5-6-10 The Inquirer by DVC Inquirer

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[ Rec]ording In Progress

Voter Apathy Plagues Campus

Behind the scenes of the DVC brodcast program FEATURES Page 3

Lack of interest in ASDVC election leads to lowest voter turnout in years

Betty’s

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OPINIONS

Summer Vacation

Hits theatre box office

ENTERTAINMENT

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Thursday, May 6, 2010 Volume 76 Number 5

www.theinquireronline.com

Sports possibly saved by Title IX Scott Baba Staff writer

Courtney Johnson / The Inquirer

Chris Knight holds up signs made by Students for a Democratic Society in defense of Brian Donovan, vice president of legislative affairs-elect, during an Election Committee meeting on April 29.

Code vs. free speech ‘Unauthorized’ flier violates ASDVC code, group claims violation of free speech during election

Ariel Messman-Rucker Editor in chief As campus police stood guard and supporters of the accused waved signs defending free speech, an Associated Students of DVC committee found three candidates in the recent student government elections guilty of an Elections Code violation. In a unanimous decision April 29, the Election Committee ruled that Francisco Hinajosa, Nick Holmes and Brian Donovan – all members of the Progressive Democratic Students coalition – violated section 7.04 of the Elections Code, which states candidates are “responsible for the actions of the campaign committee, whether authorized or not.” The committee was expected to rule May 4 on two additional alleged violations against the same candidates, as well as hear two against the opposing coalition, UAID (Uniting ASDVC, the Inter Club Council and DVC), too late for The Inquirer’s press deadline. All of the allegations against the three were brought forward by Adrian Briones, current ASDVC activities coordinator and the losing candidate for the position of webmaster in the recent elections. He ran on the UAID ticket opposite the PDS candidate. Briones’ complaint stems from a leaflet handed out during the election by Frank Runninghorse, a DVC student and member of Students for a Democratic Society, a club to which both Donovan and Holmes belong. In the flier, Runninghorse endorsed the PDS coalition and criticized the oppos-

See Title IX, page 6

Gangs and ‘wannabes’ stake claims Christohper C. Long Staff writer

Frank Runninghorse fights charges against the Progressive Democratic Student coalition because of his actions during the election.

Brian Donovan, above, awaits the decision of the Election Committee at the April 29 committee meeting. Katerina Schreck, right, addresses the commitee.

See ASDVC, page 6

News................ 1, 6 Sports....................4 Features................2 Entertainment........3

DVC may have violated Title IX with its plan to shut down several sports programs because of budget cuts, according to complaints filed with the Contra Costa Community College District and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. One of the two complaints, head tennis coach Peter Benko, said Tuesday he had received a message from the OCR saying it was expanding its investigation to Los Medanos and Contra Costa colleges, in addition to DVC. The Inquirer was unable to reach OCR investigators by its press deadline. Benko and Daniel Cruz, head track coach, allege the elimination next year of men and women’s track, cross country, and tennis will drop the proportion of females in DVC athletic programs from 39 percent to 38 percent.

Courtney Johnson / The Inquirer

Calendar.................6 Campus Buzz.........5 Staff Information.....5 Classified Ads........6

Editorial..................5 Opinions.................5 Police Beat.............6

Scrawled names like “Oats” or “Karne,” or even, “Jewels,” seem light-hearted, even innocuous. But they can be a warning of gang activity and require hours of scrubbing to remove. An Inquirer reporter and a former member of the Norteño street gang recently toured the DVC campus and found more than 90 separate incidents of graffiti not yet erased by the buildings and grounds department. Prime pieces of real estate for such “tagging” included trash cans, tables, benches and utility boxes, particularly outside the Math building, the Library and the incline that leads to the buildings atop “Cardiac Hill.” DVC’s official crime reports reveal few such incidents, but that is because most go unreported to campus police, said Lt. Tom Sharp of district police services. In many cases, tags seen on The Inquirer’s campus tour appeared to be sketched over previously drawn tags. Such graffiti can be a sign of turf competition, said Detective Bradley Giacobazzi of the Concord Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. The MCU is charged with investigating gang activity. See GANGS, page 6

TheInquirerOnline.com - Polls - Videos - Blogs - Slideshows - News

Days until finals

Thursday, May 6, 2009

LEARN BY DOING Students explore the world of broadcasting Julie George Staff writer Tucked away in the DVC engineering building, a mini broadcasting studio is filled with cameras, props and other equipment. Downstairs, about 30 students scramble to make set backgrounds, test the cameras and double check that the sound is functional. Two girls tape paper to the wall to create a

background against which the guests and hosts will stand. Three cameras face the stage, ready for the action to begin, and monitors in the corner display images of what appears on the cameras. Upstairs in the control room, students attend to the technical aspects. An hour later, filming of DVC’s variety show, “The Cave,” is underway. “It’s kind of like a job,” Nicholas Jefferies, 20, said

later. “Everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing.” The class is a combination of three classes – beginner, intermediate and advanced – that meet together. “Advanced students pretty much become the teachers to the beginners,” Jefferies said. Students can take the class up to three times in order to move up to the advanced level. “In the beginning, I

Robert Holsinger operates a camera during the recording of the broadcasting class’ music video assignment on April 29, 2010.

recommend the new students shadow the advanced,” said instructor Kristy Guevara-Flanagan. “It’s pretty hard. If you don’t do well, you probably won’t take [the class] again.” From the control room upstairs to the “live room” downstairs, jobs are assigned for each project and alternated so students get a taste of different roles during a production. So far, students have made a public service announcement and a variety show. The latter included such guests as a fire-spinner and a snowboarder.

“[This was the] first called, “The History of project where everyone the Universe as told by has come together,” Wonder Woman.” Jefferies said. “She brings energy,” said Guevara-Flanagan said, program chair Ken White “Students learn a lot. It’s a of Guevara-Flanagan, pretty jam-packed class.” “She has a lot of focus and The first full-time plans.” instructor for the class “That’s hard to do with in the past eight years, the part timers, who come G u e v a r a - F l a n a g a n and go.” has produced several The next scheduled documentaries and short project for the students is films, including “Going on a news broadcast. 13,” which aired on PBS. “Get to know us because She is currently working we might be famous one on a documentary about day,” said Kat Ranillo, 19. Hurricane Katrina, titled, “A Village called Versailles,” Contact Julie George at and a documentary about jgeorge@theinquireronfemale superheroes line.com

Sergio Martinez and Natalie Cheung work on graphics for the music video project on April 29, 2010.

Photos by Chris Corbin / The Inquirer

Thursday, May 6, 2010

‘SUMMER’ OF

LOVE ‘Betty’s Summer Vacation’ titilates audiences with its raunchy humor Trudy, played by Kirsten Dwyer, appears in DVC’s new play “Betty’s Summer Vacation” which will run through May 23, 2010.

Julie George Staff writer

Annie Deil, portraying Mrs. Siezmagraff, appears in “Betty’s Summer Vacation“ directed by Will Springhorn Jr.

VC’s final play of the semester, “Betty’s Summer Vacation,” delighted the audience opening night with its blend of strong sexual content, drama and some violence. Written by Christopher Durang, the satiric comedy is a play that pretends to be a TV show, with current music and a laugh track that interacts with the cast members throughout the play. Set in the ‘90s, it’s the story of city girl Betty (Ally Tippery), who longs for some peace and quiet and signs up for a summer timeshare with friend Trudy (Kirsten Dwyer), who never stops talking. Upon arrival at the beach house, a mysterious laugh track of three voices makes fun of the girls, while unexpected guests show up at the house. First to arrive is Keith (David McEuen), a gay serial killer who carries a hat box that ends up filled with body parts. Next is the crazy and talkative Mrs. Seizmagraff (Annie Diehl), Trudy’s wild mother, who denies that Trudy’s father molested her as a child. She is followed by a horny, hunky meathead named Buck (Patrick Ward), whose main objective is to get laid as much as possible. The last uninvited guest, Mr.Vanislaw (Radek Antczak) is a perverted flash-

er Mrs. Seizmagraff met in the ladies restroom while he was taking photos. The gang partakes in a game of charades that turns into a whirlwind of violent chaos. Directed by Will Springhorn Jr, the talented cast of nine delivers with enthusiasm and personality. Tippery stays in character as Betty during the 15-minute intermission, inviting members of the audience to spin for her during a game of Twister. Sexual tension runs rampant throughout the play, with the characters eventually stripping down to their underwear or less. As Buck, Ward dances on a table during the game of charades with only a trench coat and an octopus that covers his private parts. “Betty’s Summer Vacation” is a guaranteed pleaser that will leave audience members howling with laughter and wondering, “Did that really just happen?” It continues through May 23 in the smaller Arena Theatre next to the Performing Arts Center. Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Those under 17 are not admitted due to explicit content. Contact Julie George at juliegeorge@ theinquireronline.com

Betty, played by Ally Tippery, is the star of DVC’s new play written by Christopher Durang.

Photos Courtesy of / Ed Trujillo

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Captain swims onward

Carrie Soldati Staff writer After swimming for 11 years, Jim Albertson ended up one of the two captains for DVC’s men’s swimming team. Last year, he was named an All-American and voted most inspirational by his teammates. Prior to DVC, Albertson swam at College Park High School for four years, three of which he spent on the

varsity team. In his fifth semester, Albertson co-captains with teammate Taylor Herman. “He cares a lot about the sport,” Herman said. “And he’s committed to getting better by training hard.” Head coach Rick Millington echoed Herman’s praise, saying Albertson has the qualities they look for in a

leader. “[He’s] at every practice. He works extremely hard,” Millington said. Millington met Albertson the summer before his senior year in hopes he would swim for DVC. “We talked him into swimming the

distant events and he excelled at them,” he said. His mother, a former swimmer herself, encouraged Albertson to follow in her footsteps. “[It’s] one of the most fun swim teams I’ve been on,” Albertson said of his DVC experience. He will continue to swim while attending Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colo. on an academic scholarship. Contact Carrie Soldati at csoldati@theinquireronline.

Photos by Chris Corbin / The Inquirer Photo Illustration / Courtney Johnson / The Inquirer

Final round for DVC tennis Kamille Simmons-Turnquest

Staff writer At the Northern California Regional tennis tournament this past weekend in Santa Rosa, Marissa Neighbour, Jennifer Buchholz, and Annie Cheng advanced to the second round for women’s singles. Cheng and Neighbour, who competed together in doubles advanced to the second round in the doubles tournament, defeating Monterey Peninsula College 6-1 and 6-4. Nick Bezzubchenko and Michael Saucy, who competed in doubles for the men’s team, lost 6-1 and 7-5 in the first round and could not advance. At the end of what may be DVC’s final tennis season, the men have struggled with a 3-11 record, while the women’s 9-3 record speaks for itself. “For the women, it has been a spectacular season,” said head coach Peter Benko. The women’s team finished second in the conference, while the men sat

in fifth place. Both teams semester 2010. consist of players who Bob Manalo, the assisqualified for the Northern tant coach who worked California Regional Tour- extensively with the womnament. en’s tennis team this seaFreshman Kelby Tittel, son, attributes its success one of five players on the to hard work. women’s “It was team to all about “A lot of teams p u t t i n g q u a l i f y, attributes aren’t as close as we in the her team’s work and are. When you’re g a i n success to its playing for a team, ing the chemistry. experiit’s different from e n c e , ” “A lot of teams when you’re just he said. aren’t as T h e playing for your- s t r u g close as we are,” g l e s self.” she said. of the “When men’s - Kelby Tittel you’re team, Tennis Player playing for h o w a team, e v e r, it’s differcan be ent from when you’re just linked to its inexperience, playing for yourself.” as many of last year’s Tittel is one of three players have transferred. women to qualify for the “We lost a lot of playtournament in both sin- ers, and the conference gles and doubles. has been a lot stronger,” DVC’s tennis teams, as Benko said. well as men and women’s Saucy, who competed track and cross-country with teammate Bezteams, fell victim to the zubchenko in doubles in college’s budget crisis the regional tournament, and were eliminated in- agreed that lack of expedefinitely, beginning fall rience contributed to his Advertisement

team’s downfall. “We struggled to close out wins,” Saucy said. “We had the talent… We’re just inexperienced when it comes to matches.” Regardless, seven DVC players, two from the men’s team, and five from the women’s, competed in the tournament. Although excited about the tournament, Tittel was wary of what the future holds for the program. “I was so excited,” she said, “but it sucks because it may be over afterward …It’s really frustrating.” Bezzubchenko agreed: “I don’t like it at all. I’m trying to get recognized by schools, and I may not have anywhere to play.” Contact Kamille Simmons-Turnquest at ksimmons@theinquireronline. com

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Did you vote in this year’s ASDVC election?

Kasia Kessler, 58 Library Technology “No, because I had no idea that there was a voting day. I never miss voting and it wasn’t advertised very well.”

Student leaders fail to inspire Only 626 students voted in the recent Associated Students of DVC election, which was down more than 50 percent from last year. Given a student body of some 20,000, the percentage of voters who actually made it to the polls would give news pundits heart failure, if this were a national election. So what happened? Bill Oye, dean of student life and co-adviser to the ASDVC, attributes the low turnout to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the role played by student leaders. “Many DVC students don’t see the connection between ASDVC and campus decisions about programs and budgets which directly affect their lives,” Oye told The Inquirer. This is undoubtedly true. And it is compounded when

campaign promises are not kept, such as the on-campus health center last year’s winners vowed to make a reality. But what else may have contributed to the lowest voter turnout since 536 brave souls cast their ballots in the ASDVC elec-

a wonder voters turned up at all on election day. It’s hard enough to keep track of due dates for class assignments, never mind memorizing when the ASDVC is holding its election. This is a shame. Given the looming budget crisis, we need leaders who will rally the student body to vigorously oppose cuts that decimate our programs and services. It would seem voter apathy this semester mirrored the apathy of those who ran for the positions Christopher C. Long / The Inquirer on the ASDVC board. Each office had no more than two candidates, and four contenders ran tions of 2006? One reason may have been unopposed. It falls to the newly elected the near invisibility of the elecboard members to make sure tion itself. The two coalitions didn’t begin this doesn’t happen again next campaigning until a week be- year. With a total voter turnout of fore the balloting. And given the less than 4 percent, a significant dearth of campaign posters, it’s problem must be addressed.

Scandanavian metal perfect for Vikings Emma Li, 19 Communications “Yeah, I did because I felt there should be some changes in ASDVC. It’s just like drama, drama, drama, and I want to see some changes, some positive changes.”

Music defines us as human beings. Like stories or paintings, songs creep into the dark corners of our minds and bring pleasure, sorrow, joy or fear to the imagination. But today’s music is too often bland, repetitive, lacking spirit and “If you want to seemingly only experience some- produced for thing different, the sake of sales. You hear however, than it in the streets, come with me on from the inaua trip across the dible booming of rap and the Atlantic...” chaotic thrashing of guitars to drums that emanate from passing cars. If you want to experience something different, however, then come with me on a trip across the Atlantic to Northern Europe, land of snow, ice and contemporary Finnish metal.

Most songs written in this subcategory of metal deal with the fantastic or supernatural, such as Stratovarius’ “Babylon” (Babylon/ your memory haunts me forever/ it won’t leave me be), or “7 Days to the Wolves” by Nightwish (I will dream like the God/ And suffer like all the dead children), which is loosely based off of the fifth book of Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” series, “Wolves of the Calla.” There is blissful harmony in Finnish metal, something that is ignored by the majority of screamers and thrashers in heavy metal. Tarja Turunen, the former lead vocalist of Nightwish, for instance, is operatically trained. Listening to her fine voice accompanied by electric guitars, drums, and keyboards brings a tear to the eye. The guitar chords of Finnish metal imitate the complex melodies of classical orchestras, often employing violas, violins, and trombones. An example can be heard in the first two tracks of Sonata Arctica’s “Days of Grays.”

Contemporary Finnish metal provides a refreshing alternative to the uninspiring drivel flooding the musical marketplace on this side of the Atlantic, but you won’t find it at your local Best Buy. Your best chance at experiencing these metal excursions into the subconscious is either to travel to Finland or buy the albums David Matteri online. Staff writer But please don’t pirate their songs. Musicians need to Contact David Matteri at eat too. Even dmatteri@theinquireronline.com Finnish ones!

Part-time postions short-change students Jordan Stewart, 22 Fashion Merchandising “No, because I don’t care.”

Jarrett Ramones, 19 English major “No, because I found it pointless. Each candidate was saying the same thing but in different ways.”

Imagine being a part-time teacher wanting, perhaps needing to secure a respected full-time position after years of hard work and educational accomplishment. Then you hear that 12 full-time instructors are retiring. Finally, some “It leaves two good news? departments – Eh. Six of those 12 journalism and positions will be electronics – permanently cut without full time to help with the professors...” budget crisis, and only three of the remaining six are available for new hires, beginning January 2011. “I may not even be around next year,” one of my part-time professors recently told me.

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“Really?” I said as I screwed up my face in befuddlement. “But I’ve been hyping your class to all my friends.” “Tell that to the administration, if they’ll listen,” his last word before he began the lesson. DVC President Judy Walters’ decision to eliminate six full-time positions and delay replacing three others means more classes will be taught by part-timers. These instructors must often teach at two or three colleges or even elementary schools to make ends meet. And it leaves two departments – journalism and electronics – without any full-time professors to teach or serve as department chairs next semester and perhaps for longer. First-class education requires full-time commitment. Grading papers, planning lessons or even running a department of a ma-

jor commuter school requires many hours of effort outside the time spent actually teaching students. It is not fair to expect full-time work from part-of-the-time compensated staff, faculty or otherwise. Yes, there is definitely a need to balance the school’s budget. But trading full-time teaching positions for black ink is an Christopher C. Long insult to the hard Staff writer work and long hours sacrificed by those we Contact Christopher C. honor as educa- Long at clong@theinquireronline.com tors.

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Editor in chief: Ariel Messman-Rucker News editor: Julius Rea Features editor: Scott Baba Entertainment editor: Troy Patton Sports editor: Curtis Uemura Opinions editor: Jonathan Roisman Online editor: Christopher C. Long, Annie Sciacca Copy editor: Nick Sestanovich Instr. lab coordinator: Ann Stenmark Adviser: Jean Dickinson

Photo chief: Chris Corbin Photographers: Travis Jenkins, Courtney Johnson, Kate Vasilyeva Cartoonist: Christopher C. Long Reporters: Oksana Yurovsky, Julie George, Carrie Soldati, Brian DeAngelis, Kamille Simmons-Turnquist, Travis Wonacott, Yuno Imai, Lina Pervez, David Matteri, Christian Villanueva, Chris Clark, Morgan Renteria, Josh Fathollahi

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The Inquirer is published on Thursday mornings during the school year by the journalism students of Diablo Valley College. All unsigned articles appearing on the opinions page are editorials and reflect a two-thirds

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Thursday, May 6, 2010

6 CALENDAR Thursday, May 6 - 23 Drama Performance “Betty’s Summer Vacation” Arena Theater Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sundays, 2:30 p.m. UC Berkeley information Counseling Center 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saint Mary’s College Transfer questions Counseling office 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Academy of Art University Transfer questions Main Quad 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Brown Bag Lecture Series: Anxiety SU 204 12:30 p.m. ICC Talent Show PAC 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, May 8 “Red Harmony Charity Concert” Red Cross Club M 101 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 CSU East Bay Transfer questions Counseling Center 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saint Mary’s College Transfer questions Counseling Center 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Brandman University of Walnut Creek Applications and questions SRC Learning Commons 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Corrections: In the article, “Bright Lights, Flashing Colors,” published in the March 25 issue of The Inquirer, the name of artist being profiled was misspelled. The correct spelling is Joseph. In the article, “From the Corps to the classroom,” in the March 25 issue of The Inquirer, the attached photo was not labeled as a photo illustration. In the article, “Sloppy game ends in loss,” published in the March 25 issue of the Inquirer, the original photo, which was used in The attached photo illustration, was taken by Kate Vasilyeva. CLASSIFIED PLACEMENT INFORMATION $1.50 a line 2 line minimum. 32 characters per line includes punctuation & spaces Copy and payment due the Monday before publication date. For more information call 925.685.1230 ext 2313 or stop by The Inquirer office.

ASDVC... Continued from page 1 -ing UAID slate, specifically Briones and Presidentelect Katerina Schreck. Of the three accused, only Donovan, vice president of legislative affairs elect, won his race. Hinojosa and Holmes lost in the contests for president and vice president of executive affairs respectively. In ruling that the accused had violated Section 7.04 of the Elections Code, the committee held them responsible for Runninghorse’s statements in the flier, since the code defines a campaign committee as “persons actively campaigning for the candidate, whether authorized directly or indirectly by the candidate.” In an interview, Briones said: “We shouldn’t be attacking each other. Everyone has the right to say whatever they want. I’m not against freedom of speech, but you have to be able to follow the guidelines.” But the more than 20 students who turned out for the April 29 meeting in support of the PDS candidates said otherwise, holding up signs reading, “Stop the attack on democracy,” “Defend free speech” and “Drop the bogus charges.” Keith Montes, a member of the PDS election campaign committee, ad-

monished the committee during its public comment section. “A student’s right to free speech should never, ever be run over by any DVC election code,” he said. Several campus police officers were posted outside the door to the small meeting room in the Student Union as a precaution requested by ASDVC adviser Adriana Lopez, according to Ben Pradya, Election Committee chair and current ASDVC vice president of executive affairs. Runninghorse, the three PDS candidates and many members of the public who attended the meeting, said section 7.04 of the Elections Code is ill-written and violates their free speech. “How can one person be charged with the actions of another?” Runninghorse said. “It’s collective punishment.” In an interview with The Inquirer, Donovan said, “I don’t think [the Election Committee members] are looking into the long-term to how this could damage the reputation of ASDVC.” Election Committee chair Pradya said he plans to amend the code in the future, but for now his committee will base all decisions on the code as currently written. Pradya told The Inquirer that as the code stands

Courtney Johnson / The Inquirer

Daija Cornelious speaks out in defense of Progressive Democratic Students coalition members accused of Elections Code violations. right now, a candidate would be held accountable if The Inquirer had printed an editorial endorsing a candidate without getting the article pre-approved by the Election Committee. “Candidates would still be responsible to at least inform me that they did not authorize The Inquirer to do that,” Pradya said. The three PDS candidates are also accused of not following the Elections Code’s posting policy, as stated in section 8.01 of the code because they did not seek approval for the fliers Runninghorse handed out. The committee was to rule on that charge May 4. But, at the April 29 meeting Runninghorse said that

Gangs...

Title IX...

Continued from page 1 Giacobazzi said it would not be surprising if tags seen around Concord spilled over into Pleasant Hill, given that DVC draws students from around the East Bay. Sharp acknowledged that some of the tags could be gang-affiliated, but he and Giacobazzi speculated they are likely the work of non-violent graffiti artists and also “wannabes.” “Wannabes,” Sharp explained, are people who aren’t necessarily members of a gang, but tag public surfaces with gang markings to pretend they belong. One tag, found on a window outside the Faculty Office Annex building, clearly revealed the words, “Antes STM.” Giacobazzi said it is the name of a popular Bay Area tagging “crew” that has a website and whose work also shows up in Concord. The former gang member, who would not allow his name to be printed for fear of retribution, confirmed that an “X4” tag seen on a bench outside the Math building is one used by the Norteño street gang. An “X3” tag, found crossed-out on the same bench, means the Norteños took the bench from the Sureños, he said. Norteños and Sureños are prominent, rival street gangs in the Bay Area, Giacobazzi said. The Sureños started in the Los Angeles area, and the Norteños started in Northern California, according to knowgangs.

Continued from page 1

the four voting members of the committee can take action. Briones filed an earlier complaint against PDS, and the coalition was found guilty by the Election Committee on April 20 of having violated sections 8.01 and 8.02 of the Elections Code. “[They] posted up flyers that were not stamped,” Pradya said. “Those flyers were supposed to be approved.” PDS was forced to remove some of the flyers they posted, he said. Contact Ariel MessmanRucker at amessmanrucker@theinquireronline.com

whatever they like, but the OCR is a separate investigation,” Benko said. “And they may come to the same findings as the district’s own investigation, but it’ll be done by a separate, independent investigation.” Associate Vice Chancellor Gene Huff said he was surprised by the complaint. “Obviously the district believed that when we eliminated the programs we were not violating Title IX,” he said. “But we’re taking the allegation seriously and making sure we’re in compliance.” Huff said the district’s own attorney is investigating the complaint, along with athletics dean Christine Worsley and interim vice president Donna Floyd. Worsley could not be reached for comment on whether the college did a Title IX analysis prior to making the cut, but in an April 30 Contra Costa Times story, she was quoted as saying the programs with the least number of athletes were the ones chosen for elimination.

In addition, they say DVC hasn’t added any women’s programs in about 10 years. An institution’s compliance with Title IX depends on a three-part test, only one of which must be satisfied, according to Valerie Bonnette, president of Good Sports, Inc., a Title IX consulting firm. The three tests are: 1) whether an institution moves toward or away from a more balanced gender-ratio; 2) whether it has shown a history and continuing practice of program expansion for the underrepresented gender; and 3) whether it accommodates the interests and abilities of the under-represented gender. Bonnette declined to comment on the complaints, saying company policy would not allow her Christopher C. Long / The Inquirer to do so. In their complaint, Cruz Possible gang tags are appearing around and Benko argue that the campus, top, on a bench outside the cafeteria cuts would push DVC out possibly claimed by the Norentos and Sureof compliance on all three nos and, bottom, in a stairwell leading to a parts of the test. library media conference room. Benko said filing a grievance and an OCR comcom. spends 10 hours per week plaint ensures a better Contact Ariel MessmanRucker at amessmanruckchance for a fair result. Another tag, this one on removing the tags. “The district can find out er@theinquireronline.com an electrical utility box outNash said the method side the Physical Scienc- and cost for removing the es building, says, “E$O,” graffiti varies. It can be as which could be a tag for simple as using a $4 can of either the East Side Oak- “Goof-Off” or as complicatland or East Side Oakley ed as painting over deep May 3, 2010 gangs, Giacobazzi said. scratches or replaceing LA 208A: A student reported her wallet was stolen But the detective said the surfaces altogether. activity is “hit-or-miss,” and “It’s a lack of school from the campus. It was later found that an unknown likely that of tagging crews pride,” Nash said of those subject(s) used one of the credit cards for an illegal transaction at a local store. and wannabes. who leave their mark. Maintenance assistant Overflow lot: A student reported that her vehicle was Andre Nash, DVC’s sole Contact Christopher C. vandalized while it was parked in the lot unattended. graffiti-remover, said he Long at clong@theinquireronline.com Silent Witness: Working together to solve crime The Silent Witness tip line provides a means of communication for members of the campus community to provide District Police with information ANONYMOUSLY without affairs relations officer revealing their identity. Silent Witness hotline: 925-685Tsz Ching (Chelsea) Lak Hak (Derek) Cheang, 1230 ext. 1999 Cheung, controller activities coordinator Lost and Found is located at Police Service. People who Alexis Terrill, secretary Daija Cornelious, minority have lost items or have found items may come into Polic Ricky Wong, affairs officer Services from 7:30-10:30 during the week. parliamentarian Vanessa Poon, Chung Ki Cheng, public webmaster

∙ ASDVC Election Results ∙ Katerina Schreck, president Chang Min (Kevin) Park, vice president of executive affairs Brian Donovan, vice president of legislative

even if PDS had attempted to stop him from handing his fliers out, he would not have let them. The repercussions of any Elections Code violations would affect Donovan more than the other two accused because, as the newly elected vice president of legislative affairs, he could be removed from his position, if found guilty by the committee. Pradya, however, said this outcome is unlikely, as disqualification is the harshest penalty the Elections Code allows. Pradya said a letter of apology would be a more likely outcome, although he does not have a vote as the committee chair. Only