DVC Inquirer Full Issue 5-16-13 by DVC Inquirer

Summer films: Check out our opinions on the high-anticipated ‘Iron Man 3” and “The Great Gatsby.” See Page 7.

Letters to the Editor:

Fresh faces for football:

Former CalWORKs coordinator speaks out in regards to “Blowing the Whistle.” See Page 6.

DVC Vikings welcome both new and old players for the new seasons. See Page 4.

The

INQUIRER S tudent V oi ce

Volume 82 No. 6

D iablo Val le y C ol le g e

www.TheInquirerOnline.com Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Season of Change

KARIN JENSEN, JULIA KINKELA / The Inquirer

Upcoming fall changes at DVC will affect “activity” classes such as P.E. and music. Course repeatability will also be limited for those classes.

Fall semester will bring longer classes, new names

BRIAN BUNTING Online editor

f you are registering for the fall and you don’t like surprises, now might be a good time to look away. Changes in state regulations and campus policy slated to take effect after the summer could significantly impact your

semester. Most students will notice the differences in three areas: activity classes like music and physical education can no longer be taken multiple times for credit; classes that meet twice a week will be five minutes longer; and P.E. and speech classes must now be sought under kinesiology and communications studies. In an effort to make room for new students, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors approved changes to the education code eliminating repeatability in most subjects. This change affects “activity” classes such as physical education, music, art, and drama -- which have now been broken into beginning, intermediate and advanced sections. Complicating matters, courses of “similar content” will be assigned to “families.” Students can only enroll in four classes per family, with classes taken in the past counting toward the limit. According to a press release, California Community Colleges Board of Governors President Scott Himelstein said, “It doesn’t make sense for us to allow students to take the same physical education course four times on the taxpayer’s dime while we are closing our doors on those looking for a degree or seeking job skills.” Some students are unhappy with the new

limits on repeatability. In a list provided by the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, objections included, “Students need additional time and practice to develop skills,” and “Students may pass a course (receive a C grade) but not be proficient,” and “Students need a large quantity and variety

Need to Know Classes which meet Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday will now be 5 minutes longer. P.E. and speech classes will now be called kinesiology and communications studies respectively. “Activity” classes - such as music and P.E. classes - will no longer be able to be repeated for credit.

of performance experiences in order to be eligible for transfer.” DVC freshman Victoria Frazer says, “The cap only detours students from potentially receiving a degree, or general ed., and I honestly don’t see the point in that.” Posters on a higher education discussion board say cutting repeatability overlooks that some disciplines can’t be learned quickly. “I am concerned about “forcing” a dancer

to move from A-D level of ballet in order to take it 4 times,” one instructor wrote. “A student starting at A level (beginning) will never be ready for D level (en pointe) in 4 semesters. Students enter and progress at different levels. Student may need to spend 3 semesters at level C before moving to level D. And you cannot have all levels (A–D) in the same class as the needs are very different.” While being blocked from enrolling in a section might strike some as an inconvenient, DVC’s next change penciled for fall may add to the suspense: P.E. students scheduling their next class in the Life Sciences building at the top of the hill on the other side of campus may get an unexpected extension to their exercise regimen. Five minutes will also be added to classes which meet on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, effectively cutting the time between classes from 15 to 10 minutes. It may not sound like a lot of time, but the funding DVC receives for the 5 minute difference is significant. According to Vice President of Instruction Susan Lamb, DVC has been losing a whopping $1.5 to $2 million annually in state apportionment because of the shorter class meeting times. By meeting for an hour and 20 minutes weekly, the college can collect apportionment for the full hour and 30 minutes the state allows. Though the move would return DVC to a schedule it once held in the ‘90s and also currently shared by other state schools, the change doesn’t sit well with everyone. CHANGES, Page 2

Prospective bill may affect student registration MONA TALEB_AGHA Staff writer

A prospective bill may affect students’ ability to register for classes. With the number of budget cuts on the increase, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors has decided to take action by endorsing the Student Success Task Force. The task force was the result of the state Board of Governors’ attempt to revitalize the community college system by initiating a “12-month strategic planning process to ensure student success.” Following Senate Bill 1143 (Chapter 409, Statutes of 2010), the task force was formed in January 2011, composed of 20 members chosen from a diverse group of community college faculty, students, researchers, staff, as well as external stakeholders. The task force decided that it was vital to raise the assessment standards for first-time college students to make sure that those students have the basic math and English to pass the 12th grade. Because of this, one change of policy made by the task force is that community colleges must comply with the K-12 Common Core State Standards and implement these standards into each college’s assessment system. Furthermore, upon registration, entering students are required to complete an orientation and take the school’s English and math assessments before being able to register for classes. If a student lacks readiness for collegiate-level core requirements, then they are strongly advised to enroll in a support resource (such as a student success course). The task force also devised a system where REGISTRATION, Page 2

• NEWS 1, 2 • OPINIONS 5, 6 • SPORTS 3, 4 • EDITORIAL 5 • ARTS & FEATURES 7, 8 • CAMPUS BUZZ 5 • CALENDAR 2 • POLICE BEAT 2 • STAFF INFORMATION 5•

News

calendar

Friday and Saturday, May 17 & 18 Track & Field California State JC Championships Away Event Saturday, May 18 Bloch’s Sacred Service PAC complex, 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 CSU East Bay University rep visit Career, Employment and Transfer center in the Counseling Building, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. JFK University rep visit Career, Employment and Transfer center in the Counseling Building 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 24 Graduation Ceremony Viking Stadium, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, May 27 Memorial Day Tuesday, May 28 Open/walk-in registration for all students Summer 2013 Admissions and Records, 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 29 Summer 2013 registration for special admit/concurrent high school students begins DVC, all day Monday, May 20 to Friday May 24 Final Exams - Spring 2013 For more information, go to: http://goo.gl/mpdlC

Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

ASDVC begins anti-smoking push on campus RACHEL ANN REYES News editor

DVC is one step closer to becoming a smoke-free campus. According to Vice President of Legislative Affairs and President-elect Sam Park, ASDVC has voted on an initiative that would push smoking areas and ashtrays further away from campus, making our school smoke free. Park acknowledges that this topic of becoming a smoke free campus is still in its early stages, as it would still need to be ratified and approved by the district. According to Park, state law requires the use of tobacco to be at least 20 feet outside of government funded buildings, such as our school. But students have been voicing their disdain over the current location of smoking areas. “We’ve had complaints when we were gathering ASDVC surveys from our students,” said Park. “[They were] saying that there are smokers too close to the entrances. Spring time comes and a lot of students are getting allergies from pollens or dust and they’re going around and smoking irritates their airways, so they have been making their complaints to the ASDVC board.” Bryan Pinelli, a 28-year-old DVC student, agrees with the initiative explaining that they should move smoking pits to alternative areas, allowing people the opportunity not to smell or walk through the smoke.Park doesn’t plan to “disenfranchise” students who smoke. He intends to further separate the smokers and non-smokers, which can give those who do smoke the freedom to do so, without interfering with the

JULIA KINKELA/ The Inquirer

Haleigh Jones would be one of the many smokers affected by ASDVC’s initiative. health of those who do not. Jamie Smith, a 23-year-old psychology major, tries to be considerate of others when she smokes and thinks that having a designated area for other smokers would be a good idea. “I think they’re valid concerns for the people that don’t want to have to walk through it and stuff but at the same time I feel like in California the antismoking campaigns have gone really far to where… smokers are like the new Republicans, everybody hates them,” said Smith. “So I think if they were going to do that, they would just have to make sure that the smokers aren’t just standing in the parking lot, but actually have a designated area.”

DVC Art Building women’s restroom Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., a subject was contacted after acting strangely inside a restroom. The subject was found to be intoxicated and was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. Thursday, May 2 DVC Art Complex, Room A 102 At 11:38 a.m., a student reported that her laptop was taken when it was left unattended in the classroom. DVC Art Complex, Room A 101 At 12:03 p.m., a student reported that her cell phone was taken from her backpack when it was left unattended in the classroom.

Contact RACHEL ANN REYES at rreyes@TheInquirerOnline.com

REGISTRATION From Page 1

a students’ progress is measured by specific achievements, such as the completion of a collegiate-level math course or the completion of fifteen semester units with a satisfactory grade. The system is designed to mitigate “loss points” - potential moments where students are likely to drop out or lose academic momentum. The most controversial policy change proposed by the SSTF was

the reprioritization of students registering for classes. Instead of priority registration being given to students with the greatest amount of accumulated units, priority registration will be given to entering students, or students who have declared an educational goal and have been consistently following the course of study for their declared major, degree or certificate. Students are also highly recom-

mended to declare a plan of study by their third semester. Theoretically, this would make each student’s time in community college more effective and would allow them to graduate faster. However, for students who spend more time in community college, their stay may be prolonged due to no longer being eligible for priority registration. So far this bill has proved success-

ful, as all the recommendations made by the SSTF were passed two months later as the Student Success Act of 2012 in a 33-1 vote. The bill has now advanced to the state Assembly, and will be voted on by the Assembly Committee of Higher Education on June 19. Contact MONA TALEB-AGHA at mtalebagha@TheInquirerOnline.com

CHANGES

From Page 1

Police Beat Tuesday, April 30 DVC Lot 1 At 4:04 a.m., a subject was contacted in lot 1, getting into a vehicle with government license plates. It was determined that the subject had stolen the vehicle from the United States Air Force recruiting office. The subject was arrested.

While ASDVC is on board with the idea of becoming a smoke free campus, Park understands that there is a certain stigma that follows that label. “There seems to be this notion by just the words ‘smoke free’ that we are immediately targeting smokers in campus and that’s not true,” said Park. “What we want to say is: we’re going to provide them with accessible, designated smoking areas where it doesn’t really harm others who do not smoke, so we’re also thinking about our smoking population here.”

Jamie R., HNU adult student

Have you always dreamed of completing your bachelor’s degree?

“I have my classes spaced. I have class in the Math Building, but if I need to get to biology, I need those extra five minutes, because I don’t want to get grade deduction points,” explained psychology major Shurooq Salman. And although the link isn’t obvious at first glance, the name changes to kinesiology and communications studies are related to the loss of repeatability. The California Community Colleges Student Success Task Force wants to segregate degree-specific programs under umbrella labels (like kinesiology) that can

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be used statewide, and then identify families of courses that offer curriculum they deem to be similar enough to count against the repeat cap. In a Task Force agenda summary back in 2011, under the heading “Physical Education,” they state their goal clearly, “Separate intercollegiate athletics from PE as much as possible. Use the separate TOP codes for the courses aimed at dance, PE, health, and athletics.”

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Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Sports

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Courtesy of SHELLY PIERSON

DVC’s Briana Walker leads the pack in the 100-meter hurdles event at the Jack Albiani Invitational held at Modesto Junior College on March 8.

Briana Walker shines bright at NorCal’s 2013 track and field finals LUCIA NARDI Staff writer

Rising track and field star Briana Walker returns from Saturday’s NorCal finals disappointed, but determined to come back next year even stronger. Walker stated in an interview following the May 11 finals in Sacramento, “I think we were all disappointed. We had a good thing going and wanted to take it to State. But I know I tried my best and my teammates did too. I’m happy we got as far as we did.” Considering the competition, Walker can be proud of her 6th place finish in the Women’s 100 meter hurdles. Finishing in 15.80 seconds, just short of the rank and time necessary to qualify to compete at the state championship. Walker will be a strong contender in next year’s competition. The Women’s 4 x 100 meter relay team, in which Walker ran the third leg, also finished a respectable 7th

place with a time of 49.98 seconds. Hurdles coach Sally Stafford explained, “Hurdling requires intensive technique work and it takes time to master it. It also takes speed and flexibility which are some of Briana’s most innate abilities.” Walker, a 19 year-old Mississippi native, joined the DVC Track and Field team this spring as a freshman and already shows great potential, according to head coach Shelly Pierson. “Briana is a natural track athlete. Her strongest event is the 100 meter high-hurdles, but she’s strong in everything else too. She’s an imperative third leg on our 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 meter relay teams.” Down-to-earth and soft-spoken, Walker talked about the difficult adjustment she had relocating to California at age 15. “I went to Alhambra High School in Martinez when we moved out to California. It took me a while to get used to things and make new friends. I was really closed off and shy when I was younger so it was kind of hard for me to reach

out to other people, but it got better as it went along.” Pierson describes Walker as a sweet girl who wouldn’t hurt a fly. “The coaches here at DVC are teaching her to be more aggressive. I tell her when you get out on the track you need to growl, you need to have that fire in your heart burning. Before every race I’m like growl... growl!” Walker agrees that she is learning to be more aggressive. “If I really want something I go after it now. I absolutely love the 100 hurdles...I want to win every time. I always look down the line of hurdles and say to myself, ‘just get to the end as fast as you can.’ I’m putting all this work in, why wouldn’t I want to win?...I want to be the best.” Pierson believes Walker has the talent and ability to be a NorCal champion next year. “Briana is going to do very well as a sophomore here at DVC. I know she will excel and has the potential to move on to the next level and hurdle at the four

year university level.” When looking into the future, Walker is considering a degree in kinesiology. “My dream school is San Diego State, it’s such a beautiful campus and they have a wonderful kinesiology program. I’d like to get my master’s in occupational therapy. I would love to rehabilitate and work with kids with permanent disabilities. If I could, I would still like to run in college - I hope to continue to compete.” For now, Walker continues to live in Martinez with her mom Selena, 16-year-old brother Jonathan, and 11-year-old sister Alyssa. Walker said, “We have an athletic family, my brother and sister both play soccer, and I go to their games and they come to my meets when they’re not too far away. We love cheering each other on, it’s so much fun.” The family also enjoys mom’s special home cooking together. “My favorite dinner is my mom’s fried chicken, collard greens, mashedpotatoes, and macaroni and cheese.

Oh my goodness, they’re delicious - it reminds me of home.” Looking at Walker’s willowy frame, you would never suspect such indulgences. Another sinful pleasure Walker confessed is, “I’m a gamer girl, I love to play video games - ‘Call of Duty,’ ‘Skyrim,’ ‘Assassin’s Creed,’ ‘Halo’ - I just love it.” Bubbling with even greater enthusiasm, Walker’s eyes lit up as she talked about her real passion: art. “I want to have a giant art studio just to do whatever I want - have a giant kiln, paint, sculpt, and I want to take glass blowing classes as well.” Clear and definitive, Walker proclaims, “Art is really my passion. If I could do one thing for the rest of my life it would be art.” Walker’s future looks bright, whatever road she decides to travel. Any obstacles life presents she is sure to overcome — one hurdle at a time, until she wins the race. Contact LUCIA NARDI at lnardi@TheInquirerOnline.com

Darya Ashim wins ITA National Women’s Rookie of the Year EVAN WESLEY Staff writer

Entering the 2013 women’s tennis season, Darya Ashim hoped to overcome an unfortunate knee injury which sidelined her tennis career nearly two years. She returned to the court with the goal of mastering the sport she has loved ever since her grandfather introduced it to her as a child. “I suffered a really bad injury when I was 16. I tore my meniscus and that was really bad,” Ashim explained. “Last semester was the first time I held a racket again so it was pretty nice to actually win something and compete again after not competing for so long.” She certainly silenced any remaining doubt the injury

had left by earning the Big 8 Conference MVP award and the 2013 ITA National Women’s Rookie Player of the Year, all while claiming the number one ranked spot in NorCal and number five ranking in California for Women’s Tennis. She is the first student-athlete in DVC history to win the ITA Women’s Rookie Player of the Year, a truly remarkable accomplishment. “I’ve been working really hard for the past four or five months to get to that position. When I actually won, I felt really proud of myself and proud of my coaches,” Ashim said. “I felt like I was representing DVC in a good way.” Darya displayed a work ethic and unmatched determination that not only led to

“Last semester was

the first time I held a racket again so it was pretty nice to actually win something and compete again after not competing for so long.” ~DARYA ASHIM DVC Tennis Player

her great personal success, but contributed to leading the Women’s Tennis team to a highly respectable 2013 campaign. The team represented DVC very well by finishing the season with an 11-3 record overall, while boasting the number three ranking in Nor-Cal and number five ranking in California. “Darya elevated everybody’s game, not only on our team but the entire Big 8 Conference,” said assistant coach Ruthie Ignacio. “She was the one to beat!” Her story has been inspirational to her teammates, coaches, and all who have witnessed or shared a part in the tennis program. In the last several months, Ashim has gone from a DVC rookie to a national standout, garner-

ing transfer and scholarship interest from Sonoma State University and Holy Names University. “Wherever Darya goes she will leave her mark on the tennis court for which ever program she chooses to transfer to and play for,” head coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb said. “She definitely has made her case for becoming the first female tennis player to eventually be inducted into the Diablo Valley College Athletics Hall of Fame.” Nothing stands in the way of Ashim’s success. She has overcome injury and come back stronger than ever, leaving a legacy and setting a valiant example for all student-athletes to follow in her footsteps. “Darya is the type of student-athlete that a coach

would love to have as part of their program,” PoncianoBabb said. “As long as she believes in herself and executes her game plan, she will more than likely win her match.” It is her desire and self-confidence that has propelled her to win in such an impressive fashion. However, at the end of the day, she plays for the love of the game. She is simply doing what she enjoys and does best. “I just really like the experience. Win or lose, I actually like going on the court and trying my best, showing everyone else what I got.” Ashim said. “I love being on the court with other people.” Contact EVAN WESLEY at ewesley@ TheInquirerOnline.com

Sports

Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

KARIN JENSEN / The Inquirer

Running back Deshawn Johnson, catching an out route in spring practice, showcases his footwork for a starting position.

Past and present unite

Newcomers and returnees delve into football workouts in preparation for fall GABRIEL AGURCIA Senior staff writer

DVC football is sending off a team’s worth of talent to four-year institutions while looking to reload for a big year. Coming off of a successful season, capped off with an East Bay Bowl victory over Laney College, the Vikings are welcoming back their returnees, as well as scouting a new crop of talent. Head coach Mike Darr has a very bright outlook on the upcoming season, raving about his veterans’ presence. “The guys who have been here have done a great job of taking on leadership roles, and helping the new guys get acclimated,” he said. He’s also excited about the overall explosiveness of his team, particularly of his offensive and defensive lines. And it is a defensive line which boasts the top recruit in the entire country in Tui Talia from Ygnacio Valley High School. His recruitment, was exemplified by the constant presence of Oregon University’s main scout around him. “It’s a huge, new experi-

ence I’m going through. A lot of coaches are hitting me up on Facebook and stuff. It’s just been wild,” Talia said. And what are his goals for the upcoming season? “I just want to get, like, over 10 sacks. And that’s about it,” he said with a laugh. As impressive as they appear, Darr didn’t stop at his trench players, pointing out “an impressive group of running backs” and “very skilled and intelligent defensive backs.” Darr spoke confidently of his team’s potential, stating his belief that they can play for the Nor-Cal championship. “That East Bay Bowl was a special one for us, but we’re capable of more if we continue down the path we’re on,” Darr said. Although he is looking ahead, coach Darr remains aware and attentive of the players he’s watching transfer to four-year programs. The destinations include household names such as Cal, UNLV, Utah, Houston, BYU and San Diego State; as well as lesser known schools, like Redlands, Malone, Southwest Oklahoma, Southeast-

ern Louisiana, Eastern New Mexico, Duquesne and Texas State. The one oddity is wide receiver Diante Jackson, who is mulling over attending Whittier College, joining the Arena Football League, or jumping to the Canadian Football League. Wide receiver Andre Lewis, a Utah signee, spoke about the plethora of transfers. “I feel like it’s putting DVC on the map,” Lewis said. “All the athletes that are around the Concord area are going to want to come down to DVC to try to better their lives and get a full ride scholarship.” Lewis also talked about his own transfer process. “Man, now that’s exciting. That’s really a great accomplishment, because I know how much work I had to put in to get where I’m at now. Not too many kids can say they’re playing in a Division-1 league. So to be able to get that opportunity is an amazing blessing for me.”

Contact GABRIEL AGURCIA at gagurcia @TheInquirerOnline.com

KARIN JENSEN / The Inquirer

DVC prospect Kyle Hill attempts to make a good impression on the field.

Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The

Buzz

How do you feel about having five fewer minutes between classes in the fall?

ALYSSA ORTEGA, 19 Psychology/ Childhood development

“I like to get food inbetween classes, but its not a big deal.”

JANICE PETERSON, 20 Criminal Justice

“I don’t like it. 5 minutes could make you or break you.”

NEIL CASTRO, 24 Music performance

“Five minutes isn’t that big of a difference.”

Opinions

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Editorial Why the Jason Collins story shouldn’t matter, but does Much is being made about NBA humble, with a good grasp of his center Jason Collins -- the first active place in the spectrum of leaders reprofessional male athlete in one of sponsible for the vicissitudes of huthe “Big 4” sports to come out as be- man progress. ing openly gay — and while there’s This packed inside of a 7-foot no shortage of ground covered by frame of cagey physicality whose his story, we can’t help but notice playing style and presence stand as a that the story occurs in the context rebuke to the stream of unfounded of a much deeper narrative. stereotypes leveled against gays in The real story is that Collins’ dec- the sports community. laration ‘is’ a story. Today the federal There’s no question Collins is a government still isn’t sure if some pioneer. But this isn’t about the hero people should have the same rights that Collins winds up being. as everyone else because of who It’s about the domino effect tolerthey’re atant people hope his tracted to. story is a catalyst There’s no question We’re havfor. Collins is a pioneer. ing this dis“I didn’t set out to cussion beBut this isn’t about the be the first openly cause we live gay athlete playing in an age hero that Collins winds in a major Ameriwhere athletes up being. It’s about the can team sport. in professionBut since I am, I’m domino effect tolerant happy to start the al sports are being scru- people hope his story is conversation,” Coltinized for lins wrote. a catalyst for. things entirely “I wish I wasn’t unrelated to the kid in the classeither athleticism or sports. room raising his hand and saying, The Collins story represents the ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, latest rampart of professional sports someone else would have already culture to fall. This is no accident. done this. Nobody has, which is why There’s been a change in the main- I’m raising my hand.” stream treatment of what the ‘90s While it’s easy for us as outsiders once identified as an “alternative to assume this is a manifest sign of lifestyle.” inevitable change sweeping across He was helped by a host of pro- sports, it’s more responsible to acfessional athletes to come out be- knowledge how lonely it still is for fore him. From tennis star Martina the professional athletes we can asNavratilova in 1981, to Greg Lou- sume are still out there, in the closet. ganis in 1995, Sheryl Swoopes, Billy The tolerance we’re enjoying now Bean, Wade Davis, the list is longer is in its infancy, still fragile. than the anti-gay contingent would It’s up to us as individuals to keep like to acknowledge. it alive by criticizing homophobia, Though he’s not the first to come and refusing to judge athletes using out, in many ways he’s the best per- factors as irrelevant as sexual orienson for the job today - articulate, tation.

Courtesy of MARISSA GAWEL / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

Jason Collins, 34, is the first professional male athlete to come out as being openly gay while playing a team sport.

Opinion

Hosting battle impacts Bay Area STEPHANIE THORNE, 19 Psychology

“It’ll make it more frustrating to get to class and to get food between classes.”

The Real Deal: San Francisco and South Florida duke it out to host Super Bowl AARON HUDSON Staff writer

ANTIN ANKERSON, 33 Music industrial studies

“Thats fine. 10 minutes is cool wth me.”

Interviewed and photographed by: Collin James

In October the NFL announced that San Francisco and South Florida were the two finalists for the 2016 Super Bowl bid. If San Francisco doesn’t win the bid for the 50th Super Bowl, they will compete with Houston to host the 51st Super Bowl the following year. First we must observe that the South Florida organization must raise a staggering, $21 million to host the event. Also meaning the cost of hosting the milestone game could be double the amount as last time the NFL championship came to Miami Gardens. So how much money would it cost taxpayers in the bay area for this very same super bowl? Look at it from a business perspective. With over 100 billion viewers each year for the last decade, how much business will the Super Bowl attract, between hotels, taxis and Super Bowl memorabilia? According to Jan Freitag, a senior executive at hotel industry tracker STR, who gives Hotel Check-

In readers the scoop on hotel rates once a quarter. “San Francisco is such a hot leisure and meetings market that its group room rates increased by nearly 10%,” Freitag said. “Rates are increasing so much that travelers are looking across the Bay Bridge to Oakland and south, to San Jose, for more affordable accommodations.” Since the game is likely to be held in the new Santa Clara $1.2 billion stadium expected to open in time for the 2014 season according to the city of Santa Clara construction schedule. Fans will have to take the same measures to see the game at a relatively affordable price. According to Nicki Grossman, tourism director and a member of the organizing committee, the South Florida group expects the overall tab to hit about $21 million, which is less than the $25 million cited by rival San Francisco as its fundraising goal for the 2016 game. The event takes on a new identity, as more than just a game. Its a business after all right? The amount of money being thrown around and the politics that is involve can really open the eyes

Editorial Board

Staff

Josh “Grassy” Knoll Samantha Chiu Brian Bunting Collin James Rachel Ann Reyes SPORTS EDITOR Aaron Hudson OPINIONS EDITORS Sasan Kasravi ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR Troy Patton PHOTO CHIEF Karin Jensen COPY EDITOR Andrew O’Connor-Watts

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Gabriel Agurcia, Pablo Caballero,

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR NEWS EDITOR

Theresa Marie, Hakeem Montes STAFF WRITERS Lucia Nardi, Alejandro Ramos, Mona TalebAgha, Evan Wesley PHOTOGRAPHERS Matthew Emmanuel, Julia Kinkela INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

of hopeful owners awaiting the next bid entry for a Super Bowl 52. “We have the hotel rooms, we have the hospitality, we have the transportation network, we have the businesses, the community support, the philanthropic support to do this right and do this well,” San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said. As a strategic effort South Florida’s Super Bowl Bid Committee recruited past Miami Dolphin greats, such as Bob Griese, Jason Taylor and Dan Marino. No shock that, Team CEO Jed York added Former quarterback Steve Young and coach George Seifert are joining the San Francisco Bay Area regional bid committee. The San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl committee will send its final bid package to the NFL on May 7 and will travel to Boston to make a presentation to the league’s owners on May 21.

Contact AARON HUDSON at AHudson@TheInquirerOnline.com

THE INQUIRER Diablo Valley College 321 Golf Club Road, H-102 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 The Inquirer is published Thursday mornings during the school year by the journalism students of Diablo Valley College. All unsigned articles appearing on the opinions page are editorials and reflect a two-thirds majority opinion of the editorial staff. All signed columns and cartoons are the opinions of the writer or artists and not necessarily those of The Inquirer, Diablo Valley College or Contra Costa Community College District.

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Opinions

Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Letters to the editor Setting the record straight

Former CalWORKs coordinator speaks on campus child care As the former CalWORKs Coordinator, I would like to set the record straight. A little fact checking in the article “Blowing the Whistle” would have revealed that the story claimed by Ms. Smith does not check out. While I have no knowledge of the specific details of the case due to student confidentiality, there are state and college policies that do not ring true in Ms. Smith’s claims. CalWORKs students who are approved for education as part of their Welfare-to-Work activity plan may be eligible for either college or county paid childcare. In order for a CalWORKs student to receive this benefit, students must meet eligibility requirements and they are responsible for providing proper documentation to verify that eligibility. Admittedly the application process for county paid child care is cumbersome; it requires submission to the county of a DVC education plan, a copy of the student’s transcript showing satisfactory academic progress, a current class schedule, verification of any financial aid provided by the college, an affidavit from the child care provider, a six page application and then finally the approval from the county employment specialist. If an eligible student is unable to obtain county paid child care, it is because the student did not complete the process in a timely fashion. CalWORKs students may also be eligible for college paid

on-campus child care. The DVC Children’s Center gives priority to continuing students. This is true whether the students are supported by CalWORKs or not. Typically slots are full well before the start of any term.

If an eligible student is unable to obtain county paid child care, it is because the student did not complete the process in a timely fashion. In order for a new student to be placed on the waitlist, the student must have completed an intake session and attend an orientation session for each semester which provides students with timelines to assure students receive the resources they need to start the semester. They must also be in good standing with the college CalWORKs program which means maintaining county eligibility for Welfare-to-Work services and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Smith claims that she lost an internship because she could not get on campus child care; however, parents must be on

campus when children are in the care of the DVC Children’s Center. She would not have been able to participate in the internship while her child was on campus. She also claimed that she had to drop classes because she could not find affordable child care. The county could have paid her off-campus child care had she submitted the necessary documentation in time to complete the county process. The article printed in the Inquirer states, “The internal audit concluded that the student worker did not steal gas cards or falsify time cards. . . .” The college and district administration has done its due diligence in this matter. Processes have been adjusted to ensure accuracy, and unfortunately the CalWORKs program will cease its provision of gas cards to students needing assistance with transportation expenses. Current and future CalWORKs students are truly those impacted by this case. I encourage the Inquirer to check the facts. The policies and laws governing the California Community College CalWORKs Programs and the California Department of Social Services are public record and readily available. A little investigation would have revealed a different story. - Dona DeRusso Former CalWORKs Coordinator (1998 – 2011)

Closing loophole not worth inconvenience Most drivers will get one or two speeding tickets in their lifetime, but not all of them have time to go to traffic school and take the point off from their driving record. After drivers receive the speed ticket, they would get six months to decide whether to plead not guilty and request a court hearing date or plead guilty and apply for traffic school; in addition, the driver who wants to avoid the insurance going up or pay the full amount in three months. If they pass the six month period no matter in what reason, there is no make up for the decision or any other way to cancel the ticket. If drivers did not pay the ticket before the due day, they might receive a bench warrant out for their arrest. When the Department of Motor Vehicles made this rule, they probably did not consider some situations that may make the driver unable to take traffic school. For example, some people who had an accident and went to the hospital, some people who were in a foreign country in that period of time or other reasonable problems.

Around July 1, 2011, the California court system agreed Department of Motor Vehicles changed a law to close a loophole and avoid some drivers abusing the traffic school system.

When the Department of Motor Vehicles made this rule, they probably did not consider some situations that may make the driver unable to take traffic school. “It closes a loophole if you will, where certain individuals were gaming the system and going to traffic school multiple times within an 18 month period of time.” (Capital Public radio July 27, 2011)

Fight for proper food labels continues throughout california

Sharing love for local author’s book I wanted to share some information with you on a wonderful book by a stand out local author. Magical Echo by Linda Kay Silva is a must read that kept me turning the pages!

Can Echo solve the murder before becoming the killer’s next victim? “There are a lot of bodies buried in the Las Vegas desert, and Echo has to work doubly hard not to wind up one of them. Between the murderous antics of supernaturals who are off the grid, and becom-

ing mired in a murder investigation with too many unanswered questions, Echo and company must navigate the treacherous waters of the Vegas strip. As she gets deeper into the investigation, she and her people are brutally attacked by rival supernaturals who have decided to make the casinos their own personal bank. As Echo realizes there is an enemy within her ranks, she must call on the one person who wants nothing more to do with her, as well as accept help from some of the most unlikeliest heroes. Can Echo solve the murder before becoming the killer’s next victim? Does she, at last, have what...” -Kelley Mayor

- Sincerely,Yi Wan Cheung DVC Student Advertisement

INQUIRER

The

Prop 37 narrowly failed last year, but recently passed a bill that bans courts from the number of people (and companies like halting the sale of Monsanto’s geneticallyWhole Foods) who feel we modified seeds, and several deserve the right to know Monsanto executives We have a right to former what is in our food has innow sit on the board of the know what is in the FDA. creased dramatically. To show how many food we eat, and we We have a right to know people have a stake in this what is in the food we eat, deserve the right to and we deserve the right issue, activists around the world will stand to March demand food that is to demand food that is not Against Monsanto. genetically-modified if we so Monsanto has been not genetically-modi- choose. the benefactor of far too fied if we so choose. Check out the facebook many corporate subsifor local events https:// dies and political favoritwww.facebook.com/ ism, causing an almost monopoly over the events/483492741706645/. world’s food supply to the detriment of organic and small farmers. The U.S. Congress -Courtney Schreiner

After the law changed, drivers are only allowed to take traffic school once a year in the period of six months. Changing the law obviously can decrease drivers abusing the traffic school system, but it also effect some people who are unable to take traffic school within six months after they received the speed ticket. In my personal experience, I received a speed ticket in May 2012, but I left the country in June and came back in August. By the time I came back, it was already passed three months period so I needed to pay the ticket before I left and confess I am guilty. The period for resolve the ticket and taking traffic school was really short, and I could not even made the decision correctly. I suggest extending both of the periods of time to let the driver have enough time to make their right decisions

S tudent V oi ce

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Gain the skills, knowledge and work experience to become who you want to be. To make friends and build your resume – Sign up for JRNAL 124, Fundamentals of Journalism I, 1.5 units To work towards an AA-T in journalism – Sign up for JRNAL 126, News Production Lab I, 3 units, CSU transferrable (Must have JRNAL 120, JRNAL 125 or equivalent) To build a portfolio of published work – Sign up for JRNAL 128, Journalism Portfolio Development, 1 unit

Arts & features

Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Courtesy of WARNER BRO. PICTURES

Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jay Gatsby, the fabulous and flawed socialite and businessman, steals the show in the remake of Fitzgerald’s mastepiece.

Despite flaws, ‘Gatsby’ still glitters TROY PATTON Arts and features editor

“The Great Gatsby” may be the greatest piece of American fiction ever written. The backdrop of the roaring twenties provided an interesting time and place for the novel, but the how and why transcend “Gatsby’s” window dressing. The human element and themes of decadence, love, betrayal and resisting change is what makes “Gatsby” intrinsically timeless. It should come as no surprise then that director Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” tries to use a heavy hand to force that timelessness by adding a modern flair to the world of Jay Gatsby. Besides modern editing and special effects that most noticeable element of the contemporaneous injections was the music. Jazz was such an intrinsic part of the world of swinging and speakeasys that its inclusion is nigh mandatory,and to the film’s credit, for the most part, the soundtrack is as bombastic as one would expect and subtle and nuanced when needed. It’s the inclusion of the modern music from the likes of Jay-Z, Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse that do the film the most disservice. It’s obvious that Luhrmann was trying

to draw analogues between 1920’s and modern cultural excess, but it drew me out of the film. More so during scenes where the modern music would fade in and out of the most traditional jazz and big band backings. While the characters and themes are timeless, the setting of “Gatsby” is intrinsically shaped by the times, and I feel Lurhmann missed that point. This misstep regarding the music stands as a direct contrast to the spectacular art direction throughout the film. The scenes at Gatsby’s mansion in particular are splendid. From costumes to lighting to set design, everything becomes swept up in a whirlwind of smart suits, short dresses and glitzy confetti that spirals inward, drawing the eye from spectacle to spectacle. Simply put, these scenes are kinetic and fun; a stark contrast to the more somber human moments that are often the bookends to these sorts of scenes. These moments of humanity are what really let “Gatsby” escape it’s aesthetic trappings and become more than just a pretty face. To their credit, the scenes themselves succeed, not because of a particularly clever script or dialogue, but because the acting is grounded as opposed to the larger-than-life visual styling. It should come as no surprise then, that

Gatsby is the one that really steals the show. While he normally seems to exude confidence and charm in almost any role that calls for it, Leonardo DiCaprio seems purpose-built to fill the shoes of Jay Gatsby. As Gatsby, he is peerless. At this point, DiCaprio is THE Gatsby. The only problem I had with Gatsby as a character had nothing to do with the acting but rather how he’s built up throughout the film, or in this case, how little he’s built up. In the novel, Gatsby is made out to be up mysterious and near-infallible character. Only near the end of the book do you see that facade fall and what’s left exposed is an incredibly flawed man, one who walks a line between pitiful and reprehensible. The transformation in the film, I feel, is done much more quickly than it needed to be. With weaknesses and flaws exposed early, Gatsby’s fall is all too expected and ends up feeling like a slow slide instead of a drop off a cliff. What could have been a more nuanced and surprising bit of character development, instead has its card shown a too early and the pacing of the film suffers for it. Another minor detail that was worrisome was the film sometimes relying on telling the viewer details instead of showing them. While the part of Nick Carraway is well played

Series starts to show a bit of rust in ‘Iron Man 3’ ANDREW O’CONNOR-WATTS Copy editor

“Iron Man 3” begins months after the alien attacks of last summer’s “The Avengers” film. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has been experiencing panic attacks as a result of the invasion on New York City and in response, has buried himself in work on his Iron Man suits much to the chagrin of his girlfriend and CEO of Stark Enterprises, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Meanwhile, a new terrorist group led by the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) has been responsible for numerous explosive attacks across the globe. The Mandarin hijacks the airwaves, playing videos with ominous explanations as to why these attacks were warranted. But when Stark’s head of security is gravely injured in a Mandarin attack, Stark makes the mistake of putting himself and Potts in danger with a public proclamation of his home address telling the Mandarin, “I’ll leave the door unlocked for you.” And the plot begins to unfold. “When is he going to put on a real Iron Man suit and fight some bad guys?” Despite my belief that those words should never be uttered during an “Iron Man” film, I found myself asking that very question about 45 minutes into the latest installment of Marvel’s newest superhero movie. Don’t get me wrong, the film delivered on some of the expectations one looks for in a superhero or specifically an “Iron Man” film. There were plot twists (some more obvious than others), the destruction of beautiful and incredibly expensive looking buildings, the clever quips and Tony Stark-isms we all know and love. Stark’s self-aware arrogance, which Downey Jr. so instinctively portrays, was the film’s saving grace. His relationship with Harley Keener (Ty Simpkins) was refreshing enough to get me through to the action scenes but the film could have benefited from a better blend of the two. I very much enjoyed the first “Iron Man” film, which also did not feature Tony Stark’s famous suit until late in the film, however in that case I was not bothered by it. In “Iron Man”

it was necessary to establish the character of Tony Stark and as it was an origin story for the franchise, it was fun to see him work on the suit from the remote, middle-eastern cave and see how he used the building of the first suit to escape from captivity. After his escape there was an entire storyline with Obadiah Stain as the primary villain and Stark was forced to use his new suit for a large part of the remainder of the film. We essentially got two movies in one. The lack of suit-wearing could be a result of the directing change from Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2”) to Shane Black (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”). Perhaps it is a result of trying to mix things up from previous films. Or perhaps it is a result of it being the third movie in a franchise series which seems to be difficult to do well. Even Francis Ford Coppola couldn’t make a satisfying ending to the “Godfather” trilogy. The Mandarin’s blatant allusion to Osama bin Laden and Islam in general, was probably the most irritating aspect of the film. These days, Islam and terrorism are as synonymous as the Soviet Union and communism were during the Cold War, and as a result, all film bad guys have to fall into those categories. Additionally, the climactic scene seemed like a huge advertisement for drone warfare which I won’t delve into, but again it was frustratingly transparent. Comic book geeks will probably also be disappointed with the creative direction they take for the Mandarin’s character. “Iron Man 3” had its moments, it kept a good meter on the comedy but ultimately fell short of the previous two films which seemed more cohesive and exciting. That being said, the film was still entertaining so if you want a fun movie experience there will be plenty of scenes to keep your attention as well as cheesy ones to crack jokes about with friends.

by Toby Maguire, his character’s narration throughout the entirety of the film seems like an easy solution in a situation where sudden enlightenment is common and stories can become convoluted while trying to decipher what’s real and what’s fabricated by one or more of the tale’s players. With such a huge legacy to live up to, it’s no surprise that Luhrmann’s adaptation of Fitzgerald’s magnum opus gets lost in its own opulence. Whether that opulence is a product of Luhrmann’s vision or just a by-product of adapting the novel to the silver-screen is up for debate. Regardless, “The Great Gatsby” seems to stumble here and there but solid acting and stunning visuals help keep the film’s feet firmly planted more often than not. What Luhrmann has created is a vision of “Gatsby” that is much like the man; largerthan-life, and inherently flawed. As a film, it has problems, but as a retelling of one of the greatest pieces of fiction ever written, it’s worth the whole damn bunch put together.

Contact TROY PATTON at tpatton@TheInquirerOnline.com

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Arts & features The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013

Restaurant management and culinary art students dice, saute, grill, prepare delicacies and call out orders in the organized chaos of DVC’s kitchen.

PHOTOS BY THERESA MARIE / The Inquirer

process

art

The kitchen behind the Norseman is a flurry of activity as students in DVC’s hospitality program learn and execute every aspect of preparing and presenting meals to guests. Luciano Castaneda adds the finishing touches to pan-fried salmon.

Dicing heirloom tomatoes and drizzling pesto sauce are just two of the steps involved in Castaneda’s preparation of the Norseman’s pan-fried salmon.

Convention hopes to WOW! comic fans Josh “Grassy” Knoll Editor-in-chief

Bay Area comic book fans will have cause for celebration when the 2013 Big WOW! ComicFest descends on the San Jose Convention Center May 18-19. In addition to what Operations Director Tatiana Dykes calls “...one of the most robust artist guest lists on the con circuit,” the convention will also feature various cosplay guests, guest artist panels and a Geek Fashion Show. Professional artist and comic inker extraordinaire, Joe B. Weems V will be among the artists featured at the event. A recent transplant to the Northern California, Weems is excited to be attending his first Big WOW! ComicFest. In a phone interview with The Inquirer, Weems described his experience at past conventions as being “...like coming home… you feel completely accepted in that environment.” The third annual Big WOW! ComicFest, formerly known as Wonder Con, recently added to it’s already impressive docket of talent, with the living legend of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee for autograph and photo opportunities. “We’re going to have Stan Lee there on Sunday, so that’s some-

thing to get excited about.” Weems said of the still growing list of comic legends scheduled to make appearances. “Joe Benitez will be doing a live panel, that’s a live art demonstration with Rose Ivy Wallace, who is a cosplay model… She’ll be cosplaying as Joe’s character Lady Mechanika.” Artists Neal Adams of DC Comics fame and J. Scott Campbell will also be in attendance for interaction and book signings throughout the two day convention. “Big WOW! is more of a classictype convention, where you can walk up to your favorite creator and have a conversation with them. Where you can walk around and look at cool wares and dig through old comics and spend all day immersed in the culture. A place where you can be yourself and meet like-minded people for a fun, geeky weekend.” Dykes said of the expected ambiance at the event in a Facebook interview. In addition to the myriad guests and experiences, many of the artists in attendance will offer contributions to an art auction held on Saturday evening. Aside from various pieces of original comic artwork donated for the auction, “... there will be an inking panel where a number of artists are given blue-

line pieces to ink.” Said Weems, who will be participating in the inking panel with others. “That’s half the fun, seeing which pieces the artists chose to pick from and how they interpret the art.” Whether the allure of world class artists, writers and creators draws people in, or the appeal of joining like-minded enthusiasts for non-judgmental good times, attendees are sure to find themselves immersed in an unrivaled experience. “There’s nothing else like it.” Weems said of the general convention ambiance. A place where guests “...can let (their) freak-flag fly.” And “...don’t ever have to worry about being judged.” “I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.” Dykes said of her convention anticipation. Of the impressive lists of guests, she was unable to chose a favorite. “I’m excited about everyone on the list.” Fortunately for those who share that passion and enthusiasm for comics and comic art, there’s no need to pick favorites over the course of the two-day extravaganza. There will be something for every fan of the genre. Contact Josh “Grassy” Knoll at jknoll@TheInquirerOnline.com

Courtesy of Joe B. Weems V

Artwork Joe Weems did for a Darkstar’s “Dragon Skulls” skateboard deck line. Weems will be one of the artists featured in the upcoming Big WOW! ComicFest.