Inquirer Issue 9-13-12 by DVC Inquirer

Swimming with laughter!

DVC alum’s production company a hit!

Page 6

Welcome back to DVC! For exclusive online articles and up-to-date DVC sports information, visit us online!

The

INQUIRER S tudent V oi ce

D iablo Val le y C ol le g e

Good mojo makes music history Traveling through the south was not without its moments of culture shock. Although Appell did not witness any blatant acts of racism, he was surprised by the amount of Confederate flags and memorials scattered through sat in the front row for a highly the small towns of the south. “I touted singer/songwriter inti- understand that it is a part of mate concert. He also ran with the region’s history,” stated Apthe King of the Zulus in New pell, but he was a little unnerved Orleans, toured museums, stu- by the amount of money spent dios and private homes by gener- to maintain and restore these ous hosts and found himself in monuments. Happily, this was balanced by integrated bands many behindand audiences the-scenes with a comsituations. His mon love for good mojo roots music. even included In the midfinding Jack dle of May, White tickets. Appell re“Rural turned to the America is Bay Area with keeping roots 15,000 miles music alive worth of and well,” Apphotos, vidpell was happy eos, memories to report. He and a better was particuunderstandlarly inspired in ‑Glenn Appell ing of and Bristol, Tenn. Music professor appreciation to see the Kenfor American tucky School roots music. of Bluegrass and Traditional Music from the Appell is planning a series of Hazard Community and Tech- “lunch time talks” where he will nical College performing at the fully present the details of his venerable Carter Family Fold. journey. Until then, you can see He thought, “Imagine that…a some of his best-of moments on community college that is paying his blog at: http://gappellrootsattention to its own local cultural music.blogspot.com/ treasures.” Appell was split between Nashville and New Orleans as Contact RYAN PETERS at the cities with the best local muRPeters@TheInquirerOnline. com sic scene.

DVC music instructor takes you on journey into Roots Music RYAN PETERS Staff writer

Photo courtesy of GLENN APPELL

Pat Thomas (left), son of James “Son” Thomas, renowned blues musician and sculptor, stands with DVC music professor Glen Appell (right).

President of ASDVC will not take seat

ALEX BRENDEL/ The Inquirer Spring 2012

Francisco Hinojosa stepped down from the ASDVC presidency due to being ineligible. AIDAN HERRICK News editor

As the Associated Students of Diablo Valley College gets ready for the fall semester, they do so without their President, Francisco Hinojosa. Despite having won the popular vote last spring, Hinojosa will not be President for the fall semester. Acting in his stead, in accordance with the recently updated ASDVC by-laws, will be Ryan Souza, the former Vice President of Legislative Affairs, until the ASDVC meets to discuss the issue, their first meeting being on Tuesday, September 11th, at 2PM in the Student Union building.

Hinojosa has left office for “personal reasons”, says returning ASDVC Adviser Yvonne Canada. On Wednesday the 29th however, Hinojosa made a post on Facebook where, in passing, he mentioned that he has been deemed unfit for the position because of failing a class during the spring semester. The matter of who will replace Hinojosa will be voted on by the ASDVC, most likely in their second or third meeting, the 18th and 25th, respectively. As per ASDVC code, open elections will not be held to settle the issue. Contact AIDAN HERRICK at AHerrick@TheInquirerOnline. com

Being in the right place at the right time may be called luck. Being in the right place at the right time for weeks on end? That is what DVC music professor Glenn Appell calls “good mojo,” and that is how he sums up his four-month Roots Music Journey. At the end of January, Appell embarked on a sabbatical to explore the roots of historical American music. Not your average road trip, this journey took him from the Bay Area to the southeast coast in a string of back road juke joints, humid outdoor venues, and decades-old bandstands to witness roots music in all its glory. Music historians describe roots music as any music that is acoustic and does not involve amplification. Here is a visual: an acoustic guitar, a fiddle, throw in a banjo, calloused fingers strumming a washboard, and bare-feet stomping in time on the sagging porch of a clapboard house. This is roots music. Appell’s good mojo found him on a tour of the Jerry Lee Lewis house by none other than Lewis’ sister. As the last person in the door at the famed Bird Café in Nashville, Appell was

“Rural America is keeping roots music alive and well... Imagine that…a community college that is paying attention to its own local cultural treasures.”

Commons project promises plenty MATTHEW EMMANUEL Staff writer

Detour, detour, and another detour. By now everyone should have noticed the new building being constructed at what once was the DVC commons, the raised cement platform in front of the bookstore. But what is it and what is it for? I would like to introduce you to the new South and North

“There has only been one delay... So far it looks like the delay will only be two weeks (still October),”

Next, during this coming December, the current Student Services building is scheduled to be demolished. Scheduled to finish by May 2014, this will lead to the start of constructing the North Building. The North Building will be across from the South Building, split by a wide walkway. There will even be a bridge connecting the second floors of the South and North buildings! Culinary Arts students rejoice, as the North Building will house the new Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) classrooms. For everyone else the North Building will also have the new cafeteria (or the “Diablo room”) and food services center. Later in June 2014 once the North Building is finished, pre-

UPDATE, Page 2

Need to know:

Expected completion of: Phase 1: Site utilities and preparation November 16, 2011 Phase 2: Construction of South Building (Current Phase) October 20, 2012 Phase 3: Demolition of current Student Services Building

December 20, 2012 Phase 4: Construction of North Building May 7, 2014 Phase 5: Demolition of Cafeteria and HRM Buildings: June 24, 2014 Phase 6: Construction of New Commons and North Entry: June 2014-Nov. 2014

~Chrisanne Knox Director of marketing and communications

Buildings (that is right, TWO buildings!), and on top of that, a new bigger and greener commons centered at where the current antiquated cafeteria is. The South building is the one currently being completed. There has been minimal delay in the construction. “There has only been one delay... So far it looks like the delay will only be two weeks (still October),” said Chrisanne Knox, Director of Marketing and Communications. This building will be home to Student Services (counseling, admissions, financial aid, etc). This building will open near the end of the year once the current Student Services staff is moved over.

MATTHEW EMMANUEL/ The Inquirer

Final construction of the new south building is set to be completed by October.

• NEWS 1, 2 • SPORTS 4 • OPINIONS 5 • EDITORIAL 5 • ENTERTAINMENT 3 • FEATURES 2 • CAMPUS BUZZ 5 • CALENDER 2 • POLICE BEAT 2 • STAFF INFORMATION 5 •

News

CALENDAR Thursday Sept. 13 Brown Bag Workshop “Achievements in Memory” 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Student Union

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Suspicious solicitors spark concern International students report being targeted SOFIA PUTRI Staff writer

Friday Sept. 14 All Day - Pass/No Pass Deadline Open Garden and Plant Sale 9:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m. DVC Garden Tuesday Sept. 18 Financial Aid drop-in 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. San Ramon Campus College Success Workshop 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Student Union Wednesday Sept. 19 UC Berkeley College Rep Visit 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Career, Employment, and Transfer Center Music Concert: The Night Jazz Band 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Armando’s Thursday Sept. 20 Brown Bag Workshop “Constitutional Day” 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m. Student Union Monday Sept. 24 College Council 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Community Conference Center Wednesday Sept. 26

Thursday, September 13 - Wednesday, September 26, 2012

As the fall semester opened, several students on campus, and in the surrounding residential vicinity, were approached by several individuals claiming to be participating in a cash contest to fund for overseas study trips. These strangers would then claim to sell magazine subscriptions at exorbitant prices that far surpass the average costs that publishers offer to subscribers, and the students who paid a large sum of money for these supposed “subscriptions” would reportedly no longer hear back from these individuals or have any form of publication delivered to their doorstep. According to international student Ninich Chhour, a female stranger knocked on her apartment door on August 22nd, and she was described as having tattoos on both arms with shoulder length hair. The woman was trying to sell magazine subscriptions to Chhour, claiming that it was a fundraiser for an educational trip to England. Two other international students from Indonesia, Harvey Tjiupek and Stella Then, have also both experi-

enced strangers approaching them asking them to “vote” for a cash contest but was eventually asked to purchase magazine subscriptions that cost larger-than-usual sum of money. On August 22nd, an Inquirer reporter also encountered a similar experience. She was sitting behind the DVC bookstore when a man approached her, asking her if she wanted to vote for him in a contest he identified as the “National Cash Awards”. He began making casual chat and asked her where she was from. He then asked her to purchase magazine subscriptions to fund his educational trip to Italy. When she refused, he made condescending remarks such as “You are an idiot”, and “Does your country not have a fundraiser, that’s why you don’t know what it is?” In an envelope he showed the reporter, there was a stack of hundred-dollar bills, and he claimed to have talked to a Malaysian girl who bought six magazine subscriptions from him on that same day, at $80 each, which accumulated to $480. The man frequently changed his story with the Malaysian girl who chose to donate to a “Children’s Hospital” instead (which he did not name). According to the reporter, the man appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with a short crew haircut and had noticeable facial hair around his jaw. Initially, he even offered to take her to the ATM in the school bookstore to withdraw cash for him. The man also mentioned that the convenient access of the ATM in the bookstore is the underlying reason why he often loiters around that specific location.

After the incident, the said reporter recounted her experience to the Student Life Office and the DVC Police Department. Leigh Apodaca, of the Student Life Office, says that she has heard rumors about such suspicious incidents but no one has actually come forward and reported any case. If one browses the Internet for a “National Cash Award”, multiple results would arose in which people around the nation attested to similar suspicious incidents relating to such a contest. The only website that seems to represent such a contest has different designs for each page, and there is no convenient way of contacting the organization. There is no e-mail or hotline that one can use to contact the contest representatives and the only method of contacting them is a physical address based in New York City. When this address is viewed on Google street view, it does not match the description given in the supposed mailing address. Upon interview, Officer Javon Sanders from the Contra Costa Community College Police Department said that it was the first time someone has ever complained about this case, but they treat dishonest business practices on campus very seriously. Sanders suggess, if anyone ever encounters such an experience, he recommends approaching Detective Tom Holt who is specifically assigned to these types of cases. Detective Holt may be contacted at THolt@4cd.edu, or (510) 236-2820. Contact SOFIA PUTRI sputri@ TheInquirerOnline.com

UPDATE From Page 1

-pare to say farewell to our antiquated and by then replaced Cafeteria, and hello to the coming of the new DVC commons ground. After demolishing our current cafeteria construction for the new commons will begin. It will be the heart of DVC, reaching the bookstore, student union center, music building, DVC’s pond, and the newly constructed North and South buildings all from one spot. It will be three and a half acres of open space filled with benches, gardens, trees, and grassy fields all maintained by rainwater and storm runoff. As for the future, “the remodel of the Engineering Technology Building is the next project scheduled after the commons project is complete,” said Vice President Christopher Leivas. The Commons project, designed by Steinberg Architects, came with a cost of $52 million funded by Contra Costa County voters through Bond Measure A in 2006. Contact MATTHEW EMMANUEL at memmanuel@TheInquirerOnline.com

MATTHEW EMMANUEL / The Inquirer

The new building emerges from the former DVC quad.

Music Concert: Rock n’ Jazz Show

8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Performing Arts Building

Police Beat 8/28/12 Student was contacted at the used bookstore for selling books that were stolen from the DVC bookstore. During a search the subject was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. 9/04/12 Report of a physical altercation outside of the DVC Media Center. One of the involved parties advised that he was struck inside of the library by an unknown subject who could not be located. 9/05/12 Unknown subject(s) smashed a window and took property from a vehicle while it was parked unattended in the lot.

Cal State East Bay Now Accepting Upper-Division Transfer Applications for Winter 2013 Apply now through November 1 for upper-division transfer student admission to Cal State East Bay for Winter Quarter 2013 (classes start in January). Apply online at www.csueastbay.edu/apply. Admission requirements, application and document deadlines can be found at www.csueastbay.edu/deadlines. To inquire about Hayward campus tours or pre-admission advising, please contact 510.885.2556 or e-mail: admissioncounseling@csueastbay.edu. To inquire about Concord campus tours or pre-admission advising, please contact 925.602.6399 or e-mail: cctransfercenter@csueastbay.edu.

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Sports

Thursday, September 13 - Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Vikings nip Napa in the bud Soccer team starts home opener with 6-0 victory over Napa RYAN PETERS Staff writer

A strong finish in 2011 and a solid start in preseason games led to a 6-0 victory for the DVC women’s soccer team against the Napa Valley College Storm in Friday’s home opener. After only 13 minutes of play, the floodgates opened when Bizzy Driscoll (sophomore captain) connected with a Kayla Turkovich free kick from 40 yards out. Within four minutes, Driscoll struck again to double the lead, assisted by Lindsey Parscal. A play that developed with possession in the midfield led to a well-placed cross from Mariah Rodriguez that was put away by Katarina Gentry. By half time, the Vikings were clearly

in command of the game with a 3-0 lead. “Looking good so far…in general, you can’t be upset with a clean three goal lead at half,” said Ralph Saunders, fan/soccer dad from San Ramon. The second half ended with three more goals from Katarina Gentry, Karla Hernandez and Cindy Lopez. One of the many game stand-outs, Pamela Ramos, played her midfield position in a true winger fashion by assisting the defense in key plays and transitioning to an offensive position to make two assists and build productive plays that led to additional goals. “We played a really competitive, fun game. It was a great start,” quipped Pamela on their win. Pamela is a first year player, and a true asset to the team. Head Coach Cailin Mullins was really happy with Friday’s win. “It was a tough start, but we handled the first five to ten hard minutes and it opened up from there. Our training paid off, and we were able to use our strength and retain our shape through the finish.” Assistant Coach Sam Liubicich agreed, “The girls played awesome. We came

“The girls played awesome. We came out, had fun, and played our style which led to the results we wanted to see. If we keep it up, we will have a bright season.” ~Sam Liubicich, Women’s soccer assistant coach

out, had fun, and played our style which led to the results we wanted to see. If we keep it up, we will have a bright season.” To see if the season stays bright and to cheer on our Vikings, come to their next home game Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. for a game under the lights in the stadium. You can also keep up with the team by “liking” their Facebook page and following the team schedule on the Athletics page of the DVC website. Contact Ryan Peters at RPeters@TheInquirerOnline.com

DVC’s Karla Hernandez scored the team’s fifth goal in the 69th minute to give DVC a 5-0 lead.

Men’s water polo: all work and great play

Volleyball team leaves Diablo Valley Classic 1-1

Water polo team excels on and off field

ANDREW O’CONNOR-WATTS Managing editor

The DVC women’s volleyball team came away from Wednesday afternoon’s seasonopening Diablo Valley Classic tournament 1-1, against Solano and Merced. In the first game of the tournament, the Vikings faced Solano Community College, losing in a 3-2 comeback by their Fairfield rivals. The first set of the Viking season was as even as they come. The largest difference for either team was a three-point, 18-15 lead for Solano. However, it was DVC who came out on top right out of the gate with a 29-27 firstset victory to start the season, aided by sophomore right side Sandra Foster. Solano won the second set and DVC the third, but it would be Solano who emerged the victors, winning the final two sets of the season opener. Foster contributed 15 kills, 7 assists, 12 digs, 2 blocks and 3 aces in the first game. Vikings coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb said of her team’s play, “When we’re on a roll, we’re on a roll. When we have a lull we need to make sure we maintain aggressive play. When [a player is] not being consistent or staying aggressive in their play, chances are they’re going to be subbed out.” DVC’s final game of the tournament against Merced College would also need to be decided in five games with the Vikings on top this time. Once again Foster was a major factor with 10 kills, 3 assists, 12 digs, 3 blocks.

Karin Jensen / The Inquirer

GABRIEL AGURCIA Staff writer

Siobian Flynn / The Inquirer

Abbie Noland, left, Lindsay Wood, center, and Sandra Foster, right, were among the top performers.

Ponciano-Babb said of Foster’s season last year, “She played in our epic match against [Sacramento City College] where we won at their place. She was an integral part of that game. After, she got an MRA and realized she had a stress fracture.” With little time to prepare for the Diablo Valley Classic, Ponciano-Babb used the opportunity to get a feel for this year’s team. “Our goal yesterday was to figure out different lineups and let everyone play,” PoncianoBabb said. “It’s hard to get everyone on the same page with only a week [to prepare]. Ponciano-Babb added, “I’m excited... Last year there were only twelve [players]. This year we have numbers, which is great because everyone’s competing for a spot.”

If you have ever used the term “dumb jocks”, don’t be caught using it in the presence of the DVC men’s water polo team. Aside from being the fourtime defending conference champions and substantial favorite to make it five in a row, the men’s water polo team might be even better in the classroom. Coach John Roemer emphasized his players’ academic prowess more than their talent in the pool. “Last year we had the highest GPA of all 17 DVC athletic teams,” he said. He also proudly stated that the team was nominated for top scholastic team amongst all junior college sports teams in the country, where they were awarded fourth place. This is likely only the beginning. In the four years that

“Last year we had the highest GPA of all 17 DVC athletic teams.”

Roemer has been head coach he has created a grades first culture. He made it clear that if a player cares less for academics than water polo, they can’t play for him. It seems to be paying off. “Every guy who had aspirations of going to a four-year school has done just that, in the time that I’ve been here,” Roemer said. And these are no chump schools: many of his players are being accepted into institutions such as UCDavis, UC-San Diego, UCSanta Barbara, MIT and UCBerkeley. However, Roemer still has high hopes for his team. He said he expects to win the state title this season, which would be the first in team history. Their best finish to date is third place, last year. Early prospects appear to back up Roemer’s expectations. The best players are the six sophomores he retains from last year. Three topnotch goalies are present as well; a position so loaded that one was forced to redshirt. The team also has exceptional depth. With the ability to go 12 or 13 deep, instead

~John Roemer Men’s water polo coach

of the usual seven or eight, there is no relenting when the second-stringers enter. “There’s not that much of a drop off, which is great. We’ve never had that before,” Roemer stated. Multiple players have shoulder problems and fatigue issues. But he said that if most stay healthy this water polo team could be the best DVC’s ever had. Roemer credits the team’s in and out of pool success to the fostering of a positive and standard-laden environment. He said that more than half of his responsibilities are non-athletics related. “It’s like being a second father,” he said. He’d rather one of his players miss practice to study for an exam. “My highest expectations are for what you do in the classroom. Not... water polo.”

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Opinions

The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

The

Opinions

Textbook buyback

Do you believe that your elected representatives hold your interests as a student in mind?

Our pain for their gain?

Samantha Chiu Staff writer

Aubri K., 18 Technical theatre

“No because they care more about people who can pay for universities and Ivy League schools rather than community college students.”

Ryan Andres, 19 undecided

“No, because I don’t feel supported, we’re on our own and things seem to be getting harder instead of easier. There should be more help for us college students to make our journey smoother.”

Yaniza Posada, 18 Nursing

“No. Politicians seem to be bred for the position. The place [they come from] does not and can’t represent most Americans.”

The third week of the semester is drawing to a close, and if you’re like me you haven’t bought half your textbooks yet. The chore of buying textbooks – along with the anxiety of adding and dropping classes – is just another burden I can’t bear to face. I know I speak for the majority of students here when I say the DVC bookstore and the depletion of my bank account has become the reason for my feelings of disgruntled bitterness. What’s extraordinary though is I have finally found something that irks me more than shopping for textbooks: Selling textbooks. Much to my chagrin, DVC’s ‘textbook buyback’ option failed to offer me- or any students I interviewedany reasonable reimburse-

Dear Grassy: I’m feeling so worthless these days. I don’t know if it’s just me. I keep dating the wrong men over and over and keep setting myself up for rejection. I don’t feel like I have any value or self-worth and my self esteem is completely gone. I am still so mad at my exboyfriend. He broke my heart and found someone new but continues to talk to me via text and facebook. He’s so happy with his new girlfriend and I’m in so much pain. Everyone leaves me because they say I am too smothering and needy. But I only hold them close because I am afraid of being alone and feel I would never love again. How can I make this pain go away? How can I be good enough for anyone? TheBraveOne.

Interviewer and Photographer: Ryan Peters and Celeste Milina

prices that NBC pay for said books. As a general rule, you can expect no more than 50 percent of the book’s original value. Many of the textbooks are valued as low as a dollar. One might assume that the used textbook business is highly lucrative, with companies such as the NBC and the DVC bookstore raking in an enormous profit. However, despite what the endless queues and shelves of books suggest, the DVC bookstore struggles to stay afloat. “We’re essentially a non-profit organization,” admitted Bill Foster, the general manager of the DVC bookstore. “We rely heavily on students to supply us with used textbooks that we need. With the soaring prices of new textbooks, we need all the money we can [get] in order to keep shelves stocked.” With the buyer’s guide, the bookstore has little control over how much they pay for used textbooks.

“We’re essentially the middleman. We’re what the student sees, and therefore, we are the target of the students’ anger.” Strangely, in May of last year, the NBC filed for bankruptcy, seeking exemption from over 210 million dollars in debt. Their apparent ploy to take advantage of poor, debt-ridden students was in reality, just an honest source of revenue – revenue that was not enough to sustain them in the highly saturated textbook market. Humbled by this new information, I decided to reevaluate my feelings on the bookstore and textbook buyback. These companies are struggling in a harsh economy and their existence is not as secure as we may think it is. But while I have become more enlightened on the issues of the bookstore, I was no closer to solving my own financial issues. How could I sell my textbooks?

Intimidating options like eBay and Craigslist may be less daunting than one would think. With my listing on Craigslist I unloaded three textbooks within a few days with no commission charge. However, I believe the best way to sell your books is straight to the student. Last week I overheard a group of students discussing their new statistics class and the ridiculous prices of the required textbook. Wait a minute – I had that textbook! I approached the group, introduced myself, and met a bunch of great people. Why not meet some new students that lie outside your circle of friends? For a community college, there’s a real lack of community- but that’s an issue to be addressed at a later date. Contact SAMANTHA CHIU at schiu@TheInquirerOnline.com

TheBraveOne, First of all, you are not worthless and your value is greater than anything you can imagine. Before I try my clumsy hand at answering this complex question, I want to thank you for opening up, from the bottom of my heart. What you are describing here reminds me a lot of my own personal model for selfloathing, I’ve dubbed it The Shame Spiral. It was where I would engage in self-destructive behaviors, then I’d hate myself so much for engaging in them, that I’d seek out different and more destructive behaviors and then hate myself more for those etc. It’s a bottomless pit. The worst part about the Shame Spiral, is that no one else can help you to escape it. Only you can break the cycle. You aren’t broken, you aren’t worthless, you simply

deserve better than you’ve come across yet, and you feel lost. Everyone feels lost. Someone, somewhere, out in the wide world is looking for you too. I believe that everyone has someone, who will make all the baggage and shame and self-loathing seem like a joke. You need to believe it too, believe it with all your heart. I’m big on forgiveness. The tricky thing about forgiveness is that (much like love) it doesn’t matter how much you spread around to others if you haven’t first allowed it of yourself. You’ve made mistakes and you’ve suffered consequences, you must surely be learning. The Marines say that: “Pain is Just Weakness Leaving the Body.” Though they’re not talking about the kind of pain that you’re dealing with, I think it applies, you’re just

feeling the pain too deeply to see how strong you’ve become as a result. I wish I knew some shortcut, some special technique for “getting over” rejection and heartbreak, Lord knows I have experience. But, unfortunately, as Usher says, you have to just “Let it Burn”. Social Media complicates relationships in such a poisonous and toxic way, your entire personal history left open wide for every Schmoe you met at a party or every schmuck you knew in High School. Twitter, Facebook, Draw Something, Words With Friends- You’re forced to endure their most mundane utterances, their most insignificant thoughts, see where they had dinner and with whom. You’re forced to remember their keen eye for detail and their knack for linguistics. I’m not recom-

mending that you do something unfriendly as unfriending them, but it might not be the worst thing to consider if those addictive eyeball thieves hurt you so much. I might be shooting for the moon here, but perhaps you might benefit from taking a month, maybe two, off of the things that hurt you: Guys, Facebook, Fear and Loathing. Assign some responsibility to that formerly destructive time. Whatever makes you happy, feels fulfilling (exercise, painting, poetry, darts, fantasy sports). Also don’t ever be ashamed to seek professional help. In this world that I know of, nobody comes out unscathed. It’s important for everyone to have someone to talk to. Grassy For help with your problems, email Grassy today: jknoll@theinquireronline.

Letters to the editor

“Yes…Obviously because we have a financial aid program that they voted [for] it.”

“No, there are so many colleges, representatives need to consider individuals in colleges and how different each college and individual within those colleges are.”

ment. Sofia Putri, an Inquirer reporter and third semester student, recounted how she was paid a mere $20 for her three English books that cost over $50. Both of my $80 history books were revalued at an insulting $5. Think that’s bad? My jazz and statistics textbooks were deemed ‘worthless’- despite the fact that the books are requirements for current DVC classes. I was outraged! How could the bookstore charge such ridiculous prices for my used textbooks and not offer anything in return? Surprisingly, the DVC bookstore has very little control over the textbook buyback program. The Nebraska Book Company (NBC) serves over 2.1 million students across the country with the textbook buyback program. Each month, NBC issues colleges a ‘buyer’s guide’ which dictates the selling price of used textbooks as well as the

Dear Grassy: ‘Brave One’ struggles with depression

Erik Smith, 43 Computer Science

Estela Perez, 18 Nursing

Thursday, September 13 - Wednesday, September 26, 2012

No rape is “legitimate”

Destructive forces that propelled “Hurricane Akin” into the eye-of-the-stormof-controversy over a woman’s right to choose, have shattered the Republican Party’s best efforts to hunker-down and woo the American women’s vote by November. Mr. “legitimate rape”, Republican Representative of Missouri, Todd Akin, blew ashore in August with a heart-felt message to female rape victims; if you are impregnated as a result of rape,

then you really weren’t “legitimately” raped. While being raped, your vagina magically detects and barricades itself from rapist sperm versus welcome sperm. It’s a miracle! While liberals and conservatives have polar-opposite views on a woman’s right to choose, “Hurricane Akin” and his fake science brought an overwhelming majority into agreement on this one very important concept; rape is rape. But how to deal with the aftermath of such a vio-

lent act if a woman is impreg- ist’s baby to term and then nated - well that is where the give birth to that baby. The two parties take cat is out of the ““Hurricane divergently difbag...and that ferent paths. kitty is pissed Akin” and his fake Mr. Akin and science brought off. his Category 4 As a rape suran overwhelmstorm blew the vivor, I find it ing majority into unimaginable to roof off of a dirty little secret agreement on this be violated by a that the Republione very impor- rapist only to be can Party prayed tant concept; rape subject to a rewould never see peat violation of is rape.” the light of day; my body by the their creation men and womand support of policy that en in the Republican Party forces women to carry a rap- who believe a woman should

Editorial Board

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EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR PHOTO CHIEF

STAFF WRITERS Thalia Avila, Anthony Camacho, Samantha Chiu, Jamieson Frazier, Julia Kinkela, Joshua Knoll, Eric Lee, John Michaelson, Celeste Milina, Ryan Peters, Erika Peterson, Sofia Putri, Riley Shingler, Jessica Trimmer, David Vargas, Colleen Wallace, Brandon Zaeni PHOTOGRAPHERS Sara Berkson, Karin Jensen DESIGNERS Kellyn Borst, Jack Dillon

Hakeem Montes Andrew O’Connor-Watts Kellyn Borst Aidan Herrick Brenan Peterman Karin Jensen

INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Ann Stenmark ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

NOT be allowed to have an abortion even in instances of rape. I believe in their hearts, conservative American men and woman want to ensure that rapists are punished, not victims. If the Republican Party refuses to embrace the dignity and self-sovereignty of women, they not only lose a presidential election, they lose their humanity. Lucia Nardi, Diablo Valley College student

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

• Phone: 925.685.1230 ext. 2313 • Fax: 925.681.3045 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.TheInquirerOnline.com • Printed Every Two Weeks •

Thursday, September 17-Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The Inquirer The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Swimming

From Page 6

boyfriend. Other characters include Barb’s husband, Bob (Jeremy Dorado) and The Shark (Kyle Shay Goldman). The actors did a brilliant job expressing their character’s frustration, uncertainty, hope, and love in addition to the Backhand Productions crew’s effective use of the space that they had to work with. The stage, which was rented from Under the Sun Studios in Concord, is approximately 30ft by 14ft and they used every inch of it to help propel their story efficiently. In the beginning of the play many of the props used throughout are strewn across the stage and are slowly taken away until the end when the stage is entirely clear. The actors all moved across the stage with confidence and drew you in with their emotional performances with a healthy dosage of comedic relief. The director chose “Swimming in the Shallows” with care, saying that he picked it for their debut because it was “…gentle enough to push people away but provocative

enough to draw people in, make them think.” “Swimming in the Shallows” is described by Conley as “…not trivial, but not too harsh…a funny, nutty little play.” and by Jake Froehlich, Sound Board Operator, as “…quirky but cute.” both of which are fair descriptions of what I saw

“It’s a growth process and it’s all localized… We should help each other grow. We’re out in the real world now, we don’t have teachers to hold our hands.” ~Natalie Barrett House Manager

and enjoyed. When I asked Natalie Barrett, the House Manager, why DVC students should be excited about another Backhand Production she replied that “It’s a growth process and it’s all localized…we should help each other grow. We’re out in the real world now, we don’t have teachers to hold our hands.” It ought to be inspiring to the rest of the DVC student body that DVC graduates are materializing their dreams by putting their degrees and experience gained on campus to good use. Jason Holland, head of costume design, when overhearing my question also added “Theatre kids straight out of college doing theatre- it’s awesome.” Backhand Productions will be performing “The Last Five Years” by Jason Robert Brown this upcoming November and will be using their talents during this production to fundraise for DVC’s Dramatic Society. Contact Julia Kinkela at jkinkela@TheInquirerOnline.com

Hakeem Montes / The Inquirer

Nick, played by Michael Thór Kuzmack, contemplates his love for the shark.

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Thalia Avila / The Inquirer

Easthampton, MA resident Jonathan Cartledge showcases his 2010 piece titled “Measuring Shells (for Gould)”.

“Inked” From Page 6

coordinating. In this case it is a print workshop and students can view an artist’s work first hand. The gallery is also involved with federal work study program which provides the gallery with free labor while the gallery in return offers formal training. Many of the previous gallery trainees have gone off to do larger gallery work and coordination. King, who has been with the DVC art department

since 1997, has seen many the nation with only 47 chosuccesses come from and sen to be judged on Saturthrough the gallery includ- day’s showcase. ing established artist such as The gallery is more than a Robert Brady, Deborah But- place to showcase art it is a terfield, and Mel Ramos to community of artists and art name a few. lovers formed amongst a colFor an artist to have their lege campus. King also states, own show at the gallery is a “It’s how we share our experi“big deal.” It’s one of the rea- ences. From the students, to sons people are drawn in to the staff, to the artist, comsubmit their work to the gal- munity college is who we are, lery. A solo show is the first building bridges and connectprize for the Inked Surfaces ing people together.” exhibit which had more than Contact Anthony Camacho at 600 submissions throughout acamacho@TheInquirerOnline.com

Arts & Entertaiment The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College

Thursday, September 13 - Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DVC art gallery gets ‘inked’ Anthony Camacho Staff writer

and her friend Nick (Michael Tho’r Kuzmack), who has trouble staying in a long-term relationship, decide to make a pact to keep each other accountable in regards to Donna’s stop-smoking campaign and Nick’s desire to find a

More than just a little community college art show, the DVC Art Gallery is the focal point of the art student’s learning experience and an important platform for artists. The gallery is currently serving as host for “Inked Surfaces,” which does not feature any DVC students. However, the value of the gallery to students goes far beyond showcasing their work. The current show as with most shows is put on to compliment the current learning program. The gallery serves as a learning tool and training aid. Arthur Scott King, DVC art gallery coordinator and instructor says it is “part gallery, part museum, part laboratory, all wrapped in one. It is a way for students to learn how to sell and promote themselves.” The gallery offers a type of training to students from organizing, to promoting, to

Swimming, Page 5

“Inked”, Page 5

Hakeem Montes / The Inquirer

Kirsten Dwyer removes the garter belt of Lilian Wouters during the debut performance of “Swimming in the Shallows.”

DVC grads debut with aptitude Julia Kinkela Staff writer

“Swimming in the Shallows” by Adam Bock is the debut play put on by Backhand Productions, a production company which almost entirely consists of DVC graduates. The play is directed by Cyle Conley and produced

by Chris Lionel. Conley’s production of “Swimming in the Shallows” aptly conveyed the human struggle within selfdiscovery with a good balance of solemnity and humor. “Swimming in the Shallows” focuses on human relationships, whether that be to material possessions or to

each other, and how that affects them as individuals. The play, set in Twig, Rhode Island, begins with Barb (Atessa McAleenan-Morrell) complaining to her friend Carla Carla (Lilian Wouters) that she has too many things and that she wishes to reduce the clutter in her life. Carla Carla

is having her own crisis by not knowing whether or not she wishes to marry her girlfriend, Donna (Kirsten Dwyer). Donna, seeking a “yes” from Carla Carla attempts to eliminate her smoking which she thinks is preventing Carla Carla from consenting to her marriage offer. Donna