Volume 68 Issue 1
thechaparral.net
February 10, 2020
‘Creating Tomorrow’at the State of the College
PHOTO COURTESY OF LANI GARFIELD Dr. Joel Kinnamon speaking at the State of the College event.
BY BRUNO LOPEZ-VEGA STAFF REPORTER
On Jan. 22, Superintendent and President Joel Kinnamon hosted College of the Desert’s annual State of the College luncheon. At this event, important members of the community and COD faculty dined as Dr. Kinnamon shared the college’s latest achievements and plans for the future, culminating in a discussion with a panel of students. “Creating Tomorrow” was the theme of Dr. Kinnamon’s speech as he highlighted the many ways in which College of the Desert was laying the foundation for the future; both literally with new construction projects and programs that greatly benefit students of all walks of life. The most tangible example of the former being the renovation of the Hilb Library, which has thus far proven to be a valuable space for students to work and relax.
BY HECTOR LEYVA
As Kinnamon spoke, a transparent wall behind him gave the attendees a clear view of the completed building and courtyard. “We have created a centralized learning complex that provides more space for studying, computer use, library services, tutoring and other academic support – and further ensures the success of our students,” said Dr. Kinnamon during his speech. However, the Hilb was only one part of COD’s plans to improve and expand in the Coachella Valley. Kinnamon’s said, “Our reach extends across the entire Coachella Valley and we are expanding to serve people in the communities where they live and work.” In the West Valley, Kinnamon described the new permanent Palm Springs campus set for construction in the space once occupied by the Palm Springs Mall, slated to be completed in 2023. Also in planning is a new automotive and transportation facility near
the Cathedral City Auto Park. This facility will hopefully grow and improve upon COD’s auto program. For the East Valley, construction is underway to expand the Indio campus with another three-story building and Early Childhood Education Center in addition to outdoor remodeling. Set to open in 2023, the project will allow Indio to more than double the amount of students it can accommodate. The event was concluded with the invitation of a group of students to the stage to be interviewed about their college experiences; the first time this has been done at the State of the College. Keanna Garcia, Phoenix Duarte-Commandeur, Yahaira Murillo and myself were chosen to give thoughts on the opportunities provided by College of the Desert. Students were asked questions such as what the plEDGE program meant to them, and what they had done to satisfy their
community service hours. Phoenix reflected on the event in a short interview. “It was exciting to be a part of the panel. At first, it was a little intimidating speaking in front of such a large, influential crowd; but I got used to it,” DuarteCommandeur said. “It feels good to know that what I said on the panel may have a positive impact on the college’s programs in the future. Seeing how many people put their time and money into supporting the college really put things into perspective for me.” The 2020 State of the College had lots of good news to share and presented a bright future for new students in the many years to come. After they had given their answers, Dr. Kinnamon thanked the students, “You are all going to do great things. And all of us at College of the Desert are so proud – I am so proud – to be a part of your story.”
PREVIEWS CAMPUS Pg.2 President’s Student Ambassador Program
LOCAL Pg.4 Mardi Gras on El Paseo
A&E Pg.5 Giselle Woo at Coachella Fest
STUDENT LIFE Pg.6 Students react to Kobe’s death
OPINION Pg.7 Trump’s impeachment trial
SPORTS Pg. 8 Men’s golf finishes 14th at Season Opener
The library reopens at the HILB building
STAFF REPORTER
After years of looking to remodel the library, the reconstruction is now complete. Its resources are once again available to students at any time at the HILB building in the middle of the Palm Desert campus. The idea to renovate the library at College of the Desert has been on the minds of college administrators for a very long time. This process took years to complete. COD needed to hire a construction team to complete this task, they worked consistently to have the library renewed for this spring semester. The construction required temporary hallways around the construction area to be closed off to keep students safe. Returning students may remember the noisy construction process as they commuted to their classes. There were a lot of changes that came with these renovations, both structural and systematic. Unlike the previous location, this new building is two stories. The Tutoring
and Academic Skills Center (TASC) is now conveniently located on the second floor, while the library seems to be divided into two sections. To the left of the entrance, there are a plethora of computers readily available for academic use. The right side of the library has many shelves full books that students can check out for two weeks at a time. Due to this, 2nd year COD student and frequent library visitor Bradley Morales said, ”Its a nice upgrade, but it feels smaller than the other place.” Jin An-Dunning, a librarian at COD said, “The location was really starting to show its age and this renovation was from head to toe. They also tried to make it wider than it was before” The library aids in making academic life easier for students. Students may remember having to travel off-campus to access the library’s resources. This is not the case anymore, AnDunning mentioned that most major universities have their libraries right at the center of campus, and COD wanted to emulate that as well. The library and the TASC
center also implemented a new printing system called Pharos. It requires payment, but this new system allows you to print and make copies from various devices outside of the HILB building. The app is free to download on laptops and smartphones. It also allows you to print in color or black and white. Prices start at 10 cents and go up to 70 cents, depending on the prints. Another new addition is receiving an email to your account after you’ve checked out a textbook for reference. It notifies you that the book is checked out to you; it must be returned on time. The aesthetic of this new location is a very pleasing one. The building got a paint job; lots of glass walls that are able to reflect sunlight beautifully within. April Valdez, a student worker at the library said, “It’s a much-needed upgrade. it looks beautiful, and it is much more convenient for students since it is right in the middle of campus.” An-Dunning stated that administrators and staff of the college had some input
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL COD library post renovations. on the look of the building, and they wanted it to exemplify the values of the college. The library and TASC still provide students with the same services they did before, limited access to textbooks, unlimited access to computers and tutoring help for students who want it. The library is open from 8
a.m to p.m Monday through Thursday and Fridays from 8 a.m to 5 p.m respectively. TASC is open from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m For more information stop by or call 760-773-2563 to speak to the reference desk.
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February 10, 2020
thechaparral.net
Campus
Student Ambassador Program creating student leaders BY AMBER JUAREZ COPY EDITOR
College of the Desert’s President’s Student Ambassador Program is going in their third year this semester. The program was created for students to gain leadership skills and knowledge. Director of Student Life, Carlos Maldonado said, “The ambassador program is really about helping students develop as leaders but also to give them some training about the college and serve to help promote the college when we have events.” As a president student ambassador comes great responsibilities. Students must represent the college at public relations events, attend mandatory weekly meetings, give campus tours and much more. ”A big use of the ambassador’s time is campus visits. When students, prospective students or members of the community want to tour the campus the ambassadors take them around,” Maldonado said. By the ambassadors giving tours to future students, it can peak the interest of the new students and make them want to become ambassadors as well. ”What we have seen as we worked with our ambassadors is they recruit other students ambassadors,” said Maldonado. “President’s student ambassadors have a lot of responsibilities. The primary
College of the Desert President’s Student Ambassadors. responsibility is that the Maldonado explained. students participate in training “This program can benefit workshops and are available students in three ways. The when the college has events.” first way we invest a lot of One of the goals of this time into developing them program is to promote COD by into leaders, this program is sharing personal experiences an opportunity for students of school life during visits to practice their skills of and community events. “Our networking and introducing foundation has a couple of themselves. The second way events during the year where is as ambassadors of the the ambassadors are invited president and college they have to serve as greeters to the the opportunity to network donors and share their stories with a lot of different people to the guests and donors,” said and help them be exposed to Maldonado. professionals, business leaders The benifits of the program in the community and political are long-term for students, leaders. And the third part
PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLOS MALDONADO is there is an exposure to the college leadership which can help them build their resume.” Other benefits of this program are students get the opportunity to work with the superintendent/president of the Desert Community College District and other campus leaders and eligibility for the stipend program. All College of the Desert students are able to apply but there are some requirements. Students must have completed at least 12 units, with a 2.75-grade point average, currently enrolled in at
least six units within the Desert Community College District, two letters of recommendation from faculty or staff of COD, provide one at least one-year commitment and commit a minimum of four hours per week during the academic year. ”The reason why we require a unit requirement is that we want the students who apply to already be familiar with the college because we want them to have had an experience here,” said Maldonado. Students should consider applying to this program because it will help them develop leadership skills, they will be role models to others. ”I think students should consider applying because it is a great opportunity to gain skills that you might not typically gain on a college campus. I think they should apply because they want to share the benefits of College of the Desert with other people. When you have the opportunity to share your story it can inspire others to go to college,” said Maldonado. Maldonado stated that he plans on opening applications to get more people to join the team. Applications will open sometime during this month. For more information visit the Office of Student Life in the Dining Hall Room 114 or online at www.collegeofthedesert.edu.
Students encouraged to get involved during Club Rush
BY OMAR ROMERO STAFF REPORTER
On Feb 4 and 5, College of the Desert’s annual Club Rush took place in the Amphitheater on the Palm Desert campus. Many students came by to check out the clubs and participate in the many activities that were being held. Food was provided by many of the clubs and ASCOD, and music played courtesy of KCOD. This semester’s Club Rush had an estimated 30 campus clubs participating who were trying to recruit students to join their club. Some clubs present were Anime, Jesus, Biology Rotary, Art club, EcoLogic and MESA to just name a few. The clubs present were able to explain to interested students what their intentions are, what to expect, what kind of activities would take place and any other information students may need to know. All clubs encouraged students to join any club of their choosing. President of
Students attending Club Rush at the Palm Desert campus. for students who want to read Props 2 Poetry club, Arturo words of famous poets before Castellanos Jr., is trying to revitalize the club as it has been them as well as share their own poems, and if possible, compete active for a few years, but has in competitions. fallen recently. Yasuko Smith, a member of Castellanos explained that the Geology Club, mentioned the club is to be a safe haven
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL that geology is all around us and we use it every day. The Geology Club looks at titanic plates, natural hazards, and anything that involves the land. Smith named some examples of everyday items
people use that have minerals found from rocks such as a pencil to our smartphones. Geology is more than the study of rocks; it’s the study of earth and how we use the minerals from the earth to improve our everyday lives. S.A.G.A, which stands for Sexuality and Gender Alliance, is a community-focused club that focuses on LGBT students. The club is a safety zone for those who want help for whatever reason, or maybe just want to come out. Anyone is welcomed in, even if you are just an ally and not LGBT. The club meets 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at the South Annex location but will have a community center opening at the end of this month. There are many clubs for COD students to join, and all are waiting for students with open arms. If you missed Club Rush and want to learn more about the clubs visit the Student Life page at www.collegeofthedesert.edu.
Crime Report
Incident: Student of Concern
Occurred Date: 1/28/2020 Location: Nursing #7 Summary: Staff member called regarding needing a Public Safety Officer to escort her to her vehicle due to a student stalking her.
Incident: Suspicious Activity
Occurred Date: 1/30/2020 Location: Outside bookstore Summary: Requesting assistance for inappropriate behavior, non student Disposition: Closed
Incident: Grafitti
Occurred Date: 2/3/2020 Location: First floor men’s restroom Summary: 4 different grafitti markings found in restroom Disposition: Closed, no suspect information
Incident: Graffiti in Restroom
Occurred Date: 2/5/2020 Location: First floor men’s restroom Summary: Walked into restroom to do security check, noticed graffiti in handicap stall Disposition: Pending, under investigation To report a crime on campus call ext. 2111 or off-campus 760-341-2111
February 10, 2020
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Campus
Local artists present ‘Six Women’s Perspectives’
BY ALEXIS CARRANZA STAFF REPORTER
College of the Desert’s Marks Arts Center is hosting three concurrent exhibitions, known as “Six Women’s Perspectives.” Coined as one, there are three exhibitions to see at the gallery. Naria Kitahara’s exhibit: “Returning to My Roots,” is a view into her past. About COD alumni Kitahara, “She is an example that you can do it,” Marks Arts Center Director, David Goetz said, “Her work shows her struggle in trying to identify to two cultures.” Kitahara, who is biracial, Japanese and Latina lets her work speak for itself and she calls the public to come and be part of it. “Most art galleries ask you not to touch the art, Kitahara wants the public to peel back the geometric shapes and be part of the process,” said Goetz. Also on display in the Leberman Gallery is the “Abstracted States of Mind,” which took 12 months to make. Artists Meg Walling, Andrea Raft, Pat Kodet and Sylvia Torres each created twelve art
”Abstracted States of Mind” by Meg Walling, Pat Kodet, Andrea Raft and Sylvia Torres. pieces, based on each artist’s interpretation of joy, isolation, gratitude, romance, power and courage. “You can see a little bit of a difference in the art, but you can also see similarities because they are working on the same sized canvas,” said Goetz. The artists were also told to paint their interpretation of nurturing and put together completely different ideas.
Walling painted a garden of succulents, Torres painted albatrosses embracing each other, and Raft painted a Buddha in the calm of night under a full moon. It is interesting to see how these women can intemperate the same word differently. Also in the exhibition is artist Ann Phong’s “The Migration,” which tells the story of almost half a century ago.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL
The Vietnam War, which to some might seems like a thing of the past, is still part of those who lived through it and has shaped who they are today. “She [Phong] left Vietnam in the early 80s’ after the fall of Vietnam, this exhibition is about the migration process of coming to the United States,” said Goetz, “Many of the paintings are about boats, this was about going out into the
open ocean, and not knowing where your life will be.” Phong’s exhibition is not just about migration, “It is about learning how to speak up for yourself, in Vietnam, most women were seen, but not heard,” said Goetz, “The culture is very different in America than it is in Vietnam, there was a gender shift. Men were no longer the breadwinners, as women went to work in factories. So, they lost their cultural power in their families.” “Six Women’s Perspectives” will be on display until Feb. 13, do not miss Kitahara’s mesmerizing shapes and colors, that show her past, or the four women who used art to show what words could mean and the powerful strokes and vivid imagery of Phong’s journey to find herself. An exhibit worth viewing and open to the public. On Feb 11, the gallery will hold an artist’s talk reception. The event starts at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. For more information contact the Marks Arts Center at 760776-7278.
PD Art Museum holds lecture on ‘Chicano Movement’ BY OMAR ROMERO
STAFF REPORTER On Jan. 31, the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert hosted a “Lunch and Learn” with UCLA Archivist Xaviera Flores. Flores talked to attendees at the art museum with a lecture called, “Archival Forensics and the Chicano Movement.” As described in her bio on the UCLA Library website, Flores is a librarian and archivist at the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center, which is dedicated to progressing academic research on the Chicano-Latino population. Flores has worked in libraries since 2004 and has earned a Master of Science in library and information science from Simmons College to which she specializes in archives management and audiovisual preservation; a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and majored in film studies with minors in communication studies, French, and sociology. Flores has worked at institutions such as John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Arizona State University, Boston College and in 2014 co-authored “Breaking the Language Barrier: Describing
PHOTO COURTESY OF AP IMAGES Gonzalez give the clenched fist sign as they appeared before the national convention of La Raza Unida meeting in El Paso Sept. 2, 1972. Chicano Archives with Bilingual Finding Aids,” in the American Archivist. Flores is a campaigner for the Chicano-Latino populations as she advocates for their access to their community history. The Chicano Movement, or otherwise known as the Chicano civil rights movement or El Movimiento, was a Mexican-American civil rights movement in the 1960s with the purpose of gaining MexicanAmerican empowerment. Scholars have stated
that this movement shares similarities with the Black Power movement as repression and police brutality were experienced by members. Flores talked about how some of the Chicano movement has information that is lost in history as nearly 25,000 photos once taken by the La Raza newspaper was said to have been destroyed in a garage fire, but after 40 years were rediscovered in a former staff member’s possession. Flores continued to explain
how the photos found their way to UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center where they would be digitized, described, and preserved. As elaborated by Flores, some of these photos have major historical value to them, including one that showed famous and prestigious, Mexican-American journalist Reuben Salazar walking down a sidewalk to the “Silver Dollar,” where he would be killed by a tear gas missile that was fired into the cafe by
a sheriff who was combating protesters after a violent clash broke out between law enforcement and protesters. Salazar worked for the LA Times and was the first to write about the Chicano movement in mainstream media before meeting his controversial demise. Flores made up the term “Archival Forensics,” according to Flores, is the combination of using forensics to determine the origin of the item in her possession and find other details it has, and use archival to store the information and preserve it with other materials that are related to it while allowing the public to see them. Flores describes how she is using archival forensics to help determine the origins and details from the 25,000 photos they received from the La Raza. Currently, they still have more information to go through; however, Flores is pleased with how progress is going and excited to learn from these photos as they help further explain more of the Chicano Movement. For more information visit the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Facebook page or any of their other social media.
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February 10, 2020
thechaparral.net
Local
Palm Desert locals celebrates Mardi Gras on El Paseo BY ESTEFANIA MOREIRA
LOCAL EDITOR On Feb. 1, The Shops on El Paseo organized a Mardi Gras inspired event for the first time this year. A free event for locals and tourists to come and join a little bit of New Orleans tradition in the Coachella Valley. According to James Johnson from 106.9 radio station, “This is the first Mardi Gras event hosted on El Paseo Palm Desert.” From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., clothing stores like Escada, Grayse and Chico had a carnival theme inside their stores by having masquerade masks on mannequins and handing out beads. Locals were able to see a few festive decorations, as well as the traditional colors for Mardi Gras, which are, purple, green and gold. Every color has a meaning. Purple stands for justice, gold for power and green for faith. By the Escada store and California Pizza Kitchen, there was a tarot card reader where locals would walk by and could get their fortune read. Next to Grayse clothing store, there was free face painting booth and a food vendor truck
Two street performers at El Paseo’s Mardi Gras, Feb. 1, 2020. by Kitchen 86 + Bar called The Big Easy Sandwich. Locals were able to eat and were given masquerade masks and necklace beads. There were two carnival themed street performers walking around and taking pictures with locals. A woman was wearing a full-on feathered
purple costume with glitter and was rollerblading throughout the streets. The second woman was wearing a glitter bird-like costume and was walking on high-level wooden steps. Advertisements for the event said there will be live music and to come dressed festival themed, yet there were many
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL locals who did not know about the event and there was no live music. Streets were not closed, only one food vendor truck, only two carnivals themed performers, and only a quarter half of El Paseo was in theme. There were only a few local stores in the strip that
were marketing the event. Employees from Grayse were giving cookies and champagne to customers. Manager Susan Stauber from Grayse clothing store said, “It’s just one whole block from Kitchen 86 +Bar to the end of the strip. Streets will not be closed, it’s just an open event hosted by the stores.” The Mardi Gras on El Paseo did not deliver enthusiastic and festive results. Traditionally, A Mardi Gras event is lively, energetic, and focuses on celebration throughout the entire town from morning to night. According to the mardigrasneworleans.com, it’s an event for everyone to come to celebrate the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras in French means “Fat Tuesday.” Mardi Gras is a well known New Orleans festival, but across the country, many cities are now having celebration inspired by Mardi Gras. Events like this are a fabulous opportunity for everyone to join in and celebrate.
February 10, 2020
thechaparral.net
Arts & Entertainment
Page 5
Giselle Woo & the Night Owls will rock Coachella Fest
BY ESTEFANIA MOREIRA ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
Coachella Valley’s famous band Giselle Woo and the Nightowls will be performing live at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this year. The band has performed throughout the Coachella Valley and is now in an enlightenment year, reaching heights never before achieved. Giselle Woo and the Nightowls have played for three years and have created unique music with an Electric Spanish rock feel, inspired by the sounds of jazz, Spanish/ English rock, blues, funk, traditional Mexican folk and soul. The band has developed their own creative sound and have come a long way to be a band where one can easily recognize their sound from everyone else. Woo has been singing for twenty years and is now the lead vocalist and plays rhythm guitar in the band. Woo used to be KCOD’s radio manager. She worked at the college station as both a volunteer and a paid student worker from 2015 to 2018. By the fall of 2019, Woo left KCOD with different ambitions to pursue a promising path in music. Giselle Woo and the Nightowls are excited and honored to have this opportunity. The Nightowls
BY HECTOR LEYVA
band members include Christian Colin-lead guitarist, Marco Murrieta- bass guitar and Jose Ceja - drummer. The band has been popular throughout the Coachella Valley and has played in various bars, hotels and local events. They have performed at The Hood Bar and Pizza Palm Desert, Draughtsman in Palm Springs, Big Rock Pub in Indio and last month performed at The Alibi in Palm Springs. Giselle Woo and the Nightowls also performed for a greater cause such as the Concert for Autism in October of 2019. In 2019, CVWeekly awarded Giselle Woo and the Nightowls with the “Best Band Award” in the Coachella Valley. A great accomplishment for the band’s musical journey. The Desert Sun has also named them “the hottest act in the desert” in 2019. Giselle Woo and the Nightowls have had great achievements in 2019 and now will be performing in the valleys prestigious music festival. The band is scheduled for weekend one on Friday, April 10 and weekend two on Friday, April 17 at the Sonora Tent. “I feel very proud. I feel loud and proud! It’s a dream come true to be performing where a lot of your favorite artists
Nightowls band members posing together.
have stepped foot. It’s extra special because I was born in this valley. I’m bringing that homegrown pride with me and excited to see a lot of people I grew up with come thru to watch us!,” said Woo. Colin said, “It’s such a blessing! I feel so honored to be playing on that kind of stage. It’s great news for the band so that we can take our music to the next level.” At the festival, Giselle Woo and the Nightowls will be performing their first single song called “Coachella Gold” This is Woo’s favorite song she has released with her bandmates. ”Gene Evaro Jr. and Chris Unck really added a touch of magic to that track. It’s the most streamed in our Spotify page and seems to be a listener’s favorite. I talk
about how everyone wants Coachella Gold, everyone wants Coachella fest, it seems like most bands and musicians would be just honored to perform there at least once in their lives,” said Woo, “I talk about how I’m on the 10 going to the Eastside, stuff that locals would get immediately. I did talk about how I don’t like to wait in the long lines too (laughs). I’d have to say Coachella Gold is our best song that we’ve released. But there are many more to come!” And she is correct, attendees will be able to listen to songs from their album Gemini. With songs like, “No Basta,” “Azul,” “Novedad” and “Gemini.” The Gemini was released October of last year, Woo said, “It took me a while to get into the studio and to lay down my vocals. Overall, I believe it was
‘1917’ is a technical marvel
STAFF REPORTER
Two soldiers will to survive is tested as they go behind enemy lines to deliver a message that will save thousands of lives “1917,” takes place over the course of a single day (April 6, 1917), the plot is set in motion rapidly as two soldiers, Lance Corporal Blake and Lance Corporal Schofield, are tasked with delivering a message that will prevent sixteen hundred men from walking into an ambush. From there on, the peril is almost nonstop. A feeling of imminent death casts a large shadow over these men. The film is made to look like a single shot, possibly made by filming a series of long takes and editing them together like a jigsaw puzzle. To achieve this daunting task, director Sam Mendes employed legendary cinematographer and frequent collaborator Roger Deakins. Known for his work in “Fargo”, “Skyfall” and his Oscarwinning turn in “Blade Runner 2049.” His sweeping cinematography is immersive, and his lighting amplifies the
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONICA MORONES.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AP IMAGES From left to right, actor George MacKay, director Sam Mendes and actor DeanCharles Chapman pose for photographers upon arrival at the World premiere of the film ‘1917’, in central London, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019. horrors of war. A constant overcast leaves the viewers yearning for a bit of sunlight. This work should earn him his second Academy Award in three years. Academy Award winner Sam Mendes’ direction is also something to admire. He stages his actors perfectly within the frame. As Blake and Schofield walk through the trenches, the bodies of wounded soldiers pass by the camera. The action sequences are filmed in wide shots. Mendes
meticulously directs his actors as they move from different set pieces. He creates a consistently bleak tone and a quick pace to this film. The production design and costumes in this film were done well. Locations are never used twice. The set designers had to build most of the sets, then precisely measure them to fit the entire length of a sequence. The costumes recreate accurate attire wore in World War I and on top of that, the
scenes of the bodies of dead soldiers and animals seen throughout, prove that this was one of the bloodiest wars ever fought. The makeup is a highlight as well. There is the use of prosthetic, and the faces of the deceased truly depicted death. The score by Thomas Newman perfectly compliments the images on the screen. It ranges from subtle to powerful almost in an instant. A scene in the trailer is made even better by the score in the actual film. The script is the weakest part of this film. “1917” is more reliant on storyboards, but a script is the most essential part of a movie. It does contain humorous lines, but it is not on part with the craft. The characters are onedimensional, and it is difficult to invest in them when they are not getting shot at. Major British actors only serve as checkpoints for the characters to reach. One-take films have a lot of hidden cuts, and “1917” did not do a good job of hiding them in this film. The soldiers would enter dark rooms and
close to a year and it was my first time doing something like that. I had to really mentally prepare myself and make the extra effort to trust I’d do a great job.” Woo’s inspiration for the album was chosen from a nice electric mix of different sounds, “Our EP is to really showcase what we can do as a band, which is hard to categorize into a single genre.” ”We will perform songs from our EP Gemini and we are hoping to have a full-length record released by the time of the festival,” said Colin To have a first full length album is one of the main goals for the band this year and a possible summer tour. Woo said, “I would love to perform at Viva Pomona and Tropicalia.” New beginnings are opening for this Coachella Valley’s thriving band. Known to be music leaders among the valley’s music community, Giselle Woo and the Nightowls are starting 2020 with a massive accomplishment and bright future. Inspirational, compelling and extraordinaire, Giselle Woo and the Nightowls are not to be missed this year at the Coachella Valley Music Festival. You can find their music on Spotify, SoundCloud and Youtube.
the screen would go black. Large objects would take up the whole screen, and the characters are not seen until the camera moves passed it. The film is nominated for ten Academy Awards including, best picture, director, cinematography, score, screenplay and production design. It is the clear front runner to win, with only director Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” standing in its way. This film feels like the lovechild of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s, “Birdman” and Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk.” Though it is not for the squeamish, it demonstrates people’s willingness to persevere. “1917” deserves a 3.5/5, a technical showcase that is lacking in the most important areas. The film is now available in theaters everywhere. Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Richard Madden, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong Director: Sam Mendes. Run Time: 110 minutes. Distributed By: Universal Pictures.
And the Oscar goes to....The Chaparral predictions!
Best Picture
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Joaquin Phoenix
Scarlett Johansson
Quentin Tarantino
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
“This movie was original. I felt alot of emotions in this film. It was my favorite film of the year.” - Amber Juarez
“His performance was real and charismatic. He is an extordinare actor. My vote!” -Estefania Moreira
“Her films may not be the best but she always gives a hundred percent. Her dispute scene with Adam Driver was realistic and relatable.” -Ramon Ramirez
“His films are edgy and his ideas are very different from others. He pushes the envelop without thinking twice.” -Keana Sempek
“The movie is carried by the words of the script and this why its a win for me!” -Hector Leyva
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thechaparral.net
BY RAMON RAMIREZ STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
After the tragic and unexpected news of the passing of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others on a helicopter accident, the country and the world were left with broken hearts and unable to understand why this happened. Students at College of the Desert also took the news hard and will remember the legacy Kobe left behind. “Kobe, I liked him because I grew up watching him for the Lakers and he did a lot for L.A. and I want everyone to be just like Kobe by doing everything to the fullest,” said COD men’s basketball guard Timothy Miller. “I’m at church on Sunday, on my phone like, usually I’m not supposed to be. I’m on google looking at something totally different. Next thing I know, Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash and I just stopped for 25 seconds to look around and next, I just get the chills. It happened, I was just hoping that it wasn’t real and it was a hoax you feel me. It was like Nipsey Hussle or another influential person dying all over again. Personally, I have a close friend and I know that his dad and he only wear Lakers gear and their wifi password
Student Life
February 10, 2020
COD Student’s react to Kobe’s death
PHOTO COURTESY OF AP IMAGES Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi were among 9 people who died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. is Lakers. They have original Kobe tickets in their garage from 2001 so they have been rocking with Kobe ever since, so I knew they were going to be hurting. When I found out his daughter died too, the only thing that’s really going through my head was what if I was in that helicopter looking at their reactions. You can only imagine how Kobe was looking at his daughter Gigi or how she was crying looking at him wondering how they might not make it out of this. They might have given each other their last hugs saying, ‘I love
you,’ before they crashed. That had me think about some stuff because I am the type of person that thinks about it a lot and in detail. Yes, it hurt a lot even though I try not to take these type of deaths to heart because I don’t know these people,” said COD student Dameon Price. “Hearing about Kobe’s death was just shocking. Whether you were really into sports or not everybody knew who Kobe was. Basically, I only know basketball because of Kobe and I just think it was really sad the fact that his daughter was
involved along with everyone else in the helicopter. I know some people loved Kobe so much, one of my friends named his son Kobe after him so, it really affected a lot of people and it’s horrible,” said COD student Karissa Scheffler. “On Sunday, when it happened, I had a game and during halftime I overheard one of my teammates say Kobe might be dead and I checked my phone to see if it was true or not. I couldn’t believe it myself but once I saw on social media, supposedly they said Kobe was dead and then a couple of
minutes later it was confirmed. Honestly, A guy like him and especially his daughter, It was truly sad I couldn’t believe it,” said German Ramirez a COD student. “When I first heard the news, I was at home when someone told me that I just couldn’t believe it. I started thinking, “Man for real?.” Then, I was told that it was not true because TMZ broke it and that someone must have hacked their information. After that, I got a call from Philly at home and they were saying the situation is true. I made some calls to some people out in the valley. I used to live in that Calabasas area and they said yeah a helicopter did go down and it was the helicopter that Kobe Bryant was traveling in. That’s when it really hit home, I felt it and knew it was real. Then, as I’m watching TV, I am waiting for the breaking news; no one is saying anything and I’m saying maybe it’s not so. Suddenly, the news broke and once ESPN broke it and talked about it I knew it was confirmed,” said COD men’s assistant basketball coach, Jerome “Pooh” Richardson.
What’s your goal for the Spring 2020 semester?
Anthony Zaragoza Major undecided
Criminal Justice Major
Ulisa Padila
Ana Ramirez
Edward Robles Cyber Security major
Health Science major
“My goal is to try not to fail my classes because they have a lot of work and reading involved.”
“I have fifteen units this semester, so I want to maintain A’s in all of them and finish strong.”
“My classes this semester are not very hard, so my goal is just to pass them.”
“I obviously want to pass my classes, but I want to be able to take something new and different from them as well.”
“To get ready to transfer this time next year, hopefully to Cal State Fullerton.”
Architecture major
Janice Perez
Chloe’s Horoscopes of the Day
Capricorn
Aquarius
(Dec. 22- Jan. 19)
(Jan. 20- Feb. 18)
With a full moon in outgoing Leo on the 9, now is a great time to go out and mingle with new people. During this social time, remember to slow down and rest; try to avoid overreaching and straining yourself.
Criticism might be headed your way, Aquarius, and you might find it all too easy to fall into a pit of despair. Remember your uniqueness and allow some tunnel vision between you and your goals.
Pisces (Feb. 19- March 20)
Mercury moving through pisces will have you noticing friends and family easily falling into step with you, Pisces. During this transit, ignore outside influences and pay attention to your intuition.
Aries
(March 21- April 19)
This month, you may find it easy to go after what you want, Aries, so don’t slow down! With matters of the heart, you may have some extra courage for pursuit and may find yourself attracting attention.
Taurus (April 20- May 20)
The ruler of finances, Mercury, falls into pisces this month. What this means for you, Taurus, is smarter decisions with money. With money on your mind, you may experience a burst of energy to level up in your career.
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thechaparral.net
February 10, 2020
Opinion
Students weigh in on Trump’s impeachment trial
BY KEANA SEMPEK STAFF REPORTER
A tumultuous trial that had been prolonged into three weeks of questioning, has come to an end. The Senate vote on Feb. 5 officially acquitted Trump of his offenses. After a vote on Jan. 31 on whether or not witnesses would be appointed, as well as, documented evidence that is relevant to the case, it was blocked by Republican votes. The final count was 51-49. This completely avoided testimony and sped up the trial time which seemed to be the goal from the beginning. This meant that important witnesses, including former national security advisor John Bolton, was not subpoenaed as a witness for the alleged offense. The Senate vote court fell fairly short of the 2/3 vote that was needed to remove President Trump from office. Only one Republican, Senator Mitt Romney, had diverged away from his party and voted Trump guilty for his offenses of obstruction of Congress and abuse of power. This makes Trump the third president to face an impeachment trial and the first to face voters in the next election. The main offense was Trump’s attempt to press Ukraine to launch investigations on Joseph R. Biden Jr. and other Democrats to essentially benefit him for
PHOTO COURTESY OF AP IMAGES President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, as Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., watch, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. elections by withholding nearly $400 million in military aid. This has had a hold on the presidency since September when an anonymous whistleblower accused Trump of abusing his powers in the government. One of the main arguments was made by White House counsel deputy Patrick Philbin, which was that while the law bars candidates from accepting foreign contributions and bars foreign citizens from voting it does not bar candidates from taking information from foreign governments. Rebuttal from California Democrat Representative Zoe Lofgren responded with, “The election campaign laws prohibit accepting anything of value – and a thing of value is information.” With no witnesses appointed, this seems as if this is not a real trial and according to Democrats, renders it
illegitimate and meaningless. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York had said, “America will remember this day, unfortunately, where the Senate did not live up to its responsibilities when the Senate turned away from the truth and went along with a sham trial.” Trump has raged and dismissed this as a “hoax” and “witch hunt” since the beginning. With the election and campaigning season starting, it is important for voters, especially younger voters to be aware of what is going on in the government. College of the Desert students weighed in on the issue and shared their thoughts on the trial and acquittal. First-year COD student Jeffery Collins said, “I believe that if we were to take a vote right now for Trump to either be impeached or stay in office the majority of American
people will vote for Trump to stay in the office. I believe that this was a waste of time because he’s doing as much as he can in office while still being attacked by leftist groups and democrats. I do believe that there should be a trial because then it would show the American people how democrats have wasted the past three years doing nothing for the people and only trying to secure their power in the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Oval Office. It will show the American people how corrupt the democratic party is. I’m not saying that every democrat is corrupt I’m saying that most of them in office, are corrupt. The only good thing that’s going to come out of people wanting him to be impeached is that they’re going to be able to prove that some democrats are lying.” COD student Madison Twomey said, “The senate
used that [block on witnesses and documents] as a way to speed up this trial in my opinion. And I don’t believe that is fair because it’s, in a way, withholding evidence from the court. Injustice was done [though] so this is a historical event but the way they are treating the case and acting is annoying me.” “I don’t agree on any opinions to be honest. I’m independent so I don’t agree with any of the politics.” John Kim, a golf player at COD, expressed when asked about what he thinks about the trial. Cyrus Cunningham, a second-year student at COD said, “The fact that Republicans tried so hard to block the investigation definitely implies something unethical was going on. I think that they’re just running out the clock until Trump’s presidency comes to an end without concluding the case. I think that Americans believe there’s no truth while most others despise their president.” I think that because of the withholding of relevant witnesses and documents, it disconnects the Americans from the government, making it a clear picture of who’s in charge. In the end, it comes down to the American people and their own opinions regarding the trial case as well as who they will appoint as their ruling president in the next election.
Riverside County Fair and Date Festival returns
BY AMARAY ALVAREZ STAFF REPORTER
It’s that time of year again, the 74th annual Riverside County Fair and Date Festival starts Friday, Feb. 14 in Indio, Calif. Foods, entertainers, vendors and amusement rides are just a few of the attractions that attendees can expect to see at the county fair this year. Growing up in the Coachella Valley, going to the fair with my family and friends is a favorite pastime of mine. I’ve gone almost every year since I was young and I always look forward to the new attractions that will appear. The shows are what stand out the most to me. The fair has several shows that people of all ages can enjoy. There are hypnotists, pig races, monster truck shows, magicians and more. The Arabian Nights Musical Pageant put on by local performers, is one of my favorites. The pageant always performs a story from
the Middle Eastern folk tale book, One Thousand and One Nights, and last year they performed Aladdin. This fair also has a series of free-admission concerts. This year’s headliners are George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Banda Machos, I Love the 90’s, Chris Janson and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. Make sure to check the fair schedule to see who will be performing when and arrive early. People tend to line up for the shows in the afternoon to guarantee entrance. Aerial view of Riverside County Fair and Date Festival rides. If shows aren’t your thing, The amusement rides are Tickets or unlimited there are various exhibits always fun for children and wristbands can be purchased at around the fair with different thrill seekers. The fair typically the fair for ride admission. themes as well. You can has two ride sections. One Along with all of the other check out the art exhibits, that has rides for children and attractions previously listed, which feature work made another that has rides for older there are plenty of fair foods by local students and local visitors. that adventurous and nonprofessionals. You might find The lines can be long, but adventurous people can enjoy. that someone you know won a I believe they are worth the I like to get funnel cakes at the prize. wait. I always look forward to fair, but I can admit that not And if you’re not into art, riding the fireball and zipper. all deep-fried foods are worth there are also exhibits featuring Those two are some of the more trying. If you want to play it rocks and gemstones, science intense rides. safe, and still be able to get on and collectibles such as trains.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL rides, pace yourself. The fair will start February 14 to the 23. Tickets can be bought online or at the gate and are eight dollars for youth, nine for seniors and ten for adults. On the first day of the fair, there will be free admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit their website: datefest.org
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Melissa Espinoza COPY EDITOR, FRONT PAGE Amber Juarez CAMPUS Jacob Schulte and Hector Leyva LOCAL Stephanie Moreira ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Omar Romero OPINION Chloe Strickland SPORTS Julio Camacho STAFF REPOTERS Amaray Alvarez, Alexis Carranza, Jose Gonzalez, Bruno Lopez-Vega, Keana Sempek, Jonathon Maldonado, Ramon Ramirez FACULTY ADVISOR Laurilie Jackson MEDIA LAB TECHNICIAN Alexandro Zatarain
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thechaparral.net
February 10, 2020
Sports
Men’s golf finishes in 14th at Season Opener
BY JOHNNY MALDONADO STAFF REPORTER
As we roll into golf season, the Roadrunners sent five players to the two-day tournament in Lompoc hosted at La Purisma Golf Club and landed in 14th place. In the individuals, freshman John Kim Jr. tied for 15th. On day one of the tournament, the Roadrunners had 454 strokes leaving them in 16th place, right in front would be Antelope Valley by two and finishing in the first place would be the Reedley Tigers with 378 strokes. Roadrunners were able to improve their game on the second day, as a team, they were able to cut 28 strokes and pass Antelope Valley by nine. Even though they were able to flip the page, it still wasn’t enough to come back on top. Men’s golf head coach Thomas Mainez felt better about their performance on day
COD men’s golf Bailey Spivak setting up for new hole. Even though the team did not take the victory, this tournament invited some great golf programs in the state. There were seven state conference teams, six NorCal, and four of CCCAA finalists
two, “The second day players had a better feel for the course and made more putts.” Taking this year’s season opener would be the Reedley Tigers finishing with 781 strokes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COD ATHLETICS had also participated. COD was one out of seven teams from the Orange Empire Conference. Freshmen Cameron Winslow, Marco Rosales, Trenton Romleski, John Kim jr. and
sophomore Bailey Spivak were selected to compete. Winslow had a total of 169, on day one he shot for 90 then day two he made adjustments and had 11 fewer strokes to finish with seven over 79. Rosales with 198 overall, on day one he shot 93 and day two he cut off seven strokes leaving him with 86 and for Trenton Romleski he shot a 198. Spivak’s total was 176, day one he shot a 91 and day two he was able to cut off 6 strokes giving him a shot total of 85. Kim Jr. finished with the best score shooting for 158. Day one he shot for a nine-over 81 and day two five-over 77. Even with the results not going in their favor, coach Mainez still has confidence this year, “This core of players has a great chance of competing at the regionals. We have more depth than last year so looking forward to the season, time will tell.”
Basketball team has high hopes for the new decade
BY JOHNNY MALDONADO STAFF REPORTER
COD’s men’s basketball team has flipped the page this season, currently with a record of 14-9 and winning two of their last three games. After losing their recent game against San Bernardino 106-62, freshman forward Abraham Bell said, “We started off a little slow today, not focused and when we go back to practice we just have to go hard, then get ready for the next game.” Despite the final results from this game, the Roadrunners winning percentage is still above .500 with 5 games left in the season. The Roadrunners had tough seasons in the past, looking back at their 2012-2013 season it wasn’t going in their favor, finishing with an overall record of 8-18-1 something had to change. Their conference record was 5-9, away 2-8, home 4-6-1, and three point percentage was 27.3 which is 5.9 points lower than this year. Along with that, they had a six game losing streak making it a tough start. But things have started to improve starting last season.
In the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons you can immediately see the improvements in every category. For instance, the team is now averaging 83.9 points per game, which is a 9.1 point jump, and their rebounds per game went from 40.9 to 44.3 With the way things are going this season chances are next season could top this year’s season statistics. Bell mentioned, “Playing on this year’s team everything is better from the previous seasons.” Current head coach Trent Skinner, who played for College of the Desert basketball team during the 1996-1997 season, reaching to the CCCAA regional playoffs. From the start of his coaching career, basketball coach Trent Skinner knew what it took to have a winning team and it’s been evident this year. In November of 2019, the men’s basketball team was officially ranked #30 in California during the CCCMBCA weekly polls. With five games left in the regular season, Roadrunners are tied for 4th place in their conference with Cerro Coso. The next home game vs. Mt. San Jacinto will be on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
COD men’s basketball setting up a play.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COD ATHLETICS
COD baseball tournament honors David Buttles
Coach DiMatteo discussing the performance with the Roadrunners.
BY JULIO CAMACHO SPORTS EDITOR
In honor of Roadrunners legendary head coach, David Buttles, College of the Desert held the 10th Annual Baseball Memorial Tournament during the transition weekend from
PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSISTANT COACH TINO NOVIS
January to February. David Buttles was the athletic academic advisor and head baseball coach at COD. Buttles passed away in 2010 after losing his battle against cancer. Every year the baseball program remembers and thanks Buttles with this tournament.
Bringing over five other teams to play for the tournament, East LA Huskies, San Bernardino Valley Wolverines, the San Diego City Knights, Ohlone College Renegades and the Cypress College Chargers, all competed throughout the weekend in the nine game competition.
The competition was minimal in numbers, but it was more than just your average players. The Renegades are #3 in Northern California showing their dominance early on, also having 10 out of 11 players go to Division 1, or D1, colleges. The aftermath of the tournament put the Roadrunners down 1-2 after taking a loss to San Diego City 9-8 and Ohlone 12-6, but defeating East Los Angeles 14-6. Team captain and catcher, Trey Ladner, believes the team could have accomplished a clean sweep, “I felt like we definitely competed in every game. We should have ended the tournament 3-0 but now we just have to focus on future games.” Having one loss over the weekend by only one run, the Roadrunners do seem to be close to being where they want to be. Not having their cut-offs in position led to more runs being scored than intended. Shortstop, Spencer Dickinson, is sure of what he needs to improve for the rest of the season, “My hitting
could have been better, every game I struck out at least once and I just need to get the ball in the barrel instead of trying to do more,” he also stated, “There was nothing really special about the other teams, we simply just need to fix our errors and we’ll be fine.” Having the team composed of almost half sophomores and the other half freshmen, there’s room for the Roadrunners to carry on their momentum to evolve into where they want to be. One freshman who worked his way up to a starting spot is pitcher only, Nathan Kelly. “It was definitely hard to become a starter especially being one of the younger guys on the team,” said Kelly. Additionally, Kelly said he feels he did “okay” during his start against the Renegades, that the teams they faced helped the team realize what they need to fix. Concluding the tournament, the Roadrunners expect to come out stronger on their next game. Their next two games will be on Feb. 11 against Pasadena City and Feb. 12 against Mt. San Antonio.