04.24.15

‘Fed-up’ with sugar

‘Guantanamo’ to LMC

Celebrating the season

Committee raises awareness during showing of documentary film — page 3

The LMC Art Gallery welcomes mixed media works by artist David Grosvenor — page 4

Softball players recognized prior to the final two games of the season — page 5

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F.Y.I. Important Dates April is National Humor Month April 27

Group 1 registration opens for fall semester classes

May 14-20

Final exams. Confirm your finals schedule with your instructor

Successes celebrated The Student Success Ceremony and Student Engagement Leadeship Awards Recognition (STELAR) Awards will be presented Friday, May 8 in the Recital Hall.

The event begins at 3 p.m. with the success ceremony that honors transferring students and scholarship recipients.

Invitees, those who received scholarships and their families, must RSVP

by Monday, April 27.

Proceeding the ceremony and reception on the Student Services Building Outdoor Patio will be the STELAR Awards ceremony in the Outdoor Quad. The awards are presented to students and advisers who exude outstanding, commitment to growth and embody the spirit of leadership.

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Big changes for BOG

New eligibility requirements to start in the fall

By ALEXANDRA TAGLIAMONTE atagliamonte@lmcexperience.com

A new academic portion of guidelines regarding the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver will be implemented begining in Fall 2016.

This change could potentially affect around 1,000,000 applicants, as this was the number of applicants during the 2013-2014 school year meaning 45 percent of the community college system will be affected.

It is now mandatory for all eligible students to have a cumulative grade

point average of 2.0 or higher.

If a student’s GPA were to fall below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters they could lose their fee waiver eligibility.

Students must now complete at least 50 percent of their coursework or risk losing their eligibility.

If the cumulative number of courses a student successfully completes falls below the new requirement the waiver may be taken away.

It is easy for students to know whether or not they are still eligible

because they will be notified within 30 days at the end of each term to be told if they will be placed on Academic, GPA, and/or Progress, course completion, probation.

Los Medanos College student Jorden Bonwell has her thoughts on the upcoming changes to BOG. “These limits make it harder for students to attend school. Especially lower income students,” she said. “As someone who has been suspended, and had to even reapply for aid, it almost puts a feeling of guilt and

shame on a person for asking for help with school.”

A student can regain their BOG if they improve their GPA and raise it above a 2.0.

“I agree a 2.0 GPA isn’t even that high of a goal, but it’s the 50 percent work I have a problem with,” said Bonwell.

Students who lose their BOG will also have an opportunity to appeal for extenuating circumstances. These include accidents, illnesses or changes in their economic situation.

Operation: inspiration

Nationals see Tekell take 201st

By JOSH WOOD

jwood@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Let your voice be heard The LMC Experience is doing a story on body image and is looking for feedback from the students, faculty and staff from the campus community. Visit surveymonkey.com/s/ body_shaming to take the survey.

21st Gospel celebrated LMC is hosting the 21st Annual Gospel Celebration Saturday, May 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Recital Hall to celebrate and support African American males. Featured guest Dr. Tyrone Howard, a professor at University of California, Los Angeles, will give motivational speeches talking about how to improve success for African American men. The concert’s special musical guest is Lena Byrd-Miles. The event costs $16 in advance and $18 at the door.

Debate team scores

Drama instructor Nick Garcia speaks to high school students inside the Gymnasium during Senior Saturday, April 18. See page 3 for full story.

Remember those who have fallen

By TAMARA SEWARD

tseward@lmcexperience.com

“Veterans will always have a place in our hearts and community.”

— Stuart Wadsworth

The Los Medanos College Veterans Club will be celebrating the end of the Vietnam War by holding a candlelight vigil April 30 at 7:30 p.m. on the front steps of Student Services Center. Everyone is invited to come remember those who have fallen.

“All are welcome to attend to show support for those lost in combat [protecting] our nation during a controversial time,” said club President Stuart Wadsworth.

“The more support the better.”

All supplies needed to hold the vigil will be provided to attendees.

“We will play taps, provide, candles, cake and coffee,” said Wadsworth.

LMC recently celebrated its 40th An-

niversary of education and service to the community. This celebration coincides with a more somber anniversary, the end of the Vietnam War 40 years ago.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, which was created by Yale Undergraduate Maya Lin in 1982 and is 493 feet long and comprised of 142 panels, has the names of close to 60,000 men and women who either lost their lives in combat or went missing in action on it — the majority hadn’t even reached the age of 21. Each name is inscribed on the Wall in chronological order of when the person went missing or was killed in action.

“Although gone, they are never forgotten, and the veterans will always have a place in our hearts and community,” said Wadsworth.

Diversity elevated Conference helps raise awareness

By KIMBERLY STELLY

kstelly@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College held another Elevating Diversity conference April 18 with faculty, staff, students and allies in attendance. This time around the conference was centered on those with physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities.

The day started off with attendees registering and attending a Resource Fair.

They were offered free stress balls and t-shirts designed

by Students with Abilities

Coordinate to Help Each Other Vice President Victor De Luna, Jr. The Los Medanos College Associated Student president and Elevating Diversity Conference Planning Committee co-chair, Gar y Walker, then welcomed all that came along with Dean of Counseling and Student Support Jeffrey Banford and president of the college Bob Experience • Cathie Lawrence Kratochvil.

SACHE President Kristi Victor De Luna Jr. speaks to attendees in the See AWARE, page 6

Cafeteria during the diversity conference April 18.

The results are in. The LMC Debate team was ranked near the middle of the pack following the national debate tournament in Anchorage, AK two weekends ago. While those rankings may seem only average, LMC was one of only two community colleges in attendance where they competed alongside the likes of Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.

Ranking highest in speaker points for LMC was Dennis Tekell, who ended up in an eight-way tie for 201st place, almost dead center in the field.

Continuing on, the LMC debate team will be having an intramural debate Friday, May 1 at LMC. While competition in tournaments is a major aspect of the LMC Debate Society, Coach Kasey Gardner said, “we also do public debate and advocacy for the community.”

“It allows our members to actively recruit,” said Coach Marie Arcidiacono, adding, “It’s great for the community because it gives people the oppor tunity to hone their public speaking skills outside of the classroom.”

Tekell shares the coaches sentiments, indicating that “The intramural and the public debate are chances for us to extend the benefits of conversation, critical thinking and advocacy that debate carries to both the school and the entire community.”

“Debate and the skills it nurtures allow people to be able to effectively advocate for what matters to them,” Tekell said. “You may have really strong views about the environment or any number of issues, but if you can’t explain your opinion you won’t be able to make much of a difference.”

Registration for the Intramural Debate will begin at 2:45 p.m. in Science Building, Room SC1-136. The last round of the intramural will be finished at 5:45 p.m.

The proceeding award ceremony will take place at Pittsburg City Hall at 6:30 p.m., which will then be followed by a public debate. The public debate is co-sponsored by the PBAC Health and Wellness Committee.

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“What is necessary is never unwise.”

— Ben Cross

Marissa Perry

Alexandra Tagliamonte

PERRY’S P.O.V.

AGGRAVATED ALEX

Do your part and learn CPR

No children, no judgment

Many people I have had the pleasure of meeting, through school or work, do not have a CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certificate. My first thought was “why?”

One may not find a CPR certification to be necessary in day to day life but, when it comes down to it, being certified in CPR can be extremely beneficial. I always make sure to keep up with my CPR certificate as soon as it expires. The certifications are not hard to obtain.

You can attend classes or even earn one online. Because my father is a firefighter I wanted to be able to say,“I could save a life.”

CPR certificates can be useful on resumes as well as job applications. But getting certified is much more beneficial than just satisfying a job requirement, you are given the opportunity to save a life and you are able to react to a life threatening incident at the drop of a hat.

But there is more, you are also given the opportunity to use an Automated External Defibrillator.

Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in adults and if the paramedics do not arrive in time your training in CPR could help save a life.

When I earned my certification I gained confidence. Call me cheesy but it’s true. Just the thought that I could help any person at any given time gave me a sense of fulfillment.

There is also a sense of calm that is empowering. When emergencies happen people tend to panic and having an individual who knows CPR, and an AED, can calm others who are in a state of panic.

When people know you have a CPR certificate their respect for you will increase to a whole other level because you not only have the ability to save their life, but their family members’ and friends’ lives as well.

You can also earn a certificate in pediatric CPR and I have found it is extremely beneficial.

If you are asked to watch someones children being certified in pediatric CPR will put the parents at ease because they will know their children are safe in your care.

But pediatric CPR differs from the kind you do on adults.

The compressions are less and you need to be careful because because children’s bones are much more fragile than ours are.

If a child should choke on food or a toy you will be able to jump into action and know what to do.

But first you need to understand you need to stay calm and call 911 before beginning compressions.

By doing this you speed up the process of helping someone by performing first aid before medical professionals arrive.

The process of gaining your certificate does not take long at all. As I mentioned before, you can take classes online or locally.

RedCross.org offers these classes. On-site classes can range from one to several days and online classes can last a few hours.

Just be sure you have the right equipment, such as a CPR dummy as well as an AED. You can contact your local fire department for more information regarding CPR and first aid training.

One thing to remember, CPR is a serious matter and you need to take the process seriously. Make sure you study the steps carefully and always be ready to help once you are fully edcuated on how to do so. You are being trained to save a life and that is one of the best skills to have.

Be responsible with your learning experience and make it a fun one.

I hope that others will want to gain a certificate and be reassured their training can help others in a time of emergency. It sure has changed my life and I hope it will do the same for others.

I love kids. I have worked with kids for more than five years and have loved every moment of it — mostly. The biggest thrill I get out of my job is being a role model for my students on a daily basis and being their support system if they don’t necessarily have one at home.

However, I don’t necessarily believe having children of my own is something that I have hopes for, especially in the near future.

Most people reply with the typical “you’ll change your tune when you get older,” which frustrates me. I often wonder why society has this antiquated idea of what a normal life looks like and what it comes with.

Why do I have to justify my decision to others? My decision to be childfree stems from the fact that mental illness runs in my family. The cost of having a child is exponential. The pressure to always make the right decision when it comes to a child’s future is crippling, it can ruin you, the child and a partnership all in one fell swoop. The sacrifices that come with having a child seem limiting to a person’s growth.

Perhaps it’s a naïve perspective but it seems the only options one can have are having a family or a career without being half-assed in one area. Not to mention the commitment any half way decent parent has to make in order to provide a happy healthy life for their child.

Spending a lifetime supporting a child financially and emotionally is a tolling experience; imagine having to being tied to the parent of your child for the rest of your life, together or not?

According to a 2010 Pew Research study in the US 18 percent of women now reach their mid-40s without having a child.A childfree life — a far preferable term than child-less — either by choice or circumstance, is becoming increasingly normal.

The real problem I find is when talking with a colleague at work, a friend or an acquaintance in class who happens to have a child. You can hear the irritation in their voice when you ask why they can’t meet you at the bar after work.

It’s the anger that you don’t understand how childcare works or the demands a child has on them. Excuse me for choosing to live a life without a succubus attached to me 24/7. It’s the passive aggressive attitude that gets under my skin, as if the choice to not have children is wrong. I choose adventures in my life, without shaming others who choose not to.

Contrary to what society still might claim, there is no right answer when deciding about parenthood. I suspect both parties are riddled with a fear of future regret: regret for what they’ve given up by having kids, regret for what they’ve given up by not. Because the grown-up truth is, when it comes to regret, everyone’s a winner. And the flipside is, when it comes to personal fulfillment, everyone can win again too.

Experience • Tim N. Stelly Sr.

Editorial

Say yes to shortened terms If you want shorter fall and spring semesters, you’re in luck. That’s right folks, the Contra Costa Community College District is considering changing the academic Calendar from 18 to 16-week semesters. Though there are notable concerns, the possibility of improvement and increased productivity outweighs any of the negatives. The Student Learning Outcomes Work Group surveyed other colleges who’ve switched to having shorter semesters, and studies have shown an increase in student success.

This would mean the class periods would be longer. This could be a valid point against a compressed calendar given the fact that the average attention span is that of a goldfish, but because we would get out earlier, the summer semester could be possibly lengthened and it might open the door for a possible winter semester, allowing students to take more classes and get out of school sooner.

In order for this to work, instructors would have to make their syllabus adaptable to the new timetable, which creates extra work for them but a little change can be refreshing for everyone. Besides, if a compressed calendar is implemented, they will have an extra two weeks to complain about said changes.

If you are concerned about the affect a compressed calendar would have on sports programs, don’t fret. According to a summary of a California community college Compressed Calendar Study, other programs would possibly be allowed to go a full 18 weeks rather than comply with the shortened semester.

There are some things which still need to be worked out, after all such a big change isn’t without flaws. For example, faculty members are required to work 175 days out of the year, how is this possible with only a 16-week semester? Other districts have started counting Saturdays and Sundays. We’re not sure if this is the ideal way to handle this problem but at least we’re moving toward a solution and with serious discussions, we will find a way to work around this issue and whatever else may come up.

Some of the other community colleges in California have already done so and have found success with a 16-week calendar and the goal at LMC is to be the most successful person you can be. So let’s try something different and give this system a chance.

Drivers need to be more attentive It’s 6 p.m. and I’m walking on the bridge areas. Sometimes I have to glare at a driver my best friend and I usually take near and to make sure I have their attention and that around Highway 4. We get to the first out of they see me. I’m only 20 years old and my two crosswalks and we hesitate, worried about life could flash before my eyes because of our safety. It’s that time when people are getting careless drivers. off of work, which means traffic and careless Drivers tend to fly with their cars unnecdrivers. When the light indicated it was our essarily and there are barely any highway turn to cross the street we were met with patrolmen out to catch them, so they get away inconsiderate drivers with speeding. According who sped past us to an article from The New despite the red light.

York Times, “notably getWhen drivers are ting stopped for speeding in a rush and trying to doesn’t seem to have an turn when you’re on effect on whether or not signal as a pedestrian a person speeds again.” to cross the street, it A ticket won’t stop a drivEARTHTHINKER makes one wonder if er from learning to watch all drivers in the city the speed limit. Sadly, are that careless. reckless drivers make me According to a sur vey done by Purdue wonder if I should resume my driving lessons University “many drivers are cynical about the with my mom. Even if I’m in a vehicle myself safety benefits of driving within speed limits.” I get paranoid and I’m usually the passenger.

I suppose this means most drivers don’t trust Pedestrians might resort to jaywalking to the laws that have been put in place to ensure keep from getting hit by a car but it could the safety of both drivers and pedestrians, so make things worse. they break the rules by speeding and running Yes pedestrians can be just as impatient or red lights, thinking that the rules of the road inattentive as some drivers but in some cases are insignificant. it’s understandable especially if pedestrians But why take that risk? I get it, you’re getting don’t understand the signals which is surprisoff work but if you see the white signal for a ingly common. pedestrian to walk, you must stop and be patient.

Sometimes the way a crosswalk is built According to an article on healthcommunities. could confuse pedestrians and could mistake com, “older walkers are twice as likely to die it as the right way to cross. But overall, drivfrom motor vehicle injuries than people ages ers should be considerate to pedestrians and 34 and younger.” pedestrians should be considerate to drivers.

I am a generally cautious when walking, It’s a two way street with circumstances, both especially when it comes to crossing other sides could be in danger.

Jazmine Gordon

Voices

What do you think about Waka Flocka Flame’s alleged run for president?

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Reader Opinion Policy The Experience welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. All members of the Los Medanos College community — students, faculty and staff — are encouraged to write.

If you are interested in expressing your opinions on campus, national or world issues, bring your submissions to room CC3-301 and put them in the Perspectives Editor’s mailbox or mail them to Experience c/o Los Medanos College, 2700 E Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565. You may also send them electronically through the Experience online newsite lmcexperience.com. Letters and columns must be typed, signed and include a phone number for verification. They may be edited for clarity, content taste and length at the editor’s discretion.

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Experience L M C e x p e r i e n c e . c o m

t e l ly

Member California Newspaper Publishers Association

“Like, in all honesty, I would seriously like to see him step out of the rap game and join politics. I think that would be awesome.”

— Moses T. Lawson VII

“Some of his points are valid.

However, for the most part, he sounds unintelligent.”

— Sara Cereda

“I don’t take him seriously. If you’re running for president or public office, you should not wear tank tops and tennis shoes. You should wear a suit.”

— Mark Givens

“As an artist, he was given a stage and he didn’t influence people with his music so as a persident? Eh, he wouldn’t make the cut.”

— Tia McGibra

“He isn’t really taking it too seriously by the points he’s making.”

— Richard Ayalin

“I agree with what he has to say.

Some stuff’s ridiculous like the thing about the size 13 shoes but that’s about it.”

— Danielle Redmond

“Were it left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

— Thomas Jefferson

Editor-in-Chief .................... JOSEPH DELANO Managing Editor................. BRENDAN CROSS Perspectives Editor........... KIMBERLY STELLY Campus Editor ...........................RATTANA KIM Features Editor ............................JOSH WOOD Arts Editor................................ DAMIAN LEWIN Sports Editor .............................STEVEN LUKE Photo Editor..................... CATHIE LAWRENCE Multimedia Editor.............. JAZMINE GORDON Copy Chief...........................CASSIE DICKMAN Web Editor .................. STEPHANIE PATTISON The LMC Experience is published Fridays by students in the Journalism Program. The newspaper serves both as a laboratory for journalism classes and as a First Amendment forum for campus communication. Opinions expressed in the Experience are solely those of the students and do not represent the views of the college.

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“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

Transfer options abound

National Humor Month

Founded in 1976 by author and humorist Larry Wilde, April is National Humor Month.

The idea is to heighten public awareness of the therapeutic and restorative values of joy and laughter.

Laughter can change one self’s physiologocially. The facial muscles stretch when laughing and that can actually burn calories. Laughter can reduce stress and pain, strengthen the immune system, help the heart, relax and recharge the body. For an example, laughing can help to decrease stress hormones and increase production of T-cells, which are immune proteins and infection-fighting antibodies.

In celebration of National Humor Month, find humor in each day, and as a warning, laughing may be positively contagious to others.

Seeking good-spirited dancers

The Los Medanos College Dance Team will be holding auditions Tuesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday. April 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gymnasium.

The dance team is looking for current or prospective LMC or DVC students and are expecting those to be good-spirited, arrive in a timely manner, to dress appropiately and to be ready to dance. Auditionees should expect to learn a 64-count hip hop and/or a 64-count modern-jazz dance routine and to add 32-counts of your own choreography.

Items to bring include dancle clothes, running shoes, student ID (optional), and a good attitude.

For more information, please contact club president Amber Woods at amberwoods74@yahoo.com or vice president Miranda Hughes at mirbutt95@gmail.com.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Student Rodquel Branch talks with San Francisco State University representative Sybil Williams, president of the Dietetic Students For Diversity.

Four-year universities give information

By AARON AKRAM and RACHEL BROWN Staff Writers

Photo Courtesy • www.campusexplorer.com

Morrill Hall (1886) is the first building to be constructed on the University of Nevada, Reno.

Free campus tours available

Unsure of where to transfer? Sign-up for the Transfer Center’s upcoming university campus tours: n University of Nevada, Reno: May 1. Registration is open n Southern California Tour: May 26-29. Registration opens April 21 The Transfer Center will provide transportation. For additional information, registration, future tours and tour suggestions contact the Transfer Center at 473-7444 or check out its website losmedanos.edu/transfer/default. asp. The Transfer Center is currently located in Student Services, SS4-435.

Workshop to help with transfer

Students interested in transferring to a 4-year university are encouraged to attend the Transfer 101 Workshop.

Join Transfer Academy Counselor David Reyes in this informational session for students to get started on the transferring process or for those that have already begun it. Students can learn about the process and how to successfully get accepted admission.

There will be several workshops held until the end of the spring semester. The next one is Wed., April 29 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Student Services Center, SS4-412.

About a dozen colleges and universities showed up to educate students about their schools and the transfer process during Los Medanos College’s annual spring Transfer Day Rally Thursday, April 16.

LMC hosts two transfer days, one during the spring semester and one in the fall semester. Spring transfer day rallies are relatively new and have only been held for the past three years at LMC. According to the information desk in the student services building, an average of 300 students roam the Outdoor Quad during each transfer day.

Canopies were set up with college representatives at tables answering student’s questions about each college, as well as providing students with information on the transfer process. During tabling, food and activities were available for students to enjoy.

While there were major universities in attendance, there were a number of schools smaller in both population and

class size, such as Mills College, Sierra Nevada College and University of the Pacific.

Mills College, described by school representative Rebecca Williams, has “small intimate classrooms.” Williams said the college has about 15 students per classroom on average, which gives easy access to college professors.

LMC and Mills College have a close relationship, said Williams, so LMC reached out to them to bring them to Transfer Day. Mills College is a “tight knit community,” highly focused on the quality of education their students receive.

California State University, East Bay representative Annie Nogales Chandler, who has participated in many of these Transfer Days, said the fall rallies tend to be more active with greater participation.

Chandler added that she visits the Pittsburg campus at least once a week and the Brentwood campus about twice a month to help students with the transfer process, financial aid and other general information. East Bay has a main campus in Hayward and a satellite campus in Con-

cord, where Chandler’s office is located.

Giovanni Lopez, a student adviser and tour guide from University of California, Davis came to the rally for the first time.

Lopez, a recent Davis graduate, was here to help LMC students with the transfer process. Davis said internships are a great foundation for students looking to transfer.

If you’re not looking to travel far, UOP is across the river in Stockton and representative Channon Rosencrans said the college has plenty of scholarship opportunities and offers a wide variety of majors. The average class size is 20 students, said Rosencrans, and the total student population is only 5,000.

UOP has two other campuses, one for dental located in San Francisco and one for law located in Sacramento.

There are about 7,000 students in those two locations.

Sybil Williams, an LMC alumna, was tabling as a representative for San Francisco State University educating students on their new dietetic program, and said

Quack: Hands off

Campus ‘Fed Up’ with use of sugar

Microsoft invites students

Currently enrolled college students , ages 18 to 24, are invited to attend Microsoft’s YouthSpark Live event on Friday, May 8 at their Mountain View campus. This is an opportunity for students that are trying to figure out their career path and/or interested in the field of technology.

This is a global initiative to connect 30 million youth around the world with eduction, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities. There will be workshops and other resources available to help guide student in their future career as well as to get them to engage, interact and have fun within the event.

YouthSpark Live will take place at Microsoft, 1065 La Avenida, Mountain View, CA 94043 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited so students must register online.

Dress code is business casual and students are strongly encouraged to bring in a resume.

Study Slam is coming up

As finals approach, the Center for Academic Support will be hosting the Study Slam. This opportunity allows students to study with other peers or to receive help from tutors before taking their finals. Study Slam will be held Wednesday, May 13 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the CORE of the College Complex Level 3, CC3-300.

Counselors ready to assist

Looking to make an educational plan, or review your current one? Do you need career advice or a personal counselor? LMC offers general counseling at both campuses.

Drop-in hours are offered weekly. Students must have a student ID number and a photo ID to meet with a counselor.

Appointments at Pittsburg can be made in person, by calling the Counseling Department at 473-7449, or by visiting www.losmedanos.edu/counseling and clicking on the Make an Appointment link.

Appointments at the Brentwood Center can be made in person, or by calling 513-1625.

What’s lost may be found

Los Medanos College’s lost and found has numerous items found on campus. If you have lost an item, check with Police Services, which is located on Level One of the Main College Complex Building. Inquiries must be made in person or no pick-up will be made.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

See FOUR, page 6

By SUZZANNE SPERRY

ssperry@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Spring has sprung and life has emerged. There are ducklings at the lake surrounding LMC that are learning about their new environment. Even though they may be cute, we advise anyone who visits the lake to not touch and let them be.

Students get oriented Senior Saturday helps navigation after high school

By KIMBERLY A. STELLY kstelly@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College hosted the semester’s first Senior Saturday, an event meant to help high school seniors navigate their way through college, April 18. Over 300 high school students, parents and other high school faculty attended the event held campus-wide. The event included orientation and a campus tour.

“Not only was it focused on the students, but the parents received their own introductions and workshops,” said LMC’s MESA Director Nicole Trager.

The event kicked off with a short speech by LMC’s President, Bob Kratochvil who understood the seniors could have been anywhere

else and expressed his gratitude for those who not only helped coordinate the event, but attend it as well. He then introduced Drama Instructor and Department Chair Nick Garcia who started his speech off by giving the seniors a pep talk.

He noted many people think going to a community college somehow makes you inferior, but he told the audience he feels differently about it. “You are not less than,” he said.

He then went on to say that he is qualified to teach elsewhere, but that he isn’t going anywhere. “I want to teach people who are like me. I want to teach people who are willing to work harder.” He cites some of the accomplishments of the school’s many programs and stressed that, “If there is any single thing that you want to do, we have a program for that and if we don’t, we will find a way to get you to that program.

Why? Because here, we have nothing but See SAT, page 6

Los Medanos College’s Health and Wellness Committee raises awareness about the risks associated with sugar consumption.

Faculty, staff, and students gathered in the Library Community Room L-109 for the workshop called “Sugar, Sugar-Oh no!” Wednesday afternoon.

Communications Professor Marie Arcidiacono introduced faculty, staff, and students to the documentary film called “Fed Up.” The documentary film directed by Stepanie Soechtig investigates how the American food industry may be responsible for the obesity epidemic.

According to the film, the food industry has designed their advertisement to appeal to children along with valuing profits over the health of Americans.

Medical professionals in the film recommended no more than 6-9 teaspoons of sugar per day but data collected by the filmmakers reveal Americans consume around 19 teaspoons per day.

“It’s important to pay attention to the things we put in our bodies ,” said Arcidiacono.

“Fed Up” alluded the food industry’s lobbies against food regulation.

Barbara Cella, Director of Marketing, stayed for a portion of the film.

“It was very eye-opening for me,” she said. “The film raises awareness to the things we never think about. People assume that consuming diet products is the healthier option.”

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“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.”

— Salvador Dali

Suffering on display Artist David Grosvenor has created conceptual mixed media art work that exemplifies his fear of imprisonment without representation.

The exhibit, called “From Phnom Penh to Guantanamo,” is currently being displayed at the Los Medanos College Art Gallery. Most of the pieces are made through the cyanotype photographic printing process. On the far left is “Emerson Street,” joined by similar art pieces on the left and above.

The art show opened April 14 and will be displayed at LMC until May 14.

Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience

‘Block’ beats expectations Only three more chances to catch the show

By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ

bhernandez@lmcexperience.com

The Little Theater nearly reached capacity Monday night, April 20, for a showing of the new hip-hop musical “My Block,” written by Los Medanos College student Federico Bartolo.

Bartolo was inspired to write the musical after meeting Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s keynote speaker Daniel Banks, the founder and director of the Hip Hop Theatre Initiative, last spring.

After writing his first song for the musical at KCACTF, Bartolo was challenged by LMC Drama instructor Nick Garcia to write a full-length musical and he completed the script in three months.

Knowing it was a student-written show made me all the more interested in seeing how well his vision could be portrayed on stage. I was already impressed by Bartolo’s

REVIEW

ability to write a full-length production in just three months. But actually being able to see his creation performed on stage while knowing the hard work and determination behind “My Block” made watching it all the more worth it.

Still, I was admittedly unsure of what to expect from the production. As I stepped into the Little Theater I saw the stage instantly transformed into a liquor store that looked like it could be found in any neighborhood. The show is about the struggles that can come from living in a bad neighborhood and what happens when a man named Raphael, known as Raphie, falls in love with his best friend Poncho’s sister, Simone.

The actors and dancers did not disappoint.

I was surprised and impressed by the talent each cast member possessed. The musical found the right mixture between comedy and drama. The dancers were able to keep the audience entertained by freestyling and

performing short choreographed routines in between scenes.

Although the tone of the production felt a bit old school to me, the characters are relevant to people of today, and, while the characters weren’t completely realistic, their characteristics are relatable. We all know someone as stubborn as Simone and Poncho, or an adult filled with wisdom, such as Mr. Washington.

The show also included a soundtrack that, musically and lyrically, sounded like old school hip-hop and rap. Differing from modern rap and hip-hop, the music was used as a way to tell a story.

See the first international hip-hop musical performed in the Bay Area while you still can. “My Block” has three more showings, April 24, 25 and 27, all starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets will be $7 for college students and those with military ID, $10 for the general public and $5 for high school students with an ID.

healthy

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Lenard Jackson, acting as Raphael, jumps into Anthony’s (Jaeson Jones) arms.

lifestyles

HELPING YOU thrive

Stay Fit - Safely!

by Dr. William Lide, MD

P

laying sports, exercising and physical activities are great for your health, but they can lead to injuries if done incorrectly or if you push yourself too hard.

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting to exercise, here are some tips to help you ward off injuries: •

Warm up: Stretch your arms and legs or take a light jog to loosen up your muscles. Warm muscles are less susceptible to strains, pulls and other injuries.

•

Slow and steady: If you haven’t been exercising regularly, start out slow and gradually increase the frequency, duration and level of activity.

•

Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your activity (especially on warm days) to ward off dehydration.

•

Get into gear: Wear protective pads, mouth guards, helmets, gloves, and other equipment, if necessary. Also, protect your skin with sunscreen.

•

“No pain, no gain?” Forget it: Pain is your body’s way of saying stop or slow down. If you experience pain or discomfort (more than the usual soreness after a workout) that doesn’t disappear after the activity, talk with your doctor.

•

Mix it up: Varying your routine will reduce boredom, increase your skill level, and improve flexibility.

Doing the same activity repeatedly increases the risk of an “overuse” injury.

Remember to consult your doctor before starting a new sport or exercise routine. For more information on sports and fitness injuries, go to the Kaiser Permanente Web site at www.kp.org/diablo.

This article is proudly sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

William Lide, MD is a Physician Site Leader for tha Pleasanton Medical Offices.

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Sports

Quotable

E X P E R I E N C E

FRIDAY,

APRIL

24,

2015

5

“Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else. ”

— Vince Lombardi

Sophomores say goodbye

Mustangs split doubleheader, finishing third in the Bay Valley

By STEVEN LUKE

sluke@lmcexperience.com

With the smell of fresh cut grass in the air, Los Medanos College softball took the field in their wedding gown-white uniforms to celebrate sophomore night before splitting the final doubleheader of the season against Napa Valley College Tuesday, April 21.

But before the games began the Mustangs’ coaching staff honored seven sophomores.

Interim head coach Tim Rognlien announced on the microphone each player’s position, notable accomplishments and above 3.0 GPAs Photos by Cathie Lawrence before giving them a gift bag, a balloon and a Mustangs softball finishes the season with a .500 record after splitting a bouquet of flowers. double-header with Napa Valley College Tuesday, April 21. Before the game the In addition to honoring the outgoing sophcoaching staff honored the seven sophomore student athletes, top. Outgoing omores, the coaching staff singled out two sophomore Jenna Leavitt is handed her gift from the team by teammate players, Gabrielle Worley and Crystal Hicks, Ashleigh Stephens-Coley, bottom left. Quincey Pierce readies to catch the ball at as well as mother of starting pitcher Jenna Leavitt, Kathie Leavitt, for keeping score all first base during the win in game one of the double-header, bottom right.

season long.

With the ceremonies out of the way, it was time for the National Anthem and the two final games of the year to begin.

On the mound for the Mustangs was the workhorse of the team, Leavitt, for the final time in her career with LMC and the first inning started about as well as could be expected, setting down the Storm in order.

For Napa, Jena Pescio took the mound.

Although she gave up a single and a walk, she too put up a zero in the first inning.

The game was quiet on the scoreboard until the bottom of the fourth in a big way when the Stangs got to Pescio, scoring four runs and taking a big lead.

This was a back-and-forth battle between the two and no lead was safe as the Storm came right back in the top of the fifth with a

Stangs win wild walk-off

By LOGAN JONES

ljones@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College narrowly defeated College of Marin 5-4 in a back-and-forth game that crept into extra innings. Both teams battled through the 15-inning game on the home field of LMC. The first three innings went scoreless on the diamond and not until the fourth inning did the Mustangs break the drought with a run.

Jerome Hill hit for a single and then stole second base. On his way sliding into the bag, Marin’s catcher tried to throw him out but overthrew the ball into centerfield instead.

Hill then quickly got up and decided to take third base off the mistake. Infielder Derek Slate grounded out shortly after but still received an RBI as Hill ran to home plate for the first run of the game.

The fifth inning was similar to the first three with no runs scored by either team, but Hill stopped playing due to some back discomfort and didn’t return the rest of the game.

Brian Womack pitched in the first six innings for LMC and got into some trouble after hitting a batter. He later allowed a single, which put men on first and third base for Marin.

Marin’s first basemen, Steven Demartini,

then stepped up to the plate and cracked a double, bringing in a run that put his team on the board to tie the game up 1-1. Marin then capitalized again with a runner on third when Infielder Ryan Schalch hit an RBI, putting Marin up 2-1.

After LMC lost the lead in the sixth, the pitcher’s mound saw a change with Daniel Bodishbaugh for the Mustangs in the seventh. Bodishbaugh pitched six innings and finished with five strikeouts.

LMC quickly tied the game up in the seventh inning. Marin Pitcher Chrit Rudkin allowed one of his two walks when LMC Infielder Ryan Welsh moved to first after ball four.

Outfielder Cameron Darling laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Welsh to second.

Infielder Carlos Carrillo then hit a single and Marin got its first error off a missed throw, allowing Carrillo to move to second base and Welsh to score, tying the game up yet again 2-2.

Demartini got his second RBI of the game when he knocked in Outfielder Sam Morgan to give Marin the lead 3-2 in the top of the eighth inning. The Mustangs were unable to score a tying run at their chance at bat during the eighth but they wouldn’t let Marin score for the next six innings of the game.

Stangs Standings Bay Valley standings (Softball final) Team

GP

Record

Win %

Solano

20

20-0

1.000

Napa

20

14-6

0.700

Los Medanos

20

10-10

0.500

Yuba

20

9-11

0.450

Mendocino

20

7-13

0.350

Contra Costa

20

0-20

0.000

Team

GP

Record

Win %

Marin

22

17-5

0.773

Solano

22

17-5

0.773

Folsom Lake

23

14-9

0.609

Napa

22

12-10

0.545

Yuba

23

12-11

0.522

Los Medanos

22

10-12

0.455

Mendocino

22

9-13

0.409

Laney

22

5-17

0.227

Contra Costa

22

4-18

0.182

Bay Valley standings (Baseball as of 4-22-15)

Mustangs softball finishes the season in third place in the Bay Valley and improves eight games in conference over the 2014 season, top. With two games to go, Mustangs baseball is out of playoff contention for the first time during Anthony D’Albora’s time as head coach, bottom.

See SOFT, page 6

LMC’s infield quickly handled Marin’s three batters in the ninth inning and only had to tally one run to tie the game up.

Marin’s Schalch went to the mound as the third pitcher for his team. LMC’s Carrillo countered with a single and later moved to second off a balk called on Schalch by the fielding umpire. Ambuehl also managed a single, giving Carrillo enough time to score at home to keep the Mustangs in the game.

Ambuehl’s RBI tied the game up but the Mustangs were unable to score again, so the game was forced into extra innings.

The efficient fielding from both teams kept each from scoring from the 10th through the 14th innings.

In the 15th inning though, the game would be finalized with LMC taking the win but not without earning it. The Mustangs gave up the fourth run off their second error of the game in the inning, putting Marin up 4-3.

Joe Firenzi was the pitcher for Marin in the 15th against the LMC batters. Ambuehl hit a single with Base runner Jacob Jones on first. LMC’s Ethan Utler hit the tying RBI to bring Jones to home plate and tie Experience • Cathie Lawrence the game at 4 apiece.

Ambuehl and Utler both advanced a First baseman Ryan Welch slides safely into third base off a ground out by Joey Lingenfelter, base during the win over the College of Marin See BASE, page 6

Tuesday, April 21.

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game-tying grand slam off of the bat of Olivia Henderson.

The Stangs scored in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead but again the Storm answered back with one of their own in the top of the sixth.

The Mustangs bounced right back in the bottom of the sixth for what would end up being the game-winning run, as Leavitt shut the Storm down in the seventh for the final win of her LMC career.

The back-and-fourth battle was exactly what Rognlien new his team was capable of.

“First game showed what kind of a team we really are.

The kids fought back,” he said.

“We jumped ahead, they tied us up, we went back ahead, they tied us up, we went back ahead and it was just bang, bang, bang.”

The second game was started by Quincey “Q” Pierce, and early on it looked like it was going to be a similar game to the first one. The Stangs struck first with one run in the bottom of the first but in the top of the second the Storm came right back with one run of their own.

That one run would be all the Stangs would get off Storm starting pitcher Jordan Samson and the Storm offense would get rolling, scoring three in the third inning, four in the fourth and another four in the sixth inning, to put the team ahead 11 and end the game via mercy rule.

The big blow of the game was the second grand-slam of the day by Henderson who ended the day with two home runs and ten runs batted in on three hits.

“If you don’t catch the ball, you don’t win games,” said Rognlien. “We didn’t catch the ball, we didn’t win the game.”

With the loss of the second game the Mustangs finished with a conference record of 10-10 and an overall record of 16-19 putting them in third place in the Bay Valley’s final standings.

While the team missed the playoffs, a third place finish and ten conference wins is a huge improvement over the two wins from last season and allows Rognlien to nominate five players for Bay Valley’s end of season awards.

“I have five ladies I am nominating,” Rognlien said. “I don’t want to give out the names but there are four sophomores and one freshman.”

Moving forward, the team will be in much better shape than in years past. Although they are losing seven sophomores they will have seven freshmen returning and, unlike years past, they will have summer and fall ball to get them prepared for the 2016 season.

which put Ambuehl in scoring position. Firenzi then tried to intentionally walk the next batter but the misthrow allowed the ball to get behind the catcher.

Ambuehl subsequently ran in for the winning run off the wild pitch, game over.

“It was a great game until that last inning,” said Marin head coach Steve Berringer. “And walking a guy intentionally and throwing the ball into the backstop, I mean it doesn’t get any uglier than that.”

But Berringer said both teams were just competing.

“In the end someone’s gotta win and someone’s gotta lose, and they did a good job,” he said.

“It was a tough fought battle from both teams but the biggest thing I take is that we used pretty much everyone on the team. It was a whole team effort, which was fun to watch,” said Ringer.

The game gave many opportunities for both teams to score in the extra innings, but a wild pitch sealed the fate of the athletes. LMC continued to fight back ultimately got a winning run after playing close to six hours.

Mustangs Pitcher Nabeeh Blackburn recorded his first win on the mound after pitching from the thirteenth inning until the end of the game and finished with three strikeouts.

LMC’s next and last home game is April 24 at 2:30 p.m. against Contra Costa College.

the program was introduced to educate students on nutrition and health.

“We’re looking to increase enrollment of different demographics,” said Williams, adding that, “more people need to take health and nutrition seriously.”

A majority of the schools at Transfer Day were academic based, except the Academy of Art University, the largest art school in the US according to Amanda Johnson, the university’s representative.

“What gives our school the edge is we focus on the business side of art,” said Johnson.

The Academy of Art University puts a lot of time into networking to make the transition from school to working easy she said, adding that, “if you are one semester into school and then suddenly decide you want to go to art school” consider the Academy of Art because there are no minimum transferable units required.

After the tabling was over a karaoke contest began with special guest appearances from R&B Brown, Marie-Lemagne, Mazeon & Blaze and P.U.R.P.U.S.

professionals and students and people who you mean the world to. We are here to serve you.”

He ended his speech on a motivational note saying, “If you’re at LMC, you are going to find staff and students who are just like you — who believe in you. We are dedicating our lives to you because you are a future we want. We want you guys to be better and more successful than we ever were.”

“It’s a wonderful outreach opportunity,” said Joy Crum, a counselor from Brentwood’s Independence High School.She said even though she was only able to bring three students, it was worth it because “it could change lives” and point students in the right direction.

Cr um’s favorite par t of the event was the student roundtable. “I really think they connected when they asked the parents to leave the rooms. She then praised LMC student Brian McGhee for his part in the roundtable discussion.

After the speech, there was time allotted for questions and concerns, most of which were addressed by Garcia.

After the closing remarks, students made their way outside to gather in groups for the campus tour. Student volunteers and faculty from LMC led the groups around campus and some stopped to take pictures with the seniors.

After they were shown around, the seniors as well as the parents got to attend the Career Technical Ed, Summer Bridge and Transfer Academy workshops among others, all of which took place in the Math Building.

After the workshop sessions were over, lunch was served.

“The day culminated in lunch and a resource fair in the outdoor quad, which was even attended by the LMC mascot,” said Trager.

The Student Services Building was made available to assist the highs school students and their parents with any questions, comments or concerns they had left over.

Pittsburg High School Senior Tyler Flewellen found the workshops and the speakers to be helpful.

“My favorite part of the day was the tour. I fell in love with the way the campus is, especially the diversity. Everyone ‑ including the professors ‑ I met during our workshops were very helpful; they made my experience very fun.” She expressed she is “excited to start college in the fall.”

There will be another Senior Saturday next week April 25.

For more information, visit www.losmedanos.edu.

period allotted for questions. Mable O. inquired why Social Security seems to ignore “little ones” with disabilities. Grossman suggested talking to the local school district to aid with getting help for disabled children.

LMC student Robert Brown commented on Grossman’s speech.

“Your speech made me cry, it really hit home for me,” said Brown. “You did a very good job.”

The audience then clapped for Brown.

Jesse Wade asked about accommodations should be made for veterans and Grossman resopnded the best accommodation for veteran is a reduced workload and suggested sports as a great pastime.

“If you don’t include vets in your sports programs you are missing out on giving them one of the most therapeutic experiences,” he said.

Lunch, catered by Chipotle, was served as everyone talked with one another before the next keynote speaker and attendees were encouraged to make a Sharpie handprint on a banner outside of the cafeteria.

De Luna introduced the second keynote speaker, LMC graduate Dr. Michelle Hernandez and talked about the way she inspired him to go after his dreams.

“She had made a difference in my life,” he said. “I love being different.”

Hernandez sat with LMC counselor and committee advisor Dr. Nina Ghellisi, who also talked about her experience knowing Hernandez. And Hernandez followed suit by jumping right in,

starting with her own experiences with being a student at LMC. “If I didn’t have such a good experience here at LMC, I wouldn’t have known what a bad experience felt like,” said Hernandez.

She admitted to doubting herself but she was able to overcome her struggles with help of her friends, colleagues and children.

She spoke on her experiences with instructors who seemed unnecessarily hard on her. Hernandez advised the crowd to have confidence.

“I would recommend you believe in yourself. It’s all possible, don’t give up. Your struggle will make you better,” she said. “Know that you can do it and that it will pay off.”

Student Matthew Johnson, who has been attending LMC since he was in high school, said he was enjoying himself and he liked how happy everyone seemed that day.

“I like what they’re talking about,” said Johnson. “I like that they’re trying to kill that mindset of hating people with disabilities.”

The audience members were encourage to attend one of several workshops, including one on psychological disabilities and Wounded Warrior, both of which were only open to potential or current LMC students.

When Walker was about to close the ceremony, Johnson got up thanked Hernandez and decided to dedicate a song to her. After his ukulele rendition of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s medley “Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” the festivities officially ended but attendees stayed and chatted with the speakers and volunteers.

From page 5

AWARE From page 1

Ferrell introduced the first keynote speaker, former chief regional attorney at the U.S. Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights Paul Grossman. His main focus was on the rights of students with disabilities.

He also gave attendees the disabled rights timeline noting issues he had with former presidents who continued to oppress disabled Americans by refusing to enact regulations that would help them. He specifically called out “Ol’ Gerry Ford who’s mostly famous for doing nothing.”

He spoke highly of his friends involved in drafting those regulations, mentioning former California Congressman George Miller.

“I was really sad to see him go,” said Grossman. “He was a very important ally.”

Though he said he believes things are a bit easier for those with disabilities nowadays, we still have a long way to go.

“People are in jail because they have psychiatric or intellectual disabilities and we have no other solution than taking away their liberties,” said Grossman.

He ended his speech by noting people with disabilities can and should be accommodated for so they may have some of the same opportunities as everyone else. He said some people are rejected because tradition has put a stigma on disabilities, those who are disabled individuals are seen as inferior.

“Just because you’ve had a criterion for years and years and years doesn’t mean it’s essential,” said Grossman.

There was also a shor t

From page 5

FOUR From page 3

FRIDAY,

APRIL

24,

2015

From page 3

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