True inspiration: DVC football coach Vince Bordelon
Pokemon evolve!:
Game Freak’s popular video game series returns with Pokemon X and Y. See Page 4.
shares his life story. See Page 12.
Hot art: Sculpture program prepares for Iron Pour. See Page 4.
The
INQUIRER S tudent V oi ce
of
D iablo Val le y C ol le g e
Volume 83 No. 4 Thursday, Oct. 26 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013 www.TheInquirerOnline.com
Local resident named district board member RACHEL ANN REYES Co-editor-in-chief
COLLIN JAMES / The Inquirer
Protesters from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 21 union protest at the Lake Meritt BART station in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013.
Strike ends, BART still not on track COLLIN JAMES Staff member
A strike that shut down the largest public transportation network in Northern California has come to an end as Bart union leaders and management struck a deal Monday night. Trains will continue to run, but the
drama is not over. The new union contracts need to be approved by the union, or else another round of negotiations will ensue. The strike itself began when union leaders walked out during negotiations for new contracts in Friday, Oct. 18. The closure of Bart over those days offset 400,000 commuters who rely on the
train system every day. Many commuters were able to avoid the strike over the weekend, while hoping the situation would be resolved by Monday. Commuters who use the train system on a daily basis faced a conundrum getting to work and school Mon-
ALEJANDRO RAMOS Co-editor-in-chief
Susan Lamb, shown here with Peter Garcia in a 2012 file photo, will be going to San Francisco City College to serve as vice chancellor of academic affairs starting Nov. 1, 2013.
“It’s obviously going to be a big learning curve for me, but I’m excited about learning more about the district and the operations itself.”
BART, Page 3
DVC vice president taking job at struggling college
ALEX BRENDEL / The Inquirer
A new governing board member has been sworn in for the Contra Costa Community College District. Matthew Rinn, a resident of Pleasant Hill, is replacing Governing Board President Sheila Grilli after her passing in September. Rinn will represent Ward III, which includes most of the communities in Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill and Pacheco. He is an accomplished man of the Pleasant Hill community, being a local businessman through owning his own insurance company, chairman of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and a Pleasant Hill Education commissioner.
Vice President of Instruction Susan Lamb is set to leave DVC for a position at SCity College of San Francisco beginning Nov. 1, 2013. Lamb will be leaving DVC to serve as the vice chancellor of academic affairs at CCSF. “This has been a difficult decision for me, but it is an opportunity for personal growth and to share the knowledge that I have gained from our work together with a struggling college,” said Lamb about her departure in an e-mail. Lamb will be joining the staff of CCSF during a time of crisis. CCSF is currently set to close its doors beginning next fall unless the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges revokes its decision. “Some people are tense and fearful. Others are demoralized and depressed. Others are mad as hell and LAMB, Page 2
~MATTHEW RINN Governing Board member
Having beat out many candidates for the position, Rinn intends to move the district forward with his strong sense of community, his knowledge and his insight. “I think that we need to pursue more funding resources and get the community involved and really utilize the community connections that I have to help support the district and everything we’re trying to accomplish,” Rinn said. Rinn applied for the position thinking it would be a “great time and opportunity to help assist the district.” According to Governing Board secretary Vicki Gordon, “his resume was very thorough and he came across very genuine, wanting to help, flexible and a problem solver.” While Rinn has said that he doesn’t feel that he may have been the most credentialed person for the job, he, along with other board members, feels that he out shined the competition and is right person to get the job done. Governing Board President John Marquez also feels that Rinn was the best candidate to join the board, saying that he “stood out above the rest.” Marquez believes that Rinn will be a good addition RINN, Page 2
• News 1, 2, 3 • Opinions 8, 9, 10 • Sports 11, 12 • Editorial 9 • Arts & Features 4, 5, 6, 7 • Campus Buzz 8 • Calendar 2 • Police Beat 2 • Staff Information 2 • Copyright © 2013 The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
NEWS 2
Thursday, Oct. 24- Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
calendar Friday, Oct. 25 Soccer vs. American River Soccer field, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30
Pleasant Hill residents up in arms over proposed gun ordinances BENJAMIN DAVIDSON Copy Editor
p.m.
Zombie Prom, The Musical (Oct. 25- Nov. 10) Performing Arts Center, $11$21, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 28 College Council Communiy Conference Center, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
After a heated segment of public comments, voting on the proposed gun ordinance is still up in the air due to a premature departure by council member David Durant. Vice Mayor Jack Weir expressed his discontent with Durant’s early exit. “It is completely inappropriate,” Weir said. “I am unhappy that we weren’t able to take care of an important piece of business tonight.” On the table for approximately three weeks, the proposed Pleasant Hill gun ordinance was brought up for public comment at the sched-
uled City Council meeting on Monday Oct. 22. And public response was what they got. “That’s a blow to my childhood, and that’s a blow to being an American” Andre Lapage, a resident of Pleasant Hill since 1979, said of the ordinance to encumber the obtaining of firearms in Pleasant Hill. The City Council Chamber was packed to the brim, with adamant residents and non-residents alike – some of them bearing picket signs. One-by-one the names of the speakers were called to the podium to voice their concerns or support of the ordinance. In this case, there were many more concerns
than supportive comments. The issue at hand brought about an uneasiness that spread throughout the room, showing the concern for the two local gun stores in Pleasant Hill. The concerns were made more than apparent. “I always find them [Pleasant Hill gun shops] run by truly safe, responsible and professional people,” Earl Burris, a Contra Costa County resident, said of the two Pleasant Hill gun shops City Arms and Gun Works. Yan Traytel, store owner of Gun Works, voiced that he has donated over $30,000 to DVC’s track and field program. If the ordinance passes, it would
inhibit him from expanding and the store would need to move cities. This was one of several relations to the community that were made throughout the night. A decision was made to postpone voting on the ordinance until November 4th, despite the discontent of the public attendees. The council also decided not to pursue a change in smoking area law in downtown Pleasant Hill by a 2-2 vote. Julian Mark, copy editor, contributed to this story. Contact BENJAMIN DAVIDSON at bdavidson@TheInquirerOnline.com
RINN
Tuesday, Oct. 29
From Page 1
Transfer Day Library Quad, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 30 On-Campus Event to celebrate Halloween
Volleyball vs. Modesto Gymnasium, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1 Horticulture Department Plant Sale DVC Greenhouse, 2 p.m. to 5
Matthew Rinn is excited for his new position on the governing board.
to the board due to “... his experience in the community efforts, his thoughts about student education [and] his thoughts about involving the colleges out in the community.” In terms of filling in after, Grilli’s passing, Marquez understands that it will take him some time to adjust but fully believes that he’s prepared and willing to be a “team player.” DVC President Peter Garcia was impressed by Rinn’s interview and is excited that a local resident is able to represent the district. “It’s interesting; we haven’t had a representative from Pleasant Hill on our board in a long, long time. Having a diversity of representation geographically is important to us,” Garcia said. Rinn is thrilled for this opportunity and is looking forward to this new position. “It’s obviously going to be a big learning curve for me, but I’m excited about learning more about the district and the operations in itself,” Rinn said. Contact RACHEL ANN REYES at rreyes@TheInquirerOnline.com
p.m.
Source: MATTHEW RINN
LAMB
Soccer vs. Cosumnes River Soccer field, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Santa Rosa Gymnasium, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
police beat No significant events were reported.
From Page 1
fighting back," stated Wendy Kaufmyn, engi- wards keeping CCSF open for students. neering instructor at CCSF, in an e-mail. "Ev"As Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, eryone is working hard to meet accreditation Ms. Lamb will lead our instructional division standards." as we work to continue According to Jenproviding high quality “I will personally and nifer Aries, spokeseducation to our students professionally miss person for City Coland the community while lege, Lamb will be a addressing accreditation Susan (Lamb).” part of a brand new issues to keep our doors leadership team at open for future genera~PETER GARCIA City College of San tions of San Franciscans," DVC President Francisco. said Dr. Thelma ScottThis new team Skillman, Interim Chanwill include a new vice chancellor of student cellor of City College. affairs, a vice chancellor of administration and Lamb's absence will be felt, considering the finance, and a new chancellor that will work to- work she has done for DVC. She was involved
THE INQUIRER Diablo Valley College 321 Golf Club Road, H-102 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.
Editorial Board CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ONLINE EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR PHOTO CHIEF COPY EDITORS
Alejandro Ramos Rachel Ann Reyes Dreia Melinkoff Gabriel Agurcia Sasan Kasravi Brian Bunting Gustavo Vasquez Benjamin Davidson Julian Mark
in the process of restoring DVC's accreditation when it was on show-cause. "I will personally and professionally miss Susan," DVC President Peter Garcia said. "She is a very talented leader, administrator and educator who has worked tirelessly to make DVC a better college." According to Garcia, talks with District Human Resources are underway to begin the process of filling Lamb's vacancy. The position will be filled temporarily by someone from within the district, as it will not be open to anyone outside of the district. Contact ALEJANDRO RAMOS at aramos@TheInquirerOnline.com
Staff STAFF MEMBERS Andrew Barber, Daniel Barney, Dennis Bridges, Daniel Gonsalves, Collin James, Akihisa Kishigami, Adrienne Lundry, David Rachal Jr., Roshan Rahimi, Aliya Recania, Rashad Tucker, Lily Yi INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
• Phone: 925.969.2543 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.TheInquirerOnline.com • Printed six times per semester •
news 3
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
BART From Page 1
Collin James / The Inquirer
Lake Merritt Protest example of the BART strike in Oakland on Monday, October 21. Advertisement
YOUR DESTINY AWAITS
-day. Commuters who use the Bart workers picketed at several train system on a daily basis faced stations, including Walnut Creek a conundrum getting to work and where the tragic accident took school Monday morning, experi- place. encing traffic congestion. A larger rally was held at the While some roads were surpris- Lake Merritt Bart Station in Oakingly easy to navigate, others, like land, right across the street from 24 west bound and I-880, were where the negotiations between commuter nightmares, moving at a management and the unions took sluggish pace at best. place. Candles honoring the two Despite the uproar across the workers who died adorned the bay from the sidewalk. strike, some stupub“The unions are taking licThe remains dents were unaffected by it. divided on a hit on their When asked whether or not reputation.” how the strike to support the would affect her unions. While ~CHRIS PUNTY Student commute, DVC many ordinary student Narcitizens stood, preet Kaur said, marched and “not at all. I have my car and I only chanted along side the picketcome [to DVC] once a week.” ers, many blame the strike on the DVC student Eli Ziskin com- workers themselves. "I think it's mutes across the Bay Area between selfish for the unions to ask for work, school, and home and was so much more," said student Zack unhappy with the actions that the Punty. His brother Chris added, unions took. "the unions are taking the hit on “I’m upset that people are com- their reputation." plaining when they are making Bart employees still need to apmore than teachers and educators. prove the new contracts before the [Their] salary is already satisfacto- situation will be fully resolved. Cery.” Ziskin goes to school at DVC, cile Isidro, a union representative but works in Pacifica to support from SEIU Local 21 stated, “it has himself. An ongoing strike would to go through the members. They have been a major inconvenience elect their leaders and representato him. “It puts a limit on people,” tive and decide on the contracts.” he said. She declined to state whether she Bart unions were demanding felt the new contracts would be apwage increases as well as an in- proved. crease in health care and pension Despite all the headaches that benefits. the last few months have caused In addition, there has been a for Bart’s management, workers, great concern for safety on the job and passengers, there is still time following a maintenance accident to reestablish trust. killed two workers last Saturday. Bart can only function if there While details on the events that is a symbiotic relationship between took place are still scarce, it raises the people responsible for running concern for the worker’s safety the train and the public. once the return to the job. Furthermore, it dispels the notion that Bart operators are simply “pressContact COLLIN JAMES at cjames@TheInquirerOnline.com ing buttons.” Advertisement
THE COLLEGE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
HEALTH SCIENCES • LEGAL STUDIES • PSYCHOLOGY • LIBERAL STUDIES BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP
JFKU. edu
ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE
800.696.5358
PLEASANT HILL I BERKELEY I SAN JOSE
An Affiliate of The National University System | www.nusystem.org. JFK University is a nonprofit University accredited by WASC .
© 2013 JFK University 13220
arts and features 4 Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Upcoming iron pour raises funds for art GUSTAVO VASQUEZ Photo chief
Students and instructors at Diablo Valley College's art program have been working hard on reviving the old iron furnace for the upcoming iron pour on Nov. 9. This iron pour is a fundraiser and all proceeds will go back to the program to buy new tools and supplies for sculpture and metal art. With help from past and present DVC art students, sculpture and metal art instructors Hopi Breton and Luke Damiani have been repairing Ferric Faucet, an iron furnace better known as a cupola in the metal art community Over the last few weeks, the art department has been preparing for the ever-nearing date for the iron pour fundraiser. This includes breaking down 1,500 pounds of iron pipes donated by American Brass & Iron in Oakland, breaking down coke used in the melting of the iron scraps, re-lining the interior walls of the Ferric Faucet the iron cupola furnace with refractory material made of clay and sand. Breton has been working with foundry art for over 15 years. She will be doing a performance cast at the upcoming event. It will consist of a show where she is doing a domestic activity, seemingly baking cupcakes wearing baking gloves. Except the cupcakes will be made out of iron, and instead of an oven, it’s a cupola furnace. Art student Vanessa Zagaroli is one of the many students who have been working on having another iron pour at DVC. She has been working with iron ever since she took sculpture with Breton in 2009 and even has over 20 iron pours under her belt. "I hope a bunch of people come and see iron for the first time," commented Zagaroli. "That’ll be awesome.”
GUSTAVO VASQUEZ/ The Inquirer
DVC student Chris Fowler keeps the fire alive during the iron furnace refractory burnout. 30-year-old Ivan Berejkoff has been working with Breton and Zagaroli on repairing and restoring Ferric Faucet. Berejkoff took Breton's sculpture class when he attended DVC from 2002-2004, which is where his interest in iron and foundry art began. "I'm always excited for a pour and [to] make some art," Berejkoff said. "You prepare and make your molds and do all that on your own, but you need a team. Academia is inducive in this kind of art making, we all come together and help each other out. This step of the process, you can't do it on your own". People from all around will be attending the iron pour. Instructors and artists alike from the Crucible from Oakland, the Men-
docino art center, the Academy of Art, and California College of the Arts. Many from the cast iron art association will be attending as well. The iron pour is open to all who want to participate and can do so through two different ways. A $50 donation will include a mold making workshop, an iron casting lecture and the artwork being included in the pour. Students will be making one sided resin bonded sand molds in the workshop and the iron will be provided. A $30 donation will include in participation for the iron pour only. Artists will have to bring their own molds, which will be poured with iron and the iron will also be provided.
The iron pour will happen Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. There is a mold-making workshop on Thursday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The workshop and iron pour will happen in room 201 in the art building. Even if you do not want to participate on the actual pour, Breton encourages people to “come and visit and check it out.” Students and artists who are interested in participating in the iron pour fundraiser should contact Hopi Breton at hopibreton@gmail.com, or Darren Cockrell at (925)-969-2247, and Dcockrell@dvc.edu. Students can also go to room A-201 and talk to the instructor there as well to sign up. Contact GUSTAVO VASQUEZ at gvasquez@TheInquirerOnline.com
Pokemon series evolves in new games ALEJANDRO RAMOS Co-editor-in-chief
According to Charles Darwin, evolution is a gradual change that occurs over thousands of years. Some might argue, however, that it takes place in a matter of seconds, as it does in “Pokemon X” and “Pokemon Y.” “Pokemon X” and “Y” are the latest installments of the popular handheld role-playing game (RPG) series by Game Freak. Set in the new French-inspired Kalos region, “X” and “Y” look amazing thanks to the introduction of full 3D graphics. Players will surely get lost in the beauty and the magnitude of the game as they go about capturing and training their own Pokemon. For those of you unfamiliar with Pokemon, the premise of these games is simple: to assume the role of a Pokemon trainer and capture, befriend and battle alongside Pokemon. While it may sound like these games glorify animal violence and abuse, Pokemon is a lot more light-hearted and cheesy than it sounds. Goofy characters and incompetent villains frame a simple story that highlights the importance of friendship and teamwork, both with people and with Pokemon. Unlike previous games, X and Y feature a balanced roster of new and old Pokemon, giving players plenty to choose from. Fans will rejoice at the fact that they can capture a Pikachu early in the game while new players will get a chance to fall in love with Pokemon’s adorable little mascot. While “X” and “Y” may stick to the same basic formula that has made Pokemon successful, it’s little changes that arguably make this the best generation of Pokemon yet.
Courtesy of GAMES PRESS
Sylveon is a new addition to “Pokemon X” and “Pokemon Y” The introduction of Horde Battles and Sky Battles, for example, add a twist to traditional battles that’ll keep players on their toes. Horde battles are five-on-one battles that can happen at any time while players are exploring the world
of Kalos. Sky Battles take advantage of “X” and “Y’s” 3D graphics to display Pokemon battles that happen mid-air. In addition, the introduction of the fairy-type upsets the balance that has been established in previous games and will force players to adapt to it. These new Pokemon are devastating despite their soft and sweet appearances. Players should be prepared for the challenge the fairy Pokemon bring. The most controversial change to Pokemon in “X” and “Y” is the addition of a new mechanic called “Mega Evolution,” which serves as a power-up for Pokemon from previous generations. Some love it while others hate it. No one, however, can deny the effect these will have on both single and multiplayer gameplay. All of these changes make the games fun for the lone player, but they are even better once you connect and play with others. The new player search system makes it easier to connect, trade and battle with other players from around the world. It displays your registered friends, acquaintances and people who happen to be online at the same time as you. Trust me when I say Pokemon is better when you play with others. “Pokemon X” and “Y” are, without a doubt, the best Pokemon games to date. With all the best features from the past and with new ones to keep things interesting, fans should definitely pick up a copy of these games, and those interested should take a chance and see what Pokemon is all about. Contact ALEJANDRO RAMOS at aramos@TheInquirerOnline.com
arts & features 5 New mechanical technology program aides students in vocational careers Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
GUSTAVO VASQUEZ Photo chief
New opportunities arise at Diablo Valley College for students wanting to get a career in local industries. MTECH is a new program that was added this semester. Students can now join a certificate/degree program geared towards gaining jobs in local industries such as refineries, chemical plants, water utilities and steel manufacturing. Grant Gregory teaches in the mTECH program and explained what students can gain from the program. “We are teaching students to become viable industrial mechanics,” Gregory said. “They are not your ordinary car mechanic. They will be able to go to a refinery and be a maintenance mechanic. They learn the basic knowledge to go to the institutions to perform... they are getting specific training on, pumps valves, hydraulics, everything needed to work in an oil refinery.” As of right now, the program is trying to coordinate with other local community colleges to offer courses to fulfill some of the required classes for the program. Daniel Abbott, chair of the department, explained how an old machine shop on campus became a visible solution to house mTECH. “MTECH is a program that we developed to reactivate the machine shop and provide students training to work as mechanics, maintenance technicians, and machinists in local industry,” Abbott said. “DVC has a fairly large machine shop - around 4,000 square feet of space with a large number of tools that are in excellent condition. For many years the shop ran with students training to learn to use the lathes, mills, and a variety of other tools like the drill press, band saw and all sorts of hand tools.” Currently, the program is within its first semester of its launch. While many students are unaware of this newly available program, mTECH will soon advertise the program and bring it to the map. Right now, it has only been course advertised in the catalog only.
GUSTAVO VASQUEZ / The Inquirer
Daniel Abbott, architecture and engineering chair, demonstrates new Digital Position Readout on the metal lathes that have been there for years in metal shop (Gustavo Vasquez/ The Inquirer). Grants like the “Design it-Build it-Ship it” and “National Science Foundation” helped bring the shop up to date with new equipment, supplies, and support. Digital position readouts are just one of the many things which were bought for the program to bring it up to date. There is a digital manufacturing component to the national science foundation grant, and the shop and program will soon acquire computer controlled machines. As of right now, there aren’t any internships or employment agreements for students to get jobs right out of the program because of the recency of the program. Marilyn Ashlin, project coordinator of the Trade Adjustment Assitance (TAACCCT) explains. “If some students start completing it, then they will get
more active in developing entry level and interships opportunities with those employers,” said Ashlin. Daniel Abbott has high hopes for the program, and what will happen to students after. “The program leads to a number of well paying jobs with employers in the region who need technicians and skilled mechanical support staff that can work on large industrial equipment and facilities”. Staff member Collin James contributed to this story.
Contact GUSTAVO VASQUEZ at gvasquez@TheInquirerOnline.com
DVC library displays student photography in art exhibit pieces of black and white film photographs of Russell’s ongoing collection. The pieces are arranged chronologically, going all the Have you ever stopped to notice the back to his first experience with film phobeautiful photographs hanging all over the tography in spring of 2011 to as recent as a library? You probably passed by it multiple couple months ago. Russell’s work compristimes in the last month. But did you ever es mostly landscapes and his dog, Pepper, is stop to appreciate it? featured in several shots. Or maybe a more appropriate question “I find beauty in the simple things in life,” would be, did you know that the Russell explains as he describes library holds art exhibits for local the purpose for his exhibit. “I artists? don’t think that you need a whole "The DVC library is an art venlot going on in the picture; someue," says Ruth Sison, the librarian in times just a simple picture can charge of instruction and exhibits. have a whole lot of meaning”. Throughout September and OcBut rather than focusing on tober, the DVC library hosted an the process of taking the photos, exhibit for Ryan Russell, a fourth Russell states that “the process semester DVC student and film RYAN RUSSELL [of developing them] is what photographer. [he] live[s] for and [he] would not According to Sison, the DVC have it any other way.” library hosts a variety of exhibHe describes three difficult trials he went its from students, faculty and community through in order to complete the piece titled members in order to “communicate ideas "Masterpiece." [and] stimulate thought,” with topics rang"I had to focus the picture projected on ing from “art, culture, aesthetics, diver- a wall, tact together thirty pieces of paper sity, literature, history, politics and current on a board, tape them together in groups of events.” four, print, and develop individual picture… This fall, the exhibit titled “The Wild and all [of this process took place] in the dark Robust Life of Ryan Russell,” displays 27 room," Russell said LILY YI Staff member
RASHAD TUCKER/ The Inquirer
Ryan Russell’s artwork displayed in the library. In addition to the interesting story behind "Masterpiece," Russell shares that his favorite pieces are the ones with unusual details. There is one called Pepper in which Russell’s dog sits in the middle of a grass field that turned out to be black in the photo; there is another one titled Bridge Spot, printed on old fog paper that gives a grey tint to the photo. Surprisingly, this is Russell’s first exhibit. He started photography through an introductory class during his first semester at DVC. He “went crazy that first semester” and fell in love with developing photos, spending "24/7 in the dark room." Russell credits his first photography professor, Alice Shaw, for his interest in film photography. According to him, she is "fun
and exuberant" and has "taught [him] so much." Andy Kivel, the interim library director aims to create a good environment for those in the library, saying, "the library’s art exhibit program helps create a welcoming, interesting environment where students can hopefully find a quiet, comfortable place to study and maybe be inspired to new creativity while they complete homework and contemplate the art on the walls." The library encourages students interested in submitting their own work to fill out a proposal and contact the them for more information. Art enthusiasts are admonished to be on the lookout for more local art exhibits in the future. Contact LILY YI at lyi@TheInquirerOnline.com
arts & features 6 Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Eclectic Eateries
Written by Benjamin Davidson Photographs by Gustavo Vasquez
With over seven different locations to choose from, the student body of DVC gets their choice of virtually any cuisine they want, practically every day. Be it Asian, Italian, Vegetarian, or maybe just a coffee – DVC delivers your cuisine of choice with flying colors.
The DVC Pastry Shop Got milk? One of the more secluded locations on campus is The DVC pastry shop, in all of its sugar coated grandeur. If you have a yen for sweets, or a soft spot for quality deserts, then this is the eatery for you. Featuring fan favorites such as the morning bun, mocha muffin and tiramisu by the slice, this student run eatery is perhaps the sweetest on campus. They are open from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and are the only location on campus to offer a two-for-one item deal, of which, occurs every Thursday. “All products are made in the classic French style,” instructor and chef Chris Draa said. “But if anyone ever wanted a vegan cake, I am willing to work with them.” The Shop opens two weeks after the semester starts, and is subject to availability. They take cash only, so get there while you can! One of the locations that flies under student radar, the Basement Cafe is one of your Located across from the Trophy Room in the Cafeteria. more “homey” style campus eateries. Offering rustic soups, salads and handmade pizzas, this location is where you would go if you were feeling in the Italian type of mood for food. Located inside the Margaret Lesher Student Union, go down the flight of stairs and keep to the right and you can’t miss it. It offers one of the prettiest views on campus, as it is adjacent to the duck pond, and there are several tables as well, with access to wi-fi. They take cash, or debit card and offer a signature daily special that varies – anything from pasta to chile verde. The Cafe also sells Starbucks and Illy brand coffees, and is open from 8:00 - 3:00 Monday through Thursday. Located downstairs in the Lesher Student Union.
The Basement Cafe
The Cafeteria If you are looking for dependable food options that stay constant throughout the week, then the cafeteria is the best option. This campus eatery is open before all others, offering a cup of coffee and a doughnut for the early birds on campus around 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. “If we are here, we’ll help them,” cafeteria manager George Delfabro said. Open to student suggestions, the Caf has a vegan option called “the Malibu burger” that is bound together with brown rice and corn, but will also feature a ruben sandwich per request. Featuring items like a chili cheese or a slaw dog is also something different. Aside from its grill, the Caf offers wraps, fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries. The lines may get long from time to time, but the food is dependable, and there are a lot of seats available in the cafeteria. The Caf is open Probably the most “high-class” eatery on campus, The Norseman is a full-fledged restau- 7 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays, and rant that showcases a sit-down dining experience for those who have a taste for finer foods accepts debit and cash. There is also a grill line that’s available for breakfast from 9 a.m. - 11 and white linen cloth napkins. The menu will always offer a meat, a fish and a vegetarian a.m. and for lunch from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. option, and is open to anyone who wishes to dine there. They are open from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Although students may not have time to sit down for soup, salad and desert, the Norseman offers exquisite dishes such as salmon croquettes, rack of lamb, and a roquefort pear salad – which make it worth the wait. They take reservations, and can cater as well, but only accept cash as a form of payment.
The Norseman
The Crow’s Nest A gem of DVC’s culinary repertoire, The Crow’s Nest offers Asian cuisine at affordable prices. Despite it being a bit out of the way, the Crow’s Nest offers a variety of different Asian dishes, such as crispy ginger chicken, mushroom pork, and spicy eggplant – all over a bed of steamed white rice. Although the food isn’t vegan, it is a great alternative if you are craving something spicy, sweet, or savory – or perhaps a combination of the three. They accept cash and debit and are open from 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Located at the top of campus next to the Life Science building it is a small shack that usually Located in the DVC cafeteria is the Culinary express line, which is another viable option has long lines. But don’t let it’s size fool you, the chef that works there is very good at what for lunch. Featuring a Chipotle-style line system the Express Line offers an entree and sides- he does. based lunch option – and some entrees are even cooked right in front of you. The type of cuisine that is served is dependent upon the theme of the week and can vary – anything from Contact BENJAMIN DAVIDSON at bdavidson@TheInquirerOnline.com Thai to Persian, and everything in between. They also do their best to reflect student input Contact GUSTAVO VASQUEZ at gvasquez@TheInquirerOnline.com and interests. “We try to look out for our vegetarians,” said Lap Dang, a Teacher’s Assistant and member of the Culinary Program. They are open for lunch from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and accept cash only.
The Express Line
arts & features 7 Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Carrie gets a makeover, but why?
Courtesey of: Sony Pictures
Chloe Grace Moretz portrays Carrie in Kimberly Peirce’s adaptation BRIAN BUNTING Arts & features editor
It’s finally that time of year where we get to celebrate things that go bump in the night, or in this case, things that make a faint whiffing sound. This wasn’t at the ticket counter, mind you. At the movie’s release, I’d hoped to walk out of the theater with some notion that Hollywood’s newfound proclivity for trying to fix films that were never broken could sometimes be a good idea. Instead, I left underneath a lot of floating question marks. 2013’s version of “Carrie” is the third film adaptation of Stephen King’s first published book of the same title, and the third feature film of “Boy’s Don’t Cry” director Kimberly Peirce. For those who managed to make it to adulthood without ever seeing the 1977 original, this narrowly faithful adaptation revolves around Carrie White, played by Chloe Grace Moretz, a cloistered high school girl firmly under the thumb of an overbearing, religiously fanatical mother, Margaret White, played by Julianne Moore.
Carrie’s experience at Thomas Ewen played by Sissy Spacek, who carried a natuConsolidated High School is largely de- ral aloofness that felt more encouraged by De Palma. The result is a fined by a series of girl who, no matter how escalating clashes with “Instead of tormented, tacitly comthe bullies of the popular crowd. reinterpreting King’s municates a fear of what she is capable of doing. Her mother’s backConversely, Peirce’s wardness ill-prepares vision, it felt like it was her for the customs trying to keep up with version seems intent on indiscriminately explorof modernity, making the original.” ing every way to showCarrie an easy target case today’s more glamfor ridicule. While suffering through the travails con- orous special effects, consequently putting ferred with being the school pariah, Car- them at center stage. What we’re left with more feels like a celrie soon discovers she has telekinesis, and when emotionally perturbed to any signifi- ebration of revenge than it does a deeper message about bullying, and an attempt to cant degree, lashes out with her powers. While it’s important to recognize the find more opportunities to spend the promerits of judging a remake on its own vir- duction’s sizable effects budget. Back at Carrie’s school, a rift develops tues and failures, some comparisons are unavoidable here. between Carrie’s bullies and well-meaning In the original adaptation directed by students who decide to include her at the Brian De Palma, at this stage we’ve only school prom. Chafed by this demonstrabeen exposed to hints of Carrie’s spoon- tion of goodwill, the antagonists devise a bending prowess, and the episodes are plan to sabotage her big dance. usually precipitated by the guilt of failing I won’t spoil the ending for those who’ve to stop them. This is pulled off convinc- missed it, but it doesn’t take too much deingly by the 1977 version of Carrie White, ductive power to figure out Ewen High’s
most callous villains get their comeuppance, with Carrie’s telekinetic ability factoring heavily in the finale. While the movie functions without any glaring flaws, it also never rises to the iconic status of the original, never mind improving on it. Moretz doesn’t quite sell the outcast that Spacek did, and if there was a way to make Moore look average, it’s to have her follow the Academy Award nominated performance of Piper Laurie, who played the original Margaret White. If you’ve ever watched a concert or sporting event on television, but you’ve attended live versions, you know that it hardly compares to the full experience of the real thing. That’s what “Carrie” is. Instead of reinterpreting King’s vision, it felt like it was trying to keep up with the original performance, but kept falling short. The movie does succeed in telling King’s story, but like most horror reboots, “Carrie” lacked the psychologically stirring heft of its predecessor. Contact BRIAN BUNTING at bbunting@TheInquirerOnline.com
Zombie Prom munches your funny bone ADRIENNE LUNDRY Staff member
Prom wasn’t all that long ago for most of us, but I haven’t heard of one which a zombie attended, until now. Running from Oct. 25 to Nov. 10, DVC’s department of drama presents “Zombie Prom,” a musical in the style of the 1950s good-girl and bad-boy love story movies. With a stellar cast, great original songs and plenty of laughs, it’s likely to leave you with a smile on your face. “Zombie Prom” was created in 1993 by John Dempsey and Dana P. Rowe, and has since been performed on Broadway and made into a short film available on YouTube. Director and choreographer Lisa Drummond encountered the musical about 10 years ago, and after reading through the show and hearing the score, she fell in love. “It’s such a fun, silly show,” Drummond says. “It does a good job of making us look at the atomic age and the sci-fi movies of the 1950’s with a charming humor.” And before you scoff at the idea, thinking you’ve seen it all, this story actually takes the classic love story and flips it on its head,
Adrienne Lundry / The Inquirer
Fernando Ochoa and Zombie Prom’s cast pay homage to ‘50s Sci-Fi for family pressure forces good girl Toffee to break up with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, Jonny. He’s so distraught, that he throws himself into the local nuclear waste silo. Only instead of dying, true love brings him back as a zombie on a mission: to take his girl to the prom. There is going to be a lot of cool special effects, including use of black light to make
Jonny’s zombie form and the cast’s costumes different during certain scenes. This musical also includes a lot of history about the atomic age, including a duck and cover piece where the lovebirds meet, which Enrico Real, who plays Jonny, says is one of his favorite scenes. Real believes that there is something for everyone in this show, as it is contemporary
in its approach, high energy and perfect for a Halloween-time date night. “It’s campy and has a heightened sense of reality, but is also truthful and intimate at the same time,” Real said. The musical is unique with it entire ensemble onstage for most of the show, so that there are many characters and relationships to pull you in. William Freitas, who plays Jimmy, describes the show as “fantastically fun,” and says that there “will be lots of color, lots of action, humor, drama” and that “it’s going to be a blast.” Adrienne Hernaez, who plays Toffee’s friend Candy, believes that it is good for all ages, with content each age group can enjoy. So no matter what age you are, if you haven’t ever seen one, and think musicals are just operatic snoozers, or especially if you missed your own prom like Real did, then this is your chance to laugh, escape into the 50s, opening your world to the incredible talent and hard work of DVC’s drama department. Contact ADRIENNE LUNDRY at alundry@TheInquirerOnline.com
opinions 8
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
The
Buzz
What are you going to dress as this Halloween?
Editorial
MARCO CERDA, 26 Architecture
“A friend and I were thinking about being Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus from the [MTV] VMAs.”
JULIANA MARZAN, 18 Art
“Maybe like a disco 70s girl.”
DEAN OBASE, 20 Broadcasting arts
“Totally Kyle from ‘The Amanda Show’”
BELINDA AKAU, 19 Culinary arts
“I’m either going to make a Pocahontas costume, or... I’m gonna be Toad, or I’m gonna be Raggedy Anne.”
AMBER MORRIS, 18 Photography
“[A] creepy little girl [or] doll because I can do a pretty creepy face.” Interviewed by: Sasan Kasravi and David Rachal Jr. Photographed by: Rachel Ann Reyes and David Rachal Jr.
DREIA MELINKOFF/ The Inquirer
BART fight affects people on other side of the tracks BART unions were on strike. Surprised? Probably not. But frustrated? Definitely. Unions going on strike hurt Bay Area commuters by delaying contract negotiations, leaving their problems unresolved, and creating new problems for Bay Area citizens. These involve planning ahead or being subjected to the turmoils of traffic and a huge loss of money for our economy. Two major BART unions, Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555, felt that they were fighting for rights they deserve and put pressure on BART to ensure fair negotiations. According to an article from the Huffington Post from Oct. 17, one of the initial issues that came up when the unions and BART were in contract talks in April stemmed from unions wanting a “share of $125 million operating surplus produced through increased ridership.” That same article continues to say that the two unions represent more than 2,300 workers and earn a base salary averaging about $71,000 and $11,000 in overtime per year. BART workers also pay $92 per month for health care and do not contribute toward their pensions. BART eventually made a final offer to workers which included “an annual 3 percent raise
over four years and requires workers to contribute 4 percent toward their pension and 9.5 percent toward medical benefits,” according to the Huffington Post, but clearly both sides didn’t agree upon that. According to the San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 14, BART workers may not make the most money in comparison to other transit agencies, but without any pension contributions and low-cost health care, they are considered to be well-off on a nationwide scale. And with California having an unemployment rate of 8.9% according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, one might expect BART unions to be more satisfied with what they are being paid and for having a job in this economy. One major issue that was a key factor in their second strike this year came from a lack of agreement on work rules. According to the Associated Press on Oct. 18, work rules include how schedules are made, the form of paychecks and how they are distributed, and stricter rules to maintain stability within their jobs. While BART wants the ability to easily change work schedules, unions want to keep their schedules as it is to help with workers’ obligations. The fact that they couldn’t come to an agreement over this detail prolonged negotiations and left commuters on edge. According to an article from the San Jose Mercury News from Oct. 18, about 200,000
“Daily commuters have done nothing to deserve extra time commuting or worrying about how they’ll get to work or school.”
people who ride BART round trip were stranded each day that it was shutdown. So many people rely on BART to get to school or work and with these people unable to use BART as a mode of transportation, they had to use other resources to get where they need to go. Unfortunately, this caused an influx in local traffic, which left commuters to plan their day around the strike. From the same San Jose Mercury News article, The Bay Area Council business group had estimated that with the strike, $70 million were lost per day for our local economy. The fact of the matter is that BART is only able to put on this strike and make the demands it’s making because of how much harm a BART shutdown could cause innocent people. Even commuters who never take BART are having to deal with much more traffic in their daily commute. While we value the ability for workers’ unions to strike against their employers to insure benefits, BART unions abused the public’s dependency on them and used our time and money as bargaining chips against their managers. It wasn’t fair to those who weren’t on strike to deal with the repercussions of BART and their unions’ actions. Daily commuters did nothing to deserve extra time commuting or worrying about how they’ll get to work or school. The BART strike may be over, but it certainly left a bad taste with many locals. The conflict was between the unions and BART itself, and it should have stayed that way.
opinions 9
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Affirmative action is outdated and ineffective
The Supreme Court is currently looking of the TV show George Lopez in which into the constitutionality of a referendum to George was offered a better position than ban affirmative action from college admis- he initially had. sions in Michigan, a decision that has civil Upon finding out that he was offered the rights activists up at arms. position because of his skin As surprising as it may color, George turned the ofseem, I, a minority student, fer down because he refused agree with the voters and to take a job that was handed would like to see affirmative to him based on his race. action go. I feel the same way; I don’t Think of it this way: is it want a handout. I want to fair that students be denied be given a chance to prove admission to a school they myself based on my achievequalify for simply because ments. the school gave students of Supporters of affirmative another race priority? action would be surprised to The answer is that it’s not find that removing the policy fair, either to the student bedoesn’t have the negative iming denied or the student bepact they believe it does. ing admitted. The state of California, for ALEJANDRO RAMOS When affirmative action example, has banned affirCo-editor-in-chief was first introduced through mative action policies since Executive Order 10925 in Proposition 209 passed in 1961, it was supposed to promote diversity 1996 and, despite an initial drop in enrolland help minorities that would otherwise ment, its colleges and universities are still have been discriminated against. diverse. In promoting diversity, however, a new According to an article in the Los Angeles type of discrimination was created; this time Times, enrollment rates of Black and Latino against hard-working students. students across the UC system have nearly In saying this, I’m reminded of an episode recovered to the levels they were before the
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
February 2013 affirmative action march in Washington D.C. affirmative action ban. Latino attendance at UCLA is up to 18.1 percent for the last year, which is comparable to 21.5 percent before ban. While I believe that affirmative action needs to go, I will concede to the idea that maybe not every state is ready for such a change. California has historically been more tol-
erant than other states, a quality that has undoubtedly defined the success of students since Proposition 209. Hopefully, in the near future, affirmative action and race won’t be issues anymore, and we’ll be able to judge students on their merits rather than the color of their skin. Contact ALEJANDRO RAMOS at aramos@TheInquirerOnline.com
‘Bad’ pop songs are essentially the same as ‘good’ ones Patrice Wilson, the songwriter/ My point isn’t to complain about producer responsible for Rebecca pop music not being creative or Black’s “Friday,” recently posted to varied but, instead, to pose an inYouTube his latest kid-sung pop teresting question. If “Friday” songs called, “Chinese Food.” Not and the average Top 40 pop song surprisingly, the song is as ridicu- sounds almost exactly the same lous as “Friday,” and the reception musically, what makes most people is just as negative. dislike one and like the other? Eighty percent The most obviof raters thumbed ous difference is down the video, the lyrics. Wilson’s which is a consistent tween singers rating across all of can’t sing about Wilson’s many vidsex and drugs and eos, including songs partying, and it’s like, “It’s Thankssomewhat tellgiving,” and, “Skip ing that so many Rope.” radio hits are just That harsh of a those lyrics pastreception is interested over the same ing, not because the music. That’s too songs aren’t terrible, dismissive an exbut because they planation on its sound exactly like own, though. everything else on The quality of SASAN KASRAVI the radio. the singing and Opinions editor Carly Rae Jepsen’s looks are another “Call Me Maybe” major differwas posted to Youence. The kids in Tube six months after “Friday” Wilson’s YouTube videos are just and boasts a 93 percent approval regular kids with a lot of money, rating. Musically speaking, the popular pop singers have to jump songs are damn near the same through a lot more hoops to get thing. major record deals and those inThe formula of contemporary clude being a great singer and great pop music is simple and generally looking on arrival. unvarying, with the same handStill, post-production tools have ful of chord progressions over an narrowed the gap between the identical drum beat, the exact same sound of a good and bad singer verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge- and the occasional artist will find chorus structure, and lyrics either their way to the charts despite not about the opposite sex, dancing or fitting the conventional standard self-esteem. for looks.
A major, less obvious contributing factor is that songs like “Friday” give the typical listener enough of an outside perspective to shine an uncomfortable light on the music they listen to. When it comes to films, to use a similar example, there are “movie buffs” and the people who just watch popcorn flicks. All-in-all, the popcorn flicks have a larger audience, but that audience is less interested in the art of film and generally spend less time and money on it. With film, however, there is a large enough movie buffs that there’s still a lot of money to be made by sophisticated Oscar-type Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons movies. Carly Rae Jepsen live at the 2010 Canada day Celebration. In the music industry, however, the only market that gets any atten- ferent the movies that get nominat- looking actor and explosions, but I tion is the equivalent of the pop- ed for Oscars are from the movies suspect there’s something particucorn flick market. that nominated larly unwelcome about realizing Popularity seems for MTV Movie your taste in music MTV Movie to be the only stanAwards, but how Awards instead of Oscars. dard for excellence similar the artists The reason why people who in mainstream muwho get nominat- mostly listen to radio acts seem to sic, and the idea ed for Grammys feel animosity when they see little that a song can be are from the art- girls singing about Chinese food or very popular but ists who are nom- skipping rope in a way that sounds not very good isn’t inated for VMAs. exactly like their favorite songs widely acknowlThere’s nothing might be because, on some level, it edged. necessarily wrong makes them realize that they don’t Even the Gramwith listening to actually like music itself as much as mys, which is supmusic on the ba- they thought. posed to be the sis that you like All most people really want in music equivalent how the singer music is just someone pretty who of the Oscars, are looks and you can sings something familiar that they hugely biased todance to it, just can dance to. wards megapopulike there’s nothContact SASAN KASRAVI at lar music. ing necessarily wrong with liking skasravi@TheInquirerOnline.com Consider, for instance, how dif- a movie just because it has a good
“If ‘Friday’ and the average Top 40 pop song sound almost exactly the same musically, what makes most people dislike one and like the other?”
opinions 10
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Dysfunction junction The default scare is a symptom of a bigger problem We’re now five days into the fallout of the shame of these missteps threaten to reach post-default scare, our pockets $24 billion senate and congressional voting districts, lighter, with nothing to show for the stunt and with sobering confirmation these crises except for the post traumatic stress left on have adversely impacted a global economy. the economy and record lows in congressio- GOP leaders are loathe to return to brinksnal approval. manship as a negotiating tactic. So what was it? Who is to blame for all of Perhaps the biggest problem facing Reit? Does it matter? Where are we now? publican leadership now is the fact that they We now know the default scare was the have no real leadership. result of Republicans desperate to derail The Washington Post likened them to Obamacare, led by ambitious party radicals a “collection of tribes.” A more moderlike Ted Cruz who, in a last resort to get the ate conservative approach might have read bill repealed, refused to pass a federal bud- the signs better to hold off on risking such get. heavy losses. In short, Republicans orchestrated the For example, by many estimates, the start crisis. of Obamacare has been deemed a failure. The move was unprecedented, but when The website for the Affordable Care Act Obama didn’t flinch, it ultimately backfired, has been hampered with so many glitches opening deep divisions within an already that according to NBC, only one in five weakened GOP party and sinking approv- people have been able to log in without enal ratings for Speaker of the House John countering a site-related error. Boehner and anyone conWhat’s more, various nected to the play. states, conspicuously those Besides the startling revunder Republican control, elation that our government are still reluctant to sign on was more dysfunctional than to using federally funded we gave them credit for, health care. the crisis underscored two New York Times readers things. and viewers of Rachel MadOne, Republicans are dow might remember the willing to hold the nation’s piece exposing the consereconomy hostage to keep vative billionaires, the Koch poor people from getting brothers, for throwing hunhealth care. dreds of millions of dollars Two, they’re apparently so at manufacturing the image ideologically intractable, they that more people want to kill came within a day of comObamacare. BRIAN BUNTING mitting suicide to do it. Koch-funded lobby arms, Arts & features editor Tea Party political advolike the Americans for Proscacy groups Heritage Action perity movement, buses in for America and FreedomWorks, both hold- green t-shirt laden droves of leaderless ing formidable sway within the GOP, cam- Tea Partiers to state capitals and town halls paigned heavily to defund Obamacare. throughout the country where they decry They were incensed when the party threw Obamacare for the price of a Subway sandin the towel to raise the debt ceiling. In a re- wich. cent CNN poll, a majority of Americans say The impact hasn’t been negligible. Republicans controlling the house is bad for Attacking Obamacare at weak links like America, and data indicates the Tea Party these, or the argument that it might not be influence may be flagging. fiscally sustainable may have proven a more After two near calamities, the lingering effective long game for the beleaguered Re-
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Sen. Ted Cruz and President Obama were major players in the shutdown. publican party, but with that option now a memory, they’re left trying to find cohesion where it might not exist. But the fact that the GOP might be a rudderless blimp also appears unhelpful if either side stands a chance at finding compromise before the next shutdown deadline in January. Given where we stand, Democrats appear too exasperated to revel. Although his approval rating still flies below 50 percent, Obama came away from the scare unscathed, but America’s festering problems still persist. Dagong, a leading global Chinese credit rating agency, recently downgraded America’s credit rating. And another, Fitch, threatened similar action leading up to the crisis. The Economist went as far as saying we’re
now worse off than Europe, noting the IMF characterized US spending as unsustainable proportionate to our low taxing, and put our current trajectory on a path to bankruptcy. For all of the headaches, it appears at least our options have now been simplified: either Republicans agree to raise taxes, or lawmakers collectively agree to reduce spending enough to improve the GDP. But those seem Herculean feats in comparison to the contentious short-term federal budget just ahead. With both sides so willing to dig in on core party principles, the January deadline suddenly looks a lot closer than it did a few days ago.
“The biggest problem facing Republican leadership now is the fact that they have no real leadership”
Contact BRIAN BUNTING at bbunting@TheInquirerOnline.com
Letter to the editor
The County Connection needs more buses running on weekends Whether we like it or not, people who do not have their own car, mainly depend on public transportation. But County Connection service during the weekend is not very helpful. Many people who are using County Connection are dissatisfied about the service during the weekend. According to the information provided on the official website of County Connection, there are twenty-three bus lines that run frequently during the weekday. The buses’ maximum time gap is only ninety minutes. However, during the weekend, there are only eleven lines that run and the maximum time gap is 150 minutes. Moreover, operation time for the weekend is relatively shorter than weekday.
Public transportation is necessary for people to have quality life.
“During the weekend, there are only eleven lines that run and the maximum time gap is 150 minutes.” However, County Connection in Contra Costa County is highly inconvenient, especially for the people who do not have their own car.
The buses in Contra Costa County should be scheduled more often, especially in the weekend. I strongly believe that providing quality service during the weekend is just as important as the weekday. As a resident of Pleasant hill without own my car, I have trouble going out during the weekend. I believe that it is not only me who suffers because of this situation. If there is an improvement about County Connection service, Contra Costa County would be acongenialplacetolive in for everyone. Jiwon Ahn DVC student
sports 11
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Delta cruises past DVC
Vikings unable to avoid straight-sets loss to Mustangs GABRIEL AGURCIA Sports editor
DVC volleyball was defeated by San Joaquin Delta in straight sets on Wednesday, Oct. 16. DVC’s best result came in the first set. Middle hitter Lindsay Wood placed a kill to Delta’s left corner, then had a huge block a few points later, cutting Delta’s lead to 5-4. However, Delta went off on a 7-0 run fueled by several Viking mistakes, forcing head coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb to call her first timeout. The teams traded points out of the quick break, with a well-placed Kaitlyn Vaught shot and an Amanda Jarquin tip. The highlight of the set ensued. Both sides combined for an amazing rally, where focus wasn’t broken even from the ball grazing the ceiling, hanging and spinning for what seemed like minutes. A few digs by each team and solid teamwork kept the rally going, before a Delta kill attempt went long, giving DVC the point. But DVC couldn’t use momentum from the long-lasting point. Delta displayed a lot of power, notching several kills on the way to a 21-13 lead. They would take the set 25-16. DVC started off well in the second set, jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead, and another Wood kill made it 4-1. Outside hitter Claire Hannigan fired a kill to break up four con-
secutive Delta points. The match stayed close until unforced Viking errors and another Delta power surge pushed the Mustangs’ lead to 16-8. Ponciano-Babb called her third timeout to settle her players. DVC once again brought intensity out of a timeout, with Jarquin getting her first kill. The trend of the match was the rally, and long ones at that. Another lengthy one began after Jarquin’s kill, with DVC outlasting Delta to cut the deficit to 17-11. “We try to tell them to stay in it, because you never know what’s gonna happen. Be the team that makes less errors,” Ponciano-Babb said of the bushel of rally. However, the Vikings were on the wrong end of most rallies, although not for a lack of effort. More Delta power closed the set for them at 25-15. The third set went relatively quick. DVC took another early lead at 4-2 with a Vaught ace and a Delta miscue. But the Mustangs immediately responded with a 7-1 run, once again broken up by a Hannigan kill. The Vikings stayed competitive throughout the set, but Delta’s physical presence was just too much to overcome. Fittingly, a Delta kill closed out the final set 25-10, ending the match. “There was nothing we could do with the block because No. 1 just hit it over us every single time.
We tried to step in, and she would just hit around our defensive players,” Wood said of the plethora of Delta kills. Although it wasn’t the result she wanted, she enjoyed seeing her young teammates maintain an energetic style of play. “We have ebb and flow with our energy, so tonight was a good game, where our energy was constantly high,” Wood said. Ponciano-Babb acknowledged how tough the match was, particularly in terms of size. “When you have players that are six foot and above, we can’t compete against them, as far as height is concerned. So all we were trying to do was get our defense to come up a little more, to be able to try and read,” she said. “That’s what we’ve been getting them to do: read the ball more and decide where they need to go, based on what kind of ball is coming.” She’s liked her squad’s resiliency and ability to compete at a high level, even when they’re chances of winning appear bleak. “In this particular type of match, when you know that you are outmatched, in terms of a physical presence, we DANIEL BARNEY / The Inquirer can’t do anything about that. But we can control our effort, and Outside hitter Claire Hannigan rises up for a kill over keep playing together.”
Delta’s sizeable front line.
Contact GABRIEL AGURCIA at gagurcia@TheInquirerOnline.com
Advertisement
REALIZE YOUR DREAM AT MILLS COLLEGE.
SAME USF, JUST CLOSER.
AND LESS FOG. CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE
TRANSFER TO A DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM IN PLEASANTON • Small Classes
• Financial aid and scholarships available
• Outstanding faculty with academic and real world expertise
• Classes start in January and August
• Convenient campuses in Santa Rosa, San Jose, Pleasanton, and Sacramento
APPLY NOW 925.867.2711
www.usfca.edu/pleasanton
Mills offers talented women who want an exceptional and personal education the ability to: • Transfer in spring or fall. • Get the classes you need to graduate on time. • Earn merit scholarships totaling up to $20,000. • Transfer with no minimum number of credits. • Transfer without completing your GE requirements.
VISIT PROGRAM: November 9 • 9:00 am–1:00 pm Learn about our programs, meet our students, and tour our campus. san francisco
s a n ta r o s a
san jose
sacramento
pleasanton
MAKING THE WORLD MORE . . .
Oakland, CA admission@mills.edu www.mills.edu/transfer RESERVE YOUR SPACE AT WWW.MILLS.EDU/VISITPROGRAMS.
sports 12
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Full time with the d-line
GUSTAVO VASQUEZ / The Inquirer
Courtesy of VINCE BORDELON
Above left: Vince Bordelon reflects on his journey from a difficult childhood to a mentor at DVC; Above right: Vince Bordelon taking part in Carolina Panthers training camp with the franchise’s special teams coordinator Richard Rogers, left, and assistant defensive line coach Sam Mills III, right.
Vince Bordelon has made it his mission to teach players on and off the field GABRIEL AGURCIA Sports editor
Vince Bordelon learned hardship at a young age. Growing up on the gritty streets of Oakland and Daly City as one of several kids of a single mother, he remembers the toughest times of his life. "When the first came around, we were happy to go to McDonald's to eat. That was a big deal," Bordelon recalled. At the age of 12, Bordelon moved out to the suburbs of San Ramon with his grandparents, hoping to get a fresh start. "I moved out to the suburbs to have the good life," he said with a reminiscent laugh. "I wanted to get out the hood. The hood ain't for everybody." Although he would eventually gravitate to football exclusively, Bordelon picked up basketball and baseball first. At California High School in San Ramon, Bordelon showcased his athletic talents. "I was one of the first athletes at Cal High to be all-league and allEast Bay in two sports," he said. As for his love of football, Bordelon credits his grandfather for introducing him to the game. "I had a grandfather, Tom Mullins," Bordelon said. "He worked for the city of Oakland. He was
an Oakland Raider season-ticket holder. So, I wanna say I started going to Raider games around five years old. I was going to games, watching games on TV. He showed me football. Taught me football." Like most kids, his first game experience came on neighborhood playgrounds. "I was always too big to play Pop Warner," he said with a chuckle. "So I had to play at parks and on sandlots." As someone who was always big for his age, Bordelon eventually stuck to football. "As I got older in high school, because of my size, I was successful at being an offensive and defensive lineman." Winning helped too, as he was a member of some of California High's very first successful teams. After graduating high school, Bordelon was immediately recruited by Ed Hall, then the head coach at DVC. He refused the invitation, choosing instead to attend San Diego Mesa College, following his mother to Southern California. "I hated it," he said bluntly. "I remember to this day, Coach Hall and I always talk about it: I called him, one rainy day. I came back and I was at DVC that January, in 1984. Took 22 units and became eligible right away."
After a year at DVC, Bordelon moved on to California State University, East Bay, playing for two seasons. But it was in the classroom where he accomplished much more, and laid the foundation for his future. "I got a bachelor's degree and master's degree in kinesiology. So when I finished playing, coach [Hall] gave me a job coaching at DVC. But by having my master's degree, he enabled me to teach also. So I was a part-time P.E. teacher here," said Bordelon. It was 1987. He was just 23 years old, coaching the tackles and tight ends. Around the same time, he got a job as a juvenile probation officer at the Alameda County Jail. This occupation, in tandem with his coaching, made Bordelon into the man he is today: a great teacher and mentor. "I did that for 24 years. I just retired this February. So now I'm a full-time football coach. Full-time with the d-line!" Bordelon's mission now is graduating his players, aiding them in figuring out their life plans, and helping to shape them into better human beings and citizens. "I work on building young men
to be productive, respectful young men in society. And to be great student-athletes." Head coach Mike Darr spoke highly of Bordelon's character. "These guys all know that, no matter what's going on in their life, no matter what they're dealing with, no matter what the challenges, they can always come to him. He's gonna help them, he's gonna tell it to them straight, and he's not gonna sugarcoat anything." "I've been coaching a long time. I've had the opportunity to help a lot of kids. One's a chief of police, one's a UFC fighter, one's a fireman. They've got all different types of trades. But they all come by and check on me, and see me," Bordelon said with pride. Bordelon treats his players as his own children: taking them out for lunch, having them over for the holidays, or simply sharing his knowledge and first-hand experiences with them. "Some kids remember coming over to my house for dinner. A lot of the kids that are from out-ofstate here at DVC, they're coming to my house for Thanksgiving, because they don't get to go home. I want to show the kids that aren't from here that, you know what,
someone does care about you." As for his own child, defensive back Akil Bordelon seems to share a relationship with his father which mirrors that of the elder Bordelon and his grandfather. "Some of my best experiences with my dad have been at home, just watching football. And on the field, just having him there. Watching me, coaching me." When asked what he's accomplished in life that he's most proud of, Bordelon immediately said, with another wide grin and laugh, "Being married 25 years. That's a great accomplishment!" As for the football side of things, "Getting kids on to fouryear schools. That's a big thing." His son can attest to that. "He's really passionate about getting players to four-year schools. I'm really proud of that, and the way he relates to the kids.� The big picture for Vince Bordelon is simple yet monumental. "I want my legacy to be that of a hard working coach who always took care of his players, was fair to his players, and was honest with his players." Contact GABRIEL AGURCIA at gagurcia@TheInquirerOnline.com