I
Set sails for learning DVC oceanography students cruise the Delta for research. See page 6.
The
INQUIRER Student Voice of Diablo Valley College
Volume II No. 3 Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 www.DVCInquirer.com
KAIN PIYANULUK / The Inquirer
• News 2, 3, 4 • Opinions 9, 10, 11 • Sports 12 • Editorial 9 • Features 5, 6, 7, 8 • Campus Buzz 9 • Calendar 2 • Police Beat 2 • Staff Information 2 • Copyright © 2015 The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
news 2
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
calendar Brown Bag Workshop, March 5 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Student Union Conference Room A discussion about relationships presented by Aaron Feldman College Success Workshop, March 10 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Student Union Conference Room “Proof Reading and Editing Skills” workshop presented by Maggie McKenzie Jazz Combos Night, March 10 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Music 101 A DVC music department jazz concert directed by Matt Zebley College Success Workshop, March 11 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Student Union Conference Room “Writing Your College Application Letter” workshop presented by Jason Carrick
police beat Wednesday, Feb. 18 DVC Library Bike Racks Student reported that his bicycle was stolen from campus property. There were no witnesses. Wednesday, Feb. 18 DVC Parking Lot 4 Student reported that she was involved in a minor hit and run traffic accident. Student reported that the other party fled the scene without identifying himself. Student’s vehicle sustained minor damage. Wednesday, Feb.18 DVC Business and Foreign Language Bike Racks Unknown subject took a victim’s bicycle which was locked to a bike rack. There were no witnesses to the theft. Total loss reported $310. Thursday, Feb. 19 DVC Parking Lot 7 Subject bit victim during a dispute over a dog. The two had a former dating relationship. Victim refused to provide any more information on their identity. Thursday, Feb. 19 DVC Parking Lot 8 Student reported vehicle was stolen by unknown subject.
Bikes stolen from DVC
Theft prevention needed to secure property protection COOPER MEAD Staff member
With six reported bike thefts at Diablo Valley College in the past three weeks, bicycle safety is more important than ever. The thefts have been reported all across campus; one bike was even stolen from the bicycle rack next to the police services building. Psychology major Christopher Kimball said he bikes to school every day, except for when it rains.
“I feel that very few students know that DVC offers bicycle lockers. Higher Visibility and signage may help. ” COOPER MEAD / The Inquirer
~Frank Ichigaya Interim custodial manager
A stripped down bike frame sits abandoned, still locked to the bike rack next to the Business and Foreign Language Building.
“This is the first time I’ve seen it,” he said in reference to the dismantled bike frame next to the Business and Foreign Language building. With both locked and unsecured bikes reported stolen, there seems to be no guaranteed options to secure bikes on campus. However, most students are unaware that DVC has secure bike lockers available. The lockers can be rented out on a term-length basis by students, faculty and staff.
Administrative assistant of student life Leigh Apodaca said bike lockers are rented for the semester for $15 rental plus $25 key deposit. “Not all lockers are currently occupied,” she said. There are multiple sets of lockers on campus, one located near the Police Services building, one by the Library Forum and another by the Faculty Office Annex.
Frank Ichigaya, the interim custodial manager and member of DVC’s sustainability committee said, “I feel that very few students know that DVC offers bicycle lockers. Higher visibility and signage may help.”
Contact COOPER MEAD at CMead@DVCInquirer.com
Guest speaker challenges students to re-think traditional ‘American Ideals’ SRIRAM RAMAKRISHNAN Staff member
Dr. David Stovall presented a view of the marginalizing racerelations between people of color and the State, in areas such as education, the law and the workforce to a crowded room of over 100 students and faculty members at Diablo Valley College on Feb. 26. Stovall, an African-American studies and educational policy studies professor at the University of Illinois, prompted one-on-one conversations with individuals in the audience and opened up the room to a public conversation challenging “American ideals.” Stovall described flaws he noticed in many aspects of the current American political sphere, specifically focusing on those found in the United States’ current education system, in which he has been active figure. Stovall referenced many unique
THE INQUIRER Diablo Valley College 321 Golf Club Road, ATC-103 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 The Inquirer is published Thursdays during the school year by the Diablo Valley College journalism students. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinions page are editorials and reflect a two-thirds majority opinion of the editorial staff. Signed columns and cartoons are the opinions of the writer or artist and not necessarily those of The Inquirer, Diablo Valley College or Contra Costa Community College District.
facts in his presentation, from of the discussion by relating to the how the word “capitalism” was audience on a human level. banned in the Texas school sysStovall highlighted the many tem to how “it costs an average of areas of American demograph$80,000 to imprison an individual, ics and societal distribution in the but $25,000 to provide a high qual- economic and political sphere that ity education.” are frequently overlooked. By keepWhen bringing the mostly “We have come a long ing the room’s young audience focus on the way as people, yet we Eric Garner laughing with his anecdotes on still have a long way to case, Stovall the use of Twitcited how Fergo” ter, the banned guson, Misaccess of Yousouri’s popu~Steve Staton Tube at the high lation is 65% Political science major school he taught Black, 20% at in Chicago White and 15% (and how his other ethnicistudents were able to access it any- ties, yet every council member in way), as well as his trouble finding the school district’s board is White parking that morning at the noto- and 85% of the teachers in Ferguriously overcrowded DVC parking son are White. lot, Stovall was able to balance the Many students participated in conversation in the room and keep the discussion as well as in the everyone engaged while bringing question and answer session when their attention to the deeper areas the speech was over.
Editorial Board EDITORS-IN-CHIEF FEATURES EDITOR NEWS EDITOR & ONLINE EDITOR
Tyler Elmore Shane Lous Daniel Maraccini Taylor Pagan
Political science major, Steve Staton, 55, shared his sentiments about his upbringing in the racially segregated South. “I grew up in the south and saw race riots as well as desegregation and we have come a long way as people, yet we still have a long way to go,” he said. Political science major Tarek Elgendi, 19, was thankful for the guest speaker’s powerful insights and was glad that fellow students were able to see the guest speaker at DVC. “I’m interested in the subjects he touched on,” he said. “I think its cool that we discussed these things because these aren’t topics we would normally talk about without having someone like David Stovall facilitating the conversation.”
Contact SRIRAM RAMAKRISHNAN at SRamakrishnan@DVCInquirer.com
Staff SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS Ryan Chan, Keith Montes STAFF MEMBERS Austin Currington, Austin Lemak, Cooper Mead, Dustin Pyne, Fidel Ontiveros, Jacob Judd, Jesse Sutterley, Kain Piyanuluk, Marcel Scott, Melanie Calimlim, Sophia Johnson, Sriram Ramakrishnan CORRESPONDENT Liyin Yeo ILLUSTRATOR Wesley Ihezue INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
• Phone: 925.969.2543 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.dvcinquirer.com • Printed seven times per semester •
news 3
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
DeSaulnier addresses DVC concerns
TAYLOR PAGAN / The Inquirer
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier converses with International student Sasmit Pokharel, 18, on Feb. 19 at Diablo Valley College.
Congressman tours to enhance California educational system TAYLOR PAGAN News editor
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, a member of the House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee, visited Diablo Valley College on Feb. 19 as part of his recently launched Education Listening Tour across California's 11th District. DeSaulnier, students, staff, faculty, administration and college board members gathered in the new Puente, MESA and Umoja multi-purpose facility for an open forum directed by DVC President Peter Garcia. DeSaulnier's tour, as stated in his Feb. 18 press release, will allow him to hear firsthand about ways to improve the California educational system. Psychology major Manpreet Singh, 20, spoke about her concerns regarding first-generation college students, including low income African-American, Hispanic and foster youth students. "A common theme that's been outlined by everybody, all the students speaking here, is that they don't necessarily need resources, they need human resources," she said. Singh believes conflicted interests within school districts and education boards also prohibit productivity, specifically regarding the allocation of funds and human resources for high-risk students. In reply, DeSaulnier said, "You have to help everybody succeed at the same level, which requires an investment higher from all of us
sometimes for people who don't start at the same place." Sociology and psychology double major Dieudonne Brou, 27, talked about his own difficulties as a student of color in the California k-12 and higher education systems. Brou is a part of the Umoja learning community, which is dedicated to enhancing African-American student experiences. "I didn't have faculty or teachers that represented me," he said. "I'm invisible in all of the textbooks or anything that we've ever learned because I'm not a part of the norm of society per say." Brou called for legislation requiring educators to be culturally understanding of the students they are educating. He called to end and change the systematic, societal norms and to educate individuals on institutionalized racisim that has kept people of color from being successful in college. "Our achievement gap is not because of our inability to do anything," he said. "Our achievement gap is a result of long lived experiences that students of color have been through." DeSaulnier responded, "We have to recognize that we have problems in this country and we won't work until we really get through them." He said that democracy in America is not a destination, it is an aspiration that you have to work hard at every single day.
Contact TAYLOR PAGAN at TPagan@DVCInquirer.com
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news 4
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
North Korean refugee tells story DANIEL MARACCINI Features editor
“I could not live like that anymore,” she said of the experience. After hiding in China for eight months Sao took a bus to South A North Korean refugee and fellow col- Korea, where she continues to reside today. lege student presided over a packed Diablo Her dream is to help build a reunified KoValley College Community Room on Feb. rea and one day visit the grave of her de24 to give an intimate look ceased father. at the world’s most mysteri- “When I was growProfessor at the Univerous country. ing up I only had sity of Seoul and former Oak Sao, who escaped South Korean Congressfrom North Korea as a teen- one wish … to eat woman Sun-Young Park ager, spoke of her tragic up- all the rice I could.” also spoke at the presentabringing and eventual escape tion. from her native country. Park, who leads a North ~OAK SAO Sao was soft-spoken, but Korean refugee educational Public speaker clearly passionate about her program called the Mulmessage. mangcho School, described She kept the room in an awed silence for the challenges Sao and other refugees face. a roughly 20-minute speech on everyday life “When they came to us they could not in North Korea. write their names,” she said. “Public educa“I was always hungry,” she said. “When I tion in all of [North Korea] collapsed from was growing up I only had one wish… to eat about the mid 1990’s. Even if you had the all the rice I could. Just once.” energy to do school you are far better off Sao twice tried to flee the country by way going to the market or making a living.” of the Tumen River, which rests on the borPark encouraged DVC students to raise der of China. After crossing the first time awareness of the injustice and struggles of Sao was caught by Chinese authorities. North Korean refugees and citizens. She was then sent back to a North Korean “Tiny, weak, feeble, small,” she called prison where she developed Scarlet Fever. these people, “but they are angels, warriors, JESSE SUTTERLEY / The Inquirer Though Sao was eventually released, she messengers of the 21st century." Oak Sao tells the story of her escape from North Korea to an audience of soon found her way back onto the streets students at DVC on Feb 24. where she once again began planning an esContact DANIEL MARACCINI at DMaraccini@DVCInquirer.com cape.
Umoja creates unity among DVC students
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In honor of Black History Month, African-American students addressed issues they face in a predominantly white school and culture during a Diablo Valley College "Umoja Brown Bag Workshop" on race in America on Feb. 19. There are stigmas attached to all races. African-Americans are not excluded from societal biases. Students spoke on how the media plays a huge role in promoting stereotypes. Biology major Claunesha Williams, 18, said the media intentionally dismisses the good actions of African-Americans, which leaves them having to prove to others that they are not the way the media negatively depicts them to be. Mechanical technology major Kendahl Gardner, 23, also touched on how media can be stereotypical about the AfricanAmerican community. "I see it as a false representation of Blacks, that we are loud, ignorant, thuggish," Gardner said. "I must not only be myself; I have to prove that I am not what the media says I am." Williams and Gardner are both members of Umoja, a program they say has been beneficial to African-American students. According to the Umoja website, the Umoja community seeks to educate the student: their mind, body and spirit. Together, the ed-
ucators and students create bonds and commit themselves to the personal growth, academic success and self-actualization. Williams said she is proud to be a part of the Umoja learning community. "They've opened so many opportunities," she said. "It's not even about them caring for me. This is my stability, to keep my eye on the prize." Gardner said Umoja has helped him learn who he is as a black man living in America. "I heard learning community, and I saw support," he said. "They gave me purpose. I now want to help people like myself to be mentally liberated from generational curses that have been placed upon us." DVC student Ashley Caldwell, 19, said she feels like AfricanAmericans are overcoming the boundaries they face. "This new generation, we're breaking the stereotypes," she said. "Even if it isn't covered in the media, it's happening." Umoja members who spoke on race in America said this program has helped students realize they are not what the media categorizes them to be, as ignorant or uneducated. "We are brothers and sisters," said 21-year-old criminal justice major Breia Moore. "We're a family. We're connected." Contact MELANIE CALIMLIM at MCalimlim@DVCInquirer.com
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news 5
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
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DUSTIN PYNE / The Inquirer
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Army Reserve recruiters visit DVC campus DUSTIN PYNE Staff member
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According to their website, The United States Veteran’s Affairs office takes an average of Recruiters for the United States about 8.5 months to complete a Army Reserve were warmly wel- benefit claim and some potential comed when they visited the recipients agree that the VA is Diablo Valley College campus on not working as efficiently as they Tuesday Feb. 3, yet students are could be to promptly supply benmostly uninterested in the career efits and jobs for veterans who path options they presented. have served their country. Staff Sgt. Steven Duran and The United States Veteran’s AfSgt. 1st Class Gerardo Avila came fairs office attributes the recent as representatives to the Pleas- back-up of claim completions to ant Hill cama 50 % increase pus to recruit in the number “I would hope that students into claims sub(recruiters) are clear of active duty or mitted as well the Reserves, and open about what a as shortage as well as to of personnel person would be get- to handle the spread awareness about the ting involved with.” work load. benefits of beOur own ing enlisted. DVC’s Veter~ ISA DOLAN Benefits of an’s Affairs ofForestry major enlisting in the fice is working Army include to make a difmore than $72,000 for college aid ference in our community. through the GI bill, up to $4,500 According DVC’s VA website, of tuition assistance and free the office helps veteran students health care for the individual and achieve their personal and acatheir family. demic goals by providing inforDespite these advantages, some mation regarding military and students report they are toler- nonmilitary benefits, educational ant about recruiters approaching and career opportunities, and prothem on campus, but weary none fessional networking. the less. DVC student Sara Stinson, Forestry major Isa Dolan, 20, 23, thinks it’s good idea to have said, “I would hope that (recruit- military information available on ers) are clear and open about campus. what a person would be getting “I think the Army can be good involved with.” for people who may have fewer Business finance major Joe Wy- options,” she said. lie, 22, said 18 is too young for Although the Veteran’s affairs people to decide to join the army office is not affiliated with the and that it would take a draft for Army reserve recruiters who visit him to personally join the army. campus, they both support and “If I had to make a life-chang- supply opportunities for people ing decision at age 18, it prob- who are interested in pursuing ably wouldn’t end that well,” he higher education. said. “But everyone has the ability to make their own decision, so if you’re well informed, then it’s Contact DUSTIN PYNE at DPyne@DVCInquirer.com OK.”
features 6
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Oceanography sails again E
arly in the foggy morning on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, Diablo Valley College oceanography students from both San Ramon and Pleasant Hill campuses came together in Antioch for their research field trip out on the Sacramento and San Joaquin delta. Sixty students, two professors, Joe Gorga and Valerie Greene, and four science instructors, Hannah Towne, Naomi Deal, Chris Throm and Stephanie Weiner boarded a boat at 9 a.m. and departed the pier soon after students were oriented with safety demonstrations by one of the instructor Deal. Joe Gorga says “It is a hands on experience for our students to act like an oceanographer. We collect and analyze samples from our local waterways. The students collected and examined planktonic organisms (free-floating in the water that can’t swim against the current) and benthic organisms (organisms living in or on the bottom). They also examined fish living in local waters and measured water quality (salinity, nutrients, pH and dissolved oxygen)”. Students were divided into four groups and were assigned to each experimental station: the water testing station where students got samples of water from the delta and identified the oxygen level, density, sanity and temperature of the water. The next station was the plankton station, where students got live specimens from the delta and identified types of planktons. At the mud station, students collected mud from under the water and identified what kind of animals were in their samples. The fishing station was where students used a net to catch fish and classified each fish they caught. Students spent 20 minutes at each station and then rotated so everyone got the chance to complete all the experiments. Although, they had to spend their Saturday doing school work, every seemed to enjoy themselves in the nice sunshine throughout the whole trip. The boat returned to the pier around 12:30 p.m.
Right, digital media major Audrey Huey and political science major Darcy Daly test their samples of the water to find the oxygen level in the water. photo story by KAIN PIYANULUK/ The Inquirer
Above, oceanography students use rope to collect mud samples. Right, students pull fishing nets out of the water while collecting specimens on their field trip in Antioch.
features 7
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Above, oceanography students gather around a wash station to get a closer look at mud collected from the bottom of the bay.
Above, students and science instructor Stephanie Weiner rinse out mud to find live specimens. Right, Audrey Huey, Darcy Daly, Nicole Foley, Kiana Shokouh and Jeff Weinberg anticipate the specimens to collect from the delta.
Above, oceanography students prepare fishing nets for collecting specimens from the bay on their field trip in Antioch.
features 8 Student ‘catwalks’ in NYC Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
TYLER ELMORE Co-editor-in-chief
“My passion is entertainment," he says. "I hope to express myself and create content that other people will enjoy When you've walked in Louis Vuitton’s in someway such as video game design, fashion show in Paris Fashion Week, you animation, acting or who knows what.” know you’ve hit it big time. Michels is currently a full-time student For 22-year-old Diablo Valley College planning to transfer to San Jose State student Alex Michels, it’s just another day University. at work. “I am just studying the general edu“One of my first paid cation courses like jobs was as a hand mod“‘People skills’ are a most people, but I el for this obscure camam really into my must.” era brand in San FranARTDM-160 3D cisco, which I still find animation right to be hilarious,” he says. now,” he says. “I ~ALEX MICHELS Student While he is unsure guess I am a parthow he got started in time model now, like the fashion business, he that Flight of the is grateful for the opportunities he has Conchord’s song.” been given. Over the interview, he makes little What is also so refreshing about Mi- quips about modeling, but he does offer chels is the fact that he is so distant from some advice to people trying to get into the modeling business. the business, He lacks the façade that most people “If you are trying to get into any facassume comes with being a model. et of the fashion industry then ‘people Michels' ultimate goal isn't to be a "su- skills’ are a must,” he advises, “Learning per" model, but having a recognizable to connect with peers and employers is face may help get him to his next chapter. the name of the game, and classes like
public speaking and business are surprisingly helpful in that regard.” What he likes most is traveling and being able to work with his girlfriend. “My favorite place is New York City— nothing beats it," he says. "Paris is beyond beautiful though.” While modeling isn’t his ideal job, Michels has enjoyed his time doing it. He has had the opportunity to be in photo shoots and walk the runways. ”Both have their merits," he says. "Walking in shows can be crazy fun since it’s like a theatre production with its fast pace, but photo shoots can also be interesting when they are spook or weird editorials.” Michels has modeled for brands such as Rag and Bone, Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers, Nylon, Elle, Motorola and many others. “I’m really fortunate that I got to travel places for modeling and rep some cool brands, but I don’t plan on doing it forever," he says. Contact TYLER ELMORE at TElmore@DVCInquirer.com
Courtesy of ALEX MICHELS
Alex Michels walks in the Loden Dager show during New York Fashion Week.
Students learn to stop procrastinating TAYLOR PAGAN News editor
It’s Monday morning, your to-do list is running off the page and you tell yourself this is the week you will finally accomplish your goals. The week goes by, you put a few things off and you tell yourself tomorrow will be the day you finally complete your tasks. Then Sunday evening roles around, you run out of ‘tomorrows’ and you face an overwhelming sense of stress as you realize absolutely nothing got done. Luckily, a lifestyle of procrastination, even at its finest, can be overcome. Diablo Valley College business professor Claudia Eckelmann provided students with efficient time management tips in her “How to Get Stuff Done That You Would Rather
Procrastinate On Brown Bag Workshop” on and self-doubt. You can either walk away Feb. 26. from the task at hand in an attempt to If you enjoy doing something then it is temporarily avoid such feelings, or you can usually pretty easy to get started. simply start the task, complete it and permaEckelmann explained nently rid them. “For some of us, the how the problem arises To overcome prowhen you have to do hurdle might be that we crastination, Eckelmann things you don’t like dosuggested chunking time think we have to do it into 25 minute spans ing. “For some of us, the perfectly the first time.” with 5 minute breaks hurdle might be that we in between. Estimate think we have to do it the time needed to ac~ CLAUDIA ECKELMANN perfectly the first time,” complish a task and add Business professor she said. “Perfectionism, more time if necessary. in some way, shape or Chunking out time form, can paralyze us, it spans and becoming really can.” realistic about how much time is actually When faced with an undesirable task, you needed allows you to organize your time often become overwhelmed with anxiety more efficiently. Advertisement
Biology major Shelly Yen, 21, thought Eckelmann’s procrastination workshop was very helpful. Her biggest struggle is simply finding motivation. Eckelmann said small rewards after completing a task are a great incentive to stay focused. Business major Giovanni Lopez, 21, finds that making to-do lists helps him keep track of his busy schedule. “I like getting things done as soon as possible,” he said. “I hate not knowing exactly what needs to get done.” As professor Eckelmann says, productivity can replace procrastination with a little practice. Contact TAYLOR PAGAN at TPagan@DVCInquirer.com
opinions 9
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Buzz
The
Editorial
If you could improve one thing for women, what would it be?
ARIANNA NG, 18 Civil engineering
“I would improve our rights in general.”
WESLEY IHEZUE / The Inquirer
DANIEL CIRELLI, 17 Astrophysics
“Equality, not being objectified and respect.”
PRISCILLA FRANSON, 23 Nutritional science
“I would say social equalities in other countries.”
BROOKE DAVIDSON, 19 Interior design
“I want women to not be so self-conscious.”
Women still stigmatized in the workplace
With Women’s History Month starting, it is time to analyze what is the hard work that Redmond put into the project. really happening in the world of women’s advancement. What was also surprising to read was that Pinterest, a website where Fortune 500 released their annual list of companies that are domiusers are more than 80 percent women, has only 20 percent female nating around the world and this year there are 24 women on the list: employees. an all-time high. It is unbelievable in this day and age that there is still such segMary Barra, CEO of General Motors (GM) was ranked 7th in the regation in the workplace. When women aren’t given the means to entire list. advance, why would they continue? Colleges and Universities are even offering more Why would anyone continue to work in a place and more scholarships to women who go into sciwhere their skills and contributions aren't appreci“With such progress, ated or recognized? ence, math or technology jobs. So why are women leaving the tech industry in The technology industry, especially in the Bay one would think the such big numbers? Area, is the fastest growing industry in the world. people in charge would With such progress, one would think the people According to The Los Angeles Times, it's due to hostility in the work place. Many women still feel be more progressive in in charge would be more progressive in their thinkthey are seen as inadequate to their male counter ing. their thinking.” parts. A woman gets the same education as a man In The Times article, they interviewed a few when she attends school. So why are they treated as women, but one seemed to stick out. if they are inferior? Ana Redmond’s story was interesting because it We college students are the future. We have the seemed she had designed something that we use now, even Google power to enact change in our community. Someday we will be busihas a similar algorithm (although which came first is not known) that ness owners, start-up creators or CEOs. We have the power to create would allow you to search on the company’s website and it would great things, but if women of all backgrounds are not treated equally produce results based on the first few letters of the search. then the advancement of our global race as humans will come to a The company then reassigned the project to someone else, saying halt. “only architects can pitch features.” It is our job to make sure everyone is empowered and feels like That seems completely counter intuitive and completely dismisses what they are doing matters.
Letters to the editor
DVC campuses should be smoke-free CRISTINA MENDOZA, 19 Biology
“I would improve how the media portrays women.” Interviewed by: Fidel Ontiveros Photographed by: Ausitn Lemak
Cigarette smoking has been found as the biggest source of preventable morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. According to the California Department of Public Health, smoking kills more Americans each year than consuming alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide and illegal drugs
combined making it the leading illnesses; therefore students are cause of preventable illness in missing classes. the United States. A potentially dangerous efA key component for a healthy fect of smoking on campus is campus community is to make second-hand smoke exposure. Diablo Valley College a smokeThe designated smoking area free campus. are located at Today, entrance “Today, there are over every there are over of DVC, so 1,000 college 1,000 college campuses students and campuses that have to that are smoke-free.” staff are smokewalk through free. clouds of It is imsmoke just to portant that we provide a better enter campus. environment that is healthy DVC provides a childcare for for all who spend time on our their students’ children and it’s campus because secondhand less than 100 feet away from smoke exposure causes common some of the smoking areas.
This is life-threatening because it decreases lung efficiency and impairs lung function in children, and increases childhood asthma. I am 19 years old and full time student at DVC, and I feel it's crucial to make DVC smoke-free. The first step to reinforce a smoke-free campus is to remove all ashtrays and post smoke-free signs. To maintain good health and a healing environment, DVC should be a smoke-free campus. ~ Karla Xochicale DVC Student
opinions 10
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
For the love of God, just stop it There is no need for religion in schools
A Christian group came to Diablo Valley College on Feb. 10 to spread their beliefs to students on campus. They held signs that read "Sin Brings God's Wrath" and "Repent and Believe In Jesus." The group was also seen handing out bibles to children on Viking Drive outside of Valley View Middle School and College Park High School.
MARCEL SCOTT Staff member
Nothing this group did was ilMARCEL SCOTT / The Inquirer legal, but this incident does seem strange enough to ask a few ques- James Broman, 19, of the Los Angeles Bible Distribution Club holds a sign promoting Christianity while talking to DVC tions. students on Feb. 11. Should religious material be disThey should be allowed to do them how to think for themselves. This shouldn't happen in a tributed to kids? Isn't this a waste have the right to be here, but it's kind of crossing the line when you that, but handing out Bibles to Would this be a bigger deal if a public place, especially at schools, of a Bible, especially if the kids pass out children Muslim, Jewish, or any other nonwhere there's supposed to be a were throwing them at each other? bibles to might Christian group was handing out separation of church and state. “They have the right to be here, If anything this group created a children." be their holy scripture to children? "I could see their point but it's safety hazard. but it’s kind of crossing the line The crossing DVC student Parker Ewing, 20, not the best place to talk about The group on the DVC campus group the line. said, "It's a school campus and religion. Students shouldn't be hawhen you pass out bibles to did not seem to convince students, couldn't It seems it should be free of this sort of rassed on campus," English major but rather anger them. children.” be reached as thing, but I think it goes both ways Fiona Davis, 15, said. There were verbal fights bethough for any outlook. I don't think an There are better places to spread tween students and the members for com~ CESAR BARAJAS ment, but they're atheist group should be on camreligion and it's best kept out of of this Christian group. Was the Broadcast communications major it's astrypus and I don't think a religious public institutions. point of them coming to campus sumed ing to group should be on campus." really to be controversial? they were here to spread the relibrainwash a generation of children Perhaps it's best not to make Broadcast communications maContact MARCEL SCOTT at gion that they love; which is aweinto following the rules of an outa scene by holding controversial jor Cesar Barajas, 23, said, "They MScott@DVCInquirer.com some. dated book, rather than teaching signs in front of students.
Sony hackers’ activism claims are unethical Sony Entertainment Group has recently safety as well. been hit by what seems to be its second cyIn recent years, hacktivists have begun to ber attack by a group of “hacktivists” who gain more traction in influencing the events have identified themthat has shaped the Inselves as Guardians of formation Age. Peace. In our 21st century FBI officials have anworld, where interconnounced that North Konectivity and information rea was behind this hack, play an integral role in citing their unhappiness every individual’s lives, it at the impending release is no wonder that hackof "The Interview", a tivists have sought to exmovie starring Seth Roploit this outlet in hopes gen and James Franco, of advancing their cause. which mocks the North Looking at the general Korean government. progression of hacktivThis piece of news ism it seems to be far comes at a time when nufrom dying down. LIYIN YEO merous attacks on instiIn fact, in recent years, Correspondent tutions and organizations the number of hacking across the world have scandals has risen. recently transpired, forcing one to wonder What then, is the difference between a whether more should be done to protect hacktivist and a terrorist? not only the physical well-being of a naTo some, they are one and the same, tion’s citizens, but their cyber security and sparking the coinage of a new term ‘cyber
terrorism’ which poses a real threat in devel- should be monitored closely. We do not oped countries all over the world. have to suppress them completely, but we Timothy Wang, 22, an international re- do need to ensure proper regulating of their lations major says, actions.” “Hacktivism is a form others “Where interconnectivity begHowever, of terrorism and to differ. should be regarded as and information play an inBusiness major such. Mitchel Kwok, 22, The United States tegral role in every individu- says, “The main government should al’s lives, it is no wonder that difference between crack down on these hacktivist and a hacktavists have sought to aterrorist individuals with as is that a much force as they do exploit this outlet in hopes hacktivist acts on terrorists. that will be of advancing their cause.” actions Only then can we beneficial to the achieve safety not public, exposing only in our country the truth and seekbut also in our cyberspace.” ing out culprits. Terrorism serves to do the Dwi Choong, 21, a linguistics major, opposite. Terrorists are often on a path of agrees. destruction, whether or not individuals are “Hacktivism is something that not many innocent. Therein lies the difference." people are aware of, but poses a threat to the cyber security and privacy to every one Contact LIYIN YEO at who is an active Internet user," he says. Inquirer@dvc.edu "It is for this reason I think hacktivists
opinions 11
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Sex destroys intimacy We don't think enough of sex, which is not to say we don't think enough about sex. Think about that phrase for a while. This is the problem when sex goes from a special, intimate activity to just another tool used to sell products. The increasing separation between sex and intimacy devalues our relationships and society. "Fifty Shades of Grey" has reached the general public like it's just another movie, but it's not: it's some sort of acceptable form of porn, and it's trying to convince us that sex is OK anytime, any place, with anyone. This sounds "liberating," but it's only liberating in the sense of a balloon that has been released by it's owner, floating freely up into the sky until it finally explodes. Have as much sex as you want, but the eventual payoff will be a lack of real relationships. First, the story emphasizes the sexuality of Anastasia and Christian's relationship, not the intimacy. Second, Christian Grey just seems like a selfish, manipulative stalker. He shows up everywhere Ana is and buys her expensive gifts. Some ladies may think this is sweet and cute, but it's not; it's just creepy. The perceived "romancing" is only to convince her that she needs to experience all of Christian's playroom antics. This sounds like a deceptive story covered in pornographic nuances. This is no surprise because, over the last few decades, pornography has become prevalent in our culture, and it's hurting us. A study published by the University of New Hampshire in 2008 showed that 93% of boys and 62% of girls were exposed to porn before the age of 18. Imagine how much that percentage has probably increased with the expansion of the internet
WESLEY IHEZUE / The Inquirer
and the growth of computer savvy teenagers. There is science behind pornography. It's the science of addiction. The chemicals released by the brain during sex are the same ones whether it is with another person or with a computer screen, so instead of connecting the good feelings that normally bond us with another human being, our brain creates connectedness with porn. These chemicals are the same as those produced from using addictive drugs. Intimacy is gone; sex is the scorecard guys keep, the experience girls gossip about and the sales pitch that sells.
How do we fight against what our compulsions tell us to do? To quote a Bob Newhart sketch: "Just stop it!" Unfortunately, the addictive nature of porn makes it hard to break the habit. An organization called Fight the New Drug acts to provide information on the dangers of porn and helps to create a community of people who stand up against it. Don't let sex sell you. Invest in real relationships, and real satisfaction will come.
SHANE LOUIS Co-editor-in-chief
Contact SHANE LOUIS at SLouis@DVCInquirer.com
Will drones help or hurt our world? Be it a weapon of war, or a tool cent drones is the X-47B "stealth that resembles a toy, drones are drone," is the first to be launched slowly becoming more relevant off an aircraft carrier. It’s a radicalin our daily lives. The question ly different design from the MQ-1 is, should we accept or reject in- Predator drone, that is the face of creased drone usage? Evidence military drones from the US. suggests we should. Drones like these have been at We don't really think about the forefront of media attention, drones too ofraising questen nowadays tions about though. The ethicality of sky is still domwartime drones. inated by planes Many regard and helicopters. drone strikes as Yet evidence is major contribumounting that tors of civilian drones are incasualties. But creasingly rein truth, drones placing their identify targets manned aerial and avoid collatcounterpar ts. eral damage betWhich leaves ter than convenus pondering, is tional air strikes. this change for To make RYAN CHAN Senior staff member better or for the matters worse, worse? drones have It’s hard to been showing talk about drones without men- up in the media as the subject of tioning their involvement in the worrying news. On Feb. 25, NBC US military. The military has News reported that French auhelped pioneer the offensive capa- thorities scrambled to determine bility and development of drone who had carried out drone flights technology. One of the most re- over five French landmarks, in-
WESLEY IHEZUE / The Inquirer
cluding the Eiffel Tower and the presidential palace. These no-fly zones were easily penetrated by several small drones. Incidents such as these will demonize drones in the public eye, as we continue to push their limits. Drones will likely not become a tool for spying, as incidents like these are few and far between. We should embrace the new wave of drones that will inevitably become
a greater presence in our lives and try to better understand their usages. We can also expect a shift towards commercial drone usage. They are currently being used to inspect power lines, monitor crop fields and generate maps for cartographers. Drones are wonderful tools, with a wide range of utility, but our understanding is lagging behind.
Organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will have to speed up the process of developing rules governing drones and the general public will have to keep an open mind about drones, while at the same time keeping a wary eye on the potential uses of this technology. Contact RYAN CHAN at RChan@DVCInquirer.com
sports 12
Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Tennis teams creates a ‘racket’
KAIN PIYANULUK / The Inquirer
D
iablo Valley College’s men and women’s tennis teams faced off against Folsom Lake on Feb. 27. In the very competitive match, the Vikings came out strong. Both the men’s and the women’s teams won their respective matches; men’s score was 9-0 and the women’s was 8-1. Team member Roy Eldred said “This team in one word: ‘chemistry.’ We have all known each other for years; Austin and I grew up playing club tennis together in the 12-and-unders.” “The matches are fun, but you can lose focus easily,” team member Vaughn Asucion said. “So I have to always keep focus.” He enjoys the community aspect of the team. “I’ve known Omar for about seven years now,” he said. “It’s nice to see someone grow along with you in a sport that you enjoy.” Head coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb has been coaching at DVC for four years. “This year we have a lot of new comers and the opposite team as well,” said Ponciano-Babb. “So we might be closer as a competition. All team members had to tryout and after they get into the team, each week they will still have to compete for the competing position.”