The Collegian -- Published Nov. 2, 2012

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Issue 5 • Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

INSIDE

Campus greenery showcases valley Page 5

Mustangs lose in close game Page 7

Collegian writers discuss presidential picks Page 2

UPCOMING Art & Gift Fair Danner Hall 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Nov. 7 - 8 Street Photography, LH Horton Gallery, Nov. 15 - Dec. 13

FIND US

JH

BRIDGING THE GAP

Passage of Prop. 30 essential to student success by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net

Class cuts continue to anger students at Delta College, but what many students may not know is the cuts are directly related to the state’s budget deficit.

During March 2008, when Dr. Raul Rodriguez was president of Delta, and now president Dr. Kathy Hart was then vice president, the school was informed the government would be enacting statewide budget cuts throughout California community colleges.

The legislature took an $84.4 million mid-year budget cut that year.

The cut was on top of the $31 million budget cut to community colleges that had already taken place in a budget balancing meeting by state legislature early 2008.

This has directly impacted Delta with about $1.2 million in deficit.

The cuts forced the Delta board of trustees to use reserve accounts which help the campus pay salaries in addition to other things to keep the campus afloat.

The reserves are mostly used for one-time costs.

Delta students have been directly impacted with class cuts and cuts in student support services being reduced.

Earlier this year, summer school was cut for 2013.

Students have also seen increases in price per class unit, books and parking permit costs.

The list of cuts increases as the state budget deficit continues to get worse.

For the 201213 budget to become more stable a lot is riding on the upcoming November ballot.

If Proposition 30 is passed, Gov. Jerry Brown will provide Delta with $4 million dollars in borrowing relief.

The borrowing will help Delta, but there still has to be a

$3.5 million dollar cut for 2012-13 years.

The savings and cuts have already been identified which is mainly less staff and faculty, which in turn means less classes for us as students.

Delta ‘veteran friendly’ campus by michael johnson news@deltacollegian.net

In October, Delta College appeared on the 2013 Military Friendly Schools List for the second year in a row.

Put together by the reputable Victory Media firm, this list credits the top 15 percent of institutions of higher education and trade schools that significantly accept vets as students.

Being a veteran-owned business, Victory Media has a personal understanding of what veterans need to make that transition back into civilian life and the work force easier.

“Teachers go out of their way to help,” said Joe Crawford, 56, a student veteran.

Since the war in Afghanistan ended, many troops are returning to the U.S.

and schools have seen a rapid increase in enrollment by vets.

“They are not asking for a lot after all they went through,” said Stan Rapada, a financial aid specialist with Financial Aid & Veterans Services.

Rapada said Delta can help veterans build a life and become productive citizens.

The post Sept. 11, 2001 G.I. Bill has given veterans almost unlimited financial means.

Vets can now enroll in any school if they are eligible academically.

As a result, more and more schools are tailoring and creating programs that accommodate. Delta offers programs and education as related to military life.

The school also offers financial aid and coursework that offer individual opportunities to military personal and their spouses.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BRIAN RATTO

Delta has had no choice but to cut back in curriculum which started with “stand-alone” courses, non-credit courses, replacement of lower level courses with

Continued on page 8

Delta outreach and community relations host DREAM symposium by elizabeth fields efields@deltacollegian.net

For the fourth year, Delta College is hosting the “DREAM Symposium.” The event will be held Monday, Nov. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Danner Hall.

This program is designed to raise awareness about California’s AB 540 law.

This bill allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition instead of out-of-state tuition.

Students must meet special requirements to qualify for this program. College Connections for DREAMers starts at 5:30 p.m.

The full program begins at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Ariana Gonzalez, Delta College Outreach & Community Relations at (209) 954-5151 x6144.

2 opinion A NATION DIVIDED

Issue 5 • Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

As Election Day draws near, the United States is politically separated, with the two main parties left to duke it out to see who will become president for the next four years by brian ratto

by haley pitto

bratto@deltacollegian.net

hpitto2@hotmail.com

W

hy will President Barack Obama get a second term?

As a member of the middle class with no ties to big oil or big business I am the common man, the one that Obama supports.

There are three simple reasons that Obama will return to the office: social policies, National security and education.

All of these issues have come under fire from Gov. Mitt Romney.

Obama stood fast against his opponent.

Social policies: He never let the cry that "allowing gay marriage will lead to the deterioration of the institution of marriage" silence him. The same was said of interracial marriage in the 1960s and I do not think Obama’s parents marriage, (white mother, African father) has led to the downfall of marriage.

What will lead to the downfall of marriage is the shotgun marriages of Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian and countless other common people.

Obama’s health care plan is better than what we currently have, it may not be perfect but it is a start.

In regards to abortion it is a woman’s right to choose according to Obama. Allowing the Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade ruling to stand, giving the one person who is pregnant the right to choose. Romney would fight to ban abortions, even in cases of rape.

National security: The military strength and success of Obama’s term as president stands alone.

He moved troops out of Iraq and into Afghanistan to fight and kill our real enemy Osama bin Laden.

Obama is a strong fighter for our veterans and has put in place programs for returning troops; signing the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act in July 2012, making it easier for manufacturing companies to hire returning service members.

Education: The strong support of today’s youth is one final reason Obama will be re-elected.

PHOTO BY THE WHITE He has a strong plan to support the education system in HOUSE FROM the United States.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Obama fought the rising interest rates on student loans and capped student loan repayments at 10% of one’s income. Obama has even made strides to make higher education affordable.

“Higher education can’t be a luxury—it’s an economic imperative that every American should be able to afford,” said Obama in his re-election kick off speech, in May 2012.

As the election draws near we all need to vote for the candidate that will be the best for all Americans, that candidate is Obama.

I

believe Gov. Mitt Romney would make a better president than incumbent Barack Obama.

It comes down to four factors: Business management, experience, character and a solid financial plan.

Business management: The economy is in drastic need of a turnaround and has been for quite some time. Romney has done that in the course of his private sector career.

While at Bain Capital, Romney built up numerous companies that we eat or shop at every day.

He was not successful with every one, but the returns for investors were astounding. In an independent analysis of Bain’s return record, The Wall Street Journal reported “about $2.5 billion in gains for its investors.”

Experience: Romney was governor of Massachusetts in 2003 when the state was having a mini recession.

More than 200,000 jobs were lost and there was a $3 billion shortfall. Romney managed to close the deficit without raising taxes.

During that time the unemployment rate dropped from 5.6% to 4.7% even though Romney ranked lowest when it came to the number of jobs created.

I’d say that makes up for it a lot.

Character: In 2011, Romney and wife Ann gave away nearly 30% of their income to charity.

That’s more than $4 million. Romney gave the needy money to help lift them out of that sinkhole, unlike Obama who handed out Food Stamps and Welfare, indulging people to suck off the system.

Romney’s financial plan: Obama has had four years of failed economic leadership.

It’s time for a new perspective. Romney’s plan has that.

Romney would cut federal spending to 20% by 2016. It would reduce tax rates and close loopholes, especially for the upper class.

Citizens, not the government, would have more rePHOTO BY GAGE SKIDMORE sponsibility when it comes to Social Security and MediFROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS care and it would do away with the absurd and ignorant Obamacare regulations.

Romney also plans to back the Keystone pipeline which will grant the country more financial stability.

These are my reasons why Romney is better equipped to lead America and turn the economy around than President Obama, who has ignored the huge hole of debt we are burying ourselves in.

THE COLLEGIAN — FALL 2012 Editor/opinion editor James Striplin

Entertainment/sports editor Christopher Howze

Staff Christian Covarrubias Victoria Davila Elizabeth Fields Michael Johnson Sean Mendoza Araceli Montano Karina Ramirez Heidi Sharp Valerie Smith Devin Valdez

Copy editor Haley Pitto

Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano

News editor Brian Ratto 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.

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 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.

voice wrong 3

What’s

with haley pitto

with people?

Issue 5 • Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

HOLIDAY PLAGUE

I

make some money.

I just love having sales shoved down my throat. And it’s such a joy worrying about getting gifts in October before everything is gone.

Yes, gifts are a big part of the holiday season but that is not what it is all about. The holidays are about coming together and being with family appreciating what you have. Or in some cases “Uncle Jim” hitting on the neighbor lady because he had too much peppermint schnapps.

This year I would have thought the Presidential election would put a hold on the holiday ads and decorations, but no such luck.

Apparently tinsel and candy canes are much more important.

I mean it’s not like he makes decisions that affect the entire country or anything.

The economy is barely stable and people don’t have the money to buy gifts like they did year’s before.

Retailers, vultures as I call them, have seen this as a chance to attack unsuspecting prey.

Layaway for Walmart began at the start of October. Other retailers already have pre-lit trees out.

Christmas is a disease. It begins with the advertisements giving you

LETTER TO THE EDITOR In the last issue of the Collegian, two articles were featured discussing the pros and cons of dressing in revealing costumes on Halloween.

The pro article, titled “Revealing costumes empower women, not objectify the body,” argued girls should be allowed to dress provocatively on Halloween and not be judged for it, while the con article, “Showing less leaves more to the imagination,” claims women should dress modestly to preserve a sense of dignity.

Unfortunately, neither article serves to help the female population’s plight of becoming more than a walking, talking object.

They do nothing but reinforce the idea that women must dress a certain way to be wanted or loved by others.

While the article claims to be about empowering women, “Revealing costumes empower women, not objectify the body,” does just the opposite.

Instead of discussing how women’s bodies are theirs to control and flaunt and cover whenever they so please, the author argues that Halloween is the only day of the year that women are allowed to “rejoice in glitter and mini tutus.”

Does that mean that the rest of the year women should be subjected to hatred and judgment based on how they are dressed?

Should Halloween really be the only day that women are able to feel the freedom that comes with choosing an outfit, putting it on, loving how it looks and flaunting it?

How does claiming that smart women dress to compete with other women really empower them?

None of these important questions are answered, and while the article discusses the importance of sexual liberation, it does so in a way that makes it less of a personal growth and more about impressing other people.

At least the article gives women some respectability,

10 Percent

with brian ratto

hpitto2@hotmail.com

t seems as if Christmas comes earlier each year.

But not in a good way.

Normally, Christmas music, decorations and super sales promising discounts pop up around Thanksgiving, even a little before.

Then we have what’s considered the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. Or, as I like to call it, “trampleeach-other-to-get-a-deal” day.

This year, the media and store chains began the Christmas rush of ornaments, festive music and sales the week before Halloween.

That’s right. The pumpkins didn’t even have time to rot before the jolly green and red decorations went up.

I’m surprised we haven’t started carving reindeer and Santa on pumpkins yet.

I’m sorry, but since when does Halloween and autumn in general mean Christmas?

Are we combining holidays now? Should I expect children to be knocking on my door trick-ortreating in elf outfits expecting me to hand out turkey and pecan pie?

Let’s just do away with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and have a Merry Thanksgivoween.

Maybe I should patent that and

THE

butterflies in your stomach then transitions into a sick feeling of stress.

Stores are madhouses. Tensions run high. There is no relaxing and enjoying the holiday.

By the time the day arrives you’re just ready for the whole thing to be over.

There are presents to buy, cookies to bake, a tree to decorate and parties to throw or the whole thing will just be a complete disaster of family actually spending time together.

The holidays should be enjoyable, not make you want to pull your hair out.

What's worse, children aren’t looking forward to Christmas stories as they once were. Little Johnny wants an iPad and to go in his room not sit around with the family.

And it all started with Christmas creeping into October.

Next year I wouldn’t be surprised to see this idiotic tradition starting up in August or perhaps we’ll all just leave our decorations up year-round.

Most people do that anyway.

There are so many other things to worry about like rent, bills and getting food on the table but nothing seems to be more important than the almighty sales of the holiday season.

What’s wrong with people?

even though it comes with limitations.

For some reason, modesty has almost always been equated with self-respect, as if someone who shows off a little skin cannot possibly respect themselves or deserve the respect of others, and “Showing less leaves more to the imagination,” embodies this idea perfectly.

The author asks, “Don’t girls want that “Notebook” love?” assuming that all girls want the love of a man and only dress up to please him, and insinuating that girls who dress scantly will not find true love.

Nowhere is it discussed that some girls dress for their own pleasure, their own personal sexual liberation.

To feel good when you look in the mirror and not care about the opinions of other closed minded people.

Bashing a women’s level of respectability on whether she covers up objectifies her more than her own wardrobe choice.

A few looks from someone on the street does less harm then telling women that “no one wants to see [your] probably rolls of a stomach,” which not only tells women that they need to have a certain body type to be seen as pleasing, but also that once they achieve this body type they are still not allowed to show it off because it will attract the wrong kind of attention.

Once again, it is assumed that all women dress specifically to please and attract others. Regardless of a women’s choice of apparel, be it on Halloween or any other day of the year, she should be given the same amount of respect and courtesy as everyone else.

A women’s body is not an object, and her clothes are simply an expression of her style. And in regards to the opinions of others, if someone, be them male or female, judges you or doesn’t talk to you because of how you are dressed, you haven’t missed out on anyone special.

haley justin, student

bratto@deltacollegian.net

Sexuality not a political stepping stone

W

ith Election Day only four days away, I have already cast my mail-in ballot.

Before doing this I thought about the candidates and what they can offer me if elected.

A few of the candidates in my area are very familiar with my fight for equality and personal struggles as they themselves are homosexual.

These days’ politicians have said anything to get elected and are willing to do anything to win.

What I am most concerned about, like many people, is once a person is elected will he or she keep promises?

I know a few candidates will and have kept their promises, after winning past elections.

These candidates have earned my trust and my vote again.

What I hate are those who throw out support of the LGBTQ+ community when running for election, but afterwards abstain from voting in favor or against issues pertaining to my community that have come before them.

These candidates used this issue to get them elected and then choose to ignore my community.

I know people say politicians can't be trusted.

But in a way, you have to trust the ones you are voting for. Or why vote for them?

When it comes to the national election neither candidate for president of the United States brought up the same-sex related issues in any of the three debates but we all know where both stand on the issue.

President Barack Obama is pro-marriage equality, gay rights and has repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

Governor Mitt Romney is anti-gay rights and anti-marriage equality, and would have kept Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

They have completely opposite views on all but one issue.

Both agree the Boy Scouts of America banning gays from leadership and membership is wrong.

But that doesn’t make me vote for Romney.

I have cast my vote for Obama.

When a person wants to take a position of leadership in our government either local, state or national level they have to represent all people, not just the ones they are like.

A representative must not use one group of people as a stepping stone to the office.

When you say you will support something in return for re-election to an office mean it and back it up.

4

entertainment

TAYLOR SWIFT SEES

RED

Artist takes baby steps in new territory, retains tonal consistency by haley pitto hpitto2@hotmail.com

I

n Taylor Swift’s own words her fourth hit album “Red� is about red relationships, the ones you wish you never had or look back and learn from.

Unlike her previous albums, the songs have taken a step back from country roots and transitioned into hipster pop.

Swift remains honest in her lyrics, laying her emotions out for the world and wearing her heart on her sleeve. She experiments with her vocals and steps out of her comfort zone.

Unfortunately, trying new things doesn’t always work.

STATE OF GRACE The album begins with Swift having been blindsided by love.

Things go well, then as in many relationships something goes wrong, but feels “this is a worthwhile fight/love is a ruthless game/unless you play it right.�

There is an indie rock feeling that is not typical Swift at all.

Overall, it’s lyrically refreshing.

RED Red is about not being able to move on from a relationship. “Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you’ve never met,� Swift sings. This song is very relatable and packs a punch. The chorus, on the other hand, is choppy and confusing.

TREACHEROUS Swift channels her country

roots in this twangy tune and owns up to her part in failed relationships. “This slope is treacherous/And I, I, I like it.�

She knows the guy is no good for her but she just can’t help herself. She exposes a weakness and does so in a graceful way.

I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE This song gives me mixed feelings. Swift admits the guy she writes about is not the only one to blame for a failed relationship.

For me this is an Hallelujah moment. “I guess you didn’t care/ And I guess I liked that.� She is setting herself up for disappointment. This would be one of the best songs on the album if it weren’t for annoying repetition.

ALL TOO WELL This is yet another depressing confessional full of boring details. But then out of the blue Swift channels her inner country and does it all too well (pun intended). “Hey you called me up again just to break me like a promise/So casually cool in the name of being honest.� This song channels Carrie Underwood in a way.

22 The song opens with an acoustic guitar and quickly dives in to hipster mash up that makes you want to go out and forget about everything except having fun. “It feels like a perfect night to dress up like hipsters/And make fun of our exes.� There is some country vibe but not nearly enough to

Recording artist Mario comes to campus for concert, meet and greet

by heidi haack crazietrekkie@aol.com

In-Self Productions, LLC & Empowering Young Voices, Inc. will be hosting “An Evening With Mario� on Saturday, Nov. 3 in Atheron Auditorium.

Billboard-award winning artist Mario will be performing live in the at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

He’s best known for his songs “Just a Friend 2002� and “Let Me Love You.�

The event includes a raffle for a meet and greet with Mario before the show begins, the live performance, the Mario High School After Party (grades 9 through 12) and the Mario Night Club After Party (21+).

qualify it as a true country song. “We're happy free confused and lonely at the same time� hits the nail on the head with how every twenty something year old feels.

I ALMOST DO It's back to the country tempo in this song about wanting an ex back but restraining herself from what she wants. It’s the most insightful and complex song on “Red.� “I wish I could run to you/I l almost do.� Heartwarming and beautifully written.

WE ARE NEVER EVER EVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER As I enjoy Swift’s twangy lyrics this is the best pop song she has done and I find myself dancing and singing at the top of my lungs in the car to this catchy song. “You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me/But we are never ever ever ever getting back together.� She tells it like it is.

STAY STAY STAY This song is about finding the right guy after having dated “self-indulgent takers� and

Issue 5 • Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net making it work when they get into a fight. Its sweet but annoying, annoying, annoying.

THE LAST TIME Swift teams up with Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol and the two work beautifully together.

This song is dark and romantic at the same time and by far the most mature track on the album. It could introduce Swift to a whole new world of fans.

HOLY GROUND New love, loss and remembering what it was like. This song is catchy, fast and heart pounding! It’s definitely something to dance around to.

SAD TRAGIC BEAUTIFUL This tear jerking lyrical melody reminisces about a lost love.

Swift channels every heartbreak she’s ever suffered and takes the emotions and turns them into beautiful poetry. This song brings heartache to the front of your mind and is so deeply profound.

THE LUCKY ONE This song combines serious relationship problems with an

upbeat and fun vibe. The music and words complement each other well and balance out nicely.

EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED Back to the acoustic guitar for this one as Swift teams up with Ed Sheeran. This song further backs what any Swift fan already knows—she works magic when singing duets. This song is powerful but not in your face.

STARLIGHT There is no doubt that this one is about her most recent relationship with Conor Kennedy. references are made to yacht club parties and pretending to be someone else like they are in a fairy tale. It’s full of fluff but not really deep or profound.

In fact, it’s quite nauseating.

BEGIN AGAIN This song is really incredible; the guitars combined with Swift’s urgent tone make for a great ending. It reminds me of the still burning embers left over from a raging fire. Passionate and fierce, but in a subtle way.

OVERALL: 3/5 STARS

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

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8/27/12 2:42 PM

5

feature

Issue 5 • Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Campus nature trail being brought back to life by james striplin jstriplin1992@gmail.com

If Delta College had a nickname it would be the “Forest of Stockton.”

The campus is Disneyland for botanist and eye candy for gardeners.

As Delta was being constructed, botany instrucSteve Stocking envisioned a campus that flourished with various plants that would be labeled to create an outdoor lab.

“Dr. DeRicco, who was an administrator at the time of the planning for the new campus was interested in trees and his support was very important in the planning of plantings,” said Stocking in an email interview.

“Others who had some control during the early years were also supportive and I was able to get some paid student help during that time to improve the nature trail area.”

In fact, Stocking still works as an unpaid consultant, and has for the past 10 years, on the current contract to refurbish the plant life on campus which has suffered over the years do to a lack of maintenance.

“For upkeep of the area it was essential to have the co-operation of the groundsmen for upkeep. With staff cutbacks it became more and more difficult to maintain the area,” said Stocking.

“I did some of the upkeep myself but as I neared retirement age that also became more difficult.”

According to Paul Ustach, a botanist instructor and one of the consultants for this project said he expects to see this project done later this semester or at the beginning of spring.

The refurbished nature trail will feature various zones to make it an outdoor classroom. Some of the new zones include redwood, chaparral and oak woodland.

“It’s going to be refixed maybe not to its former self, but refixed,” said Michael Toscano, horticulture instructor, employed here since 1995.

During the early years of of the nature trail, a booklet was sold on campus which students could use to identify different plants by number.

“Over the years the booklet has gone away,” said Toscano.

But it’s something most people take for granted. In fact according to Toscano, students and visitors alike trample over plants to create shortcuts on campus.

It’s especially a problem for student planters

THE COLLEGE COMPLEX

who are graded on these plants, that later find the projects destroyed.

“Students will cut through plants,” said Toscano.

“They think its beautiful and they want to admire it but they don’t want to respect it,” Toscano said.

It’s one-third of the financial problem the nature trail faces while interested parties work to rebuild it.

It is also costly to replant squished plant life over and over again.

The other two-thirds of the problem are irrigation and a lack of staff.

The 30- to 40-year-old irrigation system continuously breaks, which at some point left one of Toscanos classes “without water for two to three weeks.”

While the school’s worry about funding and Prop. 30 floats around this upcoming election, the campus prepares itself for a $6 million cut, which has left Delta with fewer groundskeepers.

The issue isn’t that the nature trail won’t be rePHOTOS BY ANGELA BARDOT furbished, but shorty after being completed AGRICULTURAL CAMPUS: Top, the Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden behind there won’t be enough the DeRicco building. Bottom Right, in front of the Holt Center. Bottom Left, the people to properly man- walkway located in the L5 parking lot. age it.

“If it’s not being upWith donated money, Toscano makes roughly 15 kept, the biologist will be out there,” said Ustach. plaques, denoting plant types, at a time to carry on The future of the plant life is still uncertain at Del- the legacy of Stocking. ta, but Toscano will keep pushing this project until “Steve has the nature trail, but I’ll have the sigit’s finished and his students will keep working after nage,” said Toscano. the project is complete.

by victoria davila

6

feature

Issue 5 • Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Student artist pushes forward after full cardiac arrest

by karina ramirez

kramirez@deltacollegian.net

Jesse Fonseca suffered from cardiac arrest in April of this year; he is only 19 years old.

His art class had just started.

From his memory, he sat down and prepared for class.

That’s about all he can recall from that morning.

“I just blacked out, it’s all I remember,” he said. “How everybody else perceives it, they saw me walking [and]… they said I asked someone for a portfolio grade and then by the time I asked them, I froze and I fell on the ground.” He has no recollection even asking the question. “I don’t remember anything after that, all I remember after that was me being in the hospital, and they told me … that I almost died.”

At the hospital, the doctors performed the therapeutic hypothermia protocol, to cool the temperature in his body.

“It brought me back, they forced my heart to restart again,” he said.

The cardiac arrest wasn’t painful, as Fonseca describes it as a “deep sleep.” Fonseca was hospitalized for three weeks.

Still a teenager, Fonseca said doctors were puzzled as to why this happened.

“They [came] up with some theories.” Eventually he was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, a rare heart condition that causes an abnormal heartbeat.

In his second week in the hospital, the doctors performed surgery to implant a cardiac defibrillator. The small device monitors Fonseca’s heart and delivers little electric shocks to manage his heartbeats when needed.

His last week in the hospital was to heal from the surgery.

As life threatening as it is, for Fonseca, there’s a comfort in knowing.

“After hearing about it, it doesn’t

worry me,” he said confidently.

Fonseca never had any heart issues as a child. It wasn’t until his freshman year of high school when he suffered a panic attack.

His mother took him to the hospital; it was then the doctors paid attention to something more severe.

“They noticed the hole in my chest … Pectus Excavatum,” he said. “It’s a deformity in the chest, they said they’ll fix it when I’m of age.”

Doctors concluded that this too was a factor in his cardiac arrest. Now years after his diagnosis of Pectus Excavatum, on November 6th, Fonseca is finally due for surgery to correct his chest.

“They’re going to break the cartilage inside and let it heal so it can grow into a full chest,” he said.

Despite how the event altered his lifestyle, Fonseca doesn’t let that define him, what defines him is his artwork.

“I’m an artist. I like drawing, painting [and] what not.” In

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED FROM JESSE FONSECA

SURVIVOR: Jesse Fonseca in the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest from a rare heart condition called Brugada Syndrome.

his spare time he sketches and is also a web designer. Still, the memory of what happened is still fresh to him.

“At times I forget it, but it always crosses my mind,” he said.

“It doesn’t scare me.”

Generation4Change hosts showing of Invisible Children’s ‘Move’ by elizabeth fields efields@deltacollegian.net

“Move,” the new film from Invisible Children will be screened at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5 in Delta’s South forum.

Delta’s “Generation4Change” club is hosting the event.

Admission is free.

This film is the sequel to Kony 2012.

Kony 2012 was viewed by more than 100 million people on YouTube and became a world-wide phenomenon.

The point of the film was to end Central Africa horrors such as rape, kidnapping of children, slavery and

mutilations committed by Lord Resistance Army (LRA).

One of the most important reasons for starting this movement is to stop the LRA’s leader Joseph Kony.

For more information on this presentation contact Alla Gamarnik, club advisor at (209) 954-5347 or agamarnik@delta-

Free books for everyone at swap

SWAPPING OLD FOR NEW: Free books were placed out in upper danner for all students, and faculty to pick up. Left, students overlooking a table covered in books to see if they wanted any. Top, a view of students and faculty looking over the tables of books.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN RATTO

college.edu or club president Menisha Virdi at (209) 740-1782 or menishavirdi@gmail.com.

7

sports

Issue 5 • Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

Basketball shoots for success by devin valdez

news@deltacollegian.net

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN COVARRUBIAS

FIGHTING TO THE LAST MINUTE: Andrew Truax (30) attempts to stop Fresno City’s advance.

Mustangs fall in close battle by christian covarrubias news@deltacollegian.net

Tears of pain and joy filled Delta’s DeRicco Stadium on Oct. 27 when the Mustangs took on Fresno City College.

The inner-conference match up between two of the highest ranked teams in Northern California resulted in a 31-28 loss for the Mustangs.

Throughout the game, the tension between the rivals remained a constant high.

“Of course there is going to be tension, it’s a high stakes game between rivals,” said former Delta Athletic Director Gary Scott.

This game was the most important so far this season for both teams. Fresno City needed to win for a chance at a title this season. The Mustangs needed a win to clinch the division.

“If Delta is done and all they need to do is win their next two games and they are automatically in the Nor-Cal championship, so if they beat us our season is done,” said Fresno Secondary Coach Cameron Worrall.

The loss has not ended Delta’s season, but it has made the team’s chances slimmer to advance to state.

As of right now, Fresno and Delta are tied for first in the valley conference.

With only two games left the margin for error becomes smaller. If the teams remain tied at the end of the season, the team with the highest power rank, which are based on statistics, will advance.

As the game started the stands quickly filled to capacity with passionate fans from Fresno and Stockton.

Each play was action packed and filled with excitement. Loud bone-breaking hits echoed the stadium causing few injuries. Precision passing and swift running gave the crowd multiple highlights, easily keeping them entertained.

Theo Wofford and De’Marieya Nelson’s absence from the game due to previous injuries definitely worked in favor of Fresno as the two are key offensive players.

Fresno also had a arsenal of talent.

Fresno quarterback Trey Mitchell showed great leadership and focus as he threw three touchdowns, acquiring 210 yards in the process.

The Mustangs offense was picked apart by the Rams, which forced four fumbles and two interceptions.

Without the Mustang’s star players, the offense did not produce well. The Mustangs only gained 264 yards throughout the game.

Fresno nearly doubled yards with a total of 403.

The Mustangs continued to fight until the last minute when there was a still a chance to win the game. But the team was unsuccessful because of an interception thrown during the last seconds of the game.

With hopes of making it to the championship game, Delta hosts its last home game at 1 p.m.

Nov. 10 against Modesto Junior College.

Members of the Delta College’s men’s basketball team have one thing on their minds as they gear up for the first tournament of the basketball season — to overachieve and succeed through teamwork.

Although it’s too early to develop an identity as a team, coach Rich Ressa is convinced the way his players are already accustomed to one another will affect their teamwork, which is going to be, what he believes, a strength for his players.

Most of the players have been part of the basketball program and have already played with one another since last season.

“One of our advantages, one of our strengths, would be our familiarity with each other and our ability to play together as a team,” said Ressa. “Being able to play as a team, understanding other teammates strengths and weaknesses and where the play-

ers should get the ball and not get the ball, I think that will be apart of our advantage this year.”

Compared to previous teams, Ressa commends this year’s group on mental toughness and ability to handle the game’s adversity quickly and efficiently.

Ressa’s plans to making the season successful is to improve every day through practice, focusing on multiple aspects of the game, including pressure situations a game might give players or detail of the fundamentals of basketball.

“Our goal, as is every year, is to overachieve. What that takes is a complete buy in by every member; from the grey shirts, the guys that see a lot of playtime and to players who are asked to contribute in other ways.”

The men’s basketball team will participate in a tournament Nov 8-10 at Ohlone College in Fremont. There the team will compete against power teams such as Ohlone College, Shasta College and Sacramento City College.

NBA season mixing it up by sean mendoza news@deltacollegian.net

With baseball over and football halfway into its season, a lot of sports fans are anticipating the return of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

This upcoming season has been labeled as one of the most awaited seasons to date.

Big time trades and free agent signings have fans excited for this season.

The LA Lakers acquired arguably the best center in basketball; Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic in a four-team trade that also included the Lakers trading the second best center Andrew Bynum to the 76ers.

The team also traded for Phoenix Suns 38-year-old star point guard Steve Nash for future draft picks.

The Lakers weren’t the only team revamping the roster.

Defending NBA champions the Miami Heat signed veteran shooters Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to improve the bench.

The Boston Celtics signed sharpshooter Jason Terry and young slasher Courtney Lee and runner-up Oklahoma City Thunder shipped the NBA’ sixth man of the year James Harden to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin and first round pick Jeremy Lamb.

Fans are excited due to the big moves, but they also are waiting to see how this year’s rookies are going to fair.

As the season goes on, questions will be answered.

Can Lebron James win another ring? Can Howard coexist with Kobe? How far will the Thunder get without James Harden coming off the bench?

Can Anthony Davis live up to expectations? Fans are just going to have to wait and see.

Mustangs baseball to hold golf tournament, alumni game to raise funds for the program by araceli montano news@deltacollegian.net

The Mustang baseball team is organizing a golf tournament at the Reserve at Spanos Park beginning at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 as well as a Baseball Alumni Game, at noon Sunday Nov. 11,

at the Nick Cecchetti Field.

The golf tournament and the alumni game allows anyone to participate and help raise money for the baseball program.

As 2011 State Champions, the baseball team wants to continue to succeed.

“Anyone who has ever

played at Delta is welcomed,” said Coach Reed Peters. “Guys that played 30 years ago and guys who played last year.”

Two past players from Delta’s baseball team will be honored this year at the Alumni Weekend.

Jason Bartlett, former short-

stop player for the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team and Phil Swimley, who played for Delta in the 1959 State Championship and is a longtime former UC Davis baseball coach.

“It helps our guys to appreciate the fact that there is a legacy here at Delta and it’s their

job to continue the legacy here at Delta,” said Peters.

To help raise money one can donate through a tee sponsorship, auction item, or simply by attending the dinner.

For more information contact Reed Peters at rpeters@deltacollege.edu.

news Improvements made increase awareness and safety in campus stairwells 8

by karina ramirez

kramirez@deltacollegian.net

In recent months, the stairwells have been targets for crime.

Two cases occurred in April, and two in August.

“All the crimes are down on campus, it’s just we get these stairwell incidents. They are not frequent,” said Mario Vasquez, campus police sergeant.

The stairwells, however, are still being improved to increase safety. In addition to correcting the lighting in Locke, mirrors are being placed to aid students to spot people hiding.

“That’s what happened on the other side of Locke, that east stairwell, where the sexual battery occurred. The gal was approached from behind and fondled.

The guy tried to grab her,” said Vasquez.

What has been done already is the placement of the stairwell indicators.

These will tell students exactly what stairwell they’re in, so in case of an emergency, they can tell campus police their location for quicker help.

There have been numerous requests

Issue 5 • Nov. 2, 2012 • deltacollegian.net

to keep the stairwell doors open at all times; however, Vasquez said that is against the fire code.

“If they see someone suspicious, don’t continue walking into the stairwell. Exit, call us immediately,” he said.

When incidents occur on campus, people are urged contact campus police right away.

Vasquez said it took three days for the person to report the first stairwell case.

The second stairwell case, in which a female student said she was grabbed by the shoulder, was reported a week after it happened.

“She finally came forward, which is good.”

Vasquez said people have different reactions when under stress.

“They take time to process that information and what they should do,” he said.

The lounges are not the source of problems on campus, more so, the campus in general.

“The lounges are fairly safe. We do get people in there that are non-students every now and then and our [attention is brought to them for] whatever reason.”

Besides economic downfall, the open

A haunting in Cunningham SCARY TIME: The Puente Club hosted a haunted house on campus from Oct. 29-31. Admission was $1. These are scenes from the fog-filled attraction.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS HOWZE

campus is the other factor in prevalent crime.

Seventy five percent of the arrests made at Delta are nonstudents.

“Delta is a high traffic area, surrounded by shopping centers.

We have two bus stops on our campus.

It’s used by the community,” said Vasquez.

PHOTO BY BRIAN RATTO V a s q u e z STAIRWELL CHANGES COMING: More signs in stairwells will be warns students one of the many improvements made to increase campus safety. to never carry The campus police will host a safety large amounts of money, or large purses. More impor- presentations at the request of staff, stutantly to never allow people to borrow dents, clubs or classes.

The next safety presentation will cell phones.

“Just in the city of Stockton itself, that’s a be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in easy crime that’s being committed all the time.” Holt 101.

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Prop 30: More classes may be on chopping block continued from PAGE 1

more beneficial ones for all students, offering fewer sections of certain courses as well as cutbacks on night and weekend classes.

There is no telling whether the cuts will be permanent.

“The problem is that the future for growth doesn’t look too good; and there is some evidence that the population of eligible students (graduates from local high schools) is diminishing as well,” said Hart.

Students, as well as faculty, have been impacted by cuts made.

“Now students have to plan very carefully, and make sure to take care of all

of their business months ahead of time, (much like students who attend 4-year and universities) in order to get the classes they want or need,” Hart said.

With low student intake, and high demand for needed courses for students the future of class cuts is reliant on Prop. 30.

Faculty and the board of trustees have worked together in trying to accommodate students in light of the class cut hardship.

For now cuts are based on data collected by the vice president of instruction, along with the deans and faculty on what sections will be cut highly relying on past enrollment, and importance to program completion.

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9/27/12 3:56 PM