Viking football dominates Chabot College Page 3
Math professor gets published
Page 6
DVC alums produce album
Page 6
The
INQUIRER S tudent V oi ce
Volume 80 No. 2 Copyright © 2012 The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College www.TheInquirerOnline.com
of
D iablo Val le y C ol le g e
Thursday, Sept. 27 - Wednesday Oct. 10, 2012
MATTHEW EMMANUEL / The Inquirer
Chris Rowney, attacker for DVC Lacrosse team, working with community volunteers for Pleasant Hill’s 9th Annual Community Service Day.
Lacrosse contributes to community SAMANTHA CHIU Staff writer
While many people spent their Saturday morning tucked fast-asleep, 30-plus lacrosse players braved the early morning chill for the 9th Annual Pleasant Hill’s Community Service Day – all for the betterment of others. Said others were the students at Gregory Gardens Elementary School. Over the course of the day, the team weeded and replanted the school’s gardens, helped build cabinets, and even tackled a
project of great artistic ambitions: painting the United States across a stretch of the school’s playground concrete area. This year marks the third year running that the team has collaborated with the school - something that Principal Cheryl Kolano was eager to praise. “It’s so great that the team have come to help us again,” Kolano enthused. “We really appreciate their hard work, and it makes such a difference to the school.” The lacrosse team is certainly no stranger to hard
work. Their history, wrought with arduous struggles, began in 2008 when Terry Armstrong – now the club’s advisor – first inquired about establishing a lacrosse program at DVC. While the athletic director was quick to dismiss his efforts, Armstrong found support in Ralph DePew, the PE department chair. After some creative recruitment tactics, Armstrong was able to rustle up just enough lacrosse-enthusiasts to start a lacrosse club. Despite being a club with no school funding, the team
has managed to develop from a collection of players who lacked a proper uniform to a team that has beaten Stanford, UC Davis, and University of Nevada, Reno - just to name a few. “Although we are a club, we feel very much that we are a team,” explained Devon Bahary, Club President and Captain of the lacrosse team. “We were the first and remain one of the only community college lacrosse teams in California who play competitively against four year universities let alone other countries.” Being a club has clearly
not undermined the students’ dedication as athletes. “We might as well be taking
“We really appreciate their hard work, and it makes such a difference to the school.” ~Cheryl Kolano
a three-unit class,” Bahary admitted. “We practice nine hours a week, but we still
have homework like everyone else… in that aspect we are no different from other student athletes.” Indeed, the efforts of the lacrosse players have helped make DVC a model lacrosse program. Not only has the program attracted students from across the country, but other community colleges have approached Armstrong for a guide. “I’m going to have to sit down and write up the model,” Armstrong laughed. LACROSSE, Page 2
Ward V candidates offer solutions ERIKA PETERSON Staff Writer
MATTHEW EMMANUEL / The Inquirer
An electric transformer was found to be leaking oil causing the loss of a tree.
Transformer leak takes tree HAKEEM MONTES Editor In chief
Diablo Valley College began this week with one less tree. An electrical transformer near the Learning Center sprung an oil leak which contaminated the soil; the tree next to it was removed as a part of the clean-up procedure. College President Peter Garcia reported the transformer, next
to the faculty-staff lounge, had been leaking and described the incident as “not an uncommon phenomenon,” in a safety alert which was sent to the entire campus on Sept. 13. In response to the tree needing to be removed, DVC student Marcos San Mateo said “…you can’t mess with mother nature, man. That’s the one thing everyone is trying to stop…”. Student Aaron Petrossian
agreed: “There should be another way to clear the problem.” The transformer leak was discovered while “preparing for a power shutdown which was planned for the week of August 10” as Chrisanne Knox said in a follow-up campus alert dated Sept. 14. Knox mentioned that the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) levels were tested by RGA Environmental and were
TRANSFORMER, Page 2
Although the presidential election is currently taking up a large portion of the average citizen’s thought, in the Contra Costa County Community College district, a much smaller, although very important, election is also taking place. The Ward V trustee position currently filled by Robert Calone will be on the November ballot. The candidates are former Heald College math professor and financial analyst, Greg Enholm; former LMC and DVC student, De’shawn Woolridge; and former County Education Board member, Daniel Borsuk. This is the first time none of the three candidates are Ward V incumbents. Below are explanations of each candidate’s platform ordered alphabetically by candidate. n Daniel Borsuk, 65, says that as a former Diablo Valley College student who transferred to a university, he has an extensive public service record, and will be able to improve the fiscal and academic condition of the
district. “I am running to inform the Contra Costa County students and taxpayers (that) special interests want to continue their control and influence over those who serve on the college board,” Borsuk said. “I will not let that happen because I will represent the interests of all citizens of East County.” He states that his experience representing the Contra Costa County Board of Education at the California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly, his experience teaching a writing course for the San Francisco Community College District, his service on the boards of nonprofit organizations, and his experience publishing and editing California Education News are all examples of his “first-hand knowledge of how California politics works or, as the case is in most instances, does not work.” His main priorities are to promote fiscal stability so students can have better access to more courses, to assure all East Contra Costa County taxpayers that the district will provide quality
programs, to reduce student fees, to obtain new grants to support district academic and vocational courses and the graduation and transfer rate, and to improve labor organization/administration relations. Although Borsuk worries about the current financial situation, he believes that new campus in Brentwood is necessary because of the growing East County population. He states that, “The district should build the campus on the 110 acre site because it will allow the district to hold down real estate costs and still offer enough property to build new facilities in the future.” Borsuk emphasized the necessity of Proposition 30 due to its added $5.5 million for the school budget annually. n Candidate Greg Enholm, 58, believes that his first-hand experience of the community college system, his drive to finish projects, and his work as a financial analyst are reasons he should be elected. “The board does not have anyone with my experience
WARD 5, Page 2
• NEWS 1, 2 • SPORTS 3 • OPINIONS 4 • EDITORIAL 5 • ENTERTAINMENT 6 • FEATURES 6 • CAMPUS BUZZ 4 • CALENDER 2 • POLICE BEAT 2 • STAFF INFORMATION 4 •
Thursday, September 27 - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Ward 5 From Page 1
on it and consequently they lose literally millions of dollars in ways that someone like myself would look at this and say ‘hey you need to look at this to avoid all of that,’” he said.
CALENDAR Thursday Sep. 27 Art Gallery Show “Inked Surfaces” until 3:00 p.m. Library Exhibit: Political button display all day until Nov. 30 Library Exhibit: “Scenes From My Life” by Karen Lee. Open until Oct. 13 Brown Bag Workshop w/ Glenn Onizuka – Internment of Japanese Sebastian Rene / The Inquirer Americans during WWII. 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 The DVC lacrosse team contributes to the community with volunteer work at p.m. Student Union Gregory Gardens Elementary School. Conference Room 204
Lacrosse From Page 1
Friday Sept. 28
Open Garden and Plant Sale Every Friday through November. 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Parking Lot #9 DVC Women’s Soccer vs Cosumnes River College, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 2
Where the lacrosse community lacks in size it makes up for in passion. Attacker Chris Rowney explained, “When you find a football player, you compare how good your teams are. When you bump into a lacrosse player, you go, ‘you play lacrosse? Oh man, I love that sport!’” It’s this deep love for the sport which has helped the players remain grounded despite their whirlwind of success. “We have a deep appreciation that we attend a community college with such a high transfer rate that also
Brown Bag Workshop “Alternative to Alternative Energy” 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Student Union Conference Room 204 Friday Oct. 5 DVC Symphonic Band Concert 8:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center
““The only people who don’t like lacrosse are the people who don’t know about it!”” ~CHRIS ROWNEY Lacrosse attacker
give back to the community which has made this possible for us.”
reported to be at the very low level of 1.5 ppm.
awarded the contract for clean-up consultation. The college is “not required to Knox stated, get bids in an “…because emergency sitPCB concenuation and (is) trations are less allowed to use than 50ppm trusted venthe release was dors who are reported as a familiar with non_PCB rethe required lease…DVC work and who officials have can get the job chosen to foldone,” said low the strictKnox. The est clean-up final cost of protocol.” the work is not Knox stated, known at this . “The majority time, Knox if not all of the said. work will be ~CHRISANNE KNOX As of Sept. done when stuCollege Spokesperson 25 at 2:25 p.m., dents are not in the tree and class.” RG Environmental had been contaminated soil have been removed and the new concrete pad
“...because PCB concentrations are less than 50ppm the release was reported as a non_PCB release…DVC officials have chosen to follow the strictest clean-up protocol ”
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Police Beat .September 12, 2012
Student had a seizure in front of the Student Services Center.
A golf cart owned by a construction company was stolen from the overflow lot.
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has been installed. Knox reports the installation of the new transformer is expected to be completed by weekend of Sept. 30. A power outage is expected to take place during the installation of the new transformer. Specific dates and times of the outage will be communicated in advance said Knox. DVC alum Craig Sanburn, said, “I think trees are good and oil is bad. Everything possible should be switched to solar [power].
Contact HAKEEM MONTES at HMONTES@TheInquirerOnline.com
MATTHEW EMMANUEL/ The Inquirer
The new transformer is expected to be completed by September 30.
CHANGE YOUR FUTURE. TODAY.
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Student had a seizure in front of the Student Services Center. September 14, 2012
n De’Shawn Woolridge, 21, believes that his knowledge of the college infrastructure, his understanding of the challenges facing students and faculty, his strong advocacy for important issues, and his ability to function as a team with diverse people are reasons he should be elected. With his experience holding student positions on various Contact SAMANTHA CHIU at SCHIU@TheInquirerOnline.com community college boards, and
From Page 1
Saturday Oct. 6 DVC Choral Festival 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center .
The team certainly left their mark behind at the elementary school. The teams’ enthusiasm for the sport was clearly infectious, with third-graders squeaking their promise to show up at future lacrosse games. As midfielder Cory Callahan joked: “The only people who don’t like lacrosse are the people who don’t know about it!” You can watch the Vikings play Simon Fraser University at the Viking Field on Friday
Enholm believes that his experience on various community-planning committees and his two published books are proof that he can process a lot of information in order to reach his allotted goals.
Transformer
Applied Music Recital 2:00 p.m. Music Room 101 College Success Workshop Weekly Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Student Union Conference Room 204
allows us to play lacrosse,” explained Bahary. “We want to
his current positions on several district councils, Woolridge believes that “No one should be judged because of their age whether they are 21 or 70.” His main priorities are to work towards better student retention through financial relief initiatives, to institute digital textbooks and aid with transportation costs, to collaborate with businesses, community and non-profit organizations for district recourses, to sustain college programs through grants and donations, and to prepare students through stronger alignment of academic curriculum. Woolridge feels that, due to the district’s current economic situation, the 17 acre lot is the only feasible option for the Brentwood area. “When more funding is available then we can devote funding to the Brentwood project and increase it to a larger size.” Woolridge thinks that increased outreach to local high schools to align high school curriculum to community college curriculum would prepare students to succeed in college. He believes stronger articulations with UC/CSU for more transferable courses is extremely important, and he states that increasing CTE job training would make sure that students are learning high in demand job market skills. Woolridge supports Prop 30.
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His top priorities are promoting the building of the 110 acre Brentwood community college, allowing high school students to take LMC courses, to change the current STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) system to an enhanced EMASET (English, mathematics, arts, science, engineering, and technology) system, and to set up three community advisory committees for the Bond Oversight Committee. He believes that his experience on various community-planning committees and his two published books are proof that he can process a lot of information in order to reach his allotted goals. Enholm is also an avid supporter of Prop. 30.
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Sports
Thursday, September 27 - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Football routs Chabot 44-20 Prolific passing gives Vikings their first win of the season ANDREW O’CONNOR-WATTS Managing editor
Entering their second home game 0-3, Vikings football left Friday’s matchup against Chabot College with a resounding 44-20 victory and over 500 yards passing. “It’s great to get our first win, especially after the three weeks we’ve had,” said head coach Mike Darr. “They’ve played well enough to win all three (previous) games and they knew it. Playing hard was never a problem so it’s nice for them to have that reward walking off.” DVC wide receivers led the charge in Friday night’s victory, notably sophomore Diante Jackson, who played in the Rose Bowl with Oregon for the 2009 season before coming to DVC. Jackson thanked fellow receiver An-
dre’ Lewis for allowing him to get open on several occasions against Chabot. “(We) started off slow… but we got it together in the second half and learned from our mistakes… it ain’t even about the numbers to tell you the truth, I’m just glad that we got the win,” said Jackson. While it may not be about the numbers for Jackson, it easily could be. Jackson scored three touchdowns and 211 yards, entering the game leading the state in receptions. (Teammates Cameron Rowland and Andre’ Lewis were second and eighth, respectively.) Jackson said, “(Oregon) wasn’t the right fit for me, I didn’t wanna go there at first, I kind of got forced to go, a lot of people don’t know that.” Jackson said he took time off from football to get himself in the right mindset after his father passed away last year. “I was out partying and doing the wrong things, and I’m better than that. This is me getting myself back together.” Lewis spoke on the team’s pregame attitude against a Chabot team that was also 0-3 going into Friday’s game, “We
“Playing hard was never a problem so it’s nice for them to have that reward walking off.” ~Mike Darr, Head coach
came in with the mentality that we were gonna eat and fight all four quarters. We couldn’t come out flat.” The Vikings’ first home game against Santa Rosa on Sept. 7 was a much closer game, and this proved detrimental for DVC, which staged a second half comeback to no avail. Santa Rosa won in the final minutes, 28-26. “Our mistakes and our penalties forced us to lose that game and on top (of that) we didn’t finish,” said cornerback Malachi Harris. “My job in the Santa Rosa game was to take away big pass plays. We weren’t where we were supposed to be so we focused in practice on that.” Contact ANDREW O’CONNOR-WATTS at AOConnorWatts@TheInquirerOnline.com
HAKEEM MONTES / The Inquirer
Diante Jackson makes a leaping touchdown catch over a Chabot defender. Jackson scored three touchdowns and had 11 receptions for 211 yards.
DVC drowns vs. American River
Cross Country: 2nd and 3rd place at George Brooks Invite
Soccer defense flounders in Friday’s 3-1 loss
RYAN PETERS Staff writer
The Diablo Valley Cross Country team earned a second place finish for the men and a third place finish for the women in Friday’s First Annual George Brooks Invitational meet at Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez. The women’s 5k run flew by, with the winning time of 19:32. Kate Sallstrom placed 1st for DVC and 4th overall in the event. Behind her, Carmen Martinez came in 32 seconds later to post an 8th place finish. At 21:18, Kaeli Hancock placed 10th overall and 3rd for DVC. “I feel like I left it all out there, especially in the last 100 meters,” said Sallstrom after the race. In “I feel like I left the men’s 4.1 mile it all out there, DVC event, stacked especially in the up numerous top 20 last 100 me- First for finishes. DVC and 5th ters.” overall, Dominique Caston ~Kate Sallstrom started strong Cross country runner and held his pace for a time of 23:20. Dylan Winn followed him in 10th overall with a time of 23:27. In third place, Damian Kellogg finished in 24:06. Friday’s race was a practice run for the Big 8 Conference event that will feature the same course on Oct. 26. Volunteer Jim H. stated,
3
RYAN PETERS Staff writer
RYAN PETERS / The Inquirer
Kate Sallstrom runs at the George Brooks Invitational at Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez. Sallstrom finished in first place for DVC and fourth place overall.
“Everything went smooth and the races went off without a hitch.” Coach Shelly Pierson worked her runners up to the meet, so they went into the meet fatigued. She wanted to use this meet as a practice run and allow for something to build on. Pierson said that in spite of this being more of a training run, her teams placed in the top three of both events. “A second place finish and a third place finish…happy coach,” said Pierson. Contact RYAN PETERS at RPeters@TheInquirerOnline. com
The score did not tell the whole story in the DVC soccer team’s 3-1 loss against American River College in their first conference game on Friday. American River College came out quick when forward Ceci Velazquez scored the first goal in the opening five minutes of the first half. Knowing the importance of a conference win, both teams played strong and fought for possession of the ball. The first half ended with the score 1-0. The second half started with both teams mixing it up early, and Velazquez scored her second goal in a breakaway when communication in the DVC defense broke down. The Vikings took control after that, maintaining the majority of the possession and winning most of the free balls. In frustration, American River College resorted to
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physical play and a foul resulted in a penalty kick 80 minutes into the game. Wendy Magarin stepped up and hammered the ball into the back of the netting to bring the game to 2-1.
“(There was) negative energy after the early goal.” ~Haley Paxton Defender
With 10 minutes left in the game, assistant coach Sam Liubicich knew the game was not over. The Vikings were controlling the ball and playing to each other’s feet. In previous games, the Vikings were able to close out games and finish strong, so Liubicich
was counting on the team to pull themselves out of the hole they were in. Unfortunately, one last goal put the game out of reach when American River College broke away to win the game at 3-1. Haley Paxton, a defender for the Vikings, felt there was “negative energy after the early goal,” and that they were not able to fully get back into the game. The Vikings are now ranked fifth in the Big Eight Conference, but there are still many games left to secure a better position and a shot at the playoffs. The next home game is Friday Sept. 28 against Cosumnes River.
Contact RYAN PETERS at RPeters@TheInquirerOnline. com
4Buzz The
Opinions
What do you think about California Community Colleges losing over half a million students over the last four years?
Julian Rodriguez, 21 Business
“It speaks to the country’s priorities... Military is going to come first and everything else that is essential will be scaled back.”
Kelsey G, 18 Music therapy
“I agree tuition has gone up a lot, but particularly for four-year colleges so that means that community colleges are in much more demand and I think that’s why more schools are impacted and we can’t get a lot of students in.”
Matt Cody, 37 Computer Science
“That’s horrible. I mean it’s going to have a huge negative impact on California economically in the future. I just wished that the politicians could figure out that the best investment in the future in California is on schools and education...
Alyssa Kim, 17 Undecided
“I believe people go more for the four year route or are just depending on a high school G.E.D. to get them through a career path and that speaks for desperation. ”
Michael Griffin, 20 Undecided
“It could be anywhere from students not wanting to continue school or people not being able to afford it because school does cost a lot money now that they raised the tuition fees for school.” Interviewer:Thalia Avila Photographer: Ryan Peters
The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
Thursday, September 27 - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Editorial Where’d they go? Have you noticed fewer students in California’s community colleges? Unfortunately we may not have noticed either. According to Governor Brown, there are roughly 500,000 fewer students in the California community college system compared to 2008. According to a report of the Master Plan for Higher Education issued by California’s state legislature, “In order for California to compete in the global marketplace, replace the baby boomer generation and ensure a cohesive and democratic multicultural society, our State must keep… its commitment to universal access for every qualified student.” This proclamation on behalf of our state’s legislature implies that the students denied access were not “qualified”.
A double standard lies in the cap on California resident enrollment for CCCCD; a system which they contribute to through local property and sales taxes. However, there is no cap on the number of outof-state students and international students which may enter into the same system. According to the DVC website, the current per-unit course enrollment fee is $46, while out-of-state students pay over $250 per unit. Not only are California student residents being denied access to a system which they fund in part, but they are losing seats to those able to pay higher enrollment fees. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) issued a report emphasizing the importance of college educated residents: “California will need
to produce many more college graduates if it is to even partially meet its increasing economic demand for college graduates… The retirement of the large and relatively well-educated baby-boom cohort…and demographic shifts toward groups that have historically low rates of college attendance and graduation.” With a reduction in college graduates, residents of California will have fewer career options causing them to take entry-level jobs. As community college students are being denied access, California will find it increasingly difficult to compete with the world labor market. The recent dramatic reduction of community college students is a negative mark on the future of this once-flourishing state economy.
Kellyn Borst/ The Inquirer
Take a little time to thank teachers SOFIA PUTRI Staff writer
Sept. 1 was Teachers’ Day in Singapore, an official national celebration and school holiday recognizing the dedication of teachers, where students would bring little meaningful gifts to school for teachers or write letters and cards for them. Unfortunately, I have observed that the commitment of teachers is much less appreciated in the United States. Albeit being at a community college, DVC instructors are no less than inspirational and influential. They have played a huge part in shaping who I am, which explains my astonishment when I observed the lack of teacher appreciation from students on campus. On the final days of instruction
for the past three semesters I attended DVC, the most significant form of gratitude I witnessed appeared to be people who thanked instructors while shaking their hands. To address this concern, I will use specific examples I have encountered. The first instructor I would like to thank and commend is Professor Benjamin Armerding. The English 126 Critical Thinking class taught by him is by far the most mentally stimulating course I have ever taken in DVC. Expecting an ordinary English class with discussions of critical thinking, I was amazed when presented with theories from Rhetoric, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, and even Politics in this course. The second professor that left an indelible impact is Professor Katy Agnost, who taught my English 123 Lit-
erature class. Her cheerful personality always brightened the classroom, and she was always ready to lend an ear whenever I encountered problems in my personal life. Professor Agnost’s class intensified my passion for Literature with her creative utilization of graphic novels for two of our texts. I have also encountered instructors in DVC who have amazed me with their extraordinary talents and unique personalities. Professor Carolyn Seefer with her entertaining traveling stories and dedicated contribution to the DVC Scholarship Committee; Professor Claudia Eckelmann with her love of cats and adventure; Professor Martha Laham, a Business instructor who breaks social taboos with her variety of tattoos; Professor Jacob Van Vleet, who wrote a book that is used as a text in UC Berkeley and two Aus-
tralian universities; Professor Kevin Young with his interesting experiences around the globe; and last but not least, Professor Beatrice Osborne, who willingly wrote my scholarship recommendation letter despite being home bound after an accident. I feel that there should be an improvement in teacher appreciation in DVC. After all, William Prince once remarked, “Teachers appreciate being appreciated, for teacher appreciation is their highest award.” Who ought we thank but the individuals that have dedicated their lives to educate us? Without them, we couldn’t soar towards greater heights and attain brighter futures ahead. Contact SOFIA PUTRI at sputri@TheInquirerOnline.com
Letters to the editor Money hungry students Islam speech story omits context
Dear editor, I would like to refer to the report of the Editor in Chief Mr. Brian Donovan in the issue of the Inquirer of May 17, and to kindly request you to include this letter in the next printed issue of the Inquirer. “I am grateful to the staff of the Inquirer particularly Mr. Donovan for attending the lecture to introduce my book “Understanding Islam: Fifty Questions”, organized by the Muslim Student Alliance Club at Diablo Valley College. However, there are some issues that included in the report that were taken out of context and needed clarification. I provided prayers for peace in Arabic that was part of the tradition, but I said the same prayers in English. The reference to the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict came when I spoke about the efforts I made after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 to enhance cooperation between all sectors of the American society including the Muslim communities. Since then, I have spoken at many religious, social and academic institutions, and called for a better understanding, mutual respect and cooperation between the Muslim world and the United States of America. I always emphasize that there should be a understanding that all our faiths have common roots, and the referred to the Islamic traditions (as well all other traditions), which emphasize that the best people who serve other
people in the best manner they can. In the meantime, I referred to three questions which had been facing the United States and the Muslim world before 9/11. First, the Palestinian/ Israeli conflict, which should be resolved on the basis of peace and justice, mutual recognition and normal relations between all the states in the region after ending the Israeli control over the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel in 1967. Second, end the United Nations embargo against Iraq (between 1991 and 2001) that led to the death of about one million Iraqi people mostly children, women and old men. Third, I said that the Muslim world was (and is still) part of the Global South, and it was suffering from hard economic conditions, lack of good health systems, famine and all other problems. I called for solving these issues in order to prevent terrorists from exploiting the despair and anguish of many people,and directing them to attack civilians and other targets. Each community should acquire accurate and pertinent knowledge and understanding of the cultures and aspirations of the other communities, cooperate, and resolve conflicts by peaceful means. That is the way for peace justice and in the Holy Land and all over the world.” -Dr. Amer Araim
Dear DVC Inquirer,
Why is it that all my classes are always full or even over filled in the beginning of the semester, and then by the end of the semester they are almost empty? I have noticed this mysterious occurrence every semester since I started college here at Diablo Valley College two years ago. Sure, some people take a class and then realize that it is too difficult for them, or some students may have a personal emergency in which case they have to drop the class. These are all valid and true reasons of why the number of students decreases as the semester goes on. Another reason that I found also contributes to the dropout rate is that some students are only in it for the money. What do I mean by that? Well, there are a lot of students who qualify for financial aid here at DVC, and once they get their check they are out. They do not care about having “W’s” on their record because they are just in it for the cash.
Although the government has taken some action against this, such as the new law where students can only repeat a class three times at one institution, there is still more that needs to be done to fight against this crime. It is not fair to students who are actually here to learn and meet the requirements needed to transfer because those money hungry students are only taking up room in classes in the beginning of the semester when other students are trying to find sections to add. I propose that every student who receives financial aid from the government must not be allowed to drop a class without a valid reason in which case the student must provide evidence of the reason for dropping the class. It is not fair to the tax payers who help fund the financial aid students receive, and it is even more unfair to the students here at DVC working hard toward earning a degree. Sincerely, Karen Becerra-Bautista
CORRECTION
In the article titled, “ASDVC deletes critics”, which was published in the print edition of the Inquirer on May 3, 2012 and on theinquireronline.com on May 7, 2012, the description of an April 26, 2012 ASDVC executive meeting, which missed its 72 hour public posting deadline, was misclassified as a “secret” meeting.
THE INQUIRER Editorial Board
EDITOR IN CHIEF Hakeem Montes MANAGING EDITOR Andrew O’Connor-Watts ONLINE EDITOR Kellyn Borst NEWS EDITOR Aidan Herrick OPINIONS EDITOR Brenan Peterman ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR Josh Knoll PHOTO CHIEF Karin Jensen DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Nick Holmes
Staff STAFF WRITERS Gabriel Agurcia, Thalia Avila, Anthony Camancho, Samantha Chiu, James Frazier, Julia Kinkella, Josh Knoll, John Michaelson, Celeste Milina, Ryan Peters, Erika Peterson, Sofia Putri, Riley Shingler, Jessica Trimmer, David Vargas, Colleen Wallace, Brandon Zaeni PHOTOGRAPHERS Matthew Emmanuel, Sioban Flynn, DESIGNERS Jack Dillion, Ransom Fulgham INSTRUCTIONAL LAB COORDINATOR Ann Stenmark ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
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.
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Thursday, September 27 - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The Inquirer The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
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From Page 6
Tsuchida added that “one of the big problems is that a lot of these countries are not putting enough money into education, into public education, for their people.” Keating agrees, adding that “the world needs better infrastructure for education.” This book is both a reminder and an inspiration for students. One the one hand, it reminds us that our problems are first world problems. In lieu of the mess surrounding budget cuts in California, “at least we still have the open access to higher education” professor Tsuchida said. “I think it’s important to have this perspective.” On the other hand, the book acknowledges the struggles of students every-
where. “You’re not alone, you know, other people are struggling too,” Keating said. “It is a global problem.” Tsuchida remarked that “a lot of students have found it moving and encouraging.” Professor Keating and professor Tsuchida have sponsored several students in Southeast Asia over the years, giving them the opportunity to attend and finish school. For about fifteen dollars a month, they are able to send a student to school and reimburse the family for the loss of labor. “One of the most absolutely worthwhile things we’ve ever done is to help somebody transform their own life,” said professor Tsuchida, further explaining that
these students are far from helpless. “They just need that little bit of extra support to make it happen, which is exactly what student loans are for us.” One student that they sponsored, My, whose three older brothers had to stop going to school, is now studying in Massachusetts with the U.S. Government Global Exchange Program. “She’s just taken off” professor Tsuchida said enthusiastically. To learn how to help, to buy the book, or to view a free preview of the book, go to Nolunch.org. JESSICA TRIMMER at jtrimmer@TheInquirerOnline.com JESSICA TRIMMER / The Inquirer
Professor Katrina Keating displays the cover of her coauthored book, “No Lunch, No Money, No Rice: The Pursuit of Education in Asia.” Advertisement
Courtesy of ANNAPURNA PICTURES
Philip Seymour Hoffman, left, and Joaquin Phoenix star in the story about a charismatic leader and his tr0ubled follower.
‘The Master’ delivers cinematic mastery ANDREW O’CONNOR-WATTS Managing editor
believes he can help Freddie, using his method of “processing” which attempts to “The Master” is the bril- confront past traumas using liantly acted and adeptly di- name repetition and recalling rected epic tale of a World of past traumatic events. War II veteran whose drunkDodd senses Freddie’s en stumbling takes him to the helpless floundering and charismatic leader of a cult both men see in each other religion called, “the Cause,” the possibility of a mutually which vaguely resembles Sci- beneficial, albeit unusual reentology. lationship. Freddie physically For director Paul Thomas attacks any dissenters of the Anderson’s (“There Will Be Cause and although he does Blood”) sixth feature-length not approve of Freddie’s installment, he provides aes- violent reactions, a particuthetically stunning cinematog- larly memorable scene deraphy and is the first fictional picts Dodd defending Freddie film shot in 65mm since 1993. when several family members The film also boasts Oscar- voice their mistrust and disworthy performances by like of Freddie. established actors Joaquin Dodd makes little progress Phoenix and Phillip Seymour in helping Freddie cope with Hoffman. That said, the film his troubled past, and Fredlacked a clear message and left die’s volatile anger reinforces the viewer wanting to know a similar tendency in Dodd. more about the motivations While usually a charming and of cult leader Lancaster Dodd polite gentleman. Dodd’s own (Hoffman) and his group of brutish nature surfaces with followers, namely his devoted bursts of extreme anger when wife Peggy (exceptionally por- challenged or questioned by trayed by Amy Adams). one partygoer and in another The film begins with Fred- scene, by an avid Cause foldie Quell (Phoenix), a trou- lower, Helen. bled alcoholic soldier at the Toward the end of the movend of his tour of duty dur- ie, Dodd explains to Freddie ing WWII. The first signs he must commit to the Cause of Freddie’s unusual nature for life or never show his face and loneliness appear when again. Dodd finishes by tella group of his fellow soldiers ing Freddie, if you discover build a woman from beach how to live without a master, sand and Freddie uses the im- please tell us how you did it. age to masturbate and simuWhile somewhat unclear, late sex with before falling it seems Dodd feels Freddie asleep with his arm around is his ultimate test subject. If her. Freddie stays with him, Dodd After several failed attempts believes he can “cure” him, to rejoin society, Freddie flees but an uncommitted Fredto San Francisco where he die would be a reminder of AKING THE WORLD MORE . . . sneaks onto a ship ownedMby Dodd’s failure and an invaliself-described writer, doctor, dation of the Cause. Oakland, CA nuclear physicist and theo- admission@mills.edu Because of the unsatisfyretical philosopher, Lancasterwww.mills.edu/transfer ing ending, and vague mesDodd. Instead of chastising sage, “The Master” is not for RESERVE YOUR SPACE AT Freddie’s indiscretion, Dodd everyone but a must-see for WWW.MILLS.EDU/VISITFORM.
M AT MILLS COLLEGE.
cinephiles, that leaves the viewer with endless possibilities for post-film discussion. Phoenix gives a stunningly vulnerable performance and immerses himself in the role to the point where every movement belongs to Quell, not Phoenix. Hoffman so phenomenally portrays the captivating Dodd, he leaves the viewer begging for deeper exploration into his character, giving yet another reason to never question his range as an actor. ANDREW O’CONNOR-WATTS at aoconnorwatts@TheInquirerOnline.com
Your Art could go here! New Arts & Features editor is now seeking original, student produced artwork for print publication. Please send submissions care of: jknoll@ theinquireronline.com or in person to H102 Advertisement
REALIZE YOUR DREAM AT MILLS COLLEGE.
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Arts & Entertaiment The Inquirer - Diablo Valley College
DVC alums ‘Grow Up’
No money, no lunch Professor’s ‘Pursuit’ for improved pedagogy
JOSH “GRASSY” KNOLL Arts & Features editor
“The album will stand as a call to arms and a challenge to a generation that will have to find their place in the world and make it their own.” ~MISTERLOVELESS.COM
The new release from Walnut Creek native band, entitled “Grow Up” offers a cynical but decidedly optimistic view of an uncertain future through the nostalgic lens of reminiscence. The melodic harmonization of guitarists
Thursday, September 27 - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
JESSICA TRIMMER Staff writer
Courtesy of MISTER LOVELESS
Sean Gaffney and Rob I. Miller serve as a dream-like vehicle for Miller’s silken baritones and decidedly highbrow lyrics. Bassist Charlie Koliha and precision drummer Nick Clark keep the high intensity tempo constant throughout the album. Catchy and poignant choruses clearly communicate the band’s sense of yearning to find a place in a world that seems to discount or reject them. The theme of “us against the world” is a reoccurring theme in “Growing Up”, as demonstrated in coming-of-age anthems such as “Undesireables” and “Strange and Futureless”.
The songs range from pop influenced dance tracks like “Wild Summer” and “Nineties Children”, to complex and nuanced narrative songs like “Her Parents” and “Saint Obscure”. The band’s polished, deliberate sound, driven by coherent and catchy choruses, conjures comparisons to legends of post-punk alt-rock such as Weezer, Sublime and Incubus. “Grow Up” represents a polished and precise sound with a contemporary sense of self-discovery. It’s an album everyone should hear. JOSH KNOLL at jknoll@TheInquirerOnline.com
DVC math professor Katrina Keating and Skyline college math professor Tadashi Tsuchida have cowritten and self-published a book called “No Lunch, No Money, No Rice: The Pursuit of Education in Asia” about the struggles of many students in rural Southeast Asia. The title was inspired by a woman named Xue from northern Vietnam who was interviewed for the book. “I ask my father if I can go and he say to me ‘We have no lunch, no money, no rice, and no pig so you cannot go to school.’” Keating and Tsuchida, a married couple, made their first trip to Vietnam in 2004 without the intention of writing a book, but Southeast
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Asia quickly became their second home. “We made lifelong friends on that first trip,” professor Keating remembered. Although they planned to stay a few days, they ended up spending two weeks. Interviews and photographs in the book were collected by the couple in the summer of 2008 and fall of 2009. Professor Tsuchida, who had been teaching at Skyline College for eight years, was able to get a sabbatical for the fall semester. Professor Keating had only been teaching at DVC for three years, so she took a semester off unpaid. Being educators, they were both surprised to find that many of the people they met had been unable to finish school. Some people they met had been unable to attend at all. “It was difficult hearing the sad stories,” professor Tsuchida recalled. “We were so surprised by the spirit of people. They’re willing to do so much to get an education.” “All of these stories are close to our hearts,” added professor Keating.
“All of these stories are close to our hearts,” ~Katrina Keating DVC math professor / author
Professor Tsuchida explained that part of the problem is teachers’ pay. “In Cambodia the teachers are paid so little that they’re really like poverty wages.” He added that “in order to survive they’ve found ways to extort money from their students,” such as by charging them for lessons. “There’s all kinds of variations on the scam.” A larger part of the problem is that many students are physically unable to get to school. Professor Keating recalled a particularly inspiring story about a student who walked four hours every day to get to and from school. She also mentioned a story from Cambodia in which a student could not get to school because “they could not afford a thirty dollar bicycle.” LUNCH, Page 5