The Collegian -- Feb. 8, 2013

thecollegian

One free copy

Issue 8 • Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

INSIDE

Technology used to fight crime at Delta by sofia sher

news@deltacollegian.net

Students and staff sound off on guns Pages 4-5

PHOTO BY JAMES STRIPLIN

DEMOLITION: Passing student looks on as the new construction progresses in Shima.

Mustang Basketball season continues Page 7

Shima under construction

Program moved for ‘positive’ change to campus by valerie lancer news@deltacollegian.net

Staff writer speaks out against police injustice Page 3

UPCOMING Softball vs.

Bulldogs Layland field Tues. Feb. 12 3 p.m.

Men’s basketball vs. Wolverines Blanchard Gym Tues. Feb. 12 5:30 p.m.

FIND US

Students returned to campus this semester to find new construction in the Shima center.

Shima building was built in 1976, according to the 2005 Stockton Campus Master plan.

Since the construction of the new math and science building, the CAT program has been moved across campus to the Holt building.

The CAT program is a four-year training program where students work, and attend classes as an apprenticeship.

The students are required to attend summer classes in order to maintain participation in this program.

This relocation is not permanent, the program will be moving back to the Shima side of campus upon completion of the construction.

“We know the end result so we are willing to participate”, said Larry Paulsen, member of the CAT program, AG Engineering/ Small Engine. “This building is a positive thing.”

The timing behind the construction is sparking many students’ curiosity.

Delta has been planning to improve this portion of campus for some years now with blueprints for a five-year construction plan being made in July of 2008.

Placement of the new math and science building was difficult for campus officials. The building is being built to replace the outdated laboratory spaces in the Cunningham center.

Discussions of the purpose of this newly liberated space have varied from recreational to educational.

The construction is planned to be

continued on PAGE 8

Summer intersession has returned by salvador ortiz news@deltacollegian.net

In Spring 2012, campus officials announced summer school for this year would be cancelled.

That decision has now changed.

The move to eliminate the summer session was reversed thanks to Prop.

30 funding. The proposition, passed last Novem-

ber during the General Election, saved Delta from having to make more cuts in classes and staff.

Prop. 30 stops the state of California from cutting more classes in schools.

It also gives more money to education.

This proposition raises taxes on those who make 250,000 dollars a year and raises sales tax by ¼ cents for seven years.

“The decision to cut summer school, is so that the students have more options during the fall and spring,” said Catherine Mooney, Director of Admissions and Records.

Mooney also mentioned since Prop. 30 passed and the campus is receiving more funding money, Delta is committed to have summer school.

Delta College is considerably a safe campus as compared to Stockton as a whole, but the campus police department is taking a productive approach to ensure safety on campus.

One-way students can be cautious and informed is by taking advantage of the many electronic-alert systems available such as AlertU and TipSoft.

AlertU has more than 8,500 subscribers and TipSoft has 950 subscribers.

With TipSoft, students have the ability to report a crime anonymously.

“Since our official TipSoft launch, District Police have responded to and investigated 12 anonymous tips,” said Read more Officer Jim Bock in an about campus email interview. safety on The college police department’s Face- PAGE 4 book page, which has approximately 1,400 subscribers, is also updated frequently throughout the semester.

Crime on campus has increased since the year 2000, when Delta was a different place, but call escorts have also decreased since then.

“Students feel safe talking or texting on the phone until they reach their car,” said Sgt. Robert Di Piero.

However, many students are unaware of their surroundings because they are too busy with their phones. The police department makes every attempt to ensure safety on campus.

In January, there were three drug abuse violations, one petty theft, and nine total arrests.

Di Piero, who has worked at Delta College since 1995, encourages students to call for escorts and to take advantage of the mobile crime alert system.

“Sometimes, students who witness a crime don’t report it because they don’t want to be involved,” Di Piero said.

In addition to electronic policing, officers are also patrolling stairwells and around campus buildings.

continued on PAGE 8

SIGN UP • • •

Go to deltacollege.edu/e-mail. html Click the links to TipSoft and AlertU in the right sidebar Enter your phone number

2

opinion

Issue 8 • Feb. 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Collegian writers offer opinions on gun control debate Stricter gun laws don’t protect people by haley pitto hpitto2@hotmail.com

T

he Second Amendment in the Constitution states “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

The Second Amendment clearly gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms.

We do not need “gun control.”

What we need is better enforcement of current laws and more in depth screening of people who apply for a gun permit or to purchase a firearm.

Gun control laws do not prevent criminals from getting a hold of guns.

They will find another way to obtain them.

In fact the way the law is now “an estimated 40% of gun transactions are handled privately,” according to TIME Magazine.

I understand how some people may agree seeing as how

many states do have strict gun laws and yet tragedies like Sandy Hook continue to happen.

However, gun control is only a false sense of security.

If owning an assault rifle is banned or there are restrictions put on ammo or high capacity clips that only means that people are going to hide the fact that they have these types of weapons or obtain them illegally.

Gun trafficking happens all the time.

While the White House is encouraging Congress to outlaw lying on paperwork about the actual gun buyers, this has not yet been put into effect, and it would only work if people were 100% honest.

Shall we ban knives, bats, hammers, rope, cars, trucks, all pills, etc. because they can be used to commit a murder?

That’s absurd.

Guns don’t kill people.

People kill people.

In fact suicide is still the number one leading cause of unnatural death, not guns.

Mental health should be deciding factor in discussion by micheal johnson news@deltacollegian.net

G

un control seems to be a hot topic in California these days.

In light of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the legislature has been franticly working to push for stricter gun laws.

The nation has been split between those who approve of the proposal and those who don’t. It’s not about assault rifles and magazine capacities; the bigger issue is the need for a stronger mental health and background check system.

According to President Barack Obama, 40 percent of gun purchases are conducted without background checks.

If this is true, a psychopath can buy enough guns and ammo to start WWIII and nobody would know.

Often mental health data and felony convictions are not reported.

According to news reports, in Minnesota a 14-year-old boy killed his mother with a shotgun and was later able to legally purchase other firearms.

This happened because there is a loophole for violent felons and people found mentally ill in the criminal background-check system.

In most states, a person’s juvenile record is considered “sealed” when the person turns 18.

If that person gets a background check, those prior convictions will not show up, therefore making it legal to purchase a firearm without any red flags.

Whether you agree or disagree with the president’s proposal, we can all agree that something must be done to reduce the massive slaughter of innocent people.

All of the mass shootings that have taken place were, undoubtedly, a tragedy, but

we shouldn’t make rash decisions out of paranoia.

Some people aren’t clear on what the Obama administration is trying to do.

The president is not trying to violate the Second Amendment, which allows people to bear arms, but have a combination of rules that would help curb gun violence.

We should face the reality that exists which is that the previous ban on assault rifles has done little to curb gun violence.

People are still going to be able to obtain them even if it is illegal.

We can at least get into a would-be-buyer’s mental history and see if he is mentally stable enough to own a gun in the first place.

This may allow law enforcement to be proactive and stop things before they start.

Let’s not demonize the responsible people who use guns for hunting, sport and protection for the actions of a few miserable maniacs who need a hug.

Consider: If a gun’s ‘sole purpose’ is to kill, are they really being used improperly? by chris howze vivilu226@aol.com

T

he biggest problem we have whenever a discussion concerning something like gun control is rekindled is the language used to skirt around the facts of the situation.

Soapbox phrases such as “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” or “if they didn’t

have a gun, they’d used something else” are fine and good, but they fail to deter the cold facts of the purpose of a gun.

A knife can be used for many things. Fire can be used both destroyer and life bringer.

But a gun’s sole purpose is to kill. That’s what they are made for.

Dating back all the way to China’s discovery of gun-

powder, it’s purpose has been to cause as much damage on human life as possible.

When I hear “a gun being used improperly,” I wonder if we’re actually all using the same language we’ve agreed on.

I’m not for taking away guns. I like guns. I have guns.

But what we need to remember is that the Second Amendment was put into ef-

fect based on what the firearm of the day was – a musket.

It was an inaccurate, nonspiraled ball of metal that could be fired and reloaded at a super-fast three rounds per minute. That can’t be said about today’s weaponry.

An AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle is far too destructive of a weapon to be allowed in the hands of non-military

personnel.

No civilian should have a need for a gun that can fire hundreds of ballistic ordinance rounds.

Yes, the Second Amendment is important.

But there is something wrong if under legal document it is OK for a civilian to own a flamethrower, an AA-12 or a Nuclear missle.

THE COLLEGIAN — SPRING 2013 Editor James Striplin News editor Brian Ratto Opinon editor Justin Tristano Entertainment & sports editor Christopher Howze Feature editors Karina Ramirez & Valerie Smith Copy editor Haley Pitto

Staff Cameron Bryant Christina Cornejo Christian Covarrubias Victoria Davila Jermaine Davis Derrion Dunn Ashley Gordon Alyssa Gress Michael Johnson Shallena Johnson Valerie Lancer Sean Mendoza Andrea Masuret Salvador Ortiz Diane Rivera Heidi Sharp Sofia Sher Devin Valdez Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano

Advertising The Collegian offers display advertising at competitive rates.

Call (209) 954-5156 or email deltacollegian@gmail.com for more information.

Letters to the editor Letters raising issues and opinions not represented by the newspaper are encouraged, but should not be taken as a reflection of the opinions of the staff or adviser.

Editorial Unsigned editorials reflect the position of the entire Collegian staff.

Comments, letters and editorials with a byline represent the opinion of the writer, solely.

This paper does not endorse or represent the opinions of the adviser, the mass communication department, the Fine Arts Division, the printer or San Joaquin Delta College administration.

Mission statement The Collegian is a student run First Amendment newspaper that prides itself on its commitment to the students of San Joaquin Delta College while maintaining its independence of any outside influence.

The Collegian will reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech.

3

issues

Issue 8 • Feb. 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Family cries: no justice, no peace

Staff writer shares personal story of loved one lost at the hands of those who ‘protect and serve’ by devin valdez devmvaldez@gmail.com

B

y society’s perspective, my uncle Ernest Duenez Jr. wasn’t a model citizen.

He made mistakes. But those mistakes weren’t who he was to my family.

Need help fixing your car?

He was there in minutes. Need someone to protect you? He was your guardian angel. Need someone to make your long days shorter? He was there with his infamous jokes and pranks, with his dumb laugh.

To me, he was the golden child of the family. He was a family man who lived for his loved ones and would lay down his life for them in a heartbeat.

He was a man searching for redemption and hunting for the path to an upswing in his life.

That search was cut short on June 8, 2011.

That day, Jr. was killed in an officer-involved shooting. He was shot 11 times by a Manteca Police Officer John Moody.

I remember where I was and what I was doing the moment I heard he died. I remember the immense pain and confusion my family and I were left with.

We had been robbed the life of a loved one. Not a chance to say goodbye was given.

We were angry that one man could be judge, jury, and executioner; deciding another person’s fate in a matter of 4.2 seconds.

The hurt and confusion, though, only grew when the person who killed our loved one was a person who is supposed to protect and serve.

Before this, I never thought about the issue of alleged police brutality or officers manipu-

lating the law for their own interests. Now, it weighs heavy on the hearts of my family and I everyday.

In December 2012, a year and a half after my uncle’s death, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office issued its findings on the murder. They told us that it was justified.

In response, my family released the dash-cam video from the patrol car of the officer who fired the fatal shots. The video reveals the officer approaching, yelling “put your hands up” followed by a quick succession of other commands.

My uncle is shown trying to get out of the vehicle. Multiple shots ring out. Out of 13 total shots, 11 strike Jr’.s body and head. As he lay on the ground, his wife comes out of the house, screaming at the cops. “Help my husband, he’s dying.” No attempt to help by police was made. Instead, the cops turned their guns toward her.

To our family, the video shows Jr., a man we all loved, being treated like an animal.

Manteca Police took his dying body and threw him from his back onto his face before handcuffing him.

To us, the report wasn’t justice.

To us, the Manteca Police have played the victim, taking no responsibility for what we feel are the unlawful acts committed by one of their own. Instead, our family has seen the department change its story multiple times.

This gruesome, graphic, and personal video was released in hopes of receiving a larger investigation into the shooting, as well as find the true story that lead to Jr.’s death.

What’s

wrong

with haley pitto

with people?

hpitto2@hotmail.com

HEART BURN T

he Christmas decorations have hit the clearance bins and been replaced by red and pink hearts, cheesy candy and lovey-dovey décor.

Seriously can’t we all just get a moment of peace?

All of this shuffling from one holiday to the next has become quite tiresome, not to mention that Valentine’s Day isn’t even about showing love to your significant other.

There are 365 days in a year, yet Valentine’s Day is apparently the ONE day you’re supposed to actually show it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEVIN VALDEZ

CRY FOR JUSTICE: The family of Ernest Duenez Jr. gathers to protest the actions of the Manteca Police Department.

Nearly two months later, the video is on multiple websites.

It is also now in the hands of the United States Department of Justice. Still, we have yet to see any kind of response.

A column in The Modesto Bee by Ralph Shaffer, a retired professor from Cal Poly Pomona, on Dec. 17 called my uncle’s death “only one in a staggering death toll racked up by police and sheriff’s deputies.” The “body count” in a six-year period was 700, according to the article.

Shaffer writes: “As usual, the justification was that the officer ‘feared for his life.’”

This was a hard truth I had never realized or paid attention to until the issue hit close to home.

The number of police officers taking advantage of their power

continues to end in unjustified deaths, and they get away with it because of the power they have as officers of the law.

Consider the case of Oscar Grant in Oakland, or that of local teenager James Rivera who was shot by Stockton Police in 2010 after stealing a vehicle and leading police on a chase through North Stockton. His family is still seeking answers.

It upsets me that our justice system now seems anything but just.

My family is disturbed everyday by the fact that the man who killed our son, brother, uncle, husband, father and friend is still patrolling the streets as a man of peace.

It saddens me that people on the streets are more willing to help and protect one another, than the officers who are paid to

Excuse me, but no. If you actually loved the other person you would get her or him flowers and chocolates every day or take them out to a nice romantic dinner.

You would perform some gesture that shows them you care.

Valentine’s Day is nothing more than an over-commercialized holiday.

Couples feel the need to be overly handsy and mushy in public. It’s a holiday people not a free for all to jump on each other like its Animal Planet.

Do us all a favor and get a room before you get arrested for public indecency.

I don’t want to see you feed your “snuggle bear” gross tasting candy hearts.

No. Or the opposite happens and men end the relationship so they don’t have to spend $10 on a cheap piece of jewelry or some crappy chocolates that taste like dirt.

This is the one day that pressures relationships by putting unrealistic expectations on it.

do just that.

When is enough, enough?

I now realize that Jr. wasn’t the first victim of police brutality. It worries me that he won’t be the last.

It’s an overwhelming thought that today it was my loved one.

Tomorrow it can be yours.

All of this happened because of a parole violation, a domestic dispute call to police and the assumption that he had a knife on him .

The report provides inconclusive details about the knife.

Regardless, no accusations made and/or previous records pulled against my uncle give a man the right to empty a whole clip on another man.

Let us remember that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Flowers are the perfect gift for this holiday because they are extremely expensive, you can wait until the last minute to remember them and much like the relationship they are slowly dying.

Don’t even get me started on all of the romantic gestures. People light 50 candles like they’re trying to perform a séance, buy expensive champagne and throw rose petals all over like they’re planting a flower garden in the room.

That’s sweet but if you go all out one year you are expected to do the same the next.

Actually you are expected to top it.

Women get upset when the man does something elaborate and thoughtful one year and orders a pizza and wants to stay in the next. That doesn’t mean the romance is dead, just the opposite in fact.

Valentine’s Day is just another day so let’s not treat it as if the fate of the free world depends on it and run around like a lovesick puppy that leaves others wondering what’s wrong with people?

feature

4

Issue 8 • Feb. 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

After recent, high profile school shootings, the debate of whether citizens have the right to bear specific types of arms is in question, with the focus on everything from mental health to the Second Amendment.

IN THE CROSSHAIRS by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net

COLLEGIAN PHOTOILLUSTRATION

GUN CONTROL CAMPUS POLL

Fifty Delta College students were polled on campus, whether pro- or anti-choice on stricter gun control laws in regards to President Barack Obama’s implementation of a 23-point plan for numerous restrictions and controls on firearms.

ANTI

24%

PRO

76%

GUN RELATED INCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA AND THE UNITED STATES Jan. 17, 1989 Cleveland Elementary - Stockton A shooter opened fire on a schoolyard, killing five children and wounding 29, then ended his life.

Weapon: AK-47 Assault Rifle (legally obtained)

1990

Recent tragedies striking our nation, including the Dec. 14 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, has made gun control a hot issue across the nation and in our local community.

In response, President Barack Obama has proposed a 23-point gun control plan to implement change. But how will it impact the Stockton community and Delta College students?

Many students may feel unaffected by these issues, but in reality gun control concerns are closer to home then we think.

With the Cleveland School massacre taking place in Stockton just 24 years ago and with all the current incidents occurring due to gunfire, students may be left feeling uneasy about campus safety.

“I don’t want my students to come to class scared. I want them to be confident and know what to do in every situation,” said Mary Blackford an English instructor on campus.

Blackford was one of the instructors who, on the urging of campus police, lectured on different “active shooter” scenarios at the beginning of the semester. She explained to her classes what to do and where to go if such a situation happened here.

Blackford has taken self-defense training courses and knows two forms of martial arts.

She is trained and certified to shoot a firearm.

Campus police, in light of the Sandy Hook shooting, implored instructors to show a video entitled “Run, Hide, Fight” to students. The viral video is being shown across the country in classrooms.

Delta College is one of only a few community college campuses to have its own police department, a rare commodity.

“Delta College has had very few firearm re-

1995

Automatic guns are primarily used by the military, a held trigger allows for 45 rounds to be shot per minute.

He also heavily believes, like Blackford, mental health programs and training are necessary actions.

“With the gun control action in force anyone that has gone to counseling would be put into system and flagged when trying to purchase a gun,” said Roman.

Roman tries to give his students some type of background on scenarios and reassures his students.

“I tell them don’t worry should something happen I am prepared to do anything and everything possible to keep us safe,” he said.

Bock and the Delta Police force work hard at trying to make students aware of their surroundings. The “Run, Hide, Fight” videos have gone viral around the nation and are encouraged to be watched by the department.

“The District Police Department tries to address these situations through the use of our Facebook page. When crimes occur, or arrests happen, we notify the students. Although Delta is the safest public location in Stockton, we want all who come here to understand that crime still happens and to be on the lookout. Additionally, we provide countless safety presentations throughout the year to classes when requested.

We encourage students to have their professors request a presentation at some point during the semester.”

The genuine concern of all Delta staff members seems to be of the upmost concern for the students. The gun control issue is a serious matter, and will affect us as students if the plan is implemented or not.

“These are the things that are big issues in every community, and has to be thought of in every community,” said Roman.

A second look at handguns and background checks by karina ramirez

number of people who are killed today, most of those people would be killed by handguns,” he said.

After the theater shooting in Colorado, Texas ReMore than 1,500 people have lost their lives publican Rep. Louie Gohmert, made a controversial to gun related violence since the Sandy Hook comment saying less peoElementary School shooting on Dec. 14. ple would have been killed Feb. 3 marked Stockton’s first homicide of if someone were carrying a the year. A 34-year old man was gunned down gun. Sims partly disagrees. in the early morning in South Stockton.

“Most people who have “We have this flood of guns everywhere,” guns aren’t trained. When John Sims, Professor of Law at the University of you’re dealing with people the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. “Reducing who are untrained, the or eliminating the super dangerous weapons is a number [of casualties] escagood idea … and follows the constitution.” lates dramatically,” he said.

The Second Amendment has long been subAs deadly as they may ject to varying interpretations. be, banning handguns is Initially, Sims said, the amendment was de- out of the question, accordsigned to protect the militia. ing to Sims. “It might start JOHN SIMS In 2008, the Supreme Court confirmed, in the to raise questions on the secDistrict of Columbia vs. Heller case, that individuals ond amendment. I don’t think we’ll see that happen.” themselves do have the right to bear arms. “D.C had Action is already being taken towards tightbanned handguns almost entirely. The court agreed ening gun laws, even as the debate rages on. with [Heller]. As for a political entity, D.C is very unIn January, President Barack Obama passed usual in controlling guns,” Sims said. So far, the Su- 23 executive orders for gun control regulations. preme Court has agreed to the right of having a gun In the 16-page document released by the in the home to protect oneself. But today, the debate White House, the emphasis is primarily on arises over what types background checks. of guns civilians have One section reads: “The background check the right to obtain. system is the most efficient and effective way to A semi-automatic keep guns out of the hands of dangerous indiAR-15 can fire 45 viduals, but we need to make sure it has access to shots a minute. “As- complete information about these individuals.” sault rifles make posThe FBI created the National Instant Crimisible a certain kind nal Background Check System in 1998. of visible horrible It is used by Federal Firearms Licenses to crime,” Sims said. quickly verify if the customer is suitable to posHowever, deaths ses a firearm. caused by assault The new proposals by the President would close rifles are relatively the gun show loophole. At a licensed firearms dealer, small in number. It a licensed gun store – the consumer is legally required begs the question: are to take a background check. In gun shows, or private we the people, and dealers, a person is not subject to that check. politicians, pointEveryday, the number of victims rises. Either with ing the finger at the a handgun, or an assault rifle – the power of the gun wrong subject? “If is unquestionable. you looked at the “Killing someone without a gun is hard to do. It’s a messy business. Obviously, everything in the world has been used as a murder weapon, but not as ofIMAGE FROM MODERNARMS, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS ten,” Sims said.

news@deltacollegian.net

INFORMATION COMPILED BY CHRISTINA CORNEJO

Aug. 15, 1996 San Diego State University - San Diego, Calif.

A graduate student murdered three professors during a master’s thesis defense.

Weapon: 9mm semiautomatic handgun

May 1, 1992 Lindhurst High School - Olivehurst, Calif.

A former student terrorized the high school, killing four and wounding 15 in retaliation of a failing grade. He later surrendered to police.

Weapons: pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, .22-caliber rifle

lated issues and is the safest public location in the City of Stockton. This track record of safety is directly attributed to the laws that are in place and the active police presence on the campus.

Per state law, carrying a firearm on a community college campus is illegal,” Delta Officer Jim Bock said.

Blackford said the police presence is a definite safety plus.

“Having an armed police force on campus helps alleviate many of these scenarios from happening on campus,” Blackford stated.

The opinions on gun control laws differ throughout campus.

“When guns are outlawed, outlaws will have guns,” said Blackford.

That means guns can and will fall in the wrong person’s hands.

Blackford stresses the importance of mental health programs and expanded background checks.

Dr. Manuel Roman is an adjunct professor for Delta College teaching sociology, criminal justice, and criminology. He has done extensive research on the topic.

“To somewhat quote Obama, if we have some type of gun-control plan and save any life, one life it is worth it, no life is expendable we have to do something,” said Roman.

Officer Bock said: “Although safety and wellbeing is at the heart of his plan, it is difficult to understand what affect the ban will have. This is due to the large circulation of banned items and the number of potentially affected people in possession of firearms prior to the proposed implementation.”

Roman, who is also a Vietnam War veteran and retired correctional officer, said: “I am not anti-gun, but we need very strict controls.”

Roman said there should be no need for sale of automatic weapons at gun shows or in shops.

The right to bear arms?

March 5, 2001 Santana High School - Santee, Calif.

A Santee student shot two dead and injured 13, in response to bullying, before being apprehended by police.

Weapon: .22-caliber long-barrel revolver (taken from father)

2000

April 20, 1999 Columbine High School - Littleton, Colo.

Two students begin shooting after their explosives failed, killing 12, and wounding 21. The shooters committed suicide before SWAT arrived.

Weapons: semiautomatic TEC DC9 handgun, 2 shotguns, rifle, explosives (Obtained from friends, illegally)

Feb. 14, 2008 Northern Illinois University - DeKalb, Ill. A former student opened fire on an auditorium killing four and wounding 18.

Weapons: Glock 19, 12-gauge shotgun, 9mm semiautomatic pistol, .38-caliber semiautomatic pistol (purchased legally)

2005 Jan. 30, 2006 Mail processing plant - Goleta, Calif.

A female shooter with a history of mental illness shot and killed seven people before committing suicide.

Weapon: 9mm semiautomatic pistol

April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech University - Blacksburg, Va. An undergraduate barricaded himself in a science building, shot 33 dead, and wounded 15 before committing suicide.

Weapons: Glock 19, Walther P22 pistol (legally obtained)

Jan. 8, 2011 Tucson, Ariz.

A shooter identified as being paranoid schizophrenic attempted the assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords during a public event. He killed six others and wounded 13, including Giffords.

Weapon: Glock 19

2010 July 20, 2012 Aurora, Colo.

Twelve were killed and 58 wounded when a shooter opened fire on a movie theater.

Weapons: AR-15 rifle, pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, two Glock 22 pistols (all purchased legally)

2013

Dec. 14, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary – Newtown, Conn.

A Shooter broke through security and attacked classrooms, killing 20 children and six school personnel.

Weapons:10mm Glock, Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol, .223-caliber semiautomatic rifle (obtained from mother)

6

entertainment

This is the end ... again

Issue 8 • Feb. 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Doomsday film genre predicts the world’s demise far too often for us to take it seriously by andrea masuret news@deltacollegian.net

T

he end of the world! No one knows when it will happen, why it will happen or if it will happen.

Most religions have their own doomsday parable, as such Hollywood for years has peaked our interest in the morbid fascination on how the world will end.

Be it alien invasions, robotic revolution, zombie apocalypse or just plain old biblical natural disasters.

In a way, each movie doomsday scenario could be a reflection on our society.

For example, the American fear of communism spreading during the Cold War influenced movie ideas like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,� in which aliens infiltrate the minds of ordinary people in society.

The thought of an extraterrestrial sharing their different or advanced knowledge with us is exciting, but there is also the fear of something alien visiting us or taking over the Earth.

Movies like the “Terminator� shows the dark side of our dependency on technology, particularly in light of the Y2K scare. We have the need to make everything high-tech so we can make our lifestyle more comfortable.

These stories work off the idea of having our cre-

ations turn on us. Technological advances as something as little as the iPhone or its Siri app gives the concept of tech turning on us some unneeded validity.

The most recent and popular apocalyptic scenario has become the zombie outbreak. Running off fears that stem closer to every day reality than we would like to admit.

Early on with films like 1968’s “Night Of The Living Dead.� The Communism angle came into play again; Zombies were slow moving but all encompassing dread.

They could be anyone, including your friends or family.

When 9/11 happened, it shifted the paradigm of how we perceive horror. The fear now was with everything happening so fast and with unpredictability that ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS HOWZE filmmakers started to utilize those themes, hence the introduction of the fast pace zombie ala “28 Days Later.�

APOCALYPSE MAYBE? There’s always a new THE END! The last angle these types of flicks take are the Other than being great fun, the doomsday genre provides Natural Disaster, with the notion that the destruction an avenue to explore the extremes of humanity. Many are of humanity is unavoidable and out of our hands. designed to provide the audience an avatar, to think for That our Earth can turn her wrath on us anytime can themselves of what they would do given the situation. make a person feel cosmically insignificant.

There seems to be a new apocalypse sprouting up every Hollywood continues to make movies because floods, tornadoes, asteroids, or earthquakes have more couple years be it Y2K, bird flu, the Mayans or full on biblical judgment day and as long as those fears still exist Holof a high possibility of happening then zombies, rolywood will keep people on their toes wondering‌ what if? bots and aliens taking over the world.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

First BSU event of the year today by wisdom-shallena johnson news@deltacollegian.net

THIS MOMENT BEGAN WITH A CHOICE.

On Feb. 8, President Michael Lewis of the Black Student Union (BSU), is hosting Delta’s first 2013 Black History Event “A Past To Remember, A Future To Pursue.�

The BSU committee has not put on an event since 2010.

In hopes of reaching out to local communities, the event is free to the public and will be held at the Tillie Lewis Theatre. the event will host several guest speakers including Judge Lauren Thompson (the first black judge of stockton), Willie Douglas and Ross Dickson.

This event will also feature live

performances by Beloved Sisters, Pop Star Singer A.G, and more entertainment to come. “We want the students and the communities to join us, in celebrating history. We hope to reach out and share a sense of pride, understanding, and importance of African American History. As the President of The BSU, I have worked extremely hard create a fun, free, and educated event. This event is not just for African American people, but people in general. So we hope, all will come and enjoy this fulfilling event,� said BSU President Michael Lewis.

Celebrity lecturers visit Pacific by ashley gordon news@deltacollegian.net

He chose to make a difference. Chose to get a degree. To learn new skills. And it was all made possible by the National Guard.

Contact Sergeant Arturo Alcantar at 209.496.5060

1-800-GO-GUARD 10BW-04_6x7_Alcantar.indd 1

1/16/13 11:05 AM

The University of the Pacific is holding its Annual Black History Month Program.

It started on the first of February and will have a variety of activities throughout the rest of the month.

Some of the highlights include a lecture and performance

by Grammy award winner Anthony Hamilton, a lecture from basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and a Gospel Concert featuring J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise and Anita Wilson.

Delta College’s Tillie Lewis Theatre is also getting involved by housing the Presentations of Dr. James Taylor and Dr. Manu Ampim.

For more information you can log onto go.pacific.edu/blackhistory or call (209) 946-7707.

sports

Issue 8 • Feb. 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Delta stomps Sac City

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

New season, news faces for lady Mustangs

by christian covarrubias news@deltacollegian.net

On Jan. 29, the Delta College men’s basketball program hosted the Sac City Cougars.

A large crowd flocked to the Blanchard Gym to witness inner-conference rivalry at its best.

With a score of 70-66 the Mustangs got the best of SCC. The win could have been easily predicted after the first half when the score was 42-24.

“We come to play with extreme intensity and purpose,” said Delta Coach Rich Ressa.

The offensive key to win was Santa Cruz-native Mitch Postle. His basketball knowledge and towering 6’ 8” stature gives him the ability to put up big numbers in the post.

Postle led Delta in scoring with 18 points.

Regardless of the score, the Cougars remained calm and collected. By the time the second half started the Cougars had the upper hand causing a momentous comeback.

The Cougars out scored the Mustangs by 14 points during the last half.

“We have been in these situations before. So we were confident we would take a big swing and be confident,” said Ressa.

Feeding off the home crowds intensity, Delta’s defense within the final minutes of the game was impenetrable.

by darrion dunn news@deltacollegian.net

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN COVARRUBIAS

SCORE: Alex Simmons making a free throw at the Jan. 29 game.

The win has given the Mustangs a three-game winning streak.

“Right now we are tied for first place in our league, but that’s not in our minds. The only thing on our minds is the next game, “ said Ressa.

Delta is currently ranked 19th in the state and 10th in the north.

The team’s record is currently 13-7.

The next home game will be Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Blanchard Gym against Sierra College.

Ravens take Super Bowl despite late game tension, power outage by sean mendoza news@deltacollegian.net

The Baltimore Ravens won the team’s second Super Bowl in franchise history with a hardfought 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

The teams squared off in an instant classic Super Bowl on Feb. 3.

There were exciting build ups leading up to the game.

The Harbaugh brothers — Jim for the 49ers and John for the Ravens — were coaching against each other for the second time in their careers.

Legendary Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis played the last game of his career after announcing his retirement halfway through the season. San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis was also out to prove that he is worth taking the torch from Ray Lewis as the best linebacker in football.

A power outage occurred unexpectedly in the 3rd quarter, which resulted in a half hour delay.

The outage gave the 49ers new life as they stormed back from being down 22 points late in the 3rd quarter with a six-yard touchdown run from running back Frank Gore and quarterback Colin Kaepernick with a 15-yard run early in the 4th quarter to cut the Ravens lead to 31-29.

The final five minutes of the game provided intensity for the thousands in attendance and

millions at home. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s field goal extended the team’s lead to 34-29. It forced the 49ers to have a touchdown drive on the next possession.

The 49ers drove down the field and entered the red zone with a chance to take the lead for the first time.

The 49ers failed to score on first, second and third down which led to a crucial fourth down that brought controversy.

The Ravens threw an all-out blitz to try to sack Kaepernick.

He quickly threw the ball to Michael Crabtree but it turned out to be too high.

Ravens defensive back Jimmy Smith was questionably holding Crabtree when the ball was thrown his way, no flags were thrown and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was irate on the sidelines.

The 49ers eventually had one more shot to win the game when the Ravens took a safety to run some clock out.

Baltimore kicked it off with 12 seconds left in the game and 49ers kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. gained about 15 yards off it but time winded down and the Ravens stormed the field as Super Bowl XLVII champions.

Lewis screamed in joy around his teammates that he’s retiring a champion. Quarterback Joe Flacco won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award for throwing 287 yards and three touchdowns.

The new season for the women’s basketball, brings new challenges to overcome.

The team includes many new players, with very few returning from last season.

Gina Johnson, head coach, said “new tactics for this year’s team include more balance on the floor and coming together as a family.”

Fan support, including encouraging family from all over come to give support for the team, is also part of the plan for success.

The team plays Modesto Junior College at 5:30 p.m. today in Modesto.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY GOLF ACADEMY

A nonprofit university Online or on-campus programs State-of-the-art swing lab Financial aid and scholarships available

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE Associate of Science in Professional Golf Management Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology Bachelor or Master of Business Administration Master of Arts in Performance Psychology

WWW.NUGOLFACADEMY.ORG • 877.NUGOLF.1 705 PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD, SUITE 150 CARLSBAD, CA 92011

© 2012 National University 11397

7

8 news

Issue 8 • Feb. 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Delta and Pacific denied grant by diane rivera

news@deltacollegian.net

Both Delta College and the University of the Pacific were unable to receive a R.A.D Systems grant that would’ve allowed students to be taught self defense by certified instructors.

If Delta had received the grant, it could’ve allowed students to learn self defense essentials. It may have resulted in less occurrences of student harassment on campus as well.

Delta College Police Chief David Main said it was Pacific that originally applied for the grant, but the school was, unfortunately, denied.

The R.A.D. System, the acronym standing for rape, aggression and de-

fense, is a nationwide training tool that includes lectures, discussions and physical training.

Delta would have benefited from the grant in light of recent reports of student harassment, particularly in building stairwells.

Harassment on campus has been a problem that has been increasing steadily in the last several semesters.

Limited police personnel on campus means students need to be more responsible for themselves.

The R.A.D Systems grant would’ve allowed students to do just that.

For now Delta will have to manage without it.

For more information on R.A.D Systems, including links to private instructors, visit radsystems.com.

Delta loses basic skills aid, Fauna Brewer, after battle with cancer by brian ratto

bratto@deltacollegian.net

College is a learning experience sometimes good, and sometimes bad but through it all you have people at the school that think of students as family.

Fauna Brewer was one of those people, one that truly cared for the students.

A Delta College employee for over 25 years, dubbed the “Queen of Shima” by her students.

She loved her work at Delta College.

Brewer was in Instructional Support Assistant III in the Applied Math Lab which later became called the Basic Skills Math Lab. “Fauna was loyal Delta employee and PHOTO COURTESY SHEILA RICKETTS an amazing friend. She cared about every- GONE TOO SOON: Fauna was 50. one and to anyone who was around her very long she was like a mom,” said Mar- ed to get into higher level courses.

Delta College recently lost Brewer, afgaret Thomas, Math 76 and 78 instructor.

She help students improve their basic ter a valiant battle with cancer, and other skills math to gain the knowledge need- complications.

We’re here for you!

Mustang Banking

FREE Fee Forgiveness!

PHOTO BY JAMES STRIPLIN

CAMPUS SAFETY: Students entering the Shima southwest stairwell where the campus police have added new safety signage, listing ten safety recommendations.

TECH: New signage, emergency alert systems in use continued from PAGE 1 Most parking lots also have cameras equipped that are monitored by the police department.

The police department uses various strategies to encourage students and

Studying, classes, job . . . we’re all busy! And when your plate gets too full, you won’t have to worry.

With Fee Forgiveness, we will refund any single fee EVERY month!*

provide tips for safety.

It’s about putting information out there, whether it’s done via Facebook, crime alert systems, or campus safety presentations.

SCAN HERE

for more details about Mustang Banking!

SHIMA: New construction welcomes students continued from PAGE 1 ready by 2014-15.

The building has not been remodeled since the 1970s.

Should there be concern for the spreading of asbestos?

It is highly unlikely that any one of us will encounter asbestos due to precautions taken by the construction crew spraying the building down with water as

they continue to tear it down.

They are being extremely careful as the process continues.

If you find yourself walking towards hallways that lead to nowhere, first, stop walking towards them.

Secondly, know that this construction will be over soon. With an estimated finish in Jan. 2014.

PremierCCU.org 209-235-1100 Federally Insured

*Some restrictions apply. Checking fees only.

Benjamin Holt Service Center – 3255 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., Stockton, CA 95219