Volume VIII, No. 3

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inquirer Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Volume VIII, No 3

Vertical farm towering feat for DVC students SHANNON RICHEY Assistant editor

Keren Pasule sets about inspecting a series of capped PVC tubes, each with a tidy row of holes drilled into it, stacked on a utility shelf in the balmy greenhouse in the DVC Horticulture Area.

She makes her way over to an empty fish tank, explaining it will eventually be stocked with roach fish, providing a nutrient rich water source for a variety of lettuces.

Pasule, 19, a biochemistry major, is the project manager for DVC’s Vertical Farming Club, which is in the process of constructing an aquaponic vertical farming system.

Unlike traditional methods of farming, which require large swaths of land, plentiful water supply and a favorable climate, vertical farming takes place indoors, in grow beds stacked vertically.

Crops are grown without soil, with necessary nutrients being delivered through an irrigation system of recirculating water, while LED lights provide a replacement for sunlight.

“Vertical farming is the future of farming,” wrote Peter Swenson.

Swenson, who is the chair of the club, noted that the system offers solutions for many of the issues facing food security and current farming practices.

The Food and Agriculture

President Lamb addresses alleged threats AIDAN SPARKS Staff member

SHANNON RICHEY / The Inquirer Keren Pasule, 19, biochemistry major and Vertical Farming Club project manager, inspecting the tube beds on the vertical farming tower in the greenhouse in the DVC Horticulture area.

Organization of the United Nations estimates that there needs to be 50 percent more food for an additional 2.3 billion people by 2050, with two-thirds of that global population living in densely packed urban environments.

As already declining rural populations age, the traditional agricul-

tural workforce will dwindle further, creating a significant deficit.

The FAO also point out that roughly 1.3 billion tons of global food production is lost or wasted annually due to natural disasters, spoilage, and transporting food over long distances.

Through technology and simply

by nature of being indoors, verticle farms will be able to avoid some of the environmental hardships that are beleaguering traditional farms with increasing frequency, such as droughts, infestations, widlfires and hurricanes.

Continued on Page 5

ASDVC elections begin with nominations AIDAN SPARKS Staff member

The Associated Students of Diablo Valley College held nominations for the campus’ student government leadership positions on the Tuesday, March 6.

According to the ASDVC bylaws, board members hold their position for one year, and range from the highest position of president to positions such as public relations and secretary.

Nominations for the position of ASDVC president include Trey Dao, a veteran and heavily involved member of ASDVC, Sharita Snagg, the vice chair of the Inter Club Council, and John Michaelson, who has held numerous positions not only on the ASDVC board, but on the Contra Costa College student senate.

This is not Michaelson’s first attempt as president, as he previously ran against the current president, Kevin Zhang, last term.

When asked why he decided on running again, Michaelson responded with, “I am running for president because the students need a more forceful voice to advocate for our right to a safe education; and I will support policies to safeguard our rights and our safety.”

The general elections will be held online, and as suggested by Dao, and unanimously passed by the rest of ASDVC, the the $2,500 estimate needed to pay for the elections will be taken from the “miscellaneous” category of the ASDVC budget.

The finances were originally going to be pulled from the general election budget, but Dao made a point of saying that some issues may arise that have nothing to do with the elections themselves.

“Since the elections are online, we may run into some issues technology wise…and we may need to do some physical advertising,” said Dao.

The position of controller, or in other words, the student in charge of working with advisor Todd Farr in maintaining ASDVC monthly fiscal reports, was previously held by Andy Zhang, but was removed because of three strikes of lack of attendance.

According to the bylaws, this is removal not just from the board but ASDVC itself.

A member of ASDVC spoke up and asked whether Zhang has expressed interest in being removed from the position.

Zhang replied with, “Andy unofficially wanted to resign, but did not provide me with an official document of resignation.”

Nominations for the position of controller were also made.

Contact AIDAN SPARKS at ASparks@DVCInquirer.com

Copyright © 2018 The Inquirer - www.dvcinquirer.com

Diablo Valley College President Susan Lamb released a statement Thursday, March 8, via email, acknowledging that DVC and authorities were investigating a student who was making threats towards other members of the student body.

“We want to reassure you that college administrators and campus police have been working directly with individuals who have knowledge of the situation and are taking action as appropriate,” Lamb wrote in the email. Lamb finished by saying, “As always, if you see something, say something.”

The situation arose when Jessica Platt, the mother of a student at DVC who did not want to be named for fear of retaliation, posted a status on Facebook explaining that there was a man associated with DVC’s history club who had been making dangerous threats to all members of the club ranging from misogynistic comments to, according to Platt, sending physical threats to members in the mail.

“He also sent a knife in the mail to one of the history club members over the winter break,” wrote Platt on her post.

While she is grateful for the action, Platt questioned why it is only being taken now.

“I just feel that it shouldn’t have taken since October for something to happen. And that our legislature needs to address threats and how we handle them...there have been numerous instances involving this student,” said Platt.

As of March 8, the adviser of the club has not yet responded to a request for comment, nor has DVC’s administration provided an update about whether they have followed up with the student in question.

Contact AIDAN SPARKS at ASparks@DVCInquirer.com

2

news

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

calendar Feb. 10 to March 16 Fourth Annual DVC Literary Contest March 2 to March 18 DVC Theatre Twelfth Night Thursday, March 15 Diablo Room Building Solidartiy Towards Social Justice 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Student Union Brown Bag Workshop Guarantee your transfer to a UC or CSU 1 p.m.

Diablo Room Social Justice Studies Speaker Series: Tim Curry 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, March 20 Music Building Room 101 Music Major Recital 2 p.m.

police beat Wednesday, Feb. 21 Lot 8 A vehicle collided with a parked vehicle causing damage and the driver left no identifying information.

Sunday, Feb. 25 Gym Campus visitors reported that personal property were stolen. The stolen phones were tracked via GPS to a suspect on campus, who was arrested for grand theft.

correction An article in the Feb. 14 print edition (“Umoja Hosts Black History Month Student Panel”) incorrectly quoted professor Heidi Goen-Salter. She said “students of color.”

Anti-ICE movement grows Tyler Skolnick Staff member

As the local vs. federal government struggle surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement reaches a fever pitch, the sustained unease and anger in the undocumented immigrant community reached a public crescendo alongside Monument Blvd in Concord.

Following a weekend in which ICE arrested over 150 individuals in raids across the Bay Area, Diablo Valley College students and faculty took a stand alongside the larger undocumented community on the busy street in Concord on Feb. 28 to show support for those who feel unsettled by the agency’s presence in Contra Costa.

March organizer and member of the Contra Costa County Immigrant Alliance Tony Bravo, said the show of support for the undocumented community is crucial to feel safe. “I myself, am undocumented, so this directly affects me and my family. And I can say that without fear because I know that my community is here to back me up,” said Bravo.

The current conversation surrounding immigration is charged with emotion and tension, and international students here at DVC are ex-

“It’s a slap in the face from the government to allow me to come out of a shadow just to push me back into one.” ~Nayely Jauregui DVC student and DACA receipient

Tyler Skolnick / The Inquirer

Nayely Jauregui, DVC student and DACA recipient, holds her sign high. periencing this at a heightened level.

Benedictus Jovan, President of DVC’s International Student Club said, “It’s very nice to get an assurance, especially from the DVC staff and administrators, that we actually are safe here.”

Nayely Jauregui, DVC student and president of DVC’s Women of Color Association, is a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, having been in the U.S. since she was 2 years old.

To her, the ICE raids are another step backwards in the struggle for what she wants for herself and her fellow DACA recipients.

“Our end goal here is to get ICE out of

our communities and just have peace,” said Jauregui.“It’s a slap in the face from the government to allow me to come out of a shadow just to push me back into one.”

While Jauregui was frustrated with the federal government, she felt the protest had a positive effect on her and her community.

“I felt very supported, because Monument is a highly undocumented and impacted community.” said Jauregui.

Contact Tyler Skolnick at TSkolnick@DVCInquirer.com

Students in favor of smoking policy Courtney Donahoe Staff member

Since the new smoking policy has gone into effect on September 13, 2017, it seems as if it never even happened. Students and even staff at Diablo Valley College had no idea that there was even a new policy put in place at the beginning of the semester.

“I didn’t even know about it, I think maybe it’s a good idea to enforce it more, have responsibilities the police services could uphold that would be great,” said Malia Valencia, financial aid office assistant A student worker at the DVC library circulation desk agreed.

“I think it’s a good thing, I’m an ex-smoker so I don’t want nicotine in my body, it’s just common courtesy,” Jessica Chapman said.

The main changes under the new policy is smoking is now prohibited in the parking lots and

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.

there is a fine for violations.

“I agree with the policy, the school should provide more strict consequences” Richard Kusuma, a student worker at the International Student Office said.

According to DVC’s website on the smoking policy “Smoking, smoking substitutes, smoke inducing devices and vaping are considered a health hazard and are prohibited on all college property.”

It also clearly states on DVC’s website where smoking is prohibited “The use of all smoking/tobacco/vaping products as defined is prohibited on campus grounds, playing fields, walkways, roadways, parking lots, in all vehicles on DVC property and in or around the perimeter of any building.”

The fine is $25 for the first and second offense and $100 for every violation after that.

Students continue to see tobacco smoking of any kind happening

Courtney Donahoe / The Inquirer

DVC students taking a smoke break every day on campus. One of the ways that DVC wants students to help with this policy is to kindly ask people who are smoking, not to smoke.

The DVC website states “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” A number of teachers and staff members were contacted for comment but have not yet replied.

Contact Courtney Donahoe at CDonahoe@DVCInquirer.com

Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Staff

Mahrukh Siddiqui

STAFF WRITERS Jonathan Butler, Jessica Gillis, Nichole Parkes, Casey Riggs, Nicole Sims, Tyler Skolnick, Halie Spol, Catherine Stites, Kamal Taj, Lauren Thomas

MANAGING EDITOR

Isaac Norman

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Frank Guitron Shannon Richey Danny Yoeono

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Chris Core, Courtney Donahoe, Luis Lopez, Deandra Procassini, Camille Schwartz, Aidan Sparks

SPORTS EDITOR

Aaron Tolentino

ADVISER Mary Mazzocco

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

3

news

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Failing faculty offices to be demolished in 2026 CATHERINE STITES Staff member

Diablo Valley College’s plan for the redesign of their campus will be over the next decade.

The money for the new buildings, the renovation of old, and the moving of others will all be funded from Measure E. According to the District’s Measure E Program Implementation Plan, $182.1 million is allocated from Measure E for the various projects.

The faculty office buildings, currently across from the liberal arts building, would be “vacated in 2025, and demolition of the existing building” would begin in February 2026, according to John Nahlen, Vice President of Business and Administrative Services.

Philosophy professor Jacob Van Vleet said there are a few things that that need to be changed in the current faculty offices, because there are leaks in offices, and “on a regular basis we have to kick the hornets out of the office.”

Both Van Vleet and English Department Chair Professor Alan Haslam agree that the offices have been the same way since the ’70s with the ancient orange carpet.

They also agree that the offices have tons of light because of their glass doors which is

CATHERINE STITES / The Inquirer

The faculty office set to be demolished in the upcoming campus redesign, a prodct of Measure E. a pro for both of them.

Haslam said that the newer offices evoke a cell like feeling to him, and that they are different but probably more efficient than the current faculty offices.

“We in English tend to like the nostalgia of older things,” said Haslam.

The Faculty offices will be part of a new building called the “Front Door Academic

Complex” where the current art building is, and it will include general classrooms, along with the faculty offices and English and math tutoring labs according to the Measure E plan.

Currently the offices are felt as confusing especially to newcomers, said Haslam.

The offices are still a long way away from being updated so the confusion will

continue to happen until then.

Van Vleet said, “I’m not opposed to it” and that “when it happens it happens.”

Haslam said, “If I had my wishes, the buildings would be replaced with new buildings that are almost exactly the same but better.”

Contact CATHERINE STITES at CStites@DVCInquirer.com

DANNY YOEONO / The Inquirer

4CD governing board of trustees met, sans Tim Farley, Feb. 28 for their regularly scheduled governing board two days after Farley resigned.

4CD Governing Board president resigns HALIE SPOL and DANNY YOEONO Staff members

Tim Farley resigned from his position of president and board trustee of the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Governing Board on Monday, Feb. 26.

His resignation took effect immediately due to a, “pressing personal family matter that requires my immediate attention,” wrote Farley in his letter of resignation.

Farley was a Diablo Valley College alumni himself and elected onto the 4CD governing board in 2014, his seat was up for re-election this year.

Farley represented Ward III covering Pleasant Hill, Concord and Martinez.

In 2017, Farley won the Edwin Crawford award for innovation. He won the award for his work as director for community and public relations at St. Marys College.

DANNY YOEONO / The Inquirer

Tim Farley turned in his letter of resignation from the board citing a pressing family matter.

4CD Chancellor Dr. Fred Wood said, “It was a surprise to me to receive the letter from Farley. I wanted to thank him for his service.”

Board member Vicki Gordon, representing Ward II said, “Tim is passionate about lobbying for all college students.

He stood solidly by our DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students, and helped create one of the best resolutions protecting our students in the state of California.

He is well known for his love and knowledge of history and politics. I will miss him.”

Timothy Leong, 4CD director of communications and community relations said, “The governing board will discuss some of the options available regarding how to fill the vacancy, or if they should fill the vacancy,” at a public meeting March 12 at 6 p.m.

Contact HALIE SPOL at HSpol@DVCInquirer.com and DANNY YOEONO at DYoeono@DVCInquirer.com

4

features

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

G-Eazy shines brightly during hometown show at Fox Theater AARON TOLENTINO Sports editor

Most homecomings tend to be highlights, so it was surprising when G-Eazy’s hometown show in Oakland didn’t match the star-studded lineup of guests, like SOBxRBE, P-Lo and his superstar girlfriend Halsey, in his San Francisco show the night before.

But while the March 2 show at the historic Fox Theater in Oakland did see special guests Nef The Pharaoh and Mistah F.A.B., fans really only showed up for one man, the headliner.

The line to get in the sold-out concert started forming hours before the doors opened and extended three blocks around the venue.

“It was worth it for the long line and the rain,” said Janessa Nuñez, child development major at Chico State, who drove three hours just to see G-Eazy perform.

The demographics of the concert consisted mostly of young women from their late teens to 20s who were enamored by G-Eazy’s passion and lyrics.

“I feel like he speaks from his heart,” said Megan Little, 25, who is a preschool teacher from Clayton. “He talks about his mom (and) experiences growing up. He’s very intimate with his music.”

The Oakland show was G-Eazy’s tenth on “The Beautiful & Damned Tour,” named after his latest album.

Like any promotional tour, G-Eazy’s performance featured songs from his latest project while throwing in past hit singles.

The setlist was structured into three acts: “Act I: The Beautiful”, “Act II: The Damned” and “Act III: Epilogue.”

Act I included songs off his new album such as “But a Dream” and “Pray for Me,” with the latter being the first song that had the entire crowd on their feet jumping and singing along to the catchy chorus.

Courtesy of AUSTIN ERMES/ CC-by-2.0

G-Eazy at The Molson Ampitheatre in Toronto during the Endless Summer Tour.

Act II consisted of songs from 2015’s “When It’s Dark Out,” with the most notable highlight being when he performed “Calm Down,” which hit home with the audience as they screamed along to the lyrics accentuating Bay Area pride and culture.

Act III saw G-Eazy perform his biggest hits to date: “Me, Myself & I,” “No Limit” and “Him & I.” Before Act III, G-Eazy took some time to briefly share his story with the audience.

He spoke of how surreal it was to go from being desperate to get booked at small, local venues in his hometown of Oakland only a few years ago to having a sold-out show in

an iconic venue like the Fox. It’s always an emotional highlight when artists take a moment to reflect on humble beginnings in hopes of inspiring the crowd and G-Eazy, was no different.

Although it was a letdown not seeing Halsey perform especially as she performed 24 hours prior, the crowd was still hyped to see G-Eazy. He ultimately gave his sold-out audience the music they wanted and inspired the crowd to chase their dreams and have a great time while doing it.

Contact AARON TOLENTINO at ATolentino@DVCInquirer.com

Spring break doesn’t have to ‘break’ the bank DEANDRA PROCASSINI Staff member

into the perfect beach day is the boardwalk.

According to the Santa Cruz Beach In college, spring break is clichéd as the Boardwalk’s official website an all-day ride time for everyone to book a flight, pack their wristband costs only $39.95. bags and get ready to party the week away.

To enjoy a fun day in the sun, it only costs While this seems like a marvelous way to a little bit of money for a memorable beach spend the week it isn’t real. day.

Being a college student is already a fullTypically spring break is thought of as a time job so when it comes to a week-long break away from school however just begetaway what one needs is money and lots cause we as college students get one week off of it. that does not mean we can not learn a little Most college students something. put loads of money into One fun place to “Having a memorable learn getting an education so a something about spring break does not our state can be Sacrafun spring break getaway may seem close to impos- mean that we as college mento especially Old sible.

Sacramento.

The key then to hav- students have to speand One reason why Sacing a fun and memorable ramento be a fun more money to have a idea for can week does not lie in needspring break fun week.” ing a lot of money. is that it is our state’s If someone is looking capital. for a place to go to detach Old Sacramento is from the outside world known as an attraction and the world of social because there are fanmedia, Yosemite is the place for that, until tastic places to eat and excellent shopping.

May 1st, when the price will be $70 per priMore importantly, spending the day in vate per private vehicle.

Old Sacramento is like walking back in time The steps to take to make sure your visit is and it is a chance to learn some things about a success are: first to check the weather, sec- the town’s history. ond to plan for hiking by bringing food and The fourth and final place resides in the water and wearing the appropriate clothes heart of the Bay Area, San Francisco. and third to take in the moments that naOne of the reasons to go to San Francisco ture shows. is to go to the piers and see animals that we If someone wants to go live the beach life do not see in our everyday life. during spring break, then Santa Cruz is the Of course, there is the Golden Gate place for you.

Bridge that is the symbol of the Bay Area One final reason why Santa Cruz can turn and San Francisco itself.

Courtesy of EKATERINIA VLADINAKOVA/ CC-by-1.0

The final reason why San Francisco is a fantastic place to spend a day is that it has Alcatraz Island.

According to Alcatraz Island’s official website, a day tour costs only $46 and for the brave of heart, the night tour costs $53.

Having a memorable spring break does not mean that we as college students have to spend more money to have a fun week.

Contact DEANDRA PROCASSINI at DProcassini@DVCInquirer.com

5

features

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Photos by SHANNON RICHEY / The Inquirer

Plants being grown in a greenhouse in the DVC Horticulture area on Feb. 23. The Vertical Farming Club will eventually grow fresh foods like lettuce in the vertical farming system they are currently constructing.

Vertical Farms Continued from Page 1

In vertical farms, conditions can a large scale is cost. Certain facbe specifically regulated to repli- tors, like the hydroponic nutrients cate an optimal growing climate. they use as a substitute for soil, are Water is recycled, requiring sig- more expensive than in traditional nificantly less of it. There is no fer- farming. tilizer runoff into the water supply But the vertical farming stuof natural habitats and little to no dents at DVC have created a work need for pesticides. around for this problem.

Such operations can be woIt may sound less than savory, ven into the urban fabric, often but the roach fish will create waste springing up in warehouses, re- which possesses the nutrients that purposed shipping containers the plants need to flourish. By filand even skyscrapers. The food is tering the water through the fish available fresh to the surrounding tank they can eliminate the need community, eliminating long haul for artificial nutrients thus creatshipping routes, along with their ing a more feasible, cost-effective associated system.

CO2 emis- “I like the idea of being able Swensions. son points And most to design sustainable system out that importantly and then build it from the findsaid Ryan ing these ground up.”

Moschiakinds of no, 23, a solutions ~BRANDON CHAN horticulrequires a Vertical Farming Club member ture major cross-disand Verticiplinary cal Farming team. VerClub member, “It takes up a lot tical farming offers students the less space.” opportunity to learn about and Because crops are stacked verti- apply skills in horticulture, engically, the amount of land needed neering and project management. to yield a large amount of agriBrandon Chan, 22, an engicultural product is significantly neering major and club member reduced. said, “I like the idea of being able A study by Stanford University, to design a sustainable system and in partnership with the Institute then build it from the ground up.” for Food and Resource Economics The Vertical Farming Club at the University of Bonn in Ger- hopes to build a system that many, found that a vertical farm sustains itself for years to come in Berlin, built on two-thirds of and eventually partner with the an acre, standing 37 stories tall, culinary program on campus to yielded 516 times more produce deliver the fresh, high quality proon average than a traditional farm duce that they grow. with as much land.

“We want this to be a commuThat’s 3, 573 tons of edible fruit nity asset, something that really and vegetables for neighboring benefits DVC in the long run,” residents and restaurants. said Pasule.

According to the study, one hurtle that seems to stand in the Contact SHANNON RICHEY at SRichey@DVCInquirer.com way of vertical farms taking off on

6

features

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Getting over writer’s block and becoming a stronger writer JESSICA GILLIS Staff member

process your job will be much easier.

Writer’s block is something that every student has probably come across whether it Have you ever felt lost, stuck or the feel- be staring at a blank page or even not being ing of not having the right words to say? able to figure out how to finish a paper.

Suffering from writer’s block is a very frusWe have all been there. trating process especially when under an imMechanical engineering major student at portant deadline like most college students DVC, Priscila Martinez says she gets writer’s are. block too, “(The) most important thing is Recently Diablo Valley College held a when you are trying to force yourself to writer’s workshop on how to overcome writ- think, take a break” er’s block.

Some other ways to ward off writer’s block English professor Christian Morgan led according to Purdue Owl is to force yourself the workshop and gave some really good to write, write anything it could be poorly advice. worded and even He suggests that if you not make sense “Another trick is to read are struggling with writbut they suggest writers you like. See their that just by the er’s block the first thing you should always do is act of writing style and rythm and talk to your instructor. something it will internalize their writing “The more communicahelp you go on tion with your instructors to the next idea. structure...” the more successful you Psych Central are going to be.” suggests shift~TED BLAIR Another way Morgan ing gears, inGovernment professor at DVC explained how to cure stead of writing writer’s block was to try painting or develop your own unique writing process baking a cake, choreograph a quick dance. whether it be only writing at midnight or All of these things can help get your mind listening to white noise while you write. off of writing and get the creative juices Saying that once you find your unique flowing.

JESSICA GILLIS / The Inquirer

English professor Christian Morgan teaching students at his writer’s workshop at DVC on March 6.

With the help of Professors, classmates and an unlimited amount of resources online, the cure to writer’s block is out there just remember to trust the process and power through it.

Government professor Ted Blair at DVC said, “Writer’s block is nothing out of the or-

dinary... another trick is to read writers you like. See their style and their rhythm and internalize their writing structure by copying down what they have written over and over.”

Contact JESSICA GILLIS at JGillis@DVCInquirer.com

Motivational speaker gives tips on leadership CHRIS CORE Staff member

Motivational speaker and author, Joshua Fredenburg, made a speech at Diablo Valley College Wednesday, March 5, to give students his keys of how to become a leader in modern society.

Fredenburg’s speech was presented the audience with music guiding him through his five guidelines to become a successful leaders.

Fredenburg wrapped his five guidelines around the notion that good leadership leads to a better tomorrow for everyone.

“Your greatest purpose in life will be the gift you are in someone else’s life,” said Fredenburg.

According to Fredenburg, the first step to becoming a great leader is to know yourself.

Fredenburg said that the only way you can truly change people around you is by taking control of CHRIS CORE / The Inquirer your emotions so that you will not Joshua Fredenburg gives a speech to DVC students in the Diablo Room on March 5. be your own roadblock.

By finding out who you are and what you are good at you can begin your bed so everyday you won’t Fredenburg said that perspective task that Fredenburg thinks needs to solve problems for people that forget it and will be driven more to changes how we connect with peo- to be discussed more. they could never solve themselves further yourself and others in life. ple and in today’s world expanding “No individual has all the anmaking your leadership skills grow “You live for people with your that connection to be more diverse swers,” said Fredenburg. larger. visions,” said Fredenburg. and inclusive.

Along with a diverse group The second guideline was creatGuideline three was going into On top of expanding your inner Fredenburg moved to step four, ing a vision for yourself. life with the right perspective. perspective, Fredenburg also dis- make a dream team.

“I can’t create my greatest life Surrounding yourself with a di- cussed “The Cycle of Hate” which Not only did Fredenburg say ever if I don’t know what it looks verse group of people without hav- surrounds prejudice views. that you need diverse people like,” said Fredenburg. ing biases towards others makes Finding a way to get people around you, you also need people Fredenburg urged everyone in leadership far more easy according to realize that not all people in a who are going to push you further the room to write your vision by to Fredenburg. certain group are all bad is a tough to reach your vision in your life.

Look for people in your trade that know how to better skills that you need for your career and life skills, while leaving people out of your life who bring down what dreams you hold.

Fredenburg urged the audience to look for people happy to be in your presence not people who do not care about your life outcomes.

“I don’t want the tolerators. I want the celebrators,” said Fredenburg.

The final step for being a great leader according to Fredenburg is resilience.

“It’s a requirement for success,” said Fredenburg.

The biggest strength Fredenburg said is getting back up after something does not go the way you want. He reminded everyone in the room that opportunity waits no matter how hard things get.

“It is a new season for you. There are new opportunities coming your way.”

The speech came with good feedback from audience members such as ASDVC adviser Todd Farr, who said, “Joshua Fredenburg is a dynamic, motivational leadership speaker. His presentation was empowering and interactive on the positive intersections between student leadership, diversity and activism. I loved it.”

Contact CHRIS CORE at CCore@DVCInquirer.com

7

opinion

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

The misconceptions and usefulness of cannabis

Bus ticket vending machines needed

SHANNON RICHEY Assistant editor

I’ll start by saying I have nothing against marijuana.

I don’t buy into the argument that weed is a gateway drug or that it correlates to criminal behavior.

I occasionally treat myself to those little chocolate covered blueberry edibles and have friends who use it in some form or another every day.

But when it came time to vote on whether or not to legalize weed in California, I voted against it.

There were certainly issues that I thought warranted its legalization, but I felt that California had mostly addressed them.

Medical marijuana had been legalized by the state in 1996 to treat, “any illness for which marijuana provides relief,” creating a safe and viable way for Californians to acquire all the medicalgrade cannabis their hearts desired.

In 2010, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger decriminalized marijuana, significantly reducing the incarceration rates and punitive sentences for minor possession that disproportionately affected minorities.

But the reason I voted no wasn’t for social reasons, it was for a socioeconomic one.

I kept hearing what a boon it would be for the common people of California, but I couldn’t help thinking that these things rarely work out that way.

In my mind, legalization would ultimately pave the way for the marijuana industry to morph from the network of small-scale operations it is today to a small number of large monopolies benefiting only a select few.

Take for instance Weedmaps, a Yelp-like company which connects marijuana users with dispensaries, delivery services, and doctors.

They donated one million dollars to the main pro-legalization campaign and have set about lobbying high profile California legislators like gubernatorial hopeful

Letter to the editor

File photo by THE INQUIRER

Gavin Newsom.

According to an interview with the Wall Street Journal, former CEO Justin Hartfield, hoped to make Weedmaps into the Philip Morris of the pot world.

Given this, I just didn’t think legalization would economically benefit as many people as was being claimed.

That being said I’ve recently had a change of heart and it wasn’t empirical evidence or an esoteric argument that swayed me, it was my mom.

My mom struggles with anxiety.

It is challenging for her to relax and she often feels agitated and blue for no identifiable reason.

She has tried medication and meditation and therapy, none of which have provided her with very effective or consistent relief.

Several weeks ago she came to me and said, “now that weed is

legal, I’ve been thinking I might like to try it, you know, for my anxiety.”

I could tell she was asking for some assistance; it made my heart want to burst.

So midday on a Wednesday I took my mom to Harborside in Oakland.

It is the Apple store of the dispensary world: minimalist, bright, well-branded.

A slight, but compassionate budtender named Kyle, listened to my mom’s concerns, walked her through her options and helped her pick the strain to suit her needs.

It was all so easy for her.

Now, she could have easily gotten a medical card for this years ago but knowing my mom, she was only comfortable with the idea once it became legal.

As with so many other things, there is a double standard for the

women of my mother’s generation.

Dads could smoke as much weed as they wanted out in the garage but as respectable mothers or wives, women just didn’t do that.

It was something I hadn’t thought of, that someone might not utilize weed because they felt it wasn’t socially acceptable for them to do so.

Because that stigma doesn’t exist in my generation, I was ignorant to this less obvious benefit legalization brings.

So far my mom seems pleased with the results, claiming she feels “very nice” when she uses it.

Sometimes you just need your mom to set you straight.

Contact SHANNON RICHEY at SRichey@DVCInquirer.com

The students who do not have cars at Diablo Valley College are facing two big problems once they finish classes and have to take the bus.

The first, is the time schedule of buses at college. Night classes finish at 9:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and the last bus is scheduled to depart from DVC bus terminal at 10 p.m.

Sometimes classes have postdiscussions with the professor and sometimes, the location of the classroom makes it impossible to get the bus on time.

Therefore, it would be suggestible to add one last bus at 10:30 p.m., at least from Monday through Thursdays. This will make it easier for students to catch and avoid the stress of missing their bus and being stranded at DVC. The second problem, which also has been noted by many students, is the fact that we sometimes run out of cash.

Unfortunately, buses only accept cash to pay for the ride.

If for any reason students do not have cash on them at the moment of riding the bus, the bus driver can easily deny the ride to the student. This creates a big issue to the student because he or she will not have a way to get to his or her destination.

The most effective solution for solving this issue would be to install a bus ticket vending machine, which would be close by to the bus terminal at college. It is important to have a bus vending ticket machine because sometimes as student we have money in our debit or credit cards; nevertheless, buses only accept cash. ~Cesar Jose Cortez

The

Buzz

How would you feel if teachers would be able to carry guns in the classroom?

Interviewed and photographed by: Jessica Gillis and Aaron Tolentino

Julia Forsberg, 19 Education major

Rosalind Jermany, 23 Environmental science major

Peter Swenson, 36 Environmental science

Joshua Pantangco, 19 Music industry

“I don’t even see the point for people to have guns it makes less sense.”

“There’s no reason to have a gun in the classroom.”

“It would introduce a lot more problems than it would potentially solve.”

“I feel like I would be in a war zone having my teacher with a gun.”

8

sports

Time to recognize NBA’s most underrated player Since Jan. 1, only one player has averaged more points than superstars Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

He is making more shots than Curry and Durant, and he isn’t just throwing up shots mercilessly either.

Since that same date, he has also shot at a higher percentage than perennial all-star Chris Paul and NBA MVP candidate James Harden.

His team currently sits at the third seed in the Western Conference, which would tie for their highest playoff seeding since the 1999-2000 season.

The man behind the Portland Trail Blazers’ surging success?

LUIS LOPEZ Oakland’s own, DamiStaff member an Lillard.

The Weber State product, as of March 11, is averaging 26.8 points per game, which is good for fifth in the association.

Lillard sits ahead Curry, who is averaging 26.3 PPG and right behind James at 26.9 PPG. Over the past ten games, Lillard has been averaging 33.2 points, starting with a 44 point tear against Golden State on Feb. 14.

Lillard is dishing the ball as well, averaging 6.5 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the league among qualified players, even ahead of Curry.

What Lillard is doing special this season is that he is taking over games when his team needs him to the most.

On March 5, a Monday night game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Lillard scored 39 points, including 19 alone in the fourth quarter, to single-handedly win the game for his team 108-103.

He took over with the Blazers down 11 points in the fourth quarter, at one point scoring 15 straight points.

But when you look at his body of work, none of this should actually be that surprising.

Lillard has been doing things like this throughout his career. For his career, he has averaged 22.9 PPG, which ranks fifth among active players.

The undervalued aspect of Lillard comes when you compare his recent numbers with those of his fellow NBA superstars.

In a league where current superstars predominantly lie at the point guard position, it’s just unfortunate timing for Lillard because he is constantly being overlooked by guys like NBA champion Kyrie Irving and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook.

However, the reality is Lillard’s production belongs in the same ilk as these other point guards.

But why the Oakland Tech High School graduate is constantly overlooked remains inexplicable.

The fact that he plays in the small market of Portland in the Pacific Northwest should not be a factor when he’s playing at such a high level.

With the numbers he’s putting up and the success the Trail Blazers are having, it’s time to recognize Lillard for who he really is, not an underrated player, but a legitimate MVP candidate.

Contact LUIS LOPEZ at LLopez@DVCInquirer.com

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Spring ball jump-starts offseason for football AARON TOLENTINO Sports editor

“We’re gonna win the championship today,” said Diablo Valley College head coach Mike Darr. “Everyone’s excited.

Anytime you take a step forward, guys are excited, the staff is, the players are.”

Two-time national championship head coach Urban Meyer once said that championships are won in the offseason and how you prepare for battle.

Darr and the Vikings emulate that notion no differently.

The Vikings spring ball program gives new and returning players a head start to work collectively and optimize their success before the official season starts in the fall.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night for the next three months, spring ball will also include current high school seniors.

Darr and the coaching staff want to give these players a smoother transition to the college level.

Spring ball will do just that.

“It is almost an absolute must for a guy,” said Darr. “If they want to step in and play right away, they almost have to.

The jump from high school to this level is huge.”

While the Vikings coaching staff wants to let these high school kids know how serious the jump is from high school ball to college, they also don’t want to overwhelm them and throw these kids into the fire.

Offensive coordinator Rob Adan wants to have these kids to feel welcomed and acclimated into the Viking family. Before drills start, Adan wants incoming players to introduce themselves to the rest of the team and have the veterans cheer them on.

He alludes to the significance of this because some have had the same team-

LUIS LOPEZ / The Inquirer

Viking players participate in offensive drills on open grass. mates their whole lives and having completely new teammates can potentially be rough on a young player.

“Have them introduce themselves, getting the (jersey) numbers and just spending the extra time with them, building that bond real quick,” said Adan on how he can gradually mold the new players into the Viking culture.

Adan went through this same process years ago as a player under Darr and plans to do the same as a coach. The drills and workouts Darr plans to use were glaringly similar to what it was 10 years ago.

“It’s gonna be very similar,” said Adan.

“It’s a proven method that works, so it’s just adapting a little bit whatever gets thrown at us.”

Darr’s method of winning the offseason through programs like spring ball proves immensely effective by having 224 transfers to four-year colleges in the last 10 years.

Quarterback Jarrod Hoyer looks to take the next step as a leader and make the new, incoming players feel embraced by the team.

“Introducing myself, letting them know if they ever need anything, I’ll contact them, give them my number,” said Hoyer who is approaching his second year as the Viking signal-caller.

“As much as I can talk to them and get them acclimated and ready for the year and ready to learn the offense, the better we’re gonna be.”

The Vikings look to improve upon a season that saw them go 5-6 and a bowl game appearance by taking those key initial steps in the following offseason.

“Everyone’s anxious to take that next step from the staff, me as the head coach and down to guys walking in for the first time,” said Darr.

Contact AARON TOLENTINO at ATolentino@DVCInquirer.com

Fault lies with the NBA, not the NCAA, for recent scandals The FBI’s investigation into NCAA tion players, but be on a roster and get men’s basketball has resulted in punish- paid. ments for coaches who bribed athletes to The amount of money the NCAA attend and play for their respective uni- rakes in, when NBA-ready players fill versities. college arenas countrywide and netThe investigation may have focused works pay billions of dollars to broadcast on how corrupt the NCAA is, but the March Madness, is astronomical for an NBA is actually responsible for all this “amateur” league. mess.

According to the NCAA’s website, It was the NBA that imthey have a 14-year, $10.8 plemented the one-and-dobillion television deal with ne rule in 2005 to prevent CBS Sports. high school players from Are we really going to susdeclaring for the draft, forcpend student-athletes, like ing them to go to college San Diego State forward Mafor a year first. lik Pope, for taking a thouSo you’re telling me that sand dollars as pocket money these young men, straight for the school year? out of high school, are able I can guarantee you basketto join the military and die ball stars like Pope are worth for this country but not be AARON TOLENTINO more to their respective Sports editor able to try out for the NBA? schools than a full scholarThe operative word is try. ship and whatever under the The fact of the matter is every year table money they are given. there are a handful of high school Former LSU standout Ben Simmons, players who are ready for the NBA, not who is now currently in the running for necessarily to be stars or immediate rota- NBA Rookie of the Year, made a clear

statement during his lone year in school that he did not want to be there. He literally told ESPN, “the NCAA is really f—ed up… everybody’s making money but the players.”

Simmons’ premise is correct but inaccurate. His anger is directed at the wrong institution.

There’s an old saying, “a fish rots from the head down.” And in this case, all of the NCAA’s sins fall back to the NBA. Ultimately, both organizations should let the players decide their own destiny.

If the kids who think they are NBAready want to forgo a college education, let them do it. If they make a roster, good for them. If they don’t make it, too bad for them.

To tell kids, many of whom come from impoverished backgrounds, they have to wait an entire year to potentially make millions and give their families a better life while the NCAA profits billions off their talents is immoral.

Contact AARON TOLENTINO at ATolentino@DVCInquirer.com