Feature

Exhibit features world renowned painters work

A&E
Page 4

Vol. 12, I. 1

College of Marin

Sept. 12, 2013

Petaluma artists showcased at Emeritus Center

Page 6

COMs latest facelift

Page 5

Kentfield campus undergoes major makeover

Artist rendition courtesy of TLCD Architecture and Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects

The former site of Harlan, Olney, the Business and Management Center, and the Administration Building, pictured on this page, was cleared to make room for the new Academic Center (inset above).

Photo by Sindy Smart

College of marin

Aug. 19 - Sept. 12, 2013

News

2013-2014 campus budget increases to $47.6 million

By Nash Kurilko

Echo Times
College of Marin Kentfield, California Phone: (415) 485-9690 Learning Resource Center Room LC 32 Editor-in-Chief: Kyle Dang Managing Editor: Nash Kurilko Copy Editor: Chelsea Dederick Design Director: Chelsea Dederick Photo Editor: Sindy Smart Assistant Photo Editor: David Lessin Reporters: Nash Kurilko Brady Meyring Roddy Heckelman David Lessin Erika Rosales Chelsea Dederick Photographers: Sindy Smart Chelsea Dederick Advertising Manager: Irina Zhelokhovtseva Office Manager: Rachel Mouton Media Editor: Chelsea Dederick Faculty Adviser: Tom Graham
Email us comechotimes@gmail.com
Marin Sun Printing prints the Echo Times using 40 percent recycled paper and 100 percent soy ink

ECHO TIMES

fter several semesters of lessthan-positive campus news, there is finally a development that everyone can be happy about. College of Marins new operating budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year stands at $47.6 million. Thats a 1.5 percent increase from the 2012-2013 budget of $46.9 million. The boost was achieved after the Board of Trustees set new guidelines designed to maximize existing sources of revenue and discover new avenues of moneymaking. The chief purpose of these guidelines was to balance the budget, increase funding for accreditation, maintain investments in unfunded liability reserves, to close the structural deficit gap, and to maintain a reasonable fund balance, all while maintaining the core schedule of classes and student services that give COM its respectable reputation. The increase in the budget has been primarily attributable to the increase in local property taxes in Marin County and the successful passage of Prop 30 by the voters. Both of these items have helped COM to not incur any reductions in our labor force and we will not be asking for any employee concessions from our bargaining units in this adopted budget, said Greg Nelson, interim vice president of finance and college operations. Hired this August, Nelson comes from San Jose City College, where he served as vice president of administrative services. He added: The state, through the student success act, is restoring some of the funding cuts to the categorical programs for COM. These include programs like EOPS, (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services,) and DSPS (Disabled Students Programs and Services). The level of restoration is still being worked out by state officials, but this will allow COM to provide more services to students in the coming year. The Board of Trustees worked to fund approximately $400,000 in new initiatives that emerged through a system called Program Review, which is a process involving the collection, analysis, and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data about academic programs and student services. While simultaneously pursuing Program Review, the board also made sure

Graphic by city-data.com

The increase in COMs budget is attributed to the increase in local property taxes.

The increase in the budget has been primarily attributable to the increase in local property taxes in Marin County and the successful passage of Prop 30 by the voters.
-- Greg Nelson, V.P. of Finance and College Operations
computer replacement, $400,000 in new Proposition 30 revenue, $885,000 in salary savings resulting from the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, $150,000 for initial restoration of the class schedule, up to $100,000 in matching funds from the state for instructional equipment, and up to $100,000 in matching funds from the state for Deferred Maintenance. Youve been reading in the IJ and other local newspapers that the [county] property have gone up, sales have gone up, thats where well start seeing some of that supplemental income picking up. Another positive thing is the Prop 30 funds that we didnt anticipate last year, well get again this year. Last year we ended up with $501,000 dollars in Prop 30 funds. We expected them for this fiscal year, but not last year, so that was nice, Coon said. Perhaps a little less confident, Nelson said he wasnt certain just yet whether or not the local property tax increases will continue to influence and inflate COMs budget in the 2014-2015 fiscal year, but that he and his office will know more towards next spring when the tax revenue data comes in. COM is on a four-year plan to correct the structural deficit, so that the use of otherwise valuable reserve funds can decrease and budgetary items lost in previous years can be restored. The college is sound fiscally and has a good leadership team to move the college in the right direction, he said.

to reduce expenses in acceptable areas by $1.2 million. By the time the 20122013 Adopted Budget was finished and presented to the trustees in August of 2012, the structural deficit had been reduced by $2.1 milliona $0.9 million percent drop. COM President David Wain Coon agreed that the increase in county property taxes played a substansial role in inflating the college budget. The most our property taxes can go up in a given year is 1.2 percent, meaning that the biggest increase we can get is 0.2 percent. Thats just based on how the county tax allocation works. So given that things [county property values] have been positive for the past couple years, we went ahead and budgeted that full 1.2 percent. A couple years back when things werent going too good, we werent getting the full 1.2 percent. The 2013-2014 budget includes: $505,000 in funding for essential items identified through Program Review, $130,000 in funding for comprehensive

Visit our blog: www.echotimes.wordpress.com

Aug. 19 - Sept. 12, 2013

ECHO TIMES

Features

Photo by Jason Lau International student orientation, pictured, in front of COMs new Science, Math, and Nursing building. Financially, foreign students help support the institutions bottom line by paying out-ofstate tuition and additional fees and also provide

The benefits of globalizing education

Why international students are a hot commodity in todays higher education

By Brady Meyring
ECHO TIMES

The construction and renovation of campus structures is not the only recent building project at College of Marin. Since 2011, Director of International Education Dr. Jason Lau has led the effort to establish a vibrant and strong international student program at the college. We are growing and improving he comments. If you build it, they will come. Globalization is oft-maligned on U.S. campuses, however, the American higher education system has benefited from a massive and continuing influx of international students. In the mid-1950s there were around just 35,000 international students in the U.S. By 2012, that number was up to 764,495. International students are a hot commodity into todays higher education landscape. Financially, these students support the institutions bottom line by paying out-of-state tuition and, frequently, additional fees. More importantly though, their perspectives in the classroom and cultural contributions to college life are viewed as essential to a 21st century education. College of Marin is no exception in recognizing the benefits of boosting international student enrollment. In

We are growing and improving. If you build it, they will come.
-- Dr. Jason Lau, Director of International Education

Spring 2013, around 100 international students attended either the Intensive English Program (IEP) in Indian Valley or credit classes in Kentfield. This number represents 5% of the total student population and according to Dr. Lau, in 5 years we probably will double, if not triple, in size. International students are attracted to COM for many of the same reasons as local students. Typically, smaller classes, a more intimate campus experience and cheaper tuition. On the other hand, community colleges are less recognized abroad and most offer no on-campus housing, a significant hurdle for students relocating from overseas. In 2012, only 11% of all university-level international students in the U.S. were enrolled in community colleges. How can schools like College

of Marin compete with larger fouryear institutions with well-established international programs, more facilities and larger budgets? One answer is support services and social activities for students. International students may be attracted to the quality of a colleges programs but they also want to feel connected and supported while they are here. Under the direction of Dr. Lau, himself a former international student from Hong Kong, COM is seeking to develop initiatives to achieve these objectives. Our goal is to create a home away from home for our international students so they feel safe and are able to enjoy and engage both inside and outside the classroom. The international friendship program matches international students with a local family willing to share a monthly activity with a student. This program requires a minimal commitment from the host family but can give an international student a one-of-a-kind insider look at American life and customs. Another program set to begin running soon is the conversation partners program. Currently, students seeking one-on-one peer language exchange use a bulletin board located next to the tutoring center to make connections. The new program will be coordinated by the International Education Office and should run much

more efficiently. Students are asked to commit to one semester of meeting weekly for an hour of informal language and cultural exchange. The first steps in forming a friendship between an American and an international student can be especially tricky. However, making the effort can greatly impact the overall experience of an international student. It is important for our international students to get engaged and actively participate in school and local activities. remarks Dr. Lau. Really, this is the only way to get to know the school and meet new friends. The International Society Club is a social organization designed to facilitate this process and is open to all students. Those who join can expect to develop new friendships while hiking on Mt. Tam, playing volleyball or frisbee golf, watching movies and participating in internationally-focused events. Marin County is a beautiful, safe area close to some of the most appealing transfer possibilities in the nation. Moreover, the only other destination for international students in the county is Dominican University. With sustained vision and effort, COM has the potential to become, sooner rather than later, the North Bays hub for international students. In the process, valuable global competency will be added to the education of all students.

College of marin

Aug. 19 - Sept. 12, 2013

Arts & Entertainment

Diebenkorn featured in intimate setting

Premiere of one of Americas greatest artists at the new Fine Arts Gallery
By David Lessin
ECHO TIMES

he brand new College of Marin Fine Arts Gallery is set to open on Monday, September 30. The first show in the new Fine Arts Gallery will feature the world premiere of a new exhibit, The Intimate Diebenkorn: Works on Paper 19491992. This exhibit showcases the early work and evolution of world-renowned American painter and master artist Richard Diebenkorn (1922-1992). The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 10AM to 5PM and Thursdays until 8PM. This show runs through November 14 in the new Fine Arts Gallery in the Performing Arts building, located next to the box office and off the main lobby. College of Marin is extremely fortunate to host the world premier of this exhibit, said Dr. David Wain Coon, superintendent/president of the College of Marin. The exhibit will be the highlight of the colleges Fall 2013 fine arts curriculum allowing students and community members the opportunity to study up close the development of an internationally acclaimed artist. Diebenkorn, artist, educator and UCLA professor, spent much of his life in California and each period of his work, the Ocean Park period, the Berkeley period and the Healdsburg period is heavily influenced by his California environs. Diebenkorn received the National Medal of Arts in 1991 and his work can be seen in some of the most prestigious museums in the world, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum, the DeYoung Museum and SFMOMA. Diebenkorns work was influenced by Abstract Expressionism and the Bay Area Figurative Movement and his best-known works are his Ocean Park paintings--which brought him worldwide recognition. His work from The Berkeley Years is now on display at the DeYoung Museum through September 29, but this new College of Marin exhibit offers a rare and intimate glimpse into his evolution as an artist. The Intimate Diebenkorn: Works on Paper 19491992 is a brand new collection of the artists early works and features 38 pieces that have never been seen by the public. Each of the 40 pieces on display were hand selected by College of Marins own Chester Arnold, artist, painting instructor and the chair of the Fine Arts Department. Arnold personally searched through hundreds of drawings, sketches and paintings at the Diebenkorn Foundation archives in Berkeley and selected these unseen works to encourage students in their own development as artists. The exhibit features Diebenkorns work from 1949-1992 including pencil and ink drawings on paper, collages of torn

Photo courtesy Leo Holub World-renowned artist Richard Diebenkorn was a leading figurative painter in his time.

paper and watercolors. These works have a special import to anyone studying art, Arnold said. They are small sketches, remarkable and beautiful. They reveal so much about his personality and the works that were being born in his studio. Each period of his work Ocean Park, Berkeley, Healdsburg -- all had highlights along the way and you can see them happening. It is an exhilarating study depicting the development of an artist. The virtuosity is stunning, said Bart Schneider, publisher of several recent books on Diebenkorn. some of what did he do with a single line... It is so much craft and instinct developed over a career. Richard Grant, Diebenkorns sonin-law and the executive director of the Diebenkorn Foundation offers his perspective of the College of Marin exhibit, These are not the big blockbuster pieces or the very familiar and popular works. These show the artists technique. Chris West, the director of the new College of Marin Fine Arts gallery, drawing instructor and artist describes the College of Marin exhibit as pulling back the curtain on a developing master. It provides an intimacy that will empower students. West continues, Here you have this paragon of the art world and you get to see the process. Hes using the same materials that our beginning students use. Hes using pen and ink. Hes using graphite. Hes using newsprint. In some ways it demystifies it. It becomes clear. Some of the works, in this exclusive College of Marin exhibit, show Diebenkorn re-using whatever materials he could get his hands on, such as the backs of old advertising posters for Penzzoil motor oil and Mothers cookies. This Diebenkorn exhibit is a must see right here on campus. It is open to the public and free of charge. Stop by between classes and be inspired by these private and intimate glimpses into the artistic processes of Richard Diebenkorn, the evolution of an American master. Never has the College of Marin hosted the works of such acclaimed and world-renowned painterdo not miss it. This premiere exhibit runs from Monday September 30 through Thursday November 14, 2013. The Fine Arts Gallery is located on the College of Marin campus in the Performing Arts Building, adjacent to the Box Office and off the main lobby. The gallery will be open Monday through Friday, 10AM to 5PM with special evening hours on Thursdays until 8PM. Everyone is welcome.

Untitled (Spade), left c. 1981 Gouache on paper 12 7/8 x 12 1/2 in. (32.7 x 31.8 cm)

Aug. 19 - Sept. 12, 2013

ECHO TIMES

News

Construction disruption
Staff, students excited about new buildings but tired of the inconvenience
By Roddy Heckelman
ECHO TIMES

onstruction is a continuing theme at College of Marin, as it enters its ninth year of the Modernization Project. Funded by a $250 million measure C bond acquired in 2004, the modernization project is all about modernizing old classrooms, providing new technology for smart class rooms, and creating a more fire safe campus. The most recent work done on College of Marin Kentfield campus, since Spring 2013, was the demolition of Olney Hall, Harlan Center, the Business and Management Center, and Taqueria Mexican Grill de Marin. These buildings were demolished to make room for the new Academic Center, which will include new smart classrooms, lab classrooms, and new offices. Although the construction has created short term issues, it is hoped the long term benefits will outweigh the frustration of waiting. The long term construction at College of Marin has been a problem for Faculty and students alike. A big problem for students during heavy construction are the noises associated with heavy machinery. COM student Neve Douglas said that her teacher, Went and banged on the windows when the construction workers were right there, because the noise was so disruptive to her class. The noise was so disruptive in fact that Behavioral Science Department Chair Jessica Park said, My students couldnt hear me... I had to cancel class three times last spring semester because of the noise. Besides the noise that invariably goes along with construction there is also debris, and a variety of smells and odors. When construction workers were pouring tar, some of Parks students became ill from the smells and fumes of the tar. She said that because of the lack of available classrooms caused by construction, a lot of classes were moved to the portable classrooms by the athletic fields. This created more problems, including a lack of technology in the portables. Most classes, like Human Sexuality, need what are known as Smart Classrooms, which have internet access, projectors, and computers, to teach the information properly. According to Jessica Park, a lot of the portable classrooms do not have internet access or even projectors. This creates obvious learning problems for the students who have the unfortunate luck of being placed in those portables. Another problem created by moving the classrooms down to the portables is longer walks for students who have classes there. For student Orlando Wiggins, it is even more of an issue because of his knee. Ive got a bum knee, Im handicapped, so it affects me physically. He said that

Photo by Sindy Smart

The construction on campus has been a major issue for students and faculty over the last year, with the noise and chaos distracting from the collegiate learning experience.

My students couldnt hear me... I had to cancel class three times last spring semester because of the noise.
-- Jessica Park, Behavioral Science Department Chair

he had to walk a lot further to get to his classrooms, which caused more pain in his knee. According to construction workers at College of Marin, the teachers and administration have been extremely nice and accommodating, however, students have more of an indifferent attitude towards construction workers. A common problem for the workers has been moving trucks, and heavy equipment through the campus while classes are being held. One worker stated that students generally do not care if a large truck is heading right towards them, and tend to not move out of the way of the workers and their equipment. Although there are many problems that coincide with construction, many students, teachers, and neighbors are excited that the planned construction is nearly finished. Wiggins also stated that, although it is

a minor inconvenience to have to walk further, he is all for renovation of the older campus buildings. He said, Im totally for upgrading and renovating... I think they should let the public know what is being built. Common to other students, Wiggins believes that if students were more informed about what construction work is being done, then there would be a more positive outlook on construction at College of Marin. Jessica Park agrees, I was coming from an inferior building... overall I was extremely happy to move into the new building. In general the consensus seems to be that construction is a hassle, but the long term results are well worth the trouble. At the beginning of the semester a meeting is held to inform teachers, and faculty about what is going on during the semester. The meeting is called Convocation, and this

year teachers and faculty were informed about the state of the current construction. The students of College of Marin, however, are less tuned-in to the state-of-affairs of the college. As Wiggins said, Im sure theyve probably had board meetings about it, but a lot of times students dont go. Jessica Park also said that making the information about the state of construction more available would help to alleviate students stress and complaints about the construction. For the surrounding community, construction seems to be never ending, however, construction of the new academic center is reportedly on schedule. According to Nicole Cruz, assistant communications official at College of Marin, The demolition phase of the new academic center was completed on schedule, and building of the new academic center is scheduled to start at the end of August. The planned construction is supposed to end in December of 2014, and will wrap up the then ten year long project known as Measure C Modernization. As long as the planned schedule is followed, students can expect COMstruction at the Kentfield campus to be finished by the 2015 spring semester.

College of marin

Aug. 19 - Sept. 12, 2013

Arts & Ent

Petaluma artists featured at Emeritus Center

By Chelsea Dederick
ECHO TIMES

he Emeritus Center inside COMs Student Services building hides a well-known secret. Tucked away inside room 146, out of the way from the usual hustle and bustle of the cafeteria dining area, is a treasure trove of artistic expression. This gallery has always been the place to see fascinating works of art by many diverse artists and painters, and the current exhibition, Petaluma Artists Come to Marin, is no exception. Until September 26, works by local artists Medley McClary and Muriel Sutcher Knapp will be featured. Medley McClary, the daughter of a diplomat, loved pen-and-ink book illustrations as a child. Perhaps it was the skill and detail within that medium which inspired much of her portrait work, created using only pencil. McClary also has a history of creating leather clothing, jewelry, and sculptures. Her other works inside the Emeritus Center are created using oil on canvas. The two kinds of mediums contrast yet compliment each other well -- There are warm, dream-like paintings of fields and faraway figures, next to the black and white, intimate pencil portraits. All show the artists ability to convey emotions through color and expression. When I draw a portrait, I search for that particular look or gesture that will give me a glimpse into the subjects personality and which expresses their unique beauty and grace, McClary states on her website. After 21 years of experience in pencil portraits, shes clearly mastered that ability. Muriel Sutcher Knapps paintings are the more colorful and textured of the two collections. They include the use of silk screen, felt, silk dyes, paint and textiles.

Art must be an expression of love, or it is nothing.

-- Marc Chagall, French artist

Knapps portraits feature an abstract cast of characters as well as still life and conceptual paintings. As a child she took art classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating high school she attended the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana, where she received her BFA degree in Industrial Design. Despite her art background, Knapp struggled as a female artist in a prejudiced commercial art world, and she ended up teaching for 21 years. Now retired, Knapp is devoted to her work full-time. An accomplished artist, her work has been shown in San Francisco, Marin, Minneapolis, MN, Healdsburg, Petaluma Art Center, Sebastopol Art Center and the Pelican Gallery in Petaluma. Her involvement with the art world doesnt stop with her personal work. She is also a founding member of the Petaluma Arts Council, and a member of the Sebastopol Center of the Arts as well as the Petaluma Arts Association, where she was chair person of the program committee for seven years. The world of painting is summed up well in a quote by French artist Marc Chagall, words that McClary lives by: Art must be an expression of love, or it is nothing. The works displayed inside the Emeritus Center are a testament to the love and craft that both artists have dedicated their lives to pursuing.

Photo by Chelsea Dederick Bank of fog - Sunset in Point Reyes, by Medley McClary.

Photo by Chelsea Dederick McClarys pencil portraits display her ability to capture her subjects unique personality. She has been creating these kinds of drawings for 21 years now.

Photo by Chelsea Dederick G.S. Rose, a paint & textiles Giclee print by Muriel Sutcher Knapp. Her paintings display the most saturated colors, depicting still life, abstract portraits, and conceptual images.

Aug. 19 - Sept. 12, 2013

ECHO TIMES

tertainment

Top: One of Medley McClarys small oil paintings, called Riding horses at Limantour. (Photo by Chelsea Dederick) Left: Portrait of a Friend, by Muriel Sutcher Knapp. (Photo by Chelsea Dederick) Bottom: Knapps painting, Picture With A Shibori Scarf, showcases her work with different textures and materials. (Photo by Sindy Smart)

Above: One of Knapps smallest paintings, entitled Butch. (Photo by Sindy Smart) Left: The Ocean That Separates Us, by McClary. (Photo by Sindy Smart)

College of marin

Aug. 19 - Sept. 12, 2013

Features

New librarian has doctorate in education

By Erika Rosales
ECHO TIMES

s of August 2013, College of Marin has a new librarian. David J. Patterson is originally from Millbrae, only 45 minutes south of San Francisco, however he has been residing in Mill Valley for the past eight years. Originally a K-12 educator, Patterson decided to shift gears and start a new career in the library industry. I wanted to be in education still, however, I wanted to have a different role. I can be an activist every day. I love libraries, because in my mind, they are sanctuaries for everyone and you meet a large variety of people there, including students who want to study as well as those who are homeless and are just wishing to get out of the bad weather. Patterson came to COM with extensive experience under his belt as a librarian and professor. He has worked at many other universities and colleges, including

Caada College, Stanford University, as well as McLure Education library and as an ESL instructor in community colleges and adult education programs. Patterson is also the founding board member of Homework Central in San Mateo. Before pursuing his career in education and as a librarian, he attended the College of San Mateo where he earned a bachelors degree. He then studied and earned his teaching credentials at U.C. Berkeley, a masters degree in library information studies from the University of Alabama, as well as a doctorate in education from U.C. Berkeley. I want to help students find information for their research assignments, and to build their research skills so they can be really powerful researchers, he said, speaking from his office in the library. We want to have more computers in the library, and we want to have more E-books. So, this is the trend, especially in libraries. Well continue buying print books to some extent, but also transition to having more

Photo by Erika Rosales Librarian David Patterson is excited to help students reach their academic goals.

E-books. Were also trying to turn the library into more of a place where people can collaborate on projects together. Patterson hasnt been on campus long enough to get involved in any new literary or library-related initiatives or programs, but he intends to collaborate with other campus figures to boost participation in library-based activities. Librarians like to collaborate across the board, or at

least thats my style. I love to collaborate, especially with professors, student clubs and student organizations anything we can do to reach out to the campus, I think, is a great thing. So far, Patterson is enjoying his time at the Kentfield campus. Its great to be on such a beautiful campus. Both the students and the faculty have been very welcoming, he said.

Calendar
Entertainment Events
Campus (corner of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard & Laurel Avenue) Admission: Non-subsctiption single ticket prices: $20 general, $15 seniors; $10 students Advanced Voice Singers Choice Recital: Canzoni Preferiti Linda Noble Brown, instructor of The Advanced Voice class at College of Marin presents a selection of favorite art songs and arias. Allow us to regale you with art songs by the likes of Mozart, Schumann, Wolf, and Faure, as well as arias from the traditional canon by Bizet, Puccini, Verdi and Bellini, and perhaps even a couple songs from traditional musical theatre to round off the program. When: Monday, September 30, 11:10 a.m. Where: Lefort Recital Hall, PA 72, COM Kentfield Campus Jazz Ensemble Concert (Special Event) The College of Marin Jazz Band is pleased to be sharing the stage with local saxophone master Mel Martin. Mel has collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, McCoy Tyner and Freddie Hubbard. He is also equally at home playing rock and pop and has performed and recorded with James Brown, BB King and Santana to name a few. For more information please contact The Fenix box office at 415.813.5600 or visit them online at www. fenixlive.com. When: Sunday, October 13, 6 p.m. Where: Fenix, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael

Mens Soccer
COM Mens Soccer team vs. Skyline When: 9/13/13 4:00pm COM Mens Soccer team vs. TBA 9/20/13 4:00pm COM Mens Soccer team vs. Merritt When: 9/24/13 4:00pm COM Mens Soccer team vs. Shasta When: 9/27/13 4:00pm

Other Events

Womens Volleyball
COM Womens Volleyball team vs. Contra Costa When: 9/25 6:00pm COM Womens Volleyball team vs. Consumes River When: 9/26 6:00pm

Adam Roy plays Stanley (left) and Blanche is played by Alexa Poropudas

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams Directed by W. Allen Taylor Emotionally fragile Blanche DuBois arrives in the hot, steamy, squalid French Quarter of New Orleans where her pregnant sister Stella is living with her husband Stanley Kowalski. When: October 3, 8 p.m. (Pay What You Will Preview) October 4, 5, 11, 12, 1,8 and 19, 8 p.m. October 13 and 20, 2 p.m. Where: James Dunn Theatre, Kentfield

Fall Plant Sale When: Sat. & Sun., Sept. 28 & 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where: Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden Plant sales: Certified organic vegetable starts, culinary and tea herbs, annual and perennial flowers, berries, fruit trees and native plants Includes produce sales, live music, farm tours, boquet-making, tastings, face painting

COM Womens Volleyball team vs. Mendocino When: 9/27 6:00pm

Important Dates to Remember

Sept. 13: Last Day to Drop a Full-term class without a W grade. Date equivalent to 30% of term for short-term classes. Sept. 13: Last Day to file a Petition to Add Late. Sept. 23: Last Day to request P/NP grade. Aug. 28 - Oct. 31: Graduation Deadlines Fall 2013 Degree/Certificate.

Womens Soccer
COM Womens Soccer team vs. Skyline When: 9/13/13 2:00pm COM Womens Soccer team vs. Folsom When: 9/24/13 2:00pm