Big changes fly under DVC radar
Enter the matrix:
Take a look at the Bay Area’s newest professional team. See page 4.
THERESA MARIE Staff writer
Time is running out for the public to comment on recommendations that would make fundamental changes in the requirements for community college students. The state Student Success Task Force will hold its final meeting on the recommendations Dec. 7 in Sacramento. “It’s a game changer,” said Chancellor Helen Benjamin, at a Contra Costa Community College District meeting on Nov. 1. Many students are unaware of the huge policy changes in
DVC healthcare:
The Inquirer Editorial Board discusses DVC health. See page 6.
LGBT hero: DVC student shares his brave story. See page 8.
SUCCESS, Page 2
The
INQUIRER S tudent V oi ce
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Volume 78 No. 5 www.TheInquirerOnline.com
Copyright © 2011 The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Quakin’ campus
1989, Loma Prieta: 7.1; 3 deaths; 3,757 injuries; disaster relief: $888,662,382
The potential ‘Big One’ creates mass concern CECILY TROWBRIDGE Managing editor
Geologists expect another large earthquake along the Hayward fault. Here are some of the largest earthquakes in Bay Area’s history.
1984, Morgan Hill: 6.1; 27 injuries; disaster relief: $7,265,000
On May 11 of this year, Italians fled Rome on a massive scale. A seismologist’s century-old prophecy foretelling the approach of a momentous earthquake inspired a massive reaction: businesses reported requests from one in five people to have time off work as thousands of people fled the city in favor of safer surroundings. Six months later, the recent rash of small earthquakes centered in Berkeley has led to a similar reaction among Northern Californians. Berkeley has been shaken by eight quakes in the past month. On October 20, a 4.0 quake hit UC Berkeley, followed by a 2.8 and 2.5.
This time, rather than procure con- of an earthquake above a 6.0 magnicern from what had been predicted tude on the Hayward fault in the next 100 years in the past, the public is two to three weeks” in an email she accumulating apprehension thanks sent to colleagues and friends Hallowin part to modern een weekend. technology. The Hayward “Tomorrow? Could Not only have fault runs right unbe. 30 years from chain letters stemderneath the UC ming from a respect- tomorrow? Could be. Berkeley campus. ed local university “No one can Earthquakes happen.” predict official circulated earthquakes warnings of “The with any sort of ~JASON MAYFIELD Big One,” but entire reliability. It is not Geology professor websites have been unusual to see dedicated to false prophecies of loom- “swarms” of small earthquakes in a ing earthquakes. relatively small area,” said DVC GeolAccording to an article from the New ogy professor Jean Hetherington. York Times, Dr. Genie Stowers of San “It is likely that the recent events Francisco State University wrote that QUAKE, Page 3 there would be “a 30 percent chance
1868, Hayward: 7.0 1980, Livermore: 5.8
1906, San Francisco: 8.2; 3,000 deaths
1889, Antioch: 6.2
Source: California Watch and United States Geological Survey
d n a l k a O f o d l o h s e k a t t n e m e v o m y p u c
Oc
general strike for the city. te group of Around 2 p.m., a sepera h covered wit protesters dressed in black DANIELLE BARCENA es as anelv ms faces who identified the Photography editor ly broke ick qu t archists, led a march tha ce. len vio onstration down into vandalism and The Occupy Oakland dem le winltip mu central arenas The vandals broke continues to be one of the sinesses bu al loc c social movedows and spray painted of a nationwide economi nk of Ba and s and banks. Whole Food ment. more the of e y Frank H. America sustained som Protesters currently occup en wh d pte eru adverse action serious damage. Violence Ogawa Plaza, even after the in tra res to artment and a peaceful protesters tried by the Oakland police dep keep the pronti ide o wh s ter tes vandals in an attempt to violent group of pro repeat of last a ists. test benign and prevent fied themselves as anarch the city of Tuesday’s violence. According to a release by red and outts tes pro nd kla Oa y The anarchists overpowe Oakland, the Occup s and conter tes $1,000,000. An numbered peaceful pro have cost the city over the march til un the expenses tinued their vandalism estimated $700,000 of a Plaza at aw Og nd police overreturned to Frank H. come from paying Oakla r uire Inq The / RI MIKE ALFIE intaining the around 3:30 pm. time for their efforts in ma lice rt of Oakpo t rio e for be de ca rri The main march to the po a flaming ba er ov protests. gs fla s ve le buses ltip wa at r mu te h strike y Oakland A protes land began at 4 p.m. wit during Nov. 2 General s ga r The future of the Occup tea th wi s rt. The ter po es ot the l t in a genera disband the pr shuttling protestors to protests is uncertain, bu plaza the m fro t ple lef in favor of Occupy Oakland. recovery. It is time for majority of peo and assembly, protesters voted age dam 00 to the 7,0 d ate im . An est mes and prop- interfering with their business. centrate on getting the on foot at 5 p.m con occupying foreclosed ho w no to us v. No ease on Quan stated in a press rel work.” erties in the near future. ticri helping lo- City back to e on fac d to use ues foc OCCUPY, Page 2 tin nd called a 3, “Today we are Mayor Quan con 2, On Nov. Occupy Oakla ing ess ess ass sin up, bu an al cle loc h m wit cal businesses cism, especially fro ATION 6 • the protesters AT 2 • STAFF INFORM owners who are tired of NDAR 2 • POLICE BE MPUS BUZZ 6 • CALE
& FEATURES 8 • CA EDITORIAL 6 • ARTS • 7 6, NS IO IN OP • 5 TS 4, • NEWS 1, 2, 3 • SPOR
2
News
CALENDAR
Wednesday, Nov. 9 Library Exhibit Friday, Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day College is closed Tuesday, Nov. 15 Pre-Apprenticeship Information Session Trophy Room, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 MDUSD Jazz Festival Performing Arts Center, 3:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Brown Bag Workshop: “Crossing the Line” Student Union, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 Last Day to Drop Classes Saturday, Nov. 19 Horticulture Department Sale Greenhouse, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday,Nov. 23 Culinary Arts Thanksgiving Buffet Norseman Restaurant, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 Thanksgiving College Closed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
POLICE BEAT 10/27/11 A staff member in the Counseling Center was experiencing difficulty breathing. An ambulance and a fire truck arrived and the victim was transported to Kaiser in Walnut Creek. 10/28/11 Two vehicles were involved in a property damage only collision. 10/31/11 Three reports of items being stolen from vehicles in Lots 3, 4, and 7. 11/2/11 A student took food from the store, making no attempt to pay for it. 11/3/11 Someone took a wallet out of an unattended bag in the art building. 11/3/11 A male tried to grab a female as she got into her car. She fought off the attacker and got away. 11/3/11 A driver was pulled over for ignoring a street sign. The driver was discovered to be unlicensed. The driver was cited then released and the car was not towed.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Obama touts “Pay as You Earn” MIKE ALFIERI News editor
On Oct. 26, President Obama announced his new “Pay as You Earn” student loan relief plan in an effort to help curb student debt and transform a sluggish economy. Beginning next year 1.6 million students will be able to cap their student loan payments at 10 percent of their income and the plan will forgive the balance of their loans after 20 years of payments. “Graduates are entering one of the toughest job markets in recent memory, and we have a way to help them save money…and we can do it at no cost to the taxpayer,” said President Obama. The president made the formal announcement of the plan at the University of Denver’s downtown campus. "In a global economy, putting a college education within reach for every American has never been more important," Obama said in the transcript of his speech released on the White House website. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the plan will reduce monthly payments for more than 1.5 million college students.
In addition to the other changes, starting in January students will also be allowed the opportunity to consolidate their loans to reduce their interest rates. "I’ve spoken to dozens of recent graduates in my district, and they all say the same thing: there are very few jobs available for them, and the ones that exist aren’t paying well," said Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, in a press release. Garamendi represents the 10th district, which includes DVC. Student loan debt is expected to surpass $1 trillion this year, according to Finaid, which is a free service that helps students with financial aid. Some students at DVC are already wary of taking out loans for school. “I fear them…I don’t want to spend my life paying off something that won’t be beneficial in the end,” said Angie Pierce, 18, undecided. Obama has been using executive action the past few weeks in an effort to circumvent congress who has stalled on his jobs plan. Federal legislation was enacted by Congress last year that lowered Income-based
DANIELLE BARCENA / The Inquirer
President Barack Obama talks education at the Mountain View Computer History Museuem on Sept. 26. repayment loan payment to 10 percent of individual income, and the forgiveness timeline to 20 years. However, that plan won’t go into effect till 2014. It’s not clear how many people will take advantage of the new plan. Since 2007 only 450,000 college students out of 36 million have taken
SUCCESS
part in the Federal program that allows them to cap loans at 15 percent. Current law states that former students are allowed to cap repayments of federal loans at 15 percent of income. In a transcript of a conference call with reporters on Oct. 25, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said, “These changes
could make a big difference in the lives of current college students.” The student loan proposal is part of Obama’s larger “American Jobs Act” that he hopes will strengthen the economy.
ing recalled her own academic journey. “When I was a freshman in college, I had no clue what I wanted… Years later, I came back to school and I still didn’t know what I wanted to do.” She switched between business, sociology and anthropology before finally choosing mathematics. “Students need room to explore… I am saddened that people feel that exploration is a waste of time.” Coyde Ignont, a 19-yearold humanities major said, “I didn’t pick my major until my fourth semester at DVC. And most people I know didn’t decide on their majors until later. It’s not fair that they’re forcing students to make this decision on the spot like that.” ASDVC Vice President Alex Silva is concerned about the way the proposal centralizes authority at the state level. “Seventy-two districts can not be efficiently controlled at one central place... Each community has its own needs. Each
district knows its own communities. The people in Sacramento don’t know about the many things that affect large student populations in certain communities.” Jeffrey Michels, an English instructor at DVC and president of the United Faculty, wrote in the official response of the California Community College Independents, “The most effective way to improve public education in California, including Community Colleges, is to restore public investment in schools and colleges. Our system is severely underfunded with the lowest student funding in K-12, CSU and UC. Recent funding cuts have done tremendous harm to California’s students and to our economic future. Reforms without increased investment are unlikely to succeed… .”
Contact MIKE ALFIERI at malfieri@TheInquirerOnline.com
From Page 1
could have a major impact upon their class choices, their access to financial aid and other educational issues. Psychology major Cruz Conrad said, “I don’t know anything about the recommendations.” Other students interviewed were also unaware of the proposal. The Student Success Task Force exists to help California’s community college students achieve more degrees and transfers. Supporters of the Task Force recommendations applaud the document’s acknowledgment of how student orientation, early diagnostic assessment and increased counseling have been proven to increase the academic success of students. However, critics dislike, among other issues, its requirement that students declare their program of study by the beginning of their second semester and commit to an educational plan that is inflexible, and that it raises fees if the student should choose to take a class that is not part of that educational plan. At the district meeting, Benjamin asked the crowd, “How many believe that there needs to be some reform in the Community College system in the state of California?” Most of the audience raised their hands and nodded their heads in agreement. But many people disagreed with the types of changes that the Task Force is recommending. Katrina Keating, treasurer for the United Faculty, pointed out that the Task Force wants assessment, orientation and the development of an educational plan to be done online. “Even our research shows that students that take the assessment do better,” Keating said. “And there’s a lot of research that shows that students who get oriented do better. But they’re wanting students to do all of that online and I have issue with that. A’ there’s something to be said with actually talking to somebody; B, we have a lot of students that come to us [who are] not really clear on how to use the computer effectively.” Referring to the require-
ment that students only take cational plans classes that are in Need to Know their educational plans, Keating On November pointed out that 9, there will be a Steve Jobs credpublic discussion ited a random calligraphy class at The Citizen Howith giving him tel in Sacramento the inspiration between 8:30 a.m. for fonts for the and 4 p.m. Mac. On November 16, “Think about from 10 a.m. to what Mac would noon, there will be be if he hadn’t a meeting in the had the opportunity to take that auditorium of the class that wasn’t Elihu M. Harris on his ed plan; Building in Oakthat wasn’t part land. of his major. On December 7, That’s why I have The Student Sucserious issues cess Task Force with the ed plan,” will hold a meeting Keating continued. between 8:30 a.m. The issue of and 4 p.m. at Le students having Rivage Hotel in to pay higher fees Sacramento. to take classes that are not part of their edu- At the district
is one of particular sensitivity. When it was discussed at the InterClub Council meeting on Nov. 3, Neil Kumar spoke to how taking exploratory classes enriched his life in ways that his friends and family could not. “Many of us grow up here,” said Kumar, 23, a civil engineering major. There were concerns with students being required to declare their majors early. meeting, Keat-
Contact THERESA MARIE at tmarie@TheInquirerOnline.com
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
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OCCUPY
QUAKE
From Page 1
From Page 1
Photos by MIKE ALFIERI / The Inquirer
A protester holds up used shells from bean bags rounds that riot police shot at crowds.
10,000 people marched peacefully to the port. “The City of Oakland facilitated a long day of primarily peaceful protests with some isolated incidents of violence and vandalism. A series of demonstrations, teach-ins, and marches throughout the City started at 9 a.m. and continued until well past midnight,” stated a City of Oakland Press Release. At approximately 11 p.m. the anarchist group led another march down Broadway and moved into the former Traveler’s Aid building on 16th street. “The Oakland Police Department responded to a Sarah Applebaum, above, cries at the news of Scott Olsen’s injuries relate-night call that protest- cieved during the violence clashes on Oct. 25. ers had broken into and occupied a downtown building and set several fires,” according to the department’s press release. Upon receiving the news of the pending police arrival, the protestors constructed barricades at both entrances to 16th street using dumpsters, wooden pallets and other materials. Protestors set fire to the barricades, provoking police confrontation. Oakland riot police announced the gathering as an unlawful assembly and allowed protesters time to disperse. After protesters refused to leave, police proceeded to tear gas the area and arrested over 80 people. “We are [here] supporting A black block protester, above, sprays an anarPolice allowed peaceful pro- Occupy Oakland. They got chy symbol on a bank wall. Protesters, below, sits testers to return to their tents raided [Tuesday] morning… atop a truck druing an Occupy rally. in the plaza. we’re protesting massive inIt was the second major equality of the wealth,” proclash between police and ele- tester Zoe, who declined to ments of the protesters. give her last name, said. The earlier incident began At 11:02 p.m., police retaliafter Oakland police raided ated against protesters who and evacuated the Oakland threw empty, crumpled water camp bottles at poearly Oct. lice. 25, ar“The loud resting 85 noises that people. were heard Police originated were folfrom M-80 lowing explosives Mayor thrown at Jean police by Quan’s protesters. In orders to addition, Poclear the lice fired apcampsite. proximately Later four bean that afbag rounds accompanying flashes being er Michael Moore. ternoon, at protesters thrown by police at protestHe spoke at the General protesters to stop them ers. Assembly in front of Oakreturned from throwScott Olsen, a 24 year old land City Hall on Friday, Oct to the ing dangerous Iraq war veteran was injured 28, to show his support for plaza and objects at the by a projectile fired by police. protesters who were tear~CITY OF OAKLAND PRESS defied the officers,” a According to Olsen’s room- gassed. RELEASE Oakland city of Oak- mate, Keith Shannon, Olsen riot cops who prohibited re- land press release said. “neurosurgeons have decided News editor Mike Alfieri conentry into the plaza. Oakland However, footage and eye he need[ed] surgery to relieve tributed to this article. police declared the gathering witness reports conflict with the pressure on his brain.” an unlawful assembly and is- the city of Oakland police reOlsen’s injury garnered Contact DANIELLE BARCENA sued an order of dispersal at port, instead showing devices national attention, including at dbarcena@TheInquirerOnline. com approximately 4 p.m. causing loud explosions and provoking a visit by filmmak-
“The Oakland Police Department responded to a late-night call that protesters had broken into and occupied a downtown building and set several fires.”
3
represent one of these swarms.” Quakeprediction.com is one site that has capitalized on the concerns of the locals, predicting that San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles are all currently in a state of “very high risk.” Although the owner of the site, Luke Thomas, claims that a magnitude 6.0 earthquake will occur “likely soon in the San Francisco Bay area…near Mill Valley, San Rafael, Berkeley, San Carlos, San Jose…” it is, in fact, impossible to predict earthquake date, time, magnitude and epicenter. Magnitude classes span from “micro” to “great.” If Thomas’ prediction came to fruition, the earthquake would be considered “strong.” “Tomorrow? Could be,” said another DVC Geology professor, Jason Mayfield. “30 years from tomorrow? Could be. Earthquakes happen. They’re gonna keep happening. All we can do is a kind of forecasting – giving a mathematical probability.” “It’s very regular to have clusters of earthquakes that then just go away. In some situations, four small earthquakes can lead up to the big one; but if you always said that, you’d be wrong most of the time.” The U.S. Geological Survey, a federal source, has published a “Summary of Earthquake Possibilities in the SF Bay Region” that states, “…there is a 0.62 probability (i.e., a 62% probability) of a strong earthquake striking the greater San Francisco Bay Region over the next 30 years (2003–2032).” But don’t expect any specificity. “We don’t like to get in the business of predicting,” said Mayfield. Prior earthquake predictions have been detrimental for the real estate and economy of unlucky towns and regions. In addition to the outbreak of earthquake psychics, a cornucopia of myths has arisen as a result of the damage that has been done in previous California earthquakes. These include the concept that the golden state will one day “fall into the ocean.” According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the plates upon which the state sits “are moving horizontally past one another, so California is not going to fall into the ocean.” However, the Survey says it is true that one day in the future, Los Angeles and San Francisco will “be adjacent to
one another.” This year, The American Society of Civil Engineers released a document which graded the San Francisco area’s infrastructure by category. Evaluation of the categories “resulted in an overall grade of “C”, with some of the categories being as desperately low as a “D+.” “A lot of the Bay area has buildings from nearly 100 years ago, before a modern understanding of earthquakes,” said Mayfield. “In places like Oakland, it’s not mandatory to retrofit. There are places we need to go in and say, ‘Hey, we need to fix this.’ I personally think we ought to, but hey, I’m not in charge.” According to the ASCE, in order to bring the overall grade up to “B” level, an additional annual funding of $2.83 billion would be needed. The overall grade of the Bay Area’s transit system, BART, for this year is a “C.” The poor grades might generate concern, given past tragedies like the destruction of the Bay Bridge and the failure of the Cypress Street Viaduct on I-880. It begs the questions, which of us are in the most danger and what can we do to stay safe? Colleague to Hetherington and Mayfield, Dr. Dawnika Blatter, says that a person’s safety is directly decided by a number of circumstances. “The danger from an earthquake depends on many factors, such as how close you are to the epicenter, what kind of building you are in, and what type of material the building is constructed on. Loose sediment and fill are the worst because they actually intensify the shaking,” said Blatter. According to the Red Cross, the best course of action is to “drop, cover, and hold under a table or desk.” “It all depends on your location,” said Mayfield. “We used to tell students to get under their desks. If that desk isn’t strong enough and you tell them to get under the desk and the ceiling collapses, they’re caught under the desk. But if they’re sitting next to the desk, it might collapse a little but maybe they’re okay.” “I don’t believe there’s a single best thing to do,” he added. “If I was in my classroom, I bet that steel doorway is where you’d find me.” Contact CECILY TROWBRIDGE at ctrowbridge@TheInquirerOnline.com
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4Pro basketball team Sports
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
defends title at DVC SCOTT ANNIS Sports editor
This season the Bay Area Matrix will be defending their Nor-Cal championship in the ABA while playing their home games out of the DVC gym. With a 30 game season, 15 at home, teams from all over Northern California will descend upon DVC looking to knock off the top ranked Matrix. Coach Jim Beresford says that the goal for the team is to “develop the team more, and move forward after winning NorCal’s last year.” In 2010, the Bay Area Matrix were formed and started playing in the American Basketball Association (ABA). The professional basketball league was founded in 1967, but folded after merging with the NBA in 1976. In 1999 the league sprang back up and now has 80 teams. In their inaugural season, the Matrix
won the Northern California division championship and was ranked in the top 25 in the country all season. The nation started to notice and awarded the trio of coaches (Gordon & James Beresford, Ben Darling) the coach of the year award. Jamar Holloway and Will Walker received first team all conference honors, while Alex Okafor was selected defensive player of the year. According to the team’s website, Coach Gordon Beresford expects “Nothing less than another championship this year.” Along with being ranked number one in the NorCal division, the Matrix are ranked seventh in the pre season rankings for the entire ABA. On the ABA’s website, CEO Joe Newman said of the rankings, “We have some strong teams returning as well as some very good new teams. With the season opening…there should be a lot of movement.” The Matrix should win the NorCal
division and make big waves throughout the ABA. Coach Jim Beresford says, “The key to success will be our tenacious defense and teamwork on both sides of the ball.” Several players on the team have played at DVC and most come from the Bay Area but have played all over the country. According to the website, “The Matrix are excited to bring a professional basketball team to the wonderful people in this area.” The first home game will be on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the DVC gym. The team is also looking for interns in departments such as marketing, ticket sales, and many more. They are also looking for game day crew to work in stats, hospitality, film, concessions, and score keepers. For more information on the internships or the team go to www. Bayareamatrixbasketball.com. Contact SCOTT ANNIS at sannis@TheInquirerOnline.com
Courtesy of William Jessup University
Jason Washington lays the ball up in a game last season for the Bay Area Matrix. The Matrix will play their games at DVC this season.
Viking basketball looks to win big this season GRIFFIN HENNING Staff writer
MIKE ALFIERI / The Inquirer
Ronnie Baker shoots during basketball practice. The Vikings are ranked third in the state preseason coaches rankings.
The Vikings Men’s Basketball team returns this season with high expectations. They’re not being imprudent; DVC is ranked No. 3 in a state preseason poll conducted by all of the coaches. People all over the state are taking notice of the Vikings and expect them to be contending all season long. Last season, the Vikings won the Big 8 conference championship and battled their way into the Final Eight, before being beat by Fresno City College. The Vikings are led by the otherworldly scoring of point guard Brian Goins. Goins was the MVP of the Big 8 Conference last season as well as receiving First Team All-State honors. Goins hasn’t been without assistance. The post-play of Raphael Carter and Tyrelle Phillips takes the pressure off of him and keeps the defense honest . Carter receives the ball well
in the post and works defensive mismatches with adept skill. Phillips is an explosive postplayer that can get to the basket by slashing through defenses and gaining leverage with his frame. But what makes Goins so dynamic is that he is part of a growing trend in basketball. He is a hybrid point guard that can deliver the ball and attract defenders, but also take the role of a primary scoring threat.
“I think if you don’t come out and see him this season, you’re really missing something.” ~STEVE COCCIMIGLIO Head basketball coach
The latter is a responsibility that Goins accepted quite enthusiastically, as he averaged 30.4 points during the last 11 games
Ana Torres leads Vikings to playoffs TOM RIZZA Staff writer
After missing the playoffs last year, the DVC soccer team started off the season with a challenge to bounce back and return to the playoffs this year. And meet that challenge, they did. As the season comes to an end, the Vikings prepare for a playoff appearance. One of the key contributors to the Vikings is Ana Torres, a starting Forward in her second year of eligibility. Torres first took the field with the Vikings in 2009, when they finished 6-6-2 and just barely made the playoffs. In the following year, Torres sustained a shoulder injury and was forced to red shirt and take the sidelines. “I did about 6 months of rehab and am still do strengthening exercises.” Said Torres, “It was tough, but the sports med trainer Wendy really helped me with my rehab.” If you saw Torres play today, you would wonder if she was ever really hurt at all. “I’ve always loved the
sport,” said Torres, “but also working towards any kind of scholarship is a big motivator because I pay for school and pretty much everything on my own.” That motivation to succeed is certainly showing up in Torres’ play, as she is ranked in the top 25 players in the state, with nine goals and eight assists. “Many teams have a top player or two, but I think our whole team is strong. We don’t look to play one person the ball every time.” This reigns true, as Torres’ stats are not gaudy, but the team is top 5 in the region. Coach Caitlin Mullins MIKE ALFIERI / The Inquirer echoes this sentiment. “Our success this season has defi- Ana Torres kicks the nitely been our ability to work ball in a game against both sides of the ball.” Modesto. Torres has Torres is deeply dedicated nine goals and eight to her family and is commitassists on the season. ted to staying in California. “Half of my family lives here, the rest are in Mexico,” said fourth in the Women’s North region. This will be Torres. a good tune up before they As they prepare to play their host a playoff game. final game of the season at Viking Stadium today at 3:00 Contact TOM RIZZA at trizza @TheInquirerOnline.com PM, the team sits ranked
of the season. “He reminds you a lot of Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks,” said coach Steve Coccimiglio. “You expect him to be a point guard, but then he just keeps scoring on you. He plays that role very well.” Goins is a merciless opponent. During one campaign last season he amassed 66 points – which is hard enough to do on a playground, let alone within the confines of college basketball game. He’s also a classy athlete who remains vigilant and humble: “Not once does he look up at anybody for recognition, he just runs back down the court and tries to score again,” said Coccimiglio. That’s a strong testimony from a coach who reached the milestone of 500 wins last season. Coccimiglio reached 500 wins faster than any coach in state history, which is as impressive as it is revealing. You don’t reach a record of 508-194 without commitment and dedication to your program. Advertisement
Coccimiglio is in his 22nd year at Diablo Valley College and his experience helps shed some light on the successes of his basketball program. Coccimiglio has great expectations for his team this year, a position he shares with the majority of coaches in the conference. His record shows that he doesn’t blow calls very often, and knows his team well. He is the complete coach, as seen by his defensive adjustments throughout the game. Which is why we should heed the call when he says of Brian Goins, “I think if you don’t come out and see him this season, you’re really missing something.” People everywhere are taking notice of Goins and this teams fantastic chance to win the state championship this year. Sports editor Scott Annis contributed to this article Contact GRIFFIN HENNING at ghenning@TheInquirerOnline.com
Sports
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Upcoming Viking games Cross Country Men’s/ Women’s
Saturday Nov. 19 - State Championships at Woodward Park, Fresno - 10 a.m. Football
Friday Nov. 11 - Los Medanos College at DVC Viking Stadium - 7 p.m. Saturday Nov. 19 - Northern California Bowl Championship, location TBD - 1 p.m. Water Polo Men’s/ Women’s
Friday - Saturday Nov. 11-12 - Nor Cal Championships at San Mateo - all day Friday - Saturday Nov. 1819 - State Championships at Cerritos - all day
Soccer
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Vikings beat down Broncos in rainy game TOM RIZZA Staff writer
When the Vikings Lacrosse team took the field against Santa Clara University last Saturday, Nov. 5, they were showered with more than the cheers of the Vikings’ faithful sitting under the overhang of the press box. Although the weather proved to be a factor in the game, the Vikings went home with a gritty 8-4 win. Rain poured down on Vikings Stadium as players took their warm-ups in temperatures in the high 40s. For most teams, the elements would be a deterrent, but the Vikings thrived in the rain and cold. “We were better with catch and throw than we’ve ever been in the rain,” said defense-
man Chris Morrissey. “It’s funny, but something clicked.” The game had an emotional start when midfielder Chris Banks sustained an upper body injury in the first minute of the game attempting to break up a pass. Luckily, doctors wouldn’t find any broken bones, but seeing the starter in a sling provided more adversity for a team already battling the elements. The Vikings took that emotion and focused it into a series of quick scoring plays. The Vikings came out slinging early when midfielder Jarrett Hassfeld scored a goal 1 minute, 57 seconds into the first quarter. “Every game I try to set the pace early to get the team and
Thursday Nov. 10 - American River College at DVC Viking Stadium 3 p.m. Sat. Nov. 19 - Sun. Dec. 4 - NorCal and State Championships first round at DVC Viking Stadium
Friday Nov. 11 - Cosumnes River College at Sacramento - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 16 - San Joaquin Delta College at DVC Gym- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 22 - Sunday Dec. 4 - NorCal and State Championships at Shasta College - 7 p.m. Lacrosse MIKE ALFIERI / The Inquirer
Jarret Hassfield shoots on goal during the Vikings game Saturday Nov. 12 - Sonoma against the Santa Clara Broncos. He scored three times. State University at DVC Viking Stadium- 7:15 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 16 - San Jose State University at DVC Viking Stadium - 7:15 p.m. Saturday Nov. 19 - UC Davis at DVC Viking Stadium 7:15 p.m. Basketball Men’s
Friday - Sunday Nov. 1820 - Shasta Tournament at Redding - all day Friday - Sunday Nov. 2527 - Chevron Invitational at DVC Viking Gym - all day Friday - Sunday Dec. 8-10 - San Jose Tournament at San Jose - all day Basketball Women’s
Friday - Sunday Nov. 1114 - Mendocino College Tournament at Ukia - all day Friday - Sunday Dec. 9-11 - Solano College Tournament at Fairfield - all day Thursday - Saturday Dec. 15-17 - Monterey Peninsula Tournament at Monterey all day
MIKE ALFIERI / The Inquirer
Cory Callahan gets off a pass while being hit in the chest by a Santa Clara defender. Callahan scored a goal in DVC’s 8-4 rout of the Broncos. myself amped up,” said Hassfeld. “It’s Not only did the Vikings offense do not always successful, but that night it its part to score enough goals to win, the worked.” defense did an excellent job stopping the The Broncos would come back to tie Broncos from scoring. the game 1-1, but after midfielder SebasThe defense only gave up four goals, tian Darby scored a goal to put the score two of which came from man down situto 2-1, the Vikings would never surrender ations. The Vikings’ defensemen imposed the lead. their will on the Broncos, The Vikings left the forcing twice the amount field at half time with the of turnovers as the opscore 5-3. Up only 2 goals, position. the mindset going into the “We’ve been confident second half was to further since the start of the add some cushion to their season that our defense lead. is the best on the field,” The players followed said Morrissey. “It’s our the strategy to a “T” with strength. There were no goals from attacker Devon surprises and we’re happy Bahary, midfielder Cory with what we did.” Callahan and one from The Vikings are going attacker Gavin Cooke, to take the intensity from ~John Skinner Head lacrosse coach which proved to be the this match to their next icing on the cake with home against Sonoma only 45 seconds to go in State; a rematch against a the game. The Broncos were only able to team that trounced the Vikings 1-7 at the squeeze in one goal in the second half. UC Davis Tournament on Oct. 29. “I think this is the best we played all sea“Our team really wants to win this son. We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said midfielder Octavio Martinez. game against a very good team and we “They better be ready for revenge.” The responded,” said a proud Coach Skinner. Vikings, who have yet to lose a game at Vi“We played with more discipline and more king Stadium, will be ready. heart than we have before. There is still a lot we can do better, but overall we looked Contact TOM RIZZA at trizza @TheInquirerOnline.com sharp and we played with a purpose.”
“We played with more discipline, and more heart... Overall we looked sharp, and played with a purpose.”
Volleyball
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Opinions
The
Buzz
Do you think students can benefit from a health center here on campus?
VINCE MAIQUEZ, 32 Biology
“I’m for it. Especially for those without coverage. What other options do you have? It will also be good for people to see some type of medical assistance on campus if they are looking into that field.”
SAMANTHA MINOR, 19 Business Management
“It will benefit students who don’t have medical insurance or can’t get financial aid. Some people don’t have money.”
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Editorial
Absence of ‘DVC-care’ hurts all Guess what? College students have sex. Oh, they also get sick and injured, and they are in need of health information. While headache-ridden students can’t even get a free ibuprofen in between classes, the lack of a health center affects uninsured students. A 2009 Commonwealth Fund Survey of Young Adults showed about 45 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 said that they were uninsured in the previous year. In March 2010, the Affordable Care Act, which makes it so dependents are covered on health insurance policies until they turn 26 years old, took a dent out the number of uninsured young people. Even though the law has helped young people, there are many students who live independently or are in need of private and safe health information and services separate from medical care. In the Oct. 27 issue of The Inquirer, we covered ASDVC’s goals this semester, one of which is obtaining a campus health center. According to the DVC website, the associated stu-
Courtesy of SCOTT BABA
dents from all three district campuses worked on creating a proposal for the district governing board in 2005 to obtain campus health services. After two years of governing-board-suggested revisions, Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College pulled out of the plan. In 2008, The Inquirer covered ASDVC’s efforts to revise a health center plan. A fee plan to fund a health center was shot down for many reasons, including lack of financial stability. Chan-
cellor Helen Benjamin said, “We want to provide equal services to all students in the district,” while rejecting the creation of health services limited to only DVC. Even smaller colleges like Laney in Oakland have a health center, why can’t we? ASDVC continues to advocate for an on-campus health center, which would potentially include services such as flu shots, sexual health support and mental health assistance. At least, DVC offers some help with the latter.
Besides having a list of mental health management links on the DVC website, Disabled Student Services supports students with psychological disabilities. Quick, easy health information and assistance, however, is left out of the equation. This includes sexual health information and services. Again, let’s face it; college students have a lot of sex. According to the California Postsecondary Commission, 13,504 DVC students in 2010 are age 24 and below.
Out of the thousands of young students with limited knowledge of sexual health, how many have safe sex? In a spring 2011 executive report by the American College Health Association - National College Health Spring 2011 executive report, 43.2 percent of men and women surveyed answered “Not applicable/Didn’t use a method/Don’t know” when asked if they or their partner used contraceptives the last time they had vaginal intercourse. In fact, women and men between the ages of 20 and 24 had the highest rate of gonorrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005. Students need accessible information on sexual health from a licensed professional. The DVC community needs to support ASDVC in their push for a campus health center. The services provided would not only help students in need but would be a key component to student safety and overall success. For now, The Inquirer urges DVC students to be careful going down stairs, use protection and carry Airborne at all times.
Letter to the editor
Community college: the best path for some
JASPER SHAW, 19 Undeclared
“Even if we can benefit from it, how can DVC afford a health center? It’s a great idea, but DVC is already in debt with all the money they owe for all other student needs.”
SABRINA FIORE, 18 Sign Language
“Of course, because some people aren’t able to get their parents’ coverage and they can’t take them to hospitals or afford their medical bill. It will be easier for students that are normally here on campus and it’s great that the money could come out of a small amount of our tuition.” Interviewer & photographer: Vanessa Muniz
Society’s constant emphasis in going straight to college has definitely increased over times of difficult economic troubles, which have also cut costs on education, raised tuition and impacted the number of students attending CSU and UC campuses. But what’s not always promising is a student’s readiness to attend a fouryear university, having enough money to pay tuition and their overall interest in attending college. Teenagers may be pressured in making the wrong decision to go
straight into a four-year not sure of what direction their major may take them. According to research conducted by Dr. Fritz Grupe, founder of MyMajors.com, found that 50% of freshmen switch their majors two or three times. This tends to be costly and students who decide to start over at community college waste time and credits. The pressure continues as transfer students hoping to continue at a four-year university struggle over ac-
ceptance in impacted colleges. Based on the statistics, it has also shown to reduce the number of available spots to incoming students. We’ve all heard that college isn’t for everyone. Often students find enlisting in the military or taking a year off for a fulltime job in order to afford future college expenses. There’s also the demand for positions in minimum wage jobs in America. As for me, I attended my local
community college knowing that it was the right choice. I will be transferring to CSU next fall with the confidence that these two years gave me the chance to pursue my future career in public relations. The idea of laying off the need to go to college may sound crazy, but every individual should work effectively in their own comfort zones and strive to pursue their own motivations when ready in order to “fit in” in college. -April Merlas, student
Opinions
New policies will upset passion for learning On Nov. 20, the Student cause the registration fees for Success Task Force, a team these courses to increase. of policy makers elected by Fee hikes eliminate “eduthe office of the State Chan- cational opportunity” offered cellor, plans to at community “Fee hikes pass measures college. eliminate that would revInstead of olutionize eduhelping students ‘educational organize pursuits cation. opportunity’ of interest, the The Task Force claims Task Force focusoffered at that these meaes on addressing community basic educational sures would support the decourses. college.” velopment of According to “alternatives to traditional the Chancellor’s Office, 70 to basic skills curriculum.” 90 percent of first-time comThe alternatives would re- munity college students are in quire incoming freshmen to need of remedial English and adopt an educational plan to mathematics; the measures follow throughout their en- of the Student Success Task rollment. Force would require students Straying from this plan to to finish these courses in the pursue other courses would first year of enrollment.
For first-year students, time will become as equally defeating as running out of money. Students without a dronelike work ethic and a well-todo corporate job will suffer the inadequacies of a poorly timed and overpriced community college system. So how realistic are these “alternatives?” Students struggling with remedial courses are nervous and new to college. Being a tutor showed me how discouraging it can be to learn the complexities of any language. To force students to complete these courses within their first year will encourage students to organize their educational plan. Another alternative would
Editorial Board
Staff
EDITOR IN CHIEF Julius Rea MANAGING EDITOR Cecily Trowbridge NEWS EDITOR Mike Alfieri OPINIONS EDITOR Lisa Diaz SPORTS EDITOR Scott Annis ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR Christa Balingit PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Danielle Barcena COPY EDITOR Brian Donovan
STAFF WRITERS Griffin Henning, John Kesler, Stephen Langsam, Theresa Marie, Zuli Mohammed, Vanessa Muniz, Tom Rizza, Sean Wilkey PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Brendel, Pablo Caballero, Stevie Chow DESIGNERS & ILLUSTRATORS Kristiana Britanik, Yaeko Takada INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Ann Stenmark ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
SEAN WILKEY Staff writer
require student success goals to be consistent with statewide goals. As progressive as this approach would seem, organizing community college to be regulated by statewide provisions or forcing students to complete remedial courses quickly would defeat the purpose of the system: to nurture a passion for education. Passion for education, however, will be difficult to pursue if a strict regimen of
coursework is shoved down the throats of incoming freshmen in order to better organize their schedules. Community colleges are all faced with various issues that require different plans of action. If they are required to achieve specific goals, then that streamline of the educational process denies students the time needed to develop a passion for education and a community which fosters that passion. With measures that rush organization and deprive students of time and money, the Student Success Task Force succeeds in failing the needs of students. Contact SEAN WILKEY at swilkey@TheInquirerOnline.com
THE INQUIRER Diablo Valley College 321 Golf Club Road, H-102 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 The Inquirer is published Thursday mornings during the school year by the journalism students of Diablo Valley College. All unsigned articles appearing on the opinions page are editorials and relfect a two-thirds majority opinion of the editorial staff. All signed columns and cartoons are the opinions of the writer or artists and not necessarily those of The Inquirer, Diablo Valley College or Contra Costa Community College Disctrict
• Phone: 925.685.1230 ext. 2313 • Fax: 925.681.3045 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.TheInquirerOnline.com • Printed Every Two Weeks •
Opinions
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
You’re the one, but not the only
DVC fans dropping the ball
Mosuo to change their ways and go monogamous, with absolute failure so far. Meanwhile, in this country, 50-60 percent of men and 45-55 percent of women have or had extramarital affairs according to the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy. Nevertheless, 42 percent of women suffer from sexual dysfunction according to the American Medical Association. Would any of this even happen if people were satisfied with their sex life? How many politicians and celebrities do we have to bear witness to their insincere, public confessions of being “unfaithful,” until we realize that maybe they aren’t jerks, but just people with more opportunities? Monogamy, like war and poverty, not from human nature, but results from a culture that considers property over people. Monogamy may work for some, but it should not be compulsory and institutionalized through marriage and social norms. Communication in relationships is necessary, not denial.
There aren’t any athletes at DVC dropping the ball, just students. The football team has smoothly earned a record of 7-2, and yet the stands remain sparsely inhabited during home games in Pleasant Hill. So what’s the big deal? Football isn’t for everybody. But what of the other 16 sports teams that bear the green and white? Surely you could find one team that would be a suitable distraction from the monotonies of academia. It’s wise to recognize the breadth of our department for two reasons: The first is selfish, that being our unique privilege of choosing from a plethora of sports teams to follow. We have 17 sports teams to cheer for at DVC. That’s over twice as many as at Contra Costa College, and far greater than the six at Los Medanos College. “I would encourage students who are waiting between classes to wander down south of the duck pond and see one of our many fantastic teams competing,” said DVC Athletic Director Christine Worsley. The second premise is economic and remarkable. GRIFFIN HENNING Staff writer Already strapped for cash, DVC receives a third of the sports budget from the Contra Costa Community College district. To be clear, DVC receives the same amount of money as Los Medanos and Contra Costa College and yet we fund 17 competitive teams in Pleasant Hill. Head basketball coach Steve Cocclimiglio has coached at DVC for 22 years. He offered this insight: “You have to be in this for the right reasons and really love it, and if you do then it’s not a problem, you just know there are going to be days where you have to find the money for equipment or balls and it’s not going to be just laying around for you.” The blatant truth is that DVC does more with less. The transfer rates do justice to explaining the quality of the academic sector. But when compared with the paltry subsidies received by our athletic department, it’s no wonder we don’t celebrate our teams with the jubilation of a Pac-12 tailgate. As a student body, we are already so fortunate to receive the amenities that we do. It’s time we paid our fair share. Not simply to raise money for the college, but to invest in the rich product that is DVC athletics. Just last year, 25 football players went on to play at universities based solely on the coaching and teaching they received while at DVC. It’s time we owned up to the blessing and displayed some vigilance in our support of Vikings sports. DVC’s classrooms can quite capably fool you into thinking you’re at a university, but with a little assistance from the fan base, the illusion could spread to the stadium.
Contact BRIAN DONOVAN at bdonovan@TheInquirerOnline.com
Contact GRIFFIN HENNING at ghenning@TheInquirerOnline.com
KRISTIANA BRITANIK / The Inquirer
Western society’s love for monogamy contradicts our natural tendecies Here’s the standard narrative ture ideal, but I find it silly. we are told about relationships Believe it or not, before agrifrom the churches, movies and culture came to western society, Oprah type entertainment per- people were fiercely egalitarian as sonalities. women had as much say as men. Man pursues woman to find They shared everything from “the one for me.” He’s interested food, tools. in looks. She’s interested in status. The Arawaks, for example, who If she’s the one, they get married once lived in what is today called “til death do us part.” They live the Dominican Republic were “so happily ever after; never to have naive and so free with their possex with anyone else…..ever sessions that no one who has not again. witnessed them would believe it. To keep evil thoughts of infiWhen you ask for something delity at bay, have, they never “Monogamy, like they she reads say no,” according to war and poverty Christopher Columbus. articles like “Eight ways Women in this society are not from to make him were treated so well, it human nature, shocked the Spaniards. horny again,” he gets her Historic human but results from a rights rose petactivist and Doculture that als and seeminican friar Bartothrough linlome De Las Casas considers gerie and oh described sex relations: property over my god, it will “Marriage laws are be just like the non-existent; men and people.” first time! women alike choose If either of them breaks their mates and leave them as this doctrine, that is more than they please, without offense, jealenough of a reason to divorce at ousy or anger.” the expense of their children and Unfortunately we cannot visit spend years in civil courts over or interview any Arawaks today petty disputes. because Columbus and his patriAttorneys might find this pic- archal crewmen raped, murdered
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BRIAN DONOVAN Copy editor
and enslaved all of them during their several expeditions for “gold, god and glory.” It was not until the creation of private property due to agriculture causing civilization and the subsequent subjection of women when monogamy became the norm. Women, like cattle and crops, became the property of men. There are still many communities not yet destroyed by the dominant culture that have different ideas on sexual relations. The matriarchal Mosuo from China for example, have complete sexual autonomy. Two consenting adults decide what they want to do with their bodies without outside influences in what is called a “walking marriage,” according to their cultural website. Of course the Chinese Communist Party has tried tirelessly to force the
Jobs changed technology but doesn’t deserve the hype I’ll be the first to admit I’m a fan of Steve Jobs’ products; I love my iPhone. But over the past month, I’ve been subject to hour-long documentaries about Jobs, an autobiography released soon after his death, iPad candle-app vigils on the sidewalk of the Apple stores, the billboards, taxi toppers and window posters plastered with the “iconic” black and white image of a pensive Steve Jobs. It’s a bit much. Now, before you tear up this paper in iRage, let me explain my reasons. What is an icon? Ironically enough, the idea reminds me of the Apple “Think Different” campaign that began in 1997 when Jobs rejoined the company. One of the ad series consisted of black and white photos of various iconic figures in modern history. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jim Henson, Pablo Picasso, John Lennon and an undeserving Yoko Ono all had posters with the Apple tag line “Think Different.” I suppose now that Jobs has his own black and white
TOM RIZZA Staff writer
photo, either Apple or Jobs himself considered him to be an icon. There is no question that Jobs was a genius when it came to marketing and salesmanship. He took a small electronics division of LucasArts and turned it into Pixar. He took a floundering company in Apple and turned it into a $100 billion enterprise. Jobs achieved this success ultimately because he is a monopolist. All Apple accessories, like power chargers, must be purchased through Apple. All Apple software and hardware are not compatible with any other machine, such as external hard drives and printers. You can’t simply
drag and drop music onto an iPod cism of Christianity. Jobs, age 13 like you can with most other mp3 at the time, asked his pastor during players, you must use the cumber- Sunday school if God knew about some iTunes program. the children on the cover of Life He also closes off an entire sector magazine suffering of starvation in of the internet, anything that runs Africa. When the pastor responded Adobe Flash, for people that use the yes, Jobs left and never returned to iPhone or iPad. Christianity. He did not agree with Another reason is because he has a God that would allow such suffertricked us with simplicity. Look at the ing. Apple product line, so This anecdote, al“With all due sleek and sexy. Everythough touching, is respect to the thing is all in one, no incredibly ironic conremovable parts or erChina’s Inman, he was just sidering rant wires. stitute for Public and But when video edi- another guy that Environmental Aftors, gamers or audioreleased a study knew how to sell fairs philes need to upgrade this year stating that a you something. fair share of Apple’s their video or sound cards or processors, products are assemAmerica has you cannot simply bled in sweat shops upgrade those parts. plenty of those.” in Asia. The workers Instead you’re forced there use highly toxic to purchase a brand new $1,800 rig cleaning chemicals to give Apple’s and wait a year to buy another new- computers that special sheen, with er, equally expensive model. multiple cases of workers being poiThere is a famous passage in Wal- soned. Also, Greenpeace has been ter Isaacson’s biography on Steve harping on Apple’s e-waste program Jobs that recounts Jobs’ early criti- for years now, saying that most of
the e-waste from their recycling program is sent to unregulated landfills in Africa and Asia where the child labor is subjected to the toxic fumes and the dangerous environment that the recycling process entails. To me, an icon is the exact opposite of this. An icon works to unite us for human progress, an icon lives within his means, an icon works to end suffering. All of those featured in the “Think Different” campaign are examples of those ideas. But Steve Jobs? With all due respect to the man, he was just another guy that knew how to sell you something. America has plenty of those. What we don’t have is an abundance of people like Caesar Chavez, Dr. King, or Malcolm X. Our John Lennons have been replaced by Justin Biebers; our Jim Hensons transformed into Spongebob. In this time of change it’s time to change our heroes, our icons. Think Different, America. Contact TOM RIZZA at trizza@TheInquirerOnline.com
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Arts & Features The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Berkeley Sal makes fondue fun VANESSA MUNIZ Staff writer
Fondue Fred? More like Fondue Sal. When you hear the word “fondue,” I’m sure the first thing you think of is strawberries dipped in chocolate; so typical. I don’t blame you. But I recently had my first dose of a legitimate Swiss fondue dinner. A native favorite of the city of Berkeley, this location hadn’t raised my interest until I heard good things about it. It’s an indoor/ outdoor restaurant located in a mini-mall and is a bit hidden within the city. It’s not a formal restaurant, but has a charming New Orleans look to it, complete with lantern lights and small outdoor tables. The atmosphere is romantic and there was exotic Spanish classical music playing in the background. Sal was very inviting and had a good sense of humor. He checked on his Need to Know guests continuFondue Fred is ously during their stay, maklocated at 2556 ing conversaTelegrpah Avenue tion. in Berkeley. On the menu was a list of The restaurant is several differopen seven days a ent gourmet week from 5 p.m. and cheese fonuntil 10 p.m. Prices dues to choose run from $14 and from. I ordered up. a delicious Chateaubriand steak For reservations: fondue that was Call in for parties relatively similar to a beef stew. of six and up. The It consisted of phone number is tender pieces of 510-549-0850 steak sauteed in butter, wine, mushrooms and vegetables. During my stay, I also had salad, red potatoes and French bread cut into bite-size pieces, items typically served with fondue. The salad was delicious, made with Sal’s homemade house dressing. While I waited, I got to know some of the customers, who praised Fondue Fred as phenomenal and a homey environment. The wait for my dinner was roughly 10 minutes, which was well worth it. The Chateaubriand steak was soft and fell apart as soon as I bit into it. The French bread tasted best dipped in the Chateaubriand stew. Our dessert consisted of a plate of several fruits such as strawberries, cantaloupe, and bananas as well as strawberry marshmallows to dip in. Overall, I’d say the chocolate fondue was the icing on the cake. It wasn’t too pricey and dinners usually serve two people. Overall, the stay at Fondue Fred was welcoming and deserves a second visit. Contact VANESSA MUNIZ at vmuniz@TheInquirerOnline.com
Photo by Alex Brendel / The Inquirer
DVC student Manalo Ilog, above, first joined the Queer Straight Alliance in fall 2010. He came out as a bisexual to the club a few weeks after his first meeting, in reponse to another club member admitting to being bi.
Coming out strong DVC student Manalo Ilog is inspiration to LGBT community and Diablo Valley College society at large CHRISTA BALINGIT Arts & Features editor
Gay bullying is an issue that has recently made headlines. Those who have come out have been faced with severe discrimination. Despite that some have faced negative results, there are some who are still willing to speak out. DVC student Manalo Ilog is one of those students. “The hardest part of coming out was worrying about what others think,” Ilog said. As a bisexual student, he has made it one of his goals to make people aware that people who are gay, lesbian or bi are not different from heterosexuals. Ilog is currently in his third semester at DVC. He plans to transfer and major in culinary arts. To anyone else passing him in a hallway, he’s just another student. Those who know him, though, have realized he is much more. The bullying of homosexuals is a topic some aren’t open with discussing. Ilog, however, is comfortable with the subject; as long as he gets his message across. “When it comes to bullies,” Ilog said. “We want them to know that we’re people too. We’re not that different.”
When he was younger, Ilog had she was a lesbian before that.” a sense that he wasn’t straight. After the first few weeks, someThough girls followed him one in the club had mentioned around in middle school, Ilog said they were bi. he was never interested in any of He later admitted to that same them. person that he was bi as well. In 9th grade, peoFollowing, he ple suspected he was told the girl who gay and the harasshe first went with. ment started. Finally, he told the Ilog was called club. names includ“Before coming ing ‘gaysian’ and out, I always felt ‘homo.’ a heavy weight, He was even beatlike I was hiding en up a few times as something, which a result of their asI was,” Ilog said. sumptions. “Afterwards, I felt It wasn’t until less pain.” 10th grade, when Though he he fell for a girl, that came out to the Ilog realized he was club, it took longer bi. to come out to his Although he tried parents; they’ve to come out during known for about a this time, he found month. it difficult. “My mom is acIt wasn’t until Ilog cepting,” Ilog said. ~LISA ORTA started attending “My dad is trying Queer Straight Alliance DVC and joined the to accept it. He is adviser Queer Straight Allitrying to piece it ance on campus that he began to together.” feel comfortable. Ilog is the first in his family that He initially told them he was isn’t straight. straight. Ilog said he is trying to stress “I went with this girl I knew,” to both his parents that being bi Ilog said. “I was always following doesn’t make him any different as her around. I actually didn’t know a person.
“He helps keep everyone upbeat. He contributes a lot of enthusiasm and creativity.”
“We just happen to have a physical attraction to the same gender,” Ilog said. “It’s not necessarily an emotional attraction. Other than that we are the same.” Those who know Ilog have found him to be an asset to the club. Lisa Orta, who has been an advisor for a couple of years, met Ilog when he joined. “He helps keep everyone upbeat,” Orta said. “He contributes a lot of enthusiasm and creativity.” Nick Holmes, who is another member of the club, also finds Ilog to be inspirational. “I’ve really come to admire how comfortable he is with himself,” Holmes said. “He’s definitely come out of his shell since he’s been involved in this club.” Ilog wants those struggling with coming out to know that they aren’t alone. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there are more people like me in the world than I thought,” Ilog said. “I know people are struggling with who they are, but I would tell them not to hide. There are other people who understand what they are going through.” Staff writer John Kesler contributed to this article. Contact CHRISTA BALINGIT at cbalingit@TheInquirerOnline.com
Florence’s latest work showcases dark, beautiful feel Welch can reel it in, but generally the last minute of a song lets her theatrical side loose. The first thing that strikes you While “Lungs” featured songs about Florence Welch, who records such as “Kiss With A Fist” (a garage as “Florence and The Machine,” is rock song) and “You Got The Love” her voice. It's amazing. (a harp-driven cover of a house muThe second is her theatricality. sic hit), the variety of genres presThese two things combine on “Cer- ent on that album is instead replaced emonials,” Florence and The Ma- with a more unified sound, to the chine's second album (after 2009's benefit of “Ceremonials.” “Lungs”), to make an enjoyable exMost of the songs are rather perience. gloomy, like the promotional single As a whole, “Ceremonials” fea- “What The Water Gave Me,” which tures a darker, more is about suicide. epic sound than “The songwriting, Fittingly, this song “Lungs,” with songs musicianship, and features a haunting that feature organs, choir and nice interbig choirs and emo- production come play between lower tional build-ups. frequency instruments together to Producer Paul bass and organ. produce a dark, likeEven Epworth (who when the genre produced Adele’s interesting, and changes, it's not jarring. “Rolling in the “Lover to Lover” is an satisfying Deep”) placed a honest-to-goodness nice amount of reblues-rock song, yet its experience.” verb on “Ceremoniinstrumentation and als,” giving it a sense of spaciousness downbeat lyrics (the chorus repeats, that “Lungs” lacked. “There's no salvation for me now”) Also contributing to this sound is flows with the rest of the album. Welch's intense vocals. She belts the As you may have picked up by words out as if her life depended on now, the lyrical themes on this album winning a singing contest. are rather dark. Welch still writes a JOHN KESLER Staff writer
Courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Florence and the Machine perform at the Greek theatre in Berkeley June 12, 2011. lot about death, although now jilted love is in her repertoire. While some of the lyrics seem really vague, they're much better than the catchphrase-laden lyrics of Coldplay's “Mylo Xyloto.” “Ceremonials” is a better album than “Lungs” in every way, complete-
ly avoiding a sophomore slump. The darker sound might turn off some listeners and the songs don't have as much stand-alone appeal as her earlier hits like “Dog Days are Over,” but they show that Welch is capable of something phenomenal. The songwriting, musicianship
and production come together to produce a dark, interesting and satisfying experience. I can’t recommend “Ceremonials” enough. Contact JOHN KESLER at jkesler@ TheInquirerOnline.com