The Collegian -- Sept. 7, 2012

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One free copy

Issue 1• Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

INSIDE

Hart named president after short search by james striplin and brian ratto

news@deltacollegian.net

An adventure in cycling Page 5

JH

Dr. Kathy Hart was selected as the new president/superintendent after a short search to fill the position that included the interviews of nationwide candidates.

Hart, who has been in the position of acting president since last spring, fills the position vacated by Dr. Jeff Marsee.

Marsee was released from Delta, with a $350,000 buyout, after a short tenure.

Out of 15 applications, and the top five candidate choices, Hart was selected because of her previous experience with Delta as Vice President of Instructional Services.

Those five were interviewed last week.

A campus-wide email was sent out on Tuesday, Sept. 5, just after 5 p.m. from board president Janet Rivera named Hart as the selection, suspending a further search.

“Last week, after spending hours with each candidate, the Board unanimously identified

one candidate that stood out among the others as the best qualified and the best for Delta College - Acting Superintendent/ President Dr. Kathy Hart,” the email read.

The email also said the board instructed its legal representative to start employment contract discussions with Hart.

Hart’s contract pends future final board approval.

An advisory committee comprised of staff, faculty and students was instrumental in the hiring process.

COLLEGIAN FILE

IN CHARGE: Dr. Kathy Hart in a previous meeting with The Collegian.

TIMES ARE CHANGING Fewer classes, less money for college district and a rise in parking fees Mustangs start off on right hoof Page 7

With Delta College losing more and more money students are footing the bill in a variety of ways. The population is also dealing with reduced class sizes.

Here at Delta, the times are changing.

REDUCTION OF CLASS ENROLLMENT

RTV students win 13 awards Page 4

UPCOMING Rollanda Concert Sept. 8, 6 p.m.

Atherton Auditorium Mustangs Football vs. Golden Eagles Sept. 15, 5pm Quincy, Calif.

FIND US

Budget cuts resulting in decreased class offerings have left Delta College students begging and pleading to get into general education classes for the fall semester. The semester started with classes filled to the brim, with teachers being unable to accept many into already jam-packed rooms.

In the past, students could take their time picking out classes. That is no longer the case.

Because many classes were already full, admissions to Delta College were closed on July 20, four weeks before the semester even began.

Potential students, at that point, could only register for spring 2013.

An email sent to faculty members from Director of Admissions, Catherine Mooney this summer, said no students not admitted could be added to classes: “Under no circumstances should you allow a student to sit in your class waiting for the spring application to be processed,” it read.

With fewer classes and decreased funding, students are coming back from four year schools and expecting to get right into Delta.

Delta can no longer be that fall back.

Flores transferred from University of California, Davis to Delta. Since then, she’s been working toward her degree. However, she’s still one class short.

Thanks to reduced course offerings and overfull classes, she hasn’t been able to take the course.

“Delta’s enrollment issues are due to financial issues,” she said. “I think they should only allow one week for refunds for a dropped class. Therefore, people who aren’t there to actually further their education won’t have incentive to take up space in a classroom where motivated students should be.”

Previously, students had a few weeks to pay their

tuition fees.

But in fall 2010, Delta instituted a “Pay to Stay” system. This new protocol requires students to pay fees within 10 business days from the date of registration.

Also, a change put in place last semester resulted in a moving up of the drop dates. The last day to drop without a “w” is a little over three weeks into the semester. This is a change from only a year ago, when drop dates, including those to drop with a “W” were later into the semester.

— elizabeth fields

DISTRICT FUNDS CUT The economy has taken a huge dive over the past couple of years and community colleges incuding Delta College are feeling the impact.

Applications for admission closed July 20 to “control” the number of students seeking enrollment.

According to Catherine Mooney, Director of Admissions & Records this is a necessary change because last year Delta was $4 million over-capacity.

The school does not get paid for the number of students they have enrolled “We provided $4,000,000 in services for which we received no payment,” said Mooney. This creates a significant budget shortfall for the District.

According to enrollment records, last year on the first day of this semester, there were 17, 798 students.

This year on the first day, there were 16,578.

Enrollment is down 6.7 percent compared to last fall.

Likewise on the eighth day of the semester, August 22, there were 18, 244 students compared to the 20,620 from the same time last semester.

Del-

That’s an 11.6 percent drop in enrollment.

With November elections coming up there

continued on PAGE 8

2

opinion

Issue 1 • Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

EDITORIAL

Students get raw end of the deal

T

wo-dozen community colleges are in danger of closing down because those campuses were not accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

The accreditation is developed to evaluate overall educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

Lucky for us, Delta College is not part of the two dozen community colleges in which the accreditation is looking at for potentially closing down.

On the other hand, our neighbors at other community colleges such as Modesto, San Jose, Oakland and Merced just to name a few, have been added to the warning list.

Why are these colleges all in danger?

Many students at Delta College have seen, heard, felt and even experienced major changes in order to stay in school.

Students working two jobs to pay for education, having to wait another semester for an English class that was too full, or even worse, dropping out of college because one simply can’t afford a higher education.

State funding for community colleges has dropped 12 percent in the last couple of years according to Jack Scott, state senator who retired this week after three years as chancellor of California's community college system.

New academic standards were put in place prior to the drastic cutbacks, meaning campuses are required to now do

more with less money.

An extra seven percent will fall in funding if voters for the 2012 ballots do not vote for higher taxes in Proposition 30 which is said to help schools in providing more funding.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax measure, Proposition 30, would increase California’s sales tax by one-quarter of a cent for four years and an increase in state income tax on taxpayers who earn more than $250,000 a year for the next seven years.

It’s no surprise that our state is suffering financially, more importantly our schools.

Voting for Proposition 30 sounds like the right thing to do.

Lack of funding only leads to a lack of schools, no schools, no students, and no degrees.

An opportunity for a brighter future is now lost.

Here at Delta College, summer school for 2013 has already said to be cut, while tuition fees, parking permits and books prices have gone up.

The Accrediting Commissions have set high standards for students who attend community colleges in order to not fall into the “warning” list. But meeting these standards is unreasonable if the money isn’t there to make it happen.

It is now every student’s responsibility to make decisions towards the future of education in order to keep community colleges alive.

Desk Camping is being phased out by new policy by heidi sharp crazietrekkie@aol.om

An injustice that affects almost every student is plaguing the halls of San Joaquin Delta College; it’s an injustice that is serious, however easily remedied.

“Sitting in.”

For decades, colleges around the United States have employed a basic style of enrollment: classes’ fill, then wait lists fill. Everyone else simply attends the class until there is a seat open.

With a new policy in place, students who want to add classes have plenty of space, but are missing too much instruction to keep up.

Students should have the right to try to add classes this way, if the student is willing to sit on the floor for a week or two to get in, then they should be able to. It just shows that student is more dedicated than others.

With mainstream classes such as English 1A or biology filling up so quickly, sometimes the only option is to go to the class and try to add.

This way the serious students can get the classes they need, and the non-serious students can weed themselves out just as they always have.

The solution is simple: lift the policy! Allowing students to add classes is not going to hurt anyone—it will only help those who have a low priority and are serious about their education.

LAZY DELTA STUDENT

by Maggie Ramey

THE COLLEGIAN — FALL 2012 Editor/opinion editor James Striplin

Devin Valdez Roberto Vivero

News editor Brian Ratto

Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano

Feature/online editor Justin Tristano

Advertising The Collegian offers display advertising at competitive rates.

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

Entertainment/sports editor Christopher Howze Copy editor Haley Pitto Staff Christian Covarrubias Victoria Davila Elizabeth Fields Michael Johnson Sean Mendoza Araceli Montano Karina Ramirez Heidi Sharp Valerie Smith Dwight Thomas Jr.

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.

PHOTO BY BRIAN RATTO

YOUR CAMPUS NEWSPAPER: The Collegian offices are in Shima 203 and Shima 204.

3

voice

Issue 1 • Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

THE

ON CAMPUS, OFF CAMPUS

Delta parking at own risk Stockton continues downward spiral by sean mendoza

by dwight thomas

As campus funding declines, students find themselves fending off crime in school parking lots, and they’re sick of it.

So why do these unnecessary acts happen at Delta College?

In recent history, it appears Delta is where students are reporting numerous stolen items and questionable acts by other students or bystanders.

Last year it seemed there were a lot of reported robberies in the school's parking lot, such as parking stickers and stereo systems.

Former Delta College student Jericho Ibarra shared his thoughts on the school's parking lot safety.

“I think they need to assign more campus officers out there to make sure everyone’s vehicles and the items in it are safe,” he said.

Some students have a different outlook in this matter, such as second year student Eric Flores.

“I think that the campus police are doing a good job, it's not easy to keep an eye on everything in the parking lot. They need more backup out there,” Flores said.

“Some students just need to either hide anything expensive that they bring to school or just don't leave it in the car visible to everyone,” Flores added.

They obviously need some more help out there because the amount of crime just in the parking lot alone seems ridiculous.

Many students would like for the school to be more strict on the parking lots to prevent any more stealing or robbery from happening again, if not, then expect more of these things to happen.

Amidst the climactic changes taking place within the municipality of Stockton, a city that Forbes’ Magazine has rated twice in recent years as “America’s Most Miserable City,” students at Delta College are seemingly unperturbed.

Stockton is facing many socioeconomic aliments that have clouded over the city and began to rain down the woes of impending bankruptcy, with city council members filing for Chapter 9 protection statues, local real estate being listed at some of the lowest property values in the nation, high unemployment rates, a rash of crime and violence which includes the city's highest-to-date murder rate.

To add to these already problematic conditions further reductions to city employees wages and benefits has resulted in the Stockton Police Department seeing a startling number of its' officers seeking employment with other law enforcement agencies offering better accommodations in what has been coined a “police exodus.”

And yet, despite these despairingly trying times, students at Delta College still enroll and fill up classes in droves eager to pursue the once easily assessable admissions into the California Community College system, renown for its equal opportunity educational assistance programs and services, only to find the safe haven of higher learning has also been compromised by statewide tier one budget cuts, which includes $803 million deductions in community college funding.

As a reflex to these budget cuts students here at Delta are now confronted by price increases in tuition, text books, parking permits and general merchandise taxes.

Also resulting from these cuts are decreases in enrollment allotments and appropriated funds for specialized programs leaving many would-be students left out the pursuit of higher learning.

One student, in response to all the increases in fees, said: “We have to vote to keep the education system alive because its being assassinated, it’s not fair to those of us who genuinely need the assistance.”

Along with the progression of this fall semester students find ways to adjust to the hikes in fees and embrace for the expectation of even more increases with more expected cuts in the spring.

What’s

wrong with haley pitto

with people?

RAPE IS RAPE

hpitto2@hotmail.com

A

bortion.

It’s one of the most controversial topics out there and everyone has an opinion on it. Do women have the right to choose or are they committing some unspeakable act?

Speakers from the Democratic and Republican parties are chiming in when it comes to what the other has to say – especially about a topic as disputed as this.

Recently Missouri candidate for the senate, Todd Akin has reignited the fierce controversy over abortion, especially cases dealing with incest and rape.

Akin had the audacity to say that women cannot get pregnant during rape.

Are you kidding me?

During an interview with a St.

Louis television station Akin stated “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.”

Akin quickly back stepped saying he misspoke and made the statement “I believe deeply in the protection of all life, and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action.”

However, according to a television interview, Akin’s clarification believing in the protection of all life and not harming someone does not address the issue of “legitimate rape.”

Rape is rape.

There is no grey area.

It’s black and white, plain and simple.

Mr. Akin failed to see that and one could argue that he still does because he has not yet made a full

with brian ratto

bratto@deltacollegian.net

crosstoons@yahoo.com

smendoza424@students.deltacollege.edu

10 Percent

retraction.

Even Akin’s own party disagrees with what he said.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney in a television interview alongside running mate Paul D. Ryan denounced Akin’s remarks.

“His comments about rape were deeply offensive, and I can’t defend what he said. I can’t defend him.”

In a world full of so much violence and hate we look up to our leaders or people in power to show us right from wrong.

Yet everyone knows rape is wrong no matter the reason which a person may present.

Akin should be ashamed of himself for belittling such a horrific crime yet he continues in his pursuit of senate.

What’s wrong with people?

Religious and gay, a modern combo

P

olitical beliefs don’t make me abnormal. Nor does living in a small, conservation town. Nor does my faith.

What society has deemed abnormal is the love I share with my partner, the blended family we now have and the fact that we are a Christian family.

I look to my faith in God to help me understand why society is the way they are.

I try to ignore the haters in the world, who try to tell me how to live my life. I ignore them to make a better life for my partner and I. This also makes me abnormal in the eyes of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community.

There are people who do not believe a Christian can be gay. There are people who think there's no way any religion can be friendly or welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

I disagree.

My last experience in a church was the church I was raised in. This church was a very conservative First Assembly of God Church. When they found out I was gay, certain congregation members disowned me.

They told me that I was unfaithful to the word of God. I was no longer welcome in the church.

A lead member of the congregation told me that if I were to continue my stay at the church that I would be called out and humiliated by the church to get me to leave, during a Youth Group worship.

I was at a loss for words. I swore off organized religion for several years.

Then I met my partner at a LGBTQ+ community center and we began our life together in January. He was attending a church with a friend. One Sunday he invited me.

I came to the First Congregational Church of Stockton apprehensively.

But the pastor, cabinet, staff and members all welcomed my partner and I openly.

I finally felt safe in a church. I am now actively involved: attending events, helping with the website and putting my enthusiasm for journalism to work in a religious setting.

I am a happy member of the church. I can see myself growing spiritually there.

At one point organized religion was taboo for me. I no longer believe that. I found a home and this house is strong and welcoming.

And I was welcomed in with open arms — no matter my sexual preference.

4

entertainment

Issue 1 • Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Radio Television students score multiple award wins by chris howze

chowze@deltacollegian.net

Delta’s Radio Television program (RTV) has allowed many students to follow their passion for all things multimedia.

Through the program run by William Story, the students have learned many of the technical and creative tools of the trade, including audio production for Internet radio, as well as video shooting and editing for film and web series.

Despite possessing those skills, the Delta RTV program hasn’t received the attention or praise the dedicated students deserve.

This year in particular has been good for the multimedia students, starting with the Mediafest 2012 event held earlier this spring, sponsored by the Radio Television program.

The Mediafest event acts as a review of all theCLIENT: McDonald’s best work of its students throughout the JOB NUMBER: 36922 SARC semester.

ELEMENT: 300-­AD This recent event in particular was special in thatLIVE: former “Golden Girls” producer Marsha TRIM: 10”w X 7”h Posner Williams acted as one of the judges to theBLEED: event, and $1,000 scholarship for the best of show, giving the students a feeling of that their hard work and time had been taken seri-

ously.

More recently the students in the program collected 13 awards at the California Community College Film and Video Festival or 3C Festival for short.

The competition was open to all community colleges in California “and RTV Students held their own,” said Story.

The content spanned all genres and varieties with Delta in particular excelling in the music and variety categories, taking a number of awards home.

In the end, 11 students walked away with recognition.

This event is held every year and running off the buzz of this years turn out, Story and RTV BUSINESS AS USUAL: are wanting to make this event and more like it Multimedia students a more common and prevalent practice.

Orlando Jose, middle, Christopher Short, winner of two of those SCALE FILE BUILT TO: Scale -­ PRINT @ 100% 3C and Mediafest win13 awardsSTUDIO: Matthew Anguiano plans on entering “at least two enner Wisdom-Shallena tries for this next year... I’m a perfectionist so TELEPHONE: 214 -­ 520 -­ 9700 M. Johnson, right, edit I’d like toPROPERTY OF MOROCH & ASSOCIATES, push myself.” and critique a project.

In the meantime, students in the RTV Studio is 3625 N. HALL ST., SUITE 1200 DALLAS, TX 75219-­5123 already busy working on three major group projects, a revitalized and extended news and sports program and a half-hour comedy broadcast.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS HOWZE

Follow us on Twitter: @mcd_NorCal

study haul.

20pc $499 Chicken McNuggets

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5

feature

Issue 1 • Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Student bikes across America by karina ramirez

kramirez@deltacollegian.net

Across America in 70 days, on nothing more than a bicycle.

That is the feat accomplished

by Delta College student Bobby Miner, 20. Despite having faced a flood and a snowstorm along the way, he endured.

On April 1, Miner left Stockton en route to Buffalo, New York.

“My grandpa kind of inspired me. He’s done Canada, Florida … I just wanted to travel,” Miner said.

His grandfather, though highly supportive, had his concerns.

“Because I was alone, I think he was more scared. A friend of mine was going to go but he ended up bailing,” Miner said.

Riding solo, however, was no concern of Miner.

This was his third biking trip.

And he was prepared, packing the essentials: Small tent, sleeping bag, few articles of clothing, bike tools, a small stove, and above all – a Kindle, to send email to his friends and family.

No adventure comes without danger, and Miner’s was not immune. Soon into his trip he confronted a snowstorm in Nevada.

“I was riding, saw the snow front coming. I wasn’t done biking for the day so I kept biking into it,” Miner said. “Eventually I just got so cold, I didn’t have enough clothing for the snow. I wasn’t really prepared.”

His body gave out to where he felt he could bike no longer. He waved down a car and hitched a ride from a woman and her son.

“I tried speaking to her but I couldn’t even speak because I was so cold,” he said.

He was driven into a nearby town and stayed in a motel that night.

In New Hampshire, Miner encountered further peril. He camped out – despite two tornado warnings and rain.

“I didn’t want to pay for a hotel. My budget was $20 a day,” Miner said. “There was a big rainstorm, flood. [I] woke up

FOOD RUN

Delta College centralizes campus food distribution in Danner Hall by brian ratto

bratto@deltacollegian.net

CROSS-COUNTRY: Bobby Miner at Niagara Falls, top. Bobby’s first night camping at the Sierra Nevada, right.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOBBY MINER

with water up to my chest. All my stuff was wet.”

All his electronics were ruined, including his beloved Kindle. He then had to resort to computers in public libraries to keep in contact with friends and family.

“In retrospect, I should’ve gotten a hotel that night,” he said.

In spite of the terrible weather, Miner met plenty of kind people along the way.

“I’d meet random people in public when I was getting groceries and talk to them. Sometimes they’d offer me to stay with them,” he said.

The generosity was a subtle surprise. Some even cooked meals and washed his clothes for him. “People were nice,” he said.

A family in New York, along with others who have made an impact on the trip, are not for-

THE COLLEGE COMPLEX

by victoria davila

gotten by Miner. He continues to keep in touch with them via e-mail.

Upon making it to Utah, Miner visited Zion National Park.

“I did a lot of hiking when I was there. I met my friend Gavin’s great uncle – who he never met,” he said. “[It’s] really pretty in southern Utah.”

When finally making his destination, Miner enjoyed some well-deserved leisure time at Niagara Falls. There he witnessed the daredevil Nik Wallenda walk a tightrope across the falls.

On June 18, Miner boarded a bus headed for home, wrapping up the third biking trip. “I am going to do more trips, I’m just not sure where I’m going to yet.

Southeast Asia or maybe Latin America.”

Miner continues to bike today, trips to school included.

The new semester brings changes on campus to buying food and drink.

Director of Auxiliary Services Fidel Cabuena made changes to staff, hours of operations and purchase locations to make Food Services more self-sustainable.

“As a part of our Food Services reorganization we consolidated our service programs mainly to reduce our labor costs,” said Cabuena.

The location of Java Jitters is now inside Danner Hall to the right of the entrance. A plan for the old location of Java Jitters is currently in the works.

“We are planning to open the old Java Jitters location [the first floor of Locke] as a vending kiosk with an assortment of new vending machines that will provide a better menu selection,” said Cabuena.

“I hate the changes, moving Java Jitters to Danner Hall has made the lines ridiculously long,” said Delta student Xander Williams, 20.

Without Java Jitters in Locke, students now only one location in Danner in which to purchase food.

“Over the years it has been the [San Joaquin Delta Community College] District financial practice and strategy to transfer funds from the Bookstore to cover the negative balance of food service however the bookstore’s revenue and profits have been declining,” said Cabuena. “If we continue to operate Food Services without making any major operational and staffing adjustments it is

projected to incur losses that the Bookstore cannot sustain.”

Along with the relocation of Java Jitters, the Food Service Department has cut hours of operations.

Last semester Java Jitters, opened at 6:45 a.m. closed at 1 p.m. during the school week.

The cafeteria opened at 7 a.m. and was open until 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 1 p.m. on Fridays.

The new hours for both Java Jitters and the cafeteria are now 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mon.- Fri. with no grill, or Mexican food menu items available on Fridays.

“Some staff lost the full-time status, while others staffs’ hours were reduced,” said Cabuena “With the reduction of the staffing profile we do not have the staff to run the grill on Friday’s.”

Food costs have also risen.

According to Cabuena, the cost of food for the students rose to cover the Food Services purchasing costs.

Students may have also noticed a loss of vending machines and microwaves on campus.

There used to be at least four microwaves available to the public on campus, one in Java Jitters, two in Danner Hall and one in the Cunningham building along with a large number of snack machines around campus. This semester there is only one in Danner.

“We just signed an agreement with a new vending vendor, Canteen, and should have new vending machines shortly,” said Cabuena, “also there are new microwaves on order and should be in Danner Hall within a week.”

With all of these changes, getting food on campus is more complex.

6

feature

Issue 1 • Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Veterans Resource Center finds a new location in DeRicco building Second location increases opportunities

by valerie smith vsmith629@gmail.com

PHOTO BY BRIAN RATTO

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS: The DeRicco Student Services Center flies the Prisoner of War flag in front of it, top. The entrance to the Veterans Resource Center, bottom right.

PHOTO BY DWIGHT THOMAS

N AT I O N A L

The Veterans Resource Center has a new home in the DeRicco Student Services Center, near the Pacific Avenue entrance to the campus.

The new center is located in DeRicco 151.

With Delta College housing over 400 veterans on campus it is only logical to have a “central hub” available, according to a pamphlet handout for the center.

Features of the center include quiet study areas, tutoring, computer access, Veteran Student Alliance meetings and networking with other veterans on campus.

The center hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The main center in Budd 310 will continue to offer limited daily ameni-

U N I V E R S I T Y

®

ties.

Assistance is also provided to veterans in DeRicco 151 or through Delta’s VET Hotline at (209) 954-5151 ext.

6158.

Support services include the computer loan program, book loan program, GI Bill and FAFSA application assistance, and also help with scholarship submissions.

“You’ve stood the watch, now it’s our turn to stand by you while you pursue your career and educational goals,” states the pamphlet touting the center.

The Troops to College initiative, set up under the Obama administration, is designed to make veterans aware of educational possibilities and assistance offered for said veterans has ultimately made this possible for our student veterans.

Clubs focusing on members

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CLUB RUSH: Students mill about the quad to gather information about the campus.

Saturday, September 22 at 10 a.m.

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At around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, tables started going up at the center of Delta College in the quad, signaling the beginning of Club Rush week.

Each semester Delta College hosts Club Rush week, a gathering of about thirty clubs looking for new members.

This semester Club Rush took place during Sept. 4-7.

Various clubs participated in activities that ranged from video production with the RTV Club to dancing with the Stockton Delta Dance Company.

During this semester’s Club Rush, many hopeful groups intend on building up the number of students who attend their weekly meetings.

7

sports

Issue 1 • Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Mustangs stampede, trample Gladiators 28-20 stories by christian covarrubias news@deltacollegian.net

The Delta College Mustangs football program opened its season with a Sept. 1 game against the Chabot Gladiators.

The Gladiator team let its presence be known in the first quarter, taking an early 7-0 lead.

But, the roles quickly changed at the start of the second quarter when Delta’s Theo Wofford pulled in a 57-yard reception. “It did not work out the first run, but I was lucky enough to get a big catch that helped me set the tone for the rest of the game,� said Wofford.

With the momentum changed, the Mustangs were able to maintain the lead until the end of the game.

Despite not scoring any touchdowns, running back Wofford led the Mustangs in rushing and receiving yards.

He ended the game with a total of 134 yards divided into 56 rushing and 78 receiving.

Mustang De’Marieya

Nelson displayed his versatility as he played tight end, running back and quarterback during the game. Nelson led the mustangs in scoring with two rushing touchdowns, ranking him ninth in scoring in Delta’s conference. “I feel good about the win; we as a team still need a PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN COVARRUBIAS little more improvement. We need to RISING FROM BEHIND: Theo Woffard rushes past Chabot players put in the work to to score during the Sept. 1 game. take us where we rushed for 117 yards and Bran- matched and exceeded their inwant to go,� said Nelson.

Quarterback Sam Hut- dyn Eckhart who had a total of tensity,� said Coach Gary Barlow.

The Mustangs next game sell led the team in passing 208 passing yards. “Chabot played hard but in is 7 p.m. Saturday at Reedwith 174 yards. Behind him the end, our kids in the second ley College. in numbers was Cody Weinhalf zheimer with 106 yards.

The two together threw for a combined total of 280 passing yards assisting towards the 28-20 victory over Chabot.

Notable Chabot players include Hunter Rockwell who

Barlow starts 12th season This year, Gary Barlow started his twelfth season as head of the Mustang’s football program.

During the past 11 seasons, Barlow has achieved numerous milestones, including being named Conference Coach of the Year for the 2002 and 2004 seasons.

Barlow ended the 2011 football season with a 7-4 record and is 1-0 this season so far, giving him a combined record of 61-37.

Last year Barlow’s long hours and hard work paid off when the football program competed in the 2011 Delta Togo’s Bowl against De Anza College.

Under Barlow’s leadership, the 2011 Mustangs were victorious against De Anza College with a score of 63-16. This bowl victory gave Barlow a forth bowl championship to add to his list of accomplishments. “We are not even thinking about last season we are staying focused on the 2012 season and this year’s players,� said Barlow.

Off the field, he’s also helped 82 athletes receive athletic scholarships in his tenure at Delta.

Former Delta players aspire to NFL by devin valdez devmvaldez@gmail.com

This season, two Delta College football alumni, have the chance to score the ultimate player’s dream – making it to the National Football League (NFL).

Beau Fryer and Gerome Surrell, both 22, will play their last college football games this year with the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Surrell and Fryer have played football together since they were eight-years old and they’re now hoping to continue to move forward together.

The two describe their success as a combination of effort, passion, dedication and sacrifice. “If you want to play football, you have to make a big commitment. You have to sacrifice your wants and needs, you have to sacrifice seeing your loved ones,� said Surrell. “I wake up in the morning and my first thought is football.�

Fryer expressed that he, too, has sacrificed a lot of time with family and friends since he’s started football.

Along with dedication and sacrifice, both players have

overcome obstacles in their football careers and made these obstacles into motivations.

At 18, Surrell became a father to Armani Navaeh.

Since the birth of his child, Surrell has made football a tribute to his daughter.

Fryer has had much scrutiny over his size, compared to most players that play his position, he is considered small.

However, where most people would get discouraged, Fryer was inspired. “I took negative attitudes and used them as my motivation, I proved a lot of people wrong,� he said.

Fryer and Surrell both expressed their love and passion for football, but stressed gratitude for their educations. “I’m going to ride the car ‘til the wheels fall off,’� said Fryer. “Hopefully I can make it to the NFL, but if not, I have my degree to fall back on.�

Surrell echoed the remarks. “Football isn’t permanent, football players have a few good years in the NFL. Because of my education I can receive a career where I’m set for the real world,� said Surrell.

PAY OFF

YOUR EDUCATION Tuition costs shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals in life.

By joining the Army National Guard, you’ll receive the money you need to help pay for college as well as the skills and training you need to get the career you want. If you’re looking to get through college, with the Army National Guard, you can!

Sergeant Arturo Alcantar 209-496-5060

AMS-02_6x7_Alcantar.indd 1

8/27/12 2:42 PM

8

news

Issue 1 • Sept. 7, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Crime on the rise since All-American city bankruptcy by michael johnson news@deltacollegianlnet

On June 26, the city of Stockton declared bankruptcy.

With years of deep budget deficits, the city was stuck with a $26 million debt.

When negotiations fell short with creditors, city officials felt the next best thing was to implement this plan.

According to a CBS news article, city manager Bob Deis said “We think Chapter 9 protection is the only choice left.

If we get any agreements, those will be honored in Chapter 9.”

Bankruptcy allowed the city to break contracts with creditors without the threat of lawsuits.

This should give Stockton some time to budget and maintain the services currently in place.

Services which have dwindled in recent years. In an effort to combat the increasing debt, the city cut $90 million to its police department, fire department and employee benefits.

This drastic measure has had a negative effect on the citizens of Stockton.

In a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown, Deis warned him that the city may slip into “municipal chaos,” according to CrimeAlertBlog.com.

The Stockton Police Department has lost 200 officers and the remaining cops have taken a substantial pay cut and loss in benefits.

Many experienced officers

left to work with other departments in the state.

These events happened at a time when the city’s crime rate is at an all-time high.

According to FBI data, Stockton ranked third in murders in 2011 among large California cities, behind Oakland and Los Angeles. There were 58 homicides last year, the highest murder rate the city has ever seen.

As of Thursday, there have been nearly 50 homicides in Stockton.

There are more murders at this time than last year.

In efforts to deal with increasing issues and change the dynamics of the city, a multi-jurisdictional task force has been established.

Not only has crime become a

public nuisance, but inadequate housing has also become an issue.

Stockton’s foreclosure rate was the fifth highest in the country as stated by Realty Trac Inc. That means that one in every 195 homes in the metropolitan area received a foreclosure filing.

“Homeless shelters are overcrowded,” said Joelle Gomez, the executive director at the Women’s Center Youth and Family Services.

“The nature of domestic violence that is occurring is more violent than we ever seen before,” according to a New York Times article.

Along with the recession and the economic misfortune of a city where the unemployment rate has almost doubled the national average at 16-percent, people give up

hope and become angry and volatile.

“Social moiré’ and economic status can be related to public issues,” said Dr. Rosalind Gottfried, a sociology instructor at Delta College.

Some individuals become fed up and resort to crime and illegal activities in order to have a roof over their head and a hot meal in their stomachs.

Outside of financial woes, the city has a resilient demographic with a scenic downtown area historic landmarks dating as far back as 1855.

Stockton received an AllAmerican City award from the National Civic League twice, in 1999 and 2004.

ASBG theft results in a estimated $1,000 loss by james striplin

jstriplin@deltacollegian.net

The Associated Student Body Government (ASBG) was robbed of the camera it uses for student identification card photos.

The tripod and camera were first realized missing when ASBG President Lorena Campos and Student Trustee Bronche Taylor opened up the office early on Aug. 27.

The cost of the camera, tripod, memory, card, and AC adapter was estimated to be $900.

“When I leave I always make sure its locked (the door),” said Teresa Narez-Villa, Senator of Student Body ID cards.

“The doors automatically shut.”

There was no sign of forced entry from any of the doors and no finger prints could be obtained. The suspect, however, left clues.

Inside the suspect left a book of matches with a few matches inside, and pinches of ashes between two Mac computers. The suspect also left behind a half-gallon of urine that was placed within an office trash can.

The suspect also managed to steal an USB security key that provided the ASBG access to the software.

The drive did not have any student information on it.

Without the key the ASBG could not open the software program, print, or make changes.

The cost of the security key was $100 not including shipping and handling.

When the idea was brought up that maybe a former member of ASBG stole the camera, Aja Butler, Director of Student Activities, said that it wouldn’t be possible because the Omni Code for the door locks changes whenever a new member is introduced.

“We plan on filing a claim with the insurance company,” said Butler The camera since than has been replaced thanks to the insurance put on it, and the business of producing ID cards has resumed.

“I think it’s pretty low to take something that benefits the students here at Delta College,” said Villa. “It’s not just this college, it’s everywhere.”

CHANGING: College-wide changes impact all on campus continued from PAGE 1

are numerous propositions going around for people to vote on.

One in particular, Proposition 30 would raise $6 billion a year, the amount that would have to be cut from schools if it fails.

Six billion is a gamble when it comes to education. In this economy do we really want to take that chance?

“If the governor’s initiative passes, it means that we don’t have to make additional budget cuts this year, if we are still far over cap, no additional classes will be added, if we are not too far over cap, we may be able to add back a few classes,” said Mooney.

There are a lot of ifs involved because the proposition is still being voted on but if it were to pass, it would alter Delta drastically.

However if the bill passes and fails numerous classes would have to be cut.

Mooney said Delta has already identified most of those.

The classes will be cut before registration for the next semester so students are not affected by being in a class that will be cut and having to go through the process of finding a new class and obtaining a refund.

Proposition 30 aside, Delta still has numerous cuts to make to achieve a balanced budget.

The goal to achieve this by is three years, using reserve funds to

cushion each year so cuts can be planned accordingly.

The adopted budget was made available at the Planning & Budget Committee meeting on Aug. 26.

— haley pitto

PARKING FEES ENFORCED DAY ONE This semester, parking permit fees have increased from $22 for vehicles to $30, and $16 to $24 for motorcycles.

Daily permits rise slightly $1 to $2. The escalating costs of being a Delta College student are increasing once again with these new permit adjustments.

But the new parking implementations are not as bad as students think.

Campus police gave information on details students should know about permit increases.

A conversation with Sgt. Mario Vasquez about the new parking costs allows students to see the interworkings of exactly why permit costs have risen.

The increase in cost was a consensus agreement between various campus committees that included the Associated Student Body Government, campus police and others who deliberated whether it would be beneficial to campus or not.

Delta meets at about average in parking costs when

PHOTO BY BRIAN RATTO

ASBG: Shima 101C, the office of the Student Government where the items were stolen.

compared to other California community colleges, Vasquez said. Standard cost for the campus parking permit machines is about $20,000, and the cost for upkeep is pricey.

Part replacements and the installment of new dollar acceptors has cost a pretty penny, but was needed to make parking convenient for students.

Within the first and second weeks of this semester many students ran into problems with permit machines believing they were broken.

The machines go into energy saving hibernation after about 5-10 minutes, Vasquez said. A button has to be pushed to wake the machine up, and then permits can be purchased. New signage is in the works to be put up for the students who have a hard time understanding how these permit machines work.

The funds from raised costs go to parking fund repairs, help in funding campus safety officers and student officers, and even some positions in maintenance.

Many students complained about the lack of a grace period starting this fall semester. Vasquez said there was never an implemented set grace period for students prior to this semester either.

In general it is better to purchase a student semester permit, because it saves money in the long run. A ticket costs $33, only a few more dollars than a permit.

“Why Gamble?” Vasquez asked in regard to permit purchases.

— valerie smith