The Student Voice Of Contra Costa College, San Pablo, Calif.

The Advocate
The Student Voice Of Contra Costa College, San Pablo, Calif.

The Advocate
Roxana Amparo

Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief

[email protected]

All content by Roxana Amparo
Oakland resident Yesenia Veamatahau holds her fists in the air as a speaker performs an empowering poem during the closing rally of an impromptu march to City Hall in San Francisco on Sept. 6.

Federal judge rules to continue Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Jan 16, 2018
The Power and Control diagram helps people understand the overall pattern of abusive behaviors and violent behaviors, which are used by a batterer to establish and maintain control over their partner. Often times, one or more violent incidents are accompanied by an array of these other types of abuse.

Effects of domestic violence are long-lasting

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Dec 11, 2017
Clean Dream Act protects immigrants

Clean Dream Act protects immigrants

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Dec 8, 2017
Bill to remove first-year costs, offer financial assistance

Bill to remove first-year costs, offer financial assistance

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Nov 15, 2017
Midterm report sets goals, aids accreditation

Midterm report sets goals, aids accreditation

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Nov 7, 2017
Brix's menu respects halal diet

Brix’s menu respects halal diet

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Nov 1, 2017
A partial map of native tribes and nations in the United States before the Columbus colonization period.

Genocide of natives shifts opinion on cultural holiday

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Nov 1, 2017
Informative, educational festival highlights natives

Informative, educational festival highlights natives

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 30, 2017
Protesters disrupt Trump's private Belo Mansion fundraiser

Protesters disrupt Trump’s private Belo Mansion fundraiser

By Roxana Amparo and Mayra Garcia
Oct 29, 2017

Power shut down strikes campus reaction

By Roxana Amparo and Jessica Suico
Oct 16, 2017

The Advocate’s weekly news update for 10-16

By Jessica Suico, Benjamin Bassham, and Roxana Amparo
Oct 16, 2017

Sex assault amendment to alter guidelines

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 11, 2017
English as second language professor Shelly Ruby writes on the white board during a lecture in Essay Writing in AA-133 on Thursday.

ESL population at disadvantage

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 11, 2017

An undocumented experience

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 2, 2017
Language deficiency triggers shame

Language deficiency triggers shame

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 28, 2017
Celebrating Hispanic culture

Celebrating Hispanic culture

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 28, 2017
Psychology major Lizbeth Gonzalez (front middle) calls Contra Costa College a “safe place” where she can enjoy the company of her friends La Raza studies major Luis Ledesma (left), political science major Michelle Armienta (middle back) and psychology major Alejandra Navarro (right).

Struggles produce success, inspiration

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 28, 2017
Computer science major Zehenghui Guo attended the annual MathFest in Chicago to present his research on the efficiency of an independent shipping company.

Clash of tech, spirit

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 28, 2017
Suicide prevention and awareness illustration.

Identifying signals of despair

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 20, 2017
Counselor Jenna Hornbuckle posts a message supporting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival recipients in the Student Center Plaza on Sept. 5.

Counselors offer hope, protect mental health

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 15, 2017
Gabriel Sanchez (middle right) and nursing major Joey Lumagbas (right) join La Raza Student Union and Puente Club members as they read lyrics for a song written by economics major Oscar Martinez during the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, Info Night in the GE-225 on Friday.

DACA’s fate in limbo, college community extends its support

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 15, 2017
Fremont resident Mayra Alcaraz (left) wipes tears from her eyes while surrounded by friends and community members during a vigil at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland, California on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, hours after news leaked that President Trump will repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival order. DACA recipients were asked to form a circle while the rest of the group surrounded them to sing "We Shall Overcome."

Trump administration expected to repeal DACA

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Aug 31, 2017

Curriculum supports academic specificity

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Aug 30, 2017
Professor remembered

Professor remembered

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Aug 23, 2017
Vice President of Student Affairs Ken Sherwood sings during All College Day in the GE-234 on Aug. 10. Sherwood said he decided to sing for the Contra Costa College staff, administration and student body because that is a way to get to know him.

Leader embodies passion

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Aug 23, 2017
Astronomy professor Jon Celesia looks at Monday's eclipse through double Polaroid glasses on the roof of the Physical Building.

Solar eclipse draws heads toward the sky

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Aug 23, 2017

Dance groups highlight variety of styles

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2017
Incoming Editor-in-Chief Denis Perez speaks during his election speech.

Strong work ethic sustains paper’s legacy

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2017

Nonresident fee bill stalled

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2017
Liberal Arts Division assistant Zolayma Martin has been named Classified Employee of the Year for both the Contra Costa Community College District and the state of California.

Classified employee earns statewide award

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2017
Contra Costa College retiring English professor Heather Roth (right) and English emeritus professor Barbara McClain (left) share a moment of jubilation during the retirement reception in Fireside Hall on Friday, May 12, 2017.

Retirees bid farewell to college ‘family’

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
May 13, 2017

Clothesline artwork buoys victims

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2017
Liberal arts, social and behavioral sciences major Sasha Graham reacts to the news of winning the $40,000 per year Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship during a reception in the Student and Administration Building on April 18.

Scholar, mother earns national scholarship

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Apr 18, 2017
Dean of institutional Effectiveness and Equity Padilla confidently steps into a prominent role that will allow her to develop equity plans for underserved communities.

Padilla accepts role to help underserved

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-In-Chief
Apr 18, 2017

Activists share labor strike

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-In-Chief
Apr 18, 2017
LEFT: Senior Admi- nistrative Assistant Michael Peterson will be riding his bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles from June 4-10 for the Ride for Life event to raise funds for AIDS awareness.

Living through adversity breeds motivation, drive

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 29, 2017

Sanctuary resolution ‘arms’ district employees

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 29, 2017
cody casares / The Advocate Economics major Oscar Martinez’s undocumented status inspires him to surpass the limitations of being a first generation student to educate himself and his community.

Puente leader sheds his ‘comfort zone’

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 29, 2017
HSI STEM Manager Mayra Padilla holds up signs in support of undocumented students during the College Council Meeting in GE-225 on Thursday.

Council delineates plan to safeguard sanctuary

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 14, 2017
Former Contra Costa College Vice President Tammeil Gilkerson smiles as staff, faculty and students clap for her during her farewell reception in Aqua Terra Grill on Thursday.

‘Family’ bids farewell, honors Gilkerson’s legacy

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 14, 2017

District to quell ICE fears, plan aims to inform

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 8, 2017
Mehdizadeh Executive vice chancellor of education and technology

President hails Iranian roots, American dream

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Mar 1, 2017

Traditional ways hinder women’s interest in STEM

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-In-Chief
Mar 1, 2017

Honoring women’s triumphs, struggles

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-In-Chief
Mar 1, 2017

Art courses fixed at three units for transfer degree

By Roxana Amparo
Feb 14, 2017

Fee hikes hinder plan

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Feb 1, 2017
A protester holds up a sign in the middle of a large crowd during the Women's March on D.C. sister march from MAdison Park near Laker Merritt to Oscar Grant Plaza in Oakland, Calif. Jan. 21.

Thousands unite, assert equal rights

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Feb 1, 2017
District campuses earn sanctuary status after Governing Board referendum

District campuses earn sanctuary status after Governing Board referendum

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Jan 12, 2017
Chancellor Helen Benjamin announced her retirement this year after having served the district since 1990 when she was hired as Dean of Language Arts and Humanistic Studies and Related Occupations.

Leader retires, district trembles

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 8, 2016
Business major Christian Sanchez was born female but identifies as male and is in the process of transitioning from one gender to another. Sanchez said it is easy for people to confuse pronouns and sometimes they cannot accept the change someone goes through.

Transgender label draws stereotype, perseverance

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 7, 2016
Group tracks school board

Group tracks school board

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 7, 2016
Attendees congratulate Chancellor Helen Benjamin on her storied work history with the Contra Costa Community College District during the Helen Benjamin Retirement Celebration on Wednesday.

Community unites to celebrate accomplishments, inspiration

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 1, 2016
Conservative ideal threatens entry, fuels deportations

Conservative ideal threatens entry, fuels deportations

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 16, 2016
Underrepresented groups to remain on the fringes

Underrepresented groups to remain on the fringes

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 16, 2016
Contra Costa Community College District chancellor finalist, University of Minnesota Chancellor Fred Wood speaks to the crowd in Fireside Hall on Monday.

District holds meeting, selects chancellor

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 9, 2016

Chorus festival exhibits talents

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 9, 2016

Clubs encompass plaza, promote friendly rivalry

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 3, 2016
Democratic action influences change

Democratic action influences change

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 3, 2016

Election cycle exposes gender biases

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 3, 2016
Harassment scars victims’ self worth

Harassment scars victims’ self worth

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Oct 21, 2016

Lactation Room to open next semester

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Oct 21, 2016
Undocumented students lack support, resources

Undocumented students lack support, resources

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Sep 28, 2016
Gateway to College student Abigail Campana writes in the journal at the memorial for Nicole Hazel McCoy in the Applied Arts Building on Monday.

Pregnant teen’s death leaves void, community mourns

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Sep 21, 2016

ASU moves to modern facilities, redefines outreach potential

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Sep 21, 2016
Change of scenery inspires fresh ideas, offers communal experience

Change of scenery inspires fresh ideas, offers communal experience

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Sep 1, 2016
Students walk through the Campus Center Plaza between the Student and Administration Building and the General Education Building near Fireside Hall on Monday. Despite completion of the Campus Center and Classroom Project, enrollment is down by 4.2 percent according to the Admission and Records fall 2016 report.

Enrollment slowly rises

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Aug 26, 2016
Council aims to enhance club events

Council aims to enhance club events

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Aug 26, 2016
(L to R) Senior Executive Assistant Michael Peterson, English, philosophy and humanities professor Jeff Michels and Liberal Arts Division Dean Jason Berner watch a demonstration powerpoint during the semi-annual All College Day event in GE 225 on Aug. 11.

All College Day sets mood for upcoming year

By Roxana Amparo, Editor-in-Chief
Aug 17, 2016

Emergency phones ignored

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
May 18, 2016

Club beliefs sprout cultural diversity

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
May 18, 2016
Dancers with Danza Azteca Guadalupana perform for the crowd during the Cinco de Mayo Festival on 23rd Street on Sunday.

City of Richmond, San Pablo embrace culture

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
May 9, 2016
NSAS Dean Ghada Al-Masri aims to be an educational resource for students and faculty. Dr. Al-Masri conducted research in Lebanese refugee camps after the 1974-1990 Lebanese Civil War.

Experience fortifies leadership

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
May 4, 2016
PG&E Customer Relationship Manager Katherine Long (right) speaks to Gateway to College student Vilma Mendoza about energy saving methods during the Earth Day event in front of the main entrance to the Applied Arts Building on Thursday.

Earth day promotes reduction, clean air

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
May 4, 2016
Richmond resident Darlene Drapkin samples a glass of wine from the Grigich Hills Estates collection during the 9th Annual Food and Wine Event in the Gymnasium on Sunday.

Food, wine draw community

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
May 4, 2016
East Bay Coffee Company owner Bill Ancira extracts espresso for a customer at its location in Pinole on Monday. Ancira said he plans expand to more locations, including Church Lane in San Pablo.

Cafe engages in lively interaction

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Apr 22, 2016

Earth day strives to diminish usage

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Apr 20, 2016
UC Berkeley Experience Director Kenny Gutierrez explains the application process for Experience Berkeley in the College Skills Center computer lab rm-125 on Wednesday.

UC Berkeley program provides pathway for underrepresented

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Apr 12, 2016

Multi-cultural program breaks ‘walls’

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Apr 11, 2016
English professor Benjamin Jahn speaks to his class, American Literature: 19th Century, on Thursday. Class members are taught to share their ideas freely and to expand their own knowledge.

Class explores interpretations

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Mar 16, 2016

Plan designs path, allocates basic skills funding

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Mar 16, 2016
Women’s rights equally deserving

Women’s rights equally deserving

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Mar 9, 2016
Romantic stressors cloud holiday's origin

Romantic stressors cloud holiday’s origin

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Feb 10, 2016

Workshops accentuate grants

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Feb 4, 2016
Rape culture undermines human rights

Rape culture undermines human rights

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Feb 4, 2016
Music major Savannah Cofield-Bey (left) rehearses with the Jazzanova performance group on Monday in M-116.

Vocal resonance aims to dazzle

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Dec 9, 2015
Bay Area Rescue Mission culinary arts manager Chris Dikes talks to the volunteers and staff before serving the food, giving words of motivation in a hallway at the Richmond Civic Center during the annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet sponsored by the Bay Area Rescue Mission.

Shelter extends service, support

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Dec 9, 2015
Adults and children surround the Grinch during the “Night of Hope” concert at Valley Bible Church in Hercules on Sunday.

Message of faith, joy lifts souls

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Dec 9, 2015

Task force empowers formerly imprisoned

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Nov 18, 2015
Richmond resident Christa Zizi (right) receives bread from Concord volunteer Steve Dasovich at the Bay Area Rescue Mission’s Food & Distribution Center on Friday.

Charity, help exemplify hope

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Nov 18, 2015
“The Plotting” (left) and “Guardian of the Underneath” (right) by Brooke Leigh Fletcher are on display in the “Dolls and Things” exhibit in Maple Hall at the San Pablo Art Gallery.

Monstrous features embellish sculptures

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Nov 18, 2015
(Left) Nadia Shamil, from Afghanistan, collaborates with Amy Chen, from China, on a group assignment during an ESL 126 class in LA-106 on Monday.

ESL faces low enrollment, aims to ‘redefine success’

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 29, 2015

‘Paranormal’ predictable

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 29, 2015

The Advocate rekindles 65 years of memories

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 21, 2015
Local rapper and teacher Chhoti Maa (right) concludes her poetry set during Indigenous People’s Day in Diaspora in the Library on Monday. Maa’s performance included raps and a cappella songs concerning decolonization and Columbus Day.

Indigenous People’s Day counters Columbus narrative

By Roxana Amparo and Lorenzo Morotti
Oct 13, 2015

The Advocate hosts inaugural reunion, celebrates 65 years

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 13, 2015
ABOVE: Dr. Seti Sidharta, winner of the 2015 Golden Apple Award, oversees a copper cycle experiment in which students mix copper metals with chemical reagents to create color compound reactions in PS-6 on Monday.

Program’s ‘nucleus’ earns Golden Apple Award

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Oct 7, 2015
Cal State-Chico student Dilan Pedraza gives first-hand advice to high school students about his pathway to college at the Getting Ready for College Conference at the Richmond Memorial Convention Center on Saturday.

College conference provides information, pathway to success

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 30, 2015
Communications major Sakeema Payne aspires to create films focusing on themes of love and romanticism after shooting videos for the various departments on campus.

Filmmaker eyes campus life through creative imagery

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 23, 2015
(Far left) Janis Bergmann performs the play “Yellow” during the Union Women Actors’ Coalition (UWAC) in the Knox Center on Monday.

‘Empowering Women’ recognizes female struggles

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 23, 2015
Interim Vice President Jane Harmon is passionate about supporting students at Contra Costa College. Prior to being hired at CCC Dr. Harmon was president at Yuba College.

Harmon fills interim leadership role

By Roxana Amparo, Associate Editor
Sep 23, 2015
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