DVC Inquirer 5-30-15 Vol. II Issue 6 by DVC Inquirer

I The

INQUIRER Student Voice of Diablo Valley College

Volume II No. 6

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Family Drama

www.DVCInquirer.com

‘Oedipus El Rey’ updates play for modern audience

SHANE LOUIS / The Inquirer

sports 2

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Concussions are just a part of football Concussions are a big part of football. He didn't complain. He didn't sue the Players should either accept them and play NFL for injuries, unlike others who knew the game knowing the risks or sit at home or they were making the wrong decision, but in the stands. remained in the league too long. Concussions have been brought up again The new concussion protocol is a more inrecently as ESPN reports depth testing to see if the that Chris Borland, the player is cleared to play, 49er's promising linewhich can result in bebacker, is retiring after one ing held out of the game year of being in the NFL. longer. He took over the startIn the years before ing linebacker job as Bowthe concussion protocol, man and Willis received players disregarded their season ending injuries. health and would go back Borland said he is retirin the game even if they ing because he does not knew they had a concuswant any more damage to sion. Football is taking his brain and his health is concussions more and the most important thing. more seriously. Most people were Diablo Valley ColAUSTIN LEMAK shocked Borland retired lege head football coach, Staff member after his one breakout seaMike Darr said he doesn't son, but his reason is more know how to get rid of than valid. the concussion risk completely. He is a young guy who wants to live his "Players are given a strike zone," Darr life without any long-lasting injuries. said. "And it's hard to hit that zone when Borland went about leaving the league in both players are going 100 miles per hour the correct way. and have to make a split-second decision."

Graphic illustration by WESLEY IHEZUE

It's reasonable to be concerned about high school players who don't know how to hit properly and probably hit every day during practice. It's not right for those who have never played the sport to jump into tackling. But there's no reason NFL players should complain about injuries; they make millions of dollars for doing a job so many dream of doing. Borland left because he didn't want to see the further consequences of head injuries. That is his decision, but if you have the opportunity to play on Sunday, you should

New Wave Of NOW National Organization For Women

AUSTIN LEMAK Staff member

Come join our first collaborative meeting on 2-4 p.m. H113 For more information email

newwaveofnow@gmail.com

Help to further a legacy with our generation’s vision

REALIZE YOUR DREAM AT MILLS COLLEGE.

Mills offers talented women who want an exceptional and personal education the ability to: • Get the classes you need to graduate on time. • Earn merit scholarships totaling up to $15,000. • Transfer with no minimum number of credits. • Transfer without completing your GE requirements. There’s still time to apply for fall 2015! Call or email today to meet with an admission counselor and tour the Mills campus. Learn about our generous financial aid opportunities and our admission process.

Sports at Diablo Valley College show that they can have strong team performances and help athletes receive scholarships to quality schools. Women’s basketball proved to be a dominate force in the Big 8 Conference, as they lost only five regular season games and finished fourth in the state. Second team all-state player Kayla Taylor will be playing for the Chico State Wildcats next season after a great sophomore season at DVC. Men’s basketball finished the season with a .567 winning percentage and finished 11th in Northern California. Scholarships for basketball include Rico Nuno, signed with Eastern Washington in Big Sky Conference, and Joe McNiff signed with Antelope Valley College. Vikings softball has improved from last year and are now second in Northern California and fourth in state. They will make the playoffs and have their eyes on the state title. Home-run team leader Ashley Allen will play for Cal State East Bay next year on a scholarship.

MAKING THE WORLD MORE . . .

Oakland, CA www.mills.edu/transfer MEET WITH A COUNSELOR: 800.87.MILLS or ADMISSION@MILLS.EDU

Contact AUSTIN LEMAK at ALemak@DVCInquirer.com

Sports wrap up for the spring

is sponsoring A Young Feminist Task Force, starting here at DVC. Saturday May 16th

take the risk because it is an elite few that play.Our only responsibility is to educate players about concussions and teach proper techniques so we can reduce the risk. If you're willing to walk between the sidelines, then you should know what you're doing, because the only one you can blame when you get hurt is yourself. Editors note: Staff member Austin Lemak is also a member of the DVC football team.

MEN

Baseball had a down year and has not been as successful as years prior. The team has lost a lot of close games. One player, Cody Ball, received a scholarship to S.F. Academy of Arts and will be attending there next fall. DVC swimming won the Big 8 conference and have broken several records. Brandon James broke the national junior college backstroke record in the 200 meter backstroke. The track and field team has had a good season under new head coach Kyle Whitmore. The team has a couple of teams going to state, including the 4x4 team comprised of Nick Johnson, Jerrick Bernstine, Francisco Hurtado and Antwuin Prowes. Men’s and women’s tennis both had great seasons. They each made it to the California College Athletic Association regional playoffs, but ended up losing in close sets. DVC spring sports set the bar high for the fall, when football, cross country and water polo will be in season. We should see good results out of all three teams as they always prove to be some of the top teams in the state. Contact AUSTIN LEMAK at ALemak@DVCInquirer.com

season scorecard

Baseball: 9-27 Tennis: 8-6 Basketball: 17-13

WOMEN

Softball: 29-9 Tennis: 10-5 Basketball: 26-6

sports 3

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

DVC goes out with a bang SHANE LOUIS Co-editor-in-chief

The Diablo Valley College Vikings beat the American River College Beavers 15-7 in their last home game on Thursday, April 23. The Beavers started off strong with two runs in the top of the first inning. ARC, with two outs and two men on base, scored one run off a line drive and a second off a stolen home plate. But the Vikings came back with five runs in the bottom of the first. With one out and the bases loaded, a single lead to two runs batted in. Two stolen bases resulted in two additional runs and another run gave DVC a 5-2 lead. Shortstop Michael Brdar, 21, said this was important for the team to get out early. “They scored two in the top of the first inning,” he said.” “And that’s happened a lot to us and then SHANE LOUIS / The Inquirer we get down and don’t come back, but we scored five runs in our first Ryan Meisenheimer slides into home plate just our of reach of ARC catcher Bryan Babcock on the DVC baseball field at bat and were able to take the on Thursday, April 23, 2015. lead right back.” “And that set the tone for the whole game.” loaded. The Vikings answered with ment for him. Finishing off the inning strong, “We’re just going to play with The Vikings scored another run a triple play to shut down the in“Runs for us this year, everyone Fowler hit a base hit right down an up-tempo like today,” said leftin the bottom of the sixth. ning. will say that they hard to come by,” the middle to bring in Stevens and handed pitcher Stephen Hantos. The Beavers made a comeback But they didn’t stop there. In he said. “It completely lifted me up Mark Castellucci, bringing the “And try to carry it into next seaof their own in the top of the sev- the bottom of the seventh, DVC and ... got momentum going our score to 15-6. son and our summer workouts.” enth. The first two ARC batters kicked it into gear, loading the bas- way.” ARC made a good effort in the Hantos didn’t pitch at this game, earned hits off starting pitcher es twice, taking three walks off of Although pitcher Sam Carter final inning, gaining one run, but but is looking forward to seeing Eric Crispell, at which point, the the Beavers and a line drive to cen- started off the eighth by hitting it wasn’t enough to take over the the team develop. Vikings switched pitchers to Cody ter field that resulted in two RBIs. first batter Bryan Babcock, the Vi- Vikings. “Pretty much just keep working Ball. With a well-timed bunt, Ryan kings held the score. Ryan Alley, 19 said, “It was my hard,” he said. “We can only go up Some poor DVC fielding gave Alley sacrificed himself to get Josh The bottom of the eighth began last game at home, and all my fam- from here.” ARC two runs, and Beaver’s third- Stevens home. with two strikeouts, two walks and ily was here, so I just wanted to do Contact SHANE LOUIS at baseman Austin Call earned two Winning pitcher Crispell, 20, a base hit that loaded the bases for well for them and go out with a SLouis@DVCInquirer.com RBIs on a full count with the bases said this comeback was a key mo- DVC pinch-hitter Matt Fowler. bang.”

James breaks national backstroke record KAIN PIYANULUK Staff member

On April 18, Diablo Valley College swimmer Brandon James, 18, beat the national record for the men's 200 backstroke at the Big 8 Convention. "It felt a little unreal," James says. "I didn’t expect to go that fast. My time was 1.45.18 min and the record was 1.45.19 min." "It was a great meet for everyone, team captain Kelsey Leonard says. "Brandon obviously did something great, and it's very cool to see that represent DVC, and just shows what a great coaching staff we have." "I tried to play a lot of sports when I was younger, but only swimming seems to stuck with me," James says. Both of my parents are swimmers so that might be one of the reasons why." James has been swimming for 10 years. He says when he was younger, one of his club coaches noticed he was not succeeding in practices and believed James was not applying himself. However, that was not the case. "Back then, I was still growing very quickly," James says. "It was hard for me to swim correctly and coordinate every movement during practice." When his coach said that he would not be able to do much in the past, those words became the best and worst advice he ever

KAIN PIYANULUK / The Inquirer

Brandon James has been swimming for 10 years and this is his first year swimming for DVC. He plans to train for the olympic trials for next year. received. He says it's the reason he pushes himself so hard in order to prove to his coach that he can do it. Now, James' daily routines consist of swimming practice in the morning, classes and more swimming practice in the afternoon. Like any other college student, he said it's

difficult to keep up with everything, but he keeps pushing himself to become a successful student and athlete. "I am doing pretty well in school, and everyone in the team as well," he says. "It feels great to be a part of the DVC team. Rick is an amazing coach, and every coach contributes." James enjoys the group aspect of being a

part of the swim team. "There is a lot of one-on-one help," he says. "Everyone in the team is friendly and energetic." Some practices are harder than the others, but as always, he just pushes through and finishes the practices each day. Practice consists of a lot of kicking, underwater dolphin kicks, breath control and the technical aspects of the each stroke. "James is usually very laid back," teammate Dylan Powell says. "But during hard practices and test sets, he would give every ounce of energy he's got. “He contributes a wide variety of things, not just point -wise, but also through his sportsmanship." Continues Powell. James is a business major, but swimming is what he would like to pursue in the future. As for next year, he will be training for the Olympic trials, and he is hoping to eventually make it to the Olympics. "Always have the right mind set." James says. "Just push through it when it gets hard and definitely put a lot of efforts into the underwater breathing practice and technical aspect of the strokes." Contact KAIN PIYANULUK at KPiyanuluk@DVCInquirer.com

news 4

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

calendar Budget Committee Meeting Friday, May 1 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. BFL-210 DVC bi-monthly school budget meeting to determine how funds will be allocated around campus. Symphonic Band Concert Friday, May 1 8 p.m. -10 p.m. Performing Art Center Symphonic Band is having their spring concert. “Oedipus El Rey” Friday, May 1-10, times may vary Arena Theater DVC Drama is putting on a performace of a timeless Greek tragedy. Tickets cost $11-$21. Culinary Arts Spring Buffet Wednesday, May 6 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Diablo Room Annual culinary arts spring buffet tickets avaiable from the Cashier’s Office. DVC Dance “Breaking Free” Sunday May 10, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Performing Art Center Spring dance production that is choreographed by students within the program. Tickets, Adult $16 and Students $12.

police beat Friday, April 17 Parking Lot 7 Parking lot fight occurred between two students. Wednesday, April 22 ATC Circle College vechile colided with parked car causing minor damage. Wednesday, April 22 DVC Pool Instructor hit his head while demonstrating how to dive. Ambulance and firetruck were on scene. Wednesday, April 22 Art Complex Unknown suspect took two wallets. One of the debit cards was used at the Pleasant Hill Target.

Smoking policy revisited DUSTIN PYNE Staff member

A recent attempt to change Diablo Valley College’s smoking policy was met with indecision on Tuesday April 22, resulting in no changes to the withstanding policy. DVC’s updated smoking policy for the Pleasant Hill campus remains the same, with smoking only permitted in the parking lots or 20 feet from all doorways and windows. Despite the anti-smoking attitude of the faculty senate members, the Contra Costa Community College District was unable to come to a consensus regarding the new smoking policy. According to Nancy Deason of the Student Services Center, the lack of policy change was the result of the district being “quite divided in their feelings and opinions.” “Being able to smoke is part of being a free country,” said business major Tommy Dimaggio, 33. “One of the first things Hitler did was to decide when and where people could smoke; we shouldn’t have to be like that.” Many representatives from the district were concerned about how stricter smoking policy would affect stressed-out students, as well as the limitations it would have on smokers on the faculty and staff. “We really got nowhere, honestly,” Deason said when summing up the outcome of the district meeting. Even the students of DVC seem to be just as divided over the issue as the district is. “If I was a non-smoker, then (a new smoking policy) would be a good idea, but because I am a smoker, it’s not a good idea,” political science major Victoria Reypin said. “But if I need to change, then I will change.” However, on the pedestrian side of the smoking section, students had a much different point of view.

JESSE SUTTERLEY / The Inquirer

Kayla Jones smokes by the math building on Tuesday, April 28. “I think that (the smoking section) at least shouldn’t be in a high traffic area,” engineering major Alex Pruessner said. As it is, students who are forced to walk through the smoking section on a daily basis end up making the unwilling sacrifice to their health. “I have to hold my breath for like 20 seconds every time I walk through the entrances,” health studies major Michael Bick said. Although there were no noteworthy policy changes made, there were some minor changes made to the phrasing of the policy by Deason and her team from the Student Services Center. The terminology was updated to include ecigarettes and the prevalence of medical marijuana. The changes were made to reflect the current time, according to Deason According to Faculty Senate President Laurie Lema, her colleagues from other community

colleges in the area reviewed the smoking policy for the past few years and found they were all quite liberal in their policies. The policy states that adherence to these restrictions relies on college personnel to “politely request that smokers comply with college policy” and that it is “the courtesy of smokers to acknowledge these restrictions.” However, DVC’s campus police don’t actually work for the college so the burden of enforcement would fall on faculty members and staff. The policy change was set aside for now, and smokers will continue to have their freedom. Eight out of 14 senate members would be in favor of a non-smoking policy in the future.

Contact DUSTIN PYNE at DPyne@DVCInquirer.com

Surveillance laws will be up for renewal JESSE SUTTERLEY Staff member

Congress will decide in June whether security agencies should still be allowed to track individuals’ cell phone and Internet usage without getting a warrant or identifying a specific suspect. The vote will decide whether three sections of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) should expire. The FISA of 1978 allowed the government to collect foreign and domestic data in the name of national security. However, it wasn’t until the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 that the Bush Administration laid the groundwork for more extensive domestic surveillance through the USA Patriot Act. This bill was the springboard for departments such as the National Security Agency. The three sections up for renewal in June are sections 206, 215 and 6001. Section 206 allows for extensive wire tapping and Internet tracking

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.

of an individual without identifying a suspect by name. Section 215(a)(1) states that the director of the FBI can require the production of any “tangible things.” This includes books, records, papers and documents related to an investigation of a United States resident, as long as the investigation is not based on First Amendment. activities Under section 215, any persons suspected of threatening national security could potentially be tried and convicted without being present or having knowledge of the charges. The final section up for renewal in June is section 6001, also known as the lone wolf provision. This section defines “agent of a foreign power” to include individuals who engage in “international terrorism,” whether or not they are affiliated with another country. Section 6001 is not actually part of the Patriot Act, but part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA).

Editorial Board CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ONLINE & NEWS EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR

Shane Louis Tyler Elmore Taylor Pagan Daniel Maraccini

Section 6001 does not affect US citizens, but could affect legal residents who are not citizens, among others. Since its enactment, the Patriot Act and its sister bills have thwarted zero terrorist attacks. A report released in Jan. 2014 by the New America Foundation stated that only one out of 17 credited NSA cases has lead to a conviction. This leads some to believe that it’s no longer necessary to use these laws. Readers who want to give input on the renewal of these sections should contact Mark DeSaulnier, from California’s 11th district (Richmond, Concord, Antioch, Danville), and Mike Thompson from California’s 5th district (Martinez, Vallejo and north).

Contact JESSE SUTTERLEY at JSutterley@DVCInquirer.com

Staff SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Ryan Chan, Keith Montes STAFF WRITERS Austin Currington, Austin Lemak, Cooper Mead, Dustin Pyne, Fidel Ontiveros, Jacob Judd, Jesse Sutterley, Kain Piyanuluk, Marcel Scott, Melanie Calimlim, Sophia Johnson, Sriram Ramakrishnan ILLUSTRATOR Wesley Ihezue INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Julius Rea ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

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

news 5

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Speech night shows major talent SHANE LOUIS Co-editor-in-chief

The Diablo Valley College Speech and Debate Team presented their talents at a packed Speech Night on Tuesday, April 21. As is common for this every-semester event, the room was packed with students, who, admittedly, were mostly attending to earn extra credit for their communication classes. Nevertheless, this semester’s team members did not disappoint. The show opened with Saamia Haqiq, who, despite being only 17-years-old, presented an eloquent persuasive speech on the issues with high incarceration rates and why rehabilitation is more effective. Elicia Locke, who was an Inquirer staff member last fall, followed with an impromptu speech inspired by Taylor Swift’s song “Shake it off,” which was selected by the audience. With a steady stream of Disney references, Locke proved how just “shaking it off” is not the solution to bullying, depression nor vaccines. She argued that such issues should be confronted and dealt with head on. Nicole Earl performed a dramatic interpretation titled “Villain and Able,” by Glynn Washington. The speech, first heard on the radio show “Snap Judgement,” follows a villain who proceeds to antagonize and struggle with Superman with lines like “It’s not brave to go into a burning building when you don’t burn.” Earl delivered the piece with commitment and emotion. The final event of the evening was a parliamentary debate between Locke, her partner Nicole Morrison-Fountain and the other team: Paul Villa and Bradley Silva. They debated whether DVC should install additional surveillance cameras on campus. Both teams developed strong arguments, primarily pivoting around privacy and the best use of available funds. Villa and Silva suggested an alternative plan of hiring two additional campus police officers in order to have real people who can actually stop a crime. Locke and Morrison-Fountain pointed out the success of San Joaquin Delta College’s camera installation, which resulted in a 64 percent decrease in car burglaries in 2008. The most memorable quote of the debate was by Silva when explaining why the cameras should not be installed: “Where’s the guy in the back row supposed to smoke weed now?” In the end, the audience’s applause resulted in a tie. All performers did an excellent job of showcasing the

SHANE LOUIS / The Inquirer

Bradley Silva presents his arguments during the parlimentary debate in the DVC PAC Theater on April 21. Speech and Debate Team’s talent. Omari Travis, 23, plans on joining the team in the fall. “These were the most amazing speeches I’ve seen in my life,” he said. Alex Ford, 23, has been on the team for a year and a half, and says his favorite part is “the general sense of comradery but also getting to argue about pointless crap all the time.” Morrison-Fountain says she loves the people too. “You thought you knew a lot,” she says. “And then you learn that you don’t know much at all.” Haqiq says it’s most exciting for her to find people who have the same interests and want to utilize their voice.

“It’s really great to learn from people who already have a lot of experience,” she says. She even enjoys the adrenaline rush that comes with public speaking. Quoting team-member Gabe Torres, 20, she said, “People get high just to have the experience that you had tonight.’”

Contact SHANE LOUIS at SLouis@DVCInquirer.com

DVC students come together to aid Nepal KAIN PIYANULUK Staff member

Diablo Valley College students literally "stood up for Nepal" for an hour in the Commons Area to raise money for recent earthquake victims on April 26. Sasmit Pokharel, 19, who organized the event, is encouraging students to join the effort. "As we all know, there was a major 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal last Saturday, Over 4,000 people died and there are thousands of injuries," he said. Pokharel had so far raised $925 for the cause. The goal on their website is set at $5000. "The fund I collected will be directly sent to a renowned organization in Nepal," Pokharel said. "They will spend the money in buying blankets, food and medicine." Pokharel is from Nepal, but has studied in the United States for the last four years. He went back to visit his family last summer and was planing to attend DVC in the summer; however, since the earthquake happened, he's planing on going back home after this semester to be with his family.

KAIN PIYANULUK / The Inquirer

Hussaini Zee, 20, left, and friends stand on stage in the DVC Commons area to help raise awareness for the recent earthquake in Nepal.

"It's good that his family is ok," friend Lucas Wanlass, 19, said. "But he is pretty broken up about what happened. He has been calling his family every hour to find out what's going on. His sister is also very devastated about what's going on." Pokharel is not the only one putting time and effort into raising money. His friend Hussaini Zee, a 20-year-old computer science major, also stood along side him. "On Saturday, we found out about this tragic event that turned the beautiful city Nepal into Death Valley," Zee said. "It had me devastated. We decided to do this fund raising thing for all the earthquakeaffected people. That's the least we could do for humans as human beings." Pokharel and his friends will continue their fund raising for the rest of the week in the Commons Area. You can help the people of Nepal by donating money to this website.

Contact KAIN PIYANULUK at KPiyanuluk@DVCInquirer.com

features 6

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

commons goes

GREEN D

iablo Valley College's new Commons Area incorporates eco-friendly landscape design elements. The Commons Area was part of a $52 million project funded by Contra Costa County Bond Measure A passed in 2006. It's highly anticipated grand opening was held on Wednesday, April 8 after a lengthy five years of construction. Green elements include recycled water irrigation, trees for shading, water efficient plants and durable wood seating. To help aid drought conditions, storm water gardens will collect water that runs off the pavement, direct it to the plants and release it to a channel that flows to the pond, utilizing recycled rain for irrigation. Existing trees were preserved and new trees planted to provide shade and to reduce creating a heat island effect, a term that refers to the rise in temperature of urban areas due to modified, impermeable land surfaces Native plants in the Commons Area are water efficient and suited for the surrounding climate. Additionally, the landscape creates microhabitats for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. Tables and chairs are made out of Alaskan Yellow Cedar, which has anti-fungal and rot-resistant properties. The Forest Stewardship Council certified the wood was purchased from sources that ensure sustainable forestry practices. TAYLOR PAGAN / The Inquirer

features 7

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

DVC celebrates Earth Day 2015 TAYLOR PAGAN News editor

Diablo Valley College’s newly constructed, environmentallyfriendly Commons Area served as a gathering ground for various campus clubs and outside organizations to join forces in celebration of Global Earth Day on April 22. The Earth Day celebration, put on by the collaborated efforts of the campus Earth Club and sustainability committees, created an opportunity for college students and nearby residents to connect with fellow planet lovers. The DVC ACE (architecture, construction and engineering) Club displayed their most recent creation that won best overall design and craftsmanship at the Design Village competition hosted by California Polytechnic State University in San Louis Obispo. Architecture major and club member Bachir Benkirane, 21, said the innovative contraption represents how time is relevant to humans. He explained how each of the wood panels, though very similar in structure, are actually quite unique in design when observed up close. "Changes don't happen overnight," he explained. "This is what we are trying to represent." Earth Club President Ryan Soeblijantoro can attest to the importance of making small, but impactful changes for the benefit of our planet. Though there are bigger environmental issues that need to be addressed, society must first commit to tackling the smaller issues. "We have to take baby steps,"

he said. "We still don't recycle, even though recycling is really easy." To help aid with this dilemma, the Earth Club created a "recycling tree" composed of clear plastic bottles and encouraged students to write down a personal pledge to recycle on a colored Post-it note. By sticking their pledge to the tree, participants would be making a public declaration for all to see. The DVC Christian Club, ChiAlpha, also had a colorful display set up at the celebration. They had a chalk prayer wall for students and visitors to write requests on, and they offered one-on-one prayer to attendees. 19-year-old Jarret Blagg was visiting DVC with a friend who was registering for summer courses and decided to stick around for the Earth Day celebration when he came across the prayer wall. "I like the idea that anyone can come and put their prayer on it," he said. "I wrote 'pray for love and pray for yourself.'" Other requests included prayers for environmental improvements and for current drought conditions. Environmental science major Dasha Rechurina, 21, was grateful the Earth Day celebration united nearby communities and brought students together. "I love Earth Day at DVC," she said. "I've re-connected with the same people I connected with last year." Global Earth Day is all about celebrating our planet and making it a better place for all inhabitants. Contact TAYLOR PAGAN at TPagan@DVCInquirer.com

TAYLOR PAGAN / The Inquirer

DVC Christian Club, Chi-Alpha, prays for a woman near their chalk prayer wall on display at DVC’s Earth Day celebration on April 22.

Business major Timothy Or, 21, pledges to recycle at DVC’s Earth Day celebration on April 22.

Pan African Union President Emily Ajwang, 24, joins in the drum circle at DVC’s Earth Day celebration on April 22.

Sports management major Eliska Vavroua, 21, steps into the ACE Club’s award-winning creation on display at DVC’s Earth Day celebration on April 22.

features 8

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

‘Oedipus’: Old retold

Photos by SHANE LOUIS / The Inquirer

Brandon Turner as King Laius chokes Joseph Chan at an “Oedipus El Rey” tech rehearsal in the DVC Arena Theater on Wednesday, April 22.

Current drama production brings classic Greek story into a modern setting DANIEL MARACCINI Features editor

The new Diablo Valley College play “Oedipus El Rey” finished out a strong opening weekend on April 25, after playing to a near sold out DVC Arena Theater. Written by noted Chicano playwright Luis Alfaro, “Oedipus El Rey” is a modern adaptation of the classic Greek play by Sophocles. Instead of the typical ancient Greek setting, Alfaro’s work is set in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood, where Latin gangs compete for respect and profits While in a dream, troubled youth Oedipus (Cesar Garcia) is told that he is destined to kill his father. Believing his

Tilmon Amos throws an uppercut to Cesar Garcia , as Oedipus at a tech rehearsal in the DVC Arena Theater.

beloved Tiresias (Omar Osoria-Pena) to be the father, he rejects this prophecy. But after a love affair with Jocasta (Tatiana Cafaro) and a series of disturbing revelations, Oedipus’ conceptions of fate are challenged. Director and long time DVC professor Ed Trujillo found the change of setting to be both refreshing and faithful to the original. “I liked the idea that it was so specific to the Chicano community,” he says. “And that by being so specific, it’s really kind of universal in a way, because everyone has (these struggles) in their culture. By setting it in a modern context, I think it makes it more accessible to a contemporary audience.” For viewers familiar with Sophocles’

version, it may be easy to understand what Trujillo means. In the original, some of the most violent and dramatic sequences, like Oedipus killing his father King Laius or Oedipus tearing his eyes out, happen off stage. In “El Rey,” these scenes are played out. This gives a modern feel to a production that, in its original version, is quite different from the theater we see today. While the interaction between Garcia and Cafaro is usually front and center, the performances around them were also a highlight. Brandon Turner plays a mean and brooding King Laius, and Omar Osoria-Pena steals nearly all of his scenes as the blind mystic Tiresias. DVC student Tyler Iiams likes the changes, and thinks novice theater-goers will too. “Seeing (‘Oedipus’) with more of our own culture in it makes the message inside the classical play a lot more accessible for the audience,” he says. “It sort of takes it from the past and catapults here.” “Oedipus El Rey” will show at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays through May 10. Two additional 10:30 a.m. shows will be held on April 30 and May 8. For more information visit the DVC drama website.

Contact DANIEL MARACCINI at DMaraccini@DVCInquirer.com

Tatiana Cafaro, as Jocosta and Cesar Garcia, as Oedipus react to bad news at a tech rehearsal in the DVC Arena Theater.

features 9

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Courtesy of MATT SAATCHI

French Vanilla performing at Sweet Fingers in San Leandro on March 17th, 2015.

Student brings new flavor to rap and along with the lyrics it's (good)," said Felix Traye aka Kalidoses on French Vanilla's song French vanilla: an ice cream "Happiness in a Bag ft. James Lee flavor, a Starbucks coffee and ... a & TYJAKA & Kevin Mann." rapper? But with all of these great comFrancesca Castaldi, aka French ments, one question still persists: Vanilla, is an emerging rap artist Why the name French Vanilla? who's also a Diablo Valley College Castaldi explained how as a kid student. her friends couldn't pronounce Her music blends sounds of her first name, Francesca, so hip-hop artists they began like Missy Elher “So, I came up with calling liot, The Black Frenchy. Eyed Peas, Emi- French Vanilla because "As I nem and Atmostarted that’s just the classic fla- rapping, I sphere. Castaldi vor; you can add stuff needed a learned at a name, so young age she to it to make it better, for a long wanted to be a time I was or leave it as it is.” singer, and she just called also wanted the French," ~FRANCESCA CASTALDI attention that she said. French Vanilla came with it. "But "Growing up you know as a little girl, I I thought always want to that was a be something," she said. little bland and simple, so I want"I wanted to be noticed, like a ed something that stood out that diva in the spotlight; I just always would make people say 'what is knew I wanted to be singing and that?” dancing on a stage." She continues, “so I came up When French Vanilla gets on with French Vanilla because that's stage, it's obvious that her child- just the classic flavor; you can add hood dream of being in the spot- stuff to it to make it better, or you light comes true, and the energy can just have it as it is." and excitement she brings proves French Vanilla, the classic flashe belongs. vor that just doesn't get old, is Her Soundcloud page is full of now an artist who's making classic the highest praise, "Another great hip-hop and living out her childone from senorita Vanilla. Like hood dream. your style a lot!" said the Swedish Metal group Son of Axe about her song "Good Day ft. Kevin Contact MARCEL SCOTT at Mann." MScott@DVCInquirer.com "The production is on point MARCEL SCOTT Staff member

DON’T SCRATCH THE SURFACE.

BREAK THE GROUND. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2015 STAY ON TRACK.

GRADUATE AND START YOUR CAREER ON TIME. • Small classes, personal attention • $2,000 Diablo Valley College transfer award • $14,000 Honors at Entrance Scholarships RSVP for the May 27 transfer information session at smcadmit.com

Saint Mary’s College of California smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu

(800) 800-4SMC

opinions 10

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Buzz

The

Editorial

How are you conserving water during the drought?

CHEYENNE LLANATELLA, 19 Psychology

“I live on a ranch, so we have our own private water source. We have always had to be water conscious since it is our own water.”

ERIC ANAYA, 27 English Tutor

“I’ve stopped watering my lawn, while I used to keep my sprinklers on for 5 to 10 minutes..”

JOHN MCVEIGH, 23 Anthropology

“I’ve always conserved water to some degree: while brushing teeth, always taken two minute showers.”

VERONICA DISE-HODGE, 49 Psychology

“Shower time at two minutes, only do the dishes when the dishwasher is full, recycle water for my plants and brushing teeth.”

JENNA FORSLIH, 21 Theater Arts

“Strictly 10 minute showers. Also... I’ll shut off water while brushing.” Interviewed by: Sophia Johnson Photographed by: Kain Piyanuluk

Graphic illustration by WESLEY IHEZUE

Shorter semester better for transfer students Students will reap long-term benefits if Diablo Valley College shortens its current 18-week semester to 16 weeks. A shorter semester will put students on the fast-track for degree and certificate completion, as well as for transfer. It may seem daunting, but for some students, shortening the term will have a lot of benefits. Culinary students, for instance, have a shortterm sanitation class that they have to take before they can take any classes. Being able to take that during a winter session would let students jump right into the full term classes that require that prerequisite even faster than before. This will also help students who have to take remedial math or English courses. There would be ample time to get classes like Engl-118 or Math-120 done so that you could start taking transferable courses. Though this Contra Costa College District

proposal wouldn't be implemented until 2016, an upcoming district-wide vote will determine whether or not it will pass at all. If DVC switches to a 16-week semester format, then an additional short-term Winter Intercession will possibly be added between the fall and spring semesters, as well as an expanded summer intercession. Doing so will give students the opportunity to complete even more units in just a years span. A shorter semester does, in fact, suggest faster paced class material. This may particularly concern STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) majors. However, with most universities on the quarter system, this shift to a 16-week semester will only further prepare students for the inevitable reality of college after transfer. A college quarter is 10 weeks plus one week for finals, which is still five weeks shorter- than

what DVC is proposing. Additionally, data from other California community colleges that have already made this shortened semester shift actually prove that shorter semesters slightly increased in overall retention rates by one percent and that overall success rates did not decline. These findings from the CCCD's 2006 Compressed Calendar Task Force conclude that adapting a 16-week semester format increases student satisfaction, gives students more opportunities to complete required prerequisites and units. It also showed that the increase in the length of breaks between semesters for students who decide not to enroll during the intercessions allows students to focus better and not get burnt out too easily. A 16-week compressed schedule will better prepare students for transfer and help them complete required classes in less time.

Letter to the editor Social media is causing lack of social activism When there is racism or social injustice around us, and we want to shed light on the matter, don’t we just need to press a few buttons? In the recent movements of social injustice, we have seen

many people voice their opinions and have felt their words shake our hearts. In any way, we want to help carry their voices to all who have the opportunity to create or help the change. In the past, we’ve seen students rally together in crowds reaching the thousands, where some would voice their thoughts and where the community would be one. A tweet or status can only go so far until you must take the idea and make it real. The problem we are having with our youth is that we believe

that these little things are truly fighting for a cause. “Slacktivists don’t have to spend a Saturday doing hard labor to build a home or sacrifice a portion of their monthly entertainment budget to a cause,” said Laura Seay of the Washington Post. The minimal effort being broadcasted on social media comes in, and people like to wear it like the season’s newest trends. “It’s a style, to be socially conscious,” Maceo Paisley said during an interview with Thrash Lab. It

is not a bad thing for these issues to be a trend, but we must take advantage of the power that we hold as youth. Together, we must stand together and use our voices to give light to the issues that are bringing not only down our society, but that are bring us down as one people. We hold the future in our hands, now it is time to grab it and run. ~Kenau Banayat Student

opinions 11

Thursday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Stop weapons of ‘selfie-destruction’

OK, Diablo Valley College, we need to have a long talk about the amount of selfies you've been taking recently, and more importantly, the two-foot long telescopic pole that accompanies it. Yes, we're talking about your selfie sticks. The selfie stick, or as I’ve come to refer to it as, "the narcisstick," is an infamous device designed to publicly torture your circle of friends, and those around you with an endless stream of vapid and meaningless photos of yourselves. You may have heard, seen, or more likely, been accidentally prodded by a selfie stick in use. For anyone who doesn't already know about these devices, they were first used by athletes alongside head and helmet-mounted GoPro cameras to capture uniquely angled shots. But they’ve quickly gained popularity as a means to take selfies with lots of people. Coupled with the selfie's association to many A-list celebrities, the sticks have become wildly popular. So why so much hate for our favorite selfie appendages? For one, the selfie stick is so prolific at

RYAN CHAN Senior staff member

Photo illustration by SHANE LOUIS

conventions, theme parks and concerts, that they often become a nuisance. So much so, that they were outright banned at places like Coachella, The Palace of Versailles and Disney World, among a growing list of similar venues. Don’t get me wrong, I think it's important that people have every opportunity to express themselves. Selfies are here to stay, for a while, anyways. However it should never be at the expense of those around you. Just to be clear, lets clarify some recommended rules of selfie etiquette. Under no circumstances, should you take

a selfie on a rollercoaster, let alone with a selfie stick. Unless you have a death wish. The selfie stick is not a cattle prod, police baton or any form of makeshift weapon. No, not even a lightsaber. Soccer stadiums have already begun banning sticks over fears of potential violent abuses. Be mindful of where you decide to take selfies. Your selfie is not important enough to clog the mile long line for space mountain. Furthermore, disney employees have been instructed to warn, and then shame noncompliant users, with an announcement

over their PA system. The selfie stick is not a public boom box. (Yes I have actually seen this happen) With selfie sticks quickly being prohibited at many of the biggest gatherings across the world, it might be time to go back to the tried and true, stranger assisted group photo. Even if talking to total strangers is "totally ratchet," it may not hurt to try. But first, let me take a selfie.

Contact RYAN CHAN at RChan@DVCInquirer.com

Tenure benefits both teachers and students Every one of us has had a teacher or professor we absolutely loved at some point in our lives. And at the same time, every one of us has had a teacher or professor we absolutely hated. We all want our favorite instructors to teach classes forever while we want our not-so-favorite instructors to be shipped off to another galaxy as far away from us as possible. But how do we get our favorite professors to stay? Across college campuses and high schools throughout the United States the concept of tenure is a teacher or professor's contractual right not to have his or her position terminated without just cause. Most colleges and universities adopt or construct their respective tenure programs internally. Diablo Valley College, for example, follows a popular model by placing their newly hired full-time faculty on what is known as a "tenure track."

Professors placed on this tenure track (essentially a probationary period) are to follow predetermined guidelines for the number

“By guaranteeing long-term employment for prospective professors, colleges and universites are able to not only attract, but retain the best and brightest of the bunch.”

of years specified in their contract. This could typically take anywhere from three to 10 years, depending on the professor’s job and the institution they are working

for. After fulfilling these requirements, the professors are granted tenure, by which they become protected employees of the institution with what is ultimately considered "academic freedom" as instructors. The biggest advantage of tenure for professors is that it allows them to keep teaching at the same institution for a long time without them having to constantly worry about whether or not they are going to keep their job. However, the even greater advantage is enjoyed by students. By guaranteeing long-term employment for prospective professors, colleges and universities are able to not only attract, but retain the best and brightest of the bunch. If you are taking a class at DVC with a professor whom you really enjoy and who is helping you succeed, you may want to take an advanced course with him the next year.

But what's to say he or she doesn't leave to teach at another college the following semester because they offer him/her better

SRIRAM RAMAKRISHNAN Staff member

long-term job prospects? Becoming the best professor one can be doesn't happen overnight, or in a month, or in a semester. It takes years for any individual

to master their craft and the teaching side of education is no different. By granting the well-deserved faculty in colleges tenure, professors are able to comfortably work to hone their teaching abilities. Most importantly however, the protective safety net provided by tenure to professors allows each professor to tailor their curriculum. Their classes become more indepth and thus give students an overall better informed education not skewed by a school administration. Although our current education system isn't perfect and has its flaws, tenure may be the best option we have towards a quality education for students.

Contact SRIRAM RAMAKRISHNAN at SRamakrishnan@DVCInquirer.com