‘Noises Off’ raises the volume: DVC’s take on this
Off the Grid Eateries: Gaming stores open late: Food trucks come to The Willows Shopping Center in Concord. See Page 6.
Editor’s guide to nightlife brings to light two locations for pinball and boardgames. See Page 4.
satirical comedy is sure to make you chuckle. See Page 6.
The
INQUIRER S tudent V oi ce
of
D iablo Val le y C ol le g e
Volume 85 No. 3 Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014 www.TheInquirerOnline.com
Investigation is underway for Model United Nations RACHEL ANN REYES Editor-in-chief
DVC’s Model United Nations club is being investigated by a commission of the Associated Students of DVC after complaints about the way the club has been run. Complaints revolved around official meetings being held off campus and the accuracy of data submitted to the Inter-Club Council in persuading it to help fund their UCLA conference trip in April. Current Secretary General Keenan Nilson and Under-Secretary General Allan Kew, who is also a staff member of The Inquirer, have been the focus of the investigation— as they hold leadership roles for the club. The commission gave Nilson and Kew contracts on March 24 that outlined the concerns GUSTAVO VASQUEZ/ The Inquirer about the club and the decision making process, including conducting announced public Left to right: ASDVC President Sam Park, along with, Keith Montes, John Mimeetings in which the adviser is in attendance. chealson, Elizabeth Nash, and Dr. Araim at the Commission of Judicial Review Both acknowledged, agreed and signed the let- meeting at Diablo Valley College on Thursday, Mar. 25, 2014. ter. he almost forgot to hold elections in March, Since the commission can only recommend harmful to the club. “I went to the judicial review because I was but after recommendations from the commischanges, they’ll continue their investigation concerned about the way some of the projects sion, he proceeded to do so on March 25. to ensure the officers follow through with the were being handled and feared further action According to Neema Monfared, chairman of agreements. could lead to problems in the future,” Nash said the Commission of Judicial Review, the accuThe initial complaint began when former in an email response to Inquirer questions. sations had outlined Nilson submitting a false MUN secretary general, the club’s version of a “My aim was to prevent such actions from report or changing the numbers to help make president, Elizabeth Nash filed complaints with continuing and thus protect the long-term inthe case for funding the club’s trip to UCLA, the commission. terests of the club. I mentioned those officers but the commission found that the accusation At the public meeting of the ASDVC’s Combecause they were the only officers I saw hanwas false. mission of Judicial Review on March 25, Nash In regards to decisions being made at unoffiexplained that she is concerned for, “the future dling projects in such a manner,” Nash continued. cial meetings Nilson felt the club couldn’t funcof the club.” According to Nilson, he was unaware of cerShe felt as though there is no room for people MUN, Page 3 to express their opinions without being shut tain rules, such as posting meetings in advance at the student union building. He also admits down and wants to limit actions that have been
College Park shows its ‘Perspectives’ College Park High School student Dylan hill (left) and CPHS ceramics instructor Lesley Jensen (right) sets up a display box of ceramic and glass artwork on Monday, Mar. 31, 2014 at the Diablo Valley College Library. See Page 2
GUSTAVO VASQUEZ/ The Inquirer
Bond measure could boost colleges COLLIN JAMES News editor
Contra Costa residents will vote on a bond measure this June that is will provide funding for construction project for DVC and other schools in the district. The decision was finalized during a meeting between the chancellors of Contra Costa Community College District on Feb. 26 after the college governing board voted unanimously in favor of the bond. Board member Greg Enholm called the decision, “a great step forward,” for the school district. According to the Contra Costa Times, the bond is expected to raise upwards of $450,000,000 for Diablo Valley, Contra Costa, and Los Medanos community colleges. The funding will go towards a variety of future construction projects throughout the district, up grading class rooms, infrastructure and learning technology. The bond is set to levy a $13 tax on every home in the county for every $100,000 that home is valued at. Passage of the bond will require a 55 percent approval from voters to pass instead of a simple majority. The district’s communications officer, Timothy Leong outlined the districts reasoning for the bond in a press release on the district’s website. “Contra Costa County voters previously passed facilities bond measures in 2002 and 2006,” Leong said. “And those funds have already been spent or allocated to projects under construction.” Those previous bonds measures provided the revenue for the current construction projects seen on campus such as the cafeteria and the newly completed student serBONDS, Page 3
• News 1, 2, 3 • Opinions 7, 8, 9 • Sports 10, 11, 12 • Editorial 7 • Arts & Features 4, 5, 6 • Campus Buzz 7 • Calendar 2 • Police Beat 2 • Staff Information 2 • Copyright © 2014 The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
news 2
Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
calendar Thursday, April 3 Faculty Senate Student Services Committee Meeting - Joint Meeting with Matriculation 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturday, April 5 4th Annual AB540 “More Than A Dream” Conference Performing Arts Center, 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 9 College Success Workshop Pleasant Hill DVC L-202, 2:30 P.M. to 3:45 P.M. Thursday, April 11 Advanced Piano Recital Pleasant Hill DVC M-101 , 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
police beat Thursday, March 6 Parking Lot 8 At 10:43 a.m. unknown suspects took both license plates off a victim’s vehicle. Sunday, March 9 Physical Education North Side of Annex At 3:15 p.m. a female student’s vehicle was broken into while parked unattended on campus. The student reported that personal property was stolen from inside of vehicle. Friday, March 14 DVC Horiculture At 4:08 p.m. a student reported that an instructor “got in her face” and “body bumped” her during an organized event on campus. The instructor indicated the contact was accidental. Tuesday, March 18 DVC Horticulture At 9:06 a.m., a report was filed that a homeless person is being allowed to sleep inside the building.
Students and faculty adapts to shorter breaks JOSH BRADSHAW & ALLAN KEW Staff members
The change to the the break schedule has forced teachers to adapt to the loss of five minutes after class. While on the surface it may seem like a big struggle, some faculty members are able to cope, without it hindering their workload. Kim Schenk, senior dean of curriculum and instruction, oversees the course and classroom scheduling from semester to semester. She states that the change from a 15 minute break to a 10 minute break, “wasn’t a wholesale change.” It only affected limited number of classes that were scheduled in a way that was “not standard with the other local community colleges.” This change was not made solely by one group; it included the United Faculty as well as the administration. Schenk continues, saying, “we were thinking there wouldn’t be a big impact on students because many of our classes are scheduled so there is only a ten minute break.” If this becomes a big issue for students and they determine that lengthening the break time in between classes “would improve the quality of life for folks, they will certainly do that.” Schenk compares scheduling to a tapestry. “You pull a thread and there is
going to be an unravel somewhere,” she said. If class breaks were extended, Schenk informs that, “every class block would be pushed later.” A class that normally adjourns at 2:30 p.m. would push the end of class back to 3:00 p.m. or even 3:30 p.m. That may not affect the early morning and afternoon classes, but those who take ALLAN KEW/ The Inquirer night classes will see themselves leaving Rain drenched students rush to class during the brief 10 minute class at 10:30 p.m passing period. instead of 9:30p.m. parties. But he enjoys the extra five dero. Co-coordinator The pros for this break change of the learning center and English minutes he can use in class. “For my teaching style, having outweigh the cons for Bessie, but instructor, Adam Bessie, discusses both the pros and cons he sees with that extra five minutes has allowed he does not know how other stume to slow down my pace and in dents or other faculty members will this 10 minute break. One problem he deals with is the the end round things out,” contin- react to this change in the long run. He would gladly keep the break lack of time to get to one class to ues Bessie. Some instructors are trying to al- the way it is because it allows him another. “Since I have one class here in the leviate the pressure that the short- to help his students more efficiently learning center and another in the ened break has on students, but in class. language arts, I got to really hoof some don’t need the extra time. One student, Daniel Cordero News editor Collin James contribit,” he said. “If I were to have a class even further out, it would be really reports some of his instructors let- uted to this article. ting students out five minutes early, tough.” He claims that he is unable to however, for him it is not needed. Contact JOSH BRADSHAW and “Fortunately, I don’t have to rush ALLAN stay after class as long with stuKEW at jbradshaw@TheInquirerOnline.com and akew@Theinquirdents, “losing slack time,” for both to my next class, because I have it in eronline.com the building next door,” says Cor-
College Park students show ‘Perspectives’ GUSTAVO VASQUEZ Photo chief
High school students from across the street, College Park, is showcasing “Perspectives” in the DVC library from Thursday, April 3, through Saturday, May 18. The “Perspectives” high school art show is showcasing art work from 48 different students, with mediums of artwork ranging from ceramic sculpture to glass, photography and painting. Lesley Jensen, ceramics instructor, said “We were invited to fill the case with our high school artwork and what I did was give my advanced students the assignment to create a piece for the show and we decided on the title of the show, ‘perspectives,’ so its sort of about
THE INQUIRER Diablo Valley College 321 Golf Club Road, H-102 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 The Inquirer is published Thursdays during the school year by the Diablo Valley College journalism students. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinions page are editorials and reflect a two-thirds majority opinion of the editorial staff. Signed columns and cartoons are the opinions of the writer or artist and not necessarily those of The Inquirer, Diablo Valley College or Contra Costa Community College District.
the perspective of a high schooler’s view of the world.” Students in the show showed excitement over being able to showcase at a college. College Park student, Dylan Hill, said “It was a really cool opportunity.” “I liked the chance to show high school work at a college, it’s really great, especially the fact that we get to do this here because often, high school art programs, especially high school ceramics programs, are looked on with disdain,” said Hill. Kristin Fielding said “The fact that we can have a show at DVC is actually really cool because often, no one really cares about high school stuff.” The artist reception will be held on Thursday, April. 17, 5-7 p.m. in
GUSTAVO VASQUEZ / The Inquirer
College Park student art work on display in the DVC library through May 18. L218. Contact GUSTAVO VASQUEZ at gvasquez@TheInquirerOnline.com
Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OPINIONs EDITOR ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR PHOTO CHIEF COPY EDITOR
Rachel Ann Reyes Benjamin Davidson Tyler Elmore Collin James Sasan Kasravi Regina Ortanez Gustavo Vasquez Amrita Kaur
Staff STAFF MEMBERS Andrew Barber, Josh Bradshaw, Aurora Byrne, Malachi Harris, Wesley Ihezue, Allan Kew, Keanda Lewis, Ayaka Matsuno, Vivian Natalia, Aliya Recania, Mister Simmons Jr., Tara Tashayod INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
• Phone: 925.969.2543 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.TheInquirerOnline.com • Printed six times per semester •
news 3
Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
MUN From Page 1
-tion with only a half hour’s worth of time with other officers before their general meeting on Tuesdays. He does admit that they did meet up outside of campus. Kew agreed with Nilson’s explanation for the meetings and is adamant that only discussions about club policies and the legality of certain issues were talked about; nothing was ever decided upon. These meetings were just more flexible for officers to attend, he said. “They are serious allegations, certainly, and obviously, if someone is purposefully trying to misuse funds for something else, that should be investigated,” he said. “But the simple discussion of the legality of whether to do something for funding, in my opinion, doesn’t constitute the massive investigation that we’ve had because it was only a discussion about how to do things and nothing was ever enacted. And [Nash] is using this information to get back at us.” According to Monfared, who is also a member of MUN, Nash’s
BONDS From Page 1
vices building. The money from the bond will go towards a huge construction project across all five campuses in the district, including the San Ramon and Brentwood centers. The project will include modernizing or remodeling of the engineering center, the art building, and the science building.
“This project envisions replacement and expansion of general use classrooms and office spaces...,” ~PETER GARCIA DVC President
In addition, the bond will expand access for disabled students by upgrading walkways and ramps in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Aging power, sewer and water lines will also be replaced with money allocated from this bond. DVC’s president Peter Garcia is optimistic about the bond and the benefits it will bring to the school. “This project envisions replacement and expansion of general use classrooms and office spaces similar to the liberal arts and faculty office buildings and replacement of the science center facilities,” Garcia said. The bond will go to a vote on Tuesday, June 3. Any resident of Contra Costa county who is a registered voter may vote for this bond.
Contact COLLIN JAMES at cjames@ TheInquirerOnline.com
resignation stemmed from the lack of confidence other officers had in her ability to lead the club. In attempts to fill new positions in the club, MUN held new elections in February. Nilson and Monfared both ran for secretary general, and Nilson won by three votes. Monfared explained that during this investigation, he and the committee were cautious of a potential conflict of interest, but insists that they wanted to give and a fair and honorable trial. “I’m fairly confident we did a
good job in that we only dealt with fact and not opinions of the matter,” he said. The Commission of Judicial Review is an ad hoc advisory committee that was formed last semester by the ASDVC executive board. It was formed as Monfared puts it, “a judicial body to be impartial and to keep tabs on basically ASDVC, ICC and the clubs; to have an independent body of these organizations.” “When one of these three things, either the clubs, or the ASDVC or the ICC kind of go astray
from that, it’s our job to remind and recommend how to get back on course,” Monfared said. However, Nilson feels like this new system could be flawed, and he pointed out the conflicts of interest in the investigation. “I’m trying to do the best I can with the limited power and information I have and people are trying to use these rules that have never ever been enforced,” he said. Nilson stressed that his intentions were in the best interest for the club. “I really was trying to do the
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best for the club… usually people get one year, and I only got three months to fix and to reverse everything,” he said. The club website describes DVC’s MUN as a group that “simulates the United Nations system by learning about the procedures and purpose of the UN and fostering the skills of debate, compromise, conflict resolution and negotiation.”
Contact RACHEL ANN REYES at rreyes@TheInquirerOnline.com
arts & features 4 Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Gamer havens after dark Editor’s guide to nightlife
BENJAMIN DAVIDSON Managing Editor
The act of gaming has many denominations – some of which, are unveiled after dark. The idea of going out for nighttime gaming isn’t one that is particularly mainstream, but the many aspects of gaming leave virtually endless possibilities in terms of nightlife entertainment; and no, this is not an article about going to a friend’s house to play World of Warcraft, Call of Duty or the Sims. Because gaming covers such a wide array of areas, these two locations that we are highlighting are just some examples of retro gaming options that one simply cannot get at home. Stores specializing in games often serve as a meeting place to organize groups of players for various games. Prior to the emergence of the Internet, many play-by-mail games developed communities resembling those surrounding today’s online games, in a smaller and more localized fashion. At Black Diamond Games in Concord, leagues and tournaments converge to form a friendly, yet competitive environment for tabletop model-based gaming. The store itself sells everything from Cards Against Humanity to customizable lead and hard plastic figurines for tabletop games, like that of Warhammer 40k or Dungeons and Dragons. But what sets it apart from your typical board game store is that it has an area in the back for people to sit down and game at tables with the various models that are on the shelves, all provided by other players. On a day where a Warhammer 40k tournament was taking place, the
BENJAMIN DAVIDSON / The Inquirer
Mike Glick plays his third ball on the “X-Men” pinball machine at Phoenix Games in Concord on Mar. 29, 2014. Glick is one of many people who frequent the store to play on the machines. tournament officer, Chris Price, explained how the tournament was going to be carried out. “We started at eleven and will probably end around six,” Price said of the tabletop tournament. “The best thing about this place has gotta be the community. Staff, atmosphere, community. We have a lot of nice guys, and a couple girls actually. Heck, last year I got my ass kicked in a major tournament by a girl.” As far as rewards go — aside from the fun of gaming within a community — they ranged from cash, to “store credit prizes that are offered when league nights are happening, – I am one of the guys who runs the 40k league, this is actually my first time as a tournament officer,” Price said.
A certain appreciation for games is developed when one can experience and share their understanding with others that enjoy them as well. Even the smallest games can form communities. And fortunately, two sects of the vast array of options are available to play into the night, just a short drive away from campus. “Honestly a lot of us here are casual players – we just come to have fun,” Price said. Black Diamond Games is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Concord. Described as an ultimate place for gamers by some, Phoenix Games has much more to offer than your average GameStop. In fact, one of the more interesting parts about the store’s aspect of nighttime gaming is that it provides several, and by several, we mean
seven, pinball machines in the back of their store for quarter play. In terms of sales, Phoenix Games provides everything from the Atari 2600 and Odyssey Two’s to the Xbox One and the PS4. As if the game selection and pinball wasn’t enough, they also sell memorabilia and have two fully functional gaming chairs in front of flat panels to play on for their customers. The East Bay Pinball League does the advertising outside of the store, but Phoenix Games acts as the meeting place. With machines like “Terminator,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Trek,” the machines sport a wide variety and all of them are in very clean and pristine condition. “It [the pinball] is a league every Thursday, starts at 7:30 and can go until 11:00 or midnight,” Shawn Morgan, manager, said. Aaron Wong, supervisor chimed in from behind the counter and explained that “some of the top 50 in the whole world come in and play, and that’s when it really gets serious.” With an in-house technician for repairs and maintenance on the machines, Phoenix Games is one of the last local places dedicated to pinball gaming in the area. Phoenix Games is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or till close, from Monday to Saturday in Concord. So whether you are in the mood for rolling some dice or triggering a flipper, these two local options are similar to that of an after-dark gamer’s haven, and well worth a visit if your at-home gaming is lacking in luster. Contact BENJAMIN DAVIDSON at bdavidson@TheInquirerOnline.com
JFKU honors Cesar Chavez at new film screening REGINA ORTANEZ Arts & features editor
The grandson of Cesar Chavez came together with John F. Kennedy University to host a private screening of the new film chronicling the life story of the celebrated civil rights leader. Anthony Chavez has been working with JFK University for the past six weeks in helping the school become a Hispanic-serving institute. As opening night for the film coincided with Cesar Chavez Day, the theater was packed. Among the attendees were several representatives of DVC’s Puente program, the president of both Los Medanos College and Las Positas College, and staff from Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla’s office. “There’s a great need out here in this part of the Bay Area and it’s great that a place like JFK University wants to step up,” says Chavez during his introduction before the film. After Chavez’s introduction, the movie started and was met with eager, warm regard from the attendees. Several powerful moments in the film where Cesar Chavez, portrayed by Michael Peña, took on the role as a civil rights leader were met with applause from the audience. The movie also highlighted his wife, Helen’s role in the United Farmer Worker’s Movement as one of the actual leaders constantly on the front lines. What separated this particular film from others focusing on Cesar Chavez’s life and the work he did with the United Farm Worker’s movement was that it was one of the very few that did not erase the struggles of Filipino farm workers, as historically, their efforts were also integral to the movement. It also offered the story of Chavez’s life through the somber lens of a struggling father-son story, offering his eldest son’s perspective and the growing distance in their relationship as the work Chavez did with the movement started to
TYLER ELMORE / The Inquirer
Anthony Chavez speaks at the JFK University special showing of the new Cesar Chavez biopic, Cesar Chavez, on Monday, Mar. 31. take over his life. DVC student and Spanish major, Asia Davis said she found the movie, “inspiring.” “I am of African-American descent, but I also speak fluent Spanish,”she said. “I could kind of relate because my culture and the Hispanic culture were similar when it comes to fighting for our rights and civil rights and getting people to come together as a community.” Ron Turner, field representative for Assemblywoman Su-
san Bonilla, agreed. “It was excellent. It represents the struggle that all people of color have experienced throughout the history of the United States, especially with the Latin community and the Filipino community,” he said. “They all share this common goal to make our lives better and through what Cesar Chavez and other great leaders like him did, the future is going to be bright for all of us.” As a part of the day’s events, JFK University presented a select few of their students with $5,000 in diversity scholarships. JFK University’s president pledged his own personal contribution of $30,000 to diversity scholarships, which was matched by a donation from PG&E, courtesy of Ezra Garrett, PG&E Vice President of Community Relations and Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Director of the PG&E Corporation Foundation, according to Cathrine Santini, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications at JFK University. “JFK University is committed to enhancing the diversity of our community and in particular, our Hispanic enrollments,” she said. “Our goal is to be designated a Hispanic-serving institution by 2016, which means 25 percent of our students are Hispanic.” Chavez being a speaker and activist himself, reiterated how elated he was with the university’s efforts in community service and providing affordable education to more people. “That’s basically what my Grandpa taught us growing up. He would always remind us that the end of all education should surely be service to others.” “Cesar Chavez,” opened on Mar. 28, 2014 in theaters across the country. Contact REGINA ORTANEZ at rortanez@TheInquirerOnline.com
arts & features 5 Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Wes Anderson impresses once again with ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ REGINA ORTANEZ Art & features editor
In Wes Anderson’s universe, everything has vibrant color, Futura text and perfect symmetry; these three factors are no strangers in his latest release, “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” With an all star cast, a murder mystery and a dash of historical fiction, this is both his most exciting and darkest film to date. In the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, the country is at the verge of war and nearing complete ruin. In the midst of all of this, the Grand Budapest Hotel, a lavish resort for the wealthy and elite, set to the backdrop of snow-covered peaks, shares a similar struggle to retain it’s extravagance despite the politcal unrest happening. Ralph Fiennes plays an eccentric concierge named Gustave H. who runs the Grand Budapest Hotel, while keeping up with his questionable relations with some of the hotel’s wealthiest patrons including lonely old widows. Newcomer Tony Revolori serves as Gustave’s trusty right hand man, Zero Moustafa,
an orphaned refugee that commits his entire gether, use these often undervalued traits to life to the job of lobby boy after fleeing his overcome something bigger than Dmitiri war-ridden country. and his violent hitman-slash-cat-killer, J.G., The film is told in a flashback within a played by Willem Dafoe. flashback, telling the story of the duo’s exThough it is historical fiction, the film refploits and adventures they find themselves erences to a time reminiscent of a distinctly in after being falsely accused of the murder European tragedy, perhaps at the hands of a of one of Gustave’s elderly lovers; the ex- dictator akin to Hitler or Stalin and the will tremely wealthy and mysterious Madame D. to remain grand and beautiful despite it. played by Tilda Swinton. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” in itself, is In Madame D.’s will, a symbol of that time, she lists Gustave to instruggling to retain it’s “The protagonist herit a priceless painting integrity and splendor in reflects the hotel in titled, “Boy With Apthe face of political opple,” much to the dismay his own journey as he pression. of her surviving family. The protagonist repainstakingly tries to flects Particularly distraught the hotel in his is her son, Dimitri, a keep up his extravagant own journey as he painsmalicious character ever takingly tries to keep up ways.” clad in black, played by his extravagant ways. the usually charming These include putAdrien Brody. ting on his favorite expensive cologne after Despite already under suspicion, Gustave crawling through the sewers to escape prison and Zero steal the painting anyway, and and somehow always finding time to recite chaos ensues. a long and tedious verse of romantic poetry What drives the plot is a combination of even in a time crunch. the charisma and optimism of Gustave and Gustave in many ways is the Grand Buthe unquestioning loyalty of Zero, who to- dapest Hotel embodied and all the more ad-
mirable for it. The film is kept whimsical and light throughout, with comedic bits sprinkled here and there, along with countless cameos by the usual Wes Anderson favorites, such as Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” differs in that it hints at something more tragic and darker than any of his previous films. This, in combination with the characters played by actors not usually associated with Wes Anderson films, such as the baker’s apprentice and the love of Zero’s life, Agatha, portrayed by the show-stealing Saoirse IT’S AN Ronan, makes for a film that is hard not to like. This is impressive even for those who don’t usually like Anderson films, or perhaps unfamiliar with them altogether. As someone who’d normally reject the IT’S AN highly polished and grandiose style of Anderson’s film making, my only complaint here is that at 99 minutes, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” was not long enough.
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arts and features 6 Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
‘Noises Off’ brings the raucous ALLAN KEW Staff member
There is no adequate explanation for what DVC’s “Noises Off ” really is. It is a clever mix of wit, dirty humor, and comedic situations that bring about a masterpiece of comedy. With an imaginative potpourri of extreme characters and quirky happenings that follow the events of a final rehearsal, a selected night in the run, and closing night of a play, the farcical adventure grips the audience with riotous laughter and memorable moments in this fine selection from the season. This English farce, written by Michael Frayn and directed by Ed Trujillo, tells the tale of hijinks and misfortune of a troupe of actors behind the scenes of a play within a play. Beginning during the final rehearsal before opening, “Noises Off ’s” tale progresses into a night from the fictional play’s run during Act Two. Finally, the third act shows the disastrous state the play has fallen into by the frustration and misinterpretation of the various events beforehand in the supposed play’s run. The comedy is constantly built upon the English slapstick of the show. Of which, arises in various forms, with every character after each other’s throat — combined with the wackiness that ensues when an unforeseen problem arises backstage of the main stage performance.
ALLAN KEW / The Inquirer
The cast from “Noises Off” performs in a scene from the third act, attempting to structure their chaos of a play within a play. “Noises Off” opened on March 28 and runs until April 13. Further, each and every character is skillfully played by actors who understand the need to not take the roles too seriously. Most of the humor follows from the fluidity of each character, and vis-à-vis the actor, in being able to perform comfortably
in a raucous and romping plot that mixes the antics of real-life backstage drama and the bordering absurdity that is the genre of farces. There are many other attributes to this play that enhance the sense of the “play
within a play”. The set, when the curtain rises, is a quaint English country house in the 80’s style from when the play was written. Filled with doors galore, there is not a single piece of this set that is not useful in the plot. However, when the opening night begins within the play, the entire set is turned around to reveal the backstage innards, where the scene is set for act two. Several characters especially shined in the amazing cast. The drunken actor Selsdon, played by Dan Cassilagio, was one such role wherein the complete characterization of the role, from the mannerisms and walking to his speaking, stole the show in many incidents. Other roles that caught the eye were the ditsy Brooke Ashton, played by Mariah Ramblas; the cockney Dotty Otely, played by Moselle Davis-Koffman, and the quasi straight-woman Belinda Blair, played by Jessica Dahlgren. In all regards, “Noises Off ” was a masterful comedy that relays to the audience a simple message: theater is hell. “Noises Off ” opened on March 28th and runs until April 13th.
Contact ALLAN KEW at akew@TheInquirerOnline.com
Going ‘Off The Grid’ in Concord TYLER ELMORE Online editor
Off The Grid is off the chain. a vegetable sauce, built up on top of either The food truck phenomenon – which sur- a toasted or steamed bun. faced in 2010 – and based in San Francisco This truck is also vegetarian friendly – near Fort Mason, is now available in Con- their crispy miso cured tofu bun is killer. It cord, by the Willows Shopping Center from has baby choy sum, which to me is a little 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. similar to a coleslaw, and garlic tofu-mayo. This increasingly popular event offers a The other bun that I had is the spicy variety of different food trucks, in a vast ar- chicken with toasted sesame purée, with ray of cuisines such as fusion and traditional pickled carrots cucumber and carrots to top styles. it off. The prices range from $3 to $15, which The flavors all blend together very nicely is ideal for a starving and the kick you get college student on a from the glaze on the “It could be that budget. chicken really bring At Off the Grid, the entire thing toyour favorite truck food trucks are ever gether. might be there revolving. I ordered both of It could be that your mine steamed beone Saturday and favorite truck might cause in my opinion it not on the next. be there one Saturday tastes better that way, and not on the next. plus it is faster and GUSTAVO VASQUEZ/ The Inquirer But that is all But that is all the more half the price of the the more reason reason to try new food baked bun. With a line The Off The Grid sign marks the entrance to a variety of stationed food and be adventurous. that usually zigzags trucks in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord. to try new food The venue is clean throughout the venue, and be adventurous.” and well kept, also Chairman is definitely nese seasoned vegetables and some other there were a lot less people waiting for food, offering seating and one truck you have to common ingredients within both cultures. so I got my food relatively quickly. I recomThey serve things like the chicken and pine- mend going after one o'clock. tables for the crowd to try. Though parking may be challenging at enjoy. Along with The Chairman truck, some of apple burger, and Kamikaze fries, which I My personal favorite, The Chairman the frequent attendees at Off the Grid are would assumed are named so because they times, especially during peak retail hours, Truck, serves their version of a Chinese Seoul on Wheels (Korean Fusion), The Melt send you spiraling downward in a wonderful this event is well worth the hassle. You can check Off the Grid’s website to Gua Bao bun sandwich. (American cheese), and Señor Sisig (Mexi- food coma. The line can tend to be a little long, but this truck is also well worth the see which trucks will be at the Concord locaThey will be opening a brick and mortar can-Filipino fusion). tion every week. restaurant in the Tenderloin/Civic Center Another popular truck is the Koja Kitch- wait. The feel of the event is very casual and http://offthegridsf.com/ area in San Francisco in the coming months, en truck which is a Japanese-Korean fusion but until then, The Chairman Truck will truck that just recently opened up a brick relaxed and the customer service offered is both cordial and friendly. serve in it's place. and mortar on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. Contact TYLER ELMORE at telmore@TheInI visited towards the end of the event and quirerOnline.com The sandwich contains a simple meat, and They serve Korean barbeque with Japa-
opinions 7
Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Editorial
The
Buzz
What do you think is the most important news topic currently?
It’s just distracting
SHERVIN ABARGHOOIE, 21 Biology
“University and educational news and [their] economy. If it is going up or down.”
ANN UAWITHYA Student services and instructional support coordinator
“Natural disasters. Imagine you are living your daily life and then one day — voom! — you’re gone.”
ELLIOT GALLARZA, 33 Mechanical engineering
“I wanna know what happened to that plane. Why can they not find it in this day and age?”
YOUSSEF HAMIDI, 34 Biology
“The new season of ‘Game of Thrones’ and when it comes out. Seriously that is my news.”
NORMAN FENK, 19 Environmental science
“Obama passed a detainment act saying ‘Oh, that camera makes you a terrorist.’ ” Interviewed and Photographed by: Amrita Kaur
WESLEY IHEZUE / The Inquirer
Smoking e-cigs in classrooms is inappropriate and unneccessary It was only a few years ago that electronic cigarettes were being marketed as the ‘cigarette of the future.’ It was easy to ignore this as an exaggerated marketing scheme, however, today these ‘e-cigs’ have exploded in popularity over the last 18 months. Students can be found puffing away right outside of class and some of the more brash students have been seen puffing inside of class during instruction. The future of smoking is here, yet DVC’s existing smoking policy does not address this new trend. The school administration has taken notice, but has not made any attempt to implement a restriction on this behavior. E-cigs have grown so fast in popularity that there are few reliable sources that give an accurate estimate of how many Americans are using them. According to an article written by Forbes on Sept. 17, 2013, in this past year, e-cig sales surpassed $1 billion, and continues to grow. Their popularity has been taken upon by young adults, such as DVC’s student body. Teachers reporting students vaping in class, but they lack the authority to enforce such rules on their own. Some have opted to ban their use by explic-
itly forbidding them on the class syllabus along with eating, drinking and texting. Their pleas to the school administration and even police services has fallen on deaf ears and there is no major effort by either department to enforce school policy, let alone California law. DVC’s lack on enforcement across campus is evident in the number of students that smoke outside of designated areas. While most only smoke near the entrances and exits to the parking lot, there are sightings of students lighting up as soon as they get out of class. The banning of e-cig remains controversial and advocates against the ban include respected publications such as The Economist. An article written March 23, 2013, suggests that vaporizers should bypass the smoking restrictions because using the device does not actually produce any smoke, only water vapor. However, the use of vaporizers in a classroom is inherently disrespectful to the instruc-
“[Instructors’] pleas to the school administration and even police services has fallen on deaf ears and there is no major effort by either department to enforce school policy, let alone California law.”
tor and the other students. The vapor that is produced creates a distracting cloud and a smell that not everyone finds appealing. Class time should not be used by students to feed their addictions. DVC should have more incentive to enforce a ban on e-cigarettes in class because of how distracting it is. However, with accreditation looming, DVC’s highest governance committee, College Council, has decided to hold off on any more talks of updating their smoking policy until this upcoming fall semester. DVC suffers from a problem of enforcement. Even the existing smoking policies are not being enforced by the school administration or the police. While most students that smoke could be found near the entrances of the parking lot, a noticeable amount are smoking almost anywhere they please. In the past years, DVC has attempted to enforce a smoking ban to include exponential fines. These extreme measures were never written into the policy, but with the continual lack of enforcement. DVC is a public institution that is obligated to maintain a learning environment that allows students to function with minimal distractions, and that alone should be incentive enough to modernize its smoking policy.
“The use of vaporizers in a classroom is inherently disrespectful to the instructor and the other students.”
opinions 8
Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Better late than never:
New college policy redefining consent is long overdue UC Berkeley was recently accused with to college life. botching 31 current and previous sexual asIt will require all community college dissault charges and the same victims are filing tricts, and California universities to adopt a federal complaints to the U.S. Department policy to better handle these cases. of Education. According to the California How does this affect State Legislative website, camDVC you might ask? puses must incorporate the Well, the new proposed notion of affirmative consent, Senate Bill 967 will help “which is a freely and affirmaprevent a mishandling of tively communicated willingsexual assault cases in Caliness to participate in particufornia universities as well as lar sexual activity or behavior, community college districts. expressed wither by words or According to LA Times, clear, unambiguous actions.” the students who filed the Furthermore, if the consexual assault charges were sent arose from the victim is, initially discouraged from “incapacitated due drugs, alreporting the assaults. cohol or medication,” then it The victims were not inis not affirmative consent. formed of their rights and The phrase “she was JOSH BRADSHAW were part of, “a biased judidrunk” will no longer be a Staff member cial process that favored the valid defense for the accused. assailants’ rights over those Previous relations with the of their victims.” victim are One of the victims, Sofie Karasek, points also not affirmative conout that the way these cases were handled sent. is, “dangerous for the students who attend An article published college here, and is representative of a larger in March 2014 on The problem: the federal government is not ad- News Record website equately enforcing its own laws.” indicates that a national Diva Kass, another of the 31 victims, was investigation is underraped at a fraternity party and filed a com- way for the way universiplaint with Berkeley administrators, but they ties handle sexual assault found that “her assailant not responsible for complaints. the rape.” Three out of the nine She further “felt betrayed” and was heart- national colleges menbroken to find the university she loved, “was tioned were in California. willing to find in his favor so they wouldn’t These colleges were have to report a rape on campus.” UC Berkeley, UC Santa This is why Senate Bill 967 is so important Barbara and Occidental
WESLEY IHEZUE / The Inquirer
College.
“Instead of using policies as solution to a problem, they should be used as a preventive measure, ensuring that the safety of the Californian public is secure.”
Berkeley failed to report the complaints and failed to keep the victims informed. A student at Occidental College, Danielle Dirks, claims that, “Occidental has invited rapists back to campus and told survivors not to worry because ‘he’s reformed now.’ ” UC Santa Barbara had two brutal cases of rape within two days, one including gang-rape. All three of the colleg-
es have handled the situation poorly, and the victims are left to handle things themselves. This is long overdue. Why has a bill similar to this not been introduced? Does California have to wait for something to become an issue in order for them to take action? Yes, this bill is a step in the right direction, but why did the Senate have to wait until UC Berkeley was accused of botching 31 sexual assault cases? Instead of using policies as solution to a problem, they should be used as a preventive measure, ensuring that the safety of the Californian public is secure. Contact JOSH BRADSHAW at jbradshaw@TheInquirerOnline.com
The pressure of college acceptance is unnecessarily worsened by outdated policies Overflowing planners, running from this end of the campus to the other just to meet the never ending requirements that transferring asks of you. DVC makes the transfer process perhaps easier than any other community college. But even still, community college students are attempting to meet all the last minute classes and requirements to the list of CSU are never ending. CSU campuses ask for transcripts to be sent up to three times throughout the course of the application review process. Which means waiting in the long lines in the Admissions and Records Office of every community college campus you have attended, three separate times just to pay more money to accommodate to the school. In the meantime of all of this hassle, accessing individual websites for their specific requirements and to do lists adds to the stresses. There should be a more productive, and efficient way for
schools to be get the information they need Long Beach said, “Honestly harder than while taking account of the pressure on stugetting all the right classes every single sedents. mester at DVC was sending in all this adWe live in an electronic world ditional information to every school I apwhere simplicity is at our finplied to. I was just trying to study and make gertips. I think the same way it to transferring, but always found myself that we can apply to all CSU having to do other stuff for the schools to campuses on the CSU Mentor hold me back from meeting my actual class website, students should be able requirements, so glad it’s finally over.” to have portals linked through Clearly, the separate deadlines and indione universal source as well, so vidual requests made constantly by these notification regarding requireCSUs are really stressing out students all ments and documentations can over campus. be made easier. There are so many pressures in the lives The CSU campuses should all of a pre-transfer students from academic, get together and come up with to work, to individual university requirean efficient and updated site in ments. TARA TASHAYGOOD Staff member which every school can list their The process can be made so much simrequirements and prospective students can turn pler and more efficient, but the change in their information to schools in an unstressful needs to be made to prevent frustration matter. and overwhelm with students. There are many students who feel that the requirements and paperwork needed are too difficult to keep up with. Contact TARA TASHAYGOOD at ttashayod@TheInquirerOnline.com Kaitlin Lowe DVC student who just transferred to CSU
“Clearly, the separate deadlines and individual requests made constantly by these CSUs are really stressing out students all over campus.”
opinions 9 Show parents you can handle freedom: Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Asking for Answers
Dear Answers, When I was younger my parents were always really strict, and I figured, okay, I get it, I’m in high school, so I just accepted it. Now I’m 20 years old, I’m in my second year in college and I’m responsible. Even though I’m now an adult, they still treat me like a kid. I have a midnight curfew, and my parents have a tracker on my phone so they always know where I am. I know they love me and want to protect me, but they are really driving me crazy. I’m a responsible adult now, how can I make my parents see that? -Needing Freedom Dear Freedom, It sounds like you’re in a tough situation. You feel like you are trying to do what your parents ask of you, but they aren’t showing you the respect that you show them. If you feel like one parent might be more receptive, you can make your case to that parent first, and hopefully gain an ally who will help you speak to the other parent. If they are equally strict, then sit them down together. Begin by letting them know how much you respect them, and that you want them to trust and respect you in return. Point out that you are the responsible young person that you are, because of their great parenting, and that you need a little bit more freedom so that you can be the adult
that you have grown into. Give them solid examples of responsible decisions that you are making, like choosing friends that share your values, and putting your studies before socializing. They are most likely to grant you more freedom if it comes in small doses, so choose a small thing to ask for first, like a later curfew. If you are responsible with your new privilege, it will help to prove you’re ready for even more freedom, like turning off the tracking service on your phone. I know it must be tempting to just shout “I’m an adult, I can do what I want!” but we both know that the reality is that as long as you live with your parents — and
WESLEY IHEZUE / The Inquirer
even after — you have to keep things on good terms. Be patient and ask for more freedom bit by bit, and they will be much more likely to be open minded. By approaching them with a reasonable and respectful tone, your maturity will become all the more obvious. Be careful not to make them regret loosening their hold on you, because if you do, regaining trust in the future will be that much more difficult. Good Luck!
Here to answer your pressing questions. Relationship issues? Family tension? Wondering how to get involved on campus? If you ask, I will do my best to answer. Submit questions to AByrne@theinquireronline.com, with “Asking for Answers” in the subject line.
Letters to the editor
DVC is unfair to international students
and even replaced with another reasonable alternative instead. - Chun Lung Yeung DVC student
Diablo Valley College provides a health insurance system for international students and all international students are required to buy the mandatory health insurance within two weeks from the beginning of each semester. Currently, the cost of health insurance is now $511.00 for the spring and summer semesters in 2014. In addition, international students do not have any options in regards to purchasing the medical insurance; they must buy the insurance no matter what. However, the problem is that a large number of international students go back to their country during summer break, and most of them are able to use the health insurance that they have in their home country. According to calculations, in 2014, international students pay $146.00 for summer break. It is a significant amount of money to just ignore. Therefore, it is a better idea for DVC to change the health insurance system from mandatory to optional, so that international students will not waste their money over summer break. - Jinsook Yang DVC student
International students are experiencing racism in almost all U.S. colleges. According to a Reuters report, international students who studied in the U.S. in the year 2012 accounted for 35% of total student population. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of international students are treated unfairly by their professors because of the inadequate mastery of English and passive attitude. Prejudice against international students is common in many colleges, and they are suffering from racism, which is degrading the image of the U.S. as a world leader of educational systems. Although the English level and learning attitude of international students may not be as proficient as that of local students, we are not lazy or dishonest. Most international students spend less time on relaxing and socializing, and more time studying hard until midnight. Professors should not naturally equate our English level to our understanding of other subjects and learning attitude as a whole. - Chun Long Tam DVC student
Diablo Valley College’s Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a list of lower division general education courses. IGETC requires transfer students to complete those courses before transfer to the CSU or UC campuses. According to IGETC’s area 6, Language Other Than English, transfer students must have “satisfactory completion with ‘C’ grades or higher, in an institution where the language of instruction is not English” for their foreign languages. In regard to this requirement, however, it seems that it was not considerably formulated for most international students, and the required grades, which seem like they are based only on American scoring standards, are inequitable for them as well. Therefore, I believe that the area 6 should be improved
Inquirer should cover more games I have noticed that the Inquirer has been featuring reviews of video games in the arts & features section. This is good, as video games are becoming a much more prevalent medium that people are enjoying these days. It is perfect for a newspaper primarily read by college students, as we are by far the largest consumers for video games. However, I think there is far too little content about video games. In the past 12 months, you have featured only four video
game-related articles compared to over a dozen articles on films. It would be nice to see some coverage about gaming culture as a whole. There is a lot more to video games than what your paper is covering. The paper’s movie reviews are often insightful in such a way, so why not your game reviews? There is a real issue of legitimate culture that is not being taken seriously. By having publications such as The Inquirer cover them in a serious and respectful manner it would help the medium seem geared for adults rather than children. - Adam Kaddoura DVC student
Instructors’ biases hurt education
Somehow this quarter, I have wound up taking a politics course, a film history course, and an art history course. The strange thing is, I signed up for two humanities courses and a social sciences course. Funny, that. Maybe it’s only these three particular classes in which the professors appear to have taken advantage of the apparently ill-defined nature of humanities and social sciences to basically do whatever they wanted, syllabus-wise. I tend to doubt that. I take my education seriously. I do not feel respected when my teachers promise discussion-centered classes, yet focus on their personal views while occasionally calling on a student or two to share. I also do not feel respected when my teachers attempt to facilitate discussion while nullifying students’ arguments which rely on any supporting evidence outside of the teacher’s outdated, Eurocentric notion of that topic’s canon. If I wanted to listen to someone dictate Absolute Reality to me, I would attend church. - Bekha Scharlach DVC student
sports 10
Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Vikings cannot bare to win against Bear Cubs Predominately freshman team on the verge of breakthrough
RACHEL ANN REYES / The Inquirer
Pitcher Carrie Lee rips one in the last at-bat of the double header against Santa Rosa Junior College on Friday, March, 28. The Vikings lost both games against the Bear Cubs. Advertisement
THANK YOU
RACHEL ANN REYES Editor-in-chief
Coming off of an 8-1 loss in the first game, the DVC softball team failed to bounce back for the second game of their doubleheader against Santa Rosa Junior College. The Vikings lost 5-1 against the Bear Cubs, a Big 8 conference team, on Friday, March 28, at home. By the end of the first inning, starting pitcher Sarah Alford gave up one run to Santa Rosa. DVC received their first hit of the game in the bottom of the second with two outs — a single off the bat of starting outfielder, Sarah Martin. But a groundout by second baseman Riane Randall, ended the inning. Alford went two and a third “We’re on the edge of gave up two runs innings and before being re- really making a change placed by Carrie Lee. and getting there, we of the fifth inThe bottom ning proved to just gotta push through be a bright spot for the Vikings. and get through and off with a single Martin led and advanced believe on ourselves to third with the help of her teammates. when it counts” With two outs, shortstop Amber Golini hit a solid double, which scored Martin — the first ~ANGIE GOULARTE Head Coach and only run for the Vikings. DVC was unable to capitalize on their sporadic hits at the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings. After the game, coach Angie Goularte felt that her team needs to raise their expectations and intensity to improve. “I feel like we need to ramp up our intensity and our focus and we need to expect a little bit more,” she said. “We’re getting a little too comfortable with each other — with our warm ups and things like that — we need to revamp a little bit.” Golini had nothing but good thoughts when it came to her RBI. “It felt really good cause our team really needed it since we were down and I was just excited that I got the job done,” she said. First baseman Victoria Frazer, who had a single in game two, explained what their team needs to improve upon to succeed. “I think overall, defensively, we had a good day,” she said. “I think our biggest weakness is when... we don’t consistently hit the ball or when we have people on base, we don’t execute, we don’t move them up to score the run. I think if we can improve upon anything, it’s probably just consistent hitting... But overall, I think we kept a pretty good attitude today and I think we tried to stay in there and I think our team worked well together today. We just didn’t hit the ball as well as we could’ve.” Despite the loss, Goularte feels that good things could still happen. “We’re on the edge of really making a change and getting there, we just gotta push through and get through and believe on ourselves when it counts.” Contact RACHEL ANN REYES at rreyes@TheInquirerOnline.com
For helping us transform lives and communities for 50 Years We are grateful to our 15,000 alumni who carry forward our tradition of service. Our three Bay Area Community Counseling Centers provide needed mental health services and our students serve six area school districts. Our legal clinics work to protect low-income individuals and seniors. Our Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership guides businesses to grow and create jobs. Thank you to all of our partners and donors for your support.
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sports 11
Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Texas four-step March Madness ends at Jerry’s World GABRIEL AGURCIA Correspondent
They once again had the best recruiting class in the nation and It is March Madness in the tru- were an early season top-5 team. However, Kentucky didn’t play to est sense. Over the final weekend in their potential for most of the seaMarch, the Final Four was as- son, falling to the bottom of the sembled. Aside from Florida and top-25. Losses to Arkansas and LSU, maybe Kentucky, it’s an unforeseen highlighted their fickle perforgroup. Connecticut made it all the way mance, which culminated in an to the semifinals for the second eight-seed. But John Calipari did time in four years. And you know something prior to the SEC Tournament, firing up the young Wildwhat they did the previous time? Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb, cats, who now look like every bit and a younger Shabazz Napier of the pre-season title contenders, helped UConn win its third title many experts and analysts predictin school history over the I-can’t- ed they’d be. They nearly defeated Florida for believe-they-made-it-to-consecutive-championship-games Butler the SEC title, and that defeat has only given them more confidence Bulldogs. The more I watch Napier, the throughout the Big Dance. When more he reminds me of Walker. they knocked off Wichita State, I found an interesting statistic on whom I had winning the tournaESPN.com, which states the last ment, I knew this team was for two players to score or assist on real. Wichita State is a gritty, relentat least 45 percent of their team’s made shots, and lead them to the less, chip-on-shoulder driven team, Final Four, are Napier and, you and I assumed the Wildcat freshmen would crumble under the guessed it, Kemba Walker. It’s amazing how Napier can shocker onslaught. They weathered the storm have absolutely nothing go- “This year’s Final Four and are now taking part in ing, then hit a has brought an eclectic their third Fiswitch and be nal Four in just set of teams to nearly unstopfour years. pable. He had Arlington.” As for Kena subpar offentucky’s SEC sive first half rival, and the against Michigan State. But no more than four minutes into the top overall seed in the tournasecond half, Napier drilled a con- ment, Florida is right where they tested three from the right wing, should be. As the top team in the country, anything less than a Final and the takeover had begun. Wisconsin is the other team Four appearance would have been most people didn’t expect to make a disappointment. Billy Donovan it this far, despite their No. 2 seed. has led his team to four straight The Badgers have gone on one Elite Eights, and to the first Final of the best runs in school history, Four since they won the second of reaching just their second Final back-to-back titles in 2007. Unlike that double champ FlorFour. They’ve done it by putting ida team of seven years ago, this the “O” in Wisconsin. Over the last four seasons, Wis- Gator squad isn’t anchored by proconsin hadn’t averaged more than jected first-round talent. Scottie 68 points per game. This year, Wilbekin, although the SEC Player they’re averaging 74 points per of the Year, isn’t expected to be game. And it all stems from their 7 sought after by any NBA teams. Patric Young, Michael Frazier foot star, Frank Kaminsky. Under Bo Ryan, Wisconsin has III, Casey Prather and Will Yeguete consistently had a big man who are all seen as quality players, but can play in the post and shoot not much more than that. Hell, the from long range. What separates only Gators scout to be thought to Kaminsky from past Badger giants have a bright, professional future like Jon Leuer and Greg Stiemsma, is freshman Chris Walker, and he’s is his ball handling ability. Kamin- barely played this season! Despite the top seed and ranksky can get around slower, big men, allowing him to get to the rim on ing, Florida plays like a ragtag his own, which creates scoring op- group with something to prove. This year’s Final Four has portunities for himself, as well as for the deadly shooters Ben Brust brought an eclectic set of teams to Arlington. and Josh Gasser. Will we see a fourth FloridaWith the help of Kaminsky, the Badgers have combined a potent Kentucky clash? A rare seven-seed offensive attack with their elite ball vs. eight-seed matchup? I can’t wait security, above-average foul shoot- to find out. ing and solid defense. Contact GABRIEL AGURCIA at Kentucky is the surprisingly, uninquirer@dvc.edu surprising team in this Final Four.
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sports 12
Thursday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Vikings glide over Folsom
Men’s and Women’s tennis dominate the courts JULIAN MARK Correspondent
Men’s and Women’s tennis slaughtered Folsom Lake on Friday, March 28, with a final score of 7-2 for the men and 6-3 for the women—a welcome victory for the struggling gentleman and just another stroll for the ladies. Going into the match 3-7 (1-6 in conference), the gentlemen won each of their three doubles matches 8-0, 8-0, 8-6. Notable performances came from No. 1 and No. 2 seeds Roy Eldred and Vaughn Asuncion as they capitalized on Folsom Lake’s errors with consistency and well timed aggression. “They were just too good looking,” said Folsom Lake No. 1 Max Bass. Handsome devils or not, it was their net play and oncourt telepathy that proved most debonaire. “Our communication is good and we don’t even have to speak,” Asuncion said. “And we were more aggressive at the net and kept them on the defensive side.” Men’s singles went just as smoothly. The guys took four of their six singles matches. Eldred, more a tactician than a power house, fended off Photos by GUSTAVO VASQUEZ /The Inquirer Bass’ booming serve and welcomed his opponent’s profuse Chelsea Corby displays her forehand shot as she returns a ball from a Folsom Lake Falcon. Both unforced errors to win the match 6-4, 6-2. “Tennis is like chess,” Eldred said. “There are a million Men’s and Women’s tennis won their matches at home, on Friday, March 28. different shots to hit at any given time; you just have to game in Santa Rosa approaches on April 3. DVC’s choose.” “Today all of us were in the zone,” said Roy Going into this match 6-4 (4-3 conference), the women’s Seila Besirovic (3) after her 6-0, 6-1 win over Eldred team trampled Folsom Lake in doubles, winning two out Folsom’s Jennifer Tu. “But is deep of three of their doubles matches, 8-0, just because you win this “We try to have a competitive in a rally 8-5, 4-8. week doesn’t mean you’re Susanne Lin (1), and Chelsea Corby atmosphere, but at the end going to win next week.” against (2), employed power and pristine form his oppoof the day it’s about having Although head coach to overwhelm the Folsom ladies’ gratunent on Ponciano-Babb fun,” coach Ponciano-Babb Jackie itous pushing strategies. Friday, would love to see the team “The balls had nothing on them,” said. “This year’s team is re- go the distance, her main Mar. 28, ally easy to love.” Corby said. “She kept giving me balls in objective is to foster good 2014. the air for me to slam.” spirits—no matter the outSingles action was no less brilliant as ~Jackie Ponciano-Babb come. Head coach Susanne Lin (No. 1) overtook Folsom “We try to have a comLake (No. 1). petitive atmosphere, but Emma Berry 6-1, 6-1, short balls at the end of the day it’s about having fun,” were rejected by Susanne Lin’s backhand. coach Ponciano-Babb said. “This year’s team “It’s really hard to hit a hard ball off of slow pace,” Lin is really easy to love.” said, referring to early backhand errors. “But I got more in the zone, bent my knees better, and set up faster.” Overall, the Viking’s win against Folsom Lake was a ma- Contact JULIAN MARK through inquirer@dvc.edu jor confidence boost, especially as the Big 8 Conference
Gay basketball player urges athletes to be true to themselves MALACHI HARRIS Staff member
"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay." That was Jason Collins' statement in his Sports Illustrated article, where he revealed his sexual orientation to the world following the 2012-2013 NBA season. He wants his perception to be as simple as those three short sentences. He became a free agent after the season and did not play again until Feb. 23, 2014, when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets and became the first openly gay athlete to play in any of the four major American sports. Collins, as any other NBA player, loves the game and wants to continue playing basketball.
Collins began thinking about this during the 2011 NBA lockout. The first relative he came out to was his aunt Teri, a superior court judge in San Francisco. Surprisingly she already knew Jason was gay. "I've known you were gay for years," she said in an article written in Sports Illustrated. Jason had dated women before, and he was actually engaged in the past. Jason Collins wears the jersey number 98 as a tribute to slain gay college student Matthew Shepard. The 1998 torture and murder of Shepard became a watershed moment for the gay community according to the victims mother Judy, who said she would like to thank Collins for keeping her son's legacy alive. Jason Collins is no different from any other player. According to teammate Paul
Pierce, who also played with Collins for the Boston Celtics last season, said, "He is a guy that is going to be able to open up the door for athletes around the world. It doesn't matter your race, gender, or sexuality because it's about being part of a team
“Jason Collins is no different from any other player.” and caring for one another." The media makes a big deal about Jason Collins being gay. "We as players, I think we've done a pretty good job of keeping our composure and doing what's best for the team and making Jason feel comfortable," fellow Net Joe
Johnson said. With the whole NBA season coming to an end soon, players and fans should see this as a big accomplishment for the gay community. Right now Jason Collins' No. 98 jersey is the top seller in sports stores. "My message to other athletes, period, is just be yourself. Be your true authentic self and never be afraid or ashamed or have any fear to be your true, authentic self," Collins said. He is now signed for the rest of the season, as of March 15, bringing his veteran and defensive presence to a Nets team in their playoff push.
Contact MALACHI HARRIS at mharris@TheInquirerOnline.com