I
INQUIRER Student Voice of Diablo Valley College
Volume IV, No. 1
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24 , 2016 www.DVCInquirer.com
Vikings tennis dominates foothill Team takes home the win in its first home match. See Page 8
'staying safe' brown bag workshop Officer William Bell presents DVC students with tips for on and off campus. See Page 4
ArT building oN lasT legs? DVC administration may spend Measure E funding on the construction of new campus buildings. See Page 2
JESSE SUTTERLEY / The Inquirer
news 2
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016
Campus Anticipation builds for DVC expansion can ‘Feel the Bern’ ERIN SMITH Staff member
JESSE SUTTERLEY Co-editor-in-chief
With the presidential election swiftly approaching, it is not uncommon to see liberal presidential supporters on campuses around California, but now Diablo Valley College has it’s own group forming. After attending the UC Berkeley Students for Bernie (UCBSB), DVC’s Christofer Holobetz, an 18 year old Biology major, has begun a Students for Bernie movement on our campus. Holobetz set up a table in the center of the DVC quad on Jan. 27 where he and a UCBSB student handed out “Students for Bernie” bumper stickers, pins and signs. Holobetz also spent time talking to students who approached the table and encouraged them to join the emailing list. “People think they don’t have a voice,” Holobetz said, “But that’s not true. If you use your voice you can make change.” Holobetz hopes to get enough supporters here at DVC to host meetings and tabling once to twice a week in the quad on campus. “I want to get as many (students) as I can to mobilize because this is important,” Holobetz said. With the upcoming caucus in Nevada, in which Nevadans will choose between Sanders and Clinton as the Democratic parties candidate. The 200 students from UCBSB teamed up with UC Santa Cruz Students for Bernie. They plan on making a trip up to Reno to call rural Nevadans in the hopes of convincing them to vote for Sanders. The trip is open to others that want to help with the campaign and will take place from Feb. 1215. For those interested in participating in the campaign, UCBSB is going to be making phone calls this weekend to Californians from their office at 2133 University Ave. in Berkeley. Anyone can participate in the call center even if they are not Berkeley students. You can work a few hours or all day, but UCBSB is always looking for more volunteers. There was confusion about the number of students participation in UC Berkeley’s students for Bernie and corrections have been made.
Close to $200 million is up for grabs and in the process of being allocated to various departments of Diablo Valley College to update facilities and ease class sizes. Faculty met to focus on Measure E, a parcel tax that generates $2.3 million annually to support critical areas in our schools. The meeting took a hard look at finances and possible physical layout, and allowed faculty to address any questions or concerns before the project enters the planning phase. The college hopes to be focusing primarily on the Arts and Kinesiology departments. With such a high price tag and a timeline of 10 years, DVC President Peter Garcia said, “I’m really excited about where we are. I’m excited that we’ve made as much progress as we have.” Krista Olson, designer and planner of K.O. Designs, the company working with DVC in regards to the design started the meeting off. “Over the last few months what we’ve done is come up with a scheme to build new buildings, remodel buildings and come up with a sequence of how those will come about.” She outlined whats in store for the future layout of DVC. “At the end of the build out we are proposing that you will have a new front door complex, which will include a new learning center, faculty offices and general classroom space. We’ll build a new art complex just above the P.E. area,” said Olson. The women’s locker room will be converted into a men’s and women’s locker room for activity classes as well as aquatic sports teams, as the old men’s locker and PE offices will be demolished for future planning space and a field house. The old learning center may be re-purposed for science labs, classes and offices currently on the hill. Almost all new or remodeled buildings will be equipped with general classrooms for
ERIN SMITH/ The Inquirer
Students work on ceramics projects in Professor Karl McDade’s class on Monday, Feb. 8 in the Art Building. college wide use. Overall, assignable square footage will increase from about 155,000 to 164,000. Assignable square footage is based off a formula that takes student/teacher contact hours, and enrollment to justify the amount of usable space given to a college by the state. Essentially stating that enrollment drives funding and space allocation. The overall consensus stated that DVC was under on lecture space, and adding more will alleviate scheduling challenges and over impacted classes. The front door complex, meant to enhance campus identity and offer a welcoming experience will get $65.5 million. The art complex will get a totally new building and gallery for $38.8 million and kinesiology will be updated with $26.3 million. As the project progresses these amounts will fluctuate
to ensure the money is shared fairly. A concern expressed by faculty was that all future lecture space will be considered general use and not specific to a department. Garcia stepped in to clarify, “We have not started with the assumption that every department will have all of it’s classes in a single location.” This is due in part to the fact that departments vary in size and not all require an entire building. General classes are needed to optimize utilization rates. Moving forward into the project planning phase will better outline how centralized each department will become, and faculty will still be able to influence how the future of the campus will be shaped.
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news 3
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016
JESSE SUTTERLEY / The Inquirer
Martinez Homeless man, Chris Harless, sits smoking a cigarette while discussing the new ordinances in Martinez on Feb. 8.
Rough sleepers in for tough time in Martinez Avila Farias also noted that these new ordinances will not impact the current shelters, because the process is not stream lined. “People don’t enter homeless New Martinez laws have made it an infraction to shelters, get help, join programs and find work that sleep in a car from 11 p.m. - 8.30 a.m., camp on pub- quickly, it isn’t that black and white,” said Avila Farias. lic property, or use buildings or parks as restrooms. She made it clear that these ordinances are a response Prior to the changes Martinez Police Chief, Ma- to the lack of funding from the state for mental health jit Sappal, noted that the laws for these offense were care and basic facilities to combat homelessness. unclear and made interactions with officers less than “Our system is broken, on the state and national ideal. level and we need to start somewhere,”said Avila Far“We are not trying to sweep people up. Ticketing ias, “There was resistance from the community 20 people or helping them get to shelters rather than tak- years ago when we tried to open a shelter,” Avila Farias ing them to jail may be a worth while venture,” said said, fearing the same resistance may still exist. “If we Sappal. He went on to say that it is the job of officers want to fix the problem we can’t resist programs that to help individuals, not just haul will help.” them away. Although these new ordinances Arrests would only be made on were put into effect to help the individuals that refuse to get help “This isn’t about crimi- homeless, not all homeless people or refuse to be moved to shelters. nalizing homelessness.” feel that they are getting the help “This isn’t about criminalizing that they need. homelessness. Most of what they Response from the Martinez ~Majit Sappal [homeless] are doing is not crimihomeless, however, has not been as Martinez Police Chief nal, but it makes people feel unpositive. safe. It’s about helping people and “Man, the cops mess with me at building a relationship with offileast twice a day and I’m not doing cers,” said Sappal. anything, just trying to pass the time,” said Chris HarSince the new ordinances have been passed, Sappal less, a Martinez homeless man. has had more officers patrolling the downtown area “I can’t relax, I can’t focus,” said Stacey Decosta, a with greater levels of success. homeless woman from Martinez. “You can’t look for Although trying to help homeless people by moving a job when you are focusing on finding a place to rest them to shelters is commendable, there are only two your head. And I have to find a new place all the time shelters for the 19 cities in the surrounding area. With because of these camping laws.” over 200 homeless people in Martinez two shelters Decosta pointed out that, although these laws are will not be enough. But there is no current push by the helping some people, the police don’t know what to county for an additional homeless shelter in Martinez. do with the people that don’t want help. “This is a county wide need,” said Councilor Ana“Some of these old guys out here have been homemarie Avila Farias “Cities don’t have the funding for less for years and have just accepted it,” Decosta said. new facilities, and they should not be refusing the “They don’t want help, they don’t want to go to a shelfunding.” Avila Farias had just returned from talk- ter, they just want to be left alone. It’s hard to get up ing with the California State Legislator about gaining once you have been down and out for so long.” funding for Contra Costa County. “We can’t compete with cities like San Francisco, so the criteria for fundContact JESSE SUTTERLEY at JSutterley@DVCInquirer.com ing needs to be changed,” said Avila Faris.
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features 4
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2106
DVC students get to meet the heat CHELSEY SCHALLIG Staff member
Paying attention while on campus is important in avoiding becoming a target of theft. That was one of the tips delivered during the “Coffee with a Cop” workshop hosted by Officer William Bell in the Diablo Valley College Student Union Feb. 4. Bell spoke to students and faculty about campus and vehicle safety. Bell made it clear to trust your intuition, being aware and assertive with your body and voice. “A lot of students are buried in their phones and that’s going to become important when you start talking about how not to become a victim.” Bell pointed out that if you feel threatened or something does not feel right, take action immediately and change the situation. “Make yourself not be a victim. Because, honestly, criminals are lazy. They don’t want to go up to someone assertive.” When it comes to being safe it’s important to plan your itinerary and to know your safe places where you live, work, and play. Keep your valuables concealed and make sure to be attentive with your property so someone doesn’t have the opportunity to steal it. “Keep your wallet or phone in your front pocket. If you don’t, keep them in a backpack or purse. It’s easier to know if someone is trying to pickpocket you. And make sure to avoid dark areas if you have night classes,” said Bell. When it comes to your vehicle, it’s important to not leave valuables or your book bag because it gives thieves an opportunity. When walking to your car after classes, Bell highly rec-
ommends that you don’t look down, and to have your keys ready before reaching your vehicle. “Try not to fumble with your keys while walking to your vehicle, or anywhere, because now your attention is at your keys and there are many cases where people will be watching to pin you as an easy target,” said Bell. It’s helpful to report all suspicious behavior no matter where you are and to use anti-theft devices whenever you leave your car. Bell continued, “A lot of people leave their windows down 5 inches, you might as well leave your car unlocked for a criminal because a lot of crime here is an opportunity.” Fraud and scams happen often because anyone with a debit or credit card is a target. It’s important to check your bank statements regularly and to shred any paperwork with your personal or card information. “A lot of scams are going along dealing with the IRS. People pretend to be the IRS and demand personal information over the phone and email and threaten to send the police over if the target doesn’t cooperate. The IRS does not do this. Ever,” said Bell. “These workshops are important for anyone to get loads of important information,” said Yoko Kojima, 46, Business major, “This workshop with Officer Bell helps to remind myself to be safe because the U.S is different from Japan.” If you’re uneasy about walking alone to your vehicle, student staff members and police officers are available to escort you all day on campus to keep students safe. Contact CHELSEY SCHALLIG at CSchallig@DVCInquirer.com
KATHARINE HADA/ The Inquirer
Campus Police Officer W. Bell addresses students at the ‘Cop Coffee’ Brown Bag Workshop in the DVC Student Union, Feb. 4
Transfer students looking to take the ‘Next Step’ of schools they wish to visit or attend from the thousands of available options. NST can help with that process ost colleges roll as well, asking you about your preout the red car- ferred class size, interests (both in pet for visiting school and extracurricular), ideal tour groups, living situation, and intended field showing their best angles, provid- of study. ing a Disneyland-esque snapshot Recently NST have turned their of perfect college life. focus towards helping commu“Visiting UC Berkeley, for ex- nity college students, not just high ample, is more of a ‘sales presenta- schoolers. “We want to cater to the tion’ with a college provided guide student,” said Stuber, “and most than an actual college experience,” transfer students don’t get the same said Next Step Tours Director, Sa- experience as visiting high school mantha Stuber. students.” NST, however, wants to ensure NST is currently working with the most realistic experience possi- DVC student, Amy Putnam, who ble in an effort to provide potential hopes to be transferring to UC students with Davis for this a clear picture se“Most transfer students coming of what they mester, fall don’t get the same exwill expect. 2016. “BeWith the the NST perience as visiting high fore mission I didn’t know schoolers.” statement what to exof ensuring pect and felt student suca little anx~SAMANTHA STUBER Director, Next Step Tours cess, they ious, but now help with the the picture daunting task is starting to of choosing the correct California come together. It has helped me a based college to fit their specific lot,” said Putnam. “The NST has needs. given me a lot more to work with. Students are able to meet with I’ve received tour information UC or private college professors, from them and now have a tour stay in dorms, meet with school scheduled at UC Davis and have groups, speak with students, sit requested a special ‘animal science’ in on classes, attend sports events, tour to help prepare me for my etc. choice of major.” Before that process, however, Diablo Valley College’s transfer students must first pick a handful rate to four-year universities is 67 KATHARINE HADA Co-editor-in-chief
M
Courtesy of NEXT STEP TOURS
Touring a four-year college or university would cost $250 for qualified transfer students. percent higher than the national average, and is number one in state transfers from community colleges, according to the California Postsecondary Education Commission. However, that alone will not give transferring DVC students the resources they need. The ‘Transfer Student Success Package’ is available with financial aid options and resources that are customized to the students needs. This specifically includes information regarding financial aid, scholarships, and other financial
options that may be available from the university that the student plans on attending. Additionally, regarding help financing, NST just released a Donorbox link where anybody can donate to help fund students college trips and success! In the future, they plan to have scholarships and help pay for students to go to college. Typical costs for NST services are $250 per college visit, or Transfer Student Success Package: $399. DVC students, however, are
welcome to use the promo code ‘FINDYOURCOLLEGE’ for a $50 discount on all services. This means that the price for the ‘Transfer Student Success Package’ would be $349, and the each college visit would be discounted to $199. It is NST’s hope to work alongside DVC students to fill in the gaps and provide a launching pad for all students looking to attend a four-year college. Contact KATHARINE HADA at KHada@DVCInquirer.com
features 5 DVC alumnus shows artistic merit in library gallery
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016
Photos By DOMINIQUE SMITH
The DVC library showcases work by former student Walter Crew, highlighting the beauty of African animals and a meriad of artistic styles
Diablo Valley College art classes literally inspired a student to become a professional artist. Local multi-media painter and former DVC student Walter Crew, 73, is responsible for the artwork displayed in the library art gallery. “It’s therapy, better than taking pills, it’s something to wake up for. Otherwise I’d be sitting in a rocking chair, and that’s just not for me,” said Crew. Throughout the library, Crew presents 79 various paintings of birds, abstract landscapes, and his favorite, indigenous African mammals. He admires the beauty of Africa, both the people and the animals, although he has never traveled there. “Cheetah’s Watch #2” is one of Crew’s oil paintings which depicts three cheetahs resting on a large rock while observing the African savanna. Each perfectly illustrated and positioned. The backdrops landscape mimics the African savanna precisely, which Crew accurately details, from the reflection of the savanna trees on the water bank, to the realistically painted grass surrounding the bedrock. Crew finds it helpful to travel to zoo’s and parks such as Heather Farms in Walnut Creek, where he can capture images of mammals and birds in person. He also finds inspiration for his paintings from watching wildlife documentaries on the television. Crew guesses that he must have over 600 paintings, using a variety of art tools to compose the final piece, including oils, acrylics, pastels, scratch board, photography, and Photoshop. Editing software like Adobe Photoshop allows Crew to create abstract compositions for many of the backdrops in his paintings. At times using YouTube tutorials to help guide him through unfamiliar mediums, he finds great pleasure in trying new techniques and styles. “I am not afraid to make a mistake. I learn from fixing my mistakes,” said Crew. Over 15 years ago, Crew began taking classes like Machine shop, Photoshop, Digital Photography, and about every single painting class offered at DVC. Furthering his education at Mount Diablo Adult Education, where he received his certificate in Fine Art. Crew is currently an active member of the Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek, and is also a part of three artist groups, East Bay Artists Guild, CC-14, and Las Juntas Artists. “If I could give any advice it would be…It’s only a piece of paper, don’t be afraid of it, make more mistakes,” said Crew. The “Rewind” exhibit has been displayed in the DVC library since Nov. 30 and will be up for public viewing until Feb. 6. Contact DOMINIQUE SMITH at DSmith@DVCInquirer.com
opinions 6
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016
calendar
The importance of being weird
Friday, Feb. 12 DVC Mens’ Baseball vs. Lassen, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 DVC Student Services Center College Rep Visit, University of San Francisco (Sacramento Campus), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Women’s Softball vs. Solano, 1-6 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Cosumnes River, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Cosumnes River, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 Student Services Center College Rep Visit, CSU East Bay, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 Student Union (SU 204) Brown bag workshop: Race in America - Students Speak, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
police beat Monday, Feb. 1 DVC A student was sitting on the steps complaining of lower back pain and difficulty breathing. AMR arrived and transported the student to John Muir Hospital for further evaluation. Thursday, Feb. 4 DVC A student fell from their wheelchair. Fire and Medical Responders examined her condition and treated her injuries. The student declined to be transported to the hospital. Monday, Feb. 8 DVC At 11 a.m., a student was arrested for failing to provide the officer with his name and identification during a pedestrian stop. At 12:20 p.m., another student was involved in a single-vehicle collision with college property in Parking Lot 1. The vehicle was towed at the owners request. At approximately 3 p.m., a bicycle theft occurred near the PE Area. There were no witnesses.
Graphic illustration by JESSE SUTTERLEY
Embracing your quirks and breaking social barriers "Looking good. Mind if I keep that captured an eras imagination. looking?" Is a weird way to start a Besides being one of the most inconversation, also a weird way to fluential artists of the 20th centustart an article. ry, Dali was also known for being So why did I quite a characwrite that? And ter — once bewhy are you still ing quoted as reading? I know saying, "I don't why. Because as do drugs. I am creeped out and drugs." disgusted as you According may be, you're to greatdreams. interested to find com this stateout more. In fact, ment is slightly your favorite artfalse due to ists, performers, the copious writers, actors, amounts of drunks, eccenopium Señor trics, bohemians, Dali ingested hippies, beats — but that's Marcel Scott Opinions editor and everything besides the in between, drew point. you in the same Dali taught way: By weirding you out. us that being strange and flamboySo now in a move to escape all ant made him stand out, and if he social norms, I present to you: A wasn't so weird he would never brief history of being weird. have been a successful artist. MasSalvador Dali was one weird ter of the beats and controller of dude. the road trip, Jack Kerouac was so Most famously known for his weird he couldn't even sleep. piece "The Persistence of MemoLove him or hate him, Kerouac's ry," Dali depicted surrealist images free spirit and anything goes menwith his mesmerizing paintings tality brought a wave of new think-
THE INQUIRER Diablo Valley College 321 Golf Club Road, ATC-103 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 The Inquirer is published Thursdays during the school year by the Diablo Valley College journalism students. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinions page are editorials and reflect a two-thirds majority opinion of the editorial staff. Signed columns and cartoons are the opinions of the writer or artist and not necessarily those of The Inquirer, Diablo Valley College or Contra Costa Community College District.
ing to an America which was happy living a quiet life in suburbia. Kerouac and his pals would set out on cross-country trips from East to West coast, according to National Geographic, these trips inspired Kerouac's most famous novel "On the Road" which documents his drug infused all night coast to coast explorations. Being unsettled in the 50's, when a man was supposed to be at home after the war making babies, made Kerouac stand-out; he wasn't happy living in a cookie-cutter house with a white picket fence. Here's Johnny! In other words here's Jack Nicholson breaking through a door with an axe. Was it weird? You bet. Was it memorable? Yep. Acting crazy, whether it's in a movie or on the red carpet, is kind of Mr. Nicholson's thing. He's done it starring as the Joker in "Batman," being the clinically insane leader of a mental institution gang in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and of course playing a psychotic killer in "The Shining." Of course, these are just movies right? Mr. Nicholson isn't actually strange, he just plays strange char-
Editorial Board EDITORS-IN-CHIEF NEWS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR PRINT EDITOR
Katharine Hada Jesse Sutterley Sean Ross Julianna Cardinale Marcel Scott Erin Smith Cooper Mead
acters. Wrong. According to biography.com, Nicholson grew up thinking his mother was his sister...weird right? This however doesn't change the fact that Mr. Nicholson has been one of the most influential and dynamic actors of his generation. Now, this leaves us with our modern-day, strange, overtop, unconventionally weird character who defines our generation... which, of course... is Fred Durst. Sir Durst is in a class of his own, bringing us the modern day pinnacle of music "Limp-Bizkit." Actually being weird was strangely difficult for Sir Durst and his merry henchmen, being so cool and all. Being weird is important to our society, and our culture. It helps us expand our knowledge of who we are, makes us evolve to look past racist ideas or ethnocentric ideologies, and allows us to be who we want to be. So please, go out and do something different. Be weird.
Contact MARCEL SCOTT at MScott@DVCInquirer.com
Staff STAFF MEMBERS Ji Hyung Kim, Jung Min Lee, Jess Parry, Chelsey Schallig, Dominique Smith, Randy Taylor SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS Madeline Berry, Melanie Calimlim, Austin Lemak, Allison Roullier INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
• Phone: 925.969.2543 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.dvcinquirer.com • Printed seven times per semester •
opinions 7
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016
The
Buzz How long did it take you to find parking? ~Inquirer Staff
Editorial Legislators lobby for campus safety
ZEPH THE, 24 Electrical Engineering
“I gave up on finding a parking spot, I parked a block away. It’s only the first rush that’s bad, usually the first four weeks it’s crazy packed.”
RILEY EGAN, 20 Environmental Sciences
“It took me an hour and five minutes. I was late to class. They should rip down the mall, and make a garage at overflow.”
TREVOR NOLAN, 19 Culinary Arts
“It took me and my friend maybe an hour to get out of the front parking lot. Yeah they do need more parking, expand to College Park even.”
MIRNA ABOUKHALIL, 18 Communications and Sociology
“An hour, yes! An hour! I was on the verge of tears because there was only ten minutes before my class started.”
CARLOS MUNOZ, 20 Business Administation
“Usually not more then five minutes because of early classes. Taken into account the limited amount of open space, parking permits are overpriced.”
JESSE SUTTERLEY / The Inquirer
College needs to educate students on potential changes to sexual assault law
A
s college based sexual assault claims rise to unheard of numbers, legislative representatives have begun proposing bills — up for vote Nov. 2016 — in the hopes of eradicating these issues. According to a 2015 fact sheet on Campus Sexual Violence, one-in-four women in higher educational systems have been victims of some form of sexual assault. As legislative officials discuss the future of campus safety and how it effects rape victims and predators, it's important to stay informed to vote for the best outcome. One impending controversial bill presented is the Safe Campus Act, posed by former Mississippi senator Trent Lott. The Safe Campus Act is sponsored by Republican representatives Matt Salmon, from Arizona, and Pete Sessions and Kay Granger from Texas. This proposed bill essentially prohibits colleges and universities from investigating any sexual assault claim until the victim reports the crime. Additionally, the Safe Campus Act works off of the Clery Act, which helps colleges with Title IX funding a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity to allocate money and effort to sexual assault prevention training on campuses. Theoretically, this bill would be the next step
in the fight to free college campus' of sexual assault crimes, building off of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) initially passed by President Clinton in 1994, which was renewed by both President Bush and President Obama. The act funded rape investigations and prosecutions, imposed a mandatory sentence on rapists, and penalized prosecutors who turned a blind eye to rape cases. The biggest issue with the Safe Campus Act
“The fate of how college and campus officials address these issues is up for discussion in the upcoming elections.” is it requires victims to post a formal report, essentially protecting the rights of the falsely accused, and effectively making it easier on the rapists and harder on the victims. Under the Campus Safety Act, the victim does not have any protection unless they are willing to testify in a court of law. If they are not willing to do so the rapist goes free, according to law officials, acting as if the offense never occurred. Which is a major cause for concern. But what are our alternatives? Backed by Democrats, the Campus SaVE Act was passed as part of the VAWA in 2013, and is a proposed update to the Clery Act.
This act requires that colleges and universities provide awareness education programs and publish data about dating and sexual violence claims on their campus’. The SaVE Act would require schools to adhere to a uniform process for disciplinary proceedings — working closely with local law enforcement — and strengthen training requirements for on-campus response. It is clear that state legislators share the common goal of making campuses safer for students. However, the idea of protecting the rights of the perpetrator instead of the victim is ludicrous. So why is this so important? The fate of how college and campus officials address these issues is up for discussion in the upcoming elections. While schools should continue to do everything within their power to protect and educate students from sexual assault crimes, it is important to be doing it in a way that protects and educates the majority. State legislators should do everything within their power to make sure this is possible. Students should continue to speak up about the importance of their rights under the Clery Act, VAWA, and Title IX, and get educated on these issues. Speak to your fellow students! Speak to campus officials! Make sure you are protecting your rights to education and safety, and not protecting the rights of potential perpetrators.
sports 8
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016
Women’s tennis blocks Foothill
Vikings shoot down Eagles Zachary Guardino lays down a sacrifice bunt to move a runner to second against Mendocino College.
JULIANNA CARDINALE Sports editor
Women's tennis started off the new season with their first home match, defeating Foothill like they never have before. To start off the match, Diablo Valley College won all three of their doubles matches. With DVC's No.1 player, Kristina Lencesova, and No. 2 player, Seila Besirovic, winning a tight set 8-4. Fellow DVC teammates Monique Paris and Danielle Powers would go on to win their doubles match 8-0. Angelica Medina and Jess Terrenate would also win their double match by the same score.
“This was a good day for us, but we still need to work on our first first serve in and being aggressive at the net.” ~MONIQUE PARIS Tennis team member
"We have never beat Foothill like this before," said assistant coach Ruthie Ignacio, "it's awesome!" This quick start would be key for the rest of the day, as DVC continued to dominate in the singles matches too. "We played fairly well, " said Besirovic, "but we still could have played a little bit stronger." This was a solid win for DVC, but they aren't going to let up. "This was a good day for us," said Paris, "but we still need to work on our first serve in and being aggressive at the net." As Paris said, there is still plenty for this team to improve on, such as depth on their shots and building their team chemistry. These are two important keys for that team will continue to develop over the rest of the season. Now 1-1 on the season, DVC looks to take this match and keep the momentum going throughout the rest of the season. "We are getting better," said assistant coach Ignacio, "90% of this game is mental and that still needs some work." The Vikings will take on Mills College at home next Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.
Contact JULIANNA CARDINALE at JCardinale@DVCInquirer.com
AUSTIN LEMAK / The Inquirer AUSTIN LEMAK Senior staff member
The Diablo Valley College baseball team are now 2-0 in their season as they beat Mendocino College 4-0 on Thursday, Feb. 4. Coach Ward said, “We beat each other up in league, so we want to win as many games as possible before that so we have the best chance to make playoffs.” DVC showed how dominant they could play as pitching from Billy Babb, a freshman in his fist season with the Vikings, pitched five scoreless innings. Babb was caught with runners on second and third, but always seemed to find the right pitch to get out of the situation. DVC would tact on their first run in the be-
ginning of the second inning. First baseman, Atticus Soane hit a lead off double to deep right field. A single from Drew Downing moved Soane to third, and a base hit by Daniel Defazio scored from third. They would add one more run in the second inning as Zachary Maloney hit a single to score Downing.They continued to hit well and bring runners in as the game went on. A pair of sac flies from Soane and pinch hitter, John Anthon, helped score their third and fourth runs. Shortstop Anthony Taliaferro had multiple great stops in the field. He also had great throws following diving plays, stopping runners from scoring. Pitching for the Vikings was outstanding, as they only allowed five hits. They used a combi-
nation of four pitchers to close out the game. Closing pitcher Andrew Merken ended the game with a great strikeout. Following the game, Soane said, “nine innings with no runs? Can’t complain about that! But we still need to tighten up mentally.” The Vikings are in the Big 8 conference where they have tough teams to play, including San Joaquin Delta College, who lost a total of seven games and came in first in the Big 8 last season. “We have a lot of talent and I am excited for the season. Can’t wait to see what we can do this season,” said Taliaferro. The Vikings return Friday Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. to combat Lassen Community College at home. Contact AUSTIN LEMAK at ALemak@DVCInquirer.com
DVC softball postpones game with Renagades after draw MADELINE BERRY Senior staff member
super regional," said Head Coach Dennis Luquet. "This year our goal is to go further than last year. The Diablo Valley College Vi- I feel we will challenge for the Big king’s softball team hosted the 8 championship." Ohlone Renegades on Feb. 2, in Luquet continued, "We return a tie game 3-3 all-league first after seven in- “My favorite part about team players: nings. pitcher Nicole the team this year is Nordahl, 1st Due to daylight conditions even though we have baseman Cynand no lights thia Duenas, not been playing on the field, 3rd baseman the game has together for long we Bailey Simmons been halted and outfielders until the next click very well and that Julia Pelletier rematch bewill be one of our key and Laurel Poff. tween the two Our freshman teams on Tues- strengths this season.” class is outday, Feb. 23 at 3 standing." ~JULIA PELLETIER p.m. DVC was Sophomore Outfielder holding onto outfielder Julia the lead until Pelletier said, the top of the 7th when Ohlone "Our whole team can hit the ball, scored leaving the score 3-3. we just need to start being smart Pitcher Nicole Nordahl opened about where we are placing the ball the game in the circle to start the and not leave people on base when season off in full swing. Nordahl we are in need of runs." pitched all game with accuracy and In speaking about her teamspeed. mates, Pelletier said, "My favor"Our team last year hosted a re- ite part about the team this year gional playoff and made it to the is even though we have not been
ALLISON ROULLIER / The Inquirer
Pitcher Nicole Nordahl, strikes out one of the Ohlone Renegades.
playing together for long we click very well and that will be one of our key strengths this season." Looking ahead to the rest of the semester, Coach Luquet said, "Our team defense needs to get better and our execution on offense needs to improve."
DVC will face off in a double header at home on Feb. 16 starting at 1 p.m. followed by the next game at 3 p.m. both against Solano. Contact MADELINE BERRY at MBerry@DVCInquirer.com