DVC Inquirer 9-11-14 Vol. I Issue 1 by DVC Inquirer

The

INQUIRER Student Voice of Diablo Valley College

Volume I No. 1 Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014 www.dvcinquirer.com

Duck tales Duo draws smiles when they appear on campus See Page 5. Continuing construction

Will it ever end? See Page 3.

‘The Wedding Singer’

New fall production set. See Page 7.

KENDALL BRESCIA / The Inquirer

News 2 Shooting of unarmed teen in Missouri sparks debate in DVC classrooms Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

“I know for sure that love conquers power, when everyone can come together as one and love one another, but till then, it’s going to continue. Things are not going to change.”

AMRITA KAUR Editor-in-chief

With the beginning of the fall semester at Diablo Valley College, classes started touching on the topic of Ferguson and race. The Aug. 9 fatal shooting of Michael Brown, 18, by a white police officer in Missouri re-ignited a national debate about race, color and excessive force used by law enforcement. Khari Mathews, 19, a biology major, recalls the discussion in his sociology class, where the general consensus has been that Brown should not have been killed. Mainly, the conversation has focused on understanding the underlying ideas behind the issue, the implications that come with being of a specific skin color and the physical features of that race. “This is just another shooting, there are so many of them, all the time," Mathews said. "Why should this be treated any different? Elevating this shooting diminishes all the others.” Fernando Reyes, 23, a business administration major, said, "It’s sad that I am so desensitized that things like that happen to people of color that I am not surprised anymore. There should be a whole bunch more systems in place that things like that aren’t happening. I am not

~LEE JONES 24, communications major

surprised, but I am still depressed by it. It ruins your sense of humanity.” Devin Hope, 19, a criminal justice major wants answers to better understand the motivation behind shootings like Ferguson. "I want to know where these police officers mindsets were, how do they think when they see people like us? What makes them handle the way they do seeing an unarmed man and shoot? It's not the way they should have handled it, by racial standards." About his own experience, Hope is more nonchalant. "I have experienced some of the stuff in Oakland, how

I’m looked at. Not much really, though, here at DVC or Bay Area, though I know it does happen,” he said. Nursing student Mikayla Williams, 20, said she thinks things are getting worse. "I can walk into a store and I get followed because I’m a black person. There’ll be other races looking at me, making sure I am not doing anything. I am looking to be a nurse, to be an EMT and it’s not that easy, I notice I have to work harder." The issue faced by young people like Williams is not a unique experience. Lee Jones, 24, a communications major is frustrated at the lack of change in society and its view of different races, especially black people. He said that as an African-American male, he feels people expect him to mess up and he has to work harder to prove himself. "It's not going to change; the world is becoming more corrupt," Jones said. "I know for sure that love conquers power, when everyone can come together as one and love one another, but till then it's going to continue. Things are not going to change."

Contact AMRITA KAUR at AKaur@DVCInquirer.com

calendar New kind of ‘print’ September 10 - October 24 DVC Library, Pleasant Hill Women, Power, and Spirit Art Exhibit Artists reception on Thursday, September 18, 5 p.m - 9:30 p.m September 10 BFL - 210 3 p.m - 5 p.m Accreditation Advisory Group meeting President’s Office 925.969.2002 September 16 Student Union Conference Rm 5.30 p.m - 6.45 p.m Note Taking/Study Skills Cathy Fitzgerald September 17 Student Union Conference Rm 5.30 p.m - 6.45 p.m Int’l & ESL students - Fluency Lori Rogala September 23 Student Union Conference Rm 5.30 p.m - 6.45 p.m Writing Thesis/Topic Sentences Jason Carrick

displayed in library RYAN CHAN Technology editor

If you are wondering what the display of intricate carvings, trinkets and pendants represent in the DVC library, wonder no more. They are not handcrafted objects at all. They are printed, by none other than students of the DVC engineering program who operate machines called 3-D printers. The gallery has been on display since May 20, 2014. It showcases the flexibility of 3-D printing and highlights that the limit of what can be “printed” is entirely up to the designer’s imagination. Tatjana Polyakova, an instructor of the 3-D printing program, explained the concept behind some of the display pieces. “The gallery itself was designed to promote the engineering department and architecture classes. Each piece within the gallery is designed to show a little bit of 3-D printing capability. For example, the designs that make up the 3-D print row show the abil-

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.

ity to create moving gears, ball bearings, hexagonal patterns and flexible designs in a single print.” Printed objects can range from household objects like cups and dishes, to outlandish items like rocket parts and spinal vertebra. The process begins with the design of a 3-D object on a computer program called Grasshopper 3-D. The printer then takes the design and prints the object in layers, usually out of plastic polymers such as nylon. DVC introduced 3-D printing last spring when a U.S National Science Foundation grant provided funding for the printers. Architecture and engineering students led by instructors Andrew Hauris and Polyakova have since been designing stylish and functional objects. Omar Shishani, 19, a third-year architecture major described his experience with 3-D printing. “3-D printing is actually not that difficult. The design process took two to three hours while the actual printing took six hours.”

RYAN CHAN / The Inquirer

Andrew Hauris, instructor of Introduction to Industrial Design and Product Design, with Delta Maker 2 3D printer. Omar’s piece, a white fist, was inspired when he was looking at his own fist. “The fist has a nice form and everyone has one. We take it for granted some times as it’s built everything around us.” Stephanie Richard 19, an architecture major described the watermelon pencil holder that she made. “It was my first experience designing and making the pencil holder with 3-D printing. I was so excited when Ms. Tatjana showed us some of her work, it encouraged me to make my watermelon

Contact RYAN CHAN at RChan@ DVCInquirer.com

Staff

Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NEWS EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR, OPINIONS EDITOR TECHNOLOGY EDITOR PHOTO CHIEF COPY EDITOR

really well. When I first drafted the watermelon, it was harder than I thought. However I was really touched and happy when I saw my watermelon could join the exhibit. If I get the chance, I will definitely do 3-D printing again.” The gallery has become a favorite with students and faculty alike. Though there are currently no future plans for another 3-D printing gallery, you can still see the 3-D printers in action in the engineering building. The gallery

Amrita Kaur Tyler Elmore Ryan Chan Kendall Brescia Shane Louis

STAFF MEMBERS Cameron Chear, Marissa Dadgari, Elicia Locke, Daniel Maraccini, Taylor Pagan, Taylor Saenz, Alicia Watson CORRESPONDENTS Gabe Agurcia, Katie Akeson, Wesley Ihezue, Ray Martin INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

• Phone: 925.969.2544 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.dvcinquirer.com • Printed seven times per semester •

news 3

Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

Building boom has students jumping hurdles to get to class Anticipation builds as construction nears an end SHANE LOUIS Copy editor

KENDALL BRESCIA/ The Inquirer

Construction cranes clear grounds for future structures outside of the new cafeteria window.

Pain will continue on Golf Club Road RAYMOND MARTIN Correspondent

Early semester traffic is already a beast of nightmares. Add to that traffic cones, road signs saying to take alternate routes and hundreds of new students joining the thousands of returning students and the result is a traffic mess fit for a TV sitcom. For DVC students and staff, the construction on Golf Club Road promises further frustration to the first few weeks' struggle of finding parking and navigating through the ongoing construction on campus. The traffic mess appears to be spilling over into classrooms. A common scene has been a steady stream of late students pouring into classrooms. “I’m already running late and now there’s a robot dinosaur eating the road,” says English major Kelan Young. So when will the construction obstruction end? The $3.8 million bridge rebuilding project is in its second phase, which is intended to wrap-up late this year. Phase three will begin in spring of 2015 and is scheduled for completion

by December 2015. Local businesses say that the number of customers is returning to normal as people realize that they are still open. Though concerns about confusing signage still remain. Supercuts manager Katie (who requested to have her last name withheld due to corporate policies) wonders whether better signs should be installed, considering the length of the project. “It’s a pain, you have to go into the middle of the street, you can’t see oncoming cars,” she says. For now students are advised to arrive early to help alleviate the congestion and ensure sufficient time for to find parking. Avoid Golf Club Road, and follow traffic signs and use alternate routes such as Chilpancingo Parkway and Viking Drive. For detailed information please visit www.dvc.edu or click on the link for Construction Zone updates http://www.dvc.edu/college-support/facilities/projects/ commonsupdates.html

Contact RAYMOND MARTIN at RMartin@DVCInquirer.com

Construction is affecting Diablo Valley College students both on and around campus. Flint Construction completed the new cafeteria over the summer and is continuing with The Commons Project. The new cafeteria opened in August, and Food Service Manager George Delfabro said, "Everything is gorgeous; it's efficient, it's beautiful." Students are also enjoying the new space: "It's new and it's pretty convenient, and a nice place to meet friends," Richard Lane, 18, said. Lane also said the food is really good but also confessed that, "so far, I've only been getting chicken wraps." Lynnsae Van Liew, a 19-year-old culinary student, affirmed that the second floor of the new building is just as cool as downstairs. For her, the new equipment is the best part of the upgrade for the Culinary Department.

Van Liew says that the express line and the Norseman should be open by the end of September, serving food prepared by the culinary students. The Basement Cafe, located beneath the Student Union, will be reopening in December. "It's just difficult to get there right now," Delfabro said. Access to the Student Union building is limited to two roundabout passages because of the construction, but according to Vice President of Finance and Administration John Nahlen it should be accessible by mid-late October. As the construction crew lays pavers from the cafeteria to the Student Union Building the obstructive fence will move back, explained Nahlen. The estimated completion date for the new commons area and amphitheater is January of 2015, but Nahlen said that they are working hard to finish as soon as possible.

Is this inconvenience going to be worth it, and what will be the primary function of the common area? "This is basically the new center of campus, the commons area, that's the way it was designed. So, from that commons area, you should have access to just about all the main areas of campus...it will be a great place for students to relax, gather and host events," Nahlen said. In addition to the on-campus construction, the city of Pleasant Hill is working on the Golf Club Road Bridge Replacement Project. The project has increased the amount of traffic on Golf Club Road, so the city has advised students to take an alternate route to campus. This is scheduled to go on through October of 2014, take a winter break and resume in April 2015.

Contact SHANE LOUIS at SLouis@DVCInquirer.com

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opinions 4

Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

The

Buzz

How are students experiencing their first couple days of the Fall 2014 semester?

Editorial Casualty of war

DASHA PECHURINA, 20 Environmental Science

“All of my teachers are great and now that I have a bike to ride, parking is a lot less stressful.”

JAMES O’BRIEN, 20 Psychology

“The first couple days has not consisted of much academic work, mainly information.”

NICK FELORES, 22 Computer Science

“This semester has been pretty good so far, despite a death in the family and being busy.”

SARAH TYLER, 29 Biology

“The first few days of this semester has been easy to meet people inside class.”

SAVANAH McKLILLIP, 19 Undeclared

“I was lucky getting all of the add-on classes I needed and really love the freedom of college.” Interviewed and photographed by: Inquirer staff

The shadow cast by Sept. 11 threatens individual liberties On the 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, we are once again reminded how much the world has changed. There are now phrases such as "post-9/11" or “the War on Terror.” There are also laws and policies in place which remind the average citizen that nothing will ever be the same again in the United States of America. Our most troubling reminder arrived a few weeks ago in the city of Ferguson, Missouri, when Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year African-American man, was shot six times and killed by a white police officer. The incident sparked civil unrest, renewed a national debate on race and forced us to recognize something we had previously ignored: the militarization of law enforcement and their perverse use of excessive force on people who were trying to protest against police brutality. The Ferguson Police Department descended on its townspeople with a full range of military surplus gear, which it had acquired through a Pentagon program to supply equipment to local agencies. The "1033 program," which was initially implemented in 1997, had shifted into full throttle after the declaration of the War on Terror by George Bush. According to an article in The Atlantic in 2011, "Before 9/11, law enforcement possessed the primary responsibility for combating terrorism in the United States.

Today, the military is at the tip of the anti-terrorism spear." It went on to point out, "This shift appears to be permanent." The Center for Investigative Reporting did an extensive piece on the same issue in 2011, and what they found is startling: The federal government has given at least $34 billion to police agencies to buy military-style equipment like drones, grenade launchers, body armor and tanks. Many community agencies have also purchased assault rifles and military grade weapons. The militarization of the local police force doesn't just intimidate communities where SWAT teams in full tactical gear show up at doors of suspects. It also creates the impression of a police state, where unnervingly, our First Amendment rights are under attack. During the Ferguson protests, several journalists were arrested or detained because they were reporting on the excessive force being used to control the crowd. The photos of tanks and clouds of tear gas printed on the front pages of almost every major newspaper resembled Tahrir Square or Beirut. Several questions arise when a

nation is faced with such abuse of power by the very agencies whose motto is “To protect and to serve.” When tanks roll down the streets of American cities, followed by officers dressed in combat gear and carrying assault rifles, we wonder how much is too much when it comes to keeping the peace? We also wonder, how long before we become disturbingly numb to the sight of a militarized police force in our neighborhoods? The American Civil Liberties Union presented a closer look at the issue in an extensive report in June. It concluded that this police militarization “unfairly impacts people of color and under mines individual liberties, and it has been allowed to happen in the absence of any meaningful public discussion.” Though the tragedy of the Michael Brown shooting and the violence that followed is undeniable, the national conversation it ignited is finally shedding light on issues Americans face today. The fact that race and ethnic discrimination is still alive and well is a much-felt reality for those affected by it the

“Law enforcement agencies need to revisit their purpose for existing in the first place, which is to serve communities and act in the best interest of its citizens.”

most. It also brings to light the slow and deliberate eradication of our First Amendment rights that is forcing an entire generation to keep quiet, to not protest, to not question the powers at work in our justice and political systems. The attention that Ferguson received is bringing about change, although minor, in some areas of the country. Last month, the city of San Jose, which was scheduled to receive millions of dollars of military equipment for its police force, asked that the process be halted and is reviewing its request. The Obama administration also announced an extensive review of the 1033 program and has asked all agencies to re-examine policies in place that could affect the basic rights of the American people. Law enforcement agencies need to re-visit their purpose for existing in the first place, which is to serve communities and act in the best interest of its citizens. They also need to realize that the American people will not stand for having their First Amendments rights revoked by threats and intimidation. For the first time in several decades a generation, the Millennials, has the opportunity to halt a systemic violation of our constitutional rights, by educating ourselves of all the issues that we face today, by participating in the democratic process and being fully aware of the causes which affect our future, our individual liberties and above all our humanity.

arts & features 5 Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

Above, Brent Andrada walks around campus with Yoda, his pet duck, on Sept. 3. Below, Yoda roams around freely in Andrada’s backyard in Hercules when he is not walking around campus.

KENDALL BRESCIA / The Inquirer

Winged friend draws flocks at DVC ALICIA WATSON Staff member

One usually does a double take when seeing them on campus. They are, after all, an odd pair, strolling leisurely side by side, or each vying to lead the other. One wears typical student garb. The other--a down coat and knitted shoes. Except on special days, when he dons a tuxedo. Meet Brent Andrada, 20-year old psychology major—he’s the one in the garb, and Yoda, one-year old Indian Runner duck—he’s the one in down. Andrada adopted Yoda from a friend, about a year ago. They’ve been together ever since. On occasion, the pair is seen traipsing across campus. Just two buds, enjoying the day. No leash desired, no leash required. “People will ask ‘don’t you have a leash?’” Andrada says. “’How do you get him to follow you?’ and I’m like ‘oh I give him twenty bucks,’” he says, then chuckles. Actually, Yoda is very attached to Andrada, and instinctively follows wherever he goes. It wasn’t a planned pairing. When Andrada’s friend, who had just purchased Yoda, realized she couldn’t care for the duckling, “I said, I’ll take him,” he recalls. He already owned several egg-laying hens and a rabbit. What was one more mouth to feed? Which led to the next question: What do you feed a tiny duckling, anyway? Andrada turned to the internet to learn all he could about Indian Runners, the species from which Yoda stems. Unlike some duck species, Indian Runners can’t fly. But they can and do run, as well as walk. Likewise, Indian Runners don’t waddle like their tubby cousins. Instead, they walk upright, maintaining a taller posture, much like that of penguins. In the wild, the ducks are herbivores, feeding mostly on grass and insects. “At first, I fed him just fruits and vegetables,” Andrada says, pre-chewed to aid Yoda’s developing digestive system. But Andrada soon found a more appropriate duckling diet available at his local feed store. “It had all the essential nutrients, so I gave that to him. And he literally grew three sizes in about a week!” Andrada says with wide-eyed recall. “It was amazing, and I just fell in love.” In the past year, the two have developed a close bond. “I consider him a buddy,” Andrada says. The attachment is mutual, and for Yoda, it’s instinctive. It’s part of a process called imprinting. “Ducks are social animals,” Andrada says. “When raised with other ducks, they bond with each other. But if they’re

socialized around humans, that’s who they bond with.” And Yoda has bonded well. In fact, “he’s very attached,” Andrada says. “He doesn’t like being alone. When he’s at home, he hangs out with my family. If I go out somewhere, he comes with me.” According to Andrada, ducks are allowed at most places, provided food is not being served. “I take him everywhere I go,” Andrada says. Most people are delighted to see the pair. “I just love to see their reactions, you know, they’re like ‘what the duck?’” he says. “It’s such a random thing in most people’s lives. A lot of them tell me I just made their day.” But others have concerns, Andrada says. “There’ve been several run-ins with animal rights activists. They ask me all these questions—quickly, one after the other,” Andrada says snapping his fingers to demonstrate. “It’s like snap, snap, snap, snap. So I answer as best as I can, as fast as I can, trying not to mess up. Because they want me to say something wrong, but I know I’m raising my pet duck the right way.”

Andrada acknowledges the mindless adoption of small animals by some, as when buying chicks as Easter gifts for children, only to dispose of them later. “A horrible practice,” he says. “I saw on craigslist another Indian Runner, just in a cage, with the owner saying ‘hey we need to get rid of this duck,’” Andrada says he’d like to take the duck in, “but I have my hands full.” Here on campus, Yoda appears to be content when strutting alongside Andrada. Walking tall. Looking proud. Comfortable in his own shoes. “I got him shoes, because I don’t want his feet to get hurt,” Andrada says, noting a common foot infection among ducks, called Bumble Foot. “The shoes help to prevent that.” The unusual sight tempts curious passersby to stop and chat. And ask lots of questions. They ask where Yoda lives. He lives in the city of Hercules, roaming freely in Andrada’s backyard during the day. They ask where he sleeps. He sleeps in a large cage filled with hay. It protects him from predators. They wonder if he bites. Yes, but it’s more like a gummy peck, given that ducks are toothless. They ask how he gets around. Sometimes he walks. Sometimes he runs. When he’s tired, Andrada carries him. In the car, he rides in an open-topped chicken crate, often popping his head up to look out the window. They ask if they can approach Yoda. Yes, Andrada says, they can—if they speak softly, approach slowly, and gently extend an upward-facing hand, he’ll usually be receptive. But shiny metals and bright colors attract Yoda, so owners should hang on to their bling. They wonder if Yoda is potty trained. No, he’s not. Ducks are not trainable, says Andrada. If Yoda does his thing on a public sidewalk, Andrada is there to clear the mess. While there are some downsides to caring for Yoda, they are minimal, says Andrada. “I took Yoda in because I knew I’d be able to take care of him, Andrada says. “I never expected him to be so enjoyable.” “He was a pet at first, but now he’s family.”

Contact ALICIA WATSON at awatson@DVCInquirer.com

arts & features 6 Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

Under 21? You can have a nightlife San Francisco venues welcome a younger audience to join the fun TAYLOR SAENZ Staff member

Bars and night clubs look so but you can save $10 by texting inviting on a Friday evening, but “citynights” to 69302 and arrivwhat if you’re not 21? Where can ing before 10 p.m. you go? What do you do? Many students here on campus Some students on campus have been to City Nights and othshared similar frustrations for the er clubs in the city and love the lack of entertainment for under idea of them. age young adults. Nursing student, Sarah EndruGabriella Sifuentes, 20, feels sick, 21, who lives in Fairfield, college students under 21 are makes trips to the city just to enreally limited when it comes to joy the nightlife. night life activities. “The club plays a lot of rap, “The only really fun thing to do hip-hop and dance music which is is cosmic bowling at Diablo Val- the kind of music I like, so I had ley Bowl because they stay open fun. If you like a lot of today’s until 1 a.m., music, dancthat’s pretty “The club plays a lot ing and hangmuch it,” she out with of rap, hip-hop and ing says. friends you’ll There are dance music which is have a good options such she says. the kind of music I like, time," as the mall If you’re not or the movies so I had fun. If you like entirely into for entertainhip-hop/ a lot of today’s music, the ment but as dance scene Natasha Eadancing and hanging then the DNA ton-Valdepe– also out with friends you’ll Lounge na, 22, shares, located in San they are just Francisco – is have a good time.” not the same another opas going out. tion. The ~ SARAH ENDRUSICK Eatonlounge is a late 21, Nursing Valdepena night all-ages admits that club, featuring before she turned 21, she relied live music, burlesque shows, DJ on friends' house parties for her dancing and private parties. weekend fun. Multiple bars and a full ser“All my friends were older, so vice 24-hour restaurant are availI would just go to their parties,” able for anyone 21 and older. she said The DNA Lounge offers differSan Francisco offers various ent types of entertainment each clubs for the 18 and older crowd. night to provide options for their City Nights, which is located on guests. Harrison Street in San Francisco, Incoming freshman Helena is a premiere hip hop night club. Karaglanis, 17, hasn’t been able Open on Saturday nights from to go clubbing yet, but says she 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., the club offers is a little skeptical about the idea. young adults the chance to have “Some events are fun if you’re some fun under the city lights. with a group of friends, but there The dress code is smart casual are a lot of creepy people and for men and women are encour- that’s the part I don’t like, but I’m aged to dress to impress. A gov- willing to give it a try.” Karaglanis ernment- issued ID is required to says it sounds fun, but it is still up attend the night club. Cost is $20 in the air.

TAYLOR SAENZ/ The Inquirer

Young woman dances in crowd at City Nights in San Francisco on Saturday Sept. 6, 2014. City Nights is just one of the venues in San Francisco that offers nights for 18+ guests.

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arts & features 7 Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

DVC music student selected to prestigious symphony chorus DANIEL MARACCINI Staff member

Toran Davenport, 20, has been singing since he was five years old. He has toured in eight different countries and performed in four different operas all the while being a student at Diablo Valley College, but Davenport’s recent accomplishment may be his most impressive yet. Last July, Davenport became one of the newest and youngest members of the acclaimed San Francisco Symphony Chorus. “I’m really looking forward to seeing all the amazing singers and working with some of the best talent in the Bay Area,” he said. The “best talent” Davenport speaks of are the 157 other performers in the SFS Chorus. Together, the group upholds the rich 40-year history of the Chorus. Led by director Ragnar Bohlin, the group has won eight Grammy Awards, three of which were for Best Choral Performance. They can be heard in Academy Award winning films such as “The Godfather Part III” and “Amadeus.” The audition, which was judged by the assistant chorus director, took place over four days. It was divided into two parts; the first part was intervals, the second part was singing selected excerpts and lastly, performing a song of Davenport's choice. “I chose 'Il Mio Bel Foco,'” he said. “It was in another language…and I’d been working on it with my voice teacher for a couple months, so it was one of my stronger songs.”

Davenport is also an active student of DVC’s music department. As a member of the Chamber Singers vocal ensemble, he performs with many of the school’s best singers. “You could tell that he was sharp,” Brett Peppo, director of the Chamber Singers, said. “He has perfect pitch… he could sing a [chromatic scale] right out of the blue.” Davenport estimates he is one of the youngest in the Chorus. “I was a little worried about how young I was," he said. When rehearsals begin on Sept. 9 he will join a diverse group of performers many of whom are in there 30’s and 40’s. Peppo points out that it is unusual for someone like Davenport to be in the Chorus. “People that write books about choral singing sing in the choir. It’s usually not the 19-year-old sophomore from community college,” Peppo said, “It’s wonderful. It’s great that he’s in there and it’s going to make him even better.” Davenport and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus’ first performance of the 2014-2015 season will be on Sept. 5 at the Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas will conduct the SFS in a performance of “Also Sprach Zarathustra.” Contact DANIEL MARACCINI at DMaraccini@DVCInquirer.com

DVC drama brings classic film to stage

KENDALL BRESCIA / The Inquirer

DVC music student Toran Davenport joins the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. Advertisement

We’ve Moved

KENDALL BRESCIA Photo chief

Kicking off the DVC fall 2014 drama cee leaves him standing at the altar. Due to season, "The Wedding Singer" is set to ser- his heartbreak Robbie attempts to make enade its way into audiences hearts. everyone else's wedding as disastrous as Lisa Drummond, who directed last year's his own. Only when he meets Julia, a lovely production of "Zombie Prom," will also waitress who is engaged to be married to a direct this year's highly anticipated produc- Wall Street shark, does Robbie realize that tion of “The Wedhe can love again and ding Singer." “It’s a big show with lots tries to win Julia's Drummond will heart. be supported by mu- of energy, as well as lots of "It's a big show sical director Enrico fun for everyone. I am very with lots of energy, Banson and choreas well as lots of fun excited to be opening this for everyone!" says ographer Amanda Boyan. season with ‘The Wedding Drummond. "I am "We try to pick muvery excited to be Singer.’ ” sicals that are money opening this season smart, but mostly with 'The Wedding ~LISA DRUMMOND ones that appeal to Singer!' Director DVC students," said Performances will drama advisor Beth be held at 8 p.m. FriMcBrien. "We have days and Saturdays, a very high caliber Oct. 24 through group of students, Nov. 8. There will staff members and technicians this year also be two matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sunday with incredible work ethic. The upcoming Nov. 2 and Nov. 9. performances this year will certainly reflect Ticket prices: Adult- $21, Student- $11, this talent starting with Lisa's 'The Wedding Senior- $16, Faculty/Staff- $16. Theatre InSinger.'" sights Day will be held on Tuesday Oct. 21. This theatrical rendition is based on the at 12:45 p.m in the Performing Arts Center, 1998 Hollywood production, which starred where the production team and performers Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. will take questions from the audience. The romantic comedy tells the story of For more information on this show and rockstar wanna-be Robbie Hart as a popu- upcoming shows call (925) 969-2358 or lar New Jersey wedding singer, who's fian- please visit DVCDrama.net. Contact KENDALL BRESCIA at Kbrescia@DVCInquirer.com

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sports 8

Thursday, Sept. 11 - Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

ANDREW BARBER/ The Inquirer

Adam Nesheim breaks a tackle on a 36-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of the season opener. Below, quarterback Adam Wood scans the field to look for the passing route.

Victory in opener vs. Feather River promises well for football season ZACHARY DALTON Staff member

After a dominant first four quarters of the 2014-15 regular season, DVC crushed the visiting Feather River Golden Eagles with a final score of 54-18. Determined to turn things around after last season, the Vikings came out on Friday, Sept. 5 showcasing a strong offensive performance, with the team’s first drive of the season resulting in a touchdown after only 8 plays. The score came early when quarterback Adam Wood connected with wide receiver Marcus Armstrong-Brown from 33 yards out, giving DVC the lead. Wood would not stop there, as he completed 17 of his 24 passes, and threw for 308 total yards with three touchdowns on the day. The Viking run-game was on point as well – the team rushed for a total of 268 yards and five touchdowns from four different backs without a single turnover the entire game. Defensively, the team proved to be solid throughout the game's entirety. The Viking secondary contributed as well, yielding two interceptions from Jerek Rosales and Justin Williams. Defensive back, Austin Lemak felt as though the team was ready for the start of the season, “Our game plan definitely worked well,” Lemak said. “Adam (Wood) performed really well and so did our defense, making tackles and containing the quarterback.” With the first game of the season behind them, the coaching staff is looking forward

to see how the changes made in the off-season will pan out. This past year, the coaches have been hard at work recruiting players that they feel will have a positive affect on the team. Head coach Mike Darr explained, “Our recruiting was focused on getting big bodies on both offense and defense, and we feel we were successful in doing so.” The team has been preparing since early January, and Darr said the players are ready. It was voiced that the team is deep on both sides of the ball and this season is going to be very different from last year. “We have a stronger core and are more athletic than last year,” Lemak said. With more depth this year, players have been fighting for top spots, which has led to a tremendous amount of competition. “Our guys want to win every play, every day,” coach Darr said. The Vikings made a statement with an explosive season opener, but are now back at work preparing for their next opponent, Chabot College. This should be a very exciting year for the Vikings, depending on whether or not they can maintain the momentum of their season opener, Darr concluded. “We feel as though we’ve got the deepest, most talented group of guys we’ve ever had.” DVC's next game will be at Chabot College on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. Contact ZACHARY DALTON at zdalton@DVCInquirer.com

Andrew Barber/ The Inquirer