1.23.15

LVN program renewed

Art shines at show

Softball season nears

Sharon Goldfarb breathes life into returning program.

Profile inside — page 3

Fourteen artists honored at student show. Photo package inside — page 5

Returning coach Tim Rogenlien hopeful for a successful 2015 season — page 7

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F.Y.I. Important Dates January is Get Organized Month Jan. 30

Last day to drop a full-term class in person without a “W” appearing on your transcript

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Last day to drop a full-term class on WebAdvisor without a “W” appearing on your transcript

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Student Services open Building debuts on schedule

By DAMIAN LEWIN

dlewin@lmcexperience.com

“The environment has a good flow to it,” said Tiffanie Foster, “I feel fancy.”

Foster, who works the front desk at Admissions and Records, shares a common opinion of the newly opened Student Services building that opened its doors to students and faculty just in time for the start of the spring semester.

Costing $16.7 million, the 38,100 square foot building is the latest addition to the campus in an ongoing goal to better facilitate a growing enrollment rate as well as providing more convenient support for students.

“It’s better for the students,” Foster added, describing the benefit of having everything a student needs all in one location. “It’s more

professional,” she said.

Departments like Financial Aid, DSPS and Counseling, which previously were spread around campus, are now located in the same building to provide what LMC President Bob Kratochvil described as a “one-stop shop” for both new and returning students.

“It’s really beautifully designed,” said Kratochvil, adding how the final unveiling of the building was “quite an emotional experience” for those involved in the process.

Having moved from various locations across campus, including a “portable” on the far side of the Science building, the LMC President is also happy to be situated in a permanent Experience • Cathie Lawrence location on the fourth floor of the new building.

“It’s like coming home to where the presi- A view from the second floor as students use the See OPEN, page 8

new Student Services Center facilities.

Center faces local strife

Blood Drives upcoming Student Life, in conjunction with the Blood Centers of the Pacific, will be holding two blood drives in early February.

The first drive will be at the Brentwood campus Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. aboard the blood drive bus. The second drive will be Feb. 12 in Room L-109 in the Library on the main campus from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Blood Centers of the Pacific’s website at www.bloodheroes.com, clicking on “donate blood” and entering the sponsor code “losMC.” Students are encouraged to eat prior to donating. The Student Life office can be reached at 473-7554 for more information.

Brentwood not halted

By CASSIE DICKMAN

cdickman@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Keynote speaker Van Phillips presents to the crowd on the innovation evident in the prosthetics industry.

Innovation celebrated by district Conference brings ideas

By KIMBERLY STELLY

kstelly@lmcexperience.com

Bookstore to buy books Forgot to sell your textbooks last semester?

Need extra cash to buy books this semester?

Well you’re in luck. The LMC Bookstore will buy back textbooks Jan. 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The buyback will take place exclusively at the Pittsburg campus store. To contact the bookstore for additional information, call 4737543, or check out its website at www.lmcbookstore.net.

The Contra Costa Community College District held the first Convocation on Innovation Friday, Jan. 9 at the Hilton hotel in Concord. The conference was held to give instructors new ideas on how to better educate their students.

Teachers and faculty members from Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College attended the conference. New ideas were presented such the Human Library

by LMC’s Christine Park, Scheduling

Decisions for Student Success from DVC’s Peter Garcia, Laurie Lema and Daniel Malkovich and Stories from the Hub from CCC’s Katherine Krolikowski and Kelly Ramos.

The keynote speaker was Flex-Foot prosthetics inventor Van Phillips.

Throughout the duration of his speech, he showed clips from Good Will Hunting and Dead Poet’s Society as examples of how to engage your students. He said students are like horses because they need to roam free. He then showed a clip of a video of Louisville physics teacher who had come up with new ways to get his students involved in their learning experience. Phillips spoke about technological advancements and joked that when he was in school,

students thought “the library was god, there were not laptops.”

The final speaker was Kaiser Permanente’s Senior Vice President, National Diversity Strategy and Policy and Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Ronald Copeland.

His ideas for better education focused on togetherness. He spoke on the importance of diversity and culture saying “it’s the driving force at every institution.”

Copeland says the best way of earning opportunities “is through inclusion.”

A band comprised of instructors and faculty members from DVC, LMC, CCC including John Christensen, Glenn Appell, Mike Williams, Silvester Henderson, Rick Ramos, Kenny Purizaga, Bret Peppo and the district office’s Jay Schaffer and See MEET, page 8

Mustang Day runs through campus

By EVAN DEAN

edean@lmcexperience.com

A stampede came through Los Medanos College’s Brentwood Center on Mustang Day, Jan. 22. Tables lined the hall where representatives from different programs offered at LMC spoke to interested students. Although it seemed the Pittsburg campus had a greater turnout, the representatives still felt many students benefited from Mustang Day. “Brentwood has its own special space here. There’s

only one way in and one way out. It’s a great time to get more information,” stated Ade Origunwa, Transfer Programs and Services Coordinator.

The first table presented lots of useful information about students looking to transfer to 4-year institutions. A bright yellow flyer gave the times and dates of different colleges that offer appointments for students interested in meeting Experience • Cathie Lawrence a college rep. Origunwa also said that LMC offers tour Student Life coordinator Demetria Lawrence treats See SPRING, page 8

student Marcus Green during Mustang Day.

Despite objections from the community and a letter from Contra Costa County Super visor Mar y Nejedly Piepho supporting a change in location, the Contra Costa Community College District is steaming ahead with its plan to build a new permanent Los Medanos College Brentwood Center Campus at its previously selected site.

Residents from Summerset attended the district governing board’s Dec. 10 meeting armed with a petition. They asked the board to delay selecting an architectural firm until further discussions and a possible vote on the location could take place.

Currently the new campus is slated to be built on land near Trilogy and Summerset at Vineyards Parkway and Marsh Creek Road in Brentwood. Members of the age-restricted communities are concerned about the influx of traffic the new college would bring to Fairview Avenue and lack of public transportation currently available to students who choose to attend LMC classes at the center.

District Governing Board Trustee Greg Enholm, who represents Ward V, said he requested at the end of the Dec.10 board meeting that “Piepho’s letter be placed on the Jan. 28 college board agenda along with the petition signed by 1,000 Summerset residents to have a public election on the Special State Senate Election set for March 2015 to allow far East Contra Costa voters to decide where the new campus will be located.”

But later, in an email interview, District Chief Facilities Planner Ray Pyle said the center is currently a go.

“We reviewed 19 statements of qualifications from architectural firms, narrowed it down to three, and will interview the three firms on Jan. 23,” said Pyle.

The statements of qualificaSee BUILD, page 8

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“The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.”

— Vince Lombardi

Ariana Mackson

Ashley Castaldi

ARI’S ANGLE

ASHLEY’S MUSINGS

Stay connected to what’s real

Don’t focus on materialism

If you take a look outside you will see the everlasting glow of the sun. Don’t stare at it too long, you could go blind; at least that’s what our parents tell us. What parents don’t know is having their children look up at the sun can prove to be beneficial.

It’s a common encounter for teens to be sat down by their parents to hear about the “good old days.” Parents speak of how they would walk several blocks to their favorite diner or meet up with friends after school to hang out. As long as the sun was up, they were out.

As time passed, less and less teens were seen outside. To find them today you mustn’t look where there’s fresh air, but where there’s an outlet.

Generations now are too caught up in technology to step foot outside. According to a report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, at least 91 percent of teens use the Internet, at least for more than two hours a day. Teens lack sunlight and gain followers.

There isn’t much room for any real interaction with other people anymore. Reading, “Jane Doe liked your status” or replying to a tweet your classmate posted about how boring class is has become the new norm.

We can forget calling someone on the phone. Let’s lower the possibility of actually communicating with someone verbally and send a simple text message. After all, phone calls are as frightening as losing Wi-Fi for more than an hour.

Pew Internet & American Life Project also found that fully two thirds of teens would rather send a text message than call their friend on the phone.

This can all make teens disconnected from the real world, causing them to miss out on the many wonders the world offers. There are many things to experience and discover, it just requires going outside and living.

Imagine gathering a group of friends and taking a drive to San Francisco. The city hosts multiple events and is filled with restaurants, parks and beaches. Better yet, it provides a thrill when drivers with road rage swerve in front of you, just before running into traffic for the next half hour.

No worries, the fun isn’t over yet. Traffic is the best time to turn your stereo volume up and sing-along to your favorite tunes.

You may need to put the volume on max for those high notes that you can’t quite hit yet. A simple day trip can open the window for many more exciting trips.

Feel free to bring your phones along to take pictures of the Golden Gate and the view from Treasure Island. Or even of your friend who tripped over a crack in the city’s old sidewalks and plunged their face into their ice cream cone.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with using social networks. However, time spent using sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram should be lowered.

As for time spent outside, or even going to the movies or a restaurant, it should be steadily increasing as new wonders sprout all around us.

Getting active and enjoying the sunlight is much more exciting than watching other people have fun.

Better yet, doing something on your own can be equally rewarding. There’s no conflict in deciding where to go or what to do; you just do it.

You don’t have to make an entire day out of your plans. Doing something other than gluing your face to a computer or phone screen will be much more exciting.

But who would want to see the Golden Gate in person or even try that hit new restaurant two cities over when you can just look at a picture of it? Just don’t forget to hit the “like” button.

Americans value “stuff.” In other words, we are materialistic.

Our possessions mean a lot to us. Are they as important as we make them seem?

We need to get our priorities straight.

Waiting in line for the newest iPhone when you have a perfectly working one that you’ve only had for six months is ridiculous.

Tim Kasser is a professor of psychology who has written many articles on materialism in relation to peoples’ well-being.

From several studies, he has come to the conclusion that “The more materialistic values are at the center of our lives, the more our quality of life is diminished.”

Kasser’s research has shown that people who spend a lot of money or are in debt are usually suffering emotionally. It may be because of the excess stuff they have.

You may have heard of “minimalists.”

They are people who live simple lifestyles: their homes are very clean and uncluttered, and they have a small amount of belongings.

You don’t have to give up everything you own, but maybe you could tone it down a little. We should value quality over quantity and instead of buying many things, keep something until it is broken.

If it functions, you don’t need another one.

So don’t throw out your old phone to pay hundreds for a new one that works the same.

Minimalists have chosen a simpler lifestyle for their own well-being. They do it so they have more room in their lives to focus on important things like achieving goals and having healthy relationships.

Instead of picking one extreme, everyone should pick up at least a few thrifty habits.

You’ve probably heard “reduce, reuse, recycle” before. Kasser’s research compares competence with materialism.

“Thrift might also satisfy competence needs through the development of skills that support reusing, repairing and other do-it-yourself behaviors instead of purchasing replacement items or paying for others’ services.” Kasser wrote.

Learn to sew so you can fix your clothes.

Buy a reusable water bottle or refill the plastic one you’re using. Keep all your change in one place so you can turn it into bills later and buy things in bulk.

Kasser suggests adopting skills similar to those because they save money. Learning to budget your life and save money essentially equals happiness because of security.

You never want to have no money saved if there was ever an emergency situation.

Instead the saved money could be put towards something nice like a vacation.

It’s just a matter of living in a way that is more beneficial for your own well-being than being in a corrosive environment due to many useless objects.

Everyone should take a moment to refer to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. These are the five basic needs that every human should have in their lives.

This is modeled as a pyramid, labeled from bottom to top: physiological needs, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization.

Most people have the first few checked off, but the farther up you go, you might have to think about how many of these things you actually have. “Esteem” can really get people, because having too much stress, anxiety or suffering from depression can hinder you.

Other things in that category include self-confidence, having goals and achievements, and respect for oneself and others.

Debt leads to stress and stress leads to a whole mess of things. Anxiety and depression are harmful to your mental and physical well-being and can contribute to a lack of motivation. Being frugal is more helpful in the long run.

Experience • Joey Fajardo

Editorial

Keep the campus young

T

he 2015 spring semester has just started and Los Medanos College faculty and students were greeted with a new and up to date student service center. The transformation from old to new is a long and expensive process and is done to provide a comfortable learning environment for students.

But what is new eventually becomes old. Other than rebuilding or adding new parts, little can be done to stop the natural decay of aging rooms and buildings.

Marks on the walls and floors from dragging desks around, patches of missing sheet rock, dried mud and chipped desks are common indicators of wear and tear and can be avoided by being a bit more careful. This goes for students, janitorial workers and faculty.

Littering is another issue. There are garbage cans and recycling bins everywhere but sometimes people think it’s acceptable to leave their food wrappers and bottles around the campus.

We are mostly adults here at LMC so chances are, we were taught to clean up after ourselves. We have people to make sure the campus looks presentable but it would make their jobs a bit easier if we were a bit more conscious about doing what we can to keep the campus beautiful.

As for vandalism, there haven’t been any huge cases since that incident with the gender inclusive bathroom sign. But even so, there are people who write all over desks and walls. Friendly reminder: LMC has an art department if one feels they need an artistic outlet.

We have a beautiful campus, which we can learn, in a mostly comfortable place. We can at least do our part to preserve the beauty of the campus.

Phony soldiers need punishment When you see a person in a military uniform, One particular veteran enjoys exposing phonies you typically think they serve the country, but online and for media organizations. what if they’re a fake? Most civilians cannot Don Shipley served in the Navy as SEAL differentiate between a real servicemen or a Senior Chief and retired in 2003. Today he phony. In fact, only military veterans or active can be found on YouTube under Buds131. military can really tell.

On his account, More people are trying Shipley posts a weekly to pass themselves off as segment called “PHOmilitar y personnel for NY Navy SEAL of the either attention or some Week.” Shipley has actype of gain whether it is cess to the SEAL datamonetary or just receiving base where names of a free drink at a bar.

SEALs can be found.

LOUNGIN’ WITH LOGAN Until recently, this He has found a new hasn’t been against the hobby in handling law. In 2013 the Stolen Valor Act was passed. veteran fraud claims.

The act states that people fraudulently por The videos are rather entertaining. In some traying themselves as a recipient of specified segments he has footage of phonies saying they military decorations or medals with intent to were SEALs, and in others he usually leaves obtain money, property, or any other tangible phonies speechless over the phone. benefits, is against federal law.

Over a span of a year, Shipley has exposed However, it can be difficult to prove in over thousands of supposed SEALs with his some cases. For a person to be convicted, the hobby. But what makes it even better is he government (FBI to be exact) has to prove now trains people to do the same. some form of monetary fraud. The governHowever, the most damage Shipley and his ment needs a lot of proof for someone to be trainees can cause is only embarrassment, and convicted by the law. that’s not enough.

But, the frauds posing in military uniform These people have lied to numerous people rarely suffer governmental reprimand. Instead about previous accolades they did while in the it seems to be left to the military veterans to military, while most of them never served. And call frauds out. yet they continue to walk free and suffer no Veterans can either pick a phony just by legal consequences. looking at them, or can look in the military It’s time for harsher consequences for those database to see if someone has actually served. who are stealing our soldiers’ valor.

Logan Jones

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.

Voices

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Experience

How do you feel about the new Student Sevices Center?

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Member California Newspaper Publishers Association

“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

“It’s very nice and aesthtically pleasing and I like the refillable water centers.”

— Raven Deverux

“I like it because everything is organized and it makes things easier to find.”

— Gabriela Barajas

“I like the new Student Services area.

It’s pretty fancy.

It’s confusing at first.”

“I like the new SSC. It’s very convenient and everything is all in one place. Perfect.”

— Destinee Perkins

— Tyelor Mapp

“I honestly haven’t been in there yet.”

— Mark Machado

“I like the building. It’s better than what we had before.”

— Shawn Hancock

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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Campus Newswatch Alpha Gamma back in action

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“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

— Martin Luther King, Jr.

LVN program returns

With a strong emphasis on community service, LMC’s Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) is looking for more members to participate in their meetings, fundraisers and other club activities.

Weekly meetings are held each Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the new Student Services Center Room SS4-412, next to EOP&S. For more information, including meeting times, planned activities and membership requirements, visit the AGS website at www.losmedanosags.com or contact the student President Jason Quintana at jason_quintana@aol.com or club advisor Phil Gottlieb at pgottlieb@losmedanos.edu.

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.

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 throughout the week and change on a weekly basis. 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.

Free campus tours available

Unsure of where to transfer? Want to add another school to your college list? Sign-up for the Transfer Center’s upcoming university campus tours: n Black College Expo: Jan. 24 at the Oakland Marriot Convention Center. Registration deadline Jan. 23. n UC Davis-Discover Davis Day: Feb. 27. Registration opens Jan. 27.

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 www.losmedanos.edu/transfer/ default.asp. The Transfer Center is currently located in Student Services, SS4-435.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, or the Barcelona Cathedral, is one of the major landmarks one can visit for free.

Study Abroad in Barcelona

Interested in traveling to Barcelona next fall? The Study Abroad program will be offering the option to experience incredible architecture, cuisine and culture all while furthering your education in Barcelona in the fall of 2015.

A meeting for those interested will be held at LMC Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in room LA-105.

If you are interested or would like more information, contact the Study Abroad Office via e-mail at studyabroad@ dvc.edu or call 969-2507

LMCAS accepting applicants

The Associated Students of Los Medanos College (LMCAS) is currently accepting applications for Senators or Representatives this Spring 2015. Those that are interested in student government and leadership are encouraged to apply.

Requirements include maintaing a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

Those interested must submit the completed packet by Feb. 17. If there are any questions, come by Student Life Office, call 473-7554 or email advisor Demetria Lawrence at dlawrence@losmedanos.edu.

Scholarships being offered

The Transfer Academy is offering Scholarships for students in good standing with the program. The deadline for the $125 scholarships is Jan. 30 and applications must be turned into the Transfer Center front desk with copies of all college applications or receipts of submission attached.

The scholarships will be awarded in February and are designed for college application fees, but it may be used for any academic expense. Students are eligible to receive the award even if their college application fees have been waived.

For more information and to download the scholarship application form, visit its website at www.losmedanos. edu/transferacademy/scholar.asp.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Licensed Vocational Nursing Program Director Sharon Goldfarb encourages her LVN class to share their personal stories. She is happy to have the LVN program back in session after a year on hiatus.

Nurse looks to inspire

By SUZZANNE SPERRY

ssperry@lmcexperience.com

New York native Sharon Goldfarb has joined the Los Medanos College Nursing Department in fall of 2014.

Goldfarb recalls receiving the opportunity to encompass the dynamic responsibility of becoming the LVN program educator while eating dinner with a long time friend. The Licensed Vocational Nurse program took a year of absence due to staffing issues. Goldfarb was a perfect fit, considering she had many years of teaching credentials along with being a nurse practitioner. Goldfarb said it was a blessing to get the opportunity because she had been seeking employment for a few months but to no avail.

Goldfarb took her first steps as an educator in the early 1980s as an assistant teacher for Children’s Circle, L.I College Hospital. She taught special education preschool. During that time she realized a passion for teaching. She knew what she wanted to pursue in her life and spent the following years educating and volunteering her time in an array of health departments and non-profit organizations.

Through this journey she landed in a program whose main focus was to help the homeless adults of New York called Project Renewal. Goldfarb thought it was one of the most eye opening experiences she has ever had.

“It was very interesting to hear the homeless proclaim they were healthy.

The reality was they were very sick and suffered from disease but because they cannot afford health care they go their whole life unaware and untreated.” said Goldfarb.

She felt it was the most eye-opening experience because it gave her a look into the perception society had on health.

Goldfarb was passionate about helping those people who really needed the medical aid even though the homeless were unaware of that need. She was even more excited when the service was offered for free.

Goldfarb laughs when she recalls her days as an educator for Columbia University.

“During my time as an educator at a university several years before the nursing students self diagnosed themselves as fatally ill when all they had was a minor cold. It was very interesting to see the perception people had on health,” she said. “The homeless do not have readily available access to health care but yet they state they are in the best condition.

It is so backwards.”

Goldfarb spent close to ten years working with Project Renewal before becoming a family Nurse Practitioner for New School University Student Health Services. She spent several years caring and nurturing mothers and their babies. Goldfarb’s face lights up and a twinkle in her eye shines when she describes the joy that experience brought into her life despite seeing many babies born prematurely.

Goldfarb hesitates a moment before she shares the heartbreak that is associated with the polarized end of childbirth.

Goldfarb fixes her eyes to the ceiling as if to prevent the tears from falling.

“Witnessing a mother lose her child is devastating. When you spend so much time with a mother during the terms of her pregnancy you cannot help but become attached.” said Goldfarb.

She witnessed many success stories with the children who did survive the first crucial months but she will always hold a special place in her heart for those little ones that fought the best they could

“My goal is to create scientific minds and inspire compassionate hearts.”

— Sharon Goldfarb

but did not make it.

“I believe in the power of physical touch.

I encourage physical touch especially with newborns. I believe it has its own power of healing.” she said.

Goldfarb was full of energy and in high spirits during her first few days on the LMC campus. Despite her straight posture, she still managed to jiggle her three-inch turquoise earrings as she excitedly explained how happy she was to work with nursing students.

“My goal is to create scientific minds and inspire compassionate hearts.” said Goldfarb.

According to Goldfarb, the LVN program is a great catalyst into the RN program. It See NURSE, page 8

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“Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.”

— George Burns

‘Midsummer’ coming mid-March Springtime drama now rehearsing

By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ

bhernandez@lmcexperience.com

It’s a new semester and the LMC Drama department is gearing up for the two big shows they will be producing this year.

Drama teacher Barbra Norris will be directing William Shakespeare’s comedic play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The story is about the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of actors in a play-within-a-play, who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies. The production will be opening mid-March.

In April the LMC Drama Department will be producing an untitled hip-hop musical written by LMC student Federico Bartolo. It will be the first international hip-hop musical produced in the Bay Area.

“It’s crazy,” Bar tolo explained when he first found out his musical was going to be performed on stage. “I was jumping for joy.”

The musical is a story about two best friends and what happens when one falls for other’s sister and the problems that arise from it.

Bartolo has learned from Shakespeare that the same stories are told over and over again. Every story is a cliché but what matters is the way you write a story.

“I am interested in what my vision on paper will look like to other people,” said Bartolo.

He was inspired to write the musical last spring after attending Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), a national theatre program aimed at improving the quality of college theatre nationwide.

He met the keynote speaker Daniel Banks, the founder

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Student Terrence Allegre reads from William Shakesphere’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ the first of two plays set for this semester. and director of the Hip Hop Theatre Initiative that uses Hip Hop Theatre to promote youth self-expression and leadership training.

“You’re seeing people find themselves in this department and if it wasn’t for this department I wouldn’t have thought of pursuing a degree in this

field,” said Bartolo.

Along with the shows they’re performing this semester the Drama Department has other projects in store as well.

The New Play Festival held toward the end of the semester will be directed by LMC Drama Depar tment Chair Nick Garcia and includes

short plays written by students and an improv show performed by the LMC drama club Shenanigans.

In addition to their performance at the New Play Festival, Shenanigans will also be performing at rehabilitation and senior homes throughout the semester.

The department is currently trying to fundraise to attend KCACTF, where they will be able to develop their skills along with 18,000 other students from around the country.

“Our goal is to produce the best shows that we can and to develop students to the best of our ability,” said Garcia.

They have started a Kickstarter and will be accepting donations that will help pay for the expenses needed for the weeklong conference.

“Support your fellow students at LMC,” said Drama student Luna Garrison, “as much as you can through donations and good vibes.”

And this year’s Oscar nominees are... Marquee Just last Thursday nominations were announced for one of the biggest nights of “award show season”- the Academy Awards.

Although there are actors, writers, and directors nominated worthy of receiving an award, there is no getting past the lack of representation of minorities.

While “Selma,” a movie based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights march was nominated for best motion picture and best original song, it lacks recognition for the film’s main character, David Oyelowo who gave captivating performance of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as the film’s director Ava DuVernay. Not only does the category only include men, but if she had she been nominated for Best Director, it would have been a first for an African-American woman.

With a predominately white and male voting group giving all 20 acting nominations to white actors shows the lack of diversity in the Hollywood in general.

Another problem that has been plaguing the acting industry is the “Hollywood whitewashing” and race bending in acting roles. In 2002 “A Beautiful Mind” won four out of its seven Oscar nominations including Best Supporting Actress Jennifer Connelly who plays Russell Crowe’s on-screen wife Alicia Nash. The film however fails to represent Alicia Lopez-Harrison de Lardé’s Latin heritage, which the character Alicia

Beatriz Hernandez BEA’S BEAT

Nash was based on.

It is a problematic issue that we are still dealing with today such as in films such as “Exodus”, where the lead Egyptian characters were played by white actors, and new upcoming films such as a live-action adaption of the manga “Ghost in the Shell” where Scarlett Johansson will be playing Japanese character Motoko Kusanagi.

The problem is not just the lack of minorities nominated for awards, but the failure to cast actors appropriately.

The Oscars are notorious for awarding actors Academy Awards for their performances in films where the actors play the part of a person with a disability. It gives a false sense of representation. This year Eddie Redmayne, playing Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything” joins a long list of able-bodied actors nominated for playing a physically or mentally disabled character.

It was offensive when Laurence Olivier was

nominated for an Oscar in 1965 for playing Othello in Blackface, especially when you consider the fact that his nomination was in the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

Why should able-bodied actors playing disabled characters be considered different than the offensive portrayals of racial minorities?

Especially when there are many talented aspiring actors with disabilities looking to break into the acting industry. It only makes things harder when people are not given the chance for self-representation.

No matter the level acting ability an actorpossesses, they would not be able to give a performance as honest and genuine as an actor of the minority would.

While the Academy has taken steps in the right direction to diversify the award nomintions such as Lupita Nyong’o’s win last year for Best Supporting Actress and Marlee Matlin’s win as the first and only deaf actress to winthe academy award for Best Actress in 1986.However it does not make up for the lack of representation of minorities in this year’s nominations.

The Academy Award nominations lacked diversity this year in a year where casting on television and film did not in 2014 While the casting of people of color and other minorities has increased, there are talented actors that deserve their opportunity of self-representation and recognition.

‘Virgin’ clinches Golden Globe

By ALEXANDRA TAGLIAMONTE atagliamonte@lmcexperience.com

If you’re not watching the new fall television program Jane the Virgin, you’re truly missing out on a fresh and charming new addition to this year’s lineup. Critics and audiences seem to agree as Jane’s star Gina Rodriguez recently won a Golden Globe for her performance bringing home The CW’s first win ever after only nine episodes.

The accidental-pregnancy premise sounds laughable and absurd; however it’s the down to earth, playful and good-hearted humor that makes the show so enjoyable.

The comic telenovela, about a chaste woman who is mistakenly inseminated by her baby daddy’s gynecologist sister, has a strongly constructed pilot, along with the luminous Rodriguez as the instantly winning title character. Not only did the pilot deliver a strong first impression, but it also has been the subsequent nine episodes over the

REVIEW

Photo courtesy of imdb.com

Justin Baldoni and Gina Rodriguez prepare to kiss in The CW’s comedy series “Jane the Virgin.”

last few weeks that have been just as good or even better than the last.

The show is having fun and it pays of f big for viewers at home. The rico-suave voiceover and cheeky screen captions bounce commentary off the storylines, and the show gets a particular kick out of visual and dialogue-based twists. For example, when Jane and her fiancé have a conversation seemingly related to having sex for the first time, which takes a weird turn (“I promise it’ll be quick,” he says) until we see he’s accompanied her to an appointment. This kind of tongue-in-cheek tete-e-tete is the kind of refreshing dialogue that is missing from other shows on television.

If you’ve been holding of f on watching because it sounds ridiculously soapy, I implore you to give Jane a shot. And if you feared committing and getting your heart broken, fear not, The CW has decided to carry the show to full term, with a full season order.

Local cultural events

The California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg and the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch will feature a variety of events throughout February and March. Events at both venues are set to include movies, dance and musical sets that promise to delight audiences of all ages.

CALIFORNIA THEATRE The California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Ave. in Pittsburg. For ticket sales and additional information please call 427-1611 n Saturday, Feb. 14 — Songs in they Key of L.O.V.E. Begins at 8 p.m. Adults: $17, Seiniors, Children and Military: $13. n Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 — Into the Woods. Begins at 8 p.m.

Adults: $25, Seniors and Students: $15, Children: $10 n Sunday, March 1 — Into the Woods.

Begins at 8 p.m. Adults: $25, Seniors and Students: $15, Children: $10

EL CAMPANIL THEATRE The El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W Second St. in Antioch. For ticket sales and additional information please call 757-9500 n Saturday, Feb. 7 — Those Were they Days starring William Florian. Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, Youths receive free admission when accompanied by paying adult or senior. n Sunday, Feb. 8 — Human Capital.Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, n Friday, Feb. 15 — Bull in a China Shop.

Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, Youths: 10. n Friday, Feb. 20 — Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, Youths: $10. n Saturday, Feb. 21 — Hooray for Hollywood. Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, Youths: $8. n Sunday, Feb. 22 — Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, Youths: $8. n Saturday, Feb. 28 — The Sun Kings.

Begins at 8 p.m. Admission: $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, Youths receive free admission when accompanied by paying adult or senior.

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FRIDAY,

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5

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Gallery exhibits winners Students honored at reception

By DAMIAN LEWIN

dlewin@lmcexperience.com

Various works were recognized during an awards ceremony in the Art Gallery Jan. 15. Top: Art professor Lucy Snow presents student artist Shelby LaFond with a prize at the Student Art Exhibition reception. Right: Adnan Rana and Jasmine Perez look over a student’s piece. Above: Photographer John Schall admires many works adorning the gallery walls.

Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience

Clockwise from top left: “Banned Rays” by Melissa Oliveros, “Self Portrait” by Katrina Butler which took home the Juror’s Award for Digital Art, and “Community” by Martina Miranda.

Left to right: “The Grid” by Zach Marawala, “Mayan Temple” by Sacramento Cornejo, “Daniel” by Julee Richardson and “Untitled”

by Tori Lawson.

Fourteen student artists were rewarded during a reception held in the Art Gallery Jan. 15 commemorating the Student Art Exhibition now on display.

Featuring various styles of art, the exhibit displays pieces chosen from over 300 works submitted by students, with each being entered into a contest pertaining to its corresponding genre.

“Thank you ever yone for being here and supporting us,” said Galler y Director Judi Pettite, addressing a crowd of attendees and artists whose works adorned the gallery walls and display pedestals.

Divided into two contests, the first set of awards presented were donated by the Art Guild of the Delta. With help from guild members throughout East Contra Costa County, the Art Guild heads a fundraiser specifically designed to provide prize money to those awarded in the Student Art Exhibition contest.

“All the work is beautiful,” said Rosalinda Grejsen, guild member and award presenter. “It was difficult to vote.”

Comprised of four categories – Graphic Design, 2D Art, 3D Art and Photography – each winner was awarded a $200 check courtesy of the guild. Among the winners was Zachary Gardner, whose work earned him the Art Guild of the Delta Award for Graphic Design.

“I was surprised actually,” said Gardner about receiving his award.

Gardner, who had unsuccessfully attempted to gain entr y into the previous Student Art Exhibition, was excited to see three of his pieces decorate the walls of the gallery with those of his fellow artists, many of which he enjoyed.

“Seeing how they worked on them and how they are now,” said Gardner, recalling watching his peers begin to create their exhibition entries, “I’m impressed with a lot of them.”

Next students whose artwork was chosen by professional photographer Kelly Marshall in New York City were awarded prizes donated by Blick Art Supplies.

Separated into ten categories, each student who won in this final competition was addressed by members of the LMC Art Department and greeted with applause from gallery attendees.

Katrina Butler, whose piece won the Juror’s Award for Digital Art, described her feelings when she first heard her art was to be on display.

“At first I thought not much of it, but when I saw it here with all the other work,” she paused, a wide smile appearing on her face, “I was like, wow! It’s kind of exhilarating.”

As the award ceremony concluded, the attendees applauded for all the artists whose works were featured, as well as for the artists who submitted their works but were not included in the exhibit.

“We acknowledge everyone’s hard work,” said Pettite, giving praise to all who participated.

For those interested in viewing the many works of art currently on display, the Student Art Exhibition will continue until Thursday, Feb. 5 and is located in the LMC Art Gallery next to the Library.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. with a break from 2:30 to 4.

For a complete list of artists featured and award winners, visit the LMC Art Gallery website at www. losmedanos.edu/art/gal.aspx.

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FRIDAY,

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23,

2015

6

“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”

— Stuart Scott

Cancer awareness a swish

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Bella Domenichelli, who won a donated prize at the game, is being cheered on by Maurice the Mascot.

Comets sweep Stangs in event

By CATHIE LAWRENCE

clawrence@lmcexperience.com

Los Medanos College basketball hosted rival Contra Costa College in the Coaches vs.

Cancer Basketball Game Saturday, Jan. 17 to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society.

The losses continue a slow start for both teams this season.

The men’s team currently sports a record of 3-15, 0-7 in conference.

The women’s team has fared slightly better with a 5-12 overall record, 2-5 in conference.

Head coach of the women’s team Richard Villegas said his team played hard against the Comets, but just fell short.

“They just weren’t knocking down the shots even from the perimeter,” he said. “We just came up on the short end. The effort was there and I’m proud of their effort.”

Head coach of CCC’s women Paul De Bolt agreed that LMC

played hard and gave his team a hard fight.

“We played hard and it was a tough game. Los Medanos has a big team and they have big girls. So we had to make some adjustments on that; we had to stand the press for the whole game.”

The adjustments De Bolt made for his team worked as they defeated the Mustangs by double figures winning by a final score of 63-51.

The men kept their game closer which could be a moral victory considering they’ve been playing short-handed due to illnesses and injuries.

The key to the Comets’ success was shooting at a high percentage CCC head coach Robert Crane said.

“Our team shot a high percentage from the field today,” he said. “The Los Medanos College team played us hard.

We knew they were going to play us hard. They have some

Pep rally in support of disease

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

During a loss to the Contra Costa College Comets guard Marcus Walton pulls up for a running jumper through traffic in the paint. shooters, and when you get hot and play with confidence anything can happen.”

Los Medanos head coach Derek Domenichelli said that it was the best the Mustangs have played all year.

“I thought the game was really well played. We competed on a higher level than we have all year today, and so did Contra Costa,” he said. “I thought the guys played hard

and competed and played very unselfish.”

Even though it was the best game of the year for the men they still fell 65-58 to the Comets.

While the games didn’t go LMC’s way on the court, the event itself was a success at raising awareness for cancer.

Cold Stone Creamery gift cards and movie tickets to see “Selma” were given to

contestants that were wearing the most pink in their outfits at the game. They also gave away pink beads, lollipops and noisemakers to those in attendance.

Maurice the Mustang, LMC’s mascot, cheered on the LMC teams by shaking pink pom-poms and getting the audience in the mood for the festivities.

In addition to the giveaways,

Student Life Coordinator Demetria Lawrence and volunteers sold hot dogs, nachos, candy, drinks and pink and black t-shirts with ‘Coaches vs Cancer’ printed on them to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The Mustangs next home game will be Jan. 30 as the women take on Laney College and the men take on the College of Alameda.

This year’s b-ball team introduced

By JOSH WOOD

jwood@lmcexperience.com

Student Life kicked off the spring semester with a pep rally Thursday, Jan. 15 to raise awareness for the Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game.

The event kicked of at 12:30 p.m. in the outdoor quad and featured appearances by women’s basketball head coach Richard Villegas and members of both the men and women’s teams.

The event aimed not only at welcoming students back to campus after winter break, but also at bringing them to the third annual Coaches vs. Cancer game against the district rival Contra Costa College Comets. In addition, event planners hoped to drum up support for the Mustangs throughout the rest of the season, and help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of LMC in its inaugural 1974-75 academic year.

The pep rally began with Student Life Adviser Demetria Lawrence hosting a quiz show to get people to participate. Quiz takers got a chance to win gift cards to places such as Cold Stone Creamery and AMC Theaters by answering trivia about LMC correctly.

The rounds of quizzes continued in between

Experience • Logan Jones

Women’s basketball players from left, Quinisha Hall, Gabrielle Worley, Tia McGilbra, Mykaela Jones and Myeshia Ward rep their “hope” shirts. events at the rally.

Villegas took the microphone next, talking briefly about the upcoming game and introducing various members of both teams. Each one came out to a round of applause from students and professors alike.

The dance club gave a performance next,

dancing to a mash-up of hit current and classic pop songs.

Villegas indicated that ticket sales go directly to the Men’s and Women’s Coaches Association to represent LMC. The coaches association pools money from each school’s Coaches vs.

Cancer game and donates it as a lump sum to

the American Cancer Society.

Lawrence met with Villegas early in the fall semester to begin planning the pep rallies.

“The idea is to raise school spirit for the athletic teams,” Lawrence said. “We chose two events to highlight — homecoming and Coaches vs. Cancer.”

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Sports

Quotable

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FRIDAY,

JAN.

23,

2015

7

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

— Michael Jordan

New season brings promise

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

As softball prepares for the upcoming season Lyrica Langlois works on her swing during batting practice (left). Interim head coach Coach Rogenlien loads batting practice balls into the pitching machine (right).

A new coach, a new focus and a new year for softball

By DAMIAN LEWIN

dlewin@lmcexperience.com

Batting practice is in full swing and the softball team is set to take the field this season under the direction of interim head coach Tim Rogenlien. With an upsetting previous season in the back of the minds of all the players, hopes are high for the team as they prepare for their first game against San Francisco City College Saturday, Jan. 31.

“We’ve only been together for a little over

a week,” said Coach Rogenlien as he spoke of the lineup on this semesters softball team.

“I see some talent out there.”

No stranger to coaching softball, Rogenlien previously served as Assistant Coach at LMC from 1999 to 2005, in addition to an additional twenty years coaching experience in the Bay Area.

“The strength of a team is up the middle,” says Coach Rogenlien, describing the area of the field that covers the positions of catcher,

pitcher, second base, shortstop and center field. “This team is strong up the middle.”

And at the center of this “middle” stands Jenna Leavitt, who returns to the mound once again this season as the team’s primary starting pitcher.

“I think we’re definitely going to be more competitive than in the past,” said Leavitt, comparing the skills of her teammates and coaches to previous seasons. “The whole coaching staff is a great group.”

At her new, full-time position at second base, Crystal Hicks agrees with her teammate on the new head coach, as well as the rest of the coaching staff.

“They’re all amazing,” said Hicks, going on to add, “They’re very qualified and know what

they’re talking about.”

With a confident team, led by an experienced coaching staff, determination and the drive to succeed this season is at the top of everyone’s list.

“Ever yone is working real hard,” said returning shortstop Lyrica Langlois. “We’re really working well together. We’re all buds.”

As the preseason draws closer, the team and their coaches continue to get ready to face-off against many of the same opponents from last year, including Solano College, new home to former head coach Tim Griffith.

“I think we have a lot of talent out there,” said assistant coach Chris Ball. “Now it’s a matter of getting out on the field, get ready to get dirt in their skirts.”

NFL’s big game has ties to the Bay Area For the second straight season the Seattle tionable for the game. Cornerback Richard Seahawks will represent the NFC in football’s Sherman was noticeably injured during the biggest affair. Once again they will take on an NFC Championship game as well as safety offensive juggernaut from the AFC, only this Earl Thomas. time head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Right now the team is calling Sherman’s Tom Brady will lead the Patriots into battle on injury a sprained left elbow and Thomas’ a Sunday, Feb. 1. dislocated shoulder. The two go in for MRI’s As far as a prediction goes, the safe bet this week. would be to go with the Seahawks. Even Both teams are facing adversity in the lead up though the team will not have the support of to this game. For the Seahawks, the injuries will their thunderous crowd, self-titled “The 12th definitely be a factor. Players being banged up Man,” they still have an efficient quarterback is the reason why no team has won the Super in Russell Wilson, a strong running game lead Bowl in back-to-back years in over a decade.

by Marshawn Lynch, and a defense that is just On the flip side the Patriots are facing heat as as scary as the 2000-2001 Baltimore Ravens. the league is investigating whether or not the Even though Wilson had arguably the worst team cheated against the Indianapolis Colts in game of his career stathe AFC Championship tistically last weekend game last weekend against the Packers in in Foxboro. Eleven of the NFC Championship the twelve footballs Game, his team still the Patriots used were managed to escape with under-inflated, causing the win. Whether or not fans to fume as this is the Seahawks won the REAL TIME WITH JARED not the first time the Pagame or the Packers triots have been caught choked is debatable. doing something shady.

However, you cannot argue with the statistic In 2007, Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 that explains Wilson’s continued success. for videotaping a New York Jets practice which According to businessinsider.com, Wilson subsequently became known as Spygate. The is now a cool 10-0 in his career against super Patriots also lost out on their first-round pick bowl winning quarterbacks. in the 2008 NFL Draft as punishment handed Wilson simply would not thrive if it were not down by Commissioner Roger Goodell. for a strong running game lead by UC BerkeWhen it comes to the field though, the Paley alum Marshawn Lynch. Again, Oakland’s triots will be hoping Head Coach Pete Carroll very own put up another strong season for the and the Seahawks defense has no answer for Seahawks, finishing tied for first in the league Rob Gronkowski. for rushing touchdowns and yards per Yes, the Patriots offense looked balattempt. Even though Lynch tries to anced against the Colts last weekend, stay out of the spotlight by declining but the team did not have a rusher in to inter view after games, (costing the top 40 in the league for yards this him thousands of dollars each year) a season. The Pats will not be able to fool player of his caliber will always attract the Seahawks enough with the ground attention from the media. game, so it comes down to the right arm A player that truly does fly under the of Tom Brady. radar is the second-string running back The good news for the Patriots is they for Seattle, Robert Turbin. Also out could not be any more experienced. of Oakland, Turbin gives In the Belichick-Brady era, Lynch his much-needed the duo have won three breaks throughout the Super Bowls and lost game. These two cretwo. Their sixth appearate the threat of a big ance in a Super Bowl run happening at any is the most ever for time, and against the a quarterback-coach Patriots defense which pair. With his sixth Super gave up over 100 yards Bowl under his belt a game on the ground Brady passes the man the duo expects to see he grew up rooting for a lot of action in the big game. in San Mateo, Joe Montana.

On the flip side, Brady and the Patriots’ Prediction: The Patriots hang on for three offense may have lucked out as the Seahawks quarters, but the Seahawks record two intervaunted defense comes into the game struggling ceptions, one of which being a pick-six allowing to get healthy. According to mmqb.si.com, two them to beat the Patriots in a game that really of the Seahawks’ best players are still ques- wasn’t that close, 26-17.

Jared Ambuehl

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Studies show it is the most productive day of the week.

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Back Talk

BUILD From page 1

tions were received back in August following the approval of Bond Measure E, which gave the project its funding.

But the planning process was brought to a halt by BART Board of Directors President Joel Keller’s eleventh-hour proposal to move the location of the new Brentwood Center to land located next to a possible future eBART station near the Mokulomne Trail and Lone Tree Way, thus linking public transit with public education.

In response, the college district hired a private consultant to do a feasibility study on a potential site move. That study deemed the original location chosen as still the best available choice and the board voted 4-1 at its Nov. 12 meeting to go ahead with the project on the land already owned by the district. Piepho then sent a letter to the board echoing the concerns of the Summerset residents, who spoke at the Dec. 10 board meeting and voiced support for Keller’s proposal.

“The [current] site has no transportation alternatives while the Mokulomne Trail site could provide both bus and BART access and create a much better transportation package for students while minimizing impact to others in the adjacent areas/community,” said Piepho in her letter.

But one of the determining factors the feasibility study considered was that the state would most likely not approve an extension center located fewer than 10 miles from the main campus.

“It’s a rule of thumb at the State Chancellor’s Office,” said Pyle, adding that the Mokulomne Trail site suggested

by Keller is only 8.9 miles away from LMC in Pittsburg via Google Maps using State Route 4, while the Pioneer Square site is 13.9 miles.

In contrast, Enholm, who has been an adamant supporter of Keller’s proposal, also provided maps from Google, Yahoo and Bing which indicate the Mokulomne Trail site is 10 or more miles away from LMC in Pittsburg.

No matter where the college is built, Piepho said in an interview the governing board needs to address changes that have occurred over time and the opportunities now

SPRING From page 1

dates as well as coordinated pick-ups for students who require transportation.

For information on transferring, visit the Transfer Center, in Room CC4-435 or www. losmedanos.edu/transfer.

The next table was dedicated to information on financial aid. One form that was provided allows eligible students to apply for the Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver. The waiver lowers the prices of classes based on how many units students are enrolled in, according to Patriz Arzate, LMC Financial Aid Assistant.

For more information on financial aid visit the new Student Ser vices Center, Room SS3-309.

A third table provided information about CalWORKs and Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) is a program designed to help those who come from lower-income and underrepresented backgrounds by “promoting enrollment, retention, persistence and success.”

Catherine Fonseca, CalWORKs program represen-

NURSE From page 3

offers students who are interested in working in the medical field a chance to see what the job is like.

While developing the essential class schedule for the program, Goldfarb took into account that many students have financial needs, families, and have jobs.

“I wanted to create a program that would guarantee success for my students so I took that into account when I developed the program. I created night classes for those that work during the day. I also kept into account the cost for material

available.

“I think that it’s important that the government listen to community concerns,” said Piepho, who attended the Summerset IV Town Hall Meeting last November.

Governing Board President John Nejedly, who is the trustee representing Ward IV where the campus is slated to be built, and also Peipho’s brother, was invited to address questions and hear comments from members of the Trilogy and Summerset communities.

But Piepho was disappointed with the meeting because, she said, it seemed the college district sent a representative to listen to the residents but apparently had no intention of changing its decision on the site location of the future Brentwood Center.

In her letter to the governing board, dated Nov. 25, Piepho expressed concerns over the District’s Nov. 12 decision to move forward with building the satellite campus at the Pioneer Square Site.

“While I remain supportive and excited about the college district’s intent to further expand its access for students in far East Contra Costa, I was disappointed to learn that the board is not open to further dialogue with the Brentwood community about its proposed new center,” wrote Piepho.

Even if the Summerset residents managed to get the issue on the State Senate Special Election Ballot in March, the results wouldn’t necessarily affect the district’s decision to build the new campus at Vineyards Parkway and Marsh Creek Road.

“It would certainly have merit,” said LMC President Bob Kratochvil in an interview, but the city has no control over what the college does because it is a state entity.

“The fact is that the city doesn’t have jurisdiction,” explained Kratochvil, adding that the governing board would have to make that decision just like they made the original decision to build.

But Kratochvil said he has been in conversations with the city of Brentwood and Homeowner’s Association representatives from Trilogy and Summerset III and IV, along with district governing board members, to find solutions to residents’ concerns with traffic, specifically on Fairview Avenue. As of right now, the

tative, said that the program “assists students with books, priority registration and even parking passes.”

Furthermore, CalWORKs helps by giving students “marketable skills to be more competitive in the work field,” she said.

Fonseca added that students can make appointments at the Brentwood Center with her or other CalWORKs employees to find out if they qualify.

The last table was set up for a California State University East Bay representative.

Annie Nogales Chandler, M.S., Assistant Director of Pre-Admission and Recruitment, said students were able to find out what majors CSUEB offers and what the admission requirements are.

“The students here are really fun and smart,” said Chandler.

Similar to the CalWORKs program, students can make appointments at the Brentwood Center with a representative from CSUEB who works with students one-on-one to help them succeed.

For questions or concerns about CSUEB, visit their website www.csueastbay.edu.

so I found the least expensive tools so that my students could afford,” said Goldfarb. “Becoming educated and pursuing a passion is the best investment my students could make. This great opportunity to better their lives and the lives of their family will be worth it.”

MEET From page 1

Tim Leong played between presentations, accompanied

by LMC student pianist Tim Combs.

After each presentation, District Chancellor Helen Benjamin presented raffle

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new campus is scheduled to be completed Fall 2018 which, he said, gives the college time to figure out solutions — possible new stop signs, roundabouts, speed bumps and even a third-party study on potential additional traffic conditions.

Construction traffic is also an issue that has been addressed, said Kratochvil, adding that the construction crew will abide by city ordinances regarding noise and a specific route for trucks and other vehicles involved in the building process.

Kratochvil also said he and District Director of Communications and Community Relations Tim Leong recently met with TriDelta CEO Jeanne Krieg about whether public transportation going to the new satellite campus is a possibility because there have been reports that TriDelta has no plans to provide bus routes for students if the college is built at the Pioneer Square site. Kratochvil said Krieg assured them at the meeting that TriDelta will provide transit where it is needed and there have even been talks of a possible bridge route between the Brentwood Center and the main campus in Pittsburg.

“They can do anything as long as there is ridership and money behind it,” said Kratochvil.

If things move forward as planned, the college will begin construction in a few years.

“The next step is to negotiate the architect’s fee and contract, take it to the board and, if approved, start design,” said Pyle.

But if the process is halted again because the district decides to move the site, the state is not currently accepting Letters of Intent to build until October 2015, there is the possibility the state might not approve a new site.

The decision to move ahead essentially rested on the fact that selecting a new site is fraught with risk, increased cost and an unacceptable delay in opening the new campus.

“Essentially, if we can’t build where we are currently planning, the whole process of finding a new location and getting it approved would have to start over,” explained Pyle.

“This is a two-to-four year process, and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

OPEN From page 1

dent’s office is supposed to be,” said Kratochvil, describing his enjoyment watching all the smiling faces enter through the doors into the center.

“It’s amazing,” said Financial Aid Supervisor Jennifer Ma, comparing her department’s new location to its previous building just outside the cafeteria. With “an opportunity for growth,” Ma and her colleagues are “very excited” to be located in the new Student Services Center.

Although many depar tments have changed their locations to this newer building, confusion as to where they may be now, as well as many other questions, can be answered by those either in the new Welcome and Information centers located in the center and main entrance of the second floor.

“I feel like everything is open,” said Leonardo Bojorquez, who works as a student ambassador at the Information Center along with fellow ambassador Danielle Brown. Helping to assist both returning and new students, both say they help between fifty and one hundred students daily, even if it is “easier to find everything,” according to Brown.

With useful departments now in a central location, the newly opened Student Services Center is the final result of years of hard work designed to help benefit both present and future students at LMC. prizes to attendees, including gift cards and electronic devices. Benjamin ended the event by thanking everyone who participated.

LMC President Bob Kratochvil said this will be reoccurring event held every two years.

F R I D AY,

JAN.

23,

2015

8

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