The Chaparral, Vol 67, Issue 4 by The Chaparral

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

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

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, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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-