The Collegian - Published March 3, 2023

The Collegian

Conference welcomed Dreamers, families for information DR E AMS TAKE FLIGHT

BY ZANIEL WALDO Staff Writer

The Dreamers Success Center hosted its Dream Conference on Saturday, Feb. 25.

The overall purpose is to reach out to the community, help residents realize they’re not alone in their educational prowess, and have many people ready to support and guide them through their goals.

Tina Leal, Dreamers Success Center Resource Specialist, said her satisfaction with the event’s success comes from seeing student engagement and learning.

“Information is key. There was a young lady who didn’t know Delta College had so many resources for the students. That’s why we do conferences like this. So we can show not only what the Dreamers Success has but what the campus Delta College has not only for the students but the community,” Leal said.

The Dream Conference is an annual event where students, families, and community members are invited to learn about the resources available to them at Delta.

The objective was to educate attendees by hosting workshops and speakers on various programs as well as a resource fair.

The in-person event was held on campus, in Danner Hall and the West Forum.

In total, 155 students attended the event. The Danner Hall fair hosted 40 resource organizations and departments.

Trinidad Araya, a Delta College Chemistry Lab Technician, also noted the positive impact the conference would have on students.

“The other thing is support. That you find a group that is going to support you to go to these because sometimes they feel like nobody is having this issue nobody on this campus and that you’re alone but you’re not alone. You’re not,” Araya said.

Six workshops and presentations were hosted in the West Forum.

Ana Navarette, Program Director for the UndocuSpartan Student Resource Center at San Jose State University, presented the first workshop by expressing how individuals should never feel marginalized for their racial/ethnic identity.

She also said her opinions on DACA as we should think beyond it for an improved program.

The second workshop was presented by Samantha Powell, Heather Maloy, and Laura Magallanes.

Powell gave an overview of the AB540/SB68 and how students can qualify with the steps they must perform to be eligible and submit the application.

Maloy and Magallanes gave an overview of DARTE/SB544 with information regarding Delta Si-

erra Adult Education Alliance, Adult School Programs & Services, Transition Services, and undocumented services.

Maloy and Magallanes gave information regarding the DARTE program with the learning community services and course offerings.

Alejandro Gomez and Leslie Sanchez Valenzuela presented the following workshop as they relayed information regarding Financial Aid and the California Dream Act.

Delta College Business Adjunct Associate Professor Gene Acevedo

also gave a presentation on entrepreneurship.

Other workshops included one about self-identity and the challenging times of Latino/Chicano people and another on legal rights, specifically for the undocumented and temporary residents.

Second-year student Xavier Saldivar Lopez,

See DREAM, page 8

Muslim students seek campus prayer space

BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN Photo Editor

Delta College has spaces for many affinity groups on campus — including Pride, EPIC, and the Latinx Center — but it lacks spaces for religious-based groups.

This is an area of concern, particularly for students who practice their religion while on campus.

Delta College currently doesn’t have a designated prayer space for Muslim students, or a Muslim Student Association. One student is trying to change that.

Deshawn Johnson is trying to start a Muslim Student Association.

“The first step I’ve took about the MSA was just inquiring which lead me to have the people which ultimately lead me to trying to get the advisor and the member together,” said Johnson.

Currently there is a need for a club advisor.

“So far I have people to be a part of the sturdiest

association. I think now it’s just getting the advisor and then establishing the space to meet and start the events surrounding the club,” he said.

The students are also currently seeking a place to pray while on campus, which could be up to five times a day.

“I just want to be able to have a space for Muslims on campus to have to pray and congregate for the sake of Allah (God) and I know how important it is to know that there is support for the community on and off campus,” Johnson said is what he hopes to accomplish with MSA.

Johnson has also worked to reach out to other Muslim students.

“I have been reaching out. When I visit the Masjid asking about what MSA look like? Were there any at Delta College in the past? Just asking people of knowledge about how that would look once it is in place to preserve the Iman (faith) and Ibadah (worship) of myself and people who will be involved with

the club/student association,” he said.

An MSA is important to the diverse offerings at Delta College.

“There is no doubt that there is an importance in having a MSA at Delta College. But also making sure that once people do move forward and have their degrees/achievements that the freshmen/new students will be able to sustain and keep the MSA intact so there will no longer be a question about when do Muslims congregate on campus,” he said.

Waleed Abdullahrauf is another student hoping to an MSA will be started at Delta.

“My hope for MSA is to have a designated area for Muslims where there can be a safe quiet space for us to be able to perform our prayers,” he said. “Therefore I do wish Delta would be able to provide such a space/ area so that Muslim students can feel more included and a feeling of ease when they’re on campus to carry on with their scheduled course work making it an overall better experience for our Delta attendees.”

Students in the ART 9 Chicanx/Latinx Art: Resistance and Affirmation Through Painting course created butterflies in the quad in preperation for the Dream Conference. PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN AND ARIANNA JUAREZ

A resource fair was held in Danner Hall as part of the annual Dream Conference.

PHOTO BY MEGAN SILVA

Fierce koi of Delta more than mere fish

BY JADA PORTILLO Opinion Editor

When walking on campus for the first time going from class to class, the koi pond is hard to miss with colorful koi swimming and the water running.

While our mascot is a Mustang, Delta showcases more than 40 koi fish in the center of the campus.

Although, having 40 mustangs besides Fierce on campus would cause a ruckus.

Fierce the Mustang will always be an iconic mascot for Delta, but what about the koi?

Should the koi have more of a presence on campus besides just being the fish of Delta?

“I believe the koi fish should be more than just fishes,” said Kaiden Gibson. “There are many schools that have two mascots and [I] believe Fierce and a Koi fish would be great friends.”

The koi have been around since the early 70’s.

Giving easy direction to those who come to Delta considering the pond is the heart of the campus.

“Well, I personally love the koi fish,” said Gibson, noting how the koi brings a sense of tranquility to students. “In Japanese culture, it can represent luck and prosperity.”

Having these fish on campus could bring luck to students, especially with exams just around the corner.

Located in the center of campus where all buildings are visible, the koi pond is a place

where students gather to either sit, read, meet with friends or feed the koi.

“We don’t have many issues with students or the community on feeding our koi chips and crackers, but it’s not healthy for the koi,” said Stacy Pinola, Director of Facilities Management and Operations.

Besides the food students give the koi, the Grounds Department on campus feeds and takes care of the koi.

The koi eat special pellets to ensure they remain healthy and keep a balanced diet.

“Our Grounds Department care for the pond, clean the filters, and feed the koi,” said Pinola.

Last semester, you may have noticed a singu

lar sign by the pond that said the words “please don’t feed the fish.”

Since then the sign has been replaced with multiple signs around the pond’s edges to give a clear message to students and the community.

“We changed the designs to ensure the safe

ty and health of our koi pond,” said Pinola. “We wanted to get the word out to ‘please don’t feed the koi’.”

The koi pond will always be a special part of Delta, especially since the quad is where events happen and the koi happen to be there too.

Maybe in the future Delta will get more koi, but for now our koi reside in the center of the campus.

“We take great pride in our koi,” said Pinola.

Studies cast doubt on stigma against drugs

BY JELISSA KING Staff Writer

such as ayahuasca, MDMA (ecstasy/molly), LSD, peyote, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are federally illegal to buy, consume or sell in the United States. But should they be?

Drugs

Recent clinical trials have shown that controlled substances aren’t so bad when it comes to mental health. Microdosing with controlled substances has helped people who suffer from anxiety, dementia, depression, PTSD, OCD and even addiction. So why is there a stigma on these drugs if it helps with mental illnesses?

“That’s what’s wrong with American society. The federal government created these laws to criminalize Schedule 1 drugs. At the end of the day, it was created to benefit the pharmaceutical companies. I rather have drugs on the streets than guns, that’s my opinion,” said by Delta student James Harris III.

Recent studies have proven that microdosing with MDMA can help people who suffer from PTSD. In September 2021, the Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy of PTSD was a successful clinical trial.

The symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder include flashbacks, high-anxiety, isolation, insomnia, avoidant behavior, and agitation. The PTSD patients were empathic, socially stimulated and willing to communicate and connect on emotional levels. These studies were successful, researchers have mentioned potential MDMA studies for couples therapy in the future.

In recent years, microdosing psilocybin in California has become a more open conversation, particularly with legislative moves looking to reclassify the drugs.

There are different methods when microdosing: tea, chocolate bars, capsules, gummies, and flavored drink enhancers.

California Psilocybin Legalization Initiative was proposed for ballot in 2022. The Decriminalize California organization presented the bill to the state’s Attorney General’s office. Which was signed and approved.

“The purpose of this act is to implement a comprehensive, statewide scheme authorizing and regulating the cultivation, processing, and distribution of Psilocybin Mushrooms and the chemical compounds contained therein

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.

for personal, medical, therapeutic, spiritual, religious, and dietary use.”

California Psilocybin Initiative Act of 2022, Section II.

The approval by the state’s Attorney General’s office was to collect more than 600,000 signatures to be on the ballot. However, the push gained less than 50 percent of those signatures. The organization’s goal is to make it on the 2024 ballot, according to senior-editor of the Marijuana Moment, Kyle Jaeger.

If psilocybin becomes legal, it gives Californians the choice to purchase, grow, sell and consume magic mushrooms legally. There is now proven evidence that microdosing helps people emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Why should the Federal government restrict people from alternative medicine, like psychedelics? If psychedelics improve people’s well-being, it should be that individuals’ right to have access.

The fierce koi enjoying time in the sun together

PHOTO BY JADA PORTILLO

Tribute to Shima truck’s final resting spot

BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

Photo Editor

SinceFall 2021, I’ve noticed a Ford pickup truck that has been in the same spot in the Shima parking lot. It sits close to the main lot entrance location, mostly collecting dust.

Campus police say the truck is being surplussed, meaning it is no longer of use on campus and is being phased out as equipment.

“I am assuming you are referring to the white Ford pickup that is parked at the rear of the Shima 1 parking lot,” said Sgt. Jim Bock. “I do not know how long the truck has been parked there, but know it has been there for at least six months. The truck is owned by Delta College and is inoperable. It is my understanding that the truck is slated to be sold through a surplus auction in the future.”

As time rolls on I see an old truck that probably drove thousands of miles from over the years. Grass is growing through the tires, spider webs and rust have taken over the truck.

The Shima parking lot is its final resting spot. Should we say ash to ash and dust to dust as it goes to automobile heaven where it can finally rest in peace.

Women’s History Month deserves importance

BY GRACIELA GABRIEL Staff writer

InMarch, the United States celebrates women’s history for the whole month.

March 8, is the day of celebration for international women’s history that is celebrated all over the world.

The importance of Women’s History Month is something that should be celebrated and taught in schools.

For this month women are celebrated for the achievements and contributions they have made in today’s society.

I think celebrations like these are important because young girls can get inspired in continuing to celebrate the history that has helped others get to where they are today as they were fighting for equality since the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leader, was the first organizer into hosting the first convention regarding women’s rights in 1848.

They fought for rights like more employment for women, or seeking higher education opportunities, speaking in front of congress by holding a

position there, owning property or the right to vote.

Today Vice President Kamala Harris is the first woman in history to hold a high position in this country by being the vice president of the United States.

Women like Stanton are a few of reasons why Harris has the job position she has if women did not step up for equality.

I think the challenges women have encountered in this country is something that should never be neglected and should be taught to kids in schools because in certain time periods women were not treated as equal like men.

An important aspect of U.S history is women’s rights. Women of color spent a long time fighting for desegregation as well as their rights as women.

An important black figure that helped find liberty for freedom was African American, Harriet Tubman.

In the U.S history we always learn about the many men that made a difference in the country or important holidays like memorial day, president day, segregation and civil wars.

The celebration started in Santa Rosa in March 1978 to increase the awareness of the contribution women have made in society.

In the 1980’s, U.S president Jimmy

Carter declared the week of March 8 National Women’s history week and encouraged everyone in the country to participate in this celebration.

And in 1987 Congress passed the celebration to be celebrated for a whole month in March.

It wasn’t until 1918 that women finally got the right to vote when it became the 19th amendment.

The protests in early 18th and 19th century were mostly white women, meanwhile Black women fought for racial desegregation and gender equality.

Harriet Tubman, an African American woman, who led slaves to freedom during the civil war. Or Amelia Earhart was the first female pilot in the U.S.

Women now have the opportunity to contribute to play big roles in the country.

These impacts are important to celebrate because today women now have the same rights as men.

Other countries like Canada and Australia have joined the United States in honoring Women’s History Month.

The Shima truck at rest.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

DELTA PERFORMING ARTS MAKE MUSIC

BY BRYAN RAMOS Sports Editor

A choir workshop was held on Feb. 24 in the Atherton Auditorium for choirs of different high schools and elementary schools. As part of the workshop, Director of Choral Activities Bruce Southard offered critique to the visiting ensembles.

Southard said he hopes this sort of event sets students up for [a] lifetime of love for vocal and musical

arts.

“Setting up for a lifetime of singing…,” he said when asked what his hope was for the event for those who attended. “Just to keep singing and to enjoy singing and to love what they’re doing and to build the skill to do it better.”

Delta’s mariachi band, choir, and vocal jazz ensemble concluded the choir workshop on Feb. 24.

A public choir and mariachi concert will take place at the Atherton Auditorium on March 8 at 7 p.m.

Brandon Leake class shows Delta’s got talent

BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

Photo Editor

Before Brandon Leake won the 15th season of “America’s Got Talent” in September 2020,he was an academic advisor at Delta College. Since his breakthrough as the first spoken word artist winner in the show’s history, Leake has performed nationwide, but has also returned to his Stockton roots, including Delta.

This semester he’s teaching a section of the Media Performance class (DMEDIA 31) in the Digital Media program.

How do you feel about him teaching his class that's part of your department?

Adriana Brogger: I am excited that we have Brandon Leake as an instructor. His professional experience can offer students valuable real-life insight. I am hearing positive feedback from students enrolled in his class already.

Do you hope more students will join the class for the next school year?

Brogger: DMEDIA 31: Media Performance is offered every spring. I would love it if Brandon wanted to teach it beyond this semester as I know he has so much to offer our Delta students.

Leake was an academic advisor for Delta when he won AGT.“Literally days that I was performing I would be responding to students' inquiries and requests on the live chat due to Covid,” he noted.

Leake answered questions about his experience so far as an instructor at Delta College.

What do you look forward to teaching at Delta?

Brandon Leake: “The thing that I most look forward to is being able to help students see a greater potential in their own future, especially in the creative arts.”

Do you plan on teaching more classes at Delta or this is the only class available?

Brandon Leake: “This is the only class available now,” said Leake, who said its up to Delta whether he gets more classes in the future.

When it comes to your students, what are you hoping

they will gain from your class?

Brandon Leake: “When it comes to my students what I hope they gain is a sense of passion, focus and intentionally behind pretty much everything they do. Like the fundamental skills they’re supposed to learn, website building, being able to create their own audio and visual content. Being able to make themselves more of a forward facing entity that’s the purpose of the class but not everyone has the desire to create in that fashion. I want for them to learn morals and lessons that come underneath that. Of the confidence it takes for them to be able to go out and do that, the skills that’s required to be able to do that. And the mental fortitude, the spiritual fortitude it takes to be able to really believe in yourself and enough to go bet on you. Cause at the end of the day if it’s nobody but you and God you still have enough.”

Leake’s students say his lessons are relevant in their media journeys on campus.

“I like that everything we do in this class directly correlates to what I’ve already been trying to do myself,” said Camry Turner. “This class is and has given me the extra tools and push I need to progress along my field and passion.”

Turner recommends Leake’s section of DMEDIA 31.

“I would definitely recommend any students that’s trying to further their media career for this class.”

General admission is $5. Students are free with a valid identification. Children under 12 are also free.

“It’s a way of giving back to the community,” said Southard of the event.

The tickets being free for students helps out with Southard’s intentions of giving back to the community.

“The dean has said that all our music concerts are still going to be free, so it’s a great way to give back to our community,” said Southard.

Make

it to class on the RTD

BY JOE DEMASI Staff Writer

Delta College students should start taking advantage of the offerings from San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD).

Delta College and RTD partnered to offer free unlimited transportation for all Delta College students during the 2022-2023 school year. To ride for free, students must provide a Delta College issued identification, which is available in Shima 101C.

RTD buses run every weekday from 6:10 A.M. to 6:15 P.M. with a 15-minute frequency. RTD offers a total of 40 stops throughout the day in the front of campus.

Students can plan their trips with the RTD trip planner tool by entering the starting and ending locations. You can do this online on RTD’s website or at the Downtown Transit Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition to traveling to delta college, students may use their ID to travel throughout San Joaquin county.

According to the

RTD website RTD CEO Gloria Salazar said the reasoning behind free rides was to “remove transportation as a potential barrier to education.”

RTD’s website also lists it can help students not to have to park at the campus and just take transportation instead of dealing with crowds at all the parking lots and in front of Delta as their is a designated drop off zone.

Delta student Aryssa Martinez has taken RTD buses before to and from school for classes and to visit the library.

Martinez agrees that students should take advantage of RTD. She said the partnership is beneficial “With both my parents working fulltime and not having my car all the time, it helps that Delta offers a service that would get me to school and back home without having to pay for rides,” said Martinez.

Martinez also notes that, “you can make some friends on the RTD bus. Some have the same situation, and I like how it runs every day, so I’m not in danger of missing classes.”

Brandon Leake. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

Top Left: Director Bruce Southard gives tips to choir. Bottom Left: Delta Mariachi performs. Right: Alexandra Acosta sings on stage. PHOTOS BY BRYAN RAMOS

In this weeks issue, Stocktonians take on Stocktoncon Winter. Thousands of con-goers filled the Stockton Arena on Feb. 25 and 26, but the only danger in sight was danger of having a good time. Vendors, cosplayers and artists came together to defend Stockton against the evil forces of boredom, creating a memorable time for all that attended.

Above: Con-goers peruse the vendors.

Left: Rogue is prepared for a fight.

Middle: A storm trooper and R2D2 are ready to defend.

Right: Shy Guy Mario looks at the comic vendors.

PHOTOS BY DYLAN JAEKEL

UNROMANTIC COMEDY ‘LOVE/SICK’

Production runs through second week of March in Alfred Mueller Studio Theatre

Staring March 3, ‘Love/Sick’ by John Cariani, directed by Karen Vance, performed by Delta Drama students, is coming to life this Spring in the Alfred Mueller Theatre. This performance includes nine short plays lasting about 85 mintues full of romance and comedy. ‘Love/Sick’ runs March 3-5 and March 10-12. General admission tickets are $5 while tickets for students are $3, with an additional free ticket showing yout student ID. Tickets are available at the Delta Center for the Arts Box Office, or you can call (209) 954-5110, or visit deltadrama.com for additional information. PHOTOS

BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

BASEBALL ATHLETES COMMIT

BY DYLAN JAEKEL Feature Editor

This time of the year, students who are looking to transfer are looking at which four-year college they’re applying to. For some college athletes, it’s also time to commit to four-year sports teams.

Behind the scenes, there’s years of hard work.

For Delta’s baseball team that work can equal long days.

“Study hall at 8 a.m., classes ‘till noon, mental game training at 1 p.m., baseball on the field after that, weights after that. So it’s a long day ‘till night. They put a ton of work in in the classroom, and on the field, and in the weight room,” said baseball head coach Reed Peters.

The baseball team’s commits aren’t feeling the nerves that may come with transferring to a bigger school.

“I’d say I’m pretty excited to pursue my career at a four-year level and see where I go from there,” said pitcher Fidel Ulloa, who will be transferring to Louisiana State University.

Pitcher Timmy Reeve, who will be transferring to San Jose

February sports recap

BY BRYAN RAMOS Sports Editor

BASEBALL

Delta’s baseball team’s win streak ended on March 1 playing against Santa Rosa. The team lost 9-8. As of March 2, the team is 13-1.

SOFTBALL

Delta’s softball team had a complicated start due to off pitch situations. That didn’t stop the team from pushing forward.

The team is currently in good form going 5-1 as of March 2.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The men’s basketball team finished its season going 13-14. The team played 4 games during the month of February and won one out of four games.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The women’s basketball team played seven games in February and won all seven. The team is 23-6 as of March 1

The women’s basketball team is also set to play against Sierra College for the California Community Colleges Athletic Association Women’s Basketball 23 Northern California Regional Final on March 4.

State, said: “I’m extremely excited to see what pathways open up.”

The players see transferring as an opportunity to pursue the goals that they have tirelessly worked towards. Players like catcher Logan Mock, who is transferring to University Southern Indiana, sees transferring as an opportunity to see new things.

Being recruited to a four-year sports team isn’t easy.

First a player profile is created for recruiters to know which players are available for recruitment. Players compile videos, so that recruiters who aren’t able to see them in person can still see what they’ve got.

There is also an issue of limited opportunities.

“There’s only 11.7 scholarships in the Division 1 level for 35 players,” said Peters regarding the baseball team’s opportunities.

Some scholarships are only partial, which means student athletes have to put in the work to receive academic scholarships as well.

“Work hard keep your grades up, number one, because you

have to have good grades to go to division one, and in baseball especially, a lot of the money is academic,” said Peters.

The excitement that athletes feel when they are committed to a four-year can also be felt by prospective athletes.

“Just go for it, don’t really think about what other people have to say about it; if that’s what you want to do then follow your path and it will work out,” said pitcher William Watson, who is transferring to University of Southern California.

Committing to a four-year is proof that hard work never goes unrewarded.

“Just keep working and never give up and good things will happen,” said Reeve.

Countless hours of practice, games, academics, and more come together to create new pathways for student athletes.

UPCOMING GAMES

BASEBALL vs Santa Rosa 3/4 @ 4 p.m. at American River 3/7 @ 2 p.m. vs American River 3/9 @ 12 p.m. at American River 3/11 @ 1 p.m.

SOFTBALL at West Valley 3/2 @ 3 p.m. vs Modesto 3/3 @ 6 p.m. at Sacramento City 3/4 @ 2 p.m. vs Folsom Lake 3/7 @ 6 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

CCCAA Womens’ Basketball 2023

Northern California Regional

Final vs Sierra 3/4 @ 7 p.m.

MEN’S GOLF

Big 8 Conference #5 Reedly 3/13 @ 11 a.m.

WOMEN’S TRACK/FIELD

Kim Duyst Invitational @ CSU Stanislaus 3/4 @ TBA

MEN’S TRACK/FIELD

Kim Duyst Invitational @ CSU Stanislaus 3/4 @ TBA

TALENT SHINES AT BHM CELEBRATION

Delta board unanimously rejects AB928

BY VANESSA GOMEZ Staff Writer

On Feb. 21, the Delta College Board of Trustees unanimously passed resolution #21-47, opposing Assembly Bill (AB) 928, a statewide bill that would drastically change the way California community colleges operate.

AB 928, or the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act of 2021 was written by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park).

The Bill sets up a plan to rework how community colleges will prepare their students to transfer to a four-year institution, such as a California State University (CSU) or a University of California (UC), by automatically placing students on an Academic Degree of Transfer (ADT) pathway.

The bill intends to streamline the transfer process by creating a set of classes that will be transferable to both a UC and CSU.

All students who want to transfer to a UC or CSU will have to take no more than 34 units of classes that fulfill the proposed pathway.

This bill was created, according to the AB928 Committee website, “...for the sole purpose of strengthening the pathway for students and to ensure it becomes the primary transfer pathway in California.”

The issues that the leaders of Delta College, and of the California community colleges have with this plan

are numerous. One of the more noted issues is the lack of Area E, or ‘Lifelong Learning and Self Development’ courses.

Currently, in order to transfer to a CSU, a student must take one course of these classes.

“These classes, which include physical education, kinesiology, and nutrition, would not be required in order to transfer,” said Becky Plaza, President of the Delta College Academic Senate. “If this plan is accepted, what happens to classes that aren’t part of the planned curriculum?”

The passing of resolution #21-47 also brought up this concern.

“The Delta College Board of Trustees requests that the Chancellor of Community Colleges advocate with the University of California and California State University systems to preserve lifelong learning for California community college students,” was said in the meeting.

The fear is that if Area E classes are deemed unnecessary by the four-year institutions, it will limit what a student can study at a community college.

The elimination of Area E also may lead to professors no longer having classes to teach, which could lead to less faculty supporting a community college.

Community college students who don’t intend to transfer will also be affected by this bill.

“ADTs have been shown to be ineffective and inefficient pathways to transfer, often requiring students to

Food services in Danner Hall expand to meet student needs

BY ANDREA RIVERA Staff Writer

Food service offerings and availability have increased since students went to the Board of Trustees in September 2022.

The result is more operational hours and products to meet student demand, according to a report at the Feb. 21 board meeting.

Last fall, students noted “limited nutritional menu options” and “limited operating hours” during public comment at a board meeting.

The department response was an “assessment of menu offerings and staffing requirements to possibly expand hours,” according to the board presentation.

The assessment found that “only 10 out of approximately 115 food items had more than 500 calories.”

The update, presented mostly by Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services Nate McBride, at the Feb. 21 Board of Trustees discussed the new updates and progress.

One change includes the addition of CleanEatz frozen meals, which have sold between one and four offerings daily for Spring 2023.

It was also discussed if there is a way to gather donations from other food companies surrounding the school, or cut down on prices to help students combat money issues.

But unfortunately, “there is no General Fund contribution that goes to the operation of the cafeteria, it’s almost like an enterprise within the district,” according to Augustine Chavez.

The Auxiliary team is still looking and experimenting with the pricing options and food choices in Danner Hall to help students afford the food items.

Student Kim Morquecho said she visits Danner Hall two times every Tuesday and Thursday when she’s on campus. She said she still sees needs, despite the addition of a new microwave this semester for student use.

“I would like it if there was a toaster next to the microwave, or if there were more mi-

take more units to complete them,” said Trevor Gatz, who is a part of the San Joaquin Delta College Teacher Association. “Forcing all students on the ADT pathway inhibits student exploration. It also potentially disregards students’ personal interests.” Community colleges often serve low-income students, and oftentimes those students are first-time college students.

“Eliminating Lifelong Learning and self-development programs will reduce equitable access to programs historically available to all students and will have a disproportionate effect on BIPOC students,” said Gatz.

Other community college leaders have spoken against the implementation of AB 928 in its current form.

The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges collected responses from 2,169 community college faculty members, and found that many faculty members wanted to keep Area E classes as a graduation requirement for community college students, rather than restricting them to a CSU requirement.

“This will affect low-income students the most,” said Plaza. “A student can take a class at a community college and pay $138 for it. Now, they are going to have to take the same class at a CSU and pay $1,435 for it.”

The community colleges, CSUs, and UCs have to reach an agreement by May 31.

If there is no agreement made, then the academic bodies have to establish a transfer pathway by Dec. 31. The bill will go into effect July 1, 2025.

A selection of food options available for students in Danner Hall.

crowaves because sometimes there’s a huge line,” Morquecho “Also sometimes I eat my food cold because of how dirty the microwave is.”

Danner Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and is stocked with new exciting snacks and frozen meals

such as: popcorn chicken parm, barbecue beef mac & cheese and Cowboy Shepard Pie that can be warmed up in the microwave provided in Danner Hall.

Students can also continue to give feedback via QR codes that are pinned on the walls near the new salad bar.

DREAM: Many resources available for undocumented students

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Outreach and Relations Student Programs Assistant, said he was fulfilled attending the event.

“I feel like the presentations were truly the heart of the event. I had a positive experience and overall I feel satisfied the conference served its purpose,”

he said.

Leal also expressed what she hopes the success of the event conveys to the campus.

“We hope that the board of trustees and the directors that make the decisions on campus sees that these events have weight because it services

not only our students but our student body, our employees, and our faculty, and the community as a whole. There is outcome in putting on this event and having this hard work. Come out and look at us, watch us. We’re here,” Leal said.

As a part of Delta College’s Black History Month celebrations, a talent show featuring Black students, faculty, and alumni took place in the Tillie Lewis Theatre. Dr. Malika Hollinside, far right, led the event as emcee. Shawnteona Lewis, middle, performed a flag dance. Seventh grader Noelle Miller performed spoken word poems.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

PHOTO BY ANDREA RIVERA