THE CHAPARRAL
STUDENT VOICE OF COLLEGE OF THE DESERT SINCE 1962 Volume 67 Issue 5 @the_chaparral
thechaparral.net
@TheChaparralCOD
May 20, 2019 TheChaparral.net
TheChaparralNews
Commencement held at Tennis Gardens for the first time in history
BY ERIN HALBEISEN STAFF REPORTER
Commencement for College of the Desert's graduating Class of 2019 will be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens on May 24 at 7:30 p.m. This year holds a number of history-making moments for the college. Commencements were previously held the COD football field, but due to the increasing size of the graduation classes over the years, the Class of 2019 will be the first graduating class at COD to walk on the same tennis courts, as world-class tennis professionals such as Andre Agassi, Robert Federer and Serena Williams have played, to receive their diploma. This year's class is also the largest graduating class the school has ever seen with record-breaking 1,566 students. Over 750 students will be participating in commencement as opposed to 581 students that walked last year in 2018. Graduating classes have only grown in the past years: 2018: 1,486 credentials 2017: 1,220 credentials 2016: 1,137 credentials 2015: 1,067 credentials Dr. Oscar EspinozaParra, the dean of Enrollment Services and Student Success, said, "In the last 60 years, a ma-
Last year's graduating class posing on the football fields.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLEGE OF THE DESERT
Graduates are encouraged to read the commencement packet for detailed instructions on the precessional, receiving their diploma on stage and recessional by going to the admissions section of the COD website. Tickets are required for all guests over the age of two and those without a ticket will not be allowed to enter the venue. Extra tickets are available at the Admissions and Records department. Parking is free and will be given on a firstcome, first serve basis. Students need to pick up a red graduate parking pass that will allow special parking in the North Gate. All other cars must park in the South Miles entrance. Guests can sit in the stadium seating and will be given on a first-come, first serve basis. Accommodations are available for people with disabilities. Please contact the Disabled Students Programs and Services Office at 760-7732534 or dspsinfo@collegeofthedesert.edu. Also, note that graduates will not be divided by last name or major so they are free to sit with their friends during the ceremony. Contact enrolls@collegeofthedesert.edu or visit the Admissions and Records on the second floor of the Cravens building at the Palm Desert campus for any further questions or concerns. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!
jority of commencements took place at the football fields. Now, we have outgrown the football fields and are very proud to be holding the ceremony at the Tennis Gardens." Dr. Espinoza-Parra revealed that the choice to move commencement from the COD football field was partially decided from a student survey. The results of the survey showed that the Tennis Gardens were the students top choice, but the main force behind the move was because of size. "Last year we had to order an additional four bleachers for the football fields to accommodate our 6,000 guests. Now with the Tennis Gardens, we have room for the over 10,000 people attending including graduates. We are renting out the entire stadium for the event, both floors. It is most important to us for the students to enjoy their experience and we
think having commencement in this world-class venue will elevate the excitement. We want to honor the students, their hard work and achievements to the utmost level," said Dr. Espinoza-Parra. The graduation ceremony is expected to last about 2 hours and will be followed by a reception hosted by the COD Alumni Association outside the stadium. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and guests are recommended to arrive as early as possible. Note for graduates: Rehearsal will take place at 8 a.m. at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens on May 24. All graduates are expected to attend. It is highly recommended that students attended the rehearsal so that they can be prepared for the actual ceremony: where to park, how long the walk from the parking lot will be, line-up instructions, etc. Graduates,
and benefactor of the opera house, Raoul, the Phantom is willing to commit sinister acts to keep Christine for himself. Romano directed the first musical performed at the McCallum over 40 years ago. She said, “These performances will be concert versions of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, which [encompasses] the entire show with minimal staging and the cast in formal wear rather than costumes. There will be lots of eye candy: fog, lighting, video projections, masks and the crashing chandelier from Phantom’s national tour, but some visual aspects will be left to the imagination." "As for ticket sales, a total of 3200 folks attended the four performances. The Sunday matinee was completely sold out," said Romano. The staging was creatively portrayed by an everchanging screen at the back of the stage. The video projections on the screen effectively replaced the need for a set. For example, when the Phantom took Christine into his lair below the opera house, the picture on the
screen shifted downward to show them descending into the catacombs below. "Minimal staging," the words used by Romano, might make one curious or even prevent one from going to see the play, however, the clever use of the video projections succeeded beyond expectations. The screen had the ability to change sets in seconds without the need for expensive set design. Also, a number of objects were lowered onto the PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK HARTIN stage from the scaffolding The "Phantom of the Opera" cast taking their final bow at the end of the above to quickly bring in and performance. remove set pieces. The chandeElizabeth Combs stood in for ing danger. The cast and the orlier was one example. It rose to Natalie Mann for the role of chestra were well-integrated the top of the stage at the beginChristine Daae. Other important with one another on the stage. ning of the play in a dramatic roles were played by Michelle The actors preformed in front of moment of disorienting lights Fiore as Carlotta Giudicelli, Katand behind the orchestra withand music. rina Dixon as Madame Giry, out any flaws. As Romano has menand Marianne Capetz as Meg The songs were opertioned, all the cast wore black Giry. atic, relating to or a characterisformal attire aside from ChrisAn impressive 28-piece tic of opera, so they might not tine who wore a white gown. orchestra sat on stage behind have been keen to every ear. The choice to put Christina in the actors. The orchestra, comThe singing was very impreswhite as opposed to black made prised of some COD professors, sive for those who can appreciher stand out as the lead female was an amazing addition that ate it. and portrayed her innocence. brought the play to life. The orCheck out the PerformThe cast was played by chestra added drama and sucing Arts next musical, The AdJason Livesay as The Phantom, ceeding in giving the audience a dams Family, in Fall 2019. John Helms as Raoul, and Sarah feeling of tension and impend-
please read your commencement packet and be prepared for warm weather. Graduates must arrive at 6 p.m. for commencement wearing their cap and gown. Organizers encourage graduates to leave personal belongings in the car or with guests before coming to the line-up area. Graduates are not permitted to carry anything during the ceremony and not required to bring photo ID with them to rehearsal or commencement. This includes cell phones, flower leis, or gifts of any kind. According to the Tennis Gardens, wrapped gifts or gift bags, balloons, confetti, flower vases, noisemakers or banners, strollers or baby carriers or outside food and drink will be not be allowed into the gates. All bags will be checked at the entrance. An empty standard (16.9 oz.) water bottle is allowed.
"Phantom of the Opera" breaks modern day set design norms
BY ERIN HALBEISEN
STAFF REPORTER
COD's Performing Arts presented their spring musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera," on May 3-5 at the McCallum Theater. In the musical, "The Phantom of the Opera," directed by professor of music, Dr. Darlene Romano, opera singer Christine Daae is caught in between wanting the help of a talented and alluring but disturbed man called the Phantom, and being free to be with the man she loves. The Phantom is a disfigured man living below the opera house and requires the owners of the house to follow his rules or else. When new owners take over and refuse to follow his rules, the Phantom makes it clear that he is not to be messed with when he starts attempting to kill the cast. Throughout the play, he tutors Christina to help her get leading roles in the play, but when she falls in love with an old friend
CAMPUS-PG 2 Intramural Speech Tournament
LOCAL-PG 3 Concerts In The Park Launches
A&E-PG 4 Alumna Starts Own Business
OPINION-PG 5 Letter From The Editor-InChief
SPORTS-PG 6 Men’s Tennis Wins Triple Crown
THE CHAPARRAL
Pg. 2
MAY 20, 2019
Campus
Communication students compete in speech tournament
BY CHRISTYANNE SAN JUAN
thority figure who did not have faith
STAFF REPORTER
in him. "When I doubted myself, I just kept repeating the words that she said to me over and over. I wanted to prove
The Communication Stud-
her wrong."
ies department hosted its 26th intra-
Both Vidal and Sanchez feel
mural speech tournament on May 10,
that their passion for their topics was
with over fifty students competing
the main reason why they succeeded
against each other in two speech cate-
in the tournament, and advise future
gories: Persuasive and Informational.
competitors in the speech tournament
The Communication Stud-
to choose a topic that they truly care
ies department has held the event
about.
twice a year during the spring and fall
"My topic had to do with
semesters since 2006. The tournament is open to all students that are enrolled in communication studies courses. The
Competition winners hold their individual awards.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CYNTHIA SERNA
space, and I've always found space very fascinating," Sanchez said. "It made it a lot easier to be invested in the
tournament has seen many students
rated into two groups based off of the
to participate in the final rounds of the
Ahwan each received a congratulatory
topic as well as connect the informa-
participate with a variety of different
type of speech that they were present-
event.
prize of $25.
tion together into a cohesive speech."
Persuasive Speaking
topics, and it is not uncommon for en-
ing. From there, students were sepa-
Each of the finalists received
First place - Lecia Breen,
Vidal agreed, "Look where
trants to spend weeks leading up to
rated into rooms for two rounds of the
a monetary prize for their wins, with
won the Tournament Champion title
[being passionate] got me, you know?
the date practicing public speaking
competition, where they each pre-
the amounts increasing with a higher
and received $100
I got second place. " He added, "Don't
skills that they have learned in their
sented an original speech with a max-
classes.
imum
length
of
ten
minutes.
level of achievement. The winners were:Informative Speaking
"I generally knew the topic I
Notecards were permitted to be used
First place - Michael Armantrout
wanted to speak about, so I just started
when giving presentations, though
won the Tournament Champion title and received $100.
going over it constantly and looking at
memorization of speeches by competi-
the three points that I had written
tors was also welcomed. Students also
down," said Omar Sanchez, the third
used visual aids to help amplify their
Second place - Kevin Vidal received $75.
Second place - Savannah Newey received $75 Third place - Logan Mills received$75.
capabilities, and you can do anything as long as you believe in yourself." The COD Alumni Founda-
Sheehy, Francine De Anda and Johnny
tion provided the cash prizes for the
Vong each presented with a congratu-
winners.
place winner in the informative cate-
message. Following the conclusion of the first half of the tournament, six fi-
wanted to say and kept practicing it."
nalists from each category were an-
Informative finalists - Bryon Bur-
main motivator to perform well in the
Competitors were sepa-
nounced and those students went on
kett, Bradley Morales and Jonathan
tournament were the words of an au-
cess, Jeff Baker and President Joel Kinnaman shared a message for the students. "Not only does your investment in your education benefit you but your family, friends and our communities. You like the 125,000 College of the Desert alumni who came before you are role models. You, like they, will become our elected officials, our doctors, our engineers, our entrepreneurs, our city managers, our community leaders, our teachers and counselors," said Kinnaman. Transfer students were then given the opportunity to share their accomplishments and their journey with their fellow classmates. First up, was Eric Antonio Aguilera, who will be transferring to UC Berkeley as a political science major in pursuit of becoming a congressman. He began by expressing his gratitude towards his professors who inspired him to reach his potential and who taught him. He also thanked his grandpar-
ents who spent days working in fields and who brought him to the US in hopes of a better life. "Many of us come from different backgrounds and cultures. Many of us have different political, religious, cultural and moral beliefs, but there is one thing that makes us the same and that is at the end of the day that we're proud Roadrunners. So wherever you may be headed please do not forget where you came from, while you're there and where you're going," said Aguilera. The second student speaker was a theatre arts major, Rebecca Rodriguez who will be heading to UC Irvine. She said, "We have the capability to create the world for ourselves when we transfer." She started taking classes back in 2010, and now by 2019, she is graduating with two associates degrees in music and theatre. Despite financial struggles she and her family faced, she completed it
Third place - Omar Sanchez re-
no matter who they are. You have the
Persuasive finalists - Paula
gory. " I just kept focusing on what I
ceived $75
let anyone tell you that you can't do it,
latory prize of $25. Kevin Vidal, felt that his
Transfer students recognized at annual ceremony
BY NANCY MAZMANIAN
STAFF REPORTER
The annual College of the Desert Transfer Recognition Ceremony took place May 6 at the McCallum Theatre. Over 382 students registered for the event which is 108 more than last years class, making this the biggest graduating and transferring class at College of the Desert. Prior to the commencement ceremony, COD holds their annual Transfer Recognition Ceremony every year to recognize those students who will be continuing their education at a four-year university. The grand hall of the McCallum was filled with proud families and friends, and most importantly anxious transfer students who await their final days at COD. The ceremony was initiated by a few words from the Interim Vice President of Student Suc-
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL Head transfer counselor, Scott Cooper, initiates the Transfer Ceremony. and now is continuing her education in hopes to get her name in lights by performing in musicals. For many College of the Desert students, the idea of transferring seems difficult and unrealistic. After hearing the many inspiring stories from different students it just goes to show that everyone's path may differ, whether that be in time or hurdles you
have to face but seeing the vast amount of students who are moving forward it can only inspire many more community college students in hopes to continue their education.
THE CHAPARRAL
May 20, 2019
Pg.3
Local
The city of Palm Desert launches "Concerts in the Park"
BY MELISSA ESPINOZA
res to keep everything kinda universal, we have tons of stuff on
STAFF REPORTER
our repertoire, but for these con-
On May 2 the City of Palm
certs, we pull the best of the best
Desert launched their concert se-
we do and something that kind of
ries, "Concerts in the Park," with
represents all genres, to make
80's hit band Berlin. Five concerts
everybody happy," said Tucker.
Desert Civic Center Park.
touchables played for them; peo-
were scheduled for the month of
attendees enjoyed the variety
May, all taking place at the Palm
of music that The Mighty Un-
"This is the opening night of
ple sang and danced throughout
our 'Spring's Concerts in the Park'
their performance. The band
series, every Thursday night in May we have a free concert in the
park, starts at 7:30 and for our
opening night we have the band
Berlin. The city has a long tradi-
tion of doing concerts in the park
and each year the event just grows and grows, we do them in October
and May. This year we wanted to
do something bigger so we de-
cided to bring out Berlin. We are
always looking for new bands to
80’s band Berlin performing at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. marketing manager for the City of Palm Desert.
The band Berlin, which is cel-
ebrating its 40th anniversary, fired
up the local crowd by singing
their greatest hits. Songs like their
academy award and Golden
Globe award-winning track for
the film Top Gun, "Take My Breath
bring in, a lot of the bands we
away" and others like "Dancing in
Thomas Soule, the tourism and
bers, singer Terrin Nunn, guitarist
bring are cover bands, but we are
trying to increase the profile," said
Berlin," No More Words" and "you Don't Know." Original band mem-
David Diamond and founder and
bass player John Crawford, sang,
danced and entertained the locals
for more than an hour and a half.
"This is wonderful, and I
enjoy it. I think is a good idea, I'd
recommended to my friends and
neighbors," said Indio resident
we are in the Southern California
area, so we work out this way in
Palm Springs, Palm Desert, a lot,
Bruno Mars, The Jackson Five and
Lady Gaga."The dance music was
much fun for me. I enjoyed it. I en-
joyed when the Latin music and the girls next to us started dancing
Orange County and Los angeles.
and I'm like 'show us how to do
came back from a week-stay in
On May 16 the third concert
We just kinda started this year doing more national stuff, we just
Tucson, but we're still mostly
it'," said Mureen Boyle, San Diego resident.
of the series was held featuring
and first-time goer andrew al-
local," said Daniel Tucker, one of
May 9 brought The Mighty Un-
The band, that has been host-
conditions were not perfect dur-
played for the valley locals for
ditions, but that did not stop locals
dama
The second concert held on
touchables. They are a cover band
based in San Diego, Calif., and has been together since January 2009.
The group has traveled throughout the state doing local and private events. Last year the wedding
planning company, The Knot,
named the band as "The Best-and most-Rated Wedding Profession-
als" chosen by couples and guests. "We have been together for
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL The Mighty Untouchables performing on May 9.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL
played hit songs from artists like
ten years now and I started originally with the group. Primarily,
the three lead singers for The Mighty Untouchables.
ing summer concerts in San Diego
every year since being founded,
over an hour. "This Group has great chemistry on stage together,
we're very family orientated so we
the yachty by Nature. The six
member band played soft rock
hits from the 70s and 80s. Weather
ing the concert, strong winds made for difficult performing con-
and the band from having a good
time.
There are only two concerts
have that kind of tightened bond
left for this spring; the first will be
ness of the music and the integrity
feature the Beatles tribute band,
and we are the same core band
that's played together so the tight-
of the music is always the top pri-
ority for the band. Plus we like to
do a really broad spectrum of gen-
on May 23 featuring The Fancies and the last show on May 30 will
Britain's Finest.
Sixth Street Coffee brings a new aroma to the eastern valley
BY CARLOS GARCIA
around the coffee shop, you be-
STAFF REPORTER
In the heart of Coachella, a
block away from City Hall lurks a
light that seems to be shining for
come refreshed by more modern interior design, different than any
other coffee house in the valley.
Steven Garcia, the owner of
should be done." The experience
thing. "One morning I took a drink
Sixth Street Coffee opened on
this; than just being a normal cup
siasts.
april 6. The new establishment
has a very minimalist menu, mak-
ing it simple to choose what to order. This simplicity makes it
easy for the employees to make
every beverage as precise and tasty 100% of the time. Sixth Street
Coffee sells bakery items that in-
clude sweetbreads and offers
vegan options.
Upon entering, customers are
definitely bound to be greeted
dream, that would soon become
cup of joe that changed every-
authentic coffee, unique roasts
and knowledge to all coffee enthu-
"It was the beginning of a
true. after my one week course, I
ipating this business for a long
side the new city library. It offers
coffee is, and how it should be
handled.
Sixth Street Coffee, has been antic-
many in the area. Sixth Street Coffee is a new coffee shop located in-
opened up his mind to know what
time. It all started with a morning
of
my
morning
coffee
and
thought, 'there has to be more than
of coffee." He then began checking
had a hard time finding a barista job that prepares coffee the way it
left Garcia with a will to fulfill
what he wants for coffee.
Garcia proceeded to scout for
an opportunity to open his own
coffee shop. He met up with the
out local coffee spots, social media
mayor of Coachella and proposed
the globe.
Garcia about an open spot. Garcia
and soon found a new wave of
different coffee shops all around "an interest in coffee is now a
cultural phenomenon," said Gar-
cia. He knew people had ques-
tions for coffee, and wanted to
expand knowledge to anyone who
was curious for the caffeine-filled
phenom.
He
took
a barista
the idea of his establishment. The
mayor loved the idea and told
left a bid on the spot that soon became his. The rest was history.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL Menu inside the Sixth Street Coffee in Coachella.
of everything or even fuel, coffee
mond and oat milk.
"Coffee is part of our every-
day lives. Usually at the beginning is always behind it," said Garcia.
The coffee shop offers alterna-
gies or preferences including alSixth Street Coffee is open
Mon. - Sat. 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. and
follow the coffee shop on Insta-
gram @Sixth_StreetCoffee.
Westfield JCPenney holds Kids Zone event in Palm Desert
happily by a barista. If you gaze
course in San Diego, and that
tives for anyone regarding aller-
Sun. 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. you can also
BY MELISSA ESPINOZA
STAFF REPORTER On
Saturday,
families
May
shoot little Nerf guns, there's al-
event at the Westfield mall in
ways something different that
Palm Desert.
we do once a month," said
During the event, children
Green.
were able to make Mother's Day
The Kids Zone events are
cards. They were provided with
held once a month and is free for
cards and given colors, stamps
all families. "It was fun, we did
and stickers to decorate them to
one before for Halloween. We
their liking. Kids are also given
come here and if there is an
an ID badge and collector's pins
they earn a project master
Families that participated
were also given a one day ten
percent JCPenney coupon, as
well as a coupon for the special merchandise of the day, for this
event they had 25 percent Jojo
children.
dart activities, where they got to
JCPenney held their Kids Zone
medallion.
their
coloring, to, we've done beads,
11,
and if they collect all six pins,
and
"They can expect anything from
event then we do it... I think is
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL Parents and their children making Mother’s Day cards at the Kids Zone event. Siwa's coupon.
"We always have a one-day
special coupon that can be com-
bined with our other coupon at
the store, so that's an additional
benefit for them [parents], is
usually ten percent, plus we
25 percent off," said ann Green,
usually have a coupon base on
a recovery employee at JCPen-
Mother's days cards and all of
been taking place for two years
whatever the theme is that we
are doing. Today we are doing
our Jojo merchandise is an extra
ney.
The Kids Zone event has
and has offered fun activities for
fun, my kids like it," said Indio
resident, Cece Grabdahl.
The next Kids Zone will be
held on June 8 from 11 a.m to
noon. The theme will be Father's
Day and children will get to decorate a photo frame.
Arts & Entertainment
Pg. 4
The Chaparral
May 20, 2019
Alumna combines her creativity, knowledge and diversity to start her own business
BY ESTEFANIA MOREIRA
STUDENT CONTRIBUTOR
Alumna Saija Cleary considers herself creative and has always wanted to be her own boss. Cleary graduated from COD in 2012 with an associates degree in business administration and started her own fashion business. Cleary has combined her degree, creativity and diverse experiences to help her create a new unique artistic fashion trend. Her business is called House of Taru. Cleary always wanted to become her own boss “My vision is bringing wearable art to life! I like to incorporate art and fashion together; not using your typical canvas but instead having art on clothes. A way to bring beauty on how we express ourselves,” she says. Starting a creative fashion business was not easy, it was a challenge. After Saija graduated she was trying to find the best way to design the leggings that are bright in color, artistic and culturally diverse. She says her diversity stems from living in many places around the world including Tokyo, Tanzania and Finland. In years past designers did not have access to the subli-
Cleary models her leggings. mation printing technology the way they do today. The material that she uses is high quality; it’s a soft yet high-end polyester fabric that is stretchy for any female to wear and thanks to the unique printing method the colors will never wash out or fade. Her size scale ranges from “XS” to “XXL” with a retail price starting at $115. The leggings are not just active wear, they can be worn for any occasion. Cleary hopes her leggings will help a female feel confident in their bodies. By wearing high-quality material that propounds a woman’s body shape, Cleary's leggings
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATE CLEARLY
are fierce with a dramatic artistic spark. With the help of her husband Nate Cleary, he is her professional fashion photographer that contributes tremendously in her business. All the designs, the idea, prototyping, packaging and shipping are all done by Clearly. She is in charge of design development and with the help of JLD studios, legging manufacture located in Portland Or, the team sews her leggings and makes her clothes. JLD studios are separate from her company and they are a group of women who help make fashion entrepreneurs products become a reality.
Cleary says her fashion company is starting off on the right path. With great contributors in Oregon and support from her husband who is also her business partner, Saija has great faith that her dream will become bigger than it is now. Having great sales since her start in January 2019, her company is being recognized. She was invited to show her product in Palm Springs Fashion Week that occurred in Aprill 1113. Cleary will be expanding her product in other fashion events that she’s been invited too. House of Taru donates 11% of profits to various causes. Cleary says, “a lot of times, each design or series will support something unique. It was something that I had wanted to do when starting my own company, even though I am small right now, I wanted to make sure I did things the right way and be the company I wished to see. My first design “The Queen Bee Print” inspired that. I always wanted to help support the disappearing bees through my art. Once that design was done, I realized I wanted to make that for all my designs. There is a story to be told with each pair.” Saija is passionate and states it’s been a lot of work but worth everything. She is doing what she is
meant to do and by donating to various causes its important for her to give back and support others. “I think it's important to be able to use those skills to still contribute to good. It’s something that I envision for the future, and yes I am a small designer brand now, but I have the potential to make a bigger impact as I grow.” Her earliest attempts at blending her artistic talent and fashion were published and featured in the book "Customize Your Clothes" in 2012. You can find her story in this book. It may not have been pursued in earnest until years later, but the idea of wearable art has been seething at the back of her mind since then. As a COD alumna, Cleary has created a special discount for students who are interested in purchasing their own fashion artistic leggings. For more information visit her website https://houseoftaru.co m/ and search for contact, or email her directly via hello@houseoftaru.com. Follow her through Instagram: houseoftaru for updates of new products released. Her leggings are available now locally in Palm Springs, at La Mar Boutique on 146 N. Palm Canyon Dr.
Student art exhibit gleams with talent & powerful themes
BY JACOB SCHULTE
STAFF REPORTER
There was a strong sense of camaraderie and accomplishment between the art students and teachers at the Marks Art Center who were observing the art on display at this year's annual COD Student Art Scholarship Exhibition. Individually, each of the 12 scholarship recipients assembled different styled artwork including penciled drawings, watercolors, replica models and abstract art. Each piece with meanings and inspiration unique to the artist, but easily seen as something beautiful, interesting or captivating by the curious eye. Students majoring in art, architecture, digital design and production were eligible for scholarships made possible by the Dumont Foundation, Nancy H. Bacon, Ruth Stark
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPARRAL
Dean’s Purchase award winning pieces and artist, James Berns and piece by Travis O. McCarty. and Joyce Norton. “We have the 12 scholarship student recipients who were selected to showcase their work here, and for the first time the Department of Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr. Kelly Hall, came out and personally gave special recognition to two pieces of work." Interim Faculty Director of Marks Art Center and Art Instructor Anna-Marie Veloz said. Having an opportunity to converse with the
artists, the passion and drive for creating meaningful art was appreciable. One of the artists who was recognized by Dr. Hall had penciled drawings of nude women in a softly realistic style. When asked how long he’d been an artist, James Burns responded just “Two or three years.” When inquired about who his favorite artists have he spouted a multitude of names including Peter Paul Ruebens,
Diego Velazáquez and "For renaissance era Michelangelo, but I enjoy classical era the most." Burns also spoke about what his recognized art meant to him. “It’s really just an expression of the beauty of the female form," he said. "I think there isn’t a lot of female representation in the art that isn’t objectified or treating women as like a background object. I wanted to explore the natural
beauty of the female form.” Several modernism-era inspired architectural pieces were spread throughout the gallery, ranging from miniature replica models of works from modernism pioneers like Paul Rudolph to simple lamps shining with creativity. Travis O. McCarty's dangling lightbulb was surrounded by flat, square panels reminiscent of modernism architecture around Palm Springs. "Originally this was going to stand up like a regular lamp," McCarty said. "But midway through creating it I decided to invert and (suspend) it like you see." Many of the sculptures and art pieces were made with recyclable material. If you want to catch a glimpse for yourself, the Student Art Scholarship Exhibition is being held through May 23 at the Marks Arts Center located on the Palm Desert campus.
Alumna Cat Chiu Philips showcases new innovative art
BY CARLOS GARICA
A&E EDITOR
Inside the lobby of Mark Arts Center, are four beautiful exhibitions in place for the public to view. The pieces include trees, made up of entire e-waste, which is just a short term for electronic junk. The exhibitions are titled "Power Plants." But that is nothing compared to the artist's portfolio, just a mere taste of what's to come from this new form of art. Cat Chiu Philips, the mastermind of this new form of art takes pride in what she calls it as "convert spaces." Philips has received awards from California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Philips was always interested in the art world, even from being an adolescent. But it wasn't until she graduated from grad school in San Francisco when she knew and decided what medium she wanted to work with. " Grad School was kind of like permission, that I can go beyond the traditional means of art making, and that is when I started to experiment more," said Philips talking about her expan-
Cat Chiu Philips posing in front of her piece “Plastic Float” and close-up picture of “Plastic Float.” sion for art. "It doesn't matter what medium you are using, it just matters what you're talking about. Being in grad school just gave me more freedom to experiment, and [it] just really broadened my idea of what art making is. It doesn't have to be traditional." With the acceptance of this new art being on the tough side, Philips wants to make sure it is recognized. "I think this medium is still in the process of being accepted. It's like when I explain what kind of art I make, and I explain it, and people would be like 'whats that?', so I just convert spaces basically, and
it's the best way to explain installation art." Said, Philips. "Vulnerable," Philips jokingly said as she described what it's like when she has her work showcased to the public or even at exhibits. "I just have to muster up the courage to stand behind [my] work. You know I want to say excitement, but I still have to find the courage until now and say yeah this is the work I do. All that matters is that I enjoy what I do." Philips opened up on how she takes it when her work is displayed for the public. "I want people to gain inspiration,
and awe from my work. Also respect, because I feel like the work is taboo you know because it's made out of "trash" but I hope to elevate that because the work can be beautiful. It can be made into something beautiful. It doesn't have to be looked at as trash. It's just elevating this medium and giving it as much prestige as a painting or a sculpture. Just because the medium isn't as expensive or free, shouldn't be seen like that," said Philips. Phillps hopes to inspire young artists, "Just keep on keeping on, you need to be resilient. You know for all these projects that have been successfully com-
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAT CHIU PHILIPS missioned, they don't know all the rejections I was confronted with. You just have to pick yourself up. But basically you just have to really be headstrong, and keep yourself motivated. It will come. Slowly but surely," Philips said. Philips' installation will be available to view to the public until the middle of August at the Marks Arts Center lobby. For more information on Philips, you can visit her website catchiuphilips.com.
Opinion
May 20, 2019
Pg.5
THE CHAPARRAL
Students tell The Chaparral their plans after graduation
BY AMBER JUAREZ
STAFF REPORTER
The semester is winding
down and graduation is around
the corner. Some students plan on
transferring to a four-year college
while others plan on staying in the
Coachella Valley. Here's what
some are planning after gradua-
tion.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA GARCIA English major PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH PIMENTAL Criminal Justice major
"After graduation, I'm going
to wait a whole year to go to
school. I plan on working and
saving money for when I transfer.
I want to transfer to Cal State San Bernadino"
"I'm taking this summer
just to work and then I will attend
UCR in the fall, I'll hopefully
graduate with a B.A. in English
and have my teaching creden-
tials." Maria is planning on be-
coming an English teacher in the near future.
PHOTO COURTESY OF XITLALY RUIZ Communication major I'll
“After I graduate from COD be
attending
Cal
State
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSA GARCIA Journalism major PHOTO COURTESY OF ABRAHAM CERVANTES Psychology major
“I'm planning on to attend
"I'm taking a year off of school
to work as a caregiver. By the
spring of 2020, I will apply to
Domingez Hills so that I can get
Dominguez Hills in the fall to re-
Cal State San Bernadino in the fall,
my B.A. in journalism but in the
job as a reporter or host in the Los
balance that along while trying to
I'm currently applying to different
ceive my B.A. in broadcast jour-
nalism while hopefully landing a
Angeles industry since I have al-
ready previously worked as a re-
porter for Univision here in the
valley and have some experience.
where I will work to get my B.A .in psychology. I'm going to try to get a full-time job with one of the districts.
meantime, I plan on staying in the
valley to save money for school.
internships at local news stations
and stations in Los Angeles." Rosa
has already applied to intern for
the Dodgers as a social media re-
porter.
A farewell letter from Editor-in-Chief Alexandria Rosales
BY ALEXANDRIA ROSALES
live out my passion strongly. I
put in to make this newspaper
shine bright in main parts of
tic Press Association Contest.
want to thank Laurilie for giv-
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ing me every opportunity to
the field by connecting me
As I think about what to
say in this letter, I can't help
with Palm Springs Life Maga-
enced at this wonderful col-
apply to intern this summer.
zine where I intern and The
but feel joy and happiness
Desert Sun which I plan to
about everything I've experi-
I want to thank Toni Bakal
lege, most especially in the
media department.
for being an extraordinary
editor-in-chief for The Chapar-
ing and editing radio shows
mentor and adviser when it
If someone would have
comes to interviewing, record-
told me that I would serve as
ral for a year, I would have
thought they were crazy. But I
did it, and I want to thank not
only my team of writers that I
worked with over the 2018-
2019 fall and spring semesters
but every single person who
has
shown
me
direction,
PHOTO COURTESY OF KCOD
Alexandria Rosales says her final farewell to the student-body as
Editor-in-Chief.
one, I was able to travel to the
create truth-telling news.
for the annual Intercollegiate
newspaper class. I committed
New York City with the KCOD
staff and amazing instructors
The following semester, I
enrolled
in
The
Chaparral
to being the paper's on beat
friendship and most impor-
Broadcasting System Confer-
To tell you the truth, COD
And in recent events, I was in-
Entertainment
interviewed artists and aired
work on writing my own sto-
tantly an astounding college
experience.
was not my initial plan. After
graduating from Patriot High
School in 2015, I attended Biola
University where I was pursu-
ing a bachelors degree in jour-
nalism while freelancing for
their newspaper, The Chimes.
ence (IBS) where KCOD was
nominated for several awards.
vited to cover this year's Stage-
coach
Festival
them on KCOD.
where
we
Coming to COD was an
adventure that consisted of me
staying with my grandmother
sports reporter and also wrote
for Campus, Local and Arts & and
always
found that this class was my
favorite one to attend and to ries as well as taking my own photos.
Little did I realize that my
passion and hard work and
Unfortunately, I could not stay
in Rancho Mirage, who took
commitment to learning and
learn and gain experience in
as a coffee clerk and juice bar
management staff as well as
at Biola, but surely found a
way to continue my desire to
journalism at COD.
While here, I was able to
earn an internship with Cali-
me with open arms. While
working a job at Bristol Farms clerk, I was completing some
courses with one that consisted
of Professor Laurilie Jackson's
growing in this class would
the Fall of 2018. The rest is his-
the assignments both refresh-
made it feasible for me to work
RTV intro course in the fall of
2018. And with radio and jour-
nalism together in my heart as
class. Although I found myself
to be shy in this class, I found
ing and fun to be back in the
groove on what is required to
Alexandro
Zatarain for making the news-
room an enjoyable place to be
working with your witticism,
and also on the way you men-
I want to thank first and
foremost my grandmother who
and go to school while guiding
me through this crazy thing we
call life and allowing me to
Keep up the great work. I have
much belief that all of you will
do amazing things that is if you keep the fire in your spirit
ongoing about what is you
want to accomplish.
Coming faster than I could
handle, on the 24th of May at
the Indian Wells Tennis Gar-
dens, I will hold in my hands
an associates degree in Jour-
nalism and then on to the next
part of my story. This is just
the beginning and I am ab-
solutely ecstatic to see what
the future holds, but no matter
what I will always be moti-
vated to be successful in the
tor us young writers on ways
things I am passionate about.
thank you to Steve Kelly for
for you.
to be successful in the long run. I would like to also say
continuously giving me one
opportunity after the other to
put forth the skill set that I
And I hope that all of you coming to COD will do the same
And without further delay,
I would like to introduce your
Editor-in-Chief for Fall 2019,
hold as a young journalist.
Melissa Espinoza. I have so
with local news.
also a sure example of what it
And I look forward to working
with you more this summer
And finally, I'd like to give
a shout out to my management
thony Mendolia and Carlos
I took Instructor Toni Bakal's
Palm Springs Life, gain experi-
to
Ferrell to take over for her in
the Editor at the time, Brianna
tory.
ence in radio that began when
you
staff and writers. Thank you
News Reporting and Writing
prestige
would like to give a delightful
thank
earn me the favor of the entire
magazine:
fornia's
and on how to be successful in
the public relations business. I
what it is, that is earning 2nd
place in the American Scholas-
Colin
Chapdelaine,
Christyanne San Juan, An-
much faith in her that she will
be a stupendous leader that is
takes to make it in this busi-
ness. Melissa has never disap-
pointed me when it came to
her writing, meeting deadlines and she is known to always go
the extra mile. This is what it
Garcia for coming back this se-
takes to be an outstanding
because I don't know how I
Continue to shine bright like
mester to support me through
my final semester as Editor,
could have done it without
you guys. And most impor-
tantly thank you to my re-
porters for all the work you
leader and that is why I trust
her to take over The Chaparral.
the diamond you are, Melissa.
THE CHAPARRAL
Pg.6
May 20, 2019
Sports
Boyd wins singles state title and team wins 'Triple Crown'
BY ANTHONY MENDOLIA
with a 4-1 lead in the first set,
and although Kuperstein ral-
SPORTS EDITOR
lied to within a game at 5-4, the sophomore was able to hold him off. In the second set, Ku-
Not
too
long
after
perstein got to a 3-1 lead, but
COD men's tennis won the
Boyd was the one who rallied
team state championship, their
this time and ultimately won
two best players did their part
the match and the title.
in making this perhaps the
"It was a lot of fun
most historic season in the pro-
playing against Kalman and we
gram's
Sophomore
had a lot of energy," Kuperstein
Kalman Boyd (Solano Beach
said. "Unfortunately today he
Fusion Academy) and freshman
got the best of me but hopefully
Alex Kuperstein (Palm Desert
this won't be the last time we
HS) not only won the doubles
play. He started off on fire. If I
history.
to-
had a better start, I may have
gether, but they squared off
been able to take the first set. In
against each other in the sin-
the second set, I was up a break
CCCAA
championship
and I had momentum going but
gle's state title match.
I just couldn't pull it together."
The No. 1 seed Boyd came out victorious against his opponent and teammate, who was the second seed, by a score
PHOTO COURTESY OF COD ATHLETICS
Kalman Boyd and Alex Kuperstein completed a historic season for the Roadrunners.
for
will
be
his
sophomore
season,
while Boyd still does not know
of 6-4, 6-4. Whether either man won, the result gave the Road-
Kuperstein
coming back to COD next year
emotions facing his teammate
we're
competitors
and
I'm
their previous bout on April 13,
at this point where he will con-
"Triple
and doubles partner. "It's tough
going to be mean and be a jerk.'
the PCAC singles title in which
tinue his collegiate tennis ca-
Crown," where the program
to play against your friend and
If you don't have the killer in-
Kuperstein won 6-2, 2-6, 10-6. It
reer. No matter what that
won the team state title, the sin-
doubles partner," said Boyd.
stinct, you're going to lose."
seemed that the measure of re-
school will be, his legacy at
gles title and the doubles title.
"It's tough for me to mix friend-
There was already an
venge was just enough for the
COD will be remembered for a
ship and competition. Right
incentive for Boyd going into
sophomore to get back at his
long time.
when I got out here, I was
the match, as Kuperstein actu-
freshman teammate.
runners
a
historic
Before the match, it could definitely be said that Boyd, in particular, had mixed
BY COLIN CHAPDELAINE
Men's golf finishes 2nd in PCAC finals thinking 'No, we're not friends,
Boyd started the match
ally got the better of him in
finals which made play interest-
STAFF REPORTER
ing," Lumgair said. "[I am] really
happy for Clem on our team who tied 2nd for individual low." Roadrunners
The 2019 season got off to a
capped off another strong season
turbulent start, as many of the sea-
with a 2nd place finish in the Pa-
son's early tournaments were
The
2019
cific Coast Athletic Conference
postponed due to the heavy rains
(PCAC) finals on Monday, April
that swept through the Coachella
29. Held at El Camino Country
Valley earlier this year. The incon-
Club in Oceanside, the tourna-
sistent schedule had the Roadrun-
ment featured two rounds of golf
ners off to a slow start but as the
to ultimately decide a team and in-
weather cleared up, their play on
dividual conference champion.
the greens did as well. They began
Despite entering play as the reign-
to see more tournament finishes in
ing conference champions, the
the top 3 rather than in the bottom
lead held by Palomar proved to be
of the pack, putting them in posi-
insurmountable as COD would have to settle for a 2nd place finish. In the individual tournament, sophomore
Clement
Huertin
opened with his worst round of the season, shooting a nine over
PHOTO COURTESY OF COD ATHLETICS
(Left to right) Sophomore Maxime Faure, Sophomore Michael Choma, Freshman Bailey Spivak,
tion to make a run at the conference title.
Sophomore Clement Huertin and Freshman Josh Lumgair.
"Overall I am happy with
dividual conference title by just 0.3
wards the end of our season lead-
reckoned with for the Roadrun-
how our team performed this
strokes and securing the 2nd place
ing up to the conference final we
ners in 2019. His four over 76 in
year," said Lumgair. "We went
finish.
started to play a lot more consis-
the 2nd round of the PCAC finals
though some ups and downs but
Freshman Josh Lumgair con-
tent as a team. We had some great
was his fifth such score this season
still maintained good play. I had a
81. With no where to go but up,
tinued his strong season by shoot-
scores leading up to the finals
which secured his first All-Confer-
great time with the players and
Huertin fired back in the second
ing a second round four over 76,
which was a nice confidence
ence selection alongside sopho-
wish the boys moving onto other
round by shooting his best round
his second best round of the sea-
boost."
more
schools the absolute best!”
of the season, an impressive four
son. When asked about his team's
under 68. This dominant round
performance down the stretch of
dent
Alberta
"We had to deal with some
left him just short, missing the in-
the season, Lumgair said, "I felt to-
Canada, emerged as a force to be
pretty severe conditions in PCAC
Lumgair, an international stufrom
Calgary,
Michael
Choma
and
Clement Huertin's 2nd selection.
Athletic teams boasts a successful spring season
BY MELISSA ESPINOZA
stop Ryan Rodriguez were named
SPORTS REPORTER
First-team All-PCAC. Also, desig-
nated hitter Mario Ramirez and
left fielder Anthony Gutierrez The spring semester is ending
were both given Honorable Men-
as well as the 2019 spring sports
tions.
season. This year COD's athletic
Women's basketball finished
department experienced a great
with an overall of 1-23. The team
season, full of accomplishments by
welcomed new head coach Dr.
the Roadrunners sports teams and
Timi Brown and guard Vanessa
their athletes.
Madera was named Second-team
This spring the newly opened
All-PCAC for the 2018-2019 sea-
women's beach volleyball, sent
son. Dr. Brown together with the
five teams to the Pacific Coast Ath-
letic Conference (PCAC) finals in
PHOTO COURTESY OF COD ATHLETICS
COD Athletics teams. (top left) Beach Volleyball, (top rght) Men’s Basketball, (bottom left) Men’s
San Diego. The Roadrunners
Baseball and (bottom right) Women’s Softball.
team tried hard to have a success-
ful season, however, more work still has to be done.
began 2019 by winning four of
consolation title at the Grossmont
amazing season was women's
(CCCAA) quarterfinals. Sopho-
The end of the season brought
their matches in Huntington
Invite and a consolation champi-
softball. They ended their best sea-
more Claudia Stepien won the
a lot of success and learning expe-
Beach, three for doubles and one
onship at Santa Barbara. There
son since 2015. An overall of 19-16
PCAC singles title.
riences for the athletics teams this
exhibition match. Through the
was also individual accomplish-
for their regular season and 9-7
On the other hand, both
year and many of the athletes
season the Roadrunners worked
ments, for this 2018-2019 season,
overall in conference play. Also,
women's basketball and men's
were able to accomplish individ-
hard and one of their player's,
as guard Sam Skipper was First
freshman Lauren Robinson was
baseball had a rough season. The
ual goals. The new season is ap-
Baylie Dashner, got a full-ride to
team All-PCAC, also forward
PCAC player of the year as well as
men ended with an overall of 6-34
proaching and the COD teams are
Dickson State University.
Nicholas Pete was Second-team
First team All-PCAC.
during the regular season and
getting ready for new challenges.
The men's basketball team
All-PCAC and guard Gunnar
Women's tennis finished with
overall of 4-20 in their conference.
They hope the fall teams will ex-
had a fresh start with new head
Mogolis was the Honorable Men-
an overall 9-3 and were able to
The Roadrunners worked hard
perience the same success as the
coach Trent Skinner, a COD alum-
tion All-PCAC.
make it to the California Commu-
through the season and center
spring season teams.
nity College Athletic Association
fielder Izayah Alvarez and short-
nus. The team managed to win a
Another team that finished an