Valentine’s wishes Mercury in retrograde not for the busy student an excuse to be horrible
The Collegian FEATURE, PAGE 4
Issue 8 • Friday, Feb. 14, 2019 •
OPINION, PAGE 3
/deltacollegian
TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN
deltacollegian.net
Choir works toward Carnegie Hall after spring semester BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR News Editor
(Top) The Hamiltones’ Tony Lelo performs during a tribute to Aretha Franklin at Delta College. (Bottom) Antoine Duprice Miller, a Delta alum, and Valerie Gnassounou-Bynoe, a Delta dance professor, mid-performance. PHOTOS BY EVA MARTINEZ
BY ISAIAH JOHNSON Staff Writer
On Feb. 8, the Delta College’s African American Employees Association hosted a tribute to Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin in the Atherton Auditorium. The event was filled with music that flowed through the auditorium from performances by The Hamiltones and Sidney Cruz. “It was an incredible experience,” said Elaina Mat, an audience member and Delta student. The event started with a tribute video which showcased many of Franklin’s accomplishments, including a meeting with President Barack Obama. Delta’s jazz band then hit the stage led by singer Cruz. Cruz performed iconic Frank-
lin hits such as “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” with a voice projection and range sure to bring a smile to the Queen of Soul’s face. “It was a lot of pressure, we added the dancers today and then I was watching recordings of me standing still and I was like I got to move and then I tried to incorporate their dance moves to some of my stuff so it looked like we were a little more in sync,” Cruz said when asked about the improvised choreography. After the performance, a video giving praise to the diva’s iconic fashion moments was played before being cut short due to technical issues.
See TRIBUTE, page 8
In late May of this year, Delta’s choir will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Dr. Bruce Southard, professor and chorale director at Delta, was personally called to perform at Carnegie Hall by Maestro Peter Tiboris of MidAmerica Productions. “I said ‘yes’ because you don’t turn something like that down,” said Southard. Tiboris and his production company are “the foremost independent producer of choral concerts in Carnegie Hall.” Southard was recognized by Tiboris for his work with the Stockton Chorale. The Delta choir will make up the bulk of the members attending from the Stockton area. Students from Lathrop High School and Mable Barron Elementary School, and members of the Stockton Chorale will all be traveling with Southard. Lawrence Torres (Bass) and Jazzy Hidalgo (Soprano 2) are members of Delta’s choir and will be performing at Carnegie Hall in May. They will join other choir members from around the Stockton area and rehearse John Butte’s “Mass of the Children” for their Carnegie Hall performance. The piece is said to pose challenges to the performers, by Southard. “All in all it’s going to be fun so I’m up for the challenge,” said Torres. He and Hidalgo both mentioned how excited they are to travel. The students are prepared for the rehearsals, but are looking forward to sightseeing and bonding. “It’s a really good opportunity and it’s something we would like to do more of because it’s really good for our students. Ensembles that tend to tour more often actually seem to perform better all the way around. There’s a sense of camaraderie that gets built up, and because students have to pay their own way, there’s really a higher level of dedication to the project and to the outcome of the project,” said Southard. The Delta choir will be holding fundraisers throughout the semester such as radio-grams and their Broadway-themed concert in March. “Lawrence is actually probably our biggest thrust in getting fundraising moving and going. He just really believes in it,” said Southard.
Former Delta baseball coach entered in hall of fame BY JOSEPH MUNOZ Entertainment Editor
The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) held its annual Hall of Fame banquet for 2019 inductees. Pat Doyle, who was head coach for the Delta College baseball team from 1977 to 2000, was elected this year. Doyle remained head coach for 23 season and lead the Mustangs baseball team to 17 playoff appearances, for a ca-
reer win/loss record of 568-274. Doyle was informed in July 2018 that he had been inducted into the Hall of Fame, his first time on the ballot. He was officially inducted at the ABCA Hall of Fame Banquet in January 2019. “You know it was just one of those things where it’s not something that was always on my radar and I was nominated for it. I just thought ‘oh gee, you get nominated.’ And so I was fortunate
to get inducted after my first year of nomination,” he said. After his time with the Mustangs, Doyle coached several European baseball tournaments. He also served as an assistant coach for Team USA in the 1994 World Baseball Classic. Doyle describes his coaching style as a defense focused playstyle, but emphasized that there was more to coaching than knowledge of the game.
“They need to have compassion and understanding with the age group they’re dealing with and make the game fun. You don’t need to be a knowledgeable, professionalized baseball coach.” ABCA looks to coaches who not only have a strong baseball resume, but also have positive impacts on the game and their communities. See full story on DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET
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2 OPINION 021419
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Local businesses need actions, not words BY JOSEPH MUNOZ
L
Entertainment Editor
ocal businesses are always talked about as the heart and soul of our communities, places where the people we know put their entire lives into their work. Mainstream media portrays local business owners as the gold standard of hard-working Americans following that
classic American dream. So much praise is given to these hearty business owners, yet they still keep going out of business. Why? It’s simple: people don’t go to local businesses if they don’t have to. Why go to a local coffee shop hidden away in downtown when you can go to a Starbucks five minutes away from your house?
Just recently, the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless thrift store had to close its doors due to a significant decrease in income over the past 10 years. The store used revenue to support homeless shelters in Stockton. Here’s a business with a charitable goal, hard working people, and products that everyday people would need
— and it is unable to keep its doors open. This isn’t the owners’ fault,of course. They get the spaces that they can afford and operate — but it shows that people are not willing to suffer inconveniences or higher prices to support their own communities. It seems that the only times these businesses get supported is when they are quite literally
the only option available. I shop at local game stores in my area not because I’m actively trying to support my community, but because there are no Gamestops in Lodi and the department stores don’t keep games in stock. If we are going to keep touting local businesses as the foundation of America, then we need to actually support them with our business.
BY YGRAINE MONTGOMERY
Under this shadow of incompetence lies a vicious cruel streak for people who are not “just like him” - straight, white and Christian. Though, to be fair, Trump’s “Christianity” has been questioned – many doubt he’s religious at all - but Trump puts on the religious façade because he courts the evangelical right, a major part of his political base. This administration has fought to remove hard-won rights from LGBTQ Americans. On another front, Trump has presided over a cabinet that chose a cruel deterrence policy in dealing with refugees seeking asylum in the U.S. This administration has divided children from their parents and housed thousands of innocent people in tent cities. To be clear: the act of seeking asylum is not illegal; it’s a right that’s protected under United States and international law. You can’t request asylum from your own country; you must go to the a country. These controversies foster an atmosphere of chaos for this country. It can be exhausting, but it’s crucial to stay informed. Go to isidewith.com or aclu.org to learn about current topics. Follow reporters on Twitter to learn more about the issues when you’re on social media. Above all, don’t become calloused to Trump’s chaos and corruption.
Don’t become calloused by Trump’s constant chaos
P Angel Martinez, along with other student chefs serve breakfast in Danner Hall. This is the best option for real food at Delta, but hours are based around culinary classes. PHOTOS BY WILLIAM MITCHELL III
Danner shouldn’t get to pick when students get hungry BY AYAANA WILLIAMS
D
Opinion Editor
elta College has had its issues with its cafeteria over the past
year. But after so many complaints, it seems as though students will have to live with what we’ve been given as far as food options. But why is Delta campus so limited when it comes to what hours of the day we can be hungry? Danner Hall cafeteria is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Friday from 7 to 11 a.m. These may seem like fair, reasonable hours to some, but
not so much to people who start their classes as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 4 p.m. With the many different variations of class schedules, Danner’s hours should not reflect only the more popular hours for class times. The Friday hours, especially, should change for the benefit of students. I have gone to Danner after my Friday 11 a.m. class multiple times only to be disappointed that I couldn’t get a snack or a cup of coffee before my next class. The hours are not clearly posted in the building, so it took me awhile to realize what days and times I’m able to go in between classes.
The Collegian The Collegian is the student newspaper of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif. The paper is published six times a semester. As a First Amendment newspaper we pride ourselves on a commitment to the students of Delta College while maintaining independence. We 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. The Collegian is a member of the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.
However, it shouldn’t have to be that way. Some people are in classes and working in labs —sometimes all day — and should have access to more than just vending machine snacks during the time they are there. In cases like this, students may be more inclined to leave campus to get food when Danner is not open, causing frustration of having to find parking again or simply not wanting to return after they’ve left campus. If Danner extended its hours, it would be overall beneficial to hardworking students, faculty and staff who spend a great deal of time on campus.
EDITORS CATLAN NGUYEN
Editor in Chief/Feature
TYRA GREEN Feature
VIVIENNE AGUILAR News
AYAANA WILLIAMS Opinion
JOSEPH MUNOZ Entertainment
PAUL MUYSKENS Sports
AMIRAH AMENHOTEP Social Media
CONTACT US:
Staff Writer
resident Donald J. Trump has been a bombastic, controversial figure for decades. He became famous in the 1980s when he built the luxury Trump Tower in Manhattan, but by the early 1990s he had bankrupted 3 casinos and was $3 billion in debt. Trump then changed his business strategy, focusing more on building the Trump brand and less on construction and borrowing money, since banks were hesitant to lend him any. He began licensing the Trump name to luxury hotels and properties worlwide, making him appear richer and more successful than he actually was. He parlayed the Trump brand into “The Apprentice reality TV series, which cemented the public perception that Trump was a brilliant business tycoon and ultimately helped to propel Trump to the presidency. This presidency’s hallmarks include a unique scope of scandals. More than 50 high-ranking people in his administration have resigned or been fired in the past two years. Trump has surrounded himself with criminals, many who have been indicted or found guilty by Robert Mueller’s probe.
SENIOR STAFF JASMINE GONZALEZ
STAFF MARIA AUGARADE RAYO JUSTINE CHAHAL CHRISTOPHER ESCAMILLA CHRISTINA IMERI CHAYANNE JACKSON ISAIAH JOHNSON JOSEPH KLARER NICOLETTE LUNA
STAFF MAISY MACATO YGRAINE MONTGOMERY JOSEPH PETHOUD AYIA RASHID TAN TRAN TAMIA VIDES-ARAYA
ADVISER TARA CUSLIDGE-STAIANO
MULTIMEDIA TECH MATTHEW WILSON
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shima 203/204, (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com For information about advertising, letters to the editor and editorial standards visit deltacollegian.net
3 OPINION 021419
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It’s raining, it’s pouring, this city is boring BY AYAANA WILLIAMS Opinion Editor
I
t’s time to face facts: Stockton isn’t the excitement-filled city it once was some years ago. From the days of Golfland to weekend nights at Hammer Skate and Naughty Nick’s, the city was once a gold mine of family-fun activities for all ages, without overwhelming big-city crowds. Unfortunately, on the average day or night, the only things to do in Stockton now are eat different foods and see a movie. The city is always encouraging people to #VisitStock-
ton, yet we have little to offer besides a couple of museums, bowling alleys, and movie theaters many people are scared to go to due to high crime rates in the areas. In 2007, The Record wrote about the local teenage community literally mourning the loss of the great Naughty Nick’s Pizza. Naughty Nick’s was a pizzeria and arcade located in North Stockton that was a popular hangout spot for people of all ages. It offered 150 different video games, prize booths, 27 billiard tables, music and, of course, pizza and ice cream. The real question is, since
Your Zodiac sign is not a good excuse BY CATLAN NGUYEN Editor in Chief
H
ave you ever been asked ‘what zodiac sign are you’, followed by ‘ooh, I can tell’? Whether you follow them in your culture or you believe it’s a bunch of baloney, I’m going to break it all down for you. A zodiac sign refers to, in contemporary Western astrology, “one of the 12 divisions of the ecliptic, each consisting of 30 degrees, marked off from the point of the vernal equinox,” according to dictionary. com. In layman’s terms, it refers to the period of time you were born and its relation to your personality. Astrology, or the study that assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on human affairs, has been rising in popularity recently. Many know their sun sign, which is based off of when you
were born. Your moon and rising sign, however, play a big role in shaping your personality as well. These two signs are based off of when you were born, what timezone you were born in and what city you were born in. We must remember zodiac signs are pivotal for some cultures, so be sensitive when talking about them out in the real world. Even if you don’t believe in them, respect other people’s opinions and beliefs as long as they aren’t causing any harm to the people around them. On the other hand, however, don’t use your zodiac sign to justify bad habits or negative character traits. You can’t write off being an asshole to all of your loved ones and the barista at Starbucks because you’re a Scorpio or because mercury is in retrograde.
MUSTANG VOICE
“Did it hurt?...When you fell from heaven”
Bri Yonetani
these businesses have closed down, why has nobody tried to reopen anything like it? We may no longer have have these once cherished activities in town, but in more recent years, Stockton has certainly upped its game as far as unique eating spots such as: Dream Ice Cream Parlor, Cast Iron Trading Co., Squeeze Burger and a few new pokè and ramen restaurants. But aside from good eats, there are things we can do to make Stockton the more entertaining city it’s always had the potential to be. For instance, opening a new roller rink on the North Side of town, similar to what
Hammer Skate was. This roller-skating rink was successful in the past, and because of the nostalgia associated with its name, people would be ecstatic to have a recreation of it to take their friends and family to. Although we do have the Stockton Indoor Sports Complex, it is hidden all the way on the east side of town, and a lot of people don’t know about it. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a place similar to Naughty Nick’s for young people to hang out that doesn’t require a whole lot of parental supervision. Things like this, along with
just having more exciting local events in general, is what Stockton needs to keep its residents entertained and — potentially — away from danger on the streets. Another place Stockton does have is the Teen Impact Center downtown where they strive to keep teens off the streets with activities such as bowling, a rock climbing wall and various other classes and things to keep young people occupied. Stockton should search for more ways like this to keep the public amused the way it was some years ago, so people will focus less on the crime and more on the city’s liveliness.
Superbowl LIII was a disaster BY JOSEPH MUNOZ Entertainment Editor
While it’s fun to see what signs we tend to gravitate towards and vibe with, we can’t let it dictate every single aspect of our lives. We also definitely can’t let it be an excuse for not getting your life together or drunk texting that one ex another time on a girls’ night out. Knowing our friends, coworkers, potential boyfriends and family’s signs can be fun especially if their sign’s characteristics do line up with a majority of their personality. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t partake in astrological wonderings from time to time but remember people are much more than their signs. They’re fluid and ever changing humans who can grow to be the exact opposite of their signs. All in all, don’t harass people who avidly follow astrology but also remember that your sign can’t be a crutch for bad lifestyle choices.
T
he first sunday in February is a time to break out the chips and dip, bring out the six pack, and invite everyone over for a big Super Bowl party. This year’s Super Bowl was anything but a party, at least according to TV numbers and audience reactions. According to Nielsen television ratings, Super Bowl LII had the lowest viewership since 2009, with 103.4 million average viewers. These numbers still make the Super Bowl one of the most watched programs in America, but it also continues a downward trend for the National Football League. The NFL has seen their viewership go down for regular season and playoff games, but the Super Bowl was always the time where viewership spiked. This year’s Super Bowl also featured two big market teams in the New England
Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, two teams that have huge fan bases that were sure to bring in a ton of viewers for the big game. The Super Bowl has three aspects that the audience will look at critically: the game itself, the halftime show and the commercials. In terms of the actual football game, this was the lowest scoring Super Bowl in history, with a final score of 13-3. Neither team scored a touchdown until the final quarter of the game, leading to a defensive struggle with neither team’s offense able to do anything. This year’s halftime show, by comparison,was a social phenomenon, but not necessarily in a good way. Rumours had swirled online that Maroon 5 would play the song “Sweet Victory” as a tribute to “Spongebob” creator Stephen Hillenburg, who passed away last year. See full story on DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET
‘What is the worst pickup line that you have ever heard?’
“Is there an airport nearby...? Because my heart is soaring right now.”
Kueleza Vega
“I’m from LA you deserve the world, we’re in Vegas, so let’s get married.”
Arielle White
“Hey can I have a quarter so I can use this payphone to call my mom and let her know I just met the woman of my dreams?”
Cameron Alter
“If you were a fruit, you’d be a ‘fine-apple.’”
Fatima Hernandez
4 FEATURE 021419
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RAN OUT OF
Download a PDF for printing at deltacollegian.net/valentines
Forgot to get your Valentine a gift? Or maybe the romance is new and you didn’t realize you needed to get your sweetheart something? Whatever your reason for needing a last-minute gift, we’ve got you covered with these Delta-centric Valentines to make your boo giggle.
Loving you fills the void left by
You’re the brown sugar on top of my Danner Hall oatmeal.
CUNNINGHAM
Can I major in loving you? My love for you is deeper than the koi pond.
Your love takes me
HIGHER than the Holt elevator.
I’d park in Shima 2 just to see you.
5 FEATURE 021419
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SUSD sergeant talks on 30th anniversary of Cleveland School shooting BY JOE KLARER Staff Writer
It’s been three decades, but Rob Young still has a vivid memory of Jan. 17, 1989. “There’s been so much that’s happened since, but at the same time it feels like just yesterday in a lot of ways,” Young said. The day began normally for Young, a first-grader at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, with his mother walking him to school. “I remember her saying, ‘I don’t have a good feeling about today, I want to keep you home.’ I was excited about getting to school and playing with my friends, we had a big kickball game planned for that recess,” he said. The kickball game didn’t go as planned for long. A gunman entered the school’s campus during recess and began firing on the playground with an AK-47 and two handguns, killing five children and injuring 29, including Young. “He was just a matter of yards from us when he took a kneeling stance and opened fire,” said Young, who endured a bullet passing through his foot and a bullet fragment getting lodged in his chest, where it remains to this day. At 6, Young remarkably had
the instinct to take cover inside a classroom until the firing stopped with the gunman committing suicide. Young didn’t immediately grasp what had happened. “My initial thought was that I was pretty angry, because I had just got those shoes for Christmas. I thought I was going to get in trouble because my clothes were ruined,” Young said with a slight chuckle. “I turn to my friend Scottie and go, ‘Look at my shoe.’ He says, ‘Robbie look at my leg,’ he pulls up his pant leg and he’s got a pretty good-sized hole in his thigh. He looked at me and he goes, ‘I think we’ve been shot.’ And that’s when the fear set in, that’s when things really started making sense.” After receiving paramedic attention on the school’s front lawn, Young spent three days at the hospital, followed by a month at home before returning to school. He attended weekly counseling for seven years after. “It definitely helped me process those emotions,” he said of counseling. “It taught me to talk about it, not hold it in, and that’s kind of how I’ve been able to work through the tragic ordeal.” The Cleveland School shooting didn’t sway Young
from pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer, but in fact helped confirm it was what he should become. “My dad passed away last December, but he used to tell me that even before the shooting, he remembered me being a little 3-year old saying, ‘Daddy I want to be a cop,’” Young said. “I always felt I was going to be a police officer, but the shooting definitely helped push me in that direction, because of how safe I felt when the cops finally showed up. I wanted to help people feel safe.” Young graduated from the Delta College Police Academy in 2003 and in 2004, at age 21, he began his career with the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) Police Department. He eventually transferred to the Union City Police Department and worked various positions over nine years, including hostage negotiator and crime scene investigator. In 2013 Young was one of seven officers to respond to a shooter walking through a Union City neighborhood with a .45 caliber pistol and a machete. “Ultimately I was one of the officers to fire on him after he refused to drop the gun and took aim at us. Luckily no
Stockton Unified School District sergeant Rob Young. PHOTO COURTESY ROB YOUNG
one else was hurt or shot other than the suspect,” said Young. Young returned to the SUSD Police Department as a sergeant in 2016, a title he’s thrilled to hold today. “To give back to the community in this role, especially with my story and surviving a school shooting, to be able to come back and work for them is amazing,” Young said. “I really enjoy working with Rob, he’s a very passionate guy. I have 100 percent confidence in him, I’d follow him into pretty much anything,” said SUSD Police Officer David
Rose, who began as an officer the same week in 2016 that Young was hired as a sergeant. A specific area of focus for him given his experiences, Young is certified in training officers on active shooter situation protocol. “Every time I hear about an active shooter incident, it brings me back to the Cleveland School shooting, and being a little boy, remembering how scared I was. I don’t ever want anybody to feel like that, and I take that very seriously,” he said. See full story on DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET
Escape rooms put unique spin Get healthy with Go Falafel on date-night experience BY NICOLETTE LUNA Staff Writer
If you’re looking for a hot date or just something to do this Valentine’s Day then stop looking and keep reading. Escape Rooms are a new trend, so what are they you might ask? Live action entertainment said Alexandra Williams from Limitless, an escape room business located in Lincoln Center. Patrons are in a room for one hour and the goal is to solve the mystery to escape the The Pirate Adventure escape room at Limitless, an escape room busiroom. Limitless offers four differ- ness in Lincoln Center, sports a nautical theme. PHOTO BY ent themed rooms: Sherlock NICOLETTE LUNA Holmes, Wizard School, Pirate zles. It was very well designed I Adventure and Bank Heist. Limitless Escape Games thought everyone was going to “The rooms fit up to 10 peoLimitless Escape Games is sit at a table and find clues like ple but can be played by just located at 280 Lincoln Center in a board game, but it was betone person,” said Williams. Stockton. ter,” said Ariana Moreno. “Tickets are $27.38 per perLimitless is offering a 15 perMany other people had son and that allows patrons to cent discount with the promo great things to say about the be in a room up to ten people. code “DeltaLove.” For more information visit escape rooms. Limitless is similar to a limitlessescapegames.com or call Adam Hernandez said it movie theater,” said Alexan(209) 323-5429. was his fourth time visiting. dria, because it’s open Monday “I have done it and it’s the through Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 cessfully,” said Genesta Jack- second time I have one, I have a p.m. 50 percent ratio at this point,”It’s even open on major holi- son. “This escape room game is said Hernandez. days such as Christmas. He said that it only took the The location offers lockers good for any occasion between you can put your valuables in birthday parties to first dates; team 50 minutes to escape and because no phones are allowed it’s a great experience and its solves the puzzle for pirate adfun,” said Jackson. venture. inside the rooms. “I like the pirate theme I Escape rooms have been “If you went here on a date thought I would be Claustroyou would discover if the per- phobic but it was fun,” said used for team bonding events, happy hour alternatives, or as son you were with is your soul- Sarah Moreno. mate based on weather or not “Because I already like puz- Limitless says “a unique date night.” you get out of the room suc
BY TYRA GREEN Feature Editor
Go Falafel started out as a food truck that would sit along Pacific Avenue’s frontage road Now, the food purveyor has a new and bigger location located on Alpine Avenue in Stockton. This restaurant serves Mediterranean Cuisine, Lebanese and Greek foods. Go Falafel opened as a restaurant last year and has been doing well since. On the menu are items such as gyros, Greek salad, shawerma, and of course falafel. They also offer a lot of vegan options. Along with those items, they also make their hummus fresh from scratch daily. Falafel is a dish of ground chickpeas covered in spices, that is usually eaten with pita bread. Inside the theme resembles Santorini with colors such as a crisp white and vibrant blue. There was also
(Left) A Go Falafel employee prepares a Greek salad. (Right) Sam Hissayko, owner of Go Falafel, cuts meat on kabob-like rotator. PHOTOS BY TYRA GREEN
Greek music being played. On the right side of restaurant there were pastries such as baklava, a paper dough stuffed with walnuts and covered in syrup and pistachios. Patrons can now order from them using DoorDash or Uber Eats and get food delivered straight to their door. The restaurant also does catering and sells a family value tray. Go Falafel reminds people to “go falafel, go veggie, go healthy, and go fresh.”
6 ENTERTAINMENT 021419
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‘Romance’ in the air at Showbiz Theatre BY CATLAN NGUYEN
T
Editor in Chief
hat’s Showbiz Theatre Company wrapped up “Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas on Feb.
10. Directed by Jenna Zepponi Lehman, the play follows Peter and Rita falling so madly in love they decide to get married after six weeks of dating. Their relationship and lives get turned upside down, however, when Rita seems to have switched bodies with an unknown older man, Mike, at their wedding. Peter struggles to switch them back throughout the rest of the play. “It’s one of the simplest plays I’ve ever seen, with the set and the stage and everything but they do so much with it,” said audience member, Stacy Hunt. “It’s all conversation and talking and that’s a lot for an actor to do. It’s different than seeing a whole bunch of props.” Standout performances included lead actor R. Isarael Rodriguez who played Peter as he never left the stage once. All of his costume changes were executed during fourth-wall breaking monologues and the amount of lines
he had to memorize were undoubtedly the most out of anyone in the play. Another notable actor was Esther Henderson who played Rita because she essentially played two strikingly different characters. When Rita and Mike switch bodies, Henderson perfectly portrayed an older man versus the unsure, young idealistic woman. “My favorite part of the show was definitely having to do the switch in an instant,” said Henderson. “It was super challenging. It’s definitely the hardest role I have ever had to play.” Henderson finds a lot of herself in Rita and her strong opinions and desires to change the world, according to Henderson. She also relates to Mike because she’s learned from her experiences like he has throughout his life. “Another really good part of this was working with Jenna, our director,” said Cole Bryant who played Taylor. “This is her first time ever doing anything on her own and she’s just been a blast to work with. I also really love this cast. We’re all friends, so it really makes things a lot easier.” The play had a simplistic set that came to life thanks to the help of the lighting crew. Nikki Pendley, the lighting designer,
From Left to Right: Cast members Jc Costa, Mike Moon, Esther Henderson, R. Isarael Rodriguez, Cindy Braden, David Qualls, Cole Bryant, Mearle Mog and Derick Stoker take a bow after another performance. PHOTO BY CATLAN NGUYEN
played a key role in the play. Changes in lighting colors signaled different settings the characters stumbled upon and time passing. Costume Designer, Jenna Key, created realistic ensembles for the characters which fit the overall tone of the play. The entire plot is fairly relatable up until the “Freaky Friday” moment.
“Prelude to a Kiss” gets a thumbs up from me because the actors and crew brought to life a simple storyline and set and continually captivated each audience member throughout. The next play That’s Showbiz Theatre Company will host is called “Baby” and will run March 29 through April 14.
San Joaquin art group showcases local talent BY JOSEPH MUNOZ Entertainment Editor
A
non-profit San Joaquin art group is working to give talented local artists a chance to share and collaborate with other artists in their community. Art Expressions of San Joaquin is displaying an exhibit called "For the Love of Color" in the Stockton County Administration Building through March 4. The pieces on display are oil-based paintings of different sceneries and objects, painted by local artist Betty Berk. Each piece is a vibrant display of exaggerated strokes of colors to form rough outlines of cabins, flowers, and fields. The exhibit had a meet the artist event on Feb. 8 that featured food, music and a chance to meet Berk and purchase some of her works. A longtime member of Art Expressions, Berk describes her passion for her art in a plaque underneath one of her paintings. "Art has been an integral part of my life ever since I can remember,” Berk wrote. “As a child I was either sewing, making doll houses with
“Lakeside” by Betty Berk
Artist Betty Berk showcases some of her oil paintings to exhibit attendees. PHOTOS BY JOSEPH MUNOZ
furniture, and paper sculptures, or drawing and painting.” “For the Love of Color” is part of a larger effort by Art Expressions to bring local artists together to improve their skills, give them a place to share their work and make a name for themselves. “We are a collaborative group that
is looking to promote the arts in our community and bring awareness to the arts and to showcase the creativity of each and every artist that belongs in the group so that they can reach out and get exposure but also for the community to embrace it,” said board President Ana Vera. Vera expressed her desire for more
“Art of the Community” by Betty Berk
students to participate in their exhibits and contests to ensure that these artists will have somewhere to express themselves and feel validated in their career paths. “Musicians are into their music and artists that create this kind of stuff, they're into their art and you know what if they start from early on it creates a sense of discipline and dedication,” Vera said. Other members of Art Expressions also attended the exhibit, looking for inspiration and advice. “Now since I joined the art group, seeing the different events they participate in, I got to see what people are drawn to as far as the audience goes. So I just kind of, you know, try to compete and be better,” said Art Expressions member Ruben Hernandez. Hernandez and many other Art Expressions members attneded the exhibit to meet the featured artistand ask for adivce in their own works. “For the Love of Color” will continue to be on display until March 4 and Art Expressions will have a new exhibit from artist Alicia Valenzuela starting March 5.
“European Cottage and Garden” by Betty Berk
7 SPORTS 021419
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports
Sophomore night sweep for Mustangs BY PAUL MUYSKENS Sports Editor
Spencer Montiero goes up for a dunk against Folsom Lake. PHOTO BY MARSHAL ROMO
While it was cold and rainy night outside, the Delta Mustangs’ men and women basketball teams continued their hot play as both improved to 12-1 in Big 8 Conference play with wins in their final home game of the season on Feb. 8 against Folsom Lake. In a night that included supporting Coaches vs. Cancer and the sophomores playing in their final home game, it was the women’s team that opened the night by raining three-pointers during their 83-57 win over the Falcons before the men’s team held on to end the night with an 86-81 win. “She’s playing really well right now,” said head coach Gina Johnson about sophomore Paiton Demps, who scored a game-high 22 points to go along with four assists and three steals. “She makes a lot of things happen when plays are breaking down. She’s smart and leading our team in assists, and she’s making the people around her better.” Sophomore’s Sankia Braxton and Donwanae Anthony also both had nice nights. Braxton had 15 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony just missed a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. “At first it was a little shaky because I was out
with my shoulder (injury),” said Demps about her season, which started with her suffering an injury and missing a few games. “That was a little rough, but that made me want to come back even better and stronger. So far it has been a really good season, but it would be better if we go farther and win things like the conference.” Looking to cap off the night with a sweep for the Mustangs, the men’s team quickly jumped out to a big lead over the Falcons and it looked like they would be well on their way to a comfortable win before a finish that was much closer. Coming into the night on an 11-game winning streak, the men’s team had a habit of playing close games with six of their previous eight wins decided by six points or less — including a one-point win at the Falcons. Their double-digit lead was cut down to a one-possession game, but they held on for the win. “There have been no easy games in the last 12,” said head coach Rich Ressa about their current 12-game winning streak. “In the Big 8 for men’s basketball, every night is a battle.” Cameron Pieters scored 21 points in the win. With two games left to play in the regular season the women’s team is 22-4 overall and in first place by a half game while the men’s team is 21-5 overall and in first place by three and a half games over Santa Rosa.
Softball opens season with a shutout victory BY PAUL MUYSKENS Sports Editor
With their season-opener rained out, the Mustangs’ softball team started their season at home by defeating the West Valley Vikings by a 6-0 final score. Following a scoreless top of the first inning by pitcher Delaney Pamplin, the Mustangs’ offense would make sure she would go back into the circle in the second inning with a lead as Mikaela Ferreira would hit a lead off double and two batters later scored on a double by Tawny Deerinck. “We came out early right out of the gate and scored,” said Mustangs Head Coach Jim Fisher, who was hoping for a much better start to this season. “That sure always makes everybody feel better, especially the pitchers. Scoring early takes the pressure off. We encourage them to be aggressive.” Holding on to a 1-0 lead into the third inning, the Mustangs’ defense would make a big play to keep the lead intact as a two-out double by the Vikings saw a runner trying to score all the way from first and a perfect relay from center fielder Shay Trent to shortstop Tawny Deerinck to catcher Janelle Rodriguez saw the Vikings’ runner thrown out at home to end the inning. “I have such a good defense behind me all around and it showed today,” said Pamplin about the play that
Bologna drives in seven runs in home opening win BY PAUL MUYSKENS Sports Editor
Playing their home opener at the same time as the softball team, the Mustangs’ baseball team put on a show in their home debut, defeating Taft 24-4. Falling behind 1-0 the Mustangs would not trail for long as Vinny Bologna hit a grand-slam home run in the bottom of the first inning for a lead the Mustangs would never surrender. Bologna would finish the afternoon a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with seven runs batted in. Jimmy McClenaghan also had a big day at the plate as he drove in four runs for the Mustangs who scored in every inning but one. Clayton Westrope earned the win as he went five innings and allowed just one earned run while striking out five. Two days later the Mustangs scored in double figures for the fourth game in a row before returning home for a dramatic 7-6 win over LA Mission on Feb. 10 in a game that saw them score five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.
kept her shutout intact. Following the big play at the plate to end the top half of the inning the Mustangs would extend their lead to 4-0 as they scored a run on an error, wild pitch and a ground out. Ferreira and Morgan Wheeler both finished with two hits for the Mustangs, while Deerinck drove in a game-high two runs. Pitching in and out of trouble, Pamplin got some more help from her defense in the fifth inning with an inning-ending double-play and then was able to strand the bases loaded in the seventh for the complete-game shutout. Pamplin’s final line saw her go seven shutout innings while allowing seven hits, walking three and striking out three. “She did a lot of growing,” said Fisher about his new sophomore right-hander. “Even today you could see her growing as a pitcher. It’s encouraging to see.” “I think we are going to do really well,” said Pamplin about the upcoming season. “I am really excited and looking forward to what is going to come this season.” Since their season opener, they have won four more games and currently at 5-0 on the season. They will play two more road games on Feb. 14 before returning
Janelle Rodriguez tags out a runner at home. PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS
home for a pair of games against Feather River on Feb. 16 starting at 11 a.m.
Swimming, diving set to make a splash this season BY CHRISTINA IMERI Staff Writer
Coaches Todd Herrington, Nate Leroy and Mike Maroney spurred the Mustang men and women to a solid finish at the California Community College Athletics Association State Swimming and Diving championships in 2018. Overall, the two teams placed in the top 20 and the top 10 last year. “We had a really good year,” said Herrington. “And we’re hoping to come close to that this year.” On the women’s side, the team finished in sixth place. All-American Maddie Wittkowske claimed the title of state champion in the 1650 yard Freestyle. “I don’t look at the lap counter until I hear the bell,” said Wittkowske. She also finished second in the 200 and 500 yard freestyle events. Among being the first to win a state title in nearly ten years, she also
set new school records in the 400 and 800 yard Freestyle relays with teammates Leticia Mosqueda, Maddison Lincoln, Alex Offield, and Natalie Lamie. There were no state titles for the men’s swim team. The men placed 12th overall in the state. Top finishes included: James Berry in eighth place for the 200 yard Freestyle, Josh Monroe in 13th for the 100 and 200 yard Backstroke, followed by Cody Wickman and Jordan Knapp, taking 12th and 13th in the 1650 yard Freestyle. James Berry also finished ninth overall in the 200 yard Freestyle relay with teammates Roy Moore, Josh Monroe, and Cole Hutz. The men’s diving team had great success at state this year. Among the three qualified divers included Josh Hamby, who remained undefeated the whole season. Hamby, who Coach Robert Wimberly has worked with for five years, won
on both one and three meter boards. “One advantage that Josh had last year was that he was competing against some guys that did really clean easy dives whereas he was doing Division 1 level dives,” said Wimberly. Both Hamby and Wimberly also were awarded the titles of Most Valuable Diver and Coach of the Year. Jessica Hurdubei also qualified for both boards at the championship meet for the women’s side. Both diving and swimming were positive about this new season. Despite three top athletes moving on to compete at higher levels, Herrington had high hopes for the women’s team in this upcoming season. He expects them to once again place in the top three in the Big 8 Conference and top 10 in the state. See full story on DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET
8 NEWS 021419
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news
Goodbye lounge: ASDC creates food pantry
Pacific hosts annual winter powwow
BY AYIA RASHID Staff Writer
University of the Pacific hosted its 18th annual Powwow on Feb. 9. The event was free to the public and hosted by the university’s Latinx Outreach “El Centro” Department. Native dances and ceremonies were presented to the community. (Top) Dave Wilson shows off bright colors in his traditional Native American pow wow attire. (Bottom Left) Daniel LeRoy and Robert LeRoy Jr. meet with each other for “round dance.” (Bottom Right) Dave Wilson and Cambria Wilson take pictures with members of audience. PHOTOS BY DOMINIQUE WILLIAMS
On Feb. 4, the Associated Students of Delta College (ASDC) held a meeting to discuss the construction of the food pantry in Shima 101, formerly the Shima lounge. ASDC is hoping to “address food insecurities on campus” through the implementation of the food pantry, said Shayla Walker, director of student activities. ASDC is planning to get donations from local farmers and the Stockton Emergency Food Bank. “Fifteen percent of students on campus have food insecurities,” said Walker. ASDC plans to carry items such as food, clothing and toiletries, all free for Delta students in need. “I think that’s very kind that they’re doing this since the majority of students on campus live off of financial aid which can take a while to come in,” said student Shahzad Azghar. Certain kinks need to be worked out so there is no official set date to when this food pantry will open but ASDC anticipates completion toward the end of the semester. “I feel like this is really important because things here should be cheaper, especially for students like me who don’t qualify for financial aid,” said student Dannisha Chandler.
TRIBUTE: Delta community hosts show of gratitude to Aretha Franklin continued from PAGE 1 A spoken word performance was given by both associate professor David Terry and the President of Delta College’s African American Association James Forte describing their experiences with Franklin both physically and spiritually. Up next was a dance performance that reminded the audience it was also a day to celebrate Black History Month. The Hamiltones played last. The band began to rock the crowd with smooth melodic music accompanied by gospel undertones. As the band began to sing the crowd
began to dance. It turned from a tribute to a full-out concert. The Hamiltones sang original songs and hits from Jodeci, as well as other artists. At the end of the band’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” the band allowed Cruz to get in on the action, as well as incorporating a few of the audience members as well. It was definitely a night to remember filled with memoirs that capped off the significance of an icon not just in the black community, but to the world. This tribute showed that Aretha Franklin’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts of many.
(Top) Sydney Marie Cruz sings at the Aretha Franklin Tribute on Feb. 8 in Atherton Auditorium. (Bottom) Dance Professor Valerie GnassounouBynoe, Adjunct Dance Professor Nichole Manker and Delta alum Antoine Duprice Miller. PHOTOS BY EVA MARTINEZ
Upcoming Black History Month events BY JUSTINE CHAHAL Staff Writer
The Aretha Franklin tribute was one of several Black History Month events in February. The free event was hosted by Delta’s African American Employees Council (AAEC) and Cultural Awareness Program, alongside University of Pacific. “Black History Month is important to me because it allows me to give back and I love giving back to the students,” AAEC President James Forte said.
More events are planned. Delta will hold the annual Chicken and Waffle Fundraiser on Feb. 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Upper Danner Hall. The Tuskegee Airmen presentation will take place on Feb. 26 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Room 273 of the Science and Math Building. The Pride Center is hosting a showing of “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” on Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m. It’s part of a discussion titled “Black & Gay in the Civil Rights Movement.”