 2. Discuss your career goals. 3. Describe your current and previous college and community service activities (include volunteer work). 4. Describe how you are financing your college education. You may apply for up to 10 scholarships, but students need to apply only for scholarships for which they are most qualified. Criteria will vary, so follow the specific guidelines. Letter of Recommendation You must have one recommendation letter sent via our online form to meet scholarship criteria. The recommendation letter must be from an SCC faculty member or counselor. Also Some scholarships have other requirements such as writing essays or additional letters. February 7, 2018 · Express
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NEWS
City College kicks off March for the Dream Thousands march from campus to Capitol in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. Heather Roegiers
Editor-in-Chief · hroegiers.express@gmail.com
An estimated 30,000 people marched from City College to the California Capitol Jan. 15 in celebration of Martin Luther King’s legacy. Participants in the 37th Annual Capitol March for the Dream gathered at City College in the morning fog, between 8 and 9 a.m. Radio personalities entertained the crowd while a ceremonial start of the march kicked off in the Oak Park Community Center, and then converged on campus for the official start. “For the past 37 years, SCC has been a partner,” said City College President Michael Gutierrez. “(MLK Day) is a day for all Americans.” Participants embarking from City College marched more than 3 miles to the Sacramento Convention Center. “For me, MLK stands for hope,” said economics major Danny Thirakul. “It’s a big reminder of what we’re fighting for. That’s why we do it every year. When we do this march, we’re standing united, and it gives hope—not just to the people doing it, but it’s a symbol for everybody of what’s possible.” Horns blared their battle cries from a motorcade of old-fashioned cars and motorcycles, as well as from the brass sections of various high school marching bands. King’s voice returned to the streets through loudspeakers, with recordings from his “I have a dream” speech playing from a Corvette. “MLK Day is to honor the legacy of an incredible individual, and hopefully reunite some moral and ethical grounding here in America. Bring the power back to the people,” said City College alumnus Jonathan Hubbard. Others had more than one reason to celebrate today. “I just think it’s a blessing to be born on his birthday,” said Leangela Eason, who studies broadcasting at City College. “Martin Luther King is so important to me, and I’m just here to honor his legacy and keep the walk going.” Organized by nonprofit MLK365, the march capped at the Convention Center. Once inside, participants encountered a multitude of exhibits and outreach programs, such as a historic RT bus parked in the corner for people to climb aboard. Sponsors for the event held tables alongside an indoor soccer game, arts and crafts, a free book giveaway, and a stage with a lineup of performers and public speakers.
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Thousands fill 13th Street between L and K streets in front of the Sacramento Convention Center during the MLK March Jan 15. Photos by Bobby Castagna· robert.castagna@gmail.com
“Getting people from different backgrounds to reach out to people and invite someone to walk with them so that they will understand, and through understanding comes value. That’s the message. That’s Dr. King’s message,” said Sam Starks, executive director of MLK365. T-shirts for sale carried the message “Walk with me.” Los Rios students from across the district shared a table around the corner from the Los Rios Federation of Teachers, where City College professors showed their support. “Our union stands for a lot of what Martin Luther King stood for, which is economic rights for all workers, for diversity, and for making sure that everybody has equal opportunities,” said Belinda Lum, sociology professor and executive board member of the union. While their backgrounds differed, many attendants shared the same message. “Of all my favorite days, MLK day is my favorite,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg, speaking with the Express. “It’s the city coming together to march for our values.” Go to saccityexpress.com for the complete story and more photos. ♦ · · ·
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Black Lives Matter protesters chant loudly in front of the Sacramento Convention Center.
JFK High School s marching band leads the main throng of people during the MLK March Jan 15. SCCEXPRESSNEWS
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NEWS
Sacramento Women s March gains traction Demonstrators march to support dreamers, #MeToo and midterm elections
Anastasia Jones
Staff Writer · anajones.express@gmail.com
Demonstrators marched on the Capitol Jan. 20 to stand up for gender equality in the second annual Women’s March. People of all ages attended to creatively show their support, donning pink knit hats and carrying handmade signs. Vendors passed through the masses selling buttons and shirts that supported a range of views surrounding the march. The event organizers estimated the march drew close to 36,000 participants, nearly double from last year.. “I have sisters and mothers, and I’m out here to support them because they don’t deserve to be treated the way they have been by our politics and our president—it’s absurd,” said Sam Gibbons, future Performing Arts major at City College. Immigration laws were also a big concern to many at the march. President Trump’s termination of Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in September last year, which gave temporary protection to minors brought into the US illegally, sparked an uproar. Hundreds of signs protesting Trump’s actions against immigrants dotted the march. “America has always been a country of immigrants,” said Jeff Peck, a 71-yearold army veteran. “If the politicians can’t divide us, they can’t control us.” The march began making its way from Southside Park to the Capitol at 11:30 a.m. The roar of the crowd filled the brisk Sacramento air as thousands of people proudly marched down Fifth Street. Marches gathered on the west side of the Capitol around noon for a rally. “I was able to support all the powerful women in my life (today). This year I came out to march for my friend who missed last year’s march. I was really touched by the energy and positivity of the crowd. It was infectious,” said Jake Deome, 29, after the event. “Being able to show up and demand change is very important to me.” Streaks of sunlight illuminated protest signs teetering high above the crowd. People smiled and offered high-fives as they passed each other. “It is not enough for men to simply recognize the need for women’s voices to be heard,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “When women stand up to say ‘me, too,’ our response must be ‘we, too.’ We, too, believe you; we, too, will stand up and support you.”
Protesters in the Women s March walk from South Side Park towards the Capitol in Sacramento Jan 20. ¦ Photo by Anastasia Jones · anajones.express@gmail.com
Demonstrators gather on the steps of California s Capitol holding signs quoting President Trump. ¦ Photo by Bobby Castagna · robert.castagna@gmail.com
Protesters march from Southside Park towards the California Capitol. ¦ Photo
by Megan Horn · mhorn.express@gmail.com
Marchers support more causes than just women s rights. ¦ Photo by Megan Horn · mhorn.express@gmail.com
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Go to saccityexpress.com for the complete story and more photos. ♦ February 7, 2018 · Express
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FEATURES
A different point of view: one from above City College student pilots passion for drone videography
City College student Justin Allen holds his Canon 80D camera close on a crisp morning Jan. 26 in William Land Park. Allen uses his Phantom 3 drone to take his love for cinematography to new heights. ¦ Photo by Anastasia Jones · anajones.express@gmail.com
Taylor Stubblefield
Guest Writer · taytayyrenee@yahoo.com
A young sixth-grade boy found his calling when making a video for a book report. His video on the book “Hoops” by Walter Dean Myers piqued his interest in cinematography. Now 6-feet 8-inches tall, he has no plans to pursue a future in basketball, but he has gained a ginormous passion for being behind the camera. Justin Allen, 20, has captured some of the greatest views from above, with his Phantom 3 drone, that is. He’s shot footage over the city of San Francisco, the trees of Tahoe, the waves of Bodega Bay, the city of Los Angeles and more. To this very day, the second-year City College student continues to expand his work and knowledge of cinematography as he is making his way around the world, one adventure at a time. He’s out there to capture it all through his lens. Allen spends a lot of time making sure that his footage and music selections match up with each other. They’re either calm and mellow with beautiful images of waves along the coast of Sonoma or the shores of Bodega Bay, or they’re upbeat and can make viewers want to jump up and explore the world with Allen and his friends.
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Allen posts pieces of work for himself and others to view on YouTube and Instagram accounts. City College student and former classmate Brianna Zasa views his videos regularly. “I get excited to watch them because they’re so good and he’s so talented,” says Zasa. “He puts in a lot of time and effort to make them perfect.”
Photography and cinematography have slowly become my passion. Justin Allen
City College Student
Everyone is inspired by somebody. YouTuber and vlogger Sam Kolder is Allen’s inspiration. He looks up to Kolder’s work and uses similar tactics in his video transitions. Then there’s the software. Learning the ways of Adobe Premier and Adobe After Effects is more complicated than it may seem. Allen is learning new transi· · ·
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tions and effects with every new video he creates and says that a video can take anywhere from a couple of hours to several days to create, depending how meticulous he wants to be. Allen has a vlog where he says he likes to store his favorite memories so he can look back at them when he is older. It takes an artistic soul to capture adventures the way Allen does. His activities include heart-stopping cliff diving, cave exploring, abandoned railroads, hidden swings and endless road trips. As he grows older, he feels that his videos will bring him satisfaction, knowing that he spent his life exploring the world around him. So far, Allen’s favorite place to capture on his Canon 80D, Go Pro Hero 4, and Phantom 3 is Bodega Bay. Thanks to his love for the ocean, he turns the sky into waves from the ocean in some of his video transitions. Other choices when deciding where to adventure are along the coast of Sonoma or San Francisco. In the city by the bay, Allen loves the combination of the beaches, forests, and city all within a small radius. One of his videos that recaps the summer of 2017 opens with a view of the foggy, pink and yellow sunrise above the San Francisco itself. SCCEXPRESSNEWS
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Allen wants to travel the world, but the Maldives of the Philippines pique his interest the most with its unbelievably clear water. The clear water is the main reason for Allen wanting to go. The ocean makes him feel at home. His close friend and film studies major Christina Luu has gone on more adventures with Allen than she can remember. Over the summer, Luu and Allen went to Los Angeles, San Diego, Bodega Bay, San Francisco and Joshua Tree National Park. Luu and Allen make a perfect team, as Luu is interested in film studies and Allen focuses more on film production. “We’re both really spontaneous,” says Luu. “We like to go out and explore. We’re both really into nature.” Cinematography has become a serious hobby of Allen’s, but he wants to make it more than that. “Photography and cinematography have slowly become my passion,” says Allen. “I haven’t accomplished much through it yet, but I hope to make this into my career. I take a lot of pride in this.” Justin Allen’s drone videos can be viewed at his YouTube channel Visual Jay Films. ♦ · · ·
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FEATURES
Harmony, from the west coast to the east
City College student pursues a career as a vocalist and musician across the country
Samira Darabzand is pursuing her general education at City College as she prepares to study music in Boston. Basically, what my plan is when I get there is to make connections and perform as much as I can, says Darabzand. ¦ Photo by Morgan Horn · mhorn.express@gmail.com
Natalie Hart Guest Writer
From singing Hannah Montana songs at recess in elementary school to starring as a musical lead at Natomas Charter High School to receiving an audition at Berklee College of Music, Samira Darabzand has always had a calling toward music. Darabzand, 18, a City College student, has performed in two musicals at Natomas Charter High School and four vocal shows at different venues around California. Darabzand came from a family with no musical background, but is motivated by her music. Her talents and passions vary: singing, songwriting, acting and playing piano. She plans to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston in the future to study music. Growing up, Darabzand attended a small, private school where she was able to express herself freely and discov-
er her talent and love for the musical arts. While attending Natomas Charter High School, she was able to learn and expand musically.
I have always been impressed with her willingness to give 100 percent to her music. Kelly Cullity Voice teacher
“She has grown into a committed and focused singer, who always puts the integrity of the piece first and foremost,” said Kelly Cullity, a vocal teacher at Natomas Charter. “Her passion for music is palpable.” Along with her experience at the per-
forming arts school, Darabzand has been working with a vocal coach since middle school to make sure she is always improving her voice and her music. “Samira has grown and learned so much as a singer,” says Gaw Vang, Darabzand’s vocal coach. Darabzand is still deciding what her major will be, but she is leaning toward music education or music therapy. “Basically, what my plan is when I get (to Boston) is to make connections and perform as much as I can,” Darabzand says. Some of her favorite artists—Quincy Jones, John Mayer and Aubrey Logan— have also attended Berklee, which fuels her aspiration to attend the college. Jazz has recently become a huge passion and inspiration in her life. One of her biggest inspirations is singer Ella Fitzgerald, who she says is “the greatest scat singer in history and arguably the best jazz singer in history.” · · ·
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“Jazz is awesome and people should really listen to it more,” says Darabzand. As for now, Darabzand is receiving her general education at City College. As she takes classes in English, math, psychology and sociology, she is able to adjust to the college lifestyle and prepare for her future years at a music college. “Sac City has made the college experience a lot less intimidating,” says Darabzand. “I’m really lucky to experience the comfort of being close to home and able to take good classes that aren’t crazy expensive.” Now, Darabzand prepares for her exciting future by attending City College regularly and making good use of the resources the campus offers. Soon enough, she’ll be heading to the big city of Boston to fulfill her dreams. “I have always been impressed with her willingness to give 100 percent to her music,” says Cullity. ♦ February 7, 2018
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SPORTS
Coaching for more than just wins and losses City baseball coach pitches lessons to student-athletes both on and off the field Dex Jones
Guest Writer · djjones294@gmail.com
Some can do. Some can teach. Deskaheh Bomberry, a City College assistant baseball coach and professor, can do both. As a Los Rios District alumnus, Bomberry, 46, returned home in 1998 after completing his master’s degree in health and physical education at Eastern Kentucky University. Like many fresh college graduates, Bomberry was smacked with the harsh reality of finding work in the real world. With the pressing need to find employment, Coach Bomber, as he is affectionately referred to by students, accepted an offer to teach part time at City College as a fitness instructor. At the time, it was just a means to pay the bills. He had no idea it would lead to his true calling. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” says Bomber. A peek inside his office tells his journey of the last two decades—the adorable artwork from his daughter, the vibrant photos of his family, the walls covered in baseball memorabilia reflecting a man well-rounded in his life and career. In his nearly 20 years with City College, he has climbed his way up the academic ladder, teaching something new at every opportunity. His hard work and perseverance earned him a full-time spot as adviser to the athletic department’s Life Fitness program, which was revamped for the fall 2017 semester. He has more responsibilities than ever with less time. In the morning, he advises in the athletics weight room at Hughes Stadium. But during the afternoon, he puts on the hat of assistant baseball coach.
Some of the players call him Yoda. He s sort of the Jedi master of the program. Derek Sullivan
City College head baseball coach
Following the longstanding tradition of City College baseball since 1923, Bomber is responsible for recruiting players and coaching the pitching staff. When Bomber began coaching 20 years ago, his main concern was wins and losses. But after a fellow coach and friend
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City College assistant coach Deskaheh Bomberry watches his starting pitcher warm up before a game at Union Stadium March 11, 2017. Players and students alike look to Coach Bomber for advice in the classroom, on the field and in life. ¦ Photo by Dianne Rose · dianne.rose.express@gmail.com
hit him with some truth, his coaching style changed forever. “He told me I was a terrible coach,” Bomber says. After trying to shake off the initial anger and shock from his friend’s criticism, Bomber stepped back and took a good, hard look at how he was teaching. It was a pivotal moment in his career. He began to realize that he wasn’t just spinning out performance-driven champions, but teaching life skills to good people. “Real coaching is instructing,” says Bomber of his experiences as a mentor. “You’re coaching people and teaching them responsibility.” An important part of Bomber’s coaching is creating a foundational support system for his students and fellow coaches alike. His drive and impeccable work ethic show through the confidence he has in his students. As a result, he has been one of the coaches to help push at · · ·
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least six players to the major leagues. It was a point of pride, Bomber says, to receive a call from a former student that he helped reach the majors. “He demanded so much of us,” says Michael Marjama, a former City College baseball player who is now a catcher for the Seattle Mariners. “He is constantly evolving. Not just for the game, but he taught us skills that I still use to deal with real life.” There is a method to the madness of coaching. An integral part of Bomber’s program is his lesson for the day. For the first 10–15 minutes of every practice, Bomber gathers the team for what he calls mental skills practice. “He always brings a really intelligent perspective,” says head baseball coach Derek Sullivan. “I have complete trust in him. He is incredibly well-versed in his knowledge and definitely knows how to utilize his network.” SCCEXPRESSNEWS
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Bomber has become a huge factor in what truly separates City College baseball from other programs. He is as big a part of the City College baseball program as he can be. He is the go-to guy for the team when a player is seeking advice, whether in life or on the field. “Some of the players call him Yoda,” says Sullivan. “He’s sort of the Jedi master of the program.” Bomber’s growth over the last two decades really shines through with the adoration of his peers and students. Not only is he a professor and a coach, he is a friend and confidante. “I just really wanted to continue the tradition we hold here at City,” says Bomber on his coaching philosophy. “I hold my players responsible. I try to teach them how to be great people. There is no success without responsibility.” Visit sccpanthers.losrios.edu/sports/bsb ♦ · · ·
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