Inquirer issue 4 by DVC Inquirer

New state trustee

4cd trustee now state See Page 2.

inquirer Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

Volume VII, No 4

Free speech comes at the cost of silence FRANK GUITRON Editor in chief

Freedom of speech is one of those topics that seems to constantly be brought up, whether it is through media, politics or even social discourse on campus. Faculty members have a fine line to ride when discussing their opinions on any given topic. When asked about faculty giving their opinion to students involving personal politics in the classroom, English professor Adam Bessie at Diablo Valley College stated, “If I gave a firm opinion on an issue it’s like clotting, stopping an issue in its place.” Bessie explained that if students knew his opinion then he feared they would write to his views for a better grade instead of exploring new ideas and emulating organically. To Bessie, his freedom of speech is not limited by potential student reactions or a need to be politically correct, but how he is “forwarding the learning of their students.” John Freytag, an oceanography and biological science professor at DVC stated, “I always tell my students that I will not get into politics in my classroom.” Freytag’s approach to dealing with his opinion on topics, is allowing the students to feel welcome by omitting them unless asked, “I would not want, for example, a student to feel that they cannot speak up

in my classroom because they feel that they might not agree with me on a certain topic.” “I try to always present the data and the facts around a topic and leave my opinion out of it. If I am asked directly for my opinion, I will provide it.” Some classes that cover politics however would require discussion of politics and views of various beliefs. Political science professor at DVC, Albert Ponce, believes, “people are just engaged at a level of opinion, rather than a level of factbased actual formulation of different ideas.” When dealing with controversial subject matter Ponce uses a “fact-based model” as opposed to an “opinion-based model,” encouraging critical thinking instead of building up preconceived ideas. “To engage them in the classroom, that’s our everyday task.” DVC interim-President Ted Wieden stated, “they (faculty) are not allowed to use their personal beliefs as the class material.” Wieden says that faculty members are still citizens, according to the board policies on academic freedom, and when they speak or write as citizens they shouldn’t be subjected to the policies of the institutions they work at. “Faculty have great degree of latitude in how they approach covering that material. The examples that they use can different from one faculty to another.”

FRANK GUITRON / The Inquirer

English professor Adam Bessie teaching his graphic novels as literature course. Wieden discussed how he would discuss his opinion when he was a teacher, “When someone asked my opinion, what I did was, I would move out and sit down in the classroom right with the students and give my opinion because my opinion is no better than anybody else’s opinion.” Contra Costa College Chancellor Fred

Wood mentioned that when he was attending DVC as a student there wasn’t as much polarization with students views. Students were encouraged to train themselves to see the other side, and that is where Wood noticed the greatest growth in classes occurred Continued on Page 2

Concord Vice Mayor discusses secrets of politics ISAAC NORMAN Online editor

mailers you need to send out, and each mailer costs 50 cents, your cost to send out one round of mailers is $10,000. Concord Vice Mayor Edi Birsan’s advice was blunt; politiBecause reaching voters costs money, politicians are seleccians are either listening to you or they are listening to some- tive with who they target. Do they want to send fliers to one else. people who are more likely to vote or less likely to vote? This was the core tenet of his “dirty secrets of politics” The third dirty secret was that when it comes to local elecworkshop about how tions most people are not voting on local elections work issues; they are voting on emotions, during the Oct. 5 so candidates focus on likability and Brown Bag Workshop name recognition. in the Student Union. Birsan also spoke about why people According to initially get into politics. Birsan, the first dirty According to him, people get insecret for local elecvolved because they are angry about tions is knowing who what is being done and want to change shows up to elections. it. To him, nobody starts in politics for Once you know who money, but it can potentially become a shows up you know factor later on. who matters because When discussing campaigning the people who show ISAAC NORMAN / The Inquirer Birsan explained a politician’s formula up are the ones who Vice Mayor Edi Birsan addresses students. as this: face to face beats money, and will actually vote. money beats silence. “The people who show up call the shots,” said Birsan. “SiWriting via email Birsan elaborated saying, “in a campaign lence never moved a politician.” when you are face to face with a potential voter it is the best Birsan’s next dirty secret was that money equals votes. possible chance to get someone to vote for you. Second to Birsan stressed that something as simple as producing that is the spending of money on direct mail pieces or signs leaflets and fliers for why people should vote for a certain or media. Money purchase of outreach is better than silence candidate costs money. For example, was if you have 20,000 or no outreach at all.” Copyright © 2017 The Inquirer - www.dvcinquirer.com

Aside from being invited by student life manager Todd Farr to talk to students, Birsan was motivated to close the gap between government and citizens by making himself more accessible. He wants to see citizens take greater involvement in government because he does not like the way things are going now. Despite Birsan’s interesting insights only six people attended the workshop. For Yuri Sushita, a 19-year-old nursing major, although the talk was interesting she was there to get the extra credit available for attending the workshop. For Gerardo De La Torre, a computer engineering major, the workshop was an inspiration for how to effect change. He learned that anyone can complain about a problem but it is what you do after, the constructive solutions you offer, that matters. He also felt Birsan showed the audience that if you want change, you can will it yourself but you cannot do it passively or give minimal effort, you must face the challenge head on. DVC’s Brown Bag workshops will continue every Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Student Union room 204 until Nov. 16. The next workshop will be Oct. 12 and will teach about the financial aid process and what students can receive. Contact ISAAC NORMAN at INorman@DVCInquirer.com

news

Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

calendar Wednesday, Oct. 18

Diablo Room 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sarahi Salamanca: “From Mexico to Silicon Valley” Student Union 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. College Success Workshop: Personal Insight Essays

Thursday, Oct. 19

Career, Employment, and Transfer Center 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Transfer Day

Friday, Oct. 20

DVC Greenhouse 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. October Plant Sale

Saturday, Oct. 21 DVC Greenhouse 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. October Plant Sale

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Diablo Room 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. DVC Literature Week: Reading and Q&A with LeAnne Howe

police beat Thursday, Sept. 21 DVC A student was contacted for something unrelated and it was discovered that he had an active warrant. Bookstore A theft occured at the bookstore. Soccer field Two students were contacted for allegedly having sex on the soccer field. MLR Multiple players’ lockers were broken into while they were practicing.

Compressed calendar still coming into focus for ‘18-’19 ISAAC NORMAN Online editor

Administrators from Los Medanos, Contra Costa and Diablo Valley Colleges, United Faculty union representatives and the district office agreed to move back the start dates for fall 2018 and spring 2019 semesters during a meeting on Sept. 18. These changes will push the start date of fall semester from the middle of August to the end of August and the start date of the spring semester from the middle of January to the end of it. The switch is part of the long anticipated move to shorten the number of weeks of instruction down from 17.5 to 16.6 weeks per semester starting in the fall of 2018. Although faculty members approved the switch to a compressed calendar by a margin of 94 percent in a February vote earlier this year not everyone has been happy with the Union’s decision-making process. Chemistry professor Wayne Larson felt faculty should have voted on a concrete plan instead of the concept of a compressed calendar, that way they would have had a better idea of how classes fit into the new time blocks. Art history professor Kristen Koblik concurred saying, “This information would (have been) important to know up front when we were making decisions.” “I’m even kind of worried we don’t have the physical capacity of classes to accommodate a compressed calendar,” said Koblik. “As a department we are concerned,” said Koblik. If everything goes well faculty and adminis-

Faculty Continued from Page 1

provided “a balanced perspective.” “I thought I owed the students the opportunity to learn that material and focused on it.” Though it is not wrong for faculty to discuss their beliefs, they still represent whatever school they are working for. Wood understands that his freedom of speech does have repercussions so whenever, “students might ask me my opinion about something that was going on out there somewhere, but I would always say you asked me, my opinion. And I would share that and be sure that I wasn’t speaking for the president or speaking for anyone else in the department.” Social science professor at DVC Scott MacDougall stated, “The government cannot restrict speech. Private individuals and private businesses can restrict speech.” MacDougall said because DVC is a

THE INQUIRER Diablo Valley College 321 Golf Club Road, ATC-103 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 The Inquirer is published Wednesdays during the school year by the Diablo Valley College journalism students. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinions page are editorials and reflect a two-thirds majority opinion of the editorial staff. Signed columns and cartoons are the opinions of the writer or artist and not necessarily those of The Inquirer, Diablo Valley College or Contra Costa Community College District.

ISAAC NORMAN / The Inquirer

United Faculty president Donna Wapner addresses concerns about the compressed calendar on Sept. 12. trators eventually hope to add a longer winter intersession between semesters or change classes offered during the summer. The change to the fall and spring schedule could provide flexibility in the winter for students to take three-unit classes and, “not have to break your back to do it,” said Blair. A schedule including a winter intersession will also more closely mirror that of a four year university. As of now the discussions surrounding a lon-

First Amendment Series n This is part two of the Inquirer’s series on free speech on public campuses. Mahrukh Siddiqui and Kayla Rojas contributed to this installment. public campus it is has to follow government guidelines when it comes to free speech. Private businesses and individuals, however, can limit discourse. The main issue that comes from free speech isn’t so much that faculty can’t utilize it, it’s that they have to weigh the consequences that could befall their actions and have good judgement and context for bringing up their views. While context is important when discussing beliefs to students, ultimately faculty like professor Bessie believe, “whatever the professor is doing in the class really needs to forward student learning.” Contact FRANK GUITRON at FGuitron@DVCInquirer.com

Contact ISAAC NORMAN at INorman@DVCInquirer.com

Meet the new state student trustee DANNY YOEONO Copy editor

Diablo Valley College student Jessica Cisneros was recently elected to the student trustee of the Community College League of California. She will sit on a board of 21 trustees that meets five times a year to address and make decisions regarding policy for the state’s community colleges. Cisnero’s term on the statewide board will last a year and began in August. At the district level, Cisneros only has an advisory vote. That isn’t the case at the state level though, there she has a consequential vote and at the discretion of another trustee, access to closed door sessions.

Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR COPY EDITORS

ger intersession and the impact it would have on spring break are still in their infancy. “(We are) not just going to dive into that longer intersession,” said business professor Carolyn Seefer.

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

The state trustee board will address a range of issues impacting California community colleges this year. Issues like DACA students and their parents, international students, community colleges getting rid of math and English placement tests and a completely online college. A number of district and statewide trustees affirmed the importance of the student perspective on their respective boards. “To create the change that students want, it’s big to vocalize what the students want,” Cisernos said. “Sometimes we feel like we don’t have the power to change it.” Continued on Page 3

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

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

news

Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

‘1-800-273-8255’ more than just a hit AIDAN SPARKS Staff member

The three levels of surviving suicidal thoughts are: the initial darkness, the call out for help, and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The topic of mental illness is rarely brought up in music, but rapper Logic tackled it in his powerful song “1-800-2738255” from the album “Everybody.” The song is revolutionary for not just the music industry but for mental illness as a whole, because the title of the song is not a random number, but the suicide hotline. Despite the fact that Logic raps over a soothing beat, he bursts into the first verse with a bang. “My life don’t even matter, I know it, I know it, it hurts deep down but can’t show it,” raps Logic in the first few lines. “Damn, I can relate,” said Diablo Valley College music major Michael Davantes. Davantes’s friend, Ben Lavigne, piggy backed off his comment of the first verse by bravely opening up about his past struggles with suicidal thoughts. “The verse really spoke to me... and if I had someone during that time walking me through this, it would have been a great help,” Lavigne said. Students who have heard the song seem to hold Alessia Cara’s feature close to heart.

“It’s holding on though the road’s long, and seeing light in the darkest things, and when you stare at your reflection finally knowing who it is,” sings Cara about a hotline operator talking a caller through the emotions swirling around in their head. For many, the song goes beyond just words and a catchy beat. “It felt very...very real to me,” said psychology major Alyssa McGowan. English major Gabby Solis explained how even though she herself does not suffer with any mental illness, the song, and specifically Cara’s words, “opened up my eyes to the struggles that so many people go through.” Since the release of the song in February, and Logic’s recent performance at the VMA’s, the suicide hotline has received the second most calls it has ever gotten because of the song alone. A drama student at DVC (who wishes to remain anonymous) believes that as incredible as that statistic is, it is “very disheartening that so many people are in need of help.” She explained that working in the theatrical arts, actors are sometimes looked down on by directors and other superiors for having mental illness, despite its prevalence in the theater community. She believes for this song to reach its full potential we need to realize that calling the hotline number is only one step in preventing suicide. “It goes back to how society view people

Cisneros

AIDAN SPARKS / The Inquirer

Jacob Dobson, Gabby Solis and Alyssa McGowan (from left to right). with mental illness, or sexuality, or any other trait that is deemed unusual,” she said. The impact the song has had on the world is exponential and grows more every day, evident by the fact that the song has been on Billboard’s top 5 for numerous weeks. It is clear, however, that when it comes to DVC’s student body, Logic’s anthem to mental illness is only one piece of the puzzle to prevent suicide and help those who strug-

gle with depression and mental illness find the will to live. The suicide hotline, at 1-800-273-8255, is available 24/7. If you are struggling, pick up the phone. You are not alone.

Contact AIDAN SPARKS at ASparks@DVCInquirer.com

With her interest in policy and education, Cisneros may be the ideal candidate. A political science major, Cisneros interned with the Mae Torlakson campaign for state legislature and worked closely with the Young Democrats of Contra Costa County. She is a leader in the Puenta program and was an officer for the Latino Student Alliance. The president of the state trustee board, Ann “Jessica is uniquely Ransford, said, “Jessica is qualified and already uniquely qualified and already has offered ideas that has offered ideas that will advance the student will advance the stuagenda.” Her district board of dent agenda.” trustee colleagues are impressed with her. Sec~Ann Ransford retary John E. Marquez president of the state trustee board said, “Her election to the California College Trustee Board as a student trustee is a clear reflection of her preparation and outgoing demeanor.” “Jessica is a values and goal-driven individual, and I expect I’ll be reading about her accomplishments for years to come,” said the CEO and president of the California Community College League Larry Galizio. Cisneros said the statewide trustee position was intimidating but, “I let my passion and the students lead me.” The California Community College trustee board meets again in November.

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Continued from Page 2

FEATURES Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

Internships help launch careers COURTNEY DONAHOE Copy editor

After graduation, when students look forward to starting their careers, it is helpful to have experience to give you options in the job hunt. If you have no idea what an actual internship is, it’s a paid or unpaid job that last for a limited amount of time. An internship gives students time to be with a certain company and get experience. Now is the time to actually start looking for an internship that could help you further your career path. When that time comes, internships let your future employer know that you have experience and are well qualified for the job. Dani Mernick, communication major at San Francisco State University, said “I always tried to look for positions in the field that I wanted to have a career in.” One of the ways to help you land an internship is to make sure your resume looks amazing. Your resume should include relevant education to show employers that you’re on the right path to what you want to do for your career. “Education looks good on a resume, as well as community service and clubs that you’re involved in,” DVC Career and Employment Services coordinator Catherine Franco said. “Not so much work experience, it’s more about the education that they’re gonna look at.” Including the schools you’ve attended and your educational experience will stand out on that resume, leading you in the right direction. Kieran Parhar, marketing major at UC Davis said, “to get an internship I just had to go through a couple of interviews and really try to frame my work history in a way that showed I was suitable for the position.” Don’t give up if you don’t land the first internship you apply for. Do your research, and get out and look for even more internships; there are plenty of companies out there that are looking for student interns to apply and work for their company. Don’t just apply to one internship - try to cast a wide net. You can find approved websites that have internship postings at http://www.dvc.edu/enrollment/career-employment/students/

Contact COURTNEY DONAHOE at CDonahoe@DVCInquirer.com

OLIVIER ALATA / The Inquirer

Elizabeth Martinié as Rosa Bud, Kayla Wilder as Edwin Drood and director Lisa Drummond (from left to right) at rehersal.

‘Edwin Drood’ set to premiere ALI LEE Staff member

The classic and spontaneous play, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” will be put on by Diablo Valley College’s drama department from October 20 though November 5. “The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a hilarious, whodunit mystery musical that allows the audience to enter the action and in the end become the ultimate detectives,” said director Lisa Drummond. This play is like no other play the drama department has put on. Set during the 1890’s in England in an English music hall, the show has provided the cast a chance to learn about English music hall style. “This show is like English Music Hall meets Clue and it’s a good time from start to finish. Everyone should be prepared to have a lot of fun, and do a little detective work,” said actress Kayla Wilder, who plays lead role of Edwin Drood. The show doesn’t follow the typical style where every night the cast performs the same thing. Instead, it relies heavily on audience interaction. The audience helps choose the ending of the show each night, meaning it will be slightly different each time they perform. “All the actors, musicians, and technicians must learn multiple endings of the show, and be ready to perform whichever ending the audience chooses on a nightly basis,” said Drum-

mond. Wilder has been involved with theater ever since she was in the eighth grade and this is her biggest part yet. “Portraying an upright, masculine Englishman is very much out of my zone, but it’s been really fun,” said Wilder. “A challenge at times, but a good one.” Musical director Enrico Banson played the role of Jasper as a professional actor, which has helped him in guiding this production. “I’m excited for this production because it’s truly unlike anything DVC has experienced,” said Banson. Tickets for the show will be $11 for students, $16 for seniors and staff and $21 for general admission. The show will be playing on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8 p.m. from Oct. 20 through Nov. 5, as well as matinees on Sunday Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, which start at 2:30 p.m. The drama department at DVC has a good reputation when it comes to the shows that they put on. With “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” being such a different story than most of the other plays they have done, it should be a great turnout.

Contact ALI LEE at ALee@DVCInquirer.com

Nutrition comes to fruition at DVC MIKE STEHLIK Staff member

Diablo Valley College has actively been doing a lot of things on campus based on equity and inclusion for students and employees; the school’s new “Nutrition Food and Culture” course, taught by professor Teresita Saechao, is just one example. With everything going on in the world, students can run into the problem of not knowing where and how they can express themselves. They can go through their daily grind, going from class to class while bottling in how they feel about many of the issues plaguing society. The nutrition course is aiming to change that. Saechao aims to foster a space where

students can talk about mainstream issues. wide.” “A lot of things outside the classroom can Officially called NUTRI-130 - Food and be very fearful for students. Some of them Nutrition: Cross Cultural Perspective, the don’t want to exclass is in its maiden sepress (themselves) with 23 students I’ve found that in the food mester, because they are enrolled. and culture class most fearful,” says Saec“Most find it’s very hao, “but I’ve found different from the other students feel safe talking courses which they are that in the food and culture class most about (the world’s) issues.” taking, in a way that students feel safe it’s more explorative. It talking about those allows them to explore ~Teresita Saechao DVC Professor issues. They don’t more but at the same just have an opportime I’m guiding them,” tunity to express things about equity, inclu- said Saechao. sion and share their experiences from their The course examines how food is viewed own perspective, but they learn about other as an expression of cultural diversity, as well cultures, not just in America but world- as taking a look at the regional, ethnic, cul-

tural, gender, religious, historical and social influences on food patterns, cuisines, health and healing. Students learn about the traditional foods of different geographic areas and cultures, while also examining factors and problems that various ethnic groups face. “The air of the community in the world right now, it’s more inclusive and sensitive of people with varying backgrounds,” said professor Saechao. “I want people to know that the food and culture class goes with that theme of equity and inclusiveness.”

Contact MIKE STEHLIK at MStehlik@DVCInquirer.com

features

Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

Streetwear culture catches on at DVC MATTHEW ASILO Staff member

Art, fashion and personal style all meet at the cross section called streetwear. The term once carried a negative connotation in the fashion world but has since trickled its way on to the runway and is now very well respected. But what is the true meaning of this culture? “Streetwear is a means for individuals to express themselves through various clothing styles, whether mainstream or not,” DVC’s Phillip Rebutazo said. You can identify those who partake in this culture as people can be seen wearing hard to obtain clothing items such as t-shirts, pull-over jackets, hats, pants or sneakers released in limited quantities. The front runners of the streetwear scene are currently Nike, Air Jordan, Adidas, Supreme, Off-White by Virgil Abloh, Noah, Gosha Rubchinskiy, Palace Skateboards and more. While a portion of the scene is based around limited edition brand names, the culture exceeds obtaining hard to find clothes. There are two sides to take into account when thinking of this culture. There are those who obtain these hard to buy/expensive items for a means of expression and passion for clothes, and those who profit from it.

MATTHEW ASILO / The Inquirer

Student Phillip Rebutazo rocks streetwear at the DVC bookstore. The culture has created a market of consumers who resell limited edition clothing to those who look to obtain these fashion items. For example, Supreme, a New York based skateboarding brand, opened their first store in 1994 selling boards, wheels, bearings, tshirts and sneakers in their small shop on Lafayette Street. Shirts and hoodies with the

box logo can be resold for up to five times the original price. Glenn O’ Brien, GQ’s long time “Style Guy” said in the “Supreme” book, “I noticed that it seemed to be more than a store; it had at least some qualities of a cult. The store would close for installation, just like an art gallery, and then reopen with new merchandise, just like a gallery.”

“But unlike a gallery, Supreme had long lines of customers waiting to get in, and they would even camp out overnight,” O’ Brien said. “Supreme spreads style, but it also spreads thought and information. Culture is its business. It’s a brand that practices the arts and living and playing.” “These brands have good reason to be resold at such high amounts of money because it is almost like obtaining a rare work of art,” long time streetwear enthusiast Bryana Lew said. “Off-White definitely stands out to me the most right now. Virgil Abloh, the founder of Off-White, has such a simple aesthetic but makes a huge impact.” Simplicity, care and creativity are core values of Virgil Abloh’s Off-White. Lew said, “For example, on the Off White X Warby Parker sunglasses. The case literally says ‘sunglasses case’ and the lens with wipe with ‘glasses wipe’ - I feel like simple things like that stand out to me the most because it makes you think like ‘why didn’t think of that?’” Abloh’s Off-White collaboration with Nike will contain ten silhouettes that will be available in late November at select retailers around the world. Keep an eye out around campus to see if any students at DVC get their hands on them. Contact MATTHEW ASILO at MAsilo@DVCInquirer.com

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opinions

Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

KION KARIMI / The Inquirer

Before and after of a restored photo from Action Photo & Graphics in Concord.

Are we losing beauty through technology?

n 2017, it feels like everyone has traded It’s at this point that I wanted to bring in cameras for iPhones and that experience the conception of convenience. Are we as a a person would have with developing society trading in convenience over quality? photos, seems to be diminishing Photoshop is the easy way out more and more each day. now. Anyone can go on a simple I worked at a photo restoraeditor to make their pictures look tion store called Action Photo & pretty and post it on Instagram. Graphics, located in Concord. When using a camera however, Working here taught me what you actually have to use lighting it’s like to work hard and get the and making sure you get the perperfect result for a photo. fect picture. Even if the slides or film reels Once it’s developed and you get are ancient and were in your closet your copy, a sense of accomplishfor 20 to 30 years, they still would KION KARIMI ment and skill has been achieved. Staff member come out as if they were brand With an iPhone, you don’t get new. that same excitement of going outRestoring a beloved past time and telling side and actually using creativity and skill to a story in of itself. achieve a work of art. If you went to places like Costco or CVS My favorite part was when the customer they couldn’t make your slides come to life would come in with their relics telling both again. the manager and I the story of how this

photo came to be and how important it was to them. It’s moments like these that tell an intricate story to something that’s more than just an ordinary photo. Taking the ability to return old reel tapes back to life onto a DVD or flash drive is also really nice as well. Watching people’s memories from an old video camera and seeing their smiles with their family and friends was a personal enjoyment of mine. About a year ago I took an introduction to photography class. It was in this class that I learned what it’s like to work hard to achieve the perfect picture. While there were many rules and tons of times that I failed to get what I wanted, it was in those moments that I finally achieved exactly what I wanted. It seems like that art is nonexistent.

The new smart phones coming out can now take spectacular photos without any effort put into it at all. I’m not saying that smart phones are in the wrong here, I just think it takes a lot less effort to create an intrinsically beautiful photo. Regardless on your views of photography in our modern day, there are still a lot of people out there who respect and appreciate the art of photography. I just believe that it shouldn’t be forgotten but always appreciated and respected. This then begs the question, are we trading convenience over art?

Contact KION KARIMI at KKarimi@DVCInquirer.com

Music lovers: You can do better than Complex

omplex is easily one of the most read and watched Being dominated by VICE, their direct competitor, puts publications in the world. From music and sports them into a bind, and they are essentially left hanging onto news to celebrity “beef,” they really know how to their spin-offs like “Hot Ones” and “Everyday Struggle,” captivate a thriving millennial audience. which, according to YouTube commenters, are failing in However, if you take a look at much of what themselves. they feed the masses, a lot of it is unethical mes“Hot Ones”, a show where celebrities are insages and uninspired content. terviewed while eating increasingly spicy chicken One of the worst things Complex, and many wings, has lost it’s star power after running out publications like it like to do is perpetuate materiof relevant guests. “Everyday Struggle”, a debate alism. A lot of their content is about the latest and show, can’t function properly because debates are hottest sneakers or clothes, usually expensive, and generally very heated, personal and unproductive. the glorification of those who wear them. This bind has led them to push out as much According to Complex show “#LIFEATCOMtrendy content that they can, from videos on exPLEX,” which covers “hardworking and qualipensive clothes to football stars to hot rap music. fied” young people at their jobs, you obviously CAMERON PATERA The problem about that is it’s just so boring. want to be a music star or a fashion icon, so you Nobody wants to see monotone reporters regurStaff member should spend all your money dressing like one. gitating the same information the average viewer Why wouldn’t you want to be like your idols and cop the has seen on Facebook or Twitter over and over again for 2 newest $800 Yeezy v2 or $4,500 Off-White collaboration? minutes at a time. A respectable publication that does not I can’t blame them, but I can sure give them a slap on the make. wrist. There’s also the fact that much of the trendy informa-

tion that Complex relies on is about up-and-coming rapper “XXXTentacion.” People can say what they will about his music, but the man is a criminal. Having built much of his fame off a recent domestic abuse case and facing another trial Oct. 5, it’s totally unethical to cover every bit of that info to the point of glorifying his life choices. Add on nonstop coverage of Kevin Hart’s recent cheating fiasco, and it doesn’t make a great case for Complex’s legitimacy but rather makes them look like the young kid’s TMZ. Unfortunately, Complex is just one of the platforms, music-based or not, that is taking advantage of the general populous. With their profiting off tragedy and their distinct lack of effort it’s unfortunate they have gained so much traction. I’d recommend you check out VICE, The Needle Drop, or Vox if you’re looking to use up your time in a useful way.

Contact CAMERON PATERA at CPatera@DVCInquirer.com

opinions

Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

Editorial

Phones should be allowed during tests

iablo Valley College and its education are behind in relationship to the advancement of technology and its everyday use in the workplace. College is supposed to prepare students for the workforce. If the students aren’t being taught to adapt to the changes that are constantly occurring in the work force, they’ll be vastly unprepared. Educators are using antiquated methods of teaching that do not translate into marketable employees. How we learn should reflect our reality, and it’s a virtual one. At a presentation given in July to the Contra Costa Community College District governing board, a question from a millennial student to the community college faculty read, “Why wouldn’t you let your students use their cell phone during an exam?” After a class ends, the knowledge may fade, the textbook where the original content came from is returned, sold or outdated because of a revision and then that information is lost to the pupil. Using cell phones on a test isn’t about cheating, it is about knowing how to find that information, it’s like knowing how the Dewey decimal system works. An educator could work around cell phones as a cheating tool by using timed tests (students that do not know the material well enough could not necessarily be able to search for all the answers in a time allotted) or by using different versions, blocking students from gaining anything by posting tests online. If we use our phones to literally guide

What kneeling at the national anthem really means

us around outside, teach us new languages through apps like Duolingo, run WolframAlpha to solve multi-step math problems and ask Cortana what the difference between George Orwell and Orson Welles then why don’t cell phones have a rightful place in the classroom? Education policy advocate publication The Edvocate said embracing technology in the classroom increases equality and provides a customized learning experience. “A student who needs extra. help on a particular topic need not hold up the entire class, or feel embarrassed asking for that help when they are (apps) for individual learning experiences.” Look, today’s employers are looking for workers who: • communicate better • think critically & collaboratively • are creative in solving problems • are resilient and push through setbacks All the things employers are looking for have their place online. A report put out by the Chronicle for Higher Education said there is a worsening situation of rapidly changing skill requirements. On the demand side of the labor force market, “employers have assumed people will figure out what kinds of skills employers need and acquire them to meet demand. But workers don’t understand where the skills gaps are in the labor market.” Not doing so could make a student’s ed-

Photo illustration by DANNY YOEONO

ucation abstract and have no place outside the campus. It’s like taking personal finance in high school, it’s absolutely applicable to the real world. The Chronicle also published a plea to fellow educators from two professors from Saint Michael’s University and Cornell University that argued for increased technology in courses and for colleges to create implementation plans. Professor Diane Lynch from SMU said, “We (professors) should do it because appropriate delivery -- no less than content -- makes a difference. We should do it because there is nobody better prepeared or better qualified to teach...and nobody is

more dedicated to maintaining the rigor and quality of student learning. And finally, we should it because our students expect it -and deserve nothing less.” Professors at DVC have incredibly wide discretion in how their students reach their Student Learning Outcomes and should foster an environment of using tech in the classrooms to create a useful employee. Letting students use their cell phones on exams is a start. ~Fall 2017 Editorial Board

Opinions The NFL and now MLB His protest were originational anthem protests nally met with boos and seem to still be unexplained, threats. As the start of the so let’s break them down. regular season neared howIt all started Aug. 14, 2016 ever, players’ thoughts on the when Colin Kaepernick, then subject changed. Starting in San Francisco starting quarSept. 2016, people of many terback, sat during the naplatforms and fame backed tional anthem. Kaep’s protest. On Aug. 26, 2016, his pro“Wouldn’t you love to see test gained attention and he one of these NFL owners, made his statement two days when somebody disrespects later saying he will not, “stand our flag, to say, ‘Get that son up to show pride in a flag for of a bitch off the field right COLE JACKSON a country that oppresses black now. He’s fired!’” President Staff member people and people of color.” Donald Trump said during a He added his protest has rally in Alabama on Sept. 22. NOTHING to do with the The NFL responded with military saying, “I have great respect for the men a league-wide national anthem protest during and women that have fought for this country.” Week 3. Players, coaches, and some owners He’s protesting police brutality against mi- protested by locking arms, kneeling and raisnorities and the fact this country hasn’t done a ing fists. Some teams stayed in the locker room thing to stop it. Still hasn’t. during the anthem. Statements were released,

before and after games, of owners’, coaches’ and players’ reactions to Trump’s comments; many statements called his comments “divisive” and most players took his “son of a bitch” remarks personally. So I guess you COULD argue that the NFL is protesting against the country; in a sense, they kind of are. They are protesting against the President, who represents the country. But half of America has been protesting against him since his nomination, so what else is new. But despite all arguments, all I’m saying is as an African-American citizen who is extra cautious about how I dress, act and express myself because I have a higher chance of being looked at as a suspicious armed criminal and being wrongfully shot, police brutality needs to be outlawed in America; until then, I will continue to protest until it is. Contact COLE JACKSON at CJackson@DVCInquirer.com

The

Buzz How valuable are extracurriculars to your educational experience?

Cameron Bunting, 21 Fine arts

Sydney Alexander, 18 Biology

Nina Ocanas, 19 Undecided

Wen Sha, 18 Psychology and filmmaking

Interviewed and photographed by: Ali Lee and Shannon Richey

“It’s important to have a place to interact with fellow students outside of class over shared interests.”

“Vary valuable. Everyone needs an outlet to get away from stress.”

“I hate college. Extracurriculars bring something fun for me to enjoy while in school.”

“I think they’re pretty helpful. You get to meet and interact with new people, and learn leadership skills.”

sports

Wednesday, Oct. 11 - Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017

Can anyone out West challenge the Warriors? The Golden State Warriors have now won two championships in the past three seasons, with many more possibly on the horizon while pacing the NBA’s Western Conference. But is this a dynasty in the making, or only a short ride of glory until the team has to split up? With Kevin Durant re-signing at a bit of a discount to keep the core group of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Durant, who are all All-NBA caliber players together, the Warriors are once again the team to beat. However, this offseason has been a busy one as teams around the NBA are scrambling to put together a squad capable of competing with the top dogs in the Western Conference. The first big move was the Oklahoma City Thunder trading 50 cents on the dollar for all-NBA player and defensive stalwart Paul George. After this blockbuster deal, the Thunder kept wheeling MARK LINDAHL and dealing, acquiring Sports editor elite scorer Carmelo Anthony, who has seen his stock drop due to playing on lottery-bound teams. Russell Westbrook plays with enough tenacity and intensity to give Curry fits any night. Andre Roberson and Paul George, both top level wing defenders, can shimmy between responsibilities in guarding Thompson and Durant. Guarding Green will be a challenge for an aging Anthony, but having Adams patrolling the paint will ease this burden. While OKC got two All-Star caliber players on the cheap, they did sacrifice their bench depth, this is where the Warriors have the undisputed edge with a bench stocked full of shooters and versatile wings to plug and play. Signing Patrick Patterson to a teamfriendly deal helped soften the blow but no one else on the Thunder’s bench can keep up with the Dubs. The second big move this offseason was the Houston Rockets trading defensive stalwart Patrick Beverley and a few fillers for Chris Paul, who is regarded around the league as the “point god.” With adding talented wing defenders in P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute, the Rockets have shooters in the starting line up and off the bench who can keep the offense on pace with the Warriors. Starting small forward Trevor Ariza, along with Mbah a Moute and Tucker, can match up well enough defensively with the Warriors’ versatile wings, the Rockets may have a shot at dethroning the champs. The last team who challenged the Warriors is the Minnesota Timberwolves. After giving up rising star Zach Lavine and young point guard Kris Dunn for two-way stud Jimmy Butler, the Wolves now have a stacked starting line up featuring new additions Jeff Teague and Butler and rising stars Andrew Wiggins, Gorgui Dieng and Karl-Anthony Towns. One thing that has been proven to give the Warriors a run for their money is uber-talented big men, like Towns. If Towns reaches the elite level he will have his way against Zaza Pachulia and Javale McGee, who currently man the center spot. If Rockets or Thunder’s offseason additions can mirror the switchability that Golden State’s roster possesses, they might have a chance to come out on top of the west. On the flip side, Towns is able to expose the one conceivable weakness in the Warriors’ armor while having enough firepower behind him, the blueprint may be exposed for the rest of the association. With so many teams loading up, it will be a crazy one in the wild, wild western conference. Contact MARK LINDAHL at MLINDAHL@DVCInquirer.com

Dual-quarterback system brings out best in both AARON TOLENTINO Staff member

Headed into the bye week, Vikings head coach Mike Darr has decided to implement a dual-quarterback system moving forward, most likely for the rest of the year. Opening-day starter Matt Vitale will now be splitting snaps with Jarrod Hoyer for the Vikings’ upcoming games. “It had nothing to do with what Matt did,” said Darr. “It had more to do with what Jarrod has done. Both of them have been practicing excellent: making the reads, making the throws, leading the team.” Last Saturday’s game against Delta College marked the first time Darr alternated between Vitale and Hoyer throughout a game rather evenly. It was also the first game this season Hoyer saw meaningful time under center, instead of only taking the the field for a couple of drives in the second quarter like he did against Feather River College two weeks ago. So far, Hoyer has impressed with 261 yards passing with three touchdowns and one interception on 38 attempts, which is about the body of work of starting one game.“Competition is great,” said Hoyer on getting more in-game reps at starting quarterback. “We both have been doing pretty well, so just continuing to battle with (Matt) and that brings out the best in both of us.” Vitale has been the ultimate team player on sharing snaps with Hoyer. “The thing is I don’t have a problem with sharing snaps,” said Vitale. “All I want to do is win.” Vitale has embraced this situation to fuel the competitive fire within himself. He believes everything that comes with playing football, especially playing quarterback, starts in practice. “It’s important to compete in practice, competition starts in practice,” said Vitale. “You can’t flip the switch of competitiveness in the game, it starts in practice.” Darr’s decision to go with two quarterbacks was partly due to what happened last year. The Vikings lost their starting quar-

Aaron Tolentino/ The Inquirer

Quarterbacks Matt Vitale (left) and Jarrod Hoyer (right). terback to injury last year which led to their four-game losing streak to end the year. It was important for Darr to get his backup, Hoyer, meaningful snaps. In case were he needed to start full-time, Hoyer would not have been thrown into the fire without significant game experience. Vitale will continue to start games with Darr switching between Hoyer and Vitale throughout each individual game. “We’re hoping this gives us the opportunity to play the hot hand,” said Darr.

Contact AARON TOLENTINO at ATolentino@DVCInquirer.com

Women’s soccer picks up another win LUIS LOPEZ Staff member

The Vikings bounced back from their loss at Folsom Lake with a 2-1 conference victory against Modesto Junior College to improve to 6-3-2 overall. The game was a test of defense for both teams, as scoring wasn’t opened until the 29th minute after a goal from Noelle Lemos. Modesto answered back with a goal of their own from Denise Romo in the 45th minute, but just 90 seconds later in stoppage time the offensive prowess of Lemos once again proved difficult to stop, as she scored her second goal of the game. That goal ended up being the winning score for the Vikings as the second half went completely scoreless en route to a DVC victory. When asked about her goals, Lemos did not give herself all of the credit. “Just playing as a team, that was the biggest thing today,” said Lemos. “We were working together...and that’s where my goals came from, playing with my teammates.” Coach Cailin Mullins liked the team’s mental approach in response to last week’s loss. “I think we made a big improvement on our attitude,” said Mullins. “We didn’t approach Friday’s game with enough determination and collective work, and today was a much more positive vibe.” “People worked really hard on the bench, off the bench, on the field, it was a much better vibe out there as far as what we can do consistently,” said Mullins.

LUIS LOPEZ/ The Inquirer

Women’s soccer game at Modesto on October 6, 2017. The win may have come at a price for the Vikings, however, as goalkeeper Danielle Davis suffered a shot to her eye in the 32nd minute. Davis left the game with a swollen eye and did not return. Before the game, sophomore forward Erica MacDonald was spotted kneeling for the national anthem. When asked why she felt it was important to kneel for the anthem, MacDonald said she meant to bring attention to the disadvantages minorities face in the United States. “I think there’s a lot of racial tension in the country, and with me being white

I know I’ll never have to deal with the stuff that African-American and Latino people have to deal with, and I think it’s important to draw attention to it because I am white and since I have an advantage over those people I think its important to bring attention to the disadvantage they’re given,” said MacDonald. The Vikings’ next game will be on Oct. 6 at Sierra College.

Contact LUIS LOPEZ at LLopez@DVCInquirer.com