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Issue 8 • Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 • deltacollegian.net
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Delta to host speech state, debate championship in Sacramento By Mikael Honzell Senior Staff Writer
Delta College is hosting the State Championship Tournament for speech and debate March 8-11 in Sacramento at the Sacramento Marriott. The tournament is usually held in the Bay Area, but Professor Kathleen Bruce, communication studies, put in a bid to host it this year. “On even numbered years, it’s in Northern California, and on odd numbered years it’s in Southern California,” Bruce said. “But typically it’s a Bay Area school that hosts it, that’s typically who has hosted it in the past, and almost exclusively it’s been held in the Bay Area. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf gives a speech on African AmeriI just put in a bid for it. So we’ve never hosted can identity and his struggle coming up in a negative society. it, so typically it gives your school like a lot of Abdul-Rauf was suspended from NBA while sitting during acknowledgment and it does a lot for name recthe National Anthem in 1996. The suspension lead to him ognition, so that’s one of the incentives to host.” finding spiritual purpose and finding out where he belonged. The event would have been held at Delta ColToday, Abdul-Rauf is a motivational speaker who lets othlege, but the campus and it’s classrooms aren’t ers know not to give up in the face of adversity. big enough to hold an event as large as this one. “I don’t want to die with unfinished business,” said AbStockton’s hotels aren’t ideal either. dul-Rauf. “I probably could’ve asked University of the Mahmound Abdul-Rauf ’s speeches were one of the series Pacific because they have enough classrooms, but events going on at Delta in commemoration of Black History the bigger issue was actually a hotel,” Bruce said. Month. PHOTO BY ALICIA NORTON “There wasn’t a hotel large enough in the city of Stockton to house everyone that was needed. So you need about 400 hotel rooms and a ballroom that could fit about 400 people and there was no hotel that existed like that in the city.” There will be a total of 14 events at the tournament, three of which are debate oriented and the other eleven are speech oriented. By Catlan Nguyen There is also an event called the Reader’s TheEntertainment Editor atre, a theatrical presentation that’s put together by three or four people, according to Bruce. On Feb. 15, Delta College students Alexandra Chacon, “The easiest analogy I have for speech and deGuadalupe Mesa and Maira Sanchez held a student-orbate is that it’s like a track and field team, where ganized Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals rally to there’s a bunch of events,” said Bruce. “So you go raise awareness of what exactly DACA is. to a track and field event and it happens over the It also raised awareness about the upcoming date of course of a weekend and there’s like the long jump, the vote to keep or terminate the program. the shot put, there’s the 200, the 800, the sprint and DACA is a program that gives eligible immigrant the relays, speech and debate is very similar. youths who came to the United States when they were There are a total of fourteen events that are children administrative relief and protection from degoing to be happening at the tournament, so obportation and a work permit. viously a competitor specializes in like two or President Donald J. Trump announced last year he three events, they don’t specialize in all eleven or would phase out the DACA program on March 5. thirteen. But there will be students that comOn Feb. 15, the United States Senate blocked all four pete in each event.” immigration-related amendments, leaving the future of Bruce is currently the president of the CaliforDACA and immigration regulations up in the air. nia Community College Forensics Association The organizers of the event held the rally to uphold Delta College hosted a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivand this will be her last year as president. the American Dream. als (DACA) rally event to bring awareness to the upcoming “I’m also directing that tournament,” Bruce Chacon, along with other students, plan on holding DACA changes. PHOTO BY CATLAN NGUYEN. said. “It’s a two-year term and this is my last more events and rallies to bring to light other prominent year, so I’m going to be termed out after this.” issues. Judges are still needed for the tournament. “The discontinuation of DACA is tearing apart famThe rally started with Wendy Byrd, the interim AssoBruce is looking for judges that can meet certain ciated Students of Delta College director, encouraging ilies. It is ruining childhoods and it just baffles me that requirements. students to understand the dire importance of staying this is even something that is being voted against. This “So the requirements for judging, it’s one of two politically aware and to pay attention to the elected offi- country is suppose to be a country of equal opportunity things or both. Either someone has a bachelor’s and yet with our current political climate, it is destroying cials and their actions. degree, or somebody that has at least two year’s The event provided an open mic to anyone who want- families. Support DACA. Support your neighbors. Supexperience in forensics in speech and debate,” she port families,” said Potnaude. ed to state their opinion on DACA. said. “We are looking to hire judges right now. The crowd applauded every speaker. Many agreed Speakers included Bryan Barajas, Nayeli Ramos I am in the process of hiring judges right now, Camacho, Alisson Celva Salazar, Fernando Cardenas, with what they had to say. I’ll probably need an additional like six or seven “A lot of what he’s saying is true. People often don’t think Luis Chaves and James Potnaude. judges before the event starts.” The speakers either spoke of how they were DACA of the difference between the U.S. and Mexico but if you Students can attend and watch the tournarecipients or how they have seen those close to them be were actually there and experiencing it, you’d be shocked,” ment at the Sacramento Marriott. said Carlo Becerra in response to Cardena’s speech. affected by deportation.
Former NBA player brings motivation to campus
DACA rally hosted during College Hour
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TRUMP MIRRORS DICTATOR By Kayla Brown
MANAGING EDITOR Killian Barnhart NEWS Victoria Franco FEATURE Alex Coba OPINION Chanelle Muerong SPORTS Raul Torres ENTERTAINMENT Jasmine Gonzalez Catlan Nguyen SOCIAL MEDIA/PHOTO EDITOR Michael Weber SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Mikael Honzell STAFF WRITERS Vivienne Aguilar Kayla Brown Carmen Cruz Ricardo Hernandez Daniel Lee Laura Linares Anthony Nguyen Alicia Norton Charles Potts Sabrina Rodriguez Eladie Serna Harpreet Singh Nuntida Sisavat Daniel Sophus Victoria Torres Victor Zuniga PHOTOJOURNALISM STAFF Emily Corder Nuntida Sisavat Catlan Nguyen Jacob Womble Alicia Norton Alex Woods ADVISER Tara Cuslidge-Staiano PHOTOJOURNALISM ADVISER Haley Pitto ADVERTISING The Collegian offers display advertising. Contact us at (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters raising issues and opinions are encouraged. EDITORIAL Unsigned editorials reflect the position of the staff. Comments, letters and editorials with a byline represent the opinion of the writer.
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Staff Writer
he military parade that United States President Donald J. Trump requested in Washington, D.C. on Veteran’s Day is estimated to cost anywhere from $10 million to $30 million, according to White House budget director Mick Mulvaney in an NPR article.The frivolous event is an excuse for Trump to play Dictator for the Day, reminiscent of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. On the eve of the 2018 Winter Olympics, North Korea held a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of its military. Tanks carrying huge Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMS) North Korea officials said are capable of hitting the United States, were seen along with rockets and tens of thousands of soldiers marching and chanting in unison. CNN reported that spectacles like this are not uncommon in North Korea. The President’s request is similar. Trump wants to show the might of the U.S. military and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. “I personally believe that it’s bad to celebrate the anniversary of a war because I don’t think war is a good thing...especially during this time. I don’t think
the U.S needs to demonstrate their power with a parade. I think they need to invest the money in schools, making more technology [and] better resources to learn,” said Alonso Pineda. Tanks are included in the plan as well as military aircraft and troops from all branches of services. The last parade in the U.S. to take place was in 1991. It celebrated the victory of Operation Desert Storm which cost a whopping $12 million. Traditionally in this country, these types of events are for celebrating victories and the end of recent wars, not vanity. “I don’t support the guy or what he stands for, but I do see that other countries are doing the parade to not only show their power but to celebrate the lost ones in the past. But a lot of the countries are in good shape, the money is extra for them. Not only do we have to have money to celebrate but you need to have money for priorities. You have to have your priorities straight before you celebrate,” said Joseph Galvan. Galvan spoke about his uncle in Puerto Rico and how they don’t have heating or electricity down there, so it’s difficult to take care of themselves. “The money should be used to do something for immigration,” said Galvan. “Come up with the money and then come up with a plan that will help immigration [get] better.” FULL STORY ON DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET
Fashion allows for more self expression By Jasmine Gonzalez Entertainment Editor
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ashion, as defined by Vocabulary.com, is roughly described as the “hippest, trendiest clothes and music.” Trendiest wouldn’t be the right word to use in this century we live in where fashion influences even the youngest generation. The word “lifestyle” would be more accurate for this definition, because people aren’t only using fashion to express themselves physically, emotionally and mentally, but also to take a stand against the status quo. Fashion Week is a prime example. It happens twice a year, once in February and then later in September. This year’s February Fashion Week started off with a clap and ended with praise. Fashion took a new turn, with people making a statement on the runway has become normal. Fashion breaks the boundaries that at times, can be favorable but can also take a hindering view. Gypsy Sport runway took it to the next level with a model nursing her child on the runway, beaded hair male models, buzz-cut tattooed women and Desmond Napoles, a 10year old drag prodigy. Napoles stole the show, making a statement that “kinderdrag” is on the way. There have been many advances in the LGBTQ community but tough people wish others would just get over their conservative ways. It won’t be that easy but as Napoles takes to the runway, new ideas will make way.
The runway isn’t the only stage where people have chosen to let their voices be heard. People are speaking up and are expressing themselves through clothes, an example being the #MeToo Movement. Another example could be Singer Joy Villa’s dress choices against abortion. Villa took a stand against abortion on the Grammy Red Carpet when she wore a white Pronovias wedding gown featuring a rainbow surrounding a fetus with a handbag that said “Choose Life.” Abortion has been a topic the media seems to go back and forth about whether to be for or against it. It’s not about thinking through both arguments, now it has become a verbal war by side. It’s a mess. You have to decide between the woman’s rights to her own body or the “fetus” basic human rights. Villa makes it that much harder when she gets personal and talks about the child she had but gave up for adoption. With this dress she wore, she directly raised the volume, so to say, of those with similar point of views. Through it all, decisions have consequences. Abortion doesn’t mean you won’t have to worry about a life because you will. You will wonder about your own and of that “fetus” no matter the consequences. Becoming “kinderdrag” doesn’t mean all will approve of your choice. Fashion can represent more than just one perspective.
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Alex Coba
Feb. 23, 2018
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THE COLLEGIAN SPRING 2018 PRODUCTION STAFF
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MUSTANG ‘Who’s your Black VOICE History Month hero?’
This paper doesn’t endorse or represent the opinions of the adviser, the Mass Communication department, the Fine Arts Division, the printer or Delta College administration. MISSION STATEMENT The Collegian is a student run First Amendment newspaper that prides itself 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.
“Nina Simone.”
“Rihanna.”
“Martin Luther King Jr.”
NYIMA HILL
MARIO POOLE
RAYMOND ESTRADA
Delta needs to pay heed to mental health By Harpreet Singh Staff Writer
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ur school needs to provide more care for mental health on campus. All students and faculty endure some level of mental strain that’s dangerous when not handled properly. Depression and anxiety are universal, around 1 in 5 American adults (43 million people) personally experience a mental illness at some point during a calendar year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Every person in the Delta community has ties with mental disorders whether it be personal or from a loved one. In more serious cases, we have students suffering from common mental illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder and ADHD, many of which go undiagnosed due to this lack of awareness. Look at your peers’ faces while walking around campus and you will understand why this is crucial. I recently attended a meeting on campus regarding anxiety and depression for a project. Only a handful of people, within a certain discipline group, were notified of this event, yet turnout was plentiful. Attendees described their experience with these disorders in detail. We must understand that this is a part of everyday life. A 2016 survey by the American College Health Association reported that around 53 percent of college students show signs of depression. We have students walking around under clouds of misery and stress with no accessible resources to assist them. Poor mental health awareness leads directly to poor performance and dropouts. The mind is a powerful thing, the most significant organ we carry.
Though our campus’ wellness resources are there for students actively searching for them, they still seem invisible. Students have no faith in our counseling department, and rightfully so. I challenge any reader right now to go book a counseling appointment. On the topic of depression – or any disorder – is one that is difficult to discuss and making students jump through hoops to receive help encourages us to believe the school doesn’t care. So, what exactly can the school do? I understand tight funding and school politics cause difficulties in making significant change, but when significant change is necessary we must take progressive steps. Counselor Heather Bradford is leading the charge in providing our community with necessary assistance and her superiors need to follow. Bradford is the lead counselor when it comes to health and wellness, and she actively works to provide us with resources regarding mental health. As well as providing her services as a personal counselor, Bradford instructs guidance courses on campus that are based on enhancing self esteem and transitioning to college, amongst other things. Bradford also holds seminars to assist students with knowledge of self/wellness. Her next seminar “Re-Claiming Your Health & Wellness!” takes place on Feb. 27 in the DeRicco Building Room 275 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Her efforts are currently impactful to an extent; but our community needs more. Does more mean more counselors? More funding? I don’t have the answer to that. Those who are in positions to take care of our students, and claim to care for our students, must do so now by developing the school’s wellness services.
Transgender bathrooms will no longer be supported By Raul Torres Sports Editor
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he United States Department of Education will no longer investigate transgender student bathroom grievances, leaving the community that goes to school helpless and defenseless legally. In 2016, the Obama administration enacted a law directing schools to let students use the bathroom meeting their gender-identity. Obama’s administration came to a conclusion that banning these students is a type of sex discrimination. This allowed students to feel free and comfortable while doing something so basic as using the restroom. The Trump administration doesn’t feel the same and overruled the law in 2017. Now the administration has just completely stopped caring about these students’ needs. This decision doesn’t affect 15 states. California wasn’t included since we have strict laws
that protect transgender students. Although the legislature doesn’t affect California, it still affects more than half our states and opens the door for bullies to get what they want and gives them power since they know now that the victims’ voices have been cancelled out by the government. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos led the movement of not hearing out students complaints. This comes as a surprise to nobody as Betsy DeVos was elected without having the knowledge of becoming the Secretary of the Department of Education. She argues the schools should determine if they would like to accommodate the transgender community and let them choose the gender of the bathroom that they self-identify with. Delta College is one of the schools that have worked to keep the LGBTQ+ community feeling safe. Delta has two all-gender bathrooms, located in the forums, so if the student wants to be discreet about
their personal life they can use the restroom there. If transgender students outspokenly say they feel more comfortable with using their self-identifying bathroom what is the problem? To those who say this will open doors for sexual predators their argument is invalid as most public bathrooms are mostly always unlocked with different stalls. It’s about transgender people being comfortable and if that is a problem in our society we really need to reevaluate what is important and what is not. DeVos has said that she made it clear that she will not tolerate bullying of transgender students, yet she continues to leave the transgender community in the dark when it comes to this subject. Parents of transgender teens are facing real fears of their kids being harassed since their children are the real victims here. Transgender students should feel safe. Adults making these decisions should be better – they have to be.
This movie is huge because it gives children and people of color a role model. For so long, children of color have been looking for a superhero that looks like them. Along with the movie coming out, the hashtag #BlackExcellence has been trending on Twitter. The hashtags are a way to show and express how people feel with images of black people smiling and doing acts not portrayed in the media as often. Twitter users have sparked a whole new movement in the online world. Seeing something like this happen gives a whole new take on the #BlackLivesMatter movement by putting a whole new positive face to it. This movement has helped innocent people not get locked up. It also shined light on people and topics being forgotten by the mainstream media like Flint, Mich., Kenneka Jenkins, Sandra Bland and Eric Garner. Black Twitter has taken over social media. I feel this movement is crucial because it lets the light shine in and on people of color helping out their community. Giving them a platform to express themselves is important.
Half the time we feel our voice falls on deaf ears. The movement is inspiring more and more users to get on social media and participate in making the social media culture diverse. It shines a light and lets us talk freely without somebody dismissing what we have to say. When the movie first came out people from all over were wearing African garb to the first showings. The hashtags let us talk about race and inequality and makes it a national conversation. Being able to talk freely on a touchy subject is enlightening. We show them how we think and how we feel. For example people always oppose the #BlackLivesMatter movement with #AllLivesMatter movement and getting into arguments on Twitter and a slew of people rush in to explain to them that black lives matter just as much as other lives. With this movement, we are bullying the bullies who troll online and demean and disrespect anybody who comes against the Twitter movement. This movie is changing people’s perception about black culture and the BLM movement and how it’s giving black people a connection to their ancestral roots.
‘Black Panther’ movie opens way for new movement By Charles Potts
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hroughout the Civil Rights era, law enforcement abused their power when it came to African American citizens. This led to the development of the Black Panther Movement in an attempt to protect the lives of African Americans. In October 1966, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense in Oakland that spanned across many cities. The Panthers practiced self-defense of minority communities against the United States government and the city police. A new Black Panther Movement has been formed in 2017, however it is no longer a political movement, but a cultural one. The movie Black Panther exploded on various social media websites with an outpouring of support. This movie is a step in the right direction towards a better understanding and appreciation of urban culture and African culture, all encompassed in one package.
“Thurgood Marshall.”
“Nelson Mandela.”
“Michael Jackson.”
“Otis Redding.”
“Harriet Tubman.”
ERIC GUYTON
SEMISE PALEFA
JENNIFER MAGANA
SOLOMON MARTINEZ III
ANTHONY ESCALANTE
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thecollegian
Feb. 23, 2018
Stockton man hopes to recapture the past By Mikael Honzell Senior Staff Writer
Alex Thompson bought The Henery Hotel building for $24,999, with plans to restore it close to its original look and open it as an apartment building with the look and feel of the early 1900s. Now, in the Spring of 2018, he has come closer to that goal. “It’s one of those things I knew right from the beginning,” said Thompson. “Everybody wanders in or at least looks at the front of something and goes ‘I’ve got all the right ideas.’ But then after spending a little bit of time in the building, looking at the project, you come to your senses and do more, sort of quality and less just spur of the moment, forcing something to work that probably wasn’t going to.” Thompson has done a lot to the building since last spring. He has completed three rooms and finished restoring most of the roof. Restoring one room is a process. Thompson has to clean out the debris and dirt the building has collected from being neglected. Thompson isn’t alone on this project. Local artists help speed up the project. “The real solution to everything is support your local artists and they will support you,” Thompson said. Last spring, Thompson envisioned waking up in one of the hotel’s rooms in the morning after it was finished, taking the elevator downstairs and getting a cup of coffee. And about a year later, that’s exactly what he is doing, getting his coffee from Terra Coffee, located in the Mexican Heritage Center right next door. “The convenience of waking up in the morning, taking the elevator or stairs down to the lobby, going next door and grabbing a cup of coffee is amazing,” said Thompson. Sometimes Thompson said he stays the night in one of the finished rooms for security and architectural purposes. Being in the room could make one feel as though they have traveled back in time to the early 1900s. Thompson has furnished rooms with antique, vintage type telephones and clocks, along with an old ventless alcohol burning fireplace. The style Thompson was going for with the decor and paint job and furnishings for the room is Art Nouveau inspired, set to look like a smokey, dimly lit room. “I staged it because, at the same time, this art show was happening and I wanted to bring everybody over and go ‘look what this can look like,’” Thompson said. “Because I realize that an empty room doesn’t do much for people’s
imagination.” All of the rooms will have their own artistic character. It’s safe to say that no room will look the same. “There’s no purpose in making these identical. They weren’t went they were built,” Thompson said, referring to the rooms. Other than cleaning out the rooms and hallways of the hotel, Thompson is also putting work into the roof. The hotel is six stories high and getting full five gallons of materials up and down the stairway leading to the roof would be difficult, so Thompson came up with a solution. “I had to get about thirty to forty of those five gallon buckets up here, so I looked backwards to some Roman technology and built a crane,” he said. Repairs were made to the roof with asphalt in order to stop the leaking, which was causing more damage. Right now Thompson is splitting his time between restoring the Henry Hotel and opening up an art gallery on Walnut Street. “I’m 50-50 timing everything between an art gallery I’m trying to start up on Walnut Street and this building, which will be an evolved version of said art gallery when it fully opens as an apartment building,” Thompson said. “As many irons in the fire as possible, that’s why none of them ever get cool.”
Above, one of the several unique rooms on the first floor being showcased by Alex Thompson the lead Architect behind the renovation of the Henery Apartments on Feb. 16. Left, Alex Thompson is the owner of The Henery Hotel in downtown Stockton. PHOTO BY JACOB WOMBLE
‘Delores’ to be played on campus Feb. 28 Film part of month-long showcase celebrating Women’s History at Delta College By Eladie Serna Staff Writer
As part of the celebration for Women’s History in March, Delta College will be honoring one the many inspirational women connected to the campus – Delores Huerta. Huerta is a big part of women’s history and Latin American culture. She marched alongside labor leader Cesar Chavez, fighting against racial and labor injustices. Delta College will celebrate her by showing the film “Delores” on Feb. 28 at 12:30 p.m. in the Atheron Auditorium. The Women’s History Month committee is responsible for the showing on campus.
Lynn Hawley, who teaches the subject on campus, is chair of the committee. Huerta’s work is transcendent of generations, Hawley said. “She is the most important person in the 20th century. She is still relevant in the 21st century about the ongoing debut in the United States,” said Hawley. She moved to Stockton when she was three. She attended Delta College when it was Stockton College, and then the University of the Pacific. The 2017 film “Delores” goes deeper into who she was and what she did to have the freedom to speak on what is very valuable to her. The film will feature people who knew Huerta, including her children. Huerta is expected to make a brief appearance at the event.
“The documentary will show the trace of different activist that Huerta is involved with,” said Hawley. Hawley said Huerta is a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and unafraid to speak her mind. Adriana Brogger, RTV professor, is also on the Women’s History Month committee. Brogger said she has nothing but respect for Huerta. “Delores Huerta has a wonderful story that nobody knows about,” said Brogger. “The film that is being brought to Delta with the sponsor of KVIE will teach that people about her life and that the fight is not over yet.” said Brogger. Brogger also hopes when everyone comes to see this film that they will feel inspired by her and feel more educated by Huerta’s story. The doors to Atherton Auditorium open at noon. The film is expected to run until 2:30 p.m.
ENTER THE DRAGON’S DEN
Hard work, dedication backbone of nursing Program has strict admission requirements By Chanelle Muerong Opinion Editor
IAN BY KILL PHOTO
By Killian Barnhart Managing Editor
Hidden away behind the Marshall’s at Lakeside Plaza, on March Lane, resides a recent addition to Stockton’s slowly-growing entertainment scene. The Dragon’s Den is a game store dedicated to trading card-games like Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering and tabletop-board games such as Catan. The owners, Michael Beck and Tom Douglass decided to open in Stockton despite hoping to have a store in the Bay Area after noticing Stockton hadn’t had a game shop specialized in card games. “We selected Stockton because it seemed like you guys didn’t have a good card shop in the area. We just did a lot of market research. We were searching for somewhere in the Bay Area, ultimately we settled on Stockton and found a nice spot,” said Douglass. Support for the store became noticeable a few days after launch, as word of mouth filled the voids the owners pre-launch social media blitz couldn’t. “As soon as we got word out people were stoked to have us here, wanted to come out and see what we were all about,” said Douglass. The store is always expanding on its customers wants and needs. Cardfight!! , a new Tradable Card Game was introduced to the stores lineup after repeated suggestions. “Our approach is pretty much: if people want to play it, we are happy to support it!” said Douglass. Everyday the shop hosts tournaments for the various games it sells, ranging from Magic: the Gathering on Tuesdays through Saturdays to hosting board game nights on Tuesdays.
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“We host tournament events every day of the week. We have Magic, three or four times a week. Yu-GiOh twice a week … we’ve recently scheduled a Dungeons League for Dungeons & Dragons and we have free play where people can come in an jam some board games… just gotta get people in by playing games, that’s what this is all about,” said Beck. If new players wish to join a game such as Magic, the owners are more than willing to work with that customer to ensure they understand the fundamentals of the game. The Dragon’s Dens owners have set up competitions in order to cater to both a casual audience, who just want to have fun, and the more hardened audience who want a competitive experience. “For example our Yu-Gi-Oh events, we do just a four round swiss, no cut to top aid or anything like that on our weekly’s, then on every month we run something with a higher entry fee and a higher prize payout that’s run at more competitive levels,” said Beck. “So I really want to cater to both groups because I know that just playing the regular tournament events doesn’t feel good to a competitive grinder, but I know that people have fun with games because they’re games.” Beck and Douglas both strive to make the shop a friendly, open place for customers, where they can seek the aid of the owners in building a new deck build, testing out a new build and generally hang out, playing their games with friends. “The best thing about the business of selling fun and being in the retail business is the best way to push the business forward is to have people like you and want to come back. The best way to get that is to be a friendly person, and be helpful with things,” said Beck.
Becoming a registered nurse requires a lot of hard work, long hours and dedication. It all becomes worth it once you give back to the community and save lives. Before you apply for the nursing program, however, there are lot of prerequisites a student has to follow. Required classes include Human Anatomy, Human Physiology and General Microbiology. Students also have to complete the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Test and students have to pass with a 90 percent or above. “I was in a car accident a few years ago and I like the experience of being in the hospital, having the nurses tend to you,” said first-semester student Jazmin Garcia about why she wants to be a nurse. Garcia said she wants to give back. The program at Delta College isn’t easy to get into. “There’s a point score,” said student nurse Cody Olivas. “Certain courses and certain GPAs are worth this many points, if you speak another language that’s another set of points. The point score counts for about 80 percent ... a lot of people get in by the points and the other 20 percent get in by lottery.” If a student has been accepted in the program, an email is sent containing the Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) with the Student Information Pack, which includes all required forms with information and deadlines, according to the Delta website. If a student is considered to be an
alternate in the program, it means the spaces have all been filled. If a qualified student drops out, alternates are contacted. Alternates who aren’t offered a space can apply for the next semester. The nursing program takes about two years to complete, over the course of four semesters, according to Nursing Professor Gerry Hinayon. “At the end of the program, the students get paid for what they like to do, which is helping people,” said Hinayon. It takes hard work and dedication. Elidia Gomez, who is studying to be a registered nurse, still has a couple classes before she can apply for the program. Gomez attended the Stockton Health Empowerment Conference (SHEC) 2018 on Feb. 3. “The Reminder for Stockton Health Empowerment Conference 2018 (SHEC) is provided by UC Davis to educate students more about the healthcare professions and others. There were five workshops and they provided breakfast and lunch,” Gomez said. “I really liked the conference especially the workshops, there so many stories shared and I meet so many people. I was able to get contact information from UC Davis medical students in case I need any help for personal reasons or just to get help applying to Medical school. It was awesome and I will definitely come again next year.” The conference offered workshops students could attend, such as a “Health Professional Student” panel in the morning and a “Minor Emergencies” workshop in the afternoon.
Student Chef makes return on campus
Delta College’s Student Chef reopened on Feb. 14 serving breakfast for two weeks. Starting Tuesday, Feb 27 Student Chef will begin to serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Student Chef will also offer pop-up lunch beginning March 6 on Tusedays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. PHOTOS BY ALEX WOODS
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thecollegian
Delta hosts one-man show
Feb. 23, 2018
‘The Fosters’ canceled amid controversy By Victoria Franco
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“Unveiling the Soul” was produced, written and performed by Antonia Cakouros on Feb. 14 in the Tillie Lewis Theatre. Cakouros was a Professor of Theatre at California State University, Sacramento for 38 years and is currently retired. The original was first performed at Sac State in May 2015, with a group of 11 students and has been adapted to a solo piece to be performed at Delta. The play follows the maddening events of Agave’s life. The first scene shows Agave with her son, Pentheus’ head on a branch. The audience was given fake candle lights that illuminated the theater to add to the overall mood of the play. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL WEBER
News Editor
ociety raises us on the mindset that we shouldn’t be afraid to speak against what’s wrong and to stand united to make a change. Then why is it that when facts of reality begin to come out, immediately we quietly shy away from topics that aren’t “normal” or are forced not to say much? In June 2013, ABC Family or what is now known as Freeform debuted “The Fosters” that depicted a storyline of two lesbian women raising a household of children. Some were from foster care. Many times directors or television crews make the decision to perhaps briefly discuss a controversial topic such as the LBGTQ+ community or the sad reality of what actually takes place in the foster care system. The Fosters was one of the shows that took a brave head-on approach in showing viewers that not all foster care homes are as good as they seem. It showed how often times children are abused and the dysfunctional cycle of being placed time after time in a dangerous home. Recently, in the most current season, the show took on the topic of DACA where cast from the show were torn apart from their families and were forced to hide out in sanctuary places such as a church in order to stay away from being detained. With this topic being relevant with today’s conflicts after the Trump administration promised to send immigrants back to their home countries, it is no wonder the show started to get a buzz. Coincidently, after The Fosters began being one of the shows to not be afraid and portray what goes on in our world, it was announced that in a short period of time the show would be canceled. I simply find it hard to believe we were able to make 14 long seasons of a show such as “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” that promotes stupidity, yet we only could make five seasons of a show such as “The Fosters” that shows viewers how to take a stand and promote change. Once again, it seems as though when people shine light on the harsh truths of our world, they are quickly shutdown and are stamped with the excuse of “low ratings is why the Fosters didn’t make it.” It’s time we stop letting shows be shut down when all they are doing is impacting a change on problems that are affecting our society, rather than sweeping it under the rug. “The Fosters” isn’t the first show to end once hard topics are brought up and it’s simply due to the fact some people can’t stomach the thought of seeing reality.
Parents appalled by scene in new ‘Peter Rabbit’ movie
Part of movie dealing with character’s reaction of allergy inciting concern in groups, particularly since food allergies are a common, real affliction for many By Chanelle Muerong Opinion Editor
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arents are appalled at the new movie adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit because of a scene containing blackberries. In the movie, Peter Rabbit, voiced by James Corden, attempts to enter Mr. McGregor’s garden with his friends. They proceed to pelt McGregor with blackberries, which he is severely allergic to. With slingshots and more, Peter and his friends continue to shoot blackberries until one lands straight into McGregor’s mouth. The next scene shows him choking and gasping for air. He’s seen struggling to reach for his epinephrine pen before finally able to inject himself with the medication and stop the attack. Peter and his friends are seen celebrating victory soon after. The movie plays it off as light humor and not much thought is put into it afterwards. However, the reason why this scene in the movie is getting so much hate is because food allergies aren’t something to be taken lightly, much less joke
about. “I’ve never seen the movie or know how the allergy scene went down so I can’t say too much about it. But if Sony could of used something else, they should have,” said Delta student Zoraida Araujo. “Allergies aren’t a joke … they can be super dangerous. The movie might have tried making a joke about it, considering it’s fiction, but if parents are mad about it because it can give kids ideas, then it’s not the movie that’s the problem. Parents shouldn’t rely on movies or television to educate their kids on everything, it’s the parents’ job to teach them what’s right and wrong.” It’s common for children to learn about the world from the things they experience and the movies and shows they;ve watched. It’s also common for children to mimic what they see and think is cool or funny. When they see the beloved main character of a children’s movie shooting blackberries into one who is severely allergic, what do you think will happen? Of course, this isn’t saying all children are going to start thinking that it’s okay to joke about food allergies. Delta student D.J. Lund has his own thoughts
about how this scene went down. “When it comes to war? Excellent, always exploit their weakness,” said Lund. “But if little Timmy pisses off some kid and they decide to cover him in something he’s allergic to, not so much. It is a children’s movie so [it’s] not really a good example.” Parents think the movie is setting a bad example. Calls for a boycott of the film started just 24 hours after the movie’s debut. At the same time, #boycottpeterrabbit was trending on Twitter. In addition to parents being angry at Potter’s film, food advocacy groups are demanding Sony Pictures to apologize. “Our film should not have made light of Peter Rabbit’s arch nemesis, Mr. McGregor, being allergic to blackberries, even in a cartoonish, slapstick way. We sincerely regret not being more aware and sensitive to this issue, and we truly apologize,” said Sony Pictures in a statement, according to Entertainment Weekly. According to the Food Allergy Research and Education website, food allergies affect 15 million Americans and consuming even a small amount can lead to a dangerous reaction. This includes 1 in 13 children – roughly two in every classroom.
thecollegian
7 sports
Feb. 23, 2018
The Delta College beach volleyball team practices at University of the Pacific in late January. Delta’s newest team will begin play on Feb. 24. PHOTO BY ALEX COBA
Delta takes volleyball to the beach this spring By Alex Coba Editor in Chief
Delta College’s newest sport hits the sand on Feb. 24. This year marks the inaugural year for Beach Volleyball. The team started practice on Jan. 24. The new sport is a small departure from the pre-existing indoor volleyball offered at Delta during the fall. Players now have the opportunity to play volleyball year round. The new beach volleyball team will be competing in the Big 8 beach conference that consists of Delta, Sierra, Feather River, Marlin, Cabrillo and Redwoods College. Delta will host two games at University of the Pacific beach volleyball courts. The team’s practices will also be at the four-year campus as Delta’s facilities don’t include a sand court.
The new sport comes with new rules as beach volleyball consists of some very prevalent differences from its indoor counterpart. Rather than having six players compete which is standard in indoor, beach volleyball consist of two-person teams where they play five sets of two. “There are some differences. Any contact cannot be a double … both hands have to have contact with the ball. Thats probably the biggest adjustment for the girls,” said Assistant Volleyball Coach Kristie Plateau. Players from the indoor team have made the transition to beach volleyball and together they’re tackling a new challenge as a team. “The sand, in general, I don’t think many have played in it and it’s definitely movements and communicating is super important which we worked on all last season ... people are diving for things I don’t think they would ever dive for indoor,” said Mika
Basketball goes pink for cancer awareness By Catlan Nguyen Entertainment Editor
On Feb. 13, Delta College Mustangs went against American River College Beavers in Delta’s Blanchard gym in the 25th anniversary Coaches vs. Cancer game. The Mustangs donned pops of pink along with their breast cancer awareness t-shirts to signify how the next couple basketball games, both men and women’s, are holding contests and raffles to raise money to benefit the American Cancer Society. Delta’s cheer team also had pink accents in their uniform with their pom poms to continue raising cancer awareness. “Coach Johnson for the women’s team, she does a really great job of coordinating those extracurricular things that make it really fun for our students,” said Men’s Head Coach Rich Ressa. “We have to make sure that the kids know it’s more important than just wearing a t-shirt and wearing the color. We’ve talked about it multiple times. We’ve actually done cancer walks and, you know, it keeps things in perspective of why we are doing this and what it’s for.”
Fithian, a seasoned volleyball player. The outdoor elements are an ever-prevalent factor of beach volleyball as players at the first and second practices were met with a pretty hefty rainfall. The natural elements won’t hinder games as games won’t be postponed due to weather, unless there is lightning within five seconds of thunder. “They’ve been wet, it poured rain the entire time yesterday, which is good because we might end up playing in these conditions ... so they might end up having to play in the rain,” said Plateau. The team’s first outing will be when it participates in the Sacramento State University pairs exhibition on Feb. 24. at 9 a.m. in Folsom. The first home game will be against Marlin on March 23, time still to be determined, at the University of Pacific beach volleyball courts, located near the school’s Pershing Avenue entrance.
Ressa has been the men’s basketball coach for almost 20 years. During the first half of the game the Mustangs and Beavers were neck and neck with the Beavers slightly ahead. Delta fouled 12 times while American River fouled 13 times during the entire game. The Mustangs pulled ahead in the second half and won the game with a 69-60 score. Though the crowd was scarce, those who were there to support either team cheered enthusiastically whenever their team scored. “I like coming to support the basketball team because you gotta support the Delta sports,” said spectator Morgan Hall. During halftime, Muneer Khan, 9, and Jamir Mellion, 8, went head to head during the halftime shooting contest to “Take a Shot Against Cancer.” Delta’s cheer team and mascot also helped the two keep a track of the scores and subdue the basketballs from traveling too far away. Alvin Crenshaw shoots during the Delta versus American River basketball game on Feb. 13.
PHOTO BY CATLAN NGUYEN
Men’s basketball continues the win streak going into early week playoff game By Ricardo Hernandez Staff Writer
Delta College men's basketball team triumphed against the Diablo Valley College Vikings 87-69, on Feb. 15 at the Joseph Blanchard Gymnasium. The Mustangs (14-11) double-digit victory extends the current winning streak to five games. “I thought we fought,” said Head Coach Rich Ressa on the team's performance after the game. “I thought we kept on fighting and like its been all year, nothing comes easy for us. But we executed and made plays when we had to make plays.” Despite the Mustangs solid victory
and performance, Ressa believes there’s room for improvement. “Actually, I think we can manage the ball better. I think we made some silly turnovers and do things that are uncharacteristic for us,” said Ressa. At the start of the first half, the game was relatively close with the Vikings holding a short-lived 11-8 lead over the Mustangs. The Mustangs quickly reclaimed the lead following a 10-point run sparked by the Mustangs bench, particularly No. 21 Jhordin Mellion and No. 24 Spence Monteiro. Monteiro finished the game with a double-double scoring 22 points and snatching 11 rebounds.
“I played good, you know,” said Monteiro about his performance. “My teammates were giving me the ball, and I was making my shots and getting a lot of rebounds.” The Mustangs closed out the first half with a 39-30 lead over the Vikings. In the second half, the game started getting more physical as both teams incurred technical fouls, the majority of which were on the Vikings. The first technical foul called was on the Mustangs bench for the use of improper language. “Somebody said something,” said assistant coach Eddie Hernandez. “I don't know exactly what he said, but they teed him up for that.”
The technical on the Mustangs bench awarded the Vikings two free throw shots which were both successfully made by Vikings Victor Mijas No. 21. “I know the player said something inappropriate which is not indicative of how we want to conduct ourselves,” said Ressa. The other technical fouls were on Vikings players Torian Parmalee No. 11 and Demarre Walker No. 11. Ressa selected John Berna, No. 3, to shoot for both technical fouls. Berna made all four free throws for the Mustangs extending the team’s lead. Berna would have a solid performance for the night, as he finished the game scoring 19 points, six assists and four rebounds.
8 news
thecollegian A trip to the Startup Grind conference in Redwood City helped students see pathways to entrepreneurship. Guest Ashley Tisdale, below in center, poses with a group of Fashion students. TOP PHOTO BY ALEX COBA, BOTTOM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Tisdale leads way for entrepreneurs
Actress speaks at conference attended by Delta College students By Alex Coba Editor in Chief
“I’m very creative. I feel like when I’m not being creative I’m wasting my time here on earth,” said actress and producer Ashley Tisdale during the Startup Grind entrepreneur conference held in Redwood California on Feb 14. This conference was put together for the purpose of gathering startup companies already established as well as young entrepreneurs who wish to network and gather more information on how to start their own startup companies. Students from Delta College’s career education programs, including four students representing The Collegian newspaper, attended for one day of the multi-day conference. Startup Grind hosted a multitude of different guest speakers discussing topics such as “social media and engagement” which discussed how we as consumers engage in social media and “the power of influence” which detailed new forms of media and how they influence society. Other topics discussed included the rampant use of click-bait. Tisdale was interviewed by StyleHaul CEO Stephanie Horbaczewski about starting her own production
company Blonde Girl Productions. The session was the most popular among the student crowd, with the theater filling up quickly. “I’ve had a production company for eight years and one of the reasons I wanted to do that was me thinking about as an actress and then I’m not doing a project ... I feel like I have to be a creative person so I started that and it’s been amazing,” said Tisdale. Ethan Moentcihong, a student at Menlo College in Atherton, was an attendee who was there promoting his own startup conference. Moentcihong who attended many of the talks said he was fascinated by two particular subjects. “I really liked the ones about venture capitalists and taking about Bitcoin … I’m doing a startup with a friend so it’s very relevant to me,” he said. Aside from the sessions that were held every hour during the day, booths were set up throughout the conference that showcased the different startup companies and various products such as an app called Lubwe radio mix. This is an app that costs $1.99 in the Apple App Store. All revenue goes towards building a hospital in Zambia brick by brick.
Pheramor was also present showcasing it’s dating app that matches couples based on DNA. R.J. Manguera, a Delta College fashion student who attended the conference remarked, on what he took away from the experience. “It’s all about the apps, it’s all about quick response,” he said. Manguera said the relationship between technology and fashion is important, linking what he learned back to his area of interest. “The world runs fast because of the Internet and so does fashion it’s related, this is related to fashion because whatever you see out there on the runway goes through social media,” he said.
Gas prices now at all-time high By Victor Zuniga Staff Writer
Gas prices are at an all-time high this year at the three-dollar mark and steadily approaching four dollars. This is the highest gas has ever been for February since 2010. The recent surge in prices has occurred in the past two weeks and is now on its way to breaking records for most expensive February of all time. “Honestly ... it sucks. I mean it’s hard enough right now with prices being so high for other things like bills, living expenses, tuitions,” said student Leslie Leyla. “And now we have worry about being able to pay for something so high that gets us to where we need to be every day.” Research and studies show prices don’t usually rise until the late spring when the weather warms up and people travel more. As more gas is being consumed, companies increase
their profits from the purchases, according to Visalia Times-Delta. Now that oil reserves are becoming more and more scarce, companies are having no choice but to increase the overall prices for gas everywhere regardless of the time of year. Now the search is on for a new alternative to replace oil. While research is being done to find a new path, people are taking it upon themselves to find alternatives. “I think that there’s a lot of things we can do right now to save on gas. You can do simple things like carpool or take the bus. If you want to really save though you can do things like ride a bike or even walk if it’s not that far. There are definitely ways around beating the gas prices,” said Hannah Grotier a student The United States has the most cars per country, and California more specifically has the most cars per capita out of all the 50 states, according to the Statistics Portal.
For those that are forced to drive, measures are also being taken in order to ensure they’re getting the most out of their mileage. Studies have also shown that simple steps can be taken to increase mile efficiency. “Dude, there’s a bunch of stuff you can do to keep your car running smoothly, anyone can do it. Check your oil make sure it’s clean so there’s no restrictions, check your tire pressure, if your tires are flat you have to use more gas to get the tire to role. Check your brakes too because braking properly increases efficiency. Get your car regularly serviced so you can get the most out of it and not just gas but increase the longevity of it. Take care of your car and it’ll take care of you,” said Kevin Pacheco, a Delta student. When asking about his large extent of mechanical knowledge whether or not he was an auto engineering major he simply stated: “No dude, I just own a car.”
Feb. 23, 2018 NEWS BRIEFS
Delta ranks as one of the best colleges in poll on Schools.com Delta College ranked 6th overall on Schools.com’s rankings of the Top 10 Community Colleges in California for 2018. Delta earned this honor following an analysis of data by Schools.com that included using a 10-point scaling system to rank 113 California Community Colleges. Schools.com praised Delta College for its online accessibility with it considered one of the college’s best trait. “San Joaquin Delta College was one of the most accessible two-year online schools in California,” said the Schools.com news release. “No other school on our list had a greater rate of distance education enrollment than this Stockton institution.” The community college ranked first by Schools.com was Las Positas College located in Livermore. The rest of the top five community colleges in California are as followed Reedley, Santa Monica, Citrus and Pasadena City. To produce the ranking of California’s community colleges, Schools.com used data collected by several institutions including the National Center for Education Statistics, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the University of California and California State University. For the complete list of the Top 10 Community Colleges in California, go to Schools. com.
‘Dolores’ screening to held at Haggin Museum The Haggin Art and History Museum will host a screening of “Dolores” on Thursday, March 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The film is about the life of feminist activist Dolores Huerta and all she has done to promote social change in America. Now 87, Huerta was co-founder of the first Farm Workers Union alongside activist Cesar Chavez. The film was directed by Peter Bratt and presented by PBS. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for ages 10-17, children under 10 get in free. For more information go to visitstockton. org or hagginmuseum.org.
‘Souper’ funds raised to help Art Expressions Art Expressions of San Joaquin is hosting its fifth annual Souper Supper & auction on Friday, Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Stockton Hilton Hotel. This event raises funds for the Art Expressions programs, exhibits, art lectures and classes provided throughout the year. It brings celebrity chefs from all over the San Joaquin Valley from places like Misaki’s, Mile Wine and the Hilton. The event includes guest speaker Basim Elkarra from the California Arts Council and a performance by Minnie Eichele and the Valley Community Orchestra. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com, at the AESJ Gallery on 2318 Pacific Ave. or by calling (209) 4600780.