F.Y.I.

Henderson honoredChoir director honored with 2014 Arts Recognition Award. Story inside — page 4

Debate falters in tourneyValuable experience gained in first go around with new debate style. Story inside — page 3

Important Dates

Octoberis

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Nov. 10Veteran’s Day — Campus closed.

Nov. 12Blood Drive in the Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by Student Life and the Blood Centers of the Pacific.

Volleyball wins bigStangs knock off previously undefeated Solano College Falcons. Standalone inside — page 5

LVN to offer Ebola prep

Antioch youth reprieve

Neutral facilities embraced

At-risk kids offered life prep and advice

Program to talk virus

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

LMC President Bob Kratochvil and LMCAS President Gary Walker commemorate the designation of the first gender-neutral bathroom.

Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience

Top, Instructor Ahmed Burden with his youth group. Bottom, Burden runs drills with his students as part of the youth program.

New equality standardV O L . 8 1 , N O . 8 F R I D A Y , O C T . 2 4 , 2 0 1 4 L M C E X P E R I E N C E . C O M

Transfer Day upon us againThe Transfer Programs and Services Department will be holding its 24th Annual Transfer Day/College Night event Monday, Oct. 27. Over 50 colleges are slated to appear on campus and provide information for prospective transfer students. Transfer Day will be held in the Indoor Quad from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. while College Night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Gym. For more information, contact Adeirawo Origunwa, coordinator for the Transfer Programs and Services Department, at 473-7443. The Transfer Office can be reached at 473-7444.

Jazz master to play in hallThe Music Department will be hosting NEA Jazz Master and Down-beat Poll winner David Liebman Tuesday, Oct. 28. The saxophonist will be playing with his New York City group from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall. The event is open to everyone. For more infor-mation, contact the Music Department at 439-0200.

Books liven up the LibraryThe Books Alive! event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Library, Room L-109. Human “books” will be available to be checked out for 20-minute periods, where they will tell you about their lives, careers and experiences and offer life advice. Contact Christine Park at cpark@losmedanos.edu for more information.

By ALEXANDRA TAGLIAMONTEatagliamonte@lmcexperience.com

All future buildings at Los Medanos Col-lege will feature gender-neutral bathrooms. The declaration from LMC President Bob Kratochvil resulted from the recently held Los Medanos Associated Students (LMCAS) student lead conference, “Elevating Diversity Conference: Sexual and Gender Identity,” which brought up the topic of inclusivity and the accessibility for transgender students.

“I confirmed with Russ Holt that the Col-lege Complex remodel includes two gender neutral restrooms. This should be, and will be, a standard for all of our new buildings,” said Kratochvil.

“Specifically, access to bathrooms that allow a safe environment in which all students can thrive: LGBT identified students and disabled students particularly!” Walker said.

During the conference, Spectrums Edu-cation Director Candice Bell was able to get the campus to have gender binary bathrooms converted into gender-neutral bathrooms for the day.

Because there were no issues or problems, this opened the eyes of LMC President Bob Kratochvil. He understood the gravity of providing bathrooms where transgender students have a safe environment in which to use, and a plan of action was formed.

“Our ultimate goal here at Los Medanos College is to provide an environment that supports student success for everyone at-tending our college. Safety is a top priority for us at all times and is a key part of providing that learning environment,” LMC Grounds Manager Russ Holt said.

It was after the moderated discussion when President Kratochvil sent out an email announcing, after much thought and discus-sion with his peers and colleagues, that the single stall bathrooms in the Science Building were to be made gender neutral right away. In addition, the Brentwood Center Campus will also house gender-neutral bathrooms.

“This is not only an amazing decision by President Kratochvil, but it’s history in the making for our college” Walker said adding,

See LGBT, page 6

By KIMBERLY STELLYkstelly@lmcexperience.com

Jus Beginners Youth Train-ing is a program that prepares children psychologically and physically for the adult world through sports. Former Marine Corp Legal Services Specialist, Ahmed Burden, a recipient of the 2013 UnSung Hero Award through Los Medanos College, started the program Oct. 11 on the first anniversary of his nephew Eric Forbes’ passing. Jus B e g i n n e r s was enacted with the sup-port of friend and nutrition-ist, Marcus Wagner.

The pr o -g r a m w a s implement-ed because “training is essential for ever ything, without proper fundamental training you can’t excel at

anything, especially life, and these kids need to know that as much as possible,” said Burden.

“My son Kaden is also a huge reason as to why I put this together. As his father it’s my obligation to give him as many options to life as possible,” said Burden. “He and my nephew are my constant reminders to strive

for greatness everyday, and I owe them everything I have to give so he’s better prepared once his tur n to face the world on his own as a young man.”

J B Y T i s just one of the few local p r o g r a m s t h a t h a v e been started to improve

the city of Antioch. There is the All Out Sports League started by Casey Copeland

whose league is dedicated to bettering the cities of Antioch and Clayton.

Copeland has also been of great help to Burden by let-ting him coach in his league and giving him advice so he could start one of his own.

The All Out Sports Winter League will start Jan. 10, 2015 with a maximum of 300 open spots.

Antioch Councilmember Tony Tiscareno, who owned sports memorabilia store

“Without proper fundamental training you can’t excel at anything, especially life, and these kids need to know that as much as possible.”

— Ahmed Burden

See YOUTH, page 6

By BERTHA AGUILAR baguilar@lmcexperience.com

With the recent interest and worries about the Ebola Virus, the nursing programs at LMC are preparing to discuss and include Ebola contraction prevention in their classes.

The United States is facing a potential Ebola outbreak, and although there has only been one death in the U.S., it is a raging epidemic in West Africa.

Two nurses who cared for an Ebola patient at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital have been infected. The hos-pital immediately came under media scrutiny when it was discovered that the nurses and doctors were not properly trained nor prepared for this infectious disease.

LMC offers nursing pro-grams and instructor Sharon Goldfarb will be talking about Ebola to her students when her classes begin in January. “We absolutely be discussing universal precautions,” said Goldfarb in an email, adding, “and we will discuss Ebola.”

Director of the Nursing Program at LMC, Collin Mc-Dowell mentioned that people in the U.S. seem to not give a second thought about what’s going on in West Africa. “It’s just those people over there,” said McDowell, adding, “those are the main people dealing with it every day.”

McDowell explained that nursing students are not go-ing to be dealing with Ebola patients, so they will not do anything specifically on this virus since contagious diseases are already part of the program, but they do go over all other precautions such as: contact, droplet, airborne and standard.

“They are not going to be in those facilities … we don’t have them in the emergency department right now, so they

See EBOLA, page 6

QuotableL O S M E D A N O S C O L L E G E E X P E R I E N C E

Perspectives 2

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.

L O S M E D A N O S C O L L E G E

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

MemberCalifornia Newspaper Publishers Association

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

— Thomas Jefferson

Voices

F R I D A Y , O C T . 2 4 , 2 0 1 4

“Death smiles at us all, all a man can do is smile back.”

— Marcus Aurelius

Nicole OliverGUEST COLUMNIST

Kimberly StellySOCIALLY UNWELL

Editorial

Expedite Ebola vaccine release

The fault in our news reporting

Make healthier choices

“It’s a little drastic right now. There should be more precautions for overseas travels.”

— Katey Hilton

“I did see a few articles [say] they are taking care of it, but that is all that I know.” — Matt McClinton

“I think the CDC could be a little stricter letting people onto certain flights when they are showing symptoms of possibly having Ebola.”

— Kirstie Brown

“It didn’t respond fast enough. Why would you wait for it to become a major problem before you actually take actions to prevent it?”

— George Diaz

“I feel as if they’re doing pretty good because they’re trying to keep everyone in a safe environment.”

— Kendra Nixon

“They are doing all right. The news is making it a bigger deal than it actually is.” — Will Rodinsky

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.

rEadEr opinion policy

Don’t buy into the panic

lEttErs to thE Editor

How well do you think the CDC is responding to the Ebola threat?C o m p i l e d b y b e r t h a a g u i l a r a n d J a z m i n e g o r d o n

Editor-in-Chief .................... JOSEPH DELANO

Perspectives Editors ........JAZMINE GORDONand KIMBERLY STELLY

Campus Editor .................. .CASSIE DICKMAN

Features Editor ...................... DAMIAN LEWIN

Sports Editor ....................... .....STEVEN LUKE

Photo Editors .................. CATHIE LAWRENCEand BERTHA AGUILAR

Associate Editors....................... JOSH WOODand SUZZANNE SPERRY

Web Editor ..........................BRENDAN CROSS

Experience • Kimberly Stelly

It’s a journalist’s job to objectively report the truth to the public about things going on that could affect them. For years politicians and political pundits have been using fear as technique to create a panic in order to gain monetary or political compensation, and we’ve been mistaking that for journalism.

It’s simple to blame mass media for fooling us, but it’s hard not to take advantage when we make it so easy. It’s called fact-checking, people. Dispelling fictitious stories told to us by the man on the talking box with the soothing voice is a Google search away.

We live in a world where satirical comedies such as the Colbert Report and the Daily Show with Jon Stewart are more reliable than MSNBC and Fox News.

According to a poll on PunditFact.com, only eight percent of stories on FOX are one hundred percent factual, and only nine percent of stories presented on MSNBC are factual. CNN produces twice as many factual stories but doesn’t even make the halfway mark.

Though things presented in the media will have you believing we’re days away from twerking our way into pot-laced, Ebola-ridden oblivion, the images painted by major news networks aren’t an accurate representation of what’s going on.

If you take into account all of the folks who get their news through word of mouth, you’ve got a whole mess of opinions attributed to manipulated facts. It’s like the biggest game of “telephone” except worse because you’re playing with actual facts. It’s extremely difficult to find actual journalistic reporting. Major news networks have turned into the home of political shouting matches rather than actual news reporting.

Every news organization has bias but you can only stretch the truth so far to meet your personal agenda.

People like MSNBCs Laurence O’Don-nell and Ed Schultz seem to be experts at making conservative political activists look like morons, but there has got to be a way to do that without manipulating information they’re dishing out to their nightly audiences.

FOX news reporters – if you can call them that and still sleep at night – are infamous for these kinds of things. The people on this network seem to think that talking louder than everyone in the room and constantly interrupting people in the middle of answering questions makes you right when in fact, it only makes the person appear incompetent and belligerent. We’re looking at you Bill O’Reilly.

There’s an old phrase that goes “any publicity is good publicity.” Apparently this seems to hold true because when certain individuals get on TV and make outlandish remarks about things they should know, but don’t actually know about, they sell more merchandise and ultimately make the most profit from brainwashing the public.

So if we can’t get reliable news from the TV, what can we turn to? According to a 2013 study done by the Reynolds Journalism Institute on behalf of the National Newspaper Association, two-thirds of Americans in small towns depend on their local newspaper for news and information.

It’s so much easier to contact the local paper if you find mistakes in its reporting and it’s a lot harder to call up CNN to tell them their reporters are bad at covering stories.

We’re to blame partially for the misin-formation because we don’t think about the things presented to us. We just react. This why snobs in other countries think Americans are stupid.

If you are going to make watching the news your main source of information, you’re going to have to fact-check every story they run. Only then can we form educated opinions and decide what actions to take.

The Ebola virus, formerly known as Eb-ola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans that first appeared in 1976 and got its name from the Ebola River, site of one of the early outbreaks. The first occurrences were in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The current outbreak in West Africa is the largest and most complex since Ebola was first identified, affecting thousands. There are even a few isolated cases outside Africa, including in the United States.

This outbreak has become a public health emergency of international concern. According to Media Centre fact sheets, the virus has a fatality rate of 50 percent, and is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. There are not yet any vaccines for Ebola, although scientists are working to create one.

The earlier infected patients receive better care in terms of surviving the disease. Early symptoms include sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throats. As the illness progresses there is vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver function, and sometimes internal bleeding.

A debate has grown over the use of experi-mental and untested drugs in fighting Ebola. ZMapp is an experimental treatment based on genetically engineered tobacco leaves. The two aid workers who contracted Ebola both received this drug and successfully fought the infection. In times of need we need to try everything we can to help. But. some argue since the drug has only been tested on monkeys and is not FDA approved, it should not be given to patients.

People fear the spread of Ebola, and this experimental drug gives those infected hope. It is designed to allow the human body to win against Ebola replication, according to Medicine Net. The biotech firm Mapp Bipharmaceutical Inc. developed ZMapp. Several years ago, this company and the National Institutes of Health and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, began work to develop a treatment for Ebola. When tested on monkeys, the antibodies from the drug were shown to protect them from early Ebola infection. When tested on Dr. Kent Brantly and his associate Nancy Writebol, the drug was effective in slowing or stopping severe symptoms within hours. Breathing became easier and rashes faded away.

Brantly described the treatment as mirac-ulous. The company had just a few doses that could be used in patients but is trying to increase production.

According to company documents, four monkeys survived after being infected with Ebola. More study of this drug is needed and scientists are working at it, but this treatment may be able to help people, so I think we should take our chances.

Scientists are also attempting to develop a vaccine, but in the meantime we could at least slow down severe symptoms, and po-tentially save lives. Dr. Brantly said goodbye to his wife when he thought for sure it was the end, but this drug saved his life.

World Health Organization spokesman Gregor y Har tl cautioned that health authorities “cannot start using untested drugs in the middle of an outbreak.” Getting approval through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is a long process and that is time that people with Ebola don’t have. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, an arm of the military, allotted additional funding to Mapp Bipharmaceutical due to the promising results.

People infected with Ebola should get the choice of whether or not they want to try the new drug, so in emergency situations like this the FDA should make exceptions to its normal safety protocols.

DEAR EDITOR:As the temperature begins to drop with

midterms around the corner, many students are finding comfort in a plate of oily fries and a greasy burger. It’s no secret that fast food isn’t healthy, it provides no nutrients and is energy dense, but that doesn’t stop college students from handing their money over to McDonald’s.

These days, fast-food restaurants cater to our every need. If you don’t feel like getting out of the car, no problem, there’s a drive-through.

Among college students, fast food is popular, not only because of the fries but because of the price option. A campus culture surveys shows that a college student eats fast food at least six times a week and with schools installing fast-food restaurants, it makes access even easier.

You can say you opt out for the healthier option and go for the salad instead of the Big Mac for once — but not quite, the salad is actually more fattening. McDonald’s grilled chicken salad, with dressing, is 1,235 calories.

Maybe you should think about spending that five bucks on a meal healthier than processed meat stacked between two buns that won’t go bad for the next decade.

— Yvonne Feng

DEAR EDITOR:Living some distance from the Pittsburg

campus, I tend to take classes in Brentwood. I’m more than excited to hear of a new campus that would be even a closer distance for me, even though I will probably already be done with school by then.

I like the current Brentwood facility: it’s got a small, almost high school feel. LMC gets good teachers to make it to the school, to even sometimes teach small classes.

The atmosphere of the inside the school hasn’t changed much, but the outside has. On the weekdays there is a larger influx of traffic in the parking lot.

I notice the kids out of high school driving way too fast around the parking lot.

With the Dollar Tree and the County Welfare Offices in the same parking lot, there are a lot of interesting characters outside. I can’t sit and complain but Brentwood has changed a lot in the last few years.

A new campus with a refurbished idea of a good education is what brightens the picture. Growing up around Byron, and going to high school at Liberty, I’m always happy when I can get an education just down the block.

— Christopher Castro

New site is a good thing

Hysteria is more infectious than any virus and Americans are experiencing a severe and dangerous outbreak. Constant media coverage and a rising death toll have left many in the United States afraid and uncertain whether the government is capable of keeping them safe from Ebola. Ebola is an imminent threat but not for Americans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Oct. 22 there have been 9,911 total cases of Ebola — 5,477 of those being laboratory confirmed — and 4,546 deaths in “countries with widespread transmission.”

America was not included in these statistics because the five confirmed cases within its borders — three of which originated outside the States — can hardly be labeled an epidemic.

The idea of an Ebola pandemic can be terrifying and Americans are asking, “What if there is an outbreak here? Are we prepared for a mass infection? Will our response procedures keep the virus from spreading?”

But in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea the situation is far from being hypothetical. Hus-bands, wives, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers are dying. In a Sept. 30 UNICEF news note, the organization estimated “at least 3,700 children in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have lost one or both parents to Ebola since the start of the outbreak in West Africa.”

UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa Manuel Fontaine said, “Thousands of children are living through the deaths of their mother, father or family members from Ebola.”

Who will comfort or hold them when they cry?The answer: no one. Their parents are dead and people will not approach them for fear of

infection. Yes, Ebola is a serious problem but not for Americans.It’s selfish to be consumed by a what-if situation in America when thousands of people in

other countries are experiencing a nightmare. Instead of being consumed by the panic, do something to help those who have a reason to be scared. Donate money to Unicef or other organizations that are sending medical staff and volunteers to help with victims of Ebola or become a volunteer yourself.

L O S M E D A N O S C O L L E G E E X P E R I E N C E

CampusQuotable

3Newswatch

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— compiled from press releases and staff reports

Help available for parentsLos Medanos College’s California Work Opportunity

and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS) serves students attending LMC who receive financial aid and are parents. Services include priority registration, educational and career counseling and educational workshops.

If you would like more information, call 473-7482 or visit the office in Room CC2-257. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Counselors ready to assistLooking to make an educational plan, or review your

current one? Do you need career advice or a personal coun-selor? LMC offers general counseling at both campuses.

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.

Alpha Gamma back in actionWith 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.

For more information, including meeting times, planned activities and membership requirements, visit the AGS website at www.losmedanosags.com

Get help to kick the habit Are you trying to quit smoking?The American Lung Association is offering a Freedom

From Smoking Clinic to help tobacco users break the habit. The clinic is being held on Wednesdays at the Pittsburg Health Center. The center is located at 2311 Loveridge Road – Cedar Room.

For more information, call (855) 421-3400 or call 431-2266

Essay preparation offeredScholarships and transfer application deadlines are ap-

proaching, and that means essays to write. Barbara Austin will be conducting workshops on starting and improving your essay skills in the Center for Academic Support on the main campus, CCO-304. The final workshop will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 12 to 1 p.m.

Please call 473-7950 for more information.

“For it is in giving that we receive.”

— Francis of Assisi

Debate stalls at SDSUValuable experience gained from tourney

Group offers safe space

Club hits spot

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

The Debate Team practicing for their upcoming season. Coaches Marie Arcidiacono and Kasey Gardner lead a session earlier this semester.

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An accredited nonprofit university. An Affiliate of The National University System.

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Experience • Bethany Gella

Student Denis Sanpedro donated blood Wednesday, Oct. 15 in the bloodmobile parked in front of LMC at the Brentwood Center campus because she wanted to help people. The next Blood Drive will be held Nov. 12 on the main campus in the Library, Room L-109, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., in case you want to help too.

Students donate blood

By TAYLOR STROUD tstroud@lmcexperience.com

“Having an openly gay inden-tified gender queer president on campus, our voice is definite-ly heard,” said Los Medanos College Associated Students President Gary Walker.

And that it is. Thanks to his and many others’ efforts LMC’s soon-to-be Student Union Building will officially house the college’s LGBTQ-friendly ALLIES club in a forum called the Q*SPOT.

The Q*SPOT began in founder and Adviser Jefferey Mitchell Matthews’ of fice in 1992 as a resource center for information on things like therapists, doctors and even Planned Parenthood. Matthews wanted to increase LGBT awareness on campus in a public, permanent place as there “wasn’t any visible gay presence at LMC” at that time.

The Q*SPOT may soon become even more perma-nent. Since Measure E was passed this year, the Contra Costa Community College District has $450 million to spend on improving their facilities. As a result LMC is planning a centralized Student Union on campus which will house student organizations,

By JOSH WOODjwood@lmcexperience.com

The LMC Debate Team has returned from its first tournament in the World debate format at San Diego State University, Oct. 4 and 5, and although it did not come out on top, the experience was valuable for the team and the debaters are more motivated than ever.

“I was extremely proud of the debaters’ overall performance at the tournament,” Debate Coach Marie Arcidiacono said. “We knew going in that this tournament would serve as a learning experience so the fact that they were able to walk away with new knowledge of what a true World’s tournament is like was a huge success in my eyes.”

Yetunde Ogunleye, a member of the team, said the format was not entirely what was expected. “It felt a lot more aggressive,” said Ogunleye, who noted that the opposition often “addressed you directly instead of your bench.”

The debate team was also given a difficult schedule. The team was put into four consec-utive debates right off the bat.

Team Member Dylan Melowitz was surprised by the skill of the debaters in the tournament, and respected their ability and ability to adapt to the difficult resolutions.

“I was taken aback,” he said, “but getting kicked to my rear-end really fuels me.”

Debate Coach Kasey Gardner noted the air of nervousness present at the beginning.

“When you enter a tournament where you don’t know anyone,” he said, “everyone seems on edge.”

Gardner said nervousness disappears once you get to know the setting, although he ad-mitted it was harder for the students.

“I’ve got the easy job, the students have to do the actual debating while I judge,” he said.

“We made friends quickly.”World is unlike the Parliamentary format

the team had participated in the last few years.At its core, World is a debate format designed

to be more easily accessible to the general audience. Anyone should be able to attend a tournament and understand the debate.

In Parliamentary debate, teams often use technical language and attempt to get as

many points across as quickly as possible. However, in World format debaters are encouraged to make points clearly and use everyday language so that the audience is not left out of the debate.

In World format, two teams debate an issue, known as a resolution, in each round. The two teams are comprised of

four members, each in a pair. These pairs are dubbed the first and second government and the first and second opposition.

Teams are given their debate’s resolution approximately 15 minutes before they are scheduled to debate. The pairs are then isolat-ed from the rest of their bench, coaches and mentors to plan their arguments. When the 15 minutes of planning are up, the debate begins.

Each team takes turns sending a speaker in a predetermined order to debate and each competitor speaks for seven minutes, during which the opposing team can ask for or deliver points of information.

Instead of being scored as a whole, the pairs are ranked individually in the results, and the team is awarded points based on where each pair places.

The team’s next debate will be held Wednes-day, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at Pittsburg City hall. The topic will be Proposition 2, an upcoming measure to alter the existing rainy day fund for California.

“I’ve got the easy job, the students have to do the actual debating while I judge.”

— Kasey Gardner

See SPOT, page 6

L O S M E D A N O S C O L L E G E E X P E R I E N C E

Features 4Quotable

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“A good film is when the price of the dinner, the theatre admission and the babysitter were worth it.” — Alfred Hitchcock

Cathie Lawrence • Experience

Henderson leads members of the Gospel Choir during the Contra Costa County Arts Commission’s 18th Annual Award Ceremony.

See BOOK, page 6 See LIFE, page 6

REVIEW

Award something to sing about

LMC, Maya host ‘Book’ premierStudents and faculty attend event

Directorreceives recognition

MarqueeA day of musical inspiration

The Los Medanos College Music Department will be hosting two events on Oct. 28 in the Recital Hall. For more information, call 439-0200.

n From 2 to 3:30 p.m. — NEA Jazz Master David Liebman and his New York City Group. Admission is free.

n From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Choral Experience Concert featuring LMC College Chorus, Chamber & Gospel Choirs. Admission: $5 for public, $4 for students, seniors.

‘Horror’ in Pittsburg tonightTonight, the California Theatre in Pittsburg will be

showing the cult-classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” starring Tim Curry as the iconic Frank N. Furter and featuring a variety of memorable musical numbers. According to the theater’s website, in addition to the movie, preshow entertainment and a live shadow casting will be performed by The Bawdy Caste. The show begins at 9:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for general admission, $9 for ticket plus survival kit. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.com or by calling 427-1611. Those under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Musical comedy to show at DVC The Diablo Valley College Drama Department is set

to premier it’s prodution of “The Wedding Singer.” The musical comedy will run from Oct. 24 to Nov. 9 at the college’s Performing Arts Center. Admission: $21 for adults, $16 for seniors and staff, $11 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dvcdrama.net or call 969-2358.

Local music, drama and moreThe California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg and the

El Campanil Theatre in Antioch will feature a variety of events throughout October and November. The different events at both venues are set to include movies, dance and musical sets that promise to delight audiences of all ages.

EL CAMPANIL THEATREThe El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W Second

St. in Antioch. For ticket sales and additional information please call 757-9500

n Saturday, Oct. 25 — House of Floyd. The Music of Pink Floyd. Begins at 8 p.m. Admission: $27 for adults, $25 for seniors. Youths receive free admission when accompanied by paying adult or senior.

n Sunday, Oct. 26 — Tangerines (Estonia). Begins at 2 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors. Youths receive free admission when accompanied by paying adult or senior.

n Sunday, Nov. 2 — The Broadway Divas. Begins at 3 p.m. Admission: $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, $10 for children.

CALIFORNIA THEATREThe California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Ave.

in Pittsburg. For ticket sales and additional information please call 427-1611

n Saturday, Oct. 25 — Leo Vigil and Terrence Brewer. Begins at 8 p.m. Admission: $15.50 for regular admis-sion, $40.50 for the dinner package.

n Saturday, Nov. 8 — VETJAM 2014 with Hot for Teacher & Alan Iglesias and Crossfire – A Loving Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn. Begins at 5 p.m. Admission: $10.

By KIMBERLY STELLYkstelly@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College Puente Club hosted a special screening of the Day of the Dead themed animated film “The Book of Life” Oct. 17 at Maya Cinemas in Pittsburg. This comes at an appropriate time since Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos is only weeks away.

Among the attendees were LMC President Bob Kratoch-vil, Art Instructor Lucy Snow, Financial Aid Coordinator Eva Monteverde and Puente Counselor Elizabeth Abril.

At the beginning, the lob-by inside Maya Cinemas was nearly empty. As faculty, staf f and Puente members from LMC began to arrive, they purchased popcorn and other snacks as they chatted with their peers. Some club members stood outside and talked with Puente Instructor/Coordinator Stacey Miller, who co-hosted the event.

About a half hour away from show time, the excited herd of people began to make their

way to theater seven, which was filled, as some struggled to find an available seat.

“We had 99 seats to fill so we’re glad everyone came out,” said Abril. Only a week before the event, there were and abundance of tickets left available to anyone interested in attending the screening.

Before the movie started, she announced the results of a raffle for attendees. With the help of Gio, her special helper, three prizes were given away. Lucy Snow won a poster from student life. Morgan Rogers won a miniature Spanish guitar and Eva Monteverde won a Book of Life poster donated by the theater.

“I am interested in Day of the Dead and in animation...a little,” said Snow. She also heard Maya Cinemas was “good,” so she wanted to check it out for herself.

“It’s nice to see everyone come together as a commu-nity,” said Abril as she stood to make a small speech and express her gratitude toward the people who showed. The General Manager of the theater had just enough time to make a short statement and wish everyone a good time.

The previews garnered appropriate responses, as people whispered about what they thought were the most

Photo courtesy of imdb.com

Cathie Lawrence • Experience

‘Amazing’ cast adds color to film

By TANNER JOHNSONand CATHIE LAWRENCEtjohnson@lmcexperience.com

On Oct. 21, LMC Choir Director Silvester Henderson was awarded the 2014 Arts Recognition Award by the Contra Costa County Arts Commission during its 18th Annual Arts Awards Ceremony.

“I’m honored for our students, because my life is really about the students.” Henderson said. “And to me, the award really should go to the students, because they allow me to work with them, and to present my leadership skills.”

Henderson was one of three artists who received the 2014 Arts Recognition Award for their dedi-

cation to the arts. Each of the three artists represented over 145 years of continuing artistic creativity for Contra Costa County. Famed painter Sylvia Fein of Martinez, and landscape architect and painter Joel Summerhill of Antioch were also awarded.

There are criteria to be considered to become a nominee. They must be, or have been, involved with arts and culture and have contributions or work that has had a significant impact on Contra Costa County. Individuals nominated in previous years cannot be nominated a second time.

“This is a special event for us to present not only the award recipient,” said Karen Mitchoff, Head Supervisor of the board, adding, “but to partake us some culture our self this morning, in the midst of a busy day, a busy week or being busy all the time.”

Each awardee received a glass sculpture made by internationally renowned glass artist Randy Shawn, whose work has even been put up as an exhibit for the Louvre in Paris, France. Depicted as a large ball of fire, the awards symbolize the flame of creativity they bring to our

community.During the ceremony, Henderson

thanked not only the students, but the audience who arrived as well. Henderson acknowledges the other award winners, and wants to tell how proud he is that he can sit with the other nominees who have brought so much ef fort into the district. Henderson had select members of the Gospel Choir sing a selection he dedicated to the art commission.

“Next to my family,” said Hen-derson, “my students are the most important individuals.”

A graduate of San Francisco State University with a Master’s Degree in Music, Henderson has been teaching for over 52 years, and has been a director for the LMC Choral Department for the past 20 years. In 2013, Henderson was a quarter finalist to the newly created national Music Educator Grammy Award.

The award was presented to Henderson in the County Board of Supervisors meeting in Martinez. For more information about music programs at LMC, visit www.losmed-anos.edu/music or call 473-7805.

By JOSEPH DELANOjdelano@lmcexperience.com

The Book of Life was great. I really wasn’t expecting much from the movie. Since my birth-day is on the Day of the Dead, I was immediately interested. I was not disappointed.

First of all, the cast was amaz-ing. With the exception of Ice Cube, the voice actors all did a wonderful job of grabbing and keeping my attention, making me laugh, and at times getting me right in the feels.

Directed by Jorge Gutierrez, the film starred Diego Luna, Channing Tatum and Zoe Saldana as the leads Manolo, Joaquin and Maria respectively.

Surprisingly funny, the cast members were also great singers. As a lot of the movie was musical, the singing had to be great, and it was. I did not realize, and was pleasantly surprised, that Saldana could sing.

The film was colorful, with true to life Mexican aspects and

QuotableL O S M E D A N O S C O L L E G E E X P E R I E N C E

Sports

game and possibly the conference championship, but Cabral said it would not happen unless they stop “shooting ourselves in the foot.”

Head coach Chris Shipe agreed that penalties and turnovers have killed them this season.

He said the turnovers have been the biggest weakness on offense be-cause even in the first two games of the season they had to come from behind to win because of turnovers.

“We’ve probably aver-aged at least three turnovers a game,” he said. “Definitely turnovers have affected us.”

Even with those turnovers affecting the offense Shipe said that the offense has worked harder each week to overcome and get better.

On the defensive side of the ball there is not a lot they are doing wrong, and a big part of that is defensive team captain Markie Beltram.

Beltram currently ranks in the top ten in the state in five statistical

categories, and is in the top five in three of them.

It is his leadership on and off the field that has helped lead the defense to a solid season, but Shipe said at 3-3 there is still room for improvement.

“They’ve been playing well, for sure, all year,” he said. “I can’t specifically say a weakness, but being 3-3, that kind of speaks for itself.”

Even with those weaknesses at 3-3 the Mustangs still have a shot at winning the conference, but it won’t

be easy. In order to make a run at the conference they will have to win their final four games, and the team is treating every game like a bowl game.

“Each week is going to be a championship week,” Cabral said. “We have to win out and hope that someone else loses so we can get that conference championship.”

The first game of the Mustangs run at the championship will take place in Yuba as they take on Yuba City who is also 3-3.

“Every game right now is your bowl game,” Shipe said. “Yuba is our bowl game this week. It starts with Yuba, but we have to go 4-0 to have an opportunity to get to a bowl game. As much as we want to say someone is going to knock off Contra Costa or

By BRENDAN CROSSbcross@lmcexperience.com

The Athletics and Giants faced off on the Los Medanos College softball field as the A’s took home a 9-6 victory. No, not the MLB teams, but rather teams comprised of LMC staff and faculty.

“As usual, the staff softball game was a spirited and en-joyable contest. It’s a great

way for college staff to come together and have some fun outside of the office or class-room. It’s also very nice to meet and form connections with colleagues you might not usually interact with on a regular basis,” said Bookstore Manager Bob Estrada.

The Giants had won the previous two softball games in semesters past, so the A’s

F R I D A Y , O C T . 2 4 , 2 0 1 4 5“I’m as excited as I’ve ever been. I’m 39 years old and feeling like a kid out there.”

— Tim Hudson

See FOOT, page 6

See STAFF, page 6 See AHS, page 6

Four games left have a playoff feel to them

Fantasy football cornerStart – Jarvis Landry against the JaguarsS t e v e n L u k e

Sit – Ben Roethlisberger against the ColtsPick Up – Denard Robinson, Jaguars WR/RB

Start – Mike Evans against the VikingsB r e n d a n C r o s s

Sit – Bishop Sankey against the TexansPick Up – Martavis Bryant, Steelers WR

Start – Derek Carr against the BrownsL u k e J o h n s o n

Sit – Nick Foles against the CardinalsPick Up – Tre Mason, Rams RB

Stangs battling for the top

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Julius Mozee runs just out of the reach of diving Hartnell player Jose Martinez on his way to the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown. The Mustangs fell for the second straight game with a 37-29 loss to Hartnell at home.

Experience • Brendan Cross

Custodial staff member Noel Muñiz swings for the fences as a member of the Giants during the staff softball game.

“Every game right now is our bowl game”

— Chris Shipe

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Previously unbeaten in conference, Solano College falls in defeat at the hands of the Mustangs. During the 3-1 win over Solano, LMC outside hitter Anna-Silvia Vega launches the ball over the outreached hands of the Falcon players.

Staff takes to the diamond

LMC knocks off Solano

Team building in the form of a softball game

AHS loses first game at LMC

By STEVEN LUKEsluke@lmcexperience.com

With four games left to play in the season, the defending co-conference champions have not put themselves in the best position to repeat, but they aren’t out of the running yet.

With a record of 3-3 and 1-1 in conference, the Mustangs look like they are an average team on paper, but the teams they have lost to have a combined record of 16-2. On paper it appears that the Mustangs lost to superior teams, but the teams own mistakes were just as much a contri-

bution to those losses as the ability of the opponents was.

In those three losses they com-mitted 34 penalties for 347 yards and turned over the ball seven times.

Mustangs center Alex Cabral believes that turning around these issues will be a key to turning the season around.

“We need to work on minimizing mistakes, minimizing penalties,” he said. “We need to be efficient at a high tempo.”

If the team can fix those issues they will still have a shot at a bowl

By LUKE JOHNSONljohnson@lmcexperience.com

Wide receiver Willie Wil-liams’s two 30-yard were just enough for Liberty to hold off Antioch for a 24-18 win at Los Medanos College in Bay Valley Athletic League play.

Antioch’s offense kicked off the game slower than a dead sloth. In the first half, the Pan-thers only managed to complete one first down. Thankfully for Antioch, their defense kept them in the game by only giving up 8 points on constant short-field drives (Liberty had 10 at the half because of a safety).

Leading the way was corner-back Tay Thompson who had two redzone interceptions, and linebacker Michael Gray who finished with three sacks and a forced fumble.

While the Panthers played well on defense the offense did not play up to standards.

Nationally recruited running back from Antioch Najee Harris was ejected in the beginning of the fourth quarter for unsports-manlike conduct. Even without Harris the Panthers then went on to score 18 unanswered points led by back up quarterback

this time around were “due” according to Estrada.

“The law of averages would seem to indicate that the A’s

were due for a win. I’m sure it had absolutely nothing to do with Giants fans celebrat-

BOOKFrom page 4

FOOTFrom page 5

YOUTHFrom page 1

LGBTFrom page 1

EBOLAFrom page 1

AHSFrom page 5

STAFFFrom page 5

SPOTFrom page 3

L O S M E D A N O S C O L L E G E E X P E R I E N C EF R I D A Y , O C T . 2 4 , 2 0 1 4 6

• Small Classes

• Outstanding faculty with academic and real-world expertise

• Degree options in Communication, Psychology, and Management

• Financial aid and scholarships available

• Classes start in January and August

LEARN MOREwww.usfca.edu/branch

s a n f r a n c i s c o s a n ta r o s a s a n j o s e s ac r a m e n t o p l e a s a n t o n

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someone is going to knock of Shasta, it’s in someone else’s hands.”

Although they need help to catch Contra Costa College at the top of the conference, the Mustangs still have a chance to help their own cause against Shasta College in the third of their final three games.

There may not be a playoff system in community college football yet, but for LMC they will be playing the rest of the season like there is, and it all starts against Yuba Saturday, Oct. 25.

“this decision by President Kratochvil shows that he truly leads by example and wants our college to be accessible by all student populations.”

The change has brought nothing but cheers from LMC’s LBGT and ally students like student Jorden Bonwell. “I think this change is a posi-tive thing, it’s time to include everyone into a place where they feel the most comfort-able,” she said.

“Tony’s Sport’s Cards” from 1988-1996 said since “crime is overtaking the city of Antioch,” he’s all for anyone “utilizing their sport’s experience to support the community.”

He considers himself an activist in supporting the improvement of Antioch.

“The reason I became a council member was to help with youth and recreation,” said Tiscareno.

Burden was inspired to start the program because he “saw a need to give these kids something more to do than hang out on the corners of Lone Tree and local gas stations doing nothing.”

For now, the program is focusing on basketball training and will be striving to someday, with support and recognition from the community, focus on other sports like football and baseball.

The Jus Beginners Training Program is open to youth ages 7-17 and will be continuing for the rest of Oct. on Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. for the rest of the month and the first Saturday of Nov.

The program is located at the Antioch Community Center at 4703 Lone Tree Way.

For more information, con-tact Ahmed Burden via email at aburden1219@gmail.com or by phone at (510) 460-0829.

are not going to be triaging patients who might be sus-pected of having Ebola,” said McDowell.

He does mention it in class as a topic that comes up, but there are no in-depth discussions.

Ebola has become such a hot topic that at the Board of Supervisors meeting for Contra Costa County, which was held in Martinez on Oct. 21, an oral report from Health Services Director Dr. William Walker was presented in regards to the County’s preparation for handling the Ebola threat.

“I do want to say that what’s become quite clear after the Texas experience is that not every hospital in the United States is capable of handling a full-blown Ebola victim,” said Walker, adding, “it requires quite intensive care, it requires a great deal of training, not only in the use of personal protective equipment, but also regularly exercising of the use of that equipment and it takes experience.”

Walker has been part of the Association of Bay Area Health Officials (ABAHO) since 1984. This association is a regional network of 13 health juris-dictions in the San Francisco Bay Area and is compiled of different representatives from Bay Area health departments.

This association addresses issues ranging from HIV/AIDS, anthrax, H1N1 and most recently, the Ebola crisis.

In his speech, the doctor explained that the Centers of Disease Control and Preven-tion are now talking about establishing regional centers for the treatment of Ebola.

The association made a unanimous agreement for a need to request for California to establish a regional hospital for treating the Ebola virus. They made a recommendation to Ron Chapman the director of the California Department of Public Health.

“We’ve been in commu-nication with him and we understand that, that process is underway,” said Walker.

He expresses that training in health centers and in Contra Costa Regional Medical centers have been in operation, but “It’s [imperative] any hospital to be able to identify, isolate and help to confirm an active Ebola infection,” said Walker.

There is no doubt that the County is definitely preparing for a possible Ebola outbreak and at LMC, Ebola will also be discussed with students to inform them about this potentially deadly virus.

McDowell offers some ad-vice to students “Wash your hands.”

This may come to no sur-prise, as washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of infection and illness.

ing their team winning the National League pennant the night before the staff softball game,” he added.

The parallel of the San Francisco Giants playing in the World Series again this season led to some trash-talking on the field, in good nature.

Despite their loss, the soft-ball Giants enjoyed the compe-tition and are looking forward to the next game.

“The friendly competition between the two teams is always fun, especially now because the Giants are in the World Series,” said Interim Senior Administrative Assistant Irene Sukhu.

“It’s a bummer that we lost this time around, but it’s okay, we will beat them next semester.”

After the game, the play-ers were treated to some much-needed fuel, in the form of refreshments and barbeque.

“(Buildings and Grounds Facilities Manager) Russ [Holt] and (Custodial Manager) Barry [Edwards] held a small barbeque after the game.”

“Playing and running always makes us hungry and thirsty, so it was perfect,” added Sukhu.

Harrison Ong, who was insert-ed in the middle of the third quarter. Ong finished with 7-of-11 passes completed for 85 yards, and a touchdown to wide receiver KJ Wilson.

But it was not enough as Liberty ran out the clock and prevented any further attempt at a comeback.

The comeback attempt was too late, and Antioch wide receiver Ryan Payne believes that the offense needs to play the same way for a full game if they’re going to rebound.

“We played very undisci-plined,” said Payne. “We’re a way better team than what we’ve been playing like. We just have to start playing the game fast and not wait till we’re down to try and step it up.”

While the Panthers strug-gled on offense the Lions did not as quarterback Joseph Tolentino lead the team to victory. The senior completed 17-of-26 passes for 256 yards and accounted for three touch-downs (two passing and one rushing).

This was a huge win for the Lions after a loss to their cross-town rivals Heritage High.

“I feel like we needed that,” said Williams, Tolentino’s key target in the passing game. “It was a wake up call because we got big headed about being undefeated in preseason that we lost focus. I feel we are hungry and we are going to finish this season strong and shock the league.”

This was the Lions’ first win in league as they go 1-1 (6-1 overall) heading into a tough match up against Pittsburg. The Panthers drop to 0-2 (4-3) for their first consecutive defeat.

Up next for Antioch is the 19th annual Mayor’s Cup at Deer Valley 7 p.m. Friday. Out of the last 10 Mayor’s Cups, Antioch has only won once.

meetings and activities. What many students are excited about is having a reliable home for the ALLIES club.

“We’re there for each other emotionally, spiritually…” said Walker, President of ALLIES who will be passing the title on to Claudia Vasquez this year. “It keeps them connected to the college and makes them feel comfortable to stay here,” he added.

ALLIES held its first meeting of the fall term on Thursday, Oct. 9. During the meetings, members are encouraged to share their sexual and gender identities, of which the spectrum is much wider than one would think, and to educate those who might not be familiar.

For example, Walker identi-fies as gender queer, meaning he considers himself both man and woman and expresses himself with a combination of masculine and feminine traits. A few other members identify simply as queer, meaning they consider their sexuality to

be so fluid they’d rather not subscribe to any one specific sexual or gender label.

Members of the club are encouraged to open up in this way as the Q*SPOT is meant to provide acceptance and support to anyone in a completely judgment-free zone.

“When we had our first meeting,” said Commission-er of Campus Events Diona Shelbourne, “there were a lot of people that came out that wouldn’t necessarily have brought themselves out.”

“Some of our students have said they finished their two-year college and transferred on because they had that support from Jeff and from Q*SPOT and from ALLIES,” said Walker.

Members of the club look forward to the Student Union Building as a permanent setting for the club, but founder Jeff Matthews isn’t entirely sure it will be the same.

Rather than housing an exclusively LGBTQ-centered group, Matthews believes LMC might take a “broader

approach to diversity” by ex-tending its reach to racial and ethnic minorities as well. But details are still foggy.

Faculty is in conversation with planners and builders, but an end date for construc-tion is a “moving target,” said Walker. Until then, ALLIES will continue to make do with the resources at hand.

Also in the meantime, the club has already made an impact on the college and its future.

Transgender speaker and activist Janet Mock was the featured speaker at a confer-ence at LMC Sept. 13.

During the conference, sponsored by LMCAS, she discussed many things includ-ing a need for gender-neutral restrooms on campus.

Soon after the conference, LMC President Bob Kratochvil agreed to include gender-neu-tral restrooms in future LMC buildings.

Until the Student Union is completed, the Q*SPOT can be found in Jeff Matthews’ office in Room CC1-117.

anticipated feature films, but as the opening credits began, the audience quieted and they leaned back in their reclining seats in anticipation for what they were about to see.

Throughout the movie, you could hear the audience’s reactions. There were appro-priate whimpers during the sad scenes and laughter during the humorous moments.

The film featured traditional Mexican marionettes and stuck to Mexican traditions of the Day of the Dead, from the musical instruments to the marionette animation-style.

Instructional Assistant Eric Sanchez, who also attended the screening, remarked the film was “all right but wished they would have used original music rather than contempo-rary classics like “Creep” by Radiohead.”

a respect for the Mexican culture.

Perhaps my favorite part of the experience was the artistic display. The way the film was animated was unlike anything that I had seen up unto this point.

I would definitely suggest a visit to the theaters and I will most definitely be buying this to add to my collection so I may enjoy it for years to come.

LIFEFrom page 4