H2O report: DVC water polo Vikings win: DVC football competed well in Indianapolis. team continues New sports: Check the to win after Inquirer’s new sports twitter page. Check out dvc_athletics on Twitter. their sceond game.
New tale of woe: Drama
instructor Nicole Diestler brings a new look to “Romeo and Juliet.”
Sound of music: DVC music performance classes perpare for upcoming shows.
The
INQUIRER S tudent V oi ce
Volume 78 No. 2
Budget cuts will handicap the goals, pursuits of higher education THERESA MARIE Staff writer
Copyright © 2011 The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
of
D iablo Val le y C ol le g e
www.TheInquirerOnline.com
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The face of change DVC students brace for state’s new decision to limit class repetition MIKE ALFIERI News editor DANIELLE BARCENA Photography editor
In response to a crumbling economy, California lawmakers have been struggling to develop ways to cut costs while meeting the needs of the people. Such efforts have resulted in Title 5 changes and the SB 1440 bill. On the surface, these bills appear to impose limits on repeating classes and make it easier to transfer from community colleges to the CSU system, respectively. But a deeper examination of the implications of these bills reveals a changing educational ideology – one that threatens to undermine the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. “There’s definitely a barrier to getting an education,” said DVC English major Jon Balza, 20. The current cuts that have been proposed for California’s 112 Community Colleges add up to $400 million. Should an all-cuts budget pass, these cuts could double to $800 million. In a meeting between Public Higher Education Leaders and Governor Jerry Brown, Calif. Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott told Gov. Brown that cuts in previous years have resulted in 140,000 students being denied access to community college
DVC students will only affairs in an analysis presented have three chances to pass to the state board of govertheir courses beginning sum- nors. mer 2012. After three repeats of a On Sunday, Sept. 11, the class, students are forced to California Community Col- take the class at a community lege system’s Board of Gover- college outside the district. nors voted to restrict students’ The changes are retroactive, options for repeating general meaning they will include any curriculum courses through previous course repeats. revisions to California’s Title “It all counts from the time V education code a student was first The state issues Need to Know enrolled within apportionment the district, the funding to cover state will not pay Students who some of the cost receive a C grade the district for of community more than three or better can’t college classes. attempts. It’s up repeat a class The amended to the colleges to within a threecode limits disdecide if they are year period. trict apportiongoing to allow ment to funding students more The changes three attempts [repeats],” said apply to all class Paige at completing a Marattclass, with one Dorr, director of repeats on stuadditional try dents transcript, communications possible with an for the State no matter when appeal. Chancellor’s Ofthey occurred. Before the fice. latest Title V Additional After three amendments, stuchanges restrict class repeats, dents were able students from if no appeal is to repeat a class retaking a class granted students if they received a maximum of must take the seven times with a C grade or betclass outside the ter within a three state apportionment. year period. district. “This is not Local reaction an efficient use of limited re- to the news of the changes sources…and does not serve was mostly negative. students well,” states Linda “We’re throwing the baby Michalowski, vice chancellor out with the bath water,” of student services and special said Tomi Van de Brook, vice programs and Barry Russell, president of the Contra Costa vice chancellor of academic Community College District
CHANGE, Page 2
TITLE 5, Page 3
“Actually I didn’t know that. I didn’t know that at all. ” ~SAAD KAMRAN Business
“It sucks. If you have to drop, you have to drop. It’s a community college after all.” ~GERI STEFANOVAME Undeclared
“Where I’m from in West Africa, you can’t [continaully repeat classes]. They have to kick people out to let people in, I understand.” ~ABRAHAM TOLMO Political Science
“That’s bullshit. You should be able to take it again.” ~ERIKA BOUEY Psychology
Transferable music degree broadens students options ing sure it met all the requirements," Owen said. Lee filled out numerous forms, went through DVC now offers a transferable associate of different committees and, finally, getting it music degree for students who through the state chancellors, “The bureaucracy who had a lot of requirements intend to major in music. Fifteen years ago, DVC cut was a challenge and that had to be met. all Liberal Arts degrees and Another huge challenge making sure it met was making sure that his combined them together to create one "Liberal Studies" degree could transfer to as all the degree. many schools as possible and requirements.” With the Liberal Studies demet many different four-year gree no longer in effect there institutions requirements for are degrees transferring again, junior level transfer students. ~OWEN LEE Professor of Music Theory including an Associate of Arts DVC student Max Brody, Degree in Music. who plans to transfer to the Owen Lee, professor of Musicians Institute in Los Music Theory and conductor of the orchestra, Angeles, says he is extremely happy about the is the man behind getting the news degree. "The bureaucracy was a challenge and makMUSIC, Page 2 ZULI MOHAMMED Staff writer
Student Jordan Friday plays piano in the music practice room. He is pursuing the new Music Associate degree.
ALEX BRENDEL / The Inquirer
• NEWS 1, 2, 3 • SPORTS 7, 8 • OPINIONS 6 • EDITORIAL 6 • ARTS & FEATURES 4, 5 • CAMPUS BUZZ 6 • CALENDER 2 • POLICE BEAT 2 • STAFF INFORMATION 6 •
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News
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
CHANGE
CALENDAR Thursday, September 22, 2011 Mills College Representative Visit 11 a.m. Transfer Day 10 a.m. College Council Meeting 2 p.m. UCLA Information Session 2 p.m. President’s Drop-In Time 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Culinary Arts Norseman Restaurant opening 11 a.m. ASDVC Board Meeting 2 p.m. Faculty Senate Council 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2011 Jazz Rock Concert 8 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2011 Budget Committee Meeting 9 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2011 Free E-Waste Recycling in Pleasant Hill 9 a.m.
POLICE BEAT September 6, 2011 Four maintenance vehicles were broken into and robbed. Two of the vehicles also had their gas lines cut. September 7, 2011 A student was caught with a flask of whiskey on campus. He was referred to the Dean of Student Services. A student claimed that she was fondled on the bus. September 13, 2011 A student reported that their iPhone was stolen from their back pocket while in the humanities building. Later that day, another student reported that their iPhone was stolen from their backpack while it was left unattended in the bookstore. September 14, 2011 A student lent their cell phone to another student, who walked away with the phone. A student hit another student in the back of the head, which caused a fight to break out in the lower quad of the Student Union.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
MUSIC
From Page 1
classes in the state. A press release revealed that if the all-cuts budget were imposed, another 400,000 students would not have access to the classes that they need in order to achieve their educational goals. At a recent district meeting, possible scenarios for proposed mid-year cuts were discussed. Judy Breza, Director of Fiscal Services of the Contra Costa Community College District said, “It’s pretty lousy when that’s your best case,” in reference to her perceived best possible option. The SB 1440 bill creates an associate degree for transfer which guarantees that a student can enter the CSU system as a college junior; this cuts down on the amount of classes that a student needs to take in order to earn their degree. The Title 5 changes are concerning a students’ ability to repeat classes. Students will only be able to repeat a class three times (as opposed to the seven times that they were allowed to repeat a class in the past). The Title 5 changes are retroactive. This means that they will apply to people who repeated classes before the changes even go into effect. Perhaps these changes are benign – practical policy changes that will encourage students to be more degreeoriented and increase consequences for students who may not be academically applying themselves while saving the state money. But these changes reveal threats to some of the principles that the California Community Colleges were founded upon. While budget cuts are forcing community colleges to make changes, the founding principles of California’s Community Colleges should not be on the cutting board. In 1960, CA lawmakers adopted the Master Plan for Higher Education. They wanted to ensure that California residents had access to exceptional educational and vocational programs so that the state’s workforce and economy would be strong and competitive. A major feature of this Master Plan is known as the Differentiation of Functions. Simply put, this is the part where it is acknowledged that UC’s, CSU’s, and Community Colleges have different purposes. A document from the UC Office of the President shows that while all three systems strive to provide students with access to higher education, the Community Colleges are also to provide: “… remedial instruction, English as a Second Language courses, adult noncredit instruction, community service courses, and workforce training services.” This means that one of the major goals of California’s Community Colleges is to allow students to take exploratory classes and engage in lifelong learning. Such opportunities are especially helpful to students who seek a higher education, but are not yet sure of what they would like to spend their life doing. But, in times of fiscal desperation, the opportunity to take these classes may seem like more of a luxury than a necessity. To many, the Title 5 changes and the SB 1440
From Page 1
“It is really hard to get financial aid these days. I barely got a Pell Grant.” ~Keri Jones Technical Theater
“A degree is essential for life in this day and age. You can’t get a job with out one.” ~Lisa Underwood, 18 Undeclared
bill appear to be incremental steps towards changing California’s community colleges from institutions that support academic exploration and lifelong learning to becoming institutions that promote a more linear educational path (with the ultimate priority being to obtain a degree). Ted Wieden is not only DVC’s Interim Senior Dean of Curriculum and Instruction but the accreditation Liason Officer. When asked about the impacts that possible cuts to lifelong learning and/or exploratory classes may have, Wieden said, “Lifelong learning is one of the principles of the Calif. Community Colleges. When the Master Plan was drafted, lawmakers recognized that a more well-informed society carries with it many intangible benefits. People tend to be more productive. They are more engaged as a community. Crime rates go down. You can not always directly pinpoint the benefits, but they are there.” DVC counselor Dennis Franco added, “For example, if a person took P.E. classes or health education oriented classes for their own benefit
(and not for the benefit of earning credits toward a degree or certificate), these classes would contribute to the overall health of that individual. Society sees the benefits in lower health care costs. They are physically and emotionally more healthy. They miss less days at work. In this way, these ‘nonrequired classes’ benefit the individual, his or her employer, and society as a whole.” Regarding lifelong learning students, Franco said, “[Giving] people outlets for enjoyment or broadening their horizons creates a more productive worker. It creates opportunities for stress release in a positive manner. That is something that our culture and society has a hard time recognizing – the value of these positive outlets.” Yet, the conflict remains – how can community colleges support such programs when the budget cuts are making it difficult for students to get classes that they will need in order to earn their degrees? “As much as I am against cutting exploratory and lifelong learning classes, the circumstances of the budget cuts make me lean toward it,”
said Rene Juarez, a 21-year old English major. “I have seen people who show up one early for the first day of class and put their name into a hat, hoping that their name will be drawn so that they can occupy one of the three available spaces for that class. They need this class in order to transfer. But, many of them are unable to get it because the class is filled with people who are retaking it for the fifth time or just for fun. The times are different. I want classes to be more available to students who need that space.” At a recent district meeting, Helen Benjamin, Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District, said, “Right now, there are no hybrids of courses for lifelong learners. There is no current authority in the district [to differentiate between lifelong learners and other students].” News editor Mike Alfieri and Managing editor Cecily Trowbridge contributed to this story.
Contact THERESA MARIE at tmarie@TheInquirerOnline.com
new program. Brody said "the biggest benefit from this new degree is that it protects certain classes, that would otherwise be dropped." Music seminar, a class which requires an audition to get in, is one of the classes that is a degree requirement. The new transferable music degree is a huge leap forward for the music department. Surprisingly, not many students know about this degree. Philip Jenkins, 27, is one of the students who has just learned of this program. “This is very exciting for all music majors because DVC has one of the best music programs and the teachers really pass down all the knowledge they have making the learning worthwhile,” Jenkins said. Jordan Steer, 20, said “looking into the Associate of Arts Degree in Music makes me realize I don’t want to pursue a degree in music, but I will still continue to take classes because DVC’s music department is incredible.” Lee says that is because the new degree has just come out online and the word if still spreading. There will be much more news coming throughout the semester for students and those who are interested in pursuing this degree. Mark Steidel, director of media, said people shouldn’t confuse the new transferable degree with the vocational one DVC should have within a year and is currently in the works. Students who have earned the vocational degree will be able to help students enter the work force in their chosen field. The upcoming vocational degree will be going through the same process that the new transferable one has as well. That means going through the curriculum, administration, governing order, and lastly state chancellors. Contact ZULI MOHAMMED at zmohammed@TheInquirerOnline.com
DISCOVER A NEW PATH TO A CAREER IN NURSING. GAIN GUARANTEED ADMISSION TO SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY.* • Complete your pre-nursing requirements on the beautiful 135-acre Mills College campus. • Receive a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. • Prepare for a successful nursing career with unique leadership seminars. • Apply by October 15 for spring to receive special expedited admission benefits.
INFORMATION SESSION Monday, October 10 • 9:00 am–1:00 pm
*upon successful completion of all program requirements
MAKING THE WORLD MORE . . .
Oakland, CA admission@mills.edu www.mills.edu RESERVE YOUR SPACE AT WWW.MILLS.EDU/VISITFORM. Diablo Valley — The Inquirer
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News
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
TITLE 5 From Page 1
Board of Governors, during a meeting last week where they discussed the changes. Elizabeth Hausecarriague, dean of outreach, enrollment and matriculation issued a report on the possible effects of the changes to DVC students. In the report she noted that 1300 students in the math department are already repeating classes, with 400 of those students having repeated 3 courses. “It has huge implications,” said Ted Wieden, interim senior dean of curriculum, said at the department chair and deans meeting on Sept. 9. Other faculty members at the meeting recognized the gravity of the changes, with one saying, “students will not go district to district, but will just drop out of college.” Judy Myers, English department chair, said, “We can’t keep passing the buck [to the students]”. One DVC student put it even more directly. “It’s bullshit,” said Erika Bouey, 23, psychology major. Geri Stefanova, 24, undecided, echoed similar concerns: “If you have to drop you should be able to take it again. It’s a community college after all.” Many of students interviewed on campus didn’t like the thought of being stuck with a C or D. “I think it’s unfair if you want a better grade,” said Stephanie Seltzer, 19, environmental science. Nicole Bhachu, 20, a behavioral health major, pointed out “[certain] majors have to have an A if they hope to transfer.” Although some local students were unhappy, Mark Valenzuela, representative for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, told the state board of governors that his group supported the measure because it “maximizes the number of students being able to access class.” Some students on campus also understood the need for
“[Title 5 limits are] really bad for people in this area. DVC’s really good for helping poor people.”
the changes. “Where I come from in West Africa, you can’t [continually repeat classes],” said Abraham Tolno, 21, political science major. “They have to kick people out to let people in, I understand.” The changes come as California community colleges are confronting $419 million in further cuts to education in the 2011-2012 state budget. The state board of governors viewed the changes to Title V as necessary in order to serve students best under the budget cuts. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, hundreds of thousands of students will not be able to enroll in 2011-2012 because of the fiscal cuts. Official notice of the proposed changes was published April 28. Public comment was invited through June 16, though only three comments were received. A public comment from Leslie Smith, associate vice chancellor of government relations at City College of San Francisco, said, ‘the last thing they want to do is to no longer be able to serve those students who are still committed despite hardship.’ The changes will go into effect 180 days from their filing date with the secretary of state. Students can expect to be affected by the changes beginning in the 2012 summer semester. said, ‘the last thing they want to do is to no longer be able to serve those students who are still committed despite hardship.’ The changes will go into effect 180 days from their filing date with the secretary of state. Students can expect to be affected by the changes beginning in the 2012 summer semester.
~GAVIN WATSON Undeclared
Contact MIKE ALFIERI at malfieri@TheInquirerOnline.com Contact DANIELLE BARCENA at dbarcena@TheInquirerOnline.com
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News in brief Wind band will have upcoming performance None of the candidates to be DVC’s next president made the final cut, and the recruitment process has stopped, an e-mail from the chancellor’s office said Monday. DVC has been in the process of recruiting a president, and on March 15 the finalists were supposed to appear at a public forum. A 15-member committee screened the applications that were submitted, and interviewed 10 applicants last week, according to the e-mail. The committee concluded that there were not enough well-qualified candidates to be forwarded for final interviews, and Chancellor Helen Benjamin wrote that she has made the decision to stop the recruitment process at this point. Benjamin wrote that she is figuring out the next steps and will confer with the Governing Board at its meeting on March 23.
Students can stand and deliver The DVC Drama Department is holding auditions on October 3 and 4 for its staging of “Stand and Deliver.” The auditions will be held in the Arena Theater. The play, which will be directed by DVC student Alex Guerra under the supervision of Beth McBrien, is about a math teacher at a high school in East Los Angeles who challenges his students to succeed academically. The play will run from December 2 to 11.
Transfer day returns to DVC The DVC Transfer Center is holding Transfer Day in the Library Quad from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 67 colleges will send representatives to talk to potential transfer students. Among the colleges, every UC will attend as well as representatives from CSU Chico, San Francisco State, Arizona State University, Mills and FIDM. DVC will also have booths for the counseling center, financial aid, and scholarships.
Jazz and Rock Concert At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 there will be a Jazz and Rock Concert at the Performing Arts Center. The performance will feature Rory Snyder’s Night Jazz Band as well as his DVC Jazz Ensemble, who will perform music such as bebop and swing. Also featured are Last Minute, The Pajammers and The Ejector Seats, three ensembles from Steve Sage’s Rock, Rhythm and Blues class. The tickets cost $8 in advance and $11 at the door.
REALIZE YOUR DREAM AT MILLS COLLEGE.
The Norseman returns The school restaurant, The Norseman, is opening on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The restaurant will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The restaurant will feature food prepared by Advanced Cuisine students. The Norseman Express, which is in the cafeteria and features food from Beginning Cuisine students, is open as of the time of writing, every Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Divided governing board In a heated debate, the district governing board was divided over the details of a proposed project labor agreement. Private contractors and union representatives bickered in public forum over the matter. The board has been discussing the issue for more than two years, but have postponed a vote for at least another month till their next meeting.
Mills offers talented women who want an exceptional and personal education the opportunity to: • Get the classes you need to graduate on time. • Earn merit scholarships totaling up to $19,000. • Transfer with no minimum number of credits. Apply by October 15 for spring to receive special expedited admission benefits.
INFORMATION SESSION Monday, October 10 • 9:00 am–1:00 pm Diablo Valley — The Inquirer
MAKING THE WORLD MORE . . .
Oakland, CA admission@mills.edu www.mills.edu/transfer RESERVE YOUR SPACE AT WWW.MILLS.EDU/VISITFORM.
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Arts & features The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Thursday, September 22, 2011
New film disgraces typical working mother CHRISTA BALINGIT Arts & Features editor
I hate to say this, but I’m sick of seeing the over-exaggerated working mother on the big screen. Sarah Jessica Parker stars in the Douglas McGrath film “I Don’t Know How She Does It” as Kate Reddy, a mother who juggles life and work. At home, she deals with her husband (Greg Kinnear) and two kids. Also, she puts up with stay-at-home “Momsters” who spend six hours at the gym and bake everything perfectly. At her Boston-based financial management firm job, Reddy’s latest project leaves her working closely with successful British banker Jack Abelhammer (Pierce Brosnan) while dealing with her office rival Chris Bunce (Seth Meyers). She finds herself attempting to manage bake sales and to throw her children birthday parties while traveling to attend business meetings. The audience follows Reddy through her attempt to find balance and calmness between her two lives, until she realizes something has to change. Watching Reddy struggle with comical situations provides a smile easy enough. Sometimes, though, it seems overdone. While the movie emphasizes the difficulties working mothers face, it seems to imply that Reddy is the only working mother out there. It’s as if she is doing something no one has ever done before, and rivals like “the Momsters” and Bunce are just waiting for her to fail. The movie remains mostly predictable which takes away the humor in most of the situations. From constant food-stained clothes to inadequate hygiene due to lack of time, many of the scenes seem sloppy. It’s as if there was a hole in the film and the director decided to slap in a scene and hoped it would be funny. It’s easy to sympathize with Parker’s character. The struggle and conflicting emotions she has to go through are only a few of the dilemmas working mothers have to face. However, the film doesn’t offer anything new or original. Nearly every situation has been portrayed before. Most of the laughs came from Reddy’s sarcastic assistant, Momo (Olivia Munn), who makes it very obvious that she doesn’t see the charm in Reddy’s life. Ultimately, the message is clear: women can have success in both their careers and at home with their husband and kids. The primary problem with this movie, though, is that the message is blunt from the very beginning and doesn’t go anywhere after that. Contact CHRISTA BALINGIT at cbalingit@TheInquirerOnline.com
Photos by DANIELLE BARCENA
Ian Cowell practices bass guitar. He, like every other student, recieves constructive feeback on his progress from Steve Sage.
Practice makes perfect Music instructor guides student bands to hone skills for performances insight he offers. For example, DVC student Tim Allen has taken his class Students looking to per- six times. form, get experience and re“I like that I’m given the opcieve advice from a music ex- portunity to play at gigs,” Alpert will get just that in Steve len said. “I get real-life experiSage’s music performance ence in this class.” classes. Both first-time and repeat“At the end ing students of the semesagree that Philip Liborio Gangi, far right, regularly takes photos of the bands in Steven ter, I want my Sage has been Sage’s music performance classes. students to be the driving Tommy better musiforce behind Been, left, cians,” Sage the class. plays the said. From learnharmonica This seing about the mester, Sage music induswhile practeaches Mutry to honing ticing with sic 105 which a desire for his band, “At the end of the music, Sage’s focuses on Bad Karma. blues, rock semester, I want my class helps and R&B students in students to be bet- a variety of performance. Also, he ways. ter musicians.” teaches Music Kerri Jones, 107, live popgranddaugh~STEVE SAGE ular concert ter of highly Music instructor performance acclaimed and producdrummer Jotion. seph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Ben Briggs, left, Students form bands in the said that Sage has taught her rehearses with his beginning of the semester and about the music business. band, Shock and spend the rest of the time “I’m learning a lot in this Awe. This group is practicing to perform outside class that my grandfather one of 24 others of school. didn’t tell me about,” Jones formed in this These performance-based said. semester’s music classes meet once a week. Business major Ashley Anperformance classes. Bands get up in front of dreatta has taken Sage’s class their peers every class ses- three times. “Music is just sion and perform while Sage something I love,” she said. watches and offers advice. “This class specifically alTwenty-four bands have lows me to socialize. You been formed this make a lot of consemester; each Need to Know nections. And the one of them will whole point of have the oppormusic is to bring Sage teaches Tim Allen, below, tunity to perform people together,” Music 105 sings with his band, in 16 different Andreatta said. (Blues, Rock, Pajammers. He has shows. Philip Liborio and R&B pertaken Steve Sage’s This year, Gangi, photo ediformance) and bands will pertor for neighborclasses six times. Music 107 (Live hood newspaper form at the Walpopular concert The Richmond nut Festival on performance) Saturday, Sept. Review and The this semester. 24 at the HeathSunset Bacon, er Farm Park has made a hobby Students will & Community of taking phoperform SatCenter in Walnut tographs of this urday, Sept. 24 Creek. class during pracat the Walnut Sage, who has tices and shows. Festival. toured with art“They’re young ists such as Little and you get a lot Anthony and The Imperials, of exciting energy,” Gangi uses his experience in music said. “It’s also one of the few to guide his students. times you get a performing He doesn’t expect his stu- class who goes out and repdents to have knowledge or resents the school in public talent before joining the class. gigs.” “You just need a strong desire to perform,” Sage said. Contact CHRISTA BALINGIT at His students have come to cbalingit@TheInquirerOnline. com respect the class and value the CHRISTA BALINGIT Arts & Features editor
Arts & features
Thursday, September 22, 2011
‘Resistance 3’ mixes aliens and boring characters
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
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‘Romeo and Juliet’ returns to DVC stage after a decade
JOHN KESLER Staff writer
Once again, aliens have taken over the planet and humanity is an endangered species in Insomniac Games’ stellar new Playstation 3 title, “Resistance 3.” The latest entry in the Resistance series, “Resistance 3” follows Joseph Capelli, a former special forces member, as he is asked by a former officer to protect him on one final mission to destroy a wormhole the aliens have opened over New York City. Mechanically, the game is a shooter like “Call of Duty.” The twist comes with the game’s arsenal of 11 weapons,
Photos by SEAN WILKEY
Cyle Swanstrom, top right, and Atessa McAleenan-Morrell, bottom right, prepare for the struggle scene between Romeo and Tybalt with Dennis McCaffrey, top left, and James Udom, bottom left. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
all of which upgrade through use and are distinct from each other. These weapons include a sniper rifle that can also fire a laser. It explodes enemies and a pistol that fires spores and painfully turns enemies into explosive blobs. Many of the weapons will appeal to your inner sadist and, obviously, are definitely the best part of the game. The single player’s greatest weakness is the plot. While the overall journey held my interest for the game’s five-to-seven hour length and there are some nice plot twists, the characterization is awful. In particular, the game seems to try to make the player care about Capelli as he may never see his wife and son again. However, his family appears on screen for about half an hour total and they barely speak. While Capelli cares, I found it hard as a player to care about his extremely underdeveloped family. Otherwise, the single player is really fun and never boring. Luckily, the game has nice variations encountered throughout the campaign. These switch-ups include being on a boat besieged by aliens or hunting a giant monster in a mine. Since this is a modern shooter, there’s also a progressionbased online multiplayer mode, which has been scaled down from “Resistance 2.” A two-player co-operative version of the single player mode returns, and the competitive mode has been dropped from 60 players in “Resistance 2” to 16 players, more in line with “Call of Duty: Black Ops.” The smaller multiplayer is definitely less chaotic, and the weapon selection is more balanced than in “Resistance 2,” which let combatants choose to start a match with a mini-gun or a rifle that shoots through walls. The multiplayer is great but I don’t see it winning people over from “Black Ops.” Still, this is one of the best games on the PS3. The interesting visuals, the refined online mode, and the extraordinary arsenal are barely bogged down by the uninvolving-yet-interesting story. Contact JOHN KESLER at jkesler@TheInquirerOnline.com
DVC director brings back the classic story and adds a new twist CHRISTA BALINGIT Arts & Features Editor
ing with the rise of Christianity. During this time, Jewish people were under the Roman Occupation and are getting caught up in After over a decade, Romeo and Juliet will once again make their personal desires, choices, their appearance at the DVC the- and earthy distractions. Ultimately, they are losing their focus on atre. “Romeo and Juliet,” directed God. “I’m trying to go back in time by Nicole Diestler, is the first production to take place this and still keep it plausible,” Diessemester. Diestler has directed tler said. The Montagues and Capueight productions out of 30 that have taken place in her last six lets are both Jewish families; the years working at the college. The Capulets are trying to be acceptlast time “Romeo and Juliet” was ed by the Romans to preserve done, it was set in a very contem- peace and safety. “I set the play during a time porary style. Nicole, however, where people are going through plans to stray away from that. “I’m going for more of a re- the realm of placing people above alism perspective,” Diestler said. God,” Diestler said. “Romeo and “I want to tackle the relationship Juliet are to be sacrificed. Both winding up dynamics. It will dead was allow students God’s way to experience of claiming multifaceted rethese two inlationships.” nocent lovThe play is ers as sacrione she is very fice.” familiar with. Romeo Although it’s a ~NICOLE DIESTLER will be piece that’s recby ognizable by a Drama instructor and “Romeo and played Juliet” director James Udom large amount of and the part people, Diestler is going to portray it in a fashion of Juliet will be performed by Josette Canilao. that not many are familiar with. Udom, who is currently in The play will be set in A.D. 8 when the world is transition- his third year at DVC, originally
“I want to see students who are up for the challenge and are willing to meet the bar.”
McCaffrey, left, practices for the role of Tybalt and spars with Swanstrom, right, former student and “Romeo and Juliet” fight director. wanted the role as Tybalt. “The production team saw something in me that I didn’t,” Udom said. “I’m extremely grateful toward them.” Josette Canilao was just as excited to be assigned her own part. “Who doesn’t want to be Juliet?” Canilao said. “She dies twice. She gets to fall in love. There are so many good things about the part.” Diestler was extremely pleased with the casting choices. “I want
to see students who are up for the challenge and are willing to meet the bar,” Diestler said. Diestler herself sets up a fun atmosphere for everyone involved in the production. Maiya Corral, who plays the part of Rosaline, performed with Diestler last Spring semester for the production “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.” She was thrilled to get the opportunity to work with Diestler again. “I love performing,” Corral said. “Everyone is so passionate.
Nikki takes a personal stance on the plays and it’s so much fun working with her. We all love the craft. We’re a big family.” The show opens Oct. 14-Nov. 6. The performances will be every Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Staff writer Zuli Mohammad contributed to this article. Contact CHRISTA BALINGIT at cbalingit@TheInquirerOnline. com
New film ‘Drive’ fails to be fast or furious CHRISTA BALINGIT Arts & Features Editor
Ryan Gosling proves to be more than just a pretty face in his new movie “The Drive.” Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, “The Drive” is more than just an 100 minutes of non-stop car chasing. The film has much to offer to all groups of people. There is action, romance, drama, and a fair amount of bloodshed going on. Gosling, who plays the main character, is simply known as “Driver” throughout the film. His character plays an introverted automobile Hollywood stuntman by day and becomes a getaway driver for criminals at night.
He becomes friendly, and eventually falls in love, with his neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her son Benicio (Kalen Leos). Things are going well until Irene’s husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac), returns from jail. A group of dangerous criminals start harassing Standard for unpaid debts, and, in order to keep Irene and her son safe, Driver is quick to try to help. Naturally, things get complicated and extremely violent. Driver finds himself fully engulfed in something he isn’t quite sure how to get himself out of. “The Drive” is an intense film. It’s the type that explains itself without the need for tedious dialogue.
Gosling performs the part of the lonely driver well. He is apathetic, intense, and happy when he needs to be, without overdoing any of it. It does not simply focus on any specific theme, instead allowing the viewer to experience different moods depending on the situation. The good guys still have bad qualities, while the bad guys sometimes show a ray of good. The plot will have you, at times, rooting for Driver. At others, you wonder how he got himself into certain situations, and why he makes some of his choices. Though many aspects of this movie are well done, and the plot different from those you see in
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
to pay better attention. In this movie, however, some scenes seemed to drag on for too long. Then, out of nowhere, some major action scene would play, and then all would be quiet again. While suspenseful and entertaining, the wait doesn’t seem worth it. “The Drive” hints at a movie that is all action, specifically car racing action, but while that’s where the movie starts and ends, there is a lot that happens in between. Those patient enough will find it rewarding, if not completely satisfying.
modern movies, it tends to be slow-paced. Some movies require it, as it raises suspense and people tend
Contact CHRISTA BALINGIT at cbalingit@TheInquirerOnline. com
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Opinions
The
Buzz
What was your favorite childhood T.V. show?
Andre Pippins, 20 Radiology
“‘Dragon Ball Z’ had a great plot and story line, an epic show. Very action packed.”
Tim Toupin, 18 Business
“‘Rugrats’ was an odd show but I really enjoyed watching it with my sister ‘til five in the morning.”
Rein Pulido, 18 Computer Science
“‘My Cousin Skeeter’ was one of those shows that I’d watch with friends and we’d become closer as we grew up.”
Kelly Fortner, 17 Undeclared
“‘Lizzie McGuire’ was good when I was young. My friend and I related to Lizzie and Miranda.”
Rachel Schuester, 19 Microbiology
“‘Friends’ was funny and reminded me of my friends as well.”
Interviewer & Photographer: Vanessa Muniz
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Editorial “To stay, or to flunk out...” Title 5 saves money yet creates inequities “To stay, to flunk or to take a ‘W’?” As October nears and the semester gets further along, students begin to ask themselves this very question as classes get harder and work schedules change. Changes to Title 5, the state Education Code, will limit the number of times a community college student can repeat a class. Previously, students were allowed seven chances to pass a class with a grade of C or better before the state cut off funding; now the magic number is reduced to three. According to the publication California Watch, limiting the times a student can enroll in a single class to three will save the state an estimated $235 million dollars. Yes, the new limitations will create a sense of urgency among the student body to stick with a class, instead of withdrawing, and pass it within the first couple of tries. Yes, the new limitations will put end to “student shopping,”
in which a few students enroll in a large amount classes, knowing they can take a “W” if need be. Yes, the new limitations will save the state money, potentially allowing more funding to go to the expansion of classes and programs. Yes, the idea of saving millions of dollars and space in critical classes is appealing. But these changes will cause vast inequities. The first inequity is that the assessment testing process for incoming students is flawed. Many students are placed in English or math classes that are either too remedial or too hard for their skill level. According to a report done by the independent research organization WestEd in San Francisco, less than half of the 112 community colleges in the state provide practice tests for students and the remaining colleges often do not inform students of this valuable resource. When students are unprepared for their assessment tests, it puts
them at huge disadvantage to be placed in the correct class. In a study conducted by California State University, Sacramento in October of 2010, re-
“Yet another example of California community colleges venturing away from their motto, ‘lifelong learning.’” ~The Inquirer
searchers found that poor class placing was one reason why only 30 percent of community college students working toward an
associate degree or transferring to a four-year university achieve their goals within six years. A second reason students retake classes is a learning disability. With the influx of budget cuts to Disabled Student Services, assistance for students who need extra help is very limited. DSS also helps students identify learning disabilities that they may not have ever realized were holding them back. Many students struggle for a long time before they realize that they need help. Without a grandfathering clause, the changes to Title 5 are retroactive and will prevent students who have already taken a class three times from taking the class again starting summer 2012. Students who have withdrawn from a class three times will not be allowed to take key classes for transfer, also preventing them from earning an associate degree. Limiting the number of times a student can repeat a class is yet another example of California community colleges venturing
away from their motto, “lifelong learning.” Changes turn students away from furthering their education and taking classes for selfenrichment. Though in these economic times saving money is always good in theory, the state needs to take into consideration how students will be affected.
Opinions
Of Mice and Masculinity in 2011 Masculinity is a religion that most men adhere to at one point or another. As I recall, at the age of 8, I was mesmerized by men who danced around in leotards and giant transforming robots on my TV; thus my concept of manhood was born. My father, amused by my childish notions of masculinity, nurtured this love of performance art until he felt it was time to propagate the “correct” concept of masculinity. A concept of masculinity, in its many incarnations, that leaves its practitioners with a lack of identity. We, as DVC students, see this inadequacy of identity in culture mediums, ranging from language to profession. According to sociologist Jackson Toby’s hypothesis on “Violence and the Masculine Ideal,” at the core of these char-
acteristics, lies a deep seated fragility; masculinity, among men, is defined not by what you are, but what you have done. No matter how many touchdowns, no matter how many onenighters you pull, no matter how amazing your interior designs skills; in the end, none of these actions or “achievements” truly last in the eyes of our peers. In other words: the ladies, gentlemen, are not impressed. Most advertisements, pop songs, and culture of our generation; how we do, Imma be, Old Spice slogans that capitalize on the enduring quality of men to adapt to a constantly changing environment, all are clever ploys to exploit and profit off of a man’s inclination to feel “manly.” For most men, this fragility is often shielded by aggressive
displays of asserted dominance. I remember my first experience with bullies, the names, the harassment, the wedgies to glean from me the last of my lunch money. This alternative of aggressive action, as explained by The Messerschmidt Theory, becomes an acceptable approach if other methods are not initially successful. These aggressive displays of dominance (false confidence), are attributed to men considered as “tools.” When masculinity is recognized for its more positive qualities of independence and confidence, it will stop being associated with violent, insecure behavior? Qualities that can be expressed through nonviolent methods that allow men to be
In David Lynch’s 1997 film “Lost Highway,” the main character Fred, played by Bill Pullman, is asked if he owns a video camera. “No,” he says. “I like to remember things my own way... not necessarily the way they happened.” To me, Fred’s thoughts are similar to my thoughts on pop cultural nostalgia. Last summer, Viacom made some buzz by announcing that their cable channel TeenNICK would deviate from rerunning Drake vehicle “Degrassi: The Next Generation” to air a latenight block called “The 90’s are All That!” The block consists of pro-
gramming from the early to mid 90’s, featuring shows like “Doug,” “Clarissa Explains It All,” and of course, “All That!” The block seems to be successful, proving that Nickelodeon can literally sell us nostalgia. This is all good, but I’m going to avoid it. Firstly, some things are just better off in my memories. When I was 7, “All That!” was pretty funny. Now I’m 21 and that was two-thirds of a lifetime ago. I doubt the show will still be as funny as it was back then, on account of the fact that I grew up, but the writing didn’t. I suppose this is probably another form of escapism, but the difference is that this emphasizes
immaturity and safety. Instead of watching shows like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” or “Mad Men,” which would challenge your mind in an entertaining manner, this nostalgic train of thought leads one to watching simple children’s fair like “The Angry Beavers.” I should note here that I am a hypocrite in a sense, because I like to sit around with my buddies watching “Blue’s Clues” or “Dora the Explorer” late at night. I would like to think that my case is slightly different because I get more enjoyment from approaching the show as an adult in a snarky manner as opposed to approaching the show as an
SEAN WILKEY Staff writer
respected rather than ostracized for their behavior. Exactly why, when discussing with my man friends, or “mands,” the trials and tribulations of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice trilogy, that I can express my own interests whilst the conversation inevitably careens to a no-holds barred verbal jousting of whether or not the Giants will take the season if Brian Wilson shaves his beard. To avoid ostracism and exploitation, men and their masculinity
deserve, as stated by Andrew Romano of The Daily Beast, a “reimagining of what [men] should be expected to do in the two realms; home and work”; to liberate themselves from conditioned roles and professions to pursue opportunities that arise in the changing environment. Not that wielding a makeshift shotgun whilst spouting obscenities and dressing like a cultural sociopath is not “manly.” I love Bruce Campbell as much as the next guy. But masculinity should be less of a religion and more of a belief, a belief that men are born men with enduring qualities of independence and confidence that women everywhere can have faith in. Contact SEAN WILKEY at swilkey@TheInquirerOnline.com
Nostalgia is great, but let’s move on
Editorial Board
Staff
EDITOR IN CHIEF Julius Rea MANAGING EDITOR Cecily Trowbridge ONLINE EDITOR Steven Langsam 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 PHOTOGRAPHERS DESIGNERS INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Ann Stenmark ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
JOHN KESLER Staff writer
adult going down memory lane, which is where the problem lies. Mainly, my deal with venturing into nostalgia is that it ruins memories. Memories are awesome because they’re affected by each of our own perceptions, and the beauty is that we can remember memories incorrectly. Take my experience with “Blue’s Clues,” for instance. Be-
fore I started watching it again this summer, I remembered the show more as images than a coherent whole: the dog, Steve, the cut-paper style. However, now that I’ve seen it again, my memories are ruined. All I associate “Blue’s Clues” with is a bad drug trip. In the end, venturing into nostalgia restricts your personal growth. I find it safe to assume that being adventurous with your entertainment choices will lead to you being a better person overall. Leave your memories as memories. Let’s see what’s out there. Contact JOHN KESLER at jkesler@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 •
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bay Area teams fallout
SPORTS
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Vikings stay strong
7
Bears score Neu coach
GRIFFIN HENNING Staff writer
STEPHEN LANGSAM Online editor
The Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers both lost this weekend, the second week in the 17-week football season. The Raiders played the upstart Buffalo Bills led by Harvard graduate Ryan Fitzpatrick. While the 49ers played their long time foe, the Dallas Cowboys. Offensively the Raiders were excited. quarterback Jason Campbell threw for 323 yards including a 50yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Denarious Moore to give the Raiders the lead in the fourth quarter. The running game for the Raiders was dominated by Darren McFadden, who rushed for 72 yards. He was also a key factor in the passing game, having seven receptions for 71 yards. He had 143 all purpose yards with a touchdown both as receiver and a runner. Frank Gore of the 49ers was less then spectacular again this week, but did manage a touchdown and 47 yards on 20 carries, and three receptions for 17 yards. The defenses of both teams played very well in the first half. The Raiders defense only allowed three points going into the third quarter. While the 49ers defense only allowed a single touchdown. The 49ers didn’t allow as many points as the Raiders and forced over time against America’s team (The Cowboys). During overtime the 49ers were forced to punt and the Cowboys took the ball into the redzone and kicked a game winning field goal to win 27-24. Considering both teams lost their matchups, the Raiders loss to the Bills in Buffalo, New York was less detrimental to the team for the rest of the season. “Its tough but I like the Raiders chances more,” said Tim Hughes, a Raiders fan. The 49ers loss to the Cowboys at home was backbreaking. To lose in overtime is tough. To lose in overtime after leading almost the whole game at home is even worse. “They both don’t know how to finish, it’s like a baseball team with no closer,” said Ryan Hilton, a 49ers fan. The biggest factor between the losses this weekend is that now the 49ers have only six home games remaining this year, while the Raiders have all eight home games remaining. “The Raiders looked much better than the 49ers this weekend,” said James Odell, a neutral fan of both teams. On the upside, both the 49ers and Raiders are 1-0 in division. Contact STEPHEN LANGSAM at stlangsam@TheInquirerOnline.com
Photos by STEVIE CHOW
Quarterback Spencer Van Brunt tucks the ball and runs up field at Contra Costa College.
In their second game, DVC beat CCC 31-26 SCOTT ANNIS Sports editor
It wasn’t pretty, and the Vikings had to use all three of their quarterbacks, but DVC came away with a 31-26 win over Contra Costa College on Saturday. “They tell me to always be ready,” back-up quarterback Quinn Kaehler said. “I just wanted to come in and do my job.” After starting quarterback Spencer Van Brunt was pulled midway through the second quarter, Kaehler came into the game with DVC trailing 13-7. He made quick work of the Comets defense throwing a 57 yard touchdown pass to Cam- Runningback Vince Ferrante runs the ball in for a touchdown at the Sept. 17 eron Rowland on his second football game. drive to tie the score. It was Rowland’s first catch yards while accumulating five of his college career. He said sacks, including Morgan Breshe was, “really nervous. We’ve lin’s game ending sack. been working all summer toThe defense forced Congether, I came in a little late tra Costa to punt on ten of but it’s good to be on the same their 14 possessions, and gave page with the quarterbacks.” up only 13 points in the first Kaehler threw one intercep- half and only six points in the tion but was aided by running second. CCC scored another backs CJ Best, Vince Ferrante, touchdown on a botched snap and Dozie Iwaugwu who each during a punt attempt. had a rushing touchdown. Head Coach Mike Darr said Andre’ Lewis had two beau- of the game, “Unfortunately tiful catches to set up these we made some mistakes early, scoring runs. made the game much closer At halftime, DVC led 19- than it should have been. 13 and ofOur guys “Our guys showed a showed a fensive line coach Da- lot of character, com- lot of charvid Garcia acter, coming back from early ing back said, “We need to adversity, on the road.” from early hang onto adversity, the ball in on the ~MIKE DARR the second road…” Head Coach half. The DVC has penalties are killing us.” now won their two games by a On DVC’s first drive of the combined score of 73-26. second half, after missing two The team is off to a fast extra points, DVC chose to go start and will have teams gunfor it on fourth down. ning for them the rest of the They had a turnover on season. downs, but didn’t give up anThey will know this heading other for the rest of the game, into Sierra College this SaturRunningback Dozie Iwaugwu runs up field in the leading to two touchdowns. day. The defense was the story second game of the season. Iwaugwu got a running once again though, holding touchdown during the game against the Contra Contact SCOTT ANNIS at sannis@TheInquirerOnline.com Contra Costa to 45 rushing Costa Comets.
Sports in Brief
Cross Country continues to place Water polo thrives in the water At the American River College Beaver Invitational, the men’s cross country team had a good showing placing three guys in the top 25. The men had to run a four mile track on Sept. 17. Eric Brooks placed 15th with a time of 22 minutes 24 seconds. In 17th place Greg Garcia had a time of 22:27. The team came in fourth out of six schools. The women’s Cross Country team competed at the ARC Beaver Invitational as well. Their race was three miles long and began at 11:15am. The team did excellent with two women in the top 15. Carmen Martinez came in seventh with a time of 20 minutes and 33 seconds. Jessica Reed had a time of 21:35 to give her a 12th place finish. The team came in fourth out of five teams.
The men’s water polo team had a tournament at Cuesto College where they won three matches but lost to Golden West College 17-6. Their team chemistry continued to grow as they beat UC Riverside, LA Valley and Ventura. The women’s water polo team went to the West Valley tournament Sept. 16-17, and finished with two wins and two losses. They beat West valley 20-3, and Ohlone 10-3. They lost to Merced 10-6, and Cuesta 6-4. Merced is among the top teams in the state and DVC played them tight the whole match. Megan Duckworth played outstanding in goal for the Vikings.
For more Sports in Brief, check out theinquireronline.com
Cal’s athletic department decided it was time to bring aboard a pitching coach who would consistently lead the Golden Bears to the College World Series. The Bears didn’t have to scour the conferences seeking a coach from a competitive NCAA program. In fact, they were able to acquire a gifted young coach who had a stellar background in developing quality programs built around pitching. Cal found its gem much closer to the Caldecott tunnel. It was Diablo Valley College’s head baseball coach Mike Neu. Neu had a history at DVC, having led the Vikings to an 87-41 record during his three seasons in Pleasant Hill. He also added two Big 8 Conference Titles to a Vikings baseball program already acquainted with talent. His influence was widely appreciated amongst the players he coached. “A real great guy, always taught us how to behave on and off the field. He taught us how to present ourselves. He prepared us for the adversities of life. He was one of the better coaches I’ve ever had,” said Matt Burks, the Vikings center fielder. Burks’ sentiments are a fine testimony to Neu’s dedication and coaching philosophy. “I think a lot of these athletes choose DVC because they know they can transfer easily and continue towards their goals,” Neu said as he considered his time at DVC. Cal’s decision to go with Neu was based on its belief that he could build on a resurrected program. It would be a fragile task, indeed, for the former Vikings skipper. Neu, however, is enthused about the challenge. “This has been a great move for me,” he said. “I have great memories from DVC. I had wonderful relationships there with the players and staff. But I’m really excited about the opportunity to coach at Cal.” Neu’s transition to UCBerkeley is similar to the journey many DVC students make when they transfer to Cal. It involves the same excitement and uncertainty. The process bears the same responsibility; allowing access to vast resources that absolutely must be treated and used with reverence. It is a delicate balance for one to strike, but is parallel to an element that seems to be abundant in the personality at DVC. It’s why Cal recognizes DVC as the talent pool that it is. It’s why the Bears enroll droves of the DVC student body. And it’s why Cal offered the job to Neu. Contact GRIFFIN HENNING at ghenning@TheInquirerOnline.com
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Sports
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The lacrosse team holds up their sticks during the Sept. 14 scrimmage. The team plays against four-year schools for pride.
Uncrowned kings
Photos by DANIELLE BARCENA
Lacrosse continues to reign over 4-year teams TOM RIZZA Staff writer
Midfielder Louis Jacobus dodges players. He is one of 48 students on the lacrosse team this semester.
Terry Armstrong, lacrosse club advisor, stands in the announcer’s box watching the team. He started the club with Al Boyce and 20 students in 2008.
Midfielder Chris Banks cradles the ball on Sept. 14. He is one of the many students waiting to play against four-year schools.
Lacrosse players wait and prepare for the first scrimmage of the year.
sociation, or MCLA, season. Although they won’t be playing for a championship, The clang of sticks hit- the Vikings play for someting pads and plays being thing bigger: pride. The Lascreamed from the sidelines crosse club is one of the only echoed through Viking Sta- DVC teams that regularly dium as the DVC Lacrosse competes with four-year uniclub kicked off the season versities. Not only do they with their “White and Green” compete, but they win. Since scrimmage on Sept. 14. it’s inception, the team has The audience experienced pulled in victories against pure excitement while watch- schools like Stanford, UC ing the state’s top-ranked Davis and San Jose State. community college Lacrosse “We love to surprise them,” club. In fact, DVC has the Armstrong said with a smile. only community college team Furthermore, every time a in California, making it one Viking Lacrosse player takes of the most unique clubs on the field, their opponent is campus. effectively scouting them. In In late 2008, advisor Terry the past three years, 20 playArmstrong, staff coordinator ers have transferred on to Al Boyce and five dedicated four-year programs at UC players sat in a cramped coun- Davis, UC Santa Barbara and seling office and drafted ideas University of Nevada, Reno. on how to form the club. “We take pride in good reThe first challenge was be- cruiting,” Boyce said. “Some ing able to fill a 20-man roster of these guys might have had in order to lock up field time. a bad game at a tournament After signing up 19 players in in high school or have made total, the a leap in “We take pride in team was improveone memment good recruiting.” ber short. since be“We ing scout~AL BOYCE needed the ed, and Lacrosse staff coordinator field time,” we’re able Boyce exclaimed. “So I told to provide them a second Terry to put my name down look.” on the roster as a fourth As the club moves forstring goalie. We didn’t even ward, they continue to brainhave a third string goalie, storm ways to get a chance at it just meant we had to pull a championship. someone from the stands be“What we’re trying to sugfore I suit up.” gest to the MCLA is a comSince then, word of mouth munity college league with and the club’s individuality the creation of other clubs helped the club explode into in Northern California, but what it is today; they are field- that’s a ways away,” Arming a 48-man roster. “The strong said. “They still don’t team is really starting to come know what to do with us.” together as a family,” said first Although they aren’t afyear midfielder Octavio Mar- forded that chance for glory, tinez, “we have a lot of po- it doesn’t discourage the team tential to do great things.” on the field. In the press box “A lot of high schools in at the first scrimmage, Boyce the East Bay have good pro- sat back in his chair and said, grams, but as far as college “We’ll play anybody.” programs go there is a big The Vikings are looking gap for talented players to get forward to a season better on teams. We are happy to fill than last year as they prepare that gap,” coach Jon Skinner to show off their grit and said. intensity on the field against Since the DVC Lacrosse University of Pacific at 7:15 team is the only community p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28 college team in the state, they at Viking Stadium. are not allowed to play in the spring during the official Contact TOM RIZZA at trizza@ Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse AsTheInquirerOnline.com