Chabot College’s in-person classes were officially back on Feb. 7. Changes on campus have been to help keep students, staff, and faculty safe. 

The campus originally closed back on Mar. 19, 2020. While most believed the stay-at-home orders would be lifted in a short time, it’s safe to say most couldn’t have imagined the toll that COVID-19 took on the world. 

“I’m Excited!” Juan Pablo Mercado Ph.D. and history professor at Chabot expressed ecstatically, “Just in the classroom you can feel the difference in the energy compared to the zoom sessions” 

When asked if he felt safe, “Safer than last year.” Professor Mercado did mention that if mask mandates were removed right now, then he would be concerned. 

To be eligible for in-person classes, your COVID-19 vaccines must have already been cleared with the school. Emails were sent out last semester to students through Zonemail, although not everyone may have noticed. 

If students still need assistance they can find “How to Submit COVID Vaccination for Students” on the school’s website. These requirements will continue into the Fall 2022 semester until further notice. 

Everyone is still required to wear a mask on campus, the KN95 masks are recommended. Most classes have extras available for students. 

Before entering the building students and all faculty needed to provide proof of vaccination and ID, a sticker is placed on the ID that can be shown at the entryways to staff.

Locations to acquire this sticker include, the cafeteria (2300), the library, (100), and student services (700).

For Nashita Ishaque, this is her first face-to-face semester at Chabot. She’s been to the campus a few times before January, but only to pick up some equipment. 

Ishaque was very excited for this semester as she is working on one of the vaccine confirmation table setups at the bookstore in building 3800. She is paid as a student assistant through student services, positions are still available and more information is under Chabot’s “Student Life” page. 

“This is my first job ever!” Ishaque was excited to get an opportunity that works with her schedule and doesn’t require any experience. She has her school work with her and is still able to check vaccination proof quite easily, all while keeping a safe distance and always wearing the mask. 

The bookstore tries to accommodate everyone and staff members will even step outside if needed and assist you from there. 

Other changes include the number of entrances and exits in a building. The 100 building only has one entrance that students must go through to get to the library located on the second floor. 

The cafeteria has two entry points, both require vaccination proof before entering. The service hours of the cafeteria have been shortened too. What used to be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. is now 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The staff is technically hired through Pacific Dining and their hours are based on what that company can afford to pay them. 

Maria Rodriquez, Pacific Dining staff member, is trying her best to adjust to the changes. “We don’t have the Mexican food options or the salad bar,” Rodriquez explained how the menu options are still limited.

“I don’t know when we will be able to open fully again.”

While the Mexican food bar, the salad bar, and Starbucks cafe are currently closed, there are a few upsides. 

Free handcrafted lunch bowls were offered for the spring semester every Thursday until Mar. 31, However free breakfast is still available every morning. Rodriquez also notes that she doesn’t know if this offer will be taken off the table anytime soon, but encourages everyone to come and enjoy it while they can. 

“Try coming in at 11 a.m.!” Rodriguez emphasizes that most of their best food items tend to run out quickly. “After 12 to 12:30, it’s just leftovers.”

While most classes are back on campus there are still plenty of classes available online. For some students, there’s nothing like face-to-face education. 

“Everyone learns differently” Andrew Chavez, a soon-to-be graduating Chabot student stated. “I’m a hands-on type of learner.”

Chavez explains that having the ability to use on campus facilities is extremely helpful. Being able to come to school, use a computer, and have a space for students to focus on themselves is important to him. 

If students need COVID-19 testing the Student Health Center is located in building 2300 on the second floor. They also have a table set up outside the center. COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are also available but appointments might be needed. More information can be located on the school’s website under “Student Health Center”

There will still be a continuation of school events on Zoom. (mixers, guest speakers, meetings, etc.) However, in person events have already started to pop up and more will continue as regulations change.

The Chabot Gladiators destroyed the Los Medanos Mustangs on Feb. 15 at home by a score of 8-2.

The Chabot College baseball team came out hot with a total of four runs in the first three innings as Los Medanos quickly fell behind. Fernando Sansone scored in the bottom of the second as Jonathan Gazdar hit a double. Gazdar would go on to score later that inning. At the bottom of the second, Matt Sugden homered at the bottom of the third to send himself and Fred Ramos home, making the score 4-0.

The Gladiators were in a back and forth competition in innings 5 and 6 with the Mustangs. The Mustangs would have two runs in the two innings while the Gladiators attempted to match them with one run of their own made by Quinn Ayres with a grounder by Brian Duroff.

The flood gates opened in the bottom of the eighth, where Chabot would score three unanswered runs to send Los Medanos packing. Fernando Sansone scored, and Jonathan Gazdar scored again on an error. Finally, JT Noble also scored on the same error. 

During the game, I interviewed Dan Miller: head athletic trainer at Chabot, serving Chabot since 1991.

Miller stated that. “I think the coaching staff has done a great job with the new team, and I really think they’ve gelled well.”

After not playing last year and with a fresh new roster, the coaching staff had challenges coming into this season. The Gladiators dropped their first two games of the season in January with close scores of 5-3 and 8-7. Then they went on a three-game winning streak from Feb. 1 through Feb. 5, including a shutout of Laney College. They then went 10 innings with Marin in the ninth, ending with a loss. The team, unfortunately, got obliterated by the Fresno City Rams 10-4 on Feb. 11.

The team moved into Steve Friend Stadium this season here at Chabot. It’s been a project that Chabot has been really excited about, calling it “one of the top facilities in the state” on the Chabot College Instagram.

I asked Miller what he thought about the new park. He responded with, “I love it, it’s something that we’re really proud of, and there’s a lot of cool stuff we have going on here.”

The new ballpark features batting cages, new bleachers with seats, great audio systems, and a whole new fresh looking field. Miller added, “My favorite part of the new park is the dugout. They’re very clean and modern.”

Chabot is now 4-4 in the season with a winning record in their inaugural season at Steve Friend stadium but is 2-3 on the road. Their next game is Thursday, Feb. 17, at Diablo Valley vs the Vikings.

Chabot College is proud to introduce its first ever mural located outside the El Centro/700 building titled; TOMORROW’S WORLD IS YOURS TO BUILD. 

The mural proposal was initiated in 2018, and went into 4 years in the making, by the Stay Woke Collective, a group of student activists that hope to bring the community together for a collective social change. The project is supported by students and staff of the Ethnic Studies program, club advisor Professor Kay Fischer, chair members of the Public Art Committee Professor Juan Pablo Mercado of Chicano Studies, Dean Deonne Kunkle-Wu, and the rest of the Public Art Committee. Funding was made possible through the Student Senate and backed by Chabot College President Susan Sperling and her staff.  

A statement, in thanks to Professor Kay Fischer, from the Stay Woke Mural proposal for the Public Art Committee;

“Stay Woke Collective is proposing an outdoor mural on campus that seeks to center themes of social justice and equitable representation that reflect the multicultural backgrounds of students,[as well as], Chabot College’s mission and values statement around diversity and civic engagement. Murals help create a sense of community and belonging, especially when people can see reflections of themselves, their cultures, and their history.”

The project began for artists, alumni Elizabeth Blancas and her team Jessica Sabogal, Shanna Strauss, and Malaya Tuyay, on September 15, 2021 to illustrate the wall featuring the key message that embodies the whole campus and its people. 

The quote “Tomorrow’s world is yours to build” came from the words of Yuri Kochiyama (May 19, 1921 – June 1, 2014), a legendary Japanese American activist and leader based in the Bay Area. She was incarcerated with her family during WWII under President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 during the Japanese internment of 1942-1945. In her later years, she fought alongside Malcom X and communities of color for justice, liberation, and against imperialism, wars, and racism. 

For Ms. Blancas, Kochiyama’s words spoke to her and fueled her creativity during times of need and confusion. “She was one of the voices I kept coming back to when designing the mural. A large part of the design process happened amidst a chaotic time, 2020-2021. With an ongoing pandemic, state sanctioned violence, civil unrest, and climate catastrophe all occurring– “tomorrow” felt so bleak. I hope Kochiyama’s words offer our community the [same] solace and empowerment they gave me.” 

As for the representation for the mural, Ms. Blancas chose to feature two of her dearest friends, Salimah “Mrs.Mak” Shabazz and Taufa Setefano. 

“The muses, Mrs. Mak and Taufa, I got to know in Ethnic Studies campus and Stay Woke organizing meetings. When I think back on myself first arriving at Chabot fresh out of [highschool] , confused about my next step, I can feel how impactful it would have been to see this mural, to be greeted by Black & Brown joy, words of resilience. I am grateful that future generations will have this affirmation to greet them on campus.” 

Taufa Setefano, is a student activist and leader, who also served on the Stay Woke Collective club, student senate, and a student in the Change it Now! learning community. In addition, not only founding the Nesians Unite club, she, and other Pacific Islander students, collaborated with Prof. Fisher of the Ethnic Studies program in creating the first ever course focusing on critical Pacific Islands and Oceanic studies now known as Ethnic Studies 6. 

Mrs. Mak is a long-time Stay Woke Collective member and leader. She supports many Chabot students, as well as one of the most involved students on campus. She serves as an Ethnic Studies tutor and Learning Assistant for 2 or 3 years, a student senator, a Change It Now! club leader, and organizer of the Stop the Violence campaign at Chabot for almost a decade. 

In the midst of a very painful and raw moment in her life, Mrs. Mak found comfort and positivity in being featured in the mural. 

She expresses, “I want to convey that I am humbly honored for being the inspiration for the mural. I became aware that I was being featured during one of the most difficult times of my life. My Daddy, My Hero, My Rock, had just passed away from a massive heart attack, and my son (Shakur) was in the hospital preparing for a surgery. I couldn’t even go to the hospital to support him. I was in a major state of depression. A few days later I became aware that I was being featured in the mural and it brought some light at the end of a very dark tunnel.” 

Grief and sorrow is only a part of what makes the mural’s message so strong and it’s what the creators and supporters hope to convey to the whole of the student body and the Hayward community.

Lesley Avendaño, an alumni member of Stay Woke and former Vice President of the Chabot Student Senate, relayed her hope towards the ongoing and future students of Chabot saying;

 “This mural [conveys] the beautiful power of students, community, and social justice through art. [It] allows students and staff to reflect on [their] perseverance, [how they] pushed through adversity, and their ability to impact change; whether it’s individually, on-campus, or in their community and families. [The mural] highlights two leaders, but it ultimately allows us to reflect on how we, as a campus and as individuals, can join together to build a future without racism, classism, and any other form of oppression.” 

Throughout the course of time that the college has changed and improved, many programs and support services have flourished to further support students in their academic careers as well as in their personal lives. Programs such as, EOPS (Educational Opportunity Program and Services) and CARE offer extensive services with personalized student counselors and in the prime of the pandemic, offered stress relief management and community game night zoom meetings for students to participate in. To participate in these programs, information can be found on the Special Programs and Services page within the school website.*

Thinking about the destiny of Chabot and its students, as well as the community of Hayward, Mrs.Mak imparts this message; 

“I often wondered what legacy I would leave to my grandchildren as well as my great grandchildren, well being featured on the mural answers that question. Now when I leave this earth, my existence at Chabot college and in life will never be forgotten…I want future students to look at the mural and know that Mrs. Mak went from tragedy to triumph. From being a victim to being a pessimist to becoming an activist.” 

An unveiling is expected in Spring semester 2022 and in accordance, will uplift, support, and encourage everyone on campus. With the completion of the mural, more projects like the mural are in hopes to increase throughout the entire campus. Ms. Blancas joyfully exclaims when asked about taking on more projects; 

“Absolutely! When this project was initially being proposed a few years ago, I could only dream of painting this wall. While I was working on the mural, I was so grateful to receive feedback from the Chabot community about a yearning to see more of my work on campus and in the larger community. I know there’s more to come and I can’t wait to continue creating for and with my community.” *

Students and staff, at least those who park in Lot G, are now welcomed immediately by the beautiful mural seen at the front of the school, right beside the campus driveway. Come and see! 

*http://www.chabotcollege.edu/specialprograms/index.php

*https://www.instagram.com/p/CWbh9-_vYMW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Hamilton has returned to the stage. 

Hamilton, the musical production has returned to the stage after the 2019 pandemic surfaced. CVID-19 left Broadway as a whole shook as live showings are the key component. 

A recorded version of Hamilton was released on Disney Plus in 2020 with the original cast. Lin Manuel Miranda, the creator and lead role of Alexander Hamilton extended his vision for an at-home experience for all to see. 

Hamilton isn’t the first production to be released as a “movie.” Cats the Musical is one of the more famously known shows that has been recorded for the small screen back in 1998. 

One key aspect of any Broadway show is the set, and it doesn’t change much during a performance. The story works around the stage and part of Hamilton’s stage literally spins clockwise. Nothing compares to watching the show live!

San Jose was more than excited to be hosting the show at the San Jose Center for The Performing Arts. 

Three requirements were needed to get in. A ticket of course. Along with proof of vaccination and ID with the matching information. The lines were quite fast and the staff worked diligently. 

The show doesn’t slow down for latecomers, so be sure to get there on time, plus it/s quite distracting when people are crouching to the seats. 

The Northern American tour casting of Hamilton is currently made up of three different crews. The shows that were featured in the Bay Area were made up by the “ And Peggy” cast named after the third Schuyler sister. 

Julius Thomas III starred as the lead Alexander Hamilton and Donald Weber Junior as Aaron Burr. The cast is diverse and has been prevalent in a mostly POC cast. The casting director, “Bernie Telsey” has spoken to IndieWire on why that is. 

“It was created with the idea that anyone can do anything. . . it’s much more about consciously making a choice to do something, being seen for the color you are”

 Another unique approach, but not unseen, is the dialect. 

The songs are influenced by hip-hop and rap although taking place in 1776. A comparison could be made to the modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet released in 1996 starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo Montague. The setting is in modern times with the dialect and story being the same.  

While the show is titled Hamilton, the story is told by Aaron Burr as he is the one to open up the show with the famous line;

“How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore

And a Scotsman dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot

In the Caribbean by providence impoverished

In squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar?”

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton Essentially want the same thing, to be someone important. Their means of achieving success are very different. Where Burr prefers to play by the rules and take the most logical choice, Hamilton is impatient and lets it be known what he wants. 

This becomes both men’s downfall. Hamilton’s pride ends up killing his image, marriage, and his life. Burr was the man to pull the trigger.

“I’m the damn fool who shot him,” Burr’s lyric speaks to his life after killing Hamilton. 

The success of Hamilton boomed in the mid-2010s, and although Lin-Manuel Miranda had already been working in the music and Broadway industry, this opened a door to more opportunities for Miranda. 

Miranda wrote music for the popular film Moana, released in 2016. He even features some of his vocals in the background of some songs. “In the Heights” was another musical that Miranda was able to bring to movie production. Miranda’s Hamilton castmate, Anthony Ramos, starred as the lead in the role that Miranda once played. 

The shows plan to continue well into 2022 so there’s still time to see when Hamilton will return to a city near you. 

Major companies from California’s tech Silicon Valley, depart to Texas for their new global headquarters. Along with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Tesla, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Oracle will also be based in Texas.

The Tech exodus from California has been a long time coming as businesses have found it increasingly difficult to turn profits due to regulations and high taxes. According to CNBC metrics, the average income tax rate in California is 53.8% and at 13.3%, California has the top rank in marginal tax across the nation.

Katie Shoolov CNBC reinforces, “Where some see as progressive legislation others see costly for business.”

Not only making it hard for big business to stay but for the workers as well. The cost of living in California has only been rising with job growth decreasing. Leaving Californians an inflated housing market with less of an incentive to stay. 650,000 people left the state in 2019 and another 135,400 the following year; 2020.

A study from Wealthfront, an investment management firm that provides robo-advisor services, found when it surveyed 2,700 bay area resident workers showed, 2 out of every 3 residents said they would move away from the bay area, if they could work from home. This was done with the caveat of the workers facing a possible pay decrease if choosing to work from home.

“Housing is impossible, we are 3 or 4 million units behind…because of the rate of living you [would] have to pay someone $150,000 a year. You don’t need to pay someone that type of salary in Texas.” Larr Getson political analyst San Jose State.

Without the high cost of living and progressive tax legislation, companies are able to create value for shareholders, lower wages, and generate revenue more efficiently in Texas. While Texas measures in the top three of States to do business in by tax structure, California is listed at 50th by the Tax Foundation. From 2008-2019, 18,000 companies have fled the state, mostly to Texas. 1,800 in 2016 alone.

Texas Governor Greg Abott touted his state welcoming the incoming tech giants, “To open in 2022 with lower taxes, high quality life, top notch workforce, and tier one universities creating an environment where companies like HPE can flourish.”

Tech analyst Tim Bajarin says when these companies leave the revenue could be a “bigger blow as here HP represents a pioneer helping to create Silicon Valley.”

Also warned by Lee Ohanian, senior fellow Hoover Institute, Professor of economics at UCLA, “This could change the whole nature of the state, how many tax dollars go into Sacramento.”

As the domino effect continues, one major company may not hurt California’s budget but the fear is a fleet of them just might. California has the 5th largest economy in the world and other tech staples like Apple, Facebook, and Google aren’t going anywhere soon.

Larr Getson “Google, Apple they are doing so well that the last thing they have to think about is moving. It is very much in their interest to stay here and get the latest on what is going on and be promoted by these beautiful minds at Stanford and at Cal.”

Peter Leroe Munoz Tech analyst reminds,“This is not an end to Silicon Valley, this is the move of the global headquarters. Where is the innovation and intellectual power happening.They have not left yet and will continue to employ people, It doesn’t matter where the CEO is.”

HPE, Oracle, and Tesla have said they are keeping the campuses in silicon valley with no layoffs.

The remote success of workers during the pandemic is the catalyst for companies who wanted a move out of California.

“HP and many others are sending the signal… Silicon Valley is wherever you want to be.” Jared Walczak VP state projects Tax Foundation.

Still considering the outcome of the exodus, will California legislation draw back or will they continue on the same agenda?

Barry Boone CEO of The Greater Sac Council pleads, “We are risking Californians’ economic future… legislators need to signal to the companies on the fence.”

San Francisco requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccine for patrons to dine indoors. As of Aug. 12, businesses have had to adapt to more changes as the pandemic continues. 

The City and County of San Francisco (CCOSF) announced that this health order” [has been] designed to protect against the continued spread of COVID-19, particularly among the unvaccinated, while keeping businesses open and helping to ensure schools remain open.” 

Over 94,000 small businesses (corner stores/restaurants/shops) operate out of the city, according to the CCSOF. Some have had better experiences adjusting to the mandate. The common opinion among several businesses is to do the best they can to keep doors open and employees safe. 

Imperial Tea Court is a famous restaurant that opened in the early 90s located in The Ferry Building on Embarcadero. 

Another location is set in Northern Berkeley where the city requires proof of vaccination before entry. The City of Berkeley emphasizes how restaurant environments hold high risks, “airborne droplets or particles containing the virus spread easily”

One of the employees oF Imperial Tea Court, who wishes to remain unnamed, has worked at the Embarcadero location since its opening in 2005. 

He emphasized that he feels safe in his work environment and will continue to follow any guidelines presented by the city. He stated that he’s always been in favor of a vaccine, whether or not it was required to go to work. 

According to the unnamed employee, there are more residents and businesses who are willing to follow guidelines than those who are not, “I haven’t heard of a business not wanting to comply. In San Francisco, people are very pro-vaccination.”

He also noted that although the business has picked back up again, it is not as busy as it used to be. The employee believes it’s due to the end of summer and there aren’t as many tourists. Johnson said visitors from all around the world come to Embarcadero, and he’s had several patrons who didn’t want to comply. 

“Sometimes I’m kind of fearful that a customer could be an anti-vaxxer and be volatile,” responded the employee when asked about those who don’t want to show vaccination proof. Thankfully nothing worrisome has occurred at the Tea Court. 

Locations with outdoor dining have the advantage, as they’re able to serve those who do not wish to show proof or have yet to get the vaccine. 

A popular location located right above the BART stop on Powell St. is the Westfield Mall. Thousands of people stop here to get to work or to enjoy the 170+ shops. The food court serves desserts, smoothie shops, and various Asian cuisines. However, to dine in, you must present your vaccine proof to a security guard before entering the dining area. 

One factor that some may not be aware of is that the mall has a terrace on the ninth floor where people can eat outdoors if they don’t have proof. There are plenty of tables and chairs, all with a delightful view of the Theater District. 

Jose Hernandez is a security guard for the mall and has worked in this location for about six months. According to Hernandez, for the most part, people are on board and comply with the rules.

“I haven’t had to remove anyone who didn’t want to comply.”

Hernandez has only worked as a security guard and is very used to the changing CDC guidelines. He, like Johnson, does believe the city is very used to the changes and comply. 

“There are a few ways that people can show proof, which makes it easier.” Hernandez refers to the physical vaccine card and apps (depending on where you got the vaccine) with the QR code you can download to your smartphone that holds your information. 

If you don’t have the vaccine card, you can download an online version of the verification through Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record. (https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ ) A QR code appears with your name and the dates you received the vaccine(s). 

Gov. Gavin Newsom overcomes recall effort with 7,910,379 voting “No” to remove him. Relying on unions and community organizations to pull a massive voter turnout to win 62% of the vote.

“It’s not a persuasion campaign,” Newsom told reporters earlier in September. “I mean, you’ll still find people that may be on the fence, but it’s really about turnout. Labor knows how to turn out.”

The Governor acknowledged the support in the final days of the election, using the humbling moment as a warning sign and a jumping off point to prepare for his coming election in 2022.

“I am humbled and grateful to the millions and millions of Californians who exercised their fundamental right to vote, and expressed themselves so overwhelmingly by rejecting the division, cynicism, and negativity that’s defined our politics in this country over the course of so many years,”.

Newsom’s “Stop the Recall ” campaign scrambled early and ahead with a 10 week coordinated plan and a fund of over 71$ million. Tremendously outnumbering any of the GOP opponents raised funds. Still retaining 24$ million for his reelection campaign.

The Campaign was built from receiving more than 600,000 small dollar donations(any amount less than $100 dollars); 90% percent of which were from California.

Newsom partnered with over 90 community organizations. The head of Newsom’s ground game operation told CNN they have had “real conversations” with about 1.5 million voters over the course of about seven weeks – noting that’s “at a scale bigger than most of the presidential campaigns.”

In Los Angeles county alone, the entire affiliation of labor unions through the AFL-CIO called more than 1 million phone numbers and knocked on over 130,000 doors, according to the organization’s spokesperson Christian Castro. In total, the federation spent over $2.1 million on the recall effort and coordinated a total of 3,265 volunteer shifts.

They had walkers in 15 counties going door-to-door reminding folks to turn in their ballots. They’ve been averaging 600,000 attempts to reach voters each day via phone, messaging, and in person. Reaching out in 7 different languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

“The goal is to hit two million door knocks by the end of the day. We tried to create a surround sound,” the adviser said.

“A multi-layered approach that meets voters wherever they are. I want to focus on what we said yes to as a state,” Newsom said, “We said yes to science, to vaccines, to ending this pandemic, to people’s right to vote without fear of fake fraud or voter suppression, to women’s fundamental constitutional right to decide for herself what she does with her body and her fate and future, diversity, inclusion, pluralism, to all those things that we hold dear as Californians and I would argue as Americans. Economic justice, social justice, racial justice, environmental justice. Our values, where California’s made so much progress. All of those things were on the ballot this evening…Thank you all very much, and thank you to 40 million Americans, 40 million Californians, and thank you for rejecting this recall,”.