The Inquirer Vol VI no. 3 by DVC Inquirer

persian party Nowruz celebration. See Page 4.

inquirer Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Volume VI, No 3

Carnaval SF celebration

Discussion on undocumented student moves forward SUMMER PAGÁN Staff member

that being a part of the program is like “being a part of a community and that they all treat each other like family.” “Through Umoja I’ve become more comfortable with myself. I don’t have a problem raising my hand and giving my opinion,” panel member Tierra Lynch said.

The Diablo Valley College council open forum that led to faculty and students on the lookout for strategies to protect undocumented students took place on Wednesday, Feb. 22. What is DVC’s need? How do we address that need? What are the solutions? Those were just a few of the many questions answered at the forum. Concerns dealing with the familiarization and acceptance of Resolution 1-S were expressed at the meeting. Resolution 1-S grants sanctuary status to every Contra Costa Community College as it withholds students’ personal information from federal agencies. Ted Wieden, DVC’s Interim President said, “The focus for today is to familiarize ourself with the resolution.” Because the resolution doesn’t use the word “sanctuary” due to its unclear meaning, groups were created at the forum to discuss the possibility of student allies creating their own sanctuary pacts on campus to support the safety of those of whom are undocumented. Two of the main goals which were proposed on Wednesday include the goal to educate every student on the resolution, and to persuade them into becoming an ally to undocumented students. “We talked about education in non-violence civil disobedience, given that students have a lot more latitude and range of what they can do than what the institution can,” said Andy Barlow, a social science professor who shared what his group discussed. Barlow talked about the possible vision of educating the college community on what a sanctuary movement is and how to achieve it by forming student allies instead of relying on the district and college institution to put in the work. Due to President Trump’s plan to put pressure on sanctuary cities by threatening to cut city and university budgets, those at the DVC open forum described their plans to spread awareness by student involvement. The impact that ASDVC could possibly have on supporting the spread of awareness of a student-formed sanctuary was considered at the forum. “I’m going to form that club,” Robin Stewart said, an ASDVC member who is focused on tangible strategies to protect undocumented students. “I’ll actually speak to the students about the content of what we’re saying rather than the fluff which they see it as.”

Contact MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI at MSiddiqui@DVCInquirer.com

Contact SUMMER PAGÁN at SPagan@DVCInquirer.com

KAYLA ROBINSON/ The Inquirer

Viva La Diva Dancers performing at the Balancoire Club in the Mission District for the Mardi Gras celebration presented by Carnaval San Francisco on Tuesday Feb. 28 see page 3.

Umoja panel gives insight on race Opening the panel, students were asked how the portrayal of the media impacts them in their Seven African American stu- daily lives. Panel member Arieal dents spoke during Black Histo- Young, 20, said that she wouldn’t ry month on how stereotyping see or hear anything positive in has affected them in their daily the news and that movies would lives both at school and outside reinforce negative images and of school. stereo“Through Umoja, I’ve Race in types of America: become more comfortable African Students Ameriwith myself.” Speak, cans. an anTalknual panel ing about ~TIERRA LYNCH held durthe media UMOJA panelist ing Black and the History portrayal Month, consisted of students of African Americans, Shanice who are a part of the Umoja Mitchell said that is “irritating” program at DVC. Co-coordi- that the media only shows the nator of the program, Yvonne hardships that African AmeriCanada, who helped moderate cans have faced and not any of the panel said, “Our intention their achievements and that “sohere is to create a safe space. To ciety is kinda judging blacks as a create a safe space for all our whole.” participants to ask questions. Speaking of how media’s porA safe space for all our panel- trayal of African Americans afists to share their thoughts, their fects his life, panel member Ron ideas.” Jones II said, “I can walk down MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI Staff member

TREVOR CHEITLIN/ The Inquirer

From left to right, Tiante Lee-Thomas, 20, Claunesha William, 20 Shanice Mitchell, 19 and Cameron Schmidt, 19, make up part of the Umoja panel. the street and be stopped and asked where I’m going.” Cameron Schmidt said that when he looked up the population of African Americans who attend DVC, he found out that the number was only six percent. The panel ended with members discussing how Umoja has impacted their lives and how the program is helping them. Ron Jones II said that since joining, “it’s been beautiful” and

news

Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

calendar Friday, March 10 Pool Men and women’s swimming vs. Pasadena, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. A-106 Monster Draw, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 Softball field Vs. Modesto, 3:00-7:00 p.m. M-101 Jazz Combos Night, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 16 M-101 Advanced Piano Recital, 2:00 p.m. Baseball Field Mens Baseball vs. American River, 2:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 M-101 Music Major Recital, 2:00 p.m. Community Conference Center Academic Senate Council, 2:004:00 p.m.

police beat Thursday, February 16 LA 120 A student had concerns over the behavior of another student while in class. Wednesday, February 22 Parking Lot 7B A student parked his vehicle in the overflow lot and upon returning discovered damage to his vehicle. Friday, February 24 Student Services Building A student was having thoughts of harming himself. He wanted a medical evaluation and contacted a friend for a ride. Monday, February 27 Location Unknown A student lost her engagement ring while on campus. Library Complex A female student reported that a male individual made physical contact with her in the DVC library while making odd comments. The individual has not been located.

KAYLA ROJAS / The Inquirer

Professor Andy Barlow and Interim dean Rosa Armendariz speak at the meeting on February 28, 2017.

Sanctuary unites students FRANK GUITRON Co-editor-in-chief

The Latino Student Alliance threw together the first of many workshops on Tuesday Feb. 28 to help reaffirm the sanctuary status that the Contra Costa Community College Board agreed in their resolution. The resolution was adopted and passed Jan. 11 of this year. The event's main two speakers were Andrew Barlow, a social science professor, and Rosa Armendariz, the interim dean. Throughout the workshop, the two discussed how students can help create a safe environment for students that are undocumented immigrants. An issue that was discussed was the fear of

ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, using student records and financial aid to track undocumented students and deport them. "We will have to follow some of that (in reference to having a legal obligation to aid ICE), but we can create barriers to slow them down and have more steps," Armendariz stated to the students. The students were engaged with the panel and discussed varying suggestions, such as creating checkpoints before ICE checkpoints to alert the undocumented students to avoid deportation, and getting a lawyer on retainer from fundraised money, which an ASDVC representative claimed they would aid with. Since this panel wanted to focus on giving

student's voices, various students talked about concerns and fears about what the actions of President Trump may have for DVC if we were to lose funding. Barlow also stressed that while Latinos will be affected, it could have potential to affect everyone and wanted everyone to realize that "It's your turn. It's your time. It's up to you what to do," and that they need to "keep focused and unite." There will be a series of workshops focused on helping students, with the next one on March 21, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Multicultural Center. Contact FRANK GUITRON at FGuitron@DVCInquirer.com

Plant sale benefits DVC Horticulture studies NIKKI MOYLAN Co-editor-in-chief

Trees, roses, annual blooming plants and more were available for purchase during the Horticulture department's annual plant sale. About 50 people came Friday afternoon to well-priced plants with lots of variety. Each aisle came with information about the plants for sale, like its soil requirements, best conditions for sun exposure, and approximate height. Student Tuesday L., 25, has been in the horticulture department for two years, with this sale being her "6th or 7th that she has participated in." She noticed that mostly expert growers come in and shop, but also a lot of beginners come to look around and see what to take on. "For any new growers, I recommend any leafy green plants like kale, lettuce, or spinach, and even onions," she said. Also for sale were veggie boxes, where eight easy to grow plants often used in cooking could be bought by both serious and budding enthusiasts. In addition to tool sharpening, soil testing was available and is necessary for the best possible plant growth. Horticulture Club president Peter Swenson has been in the department for two and a half

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.

NIKKI MOYLAN/ The Inquirer

Plants for sale, courtesy of the DVC horticulture department. years, and notes that "plants have their own fashion-like trends." Swenson also says that what people are interested in growing is important, and another factor that is essential to choosing a plant depends on where you live and the type of soil in your garden. Student Susan N. also agrees, saying that "People have to know whether they want edible plants or ones that smell good. It really depends on what gives you the most delight. As for me, I like to eat them.” She noticed that the rare fruit trees were some of the most popular Saturday morning, with types such as ice cream bean trees, plums,

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

Frank Guitron and Nikki Moylan Will Nevin Erin Smith Geoffrey Weseman Kayla Robinson

cherries and guavas often being picked out by customers. The horticulture department has been making contacts with local businesses like Orchard Nursery in Lafayette and Sloat Gardening Center in Pleasant Hill. As for the plants that don't get sold, Swenson says the students keep them, pot them back up, donate them or compost the. "It's a hard job to do...it's all part of the learning process," he says. Contact NIKKI MOYLAN at NMoylan@DVCInquirer.com

Staff STAFF WRITERS Vielle Arcani, Trevor Cheitlin, Courtney Donahoe, Mark Lindahl, Ashley Loaeza, Julia Muskevich, Isaac Norman, Summer Págan, Kayla Rojas, Camille Schwartz, Marukh Siddiqui, Nagisa Tsukada, Danny Yoeono. INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

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

news & features Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 23, 2016

‘Three Way Jazz’ hits all the high notes right ASHLEY LOAEZA Staff member

Jazz was in the air on Friday night as the Diablo Valley College music department presented the "Three Way Jazz" concert held in the Performing Arts Center. Trumpets, trombones, drums, guitars, saxophones, piano, and live vocals were all present and it was a certified crowd pleaser. The concert included live performances by the College Park High School jazz ensemble, DVC faculty jazz, and the DVC jazz ensemble, totaling over 40 incredibly talented musicians at different levels of experience. The performances ranged from up tempo to ballads lasting over an hour and a half. By the level of talent showcased that night, one could feel as

though they were in a professional music venue somewhere in the city and find themselves adding jazz to their musical repertoire right away. ASHLEY LOAEZA/ The Inquirer Led by Matt Zebley, professor and director of jazz studies at Jazz ensemble performs to a packed house on March 3 in the Performing Arts Center. DVC, who not only directed the show, but also played a number of the DVC jazz department. We’re ers included Michael Birnbryer, smooth, sensual, and overall ensongs as a member of DVC facul- sitting on 100 years of history a saxophonist from Los Angeles tertaining live music from your felty jazz on the alto saxophone. He now." who also played the flute. low DVC instructors and students, played one piece of his very own Applause, cheers, whistles, and Birnbryer played songs with then don't worry. There will be that he composed called “Carni- snaps filled the auditorium as both the faculty and the DVC stu- more jazz shows to look forward val,” which was a crowd favorite. many of the performers played dent ensemble. to this semester. Zebley said that through his their solos, as well as at the end of Birnbryer said the talent at DVC The next performance will be shows he hopes to “connect mod- each song. is “exceptional, I can see that there March 14 at 7 p.m. in Music 101. ern concert goers to the history One of the audience members, are diverse interests and diverse Check out dvcmusic.net for and tradition of the music.” George Van Liew from Clayton, levels of people in different plac- tickets and information on more Zebley went on to say, “It's very said “I like when community col- es. Some people are playing at the jazz performances coming this seimportant for me to keep telling leges continue to bring profession- professional level and other people mester. anyone that wants to hear that we al players who are gigging, travel- are stepping into that role." are standing on the shoulders of ing, playing, and bringing them to If you missed out on being a giants and that we didn't just make play and collaborate." part of this talent packed show Contact ASHLEY LOAEZA at ALoaeza@DVCInquirer.com this up, this wasn't a creation of One of these professional play- and listening to some exciting,

LGBTQ community helps its members deal with uneasy feelings in the Trump era NAGISA TSUKADA Staff member

The situation for minorities in the United States has been getting worse since the inauguration of President Donald Trump. For example, there is a planned executive order, called religious freedom, which allows people in certain religions to discriminate against the LGBTQ communities, according to Huffington Post. It might be a difficult time for many of them to be themselves. However, Diablo Valley College welcomes every person: there are some student clubs established to support them. Queer-Straight Alliance is one of these clubs. QSA welcomes any person who is interested in LGBTQ issues. QSA held its second general meeting on Wednesday, March 1 in the Liberal Arts building. Members shared stories, learned some of Trump's anti-LGBTQ political orders and social problems that the LGBTQ community is forcing right now and discussed them. Scarlett Arreola-Reyes, the president of QSA, introduced Trump Administration withdrawal of federal protections for transgender students, and then they shared their thoughts and ideas for it. According Bill Oye, the advisor

for QSA, using bathroom is one of a huge issue for transgender people. If a transgender female uses a female bathroom, her female identity can be threatened. Savannah Thompson, a member of QSA, said that the number of unisex toilets on campus is only 2 and DVC is trying to increase it. They agreed that increasing the number of unisex toilets will provide transgender people safe places and make them feel welcomed. They also discussed their future plans and promotions. QSA is willing to collaborate with other student clubs this semester such as Muslim Student Association, International Student Club, DVC Roots and WE DVC. DVC Roots is an anti-Trump activist club and WE DVC stands for Women's Empowerment. They also would like to hold some events to encourage the NAGISA TSUKADA / The Inquirer understanding for LGBTQ and sex education. President Scarlett Arreola-Reyes lead an LGBT meeting on March 1. "People come here for purpose. They need a space to be themtives...it's not a place where we are and labels, where they can come, ideas to share, QSA holds meetselves, they need a space where pressuring anyone to come out or but also people who don't identify ings at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday in they can release how they feel say anything. in those categories can come and LA 119. without judgement," ArreolaIt's a Queer-Straight Alliance for learn as well and it's really empowReyes said. "They are just coming a reason because people that iden- ering to see both sides of different here and they are just people and tify as any of lesbian, gay, queer, educational processes." Contact NAGISA TSUKADA at we just come to talk about our stotransgender, so many other titles If you have a story or event NTsukada@DVCInquirer.com ries and from different perspec-

news & features Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

KAYLA ROBINSON/ The Inquirer

Conjunto Folklórico Panamá America Dance Company celebrates Mardi Gras in the Mission District on Feb. 28, 2017.

Carnaval San Francisco celebrates Mardi Gras KAYLA ROBINSON Copy editor

For those who didn't make it to Alabama or New Orleans, San Francisco held their own Mardi Gras celebration at five different venues in the Mission District. Dancers and drummers paraded down Mission Street around 6 p.m. to Balançoire Restaurant & Club, the Make Out Room, the Latin American Club, Bissap Baobab Club and Cha Cha Cha Restaurant. Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a celebration of overindulging that happens the day before Ash Wednesday before entering the season of Lent. On Fat Tuesday, many cultures of the Western Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant churches celebrate with music, costumes and dancing. You will notice in the famous New Orleans celebration of Mardi Gras how the attire includes wearing masks and lots of beads which was their way of "poking fun at royalty, getting away with excess of everything while calling them-

selves the kings and queens," Ruth Miller, DVC professor of Humanities & Philosophy said. According to Mardi Gras history, the first Fat Tuesday celebration was held in Mobile, Alabama on Mar. 2, 1699 and was originally named "Pointe du Mardi Gras" by French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville before heading back to France. "I was born into Carnaval San Francisco," Rodrigo Duran said. "My parents are professional Aztec dancers here in the Mission so I basically grew up dancing down the streets just like all the dancers that performed tonight." Duran is the parade and event coordinator for Carnaval San Francisco, along with others who keep the Carnaval tradition alive. "I'm not originally from here but I was walking down the street when I heard and saw the drummers and people dancing and wanted to see what it was all about," Corinne Grace, from the East Bay, said. "I've always been interested in the Mardi Gras celebration and I've never been able to come to one. Tonight I was lucky

Persian club celebrates Nowruz COURTNEY DONAHOE Staff member

“They all know their roots and are proud of their culture.” ~FIROUZEH ZANDI Persian Club adviser

Neda Emmani gave an informational and interactive speech of how Persians get ready to celebrate the Nowruz holiday. After the interactive speech, NDA (Niosha Dance Academy) instructor Melika Fathi put on a beautiful dance performance that was enchanting and incorporated intricate dance moves. Neema and Azadeh Hekmat put on a piano and santoor, or a string musical instrument with seventytwo strings, piece that reeled you in and gave you the chills. The women of the Persian Club

danced to an Azari dance, dressed in colorful beaded dresses, to the beat of Iranian dance music. Following the dance performances was a quick intermission with treats and tea. Coming back from intermission, vice president of the Persian Club, Shayan Abarghooie, gave a speech on Iranian culture and the significance of the Persian Club. “We as Iranians have a clear understanding of our amazing background and our history, our club was established for one reason, to bring the community closer,” Abarghooie said. At the end of performances with their energized Papiyon music that they had taught themselves on the piano, Alexi and Arman Omid got the crowd up on their feet and started singing and dancing along. With final speeches of the night from Abarghooie and Zandi, they thanked everyone who has contributed to making this night happen, followed by observance for the Iranian National Anthem.

Contact KAYLA ROBINSON at KRobinson@DVCInquirer.com

University of San Francisco

LEARN TODAY. CHANGE TOMORROW.

PROGRAMS IN: MANAGEMENT | NURSING Call to make an advising appointment today (925) 867-2711 usfca.edu/pleasanton 6120 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Ste. 150, Pleasanton, CA

Contact COURTNEY DONAHOE at CDonahoe@DVCInquirer.com

P L E A S A N TO N

The Persian Club of Diablo Valley College put on a performance of what Nowruz really means to its members. Nowruz, also known as “new day”, is a new year for the Iranians and Persians who have been celebrating this holiday for 2,725 years. Nowruz is a holiday for family and friends to celebrate the first day of spring. Family and friends gathered around DVC’s Performing Arts Center on Feb. 26 dressed to impress and watch the Persian Club celebrate Nowruz. The event began with the president of the club, Daniel Abarghooie, giving a speech on what his nationality means to him. “As an Iranian native that’s blessed to originate from a rich past and history, I will always have my pride and nationality,” Abarghooie said. DVC computer science professor and Persian Club adviser Firouzeh Zandi gave a powerful presentation naming off the contributions to the Iranian heritage. Zandi mentioned Zakariya Razi, who discovered alcohol, to

Anousheh Ansari, who is an electrical engineer and computer science major that got to travel in a spaceship and fly up into space. “What do all of these people have in common? They all know their roots and are proud of their culture,” Zandi said.

enough to walk past." There were performances by Chulita Vinyl Club, DJ Carlos, Sherman Elementary, Comunidad Yucateca-Asociación Mayab, Conjunto Folklórico Panamá America, Feline Finesse Dance Company, Loco Bloco, Cuicacalli, Viva La Diva and SF State's Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble. The festivities ended around 8:30 p.m. where the floor was opened up for dancing and drinks for the remainder of the evening. The parade relies on volunteers to help the organization continue to host the events and are always looking for more assistance. If you're interested in volunteering, visit Carnaval San Francisco on their website. Missed out on the festivities? Carnaval San Francisco has their grand parade coming up on Sunday, May 28.

CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HE RE

features

Thursday, March 3 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

ISAAC NORMAN / The Inquirer

Rehersals for ‘You Can’t Take It With You” allows for actors to perfect performances.

Drama’s spring play is for comedy lovers and romantics CAMILLE SCHWARTZ Staff member

Last rehearsals for the classic play "You Can't Take It With You" played this month at DVC. The drama department chose this comedy show by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, which premiered on Broadway in 1936. This idealistic comedy emphasizes the idea that you can only live life to the fullest by doing whatever makes you happy and in the end, love conquers all. Two very different families have to find a way to get along when their children fall

in love and decide to get married. "This play is all about enjoying life, not being wrapped up by the world we are in," said director Ryan Weible. This former DVC student discovered his passion for directing during his years in the drama department. He has since worked on several plays in Broadway. "You Can't Take It With You" will include special effects like fireworks. "It was a real challenge, we had to solve a lot of technical problems," said Weible. But even with some scheduling problems due to the

other play Weible is working on in San Francisco, the team managed to have frequent rehearsals.

“This play is all about enjoying life, not being wrapped up by the world we are in.” ~RYAN WEIBLE Director

"It shows that Ryan trusts us enough to pull together a good

show without seeing each other everyday for two months," said cast member Elizabeth Martinie. The colorblind cast is Weible's personal choice. "I am much more interested by diversity, I long for the day when audiences attend a show, see people of all ethnicity playing typically "white" roles and don't notice." "Originally some roles were played by Afro-Americans and this is not the case here," said Scottie Tsubota, the actor playing Paul Sycamore. Majoring in theater, Tsubota will act in his first

real play next month. "This is the first time that I am going to play a father, and this is a different role that I am used to and I love it." "'You Can't Take It With You' has a sense of community, it is quirky, it is funny, it might make you cry, and it will definitely make you laugh," said Martinie. There are going to be 9 performances in 2 weeks and tickets are available online at the DVC department of Drama website. Contact CAMILLE SCHWARTZ at CSchwartz@DVCInquirer.com

‘Get Out’ looks at fears of race and stereotypes KAYLA ROJAS Staff member

Comedian Jordan Peele, the latter of the comedy sketch duo "Key and Peele", has made his directorial debut with his thriller "Get Out". Taking the helm with directing and writing, Peele crafts together a smart thriller, based heavily on social commentary while balancing out the intense moments with comic relief. It challenges typical horror movie tropes as well as the topic of predisposed notions and race. "Get Out" follows an African American

The atmosphere of the film in unsettling, making a perfectly manicured suburb sinister. photographer Chris, and his Caucasian girlfriend Rose en route to a weekend getaway to visit her wealthy parents in a remote suburb. Upon arrival however, Chris begins to suspect that nothing is as it seems and though he is invited, he does not feel welcome. The film does a superb job of of placing the audience into Chris's uncomfortable position, and making him a believable character that the viewer can root for.

The supporting cast are eerily too perfect, and it is easy for us to relate to Chris's suspicions. The horror and suspense is equally balanced between the comic relief in the form of Chris's TSA friend Rod, having the tension play out smoothly. Though the film is marketed as a horror film, it is safe to say that the film was more intended to be a satire. "Get Out" is very similar to the classic comedy "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", with an urban twist on the horror film "The Stepford Wives." The atmosphere of the film is unsettling, making a perfectly manicured suburb sinister. "Get Out" offers a new twist on how race is approached in the media. This film can either be about race, or it can not be about race. The twist revealed at the climax can be up for interpretation as it doesn't entirely focus on race. However, this doesn't mean that the film's backdrop is not race based, but that is not the end focus. It is a smart, self aware thriller that changes the game by not demonizing the white cast of the movie but not taking away the power of the black cast. This is a film that is receiving the rave reviews and attention it deserves by handling a controversial topic in a new way. Contact KAYLA ROJAS at KRojas@DVCInquirer.com

Courtesy of Blumhouse

‘Get Out’ is comedian Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, with rave reviews.

Rattling Rumble Rages E

DANNY YOEONO Staff member

ast Bay Pro Wrestling has brought underground professional wrestling to a Pacheco warehouse complex sandwiched between the Concord Buchanan Air Field and interstate 680 since 2015. The only way to know you have found the wrestling arena is to find the open doorway wrapped in LED lights. EBPW had their first cage match Feb. 25. Entry was $10, Cash only. The night’s cage match between Perry Von Vicious and Levi Shapiro is billed with the tag, “two men enter, one man leaves town.” In reality, Vicious, is moving back to Massachusetts. Outside the main event, there are five other matches, two of them with companionship belts on the line and one of them a tag team match. The first match of the night is between wrestlers Alexander G. Bernard, a wealthy man character who comes out in a captains hat and TEAR AWAY KHAKIS, versus Tsunami, a surfer dude character. The self-proclaimed “superior man” Bernard won after five minutes. The smaller bouts leading to the main event follow a formula, the crowd knows who the villain and hero are. It became painfully obvious. I got spit on by one wrestler. Another wrestler said he wanted to take the candy of an 8-year-old crowd member. You knew who to cheer for. And you cheer loud. And when the good guy wins, all is right in the world. Before the main event could begin the crowd was told to wait outside while they strap and zip tie the chain link cage up to the ring. After ten minutes, we reentered. The cage match started with the lights turning off and a two minute montage video of Vicious and Shapiro’s friendship plays. “We were brothers,” Shapiro in a voice over said. “I’ve always wanted to have a cage match,” says Vicious in the last line of the video before the lights turn back on and wrestlers are introduced and enter the ring. After the three count by the official, Shapiro had won. Vicious said real goodbyes because he was actually leaving everyone behind. Vicious and Shapiro hugged. There was a lot of hugging, all part of an emotional farewell to Vicious. EBPW generally has two shows a month. The next shows are on Mar. 11 and Mar. 25 at 110 2nd Ave. South #B9 Pacheco CA. Contact DANNY YOEONO at DYoeono@DVCInquirer.com

Buddy Royal shows Andre Laveaux the taste of the mat.

Above, Tony Vargas has Joe DeSoul’s legs in a hold. Right, crowd booing as Bernard as he made his enterance.

Photos by DANNY YOEONO / The Inquirer

Left, Levi Shapiro up against the cage. Below, Andre Laveaux flips Buddy Royal.

features

Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

DVC drama performs in Mile High City Festival ISAAC NORMAN Staff member

With resumes, portfolios, headshots, monologues and warm clothing prepared, 29 DVC theater students and department chair Nicole Hess-Diestler touched down in Denver, Colorado on Feb. 19th ready to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The week-long festival, which ran from Feb. 20 to Feb. 24, was abound with opportunities to audition for parts and programs, learn different acting techniques and skills, network, have a fun time and perhaps above all else, share a collective passion and camaraderie for the performing arts with other students and teachers from the Pacific Northwest. “It was really interesting going and seeing what other people have to offer and… just meet with people that are from different areas and bring different perspectives and techniques in to sample everything and just be a sponge and soak it all up and see what you can use with it,” Tyler Page, one of DVC’s student-performers. Page, along with other students, auditioned for Next Step, which provides a major jumping off point for those looking to be seen and heard by casting directors, professional theater companies and schools with four year theater programs as well as for design and technical students looking to showcase their work to interested parties. After two months of practice and vocal lessons, Rachel Kennealy was ready to sing at her Next Step audition.

But right before the trip, she got sick and the night before her 9 a.m. audition she completely lost her voice. With the help of her friends she picked a dramatic Shakespeare monologue to perform instead and worked on her monologue along with other students who would be auditioning the next day. The next morning people were blown away by what they perceived to be her character choice of a raspy voice and she was rewarded with callbacks to the University of Wyoming, Gonzaga University and Miracle Theatre Group in Portland, Oregon. “If everything had gone well I don’t think I would have learned as much as I did with it going awry because having to pull something out at 11 p.m. the night before...I need to have things prepared to pull out of my Photo courtesy of SCOTT TSUBOTA back pocket if things like this happen and to Drama students Scott Tsubota and Jordan Smith perform in “Hairspray.” be able to just hone in and go to work and not stress and just be like, well this is what it speare Festival, which according to Page, is shared a common bond: “Who are you? is, go for it,” said Kennealy. similar to the Broadway of the West Coast. Where are you from? Tell me what state Although not every student who audiThey were able to get this private meet you’re from and we can get along because we tioned received a callback, their auditions and greet based on the connection Wallace speak the same language because we speak still held immense value. Yan, another student-actor and prop design the language of theater,” Sonas said. “In theater, networking is really really im- specialist at DVC, formed with her while in“It’s so cool to see people that were here portant so in the future someone might be terning at the Summer Repertory Theatre in previously go off and do other things and like, ‘Oh, hey you were at Festival in 2017 2015 when she was a director. A year later then come back and tell us, ‘This is what I’m and I liked the work you did. I’ll put in a the two worked together on a show called learning right now you should come to this good word for you,’” Katie Sonas, drama “Things Reveal Themselves Passing Away.” school because this is what you’re going to student, said The festival itself put on plays on Tuesday, learn here,’” Page said. DVC’s network paid huge dividends when Wednesday and Thursday along with a 90s “It’s incredible to see what the future has students got a private meet and greet with themed dance party on Wednesday and a in store and the path we’re sort of followthe head of acting at Southern Oregon Uni- prom themed dance party on Friday. ing.” versity Jackie Apodaca, a prestigious acting The people who came through the door Contact ISAAC NORMAN at school that helps put on the Oregon Shake- came from every part of the region and all INorman@DVCInquirer.com Advertisement

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opinions

Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Under Trump, few DREAMers apply for aid

JULIA MUSKEVICH Senior staff member

he volume of undocumented immigrant students applying for the California Dream Act has dropped more than 40 percent due to immeasurable fears of deportation, new data shows. "The national conversation surrounding immigration and deportation has created an environment that is confusing and threatening to many of our students," Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley stated in an interview with The Daily Journal. The Trump Administration has evidently made it a priority to persecute illegal immigration, which has resulted in a pandemonium within our country. Thousands of students have become petrified to disclose personal information with our government, according to educators and state political leaders voicing their concerns within the As-

sembly's higher education committee. The Trump administration plans to triple the number of ICE deportation officers focused on identifying and quickly removing illegal immigrants in America "who have evaded justice." Additionally, more than 5,000 Border Patrol agents will be hired and placed along the border rather than behind desks. The policies intend on ceasing the Fourteenth Amendment right of birthright citizenship. Trump made a proposition not to grant citizenship to US born children of illegal immigrants, or also known as "anchor babies." The objective is to deport children with their parents in order to keep immigrant families together. This enactment has drastically heightened the expanse of susceptible undocumented immigrants that will come to be deported. The California Student Aid commission received 19,768 applications in 2016. A considerable decline compared to the 34,162 applications that were collected in 2015, according to the CCC system. The Chancellor of California's community college system has verbally expressed his apprehension over the scarcity of financial aid applications from undocumented students. The California Dream Act, in effect since 2012, sanctions colleges to grant state-funded financial aid and scholarships to undocumented students. In order to qualify for the grant, students must be an undocumented immigrant, hold a U-visa or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

President Trump has yet to capitalize on DACA, a federal program that awards Dreamers work permits and provisional exceptions from deportation. Spokeswoman for the commission, Patty Colston stated in a press conference that a copious amount of qualified students have mistakenly confused the state's Dream Act with DACA. It is heartening that countless citizens have chosen to support, protect, and take a stand for the immigrants who reside in our country. The unanimity between each person, culture, and race is what makes this country flourish. The deportation regulations have undoubtedly impaired our country's values. We are currently living in a tumultuous period where frightening history is in the making. The new administration yearns to solidify this country as a whole, when in reality their principles are segregating it. In order to qualify for the California Dream Act, students must also have attended a California K-12 school and high school for a minimum of three years at each school, along with receiving a diploma. Additionally, an affidavit must be filed stating that he or she will file an application to become legalized within the college they plan to attend. These details should bring an end to the ongoing delusion that immigrants are simply given additional benefits. A significant percentage of Americans believe giving immigrants a free education would be rewarding lawbreakers through their waged taxes. They are required to attend school and

100 units can cause a crisis for some students

started my college "career" at Diablo Valley me. College over 10 years ago, and since the sumI suffered through 26 units of nontransferable mer of 2006 have racked up 157 attempted math before I found STATWAY, all of which were units - this semester included, as well a five page long being counted toward my limit regardless of their transcript - unofficial. status. With the help of academic reIn a press release, dated July newal and being able to withdraw, 9, 2012, the California Commuit's been reduced to about 67 atnity College's Board of Governors tempted units. moved forward to make an excepHowever, nothing ever really tion for students in regards to engoes away forever and when it rollment regulations. comes to government money this It stated, "students in good acais especially true. demic standing who have not exI never received any financial asceeded 100 units (not including sistance from the Free Application units in basic English, math or Engfor Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) lish as a Second Language) will have until I came back to DVC in the priority over student who do not Spring of 2015. This was because meet these criteria." I previously lived with my parents Why then are remedial units bewho claimed me as a dependent ing counted toward a degree in reERIN SMITH Opinions editor and therefore my income was their gards to financial aid? income according to the Feds. BeThe only thing I can relate this to cause everyone's parents can afis how the country's law books are ford their kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college tuition, right? unable to keep up with technological advances. Once established my financial aid was coming in Cyber exploitation has been around since the dawn just fine. It didn't take long before I was being bom- of the internet, but according to latimes.com was only barded with letters stating "students are not eligible to recently outlawed in California in October 2013, the receive financial aid funds after they have attempted first conviction happening just a few days ago in San 150 percent of units needed for a degree." Diego. I, apparently, had "exceeded the maximum time It's time for the way financial aid is dealt with to frame." be updated to reflect more modern times. There are I now had to write an appeal answering, "Why do newer and better programs being offered at commuyou believe an exception should be made in your nity colleges to help students along that should be case?" An exception? acknowledged when dealing with people's livelihoods. How about that I was being denied needed funds for events that took place a decade ago, when I wasn't even enrolled in the FAFSA program? It soon became my understanding that every unit I Contact ERIN SMITHat ESmith@ had ever attempted, withdrawn from, passed, failed, DVCInquirer.com transferable or otherwise was now being used against

earn a diploma, as anyone else does. To do such a thing, and to be offered college admission, exhibits determination and diligence. Immigrants should not be restrained from a college education due to their unfortunate circumstances or lack of funds. This is why the Dream Act was established; to give opportunity to those who have earned it. An unnamed federal official told the East Bay Times, "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would not access (California Dream Act data) for administrative immigration enforcement purposes." Several politicians and advocates have expressed their uneasiness that the selfimposed shortcoming of tuition aid could "send many of the state's young, educated immigrants back into the shadows, unable to attend college or launch careers," according to Tatiana Sanchez and Katy Murphy of the East Bay Times. It is entirely justifiable to feel alarmed of what our government intends to implement. Various states have already been exposed to I.C.E. raids and cases of deportation. "The California Community Colleges has always embraced the values of diversity and inclusion," said Chancellor Oakley in The Daily Journal. "It is what makes our system, and the state of California, strong and prosperous."

Contact JULIA MUSKEVICH at JMuskevich@DVCInquirer.com

opinions

Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Editorial Students need accountability for news accuracy

e live in an age of information. If Without solid facts, debates turn into shouting matchyou have a question, an answer can es about who feels more strongly that their one-sided be found simply by asking Google. argument is correct. If something doesn’t fit the narraBut what if you accept the first tive of someone with this mentality, then communicaanswer you are given as fact, even tion becomes all but impossible as those who are now when it’s not necessarily the right one, but merely the viewed as “enemies” are dehumanized. most popular trending one? Getting news from social media also has the benefit It’s no surprise that the 2016 election helped propa- of a platform for people to discuss their most heartfelt gate “fake news” and reveal biases for the candidates. beliefs. This has people questioning the trustworthiness of Without fully understanding such heated topics and journalists and mainstream news organizations. then not even considering to even read the article, peoA recent “Buzz” piece conducted by the Inquirer ple tend to get worked up over “click-bait” headlines asked students from what sources they received the bulk and shut down their willingness to listen to those they of their news. While some stuhave already deemed as the “Without solid facts, dents listed one or two sources, it opposition. debates turn into was clear that most relied on soWhile it takes some extra effort, cial media sites such as Facebook, a good solution would be to broadshouting matches.” Twitter, and Instagram for news. en your perspective on a topic of According to a study conductyour interest by checking multiple ed by economic professors Hunt Allcott of New York sources. It takes a lot of work to be well-read, but it is University and Matthew Gentzkow of Stanford Uni- more limiting to ignore the other side. versity, “62 percent of U.S. adults get news on social Norwegian public broadcaster NRK is trying somemedia.” thing new: a lock on the comment section of their arIf over half of American adults get their news from ticles that can only be unlocked through a quiz, in which social media without checking one or multiple sources, the reader must verify that they have read and underpartial or even inaccurate information can be miscon- stood the article. While we may not need a solution like strued as fact. this just yet, it is perhaps a bit troubling that such a soluThese inaccuracies can cause deep misunderstanding tion even needs to be considered. Kayla Rojas / YouTube and division amongst people, since an agreed upon set A screenshot of people having “arguments” of facts cannot be established. -Spring 2017 Editorial Board online.

Letters to the editor

Parking still stinks

Everyday students drive to the Pleasant Hill campus to go to class, but how is it possible to learn when you can’t park your car to get to class? The Diablo Valley College parking lots have only gotten worse each semester with the very limited space that it gives. We are required to buy $48 parking passes each semester, yet there is nowhere to park our cars. We come to school to learn and its hard to stay positive throughout the day when it’s started by fighting other students for parking spots. We shouldn’t have to get to school an hour early to park within school grounds. “Between its two campuses, DVC serves more than 22,000 students each semester with a wide variety of program options,” states dvc.edu. With this many students, there needs to be a better way to accommodate them all. “Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and having a permit does not guarantee that a student will find a parking space,” states the DVC parking policy. This is understandable, but what would the school like us to do if we can’t find parking?

I believe there’s something we can do to fix the parking situation on campus and leave students less frustrated. We spend almost $50 to park on campus lots, so why not use the money that’s coming in from the passes to create more parking spaces or even a parking garage which takes up less space. Students are willing to do fundraisers to help with money if that means better parking. Something needs to be done about these parking lots.

~Ali Lee, student

Why we should walk Each year Diablo Valley College puts on their annual graduation ceremony in the month of May. According to the DVC website, more than 22,000 students go to both the Pleasant Hill and San Ramon campus. That seems like an impressive number of students for going to a community college. However, the average graduation rate from Diablo Valley College is only about 46.7%. I have talked to students around campus and it is a shame

that many of them don’t consider graduating from a community college is a big deal. On Feb. 13, Adeel Pervez, a student transferring this fall, explains why he won’t walk in the ceremony this May. He states, “To me, DVC is about getting in and getting out and that is the mentality a lot of students have here. I appreciated my time here but at the same time I’m more interested in moving on rather than celebrating this milestone.” For those that are feeling this way, I suggest changing your perspective and try to think about the real reason why you chose to come here in the first place. Whether you go to a community college or an Ivy League school, every graduation is unique. This is my last semester at DVC and I too will be transferring in the fall. I am looking forward to walking out on the track with my black cap and gown and receive my diploma. I strongly encourage students completing their last semester here to walk at graduation because you have finished an important chapter in your life and it should be recognized. In order to walk in Fall 2017, you must file for graduation and an early registration option by April 15. ~ Tiffany Cerruti, student

The

Buzz Where do you get your news from ? Interviewed by: Geoffrey Weseman Photographed by: Frank Guitron

JACKY QUANG, 18 Architecture

RYAN KINNEY, 19 Communications

MICHELLE RAVAZZA, 21 Psychology

JORDAN HINDS, 20 Marketing

“Usually just online.”

“Usually, I’ll go to BBC. For radio, I’ll listen to national broadcasts.”

“Probably TV news stations and maybe the newspapers if it’s laying around.”

“From Snapchat and Instagram.”

sports & opinions Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

DVC has outgrown the Crow’s Nest

The Crow’s Nest is a notoriously delicious Chinese and breakfast food-truck sized snack shack at the top of the massive hill in between the Advanced Technology Center and the Life & Health Science buildings open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Each day the Crow’s Nest open’s, a famous and “almost terrifying line begins to form at 10 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m,” warns frequent customer and DVC student Justin Coletto. Hundreds of people eventually get through the long line and arrive at their two small serving windows peering into one of the busiest and most iconic culinary experiences offered at DVC. Their lunch menu includes homemade crispy orange chicken, Chinese BBQ pork, curry chicken, garlic ginger chicken, kung pao chicken, vegetarian eggplant, Mongolian beef, and daily specials like BBQ pork fried rice and egg rolls. Little do people know the Crow’s Nest also offers a breakfast menu offering up french toast, omelets, bacon and other daily specials for a very reasonable price. For $6 and a strong determination to wait for your food, anyone can experience this convenient Chinese and breakfast foodshack. Increasing student enrollment at DVC combined with years of word-of-mouth advertising has turned the once “quick and

convenient” Crow’s Nest, as described on the DVC website, into a ten to twenty minute debacle. Their afternoon popularity has caused the line to stretch far beyond the usual grassy area and can reach over fifty students long, causing the line to move into the walkway near the stairs.

NIKKI MOYLAN / The Inquirer

The two windows and famous line at the Crow’s Nest.

WILL NEVIN News editor

Ricky Garcia, employee of the Crow’s Nest explains, “space is very limited here. This place is all the space we have to work in. We need bigger everything [to be more productive].” The building is about the same size as a food truck, but accompanied by a massive line students eager to make class on time.

The faculty office building directly behind the Crow’s Nest is one of the oldest buildings on campus, which is most likely going to be torn down and replaced within the next few years. During this possible construction, the DVC administration should consider demolishing the current Crow’s Nest building and replacing the tiny two window shack. A new Panda Express style buffet would accommodate the increasing student body for years to come. The Crow’s Nest building was originally designed to serve a few hundred people sporadically through out the day, not hundreds of students within a short period of time. Most can attest, waiting in their line dur-

ing the lunch rush and then eating your own food can potentially take thirty minutes or more.A more stream lined experience could increase revenue. Imagine our own DVC buffet similar to Panda Express at the top of the hill serving hundreds of people daily without much of a line to worry about. Our campus and fellow student body is increasing every year, leading to higher demand for quick and convenient food. The bottleneck known as the Crow’s Nest is currently providing enough food for a few hundred students a week, when thousands of students are looking for something faster. Contact WILL NEVIN at WNevin@DVCInquirer.com

Women’s basketball fall short in round of sixteen ISAAC NORMAN Staff member

In a repeat of last year’s end to the season the Vikings lost to the Rams while outside rain soaked City College of San Francisco’s gym. When asked what the Vikings did well in their 86 to 74 loss on Saturday March 4th, head coach Ramaundo Vaughn said, “our uniforms looked nice.” Players and coaches had no shortage of critiques for their performance with the general consensus being the team was not ready for the moment. Guard Safiyyah Yasin said the team didn’t execute their brand of basketball of playing together, moving the ball well, and defending at an elite level. Guard Doris Jones added the team did not live for the moment and got down on each other when something didn’t go right. Forward Samarah Oliver felt the lack of depth and size hurt their ability to bring energy off the bench saying, “when you play 40 minutes a game people get tired.” The first half featured frenetic action with both teams jostling to establish a rhythm and the lead changing or tying a combined 17 times. The exchanges stopped with 3:29 to play til the half when the Rams made a pair of free throws to gain a lead they would never relinquish. They scored three more times before the clock hit zero, including a layup at the buzzer to lead 45 to 40. The Vikings came out flat to start the second half and first year assistant coach Danielle Mauldin felt the team got outhustled, losing their rhythm every time they started to generate some momentum. The Vikings kept battling and brought the deficit back to within three, thanks to a 3 point shot by Safiyyah Yasin, that made the score 49 to 52 with 6:03 remaining in the third quarter.

ISAAC NORMAN / The Inquirer

Viking Safiyyah Yasin shoots over Rams’ Brittany Deckman during the Sweet 16 tournament. But like the rain pouring outside, the Rams did not let up and proceeded on a 10 point scoring spree that could only be halted by a timeout from Vaughn. The Vikings never really threatened the Rams after that. The intensity of the game led tempers to flare over officiating towards the end of the first half which culminated with the head referee issuing a warning to Vaughn. A wild sequence happened with 6:51 left to play in the game and the Vikings trailing 62 to 74. Oliver and Rams player Gabrielle Vigil got tangled up off a made Rams layup and the ensuing fracas resulted in a technical foul for Vigil and one for the Vikings as a team.

Oliver proceeded to shoot two free throws and Vigil three, after which play resumed. Ultimately the game came down to defense. The Vikings expected the Rams to play a man to man defensive scheme, but instead they played a zone defensive scheme which forced the Vikings into a lot of bad shots. According to Jones they took a lot of forced three point shots when they could have attacked and they should have had more ball movement. The Rams held the Vikings to 29.7% shooting from the field while the Vikings allowed the Rams to shoot 46.4% from the field. Rams coach Derek Lau said his team did enough to slow the Vikings down on offense

and attack the right people on defense to beat a great team and get the win. “I’m proud of our season,” said Vaughn. “We are one of the premier teams in the state of California and losing tonight doesn’t lessen that at all.”

Contact ISAAC NORMAN at INorman@DVCInquirer.com

sports

Thursday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

What do Warrior losses mean for playoffs? The two games in a row that the Golden State Warriors lost means absolutely nothing for the team moving forward. The Warriors are still a dominant team no matter how you slice it, but their performance of late has raised some questions. Everyone has a bad shooting night or goes into a mini slump. Shooting from beyond the arc has definitely been a struggle for the Warriors.

Diablo Valley College pitcher Jose Martinez mid-pitch against San Joaquin Delta.

Baseball avoids sweep TREVOR CHEITLIN Staff member

GEOFFREY WESEMAN Sports editor

In the last four games, Steph Curry has shot an underwhelming 9 for 44 from an area he's known for excelling from. But it's not just Curry, guard Klay Thompson has had his struggles going 8 for 33 in the past three games. In a post game interview with ESPN's Israel Gutierrez, when referring to his shot Curry said, "I don't ever lose confidence." If continuously chucking up 44 shots and only making nine of them isn't confidence then I don't know what is. Maybe the unusual amount of misses can be tied to the absence of the Warriors' star forward, Kevin Durant. Without Kevin Durant the Warriors lost two games in a row, which broke the streak of 146 games without back-to-back losses. Not only did the Warriors lose back-to-back games, but the San Antonio Spurs crept into the top spot in the NBA's power rankings. If any team can take down the Warriors, it's the Spurs. The Warriors are favored in all of their 20 remaining games, except for their two match ups against San Antonio. I expect for these two power houses to meet in the Western Conference Finals to decide who's the best in the West this year.

The DVC baseball team staged an eighth inning rally on Saturday to down the San Joaquin Delta Mustangs 3-2. The win helped the Vikings (6-11) stave off a three-game season sweep at the hands of division rival Delta (15-2). DVC left fielder Drew Downing played the hero, driving in catcher Jared Bannister to give the Vikings the lead. Downing joined Bannister and third baseman Frank Panacci with two hits a piece. Right fielder Ricky Pato was phenomenal as well, notching three doubles and an RBI. The win came of the heels of a demoralizing 16-1 defeat against Delta just two days before. Thursday’s game, at DVC, featured a fear-

some Delta lineup that was clicking on all cylinders. The Mustangs started the scoring early and didn’t let up. DVC connected for six hits but couldn’t quite put it all together, stranding four runners on base and grounding into three inning-ending double plays. Center fielder Tyler Toland and shortstop Jordan Williams kept pace with two hits a piece. Williams, a freshman out of Albany, is hitting .307 from the leadoff spot this season. He leads the Vikings with 23 hits on the year. It was a frustrating day for DVC’s pitching staff as well, who just couldn’t seem to stop the bleeding. Starter Evan Gravenmier (1-3) took the loss after getting roughed up for three earned runs on three hits, two walks and one hit batter in the first two innings. It looked like the Vikings might make it a

competitive game after getting two on with one out in the first inning and the bases loaded with one out in the third, but both innings ended with a double play. DVC’s only run came in the bottom of the ninth, with Toland scoring from second on a fielding error by Delta shortstop Jack Walsh. The Vikings put that loss behind them with their comeback win on Saturday. They now sit at 6-11 as they approach the midway point of the season. This week holds four games for the vikings, including three against division rival Modesto. Box scores from Thursday, March 2 and Saturday, March 4.

Contact TREVOR CHEILIN at TCheitlin@DVCInquirer.com

DVC goes down in the first round MARK LINDAHL Staff member

MARK LINDAHL / The Inquirer

Contact GEOFFREY WESEMAN at GWeseman@DVCInquirer.com

TREVOR CHEITLIN / The Inquirer

Gurad Rodney Pope elevating over Las Positas guard Caleb Baskett for the jump shot.

Too little too late. This is the best way to describe how the first round playoff match up between the Las Positas Hawks and Diablo Valley College Vikings. Las Positas forward Spencer Wood shares how his team feels going up against the Vikings. “Obviously we’re going to have our hands full with them, but I don’t think they’re going to outmatch us,” Wood said “I think it’s a little bit of everything. We have size, we have speed… I think we’re a pretty well-rounded team.” Spencer’s analysis of his team proved to be correct. Five out of the seven players that saw time on the court for the Hawks scored in double digits. This was highlighted by Kameron Johnson’s double-double. Scoring 18 points and collecting 12 rebounds and Caleb Baskett contributing to the offense with 17 points and 8 assists. But the Vikings played hard throughout the whole game. With a half time deficit of 41-33, they headed to the locker room to regroup, but they weren’t done battling. Once the Vikings came back out on the court you could tell coach Coccimiglio had lit a fire under his teams’ butt. DVC guard Rodney Pope came out on a mission, hitting a few big threes to start the second half strong for his team.

Pope, along with Jovontae Carelton attacking the rim and connecting on his free throws, sparked the second push to get their team back in contention. The Hawks met this challenge by switching to a full court press. This led to some sloppy turnovers and rushed play by DVC. Once Viking center Eric Nielsen fouled out with 5:18 left in the game it started getting out of hand. Las Positas had the clear size advantage at the beginning of the game, and without Nielsen patrolling the paint, the Hawks could get a bucket almost every time they came down the court. With about 2 minutes left the game turned into a foul fest with the Vikings hoping to be able to stay in the game by account of some untimely misses for the Hawks. Even though Las Positas only hit 51.6 percent of their free throws overall, they were able to bury the ones they needed to close the game out. The deficit was too large to overcome. When the buzzer sounded the final score was 87-71, with Las Positas riding off into the sunset towards their next playoff game against Feather River on March 4.

Contact MARK LINDAHL at MLindahl@DVCInquirer.com