The Chaparral, Vol 67, Issue 4

T HE C HAPARRAL

STUDENT VOICE OF COLLEGE OF THE DESERT SINCE 1962 Volume 67 Issue 4

@the_chaparral

BY ANTHONY MENDOLIA

thechaparral.net

@TheChaparralCOD

TheChaparral.net

Men's tennis clinches State Title

SPORTS EDITOR

History was made last Wednesday April 24, as COD men's tennis clinched their 15th state championship, beating Foothill 5-1.

The amount of titles they possess is of course the most in the state since men's tennis was a CCCAA sport, but also marked head coach Guy Fritz's ninth state title with the program.

The title was won after two impressive comebacks, one from the doubles team of Kalman Boyd and Alex Kuperstein, and the other in singles play from Manfred Vogt. The team of Boyd/Kuperstein were down 5 games to 1 before amassing an astounding comeback to win their set 86. Vogt went into an epic tiebreaker in his match a 6-6 first set. He won that tiebreaker by a score of 9-7, then won the next set 6-3 on an ace of serve to secure the state title for the Roadrunners.

Dominance has been the name of the game

PHOTO COURTESY OF CCCAA ATHLETICS The men's tennis team celebrates by holding the state championship trophy.

April 29, 2019

TheChaparralNews

came postseason play, and they certainly had the looks of a team that had what it takes to make a deep postseason run.

And that they did, as the first ousted Riverside 5-1 in the first round. They followed that up with a 5-2 victory at Irvine Valley, and then a 5-1 win at Cerritos in the regional final, which clinched the Roadrunners a place in the state championship.

For Fritz, this was his first year back under the reigns of the program in over 15 years. After amassing an already successful coaching career here at the Desert, he turned to coach professionally for over a decade and a half. When he first left, he coached professionals Coco Vanderweghe, who won the U.S. Open double's title last year, and his son Taylor Fritz, who is the 40th ranked player in the world.

Now back on the job, he walked away with something that is yet another state title. The entire COD community is very proud of the men's tennis team.

for COD men's tennis this season. Not only did they finish undefeated in their conference with a record of 12-0, but they lost only 10 of the 106 games they played in all of the conference play.

When putting their entire regular season into account, they had an overall record of 15-1 and won 119 games while only losing 22.

It'd be accurate to describe this team as an absolute buzzsaw.

What's even more incredible is that with exception of sophomore

Kalman Boyd (Solana Beach, CA), the entire team is comprised of freshmen. Three who have particularly shined are Alex Kuperstein (PDHS), Manfred Vogt (Mexico City, MX) and Sebastian Gomez Romero (PDHS). In singles play, Kuperstein and Vogt didn't lose a match all season, along with sophomore Boyd. In doubles play, the teams of Boyd and Kuperstein nor Vogt and Romero lost a match either.

The team's record was revealed to be even

more impressive when talking to head coach Guy Fritz just before their last match of the regular season against Adolphus College (MN).

"We've lost one match to the fifth-ranked team in the nation [Meza, AZ] and that's been it," Fritz said, "We've beat some division 3 schools, and we're about to beat another one here today."

Coach Fritz's confidence was indeed not unwarranted, as they beat Adolphus College 8-1. Next up for the Roadrunners

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2019 was held on the weekends of April 12-14 and April 19- 21.

This year's featured headliners were Childish Gambino (Friday), Tame Impala (Saturday) and Ariana Grande (Sunday).

Coachella started in 1999 but due to there being no Coachella music event in 2000, 2019 marks the 19th year of the festival. Over the years, Coachella has grown to become one of the most popular music festivals in the world. The Chaparral talked to a few festival goers this year to find what they enjoyed most about this year's Coachella and their thoughts about the event overall.

“It’s all about the new music and discovery,” said festival goer Christina Bernal. Coachella 2019 featured a large variety of music from pop icon Ariana Grande to South Korean Metal band Jambinai. Coachella has something for any music lover, including many genres and artists over the entirety of the weekend. Answers be-

tween festival goers varied in who they were excited for during the day, but the evening excitement all pointed towards the weekend's headliners.

“Tame Impala, I’ve been here a few times and I really like live music over DJ’s,” said festival goer Sean Edwards. If festival-goers weren’t excited about the evening's headliners, live DJ’s were scheduled to play sets at the same time, allowing the festival goers to have choices on where to go rather than just listen to the headliners or leave; however, a large amount of excitement was held for live music at the festival.

“The art installations that are set around the festival is definitely something I really enjoy and appreciate. It adds such enjoyment and personality into the festival to makes it its own niché,” said 5th-time festival goer Juan Rodriguez. Coachella’s art pieces have become a staple to the iconography of the event, and this year was no different. Coachella featured seven art installations this year including two returning pieces, The Spectra spiral staircase presented by Newsubstance from 2018, and a refurbished version of the

moving astronaut from 2014 titled Overview Effect presented by Poetic Kinetics.

“Antarctica, that thing was sick,” said festival goer Raven Castro. HP software returned again this year with their interior music light show, Antarctica. HP also had a FlowWater refill station as an alternative to the normal water refill stations that frequently had long waits much to the dismay of the festival goers. The catch to this alternative water refill station; however, was that it took a few minutes to start up again after water flow stopped.

Festival goer Charles Silva talked about being excited for the food, especially the pizza due to it being cheaper. The Indio Central Market made a return this year which, despite its name, featured restaurants “ from LA to NYC,” according to Coachella's website. There were a large number of vegan options such as the Mexican restaurant, Vegatinos, giving many options for almost every kind of diet.

“You can only get good beer in one place,” said festival goer Jim Turek. Other than the Craft Beer Garden, Heineken was the main provider of alcohol at the event, who also had a venue

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL “Escape Velocity” from Coachella 2014 made an appearance this year. of the frequently appearing set to accompany their main things on website checklists selling area at the festival. to bring to the event to be The three-day festiprepared. “It’s fun, it’s tiring val can become miserable for but it’s always a good time festival goers who are not but you have to be prepared, prepared. Although the festithere’s nothing like it in the val sells essentials at the world.” said festival goer event it's a good idea to bring Christina Bernal. your own if you want to save To learn more about some cash for merchandise or Coachella go to food. Sunscreen, phone https://www.coachella.com/ chargers, wet wipes, and home. hand sanitizer are just a few

CAMPUS-PG 2 GradFest

LOCAL-PG 5 Film Festival

A&E-PG 6 Phantom of the Opera

BY HARRISON BLUTO STAFF REPORTER

A look back on Coachella 2019

OPINION-PG 7 Climate Change Strike

SPORTS-PG 8 Student Awarded Full-Ride

THE CHAPARRAL

APrIL 29, 2019

Pg.2

Campus

GradFest helps graduates prepare for commencement

BY ERIN HALBEISEN

STAFF REPORTER

The third annual Grad-

how unique this experience is for

ter if not for the one math class

COD students. "There are very

that she could not get into.

few colleges that do a GradFest as

Bautista plans to transfer to

we do and even fewer that offer

CSUSB in the Fall.

the unique services that COD

Another student, Heidi

Fest took place in the COD gym-

does, such as free cap, gowns and

Buterbauga, has been attending

nasium on April 10 from 11:30

photos. We wanted to bring the

COD since Fall of 2015 and will be

a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

celebration to the student level

graduating this year with an Ad-

graduates

and have students be proud of

ministration of Criminal Justice

took care of all things graduation

Soon-to-be

their educational experience here.

degree. Buterbauga balanced her

in one stop. Students registered

We hope that students keep their

academics, being a single mom to

for

participation,

decorated cap as a memento to re-

four children, and still managed to

picked-up their free cap and gown

member their experience posi-

be involved in extracurricular ac-

ceremony

for commencement, took profes-

sional photos in their regalia and

PHOTO COURTESY OF COD

tively," he said.

College of the Desert has

tivities at school. "I have a good experience here. I've gotten schol-

visited with college & university

Students decorating their caps at GradFest.

the largest graduating class this

arships, I'm Vice President of the

representatives. They also had the

tion where they picked up a free

was cool. In the beginning, it was

year than ever before. Espinoza

Trio club, and I have an interview

opportunity to participate in a cap

COD class of 2019 alumni t-shirt.

sort of confusing where to go to

pointed out that this is the first

to be a speaker at this year's com-

decorating contest.

Students received their

10 free tickets to commencement

Free pizza and salad

get the stamps and I didn't know I

year that the commencement cer-

mencement." Buterbauga has been

were offered throughout the expe-

had to take a picture either, but it's

emony will take place at the In-

accepted to CSUSB, Cal Poly, and

rience.

been fun overall." When asked

dian Wells Tennis Gardens. He

Cal State Bakersfield and is still

and a "passport" with six empty

In the middle of the gym

about her COD experience, she

said, "In the last 60 years, a major-

waiting on more acceptance letters

stamps spots at check-in. Then,

sat long tables covered in sparkles,

said, "It [the Coachella Valley] was

ity of commencement took place

to come in.

they got stamps after visiting each

stickers, papers, and letters for

my first home, so being at COD is

at the football fields. Now, we

Irene Martinez, a friend

station, including a stamp from

students to decorate their caps. A

the first big step into my new life.

have outgrown the football fields

of Buterbauga, will receive a cer-

two of the nine college representa-

panel of student leaders walked

I'm thankful for the friendly staff

and are very proud to be holding

tificate in Drug and Alcohol Stud-

tives booths. After attaining the

around taking pictures of names

and my family for getting me

the ceremony at the Tennis Gar-

ies. Martinez had only positive

first five, they were granted the

and caps to be entered in the con-

here."

dens."

things to say about her experience

final sixth stamp at the alumni sta-

test. The winner of the cap deco-

Oscar Parra-Espinoza is

Alyssa Bautista is a Busi-

at COD. She said, "I loved it. I was

rating contest received a free

the Chair of the GradFest Com-

ness Administration and Liberal

worried about coming in at my

PHOTO COURTESY OF COD Leveroni’s winning cap.

diploma frame and the runners-

mittee. "This is the largest Grad-

Arts major. She said, "It's really

age, but the professors made it

up got gift cards. Also, all students

Fest we've ever had", Espinoza

cool that this is all free. Especially

easier." In response to Martinez,

that attended were entered into a

said, "We have come a long way

that they provided decorations for

Buterbauga said, "I came back

raffle for a chance to win more

from being in the multi-purpose

the caps because I probably would

after 2o years from being out of

diploma frames and gift cards.

room to filling the entire gym. We

not have cared as much other-

school. Anyone can do it."

Graduating student Xi-

are grateful to the Foundation, the

wise." Bautista enjoyed her expe-

mena Leveroni was the winner of

Alumni Association, the Vision of

rience at COD and was able to

You can find more informa-

the cap-decorating contest. She

the Student Success, and the COD

attain both her degrees in five se-

tion regarding commencement in

will finish with a degree in Psy-

Bookstore for making this possi-

mesters. "It was overall great, ex-

the next issue of The Chaparral.

chology. When asked about her

ble."

pect for the class schedules." She

Science student Kate De Silva launches 3D heart model

BY ESTEFANIA MOREIRA

GradFest experience, she said, "It

correct geometric and ergonomic

STUDENT CONTRIBUTOR

Espinoza

highlighted

would have graduated last semes-

thing. The heart does not re-

the heart runs itself. It’s its

features. Creating a 3D Print

spond to the brain. Think of it

boss.” Da Silva plans for her

organ is similar. You would need

this way, you can have a brain,

heart model to be used for edu-

to prepare a sketch design, fig-

but without a heart you are

cational purposes, “I’ll be show-

dead.”

Kate Da Silva created a

ure out its features to use for the

3D heart print several months

program, and make sure every-

back while being involved in the

thing is calculated correctly.

ing my heart model to the health Creating

the

heart

science teachers, and hopefully,

model was an enjoyable experi-

it gets accepted. It costs the

3D Print Club on campus. Ma-

school seventeen grand for a

joring in clinical lab sciences, Da

heart model and the 3D print

Silva only took two days and

heart model that I created costs

17 hours to finish her heart

five dollars. This is financially

model. Da Silva is a student who

better so that schools can have

has a passion and love for sci-

other organ models. If science

ence and says that the heart is

students can create organs for

one of the most essential organs

our science department is not

besides your brain. Da Silva ex-

only creative but helpful for our

plains why we should be aware

education.” Anatomy 2, BIO 14

of our heart and take care of it as

will most likely be using the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL COD student Kate Da Silva holds 3D heart model.

well as describing how she was

heart model if they give her a

and

able to create a 3D heart.

yes.

young people in their ’20-’30s

Da Silva expressed how

Da Silva said the heart

according

to

scientists,

will probably experience earlier

much she enjoys watching tele-

is important because it gives us

signs of heart failure if not care-

vision shows about medicine.

a better chance to live longer

ful. “If you start now, you will

One of her favorites is Grey’s

and the more you work on your

be doing your body a favor and

Anatomy, and the idea came to Print

Club

one

night,

she

watched an episode where one

health, your heart will triumph.

yes genetics do play a huge part

The best way to take care of your

if you have a genetic back-

heart according to Da Silva is by

ground of heart disease, but it’s

exercise activity, 30 mins or an

not impossible to have a healthy

ence for the young science stu-

hour five or six times a week is

heart. It all starts with you and educate yourself.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTEFANIA MOREIRA

be. While she was in the 3D Da Silva’s 3D heart model.

of the characters named Dr. Yang

Once she was satisfied with her

created a 3D heart model. She

research, it only took her two

dent. Da Silva said when you are

good. Educating and letting go

says, “when I saw that episode,

days and seventeen hours to fin-

doing what you love it feels like

of unhealthy foods such as junk

Da Silva plans to possi-

I thought it would be fun and

ish her heart model on a soft-

a breeze, “The heart is one of my

foods, will prevent future car-

bly become more involved in the

cool to make one in our club. I

ware tool called Fusion 360.

favorite organs in the human

diovascular risks. You do not

field of heart disease studies.

“The

body. The heart runs off on pace-

want to go through heart block

Pursuing pathology, she can

week of substantial research to

heart is one of the most impor-

maker cells that tell it when to

caused by levels of high choles-

focus more on the heart as an

find the perfect study to use. For

tant organs. Many people think

polarize, when to depolarize,

terol that leads to hypertension

organ and work on heart defects.

will make one.” There was a

Da

Silva

said

Send Silence Packing spreads mental health awareness

example, if you want to create a

it’s the brain, sure they are not

when to pump, how to pump,

heart disease. Obesity in our

3D chair model, you need the

wrong, but the heart is its own

how much pressure it knows,

youth is becoming a problem,

BY CHRISTYANNE SAN JUAN FRONT PAGE EDITOR

cased over four hundred back-

packs and read the stories. Local

Courtney Burke, a member of Ac-

Packing. A COD student who did

packs, with each backpack focus-

resources, such as the National So-

tive Minds, the organization be-

not want to be named expressed

ing on the personal story of a

ciety on Mental Illness, HomeCon-

hind the exhibit. "We have found

the impact that the exhibit had on

college-aged individual that was a

nect, Borrego Health, SafeHouse,

that on college campuses, per-

him, stating, "I always felt like I

College of the Desert raised

victim of suicide. Fifteen to twenty

and EachMindMatters also held

ceived stigma around mental

was alone in my struggle with my

mental health awareness on April

backpacks that were part of the

booths at the event for students to

health is often stronger than actual

mental health and with suicide.

25 when the campus hosted Send

Send Silence Packing exhibit were

learn where they can reach out for

stigma, and we want people to

Seeing all these stories and seeing

Silence Packing, an acclaimed

donated by the victims’ families.

support.

feel comfortable reaching out to

how understanding everyone is, is

others for support."

touring exhibit that aims to inspire

During the showcase, students,

"The goal of Send Silence

action for suicide prevention.

teachers, and faculty, were encour-

Packing is to open a dialogue

This sentiment was felt by

aged to walk among the back-

around mental health," shared

many viewers of Send Suicide

The all-day exhibit show-

making...(continued on next page.)

THE CHAPARRAL

April 29, 2019

pg. 3

Campus

...(continuation from page 2)

imately 946,710 visitors in over

me feel like i'll be strong

two hundred cities.

enough to get help."

if you are struggling with

The Send Suicide packing ex-

your mental health or with suici-

hibit tours the country every

dal thoughts, visit Student Health

spring and fall, and visits roughly

Services, located in the Cravens

fifteen to twenty schools located

Student Services Center on the

primarily in the Midwest and

first floor or call 760-776-7211. The

Northeast during each tour. There

National Suicide prevention Hot-

is a rolling application basis for

line is also available for students.

colleges and universities to host

The number is 800-273-8255.

the event, and the event is hosted

if you are in need of immedi-

through a joint effort between the

ate care, visit the riverside County

college's local chapter of Send Si-

Mental Health Urgent Care Facil-

lence packing and the primary or-

ity in palm Springs at 2500 N palm

ganization. Students and faculty

Canyon Dr., Suite A4 palm

provide resources for the exhibit,

Springs, CA 92262 or call 442-268-

roughly amounting to a five thou-

7000.

sand dollar cost. Additionally, the

if you feel more comfortable

local chapter connects Send Sui-

texting rather than speaking over PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL

cide packing to local resources that will be present during the event.

Send Suicide packing was

Send Silence Packing arrived at College of the Desert to spread awarness around mental health and suicide prevention.

the phone, download the What's

Up Safehouse app, available on

Apple and Android devices, or text 844-204-0880.

first unveiled in 2008 by Active

ness and education for students.

the conversation around mental

work of over 450 chapters. Since

Minds, a nonprofit organization

The organization aims to em-

health through a number of pro-

its an inaugural display, Send Si-

supporting mental health aware-

power a new generation to change

grams as well as a national net-

lence packing has reached approx-

Campus Elections

APRIL 29, 2019

The Chaparral

Pg. 4

Students running for the Associated Students of College of the Desert Student Senate (ASCOD) have begun the campaign process. The positions include Executive Officers, Student Trustee and Senators. Voting begins May 6 and ends on May 9, 2019. Below is a list of candidates running for their respective office.

Student Trustee Candidates

Keanna Garcia

Keanna is a political science major and plans to transfer to UCSC. She enjoys being involved, meeting new students, and encourages you to talk to her about music and breakfast foods.

Gabriana Martinez

Ireland Olson

Gabriana is majoring in business administration with a concentration in accounting and aims to transfer to Georgetown University. She has a passion for community building, equality of opportunity, and sweet tea.

Ireland is a business major and plans to transfer to a UC school then go into corporate law. She loves being involved in leadership and coming to COD at 16 years old gave her the opportunity to do that on a larger scale at a young age.

President Candidates

Yazzmine De Leon

Aaron Willms

Yazzmine is majoring in psychology and plans to transfer to CSU Los Angeles to become a Social Worker. She hopes to hear from the students more to learn about what they want student government to do to make their experience a good one.

Emily Calderon

Emily is majoring in biology and plans to transfer to UC Davis. She wants to better involve and inform students of the power they have to voice their thoughts and she hopes the students see her as being the voice they need as their Vice President.

Academic Affairs Candidates Anika Acosta

Frida Stephanie Avila

Aaron is double majoring in psychology and political science and plans to transfer to UC Berkeley or UCLA. He wants students to know that ASCOD is here to represent them and make their college experience the best it can be.

Anika is majoring in history and with this degree, she plans to become a family law lawyer.

She loves being involved in the community by organizing events to donate supplies to the less fortunate in Mexicali.

Frida is majoring in public health science and plans to attend SJSU. Her main goal is to make sure the students have a voice when it comes to academics and that they know they have help if they need it.

Larissa Chavez Chaidez

Karla Flores Rosas

Heather Moran

Vice President Candidates

Larissa is majoring in communications and Karla is majoring in political science with a plans to transfer to UCR. She loves being in- minor in Spanish and plans to transfer to volved at COD and enjoys representing all CSUSB. the students.

Fiscal Affairs Candidate David Dominguez

David is majoring in Health Science and plans to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona. He would be rich already if he were given a dollar for the amount of times people asked for his height.

Senator Candidate Maria Cuautle

Maria, also known as MJ, is majoring in biology and plans to become a doctor in the future. She is an outgoing and friendly person who never gives up.

Heather is majoring in psychology and plans to transfer to a Christian college or a Cal State. She loves to read, she’s compassionate, and she wants to help make the school a better place where any student can feel as if they are welcome.

APRiL 29,

THE CHAPARRAL

2019

Pg. 5

Local

Desert Sun hosts "Poisoned Cities, Deadly Border" event

BY MELISSA ESPINOZA

STAFF REPORTER

Global warming and pollution have become major topics of interest in recent years. On April 5, the Desert Sun together with the Comite Civico Del Valle inc, sponsored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, held a public event at the Desert Sun headquarters at 750 N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs.

"Poisoned Cities, Deadly Border" was a two-year investigation on the border cities of Mexicali and Calexico by journalist ian James and photographer Zoë Meyers, which inspired this event.

The initial study of the pollution of the New River uncovered alarming rates of air and water pollution by factories which are connected to respiratory illnesses and deaths in both Mexicali and Calexico.

Dr. Daniel Martin Tamayo, who was part of ian and Zoë's investigation, has seen an increase in children visits in his Mexicali medical office. He said, "Approximately five or seven years ago the main cause of medical consultation in the Mexicali General Hospital was infectious diseases, and now 80% of consultations are for diseases of the respiratory tract that are related to allergic components and environmental pollution," said Dr. Tamayo.

The six and a half hour event was offered as a means to inform students and the local community on the critical issue of air pollution and the New River at

Reporter Ian James (far left) and the border of Mexico and the United States. The event featured panels of experts who talked about their work as environmental advocates and the importance of taking action now. "i became a true advocate for our communities, to looking out for the best interest of our community, pollution has no borders, and that's a true feeling that i have," said Miguel Hernandez who works with Comite Civico del Valle, a non-profit for the outreach of disadvantaged communities and educates on civic engagement and environmental justice.

Also at the event, there were information booths of local organizations like Desert Defenders, the Department of Pesticide Control and the imperial County Air Pollution Control District, which gave information about their work and different actions to help the environment. irma Flores, Communi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL a panel of environmental experts speaking to attendees. cations and Community Relations cal asthma attack while they were Officer for the North America De- living at El Centro, Calif.

Magallanes, a single velopment Bank, which offers assistance on the development of mom of two daughters, four and infrastructure projects to preserve six suffer from respiratory complithe border regions between Mex- cations. "They started having comfrom breathing, ico and the USA. "We are here to plications take advantage of this opportu- especially my oldest one, my sixnity to present information about year-old. They were diagnosed the work we do on the USA/Mex- with asthma after every six to ico border, we focus in sectors eight months they [were] in the such as wastewater, air quality hospital because they had bronand energy we just want to share chitis, infections and high fever, so the information of being a good i have to nebulize them and give partner along the border," said them extra medicine," said Magallanes, "Comite Civico went to my Flores.

Locals were able to learn house and gave me a three-day and hear about the effects that pol- training to help my daughters lution at the border would have have better health conditions, edon the residents there. Coachella ucate me on the environment, Valley resident, Michelle Dugan- about the pollution in Mexico, the Delgados and imperial Valley res- River, the Salton Sea. My entire life ident, Maggie Magallanes shared i've been living in the imperial their personal stories at the event. Valley and i've never had any Michelle has had asthma from a health problems until my daughyoung age and continues to suffer ters started having complications from it now. She lost her younger breathing."

Pollution is a problem sister Marie in 2009 due to a criti-

that affects everyone and through this event, more information was shared to take action now because as of right now, it seems that more stories like "Poisoned Cities, Deadly Border" will continue to emerge. "i think that it's a story that you could work on like for decades probably because there is going to continue to be pollution issues at the border, but it's critical to create a story and put it out there so that people can hear about it and interact with it. in no way is this the end of the story just because we published this series, there is going to be more to come," said Meyers.

After James' and Meyers' story was published, some small but significant changes have been made to help control the pollution at the border. "Since we published this series in December there have been several positive developments. One thing that happened was the California Air Resources Board decided that they are going to hire a high ranking official to oversee border air pollution issues, so they're putting a greater focus on trying to figure out how to combat air pollution. The California Air Resources Board also decided to donate 50 low coast community air monitors, which are called Purple Air Sensors, which will be deployed in Mexicali and the Mexicali Valley," said James, "There have been some positive developments, and we've also seen the federal government has increased funding for border sewer projects from 10 million last year to 15 million this year."

American Documentary Film Festival brings history & culture to life

BY JACOB SCHULTE

STAFF REPORTER

There is an aspect of a film that captures a story as nothing else can. At the 2019 American Documentary Film Festival, over two thousand documentaries were reviewed before the 200+ showings were selected for this year. A bounty of captivating and informational films was premiered for the first time during the week-long festival at the Camelot Theater and Palm Springs Cultural Center in Palm Springs. Director of Operations Ted Guary talked about how the festival started. “Nine years ago i was asked to bring some visibility to this particular theater by the owners who were friends, and so i embarked on trying to find an event that wasn’t seen here or in LA. i knew from traveling around the world as a filmmaker that documentary festivals are a big deal. So i was surprised there was a need for it on the West Coast.”

With a record number of submissions this year, Guary talked about how the process of choosing what films to show works. “it's not easy, i always have some themes on the back of my mind. However, we don’t force it on our audience. We don’t say ‘this is the theme this year!’ Which many festivals do.

However, we’ll have themes on immigration, women’s rights, equality, Hollywood artists, the sciences and medicines, names, anything, and everything. We look for films that we think will excite the audience in spite of what it might about. Someone may say they’re not interested in medicine, but they go to the film and are blown away and say they are inspired by it.”

Guary is on a personal mission right now to make American-indian films known from Australia to the Arctic -mainstream."To me, they’re like any other group of people who deserve to have their stories heard across the world. There are some great indigenous film festivals but this is a mainstream

festival, and i worked hard to integrate native American film into the general context of the themes we had,” Guary said.

Featured on opening night, Sacheen, written and directed by Peter Spirer, is the story of Sacheen Littlefeather, a former actress who made history by taking the stage in place of Marlon Brando during the 1974 Academy Awards as he was awarded best actor. Sacheen gave a short speech bringing attention to the government's controversial involvement in the Wounded Knee standoff and protesting the negative portrayal of Native-Americans in Hollywood film. The 26 min documentary's subject and narrator Sacheen Littlefeather was in attendance on opening night at the ADFF, and she reiterated her statements from the film that she was blacklisted from working in Hollywood by the FBi after the event and labeled a threat because of her comments.

The American War, directed by Daniel L. Bernardi, himself an iraq War veteran, is a

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL The Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theaters hosted the 2019 ADFF, the largest documentary festival on the West Coast.

look at the Vietnam war from the perspective of five former North Vietnamese soldiers.

Powerful and moving from start to finish, the re-humanizing of the Vietcong people that this film brings to the viewer is a testament to the power of real sto-

rytelling in the still-rising industry of documentary films.

To see a full list of the films shown during the ADFF, visit americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com.

May Community Calendar

May 2 to 5- College of the Desert Performing Arts presents “The Phantom of the Opera”- at the McCallum Theatre. Price: $28, $38 and $43. (visit mccallumtheatre.com for times).

May 3- Borrego Health Services on campus- at Faculty/Staff Lot. No. 3. Time: 10 a.m to 6 p.m.

May 3- Pepe Aguilar in concert- at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Price: $59, $69 and $89. Time: 8 p.m.

May 4 and 5- Comedian Gabriel Iglesias- at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Price: $75, $85 and $95. Date: 5/4 at 8 p.m and 5/5 at 7 p.m.

May 10 - Intramural Speech Tournament- at COMM 1st floor. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 10- Borrego Health Services on campus- at Faculty/Staff Lot. No. 3. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 10- ABE Graduation Ceremony- at Pollock Theatre. Time: 6 p.m to 8 p.m.

May 10 and 11- Circovia, Cirque Style Extravaganza- at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Price: $40, $50 and $60. Time: 8 p.m.

May 17- Borrego Health Services on campus- at Faculty/Staff Lot. No. 3. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Arts & Entertainment

APRiL 29, 2019

BY MELISSA ESPINOZA

Pg. 6

The Chaparral

Aspiring actors and filmmakers have the opportunity to shine graduate, Matt Tucker.

STAFF REPORTER

One of the scenes students recreated was the famous coin

College of the Desert has

toss in the film "No Country For

been offering academic opportu-

Old Men," a 2007 drama/mys-

nities in different fields for local

tery starring Javier Bardem. Two

students for over 60 years. With

student actors with a student di-

the help of film instructor, Vin-

rector in charge and a set crew

cent Sassone, new classes and

worked for several hours to

certificates were added to the

recreate that specific scene from

COD film program two years

the film with their creative ideas.

ago, and now students are taking

"This is just sort of a good

advantage of them at the Palm

way to get a grasp of what you

Springs campus on E. Baristo Rd.

know it is like to be in sort of a

"in 2017 when i was asked to

film production world, and so it

help build [the film program] we

helps [with] any avenue you're

started with in the fall, we wrote

[going to] go into in the film in-

a whole bunch of curriculum, got

dustry," said theater arts student,

it passed. in the spring, it was

Jonathan Hatsois.

about getting the funding to get

As this program continues to

all of the equipment and then

grow and create opportunities to

planning out this room and then

help students get the necessary

last fall was about planning to

experience to go into the film in-

move here get it built and this

dustry, more COD students will

spring was about building up the

be able to showcase their talents

enrollment, getting the word out,

and creativity while also use the

doing much marketing and talking and being here in Palm

Students recreating a scene from the film "No Country For Old Men."

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL

skills they learn in other areas of their lives.

"Take the talent of story-

Springs so that we can integrate with the Palm Springs commu-

which is like the locomotive of it,

nity," said Sassone.

so you have production 1, 2, and

specific things," said Sassone.

Students who are involved

scene, practicing acting, directing

telling as a film-maker and apply

and making sure shooting runs

them in marketing or business or

smoothly.

The film program not only

3 and students graduate through

in the film program also get to

offers students who are inter-

those, and they get better, better

experience what it truly means to

"i'm an aspiring actor. i want

politics or anything else like that, because of we all talk, this is our

ested in working in the film in-

and better. Around all of that you

work on a movie set. Production

to make it on [with] what i do

language, and so this is the way

dustry, the ability to gain film

have screenwriting, cinematogra-

students and student actors work

hopefully. i'm hoping to learn

we communicate. There are lots

making experience, it also gives

phy, acting in front of the camera,

together to learn about actors, di-

more from taking this class, and

of opportunities for us to make

them the opportunity to obtain

documentary film-making and

rectors and production staff

it isn't just acting in front of the

money and i think it is about em-

an associates degree, a basic cer-

we have more courses coming

working on a set. As one of their

screen, you have to learn every-

powering students also because

tificate of achievement and an

like editing and production man-

assignments this semester, stu-

thing that goes behind the

this a significant time for people

advanced certificate of achieve-

agement and locations manage-

dents get to recreate famous

scenes, and you collaborate with

to understand how to use this

Performing Arts presents “The Phantom of the Opera”

ment in film production.

ment, so getting into more

"There is a production track,

BY ERIN HALBEISEN

STAFF REPORTER

College of the Desert

students

just everyone in the class, and it

language and how it is used on

would spend time developing a

becomes a team effort," said COD

us," said Sassone.

be accompanied by a 28-piece or-

adaptation, written by Andrew

movie

and threatening the opera house

scenes.

“These

The

performances

managers. When Christine starts

will be concert versions of 'The

chestra. The orchestra is com-

Lloyd Webber, won seven Tony

to fall in love with Raoul, a hot-

Phantom of the Opera', which [en-

prised of individual musicians

Awards, including Best Musical,

shot benefactor, the Phantom will

compasses] the entire show with

who are coming together specifi-

and is currently the longest-run-

stop at nothing to keep her for

minimal staging and the cast in

cally to participate in this produc-

ning production in Broadway his-

himself.

formal wear rather than costumes.

tion. A number of them are

tory.

performs Andrew Lloyd Webber's

COD students will play

There will be lots of eye candy:

adjunct music faculty: Scott Smith

COD attained the rights

"The Phantom of the Opera" pre-

the main characters with Jason

fog, lighting, video projections,

and Dan Waddell (keyboards),

to perform this Broadway classic

miering May 2-5 at the McCallum

Livesay as The Phantom, Natalie

masks and the crashing chandelier

Mikael Jacobson (bass), Mary

18 months ago through Andrew

Theater.

Mann as Christine and John

from Phantom’s national tour, but

Stupin (horn), Jeff Stupin (trom-

Lloyd Webber's leasing agency,

Helms as Raoul.

some visual aspects will be left to

bone), Deborah Cox (bassoon) and

The Musical Company. "TMC

The musical takes place in the 19th century and revolves

Music professor and di-

the imagination," said Romano,

Cynthia Brogan (violin). Others

granted the rights and is charging

around The Phantom, a mysteri-

rector, Dr. Darlene Romano, de-

"The audience can expect to see

are professional Southern Califor-

us rental fees based on the number

ous musical genius living beneath

scribes the Phantom as both a

themes of love, obsession, rebel-

nia studio musicians who regu-

of performances and the venue’s

the opera house. He is ashamed to

villain and a victim." Although he

lion, social injustice, forgiveness

larly play our yearly McCallum

seating capacity," said Romano.

show his disfigured face, so he

commits many evil deeds, he is

and redemption. These themes are

musical."

hides behind a mask in the depths

seen by some as a sympathetic

certainly appropriate for children

The play is based on the

For more information and to pur-

of the Opera Populaire in Paris.

character whose actions are driven

who are mature enough to under-

book itself by French writer Gas-

chase tickets visit www.mccal-

He then falls in love with a beau-

by a lifetime of rejection due to his

stand the storyline and appreciate

ton Leroux "The Phantom of the

lumtheatre.com.

tiful singer, Christine.

physical appearance. Audience

the

styles

Opera." Historical events that took

members will have to make that

through which the story is con-

place at the real Paris opera house

Christine and helps her get lead-

assessment for themselves when

veyed."

ing roles in plays by teaching her

they see the show," said Romano.

The Phantom befriends

The cast of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

'operatic'

singing

Ticket prices start at $28.

in the 19th century partially inThe production will also

spired the book. The musical

PHOTO COURTESY OF COD PERFORMING ARTS

Opinion

April 29, 2019

Pg.7

THE CHAPARRAL

Border patrol cages migrants

BY AMBER JUAREZ

southern border will not do any-

thing but cause more damage to

STAFF REPORTER

this situation. By closing the

southern border completely no

one will be allowed in or out.

On March 27, thou-

According to the New

sands of migrants were being de-

York Times, as of March 31, the

tained under the Paso del Norte

International bridge in El Paso TX.

migrants have been released from

held under the bridge by border

moved to disclosed locations and

the Paso del Norte International

This bridge links Ciudad Juarez

bridge. The migrants have been

and El Paso. Migrants were being

it is not known what conditions

patrol because the U.S. Customs

they are in currently. Shaw Drake,

and Border Protection (CBP) ran

policy counsel for the ACLU's bor-

out of space to process asylum seekers.

der center said, "The agency has

Fernando Garcia, direc-

tor of the Border Network for

Human Rights said, "If they

wanted to prepare for this they

could have done so. The adminis-

tration could have redirected re-

sources, assigned more asylum

agents, looked at what is happen-

ing on the ground." Border patrol

did not have to keep the migrants

under the bridge as they had many other options but they still chose to fence them off.

The American Civil Lib-

conditions the migrants experi-

ding. They also reported that the

were caged behind a chainlink

and

enced were 'an unprecedented

and extreme violation.' Migrants

fence with a razor wire top.

The asylum seekers were

kept in poor conditions. The

ACLU interviewed some of the

migrants and they said families

with children were forced to sleep

erties Union (ACLU) said that the

on the floor with no extra bed-

BY AMBER JUAREZ

walked out of class on Friday

warming have been the main

issue that everyone is talking

about since Al Gore released a

documentary called “An Inback

in

2006. In this documentary,

Gore explained how humans

have messed up the earth and

something must be done about

it immediately. Since then, many organizations have been

created around the world to

end climate change. Most of

the organizations are created

the

United

States

physically

abused them. This is no way to

treat a human being.

The ACLU is planning

on further investigating on how

the migrants were verbally and

physically abused. Shaw Drake,

policy counsel for the ACLU's bor-

inflicted on asylum seekers by

Border Patrol agents in the out-

should be swept under the rug.

We must bring awareness to this

door facilities."

so it does not keep happening. We

southern border until the Mexican

making people suffer just because

President Donald Trump

threatened to close off the entire

government "does something"

about this crisis. Closing the entire

as a country are supposed to help

those in need, we shouldn't be they want a better life.

Green New Deal, a plan cre-

ated by Democrats that would

help prevent climate change in

the near future.

On Feb. 7, 2019, Represen-

tative

Cortez,

Alexandria

D-N.Y.,

Representative

Ocasio-

and

Edward

Markey, D-Mass., presented the idea of the Green New

Deal to the House of Represen-

tatives.

In this plan greenhouse

emissions will be reduced. By

reducing

greenhouse

emis-

called School Strike 4 Climate

grees Fahrenheit by 2100. In

One specific group that

was created by students is

Change. This is a non-profit

organization created to bring

awareness to climate change in manner.

and

seekers have been released from

the bridge, this does not mean it

were

sions it will cut them in half by

peaceful

verbally

ing an immediate investigation by

the inspector general into abuses

Although the asylum

mostly focused towards The

by students.

a

food and water for the migrants

tions."

when told not to. The strikes in

Climate change and global

Truth”

Border Patrol failed to provide

der center said, "We are demand-

being held and under what condi-

Young people strike for climate change

STAFF REPORTER

convenient

PHOTO COURTESY OF AP IMAGES

Migrants waiting for food in El Paso, TX.

not told us or members of Con-

gress where migrants are now

School

Strike 4 Climate Change is

made up of young students around the globe that strike

every Friday.

On March. 15, 2019, stu-

2030. This will limit global

warming to less than 2.7 de-

order to achieve this goal, the

United States must switch to 100% renewable energy. The

main activists that are advo-

cating this deal are students.

Students as young as ten

are advocating climate change.

Many young children are ad-

to

bring

climate

to climate change. Thurnberg

nothing is done about climate

strike every Friday during

rise and more intense heat

ing for climate change until

change to an end.

According to NASA, if

change there will be a loss of

sea ice, accelerated sea level

waves. Hurricanes will become

stronger over time and the sea

level will rise 1-4 feet by 2100.

The most important issue is the Arctic is likely to become

These young activists are de-

Thunberg won't stop fight-

taking action and standing up

school.

the people in power take ac-

tion. At a climate change

strike, Thurnberg said, "For

way too long, the politicians

and the people in power have

that they will not get away

ing many politicians attention

not." Thurnberg is also nomi-

nated for a Nobel Peace Prize

name of Greta Thunberg has

A Swedish teenager by the

our homework and theyhave

around the world to go on

gotten away with not doing

been very successful in gain-

challenges they will face in the

has inspired many students

completely ice-free in the sum-

future if nothing is done.

students in the United States

climate change. Thousands of

termined

mer before mid-century.

cause they are aware of the

pated in the strike to end

Students striking in Hong Kong to bring awareness to climate change.

vocating climate change be-

dents across the globe partici-

PHOTO COURTESY OF AP IMAGES

anything to fight the climate crisis, but we will make sure

with it any longer. We are

striking because we have done

this year.

Young people are finally

for what they strongly believe in. They will continue to push

their beliefs onto politicians.

This generation's voices will

be heard no matter what. Climate change will come to an

end if enough people listen and take action.

THE CHAPARRAL

APRIL 29, 2019

Pg. 8

Sports

Baylie Dashner receives a full-ride to Dickinson State University

BY MELISSA ESPINOZA

a friend that was playing as well,

play her talents as a player not

and me and my friend, Kimmy,

only playing in-door volleyball

we both wanted to start a new

but also in beach volleyball. She

sport. We decided to try it out,

enjoys both, but beach volleyball

Volleyball is a sport of men-

and I fell in love with it. I played

has challenged her in many ways.

tal and physical endurance. One

like a bunch of other sports [but]

"Beach is fun but is mental.

SPORTS REPORTER

of COD's volleyball player's hard

I never felt the fun and passion

It's a lot of pressure, and I'm still

work has paid off. Sophomore

that I feel for volleyball," said

new to it so [there is] still a lot

Baylie Dashner will be transfer-

Dashner.

more learning, but it's not at all

ring on a full-ride scholarship as

As a COD player, Dashner

the same sport as in-door. It's dif-

an outside hitter for Dickinson

has participated in the Pacific

ficult to be okay with learning

State University in North Dakota.

Coast

Athletic

Conference

Dashner said, "They reached

(PCAC) playing in-door volley-

out to my coach and said that

ball and two years in a row was

when I am more comfortable indoor," said Dashner.

As Dashner finishes her jour-

they needed an outside hitter be-

named Top Offensive Player and

ney here at COD, she will embark

cause they lost their outside hit-

in the 2018 season was number

on a new chapter in North

ter, who was an all-American two

one in the conference and 25

Dakota as a volleyball player and

years in a row. So basically I'm

in the state for kills (312). Also

a student.

going in filling in this spot for an

last year she was named PCAC's

"I'm ready for the adventure

all-around player. It's some pretty

Female Athlete of the Month for

and I think it'll just be a good two

big shoes to fill but I'm ready for

September.

years to just try something new,"

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYLIE DASHNER

Sophomore volleyball player Baylie Dashner signs contract with

Dickson State University

"We played five or six differ-

said Baylie, "It is very diverse

ent schools, and out of all the girls

here [at COD] and there are so

and her team will be playing their

the last two games will be held on

that were in our conference, I

many different types of people

last four games of the season hop-

May 10 and 11 for the first and

athlete and has played various

ended up getting picked from all

here, and I feel like everyone is

ing to go home with a win while

second days of the State Individ-

sports, but fell in love with vol-

the coaches and voted that I was

accepting here. I want to bring

in the California Community Col-

ual finals at Chula Vista's Elite

leyball while in middle school

the top offensive player in the

that there and spread the kind-

lege Athletic Association Cham-

Athlete Training Center.

when trying it out with a friend.

conference. It was a awesome op-

ness.

pionships (CCCAA).

this opportunity, and I'm so lucky."

Dashner has always been an

"I started playing at the end

portunity," said Dashner.

"The Beach volleyball season

The games on April 30 and

is coming to an end, but Baylie

May 3 are to be announced, and

Roadrunner softball wraps up impressive season

of my eighth grade because I had

Dashner has been able to dis-

BY COLIN CHAPDELAINE

Briana Alcorn has also had a very

STAFF WRITER

strong year, currently second on the team with 39 hits and leads the team on the bases with 13 stolen bags.

As the 2019 softball season comes to a close, the 2019 Road-

"We have already more than

runners certainly have a lot to be

doubled our homerun total from

proud of. After starting 6-2 in

the previous season and already

their first 8 games of the season,

won as many games this season

the Roadrunners would go on to

as the previous two seasons com-

accomplish many feats that have

bined," added Estrin. "The Lady

not previously been seen in

Roadrunners [worked hard] to

COD's softball program. The

finish this 2019 season with a

team is ranked 20th in the state in

winning record in PCAC play

team batting average (out of 82

and overall. We are very excited

total teams), and also earned their

about finishing on a strong note."

first PCAC Player of the Month in

The Roadrunners finished

freshman Lauren Robinson from

their season with a 3-2 win over

La Quinta High School.

"We have had the most competitive COD softball team since

PHOTO COURTESY OF CCCAA.COM

Freshman shortstop Jacqueline Bolha makes a play against Grossmont on March 1.

22. Robinson pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 runs (1 ER), 0 BB, and striking out 6 to se-

the 2015 season," said head coach Garrett Estrin. "I had set out some

San Diego City on Monday, April

bat. We feel we could have 3-5

that consistency were impressive

in wins with 8 and 3rd in strike-

cure the victory, her twelfth.

fairly lofty goals this season since

more victories on the season, but

seasons from several individual

outs with 3 as well as being tied

Freshman catcher Natalie Avila

I knew I had my best-recruiting

we just have to learn from those

players, including Robinson men-

for 1st with 2 saves.

went 2-3 while sophomore third-

class coming in. Our team has

games."

tioned above. At the time of writ-

Sophomore Areli Moreno, a

been very streaky [and] we lost 3

Finishing at 19-16 overall,

ing this, Robinson, a RHP/3B, is

transfer

different games by [only] 2

the Roadrunners remained con-

currently top in PCAC with a .512

Lutheran, is currently second on

runs and in all of them, we had

sistent in their competitive play

batting average and 5th in RBI

the team in home runs with 2.

the bases loaded in our final at-

all season long. The catalysts for

with 31. On the mound, she is 5th

Sophomore starting shortstop

BY VICTOR MALDONADO

student

from

Cal

baseman Areli Moreno went 1-2 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored.

Men's golf begins postseason play

STAFF WRITER

Th e men ' s g ol f t e am placed second in their last match, which was their final o n e b e f o re h e a d i n g t o t h e c o n f e re n c e

finals.

The

match took place at the 74par Los Seranos Golf Course in Chino Hills, and Desert se n t f i ve of t h e i r a t h l e t e s t o comp et e i n t h e e ve n t , wh i ch was the final PCAC tournament of the season. Sophom o re

Clement

Heurtin

( N a n t e s , F R ) f i n i s h e d t h i rd over a ll for indi vidu al s wi t h a score of t wo ove r p a r.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COD ATHLETICS

Josh Lumgair watches as his iron shot approaches the green.

Th eir coach , Th omas Clark,

match, the team does seem

will be at the PCAC Finals

Maxime

F a u re ,

Clement

t o g e t b e t t er. H op ef u l l y, we

( PCAC N o. 11 ) at El Ca mi n o

individuals have done well

Heurtin,

and

f re s h m e n

could

m o re

Country Club in Oceanside

Tour i n 19 99 an d h a d p re vi -

with each upcoming match

Chase

ously coached at CSU San

b y i mp rovi n g t h roug h p r ac-

Lu mg ai r, Ba i l e y Sp i va k a n d

Th e t e am h a s a t ot al

SoCal Regionals at Los Sera-

sea-

t i c e a n d p l a y. A f t e r e v e r y

La n don St e l l i n g we r ff .

coaching

m a t c h , t h e re i s a t l e a s t o n e

M a i n e z J r. g r a d u a t e d f ro m

p l ay off .

Choma,

UC Da vis a n d p l ay e d a cou -

The Roadrunners as

ple of events on the Nike

B e r n a rd i n o sons.

for

Mainez’s

11

J o rd a n

C a d w a l l a d e r,

Josh

Desert enjoys play-

get

1st

one

on April 29, the CCCAA

t i me. " of se ve n mat ch e s l ef t i n t h e

nos Golf Course in Chino

season. Clement

Hills

Heurtin

on

May

6,

and

the CCCAA State Finals at

highlight was nearly win-

golfer

that

ing the sport and wants to

sai d, " I wou l d l i k e t o g o ou t

ning the DII Men’s Golf

st ep s u p a nd rea l l y sh i ne s.

i m p ro v e i n t h e b e s t w a y

big and win the last few

Silverado Resort in Napa on

they

ma t ch e s."

May 1 3 .

NCAA

Championship

in

2009, ultimately losing in a

on

the

team

The t ea m consi st s of s o p h o m o re s

Michael

can.

F re s h m a n

Josh

L u m g a i r s a i d , " Wi t h e a c h

Their last matches