I
INQUIRER Student Voice of Diablo Valley College
Volume III No. 6
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 www.DVCInquirer.com
The night belongs to wedvc
Inaugural rally against sexual assault. See Page 2
IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S US State shows cause for breakup with ACCJC. See Page 8
#2016issues Presidential Canidate Wrap Up See Page 5
JESSE SUTTERLEY / The Inquirer
news 2
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015
calendar Thursday, October 15 - Wednesday, Nov. 25 Art Gallery A 305 Wondrous Strange, A survey of recent work by Carrie Lederer. Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 Library building, Media Conference Room Bi-weekly governance meeting of the Research Planning & Evaluation Committee from 8:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. in room L-151. Thursday, Nov. 19 Student Services Center Michelle Prior from FIDM will be here to answer questions for students from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Career, Employment, and Transfer Center located on the top floor of Student Services Center. Friday, Nov. 20 Library building, Media Conference Room Monthly governance meeting from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in room L-151.
police beat Monday, Nov. 2 DVC Student Union A student reported that his bicycle was stolen from campus property. The student stated that the theft occurred on Friday Oct. 30. Thursday, Nov. 5 DVC Campus A student came to the police substation to report a lost passport. Friday, Nov. 6 DVC Art Building Complex On Apr. 22, unknown subject(s) took a card wallet with a credit card and driver’s license. On Nov. 6, the student was informed that the unknown subject(s) used the victim’s identification. Saturday, Nov. 7 DVC Parking Lot #9 Victim claimed that her former boyfriend threatened her which is in violation of a restraining order. Wednesday, Nov. 11 DVC Parking Lot #1 A single-car traffic accident occurred in lot #1 near Police Services. There were no injuries.
State may curb ACCJC NIC WOJCIK Staff member
There’s a shaking up in the community college accreditation world. The 113 community and junior colleges are currently being assessed by the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. However, the ACCJC is under scrutiny for alleged inconsistent and unprofessional practices, sending the California Community Colleges Board of Governors scrambling for new options. According to a Nov. 16 press release from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, “The board approved a resolution citing the need to raise the professionalism of accreditation in California.” The ACCJC is being accused of losing “credibility with its peers,” and no longer meeting “the current and anticipated needs of California community colleges.” It’s been formally requested that a new accrediting model be developed for review in March. The one thing that seems clear is that the CCC Board of Governors wants change. Soon. Ted Wieden, who serves as Diablo Valley College’s Interim Executive Dean and Accreditation Liaison Officer, has served on a number of visiting teams as part of the ACCJC peer review. Wieden said, “by and large, the intent [of ACCJC] is good” but doesn’t “know that the execution is as peer-based as it could be.” Soon can’t be soon enough for City College of San Francisco. Following a 2013 lawsuit filed on the college’s behalf, ACCJC created an entirely new “restoration status” that would allow CCSF to maintain accreditation through January 2017 while they work towards full restoration. In 2008, DVC had its own run in with the dreaded “show cause” status, the third and most extreme level of sanction. Wieden was pulled into the accreditation liaison role, and away from his previous teaching role, after the sanction was in motion, and proved instrumental in restoring the school’s accreditation status. In 2014, DVC went through another evaluation, resulting in full reaccreditation under the condition that three college recommendations be resolved within one year. The recommendations were sufficiently addressed Nov. 5. DVC won’t face another round of review until 2020. However, as new accrediting options are being explored, it is uncertain what that process will look like going forward. “I’ve always thought of peer review as having the intent to help, to help get better, and I don’t know that that’s always been the outcome,” said Wieden. If the CCC Board of Governors gets their way, ensuring “the highest level of quality for the 2.1 million students” they serve will be top priority. Contact NIC WOJCIK at NWojcik@DVCInquirer.com
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.
JESSE SUTTERLEY / The Inquirer
DVC students participate in a step up step back exercise during WEDVC’s take back the night rally.
WEDVC rallies to take back the night KATY HADA Staff member
of sexual and domestic abuse, and to help victims feel empowered to bring light to the darkness – a time when most victims feel The darkness and noises of the night can afraid to go out. WEDVC President, Andrea be scary sometimes. For anyone who has sur- Corrigan, said, “When someone experiences vived sexual assault, it could be terrifying. sexual violence, there’s a darkness with that. Students gathered in the Diablo Valley This event is to shed light on that.” College quad Nov. 4 for the first annual Take A highlight of the evening was the “step Back the Night rally, held by DVC’s Wom- up, step back” activity in which a student en’s Empowerment group. listed off acts of harassment ranging from The event had a safe, carefree atmo- catcalling, to body shaming, to being in an sphere, students talking abusive relationship and in groups and laugh- “When someone experiences participants stepped up ing, a DJ played muto the line if they had ever sexual violence, there’s a sic and kept things fun experienced that in their darkness with that.” and comfortable. There life. Both participants and were student lead activiobservers were amazed by ties, spoken word poetry the number of men and ~ANDREA CORRIGAN WEDVC President presentations and Liliwomen who admitted to ana Gonzalez from the being sexually targeted Marin and Contra Costa during their life. County Rape Prevention Hotline spoke out The last question asked was “step to the on community violence solutions. The event line if you were taught about consent in ended with a march through campus and a school,” and shockingly, only 3 people candlelight vigil around the duck pond. stepped forward. In her speech on community violence, In response to the activity WEDVC Gonzalez said, “Our goal is always to em- member, Lauren McCarthy, said “It’s really power families and help them find other important because things will only change ways of dealing with what they are going if we are aware.” The club hopes to eduthrough.” cate students on what to do in case of these Gonzalez’ wanted to help bring awareness emergencies by inviting groups like the Rape to rape prevention, teach boundaries and Prevention Hotline and Planned Parenthood give presentations on and discussing the issues together. WEDVC assault and harassment.Take Back the holds open meetings every Wednesday from Night is an international event and orga- 2 to 4 pm in the LA buildings, room 107. nization with the common goal of ending sexual violence in all forms. The purpose Contact KATY HADA of the event is to draw attention to victims at KHada@DVCInquirer.com
Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITORS FEATURES EDITOR PRINT EDITOR COPY EDITOR
Alejandro Ramos Katharine Hada Jesse Sutterley Fidel Ontiveros Marcel Scott Jacob Judd Cooper Mead Sarah Carr
Staff SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS Melanie Calimlim, Austin Lemak STAFF MEMBERS Madeline Berry, Julianna Cardinale, Emily Fishbaugh, Soohyum Kim, Jung Min Lee, Pamela Levin, Erick Mujica, Tyler Newhouse, Sean Ross, Allison Roullier, Nic Wojcik, Erin Smith, Randy Taylor INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
• Phone: 925.969.2543 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.dvcinquirer.com • Printed seven times per semester •
news 3
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015
NIK WOJCIK Staff member
Issues surrounding Planned Parenthood and a woman’s right-tochoose have taken center stage in current American politics. Prior to 2010, there wasn’t a single state in America that banned abortion at any stage of pregnancy. Nebraska was the first to turn the corner by approving a 20-week abortion ban. According to Guttmacher Institute, 43 states now have gestational limit prohibitions and 13 states require that patients undergo an ultrasound prior to having an abortion. Since last month, certain members of congress demanded a defunding of Planned Parenthood with threats of a government shutdown, but came up short on votes to overcome the Democratic-led filibuster. That hasn’t deterred individual states from forging ahead — Texas and Louisiana are both currently
trying to cut off state Medicaid funding previously allocated for Planned Parenthood. Twenty-sixyear-old mother and Diablo Valley College early childhood education student, Emma Alfred, was surprised to hear about the defunding debate: “It’s going to be hard on many people that need it,” Alfred said when asked how she would feel if Planned Parenthood services were to become unavailable. As it stands, Planned Parenthood is prohibited from using any federal funding for abortion procedures. And second, abortions constitute only 3 percent of Planned Parenthood’s total services provided; the remaining 97 percent include general women’s health services, cancer screenings and prevention, STD/STI detection and contraception. STD testing among men is often overlooked amidst the frenzied arguments about reproductive health organizations. Trell Thayer is a 18-year-old
KATHARINE HADA / The Inquirer
WEDVC counters pro-life protests on DVC campus Sept. 22, 2015. male DVC student that once used Planned Parenthood for exactly that. “My mom asked me to go and get checked, so I went,” said Thayer. However, those benefits fall out of the spotlight as opponents attempt to make Planned Parenthood and abortion synonymous in their hard-line stances. Every leading presidential Republican candidate has taken a firm prolife stance, whereas, both Democratic front runners are pro-choice and support Planned Parenthood funding. Understanding the history behind women’s rights and reproduc-
tive health care, is an important part of understanding today’s emotionally-charged debates. Anthony Comstock was offended by the obscenities and moral decay he encountered in New York City. With the help of the YMCA and others, he helped pass the Comstock Acts of 1873 and 1876, which essentially made it illegal to distribute any form of unnatural contraception. Around 1912, Margaret Sanger had treated many lower-income women after they’d had back-alley abortions or tried to self-terminate unwanted pregnancies. She began ferociously advocating for women’s rights to birth control after
witnessing these women suffer. In 1916, Sanger opened the country’s first birth control clinic and later went on to help develop the first birth control pill to be approved by the FDA. She changed the face of America as the founder of Planned Parenthood, and as an advocate for women’s sexual health. Why is all this information important to you right now? Because, you not only choose a president, you choose the direction of this country and the future of your own life. Make an informed choice. Contact NIK WOJCIK at NWojcik@DVCInquirer.com
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features 4
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015
Guide to the Black Friday blackout SARAH CARR Staff member
Front row football
KATHERINE HADA/ The Inquirer
A
s football season hurdles into week 11 it is becoming more and more imperative that people get out to see the games, especially when a high stakes Fantasy Football game is about to begin. But what if you struggle with being around the family for more than 20 minutes, where are you going to kick your feet up, grab a beer and watch the game? There are actually quite a few spots near campus that will meet all requirements for your viewing of the By ERIN SMITH games Thursday, Sunday and Monday night.
The Office:
Farrington’s Sports Bar:
Farrington’s is the quintessential sports bar. They offer ice cold beer and mixed drinks at reasonable prices. They also feature food from the neighboring taqueria and pizza place on Monday and Thursday night football. They have several televisions that showcase all the games and they also put the audio on for local games.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse:
The Office, no not the TV show and not your mom’s job, has very affordable drinks and features all of the football games on four TVs. It has been described as the “country club for the working class.” On Mondays they have a complimentary hot dog bar and they open at 8 a.m. daily so Sunday morning football is a big draw here.
Costco Wholesale
2400 Monument Blvd, Concord, CA
Harbor Freight Tools
535 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA
REI
Willows Shopping Center 1975 Diamond Blvd #100, Concord, CA
Magoo’s is best for Sunday morning football. They have several TV’s in the bar area and label what games will be showing throughout the day. If you arrive in the a.m. you can enjoy a Bloody Mary with a home style breakfast.
Contact ERIN SMITH at ESmith@DVCInquirer.com
Pleasant Hill Shopping Center 552 Contra Costa Blvd, Suite 50, Pleasant Hill, CA
Park & Shop, 1675 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, CA
Magoo’s Grill:
Lucille’s is right across the way from BJ’s but has eight televisions surrounding the bar area. A 22oz. beer is the best deal money can buy, but the Moscow Mules is recommended. An appetizer menu is also to die for during game time.
GameStop
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft
BJ’s features both the Monday and Thursday night games on a ridiculously huge television set. When multiple games are on they can split the screen four ways to make viewing a breeze or a complete disaster depending on your level of concentration. They also put the audio of the game on. Unfortunately, they recently changed their happy hour menu (which is in effect during games) and Stoli sodas are no longer $4. But all beers and cocktails are $1 off and appetizers are $2 off.
Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ:
Certain retail chains are not going to be participating in the Black Friday campouts the night of Thanksgiving. A handful of stores are going to close Thursday, Nov. 26th and reopen the next day on Friday. Some of the largest names include Costco, TJMaxx and Gamestop. While most of the stores closing on Thanksgiving will be opening on Black Friday on their normal schedules—Costco opens at 9a.m. per example—some stores are opening early. Gamestop opens at 5a.m. on Black Friday. A list of brand names that are taking Thanksgiving off are shown on theblackfriday.com Here’s a list of chain stores that are closed on Thanksgiving in the Pleasant Hill area: One major tradition of Black Friday is to set up camping gear and claim a spot in line right after Thanksgiving dinner. In the past few years, stores have released Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving itself, and setting a time during the evening to lower prices and boasting the early specials in commercials These stores are separating themselves from the new tradition of “Black Friday on Thursday.” Whether or not the majority of consumers want stores to remain open on Thanksgiving, stores closing up until Friday morning seems to be a trend with good intentions REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), is closing its doors for both Thanksgiving and Black Friday at its Concord location. Carlos, a full-time employee at the REI store in the Willows Shopping Center, agrees with the location’s holiday hours. “From a retailer standpoint, electronics is more what people want. So it is a good move on their (REI’s) part. It’s good to stay at home and be with your family,” Carlos said. Even though these stores are making a change in the Black Friday norms, there are still many others who will bring on the sales. “People will still be shopping, there’s still gonna be deals.”
Staples
2120 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA
T.J. Maxx
2675 Pleasant Hill Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA
Sam’s Club
1225 Concord Ave, Concord, CA Contact SARAH CARR at SCarr@DVCInquirer.com
features 5
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015
THE FINAL ROUND
Presidential hopefuls enter the last stage of campaigning as the preliminary election approaches. NIK WOJCIK Staff member
There’s been some shifting around in the candidate arena since September, and it certainly doesn’t appear to be settling down any time soon. The political pundits have largely dug their heels into final match up predictions, but this election cycle warns the American people to expect the unexpected. So until those final days, just under a year away, all the contenders should be seen as a possibility and viewed with a grain of salt. In the Democratic corner: Hillary “the Establishment” Clinton is still dominating the main stage with an averaged 54.5 percent in national polls. Bernie “the Democratic Socialist” Sanders continues to hang in there with 33.5 percent of the voting chunk. Martin “the Persistent” O’Malley hasn’t managed to climb above the 3 percent mark, but so far he forges on, earning an A for stubborn effort. In the Republican corner: Donald “the Greatness” Trump is now sharing the spotlight with Ben “the Anti-
Science Neurosurgeon” Carson, with only one point separating the two at 24.3 and 23.3 percent, respectively. Carly “the Pro-Life Avenger” Fiorina has slipped dramatically from her previously envied fourth place position to the quiet spot at number eight in the GOP pack. The rising Republican star has been Marco “the Immigration Reform Dodger” Rubio, who rocketed up to 3rd place in polls after showing some strength during the last crowded adult-table debate. Ted “the Green Eggs and Ham Aggravator” Cruz has pushed his way up to 10.7 percent, perhaps due his very publicized part in outing the former Speaker of the House. According to the GOP national polling averages reported by Real Clear Politics as of Nov. 4, an additional nine candidates are still suited up and ready to rumble. Of those, Chris “the Bridgegate” Christie has mustered up the most attention since the Huffington Post video that paints him as a man with some genuine compassion for
in the left corner...
people fighting addiction. The attention hasn’t quite parlayed into substantial poll gains, at least not yet. Aside from the widely-held assumption that Clinton will emerge as the Democratic nominee, the rest really is completely up in the air. In the grand scheme of this lineup, it’s safe to say that nobody is quite safe in their positions, including Clinton herself. By this time next year, the American people could be just as surprised as UFC fans were this past Saturday. Given the spectacle of this campaign, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of the outcome. But on a serious note, America is facing some pretty serious times and the weight of it all will be on the next president’s shoulders. Let’s hope the best one wins, whoever that may be. For more on the presidential candidates and issues, go to DVCInquirer.com/election2016.
...in the right corner
Hillary “The Establisment” Clinton
Donald ”The Greatness” Trump
Bernie “The Democratic Socialist” Sanders
Ben “The Anti-Science Neurosurgeon” Carson
Martin “The Persistent” O’Malley
Marco “The Immigration Reform Dodger” Rubio
?
Graphic illustrations by WESLEY IHEZUE
opinions 6
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015
The
Buzz
Do gender stereotypes still exist?
DIWA ESCO, 18 English
“Yes, women are still seen as bad drivers. Men are getting more job opportunities because women are seen as less intelligent”
THOMAS BYRNE, 18 Screenwritting
“Yes, even from birth the boys get blue and the girls get pink. It’s little things like that. It’s ingrained, and women still get lower pay.”
DANIELLE HABER, 18 Business and Nutrition
“Yes, there’s definitely still sexism around. Women feel inferior to men.”
Editorial
DVC trees weren’t taken off the chopping block Looking for the perfect spot to planting suggestions to mitigate study, eat, take a nap or just hang the long term effects of the lossout with friends, students can be es.” found all over the Diablo Valley If he did care, why were more College campus resting under, trees taken out for a better view? reading under, or just admiring The incident escalated to more the trees. than just safety and damage conWith the rainy season drawing trol. More trees were taken out closer, and El Niño impending, for reasons that went beyond the the safety of trees around campus initial issue. is in question. With the drought still very much Last year, when DVC had a few prevalent in California, it would rainy days, the soil expanded rap- seem that we need more trees. The idly because it had been dry for an Dust Bowl in 1930, for example, extended pewas caused by riod of time, and the “We hired an arborist drought and roots of removal of too to evaluate our entire many trees. trees become unstable — Scientists and college inventory of politicians causing many detrees.” to be upbate back and rooted and forth, and spend fall over. This more money caused some concern for the well- to find the best ways to combat being of students, property and global warming. While they do other trees on campus. that, Californians continue living DVC President Peter Garcia with this drought. Now, while that said, “We hired an arborist to is going on, DVC is adding insult evaluate our entire college inven- to the injury at hand by tearing up tory of trees.” As it turned out, a more trees. few more trees were in danger of As Garcia mentioned, planting falling as well, and 18 trees were saplings would be the way to bedeemed necessary for removal. gin making up for the damage. But Then, over the next few weeks, an some hillsides, like the one above operation was put into motion to Parking Lot 4, are still bare. remove any hazardous trees. Let’s step up the pace of plantGarcia did seem to care about ing. Any damage done to the envithe trees, saying, “We are asking ronment affects us all in the long the arborist for planting and re- run.
JESSE SUTTERLEY/ The Inquirer
Opinion
Hard Events criminalizes journalism JACOB GOULD, 22 Business Marketing
“Gender stereotypes definitely still exist, but in different ways. Because of roles, people have gone along with it. They’re more self imposed.”
CRYSTAL GOMEZ, 18 English
“I still feel we have a problem with guys thinking women should stay at home and take care of kids. But they can get jobs too, we’re also intelligent..” Interviewed by: Erin Smith Photographed by: Julianna Cardinale
Organizers for Hard Events, an face out of risk management. electronic music event company, Then, after a storm of wellissued a “media blackout” Mon- deserved backlash by the music day Oct. 26th, blacklisting mem- journalism community, Hard went bers of the media from attending back to its old policy of allowtheir upcoming ing “qualifying music festival: media” to enter HARD Day the festival with Of The Dead. comped credenIt made a lot tials, as reported of music lovers by Billboard. speak up about There was no how they also explanation for love the press. this return to People were allowing press grouchy to say coverage. the least and However, the for good reapassive aggresson. sive statement While the to allow “qualiSARAH CARR reason for this fying media” to Copy editor was never offireturn occurred cially stated by after many tickthe company, or its partner com- et buyers expressed concern in pany Live Nation, many festival- Facebook threads about how the goers and music industry workers festival would play out with such infer that the negative coverage of strict changes. the deaths of two people at their If the end goal was to prevent previous festival “HARD Sum- negative press from being remer” has caused this move to sur- leased, congratulations. You failed.
The point of the event com- Summer and they must have figpany trying to control how the ured that blinding everyone from public sees them has angered a lot seeing the inside workings of the of festival-goers, and it’s surpris- festivals will keep them safe. ing that they didn’t anticipate that Electronic music has always being a possible outcome. Obvi- been a controversial topic in the ously. media, especially in Los Angeles. Freedom of the press is a right But this is no way to deal with it. protected by the Bill Of Rights, Cooperating with the press and only alwould have lowing “qualibeen a better “If the end goal was to idea, because it fying” media to cover the prevent negative press seems now that event caused music comfrom being released, the a lot of quesmunity trusts tions both by “raves” even congratulations. the public and less now. You failed.” by LA County Seeing the Officials. negative results It makes about the fesHard appear as though they have tival’s downfall this year such as something to hide. the hundreds of arrests reported 184 police officers showed up to by the LA Times, proves that if the festival to monitor the event, Hard creates a better relationship according to Dancing Astronaut, with the press, they may be able to and no doubt it was in result of tackle the scrutiny. Hard’s sloppy actions. LA County Officials have demanded new policies from Hard Contact SARAH CARR at after the deaths following Hard SCarr@DVCInquirer.com
opinions 7
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015
Reality TV make u stoopid "And I was like, totally, like, Oh My God!" Gibson — a psychologist at Central MichiDoes the quote above make sense to you? gan University — found that aggression Because it shouldn't. But if it does, I'm here levels in those that watched reality TV were to help. This article is dedicated to anyone significantly higher than people who didn't who's struggling with the addictive material- watch reality shows. He said in an NPR inized narcissistic world of reality television. terview, conducted by Tess Vigeland, that By the end of this, "watching reality shows perhaps, you'll be able “Watching reality shows with lots of what's to watch 60 Minutes. called relational aggreswith lots of what’s called sion — bullying, excluRIP Andy Rooney, RIP. relational aggression... can sion and manipulation This won’t cure — can make people anything, but it will make people more aggres- more aggressive in their point out that watchreal lives." sive in their real lives” ing too much realThis should come as ity TV will cause a no surprise. Our col~BRIAN GIBSON person to be overly lective unconscious is Psychologist aggressive, and all always gathering inforaround irrational. mation — and when we So please, silence your handbagged chi- view shows where conflict between people huahua, put down your nonfat-pumpkin is constant — we pick up on these traits, spice chai latte, and stop that mani-pedi; and use unnecessary language that can trignow is the time to read about problems you ger disputes. Reality TV sets a bad example didn't know you had. as to how reality actually works: Troubles According to a study conducted by Bryan cannot be solved by yelling, and telling
someone their style isn't up to standard. Un- without watching one of these shows and fortunately, this is the behavior that reality see how you feel. It's likely that you'll be television shows depict and this in turn sets able to get through your day conflict free. an example for others to Without the hassle of follow. caring what other people According to Gibson's said about you, and what study, "People who watch problems you have with reality TV shows like Real other people. Because at Housewives and Jersey the end of the day, who Shore are more likely to really cares? Social media be aggressive than watchhas always been a way for ing a violent show," such people to interact, post as CSI. So with this new their thoughts, and share information on your news all over the world. viewing habits, what will As of late, it has also you choose to do? Will been a gateway for broadyou continue to watch casting videos of police The Real Housewives of brutality. Social media is Who Cares? Probably. being used as a beacon in MARCEL SCOTT Opinions editor And I get your argument, providing awareness of watching these shows is excessive force police use entertaining — so is watching a monkey in certain situations. knife fight on a boat — but just because it's entertaining, doesn't make it right. Contact MARCEL SCOTT I challenge you though, go for a week at MScott@DVCInquirer.com
Social media sheds light on police brutality Social media has always been a way for cidents, young adults on Tumblr responded people to interact, post their thoughts, and with their outraged reactions to this particushare news all over the lar event from South world. As of late, it has Carolina by leaving also been a gateway for comments about how broadcasting videos of wrong the officer was police brutality. Social in his actions. media is being used as I believe that social a beacon in providing media is giving the awareness of excessive younger generation a force police use in cerlook into this troubling tain situations. reality, which in turn On Oct. 26, a high will give them the motischool student from vation to rebuild a betSouth Carolina was ter justice system. thrown from her desk When these videos — across the classreach the masses, the room — by a cop beball begins to roll when cause she would not discussions materialize comply with instrucwith each click of the MALANIE CALIMLIM tions. The video went reblog button; a comSenior staff member viral and has been a ment or the sharing of huge topic lately, even a link could change somaking its way on television for discussion. ciety. And then a movement begins. We each Similar to other police-related brutality in- have a voice that is being heard through
these outlets, and helps in propagating poThe minute a suspect is subdued with lice misconduct. what should be minimal force, there is no However, some people commend and need to subject the person to any pain. give their support to the officers who use The mass circulation of these videos and force. These people say that those sub- outcries of the public tell us one thing: That jected to such physical police brutality isn’t a force deserve it; this is myth. Our police force because those being ar- “Are these police officers isn’t perfect and they’re rested may show some subject to mistakes. then justified resistance, or may try to Social media is the in what they are doing? check-and-balance syshurt the officers. I understand the antem that police always No.” ger that officers may needed. feel when people don’t In turn, this pushes comply. And yes, I understand they may authorities out of their comfortable little even need to use some force, but never to bubble of saving their own asses by coverthe extent in which we see in these videos. ing up officers lawless actions, and forcing Let’s step back from the police aspect of them to reflect on their misconducts. this situation. If this were a parent punishSocial media has already created tension ing their child because they were disobedi- with how the public views the power of auent, but they sustained injury, wouldn’t that thority and gives citizens a sense of urgency be considered domestic violence? Now let’s to speak-out against these wrongs. add the title of police and the badge aspect back in. Are these police officers then justiContact MELANIE CALIMLIM at MCalimlim@DVCInquirer.com fied in what they are doing? No.
sports 8
Thursday, Nov. 19 - Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015
V-ball squad loses in straight sets AUSTIN LEMAK Staff member
The Vikings put up a good fight in the Nov. 11 volleyball game against the San Joaquin Delta Mustangs, but ultimately lost the fight. San Joaquin Delta, who have a record of 10-2 and are at the top of the Big 8 conference, forced the Vikings to get defensive and keep rallies alive with great passing. The Vikings missed their dominate middle, Jade Lee, who was benched due to conjunctivitis. Madison Hatch stepped up, taking Lee’s place and did a great job. As stated by coach PoncianoBabb, she had “smart kills.” Coach Ponciano-Babb also said, “First set was awesome. Our passing was key and took them out of the game.”
“We served tough in the first set and we had smart hits to the setter.” ~NOELLE VLEISIDES Outside Hitter
After the solid first set the Vikings started rolling downhill. They lost the next two sets by a decent margin as the Mustangs were more aggressive and took over the match. The Mustangs, with great hitting, made it hard for the Vikings to get a good set on the ball. Middle hitter, Madison Hatch, commented on the strengths of the game saying, “Passing from Kanoe, she is what keeps us together, keeps us going.” Taylor-Marie Kanoe Pruett is not only the libero of the team, but is also a clear leader on the court. Almost every scoring play started with Kanoe either digging a ball or making a great pass to the setter. “We served tough in the first set and we had smart hits to the setter,” said outside hitter Noelle Vleisides about the strong first set. The Vikings are a young team with only four sophomores. They were scheduled to honor leaving sophomores Krisha Carpio, Taylor Patton, Taylor-Marie Kanoe Pruett and Noelle Vleisides at their last home game on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Contact AUSTIN LEMAK at ALemak@DVCInquirer.com
Tie sends DVC team to the playoffs
ALEJANDRO RAMOS Editor in Chief
The Diablo Valley College Vikings clinched a playoff spot with a 3-3 tie against the Modesto Junior College Pirates in the last home game of the season. The Pirates capitalized on the Vikings slow start with strong offensive plays that led to their early first half goals. The Pirates took advantage and scored as the Vikings’ players and coaching staff looked to the referee for a foul call on forward Julia Curran. Down two goals, the Vikings continued to fight and found their rhythm late in the first half. Midfielders Karla Ramos and Hailey Sigur came in and changed the flow of the game. They took control of the wings and created opportunities to score. Their efforts came through after Hailey Sigur and Julia Curran scored goals to equalize as the first half came to an end. “We were kind of low energy and didn’t seem like we were completely engaged in,” said coach Cailin Mullins. “Then we saw that we were getting some chances and finally put one away and that gave us the belief that we can compete with this team.” With the game tied up, both teams came into the second half looking for a win. The Pirates scored a goal in the
Julia Curran regains possesion against Modesto Junior College. 60th minute and continued to apply pressure, keeping the Vikings on the defensive. As the game was winding down, the Vikings went all out for a last attack. Gabby Silva chased a loose ball down the left wing and crossed it. Just as the Pirates’ goalkeeper was about to scoop up the ball,
Karla Ramos ran in and kicked it away to give Julia Curran a chance to score her second goal. “It just shows how strong our team can be. Unfortunately, we always wait ‘til the end to score,” said Julia Curran. “I don’t know why that is. Just our luck.” “I’m proud of the group for competing for ninety minutes and
KATHARINE HADA / The Inquirer
giving ourselves a chance to stay in the mix of things for the playoffs,” said Mullins. The Vikings will play their last away game of the season on Friday, Nov. 13 against the San Joaquin Delta College Mustangs. Contact ALEJANDRO RAMOS at ARamos@DVCInquirer.com
Vikings run out of steam FIDEL ONTIVEROS Sports editor
Friday, Nov. 6 was a sad day in the Viking’s stadium. The last home game played this season, against the College of San Mateo, ended with the score of 42-7. The game started with both teams pumped and ready to go. From there, things quickly went south for the Vikings. The first quarter ended with a score of 14-0. Diablo Valley College still held their heads high during the break, with hopes to get back into the game. Plays were drawn and strategies were discussed. The timer went of for the teams to return to the field and during the second quarter, San Mateo scored again. The first half ended with the score at 21-0. The Vikings went into the locker room to try and rally themselves together and stay calm. It was not the time to lose team moral. The second half started and DVC fought their hardest, only for San Mateo to score three more times. The third quarter ended with a crushing score of 42-0. By this point, things weren’t looking up for the Vikings. When it was time for the Vikings to come out for the final quarter, they still played their hardest to keep San Mateo from scoring again. In the process, DVC scored in the final minutes. ending the game with the final score of 42-7. This loss knocks the Vikings out of the con-
SOOHYUN KIM / The Inquirer
Shane Morris returns a kick against College of San Mateo. ference to compete in the playoffs for the championship. Even with the win during the following week in the over time against Santa Rosa, the score was 35-32, DVC will still not be eligible to compete in any championship bowls. After the game it seemed to hit the entire team that this was really the last time they would play in Viking stadium this season. It was time to move on to the next game and after that, the next season. The coaches, the players and their family members joined on the field one last time.
Last words of encouragement were spoken and the team saluted each other. Counting this game, the Vikings won three home games and lost two home games, wrapping up the Vikings appearances at home this season. Now the coaches will start planning next season, the sophomores will be transferring, and the team will be returning to Viking stadium to begin practicing. Contact FIDEL ONTIVEROS at FOntireros@DVCInquirer.com