thecollegian Issue 11 • Friday, March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
INSIDE
One free copy
PUENTES offers courses for urban farmers Stockton non-profit plants seeds of knowledge for crop-related businesses by sonya herrera news@deltacollegian.net
Mustangs strong for the upcoming season Page 7
Creating the perfect mix Page 6
Trees define surroundings Page 4
UPCOMING ASBG Family Game Night. Free for all in Locke lounge, 6 p.m. today Baseball vs. American River, 1 p.m. March 22, $4-$6
FIND US
Eric Firpo stood beside the raised family plots at Boggs Tract Community Farm in west Stockton and explained how the soil is fertilized. "The difference between our farm and other farms like this one is that there are ways to manage a farm so that you're actually increasing fertility," said Firpo. "That's the key to sustainability, because if you don't need to add a bunch of extra chemicals to grow crops, you can have a very long-lasting farm." Sustainability, both environmental and economic, is key to the mission of PUENTES, a non-profit organization based in Stockton that pays Firpo's company, Stockton Harvest, to manage its Boggs Tract farm. Jeremy Terhune, PUENTES' executive director, said Stockton Harvest is a prime example of what the organization hopes to develop in the community: small, local businesses growing healthy, affordable food. "Eric Firpo and Stockton Harvest are an example of what we want to cultivate in other people," said Terhune. "The goal of PUENTES is to create a network of Stockton harvests, all spreading their business, and we will help however we can." That is why PUENTES has introduced a series of urban faming classes for those interested in starting a farming-related
WORKING THE FARM: Top, Jesus Aceves, works to prepare for the next set of crops to grow. Above, Eric Firpo tends to other crops and a set of beds.
CLASS SERIES Beginning April 5 42 N. Sutter St., Stockton Call Jeremy Terhune at (209) 922 - 8215 or visit PUENTESamericas.org for information. business within the city. Ideas may be as simple as growing and selling fresh flowers. The classes, which begin on April 5, are focused on creating a viable business plan centered on growing and selling crops. Students are expected to arrive at the first session of class with a specific crop in mind. A registration fee of $50 must be paid online or in-person via
PHOTOS BY SONYA HERRERA
cash or check to attend. According to Terhune, scholarships to pay the registration fee are available for students
who "can demonstrate they're really going to do something with this, and they have a real need."
Delta student arrested on allegations of terrorism
Campus veteran cited for questioning man about Ranger uniform code
by justin tristano
news@deltacollegian.net
news@deltacollegian.net
Delta College student Nicholas Teausant was arrested March 16 on terrorism charges for allegedly attempting to enter Canada and then catch a flight into Syria to join international terrorism organization al-Qaeda. Teausant attempted to join the National Guard in April 2012. However, he wasn’t allowed due to failing to complete basic academic credits, according to a news release from the Guard. The National Guard was in
the process of discharging Teausant when he was arrested. According to the criminal complaint, investigations into Teausant began on Oct. 3, 2013. Since then Teausant posted to Twitter indications of terrorist intent. "Will I go to hell for killing other brothers of islam? I am un the US ARMY and I fear for my soul and of Allah’s wrath (sic)," he wrote. There were other indications. On Facebook he posted: "Democracy is a lie they say we of-
continued on PAGE 8
by alexis bustamante An incident involving a man allegedly portraying an Army Ranger resulted in a Delta College student being cited on campus last week. A man dressed in military fatigues standing outside the campus bookstore was confronted by other veteran students. These students believed the man's wearing of the uniform was fraudulent. Kristopher Vieira was one of the veterans approaching the uniformed man. Vieira said he didn’t con-
front the man for recognition. “I confronted the man because he was in twenties wearing a ‘E8,’ ‘Ranger tab’ and a ‘EOD tab’ which I know takes a lot longer to acquire. I was charged with causing a disturbance on campus because he showed up on Thursday, March 13 [on] campus again wearing the uniform with the American flag turned upside down,” said Vieira. The man in fatigues has been identified on several blogs and Facebook pages, including in comments on Delta
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opinion
Issue 11 • March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Summertime brings negative body images by seth lowman news@deltacollegian.net
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s summer inches closer, the mercury rises, but the scale sometimes plateaus. There are plenty of reasons why so many want to lose weight before hot weather arrives. These reasons include: advertising, celebrities, social influence or just simply wanting to look “hot” at the beach. Delta student Gabby Valdes admits the need to lose weight is mostly all “mental,” but the signs telling us to exercise are all around. “It’s in your surroundings and what you watch and especially who you look up to,” Valdes added. Even looking at the magazine rack at the grocery store, we cannot escape the urgency to lose weight or to tone our bodies: "9 Great Ways to Get That Perfect Summer Bod!" "3 Simple Exercises to Get Sculpted Abs!" "6 Easy Steps to Make Yourself Thinner!" Looking at these headlines makes readers more inclined to put down that bag of Oreos. Right?
Not exactly. toward your self-image should be positive. I believe summer should be a season of pure inWith this said, it’s great if you want to hit the gym. dulgence and enjoyment. Instead of eating food that But there’s a catch. we enjoy, we’re usually too busy "I would say if you want to eating up the judgment made by look good, do it for yourself and others. nobody else," said student Alice "YOLO" might be an adage Russo. a year too late, but it’s one that This is a great attitude to could still apply to those who feel have. plagued by the pressures of lookIf you only try to achieve ing a certain size. the body you desire because If you want to fit into that of someone else’s expectations, bikini or look buff in that tankthen you will set yourself up for top, then the steps you should be failure. following aren’t the ones found You must self-reflect and find in magazines. The steps to follow the answer to why you want to should only include simply putlose weight or gain muscle. The ting your body into that bikini or answer should always lead back tank-top. to you. It’s that simple. So whether it’s flexing those PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS It’s all in your self-confidence arms at the gym or flexing those and how you work with what you got. Ultimately, if lips on a tasty Oreo, make sure that you are enjoying you don't look as "hot" as the weather, your attitude yourself this summer—for you.
Confidence is key to making the ladies like you Writer provides tips on ways to impress girls, how to feel confident in oneself by eric carranza news@deltacollegian.net
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o you see a beautiful girl pass by you or have one in class, what do you do? Most guys would do absolutely nothing, and have regrets later. There are a variety of reasons why that happens. You can have low self-esteem or fear of rejection. Guy’s with these problems will rather come up with every excuse in the book than take initiative. Lets say you’re out with the boys and see a gorgeous girl. All you’re doing is imagining what to say to her and your friends tell you to go talk to her. Instead you say something like: “She’s not all that” or “she looks busy.” Don’t make excuses. Instead think of it as a win-win situation. Worst-case scenario, she rejects you; no loss to you, as least you can say you tried! Who knows? You could have just made friends with a beautiful girl — and you took initiative.
You never know what can happen after that. Some guys will see a girl they want to talk to, and will waste time thinking of what they have to do or say to impress her. However, they spend so much time over-thinking their approach, they psych themselves into believing there’s no way to lose. Always speak in an inviting and positive tone. Tone of voice could be the deciding factor between getting a number, and getting the big fat no! There’s also the fear of running out of things to say. They immediately run to the 20 Questions game. This is for beginners! This is not a job interview; you are trying to get to know her. One way to avoid those pitfalls is by replacing questions with statements. For example instead of saying "Hey what is your major?" say something like "I’m guessing you’re majoring in Cosmetology." This will help you be different from most guys they talk to, because the questions are being left openended, allowing her to talk more. These methods will help you one step closer to hav-
ing more confidence. Which brings me to the most important idea you must embrace and when talking to a girl. Confidence, which comes in various forms, is a paramount aspect to finding a girl. Inner confidence from within your personality is the confidence you want to embrace. Some guys focus too much on confidence in their looks or money; these aspects of a person can be taken away at the drop of a hat. Confidence in yourself, however, will never be taken away. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, if you like reading comic books or go to reenactment of a Harry Potter, then don’t be ashamed of it! If she doesn’t like it, she wasn’t the one anyway. Something that increases your inner confidence is learning to accept rejection. You will not, and no one will ever go 100/100 when it comes to talking to girls. Sometimes accepting rejection will make it easier, and make you ready to move on!
THE COLLEGIAN — SPRING 2014 Editor/feature editor Chris Howze News editor Justin Tristano Sports editor Jermaine Davis Copy/entertainment editor Kenneth Huntley Opinion editor Heidi Sharp
Staff Alexis Bustamante Eric Carranza Monica Gomez Sonya Herrera Michael Johnson Robert Juarez Santana Juache Orlando Jose Seth Lowman Sean Mendoza Sean Reilly Richard Reyes Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano
Advertising The Collegian offers display advertising at competitive rates. Call (209) 954-5156 or email deltacollegian@gmail.com for more information. Letters to the editor Letters raising issues and opinions not represented by the newspaper are encouraged, but should not be taken as a reflection of the opinions of the staff or adviser. Editorial Unsigned editorials reflect the position of the entire Collegian staff.
Comments, letters and editorials with a byline represent the opinion of the writer, solely. This paper does not endorse or represent the opinions of the adviser, the mass communication department, the Fine Arts Division, the printer or San Joaquin Delta College administration.
Mission statement The Collegian is a student run First Amendment newspaper that prides itself on its commitment to the students of San Joaquin Delta College while maintaining its independence of any outside influence. The Collegian will reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech.
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opinion
Issue 11 • March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
'Curve grading' bad for students by heidi sharp whsharp@yahoo.com
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any professors on Delta’s campus, and many other campuses, grade students on a "curve." The term "curve" typically refers to one of the several methods of adjusting students scores to reflect a higher letter grade than what was actually earned. There are different methods that teachers use to curve grades; The simplest form is changing the amount of points possible. If a test is worth 100 points, typically 90-100 is and A, 80-89 is a B, and so on. When a curve is in place, the highest score earned in the class becomes the new "highest score possible." If the highest score earned was a 93, the test is now worth a maximum of 93, resulting in most of the classes letter grades being higher than actually earned. Another way is to find the average of all the scores and use set it as a B or C. If the average score is a 70, the teacher sets that as a C, which will bring up many lower-scoring students into the passing range. A professor once told me he "fit the test to the class, instead of making the class fit to the test." This resulted in many more students passing the test than before he implemented the curve. Instead of making his students
study harder to pass the next test, he just gave them all a reason to be lazy. I am guilty of participating in the resounding "sigh" of relief when the professor says the test is graded on a curve. While this seems to help the students in the short term, we must think of the long term consequences. If a majority of a students teachers grade on a curve, that students transcripts are going to reflect inflated grades for most of their junior college career. They will not receive the education they, and the taxpayers, and paying for. If one compares their scores after curving to their raw scores of what was actually earned, you end up with students passing classes with 40-60 percent. “Grading on a curve is just a way of pretending that students have actually understood more than is actually the case. I’ll never do it,” said Dr. William Ferraiolo, in an email interview. The reason we can transfer from Delta College to a four-year university is because the classes here are supposed to be at the same difficulty level as the ones at a UC, CSU or private college. If the teachers are cheating students out of their grades and their chance to learn the material, they will pass, and then transfer to these colleges. Unfortunately, they will flunk out
THE GLOVES ARE ON
because the course material is much harder and they were not given the proper lower-division education. Whether we as a student body like it or not, we need a standard of education no teacher can undermine. It's my understanding that each teacher on campus is paid a base salary for a certain amount of students in their classes per semester. If there are students in the class over that set amount, the teachers are paid extra per head. It would seem to me that teachers have the opportunity to dumb down the classes and make it much easier to get an A, so that many other students will take their class. Simply put: they have the attractive opportunity to earn extra cash by robbing students of their opportunity to actually get the education they are paying for. Unfortunately, there is no incentive for students to actually care about this issue; the easier Delta College is to get out of the better right? For as long as I can remember, I would only work as hard as the teacher made me, and I suspect that may be the case for most students.
news@deltacollege.net
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any Americans have an issue with food preparers touching their food without using
gloves. Are you one of them? If you are, you might be feeling some relief since a new law went into effect on Jan. 1 requiring that no one with bare hands touch food being served. This new California Food Retail Code will make using gloves and or kitchen utensils mandatory when handling someone’s ready-to-eat food. Restaurants caught not enforcing the new law will receive a warning on the first offense and may be hit with several violations. Restaurants and fast food establishments should have been abiding by
this rule a long time ago. Whenever I’m out dining with friends, I find myself paying close attention to the cooking area, if it’s in sight, because of germs and viruses that can quickly spread. Knowing that most people have a tendency to touch their hair, use hands to cover up a cough, sneeze or even pick their nose, makes me sick to my stomach when I imagine someone preparing my food by doing one, or all, of these unsanitary acts. “I’m in favor of all restaurants using gloves to handle food—It’s only right,” said Delta student Damien Warfield. The new law does have a gray area that makes no sense. It’s okay for food preparers to use bare hands when washing fruits and veggies, but not when making readyto-eat food.
pregnant with heidi sharp
Don't be ashamed to waddle with a baby bump! Heidi Sharp, 22, is a part-time Delta College student and part-time barista. She married her high school sweetheart, Wesley, in 2012. The same year, the couple purchased their first home in Stockton. Now, thanks to two little lines on a pregnancy test, the Sharp's are expanding in July.
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ne of the worst things to deal with as a pregnant student is the staring. Walking (or waddling) down the halls, filled with people who aren't trying to hide long glances can be frightening for young women, especially if they have been only been at the college for a semester or two. Why are they staring? What are they thinking? Do they believe I am a tramp or something? These are all questions that run through the mind, but the best way to deal with it is to just let it go. Realize we are at a community college, not a four-year with a bunch of newbies. There are The people of all ages and walks teachers should have a standard beof life at a community colcause then they are forced to grade all lege, especially Delta. students equally. Remember that some I believe this common practice fits students are in their into the category of "unethical." mid-to-late twenties, so I would move to totally abolish being pregnant at their age teachers being able to grade on a is completely socially accurve, the standard should be set high ceptable. They just happen for everyone. to be in college as well! When considering the thousands of women who attend Delta every semester, the majority being of childbearing age, there is bound to be a handful who are pregnant as well. To that I say: Gloves should be There wasn’t officially a "first girl to get used for all foods in a public setting; pregnant in college," and there won’t be a last! stop cutting corners. These are the choices that each woman has Though several restaurant ownmade in her life, and they are the right choices ers and servers may feel the new law for her and for no one else. will slow down the process of getting The passersby don't know the situation of plates out to patrons on time, many any pregnant woman simply by looking at her will probably feel the need to cut a in the hallway, so whatever ridiculous thoughts few corners in any way they can to that could possibly run through their mind keep customers happy with the timshouldn’t matter! ing of their meals. Keep in mind that a pregnant woman is “If I happen to see anybody makdoing something very special that no man ing my food without gloves, I’m not paying or eating what I ordered,” said could ever do. She is creating life and is going through a lot to do it! Delta student Maurice Tucker. A pregnant woman needs to be treated well and As a customer in any food related not stressed out just by walking down the halls. establishment you have the right to Don't worry about discrimination from other file a complaint with Department of students and teachers, our society is becoming Public Health if you notice any food increasingly accepting of all walks of life. handlers not wearing gloves. Be proud of the bulging belly and waddle I suggest you do so, to avoid getwith a smile! ting sick from food poisoning.
New Calif. law requires restaurants to handle food with gloves by jermaine davis
two little lines
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feature
Issue 11 • March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
NOT SO 'EVERYDAY' TREES bring life, color
TO DELTA A VARIETY OF GREEN: California Sycamore, left, Ginkgo Biloba, with little to no leaves, center, Ginkgo Biloba, days later with brand new leaves adorning its branch, right. PHOTOS BY SONYA HERRERA
Campus home to numerous trees with unique stories by sonya herrera news@deltacollegian.net
A student walks by a ginkgo biloba tree on Delta's Stockton campus and thinks nothing of it. However, there is much to appreciate about the trees, as well as many other of the tree species on campus. Delta Horticulture student Natalia Castillo has a fondness for trees, noting that most trees are capable of providing more than just oxygen. According to Castillo, one such useful tree species is melaleuca linarifolia, which lives in the Demonstration Garden on the north side of campus. "It's used for tea tree oil, it's great for shade, and it's an evergreen tree, so it drops its leaves continuously and it provides a great mulch for the lower habitat," said Castillo. Another campus tree species, umbellularia californica,
has overlooked yet interesting properties. Also known as the California Bay, the species is related to the Mediterranean Bay Laurel, the leaves of which are typically used for cooking. The California Bay tree's oil contains the tryptamine bufotenin, which has the well-known psychedelic drug DMT (dimethyltryptamine) in its chemical structure. Popularly known for being licked off the backs of poisonous frogs, bufotenin is regulated in the U.S. as a Schedule I drug. Horticulture professor Michael Toscano has been teaching at Delta since 1995 and thinks that many campus tree species are undervalued. "We have ginkgos on campus, and to a lot people the ginkgo is a regular tree, but it's actually a living fossil; they got samples of ginkgo leaves from when the dinosaurs were running around," said Toscano.
Not only does the ginkgo biloba species itself defy death. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center Reference Guide, its members also live longer than any other species', with a single tree capable of living "as long as 1,000 years." Trees of many species are capable of living for hundreds of years—under the right conditions. However, Toscano says that some of the trees on Delta's main campus were poorly selected for Stockton's climate. "I think we need to preserve species of trees that are critical for student learning; redwood is not one of them," said Toscano. "They're designed for 100 inches of water. If you notice, we're lucky to get 20 inches of water." "So when people say 'save the redwood, save the redwood,' it's in the wrong area," Toscano continued. "They're gonna die anyways."
Meanwhile, Toscano has seen at least one unique tree species lost due to construction mistakes. "There was a tree we called the Bunya-Bunya—had a tenpound fruit—they accidentally took it down," said Toscano. "They weren't supposed to, but they took it down when they put the new Science building up." The Bunya-Bunya pine (araucaria bidwillii), also known as the "monkey puzzle" tree, has yet to be replaced with another. However, Facilities Manager Stacy Pinola is currently seeking a substitute. "Any trees that get taken out with projects, are in the way with things, we try to replace somewhere else on campus," said Pinola. "I'm very cautious about what has to come down, what doesn't have to come down... it affects everybody." Pinola says that some campus trees may never be removed.
"The trees on the front are offlimits," said Pinola. "Those were here with the State hospital, and if one of those trees needs to come down, that's gonna be a media circus." For students who don't know, the land on which the main campus was built had formerly featured California's first State Mental Hospital. Many of Delta's trees survived the transition from hospital to college campus, including those located near the Yokuts and Pacific Ave. Intersection. "If you look up, one of the trees is actually wired together," said Pinola. "They don't want the tree to come down." Toscano said there are a lot of interesting tree species on campus. "We have a wide variety of stuff out here," Toscano said. "Some of it is really unique, and some of it is just everyday trees."
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feature
Issue 11 • March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Book Swap returns
PROFESSOR PROFILE
Professor lives, breathes biology by kenneth huntley deltacollege@gmail.com
PHOTO BY ORLANDO JOSE
BOOKS, BOOKS EVERYWHERE : Students gather, lost in the silent search of the next book to add to arms already full.
by orlando jose
deltacollege@gmail.com
The Writer’s Guild’s Book Swap returned to Delta this Wednesday, March 19 in Upper Danner Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Upon entering Danner Hall, one was overtaken by the smell of old books. Donations vary from semester to semester. One such donation this time was of 1,000 books through Tama Brisbane and With Our Words, Inc. Books are not the only type of media donated. The Book Swap is actually an all-media swap, magazines, CDs, DVDs, VHS, LPs, comics and video games are welcome as well. This year a keen observer would have seen obscure Vhs tapes like M.C. Hammer "Please Hammer Don’t Hurt Em," a vinyl single by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, endless lines of romance novels and law books, including one specifically for Canadian Law. Through the day, people were able to
come and go, grabbing whatever peaked their interest, all the while Writer's Guild members informed people about the activities of the club and purpose behind the event. Delta student Elizabeth Garcia was there at the Swap and expressed the importance of such an event "There are so many books and there are so many different things and people need to know that books are still around and it's not just the internet. I have been coming to the books swap for four semesters now," said Garcia. Angela Bardot, Alumni and former Writer’s Guild President was at the event volunteering and helping oversee the event. "A few years ago we wanted to create a event that helps promote literacy within the community college and one of the ways we figure how to do it was to create book swap. With collaboration of The Writer's Guild, myself when I was president and the help of our advisor Paula Sheil," said Bardot.
No matter what educational plan a student follows to graduate from Delta College, chances are biology will part of the plan. Taking Survey of Biology, might mean they will be in for a treat. The class is taught by Professor Paul Ustach, of the Agriculture, Science and Mathematics department. He does more than teach – he professes his knowledge of biology to students so they can use it in their lives. Ustach has been a professor on the Delta College campus for nine years. Current and former students of his will tell of his humor in his lectures. "When you lecture, it brings out your personality," Ustach stated. It's not all fun though. "Be prepared to work hard. You can have fun but there is lots to learn." He noted the success of the lecture is the accuracy of the information and making sure its relevant and up to date. Evolution, he said, is the “most fun” topic to lecture. If Ustach has time to fit it in, he tries to give holiday special lectures from Valentines Day to St. Patrick's Day. On Valentines Day he will give a lecture on the many ways that bio-organisms reproduce. A favorite place on campus for Ustach, is the nature trail across from the Science and Mathematics Building, where the wildflowers are. The trail contains no pavement, just rocks and flowers. "It feels like a forest," Ustach said. When Delta College was asking for ideas for the re-design of the trail near Cunningham, Ustach said the school had collected information from the
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLLEGIAN ARCHIVE
biology department. When not doing his job at Delta College as a professor of biology, Ustach can be found working as a park ranger at Yosemite National Forest. Even during summer break this professor is breathing biology, a subject that he has been fascinated with since his childhood days. According to Ustach's Delta College employee website, he has always mixed sports with biology in his early life. "Two things were important in my life growing up in the Central Valley: sports and nature. These two categories provided me an education about the wonderful diversity of people and habitat unique to California’s Great Central Valley," he said. In fact, Ustach's love for California's unique biology and geography, is why he returned to California after years of working at places such as the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C, he said. Ustach said he was lucky to find that Delta College had a position open when he returned.
Former Par Course fitness trail is missed on Delta campus by heidi sharp
deltacollege@gmail.com
Before the times of new buildings and fancy cosmetic tune-ups, Delta College had a Par Course fitness trail that surrounded the campus. It was a 1.91 mile track that had 18 stations. Each station featured a different stretch or exercise. The benefits to the community were great, it was selfpaced, self-directed, and available to anyone who wished to use it. The fitness trail has been apart of the Delta College since the trail was built in approximately the 1970s, and different exercises included sit-and-reach, pull-ups, dips, and balance walks. Unfortunately, due to lack of maintenance to each of the stations, they have recently been removed completely. In an email interview with Zack Thompson, in Finacial Services, relayed that the equipment was not well maintained and could possibly been plagued with termites. About two years ago, there was a brief attempt to install a brand new trail. It was Thompson's idea to attempt to get financial backing from institutions that promoted
health such as Kaiser Permanente or Sutter Gould Medical foundation. It was his belief that the project would move forward faster if the financial burden on the district was significantly lowered. Unfortunately, the project was shelved by management. "I have not pushed forward anymore as I was told that nothing would happen until all of the Measure L Bond projects were complete." Thompson said in the email. Now that one of the major projects of the Measure L bond-the math and science building-is complete, the project could possibly be put back on the table. "A couple of things the district would consider: 1. How much will the install cost? 2. How much will annual maintenance cost? (ie. labor, supplies, vandalism, etc.) 3. What potential injuries could occur and how could the district reduce that liability?" he PHOTO BY CHRIS HOWZE said. The cost of this project would be approximately DAYS OF FITNESS PAST: Almost nothing remains $9000 plus shipping and installation. With financial of the old Par Course trail now. What's left is slowly backing from other sources and possibly a volunteer being reclaimed by campus foliage. group to help with installation, the cost could be minimal to the district and the Par Course could once again bring fitness and outdoor exercise to the campus.
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entertainment
Issue 11 • March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Exploring the universe New series lifts viewers off into the 'Cosmos' by seth lowman news@deltacollegian.net
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ome with me." These are the words of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as he takes off in his "ship of imagination" in the new television series "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey." Tyson, like many others, was inspired and captivated by the original Cosmos series, presented by Carl Sagan in 1980. The original became a landmark in technical achievement and made Sagan a household name. It has been more that 30 years since Sagan’s journey through the cosmos. Since then Sagan has ignited the imaginations of many and inspired a new generation of star-gazers. The first episode of the 13-part series, began with a tour that took the viewer through the galaxy they are most familiar with — their very own. At the very end of their galactic tour, Tyson presents the viewer with the
"Observable Universe." "An observable universe? What does that even mean?" Tyson asked. The Observable Universe are the galaxies and space material we can study and evaluate from Earth. "... There are parts of the Universe that are too far away. There hasn't been enough time in 13.8 billion year history of the Universe for their light to have reached us," Tyson continued. The show makes the viewer feel small compared to the vastness of the cosmos as more about the "observable universe" is revealed to be a part of an infinite network of universes. These networks are unveiled to be within a bubble, that neighbor other bubbles. One by one these bubbles accumulated into a waterfall consisting of multiple cosmos. And we actually exist somewhere within all of this. After being immersed by the cosmic waterfall of bubbles, the viewer was taken back to 16th century Italy
where philosopher Giordano Bruno faced scrutiny for his belief that the Sun was actually the center of the universe, rather than the Earth. Bruno’s theory was proven to be correct over time, but he was exiled and executed for radical theories regarding the cosmos. The first episode concludes with Tyson recalling a meeting with Sagan and how the meeting not only inspired him to become scientist, but inspired him to become a better person. In this sentimental moment the show demonstrates its strength. From the sweeping and cinematic score composed by Alan Silvestri to Tyson’s gripping storytelling, we are met with a sense of nostalgia. We are taken back to a time where we dreamed of the unknown and where we thought we could explore the deepest regions of space with just our imaginations. These were the moments of our
lives where we thought of being the Carl Sagans or Giordano Brunos of the world. In Bruno’s moment of exile, he dreamed he was in a world confined by a "bowl of stars." This starry bowl was the cosmos which people of his time believed to be true. In this dream, Bruno inches his way toward a curtain at the edge of this world. He lifts it up to reveal a boundless universe, free from limitations. Bruno wasn’t afraid of exploring the unknown. This is what Cosmos challenges us to do. The series dares the viewer to question, but more importantly it gives an opportunity for us to dream for great possibilities. It gives us a glimmer of adventure and a sight into the unknown, wherever that "unknown" might be. Cosmos inspires the viewer to lift up the curtain to unlock the secrets to their universe and to the boundless potential that it holds for them.
Editor's love of music, fiancée plays out like a new mixed tape by chris howze
news@deltacollegian.net
T
his Fall I am getting married to my best friend. As we plan for the wedding, my future wife gave me the right to create the music set list for the reception. I take music seriously, much to the bemusement of my friends and my fiancée. I recently discovered a quote by the great "Dr. of Gonzo" Hunter S. Thompson that I feel perfectly encapsulates my thoughts and feelings about music: "Music has always been a matter of Energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio." Music is my life blood. It allows me to be filled with every emotion. That's why making a good dance mix for our wedding night is important to me. It's not to be taken lightly, or worse put in the hands of some ding bat DJ who doesn’t know us. Rob Gordon, one of my favorite fictional characters felt that, "The making of a good compilation is a very subtle art. Many do’s and don’ts…you’re using someone else’s poetry to express how you feel, this is a delicate thing," said Gordon in Nick Hornbys "High Fidelity." I am sickened by the modern culture we live in and how they pay no heed to what they listen to. Girls dancing to songs demeaning to women but shrugging it off because “the beat is killer” sends out bad vibrations.
When I began my journey of making a killer dance mix for probably the most important night of my life so far, my goal was to create something fun but also relevant. If music is fuel then one must be sure to put the right fuel in. We don't put diesel into a gasoline engine, so we don’t include a song like Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean" — a song about a woman accusing a man of having a child with her out of wedlock - in a wedding play list. I swear I feel the rise in divorce rates in this country coalesces with the lack of caring what music you use on the night you tie the knot. As I began compiling a set list I did run into songs that I felt had good elements but were detracted by the overall package. For example, I want to use the chorus of Robin Thicke’s "Give It 2 U," but for the love of god couldn’t use the rest of the song, so at that point I had to utilize what I know about audio production and make a remix, splicing Thicke’s song with Stardust’s"Music Sounds Better With You." A lot of songs had to excised from my first run compiling for over all lyrical content, killer beat be damned. Others had more ambiguous lyrics that required me to research them before making the list, including The Romantic’s "Talking in Your Sleep." Song placement is as important as what songs end up making the cut. Its harder than it looks and can take ages to get right. I recently found a couple old CDs I made for fiancée back in high school and was sinking into my seat, embarrassed by how terrible they were compiled. Song placement is like music itself, there are dips
PHOTO BY CHRIS HOWZE
A LOT OF RULES : As my list grew I had to modify or flat out excise songs to better suit the mix.
and crests, highs and lows that must be followed so it’ll flow naturally. You have to start off strong to get the attention of the floor, then raise it up a notch then cool it off a bit, you don’t want to front load the night with all the best songs, leaving the end of the night with slow jams. My song list has swelled to a little more than 70 songs so far. I still have until November to get it all together.
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sports
Issue 11 • March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Strong start to the season for Delta baseball team by jermaine davis
by robert juarez news@deltacollegian.net
B
aseball’s reign as America’s pastime may be in the past. In past generations, baseball was everything. That excitement for the sport has failed to carry on into recent
news@deltacollegian.net
The Delta College baseball team remains ranked among the top three teams in the Big 8 Conference, despite losing to Santa Rosa 6-3 in front of the home crowd on March 14. The Mustangs entered the game against the Bear Cubs with a 2-0 conference record. Speed and pitching location from Santa Rosa’s starting pitcher Brett Obranovich kept Mustangs hitters off balance. Obranovich faced 24 batters throughout his seven innings on the mound, as he gave up four hits and allowed one earned run. "A few calls didn't go our way, a few of their players hit the ball hard at us and that kind of cost us the game," said freshmen Kris Bartlett. Even though it’s still early in conference play, the Mustangs can quickly evaluate what adjustments need to be made on the field and the mound as the team moves forward. Mustangs starting pitcher sophomore Sean Bennetts had a rough outing on the mound, and the Bear Cubs made the best of the opportunity. Bennetts surrendered six earned runs on nine hits before being replaced after five innings. "It was tough but we had to battle through and get going although we fell short," said sophomore Brandon Taylor.
Can America's pastime sport survive the changing times?
PHOTO BY JERMAINE DAVIS
ON THE FIELD: The Delta Mustangs finishing warm-ups before the game against Santa Rosa on March 14.
There were a few bright spots for the Mustangs, beginning in the sixth when sophomore Outfielder Conner Torres hitting an RBI single to right field that scored Clark. In the eighth inning, Delta tacked on two more runs with two RBI doubles from sophomore Wyatt Castro and Torres, but that would be all the team could muster up against Santa Rosa. On March 18, The Mustangs returned to the winners circle as the team trampled American River College with a landslide victory 12-1. "We went into the game fresh, put the loss against Santa Rosa behind us and focused on
doing what we needed to do," said sophomore Nick Camarena. Delta College is tied with Sierra College for second in the conference with a record of (31) and an overall record of (163). The Mustangs have a solid team with coachable players who can make quick adjustments when needed, but the team acknowledges that there is room for improvement. The next game for the Mustangs will be on March 22 at 1 p.m. as the team will face-off with American River College for the second time in one week, on campus at the Nick Cecchetti Field.
times. The recorded television viewing of the World Series tells the story. The World Series in 1973 was watched by an estimated 34,750,000 people nationwide while the most recent World Series barely cracked 15 million with 15,200,000 as recorded by Baseball Almanac. The on-going trend of declining viewership has put those that still worship the sport in a scary place when the thought of competing with America’s new darling, football, arises. When baseball’s popularity was at it’s peak, it didn’t have much competition because at the time football was still earning it's stripes. To put it metaphorically, baseball was leaning back with its feet up being showered with society’s admiration. However, that time has come and gone due to specifically football’s rise. "According to Variety, ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast drew a 4.5 rating and 11 share in the coveted 18-49 demographic, and 10.84 million viewers. That easily bested the TBS broadcast of the Yankees-Tigers baseball playoff game, which got a 2.1 rating and 5 share in the demographic, and 6.05 million viewers," according to an online Oct. 2011 NBC Sports article. Even when baseball is on the big stage with two of it’s best teams going at it, it still struggles to compete with football When looking for opinions from students on campus, they all answered with the same heartbreaking word: BORING. "Too long, and too boring," said Delta student Ruben Tachiquin. Richard Flores agreed. "It’s not as intense as other sports," he said. Baseball just doesn’t have the same flare as its competition. However, baseball isn’t at its third strike quite yet. As said before, baseball was everything at one point in time. It’s how fathers bonded with their sons, it’s how coworkers got along. It connected communities. Football may be bullying other sports in America, at least in viewership. But it can’t beat the rich history and tradition of baseball.
Lady Mustangs winning streak, season comes to an end by richard reyes news@deltacollegian.net
The Lady Mustangs were ranked No.1 in the pre-season polls entering the 2013-2014 season. Delta struggled early in the season losing the first two games in conference play but recovered with a 12 game win streak, and
finishing record of (27-6) to capture the conference crown for the first time since 2009. During the playoffs the Mustangs beat the Chabot Gladiators in a lopsided victory 85-47. "There was no way we were going to lose that game," said sophomore Teylor McMiller. In the Sweet Sixteen, Delta faced a tough Merced Blue Dev-
March Madness bonanza
by sean mendoza news@deltacollegian.net
T
he NCAA March Madness tournament has held many glorious moments throughout the years, and this year it’s hard to say that history won’t be able to repeat itself. The 2014 NCAA Basketball
ils team that put forth a good effort, but the Lady Mustangs pulled away in the end winning the game 60-49. The win set up a showdown between the Delta and Big 8 rivals Sierra College. "This game means so much to us this year, because we been through so much together and it would be redemption after losing last year in the same game,"
said sophomore Kelci Haueter. Delta won a real close game against Sierra College by the score of 81-72. The 2013-14 season came to an end on March 15, after the team lost a tough game to defending state champions MT. San Antonio Pirates in the California community College Athletic Association Final Four.
season had everyone buzzing before it even started due to the loaded talent of the incoming Freshman class, which will make it tough for people to fill out their yearly bracket. The top schools weren’t the only ones making headlines week after week, the Wichita State Shockers have been making waves all season as they went undefeated 31-0 and powered themselves to the No. 2 spot in the rankings, one of the highest ranks for a mid-major school.
Delta led 46-42 with just over 4 minutes left to play, but went cold shooting and the Pirates capitalized by going on a 9-0 run, winning the game 51-47. Freshmen Salina Moore scored a game high 16 points for the Lady Mustangs. "Next year expectations will be higher, but were ready for the challenge," said Moore.
Wichita State isn’t the only team that’s going to be making a surprising appearance in the tournament as a high seed, the Virginia Cavaliers ranked No. 6 and ranked No. 9 San Diego State Aztecs are also hoping to make it on the road to the Final Four. Is there a Cinderella team this year that can make? Can any of the young guns lead their school to a championship? Or will the experience of upperclassmen players simply thrive when needed? We’ll just have to wait and see.
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news
Issue 11 • March 21, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Driving on campus not as safe as you would expect by monica gomez news@deltacollegian.net
Most of us get in our cars only thinking about getting from Point A to Point B. Driving cautious and safe isn’t always on our minds, so at times we drive mindlessly and distracted. It’s critical that we drive safe. Needless to say school zones and parking lots should not be an exception. But many Delta College students don’t drive safe on campus. The set speed limit of 10-miles-per hour in parking lots is often ignored. "The main thing that I see is people driving too fast, the speed limit on every one of the surface streets is 25 except for the one over by Target which
is South Burke Bradley is 30, all of the parking lots every single one on campus is 10 miles per hour so people are driving way too fast in the lots," said Campus Safety Officer Susan McAnelly. Campus police observe other bad driving habits as well. "The second thing we’ve noticed is the distracted driving, people doing something else whether it be talking on their phone, talking to whoever in the car looking around basically not paying attention," said McAnelly. “The last thing probably that we’ve seen is people tend to cut corners … we’ve had quite a few accidents like that I’ve had two just in the last couple weeks.” There has been a lot more traffic on the south side of campus this semester, due to the new Science and Math
Building. There are a lot of pedestrians crossing the road or walking along the side of the road because there isn’t a full walkway for students yet. Delta is working on making a walkway to the building to increase safety for students, said McAnelly. However, McAnelly said that is a red zone, which means no stopping. Following campus traffic rules will make for safer drivers. Some students said they drive safe on campus overall. "I drive very safe. I drive the speed limit and watch for pedestrians," said Levertis Woolfolk. "I don’t see too many accidents, PHOTO BY JUSTIN TRISTANO because people don’t want their car hit." Woolfolk also has a message for GETTING AROUND: Without proper paths students while driving: "The text can students often walk across the entrance of Shima 1 wait!" parking lot.
California looking to add bachelor degrees to community colleges by robert juarez news@deltacollegian.net
California is currently discussing an opportunity to allow community college students access to bachelor’s degrees in nursing and two other programs. The state has run into a speed bump in education. To put it short, it’s not meeting requirements. California’s eyes are set on the 2025 projected demand, at which a number of bachelor’s degrees are required. To meet demand, the state would need to increase bachelor’s degrees awarded by almost 60,000 a year. Which is 40 percent above current levels, according to the California Community College Baccalaureate Degree Study Group. A specific area of education that may be affected by this bill would be nursing. "Two-year associate degrees are becoming insufficient for some fields, such as nursing and respiratory therapy, but bachelor’s degree programs in those areas are scarce. Expanding community college programs would help students complete a bachelor’s degree quickly, without the hassle, the
expense of transferring to another school and the dreaded delays," according to Katy Murphy and Paul Burgarino in the Feb. 19 San Jose Mercury News article "Bachelor degrees from community colleges on California horizon." The health profession in general has a growing number of bachelor’s degrees needed which has put the state up against the wall and forced decisions. "As demand for bachelor’s degrees grows in health professions, information technology and law enforcement, also growing is pressure on California lawmakers to let community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in high-need areas," according to Nanette Asimov in the Feb. 2 SFGate.com article "California community colleges could offer bachelor's degrees." The aspect of the proposition students should be excited for, is the fact bachelor courses in community colleges will be much cheaper than usual university courses. "If community colleges in California start providing baccalaureate programs, it would open up opportunities for students who cannot leave home or attend 4-year universities for financial or family reasons," according to a Feb.
26 Mesa Press article titled "Bachelor’s Degrees for California’s Community Colleges to be Determined degrees for California’s community colleges to be determined." Financial instability is one of the reasons students attend community colleges in the first place, and with the price of university classes being what they are, these students have a near impossible chance of getting that far. This law would rid of that liability. Delta College’s own nursing students seem divided on the subject. "So many schools are pumping out nurses," said student Emily Encinas. Encinas is against the possibility of bachelor’s degrees being given in community colleges believing it will only increase competition to get into nursing professions. "This can lower the credibility of bachelor’s degrees," said nursing student Michelle Heslop. In other words, bachelor’s degrees would lose value if given in community colleges. However, Heslop also added: “People who couldn’t necessarily afford a fouryear can do it here.”
TERRORISM: Student arrested near Canadian border VETERANS: Veteran confronted man in uniform continued from PAGE 1
fer freedom and peace but if you disagree we will bomb and shoot you until you agree."He later wrote a post saying that the people “you call terrorist aren’t really terrorist they are just doing what your to afraid to do.” He continued by saying the government "fears these people and that’s why they are called terrorist." Teausant also posted various videos supporting pro al-Qaeda messages, which were later taken down when he was advised that it was a bad idea, according to the complaint. The complaint also mentions an Instagram account believed to be associated with Teausant due to an image on the account of him standing beside an engineering sign in Sacramento. Under the username Assad Teausant bigolsmurfp, this was posted: "don’t get me wrong I despise america and want its down fall but yeah haha. Lol I been part of the army for two years now and I would love to join Allah’s army but I don’t even know how to start (sic)." Later, the user would ask where he
continued from PAGE 1 could get the "lone Mujahid pocket book," which has been identified as a 'how-to guide' for terrorists. The allegations against Teausant include exchanges with an informant where the accused outlined intent to bomb a Los Angeles subway. The arrest shocked the campus community, including those who thought they knew Teausant. "He seemed really nice always smiling and being nice," said student Joseph Robinson. "He seemed like a regular person like everybody else." Robinson said Teausant also had a girlfriend on campus. The only indication Robinson had noticed of Teausant’s behavior that seemed different was one instance where he arrived on campus in traditional Muslim garb. Though Robinson believed this to simply be Teausant embracing a different culture. Teausant is currently detained in Washington. Authorities are intending on moving him back to Sacramento to face charges.
College's Facebook page. West Virgnia Blogger John Lilyea of thisainthell. us published a document on Monday, March 17 from the National Personnel Records Center indicating the Social Security number and name for the man didn’t match personnel records for the Army. A search on Facebook for name revealed a profile for a man citing he is a Delta College student. Private messages sent to him weren't returned to The Collegian. The page has since been deleted. Vieira said this was the second time he confronted the man. "The arrestee had previously been warned to leave the victim alone in a prior incident. He was cited & released," according to Delta College’s public Facebook page. The page is now filled with comments from veterans. "I cannot believe you would have a veteran arrested for doing what was right. ... I am currently looking for another school to transfer to because I no
longer want my GI Bill money to support your complete lack of respect to all veterans!" one person wrote. Delta addressed the situation by making this statement page on Facebook saying the college has been named a "military friendly school" the past two years. "The list honors the country’s TOP 15% of colleges, universities and trade schools that do the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as they work toward academic and career success," the page cites. Student Ryan Brajkovisch commented on the controversy. "If the guy wasn't a real soldier I don't understand why he would even try to portray he's one, that doesn't make sense to me ... If anything military is a sore subject." Vieira said he could have handled the situation differently. "But I was overcome with the emotional distress that comes with the job that every veteran knows," he said.