The Advocate

Bio degraded

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Faculty and staff in the biological sciences department have made many requests to the college over the years, asking for repairs to the building's faulty heating, ventilation, air conditioning, foundation and plumbing. After a number of delays and broken promises, some in the department are beginning to think their cries are falling on deaf ears.

Millions pledged to state

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As a statement of the importance of California's community colleges to its citizens, a local organization made an unprecedented donation to the state's students. The San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation made an announcement May 6 it would be donating $50 million to support scholarships in California's 109 community colleges.

Veteran, artist dies

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Former Contra Costa College student and Vietnam War veteran Jhé Koranda died on the evening of May 5 at UCSF Medical Center from a heart attack.

District debt level drops

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The student debt level in the district has decreased since the implementation of the districtwide debt collection policy, which took affect this semester, district officials say. Information provided by district comptroller Bill Dalrymple said outstanding student debt levels within the district were at more than $1.3 million, but almost $217,000 has been collected through the first three months of the year - leaving more than $1 million to be collected.

PG&E rewards energy conservation efforts

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Thanks to the installation of campus solar panels and the energy they saved, Contra Costa College will be receiving more than $1 million in Pacific Gas & Electric rebates over the next five years, district officials say. The rebate will be given to CCC because of its conservation of more than 300 million kilowatts of energy, district project manager Teresa Greenwell said.

Killing inspires counselor to plant memorial

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In memory of Contra Costa College student Jason Jackson who was killed in February, the Career Advancement Academy will be planting a tree Tuesday at noon in a designated area next to the Amphitheatre. The idea of planting a tree for Jackson, a Career Advancement Academy student himself, came from Career Technical Education Counseling coordinator Maritza Vande Vorde and fellow classmates of Jackson's.

Tournament sparks friendly squabbles

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Excitement abounded at the Speech and Debate team's mini-speech tournament held in different rooms of the Liberal Arts Building Thursday. Students competed for cash prizes in three categories: Impromptu, Platform and Interpretation of Literature.

Lot numbers change to cut down confusion

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Up until last month, the numbers of the parking lots on campus were out of sequence, making it difficult for newcomers and delivery vehicles alike to find their designated parking lot. "Newcomers on campus would be confused about where to go. I've personally had to direct people to the right parking lot," Buildings and Grounds Manager Bruce King said.

ESL professor assumes division dean position

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After years of contributing to Contra Costa College in a variety of ways, former English as a second language professor Helen Kalkstein is taking on her greatest role yet, dean of the Communication, Liberal Arts, Skills and Services Division.

Student services given new home

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Summer brings not only another term, but also a new building in the Student Services Center, to be commemorated with a grand opening ceremony on June 10. Part of the Facilities Master Plan, the 18,000 square foot building was made possible by the 2006 Measure A-Plus bond.

Annual spring art fundraiser provides gifts

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

From cookie jars to unique vases and fabulous glazed bowls, the art department offered up beautiful pottery and ceramic pieces at the spring Pottery Sale. For nearly 30 years, the Pottery Sale has been held each semester as a fundraiser with benefits going to purchase clay for the department.

Book Sale helps reach grant goal

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

More than $5,000 in funding for new books was raised at the Book Sale held in the Library on May 6, 7 and 8. The money raised will be matched by the Frank H. Buck and Eva B. Buck Foundation, an organization that awards grants in an effort to improve educational resources in the community, library department Chairwoman Ellen Geringer said.

Current literary magazine returns

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite not having a Creative Writing class this semester, Contra Costa College's literary magazine, Current, will be published and available at the Bookstore for $3 by the end of the week.

Photographer gets his shot

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In the 2006 school year, Justin Morrison ended up taking the lead of producing the Hercules High School yearbook. He will soon find himself in a similar situation. The 20-year-old graphics editor of The Advocate will take over Contra Costa College's student newspaper for the 2008-09 year, but he feels his role from high school is not at all similar to what he will be doing for the next two semesters.

District Office searches to replace top officials

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The departure of Doug Roberts, former vice chancellor of business and finance, from the district is the latest in a series of events that have created job turnover at the District Office. Roberts, who was hailed for his work during the budget crisis and throughout his tenure, will be a difficult asset to replace, district officials say.

Trustees running for one more term

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Elections for the district's Governing Board are set to take place this November. The board is the official elected body for the three colleges and two centers in the district and has the primary role of setting the overall operating policies. It is made up of one student and five trustees who are elected by their geographical divisions or "wards."

[Online Accent] DVC student to take seat as trustee

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new student trustee, Bundit Kertbundit, was elected during the May 5-7 online election. Kertbundit received 233 of the 279 tallied votes in a landslide election over candidate Tara Lee and will begin his yearlong tenure in the summer semester.

'Chosen One' shows ability on field, court

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Orlando Arnold garnered the nickname of "Chose," short for Chosen One, among teammates for his superior athletic ability and all-round excellence on and off the field. No other Contra Costa College athlete displayed as much brilliance as a student-athlete this college year, which is why he is The Advocate's Male Athlete of the Year for 2008.

Sophomore a leader, breaks blocks record

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to a one-year-old son with academic responsibilities and performing on the basketball court, Comet center Tiana McKneely experienced personal growth and evolved into a dynamic player for coach Paul DeBolt. In her sophomore season, the 21-year-old displayed her brilliance primarily on the defensive end of the court, as she broke the record for blocked shots in a season at Contra Costa College, with 200, leading all players in California. For all of this she has been named The Advocate's Female Athlete of the Year for 2008.

Promises still go unfulfilled

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite numerous promised renovations and repairs, the Biological Sciences Building remains one of the most decrepit areas on campus. Between faulty heating, ventilation and air conditioning, unreliable plumbing and a subsiding foundation, it is a wonder faculty and staff are still able to educate their students.

Experiences transform obcstacles opportunity

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Another year older another year wiser, as the saying goes.

I write this column the day after my 20th birthday and in my final week as editor in chief of The Advocate. I can truly say not a day went by this college year when I did not learn something.

Editor in chief role poses writing challenge

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I have no idea what I have gotten myself into. On May 7, I was elected 2008-09 editor in chief of The Advocate and though the first paper under my leadership is quite far off, I can already tell that I have no idea what is to come.

Teacher inspires action

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

If someone had told me a year ago I would be on the Editorial Board for one of the most prestigious community college newspapers in the country, I would have laughed. Although I have been taking journalism for almost four years now, this is the first time that I truly feel like I was helping make a difference.

Educators provide means for change

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In my experiences covering events, featuring classes and profiling individuals on campus, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most talented and unique individuals in the Richmond/San Pablo area.

School newspaper offers opportunity to prove ability

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

One of the best feelings in the world is proving someone wrong. As a student who attends Diablo Valley College for my general education and Contra Costa College for the newspaper, my ability to do both - and do both effectively - was doubted.

Beyond the soapbox

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

George W. Bush completely changed the political dissent landscape. Due to his often controversial actions and the resulting responses to them, the 43rd president of the United States has had an unquantifiable effect on how disagreements about politics are expressed, analyzed and valued.

Jeffre continues to hone skills

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Master machinist, artist, husband and father Ray Jeffre has made a permanent impression on the art department, both as a student and volunteer.

'Quiet' hand leaves mark

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

He may not have said much while on campus, but grounds worker and gardener Steven Cuevas made his presence felt through hard work. After more than 30 years serving the district's various campuses, Cuevas will retire at the end of the year, leaving behind a legacy of quiet dedication.

Business professor moves on

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Following 20 years of dedication to various programs and committees on campus, business professor Ron Weston is ready for retirement. He arrived at Contra Costa College in 1986. It was also the same year he began his teaching career, as he had previously worked in the furniture industry.

Maintenance worker retires after 38 years

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After nearly 38 years of service, senior equipment maintenance worker Jim Snodgrass will retire from Contra Costa College at the end of June. Snodgrass is the senior maintenance worker in the college district and the one to call when emergencies happen on campus.

All grown up

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After 19 years on campus, Middle College High School, with the support of Contra Costa College, has become one of the elite educational institutions in the state. The program is designed to give high school-age students standard-level education, while simultaneously providing experience in a college atmosphere.

Followin' the hype

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

History has seen its share of fashion statements over the years.
From poodle skirts to zoot suits, spandex to saddle shoes, fashion is ever changing, unique and revolutionary. Fashion even introduces subcultures. Familiar genres, such as hippies, flappers, preps and skaters have emerged throughout the decades. In the year 2008, however, platform shoes have been replaced by colorful kicks. Instead of trucker hats, kids today can be seen sporting fitted hats advertising various brands.
Welcome to the era of the "hypebeast."

Scrapers

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Thunderous speakers, dramatic paint colors, creative accessories and outrageously large rims all characterize the urban vehicles commonly referred to by youth as "scrapers."

Puente pushes students to transfer

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For six years, students at Contra Costa College have been using the Puente Program to pursue their ambitions of transferring to a four-year university. The Puente Program, which is a statewide organization with programs at community colleges and high schools, has been providing students the education, skills and counseling needed to transfer for 26 years.

Night in the city

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Advocate looks at seven of San Francisco's hottest dance clubs.

Former Comet remains humble in NFL

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Although he towers at 6 feet 8 inches tall and plays football at the highest level, Contra Costa College alumnus Courtney Anderson makes sure to keep his head level and not too high in the sky. "It's important to stay humble," Anderson, who is now signed with the Buffalo Bills, said.

Track teams remain absent

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It has been five years since a track and field team made its mark on spring semester athletics at Contra Costa College. Due to a number of reasons, ranging from a lack of funding, coaching, enthusiasm and a track that fell below standard requirements, CCC's track team was canceled in 2003.

Coaches stand firm against recruitment plan

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Under a proposed statewide recruitment plan, all community college athletic programs in California would be able to recruit athletes from anywhere in the state legally. "It's basically going to open up recruiting from anywhere up north in California all the way down to the border of Mexico," Contra Costa College Athletic Director John Wade said.

Coach gets DVC job after two shutout years

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Comet softball team will be under its third coach in four years in 2009 following the departure of this season's coach. Angela Goularte, who took over the Contra Costa College program in spring 2007, was selected last week as the coach for Diablo Valley College's team next year.

Comets finish season strong

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite a roster stacked with several undersized guards and forwards, the Comet men's basketball team played its way to a third place finish in the Bay Valley Conference by using an up tempo and frenetic style of play. Contra Costa College finished with an overall record of 13-15 and a 10-6 mark in the BVC.

Comets improve on previous year

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With a stacked roster of talented goal scorers and solid defenders, the men's soccer team put its dismal 2006 season behind it and played its way to a second-place Bay Valley Conference finish. The Comets earned a 9-10-3 overall record and a 7-3-2 mark in the BVC, a large jump from their 4-15-3 overall, 2-8-2 mark in the BVC in 2006.

Freshman mistakes limit team's success

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After a streak of eight consecutive seasons at or near the top of the Bay Valley Conference, the women's basketball team experienced a regression and failed to make the playoffs in 2008. "We knew coming into the season that it would be tough," coach Paul DeBolt said.

Late season push offset by bad start

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite an early struggle and coaching changes at the beginning and middle of the season, the Contra Costa College baseball team finished with a flurry, winning its final five games to finish two games below .500 in the Bay Valley Conference standings. The Comets finished the season with a 16-24 mark overall and a 13-15 record in the BVC.

Opponents capitalize on inexperience

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Blowout losses were the norm for the Contra Costa College football team in 2007, as it lost a total of eight games by 23 points or more last season. The Comets finished with a 2-8 record overall and a 1-4 mark in the Bay Valley Conference, placing them fourth in the conference.

Short roster tires women's squad

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Before the 2007 volleyball season, the team's coach said winning one game during the year would not be a problem. It was. The Comets went 0-16 overall and 0-13 in the Bay Valley Conference during the season.

Squad finishes year winless

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite marked improvements from the 2007 season, clubhouse infighting and sour attitudes ultimately proved too great to handle for the Comet softball team, as its 2008 season was canceled after 21 games. Coach Angela Goularte made the decision to end the season prematurely, primarily due to poor attitude problems and a lack of players on the roster.

Team unable to score goals

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In Laura VanWart's second season as head coach, the Contra Costa College women's soccer team failed to deliver a victory, as it remained winless for the entire 2007 campaign. The team finished with a 0-17-0 overall record and an 0-8-0 mark in the Bay Valley Conference.

Highs and lows

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Jammin' at the Knox

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The annual Contra Costa College Dance Jam brought together an array of dances from different regions of the world under the roof of the Knox Center on Saturday. Put together by physical education department Chairwoman Deborah Vaughan, the event brought in performers from all over California, including dancers from Los Angeles Trade-Tech College, American River College in Sacramento and local dance studio Bay Area Dance.

Summer at the movies

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Grillin' and chillin'

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

From the hole-in-the-wall location in Berkeley, to the smoky interior from the cooker, Everett and Jones is true barbecue through and through.
Located at 1955 San Pablo Ave., on the corner of University Avenue, the little restaurant's smoker puts out an aroma to entice any food-lover through its doors.

Death Cab hops on bandwagon

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"Narrow Stairs," the long-awaited eighth studio album from indie pop band Death Cab for Cutie, proves to be heartfelt, but lacking in heart. On its second full-length effort since jumping from indie label Brasuk to Atlantic Records, the band shifts tone by pitching the "curve ball" promised by guitarist/producer Chris Walla.

'The Heroines' zaps women of literature to life

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Imagine the colorful characters of Hester Prynne, Scarlett O'Hara and Catherine Earnshaw all in one story. In Eileen Favorite's fiction novel, "The Heroines," the reader will become further acquainted with these and other heroines.

Sextet of veteran actors capture essence of Dylan in 'Not There' film

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"I'm Not There" is a rare piece of filmmaking - bold, imaginative and mold-breaking. Though "Walk the Line" and "Ray" are strong films in their own rights, "I'm Not There" is so starkly different from these films that it is both a breath of fresh air and potentially alienating to some viewers.

Bros on boards

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Skateboarding is a form of self-expression that requires great skill and practice. If a skater plans on getting sponsored or even noticed, he better bring his best game to the table.

Bookstore buys used textbooks

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Cafe to host cultural buffet

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Ceremony to be held for grads

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Musicians play at annual show

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Summer, fall dates released

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Spring semester final exam schedule

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

CrimeWatch

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Unleashed

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT