The Inquirer Vol VI no. 1

I

Alternative Valentine

inquirer

Awkward, unconvential, and unique ways to celebrate. See Page 6.

Thursday, Feb 9 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

Volume VI, No 1

Guitar teaching legend passes away WILL NEVIN News editor KAYLA ROBINSON / The Inquirer

Social science instructor Scott Macdougall says DVC students are more than just their legal status.

District declares itself sanctuary for students KAYLA ROBINSON Copy editor

Leading up to his presidency Donald Trump made many promises, one of which he promised to terminate Obama's executive orders related to immigration including getting rid of sanctuary cities.

As of Jan. 11, the Contra Costa Community College board voted 6-0 to grant sanctuary status to the district and it's three main campuses, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College.

Sanctuary status means that the Contra Costa Community College District will withhold students’ personal information from federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs

Enforcement, and retain existing financial aid policies for undocumented students.

While it's unclear exactly what the executive order means, the courts are going to have to clarify.

According to political specialist Allison Graves at Politifact, this executive order doesn't fulfill Trump's campaign pledge to cut funding of sanctuary cities, but it does start the process.

"There are a lot people who think that what he has done is not legal their fear is it's uncertainty," social science instructor Scott Macdougall said.

"I think that the president is acting in places where he doesn't actually have the authority to act. He's doing things that I don't think is constitutional," he said.

Interim President Ted Wieden issued a state-

ment to the DVC community; "Our position is in alignment with the California Community College State Chancellor’s Office and the Contra Costa Community College Governing Board’s Jan. 11, Resolution S-1 reaffirming our commitment to support all students and employees of Diablo Valley College regardless of citizenship status, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or political persuasion."

What this means for students is that "DVC doesn't see a person and their documents, all they see is the person," Macdougall said.

The leaders of the Horticulture club and Chemistry club have formed the Science Alliance, a body of DVC clubs with the goal of cross collaboration between science clubs on creating and maintaining projects like the vertical farming project, which started last fall. Devin Virassammi of the Chemistry club and Peter Swenson of the Horticulture club

have been working with the DVC Student Life Office since last semester to develop a clear outline and constitution that fits within the structure of ASDVC and ICC, or Inter Club Council.

This idea of a cross club project group has not been seen before and is a necessity for DVC, according to its founders.

Dean of the Biology and Life Science department, Tish Young exclaimed "[the science alliance] is incredible."

Although some details are still being hashed out, Virassammi hopes the process of formation will be done within a month of club activities starting this semester and tells of the Alliance already having a set of officers and departments that oversee communication, outreach and projects.

The Alliance is also set to have a senate body made up of representatives from each alliance club.

Those clubs so far are the Chem club, Pre-Nursing Society, Horti-

“Steve was such an amazing human being.

He really connected on a human level with his students.” ~MICHAEL LACZON Music professor at DVC

culture club, Cyber-security club, DVCoders, Health club, Earth club and Architecture construction engineering club (ACE).

So if a DVC student is in a club apart of the alliance, the student is apart of the alliance. The president of the Horticulture club and co-founder of the alliance said that once established there will be a process for adding even more clubs.

Michael Laczon, a friend and colleague within the Music department, recollects how "Steve was such an amazing human being. He really connected on a human level with his students. Almost every student became fans of Steve after graduating. He inspired students to realize their musical dreams and believe in themselves. Steve connected with people unlike anyone I've seen. After looking at the chances of survival for stage four prostate cancer, I knew if anyone could pull off a miracle, it would be Steve."

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer identified in the first stage has a 99 percent survival rating in America.

Continued on Page 3

Continued on Page 2

Contact KAYLA ROBINSON at KRobinson@DVCInquirer.com

A new science alliance is in the works DANNY YOEONO Staff member

On January 19th, 2017, Diablo Valley College legend and famous guitar instructor Steve Sage peacefully passed away at the age of 61, after battling stage-four prostate cancer for over a year.

Sage earned two Performing Arts degrees, one from Musicians Institute (GIT) and another from Cal State East Bay (Theory/Composition), and has taught thousands of students from Skyline College, Cal State East Bay, SF State, Musician's Institute, and Diablo Valley College.

Copyright © 2016 The Inquirer - www.dvcinquirer.com

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news

Thursday, Feb. 8 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

calendar Have no fear, student ambassadors are here Saturday, February 11 HSF Building DVC Athletics Poker Tournament 6-10 p.m.

Sunday, February 12 Academic Senate Council Community Conference Center 2-4 p.m.

Men’s Baseball vs Merced Baseball Field 2-6 p.m.

Tuesday, February 14 Women’s Softball vs Napa Softball Field 2-6 p.m.

Wednesday, February 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair Career Employment and Transfer Center, 4-7 pm.

police beat Monday, January 23 Math Faculty Offices Unknown subject or subjects damaged to several exterior mail slots.

Tuesday, January 24 Lot 3 A student reported that another driver vandalized her vehicle, while she was away, over a parking dispute they had earlier that day.

Lot 8 A driver collided with a parked vehicle while driving through the parking lot, causing minor damage.

Wednesday, January 25 Art Room 502 Student reported that an unknown subject or subjects took belongings from her purse while she left it unattended.

ASHLEY LOAEZA Staff member

Being unable to enroll in classes sucks, not knowing how to drop classes sucks, first time using the Insite-Portal also sucks, and unable to find the right building for your class really sucks.

Luckily, there’s a wonderful place on campus with fourteen superheroes (yes, superheroes) who can make all your worries of trying to drop or add a new class go away.

It's called Welcome Services and this place is awesome.

You've probably walked past them before in the Student Services Center. They are right next to the Admission and Records office and adjacent to the Enrollment Lab. There are typically one or two student ambassadors working at the windows who are true lifesavers when it comes to advising students, helping out with online necessities, and other helpful tips.

Think you know Diablo Valley College like the back of your hand? These people know a lot more than you may think.

Every student ambassador is required to take a five week training session where they learn and are tested on every subject pertaining to helping DVC students.

These training sessions allow a

successful student ambassador to become an overall expert on life at DVC. Matthew McKinley, a student ambassador for two years, explains how “as a student ambassador, our main goal is to put an impact on students who are in need of help.

Both with academic help or just trying to find a pathway. We’re aiding them as much as possible because we want to see them succeed.”

The student ambassadors do a variety of different things from conducting campus tours once a week to going out to high schools representing DVC all while marketing the college. But here’s the best part: the diversity. Many of these student ambassadors know a wide range of languages including Spanish, Farsi, Cantonese, Hindi, and Malayalam.

Suryah Aryaei, a student ambassador for over a year, explains the joy of helping non-English speaking students.

“What I love is seeing Persian speaking [people] have their eyes light up and just be like, 'Oh my gosh she speaks Farsi because I was having so much trouble with this application, it's all in English,” said Aryaei.

She goes on to explain how being a student ambassador “brings me so much joy. Knowing that I

Sage Continued from Page 1 However, when identified in its forth stage, the survival rating drops to 28%.

Performance Arts and Drama professor Ed Trujillo considers himself "a close friend to Steve. Our students [within the Drama and Music Department] would work together for musicals and other events. Steve had a way to connect with students from a personal level and inspire them to challenge their fears like stage fright or playing in front of crowds. He didn't always follow the rules, and had his own way of doing things. He always had good intentions and had his heart in the right place. Not many people know this, but he was a part-time teacher here at DVC. Probably the most well known, hard working, and recognizable part-time teacher here."

Bruce Cook, another friend of Sage's and colleague within the Music department, remembers how "Steve's music classes served as one of the strongest foundations to the music department for many years. His following and reputation is legendary, and the impact he had on helping countless musicians launch careers is inestimable. I know of one student who studied with Steve over fifteen years ago who has released numer-

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.

ASHLEY LOAEZA/ The Inquirer

DVC Welcome services is located in the Student Services Center. can connect with somebody and help them register for a class. It's a small act, but them having somebody to console in or relate to, I live for that. It's the best feeling.”

Whether you speak English, Spanish, Farsi, or any other language these ambassadors know, they can help you.

What makes these student ambassadors here at DVC extra special is their ability to speak a variety of different languages, cater to the needs of most students, and have a greater connection to the students. they serve. If you are a new student or a returning student, don't be shy to stop by Welcome Services and go over the enrollment process or

even get directions. They know all of the services offered here on campus and can refer to you to the right place if you ever find yourself lost. Seriously, they are here to help. You can also contact and follow the student ambassadors on a variety of different social media outlets such as Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by simply searching "DVC Student Ambassador."

Don’t start the semester on a bad step. These volunteers go above and beyond to enhance student's college experiences everyday.

Contact ASHLEY LOAEZA at ALoaeza@DVCInquirer.com

ous CDs and developed a tremendous following in Sweden and Germany in addition to performing at venues through the United States."

Dozens of bands have been inspired

by Sage over the decades including Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces, The Polzak Brothers, Idlewild West, The Element, Ryan Manzi Blues Band, Alhambra Valley Band, Andrew Carriere and the Cajun All Stars, and many more.

"There was never a day that Steve did not hold his students' best interests at the highest professional level," Cook further explains.

"His expectations for them to master musical concepts, interpretation, and performance were high. The music department has lost a remarkable faculty member and this is deeply felt by all. It is difficult to realize that our new and returning students will not have the privilege to learn from Steve's experiences as a renowned performer and lecturer."

After teaching thousands of students within the music department and nurturing countless student bands over the last few decades, Steve Sage is a DVC legend and will be remembered through his wife Linda, daughter Danielle, tens of thousands of students, Courtesy of LINDA SAGE dozens of bands, and the music they all created.

Former music instructor Steve Sage Contact WILL NEVIN at WNevin@DVCInquirer.com

Editorial Board CO-EDITORS-INCHIEF NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR COPY EDITOR

Frank Guitron and Nikki Moylan Will Nevin Erin Smith Vielle Arcani Kayla Robinson

played guitar, one of his many musical passions.

Staff STAFF MEMBERS Trevor Cheitlin, Courtney Donahoe, Joseph Dongallo, Mark Lindahl, Ashley Loaeza, Julia Muskevich, Isaac Norman, Summer Pagán, Kayla Rojas, Camille Schwartz, Mahrukh Siddiqui, Nagisa Tsukada, Geoffrey Weseman, Danny Yoeono

INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

• Phone: 925.969.2543 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.dvcinquirer.com • Printed five times per semester •

3

news

Thursday, Feb. 9 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

Science Alliance Continued from Page 1 The idea for the alliance grew out of the vertical farming project that was a collaboration between the Horticulture Club and Chem club.

Swenson noted, ”With project members in different clubs, central organization was difficult.”

Virassammi added, “With projects that require maintenance like the live fish in vertical farming, it will take the alliance to be there when the current generation has graduated.”

The ICC was said to be supportive from the first time the idea was brought to them and hope to integrate the alliance framework into their own. They also govern the clubs, whereas the alliance is a group of related clubs working on projects together.

With the vertical farming project as the blueprint for future endeavors, Swenson says the alliance “has an open palate to new projects.”

Once out of its current stage inside the Student Life Office, the next step will be to create an alliance senate body that will ratify and sign a constitution.

And while it wasn’t on the

District student trustee submissions start in March FRANK GUITRON Co-Editor in Chief

This year, Diablo Valley College will have the honor to have one of its students become the trustee for the District.

Student trustee’s duties involve sitting in on district governing board meetings and giving a voice to student concerns with this governing board.

This student advocate will be speaking out for and representing all three of the community colleges Contra Costa, Diablo Valley, and Los Medanos as well as satellite campuses San Ramon and Brentwood.

Students with an interest in government, along with a strong sense of leadership may find this to be a good opportunity.

To be considered as a candidate, students must meet certain academic requirements, be a current DVC student, have a current transcript, and a letter of intent discussing what the candidate plans on doing once being elected into the position.

Todd Farr, Student Life Program manager, is in charge of the candidate selection process and stated, “We may even be having voting online.”

Farr can be reached at tfarr@dvc.edu, 925969-4271, or at the Student Life Office if any students have questions about the application process.

Chemistry Club Horticulture Club Cybersecurity Club Pre-Nursing Society DV Coders Health Club Earth Club A.C.E. Wednesday, February 7 ASDVC agenda, Swenson says that he will mention the concept.

For more information contact Chemistry Club and Science Alliance president Devin Virassammi.

Contact DANNY YOEONO at Dyoeono@DVCInquirer.com

Contact FRANK GUITRON at FGuitron@DVCInquirer.com

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4

news

Thursday, Feb. 9 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

College hosts MDUSD graduate ceremony JULIA MUSKEVICH Senior staff member

Diablo Valley College will be hosting three MDUSD high school graduations for the first time since the early 90s, as confirmed by district spokesperson Ursula Leimbach.

College Park High School, Concord High School and Ygnacio Valley High School will be moving their graduation ceremonies from the Concord Pavilion to DVC’s football field.

The Mount Diablo Unified School District will be making this change due to the preparation of a Chicago and Doobie Brothers concert at the Pavilion on June 7.

“Many people in my grade have been voicing their complaints and anger towards this decision along with anger towards the parents criticizing our voices.” ~RUBEN MEDINA Senior at College Park

The three high schools will be affected because the venue is needed prior to the concert due to set-up and rehearsal.

The graduation ceremonies of Ygnacio Valley, College Park, and Concord will occur on June 5, 6 and 7, respectively.

“I would have much rather preferred graduating at the Pavilion like previous classes,” said College Park senior Alex Philson.

According to Claycord, there is no prospect of rescheduling the ceremony dates as venues for gradnight have already been committed and paid for. The MDUSD and taxpayers will face a debt of $13,000 due to change in venue.

“Many people in my grade have been voicing their complaints and anger towards this decision along with anger towards the parents criticizing our voices,” senior Ruben Medina said. “Nothing so far has been done about it but we are working on it.”

The ceremonies will take place on Diablo Valley’s football field and seating will be considerably influenced. The Concord Pavilion sustains approximately 10,000 people, whereas DVC holds 4,500.

In spite of this, Leimbach confirmed parking will be free.

Contact JULIA MUSKEVICH at JMuskevich@DVCInquirer.com

CAMILLE SCHWARTZ/ The Inquirer

Model United Nations members Zee Hussaini and Elsa Denis won big during the debate competition in Davis.

Model UN continues winning streak CAMILLE SCHWARTZ Staff member

Model United Nations won two awards during a debate competition hosted by UC Davis this weekend.

Since 2009, the MUN club replicates the United Nations fostering debate and form resolutions to world issues through diplomacy.

During weekly meetings a topic is chosen and members try to solve the issue given.

Each member has a different position, representing a country in the conflict for example, and argue in order to defend it.

"I am more confident now, I was afraid at the beginning but you just have to pluck up your courage and be confident," said Elsa De-

nis, MUN's member for a year and president of the History club.

But these meetings are just preparation for DVC MUN to prepare each other to debate other schools, averaging four meetings per semester.

Since 2014, DVC won 18 awards and seems to continue down that path this semester.

This weekend, most of the members were in UC Davis to compete against the schools in California such as UC Berkeley, UCLA or UC San Diego.

"I made connections during conferences with people form a lot of other schools," said Zee Hussaini, member for a year and a half and winner of one of the awards.

"You have to use a particular

language during the debates, there is a political way of answering and MUN gives you the tools to do so,'' he said.

“I made connections during conferences with people from a lot of other schools.” ~ZEE HUSSAINI DVC student

The participants were divided in five committees and all have to deal with hypothetical, but realistic, situations that countries could have to face.

Topics are known before the competition and each participant

must be prepared in advance.

MUN's President Aaron Tarajos won an award competing in the committee facing a theoretical cold war in US becoming nuclear.

More than a club, all the members agreed on the fact that you get more because "you join a community, a group of friends, this club provides a sense of community and diversifies your transcript, and schools like to see that you have been a part of it. Joining this club helped me improve my public speaking and my creative side, and it is a way to express myself," Tarajos said.

Contact CAMILLE SCHWARTZ at CSchwartz@DVCInquirer.com

Police services offer more than just patrols MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI Staff member

While DVC offers many types of services to students, one of the lesser known services is provided by DVC's Police services.

At the Pleasant Hill campus, DVC police not only consists of students working as police aides but also police officers who are stationed on campus.

While they keep our campus safe during the day through daily patrols and a physical presence, they also offer services assisting students, faculty, and staff alike.

"Going to class I feel pretty safe. Coming back from night class I'm worried for others who have parked further away and I am more worried for my car. I worry about myself depending on where I've parked my car and how dark it is. I don't know of any services offered to DVC students," said Saul Gomez, a child development major currently taking a night class at the Pleasant Hill campus.

Escort services are provided police aides that are on duty and are available for students, faculty and staff both to and from classes.

They can be arranged by contacting the nonemergency phone number (925) 686-5547.

Night patrols are conducted on campus, daily. Police Services also works with the Buildings and Grounds Services, also known as Facilities, to ensure that the campus is well lit and things like overgrown hedges and trees are cut back creating a safer environment for everyone.

“Going to class I feel pretty safe. Coming back from night class I’m worried for others who have parked further away and I am more worried for my car.” ~SAUL GOMEZ Child development major

Police Services offers jump starts to your car if the battery is dead and if you've managed to lock your keys inside your vehicle they can help you unlock it without breaking the windows or scratching the paint.

They also will assist you in calling a tow truck should the situation require more than they are able to offer.

"We want our officers out and about, being seen and visible. We are everywhere, whether it's on a bike, golf cart, (police) vehicle, or on foot," said Lieutenant Ryan Huddleston of the Pleasant Hill campus.

Police aides, or students from all different backgrounds currently attending DVC, are available to help students and visitors find building and classes, not just by showing where they are located on a map but by physically taking them to the actual locations no matter the time of day.

According to Lt. Huddleston, the key to campus safety is not just through police presence but also working together with students, faculty, and staff to have more eyes on the ground and notifying authorities of unsafe situations.

Currently, Police Services is rebuilding their site to provide easier access to services they provide.

“We need you more than you need us,” Huddleston said. "If we can help someone get to class safely, that is a very big thing for us."

Contact MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI at MSiddiqui@ DVCInquirer.com

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features

Thursday, Feb. 9 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ takes readers on serious journey COURTNEY DONAHOE Staff member

Jay Asher's book, "13 Reasons Why," starts off with seven cassette tapes, two audio messages on each side, except the very last tape, reason number 13. Each cassette side is dedicated to a person who has contributed to Hannah Baker's suicide.

Two weeks after Hannah takes her own life, Clay Jensen receives the audio tapes, and is trying to figure out which number he is and the reason behind it.

Jensen went to school with Hannah, and has had a crush on her since she moved into town, so how did he contribute to Hannah's suicide? As he listens to the tapes, Clay walks around town going to each destination Hannah mentions.

She describes what happened at each significant destination, as he follows along on a map he was given two weeks prior.

A series is coming to Netflix on March 31, based on the book. The previews look amazing and it will be interesting to see how they interpret this book on film. There are two ways to look at this story: to learn and see that everything you do has an effect on a person's life, or that Hannah Baker simply just expects everyone to come to her rescue.

Throughout, Clay is informed of the things that have happened to Hannah to make her feel like no one cares about her and that if she left the world, no one would notice. What she doesn't realize is that there are people out there, someone like Clay, that are willing to step up and help her, but she simply refuses the help.

What I didn't think worked out too well was how the author portrays Hannah Baker to expect her peers to know how she is feeling about certain situations. She lets things happen without her say, and she doesn't speak up or try to relay what she feels. For Hannah, those situations made her feel insecure and not wanted, which is something Asher expands on throughout the story.

What I did like about the book is how Asher had Hannah Baker make audio tapes instead of doing something basic like a letter. The events that she recorded are specific events with certain people that led Hannah to feel that she had no

COURTNEY DONAHOE/ The Inquirer

Jay Asher’s novel, “13 Reasons Why”, is also getting an upcoming series on Netflix. say in her life.

Asher had me confused on Clay's part. It's not Clay that did her wrong, it's someone else and the memory of that, that makes her push Clay away. So I thought, why even send Clay the audio tapes? Then again, everything has a reason.

After Clay listens to the audio tapes, he comes to the revelation that maybe if he just pushed a little harder, she could've still been here. Everything is connected and has a

link to a certain situation, something that made you want to keep reading to figure out that one burning question, "Why?" One piece of advice we can use from Hannah Baker is “When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything... affects everything.”

Contact COURTNEY DONAHOE at CDonahoe@DVCInquirer. com

Venue closings impact local music community It wasn't only DNA Lounge that was effected. Shortly after Ghost Ship, Johnny V’s in San Jose, a local dive bar and venue was abruptly shut down. Burnt Ramen in RichA devastating fire broke out in an Oakmond has also since been closed after failland warehouse dubbed "Ghost Ship" in ing a safety protocol inspection mandated December, taking the lives of 36 young by the city. professionals and artists. The tragedy was Nearby Walnut Creek venue and music due in part to the dilapidated state of the school Red House later fell victim as well. building, inadequate fire exists and failure Once a sanctuary for local bands to get their to adhere to safety protocols. Residents and start and build a following, the well-loved property owners are still shaken by this and spot had it's final show the week of Dec.18 as a result similar venues are in danger of after failing to secure a new lease. shutting down.

"What people don't realize is that the Bay Following the incident, Jamie Ziwinski, Area is rich in history with music and arts. owner of the San Francisco based DNA Spirit matters, and it helps younger musiLounge, released an oncians realize that this is line statement on Dec. “I think places like this what they want to do 19 saying that the all ages for the rest of their lives, need to exist.

Places venue was in danger of and these venues give closing. The statement like this matter.” them validity of what it read that Ziwinski was feels like to be on stage," at risk of not being able ~ROBERT ZIWINSKI said Glenn Molina, Bay to afford the rent in part Owner, DNA Lounge Area resident and bassbecause he own a second ist of local island music venue, Codeword. band Wakane. "We're in a time where we While money could be the issue, it seems need some outlet for expression." all too suspicious that this problem arose afAnother concern is closing down venter the Ghost Ship tragedy. ues may lead to more unsafe activity in an "And in this city, historically notorious attempt to keep the scene going. "If lefor its hostility to small businesses in general gitimately permitted places like DNA close and to nightlife in particular, I think places down, it forces the scene back underground like this need to exist. Places like this matwhich means more illegal, unsafe venues ter. The value of a thing is not its monetary that aren't up to code," said local EDM DJ cost," Ziwinski said.

KAYLA ROJAS Staff member

KAYLA ROJAS / The Inquirer

Former Walnut Creek venue Red House closed in 2016 for renovations.

Robert Pan. "...Undergrounds are great for the cultural aspect, but you risk so much when you don't think about things like safety exits or paramedics onsite if someone gets hurt or suffers from an overdose... The youth is the future, and we encourage SAFE partying."

For many local or up and coming musicians, these smaller venues serve as a kick starter to their career. They have a greater

sense of community to them. Places like these matter. They bring together people from all walks of life.

Some fear that if we lose more local venues the music community will slowly start to die off, and bands will lose places to play.

And for many new artists, house shows simply won't cut it.

Contact KAYLA ROJAS at KRojas@DVCInquirer. com

6

opinion

Thursday, Feb. 9 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

Opt for the unique and unconventional this Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day, another Hallmark holiday practicality. Where else can I get a magnum celebrated by some and loathed by many. of vodka, a half dozen avocados, and a 24 Synonymous with jewelry, chocolates, and pack of Gillette razors? flowers, the holiday can illicit passion beSend me in with a $250 limit and I'll meet tween couples and loneliness in the chroni- you at the food court to enjoy a $1.50 hot cally single, me being one of the latter. dog combo happy as a clam.

If I had an amour of my own to lavish me This time of year the supermarket shelves with gifts this February 14th I would forgo are inundated with chocolates and candies the traditional route and opt for a more un- of all sorts. Some might consider me bitter, conventional but I find none of these present. sweets appealing. Nor do Diamonds I want to munch on them may be a girl’s whilst watching the latest best friend, but rom-com. a Costco memA $5 cover charge at bership is bae. the Red Hat will get us Any piece of into their weekly live jewelry that's punk show. The people worthwhile is watching alone is worth going to cost its weight in gold and the a couple huntaqueria next door serves dred dollars, up some of the best tacos and unless you in town. I'll take tacos, know your beer and a night baskgirl’s sense of ing in the suburban punk style to a tee, scene over chocolate any will either be day. exchanged or If music is your thing ERIN SMITH rarely worn and or you really want to Opinion editor in the current impress, learn how to economical cliplay the saxophone inmate, it's just not practical. strumental of "Your Latest Trick" by Dire Costco on the other hand is a mecca of Straits.

ERIN SMITH/ The Inquirer

The liquor lined shelves at Safeway hold the key my heart.

Draw me a bubble bath, light some candles, and show off your new musical talents while I relax in the tub.

A little competition is healthy in any relationship, but I'm not exactly the sporting type. I do however have an affinity for "The Big Lebowski," and any sport that can be played while enjoying a beer is a-ok with me. An evening of bowling can really hit the spot, but don't try and get all fancy on me and suggest Round 1.

Screaming children running around and the whirl of arcade games can be quite the buzz kill and I’m not exactly interested in your high score on DDR.

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We'll be bowling in style at the Paddock Bowl, sipping brewskis at the in-house dive bar in between games.

Bonus points if we hit up the casino across the street afterwards where you can impress me with your blackjack skills.

These ideas may not be the most traditional, but neither am I. So I encourage you, this Valentine's Day to get creative and celebrate in a way that is uniquely you, single or coupled.

Contact ERIN SMITH at ESmith@DVCInquirer.com

7

opinions

Thursday, Feb. 9 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

Editorial

Student engagement breeds success

O

nce again a new semester is upon us. Whether it's your first semester at Diablo Valley College, or your fifth, the onslaught of new classes brings with it many new faces.

DVC is often described as a "commuter college," in that there isn't the same social aspects and camaraderie as say Chico, or UC San Diego.

There are no fraternities and sorority houses throwing ragers every weekend bringing together classmates in a drunken cesspool of debauchery leading to life-long friendships.

The ages of your classmates may vary greatly from 18 year olds fresh out of high school to middle-aged men and women eager to continue their education. Some may live locally while others commute for over an hour.

You most likely only see them for an hour and 20 minutes twice a week, sitting silently next to them, remaining perfect strangers for 18-weeks.

Joining a club, being part of student office, or intramural sports can help with making meaningful and worthwhile connections, but according to a 2006 study by the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative (NPCE), "84 percent of students in 2-year colleges spend no time on these activities."

The NPCE also concluded that schools where more students regarded their classmates as close friends and participated in more "college-sponsored activities," had a higher percentage of student's obtaining degrees.

So how do we get more students involved?

The campus has already made attempts at engaging college freshman with programs like First Year Experience, which includes a welcome day and student success workshops where they can get information about student life and

KAYLA ROJAS / The Inquirer

Students sit alone on a cold and dreary day in February in the DVC Commons. services.

Perhaps one of the seminars can be tailored to include information on the science backed benefits and importance of being involved in the campus community and how integral it is to their overall college success.

There are also certain classes that emphasize working in groups as opposed to sitting in a giant lecture hall barely interacting with fellow students.

STATWAY is a great example of this as students primarily work together to solve statistical problems and can rely on one another, not only to learn the material, but get

missed assignments and encouragement. The NPCE has also found that peer teaching had a "positive impact on learning and personal development."

While it may not be the traditional way of teaching, perhaps if more instructors, faculty and students requested this style of education, students would take away more than just an associate's degree, but an appreciation for the people they worked with to achieve it.

- Spring 2017 Editorial Board

Calexit unlikely, despite push from residents

C

alexit, or California exit, is the movement by Californians to try and get the state to secede, and it appears to be an effort that is doomed to become a failure.

Like most trends that eventually die out, it started on social media and gained momentum as President Trump was elected. The whole point of Calexit is to have California become its own country, seceding from the United States and answering only to California's government.

It was inspired by Brexit, a similar movement that was successfully voted for allowing Britain to leave the European Union.

According to one of Calexit's main supporters, YesCalifornia.org, "Being a U.S. state is no longer serving California’s best interests," and "the United States of America represents so many things that conflict with Californian values."

However, as the Daily Wire wrote, there is currently no constitutional right to secede, and the likelihood of a constitutional

amendment allowing for tion. This water is used state secession is very unprimarily for irrigating likely. crops in the southeastCalexit's supporters are ern part of the state and petitioning for the movehis also used to hydrate ment to be on the ballot urban areas in Southern by 2020 and three years California. isn't exactly enough time The state's debt of to prepare to become a $453 billion is growcountry. ing with a population of The path from state to about 39 million, accordcountry is not going to ing to the US Debt Clock. be easy for its residents More than a million either. people are unemployed California is still in a and 4 million are on food NIKKI MOYLAN drought, despite recent stamps, not to mention Co-editor in chief rainfall, and relies on othhousing more than a er states for water. third of the nation's welWould the newly formed country be al- fare recipients. lowed to use water from the Colorado River According to the Los Angeles Times, the aqueduct? federal government pays up to eighty perThe state is currently entitled to 4.4 mil- cent of the cost of some health and welfare lion acre-feet of water from the river a year, programs, but in return sets minimum levels according to the Water Education founda- for state payments.

If California were to secede it would lose out on all of the federal support it gets for these programs, and would just keep adding to the debt.

Succession hasn't worked out in the past either. Texas tried in 2012, gathering 100,000 signatures, and former President Obama and his administration were quick to turn it down.

California, like Texas, is a large state that helps the rest of the United States. Leaving would do everyone throughout the country more harm than good.

State secession just seems like an empty threat, something that the residents just throw out in response to an election not going their way.

Instead, California should be focusing on its other issues in the state, like poverty and an increase in the standard of living.

Contact NIKKI MOYLAN at NMoylan@DVCInquirer.com

The

Buzz

What one issue facing the country is most pressing to you?

Interviewed and photographed by: Inquirer staff

Kat Rojas, 18 Undecided

Carolyn Batz, 18 Undecided

Charlotte Pitt, 22 Forestry

Salman Ali, 19 Business

“Men should not have a say in women’s rights.”

“Gun rights. People should be allowed to carry guns because {of} freedom.”

“The most pressing issue is preserving equal rights for women and minorities.”

“Other countries are dependent on the United States.”

8

opinions

Thursday, Feb. 9 - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017

Oakland A’s get a fresh start for 2017 season Last year wasn't the best for baseball in the East Bay. The Oakland Athletics' awful season didn't seem like a building period for the team. They were just bad.

To give the A's some credit, they didn't have a complete roster. Key players were missing due to injury.

Players such as Sonny Gray and Sean Doolittle were heavily missed when the ball club was struggling.

The presence of those two alone ease the pressure. When those guys take the mound everyone knows what to expect. The quality pitching they bring makes a manager and the defense feel at ease.

Having quality pitching aldo takes pressure off of the offense.

The pitching didn't help as the A's were almost dead last in runs

TREVOR CHEITLIN / The Inquirer

A Joshua Tree basking in the sun on a clear day in Joshua Tree National Park.

National Parks threatened by Pres. Trump’s executive orders

Last year marked the centennial celebration eral hiring for at least 90 days, with certain exof the Organic Act, which, when signed into ceptions. It seems, according to a list of exlaw by former President Woodrow Wilson, es- emptions issued Jan. 31 by the US Office of tablished the National Park Service (NPS).

Management and Budget, that the freeze won't A century later, the NPS is thriving, attract- include short-term employees "necessary to ing hundreds of millions of meet traditionally recurvisitors each year to over 400 ring seasonal workloads." individual sites. 2016 alone saw This exemption cera third straight year of record tainly comes as a sigh of attendance, increasing over 7 relief for the National percent from 2015.

Park Service, which reA November 2015 study lies heavily on seasonal conducted by Pew Research employment to shoulder Center rated the NPS as the increased visitation in the second-most favorably viewed summer months. Seasonal federal agency in the United positions include park States at 75 percent. It enjoys rangers, fee collectors, widespread support across guides, law enforcers and party lines, with 72 percent fafirefighters, without many vorability from registered Reof which the parks would TREVOR CHEITLIN publicans and 81 percent from struggle to function.

Staff member Democrats.

The status of any curBut the parks are in trouble. rently vacant permanent The USA's new administrapositions are still up in the tion, ushered in by the inauguration of Presi- air, however. dent Donald Trump, promised to reduce the This is a fragile time in the realm of public size of the federal government "through attri- federal land. Many parks are in desperate need tion," and it seems the NPS, through its par- of infrastructure repair, according to a deent the Department of the Interior, is on the ferred maintenance report released by the NPS chopping block. at the end of the 2015 fiscal year.

An executive order signed by President Some in Washington are hoping to take adTrump on Jan. 23 ordered a freeze on all fed- vantage of the weakened state of the parks.

On Jan. 24 Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) introduced a bill that called for the "disposal of 3.3 million acres of public land" that he claimed "deemed to serve no purpose for taxpayers."

Widespread backlash from environmental groups led to his withdrawal of the bill only a week later.

Rep. Paul A. Gosar (R-Ariz.) submitted a resolution on Jan. 30 calling for the repeal of a November 2016 update to the 9B regulations that give the NPS the right to deny drilling rights to parties that own resources underneath the surface of certain national parks.

The national parks are a treasured part of the fabric of this nation and provide joy and serenity to hundreds of millions of Americans every year. Tourism to the parks stimulated the national economy to the tune of $32 billion in 2015, supporting over 295 thousand jobs that same year.

Just one down year - destabilized by understaffing and lack of resources - could give their detractors the ammo they need to cut funding or sell off land.

The national parks have been called "America's Best Idea," but they are not invulnerable.

It is imperative that they continue to enjoy the support that they need.

Contact TREVOR CHEITLIN at TCheitlin@DVCInquirer.com

GEOFFREY WESEMAN Senior staff member

scored.

In an interview on MLB's website with Jane Lee, the recent A's addition, Rajai Davis said, "You have to have good pitching and you have to be able to play defense behind their good pitching. That keeps you in ball games."

Matt Joyce, Adam Rosales, and Rajai Davis were additions made in the off season that give hope to a more veteran team to go along with the plethora of youth the A's have.

Davis believes this young team is capable of putting up enough runs to win ball games. "With a young team you never know what you may get, but we have the talent and ability to turn some heads," Davis said.

There were a few bright spots last year. The A's didn't strikeout much, posting the third least amount of strikeouts in the league.

But that was about as good as it got.

When a team finishes last there's only so much good you can say.

The biggest positive is to look to the next year.

Contact GEOFFREY WESEMAN at GWeseman@DVCInquirer.com