Vol. 86 No. 11-May 5, 2017

Chef serves up tips

‘Silence’ is golden

Stangs make playoffs

Contra Costa College Chef Nader Sharkes imparts knowledge during cooking demonstration — page 3

The student written post-apocolyptic play “Death and Silence” keeps viewers on their toes — page 4

Despite last Friday’s home loss, the team won an important bout to continue into postseason — page 5

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F.Y.I. Important Dates May is ALS Awareness Month May 19

Last day of regular classes prior to finals

May 26

Last day of instruction and graduation

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New facility on the way

LMC P.E. to enter 21st century

By AUSTIN C. HERRINGTON Staff Writer

Construction is under way at Los Medanos College by the baseball field and the current weight room. After having the weight room, dance studio, cardio room and Stang room in portables for 10 years, it was finally time for LMC to get an upgrade.

New P.E. facilities will be put in place of the old ones and will both improve and expand on the current facilities. The complex is part of a two-building project that includes a new Student Union.

The complex will include two new dance and fitness studios, an athlete workout room, a general weights and cardio room, two

classrooms, offices for PE and Athletic faculty/staf f, locker rooms and showers, team sports locker room, an equipment storage room and the athletic trainer room.

The total cost of both the Student Union and the Physical Education Complex will be $61.8 million as part of Measure A and E. Vice President Kevin Horan is excited for what the future of this complex will hold for LMC. “I’m looking forward to continue to give reasons for the community and our students to have deep pride in our institution,” said Horan. “These facilities reflect deep commitment to our

P.E complex – coming in 2019

students and our community,” said Horan.

Horan is keen on bringing improved facilities to LMC’s sports teams.

“They will finally have the facilities that will match the quality of their programs,” said Horan. “The greatest gain will be that LMC will be competitive with other institutions that our players are considering.”

Athletic Director Richard Villegas is excited to see the improvements to the athletic department that will benefit all the sports at LMC. “I’m looking forward to having state-of-theart facilities like the rest of the

Science

Student Union

See PE, page 6

Experience graphic by Lissette Urbina

Debate ends season

Finals week upcoming May 22 marks the start of finals week for the spring semester. A reminder: classes that start at 4 p.m. and into the evening will hold finals at normal time. Confirm with your instructor for the specific times for your finals.

Rookies see first action

By ANDREW GONZALEZ

agonzalez@lmcexperience.com

STEM work displayed The Los Medanos College STEM program will host a research symposium Friday, May 5 to present what current students and alumni have learned through research experiences, internships, honors projects, volunteer opportunites and summer employment. It will be held in the Science building from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Scholarship opportunies Need help with scholarship information? Then visit Scholarship Coordinator Tammy Oranje in the Student Services Center in Room SS3-109.

The scholarship drop-n hours are Mondays from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. You may also email Oranje at toranje@ losmedanso.edu or call her at (925) 473-7518.

Planning for the summer The Los Medanos College Summer 2017 Class Schedule is now available for students who plan to register. It can be viewed online at losmedanos. edu/.

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Experience • Adria Watson

Los Medanos College student Briana Orozco takes a big swing at a pinata in the outdoor quad at the Cinco De Mayo event Wednesday.

Mexican culture celebrated Cinco De Mayo event aims to bring the community together

By JORDAN NEEL

jneel@lmcexperience.com

Cinco de Mayo was all over LMC May 3, as student clubs La Raza, Puente and SACNAS threw an event that celebrated Mexican culture in the outdoor quad for the “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta” event.

Since the holiday fell on a Friday this year — when most students typically aren’t on campus — it was celebrated on Wednesday. The clubs had food for sale from Durritos, Bionicos and a make-your-own taco bar. The money

raised will be used to help each club.

Aside from the food, there was Latin music being played and activities were available, including a piñata that people could not wait to hit.

Maika Jimenez, ICC Representative of La Raza, shared her thoughts on the event for Mexican culture. “It’s an event for people to have fun,” said Jimenez.

“Music is being played so that people can dance and a piñata so that people can have something fun to do on campus.

All the clubs wanted to band together

for a big event.”

Vanessa Martinez, president of La Raza, was ver y enthusiastic about wanting to be a part of the event.

“I saw Cinco de Mayo was coming up,” said Martinez. “I thought we should do this as an opportunity for us to all get together and have a fiesta again like we did in the fall for Dia de la Muertos to capture the same vibe.”

Israel Castro Cortez, LMCAS President, felt an event that showcases the Hispanic culture is extremely important.

“It is significant because LMC is a Hispanic-serving institute,” said Castro Cortez. “25% of our population is Hispanic. Things like this show that See CINCO, page 6

Nursing students network at job fair

By PERRY CONTINENTE

pcontinente@lmcexperience.com

The Nursing Career Fair returned to Los Medanos College May 2, providing job opportunities and networking potential for students in the nursing program as well as Emergency Medical Services students.

Nursing students flooded Library Room L-109 Tuesday where just over a dozen tables

lined the walls, promoting ever ything from more traditional nursing employers like Sutter Delta Hospital to elder-care facilities like Brightstar Homecare.

The fair coincides with National Nurses’ Week, nicely Experience • Adria Watson synergizing with the job fair.

LMC students Rousell De la Cruz and Bernadette Sutter Delta drew the biggest crowd initially with the Salas speak with Brightstar Care recruiter Mareike majority of the students flock- Perez during the Nursing Career Fair Tuesday in See NURSE, page 6

the Library, Room L-109.

Los Medanos College’s Debate Team members have proven their skill by placing high at multiple competitions throughout the year, and their future only looks brighter after their performance at the Northern California Forensics Association’s “Spring Fling.”

The one-day tournament was held Saturday, April 29 at Ohlone College in Fremont and was aimed at debaters who are new to the competitions, giving them a chance to gain some valuable experience.

Co-Director of Forensics Kasey Gardner looks forward to the event every year because of the opportunity it presents for many LMC students.

“It’s one of my favorite days of the year. The entire theory behind the tournament is that everyone who is competing is in their first semester of competition, or brand new to the activity,” Gardner said, “It’s a chance for students from out of our speech classes, students on the debate team to get a chance to compete for the first time, and then our senior students who have been on the team for a while actually serve as judges.”

LMC was well represented, bringing 17 members to the event, which in an email sent out by Co-Director of Forensics Marie Arcidiacono said was “huge” for the team.

Among the 17 participants from LMC were Kirstie Tabelin and Arianna Berumen, both of whom finished as finalists in what Arcidiacono called a “stacked” Impromptu Speaking category.

“I’ve participated in a small number of debate events, probably [fewer] than 10.

This is only my second semester doing Forensics,” said Berumen. “Just like all my competitions, I went in ner vous and not knowing what to expect. But since it was a novice competition, I’ve realized everyone else was just as jittery as I was. But after the first round I wasn’t as nervous.”

Although her nervousness did fade away after some time, she didn’t necessarily expect to go as far as she did. “I See DEBATE, page 6

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“Hope will never be silent.”

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Perry Continente

Christopher Haber

JUST THE WORST

GUEST COLUMNIST

100 down, way too many to go

The upside to video games

President Donald Trump’s slim victory against Hillary Clinton in November was unexpected to say the least. Almost every political commentator thought that a Trump victory was all but impossible, however, troublingly, Trump managed a win in the electoral college despite a loss in the popular vote. It’s time we examine how we got here.

Many factors contributed to Trump’s win, not the least of them white, uneducated, men, however, it is important to take everything into account, and to realize, at least some of the fault, lies with Democrats.

Trump’s rise to the top of the Republican primary was unforeseen, many news outlets focused on his antics for easy ratings.

Seemingly ever ything that came out of Trump’s mouth was obscene, profane, and fascinating. These news outlets, many of them Liberal leaning, gave Trump a huge amount of free advertising.

They say all publicity is good publicity, as I’m sure Trump now knows. My biggest issue with his early coverage was how few stations did anything but laugh at him and his supporters, it would have been easy to simply explain why his plans wouldn’t work, to focus on holes in his policy rather than pointing out social blunders that bring the views, but won’t change anyone’s mind.

Blind sensationalism and ignoring middle America is what destroyed Clinton. Republicans knew she would run and made sure to drag her name through the mud for the last 4 years of the Obama administration.

They became the Party of Opposition and became damn good at it too.

Liberals made a fatal mistake of ignoring Trump’s ability to rile up the uneducated, white voter. Trump evangelized this demographic, resulting in the clear majority of white men, and even the majority of white women, voting for Trump. This is shocking given the allegations of sexual assault leveled against him.

Liberals also have failed to reach out to middle America. Low income communities should be democratic supporters, it is in their best interests economically, however, we continually refer to them as “fly over country“ and homogenize them as racist, sexist, backwards homophobes. Relics of the past whose way of life is on the way out.

Clinton referred to Trump’s supporters as “Deplorable,” and while that may be true, sentiments like that opened the way for someone as insidious and anti-PC as Trump. to swoop in and evangelize that audience.

I see the division in America widening every day, with less and less communication between the left and the right, the coasts and middle America, it became unthinkable that someone like Trump could win. Saturday Night Live, in one of their debate skits, implied that Clinton had already won. This sort of thinking engendered passivity in the liberal base and allowed Trump a chance to muster his motivated base to swoop in.

The whole thing was treated like a joke, Clinton’s victory was a foregone conclusion.

We failed to take into account the depth and breadth of bigotry in America, or how the combination of protest votes for Trump, the unenthusiastic response to Clinton, and Trump’s rabid base were setting the stage for a Trump victory.

These failures continue as ever yone focuses on how Trump and his surrogates blunder about lying and accidentally denying the holocaust, but coverage on the proposed tax plan gets half the attention it deserves.

The president is planning on gutting our tax code and massively cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans and we can’t stop talking about how the world’s worst press secretary misspoke. It is a failure of the press to present the American people with what matters.

Growing up, I had a ton of different hobbies that I loved to do. From playing soccer and basketball to collecting and trading Naruto cards with my friends, but nothing stuck out to me more than playing video games.

I would spend hours upon hours playing “Super Smash Bros” or “Halo with my friends after school instead of doing homework (thankfully I made it past middle and high school with good grades).

Eventually it started to replace many of my other favorite hobbies and became the core hobby of my life. I could not count the amount of times my mom would yell at me to turn the darn console off and go to bed or go outside.

She used to tell me that if I kept playing so many video games, it would fry my brain or make me go blind. As I type this now, I can tell you all that I have not had my brain fried or gone COMPLETLEY blind.

The point I am trying to make is that there is this stereotype that videogames are bad for kids and that it causes kids to get behind in school, be violent, or lose any desire to be physically active.

Those stereotypes have stuck with me for years as I would see and personally experience the hate the gaming world would receive from parents toward those that play.

Now that I am much older, I can find out for myself if those stereotypes are true or not. With all that being said, what if I told you that videogames can be good for kids and can actually help them excel in life?

When someone says a statement like that, a lot of people would say I’m crazy. But a man by the name of Gabe Zichermann gave a TED Talk about this subject and stated this exact sentiment.

Zichermann, who has written books about the effect of videogames on those who play them, proceeded to say that videogames help make kids better problem-solvers and multi-taskers.

As they must learn to handle multiple things while playing an online game, such as the controls of the game, communicating with their teammates in voice and text, planning strategies, figuring out what their opponent will do next and how to counter that and knowing which buttons to press to land that sweet combo.

All of this is running through the mind of a gamer at any one time while fully immersed into a competitive video game.

Not just kids though — video games can have an effect on adults as well, as it increases ones reaction time while driving and has been said to help with seeing in the dark while driving.

Videogames have also affected the way businesses go about advertising their new products, and even the ones they create.

They aim to create products that appeal specifically toward gamers as more and more people join the gaming community.

With the gaming world growing at such a rapid rate, companies have also begun to sponsor professional gamers and videogame organizations to represent their brand.

We have companies such as Red Bull and Monster that are known for sponsoring athletes switching toward the gaming community as it begins to rise.

They realize how massive gaming already is around the world and how much bigger it can be with the right kind of support.

By supporting young people to make their passion and hobby of gaming a career, it opens parents to new ideas that gaming might not be as bad as they once thought.

Instead of parents yelling at their kids for playing videogames, they should take the time to learn about the game, to join and play the game with their kids.

Maybe they’ll see that videogames aren’t so bad after all.

Experience • Sarah Gonzales

Editorial

‘Ironic’ bigotry is ugly

T

opping off a 12-minute roast of President Trump Monday night, Late Show host Stephen Colbert ended with a particularly provocative joke.

“The only thing [Trump’s] mouth is good for is being Vladmir Putin’s cock-holster,” said Colbert.

While the reaction from the Right was both predictable and hypocritical — to posture yourself as an advocate for LGBTQ rights as your party strips health care rights for those same people is laughable — liberal reaction to the joke and what they see as solely a Right response has been troubling.

Since Trump’s election and the mounting evidence of Russian connections from the likes of early supporter and former-National Security Adviser Gen. Michael Flynn and campaign manager Paul Manafort, there has been a popular meme on the Left that posits Trump and Putin as lovers. A few weeks ago, Colbert’s show posted an illustration that has Trump riding behind (and grasping the chest of) a shirtless Putin on a purple unicorn in front of a rainbow background.

Like most things in the Trump era of politics, this is an extreme iteration of an old problem.

For a long time, liberals have either said or implied that homophobes on the Right are in fact closeted, self-hating homosexuals.

To put it simply, this is at best ironic homophobia, and ironic bigotry is just that — bigotry.

This is an unfortunate trend when it comes to the garden-variety bigots you find in Congress, but it is especially gross when the target of this is an admitted sexual predator. What sort of message is this sending to young people who are already struggling with their identities?

As is the norm with comedians who confuse speaking truth to power with contributing to the stigmas attached to various groups, Colbert offered a non-apology Wednesday night, saying he should have been more careful with his language, proving he either was only paying attention to disingenuous protest from the Right or didn’t understand what others were actually protesting. As far as turns of phrase go, “cock-holster” is great. Fighting bigotry with bigotry is not.

LGBTQ+ community lacks ‘pride’ Los Medanos College has prided itself on being a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for its LGBTQ+ students. And it should.

We have an ALLIES club specifically run by and for the LGBTQ+ students on campus.

We have an out gay governing board member.

We have a cohort of teachers in the process of creating an “Out List” after having thrown “The Big Gay Mixer” to bring the community together. We have a president who has promised two gender neutral bathrooms for the new College Complex remodel (in addition to the bathroom already designated as gender neutral in the science building). We will soon be one of the first community colleges in the state, if not country, to offer an LGBTQ+ Studies/ Social Justice degree.

We have so much to pride ourselves on. This school has done the work to include those who have historically been marginalized. The teachers, the administration, they are all happy and eager to help in any way that they can.

The only problem lies with the students that those working for the school are passionately trying so hard to empower and include.

Talk to any LGBTQ+ identified student and you are bound to hear at least one improvement that can be made on campus regarding the community. The most common complaint: “Where is the community?”

The student run ALLIES club, as mentioned before, has not met since last semester. And if one were to attend a meeting, you’d find that the attendance is shockingly low. Students are simply not showing up for each other. Maybe they have classes at that time or maybe they

Voices

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simply don’t care.

You’d think that the students who really want a club, to create a community, would seek out those in charge and figure out a regular time to meet that works for most members.

And if that is not possible, they’d coordinate events or socials and do a small amount of outreach work to pull the LGBTQ+ students from the woodwork.

Instead, there is a Facebook group for the ALLIES club. As of the spring semester, no club is meeting for LGBTQ+ students to connect with each other on campus. Where do you go to meet other LGBTQ+ students?

Maybe the few queer themed classes that are offered, such as LGBT Literature, taught by Liz Green? But that’s a lot of extra time and work to take on just to make some friends.

The only “community” of fered to an LGBTQ+ student are individual teachers.

And one shouldn’t downplay the fact that the “Out List” being created by teachers and soon to appear on the LMC website is a very progressive and a noble act.

“I’ve had students come to my office hours

See LGBTQ, page 6

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

Experience

Do you plan on transferring?

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

o n z a l e s

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

“I’m going to SFSU eventually.

I’m trying for a computer science major.”

— Allan Flippin

“I plan on applying to UCLA... and a couple of other campuses.”

— Sketch Choice

“I plan on transferring to UCLA fall of 2018.”

— Genaro Maricio

“I’m planning on transferring but I’m not sure where because there’s so many options out there for me as a music major.”

— Jonathan Haislip

“I would like to go to Stanford, it’s my first choice. But if not, I also want to go to St. Mary’s or Mills.”

— Abbie Major

“I’m planning on transferring to the University of Pacific in Stockton.”

— Anthony Adams

Editors-in-Chief ...........BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ and KIMBERLY STELLY Managing Editor.....................ADRIA WATSON Perspectives Editor............VANESSA FLORES Campus Editor ......................TERESA GAINES Features Editor ................SARAH GONZALES Sports Editor ....................... GARRETT BELME Graphics Editor...................LISSETTE URBINA Photo Editor ..........................CHRISTIAN RUIZ Copy Chief ...................... TYLER MORTIMORE 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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“For me, cooking is an expression of the land where you are and the culture of that place.”

— Wolfgang Puck

Deadline to enter extended Compete for fun, cash and prizes

By ROBERT PIERCE Staff Writer

It’s finals month at Los Medanos College, and if someone grabbed you and asked you to say the first word that comes to your mind after they say the words “test” and “May,” “fun” is probably not what you would think of.

But the Office of Student Life and Los Medanos College Associated Students sure would like you to, as the two are getting ready to host the 12th annual Academic Competition on Saturday, May 13 in the LMC Gym from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free food and goodies are offered for all entrants, and cash prizes are awarded to top finishers. To encourage more students to enter the competition, the deadline to enter has been extended to May 9.

Registration forms are available in the Office of Student Life, located in the portable on the pathway from Level 2 of the College Complex to Parking Lot A. The competition date, right in the middle of finals, might seem daunting, but it was chosen for a reason.

“We did it this date specifically because we know that the last two weeks of the semester are very hectic for people,” said Israel Castro Cortez, President of LMCAS Student Government. “We just want to let people know that taking tests can be a fun thing, taking tests can be rewarding.”

“It’s always a fun and successful event,” said John Nguyen, Student Life Coordinator, who is coordinating this year’s Academic Competition. “Many students want to do it, but don’t know it yet.”

Students participate in teams of four, and any and all current LMC students are allowed to register as part of a team. However, if you can’t See COMP, page 6

Experience • Kimberly Stelly

While showing a group of Los Medanos College faculty and staff members how to make several dishes, Contra Costa College Chef Nader Sharkes also shared tips on the most effective way to shop for groceries Friday, April 28 in CC-221.

‘Sharkes’ shares tips on feeding

By KIMBERLY STELLY kstelly@lmcexperience.com

Contra Costa College Culinary Arts Professor Nader Sharkes had an opportunity to exhibit his culinary skills Friday, April 28 in room CC-221 as he demonstrated different ways to make several types of salad.

Sharkes is revered in the Bay Area as he is often associated with the Restaurant Management

Program at Diablo Valley College.

Before he became a commodity for DVC and CCC, his culinary education took him to multiple European countries. After extensive training in Europe, in 1989 he opened Orpee Restaurant while serving as an instructor at Los Medanos College.

At the event, he taught attendees how to make several dishes — salads mostly but he also taught

If walls could paint

them how to make pesto. Each ingredient, he cradled delicately in his hand while explaining why each one was critical in regards to flavor.

Sharkes also gave tips on how to shop for groceries. One tip was “never go shopping when you’re hungry.” His point was that when you go shopping while you’re hungry, you run the risk of “buying impulsively.”

He asked if anyone knew what the best way to cook bacteria out of their food dishes were.

To everyone’s surprise, it wasn’t steaming, frying or baking — it was microwaving. He proceeded to explain the myth behind why microwaving things has “Shallots are just onions trying to be a garlic.”

One of the spectators chimed See CHEF, page 6

‘Sexuality’ is enriching History of identities is the focus of new class

By BRENNA ENOS Staff Writer

Experience • Beatriz Hernandez

Art Professor Judi Petite oversees student Shelby Nichole as she puts up selfportraits Petite’s students made in her Beginning and Intermediate Painting classes. The art students were encouraged to base their work on famous graffitti artists. They were recently installed on Level 2 of the College Complex.

Newswatch Transfer coaching is offered

If you need help figuring out how and where to transfer, stop by the Transfer and Career Services desk for help.

Students may schedule an appointment with Director of Transfer and Career Services Kristin Conner or Transfer Services and Transfer Coordinator Rachel Anicetti.

Honor LMC counselor’s life

The Counseling Department invites faculty, staff and students to celebrate the life of EOPS Counselor Laura Subia during a plaque ceremony in her honor Friday, May 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in SS4-412.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a dessert dish and to email Melissa Pon at mpon@losmedanos.edu for more info.

Celebrate donors and scholars

The annual Donor Reception and Scholarship Ceremony will be hosted by the Los Medanos College Foundation Friday, May 19.

Although separate events, the Donor Reception will take place from 1:45 p.m. in the Library, Room L-109 and immediately after the Scholarship Ceremony will be held in Recital Hall 720, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. More than 40 scholarships will be handed out thanks to the generosity of donors.

Get your updates on the ‘Go’

With Ellucian Go, students can now check their class schedules, register, manage education plans, manage waitlists and more. The Ellucian Go app is available to download for iPhone and Android phones.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

An addition to the Los Medanos College curriculum, History of Sexuality in North America, is broadening the horizon of the histor y depar tment with a new lens on LGBT history.

With an emphasis on the ways in which sex has contributed to issues of class, race and gender, History of Sexuality is a transferable course that provides students with an enriching experience.

“It expands the curriculum in ways that are both important and interesting to many students, directly addressing aspects of diversity that enrich our lives and understanding of everyone in our community,” explained Nancy Ybarra, LMC’s Dean of Liberal Arts.

The class was added to the curriculum in the fall of 2016 and it is now fully transferable. Currently, this course fulfills the LMC Associate Degree requirement for Social and Behavioral Sciences or Ethnic/Multicultural Studies. It also fulfills the California State University General Education Area D requirement and Humanities requirements

for the University of California system.

Developed and taught by Professor Joshua Bearden, History of Sexuality takes students on a historical journey from the colonial period to the present and helps them look at American history through a new lens, covering not only LGBT history, but all forms of sexuality still prevalent today.

“In the modern world that we live in with gender relations and sexual identities, people often don’t think that there is a history to that,” said Bearden. “I think it’s important for them to know that there really is a history.”

This course covers different types of sexual relations through readings, lectures and videos that provide students with a holistic perspective.

While History of Sexuality in North America is an ethnic and historic studies course, at the end of the semester Bearden hopes it will also provide students with the ability to self-reflect.

“Personally, I hope that students will get a better understanding of their own identity and where it comes from whether that’s a racial See CLASS, page 6

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“Just look at the flowers Lizzie. Just look at the flowers.”

— Carol Peletier from AMC’s “The Walking Dead”

Drama cast eats brains for play Zombie action and gore thrills

By AZI CARTER Staff Writer

It was Fright Night on Monday in the intimate LMC Theater. “Death and Silence” the highly anticipated student-written post-apocalyptic drama debuted May 1 and the audience members thought it was Halloween instead of spring and they were entering a haunted house with all the blood, scary makeup and costumes.

Play-goers were directed into a dark theatre, receiving the usual instructions of no eating and no recording devices, then escorted individually to their seats by an usher with a gun who cautions them audience as they were seated, “zombies on the loose, be careful, we are here to protect you.”

Armed with handguns, machetes, rifles and flashlights, and the usher’s assurance, the wait began for the curtains to go up.

The stage was blocked into sections and rafters created about 10 feet off the ground. A section of the floor was been transformed into a street with black top and a yellow striped line running across with the word “run.”

Wild and crazy music of Eminem’s song “Desperation” tightened the suspenseful mood as the audience waited.

Excitement heightened as the play began with zombies high above the stage in rafters in various stages of decomposition and with blood and sores covering their crooked and deformed bodies.

They shuf fled back and for th with a lifeless stare in their eyes.

The lighting effects accentuated the bizarre atmosphere and captured the audience in a maze of sound effects and exploding babies.

The stage combat was clean and precise as Sonia, played by Jazmin Brehaaut the lead character demonstrated her bad-assed female powerhouse that packed a mean punch maiming and killing the zombies as

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she wielded her knife and positioned her firearms.

Edward, Sonia’s mild mannered counterpart, played by Greg Kubik-Boyd, made desperate attempts to penetrate Sonia’s shell of resistance and prove his worth.

The audience got a recap of the carnage and loss that befell Sonia and Edward allowing the audience into their worlds, getting a clear understanding of their plight and challenges.

Their chief antagonist, John, played

by David Kluzek executes torture and brutalized, the neighborhood, adding Sonia as his latest victim.

Playwright Ariel Dunn is well

‘Hope’ comes to LMC Marquee

Recital Hall to host opera performance

By BRENNA ENOS Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of www.hopebriggs.com

Portrait photo of professional opera singer Hope Briggs.

For opera lovers and music fans alike, An Evening of Classical Vocal Elegance will be held in the Los Medanos College Recital Hall Tuesday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m.

This musical performance will feature a variety of music styles sung by a professional operatic soprano.

Star of the night Hope Briggs will perform opera music from the works of classical German composer Robert Schumann, French romantic composer Gabriel Faure and a variety of African

American Spiritual songs arranged by composer such as Jacqueline Hairston.

Throughout the evening, Briggs will be accompanied by classically trained pianist Bill Quist, who performs with the San Francisco Opera.

With a lot of professional musical experience behind her, Briggs has been a featured soloist in many shows such as The Opening Night Gala Concert with Oakland East Bay Symphony and San Francisco Symphony’s The Wondrous Sounds of Christmas.

See HOPE, page 6

‘1975’ makes retro cool again

By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ

bhernandez@lmcexperience.com

With beautiful effects and light changes, The 1975 managed to unite the crowd at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco with an emotional and exhilarating evening Friday, April 28.

Prior to the event, fans of the band chatted happily in front of City Hall excited for the night to come.

The night began with performances from two The 1975-esque openers — Colouring and Pale Waves. Apart from all three being from the U.K., both bands were similar in musical style to The 1975.

In their short time on stage,

REVIEW

Colouring did a good job of performing a multitude of songs that showed range, while Pale Waves kept the crowd pumped with upbeat songs throughout their set. Though it was clear the crowd was eagerly waiting for the headliner.

From the moment The 1975 hit the stage with the song “The 1975” from their second album, the audience was hooked. As soon as the first words escaped front man Matty Healy’s mouth the entire room stood up and I looked around as members of the audience sang along and watched on mesmerized.

Going to a The 1975 concert is an experience. Each song has a different mood associated with it emphasized by the lights and images projected

Photo courtesy of The1975.com

Publicity photo of band members from “The 1975.” in the background.

During the song “Loving Someone,” a rainbow was shined across the stage as people all over the venue held up colored hearts passed out by fellow audience members prior to the concert.

By JORDAN NEEL

jneel@lmcexperience.com

After his successful “Magnificent Color” tour and three Grammy wins last year, Chance The Rapper made a triumphant return to the Bay Area with his “Be Encouraged” tour.

With the performances Chance has done on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and the “59th Annual Grammy Awards,”

REVIEW

Chance the rapper’s “Be Encouraged” album cover.

Experience • Beatriz Hernandez

Movies released

n “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” Rated PG-13 Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi, Comedy n “3 Generations” Rated N/R Genre: Drama, Comedy n “Alienate” Rated N/R Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller, Horror n “Another Evil” Rated N/R Genre: Comedy, Horror n “Chuck” Rated R Genre: Drama, Sport n “The Lovers” Rated R Genre: Comedy n “The Dinner” Rated R Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Gospel Celebration at LMC

The Los Medanos Music Department will be hosting the 23 Annual Gospel Celebration Saturday May 6 in the recital hall at 7 p.m. The Celebration will be featuring the Los Medanos College’s Gospel Choir, Tri-Valley Component Community Choir, The Faith Chorale, Casey & Erica Pringle, Ric Alexander, Sons of Mr. Gospel and will also include special guest Anita Wilson as well as motiviational speaker Dr. Ameer Thompson. Tickets will be available for $18.

Last of ‘Godspell’ at CCC

Its moments like these when fan orchestrated projects that work out make all concertgoers feel more connected to one another. At The 1975, no one judges you for being extra, instead the vibe encourages See 1975, page 6

Rapper takes a ‘Chance’ on tour

Photo courtesy of chanceraps.com

Photo above is of actor Jazmin Brehaaut and cast members rehearsing a scene in the LMC play “Death and Silence.”

Photo left, is of Brehaaut and David Kluzek during torture scene.

written script and the vision she brought to fruition entertained the audience tonight.

The performers demonstrated their superb acting skills and the costume designer, Nicole McGraw who stepped up her game adding zombies and goonies to her repertoire of costume designs.

Under the direction of Nick Garcia “Death and Silence” the Drama department has raised the bar once again bringing the element of horror to the LMC stage.

If you haven’t seen it yet, your last opportunity to meet the LMC zombies is tonight and Saturday at 7 for the closing performance.

when the dates for this tour were announced, I knew I had to witness him live.

Chance brought a live band with him to Oracle Arena, which included frequent collaborator and trumpet player, Nico Segal (formerly known as Donnie Trumpet). He performed four songs from his second mixtape Acid Rap, three songs by Kanye West and all his songs from his Grammy Award winning mixtape Coloring Book.

See TOUR, page 6

The Contra Costa College drama department will have two final performances on the production “Godspell” May 5 and 6. Directed by Kathryn G. McCarty and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwrtz, the production will tell the story of how a small group of people aid Jesus Christ in telling different parables through the use of a variety of games, storytelling, and a blend of songs.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

The Contra Costa College is located at 2600 Mission Bell Drive in San Pablo. For ticket sales and further information, visit www.godspellcccdrama.bpt.me

BayCon at San Francisco

BayCon, the Bay Area’s science fiction and fantasy convention will mark it’s 35 anniversary. The convention is the Bay Area’s longest fan run program and is known for hosting a number of well known authors and artitsts.

The convention will be celebrationg the works of James S.A. Corey for best selling author and will also have BayCon guest of honor Daniel Abraham and George R.R. Martin’s assitant as well as BayCon Toastmaster Ty Franck. This year, the convention theme will be Distopia/ Utopia. Fans of the science-fiction and fantasy genres will have the opportunity to meet their favorite authors, see unique panals, and enjoy programs that focus on cutting edge science research, costume and prop design and lightsaber training.

The convention will be held at the San MAteo Marriott, San Fransico airport over Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29. Four day memberships are available for $90 until May 15. For ticket purchases, visit www.BayCon.org.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

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“If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.”

— Carl Lewis

LMC in 2nd, makes playoffs

Stangs suffer 6-3 loss to Marin

By CARLOS RUIZ

cruiz@lmcexperience.com

Despite a 6-3 loss against first place College of Marin last Friday, Los Medanos College baseball finished second place in the Bay Valley Conference with a 13-8 record and clinched a one-game playoff game against Sierra College.

Spencer Vincent’s seventh start on the mound began with the instantly explosive offense of the Marin Mariners, who got themselves on the scoreboard first with a three-run first inning.

But after finding his rhythm, Vincent’s pitching kept the Marin offense in check and didn’t allow a run in the next three innings.

The Mustangs weren’t able to respond through the first two innings due to the heat thrown by the Marin starting pitcher Jason Wutsch. But a scoring opportunity arrived in the third inning after second baseman Jonathan Pluth’s one out base hit. Right fielder Deon White took Pluth to second with a single, but was later called out after a fielder’s choice by designated hitter Riley Cleary.

However, Wutsch continued his hot start to the game and a strikeout ended the third.

The bottom of the fourth inning got underway when third baseman Antone Self advanced to first with a walk and took second base after a wild pitch.

Center fielder Jonathan Allen’s groundout to second base was the first out of the inning, but advanced Self to third. First baseman Gabe Taylor hit a sacrifice fly and allowed Self in to score, nabbing his 11th RBI of the season. That was the last scoring effort in the inning, ending 3-1.

Marin responded at the top of the fifth with an RBI single.

Vincent’s pitching efforts came to an end in the seventh and he left the mound after throwing four strikeouts in six innings.

Llewelyn Slone took his spot, making his ninth relief-pitching appearance in the season.

Two more runs came across the plate at the top of the seventh and Marin stayed in front, 6-1.

The Stangs worked hard to get themselves back in the game, and got another run in the bottom of the seventh

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Los Medanos College second basemen Jonathan Pluth tags out the Marin runner during the Mustangs 6-3 home loss. after Pluth’s RBI single sent shortstop Jason Ochoa to third.

He sprinted to home plate to score after a throwing error by the Marin right fielder Jason Rodriguez gave the stangs some extra momentum. Left fielder Sawyer Olson also scored on a defensive mishap by Marin and cut the deficit in half, 6-3 at the end of the seventh.

Not much happened for both teams in the later innings of the game as little offense and quick plays ended the last conference game of the year for the Mustangs with a final score of 6-3. Despite defeat, the team clinched a playoff spot with a one and done game against the 16th ranked Sierra College May 2.

“There were balls hit that were inches from being fair that may have changed the score and tempo of the game but we could’ve have had better pitches and quality at-bats,” said Head Coach Anthony D’Albora.

“We’ve done enough to continue to keep on playing and we’re ready to give everything we got in the postseason.”

For more information about Experience • Cathie Lawrence the team go to http://www.

Pitcher Llwellyn Slone delivers a pitch against Marin. losmedanos.edu/baseball/.

SPORTS MEDICINE

more teamwork Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, you deserve excellent care. Our talented team of sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists can help you stay on top of your game.* To learn more, visit kp.org/diablo.

*By referral only.

Mustangs fly the ‘W’ versus Sierra

By CARLOS RUIZ

cruiz@lmcexperience.com

A one-game face off Tuesday decided the fate of Los Medanos and Sierra College’s in the Northern California regional playoffs in Rocklin.

While both teams played as if their lives were on the line, the Mustangs showed their strength as a unit and fought to see another day with a 6-5 road win.

LMC knew what was at stake and it didn’t take long for the Mustangs to make a first impression, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning.

“We played well throughout with a ton of energy and played with all our hearts,” said first baseman Jason Kreske.

Starting pitcher Riley Cleary, who threw 72 innings throughout the regular season with 44 strikeouts and a 3.84 ERA, lasted until the bottom of the fourth inning. He was relieved by righty Llewlyn Slone who

took the mound with game tied at four.

When the Mustangs were in need of a clutch moment, in stepped catcher Jason Hare who hit a solo blast that gave the Stangs the edge while lifting the spirits in the dugout.

“It felt great to put the team on top and help us get the win,” said Hare.

Right fielder Gabe Taylor added more momentum with two RBIs, one sending third baseman Antone Self across home plate.

“We always bring what we got every game and what we gave got us a very important victory,” said Taylor.

Despite the fact that Sierra continued to put up a fight, Slone allowed only one run, pitching four shutout innings and seven strikeouts helping to give the Mustangs their most important win of the season thus far.

See BASE, page 6

Racist abuse at Fenway sparks dialogue about bigotry in MLB Racism is so deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives, though it’s seemingly been more subtle than overt.

However, in the May 1 game against the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones became the next athlete to witness this overt racism, still alive and well and thriving in the sports world.

Fenway Park is a beloved treasure to the world of sports and with its sentimental value you’d think it’d come with fond memories of overpriced snacks and exciting gameplay.

But for black baseball players, their experiences may vary.

Jones was met with an onslaught of people calling him the N-word and at one point, someone hurled a bag of peanuts at him.

The Red Sox officially released a statement apologizing for the racist hecklers and that night, 60 people were ejected from the ballpark.

To top it all off, the day following the incident, Jones received a standing ovation from the crowd.

So on behalf of the MLB, this situation was handled decently. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prevent future incidents like this because this is a fan-specific issue.

It’s bad enough people let their warped racial opinions spill over into conversations about other things, but sports? Aren’t sports about bonding, not hatred?

While it’s sad that something like this would happen in 2017, when considering the history of racism in relation to baseball, it’s not shocking.

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia even said, “I’ve never been called the N-word anywhere except Boston.”

When former Giants player Barry Bonds was asked if he’d finish his final season in Boston, he replied saying that Boston was

Kimberly Stelly SOCIALLY UNWELL

“too racist” for him.

The world of sports and the concept of racism often go together more than sports fans care to admit.

What does skill level, jersey number, or team name have to do with skin color anyway? Not a damn thing.

And though Boston is the hotspot for racism against black baseball players right now, this doesn’t let fans in other places off the hook because this isn’t the only time or place Jones and other African American players had racial epithets hurled at him.

Curtis Granderson, outfielder for the Mets also shared his experiences after Jones’ incident.

“You can sense when there is a level of hatred versus ‘you are on the other team and I don’t like the team you are playing for’,” he said, adding, “I have had that experience.”

This particular incident spawned conversations in which baseball players who aren’t white, have been opening up about their experiences with racism within baseball.

Though these stories of prejudice aren’t going to deter anyone from being a spectator of the sport, racism has no place in the ballpark.

But because they have been historically and concurrently intertwined, it would seem that both racism and baseball are both America’s favorite past times.

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Follow the LMC Experience online at lmcexperience.com

1975

DEBATE NURSE HOPE From page 1

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people to be expressive and excited for the experience.

One interesting aspect of the show was the choice to play the songs “Change of Heart” and “Robbers” back to back.

Both of these songs are part of a story-arc within the songs about a rocky relationship Healy had that ran its course.

Each of the tracks reference a girl with a “face straight out a magazine,” but “Change of Heart” shows how their breakup has morphed his view of her and instead of being as beautiful as he once thought she just seems like anyone else to him.

Later on in a wonderful moment of the show, Healy asked for members of the crowd to put their phones away and stop recording for at least one song, while there inevitably were the few who continued to record, the crowd listened. As my eyes gazed from the audience to the stage people took their time to pay attention to the concert in front of them.

Throughout the show it was the band’s dedication to connecting to its audience that showed. Passion radiated from each of the members as they danced and played their instruments.

The night ended with an encore including three songs, which perfectly embodied The 1975 concert experience. “If I Believe you” works as an emotional struggle with faith while “Chocolate and “The Sound” ends the show with an energetic and electrifying light show.

was actually quite surprised, breaking into the final rounds was like getting punched, but in a good way, if there’s any good way to get punched,” she joked, adding “but I’ve impressed myself, even more so when I didn’t think I did so well in the previous rounds.“ Berumen was also crowned tournament champion for her efforts in the extemporaneous speaking category. “Extemporaneous speaking is orally different from impromptu so I had to switch my methods in the sense of information,” she said.

“Any type of competition, whether it’s sports or academic debating, is exhilarating to me, and I always leave with one feeling, and that is my want to improve. Your toughest match is always going to be yourself, and seeing yourself be better than what you were before, is one of the best feelings.”

But Berumen enjoys another benefit of the event as much as being able to place in the top of the competition.

“The sense of community — I’ve met and competed against some of the students at the tournament before, and it’s always really cool meeting new people after every speaking round. I’ve always liked the fact that ever yone, for the most part, is really nice and understanding.”

Berumen and Taliben are just two of the many new LMC debaters who are ready to continue the team’s success into the future, beginning with next season.

ing to the table to network with the prominent, local hospital.

Teresa Neil, a registered nurse at Sutter Delta Hospital explained her table’s popularity. “We are just promoting Sutter Delta jobs,” said Neil.

“We are a local hospital, and a big one. It is a great place to work.”

One of the Fairgoers was LMC student Kristen Lee, who passed from table to table, amicable but with intent.

“I took a liking to Napa State Hospital, Sutter Delta as well,” said Lee. Also in attendance was Derrisha Owens, an alumna of the LMC nursing program who was previously successful with the nursing fair.

The scrubs clad Owens, who graduated last year and is now an experienced nurse, elaborated on her experience at a previous fair.

“I got my job here last year, but I’m looking to get into more acute care, I was looking at Sutter Delta and Napa State.”

Alternatives to the major hospital, such as Tampico Terrace, were not as well attended as the major hospitals, but they did attract a fair amount of attention.

Cam Jones, who represented Tampico Terrace, explained the facility’s appeal.

“We hire and train brand new nurses, it’s a great way to build experience,” said Jones.

“We do rehab and elder care, and a lot of our nurses go on to transfer to major hospitals.”

Known for her amazing stage presence and beautiful voice, Briggs is a Metropolitan Opera International Vocal Competition Award Winner and Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions National Finalist.

Having performed at LMC before, Briggs asked to for another evening of operatic music. Due LMC’s extensive music program and genuine love for all things music, the music directors were more than willing to take her offer.

“This program suppor ts opera lovers,” exclaimed LMC Professor Silvester Carl Henderson.

LMC professors aren’t the only people excited about the musical events put on at LMC. Many students are looking forward not only to An Evening of Classical Vocal Elegance, but to many of the upcoming musical performances.

“I think it’s awesome that we have such easy access to musical events,” said LMC music major Rebecca Moeller.

“It makes being a music major a lot more enjoyable because you have so many opportunities to experience different styles of music.”

An Evening of Classical Vocal Elegance is free and the show will last for an hour and a half.

He made the whole crowd happy as they sang along to his uplifting and positive hits. The live music brought an extraordinary feeling and Chance dancing across the stage brought smiles many of the Oakland audience members.

Before this, I hadn’t been at a concert where the artist has performed the same song twice. He did this not because of any mistakes he made rapping, just because he felt like it was personally his best written song. That song being “Blessings (Reprise)” in which we raps about the blessings that God has given him now and the ones in store for him in the future.

What made this concert unique was Chance doing what the name of his tour is telling all to do — be encouraged. Chance uses his music to express his love for God, in doing so after performing “Blessings (Reprise)” having the audience repeat after him “praise God,” Chance spoke encouraging words that left the audience members inspired.

“Fear is unseen,” said Chance. “I want everyone to know I ain’t scared of s**t.

Believe it or not, I’ve had some ups, definitely had some downs and I’m still here rocking with you. I promise you have something in store for you around the corner. Somebody told me to come and say this for you, to reassure you it’s gonna be all good.”

Chance The Rapper’s Be Encouraged tour is scheduled to have over 40 more shows across the country until July, with three more shows in October of this year.

America.

What is most impor tant to the preser vation of the LGBTQ+ community? What was it that allowed it to blossom in the face of oppression? What brought people together when their identities were erased from the White House website after decades of fighting to be recognized by their own government?

Community. What preserved LGBTQ+ identifying people was the fact that they established a community that grew and continues to grow today.

They produced safe spaces first in their hometowns, and then spread the message of acceptance and love across the country to those who weren’t feeling a sense of it in their own lives. Just like the civil rights movement of black Americans, they went from being punished by their own government for their identity, to gaining rights and being able to celebrate

who they are.

Where is the preservation of the LGBTQ+ student community at LMC? The teachers are doing their part. ALLIES somewhat tried to be a presence on campus but no students showed up to be a part of the community and help hold a safe space for their peers.

Maybe our LGBTQ+ student body has taken progress for granted. Maybe we’ve become lazy or forgotten just how important it is to take up space and provide a support system to those who may not be as lucky as us who can afford to take it for granted.

If we don’t want the progress to plateau, as we know it shouldn’t (considering the country’s new policy of erasing our identities), if students don’t want the LMC administration to stop caring about us, then we have to show we care about us too. Community is the answer to the question, “what now?”

find a full team to participate with, don’t be discouraged — students who aren’t part of a team or don’t have a full one are placed on a waiting list and joined up with each other to ensure everyone has a full team and is fully able to compete.

“It’s a great opportunity to collaborate and work together,” said Nguyen. “We want to give students the autonomy to find their own teammates, but we also want everyone to participate.”

Four member teams are chosen as a format over singles competition for the sake of teamwork and camaraderie, according to Castro Cortez.

“It allows there to be an equal distribution of work and success,” he said. “If you know someone passionate about a subject, invite them, meet someone new. Anyone can do it.”

The teams compete in four rounds of questions, submitting answers via a Scantron which is graded immediately after each round. The top five teams win cash prizes — $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, $1,000 for third place, $600 for fourth place and $400 for fifth place. In addition, there are free T-shirts, certificates of participation and food in between rounds for all contestants.

“We’re not tr ying to put pressure on you,” explains Nguyen. “It’s supposed to be a very fun event. You’re giving up your Saturday, but at the same time, you’re going to enjoy spending that Saturday with us, meeting new students, meeting new people…”

“And getting dollars,” chimed in Castro Cortez.

“Yeah,” chuckled Nguyen.

“And getting money.”

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after Trump got elected. I had a student who needed to process. He outed himself in class as a gay man and came to my office and felt safe to talk to me about his fears as a gay man in Trump’s America. I was really grateful to provide that space for him,” said Green, who gladly welcomes students to take advantage of her out status and seek her support.

But as helpful as seeking individual support may be, students who may not feel comfortable one-on-one or simply want to hang out with other LGBTQ+ identified people are out of luck at LMC. But so what, right? Maybe next semester the ALLIES club will be better prepared to hold a space for students.

Or maybe the students have spoken and this really isn’t important to them.

If so, those students should take a look back at the history of the LGBTQ+ people of

CINCO From page 1

clubs like these promote involvement,” said Castro.

“I mean there’s just a different vibe— it’s very colorful.

As a Mexican, we are very inclusive we like to celebrate the goodness and every day life.”

He explained that there was hard work put into the event and that he is “ver y proud to witness such hard work being displayed because things like this should happen more often.”

Castro then continues to say that with the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, it shows that Hispanics are involved with LMC. “I think that it’s putting ourselves out there, and not because we need a reaction from people but just us giving back to the community.

He added that being a part of something like this exciting because it gives a sense of community.

“If I had the time, I would be a member yet I will continue to show my support for the clubs and organizations since it is very exciting to be a part of that community.”

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over colonial French forces at the Battle of Puebla May 5, 1862.

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in saying how her husband never follows recipes, he responded saying, “Not listening?

It’s genetic for men.”

Throughout the event, Sharkes kept the tone educational but casual, not being afraid to make jokes at ever y opportunity.

There was a small group of people attending the event, but that didn’t stop them all from interacting casually with one another as Nader’s demonstration continued.

“Tomatoes are the only fruit you don’t put in a fruit salad,” said Sharkes.

He then jokingly referenced Eric Sanchez saying “well, maybe Eric would.” This got laughs from all the other attendees.

Toward the end of his demonstration, he mentioned the vegetable garden on CCC’s campus, saying it was there for the students to take advantage of.

He said it’s good to know ways to make a variety of salads saying every time he see’s a salad made with iceberg lettuce, he gets irritated.

Afterward, attendees stayed to help him clean up his supplies and to ask more questions.

He gladly helped them and thus the demonstration was concluded.

campus,” said Villegas.

But the one thing that is on the minds of everyone is the safety of the students walking around the campus.

“The inconvenience of the construction worries me for the student athletes and the students to get around,” said Villegas.

Athletic Trainer Brian Powelson also agrees the construction can affect how students get around campus.

“It’s going to be great when the facilities are finally there, but over the next couple of years we are going to be in a swing space so it is going to be a little difficult,” said Powelson.

These facilities will be a great addition to the PE Department.

“The whole atmosphere of the new building will be nice for the whole campus and athletes in particular,” said Powelson.

The completion of the Student Union Center and the Physical Education facilities will be ready in August 2019.

For more information about about future campus renovations visit www.losmedanos. edu/construction.

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“It was my best per formance,” said Slone. “It felt good to perform well under pressure.” Head Coach Anthony D’Albora was enthusiastic in his praise for the team’s effort displayed by his players.

“The guys were on it in the dugout, and from the minute we stepped off the bus to the moment [Jonathan] Allen caught the final out, it was a great day to be a Stang,” he said.

The team is advancing and hitting the road where they will play San Mateo College in a best of three series.

“There’s nothing easy about winning in the playoffs, but we know what we are capable of,” said D’Albora.

“We are going to have to continue practicing and playing with everything we’ve got in the tank every day and continue working to give ourselves another day to do it together as a team.”

identity, gender identity or sexual identity,” said Bearden.

For some, Bearden’s hope came to fruition.

“For me, the class highlighted the importance of studying sexuality and it really changed the way I thought about our history,” said Jimmy Darling, an LMC student who took the course last semester.

Bearden is also developing another course on the history of American women that he hopes will be added to the curriculum soon, possibly within the next two years.

The course in the works will focus on the experiences of women and gender relations in American society — a topic Bearden and others are passionate to learn about.

Histor y of Sexuality will not be offered in the fall 2017 semester due to understaffing in the department, but the course will re-surface again in the spring of 2018.

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