SAM ATTAL / THE ADVOCATE

Proud stance — Defensive end Niko Aumua and point guard Jamie Capoot have been named as The Advocate’s Athletes of the Year for their superior game play during the 2010-11 year. Aumua will transfer to Washington State University while Capoot is looking forward to her sophomore season with the Comets.

Respected Comet holds season intact

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011C4 SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE C5

HONORABLE MENTIONS

‘Hot head’ grows into true leader

Football

NIKO AUMUA#18 DEFENSIVE END

Women’s basketball

JAMIE CAPOOTGUARD

#10

By Malcolm LastraSPORTS EDITOR

mlastra.advocate@gmail.com

People with positive attitudes tend to build strong connections with others and get ahead in life, while those who possess poor charac-ter traits are more than likely to have limited opportunities.

However, people with character flaws can eventually change their ways through matura-tion, motivation and self discipline.

For sophomore Comet defensive end and The Advocate’s Male Athlete of the Year Niko Aumua, that developing character has been something he experienced in his two years at Contra Costa College — going from a short-tempered athlete in 2009 to a mature and humble player in 2010 with the help of football coach Alonzo Carter.

“I was a hot head back in the day,” Aumua said. “I never had a coach who really cared about me and what I did on and off the field.”

The 22-year-old San Jose native came to CCC in 2009 after taking a year off after gradu-ating from Alameda High School in 2008, where he played wide receiver.

While Aumua possessed talent from the receiver position with his tall 6 foot 6 inch frame, he failed to gain any recognition at CCC from four-year colleges due to his poor on-the-field behavior.

In fact, during his freshman season at CCC he was suspended for the remainder of the year by coaches when he was involved in a physical altercation with an opposing player from Hartnell College.

“I remember me and the other player exchanged some words and he challenged me to a fight,” Aumua said. “I refused to back down from it and the fight resulted in the cops coming onto the field and escorting me from the game.”

Aumua said that part of the blame for his bad behavior was the fact that the team was generally undisciplined and was experiencing a frustrating year, finishing 1-9.

Things began to change for Aumua upon the arrival of Carter, the former Berkeley and McClymonds high school football coach who motivated the athlete to change his conduct.

“(Prior to coaching the Comets) I knew Niko was a wild guy, but I told him to recon-cile his issues with (Athletic Director) John Wade,” Carter said. “His bad attitude needed to be fixed because he couldn’t continue to head in that direction.”

Another change Carter presented to

Team captain tackles, fixes attitude problem

Aumua was his playing position, moving him to the other side of the ball placing by him at defensive end.

Aumua took the coach’s challenge head on and became a gym rat over the summer, bulk-ing up his muscle for his new position.

“I coached against Niko when I was at Berkeley and he was at Alameda,” Carter said. “(Although he was a good receiver) he was tough on us on the defensive side of the ball too and I wanted him to get back to that same level of aggression he had (on defense).”

Responsibility began to set in for Aumua as he was also named a team captain.

“I knew this year wouldn’t be a bad one,” Aumua said. “We (as a team) erased our past and looked at the season as a rebirth of the CCC football program.”

Aumua responded well at his defensive end position and the other roles Carter placed on him as he was consistently all over the field rushing opposing quarterbacks, catching touchdown passes as a receiver, chasing down kick returners on special teams and even hik-ing the ball to the punter.

“I knew he would be able to dominate on defense, but he exceeded everyone’s expecta-tions of him,” Carter said. “He does so much and is a very versatile player.”

The sophomore finished the year leading the team in tackles (63), interceptions (three), sacks (12) and fumble recoveries (two). His sack total and tackles for losses (25) led the Bay Valley Conference.

“He was our best defensive lineman but he still worked hard like the rest of the team,” freshman defensive lineman Floyd Pellom said. “He always set a good example for us.”

Through his hard work Aumua was named Bay Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year and the BVC First Defensive Team.

Despite all his success on the field, Aumua’s biggest reward came in the form a full ride athletic scholarship to Washington State University.

“Before this year I never had a Division I school come to any of my practices,” Aumua said. “When Carter came to CCC he made football a reality to me.”

Aumua was described by teammates as an inspiration and a humble person.

“He was the most laid back captain, but he always came through when we needed him, whether it be catching a touchdown pass or hiking the ball,” freshman kicker Jose Munguia said. “He wasn’t the type to put us freshman players through first-year hazing like most sophomores would.”

Other players agreed.“He was older than most of us but he never

caused a scene when the team got out of line,” freshman defensive back Alonzo Cudjo said. “He was a cool teammate to have.”

While Aumua has his hopes set on reach-ing the NFL some day, he said the greatest accomplishment he achieved at CCC was his maturity as a player and person.

“(Niko) is a great kid. He bought into my program and followed the script,” Carter said. “If he stays on course, things will work out for him.”

By Rodney WoodsonSTAFF WRITER

rwoodson.advocate@gmail.com

The women’s basketball team’s pre-sea-son schedule was rough during 2010-11. The squad struggled and only managed to win four out of 14 games, including a 56-point beat down at the hands of highly-rated Fullerton College.

However, Contra Costa College turned things around at the start of conference play and finished with a Bay Valley Conference record of 9-3, good enough for second place in the conference, just one game out of first and a 13-14 overall record.

The turnabout was due in large part to the improved quality of play from 20-year-old freshman guard, and The Advocate’s 2010-11 Female Athlete of the Year, Jamie Capoot.

“When I heard that I was the Female Athlete of the Year I was surprised,” Capoot said. “There are great athletes here at CCC. It feels good to be recognized. I feel honored.”

Her hard work during practice paid dividends in games as she led the team in points and assists, as well as being second on the team in rebounds and steals. She was named to the All-BVC First Team.

“She is a fascinating player,” Comet forward Monay Ray said. “She works hard in practice and plays hard in games constantly. She makes the team want to play hard and just watching her encour-ages me to bring my “A” game and compete.”

Comet forward Allessandra Jefferson said, “I really look up to her skills and game-play.” She also said that she has known Capoot for three years and that she is a very determined, hard working person who never gives up.

Capoot’s play is not only held in high opin-ion by teammates but by her coach as well.

CCC women’s basketball coach Paul DeBolt said, “She was our glue. She held us together at both ends of the court. She han-dled the opponents’ pressure, ran our offense and did a great job defensively.”

On the court, the 5-foot-10-inch guard is well respected for her determination and skills, in and off the court she is adored by her peers for her enjoyable personality.

“She is a ‘ride-or-die’ teammate and friend,” Ray said as she laughed about her comment. “She is a very funny and reason-able person. I enjoy being around her. She’s a cool friend.”

Jefferson said, “She’s goofy and fun to be around. She is the type of person who makes you want to be around her because she will

Freshman helps spirit, encourages teammates

keep a smile on your face. That’s why I keep her in my circle.”

After a loss to Laney College in the first game of conference play, the Comets ran off four straight wins. But after breaking her nose in a 66-64 overtime loss at Los Medanos College, Capoot had to sit out the next game and watch her team lose by 20 points to Solano Community College.

“It really was tough not being able to get out there and play when I was hurt,” she said. The hardest part about being sidelined and reduced to cheerleading was watching her team lose.

“We win as a team and we lose as a team,” she said.

Jefferson said, “Without her we weren’t where we needed to be as a team. Once a team builds together it’s hard to play well when someone is missing and she is one of our best players.”

DeBolt said, ”When she was hurt we were a different team. She was a good, all around, solid player and a good worker. We lost both games with her out of the lineup.”

Capoot was the starting point guard and when she went down, the squad had trouble advancing the ball up the court. With her gone CCC particularly struggled against a full-

court-press defense and turned the ball over often.

Capoot said she is more comfortable playing shoot-ing guard or small forward, but the point guard position is nothing new to her.

At Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville she was a varsity level starter at point guard for four years.

She was the Monticello Empire League MVP in her sophomore year and she also earned All-League honors throughout high school.

Playing point guard at the junior college level was

a bit difficult for her in the beginning, but she said she became more comfortable with it as the season progressed.

Basketball has been a part of Capoot’s life since she was a young girl.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was about 9 years old when I played for the Vacaville Vengeance,” Capoot said.

The Vacaville Vengeance is a girl’s bas-ketball program that operates out of Solano County.

Capoot said, “I’ve grown up with basket-ball, I love the intensity involved with it and I love the pace of the game.”

Capoot said before coming to CCC she went to Solano Community College for one year where she didn’t play basketball for the first time since she was a child.

“I felt like a different person when I didn’t play basketball. It took a mental and physical toll on me. Not playing made me realize how much love I have for the game.”

In regards to her future, Capoot said she plans on transferring to a four-year college as long as she is close to her family and attend-ing a good college. As for basketball, Capoot said she will play for as long as she can.

“(Capoot) works hard in practice and plays hard in games con-

stantly. She makes the team want to play hard and just watching her

encourages me to bring my ‘A’ game and com-

pete.”

Monay Ray,women’s basketball team forward

MEN’S SOCCER

#11

Kenneth HenryForward

The freshman striker was able to establish himself as an important member of the men’s soccer team in 2010.

Henry improved his game after coach Nikki Ferguson took over the team with the leave of absence by coach Rudy Zeller. Henry displayed his solid dribbling skills and quickness to slash through the field to connect on goals.

FOOTBALL

#16

Jeffery AndersonQuarterback

The freshman quarterback was a sparkplug for the football team as he was named to the BVC’s Offensive First Team.

Anderson led the Comet offense throwing for 18 touchdowns and more than 2,000 yards for the year. Anderson hopes he can continue his contributions to help take his team to a bowl game next season.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

#24

Bobby WardGuard

Ward finished first on the team in scoring and managed to record two 30-point games. His best performance of the season was the season finale against College of Marin in the Gymnasium.

The sophomore guard scored a season high 32 points and his clutch 3-point shooting helped to seal the Marin win in double overtime.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

#00

Monay RayForward

Ray managed to hold her own for the wom-en’s basketball team as she led the Comets and the BVC in rebounds (11.4) per game.

The sophomore forward, who transferred from Ohlone College, finished fourth on the team in scoring (10.8 per game). Ray provided veteran leadership to her young teammates and was named First Team All-BVC.

BASEBALL

#19

Chris LovejoyPitcher

The freshman pitcher showed his durability during the season pitching a total of 98 innings, second most in the Bay Valley Conference.

While Lovejoy was inconsistent in some games as evidenced by his 6-6 record and 3.77 ERA (earned run average), he managed to make First Team All-BVC.

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Profile

Capoot scored a season high 22 points in two games this season. Her most impressive game statistically was against Mendocino College when she dominated on both ends of the floor totaling 22 points, 11 assists, 16 rebounds (14 defensive) and four steals.

This was one of the two triple-double games she had this season, both of them against Mendocino. In the other triple-double game she finished with 12 points, 11 assists, four steals and a season-high of 21 rebounds.

She was named to the All-BVC First Team.

Profile

The 2010 Bay Valley Conference Defensive MVP showed his versatility this season and helped renew the football program into a threat in the BVC.

Aumua led the Comets in sacks with 12, tied for first on the team with one defensive touchdown, was fourth on the squad with three interceptions and he also led the team with 25 tackles for loss.

Aumua had three fumble recoveries, five passes defensed, caught three offensive touch-downs and earned All-BVC First Team honors.

“I knew (Aumua)

would be able to dominate on

defense, but he exceeded everyone’s

expectations of him.”

Alonzo Carter,football coach

Height: 6 feet 6 inches Position: Defensive lineman Year: Sophomore High School: Alameda High School Home Town: San Jose

Height: 5 feet 10 inches Position: Guard Year: Freshman High School: Will C. Wood High School Home Town: Vacaville

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011B8 SCENE

By Dariush AzmoudehONLINE EDITOR

dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com

Stories that chronicle the origins of comic book char-acters are either made or broken when that character makes the transition to the big screen. With Thor’s movie debut, the Marvel character makes a thunderous entrance on a well-adapted storyline.

The vibe from watching “Thor” can easily be com-pared to the first “Iron Man” movie as both characters are sent into a personal evolution to understand what it takes to be a hero.

What is seen in both mov-ies is the powerful, arrogant, main character thrown into a situation that makes them powerless. But it is in this situation that the character learns the true meaning of his power and uses it in a non-selfish way to help another.

Chris Hemsworth plays the god of thunder, Thor, who is banished to Earth from Asgard after nearly becoming king. He then provokes a war with the Frost Giants in retali-ation for them invading his kingdom.

Anthony Hopkins plays Odin, the king of Asgard and the father of Thor and Loki. He banishes Thor for attacking the Frost Giants against his orders.

On Earth, Thor meets Jane Foster, played Natalie Portman, who helps him get accustomed to Earth and tries to help him get powers and his hammer, Mjolnir.

The antagonist of the film is Loki, the younger brother of Thor, who is played by Tom Hiddleston. Loki, known as the Norse god of mischief, lives up to his title

and arranges a plan to

“Thor”

★★★★★Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony HopkinsDirected by: Kenneth BranaghGenre: Action

moviereview

God of thunder makes solid debut

take the throne of Asgard, which leads to Thor’s banish-ment to Earth. Loki lives in the shadow of his older brother and deals with an identity cri-sis that makes him believe he is less accepted by his father. By his actions in the movie he is attempting to be under-stood and accepted.

The characters and sto-ryline play well to the hand of the director, Kenneth Branagh, who is known for his works in acting and direct-ing Shakespearean pieces. The theme of the movie, one brother attempting to take the throne of the other, ties well into Branagh’s strengths.

Despite the fact that the origin story of Thor in the movie differs from the original comic book, the storyline is kept simple and direct. In the comics, Thor is cast down to Earth, without any memory, into the pre-existing body of Donald Blake, and it is only when he touches Mjolnir that he regains his memory and power.

The visual effects in the movie are great. They capture the feel of Asgard, showing it is a kingdom of a mysti-cal realm. And the Asgardian costuming looks great as well, playing well to the theme of the world.

There is a lot of action in the film, with the first fight

between Thor and the Frost Giants being the best. The other fights are good, but audience members are left feeling they don’t live up to the opener.

The only problems with the movie are that Thor wears his helmet only once in the entire movie, and Foster appears too giddy at times when she is around Thor.

The movie does a good job of introducing the char-acter, as well as including S.H.I.E.L.D., without over-shadowing the main character. When S.H.I.E.L.D. appeared in “Iron Man 2” last year, it took some of the story away from the main character, but in “Thor” they were used better as an obstacle for Thor.

Thor may not be as popular as some of the other charac-ters who have been portrayed on the big screen, like Spider-man or the X-Men, but the outcome of this movie will boost the character’s popu-larity, similar to the way Iron Man’s frame rose after his movie. And, of course, the movie ties into the Avengers, as Thor is one of the key members.

When the Destroyer arrives on Earth, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent asks, “Is it one of Stark’s?” referring to Tony Stark from Iron Man. When discussing gamma radiation, Dr. Erik Selvig suggests he should send an e-mail to a doctor he knows has dealt with it, referring to Dr. Bruce Banner who is the Hulk. Also, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who choos-es a bow and arrow over a gun to use to stop Thor is Hawkeye.

Fans should stay around for the after-credits scene to see the one-eyed Samuel Jackson character, Nick Fury.

With “Thor” following a great formula, the attention now turns to “First Avenger” to finish the summer on a good note for Marvel.

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

God of thunder take the throne of Asgard, which leads to Thor’s banish-

By Malcolm LastraSPORTS EDITOR

With a new coach, a strong recruiting class and a newfound hunger to win, the Contra Costa College football team looks eager to change its reputation and improve on last season’s 1-9 record.

Alonzo Carter enters his first season as coach with hopes of changing the reputa-tion of the football program and moving his players on to four-year colleges.

“My biggest goal is for 95 percent of my sophomores to graduate this (upcom-ing) spring,” Carter said. “I’m trying to move these kids to four-year schools, and if I can mesh the winning with that it would be good.”

The former McClymonds and Berkeley high school coach took over the Comets coaching position in January, replacing interim coach David Johnson.

When first coming to CCC, Carter said he wanted to reshape, rejuvenate and put life back into a football program that has not claimed first place in the Bay Valley Conference for 10 years.

“I want to shake off last season’s skel-etons and try to move this team forward,” Carter said. “I’m selling these kids a new Comet football era and I’m challenging them to create a new history.”

History is something that the Comets want to move on from after suffering a gloomy 2009 season when they managed only one win.

CCC was blown out in nearly every game last year as it struggled to establish any offensive control, forcing the defense to stay on the field for the majority of the games.

“Last year wasn’t the best of times,” sophomore linebacker Josh Richardson said. “Obviously we had a bad record but (we didn’t play as) a team. Everybody played as individuals.”

Chemistry and discipline also played huge factors in CCC’s one-win season last year as many players seemed apathetic toward their responsibilities, as was wit-nessed by players giving up during several games when trailing by a large margin.

“I knew it would be a tough challenge to come here to change the team,” Carter said. “One of the advantages I have is that I was going to school here while last

season’s football team would be practicing so I got to see the team’s work ethic and practice preparation before I actually got the job.”

Carter hit the offseason well by reeling in several freshmen recruits and bringing back many sophomore players to help deliver a winning spirit to the squad.

“I have three players who played on the 0-10 team (in 2008) who want to come out and win,” Carter said. “All the sophomores have accepted the challenge I offered them in changing this program and have embraced the freshman well.”

Players see the change that Carter has brought to the Comets as they are excited on what the season holds for them.

“Coach McDermott and coach Johnson did not demand perfection from us and gave us (little) discipline. Everything was chaotic,” sophomore linebacker Noah Coogler (who played in the 0-10 season in 2008) said. “With coach Carter, he actu-ally demands perfection and discipline from us and he also is strict on us during practice.”

“He definitely changed the work ethic of this team,” freshman defensive back Alonzo Cudjo said. “We have to play hard and stay hungry if we want to win.”

The Comets responded well to Carter’s demands as they won their first game of the season 32-18 against Monterey Peninsula College on Sept. 11.

Many players on the young squad said that their main goal is to win the BVC championship and make it to a bowl game.

“If we can compete at a high level, we can play more than 10 games this year,” freshman quarterback Jeffery Anderson said. “I feel that once we are at our apex we will be unstoppable.”

Despite losing Friday’s game against Diablo Valley College 27-20, the Comets continue to have their heads held high and look to improve during the course of the season.

“Anything can happen in a season so you have to be prepared for any chal-lenge,” Carter said. “Every team wants to be undefeated but I just want to win the conference and be in the hunt for a bowl game.”

Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra.advocate@gmail.com.

SPORTS WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 22, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE 7

Last season by the numbers

Overall record1-9

Conference record0-4

Conference finishfifth

Schedule

Sept. 11 vs. Monterey Peninsula32-18 W

Sept. 17 at Diablo Valley27-20 L

Saturday vs. Los Medanos1 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Mendocino1 p.m.

Oct. 9 vs. Gavilan1 p.m.

Oct. 16 vs. Redwoods1 p.m.

Oct. 23 at American River1 p.m.

Oct. 30 vs. Solano1 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Shasta5 p.m.

Nov. 13 at Yuba1 p.m.

CCC looks forward to new beginnings

Green

First-year running back brings tough-ness and power to the Comets’ running game.

Key players

Coogler

Coogler brings solid tackling and ball hawking skills to the Comets as a first-year defensive back.

Anderson

Freshman quarter-back displays lead-ership and throwing power as he begins his CCC career.

Aum

ua

The sophomore for-mer receiver brings size and speed to his new position at defensive end.

Coach Carter hopes to erase squad’s ugly past, program expecting positive change

Football Preview | 2010

Roster1 Najee Lovett wide receiver freshman2 Jordan Morrow wide receiver freshman3 Demarion Keyes quarterback sophomore4 Cameron Fuller defensive back sophomore5 Kenneth Green wide receiver sophomore6 Cloridion Kennedy defensive back freshman7 Devin Brown defensive back freshman8 Keenan Coogler defensive back freshman9 Isaac Goins wide receiver freshman10 Anthony Harrold-Taylor defensive back freshman11 Noah Coogler linebacker sophomore12 Kyle Tobler kicker/quarterback freshman13 Kevin Aguirre wide receiver freshman14 Anthony Beaver defensive back freshman 15 James Zeigler defensive back sophomore16 Jeffery Anderson quarterback freshman 17 Antoine Williams wide receiver freshman 18 Niko Aumua defensive end sophomore19 Quntarius Moultrie defensive back freshman 20 Jovontae Johnson defensive back freshman 21 Arthur Boado linebacker freshman 22 William Hartfield- Peoples running back sophomore23 Keon Burden fullback sophomore 24 Sherard Allen running back sophomore 25 Carl Yates running back freshman 26 Leroy Green running back freshman 27 Phillip Henderson defensive back freshman 28 Keith Bryant running back sophomore29 Adrian Pyles defensive back freshman 30 Jamier Malone linebacker freshman31 Tate Mustin running back freshman33 Anthony Arguello linebacker freshman34 James Hines running back freshman 35 Ori Onn kicker/punter freshman 38 Alonzo Cudjo defensive back freshman 40 Javarri Fifer defensive back freshman 41 Donald Hogan linebacker sophomore 42 Emmanuel Reed running back sophomore44 Reggie Glover tight end freshman45 Stephon Cox-Gilmore linebacker sophomore46 Jonathan Shipley linebacker freshman47 Marcelo Magdaleno-Medina linebacker sophomore 50 Hudari Murray Jr. offensive line freshman51 Adewale Kehinde linebacker sophomore52 Antoine Perkins defensive line freshman 53 Mark Alvarado offensive line freshman54 Marcus McClarty offensive line freshman55 Jerry Smith defensive end freshman 56 Floyd Pellom defensive line freshman58 Husani Burton linebacker freshman59 Lloyd Pellom offensive line freshman61 Edgar Vega offensive line sophomore 62 Juan Hernandez offensive line sophomore 69 Justin Morrow defensive line sophomore79 DeAndre Ward offensive line freshman80 Kevin Hal tight end freshman81 Michael Glover wide receiver freshman82 Tyler Thomas wide receiver freshman83 Jose Munguia kicker freshman85 Jeffery Deavers tight end freshman86 Octavius Jackson linebacker freshman88 Kenyon Walden offensive line freshman90 Michael Montgomery defensive line sophomore91 Alexander Hamilton defensive end freshman93 Carlos Garcia-Navarrete defensive line freshman94 Chukwueb Denchukwu defensive line sophomore 95 Jamaal White defensive line sophomore98 Kameuren Spencer defensive line freshman99 Cardelleous Snell defensive line freshman

Coach Alonzo Carter enters his first year as coach of the Comets with hopes of chang-

ing the program’s los-ing reputation. Carter

brings a winning men-tality to CCC and he

led the Comets to their first win in their season

opener.

Carter

Coach’s profile

Assistant coachesGeorge Pye Damon Nails Vince BordelonKeith Higgins Charles Smith Anthony Jackson Ondine Kilker Alfonzo Tucker Scott Glicsberg Marcus Webb Jason Walton Courtney Anderson

By Dariush AzmoudehASSOCIATE EDITOR

With the return of Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O and the warning to not per-form the stunts done in the movie, the audi-ence members prepared themselves for the adventures of “Jackass 3D.”

Returning to the big screen, the third installment of the “Jackass” movies makes audiences cringe, gag and laugh through an hour and a half ride of stunt after ridiculous stunt.

Going into the theaters, viewers know what they are getting them-selves into when they decide to see “Jackass 3D.” They are not expecting a storyline or char-acter development, but a movie to go see, enjoy with friends and talk about for weeks to come.

In an attempt to go big-ger, the movie is filmed in 3D, which through the glasses provided gives the film a high quality look with objects fly-ing toward the camera.

Unfortunately, it seems like the movie relies too much on 3D and high-speed cameras for its opening and clos-ing sequences, as everything is done in slow motion. In comparison to the previous movie openings — the giant shopping cart going downhill in the first movie and the stampede of bulls through the suburbs in the second movie — this movie has the weakest one.

Other than the opening and closing sequences, the rest of the movie does not rely much on 3D, and after a while viewers forget they are watching in 3D.

One of the more memorable clips involves “Jackass” member Ryan Dunn re-enacting a classic Maxell tape commercial behind a jet with its turbine blowing wind at high speeds in his direction.

Eventually, the high winds blow him off his chair, but that is a warm up as the “Jackass” crew begins to throw tomatoes, footballs and shoes in front of the turbine, making the items fly at high speeds toward other members of the cast. One of them tries to open an umbrella behind the jet before getting blown away.

Another segment of the movie includes the cast running through an obstacle course in a hallway with tires placed to run across, pieces of wood to climb over and to finish

it off, tas-ers and cow prods hang-ing from the ceiling.

The movie also contains scenes that would make one lose his or her appetite. Steve-O usually is the go-to-guy for these stunts, such as the “Port-a-Potty Bungee,” or when he had to drink fellow “Jackass” member Preston Lacy’s sweat, which causes half of the audience to gag and Steve-O himself to throw up. In the entire film, Steve-O probably throws up at least five times.

Steve-O also appears in “Beehive Tetherball” with Dave England where the two basi-cally play tetherball with a beehive.

One classic moment is when Chris Pontius dress-es up as a gorilla to scare Margera’s par-ents, Phil and April.

Another sequence includes “Jackass” member Jason Acuña, better known as “Wee Man” for his dwarfism, get-ting into an all-dwarf bar fight that includes dwarf policemen coming in to break up the fight, followed by dwarf paramedics carrying someone out in a stretcher.

The ending credits give a nice touch to the movie, showing the history of “Jackass” and the memories the cast had together with the song “Memories” by Weezer playing in the background.

It is great to see the “Jackass” cast back together after not seeing them since late 2007 in the straight-to-DVD release of “Jackass 2.5.”

For those who are familiar with the origi-nal show on MTV, the other movies, or even the spin-offs, the cast has grown on viewers over the 10 years that the “Jackass” crew has existed.

Throughout those years, “Jackass” has grown into the culture of the American youth with their crazy antics and pranks done on the show, making us all laugh at their expense.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, OCT. 27, 2010A12 SCENE

Pain presents comedy

“Jackass 3D”

★★★★★Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-ODirected by: Jeff TremaineGenre: Comedy

moviereview

Slapstick style laughs continue to entertain

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010C8 SPORTS

South Africa, being the weakest team in the group, will try to use the advantage of being the home team to lead it through the Cup. While Mexico and Uruguay look to be equally matched, a game between them will define who will go on to the next round. France will face some challenges against the other teams but will likely advance.

By Dariush AzmoudehSPORTS EDITOR

With time narrowing down, soon the eyes of the world will be set on South Africa as 32 teams fight for the FIFA World Cup, as well as global bragging rights for the next four years.

The World Cup is not merely a soccer tournament, however.

It is a global spectacle that unites fans of all nations to cheer for their country, turning the players in the tournaments into national icons.

And if those players triumph in their quest for the Cup, they will become heroes or even legends in their country.

Countries bloom with the colors of their nations, as fans wear whatever they can to show their patriotism as the tournament draws closer.

Sometimes, the streets are drowned with colors of the flag.

Certain countries even largely cease work on game days, just so their people can get to a television to cheer for their team.

The 2010 World Cup will kick off on June 11 at 7 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, when host country South Africa plays against Mexico in Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg.

Four years ago, the world saw the tourna-ment hosted by Germany, where the home team was one of the favorites to win but fell in the semi-finals to Italy. Italy eventu-ally won the Cup against France in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

This left the Italian team celebrating in the middle of the field as confetti rained down, with captain Fabio Cannavaro clutch-ing the world’s most prestigious trophy in his hands, not only for his team, but also for his country.

The game was one to remember for not only being a nailbiter that went down to pen-alty kicks, but for one of the most shocking moments in sports history as well.

French attacking midfielder Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest, which escalated when Materazzi insulted Zidane. The action sent off Zidane on a red card during extra time, and it proved costly, as France was left without its captain for the remainder of the defeat.

From Germany to South Africa, this World Cup will mark the first time that the tournament is being played in Africa.

It was only eight years ago in 2002, that the World Cup was held in the con-tinent of Asia for the first time, with Japan and South Korea taking the honor of co-host-ing the cup.

The World Cup dates back to 1930, when the first tour-nament was held in Uruguay, where only 13 teams participated, and the tournament was won by the host country.

Since then, the World Cup has been held every four years, except for the 1942 and 1946 editions of the tourna-ment, which were not held due to World War II.

A total of 18 World Cup tournaments have been played, with the only team to partici-pate in every one of them being Brazil.

Brazil’s history at the World Cup has been a glorious one that exemplifies the country’s pride in the sport.

In addition to participat-ing in every World Cup held, the country holds the record for most championships, five, and holds many other World Cup records.

Brazil was also the first to win three champion-ships and thus awarded the Jules Rimet Trophy for being the first team to accomplish such a task.

While Brazil has always been known for its strong offense as well as legend-ary goalscorers such as Ronaldo, Romario

and Pelé, this year Brazil’s greatest strength is its defense.

With Internazionale’s duo of goalkeeper Julio Cesar,

defender Lucio, and Roma’s defender Juan

playing in the back field, its defense has proven to be tough during the quali-fiers, as it allowed only 11 goals in 18 games.

Spain is anoth-er team to watch

out for.After winning the

UEFA EURO 2008, the Spaniards rose to No. 1 in the FIFA

ranking for 17 out of the 22 months since

then.In addition, the team

swept through qualifi-cation without losing one game.

Spain’s offense is led by David Villa and Fernando Torres, two forwards who know how to get the ball to the back of the net.

With Brazil and Spain being some of the favorites

to win the World Cup, one team that cannot be excluded is the defending champion Italy.

One of the key returning players to the Italian team is goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

In 2006, he only allowed only two goals in the entire

tournament.But one question

remains: Is Italy the same team it was in 2006?

The road to the World Cup has not been easy for many

teams, players and coaches, as many saw

their dreams shatter.More than 200 teams fought for a spot to

get into the World Cup, with qualifications beginning as early as August 2007.

To get to the World Cup, teams need to put their best 11 on the field during qualifi-cation or it could cost them.

Being on the same team, players must work as a team while still competing with their teammates for the chance to be in the final 23-man roster that travels to the World Cup.

While playing a qualifying match, a team must play as perfectly as it can, because one mistake can be costly. The closer a team gets to qualifying, the tougher it is.

Ireland, for instance, probably had one of the hardest defeats to France during a two-leg playoff for a spot to the World Cup.

In the second game, Ireland was able to net the goal to tie the series and send it into extra time.

During extra time, however, French strik-er Theirry Henry prevented a ball from going out of bounds by using his hand.

He crossed the ball to William Gallas, who headed the ball into the goal, which eventually gave France the win and spot in the World Cup.

Right after the goal, the Irish team ran up to the referee to signal him about the hand-ball, which he did not see.

After the game, Henry admitted that he used his hand to handle the ball.

Ireland filed a complaint to FIFA, asking to replay the match and then asking to be allowed to the Cup as the 33rd team, but it was denied both times.

Similarly, many dreams to compete in the World Cup have been shattered due to injuries.

Players such as England’s David Beckham and the United States’ Charlie Davies unfor-tunately will be sidelined from the tourna-ment.

The World Cup always brings emotion, excitement and passion to players and fans.

But it also brings surprises, where under-dogs rise up and surprise millions around the globe, as seen by Turkey and South Korea in 2002.

In the end, no matter who wins, it will surely be a month to remember for fans all over the world.

Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmou-deh.advocate@gmail.com.

Athletes and teams to watch during the tournament

FIFA World Cup: South Africa 2010

Playing in his first World Cup, Luis Fabiano is Brazil’s go-to guy when a goal is needed. As well as a great goalscorer, he has proven to be clutch when needed. Since being called up to the national team by coach Dunga, he scored 19 goals in 21 games.

The Argentine striker has been shown to be a powerful force while playing for his club team, Barcelona. He not only leads his team, but also the entire Spanish league, in goals scored with 34. He is the current FIFA World Player of the Year.

Leading the English attack, Rooney is prepared to tackle the 2010 World Cup following a poor performance in 2006. He played on an injured foot and went score-less in the tournament. He led England during qualification with nine goals in 10 games.

The Liverpool striker looks to compete with Spanish teammate David Villa to lead the team in scoring. Torres had knee surgery in April and has missed the rest of the English Premier League, but he looks to bounce back and fight for the scoring title.

Predictions— 1st: France 2nd: Uruguay

Despite a fairly balanced group, Argentina is the team that sticks out as the strongest. With Messi and Tevez on offense, other teams will find it hard to keep Argentina from the goal. Nigeria, South Korea and Greece will battle with one another to get the second spot. South Korea’s experience might be enough to give the edge it needs to get to the next round.Predictions — 1st: Argentina 2nd: South Korea

Despite England missing David Beckham on its ros-ter due to injury, it still has the fire power to not only get past the first round but to continue strongly. The United States will look to work on the momentum it gained in last summer’s Confederations Cup and a talented roster to take it into the competition’s sec-ond round. Predictions — 1st: England 2nd: United States

Ever since the last World Cup, Australia has shown that it’s a country that is about more than rugby. The team is playing in its second straight World Cup and has shown improvement since 2006. While Germany currently faces problems with inexperienced goal-keeping, its overall experience on the field can pro-vide the power it needs in the tournament.Predictions — 1st: Germany 2nd: Australia

Passing through all its qualifying matches without losing a game, the Netherlands is poised to lead the group. Second place in the group looks to be a toss-up between the three other teams. On one end, Cameroon’s offense, led by Samuel Eto’o, might have what it takes to continue. But Japan and Denmark’s tactics should not be underestimated.Predictions — 1st: Netherlands 2nd: Cameroon

Defending champion Italy looks toward its defend-ing and goalkeeping to shut down its opponents’ offense, but it might have a challenge when it faces Paraguay’s attacking power. Slovakia could prove to be a threat on offense as well. While New Zealand looks like a small team, it could be the surprise team in this World Cup.Predictions — 1st: Italy 2nd: Paraguay

This collective is known as this World Cup’s “Group of Death” with Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal. The underdog North Korea looks like it will make an early exit, while Brazil will be the team to qualify in first. Ivory Coast and Portugal will battle for the second spot in the group, beginning in the decisive opening match when the two teams play each other.Predictions — 1st: Brazil 2nd: Portugal

One of the favorites to win the tournament, Spain is set to breeze through the first round without much challenge. The other teams, however, will continue to put up a fight for the second spot. Honduras will not have enough fire power to get through, so it will end up being between Chile and Switzerland. And the Swiss defense will likely get it past Chile.Predictions — 1st: Spain 2nd: Switzerland

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Concerts set to rock stages

SCENE WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 l THE ADVOCATE B7

San Francisco Outside Lands Music & Art FestivalWho: Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, The Shins, MGMT and moreWhen: Aug. 12-14Where: Golden Gate ParkPrice: $200-$450

The San Francisco Outside Lands Music & Art Festival is an annual three-day festival that began in 2008, bringing music, food, wine and art to Golden Gate Park. The event is known to draw big crowds with more than 100,000 people attending last year’s festival. This year’s Outside Lands will showcase more than 50 musicians, such as Girl Talk, The Decemberists, John Fogerty, Erykah Badu, Beirut, The Roots and Arctic Monkeys. Other than music, the festival will provide a variety of food and wine.

—Dariush Azmoudeh

Rolling Papers World Tour 2011Who: Wiz KhalifaWhen: June 22Where: Bill Graham Civic AuditoriumPrice: $35

Rapper Wiz Khalifa will be performing in San Francisco as part of his 27-stop Rolling Papers World Tour 2011 with open-ing hip-hop artists Big Sean and Chevy Woods. Khalifa released his first mixtape in 2005, which led to his first full-length album titled “Show and Prove” in 2006. That same year, he was declared an “artist to watch” in Rolling Stone magazine.His stage name derives from the Arabic word “khalifa,” meaning successor, and wisdom, which he shortened to “Wiz” when he was 15 years old.His musical influences include artists Camp Lo, The Notorious B.I.G., Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Cam’ron. He is also the founder of the rap crew Taylor Gang, which includes friends Kev Tha Hustler, Ekko, Smallz Money and Gene Stovall. They based their name from the fact they always used to wear Chuck Taylor shoes.

—Alexandra Waite

Harmony FestivalWho: Primus, The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and more.When: June 10-12Where: Sonoma County FairgroundsPrice: $45-$340

The Harmony Festival is an annual three-day lifestyle festival in Santa Rosa that celebrates the latest trends in health, music, arts, ecology and spirituality. The festival has been around for more than 30 years and appeals to the green lifestyle market. Other featured musi-cal artists for the festival include G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Soja, Ghostland Observatory, A. Skillz and Krishna Das Natacha Atlas.Ticket purchases range from daytime tickets costing $45 to VIP all-weekend tickets costing $340, which include VIP parking access, VIP camping access at the fairgrounds and limited stage access during the musical performances.

—Alexandra Waite

California Dreams Tour 2011Who: Katy PerryWhen: Aug. 12Where: HP PavilionPrice: $97-$1,000

California’s pop princess hits San Jose in August on her worldwide California Dreams Tour 2011. Katy Perry, whose style swings between rock and pop, is known for her eccentric outfits and flashy stage presence. Her California Dreams Tour will feature songs from her 2010 album Teenage Dream, which boasts such hits as “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream” and “Firework.”Far from her pop theme of today, Katy started her singing career as a gospel musician. Once she promised herself that she would either “make it” in the music business by the time she turned 25 or give up and go home, she switched up her methods and became more rock’n’roll. After her 2008 album, “One of the Boys,” which had such hits as “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot and Cold,” made her a household name, she morphed into more of a pop feel.

Recently married to actor Russell Brand, Katy Perry’s California Dream Tour 2011

started in Europe in February and will con-tinue to Japan, Australia, New Zealand and North America.

—Cassidy Gooding

Live 105’s BFDWho: Linkin Park, Snoop Dogg, The Strokes, Cage the Elephant.When: June 5Where: Shoreline AmphitheaterPrice: $57-$200

BFD, one of radio station Live 105’s annual concerts, promises to begin the sum-mer with a bang. Hosted by the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, the all-day festival features four stages with a total of 35 acts. The main stage, facing the lawn with lim-ited purchasable seating, holds the main acts at the end of the day, but the gates open at 11 a.m.The Budlight Festival Stage will house attractions like Bad Religion, Neon Trees, The Airborne Toxic Event, Middle Class Rut and more.The party at the Subsonic Tent on the far side of the amphitheater will be spin-ning tracks with names such as Wolfgang Gartner, The Limousines, RAC, Party Ben and Jeffery Paradise.The final stage, called the Local Band Stage, will give bands from across the Bay Area, such as Beta State from San Jose and Finish Ticket from Alameda, a chance to play for the Live 105 crowd. The Local Band Contest Winner, voted by fans, will also be announced on this stage during the day.Lawn tickets range from $57 to $80, which will buy a spot on the large upper-level lawn that does not have any specified seating. Finding spots is a free-for-all, unless one shells out the cash ($100-$200) for the reserved seating in the lower level.

—Cassidy Gooding

Vans Warped Tour 2011Who: 3OH!3, The Devil Wears Prada, Attack Attack!, A Day To Remember and more.When: July 2Where: Shoreline AmphitheaterPrice: $45

The Warped Tour is an annual tour that has occurred every summer since 1995 and is primarily sponsored by Vans, the highly known skate shoe band. This July, the Shoreline Amphitheater is the seventh stop out of the 43 cities the tour is visiting. Popular groups like Simple Plan, Hellogoodbye, A Day to Remember, Reliant K, The Devil Wears Prada, Against Me! and many more will perform across the United States. Originally, the tour was created to showcase punk rock music, but now the genres are varied on the line-up.

—Faythe Del Rosario

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Summer shows bring musical artists to the Bay Area

Next film to finish, thrill

THE ADVOCATE l WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8, 2010B8 SCENE

By Cassidy GoodingOPINION EDITOR

In the penultimate release of the staggering Harry Potter saga, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” longtime fans of the series are taken on an intense journey through parts of the magical world never glimpsed before. Harry, Ron and Hermione, after facing Lord Voldemort’s Death Eaters in a series of close calls, take off into the countryside and forsake the comforts of Hogwarts.

Released Nov. 19, the seventh installation of the saga has already brought in more than $300 mil-lion worldwide, cementing Harry Potter as one of the most lucrative franchises in history.

Newcomers deciding to jump on the bandwagon at this last minute by flock-ing to theaters without any prior knowledge have been somewhat lost in the fray of the new battle

raging in the magical world, as director David Yates dives right into the plot without stopping to baby the audience by reiterat-ing anything from past movies. Therefore, one should definitely take the opportunity to catch up with a Harry Potter movie mara-thon before making the trek and shelling out the cash for a ticket.

For the avid movie fans who are strictly cinema-goers and have not read the books, “Deathly Hallows: Part 1” picks up right

where “The Half-Blood Prince” left off. The first scene opens with a message from the new Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, setting per-fectly the dark mood that has crept over the wizard-ing world since Professor Dumbledore’s death and Voldemort’s subsequent rise to power.

Similar to the last two movies — “HBP” and “The Order of the Phoenix” — the coloring of the scenes is muted and the overall feel is generally

ominous. As for diehard fans of both

the books and movies, “Part 1” plays like a dream. A well crafted, almost totally true-to-the-book dream that makes two and a half hours fly by like a thestral.

From the very beginning, how-ever, those who know the story in and out will either squirm uncom-fortably or chuckle derisively as Harry is introduced to characters he should have known for years, such as Mundungus Fletcher, Bill Weasley and Xenophilius Lovegood. Other than these and scattered minor discrepancies, the story unfolds exactly as author J. K. Rowling painted it on paper.

After the first half hour, when Harry, Ron and Hermione escape from danger and begin their search for the items called horcruxes by camping out in

random locations throughout Europe, the movie becomes an intimate setting for just the audi-ence and the trio.

Extra characters are scant and unimportant, lending watchers much more isolated character development that’s only ever been glanced at in the films before. The constant fear, ebbing hope and mounting overwhelmed mania between the friends are palpable and contagious as each step for-ward seems just to unravel more puzzles to solve.

For example, hearts go out to Harry’s stirring experience at his parent’s grave site in Godric’s Hollow, and the following scene with Bathilda Bagshot is so haunt-ingly chilling the only thing that would have made it better would have been 3-D effects.

With the explosion of 3-D movies recently, coupled with the fact that the last 20 minutes of “OOTP” and first 20 of “HBP” could be viewed in the special effect, it’s very surprising Warner Brothers didn’t spring for more of the same with this release.

One can only imagine how much more involved the audience would have been had it felt more like viewers were standing in the forests or the Malfoy Mansion or the Ministry of Magic.

As it is, however, “The Deathly Hallows: Part 1” has captivated a plethora of viewers. After nine years of watching, it has become increasingly easy to root for Harry, Ron and Hermione, and as fans await the end of an era, the trio has become so familiar and endearing that many feel as though they’re watching their own friends on screen.

“Part 1” ends at a sublime cliff-hanger that has left millions of people with no choice but to hold their breath until July, when “Part 2” is released.

Contact Cassidy Gooding at cgooding.advocate@gmail.com.

By Janit SaechaoSTAFF WRITER

After its first movie release in 2001, the Harry Potter series is finally coming to a close. With the release of “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” part two is soon to follow with its release date set for July 15, 2011.

While many say the part one of “The Deathly Hallows” is action packed, the second is expected to be even more exciting with the inclusion of the most epic battle in the saga’s history.

In the recent release, Harry, Hermione and Ron journey to destroy the objects called horcruxes in which Lord Voldemort has placed pieces of his soul. In the process, they learn about the three fabled tems, known as the deathly hallows, which promise their owner immortality.

Harry, since the sixth installation of the series, has made it his goal to destroy all of the horcruxes, and

in this first part of “The Deathly Hallows,” he only succeeds in eliminating one, making the current score three out of seven horcruxes down.

The last and final movie of the Harry Potter series would logically consist of Harry completing his unfin-ished business with the help of Ron and Hermione. They will search for and destroy what’s left of the remaining horcruxes and Harry will ultimately fight the battle he’s been waiting for his entire life against Voldemort.

After years of many casualties, mysteries and dan-gers, Harry will be able to overcome his fears and have the chance to defeat him. If successful, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, along with the whole wizarding world, shall finally know peace. Harry will be able to let go of his past and move onto a better future. After all, it was much deserved and every story should have a happy ending.

Contact Janit Saechao at jsaechao.advocate@gmail.com.

Ravenclaw’s Diadem Before his death, Dumbledore con-fided to Harry that Voldemort must have found and hidden something of Ravenclaw’s inside of Hogwarts.

“Harry Potter

and the Deathly

Hallows: Part 1”

★★★★★Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma WatsonDirected by: David YatesGenre: Fantasy

moviereview

‘Hallows’ follows book, trio’s feats

Nagini the Snake Dumbledore presented the possibility that Nagini, Voldemort’s eerily intelligent and obedient pet snake, could be a host for one of the pieces of the Dark Lord’s soul.

Slytherin’s Locket The charmed lock-et once owned by Slytherin had to be stolen from Dolores Umbridge and worn by the trio for weeks before Ron finally defeated it with the sword of Gryffindor.

Hufflepuff’s Goblet Glimpsed in book 6, Voldemort murdered a col-lector of treasures for the valuable goblet and cre-ated a horcrux out of it as a show of his devo-tion to power and the founders of Hogwarts.

Tom Riddle’s Diary In “The Chamber of Secrets,” the enchanted diary possessed Ginny Weasley before Harry impaled and mangled it with a basilisk fang.

Slytherin’s Ring Dumbledore was seen wearing this ring before he was killed, and told Harry he had destroyed the soul inside. The ring’s whereabouts are now unknown.

The seven horcruxes

The Seventh Horcrux At the close of “Half-Blood Prince,” Harry is under the impression the final horcrux is something of Gryffindor’s. However, he has yet to find proof.

?PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

sports page A11

Rest roomsNew facility

criticized

‘Jackass’ reviewedComedy film takes new 3D approach

scene page A12◆◆

Strong leader

A close look at team captain

campus beat page A5◆

By Cassidy GoodingOPINION EDITOR

Contra Costa College warmly welcomed Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez) to speak in the Recreation Room on Oct. 19 about the issues of the upcoming election.

“Congressman Miller is a homeboy,” President McKinley Williams said. “A friend to CCC and our community.”

Born in Richmond, George Miller gradu-ated from San Francisco State University and UC Davis before becoming a member of

the House of Representatives in 1975. Since then, he’s been representing California’s 7th congressional district as “a leading advocate in Congress for today’s education and the environment,” Williams said.

Once the president introduced Miller to the room full of students, faculty and district administrators, the Congressman took the stage amid raucous applause.

“I like to do this; come speak at schools as an effort to update the public periodical-ly,” Miller said. “To let you know what we’re trying to do (in Congress) that will directly impact your lives.”

The congressman told the audience about his experiences in office and his plans for the future if he gets reelected on Nov. 2.

By Adam OliverSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

After her car was ransacked in Lot 10 on Oct. 8, student Brandy Wilson thought it would be less vulnerable to reoccurrence if parked across campus in Lot 4.

But when she returned at 5 p.m. on Oct. 19 to the lot, the 1995 white Acura Legend she left there only six hours before was nowhere to be found.

“First they break into it, then they steal it,” Wilson said. “I don’t understand how you can steal a whole car on campus in front of a policeman’s face. I can’t grasp it at all.”

Contra Costa County sheriffs encoun-tered the vehicle in an undisclosed area of El Sobrante at 2 a.m. on Oct. 20, just a few of hours after the vehicle was lifted from the college, Police Services officer Jon Caires

By Sam AttalEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With new students com-ing in from various crime-filled high schools, the fall semester is always a tough one for those in charge of protecting the campus from illegal activities.

And with a shortage of police officers available, concerns have been raised about how secure the college really is.

Police Services Sgt. Jose Oliveira said due to budget cuts, not only has he seen the number of police aides dwindle in size compared to three years ago, but full-time police officers as well.

“Our staff is doing a great job of doing more with less, but the fall always seems to be the busiest with the new

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Miller makes campuscampaign appearance

GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE

Hands of power — Rep. George Miller talks about his plans and beliefs if re-elected on Tuesday. He spoke to an audience in the Rec Room on Oct. 19.

Funding cut, safety services feel impact

■ SEE OFFICERS: Page A4

An unfelt presenceIncreased crime and a decreased Police Services presence shatter the facade of students feeling safe on campus. Officers attempt to be seen, but their efforts fall short.

page A2

editorial

Local library wins grant

GOLDENOPPORTUNITYuesday is Election Day for California, where issues ranging from the environment, the budget, marijuana, health, education and who repre-

sents the state will be decided by citizens.In the B section of this week’s edition, The Advocate looks into the many

state and local issues that appear on the ballot.After all, Contra Costa College is a large campus that serves many

students of voting age from all different backgrounds and beliefs. These students, and even the ones who are not yet old enough to vote, should be familiar with the issues at hand.

THE CALIFOR NIA GENERAL ELECTION

2 0 1 0

T

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BALLOT

AdviceThe Advocate

Editorial Board has written a list of

suggestions for state propositions

FactsInformation about health effects from

marijuana, scientific issues described in

detail

DebateRelevant issues regarding the gubernatorialelection are

analyzed, discussed

B2 B6-B7 B12

Campus officers dwindle

By Cassidy GoodingOPINION EDITOR

The Literacy for Every Adult Project (LEAP) of the Richmond Public Library recently received a $400,000 grant to further their cause in the city of Richmond.

LEAP was started in Richmond in 1984 with the overall goal of helping local individuals reach new levels of literacy based on person-alized lesson plans, LEAP secretary Ora Lowe said.

“LEAP has always hoped to achieve higher lit-eracy levels for the people in Richmond,” Interim Director of Richmond Public Library Roger Pearson said.

Though the program has been working with Richmond, El Sobrante and San Pablo citizens for the better part of three decades, LEAP only recently started implementing the Learner Web tool, a system with an emphasis on providing self-paced online learning coupled with personal tutor support.

It is because of this ven-ture with Learner Web that the LEAP program caught the eye of Portland State University, after an orga-nization for computer lit-eracy there applied to the Department of Commerce for a grant provided under the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program.

“Portland State applied for the grant and then chose us and four other sites to get the funding to teach people how to use computers and familiarize them with the Internet,” LEAP Program Manager Sherry Drobner said.

The first reason Richmond Library was cho-sen was the staff’s experi-ence with Learner Web, the program that impressed the Department of Commerce. “Secondly, we were chosen because Richmond is a com-munity where there is still a

‘LEAP’ fights for individual literacy tests

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Vehicle hit againCar on campus stolen week after burglary

Congressman comes home to share ideas

■ SEE STOLEN: Page A4

■ SEE MEETING: Page A4

■ SEE LIBRARY: Page A4

By Adam OliverNEWS EDITOR

aoliver.advocate@gmail.com

Stepping outside of a friend’s house to answer a phone call, a Contra Costa College soccer player was killed when a hail of gunfire erupted in his direction on the night of April 8.

Andrew “Andy” Manriquez, 19, was compet-ing in a FIFA soccer video game tournament with friends in a detached bedroom on the 1400 block of Dunn Avenue in Richmond just moments before.

“He got a phone call from somebody and that’s when it happened,” said longtime friend Cassius Botelho, who was with Manriquez that night. “I was there until his last breath.”

Around 10:30 p.m., a pair of gunmen heading north-bound on 15th Street toward Dunn Avenue began firing on the residence and two cars in front, hitting Manriquez

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SavedGrant funds

dental program

Athletics hosts feastCrab feed helps raise funds for department

sports pages 7◆scene page 8◆

‘Fast Five’ continues ride

Fifth action installment entertains audiences

campus beat page 3◆

The college must find alternativesIn order to save the nursing pro-gram from experienc-ing more cuts, college administra-tors need to seek other options for funding, such as grants. One of the best in the Bay Area, the college’s nursing pro-gram cannot afford to lose faculty and openings for students.

page 2

editorial

While acknowledging bin Laden’s death brought closure to many of his victim’s families, CCC students shared the belief that it will not end terrorism altogether and that the violence will only escalate.

“(His death) won’t stop terrorism. Terrorism isn’t one person; it’s a move-ment against imperialism,” political sci-ence major Mehdi Tasbihi said. “The two sides need to sit down and talk with each

other in order to work it out.”

Fear of retaliationComputer science major Francia Garcia

said when she found out bin Laden had been killed, she immediately felt scared that al Qaeda would retaliate.

Cultural Anthropology professor Jayne Smithson said, “His death will stall terror-ism for a while, but retaliation will hap-

BIN LADEN KILLED

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE

Students, faculty react to killing of leader behind Sept. 11 attacks

Nursing slots reduced

By Sam AttalEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

sattal.advocate@gmail.com

Those who have seats in the college’s nursing program know just how lucky they are.

Students who wish to enroll in the high-demand program must meet mini-mum GPA requirements and pass certain classes before they can actually apply.

And even though the hun-dreds of students who fill out applications each year meet the requirements, only a select few are accepted into the program through the ran-dom lottery system in place.

For the fall, it’s even going to be harder to get in as the small number of slots has been slashed more than half. The numbers have dropped from 65 slots from fall 2010 to just 32 filled for this upcoming fall.

“I feel terrible that there are students who want to come into the profession and we can only serve 32 of them,” nursing department Chairwoman Cheri Etheredge said.

The decision to cut the number of slots is not based on funding for students, but the salaries of the depart-ment’s faculty. Etheredge said the decision came after college officials announced

Soccer athlete murdered

Manriquez

Manriquez played as a midfielder for the men’s soc-cer team last fall. He studied astronomy and art. He was gunned down in front of his friend’s house in Richmond when he stepped out to answer a phone call on April 8. Police and family say he was not the intend-ed target.

■ SEE NURSING: Page 3

■ SEE MANRIQUEZ: Page 3■ SEE BIN LADEN: Page 3

Student falls victim in local shooting, dies

nineyears spent hunting

bin Laden

2,998deaths on Sept. 11

1,549U.S. soldiers killed

in Afghanistan

By the numbers:

By Alexandra WaiteNEWS EDITOR

awaite.advocate@gmail.com

pon hearing the news of United States forces killing Osama bin Laden in a raid on Sunday evening in Pakistan, most Contra Costa

College students did not feel happiness, but were left questioning the safety of the country and what will happen next.

U

Source: U.S. Central Command

Will al-Qaeda,terrorists seek ‘retaliation’ against the United States?

For obituary see page 4

C M Y K C M Y K

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

C M Y K C M Y K

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B

THE WEEKLY STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.SINCE 195012 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE

VOL. 96, NO. 14WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

ACCENTADVOCATE.COM

LegacyDean retires

after 25 years

Comets warm upBaseball team seeks redemption this season

sports page 12◆focus pages 6-7◆

Lunar year celebratedSan Francisco hosts

Chinese New Year Parade

spotlight page 9◆

EDUCATIONAL CRISIS

Urgent assembly Students, employees from commu-nity colleges must band together alongside peers from University of California, California State University systems to oppose $1.4 billion edu-cational cuts and potential fee hikes.

page 2

editorial

■ SEE BOND: Page 4

Pending bond to renovateCCC buildings

Padillastatue gains funds

Funding awaits election

By Adam OliverSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHERaoliver.advocate@gmail.com

A first-ever single college bond measure created by the district to modernize, renovate and construct new facilities at Contra Costa College may find its way on to the June special election ballot for West County voters, that is, if there is one.

The $97 million bond await-ing approval by the Governing Board would fund the continu-ation of the college’s Facilities Master Plan if state lawmakers allow the special election and if voters approve of it, President McKinley Williams said.

After casting a poll to test the success of the proposed measure, district Chief Facilities Planner Ray Pyle said that even though they are still in the beginning stages of processing the bond, “the majority of likely county voters approved of the idea.”

“The taxpayers of West Contra Costa have always been supportive of education,” said John Márquez, the Governing Board member who proposed the idea. “Taxpayers want to step up to the plate and support CCC.”

As the measure would effec-tively cost just around $20 per $100,000 in assessed property value, it is a very petty sacrifice to make for the benefit of the college, he said.

“In the long run, it’s one of those sacrifices that you make. We can either support our college or drink more soda that year, that kind of thing,” Márquez said.

Student Tony Rojas felt sim-ilarly.

“That’s pretty cheap, they won’t even know it’s gone,” Rojas said. “Plus, it will benefit current and future students who want a better education.”

Williams said a majority of the residents of West County have a relative or friend who attends or has attended CCC, and many realize the good the college does.

“We have been a tremen-dous asset not only to the local economy but by changing the

Memorial goal of $7,500 achieved at last

By George MorinPHOTO EDITOR

gmorin.advocate@gmail.com

The goal to honor a fallen staff member has finally been reached.

The $7,500 for the Martin Padilla memorial statue was met on Jan. 10, senior execu-

tive assistant to the presi-dent Melody H a n s o n said.

M a r t i n Padilla, for-mer evening and Saturday p r o g r a m

monitor, was struck and killed while driving to the campus from his Pinole home in August 2008. Because of Padilla’s excellent service to the college community, a committee was formed to find a way to memo-rialize him.

After proposing and veto-ing a few different options, the committee, which consists of four members from separate campus constituencies, decided to have a statue of Padilla’s like-ness placed in the plaza in front of the Student Services Center. Along with the bust of Padilla, the statue, an informational placard will be placed explain-ing why he’s remembered.

“Martin Padilla was a man who stood for passion, commit-ment and dedication,” Senior Dean of Research and Planning Tim Clow said.

Clow said Padilla was always there for the students and on campus well into the evenings.

“The sculpture will be an everlasting tribute to that pas-sion, commitment and dedica-tion that Padilla stood for and the values that this college will remember to hold on to,” Dr. Clow said.

“At night, a (big) number of students and staff are still very present on campus,” Academic Senate President Richard Akers said. “During the day man-agement is responsible for all things that happen on campus. But at night Martin was the

By Sam AttalEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

sattal.advocate@gmail.com

Student Sherry Madison considered dropping out of school after she had a hard time paying her college tuition in addition to living expenses.

Although the 55-year-old still man-ages to attend Contra Costa College, even after having the number of days she works a week cut from four to one, she, like many other students, receives no financial aid and faces a difficult time when deciding which bills to pay each month.

“I’ve contemplated having to drop out of school to survive,” Madison said.

Currently Madison pays $26 a unit to attend classes at CCC, but she may have to say goodbye to her dreams of higher education if tuition fees take a hike next semester.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has recommended that tuition fees be raised to $66 a unit up and down the California community college sys-tem beginning in the fall semester.

Such an amount would force a student who currently pays $312 for 12 units to pay $792 for the same classes.

The dollar-per-unit amount comes from multiple factors that the LAO has taken into account, including Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2011-12 budget pro-posal asking for a $12.5 billion cut statewide.

Brown’s proposal requires higher education to take a $1.4 billion cut of which $400 million will come from the state’s community colleges, LAO Director of Higher Education Steve Boilard said.

“That’s a pretty steep cut,” Boilard said. “You can’t cut $400 million (from community college budgets) without disrupting colleges. There’s just not that much waste or fat in the system.”

CCC President McKinley Williams ■ SEE PADILLA: Page 4 ■ SEE TUITION: Page 4

Padilla

Legislative Analyst’s Office proposes154 percent statewide tuition increase

in brief

w Contra Costa College is requesting a bond of $97 million to put on June’s possible spe-cial election.

w The bond money will charge West Contra Costa County residents an extra $20 per year per $100,000 in assessed property value.

w The bond measure will help CCC elevate facilities and technology to be on par with student success and quality of education.

w The main aims of the bond will be improving accessibility for disabled students, building cam-pus facilities and seismi-cally retrofit-ting existing structures.

w The bond, if passed, will also create an oversight committee of residents to make sure the money is being spent appropriately.

w This bond is the first ever of its kind to only be meant to affect one college in the district.

DeTorres recuperates at home “I hope that sometime in the near future I’ll be able to get back in the swing of things. But meanwhile, I’m just going to try and keep my energy level high and watch my

diet.”

Joseph DeTorres,business department chairman

By Cassidy GoodingOPINION EDITOR

cgooding.advocate@gmail.com

Business department Chairman Joseph DeTorres was rushed to the hospital on Feb. 4 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Oakley.

“My heart stopped a few times,” DeTorres said. “I wasn’t really in good shape, but the doctors were able to revive me.”

DeTorres remained at the Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center until returning home on Feb. 21. Since then, he has been getting the rest his doctors recommend.

“I’ve just been resting (since I’ve been home) and doing some of the exercises my physical therapist showed me,” DeTorres said, “but nothing to excite me too much. I have to be careful not to raise my blood (pressure) level.”

Though Contra Costa College faculty and staff were worried about his health after the attack, DeTorres’ hospitalization also left his classes hanging in the balance.

As the only full-time business professor, six sections holding about 200 students were left without an instructor. When interim Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Division Dean Leverett Smith received the e-mail on Feb. 5 about DeTorres’ condition, he immediately sought to fill the holes left by the absence.

“I was very impressed,” Dr. Smith said of the nine part-time business professors. “I sent an all-points bulletin to the department say-ing, ‘Here is the situation, (DeTorres) is in the

hospital and here are the sections we need to be covered.’”

By the end of the day, he said, every class had a substitute, and only one session was sacrificed.

“(The part-time professors) really stepped up to the plate,” he said.

CCC student Don Aitchison agreed.“The transition (between professors) was

smooth,” he said, describing how Smith intro-duced substitute professor Gary Bell to his Business 109 class as “tactful.” Aitchison con-tinued to say that in his section at least, Bell “pretty much picked up where (DeTorres) left off.”

Bell, who is also CEO of a credit union in Berkeley, picked up the extra section out of loyalty to DeTorres.

“(I took the class) because (DeTorres) is a

Business professorrests after heart attack

■ SEE DETORRES: Page 4

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE