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comic art gallery
DVC faculty and alumni nonfiction art gallery. See Page 4.
inquirer Volume VIII, No 1
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Smoking at DVC could lead to disciplinary action and a fine COURTNEY DONAHOE Staff member
Anyone at Diablo Valley College who walks by the Business and Foreign Language building from the parking lots on the north side of campus knows about the spot where people gather to smoke cigarettes and other tobacco products. Well, to start the spring 2018 semester DVC has taken a step to eliminate that cloud of smoke from campus altogether by implementing a new smoking policy. California Assembly Bill 846 already prohibits smoking within 20 feet of all doorways and windows and before the change smoking was allowed in the parking lots and on the sidewalks right next to the buildings at DVC. Now however, no smoking, tobacco or vaping products of any kind are allowed on campus. This includes playing fields, walkways, roadways, parking lots or smoking inside vehicles while on DVC property. Interestingly, the smoking policy for the San Ramon Campus is that smoking is allowed but only in the student parking lots. Walking while smoking pollutes the air which can make it hard for non-smokers to walk near the smoking section. According to DVC’s website, this new smoking policy was implemented because, “DVC recognizes the health hazards associated with tobacco addiction. DVC also recognizes the challenges faced by those addicted to tobacco products and therefore supports efforts of employees and students to quit using tobacco products.” DVC’s policy also states that, “adherence to our tobaccofree policy relies, in large part, on the initiative of students and staff to politely request that smokers comply and on the courtesy of smokers to acknowledge and observe the restrictions.” The people who don’t follow these rules are violating the Student Code of Conduct and could be punished with disciplinary action. The Inquirer contacted DVC Police Services to see if cit-
Flu season hits DVC hard CATHERINE STITES Staff member
Seven deaths and counting for Contra Costa County alone are making this flu season one to keep an eye on. Influenza A H3N2 is the name of the game this season and its swing is far and wide. DVC is no exception. This particular sub-type of the flu is “particularly virulent,”and because of it the county has “a lot sicker people,” said Sue Farley who works as a public health nurse program manager for the communicable disease program at the Contra Costa Public Health organization. The flu shot is the number one way to prevent or minimize symptoms according to Deputy Health Officer, Dr. Louise McNitt.
Julia Kelly, 19, having a cigarette break near parking lot 7. ing smokers is something they will be focused on but so far has received no response. When asked about the new policy Deya Awad a 19-yearold business major said, “I don’t agree with it, we’re adults, we should be able to do what we want.” Awad felt there should not be constrictions saying, “as long as you’re careful with what you’re doing, you should be allowed to smoke it, there should be a smoking section for smokers.” Monica IIda-Costanzo, 25, a Allied health in physical science major said, “I think its cool, I don’t like the smell of it
COURTNEY DONAHOE / The Inquirer
(cigarettes).” Victoria Stewart, 22, undecided, agreed with this policy saying, “to be fair I am biased, I don’t like cigarette smoke, I don’t like the smell of it, even e-cigs.” Stewart was happy that there was something done about it adding, “I appreciate it for the health of non-smokers.”
Contact COURTNEY DONAHOE at CDonahoe@DVCInquirer.com
The flu shot effectiveness has come into question, but Far- to have empathy, as the the flu “disrupts the whole family ley said, “The b-component of the vaccine is not necessarily rhythm.” what’s circulating.” Knowing when to stay home and rest or to make the trek The vaccine is created by looking at what flu strain circu- to the hospital is important. Anyone with “severe weakness, lated in the Southern Hemisphere during their flu season an uncontrollable fever, really severe shortness of breath and which is our summertime, according unable to keep food or fluids down” to Farley. “There is some misconcep- “There is some misconception should get a hold of their doctor tion of how effective the vaccine is according to Farley. of how effective the vaccine because it is based on Australia’s flu Anyone with underlying health experience. Here’s the difference, in conditions, like being diabetic, is.” Australia they do not vaccinate all pregnant, having asthma or beage groups.” ing an oncology patient should be ~SUE FARLEY Farley said, “(Children), when extra careful this flu season as well Public health nurse program manager they are sick put out a lot of virus according to Farley. into the community.” If you vacci“To protect yourself, your family nate children, it helps eliminate a lot if disease transmission. and your community from the flu,” Dr. McNitt said that Emailing professors and letting them know that you are washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and stayill and are keeping up with the material “lets the professor ing home when sick are good preventive measures. know that you are engaged and committed to the class (even if you are ill),” said English professor Anne Kingsley. Professor Keith Mikolavich said that students are missing Contact CATHERINE STITES at “big chunks of time” because of the flu and that he tries CStites@DVCInquirer.com Copyright © 2018 The Inquirer - www.dvcinquirer.com
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news
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
calendar Feb. 10 to March 16 Fourth Annual DVC Literary Contest Monday, Feb. 19 Presidents Day Campus closed Wednesday, Feb. 21 Diablo Room 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Black History 101, Mobile Museum curated by Khalid El-Hakim Diablo Room 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Black History 101 - Professor Griff of Public Enemy Friday, Feb. 23 Greenhouse 3 p.m.- 6p.m. Spring Plant Sale
police beat Wednesday, Jan. 31 Bookstore A student was caught stealing from the bookstore and the case was sent to the dean of students. Lot 3 Student reported their bicycle stolen and requested prosectution. Friday, Feb. 2 Police Services An unknown subject took the victim’s bike which was secured to a bike rack. Tuesday, Feb. 6 Lot 7 Traffic accident occured in in parking lot 7 Thursday, Feb. 8 Tennis Courts A traffic accident with minor injuries occured.
Lamb takes first steps as DVC’s new president CAMILLE SCHWARTZ Staff member
After a lengthy interview process including candidate meetings open to students, faculty and staff, Susan Lamb was selected as Diablo Valley College’s newest president on Nov. 25, 2017. Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Fred Wood made the final decision to hire Lamb last November. Lamb replaces Ted Wieden who held the position of interim president since July 1, 2016. “This is an amazing college, I am focusing on integration, transparency and I’m looking forward to meet the staff members in order to make changes,” said Lamb. However, at the moment Lamb hasn’t made any changes concerning DVC and is still adjusting to her new role. “I left DVC four years ago, DVC’s staff and processes have changed since then, I need to get use to them, this is going to be the biggest change for me,” said Lamb, who used to be the vice president of academic affairs during her five years at DVC. Regarding the selection, Wood said, “it had been a tough choice, a long process. There was four candidates, all were good but I had to find the best one.” Her two years serving as vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at the City College of San Francisco, past experience working at DVC and
The Inquirer file photo
Susan Lamb spoke to the DVC community during the president candidate speeches on Nov. 15, 2017. her familiarity with 4CD helped Wood in his selection saying, “she knows the district.” In Lamb’s own opinion, working in different positions in community colleges has allowed her to have a fresh eye and different ways of handling situations. Associated Students of DVC President Kevin Zhang met Lamb for the first time in a face to face meeting on Monday, Feb. 5 and introduced
her to ASDVC’s previous work and upcoming goals for the new year. “She recognized our work,” said Zhang. Lamb will be at ASDVC’s next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13 in order to introduce herself and discuss the next objectives with students. Contact CAMILLE SCHWARTZ at CSchwartz@DVCInquirer.com
Police give tips on keeping stuff safe HALIE SPOL Staff member
Keeping students safe on campus was the topic for Diablo Valley College’s Brown Bag Workshop series this week. Detective Vanessa Avalos from DVC Police Services gave a presentation in the Student Union that aimed to educate students on vehicle safety, protecting yourself, your property and preventing fraud. Avalos’ tips for vehicle safety included parking in well lit areas, always making sure windows and doors are locked and never leaving anything that looks valuable in view. Avalos said, “A lot of people think that by hiding your laptops and backpacks with jackets [thieves] won’t know, but they know, and they are in and out of your car faster then you realize.” For protecting property, Avalos recommended always buying a U-lock for your bicycle and locking both the front tire and frame to a secured bike rack. She also stressed never leaving valuables out of your view, even if it is for a short minute, such as leaving a laptop while running to the restroom. Avalos let students know there is not many cameras on campus and the best way to secure your electronics and bicycle is by writing down their serial numbers. Serial numbers are important because
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.
Police Services uses an Automatic Property System, which locates property by matching a serial number from the reported stolen item with property the police have recovered. For keeping yourself safe Avalos stressed that students need to be observant and aware. She said, “Walk with purpose, you need to look like you’re doing something, going somewhere and like you have an end goal, even if you don’t. It is a crime of opportunity most of the time and criminals will always chose someone who looks timid and is not paying attention.” Avalos recommends always trusting your gut. If someone looks suspicious or something doesn’t feel right, report it. Avalos said, “Most people don’t trust their gut, police officers just have to learn how to refine and articulate it.” She also let students know that you can ask for a police escort on campus anytime from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m by calling the police non-emergency number. Wrapping the event up, Avalos let students know fraud and scam is a big problem on campus. She said to not give the voter registration booths that you see on campus your personal info, and to take it home and mail it in yourself. She also let students know that school Wi-Fi is not private, so do not check bank accounts on it, if you need to check personal in-
formation log off the Wi-Fi or wait till you get home. One student attending the workshop Kjersti Lyngbo, health education major, said attending the Brown Bag Workshop was, “Very relevant, I am deeply concerned about everyone on campus. I think that more students need to make an effort to use the resources and support available for our own safety.” Coordinator for the Brown Bag Workshop, Ashley Murdock, agreed. Getting students to attend the free workshops is helpful on keeping them aware and safe. “There is faculty presenters every Thursday who give presentations for DVC students on health, safety, cultural events and financial aid. If your professor offers it they can give extra credit for attending,” said Murdock. At the end of the safety workshop Murdock personally passed out slips with signatures for proof of attendance. To attend the many upcoming Brown Bag Workshops, grab your brown bag lunch and head down to the Student Union on Thursdays at noon for a free and informative workshop on events relating to DVC, and potentially some extra credit.
Contact HALIE SPOL at HSpol@DVCInquirer.com
Staff
Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSISTANT EDITORS
Mahrukh Siddiqui Isaac Norman Danny Yoeono Aaron Tolentino
STAFF WRITERS Jonathan Butler, Jessica Gillis, Nichole Parkes, Casey Riggs, Nicole Sims, Tyler Skolnick, Halie Spol, Catherine Stites, Kamal Taj, Lauren Thomas SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Chris Core, Frank Guitron, Luis Lopez, Deandra Procassini, Shannon Richey, Camille Schwartz, Aidan Sparks ADVISER Mary Mazzocco
• Phone: 925.969.2543 • Email: inquirer@dvc.edu • Website: www.dvcinquirer.com • Printed five times per semester •
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NEWS
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Tyler Skolnick / The Inquirer
Diablo Valley College is seeing declining enrollment rates thanks to a strong economy. According to a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Contra Costa County’s unemployment rate is 3.9 percent.
Enrollment rates declining TYLER SKOLNICK Staff member
Diablo Valley College’s campus enrollment rates took a dip this spring semester, a trend that correlates with low unemployment rates in the county and state. The Pleasant Hill campus experienced a 3.4 percent decline while the San Ramon campus experienced a 6.5 percent decline. In many cases in the past, particularly at two-year institutions, unemployment rates tend to be a great predictor of enrollment rates. When data from both the Department of Labor Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics are compared, the spikes in community college enrollment and unemployment rates go hand in hand
countrywide. According to the same data, during the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009, percentage changes in unemployment and community college enrollment were positively correlated. The same phenomenon occurred from 1998-2003. The vice president of instruction at DVC Rachel Westlake said, “When unemployment is low, people go out to get work, they don’t necessarily go to colleges.” This statement holds up true historically, and the current unemployment data suggest it is a potential cause for this semester’s drop. According to a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California unemployment rate currently stands at 5.1 per-
cent, while the Contra Costa County hovers more than one percent below that at 3.9 percent. It is no secret that the cost of living is above average in California. When people, especially potential students, find work, they take it. Educated communities are more prosperous communities, so what does the decline in enrollment mean for the future of helping more people reach their educational goals, here at DVC and Contra Costa County? “We want to give access to students, if we’re not giving access to students, that’s a problem,” said Westlake.” But as much as that, we want those students that are with us to be able stay with us until they reach their
educational goal. That’s where our focus is right now and where our focus has been for some time.” The correlation between unemployment rates and enrollment seems to stand its ground in the current educational and economic climate. For students, it signals for the continued struggle for balance between work and school.
Contact TYLER SKOLNICK at TSkolnick@DVCInquirer.com
College Council sends back printer proposal CHRIS CORE Staff member
The Diablo Valley College Technology Committee got a proposal to give all staff members individual printers sent back for revisions before it can be approved during a College Council meeting on Feb. 7. The proposal comes after staff members complained about having to go further distances than necessary to print out tests, handouts and other items for classes. Although much of the College Council approved of the general idea for more accessible printers, there was some debate over whether the proposal would be financially or practically efficient. “It’s case by case,” said DVC President Susan Lamb. The council agreed that for some staff members the idea would benefit them immensely while others would neglect the use of a printer in their office.
John Nahlen, DVC vice president of business and administration services, made an argument that so many printers may not be necessary in a growing digital age. Nahlen said that at some point DVC and other schools would have to, “change the way we do work if you want to save trees and dollars.” However, the dawn of the digital age was not enough to persuade all members of the council that the printers were not needed. Catherine Machalinski, a biological science professor at DVC, said that when she hurt her hip and had to walk with a cane for a period of time she had to walk down three stories just to print out handouts for her class. Machalinski also argued that the digital way of teaching sometimes is not always the best. “Sometimes our students need a piece of paper handed to them,” said Machalinski.
The council came to the conclusion that a change was in fact needed but not to the full extent that every teacher should get a printer. There was no single solution presented for the problem, but some suggestions brought up by the council involved: Putting a printer on every floor for easier access. Getting staff members to apply for personal printers. Mapping out new buildings to prevent having printers in hallways. The technology committee said that they will redraft the language of the proposal to focus on specifics for who gets printers but there is no date or deadline for when they will return to College Council with their finished proposal. Contact CHRIS CORE at CCore@DVCInquirer.com
The
Buzz
What does Black History Month mean to you? How do you celebrate? Interviewed by: Nicole Sims Photographed by: Tyler Skolnick
KIARRA POWELL Psychology
Jackie Broussard Communications
Auchavian Brewer Health science
Kevian Blocker Kinesiology
“It’s a time where we remember to be great...there’s so many stereotypes about us.”
“It’s a time of reflection.”
“It’s a time...to come together in solidarity, to find out where black struggles come from.”
“I celebrate it all the time! It makes us feel like we mean something.”
4
News
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Umoja hosts Black History Month student panel at DVC CAMILLE SCHWARTZ Staff member
talked about their experiences as African American students at Diablo Valley College celebrates DVC. Black Month History this February “I took a lot of classes and in and numerous events and activities almost all of them there wasn’t a are proposed to the students in or- lot of African American students, der to have a better understanding Umoja helped me feel like home,” of African American history. said Terrence Mullins. This annual celebration is an ocIndeed, this program helps stucasion to acknowledge the achieve- dents by providing them resources ments made by African Americans such as mentors, homework supand a time for recognizing their port, counseling and according to central role in U.S. history. them, much more. The Umoja community here at “Umoja linked me up with proDVC is dedigrams, teachcated to the “I connected with the ers,” said Kenacademic sucdra Smith. people from Umoja.” cess of African “I connectAmerican stued with the ~Shanice Mitchell dents and orgapeople from Umoja member nized a student Umoja. When panel on Feb.7. I got there I was CAMILLE SCHWARTZ / The Inquirer “DVC stublown away. Umoja students Chuck Nodim, Tiante Lee-Thomas, Terrence Mullins, dents are mostly I developed a Kendra Smith, Aicha Brou, Shanice Mitchell and Mykelle D’Tiole white, it can be hard for colored sense of community,” said Shanice students to feel accepted,” said Mitchell. country. Coast. DVC throughout this month, all Umoja co-cordinator Heidi GoenThis sense of community goes “People throw at your face that This support system is avail- the dates are available on DVC’s Salter, who conducted the panel. beyond the border of DVC and you are black but I am strong- able for all DVC students, and the website dvc.edu. After a short introduction, the Umoja. Students created a family, minded and Umoja is family, it is Umoja offices are located in the panel composed of seven students especially for foreign students who like home, people care about you,” PUMA center. Contact CAMILLE SCHWARTZ at part of the Umoja community had to deal with being in another said Aicha Brou who is from Ivory Other events will take place at CSchwartz@DVCInquirer.com
Online tutoring through Canvas NICOLE SIMS Staff member
Graphic illustration by Daniel Yeono
Student can now get help in all subjects at all hours of the day Online tutoring will now be available to students all hours of the day through Canvas in an effort to make tutoring more accessible to all students. “So if someone wanted tutoring at 2 a.m., because as we know sometimes students are up at 2 a.m., now there’s tutoring that can happen,” said faculty tutoring coordinator, professor Katy Agnost. The online tutoring is being offered through a company called NetTutor, accessible through Canvas. “Students who were taking online classes didn’t have access to tutoring unless they came to campus. So the online tutoring is first a way to give students in online classes an equal opportunity to get tutoring,” said Agnost. Agnost added that it is also an effort to
make tutoring more accessible to students and when you click on that you’re in. And with busy schedules. because it’s through canvas you’re already “Also we have a lot of students who work authenticated as a DVC student and that’s or have really busy schedules outside of how you get access,” said Agnost. classes and so they arrange their schedule NetTutor offers more subjects than what so they’re at DVC for their classes and then is available on campus currently, “So that’s they can’t stay to get extra help so this was the other benefit to this, there are some areas designed to give those students access to that don’t have tutoring here at DVC right tutoring too,” said Agnost. now and now they do have it online which Matthew Denny, a communications is great, for example, psychology or commajor and a munications,” “I think this could be a a game said Agnost. working student who has used While this changer if a student isn’t doing program tutoring on camis being well and they get good feedpus before, says piloted students NetTutor would receive five back, they could gain a lot more will “definitely be free hours or 300 confidence to do well in school.” minutes on Nethelpful.” Students can Tutor. use NetTuOn NetTutor ~Brendan Sullivan DVC Student tor by clicking students can live on any one of chat with tutors their courses in through mesCanvas. senger, voice chat or video chat, “depending “It doesn’t have to be the course you want on what the student has and is comfortable tutoring in, it just has to be a course. Once with and there’s also a paper drop off for you’re inside that course, on the left-hand students who don’t have time to live chat or navigation right below where it says DVC li- maybe the technology is a little confusing; brary, you’ll find the tab that says NetTutor they can drop off a paper for review and get
feedback,” says Agnost. Brendan Sullivan, a history major said, “I think this could be a game changer if a student isn’t doing well and they benefit from this and get good feedback, they could gain a lot more confidence to do well in school.” Sullivan gets tutoring and utilizes office hours for all of his classes and says, “I feel more comfortable in the class and my teachers can see I am putting forth an effort to learn.” Agnost also encourages students to use all of their resources for tutoring here on campus, “Try the online or go to the tutoring lab in your area because it does really help. Part of what tutoring does is foster independent learning.” Agnost also hopes students who have not yet tried tutoring on campus will feel now more comfortable doing so after finding success with NetTutor. “(Students) don’t just get help on that immediate assignment but they learn how to do it on their own. It’s empowering to succeed in a class and the idea of tutoring is to empower students to be successful,” said Agnost. Contact NICOLE SIMS at NSims@DVCInquirer.com
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FEATURES
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Jonathan Butler / The Inquirer
Tareek Armstrong, 19, art major, enjoys “In Real Life–A Comic Arts Show” at Diablo Valley College’s art gallery in room A305 on Feb. 8, 2018.
Artists shine in comic arts show JONATHAN BUTLER Staff member
“This is a show about everyday superheroes,” said professor Arthur King about “In Real Life–A Comic Arts Show,” which is now open to view at the DVC Art Gallery. Curated by a team of DVC professors, the show “Honors Truth-Telling, Non-Fiction Comics” put on by a multitude of Bay Area artists include several DVC alumni. Drawing upon both personal and political subject matters, the gallery show opens the
world of comics to illustrate the ways they can, in the words of professor Adam Bessie, act as a “gateway to thinking about new issues in new perspectives.” Thanks to the work of Bessie and King, stereotypical comic content are all but forgotten as you walk through the doors. Luckily, this wasn’t lost on early viewers. “Comics that make me think and appreciate the world, I like the best,” said Erika Back, a humanities major and returning student who has worked with King for the past five years.
Others like Andrew Jenkins, a 20-year-old fine arts major stopped by as, “an artist… trying to find inspiration.” Regardless of your viewing motivation, it’s clear that Bessie and King, who have long bridged the divide between the art and English departments by their work with DVC’s James O’Keefe Comic Contest, have delivered another comic smash. “We were trying to survey the current landscape across gender and background,” said King, and added they “got a nice dream team.”
Coming up, there will be Urban Sketcher events throughout the month of February. If you would like to attend “In Real Life–A Comic Arts Show,” the DVC Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays 11 a.m.3 p.m. on the art quad’s third floor, room A305.
Contact JONATHAN BUTLER at JButler@DVCInquirer.com
Tea Club brews up fun ISAAC NORMAN Managing editor
Every Monday at 3 p.m. members of Diablo Valley College’s tea club spend an afternoon laughing with friends, working on homework and yes, drinking tea. Started in fall semester 2017 the whole idea of the club, according to its president Jerry Ortega, is to excel at school, make new friends and have fun in the process. The concept started when Ortega was in high school and he and three friends wanted to get good grades. For them it was a bit of a joke of fitting into the stereotype of asian students who want to get good grades but grew to include tea and eventually bringing in others as well. Speaking about why tea club grew into a formal club, Ortega said, “we want everyone to excel in their academics, we want everyone to be smart.” During Club Day last semester 70 people signed up for tea club. Misa Ridgway, 20, political science major believes one of the reasons why tea club is so
popular is because, “liking tea is something everyone has in common.” Several people, like Demetrios Robles, 18, psychology, joined after they were encouraged to do so by their friends. Robles, who has a five hour gap between classes, was convinced to check out tea club after his friend told him to come play some games and hang out. “I thought that’s better than watching Netflix by myself,” said Robles. Asked why he felt tea was such a popular drink to offer Robles said, “tea you can have at any time of the day and there is a tea for everyone.” Lawrence Miraflores, 19, undecided, is in his second semester with the club. To Miraflores, one of the benefits of tea club is befriending other members through drinking teas and playing games is a lot easier than meeting strangers you don’t know. Tea club meets every Monday at 3 p.m. in Student Union room 210. Contact ISAAC NORMAN at INorman@DVCInquirer.com
Photo Illustration by Catherine Stites / The Inquirer
Part of tea club’s appeal is the variety of teas it offers to suit different tastes.
opinions 6
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Women at DVC must join #MeToo fight It seems that 2017 was the year of blo Valley College, the Student Code of bringing light to sexual assault and ha- Conduct clearly states that our college rassment. forbids, “rape, date rape, sexual harassMany men and women came forward ment, sexual violence, sexual assault, or to shed light on the horrific and disgust- threat of an assault upon a student or ing stories of sexual assault. member of the college community on It wasn’t much time until some of the District property, or at a college or disbiggest names in Hollywood stepped up trict sponsored or supervised function.” to tell their stories. To read more about DVC’s policies go The 2016- 2017 to the website. school year the ConEven though violent tra Costa Community sexual assault on campus College District reis low to nonexistent acleased a new Campus cording to the 2016-2017 Crime Awareness ReCampus Crime Awareport. ness Report, nonviolent The report’s sexual sexual harassment numassault policy states, bers may be erroneously “the District Police, low because of women not with the victim’s conspeaking up. sent, will immediately When DVC students conduct a criminal inwere asked about sexual vestigation of a reportharassment on campus DEANDRA PROCASSINI ed sexual assault…disand what the steps of preStaff member ciplinary actions and/ vention could be Ingrid or criminal prosecuZulgis, 19, psychology tion may be imposed major said that as a stuon recognized individual students, stu- dent we, “don’t see a lot of signs and there dent organizations, and/or district faculty aren’t prevention buttons.” and staff found responsible for a sexual Ashley Cunningham, 18, DVC stuassault.” dent said that there are, “not that much When it comes to our campus at Dia- security walking around on campus.”
One student, Laura Poo, 15, stated that because she had never been sexually harassed she did not have much to say on the issue. If a student has been or knows someone that has been assaulted there are a few steps that can take place to ensure our authorities and leaders of the school are made aware. These are the resource to use: Campus Police Services (925) 9692785 Vice President of Student Services (925)-969-2005 If a student has been assaulted and needs someone to talk to there are some confidential crisis hotlines to call, and some are available 24 hours of the day. DVC recommends calling the Rape Crisis Center of Central Contra Costa at: Crisis Hotline (925) 798-7273 (24 hours) Non-emergency Services (510) 2370113 Women are given voices that hold power and with power can come real change. Tell your truth, don’t sit in shame and silence because that time is up.
Contact DEANDRA PROCASSINI at DProcassini@DVCInquirer.com
Bonds’ jersey deserves honor In a ceremony that is long overdue, the San Francisco Giants Bonds’ rescue of the franchise laid the groundwork for the will finally retire Barry Bonds’ number 25. Giants’ recent run of World Series titles. For another Giant to Bonds played for the Giants from 1993 to 2007 and was in wear 25 instead of Bonds would be an absolute travesty. He the MLB for over 20 years. Within that provided Giants fans with some of the greatest time, Bonds was hit an average of .298 and memories any baseball fan could ask for, and to had over 1,996 RBIs and of course, became say that without including a championship is the all-time home run leader with 762 an impressive accomplishment. bombs. Before this announcement, a previous preThis comes at an interesting time in requisite to get a number retired was being Bonds’ life, as he is currently struggling to elected to Cooperstown. Only a player with get elected into the Hall of Fame. Bonds’ a career like Bonds’ could give the Giants the ties to performance-enhancing drugs will incentive to break such a tradition. always cast a dark shadow over his career The ceremony will come with backlash from and will make getting elected in a difficulty. fans across the league. However, it feels right Regardless of the abnormalities of this that the league’s most polarizing player would jersey retirement, it is one the Giants had also have the league’s most polarizing ceremoto have all along. To not retire the jersey of ny. the home run king would be like Apple not With Bonds’ career number of home runs, honoring Steve Jobs or Starburst not honor756, hanging on AT&T Park’s center field LUIS LOPEZ ing its cherry flavor. wall, it evokes memories of all the home runs Staff member After all, if it weren’t for Bonds, the GiBonds hit and the night he eclipsed greatness. ants would likely be playing in Tampa Bay Ultimately, by hanging the number 25 in left right now, and the Bay Area would have lost one of its most field, the area Bonds hit over for so many years, the number will prized franchises. Bonds’ great play on the field kept fans in- bring back the memories that helped define the Giants franterested in the Giants and gave the team contending seasons in chise. the 1990s. It was that interest and the contention that revitalized the GiContact Luis Lopez at ants franchise and the leading reason their proposal to relocate LLopez@DVCInquirer.com was shot down by the MLB.
Textbooks should cost students less money The number one complaint of students everywhere the first week of school, besides fighting for a space around DVC to even get to class, is how much money students drop for textbooks. Even worse is when week nine flies by and you still haven’t cracked the very same textbook you sold your soul for in week one. Despite being a savvy shopper, the first week still becomes an extremely depressing for my debit card. Let’s talk numbers though because a lot of money for some is not a lot for others. I spent $60 for an e-book and code for a psychology class this past summer semester. We did use it all the time, but the online access lasted six months when I only needed it for six weeks. I spent $90 for my NorCATHERINE STITES ton Anthology, Staff member which as much of a wealth of knowledge as it is, will probably be reduced to a paperweight after this semester because of how flimsy it is and the fact that resale value drops dramatically with all the damage it will incur with use. Even with the textbooks you take better care of than your first-born baby, most won’t be able to be sold because the books are constantly being updated. I sold five brand new textbooks back last semester, all in great condition, but because of new editions being out, and the demand for certain books dropping, I received $25 for around $100 in books. The minute you buy any book the value is immediately reduced. The college kid stereotype is getting by eating ramen noodles and not having a lot of money to spend. Textbooks should be af“Despite being a fordable. DVC does savvy shopper week offer loose leaf one still becomes an editions which extremely depressing reduce some and they week for my debit cost allow you to rent a textbook card.” instead of buying it, which ~CATHERINE STITES are great first Staff member steps towards reducing how much money a student spends on their books. But there should be more options to buy older editions, or to have upfront honesty with professors to see if the books are necessary to the class, or just a great addition. Even better would be that professors would choose textbooks that are reasonably priced, or that textbook prices would drop from the extremes to something reasonable at all. Contact CATHERINE STITES at CStites@DVCInquirer.com
7
opinions
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Editorial
Photo illustration by DANNY YOEONO
Why we name sources As reporters we are constantly balancing the credibility of our work with the need to protect our sources. Naming sources gives transparency to articles and allows readers to examine the validity of information for themselves. Was the source an eyewitness at the scene of an incident? A subject matter expert? My grandmother? Our job is always to put out the most well-represented information for our readers so they can examine the issues for themselves and draw their own conclusions. When we don’t name sources we cease to be a pillar of information and instead become an institution that demands our readers trust us on blind faith. As members of a profession whose first job is to ask “why” in order to learn and share the truth, we cannot expect the answer to our readers to be, “because we told you so.” When we ask for names and contact information it is so we have a paper trail to lead us back to our sources if we ever need to clarify information given to us or if the validity of our sources comes into question. That being said, not all sources are named
equally. Ponce received a lot of backlash and subGood reporting requires always balancing sequently had his personal information put the needs of the audience and those of the out onto the internet, a term called doxxing. story. Whether you agree with him or not, Ponce Sometimes a story made himself a would be better if a figure by “Sharing information and public source was named. hosting a seminar shedding light on issues im- to share his politiHowever, if it means putting the source in viewpoints and portant to DVC only hap- cal danger, that is someallowing the DVC thing we must always pens when people are willing Inquirer to film take into considerhis lecture. to speak their truths...” ation. That his mesGranted, as a college sage, once public, ~Spring 2018 Editorial Board newspaper our stories had unintended rarely elicit the kind and negative conof backlash that could sequences comes bring physical harm to with the territory anyone but when working on controversial of a speaker wanting to use their platform. topics we cannot take any reckless or threatOn the other hand, we withheld the name ening acts lightly. of a student at a Deferred Action for ChildThis also means considering who may be hood Arrivals, or DACA, rally when we exposed to such retaliation and what their learned she was a “Dreamer” and could be at level of exposure might be. risk of deportation if named. We named professor Albert Ponce when This person, though threatened by govhe gave his speech last semester about white ernment action if their identity was exposed, supremacy in the United States. chose to put their faith in us when we quot-
ed them in our story. While, like Ponce, they gave their opinion on the situation, they would not have done so if we did not ask for their comment first. We strive to deliver complete news to the DVC community by interviewing multiple sources and confirming the information given to us. It is important to us that you know where we are getting our information and that what we deliver isn’t from a single source or worse, fabricated. If we risk our integrity, we are no better than the comments section on YouTube.3 As a paper, our job is to serve you, the community. Without you there are no stories to tell. Sharing information and shedding light on issues important to DVC only happens when people are willing to speak their truths, however controversial or uncomfortable they may be. By continuing to speak to us about issues and using your name, you are not allowing others to use fear to silence what is said. ~ Spring 2018 Editorial Board
8
sports
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018
Ben Wood’s miracle shot Jessica Gillis Staff member
After losing six games by four points or less, Diablo Valley College’s men’s basketball team was looking for redemption. With seconds on the clock, DVC gained possession of the ball, and with one last desperation heave, sophomore Ben Wood nailed an almost 65-foot shot from half court and made it right as time ran out, giving the Vikings a much needed 63-61 win at Cosumnes River College. Leading into the start of the play, there was a lot of frustration because the team has gone through so many close games this year. “As (the ball) came off my hand, it did feel good, like it had a chance; it was a nice surprise,” said Wood. When the ball first left Wood’s hands, even some of his own teammates did not think he had a shot. According to fellow sophomore teammate Steven Daily, Wood reached for the ball, grabbed it in a twisting motion, turned around and with his right hand, flung the ball as if it were a baseball or football. It seemed therev was not a chance it would go in. But when Daily saw the ball in the air, he had this feeling that it had a chance. Swoosh. Freshman Anthony Haskett said, “I just stood there and was like no way did that just happen, then it hit me and we got all excited and we jumped on Ben.” Wood has been playing basketball for 15 years and is now the captain of the team. For him, that game was a really nice way to celebrate what has otherwise been a season with a lot of ups and downs. With a shot incredibly hard to make and done by so few players, this one was certainly worth celebrating. “I have been coaching for 40 years and I have not seen a shot like that in person...the reason he made that shot is because there is no quit in him, he’s a player,” said head coach Steve Coccimiglio. Contact Jessica Gillis at JGillis@DVCInquirer.com
Former player hired as new offensive coordinator Aaron Tolentino Sports editor
Diablo Valley College football is welcoming home one of its former players, Robert Adan. After spending two years at Southwestern Oklahoma State University as a wide receivers coach, Adan has returned to become DVC’s offensive coordinator. The position opened up when former offensive coordinator, Anthony Garcia, stepped down to tend to his newborn child. Adan had already planned on moving back to California before any position opened up, making the timing perfect for both sides. “I was real excited because I just moved back from Oklahoma and just finished my masters degree out there. (My fiancé Aaron Tolentino / The Inquirer and I) said we got to get back to CaliforVikings offensive coordinator Rob Adan in his office. nia,” according to Adan. After moving back to California, Adan wide receivers coach before landing at Hoyer looks forward to taking full adreconnected with some mutual friends of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. vantage of his starting role as quarterback his and DVC head coach Mike Darr, who Adan’s experience as a player and coach after being a backup last season. mentioned the job opening. working in different systems at various Adan also plans to help with recruiting Darr called Adan a couple weeks later schools across the country should lead and as a kinesiology professor at DVC, and asked if he wanted the job. to a very creative offense. Adan envisions he’ll be heavily involved in the strength Adan responded, “Dang mixing elements of the and conditioning of the team. right I do.” and West Coast “Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been the “It’s always great to spread A former wide receiver offenses and including strength coach and my biggest thing is under Darr 10 years ago, have a member of more run-pass option injury prevention,” said Adan. “So if we Adan knows the ins and (RPOs), fly sweeps have any major injuries, that’s my fault.” the family back.” plays outs of DVC and the proand pre-snap motioning. And while Adan plans to make a big gram Darr runs. Quarterback Jarrod impact on the entire team, he’s still mind~Mike Darr “It’s always great to have Hoyer has already got- ful to keep the same Viking tradition he Vikings’ head coach a member of the family ten a head start on work- went through as a player years back. back. He was a great player ing with Adan by brain“We already have that many (returnfor us, but even back then, storming ways to make ing players), might as well keep a similar the staff used to talk about he’s gonna be the Vikings’ offense better. scheme and put my little flavor in there,” an unbelievable coach,” said Darr. “The “We’re gonna go a little more in depth said Adan. timing just worked out perfectly.” this year, already learned a lot from him Adan’s coaching career began at Santa these past five meetings,” said Hoyer. Barbara Community College where he “He’s a smart guy and he knows a lot spent four years as the recruiting coor- about football so he’s definitely gonna Contact Aaron Tolentino at dinator, special teams coordinator and help me in all aspects.” ATolentino@DVCInquirer.com
Viking Field’s new upgrade Lauren Thomas Staff member
Construction is nearing completion for Diablo Valley College’s new turf on Viking Field. Equipped with a new logo, increased durability and ecofriendly material, the new field is on target for its projected completion date of Feb. 18. The project broke ground the first week of January, tearing up a worn field that had seen a decade of play. According to DVC athletic director Christine Worsley, the previous field had past its prime, with UV rays as the biggest culprit of its deterioration. “It’s night and day in terms of the technology of the fiber that’s on there, so it will be a better field than what we’ve had,” said Worsley. Along with more durable fibers, the field is being upgraded to a cork particle fill rather than its previous rubber particle fill. Worsley explained the rubber particles were made of recycled tires containing levels of carcinogens. Not only carcinogen-free, the new cork material is an organic substance with less environmental impact. According to DVC vice president of business and administrative services, John Nahlen, the project is being funded with local DVC scheduled maintenance funds. The project is budgeted at $725,000, though Nahlen believed it may come to a bit less due to the subsurface being in better condition than anticipated. Nahlen explained the field will receive biannual mainte-
Courtesy of Diablo Valley College
Viking Field will have a new midfield and end zone design.
nance. The previous field’s contract had no such stipulation. Closed since mid-December, the reopening of the field is under much anticipation. The construction has forced the relocation of a number of sports teams and classes. The track and field team is among the most affected. “Unfortunately there’s always a casualty of these kinds of situations and it turns out that it’s the track and field team,” said track and field head coach Kyle Whitmore. The team is gracious to College Park High School for allowing them to share their practice space. However, space is
limited as it’s shared between four soccer teams, a lacrosse team, and College Park’s track and field team of about 100 athletes. This leaves DVC’s track and field team with the three outermost lanes. “Me and my coaching staff, we just have to take a different approach to our training. We have to be a little bit more patient. And we’re hopeful that we’ll actually benefit in the end,” Whitmore said. Though the conditions are less than ideal, the team remains optimistic. “We work with what we have and everyone’s trying their hardest to remain supportive of each other because workouts can be really intense and hard especially when we don’t have the right resources to be practicing on,” said distance athlete Ella Hymel. “We’re so excited to start seeing upgrades in this area for students,” said Worsley, as the field is one of several upgrades. Last year, Viking Field received new LED lights and a repainted track. “There’s a lot of interest by community groups and by high school athletic championships to come in and use the facility now that they’re seeing all the upgrades, which is great,” said Worsley. Contact Lauren Thomas at LThomas@DVCInquirer.com