“Parasite” masterfully plays with expectations
By Xavier Johnson, Web Editor
February 19, 2020
It’s easy to go into powerhouse director Bong Joon-ho’s acclaimed new film “Parasite” feeling cynical. The Korean filmmaker dominated the global film conversation since his film burst onto the scene at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. Now that “Parasite” has added a couple Oscars to its name, ...
‘Ambitious’ exhibit explores growth
By Christian Medina, Advocate Staff
February 19, 2020
As a self-taught artist, Steven Berndt is no stranger to the term “Growth”, in fact, the word represents Berndt experience as a student at Contra Costa College. Recalling his work with the tabletop gaming company, Frontline Gaming, until their move to San Diego, he describes how the company’s...
Poets heal through art
By Christian Medina, Advocate Staff
February 19, 2020
Berkeley — Wednesday nights are like no other at the Starry Plough Pub, a quaint Irish Pub a few blocks from the Ashby BART Station. The venue has hosted the Berkeley Poetry Slam since 1998 and has seen its fair share of well-known poets & their contemporaries, however, in recent years the longest r...
Energetic, funny production transforms Knox Center stage
By Jose Arebalo, News Editor
December 11, 2019
A short-but-sweet drama department showing of a uniquely produced show shared a hysterical story of change and exploration at the Knox Center for four performances this past weekend, Thursday through Sunday. In a move that brought audiences a new experience, the play was performed in a curtained off...
‘The Mandalorian’ brings a new perspective to ‘Star Wars’
By Xavier Johnson, Web Editor
December 11, 2019
It feels like it’s been forever since fans have gotten a more down-to-earth “Star Wars” story that doesn’t revolve around a Jedi, the Force or galactic politics, but instead focuses on the relatively normal individuals who reside in the rich “Star Wars” universe. “The Mandalorian,”...
Indie rock stars host emotional night
By Jose Arebalo, News Editor
December 11, 2019
Their songs revel in the intimacy they create with listeners, unafraid to tackle topics like the dualities we find in our lovers and the passing of time.
Former professor directs play revival
By JoJuan Johnson, Advocate Staff
December 11, 2019
In a move that builds on expanding cast diversity in local theater, Contra Costa College African American theater instructor Terrance Ivory premiered “Hype Man-A Break Beat Play” Oct. 10 at Los Medanos College. His interpretation is based on the actual work by award-winning playwright, director,...
Raymond’s Pizzeria: Fresh artisan pizza delights
By Janet Lira, Advocate Staff
December 11, 2019
Pizza is usually thought of as another greasy junk food, but Raymond’s Pizzeria in Point Richmond has taken the idea of an over-commercialized snack food to new heights through a variety of ingredients. This pizzeria stands out among the rest because it has no refrigeration, all the food is made...
Longtime establishment delivers classics
By Luis Lopez, Advocate Staff
November 13, 2019
Nestled between an international supermarket, and Contra Costa College in San Pablo, lies a small diner, Sukie’s Kitchen, that has been serving up breakfast for locals for more than 40 years. Sukie’s Kitchen is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tradition of going to Sukie’s...
Trailblazing effort brings Frida Kahlo’s story to life
By Jose Arebalo, News Editor
November 13, 2019
A young actress seamlessly embodied the soul of Frida Kahlo as the drama department put on the world premiere of an emotionally explosive biographical play that gave audiences a glimpse into the heartbreak surrounding the life of the eclectic artist. In a performance that allowed the story to play...
Urban natives re-claim untold familial stories
By Xavier Johnson, Web Editor
October 23, 2019
Centuries of systemic erasure of Native American (Indian) culture other than street names and sports team mascots pushes the Indian populations living in cities into the shadows. But Tommy Orange’s incredible novel “There, There” brings light to the urban Indians residing in the United States. Fr...
‘Joker’ raises the bar
By Luis Lopez, News Editor
October 23, 2019
Todd Phillips has directed and co-written the greatest comic book-based movie ever made with “Joker” because in this film there is an actual attachment to the character that other comic book movies have lacked. Where other movies are focused on keeping fans of the source content happy, this film...