Can miracle Beach Volleyball mushrooms help you? begins today
The Collegian FEATURE, PAGE 5
Issue 9 • Friday, March 1, 2019 •
SPORTS, PAGE 7
/deltacollegian
PERFORMANCE FREE FOR ALL Delta College arts productions now no-cost under new policy aimed at reigniting interest, serving the broader San Joaquin County community
deltacollegian.net
Conference makes resources available to undocumented BY CHRISTINA IMERI Staff Writer
Navaz Khan as Astrov (left) and Imri M. Tate as Marina (right) in Delta Drama’s production of Uncle Vanya during rehearsal on Feb. 24 in the Al Muller Studio Theater. This scene opens the play. PHOTO BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR
productions. A potential boost in audience members gives the student performers better experiences as artists. Many people in the community have never been to Starting this semester, the Arts and Communication department of Delta College made the decision to make live performances and theater attendance has dropped in all drama and musical productions free to the public, first previous decades, said Division Dean of Arts and Communication. Taking away the cost will come first serve. The decision was discussed hopefully spark interest once again. some time last year and was released to the “I hope that some people who have public on Feb 20. ‘UNCLE VANYA’ BEGINS never been to the theater will come. For Delta’s “musical, instrumental, and vocal TWO-WEEK CAMPUS RUN the general public it was $9 and with performances are ‘at a professional level,’” TODAY AT 7 P.M. the fees and everything it would be $12! according to a Delta College news release. Now we’re competing with movies, and Revenue earned in the box office will ENTERTAINMENT, movies have popcorn,” said Drama Pronot be a loss to the arts since the monies PAGE 6 fessor Ashlee Temple. were supplementary to the department’s The drama department has the smallgeneral fund. This change is expected to have positive consequences est audience capacity in the Alfred H. Muller Studio Theatre. This may become a problem when it comes to for the community as well as the student performers. “It doesn’t affect us. It makes it easier for students who the first come, first serve policy. Fortunately, those in have music appreciation classes to attend the concerts charge have already begun to establish a reservation syswhere they don’t have to pay,” said Professor and Band tem to combat the loss of tickets. “One of the things that we’ll be doing is, every night Director M.J. Wamhoff. Attendance at all performances is a requirement for there will be a reserve list for the next performance if music majors at Delta, but since they have always re- you get there and it’s ‘sold out’ you know, there’s no more seats than you can sign up for a subsequent performance ceived free passes, nothing will change for them either. The logic behind opening the doors to everyone settles an be on a reservation list,” said Guptill. The list of upcoming, free, performances can be found on engaging the community. If members of the community are welcome, free of charge, and enjoy the perfor- on Delta’s website at deltacollege.edu/student-life/delmances then they might be more inclined to see more ta-center-arts/drama-productions.
BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR News Editor
On Feb. 23, Delta College held a daylong conference centered around undocumented students, families, and peers. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including vendors. Hosted by the school’s Counseling and Special Services division and Office of Student Equity and Diversity, the attendees were shown and introduced to many different resources and services that could be accessed for school, work, and the community. All presentations, documents, and speeches given were presented in both Spanish and English. “This conference symbolizes our belief in the right for everyone to pursue higher education without fear,” said a passage from the conference committee’s welcome message. The day kicked off with breakfast for all attendees before everyone in attendance was ushered to the Tillie Lewis Theater. Outreach/Marketing specialist Marisol Hernandez and Board of Trustees member Janet Rivera gave the opening welcome speeches before the keynote speaker was brought out. Rivera, whose family consists of many Delta College graduates along with herself, was recently re-elected to serve on the Board of Trustees in November. The keynote speaker was Max Vargas, University of the Pacific graduate and Senior Policy Advisor for Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. He spoke of his history, not only educational but also personal. Vargas, who grew up in Peru, fled his native country to escape the dangerous political climate caused by the terrorist organization The Shining Path. He emigrated to the United States as a child, and after years of overcoming obstacles and immigration problems, his family was able to join him and all became American citizens. Key lectures included stories about starting independent businesses no matter a person’s immigration status, rights of California residents, Delta’s support services offered to students, and financial aid. “The reason we do this conference is to inform that even though they are undocumented or immigrants, they have rights,” said SJDC Spanish professor and Undocumented Ally Educator Ricardo Aguilar. Aguilar was one of many involved with this conference, stressing the importance for the Spanish-speaking community. With many fearing for their livelihood and families, undocumented citizens may not explore their surroundings. Saturday
See DREAM, page 8
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2 OPINION 030119
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion
Be aware of the deepfakes, don’t believe what you see
Trump’s border wall is not a real emergency BY ISAIAH JOHNSON
P
Staff Writer
resident Donald J. Trump’s declaration of a National Emergency, which was probably inevitable, to force Congress to fund the border wall has shown there’s no end to his abuse of the executive orders. On Feb. 15, Trump’s declaration, which was relayed to Congressmen by Senator Mitch McConnell, entailed the president agreeing to a bill for $1.375 billion for fencing between Mexico and United States border. If that’s not enough, Trump is also planning to use his executive privilege to siphon funding from other government programs. He is bullying the system to get his way while undoing the threads of the principles this country was founded upon. “His interpretation of what the executive branch can do sets a dangerous bar for future presidents”,
said Delta student Jewelian Johnson. When the framers created this government, with it was a compromise between federalist and anti-federalist to balance out the power but still have the intentions of ruling with the interest of the people at the core. This balance hasn’t been seen. In contrast, the opposite has occurred. Trump’s governing has shown similarities to that of a tyrant. Trump’s “emergency” is a work of fiction, an illusion he created himself to further blind his sheep because nothing garners support like fear. Fear has been a major source in Trump’s campaign and continues to be a major factor in his presidency, saying things like “there’s a national crisis at the border,” when in fact immigration from Mexico has seen a steep decline since 2000, according to The Washington Post, while immigration from other regions has increased. Rather than “Make America Great Again”, with things such as regulating gun control, he would rather deport immi-
BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR News Editor
grant families, who have fled their home country to avoid persecution, torture, and violence. It sounds like the real Crisis is outside of The United States border. This leads me to believe that this is no longer about the wall, but just a chess move to rally his pawns. I asked Delta Sociology Professor Harry Mersmann, what is the purpose of Trump declaring a National Emergency, and he replied stating, “The main campaign was on building a wall. It is all about continuing what he promised and then starting to gear up for the 2020 election. He’s got to mobilize the base.” Trump will continue to point fingers when things go wrong and champion himself when things go right, and most time things go wrong. As the president, Trump has shown no other abilities than to create polarity in the country, create false statements which create an atmosphere of ignorance, and generate support by making you hate the other candidate. It is time he takes accountability for his actions and that time will come in the 2020 election.
T
he lack of internet regulation today is horrifying. Technology is advancing faster than we can point out dangers. It’s now possible to digitally create individuals’ faces with software. The software takes images of a face from various angles and can create a nearly-exact copy. This copy can be pasted on top of another person’s face in a video, acting as the copied person in what is made to look like real-time. Amateur AI software like this is readily available on apps like Snapchat. This endangers everyday citizens to be the victims of at worst- revenge pornography, the process is nicknamed “deepfakes.” Recently, a trend of deepfakes “starring” celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and other famous young women has gained traction. Think twice about how many selfies and videos you post of yourself and others, there’s no legal action to take against cyber-criminals of this nature. Yet. Democratic senators such as Ron Wyden, Adriano Espaillat, and others have expressed concern over the digital identity stealing technology and are searching for ways to
combat it legally. Unfortunately, the ideas being tossed around border on invasion of privacy. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is being asked to look into protecting the public from AI attacks such as deepfakes, and lawmakers suggest using biometrics as a form of authentication. Does this mean newer laptop, tablet, and phone models will have to fingerprint users before legally using social media? It’s already happening to some degree. Apple uses ID touch to unlock devices and accounts. We’re on our way to biometrics at this rate. Recently, in Shane Dawson’s conspiracy theory series on YouTube the topic of ‘deepfakes’ was portrayed as a tool for criminals. Dawson shares a hypothetical scenario of a scorned woman using deepfake software to incriminate her cheating husband. The ultimate danger is deepfaking political leaders, making them say or do whatever in order to wreak havoc on the world. The New York Times has already raised concerns on the issue as it pertains to furthering fake news. More public campaigns should be made to alert the public and all internet identities should be aware that their faces could be the next target for deepfakes.
Fake positivity is spreading like wildfire; too much negativity is going around BY TYRA GREEN
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Feature Editor
ecently there’s been a negative vibe being thrown out into the
world. There seems to be more hate than love and more bad than good. Why is it so hard for us to be nice to one another these days? Everyone is self centered and we seem only worried about things affecting us individually.
But this negativity that seems to be spread among us has also sparked a movement of people being kind to each other. Is it all just fake positivity? It’s become more recent especially with how divided things are in our country. Who’s to say just because you stand for one thing or person, you’re not still putting negativity towards other things. It’s unfeasible for there to be nothing but kindness in the world but that doesn’t mean
The Collegian The Collegian is the student newspaper of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif. The paper is published six times a semester. As a First Amendment newspaper we pride ourselves on a commitment to the students of Delta College while maintaining independence. We reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech. The Collegian is a member of the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.
there can’t be any at all. The issue with this is that nothing seems to be genuine anymore. It seems like some people are only being nice for show but then switch up again. This seems to happen a lot throughout social media especially. People will hide behind a screen and say whatever they feel because they don’t think there can be any consequences. On the ABC10 Facebook page, they posted a story about the DREAM conference on San Joaquin Delta College’s
EDITORS CATLAN NGUYEN
Editor in Chief/Feature
TYRA GREEN Feature
VIVIENNE AGUILAR News
AYAANA WILLIAMS Opinion
JOSEPH MUNOZ Entertainment
PAUL MUYSKENS Sports
AMIRAH AMENHOTEP Social Media
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campus. Some people have been commenting such hateful things that have nothing to do with the actual event or article. One person said “and my legal white kids paid every penny. Awesome we take care of others before our own.” Another commented “I have info and a resource for them .... become LEGAL get your citizenship that’s a great resource.” Many other comments included the fact that ICE should have been present at the event. But it’s interesting
SENIOR STAFF JASMINE GONZALEZ
STAFF MARIA AUGARADE RAYO JUSTINE CHAHAL CHRISTOPHER ESCAMILLA CHRISTINA IMERI ISAIAH JOHNSON JOSEPH KLARER NICOLETTE LUNA MAISY MACATO
because on Facebook when they comment their names are posted as well. To me it seems like people will only do things to benefit themselves these days. I just don’t understand why people have to be fake about things. Positivity shouldn’t spread if it’s fake. If more people got over themselves and really tried to spread genuine positivity there wouldn’t be so much negative tension among so many people.
STAFF YGRAINE MONTGOMERY JOSEPH PETHOUD AYIA RASHID TAN TRAN TAMIA VIDES-ARAYA
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8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shima 203/204, (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com For information about advertising, letters to the editor and editorial standards visit deltacollegian.net
3 OPINION 030119
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion
Probability made our system break
A
s the list of names grows for the 2020 Presidential Election, voters should take probability into account. The thought of binary voting may seem like a headache to many Americans, but that’s what our system is set up to whittle the contestants down to. While it could be argued, and has been, that our voting system needs reform but in the meantime voters should consider the problem of vote splitting. Vote splitting lessens the chance of similar candidates
EDITORIAL
winning and leaving the majority of votes to one person, ensuring their win. It is encouraged to vote for who you personally see fit no matter what, but does that choice further your opposition’s agenda? When you are researching candidates this year remember to keep vote splitting in mind. Remember that the job is much bigger than a figurehead. Pick a person who will act democratically above all else. It’s honestly a shame that people should be expected to take vote splitting into account when they go to vote.
We shouldn’t have a system where we vote differently based on how we think other people are going to vote; you should vote for who you like. Voting should be simple you look at a list of candidates and decide which one best aligns with your own beliefs and values. Instead, we have a system that encourages you to vote against someone, rather than for someone. Splitting the vote is another name for voting for everyone’s favorite candidate rather than voting for the candidate you like the most.
who claim to be sensitive and tolerant. For instance, luxury clothing brand Gucci recently faced backlash for creating and selling a turtleneck “blackface” sweater that was all black that covered the mouth with a design that mimicked large pink lips. The product was quickly removed from the site and Gucci publicly apologized, but in the apology never once denied the intent of the style they had chosen for the sweater. Some people actually thought it was funny and those who didn’t find any humor in it either began to boycott the clothing company or began making jokes about a “whiteface” sweater that was all pale and had tiny lips over the mouth. This is just one of many modern examples seen on the internet of modern racism. The bottom line is none of it was funny. Racism is really only funny to people who claim not to be racist but turn around and
go on social media and make jokes about racial stereotypes. You don’t have to believe your race is superior to be a racist. Making these jokes and being insensitive to racial and ethnic groups that you are not a part of most definitely is a form of textbook racism. We as a society need to recognize racist jokes and commentary when we see it or see people laughing at it instead of turning the blind eye simply because “you can’t change what people believe.” Not calling out people who make fun of racial stereotypes is just as bad as participating in the laughter; you are accepting it. Public displays of racism are not and never will be funny so we shouldn’t be accepting to the behavior. Society may have come a long way in the sense of accepting one another, but with people still constantly being made fun of on social media and even behind closed doors, we still have a long way to go.
Being racist is not and never was funny BY AYAANA WILLIAMS
R
Opinion Editor
acism is defined as the belief one race is inferior in social hierarchy than another. The idea of racism goes back as far as history will allow us to learn, but society has come a long way as far as acceptance of one another’s race and the idea we’re all different on the outside, and all human on the inside. Unfortunately, however, there are many who are still insensitive to the idea of respecting other races. Racism is no longer a social norm in today’s society and has evolved from a belief into a disease. Symptoms of racism include being intolerant and insensitive to the way people of different shapes and colors look, sound and go about life. A key difference between historical racism and racism now, is much of today’s racism is hidden in plain sight and comes from people
MUSTANG VOICE
“I think it would vary on the type of foods they would serve because not every student has a taste for every food.”
-Luis Garcia
Disney needs to stop making liveaction remakes Nobody asked for any of this nonsense BY JUSTINE CHAHAL Staff Writer
O
n Feb. 10 Disney released the trailer for the upcoming live-action remake of “Aladdin.” The trailer garnered a lot of attention, but reactions have been mixed. Will Smith’s rendition of Genie has become the target of criticism and internet memes due to the strange use of CGI, which makes him awkward to look at. Disney has remade animated classics such as “The Jungle Book” and “Beauty and the Beast” into live-action flicks and is planning on doing the same with Mulan in 2020. Despite negative reactions, Disney told USA Today it is “confident that audiences will fall in love with the Genie and all of the characters when it hits the big screen this May.” No matter how confident Disney may be, it seems that these films using CGI simply don’t hold a candle to the fully-animated predecessors. The issue with Aladdin isn’t Smith, but what Disney did with him visually. Disney’s live-action films depend on CGI to replicate the magic of the original movies but CGI has limitations, made obvious by Smith’s strange blue form. Animation is able to capture a team’s creativity and imagination much better than live action ever could. It’s now evident by movies
like “Into the Spiderverse,” a creation that certainly would not have been the same if it were live action. We as moviegoers may not realize it when we’re watching a children’s movie, but animation requires a lot of work to become something beautiful and fluid. Although animated films require hard work, they are not taken as seriously as live action films by both the film industry and audience alike because they’re made for children. Instead, these movies are seen as a stepping stone for live action movies which are seen as the “real” cinematic feature. The future “The Lion King” remake, which technically couldn’t be considered a live action movie because it would be entirely animated with CGI, has already spurred a lot of interest in an audience solely because the animals looks more realistic now. These reboots are unnecessary and the art of animation deserves better. There is nothing wrong with being nostalgic, but these live action films are a sign that people simply do not respect animation as much as they do the CGI/live action hybrid, despite how iconic these films are. Even if the new Aladdin turns out to be a fantastic movie despite how ridiculous Genie looks, Disney fans will continue to watch the originals because nothing beats the magic of animation.
‘How do you think the expansion of the food pantry will affect students?
“It’s going to affect students in a good way because they will have access to more food.”
-Natalie Sripraseut
“I think the expansion of the food pantry will help students that can’t afford to pay for food on campus or off of campus.”
-Alexandro Romero
“For some students that don’t have money or are struggling financially, it will help them to get food.”
“I think it will be worthy because a lot of people on campus won’t announce that they struggle to provide for an everyday meal, so it would be very helpful.”
-Eren Santillano
-Melvin Easter
4 FEATURE 030119
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature
NIFTY + THRIFTY
Thrift stores remain popular places to save money despite recent closure BY CATLAN NGUYEN Editor in Chief
$3
Blue Button-Up @ Superior Thrift
$2
Basic Purple T-Shirt @ Superior Thrift
Brand Jeans $12 Lucky @ Superior Thrift
The closure of one of the longest standing thrift stores in Stockton, The Outlet, serves to remind everyone to go and support our remaining thrift stores so these money-saving institutions don’t meet the same fate. The Outlet was located on Harding Street and closed due to low inventory and the need to focus on other stores, according to the store’s Facebook page. While patrons can still support similar stores in Sacramento, the Bay Area and SoCal locations, this closure is a big loss for the community because the Stockton Outlet location had been around since 1962. Thrifting has many advantages for the cash-strapped student. Not only do you find unique clothing pieces, but you also save loads of money and it’s eco-friendly. It’s essentially a woke college student’s heaven. You can also find many big name brands for way cheaper than they usually sell for, like the Lucky Brand jeans on Noah Erickson. Hitting up local garage sales like our male student model, Erickson, for clothes, furniture and more can also the help environment and your wallets. While shopping at Superior Thrift located on Wilson Way, it was obvious that there were far more women’s clothes. This can make it more difficult for guys who want to get into thrifting as well. Don’t fret however because Superior Thrift actually had a large selection for guys. Also, don’t worry about the labels. Anyone can wear clothes from any section. If you can make it work, who cares who it was intended for?
LOCAL THRIFT STORES Superior Thrift: 1135 N. Wilson Way, Stockton, CA 95205 Big Valley Thrift: 8027 West Lane, Stockton, CA 95210 Hope Chest: 6112 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207
25¢ PHOTOS BY CATLAN NGUYEN
Multi-colored striped sweater @ Garage Sale
50¢
Green and White Sweater @ Garage Sale
5 FEATURE 030119
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature
History professor highlights inclusivity impacts BY MAISY MACATO Staff Writer
Have you been taught your history in high school? Dr. Sarah Seekatz thinks not. Seekatz, a major history buff who has a Ph.D. that focuses on Public and California History, believes ethnic studies in high school should be implemented. “Nobody told me about my mom’s or grandma’s history,” said Seekatz. She had no classes that included her culture’s history in high school but that didn’t stop her from falling in love with the subject. Seekatz didn’t know ethnic studies was offered until college where she found mentors and classes showing her the importance of learning everyone’s history besides eurocentric-based history. She came back to her hometown Indio to change the Coachella Valley Museum, when she saw no representation of Mexican-Americans even though a large population resided there. She became a project director for the Mexican-American Pioneer Project at the museum. She came to Delta College when she got the opportunity to teach a Mexican-American history class. Seekatz works actively to broadcast California’s history with writing a book on the history of her hometown, getting active within Delta College by Dr. Sarah Seekatz teaching History 031, Mexican American Studies. PHOTO BY EVA MARTINEZ being an adviser for the MEChA club, and activising for certain projects like the renaming of the Dolores there is some difficulty with including that into the Seekatz. Huerta Plaza. curriculum. The community should want to work together to California teachers have been fighting to have eth“I think ethnic studies is extremely important and further the education of students and show them the nic studies in high schools and it may come soon if should be taught in high schools; however I also representation within our history and community. certain bills like AB 2772 are approved in the future. have my reservations about it because if it becomes There are some programs within the Stockton com“I would’ve loved having ethnic studies as part of a required there is a risk of having students who don’t munity trying to help educate the youth which incurriculum during high school as it would have made want to be there and that makes the learning expe- clude the Little Manila After School Program taught a difference for many students to learn about their rience harder for others who do want to learn,” said at Edison High School and a Stockton “Us” history own histories and the histories of other cultures,” said Maldonado. program. Seekatz is also helping her club MEChA former student of Seekatz, Cristian Maldonado. Stockton has such a rich history and it hasn’t been connect with the Stockton Scholars to provide more The best thing for high schoolers to learn is a di- taught in high school classrooms because students are college opportunities for students in Stockton. verse history so they are more educated and connect- made to read about Christopher Columbus or presiStockton high school students are finding mentors ed while also realizing they have a part in history. dents with no connection between them. and learning their history by getting involved in these Seekatz believes if Stockton high schools had the The students are asking for inclusion and represen- programs but the disadvantage is not all students opportunity to teach ethnic studies it would have to tation so it should be given to them without having have the resources or abilities to get involved. be inclusive in gender, race, class and sexual identity to fight for it. “The best thing you can give to someone is somewhile also containing the wide range of diversity so “It’s not just their history. It’s U.S. history,” said one like them,” said Seekatz.
Mushrooms pave way for scientific discoveries, miracle cure research
Fungi’s importance remains understudied, has potential for many useful practical applications BY YGRAINE MONTGOMERY Staff Writer
Although mushrooms are considered a vegetable by most people, they’re not actually vegetables or plants; they’re fungi. The idea of eating a fungus can turn some people off, but for those who can get beyond that, mushrooms provide a versatile treasure of dietary options in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny Enoki to the giant King Oyster mushrooms. In addition to adding mushrooms to stir-fries, consumers can now buy Quorn products in their freezer aisle. Quorn is a fungi-based “mycoprotein” meat substitute that’s formed into delicious, nutritious roasts and burgers. However, the marvels of mushrooms don’t stop at the edge of our plates. Recent scientific advances in mycology — the study of fungi — are studying the use of antarctic fungi extracts to treat leukemia. Fungi extracts stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells in
the body, without all the negative side effects of chemotherapy. “Fungi are intricately linked to both plants and animals in essentially every terrestrial ecosystem on our planet,” said Dr. Paul Ustach, professor of biology at Delta College. “Their importance can’t be understated. Since fungi are so understudied, I would not be surprised if we find even more medicines in the future.” Paul Stamets, a mycologist and author, wrote a book detailing the medical uses of fungi in treating tuberculosis and cancer. Fungi have been used to kill fatal viruses in honeybees and dramatically extend the bee’s lives. Scientists are using fungi’s natural ability to decompose wood in applications to detoxify toxic wastes and pollutants. “The world is not covered in leaves, dead branches, dead animals, and poop because of fungi, along with bacteria, breaking them down in the soil,” said Ustach. However, the critical importance of fungi goes beyond any dramatic medicinal cures they may provide in the future. “Fungi are already a vital component of the natural world; in fact, the world as we know it wouldn’t exist without fungi,” said Debbie Viess, co-founder of Bay Area Mycological Society. “Fungi evolved right along with the very first green plants and are intimately tied to all plants everywhere, but mostly we ignore their important role in the environment.” Viess agrees we should appreciate fungi just for existing on our planet, separate from any dramatic, planet-saving claims made to sell books. “I’m more interested in the practical applications for fungi, and even more interested in what they are actually doing out there on their own for their own reasons, rather than what we can get them to do for ours,” said Viess. “Our world is going through profound changes and we can’t count on mushrooms, manipulated by we flawed humans, to fix all of the problems. Earth will strike her own balance, with or without us...Train your own eyes to see the fungi all around us, and you might just be amazed, too.”
6 ENTERTAINMENT 030119
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/entertainment
CLARINETS FILL HAGGIN WITH MUSIC BY CATLAN NGUYEN Editor in Chief
On Feb. 21, the Haggin Museum hosted a performance by the Pacific Avenue Clarinets. A regular band at the Haggin, the turnout had almost every seat filled. The Pacific Avenue Clarinets is currently composed of Amanda Martin, Michael Hernandez, Christina Severin and Chris Steffanic, with Aaron Martin playing percussion for some songs. Pacific Avenue Clarinets has been playing for six years. “We’re all from University of the Pacific. Different eras of college but there’s just a magical sound when you get all of these clarinets together,” said Amanda Martin. Many of them are teachers as well and take the time out of their busy lives to practice together, according to Amanda Martin. Refreshments like cookies, brownies, grapes and more were offered before and during the performance and the mix of classical, jazz and swing music complemented the beautiful backdrop adorned with the Haggin’s beloved paintings. Composers included in the performance were Bach, Mackey, Piazzolla, Osborn and more. Amanda Martin talked between songs, explaining the group’s influence and inspiration. Near the end of the performance, the band dedicated “On a Hymn Song of Philip Bliss” to Dr. Eric Hammer, a professor at University of the Pacific, who recently passed away. Hammer’s wife, Patricia, is a Delta College math professor. This song specifically touched the audience and brought the surrounding paintings to life. “He had a joy for music that was so contagious,”
Amanda Martin during her solo.
said Amanda Martin. “This song is in memoriam of him. He went From left to right: Michael Hernandez, Amanda Martin, Christina Severin, through a lot of loss in his life but Chris Steffanic and Aaron Martin kick off the performance. PHOTOS BY to have the joy that he had is just CATLAN NGUYEN supernatural. This piece gave him The Haggin Museum regularly has events similar peace.” to this every other Thursday and on some weekends. Amanda Martin, 29, has been playing clarinet for They also coordinate with schools to set up educa20 years. tional field trips and tours, according to Director of Martin, Severin and Steffanic have been in the Education, Lindsey Munzel. band since it first formed. “We also have lectures and game nights and that’s “I liked the performance,” said audience memjust really based off of what’s going on in the comber Shirley Caskey. “I have a daughter who played munity,” said Munzel. clarinet in high school and it reminds me of when I’d hear her play.”
Drama sets stage for ‘Uncle Vanya’ at Delta BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR News Editor
Delta Drama’s production of Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekov, directed by Ashlee Temple, opens March 1 at 7 p.m., in the Alfred Muller Studio Theater. The show will run through March 10, and admission is free. The story takes place in pre-revolution Russia and focuses on a family with dwindling wealth. “What’s interesting about these plays and Anton Chekhov is that you see in the plays the rise of communism and it starting to take place but it hasn’t affected the government yet. So basically what it is is that it hasn’t affected the middle class it’s just you either have an extreme amount of money and you’re on top or
you are suffering everyday of your life. That was basically the extreme,” said actor Nick Giovannoni who plays Vanya, the lead. He views this play as an opportunity to grow as an actor since his previous roles revolved around “having a shtick”. Navaz Khan, who plays Astrov the district doctor, claims his character gets thrown into a huge love circle throughout the duration of the play. The Professor is portrayed by Christopher Hunter. In the context of the play he is on his last leg, much older than any other character. His marriage to the young woman, Yelena causes controversy. “I don’t walk with a cane, go figure, I have to pretend. Saying my lines to out speak
a mindset of this old man that wants everything but can’t have it all. I don’t think he’s in love with the wife I think he’s in lust with the wife. I think he maybe at one point was, but then again at the same time he is a 60 year old man- kind of an old pervert,” said Hunter. Many costumes were made by hand in the costume department. The set displays an unkempt estate with backlighting made of sunshine at times. In the play, audience members should expect a gunshot. Lead actors, from left to right: Nick Giovanni, Christopher Hunter and The actors trained with Navaz Khan getting ready while the rest of the cast arrives for rehersal. a stage gun and blank PHOTO BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR bullets. “I love Chekhov, he’s night and work on this and and create this world with this my favorite playwright I’m just I have a great cast so it’s so cast,” said Director Ashlee thrilled to come here every enjoyable to be in this world Temple.
savings into these new media companies can be a really risky investment. While companies such as Twitter have reached profitability in 2018, others like Defy Media, Machinima and Activision Blizzard have seen discouraging results. YouTube stalwarts Machinima and Defy Media seemingly disappeared over night, leaving content creators who partnered with them left in the dark. Even well-known successful YouTube influencers like Smosh and Inside Gaming were left wondering how they were going to be able to keep the lights on. In an investor call on
Feb. 12, Activision Blizzard announced Q4 earnings for 2018, reporting the company had broken records for revenue in company history. Despite these numbers, the CEO of Activision Blizzard Bobby Kotick announced the company had not met expectations for 2018. “While our financial results for 2018 were the best in our history, we didn’t realize our full potential,” said Kotick. These layoffs were to put more focus on game development rather than administrative overhead for other Activision Blizzard projects, such as the Overwatch League. Even though Activision Blizzard plans on hiring more
New media companies struggle to provide job security BY JOSEPH MUNOZ Entertainment Editor
T
he entertainment industry has always been a risky career path for actors, musicians and writers. People know the odds of making it big in Hollywood or having a best-selling single album are low and all the effort in the world doesn’t guarantee success. The expansion of new media, like e-sports, social media and YouTube have put a wrench in that idea, making it seem like anyone who puts in the effort can be part of the rich and famous. Over the past year we’ve seen how putting careers and
developers, it leaves people like camera operators, photographers and analysts without a job for a company that made $7.16 billion last year YouTube is once again under fire for failing to properly monitor pedophilic content in comment sections of videos, with companies such as Adidas, Captain Morgan and Crown Royal pulling their ad campaigns until YouTube changes its policies. This may set the stage for a second Ad-pocalypse, which may lead to more mature content YouTube channels struggling to keep videos monetized. Compared to legacy media, these are enormous shifts in
company priorities that people should take into account when planning a career path in new media. One of the key similarities between these scenarios is relying on someone else’s platform to run a business, which could be alleviated through maintaining a personal or business website. New media companies have high expectations and are expected to maintain high growth user bases and revenue. These expectations will continue to grow as more and more people decided that their career goal is to get famous on the internet.
6 SPORTS 030119
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports
Beach volleyball set to start serving for second season hoping as a whole team we can do that. We are just working Sports Editor on getting better every time we The Delta College beach are out here.” volleyball team will play its To start the season, the season opener on March 1 at lineup will have Fresno Statethe University of the Pacif- bound Amilya Thompson ic and expectations are much partner up with Cal State East higher for the team’s second Bay-bound Kelly Markham as season out in the sand. the top team. Ashley Apel and “A lot of our girls had nev- Alanna Valdez will be paired er played beach so it was a up at the No. 2 spot. whole new experience,” said “Last year was my first ever Head Coach Molly Mor- playing beach," said sophodaunt-Hummel about last year more Apel who will be headed when the Mustangs played the to play indoor volleyball next first-ever beach volleyball sea- year at Cal State Los Angeles.“I'm excited. This is our son. “This year we have a little sophomore year and we have more expectations to be more a year of experience under our competitive. Last year was belt. It's so much fun. It's a tokind of getting the hang of tally different game and I feel like I am playing a whole new beach and learning the game,” sport.” said Mordaunt-Hummel It has been a learning expeLast season, the Mustangs rience to go from playing sixwent 4-9 in the team’s very on-six indoor to playing twofirst season of play. on-two outside in the sand not “We are hoping to make it as just for the players but for the a team to postseason play,” said coaches as well. Mordaunt-Hummel. “Last “Beach is a totally different year we had individuals make sport,” said Mordaunt-Humit to the postseason so we are mel. “I never played beach and
BY PAUL MUYSKENS
Ashley Apel goes up for a kill during a practice at the University of the Pacific. PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS
only played indoor so I have learned a lot about the game as the years have gone on. It's really fun. I enjoy it because it keeps us competitive and it allows to still be with the girls every single day. Beach is helping our indoor game because it's so much about ball control.” Played during the spring season, beach volleyball is starting to gain in popularity at both the high school and college level as a way to enhance the volleyball program and make it more year round with the indoor season being played during the fall. “We are pretty lucky to have it,” said Mordaunt-Hummel about the importance of it being added as a program last year. “Volleyball is really important to Delta and I think that they saw that other junior colleges had it and the importance of us having it for recruiting purposes so that we could have it over a lot of other junior colleges. It's enticing to a lot of recruits to be able to play indoor and beach.”
Basketball gets set to open up postseason play BY AYIA RASHID Staff Writer
With the regular season coming to an end, the Delta College men’s and women’s basketball teams went on the road on Feb. 22 to play against Sacramento City College. Coming into the game off of a loss the SAC CITY w o m e n ’ s team came DOUBLE back with HEADER an 82-71 win in the first game of the doubleheader. “We’re coming off a loss so we plan on bouncing back tonight,” said women’s Assistant Coach Jessica Delacruz. It was clear from the start of the women’s game this was going to be Delta’s win since the team had a comfortable lead for most of the game. Sankia Braxton led the team with 26
points and ten rebounds. The men came into the night with a 14-game winning streak that Sac City brought to an end as the Panthers defeated the Mustangs 79-74. Spencer Monteiro’s performance highlighted the men’s game finishing with 16 points. “At times the coach is overboard but we’ve been on top of our stuff lately,” said Monteiro. Throughout the game, Monteiro played well making dunks and blocking the opposing teams shots. Delta men’s team suffered a loss at the end the season, but it was an outstanding regular season that saw the Mustangs win the league championship. “We have already won the league, right now we’re getting ready for the playoffs,” said men’s Head Coach Rich Ressa.
BY PAUL MUYSKENS Sports Editor
Postseason basketball returns to Delta this weekend as the men's team and the women's team open the Central California Conference Athletic Association playoffs at home. The women's team takes on Reedley on March 2 at 5:30 p.m. before the men's team tips off against Butte at PLAYOFFS 7:30 p.m. Earning the No. 3 seed the women's team went 14-2 in Big 8 Conference play and are 23-5 on the season. Winners of eight out of the last nine games,the team have gone 9-2 at home this season. Sankia Braxton leads a balanced scoring attack averaging 14.6 points per game as they have five players that average at least 8.8 points per game. Paiton Demps, 13.1 points per game, and Donwanae Anthony, 12.6 points per game, also average in double figures. Braxton was recently named to the All-
State First Team while Demps earned Second Team All-State honors. Last season they made the playoffs as the No. 10 seed but opened the postseason on the road and suffered a 74-69 loss to Siskiyous. Two years ago they hosted a playoff game and defeated Solano 68-64. Seeing the team’s 14-game winning streak snapped in the regular season finale the men's team ended the season at 22-6 overall and 14-2 in the Big 8 Conference to earn the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Going 12-1 at home this season the Mustangs will take on a Butte team previously defeated at home by a 82-60 final score back on Dec. 14. Spencer Monteiro leads the Mustangs' offense averaging 17.8 points to go along with 10.1 rebounds per game while Cameron Peiters is one of three others to average in double figures averaging 15.3 points per game. Head Coach Rich Ressa was just named as the Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year. Both programs are looking to try and capture their first ever state championship.
Kevin Kyle leads Delta pitching staff BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO Staff Writer
Kevin Kyle throws a pitch during a game against De Anza on Feb. 19. Kyle went six innings and allowed no earned runs while striking out seven in his best start of the season. PHOTO BY MARSHAL ROMO
“Baseball has always been apart of my life before I could even walk, my dad would sit me up and roll me a ball and I would throw it back to him,” said pitcher Kevin Kyle. As a junior in high school, Kyle committed to Sacramento State to play baseball, but was injured and had to undergo Tommy John surgery. His plans changed. “I stopped doing well in school so I decommitted and decided Delta was the right spot for me,” said Kyle. In his first year back from surgery, Kyle was named co-MVP during the state championship last year.
Kyle has had an outstanding 40 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched with a record of 3-0; he is an important asset to the team’s pitching staff. Having his dads’ support throughout his baseball career is something special to him. “When it comes to someone who inspires me, it has to be my dad. He also played and was a pitcher but he got hurt and didn’t have the money or resources I had to get surgery and continue to play,” said Kyle. Before moving on to San Jose State, Kyle provides Delta a good chance to have just as good of a season as last season. Kyle hopes to play baseball for as long as he can and ultimately hopes to one day play in the Major Leagues.
8 NEWS 030119
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news
DREAM: Representatives from community college make critical links continued from PAGE 1 was a day for all to do so. “This is their community college,” said Aguilar. Stockton Schools Initiative (SSI) was also at the event with a table set up in Danner Hall during the lunch break, included among many other organizations offering services available to the community. SSI is a relatively young community organization that works with Stockton Unified School District Board of Trustees members, undocumented students, and mixed-status families to ensure education needs are met for all. According to Camille Zapata, Head of Communications with SSI.
“One in 13 students in California are undocumented,” said Zapata. Her quote comes directly from Ed Trust West, part of nonprofit Ed Trust. “In addition to immigrants from Mexico, we recognize the undocumented Californians from Central America and Southeast Asia in our community,” Zapata stated. The event wrapped up with a drawing for an iPad given to one lucky member in the remaining crowd, with the rest going home knowing that they are in a community willing to help everyone no matter citizenship status. “As soon as we forget this is a community college,” said Aguilar. “We are not serving our community.”
Keynote speaker Max Vargas speaking about his story of migrating to the United States as a child. PHOTO BY TYRA GREEN
Developmental courses removed from curriculum BY NICOLETTE LUNA
sembly Bill 705. The courses are currently listed and taught for the Spring 2019 semester. Delta College has approved removCurriculum committee approved al of English 78 and English 79, as deactivation of English well as Math 92G, from 78, English 79, and Math curriculum. ACADEMIC 92G on Feb. 12. The changes come from Not all changes, which the Student Success Act of SENATE have included elimina2012. tion of assessment tools, “Pursuant to AB 705, a college are welcomed. shall not require students to enroll At the Feb. 20 Academic Senin remedial English or math courseate meeting, tensions from the move work that lengthens their time to to not offer certain developmental complete a degree unless placement courses ran high, with faculty quesresearch, that includes consideration tioning who Delta College serves. of high school grade point average Senators began to ask questions and coursework, shows that those stuabout the courses removed from listdents are highly unlikely to succeed ings. in transfer-level coursework in EnThe courses remain active in curglish and mathematics,” said official riculum. communication from the California Delta Counselor Becky Plaza exCommunity Colleges Chancellor’s pressed concern. office regarding the changes from AsStaff Writer
The Senate talked about deactivating these courses and then developing more appropriate courses. Dr. Ginger Holden, Dean of Student Learning and Assessment, said in the meeting offering 92G and 92S brings confusion for some students. The recommendation was to deactivate 92G, which means students can then take Math 96, a new Pre-Statistics course. The course allows anyone to enroll as it has no advisories. Students can then move on to Math 12, Introduction to Probability and Statistics. Arguments went back and forth between senators and Holden, who made a comment about serving students “four levels below transfer.” The comment drew an immediate reaction. “We are a community college, Ginger,” said Plaza.
History Professor Evan Wade said the changes are coming abruptly. “As we make adjustments we need to create a fail-safe system,” said Wade. He said Delta’s mission is to serve students and anyone who wants to come will. “Amen,” responded Plaza, with echoes from other senators. The Board of Trustees voted on the final approval of the courses on Feb. 26 for Summer 2019. The courses will no longer be offered at Delta College. In the same consent agenda, the board also approved activation of Math 96. The next Academic Senate meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. on March 6 in the Mustang Room, located inside Danner Hall near the bookstore entrance.
Chicken and waffles brighten students’ futures with annual fundraiser BY AYAANA WILLIAMS Opinion Editor
Celebrate with Us! U N I O N T R A N S F E R S TAT I O N G R A N D O P E N I N G
San Joaquin County Fairgrounds Friday, March 1, 2019 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Join us for family-friendly games, station tour, and delicious food curated from your very own San Joaquin Delta College Culinary Arts students. Learn more at
sjRTD.com/thefutureisbright
FREE – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On Thursday, Feb. 21, the African American Employee Council (AAEC) hosted its annual chicken and waffle scholarship fundraiser as part of its Black History Month celebration. The event took place in Danner Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 7p.m. where students, staff, and community members of all ages showed up to purchase take-out boxes of freshly-made waffles and fried chicken It was divided into stations where each person would be directed to receive their meal and in a take-out box after turning in their ticket. Tickets were purchased by members of the council ahead of time or at the event for $12 or $10 for students. The fundraiser was titled “Motown Sound.” Organizers played Motown music in the background while patrons watched waffles being made. AAEC members and their families, as well as other students and staff from Delta were at the event volunteering and showing support by making waffles, ushering and serving food. “We do this every year to raise money for underprivileged students at Delta College,” said council member, Angela Williams. “Students are always having a hard time staying in college and finding money for college so I’m just really proud and honored to be part of an organization that really cares about the students here and does something to actually help them.” The AAEC was founded in 1991 and since then members have been dedicated to providing support, advocacy and scholarship funding to students who are underprivileged and/or of African descent. Proceeds from the annual event go towards scholarship funds and benefit educational success of students as well as the advancement of the council. The chicken and waffles fundraiser can be looked forward to once again next year in February during Black History Month.