DVC Inquirer Volume VII, No. I

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inquirer

Piano in the quad?

The music department’s strategy to get new students. See Page 6.

Thursday, Aug. 30 - Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2017

Volume VII, No 1

Social Justice Major CAMERON PATERA Staff member

Diablo Valley College has joined the effort to push against marginalization by introducing a new social justice major for students to look into.

The program, which will contain elements of sociology, ethnic studies and humanities, focuses on the concept of equality, as well as how students can make an impact in the social workplace.

“We’re here to call attention to civil engagement,” Mickey Huff, a social science professor at DVC, said. “We want a merging of education and what you want to do in the world.”

One of the central features of this major is its focus on internships.

Students will learn to apply what they have learned in class to partnered organizations such as Planned Parenthood, The Rainbow Community Center and Foundation for a Just Society.

“Undoing injustice is our theme,” social science professor Sangha Niyogi said. “We’re here to link the curricular with the co-curricular.”

Various social justice activists will also take center stage in DVC’s 2017-2018 Equity Speaker Series.

The lineup includes names such as Sarah Salamanca, a former undocumented citizen who was recently featured in Forbes “30 Under 30,” Khalid El-Hakim, the owner of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum and hip hop artist Richard “Professor Griff” Griffin, a political activist and member of the famous hip hop group “Public Enemy.”

Beginning in spring 2018, sociology 135, 124 and social science 120 will be merged into the new program. All of these classes will be eligible to transfer to both UCs and CSUs, with Cal State East Bay and UC Berkeley already throwing their hats into the ring.

For more information on the speaker series, visit www.dvc.edu/ equity-speakers or email Toni Fannin at tfannin@dvc.edu.

Contact CAMERON PATERA at CPatera@DVCInquirer.com

MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI / The Inquirer

Protesters march down Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Berkeley on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017.

Huge rally against hate CAMERON PATERA Staff member

Thousands of protesters gathered on Sunday in opposition to the Patriot Prayer rally that was to be held in Civic Center Park, in Berkeley.

Patriot Prayer, an American conservative advocacy group, announced that they were coming to Berkeley on Sunday. Often labeled as a white nationalist group, these Bay Area citizens created a counter protest in opposition to their arrival.

Even though the Patriot Prayer was cancelled, a small number of supporters for the Patriot Prayer showed up and were located inside the Civic Center Park.

Many protesters at the event were unwilling to give their last name.

“I came here to listen to the free speech

Library to loan laptops

rally, but it looks like it’s not happening,” said Jack, a 69-year-old Republican. “I wanted to have a dialogue with somebody but no conservative can get a word in,” he added.

For most of the afternoon there was little violence.

“There might be some violence later on, but I’m not sure it will come from the altright, to be honest,” said Wayne, a 55-yearold Democrat and bystander.

This statement rang true when violence occurred as the day progressed.

Joey Gibson, leader of the Patriot Prayer, was confronted by a congregation of Antifa counter protesters who pepper sprayed him.

After backing away, he reportedly charged officers and was detained shortly thereafter, according to CBS SF Bay Area.

Although the majority seemed to rule, those on the other side of the political fence SUMMER PAGÁN Social media editor

As of this fall semester, the DVC library is offering a laptop loan program which allows students to check out laptops for personal use.

Currently enrolled DVC students may use rented laptops for up to three hours per visit. The loan program is limited to one computer per user.

Copyright © 2017 The Inquirer - www.dvcinquirer.com

were upset with this turn of events, believing that they were not being properly represented.

“Nationalism is not racism,” said Jack R., a 38-year-old Trump supporter who had been harassed by a group of counter protesters.

“There is no such thing as white nationalism, we’re all just nationalists,” Jack said.

However, much of the opposition did not agree.

“It doesn’t matter what they call themselves. It’s who they choose to affiliate themselves with, it gives away what they’re really about,” said Shauna, a young liberal from Berkeley. “We’re not going to let the legitimization of nazism happen.”

Contact CAMERON PATERA at CPatera@DVCInquirer.com

“This program allows us to address this need by increasing access for students with 32 new laptop computers,” Dean of Library Rick Robison said of the demanding need for student computing resources.

The laptop circulation policy states that only students in a good standing can borrow computers if they have signed a borrower’s use

and liability agreement for the academic year.

“A student in good standing means that the student is currently enrolled, has no library fines on their record and has no overdue library materials,” Robison said.

Tracking software is installed in every laptop in case of theft.

Continued on Page 3

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Wednesday, Aug. 30 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

calendar Aug. 28 - Sept. 21 Art and the Body: Beneath the Surface A305 Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Compressed calendar coming in fall 2018

Wednesday, Aug. 30 Women’s Volleyball vs Merced Merced, 3 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 11 Express Bar | Mon - Thurs Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Lunch 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Grill | Mon - Thurs 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Pastry Shop | Mon - Thurs 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wendnesday, Sept. 13 Viking Day Commons, 10 a.m. - 2p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 14 Student Equity Series: Dr. Manuel Pastor Pleasant Hill Campus, Diablo Room 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

police beat Monday, Aug. 14 Lot 6 A student was trying to save a parking spot using their body. A driver told the student to move, but they refused. The driver pulled into the space, tapping the student.

Lot 4 A driver’s vehicle was struck by another driver who failed to stop and exchange information.

Thursday , Aug. 17 Lot 7 Male subject was seen on campus carrying a knife in a sheath on his waist and was found in posession of a fixed blade knife, tomahawk ax and stolen property. Subject also found in violation of his probation. Subject, a non-student, was arrested and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility Tuesday, Aug. 22 Bookstore Several students were cited for shoplifting. Porperty was recovered.

KION KARIMI Staff member

Change could soon be coming to DVC’s academic calendar. Scheduled to begin in fall 2018, the change would reduce semester length by approximately one week, while making classes slightly longer and more fast-paced.

There is a lot of speculation as to how this process will turn out, but staff on the project are confident that it will improve student success.

“Students are retained at a higher rate,” senior dean of curriculum and instruction Kim Schenk said. “(There will be) better outcomes for students, classes will be a little longer but students shouldn’t notice much of a difference.”

Short (currently eighty minute) classes will be five minutes longer and extended classes, such as math (a two-and-a-half hour class), will be

extended 10 minutes. Breaks will be the same.

According to vice president of instruction Rachel Westlake, the school faces challenges in implementing the newly condensed calendar.

“I feel like we have a lot of work to do,” Westlake said. “It’s going to vary, some students will find that it’ll work (better) for some classes than others.”

Westlake is confident that this will be a success and that students will finish school faster.

“The thought is, a shorter semester can help students stay on track, less time to lose their focus. It could allow for an intersession between fall and spring; they can take more classes towards their degree.”

Some students have voiced concerns about the calendar change.

“Everything is going faster - I’m not that fast of a learner,” business management major Diego Cerda said. “I would be pushing myself.”

New buildings get all-gender bathrooms COURTNEY DONAHOE Copy editor

Diablo Valley College’s Pleasant Hill campus currently has three all-gender bathrooms: one in the performing arts center, one in the bookstore and one in the Student Services Center. DVC San Ramon only has two at the moment.

Currently, DVC Pleasant Hill is in the process of reconstruction, adding seven more all-gender bathrooms to the campus. Four will be added to the performing arts center and three will be added to the Administration Building.

“It allows students to feel comfortable here and use the bathroom with what they identify themselves as,” DVC’s interim President Ted Wieden said.

Having all gender bathrooms for students in the LGBTQ community allows them to feel safe and comfortable in their own skin while they go to the bathroom.

That’s what DVC is trying to accomplish.

“It gives them more of a secure place in a public area, rather than them waiting to go to the bathroom at home they can do so here while feeling comfortable in their own skin,” Scarlett Arreola-Reyes, president of DVC’s queer straight alliance, said.

Instead of being scared of being comfortable in a school environment, they can relax and not feel stressed out about which bathroom they feel like they have to use according to today’s society.

“It gives them a place to authentically be themselves and validate their identity,” Arreola-Reyes said.

Contact COURTNEY DONAHOE at CDonahoe@DVCInquirer.com

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.

Contact KION KARIMI at KKarimi@DVCInquirer.com

DVC adding new campus alert system DANNY YOEONO Copy editor

Diablo Valley College plans to have a public announcement (PA) system, coupled with buttons that connect directly to police services, installed by the end of the year.

In an effort called the “Classroom Speaker Project,” DVC will be the first of the 4CD colleges to have PA speakers and two-way communication devices in every classroom and at select public places, like the cafeteria.

Taking the shape of a speaker, digital screen and physical button, DVC will soon have the ability to broadcast announcements to the entire campus or individual classrooms. When pressed, campus police will be able to see where the button is located and can speak and listen to whomever is in front of the button.

Signs will be posted reading “public safety assistance, push button,” and “If you have an emergency, press the button and stay on the line.”

Currently, DVC and 4CD sends text messages and emails to registered students in the event of an emergency. These units will add an auditory notification option that reaches every classroom, along with digital clock

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Only time will tell if the change is effective, Cerda said. “A lot of people would take it negatively because people don’t like change.”

But Heng Tan, a computer science major, felt differently. “I feel comfortable,” Tan said. “It’s okay if it’s only 10 minutes longer. Students will work harder for one week.”

According to officials, the change will, specifically, reduce semesters from 17.5 to 16.6 weeks.

While there is still a lot of work to be done, the staff is confident that starting in fall 2018 students will become even more successful and will graduate faster than ever before.

“The last thing we want to do is negatively impact students,” Schenk said.

Frank Guitron Mahrukh Siddiqui Kayla Rojas Mark Lindahl Isaac Norman Summer Pagán Trevor Cheitlin, Danny Yoeono, Courtney Donahoe

screens that can be switched to scrolling text to relay vital information.

“The system is designed for assistance, not just emergencies,” campus police chief Edward Carney said.

Carney made clear that the buttons should not be called “panic buttons.”

“You may define emergencies differently than I and thus hesitate to use the system when you may have information that can be valuable or a precursor to an emergency.”

In a classroom, cell phones might not always be the efficient way to reach help or to receive critical information.

The Pleasant Hill DVC campus has a cell service problem. Professors may restrict cell usage in class and thus render them unavailable when truly needed. Connection to DVC’s Wi-Fi can be shoddy, even for simply checking email. These new communication units are meant to assuage such issues.

Carney added that privacy-minded students need not worry: when the mic to police services is on, a green light will be illuminated. Despite the fears of some, the college will not be listening into every classroom all the time unbeknownst to students.

Contact DANNY YOEONO at DYoeono@DVCInquirer.com

Staff STAFF WRITERS Olivier Alata, Matthew Asilo, Dany Cacique, Chris Core, Cole Jackson, Kion Karimi, Alexandra Lee, Ryan Lee, Omari Lewis, Luis Lopez, Cameron Patera, Deandra Procassini, Aidan Sparks, Aaron Tolentino INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Charleen Earley ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

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

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Wednesday, Aug. 30 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

San Ramon Campus is getting a new library, cafeteria

es,” Ta’lia Perkins a current student said.

The bookstore location will also New changes for the San Ramon campus of Diablo Valley be moving to the other side of the College are in the works after be- campus where a study lab is currently. They are planning to build ing open for 10 years.

In the next few years, these up- a new lounge area on the second grades to the campus will “make floor where students can spend this campus more complete” said time between classes. The current senior Dean Mike Holtzclaw, of ceramics room will also be renovated into a new drawing studio the San Ramon campus.

Last fall began the planning for and a new anatomy and physiology lab will a new building “... it would be a quiet replace a biolthat will inogy lab. clude a library place to study.”

The new and study area changes are to to be built in ~DEVON FIELDS be complete front of the Current freshmen by 2020 and main office will also inbetween the clude expanlearning comsion to the mons and the placement testing and disabled fountain.

“I’m always an advocate for services center. With new changes libraries and it would be a quiet the campus will also be offering place to study,” Devon Fields, a physics classes.

“More people would want to current freshman said.

Finally somewhere to buy hot go to this campus,” said freshman food on campus will be available Haley Gage about the new changas they are planning to build a caf- es the San Ramon campus will be eteria and add more seating out- getting. side and around the campus.

“The new cafeteria would be Contact RYAN LEE at great, so i’m not late to my classRLee@DVCInquirer.com RYAN LEE Staff member

RYAN LEE / The Inquirer

Diablo Valley College’s San Ramon campus’ administration ability.

Checkout desk at library will have laptops Continued from Page 1

S

tudents will be billed a $1,200 replacement fee and will be reported to Police Services if a laptop is not returned and recovered within one hour of it’s due time.

“The library recieved equity funds to purchase these laptops last year...”

The library encourages students to utilize the resources that the laptop loan program provides.

“When you’re in a lab you kind of are constricted to your space, but if you have a laptop you can actually spread your things out so you aren’t distracted by other things,” faculty member Margrot Brown-Salazar said.

“It also provides a different option for people that need a little bit different environment for their learning,” she added.

~Daniel Kiely Library Chair

DANNY YOEONO / The Inquirer

Diablo Valley College’s laptop loan program billboard.

The reference desk in the library provides more insight into the program.

“The library received equity funds to purchase these laptops last year and it took us a semester to formulate the policies and procedures for checking out laptops,” library chair Daniel Kiely said.

“That’s how we got the money to purchase them.”

“It’s a great way to help students who don’t have access to technology at home. One of our main guiding principles is that we want to help students who come to DVC,” Kiely added.

Each laptop is installed with Microsoft Office applications.

Need to Know • • •

Go to reference desk at the library. $1200 will be charged to students who are an hour late after their due time.

Students with late laptops will also be reported to student services.

Contact SUMMER PAGÁN at SPagan@DVCInquirer.com

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Wednesday, Aug. 30 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

CHRIS COLE / The Inquirer

A map in the international students services room on the Pleasant Hill Campus.

Big drop in international enrollment ALI LEE and CHRIS CORE Staff members

Diablo Valley College was hit with its largest decline in international students, reaching an all time low enrollment on record.

An unexpected 11 percent drop in international students attending DVC this semester recently came to the school’s attention.

According to DVC interim President, Ted Wieden, the most significant drops in international student enrollment came Akbar Sayakov, a computer science major from Kazakhstan, said that he believed the decline was caused by not having enough advertisement for students to learn about DVC in places such as Kazakhstan.

Seulki Kim, a student from South Korea who is majoring in bioengineering, feels that DVC creates a positive atmosphere.

“I do feel welcomed here at DVC, but it is still hard,” Kim said. “The international student services are very helpful.” from China, Korea, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

“The decline in international enrollment will reduce enrollment income from interna-

tional students,” Wieit. Certainly with “...fewer international stu- this drop there will den said, addressing concerns about the dents reduces the cultural be some concerns dip. “In addition, fewover membership benefit that the college gets numbers and other er international students reduces the culby having many students things,” Jovan said. tural benefit that the “However, I think it from different countries on also gives our club, college gets by having many students from and maybe other our campuses.” different countries on clubs as well, an inour campuses.” centive to be better ~Ted Wieden Wieden was not and to strive for our Interim President able to confirm exgoals.” actly how much the This decline in inschool’s income has ternational student been affected by the decrease in international enrollment has not only affected DVC, but enrollment. is also affecting colleges nationwide.

Although the decline will affect DVC The American Association of Collegiate negatively, Wieden does not have any plans Registrars stated that they found a 39 percent to change the way students are recruited for decrease from the universities they studied, enrollment overseas at this moment. with the highest decrease in international President of the International Students enrollment coming from students in the Club Benedictus Jovan believes there’s still Middle East. hope for international students.

While the decline affects DVC and the na“At first I was a bit surprised to hear about tion’s colleges, many international students

who are currently enrolled at DVC did not know about the decline or why it might be occurring.

Jihye Jung said, “I came here to study to create an education for myself rather than in Korea.” Another goal of hers while studying in the United States is to improve her English. Akbar Sayakov, a computer science major from Kazakhstan, said that he believed the decline was caused by not having enough advertisement for students to learn about DVC in places such as Kazakhstan.

Seulki Kim, a student from South Korea who is majoring in bioengineering, feels that DVC creates a positive atmosphere.

“I do feel welcomed here at DVC, but it is still hard,” Kim said. “The international student services are very helpful.”

Contact ALI LEE at ALee@DVCInquirer. com or CHRIS CORE at CCore@DVCInquirer.

New ‘discovery tool’ makes searching easy MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI Managing editor

library, but does not allow DVC students to browse the databases of Los Medanos or The new discovery tool, OneSearch, is fi- Contra Costa Community College unless nally here and it is everything you could have the student is registered for classes at those campuses. hoped for.

OneSearch makes searching the library Beginning this fall semester, the DVC licatalog a lot easier. No longer will students brary is introducing a new search feature on have to scan through each individual dataits website called OneSearch. base looking for books, articles and videos on OneSearch is a “google-like” search bar a topic. Using the toolbar for the DVC library and its on the library’s homepdatabases. OneSearch not You can quickly and age, you can quickly and only provides information from the library database at easily search multiple easily search multiple databases at once.

DVC, but also the physical databases at once.

According to Daniel books present at both the Kiely, DVC’s electronic DVC and Los Medanos access librarian, OneCollege libraries.

Search’s introduction comes just as the DVC Physical books can be reserved at the DVC library unsubscribes from the ProQuest library or requested from Los Medanos. ResResearch Library, due to some overlap of ervations from the latter will be forwarded to resources found in the Academic Search Prethe DVC library in about five business days, mier database. meaning that if the book is requested at the beginning of the week it will be available for pick-up by the end of the week.

The search engine is also able to search Contact MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI The library homepage hosts the search tool.

MSiddiqui@DVCInquirer.com for videos available on demand at the DVC

MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI/ The Inquirer

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features

Wednesday, Aug. 30 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

Warped Tour in review KAYLA ROJAS Features editor

As the summer comes to a close, so does long-running music festival Vans Warped Tour. The festival’s nine-week long run wrapped up earlier this month in Pomona, California.

Warped Tour’s bands more than outdid themselves this year. 15-year-old thrash metal band Municipal Waste, one of the festival’s headliners, hadn’t done a long-running tour like Warped in quite some time.

“It’s definitely different,” Municipal Waste vocalist Tony Foresta said. “It’s been a long summer, and it’s almost like an insane summer camp for degenerates, but so far it’s been great and all of the bands have been

getting along.” Foresta also fronts the band Iron Reagan.

Despite just recently releasing their first new album since 2008, Municipal Waste still has what it takes to keep up with the pace of Warped Tour.

Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman has made a point to feature bands from a broad spectrum of experience in the festival, and has molded the tour into a place for newer bands to learn from veterans and gain exposure. Municipal Waste revels in the opportunity to give advice to up-and-comers on being a musician and what to expect from it all.

“If you go into it thinking you’re gonna make a lot of money, it won’t happen that way,” Foresta said. “It’s like winning the lot-

Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed at Warped Tour 2017. tery making millions of dollars doing this.

You should be doing it just for the love of music. We probably would have taken our time with production, and putting stuff out definitely. But that’s part of being a musician you know? It’s all just trial and error.”

Top: Isaac Hale of Knocked Loose Left: Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson of Dance Gavin Dance

KAYLA ROJAS / The Inquirer

In regards to the new album, Foresta was very enthusiastic. “It’s definitely our best sounding record and has some of the best songs we’ve written,” Foresta said. “With the addition of (guitarist Nick Poulos), I think this is the best record we’ve ever put out. At first, we weren’t sure since people tend to forget about bands after a while of not putting stuff out, but so far the response has been great.” The party thrash band has more upcoming projects to come, as well as Foresta’s continuous work with Iron Reagan.

Bands old or new have always brought a certain flavor to Warped Tour, and it will need that diversity to continue its successful run. To tide you over until next summer, Lyman and the Warped team will be hosting a Warped “Rewind at Sea” cruise in the fall featuring Good Charlotte, The Starting Line, Simple Plan, Reel Big Fish and more. The cruise departs from New Orleans on October 28, and runs through November 1.

Contact KAYLA ROJAS at KRojas@DVCInquirer.com

‘Marvel’s Defenders’ is worth a watch FRANK GUITRON Editor in chief

“Marvel’s Defenders” is the latest installment of Netflix’s Marvel universe, which is based in the same comic universe as its cinematic counter part. So far Netflix has produced two seasons of “Daredevil,” one season of “Jessica Jones,” one season of “Luke Cage” and one season of “Iron Fist.”

Starring Charlie Cox as the “man without fear” Daredevil, Krysten Ritter as the alcoholic antihero Jessica Jones, Mike Colter as the tough as nails Luke Cage, and Finn Jones as the “immortal” Iron Fist, “Marvel’s Defenders” starts off on a slow note.

Like most Marvel stories, the show is based in various parts of New York City. At the beginning of the season, Matt Murdock has retired his role as Daredevil after losing a loved one while fighting injustice in the streets of Hell’s Kitchen.

Jessica Jones is doing what she can to avoid her own heroism and is not accepting any work at her private investigation business.

Luke Cage is released from prison with the goal of protecting Harlem from crime and suffering.

Iron Fist is trying to figure out where the Hand (an evil organization of ninjas who cheat death) is located so that he can fulfill his destiny by defeating them once and for all.

The issue with the first episode was that the characters were not being particularly interesting, which can be an issue in a serial of any sort.

However, by the third episode, when the stakes are laid bare for the audience and tensions begin to rise, the show kicks into full force.

An interesting facet of the cinematography was that each of the four main heroes each had their respective “Netflix series” camera style during the introduction along with the familiar music for those who watched each series.

The music of the series really helps bring about the full range of emotions in all characters, especially Daredevil,

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Krysten Ritter, Finn Jones, Charlie Cox and Mike Colter as Marvel’s Defenders. which could be contributed to the fact that the composer John Paesano composed both seasons of “Daredevil” prior to this show.

One particular scene which stood out was when Matt Murdock (Daredevil’s civilian identity and a blind lawyer from Hell’s Kitchen) subtly plunked the Defenders theme song on the piano.

Charlie Cox was the strongest presence in the season.

While Iron Fist (Finn Jones) was focused on as the central hero in the fight against the Hand, the plot relies heavily on certain aspects of Daredevil’s past.

Sigourney Weaver was a very different villain than what has been shown in the previous Netflix Marvel series. While she was definitely cultured like Wilson Fisk and Madam Gao, she had a certain vulnerability that helped sell her desperation.

The season is definitely worth a watch. I found it to be better than “Iron Fist,” and it helps flesh out a rushed performance from Finn Jones.

Contact FRANK GUITRON at FGuitron@DVCInquirer.com

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Wednesday, Aug. 30 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

Chris Bredehoft plays the music department piano in the DVC Commons on Aug. 17, 2017.

MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI / The Inquirer

Piano adds life to the Commons AIDAN SPARKS and MATTHEW ASILO Staff members

The fall 2017 semester kicked off with an interesting new addition to the DVC Commons. Students old and new can make their way to the quad and play a solo piece to serenade the campus or come together with a group of friends and create their own unique piece of music.

The music department recently placed a donated piano in the quad in order to advertise the flourishing music program DVC has to offer. The piano was donated by Rich Cappell, a former DVC music major who fell in love with the program during his time here, and continued to give support long after his time at school.

“The piano and the communal collaboration it creates symbolize what the music department is all about,” Bruce Cook, co-chair of the department, said. “That piano is the heart of what we do here.”

Cook hopes the piano will encourage more students to get involved with the music program. The department of-

fers three different AA’s in music, as well as seven full-time “It’s hard to find community at a community college,” and numerous part-time professors offering their expertise Peppo said, explaining why this piano was such a necessity to those who want to learn. for the school. He said that because DVC is made up of Although the piano’s purpose is to promote the DVC commuters it can be difficult to feel a sense of community. music program, students The piano adds some sense of from any major are able to “The piano and the communal col- character to the quad, and offers a enjoy playing around on it for students to bond. laboration it creates symbolize what opportunity as others pass by.

Peppo says that he really hopes “I really think it’s a good the music department is all about.” the piano will promote the music thing for us DVC students. department over social media as I can play it while I wait for well. “I wish more people would ~Bruce Cook my next class,” illustration tag it.”

Music department co-chair major Carla Corelia said.

Head down to the quad and “It’s interesting to hear the different styles of music everyone join in the new rhythm moving through DVC, and if you plays.” post pictures with friends and other campus peers in action The visionary behind the piano idea was Bret Peppo, the at the piano make sure to add the hashtag #DVCMusic. choir director at DVC. Peppo initially put forth the idea a couple years back and is glad to see that the piano is making an impact not just on the music department, but on the Contact AIDAN SPARKS at ASparks@DVCInquirer.com Contact MATTHEW ASILO at MAsilo@DVCInquirer.com entire school community.

opinions

We all need to look within to fight racism ISAAC NORMAN Online editor

The human expression of racism takes many shapes and forms.

On an individual level it can be something as internal as fearing black men walking past the street to something as heinous as the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, where Dylann Roof killed nine black parishioners in hopes of igniting a race war.

When we talk about dismantling racism in our country we first must understand the

underlying feelings driving racism and acknowledge our own prejudices.

From there we must find what solutions we can implement to reform as individuals and what reforms we can make to our institutions.

For example, most white people I know, myself included, have said the N-word at some point.

Whether it was shouted as a slur, said in a private conversation among friends or repeated as a joke heard by a black comedian, using the N-word as a white person is racist

and offensive no matter how you cut it.

However, the person who said such word may not necessarily be a white supremacist, they might just be a jerk or an idiot or an ignorant dumb white boy like I used to be.

Furthermore, we must understand where our personal prejudices lie and where they intersect with institutional discrimination.

If we no longer believe in harshly penalizing non-violent offenders who are disproportionately people of color then we must vote for new legislation to end this injustice.

If none of this resonates with you, my hat

is off to you.

You either are already fighting against racism and for equality or you are happy within your bubble, in which case ignorance is bliss.

However, I suspect that for most, if we really stop and think about racism, we can think of moments we wish we could take back.

It’s worth exploring ways that we, as individuals, can change from within.

Contact ISAAC NORMAN at INorman@DVCInquirer.com

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Wednesday, Aug. 30 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

Editorial

Hands off affirmative action The Trump administration has an- California state schools, UC Berkeley nounced its plans to investigate or saw “the number of African American, probe universities using affirmative ac- Chicano/Latino, and Native American/ tion, claiming that the policies discrimi- Alaska Native undergraduate students nate against white applicants. This is at UC Berkeley drop by half.” In the an effort led by Attorney General Jeff university’s fall 2013 Diversity Snapshot Sessions to pander to a conservative they explicitly state that the the gap was base with whom he has been on shaky caused in no small part by Prop 209. ground since recusing himself from the In 2003 Supreme Court Justice Sandra Russia investigation back in March. O’Connor wrote in the Grutter vs BolAccording to the Washington Post, linger case opinion that affirmative action the proposed investigation may be run is needed for now but that need would by politically appointed members of the fade in time. Justice O’ Connor said Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Di- that, overtime, affirmative action would vision, instead of the Education Oppor- no longer be necessary for promoting tunities Section of the division. A letter to diversity on campuses. But we are not Sessions and Secretary of Education Bet- exactly there yet - O’Connor saw that in sy DeVos, signed by California senator 2003 and it remains true 14 years later.

Dianne Feinstein Trump’s base beamong other DemIt is not the time nor the lieves affirmative ocrats, points out action discrimipolitical climate to be at- nates against white that “such a move suggests this is a tacking affirmative action. people because of political maneuver “economic anxidesigned to circumety.” But it is not vent DOJ operating procedures and career the time nor the political climate to be attorneys, and that DOJ may be consid- attacking affirmative action. Jeff Sesering launching an attack on racial diver- sions and the DOJ should keep its efsity and inclusion in higher education.” forts of stopping discrimination under Affirmative action has been ruled the nonpartisan Education Opportunilegal by the Supreme Court, barring ties section of the Civil Rights Division. universities do not use a quota system, There is still equality in higher eduwhich saw its end in the Regents of the cation among non-white students to University of California v. Bakke case be had. Universities, both public and of 1978, nor points, which was ended private, should pursue policies that inby the Gratz v. Bollinger case of 2003. crease representation and racial diversity.

After the 1996 passage of Proposition 209, prohibiting affirmative action in -Fall 2017 Editorial Board

Graphic illustration by OMARI LEWIS

Letters to the editor

Remarks on Charlottesville and violence ARIADNE WOLF Guest writer

I want to start by thanking the DVC faculty and administration for endorsing statements condemning the hate expressed by white supremacist groups gathering and marching in Charlottesville. In times such as these, I believe that academic institutions have an obligation to support the needs of their students who are most blatantly under attack.

I appreciate statements that support those of us who have seriously begun to question just how safe we really are in today’s United States.

However, I would like to say a word or two about violence and the way this term is often used by otherwise well-meaning white liberals.

I do not believe anyone deserves to be attacked simply for expressing their beliefs, with one important caveat: maraud-

ing groups of primarily white men shouting that they wish to murder Jews, black people, queer people and anyone else who gets in their way? Historically, this has been the leadup to these white supremacist groups committing murder, destroying Jewish property and raping Jewish women in pogroms, or even the initial steps of genocide against Jews or previously against Native Americans.

The accounts of eyewitnesses to the events at Charlottesville make clear that the white supremacists struck first, via actions that left many injured and at least one deceased.

When antifa and other groups on the left fought, they were not doing so out of rage or hatred; they were trying to defend their own, both those under physical attack from white supremacists marching, and those whom the white supremacists announced a wish to see destroyed.

Sometimes this kind of targeted, protective act of violence is necessary for creation, for the simple reason that those

expressing publicly and insistently that they wish us dead are not being subtle.

My grandparents lived through the Holocaust, and I have logical reason to fear experiencing the same if white supremacist beliefs are permitted to infiltrate national discourse. I have reason to fear for the lives of my POC (people of color) friends when police in this country of institutionalized white supremacism are permitted to shoot unarmed black people or forcibly perform a vaginal search or rape them, with complete legal impunity.

This is unacceptable, and those who claim that it is are doing me active harm. When they back up that active harm by mimicking KKK gatherings that a few short decades ago typically led to lynchings, yes - I have the right to defend myself, and so do all those threatened.

The

Buzz

Would you boycott the NFL if Colin Kaepernick doesn’t get signed?

Interviewed by: Cole Jackson Photographed by: Ryan Lee

MARIA TELLEZ, 31 Broadcast communication

VINCE WAHN, 27 Computer science

CASERRA ALVA, 17 Undecided

JOE SULLIVAN, 18 Law

“Colin Kaepernick should have a job; he’s a good enough player.”

“Colin Kaepernick doesn’t play at a high enough level for the drama he brings.”

“I’d protest. (Kaepernick) is standing for what he believes in and shouldn’t be judged on that.”

“(He) has the right to make his own decisions; the owners have (the right to make) their own marketing decisions.”

8

sports

Drafting your fantasy dream team

Wednesday, Aug. 30 - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017

ISAAC NORMAN / The Inquirer

Defender Marlene Huerta moves the ball up the field against Clovis on Aug. 25, 2017.

As football season is approaching fast, many fans around the nation are gearing up for one of the biggest enigmas in American culture: fantasy football.

Whether you’re a grizzled veteran of the virtual league, or you’re just starting for the first time and need some pointers for your team, this is the column for you.

We are going to dive into what your basic draft strategy should be for constructing your fantasy football team.

The goal is to form a team of individual players from any NFL team that will produced more combined points than your opponent.

With many fantasy leagues trending towards MARK LINDAHL the PPR format, where Sports Editor the receiving player is also given a point from catching the ball, instead of the default format where a reception doesn’t give you any points, a common theme is to draft a wide receiver in the first round.

When it comes to your first round selection, the thought process should be ‘Who here can be my workhorse?’ The player you select with your first pick will be the backbone of your team. Players who fit this mold would be David Johnson, LeVeon Bell, Julio Jones, LeSean McCoy, and Antonio Brown to name a few.

But this player isn’t going to win the league for you.

The real strength of your team should be based on the value of the players you draft.

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount was the seventh highest scoring running back per game overall, per ESPN in 2016, but his average draft position was 91st overall in mock drafts leading up to the season.

In comparison, the Denver Bronco’s running back CJ Anderson’s average draft position was 27th overall, but at the end of the season was the 15th highest scoring running back per game per ESPN. So if you drafted Anderson in the third round like the average fantasy drafter did, you have a lesser running back than one you could have snagged later.

While it is impossible to tell who will perform the best over the course of the season, one important aspect to keep in mind is how the team plays and how well it is constructed.

Because of the poor quarterback play in Denver, any team that played them could stack more defenders on the line against the run, effectively shutting down Anderson.

With Tom Brady at the helm of the Patriots offense, Blount had many more opportunities for success as a result of playing behind a better offensive line and with a better overall team.

With every fantasy season that has passed, and every season to come, there will be players who outplay their projected stats. These are the players you should look to draft for your team.

Contact MARK LINDAHL at MLindahl@DVCInquirer.com

Women’s soccer season opens with shutout ISAAC NORMAN and LUIS LOPEZ Staff members

With temperatures at times reaching 100 degrees, the women’s soccer team put on a scorching debut of their own, shutting out Clovis 4-0 to start the 2017 season.

The Vikings drew first blood on a goal from offensive midfielder Vanessa Ruvalcaba who chipped in a second strike to give the team a 2-0 lead heading into the half.

Coming out of the break center forward Noelle Lemos, who won offensive player of the year honors last season, scored two lighting quick goals of her own within the first 5 minutes of the second half, ending any hopes of a Clovis comeback.

Coach Cailin Mullins, who earned 2016 Big 8 and NSCAA coach of the year honors, was “very happy with the response coming out of halftime,” but acknowledged there was work to do, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

“We need to get better at [tackling] and be more physical,” said coach Mullins,

adding that this would be a continued point of emphasis for the coaching staff.

She felt the team handled the stress of the first game well, especially with the youth of some players and the inexperience of others playing out of position.

And although she was happy with the results, she noted the game was not always pretty and the team had growing to do to find their identity.

“We all have a responsibility for the team getting better,” said Mullins.

To the players, improving communication on the field would be a point of emphasis to better mesh their styles together.

Ruvalcaba commented, “moving with each other and talking with each other,” were improvements they should focus on.

One huge factor working in their favor is the teams’ excellent chemistry.

“We get along,” said Lemos.

“Effort is there, that’s all that matters,” added Ruvalcaba.

The Vikings return nine players from last year’s roster, but the team’s biggest

question mark will be replacing goalkeeper Katie McLaughlin, who won defensive player of the year as well as NSCAA DIII player of the year honors last year.

The freshman goalkeepers, Danielle Davis from Deer Valley High School and Rylie Pearson from Concord High School, will step in to fill the void left by McLaughlin.

Davis got the start and kept a clean sheet but almost gave up a goal off an errant pass early in the first half.

However, she quickly redeemed herself with a brilliant save that fired up the Vikings.

After putting up a 18-2-6 record last season, the Vikings were able to give themselves their first Big 8 title in school history, as well as their first state championship game appearance, where they ultimately fell short against Cerritos College.

While the Vikings have kinks to iron to repeat as Big 8 champions they took a brilliant first touch to start the season.

CONTACT ISAAC NORMAN at INorman@DVCInquirer.com and LUIS LOPEZ at LLopez@DVCInquirer.com

Vikings’ football back in action

COLE JACK Staff member

For some, 2016 was a year of great starts with horrible finishes. For example: if you’re a Raiders fan, the season started amazingly. But when Derek Carr went down, so did the season outlook.

Similarly, the DVC Football Vikings (5-6) looked great with a record of 5-2 only to lose the final 3 season games and their lone postseason game. The Vikings defense went from giving up 289 yards per game in September to a whopping 373 yards per game in October.

Great start, horrible ending.

But the good thing about bad endings is you can learn from them, most of the time. This upcoming season, however, isn’t one of those times. With 13 defensive players getting scholarships last year, there are a lot of holes in the defense that head coach Mike Darr pointed out. It’s “open competition” for the defensive starters as the team prepares for their

September 2 game at American River.

“This is a unique year where we don’t have a lot of returning students(on defense); it’s hard to say how do we...fix what happened last year because it’s almost a completely different team.” But Coach Darr didn’t hesitate to praise this year’s team.

“We’re more athletic, we’re bigger up front and we have tremendous playmakers,” a confident Darr said. He calls his team a “young team that’s talented, but untested,” and while they have great playmakers, “they haven’t played for us... together.”

“We’ve got a whole bunch of new faces that we’re still trying to learn a lot about,” Darr said. He gave high praise to wide receiver Dylan Alves and cornerbacks Antwuin Prowes and Dieontae Malan and referred to them as players we should keep our eyes on.

When asked about team chemistry, Darr replied: “We do everything we can (in the spring and summer) to build a

family atmosphere.” Darr said they do competitions in the locker room and classroom, team building exercises, and dunk contests. One player added that the “team can’t work out if we don’t get along.”

“We’re here for each other; we make each other better,” said safety Tui Pulu.

Team chemistry isn’t a problem for Pulu, linebackers Charles Lee and Rondell Lee-Thomas, and offensive lineman Jared Filbert as they talked and laughed for a few moments after their interviews.

The subject was what they’d buy if they won the $356 million dollar lottery that a Minnesota lady won on August 24.

Players are excited and ready for the season to start, even though as LeeThomas says, “No one knows who’s starting.” The Vikings start the season on the road at American River. The game starts at 6pm.

Contact COLE JACKSON at CJackson@DVCInquirer.com