The Collegian - Published May 10, 2022

Supreme Court leak dismantles Roe v. Wade

CTE graduation returns to campus

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Issue 10 • Thursday, May 12, 2022 •

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LAWRENSON IN AS PERMANENT PRESIDENT Naming of long-time educator to top role marks first time Delta College will be led by Latina

Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson answers questions during a forum featuring her and Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins from City College of San Francisco on May 2. PHOTO BY JAHDAI SPIKES

BY JAHDAI SPIKES Editor-in-Chief

Delta College’s Superintendent/President semester-long search has come to a close after the Board of Trustees announced Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson to be the college’s 12th Superintendent/President during a May 10 special meeting.

Board President Charles Jennings reported that the district would be moving forward with contract negotiations with Lawrenson. The special meeting was originally scheduled at a board workshop on closing equity gaps.

“I am truly honored to have been selected to serve Delta College and the community as its next superintendent/president,” said Lawrenson in a press release from the college. “I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, as well as community and campus leaders to provide excellence in education and workforce training in support of economic development in our region.”

The hiring makes Lawrenson the first Latina to lead Delta College during its 59-year history. Delta College is a Hispanic Serving Institution with 46 percent of students identifying as Hispanic, according to the 2019 Student Success Scorecard.

“I hope I’ve been able to express to you my love of this college and I don’t say that lightly,” said Lawrenson during a forum on May 2 in Atherton Auditorium. “I love coming to work here everyday. I love the people that I meet in the community and that sense of working together for the sake of the greater good and I just love that.”

This decision comes more than a week after final-

“We’re trying to create the Delta of the future.

We need to be prepared and provide the best college we possibly can for this region.”

- Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson ist forums and interviews that were held on May 2 and 3. Lawrenson, the current acting Superintendent/ President vied for the campus’ top spot against Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins, currently the vice-chancellor of Student Affairs at City College of San Francisco.

Wilkins previously served as vice-president of Student Services at Delta College before her hiring by City College in 2020.

Lawrenson came to Delta college nearly two years ago as Interim Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction and Planning in July 2020. She was named to the top instruction role in November 2020. Lawrenson was named Acting Superintendent/ President during the Fall 2021 semester after Dr. Omid Pourzanjani announced his intent to resign at the end of his term, which expires June 30.

During his time at Delta, Pourzanjani oversaw the rollout of the MyDelta student service system, as well as the initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and early work to roll out a bond measure, now tentatively slated for the November 2022 ballot.

See LAWRENSON, page 12

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DACA now available for online renewal

BY GRACIELA GABRIEL Staff Writer

On April 12, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service announced that it would begin accepting online renewal for DACA. Online DACA renewal only applies to those who have already received deferred action under Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA). First-time applicants should still send paper applicants in the mail.

“The expansion of online filing is a priority for USCIS as we make our operations more efficient and effective for the agency and our stakeholders, applicants, petitioners and requestors,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou in a new release. “The option to file DACA renewal requests online is part of USCIS’ ongoing move to minimize reliance on paper records and further transition to an electronic environment.”

The application can be found in uscis.gov under “1-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals” Once there navigate to “File Online” and it will take you to a login page to start the process.

For those who haven’t created an account with uscis.gov you can click on “Create an Account.” USCIS advises having only one account.

Once logged in, there is a “Before You Start Your Request” and an Eligibility list where it lists all the requirements a DACA recipient needs to meet before filing online.

These requirements should be the same as previous renewals: Not departing from the U.S. after August 15, 2012. Having continuously resided in the U.S since submitting the most recent request DACA that was approved up to the present time.

Haven’t been convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanor or three or more, and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

USCIS advises DACA recipients to submit renewals 150 days prior to expiration of their current period of deferred action because USCIS can reject the submission and return it to the instruction to resubmit if necessary.

The ideal renewal date is 120 days according to USCIS. It also advised those to submit the “Form 1-765” online because it would be added to and completed after signing the “Form 1-821D.” Renewal fees totaling $495 will be assessed after the forms are filed.

At the end of the request USCIS will highlight documents that should be provided by the request. Recall evidence and supporting documents should be submitted at the time of filling.

For additional information about evidence requirements listed in: uscis.gov/i-821d DACA requesters should also still submit biometrics.They will receive a schedule to appear Application Support Center for biometrics collection (ASC).

The online system also allows for filing of other documents, including the Request of Evidence (RFE) or Request for Information (RFI).

DACA renewal recipients can track their file on the USCIS account.

In fiscal year 2021, USCIS “received more than 8.8 million requests for immigration benefits and other requests, including 438,950 Form I-821D DACA requests,” according to a release announcing the new online services.

Local students can contact Delta College’s Undocumented Students Resources/Dreamer Success Center located in Holt 201. DACA support is just one of the many services provided by the center.

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2 NEWS 051222

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STAGG MURDER BRINGS SAFETY TO CONVERSATION FOREFRONT

BY ARIANA MALLERY News Editor

On April 18, 15-year-old student Alycia “Lala” Reynaga was fatally stabbed on the Stagg High School campus in Stockton in what police call a random act by 52-year-old Anthony Gray.

Gray drove through the open gates of the school and parked. Gray then attempted to grab two other girls from the school parking lot, and when he failed, repeatedly stabbed Reynaga, according to various news sources.

“It was a very tragic, very senseless incident,” said San Joaquin Delta College District Police Chief Robert DiPiero.

Gray’s first court appearance was on April 20, where he was arraigned on multiple charges including first-degree murder. Gray had prior convictions in Northern California including a felony in 1989 for receiving stolen property, a conviction in 1990 for the purchase of a controlled substance, and a 2012 conviction of a misdemeanor assault with force and felony battery against a police officer, according to San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar.

Gray faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, said Salazar.

At a Board of Trustees meeting on April 19, after a moment of silence, Trustee Jennet Stebbins made a note to thank the actions of the San Joaquin Delta College District Police.

“Our involvement was very minimal,” said DiPiero. “Right after we became aware of the incident that occured at Stagg, I reached out to their school district chief just in terms of what kind of assistance they needed. We sent staff over just so that when students got out of school, they had additional officers on hand so hopefully the students feel safe considering what happened.”

DiPiero said the response is common among departments.

“A lot of the departments in the county, whenever there are incidents, we respond and assist each other. We had officers respond to the Cleveland School shooting in 1989. In terms of when we’ve had certain incidents here on campus, we’ve had other agencies respond to assist us. We help each other out, whenever we have some sort of critical incident.”

In Fall 2021, there was talk of a plan to increase campus safety by adding fencing around core parts of Flowers and candles in memorial for 15-year-old Alycia Reynaga line the sidewalk outside Stagg High the school. Delta College has gates that lock School on Brookside Road in Stockton. PHOTO BY JAHDAI SPIKES around a large part of not to continue on with the fencing but ian app is also a useful tool to have. the campus, but the Dolores Huerta to work with us to improve the security “We send out emergency messages Plaza is open to foot traffic from North cameras we have, and adding cameras from there. It’s an emergency notificaBurke Bradley Drive and the frontage onto it,” said DiPiero. tion system. What that entails is if we road off of Pacific Avenue.

That leaves Delta with a partially were to have an active shooter of fire At a Board of Trustees meeting on open campus. There are steps students on campus or an earthquake, we’d send Oct. 5, 2021 former Vice President of can take to stay vigilant. out an emergency notification via the Administrative Services Dr. Amanda “If you see someone being harassed, Mustang Alert. There’s an app that goes Preston Nelson made a comment that what if the next person to be harassed along with it for your phone called the the fencing “should be up within the is your friend. Support your fellow stu- Guardian app. That has safety informanext couple of months.” dents. Support your colleagues. If you tion there, contacts for police dispatch,” However, the fencing plan around see something, say something,” said said DiPiero. the Delta campus seems to have been DiPiero.

Reynaga’s funeral was held on canceled.

In addition, the District Police web- Wednesday, May 4 at the Cathedral of “From what I understand, It’s not site includes information about Citi- the Annunciation in Stockton. A Gohappening. The police department had zen Rims, which are publicly available FundMe continues to garner donations been a part of the project in terms of data that can tell what calls to the police for Reynaga’s family at https://www.gorecommendations for locations. Part were about within a certain time period. fundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-the-familyof the project also involved additional The Mustang Alert or RAVE Guard- of-alicia-reynega. cameras as well. The decision was made

Delta College stats show campus safer than city

BY ANI GUTIERREZ

Entertainment Editor

The on-campus stabbing of a Stagg High School student, in addition to an uptick in violence in the city of Stockton, is trending closely with elevated crime acts nationwide.

According to Stockton’s Community Crime map, powered by LexisNexis, in the past two months there have been 265 acts of theft, 99 acts of aggravated assault, 70 acts of burglary, 56 acts of robbery, three acts of sexual assault, and two homicides in Stockton alone, as of May 1.

Stockton’s homicide count is at two for 2022.

These sobering statistics are pushing students to think about their safety now more than ever before.

“I have always had concerns for my own safety and my loved ones when I go out in public,” said Bryan Bernal Arroyo, a Delta student. “I have lived in Stockton for almost all my life and I’m no stranger to the crime that is in Stockton. That’s why I’m always aware of my surroundings and do what I can to protect myself and the ones I’m with.”

Like Arroyo, other college students in Stockton also feel a rise in concern for their safety when going about with their daily lives.

“Once I start getting farther off of campus, I definitely become extra cautious of my surroundings, especially due to the recent acts of violence,” said University of the Pacific (UOP) student Johan Espinoza.

“I think it’s always important to have situational awareness and use common sense no matter where you are. We don’t have to be afraid every day, but if students take the right steps to stay safe, hopefully we will never be victims of a violent crime.”

Students say they feel safer when on campus because of the security provided by the police department. Delta and UOP have on-campus police departments.

“I do feel safe on campus to an extent,” said Arroyo.

“After the recent stabbing at Stagg it did make me feel less safe about open campuses but I am pretty confi-

dent with the security at Delta.”

The confidence that students have in the security at Delta stems from the low crime rates that happen on the actual campus. While crime mapping notes higher numbers of crime off campus, Delta’s statistics show a different picture.

According to Delta’s 2021 Clery Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, compiled by the San Joaquin An emergency phone near the Delta College Dolores Huerta Plaza on campus.

District Police COLLEGIAN ARCHIVE Department (which is the most recent report), there were a total of only three criminal offenses on the main Stockton campus in the past year of 2020. Two of them being from motor vehicle theft and the other one from burglary.

With the district police taking student’s safety seriously, this has kept campus life relatively safe.

“We fully understand that we’re here for the students and our ultimate goal is making sure that our students are able to successfully achieve their goals in life,” said Delta College Police Sergeant Jim Bock.

When on campus, one has most likely noticed the police vehicles patrolling around on a daily basis. The

black and white units, which are the sworn police officers, are often patrolling the perimeter of campus.

“We found over the years that because we are in such a high crime city, our police presence on the exterior of campus is a far greater deterrent for people coming on to campus to do bad deeds,” said Bock.

“Nine out of 10 times when we have a crime that occurs on campus, it is from the city of Stockton coming in, not from our students within.”

Even though students have the police department to enforce safety measures, it is important to still always be aware of your own safety. Bock recommends a couple of tips on staying clear from unexpected danger when in public.

Bock said the Rave mobile guardian app is a great way to stay aware of danger. It’s not only an app to notify about Covid exposure, but also an emergency notification app for clery crimes and/or general crimes that happen in the area. If a form of crime happens in the campus area, the police department sends a notification to your phone through this app and warns the campus community. It also allows easy contact with the dispatch center through text if members of the campus community feel unsafe. Another positive aspect to it is that it’s not limited to only being on Delta’s campus.

Bock also said to always be aware of surroundings.

“The big thing to remember is that criminals are people of opportunity. If they see you walking and your head is down, you've got two earbuds in, your face is looking at your cell phone, then you have the appearance to a criminal of being weak and unaware of your surroundings.”

Being aware of your surroundings looks something like this: keeping one earbud out, always keeping your head up, acknowledging people when they walk by you, and evening walking out in pairs.

These safety tips go beyond the campus environment, they can be translated into everyday life to stay clear of the unexpected danger that this world seems to face on a daily basis.

3 OPINION 051222

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TIPS TO KEEP GRADUATION CLASSY

BY JASON DIEZ Opinion Editor

A

lways stuck at choosing the right outfit to wear at graduation?

Rest assured, in this how-to etiquette,

that will detail ways on accomplishing the perfect ensemble.

“During the graduation it’s hot, you can switch it right after,” said Mariana Arellano, a marketing student.

Graduation is notoriously known for having a

DO THIS

lengthy affair and having a toasty venue, thanks to all the bodies next to each other.

This guide will provide you an insight on creating timeless style that is fashionable, unique, and won’t make you look back at your pictures from the event with cringe.

DON’T DO THIS

Simple color scheme

Leave the casual style at home

For graduates, you want to make sure you wear complimentary colors that exemplify your stoles, cords, and graduation gown.

Anything that clashes with your color scheme, for example an item color on the opposite side of the color wheel, can definitely make you stick out like a sore thumb. For example pairing maroon with shades of red or gold, if that doesn’t work, pairing the black gown with remotely any color on the wheel.

While ultimately a pair of jeans and a white shirt might work, for a quick run to the grocery store, this is a monumental moment. Whether that be for the graduates, or an attendee, it’s a moment to look a bitmore put together than usual.

Leave the extra layers at home

As mentioned, graduation is long. Whether you’re in the audience waiting for you graduate to walk across the stage, or wearing the graduation gown, layering can cause excessive heat. Don’t wear too many bulky items to compensate for underdressing, choose simplicity such as black slacks with a white button up to achieve the ageless archetype.

Outfit pt. 2

“I just wore a short white dress, because afterwards you can change, no one is seeing what is worn under the grad,” said Jerikah Cruz, a marketing student. While it’s true, no one will see what you’re wearing underneath the grad-gown, it’s best to keep it simple. Following the first “do” keeps the fit simple and easy to move around in. Mixing in comfortability with presentability is a win-win situation

Dress to impress

At the end of the day, you’re attending a graduation.

It’s important to look your best in first impressions, on-stage, photos, and much more. Looking fresh off the mannequin or a ready to wear look is always a go-to. Think of Met-gala but as if you’re a journalist covering the show, and with intention to look at least presentable to the celebrities.

The outfit can include comfortable loafers that are remotely universal with any outfit.

Don’t outshine the graduate — remeber you’re not the main character, baby

“Remember, it’s their special day. Not yours,” said Merrick White, a fashion blogger from Merrick’s Art, who mentions a general tip overall. Circling back to “Dress to impress” remember attendees, it’s the graduate’s special day.

Leave the spotlight to those who are walking, and accomplishing their goal.

Avoid wearing staple pieces that move the conversation onto you instead of highlighting the graduate’s accomplishments.

Mother’s Day celebration changes based on culture, not limited to one day

BY GRACIELA GABRIEL

T

Staff Writer

wo things that start with the letter “M” are May and mother.

As we move into the last month of spring, the beginning of May kicks off with the celebration of Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world.

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated every second Sunday of May, and this year the holiday falls on May 8.

In the song “Dear Mama” rap artist Tupac has a piece of lyrics where he says: “And there is no way I can pay you back, but my plan is to show you that I understand: you appreciate it.”

The relationship and love a mother provides to their child is one of a kind.

For that reason it can make it difficult for one to feel like there’s no perfect gift that can repay or describe what a mother does for a child.

Maybe we feel we can’t find the perfect gift but

flowers are a nice gesture to give to a mother because it’s an expression of love.

A perfume can also be a good gift idea because you are taking your time to choose a signature smell that you feel suits best for your mother.

Delta College student Catalina Sandoval said making a video with her loved ones is a great Mother’s Day gift for her.

“I have not spent Mother’s day with my kids since my daughter moved to Chicago and my son lives in Mexico. Making a video with them will be a nice gift for me. Spending quality time and creating memories is a gift for me. Just being able to hug and kiss them again would be nice,” said Sandoval.

While the United States has its own traditional way to celebrate Mother’s Day, it is very common for a select group of Latinos that live here to still celebrate “Días de las Madres” (Mother’s Day) every May 10.

Sandoval said she celebrates both dates, U.S. tradition and Mexico’s day.

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.

EDITORS JAHDAI SPIKES Editor-in-Chief

ARIANA MALLERY News

JASON DIEZ

“In Mexico I remember for Dias de las Madres in school we would have dances and food. I got used to celebrating ‘Dia de las Madres’ that day with my family and ever since I still celebrate “10 de Mayo.”

Also my husband and I go to a restaurant and spend quality time but with my daughter I celebrate “Mother’s Day,” you know ...U.S. day,” said Sandoval.

Sandoval isn’t the only to celebrate Mother’s Day” in different day than the U.S. In a San Joaquin Delta College Facebook page has 7,000 people, 29 out 69 voters celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10. While seven voters celebrate it on both dates like Sandoval.

Social Media and thanks to the internet, Mother’s Day celebration has developed for good.

Today even if you are far from your mother, you have tools that can keep you connected to your mother. There are apps that give you access to video chat with your mother figure and lastly having the option to do fast shipping to make sure your mother gets her gift on time.

STAFF GAVIN CARDOZA GRACIELA GABRIEL CHRISTINA GOODMAN MELLY LEWIS ANNABEL LOCK

MULTIMEDIA TECH MATTHEW WILSON

ADVISER TARA CUSLIDGE-STAIANO

Opinion

ANI GUTIERREZ Entertainment

DAVID VICTOR Sports

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4 OPINION 051222

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TOP RIGHT: Danner Hall featuring students sitting. BOTTOM RIGHT: Singular student playing Super Smash Bro’s by themselves. TOP LEFT: Bookstore with banner.

BOTTOM LEFT: Tables empty outside of Danner Hall. PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

Students name wants for next school year

BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN

C

Staff Writer

hange is coming to Delta College for the 2022-2023 school year as we move from lockdown due to Covid-19 to being back on campus more substantially.

Something you may notice is an increase in hand sanitizers in each class, wipes to wipe off the desk, and also sanitizing spray and paper towels.

But is this enough for you? Do you feel safe with this as their only cautions for Covid? What do you want to change or improve for Delta?

I asked that question in a popular Delta College Facebook group that includes more than 7,000 students asking what students want to see in the coming school year.

“The library being open more; danner hall is too

loud and more tutoring for the harder classes like the sciences,” Kadija Bangura commented.

Some people have to drop classes for certain reasons that hurt their grade-point average (GPA) and have to take the L. During the pandemic, Delta gave the option of having an EW (Excused Withdrawal), which didn’t impact GPA “To give us the EW for the semesters within the lockdown,” was a response from Jazmin Reyes” Jasmyne Villasenor Gonzalez, another student who agreed with the EW added more recommendation: “No vaccine requirement and be able to do the EW still.”

Some might feel that we should keep the masks on and to stay six-feet apart from people, and some on the other hand want to stop wearing masks at Delta.

Some still want to keep Delta closed like Catherine Mellor: “no masks, no vaccine requirements, faculty on campus and finals on campus only.”

Some might see this as a setback but to each its own.

While the intention of the question on Facebook was to gauge student wants and needs as Delta College anticipates a greater return to campus, Delta College’s Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler chimed in too.

“Thank you so much for asking this question,” said Breitler. “Love hearing this from everyone on what we can do better. I will pass these ideas on.”

I’m so thankful that he saw the post on Facebook and now our voices will be heard and hopefully we will see the change for the following school year.

Asparagus Fest doesn’t resemble previous events

BY ARIANA MALLERY

T

News Editor

he Asparagus Festival today is nowhere near what it was back in my day. No, I’m not going to go on a long rant about walking uphill both ways barefoot in the snow.

I remember standing in line with my parents on unseasonably hot days in late April early May just to be able to have a taste of that amazing deep fried asparagus.

There was one year when they had a live performance by the band Smash

Mouth. Smash Mouth! Like the guys who did the opening song to “Shrek,” a movie that defines a generation of meme-loving zoomers.

I’m not saying the Asparagus Festival is terrible, but compared to other festivals like the Lodi Grape Festival or the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is significantly lacking. One thing that can be said about these other events is that they’ve been in the same location consistently, and in the case of the Lodi Grape Festival has been owned by the same people for the majority of its existence.

It has changed venues so many times.

My parents remember the 2002 Asparagus Festival at Oak Grove Park in Stockton. I remember when the Asparagus Festival was at the waterfront. And now it’s back to being at the County Fairgrounds.

Then there’s the pricing. Parking is $10. A single day admission for adults (18-64) is $20, child (6-17), senior 65+, military with ID is $15, and children 5 and under get in free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $30 each, or an individual ride is $1. As it stands, if a family of four wants to go to the Asparagus Festival, they face a charge of more

than $100. For admission and rides alone — that doesn’t include food.

There was a time when the festival was cute and wholesome. When asparagus ice cream was simply strawberry ice cream with bits of asparagus in it.

Let’s hope during these past two years of hiatus, the owners of the Asparagus Festival have had time to think about what they want the Asparagus Festival to become. Do they want something Stocktonians and the people of San Joaquin County are proud of ? Or do they want some kitschy tourist trap that’s mostly used for self profit?

5 OPINION 051222

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LOCAL HIDDEN BRUNCH GEMS

In fall of 2021, when some of the newer members of The Collegian were getting to know each other, we decided to have some bonding time by having a “Friday Brunch,” which at the start of this semester turned into a “whenever we’re all available at the same time” brunch.

While most of the time we’d argue so much about where to go, we’d all just settle for iHop, there were some local gems we found along the way.

BY ARIANA MALLERY News Editor

EMPRESSO

MIDTOWN CREPERIE AND CAFE Once featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” the Midtown Creperie is a cute little location on Miracle Mile that offers both savory and sweet crêpes in addition to mouthwatering authentic beignets. The hot chocolate is definitely worth a try as well. However, it may not be the best for people with allergies, as when requested if they are able to leave certain items out, the server informed us that many of the sauces are premade. Limited parking, as with most Miracle Mile locations. Recommended to call ahead to see what current wait times are.

THE OMELET HOUSE

I had my doubts about this place, but was willing to try it because I had heard nothing but good things. It was closer to the industrial part of town by Cherokee Road off Highway 99, but despite the location, I have to say, I was impressed by The Omelet House.

While it is called the Omelet house, I unfortunately did not try the omelets. Everyone else in my party did, and I was filled with regret that I didn’t try one. They looked and smelled amazing. The envy I felt soon dissipated and was replaced with awe as I had a massive waffle combo placed in front of me. I had my combo split up with my waffles on the side and ended up giving my eggs and bacon away because there was so much food, I couldn’t possibly have eaten it all. I had the banana, chocolate, and strawberry waffle with whipped cream for $12.49, and was able to take half of it home and eat it later. Delicious, reasonably priced food in huge portions?

What more could I ask for?

HOUSE OF SHAW

House of Shaw is a cute little coffee shop/bakery located slightly off of Miracle Mile. They sell loose leaf teas, coffees, and fresh baked goods. When I visited, I had a delicious slice of Marzouka’s Apple Cake for $7, which included a piece of cinnamon apple cake covered in whipped cream and a light caramel sauce. I also sampled the hot chocolate, which was just the right amount of sweet and chocolatey. It was a bit hard to find since it wasn’t on the main Miracle Mile road (we actually missed it the first time, and had to turn around), and there was a small parking lot which was hard to maneuver, but that is a bit of a plus since parking in this area of town is scarce.

All in all, not a bad place.

Empresso is a super cute local chain of coffee houses with one location being in College Square, within walking distance south of San Joaquin Delta College.

Pre-pandemic, this was my go-to hangout spot. I would come here to study or just hangout and grab a quick bite between classes. What I like most about them is not only their atmosphere, but their support of local artists. Their walls feature a frequently-changing selection of artworks by local artists for sale. They have a large variety of coffees, tea, and baked goods to choose from. My favorite food item there is an asiago bagel, either as a breakfast sandwich or with cream cheese. They do offer additional toppings for bagels such as lox and jams. For those looking for something more adult, they also have beer and kombucha on tap.

THE FARM CAFE AT MICHAEL DAVID

The Farm Cafe at Michael David Winery, or as locals know it Philip’s Farms, is a local staple located off Highway 12 in Lodi. While I’ll admit, I am a bit biased when it comes to Philips Farms. I remember when I was younger, and my family would go for bike rides and brunch here.I remember the Harvest Festival in October, when they would have a giant pile of hay bales for kids to climb on and pumpkins to take home, and when they had little animals you could buy feed bags to hand feed. After the remodel and rebranding, the ambiance definitely changed.

It’s not bad, just different.

I enjoy their fruit and yogurt bowl, which comes with a selection of fresh baked breads dusted with powdered sugar. My favorite of the breads, and possibly the best I’ve ever had, is the zucchini-orange bread (full order $9, half order–no bread– $5). They also have their famous homemade pies in as many flavors as you can think of. The mexican french toast is also very good, but be warned: french toast covered in cocoa powder, chocolate sauce, strawberries, powdered sugar, and whipped cream can send even the most accomplished sweet-tooths into a sugar-rush. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy here.

HEIRLOOM KITCHEN

The Heirloom Kitchen is a newer addition to Stockton. Located at the corner of Ben Holt Drive and Pacific Avenue, where Payters used to be, this establishment works mostly with local and organic products. As a result the food you get is very high-quality.

The only turn-off is the price. A brunch for two, including a generous tip, could cost $60, with carrot cake French Toast (with rum raisin syrup, walnuts and whipped cream, $16), a breakfast skillet (with veggies, eggs, mushroom and not enough meat, $16) and $6 mimosas.

6 FEATURE 051222 A MATTER OF PRONOUN Delta provides resources for students to use preferred monikers at institution

BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN Staff Writer

Have you noticed on Canvas you see she/her, he/him and they/them beside people’s names?

The proper term is gender pronouns and that’s another way to identify them other than using their name.

Gender pronouns aren’t about sexuality such as gay, straight or bisexual. Pronouns have more to do with how we identify ourselves to the world.

“We do it almost without thinking. Because names and pronouns are the two ways people call and refer to others, they are personal and important. They are also key facets of our identity,`` according to the New York-based Anti-Defamation League.

For example, Ariana “Kit” Jaekel identifies as she/her and happens to be bisexual she’s “100 percent valid behind all the different pronouns.”

The pronouns don’t define her connection to her sexual orientation. She notes that she stands “With the LGBTQ+ community and couldn’t be happier.”

Some simply use he/him as their gender pronoun as

Keshif Ahmed does.

“I’m exploring this opportunities in life, meeting new friends and I’m ready to announce who I am to the world,” Ahmed said.

We still have to understand that not everyone is ready to come out for a variety of reasons, with issues from family, or being scared of social or religious persecution.

Delta College allows students to select pronouns in Canvas. Users can choose between the following options: • None • She/Her/Hers • He/Him/His • They/Them/Their/Theirs • Ze/Hir/Hirs In addition, Delta supports its students by allowing “preferred names” in lieu of birth-certificate listed names.

A “preferred name is a name a student wishes to be known by at San Joaquin Delta College that is different from the student’s legal name,” according to the Delta College website.

Preferred names and pronouns can be different from a

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

) h s e ( / r him i h

/ e z

/his

e h s her s r he person’s birth identity.

Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler said Delta College works to an “inclusive” place for all who come here.

“At Delta College we support all of our students and employees and definitely want to create as inviting and as inclusive an environment as we possibly can,” said Breitler.

they

them

“That certainly includes being mindful of the preferred pronouns for both students and employees. Some employees, for example, include their preferred pronouns in their email taglines so that folks are aware of what the appropriate pronouns are and can use them when addressing that person. We encourage everyone to be aware of preferred pronouns and to use them as a sign of respect for every member of our college family.”

Delta also offers help in

counseling, a safe place to study and meet new people in the same position as they are in.

So if you feel as if you’re all alone and don’t have anyone to talk to you can reach out to the pride center and get the help you’re looking for.

The Pride Center is located on the second floor of Danner Hall in room 202B and can be reached by telephone at (209) 954-5260.

In-person and virtual appointments are also available.

L.H. Horton Gallery celebrates student art

Top Left: Franca Van Allen’s painting titled “You don’t say!”, which won the Painting portfolio award. Top Right: Christian Bustos “Brookside Sunset” won one of the photography merit awards Bottom Left: “Having Everything Revealed”

by Alyssa Pacheco who won the Ceramics merit award Bottom Right: Gennina Flondarina-Johnson’s “Teatime with the Enchantress” which won the SJDC President’s award.

PHOTOS BY ARIANA MALLERY

7 FEATURE 051222

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

STORES BECOME GAMERS’ PARA-DICE

BY JAHDAI SPIKES Editor-in-Chief

The board game community has grown significantly over the past few years, a great deal due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people turned to board games during the pandemic as a way to have fun while staying safe.

For some, this meant getting back into the old board and tabletop games they used to love. For others this meant trying something new they thought was interesting but didn’t have the opportunity to play before. Either way, many people have found a new love for board games with a slight difficulty getting them and finding others to play with.

“People have been, however, very understanding about doing whatever we need to do to stay safe …. and people were still understanding because people wanted to come in and game,” said Blackrowan Games co-owner Christine Mabry.

Covid shutdowns introduced many problems for board game businesses to stay afloat throughout the pandemic, leading to some places closing temporarily and shifting to a more online-focused model.

But now, more than two years into the pandemic, locations are again open in person and working to rebuild communities.

One place doing this is Blackrowan Games in Tracy.

Rather than shutting down, the business adapted GO ONLINE to the changes and pushed View more photos, video, through.

Blackrowan and other elements for this Games is the largest board story at deltacollegian.net/ game store in Tracy with multimedia. a wide selection to choose from. The store also sells dice, play mats and miniature figurines.

“For a whole year until the governor opened everything back up for entertainment, we were retail only. Meanwhile, though, while we were closed we got a website set up, we delivered locally to anyone who ordered through the Top: Players website. That was kinda how we survived for competing in those three months,” said co-owner Christine “Magic: the Mabry.

Gathering” Blackrowan Games provides a board game event on April library where patrons can try out any of the provided games with friends, as well as several 11 at Blackdifferent tables to rent and play at. rowan Games “We really wanted a place where people could in Tracy. Midcome and sit down and game because that was dle: Standard something we really enjoyed,” said Mabry. gaming tables The store has a very active community and other as they hold many events and tournaments merchandise throughout the week for things like “Magic: sold at BlackThe Gathering,” “Warhammer,” “Dungeons rowan Games. and Dragons,” “Pokemon” and more.

Bottom: “We have lots of events going on, which reBlackrowan ally is our purpose in this store, to be a gathering place for the community and a safe and Games located inclusive environment,” said Mabry. “We are in Tracy, at inclusive and welcoming to all communities 130 West 11th and we just want to make sure that people St. know that it’s important to us that people are physically and emotionally safe when they PHOTOS come here.”

BY JAHDAI For more information regarding events go SPIKES to www.blackrowangames.com.

Link Up Expo in Manteca provides opportunities

BY JASON DIEZ Opinion Editor

Fresh, stylish, and limited items up for sale featuring over numerous resold clothes and sneakers, the Link Up expo provides an open space for designers and resellers to supply booths with their items.

From packed parking lots, to people pulling wagons full of shoe boxes, many people crowded the expo through trading or purchasing items. The Link Up event was a perfect place for sneakerheads, better known as people who were knowledgeable in sneakers and the history behind them.

Located on 910 Lifestyle St. in the south-west of the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley in Manteca “featured with over 180+ vendors,” said on the Link Up event Instagram page.

On Apr. 30th the event is open to the public with free admission, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It ranged from food vendors, sneaker resellers, clothing designers, and those starting their own shop with pul-

lable wagons.

“I sell vintage and hype clothing, and also hardto-find hats,” said Brandon Banks, a streetwear clothing seller, “Vintage, anything eighteen years or older.

Anything hype is just something the average person can’t get that you have to pay people to wait in line for or you have to wait countless hours in line. It’s something unattainable to the average person.”

Many of the vendors at the Link Up event have a passion for business and fusing that with fashion; with the ability to create and dish out their own creations for the public.

“So I make clothes in this area, because I love designing and fashion. I have a creative mind that many people can relate to,” said Jaelen Ragedale, a Stockton-based owner of thecreativway on Instagram. “I think it’s a little difficult getting your ideas out there because it’s such a small market [in Stockton] but you can reach out to a lot of people through media without meeting them in person.”

The Link Up event utilized Instagram to market their event to the public, providing admission details and which vendors are selling.

While strolling around, many vendors were interacting with potential customers, bargaining with them and telling their stories. These vendors are able to do their passion while getting themselves out there.

“I think for me, it just kind of depends on how you market and promote yourself. The market is there, but it depends on how you hustle yourself,” Jimmy Zamora, owner of Mudville Clothing, a Stockton-based clothing brand.

Overall, the Link Up expo opens the door to opportunities for those planning to break the market.

Many of the vendors went through troubling times but persevered through the adversity.

Their next expo date is on June 4, so write a checklist and be on the lookout for the next set of vintage items awaiting for your arrival.

8 FEATURE 051222

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

‘BIKE LIFE’ ROLLS INTO STOCKTON amples and no accountability,” wrote a commenter on a Nextdoor post about You hear them before you see them. the Stockton rides.

Another commenter on Nextdoor Boomboxes blaring, kids yelling in excitement, cars honking, spectators recounts a time that a group member rode towards her car with a light, temcheering them on.

Once a week in Stockton, hundreds porarily blinding her and almost hitting of cyclists take to the streets. It’s part of her. She compared the feeling to being a nationwide phenomenon referred to assaulted.

Riders say the rides provide an opas “Bike Life.” portunity for people of all ages to get The group meets Sundays in Downactive, be outside, and see a different town Stockton around the noon hour.

From there, the group takes a different side of the city.

Robert Rambonga attends local route through the city, sometimes ridgroup rides with his daughters, ages 12 ing up to 30 miles in one day. and 14.

He says, “It’s good exercise, first Kari McNickle and foremost, and it is a transportation gets them off their planner and Presi- GO ONLINE devices. You come dent of the San Joa- View more photos, video, across things that you quin Bike Coalition, and other elements for this don’t even realize are a nonprofit commu- story at deltacollegian.net/ there when you’re just nity organization multimedia. driving around town. that advocates for biLittle artworks and cycle safety. “I think it’s awesome how it’s pushing the con- murals, or little local shops that you versation about biking, and I think it’s don’t hear too much about. Taco trucks a huge symbol of the pent up demand and food vendors.”

Some also point out that the rides that we have for recreation and outdoor might not be necessary if Stockton fun,” said McNickle.

As group size has grown, though, were more bike friendly and safe.

“We have a lot of bike and pedestriso has the controversy surrounding the an issues in the city of Stockton and a rides.

Some community members worry lot of it comes from the lack of infraabout public safety. The sheer size of the structure,” said McNickle.

In 2017, the City of Stockton pubgroup can take up multiple lanes, effeclished an update to their Bicycle Mastively shutting down roads along the route. There are claims that the group ter Plan, which highlights the lack of does not obey road laws, that minors city-designated trails, separated bikeride without helmets, and that cyclists ways, and low-stress facilities. The plan provides a roadmap for implementing deliberately intimidate drivers.

“We’re not really out there to do any- safe and accessible bicycle infrastructhing wrong. And, typically, if there’s ture through the year 2035.

McNickle said implementing these something going wrong, it’s one of the changes is a slow process, but in the kids that are misled and trying to act out…Those are the kids that need our meantime, she’s happy to see more peoattention,” said Damon Dayton, a local ple on bikes.

She hopes the energy of the group professional BMX rider, who defended rides and surrounding controversy the rides and the importance of engagwill push the conversation and lead to ing Stockton’s youth.

These Stockton rides started about changes that make everyone — on both six years ago, but the community has sides of the issue — happier and safer.

“Having the freedom to move safely seen participation grow since the beginning of the pandemic. In just the and free from harm in your communipast few years, the group has gone from ty in the way that you choose — that about 50 riders to well into the hun- should be something that everyone has the right to do,” said McNickle. dreds.

There are multiple ways that the Not everyone agrees with Dayton.

On social media sites like Facebook and Stockton community can advocate for Nextdoor, conversations about the rides those rights. Join a local group ride, become a member of the San Joaquin can become heated.

“This group started out innocently Bike Coalition, attend city council as something to do during Covid. It’s meetings, or get in touch with your lomorphed into bad decisions, poor ex- cal representative or city staff to have your opinions heard.

BY ALEXANDRA LORETH Multimedia Storytelling

Top Left: A group of bicyclists, including Robert Rombunga, ride down a Stockton street. Top Right: Young cyclists take turns doing tricks in a parking lot during one of the group ride’s breaks. Middle of Page: A large group of bicyclists is stopped at an intersection while riding through Stockton, California. Bottom Right: Rows of BMX bikes fill the Daytons’ downtown Stockton bicycle/Volkswagen shop. PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRA LORETH

9 FEATURE 051222 A CUT

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

ABOVE

Downtown barber shop serves customers with style

BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN Staff Writer

When a patron walks into Black Label Artistry, located at 1313 N. Center St. in downtown Stockton, they’re greeted with music blasting, people saying hello and physical interaction once their name is called.

The energy is positive vibes and welcoming to everyone at the barber shop.

Black Label has four barbers that started as friends and ended up becoming brothers in a career they love forming a family.

Owner and head barber Alex Gonzales has been a barber for 10 years, but didn’t get his license to cut hair until his fourth year in barber college.

“Being able to give them exactly what they wanted and seeing them happy with the outcome,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales’ clients come in ready for a cut, but walk out feeling a certain way about themselves.

“I feel more confident, obviously fresh and I feel good and it’s something I do for myself,” said Jose Pantoja, a Black Label Artistry regular.

Pantoja has come to Gonzales for 15 years.

“I’ve been going to him since he started in his parents’ garage,” said Pantoja.

Loyalty is a theme that runs through the shop, as is a feeling of familiarity.

Customers typically come in knowing what Barber Luiz Angel works on a client at Black Label Artistry in Stockton. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN they want in terms of a style. Some had got low fades, bald fade, hair shaved completely off and clients around so GO ONLINE Each barber has their drapes to cover clients so nothsome had a line-up. they can make ing gets on their clothes.

Services also include cutting and trimming beards.

View more photos, video, sure everything Black Label barbers display their licenses on their Hot towels are wrapped around a patron’s face, then and other elements for this is okay to get the stations, with combs sitting in the disinfectant, flanked they sit for a few minutes. Some processes are not quick story at deltacollegian.net/ final look. by sprays, and different types of clippers. multimedia. in-and-out deals, but can take up to 45 minutes. This “This is someGonzales and the barbers at Black Label Artistry includes cutting/trimming the beards. Haircut prices thing we do to built their names by building a strong foundation in range from $30 for children and $45 and up for adults. make sure everything is done correctly,” said Pantoja. the community.

When you step into the barbershop Hector Sosa, another client of Gonzales, has been “I noticed that all the clients smiled afterwards showyou’re going where everybody knows your name. coming to the barbershop for years and is always haping their satisfaction with the outcome.”

But it wasn’t always that way.

Gonzales said he’d tell py with the services provided.

The barber shop has something of a man cave vibe, his younger self “don’t hesitate on any ideas I had hesi“Alex is my boy and I’m always pleased with my hair, but is welcoming to women and to all, including those tated on before” getting in the way of where he is now. he knows how I like my hair. When I sit in that chair bringing their children for haircuts.

It’s clean and upBlack Label Artistry is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

I know for a fact he’s going to get it right,” said Sosa. keep.

Each station has a mirror with a light around it Tuesday through Sunday, or after hours by appointWhen they’re finished cutting hair they spin the and cozy chairs with the name of the shop on them. ment.

Collegian staff members say goodbye to Delta

JAHDAI SPIKES When I started at Delta college I was unsure what I wanted to do, and only decided to major in communications because I had taken a single journalism class in highschool. I never expected to end up the editor-in-chief of The Collegian.

During my two semesters on staff I was pushed out of my comfort zone time and time again, but ending up growing from the process.

Being a part of journalism showed me why it is so important to have trustworthy and effective news sources. Now that I’ve done it myself I have the utmost respect to those that do it professionally.

I am thankful to the rest of the staff and my advisors for struggling through this past year with me and still managing to produce several quality papers.

ARIANA MALLERY I took an Introduction to Mass Communication class, where the professor, also the newspaper advisor, was desperately looking for students to join the newspaper staff for the first semester back in person. I figured it would be a fun way to meet new people. It was at that time I was plucked from obscurity and made an editor, but I didn’t really know what that would entail.

If you asked me five years, or even last year at this time, I would have never expected that news and journalism would end up being something I enjoy doing… even less so something that I’m getting one of my degrees (for transfer) in. I realized that being a reporter is just as important as any other major.

It’s been kinda fun.

I enjoyed working together as a team to put the paper out.

DAVID VICTOR When I first arrived at Delta College in 2013, I wasn’t all that sure about what exactly I was doing. There was no clear path for me on where I was supposed to go.

I knew that I wanted to do something related to communications, but I had nothing in particular at that point. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree and just stuck to an AA. For the first five to seven years I found myself jumping majors and roaming in uncertainty.

Then after spending some time in Digital Media I realized that the media was a gateway to establish a career I would enjoy and eventually landed in journalism.

From that point on everything changed and now I’ve finally found my purpose.

ANI GUTIERREZ At the beginning of my time at Delta, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study, like most people, and have learned that such circumstances are not always a bad thing.

Becoming a staff writer for The Collegian has confirmed a potential passion that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue at the time, aka Journalism.

Being able to write and report on real issues and local campus stories has been a major highlight to my experience here.

I will forever be grateful for the experiences and practice I have been able to obtain through being a staff writer for The Collegian.

JASON DIEZ Dear Reader and Future Collegian staff, Whether you’re barely starting college for the first time, or needing an elective to finish your general education requirements, enrolling into Professor Tara Cuslidge-Staiano’s in-person classes is worth the time.

Prior to enrolling in their courses, I had a plan, it was to be a Psychology major and be done with that. Throw in a little mass communication courses, boost the GPA up, but after being literally kidnapped by Professor Tara’s marketing of their journalism course it boosted my main-character energy to pursue communication as my second degree.

Live Laugh Learn.

READ THE FULL STORY AT DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET

10 ENTERTAINMENT 051222

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QUICK START ANIME GUIDE

BY ANNABEL LOCK Staff Writer

Looking for anime or donghua (Chinese animation) recommendations? Here is a list of categories that might pique your interest.

ROMANCE

WHOLESOME WITH A TWIST

A classic genre that anyone can enjoy.

These will show the journey of the character’s relationship with each other through a variety of different trials.

The ones that fall into this category seem wholesome either at the start of the show, maybe the opening in general, or because of the art style.

However, the plot will be darker or sadder than it looks… never judge a book by its cover as they say!

SERIES

Horimiya Yona of the Dawn Kamisma Kiss

SERIES

MOVIE

Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish All four of these depict romance in different ways or settings.

Half showcases the real-life struggles people can relate to while the others have a fantasy theme mixed in as well which makes for an intriguing story.

Promised Neverland Puella Magi Madoka Magica Anohana

MOVIE

Ride your wave Maquia This is an interesting category nonetheless but each one puts you on a ride of different emotions that some might be generally confused about by the end of it, or sobbing due to what the characters just went through.

SLICE OF LIFE/COMEDY

FANTASY/ACTION

Just want a good laugh or an actual wholesome anime?

Then these are for you. These are light-hearted shows for everyone’s entertainment.

For anyone that enjoys a good action series with elements of fantasy tossed in.

Magic, monsters, fights, and everything in between.

SERIES

Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan Sleepy Princess of Demon Castle Asobi Asobase

SERIES

The case study of Vanitas Link Click (Donghua/Chinese animation) Takt Op. Destiny

MOVIE

MOVIE

Kakushigoto All of these shows are pretty amusing in their own ways but overall are a great way to unwind to or just have in the background.

“Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan” is entertaining due to the conflict between the main character’s pessimistic nature and his role as a children’s show host.

Sleepy Princess of Demon Castle and Asobi Asobase are wholesome in looks but absolutely hilarious in each episode cause new issues always arise to make the main characters go on some type of journey.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (the movie is canonically before the series) Some of these might have passed by you during the recent season of new releases but each one is entertaining due to their unique plots.

These shows are almost like partners-in-crime stories, which make for entertaining scenes throughout the show...

READ THE FULL STORY AT DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET

Jazz album from star of ‘Bob’s Burgers’ gets new attention thanks to TikTok

BY JAHDAI SPIKES

A

Editor-in-Chief

fter hours of scrolling through TikTok I stumbled upon a video review of a Jazz album that challenged all known rules of western composition, titled “Well, I Should Have*” subtitled “*Learned to Play Piano.”

It caught my attention because it was put together by voice actor and comedian H. Jon Benjamin who is the voice of Archer from “Archer” and Bob from “Bob’s Burgers” For this album, released on Nov. 27, 2015, Benjamin recruited many professional jazz musicians, with big names like Scott Kreitzer on saxophone, David Finck on bass and Jonathan Peretz on drums. The album is seven years old now, but has recently made its way around TikTok, renewing interest in it.

To round out that list, Benjamin could have scouted a high-profile, high-talent jazz pianist.

He did not. Benjamin chose...himself.

“I don’t play piano at all, and I’m not a huge fan of jazz I never was. And that’s why I thought it would be funny to make a jazz album,” said Benjamin in a video released by SubPop records.

He also did not inform his fellow band members.

The first track on the album titled “I Can’t Play Piano, Pt.1” makes it very clear that he indeed has no idea how to play the piano, and this difference in skill between H. Jon Benjamin and the rest of the band creates a comedic effect.

What’s the most interesting about this album however is the fact that he can’t play the piano is sometimes masked by other aspects.

One example of this is how the other band members are extremely talented, which sometimes takes the spotlight off his horrendous playing. On top of that Benjamin actually has good rhythm and also knows when he’s supposed to be playing and when he should let the others solo.

“I Can’t Play Piano, Pt. 3” highlights both how comically terrible Benjamin is in comparison to the rest of the band with them going back and forth playing solos. This is accompanied by Benjamin egging them all on by shouting things like “Come on man!” and “You can do better!” throughout the song as he himself is playing terribly.

Use of sampling in music favored by fans

BY ANI GUTIERREZ

O

Entertainment Editor

ld songs, or throwbacks, often spark the memory of when you first heard it and takes you back to that groovy, nostalgic time.

In today’s music industry, more specifically within the rap and hip-hop community, a majority of artists capture that reminiscent feeling in their music by using beats and/or verses of pre-existing songs and incorporating it into their own, new songs. This action would be referred to as sampling.

Familiarity is often a friendly face, but how is it appreciated when it comes to creating new music?

“I feel that there have been a lot of artists that are using samples in their music and I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily

original since another artist already created that song, but it is kind of unique,” said Delta student Anette Guzman. “They are taking a part of a song another person has done and composing another piece of music for their own song and it takes creativity to do that.”

A more formal definition of sampling, according to the 2001 book, Reggae Wisdom: Proverbs in Jamaican Music by Anand Prahlad, is essentially, “...drawing upon segments of previously recorded discourse and weaving these into the song.” Prahlad also states that sampling was invented by deejays, thus making it grow in popularity in the rap music industry over the years.

A primary example of a rap artist, who should frankly be considered one of the kings of sampling, is Drake. A large

majority of his songs include samples, whether that includes the use of pre-existing verses or just using the beat of another song. Some well-known examples include: “Nice for What” (samples from the 1998 song “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill), “Hotline Bling” (samples from the 1972 song “Why Can’t We Live Together” by Timmy Thomas), “Emotionless” (samples from the 1991 song “Emotions” by Mariah Carey) and many more.

Drake does a refreshing job at incorporating these old songs into his new music, primarily because it seems as though he uses these samples to compliment his verses without being overbearing or using too much of the original song.

Drake now may have some competition in the sampling game, however. American rap-

per, Jack Harlow recently released a new song called “First Class,” featuring the beat and sampled verses of Fergie’s 2006 hit, “Glamorous.”

This song has been an immediate hit among many, hitting number one on Billboard’s Top 100 Chart on April 18 and remaining in the top three since then.

Although Harlow heavily based this song around Fergie’s own, music enthusiasts seem to enjoy the catchy throwback vibes that his song provides.

“Right away when I listened to it, it was very catchy.

I enjoyed the way he had sampled Fergie’s song and created a part of his own chorus to the way her song goes,” said Guzman. “The beat and chorus really made the whole song stand out.”

Nevertheless, there is one

main thing that could trip up an artist when using samples and that is, of course, the copyright issues.

When artists sample songs, they need legal permission from the artist they are sampling due to copyright reasons.

When this doesn’t happen, it can lead to major lawsuits.

Shockingly enough, there are a great handful of instances where artists have faced legal trouble for using samples.

A legal issue highlighting the use of sampling in the music industry includes the lawsuit between Niki Minaj and Tracy Chapman for the unauthorized use of Chapman’s 1988 song, “Baby Can I Hold You” in Minaj’s 2018 leaked song “Sorry.”

READ THE FULL STORY AT DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET

11 SPORTS 051222

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SC Stockton announced as USL Women’s League’s first California expansion club

BY DAVID VICTOR Sports Editor

Another sports franchise sets foot in Stockton as the United Soccer League’s Women’s League (USL W ) announced SC Stockton as the first expansion team for the 2023 season on April 14.

This makes it the city’s fourth sports franchise, joining the Heat, Kings and Ports.

The team was founded just recently in late 2021 by CEO Lee Neves, who has served as a political consultant to California 13th District Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua.

Neves has a passion for soccer and proposed the idea of a women’s club to help grow the game in Stockton.

“When I saw that the USL was launching a women’s league I reached out to them and told them, ‘Stockton would be perfect for this.

It’s larger than most of your championship team cities and is the most diverse city in America. It’s a population that loves their soccer,’” Neves said.

The club goes by the motto, “Our city. Our team.” More than just a team that will compete in the USL W, SC Stockton intends to be a major representative for the city.

“I want this to be a team of Stockton, from Stockton and for Stockton. One that fans will want to enjoy coming out to watch and that the community will be proud to call their own. We want to be a resource to bring the community together,” Neves said.

It will also serve as a means to expand its reach to local talent and provide more opportunities for players, especially those coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It’s going to give a lot of opportunity to untapped talent in the San Joaquin County area,” Neves added. “We have a lot of talent in our area; many of these young women could play for Division I schools or even go pro. Many of our players have to go

The USL W League announced SC Stockton as the first expansion team on the west coast, bringing high level women’s soccer to the city of Stockton and the San Joaquin County area. STOCK IMAGE FROM FREEPIK.COM

through academies that have a pay-for-play system to get to that level, and many players in Stockton can’t afford that. I don’t want to replicate that, Stockton deserves better. We’re not going to charge for tryouts, if you’re going to make the team it will be purely because of your talent.”

The club will make this approach not only for players, but for any woman who would want to work with SC Stockton on all levels.

“It’s going to provide opportunities for young women in Stockton on and off the field. I want most of the administration on this team to be women, including interns from Delta and University of the Pacific,” Neves added.

Delta College is playing a small role in raising awareness about the club as women’s soccer Head Coach Adrienne Sorenson acts as SC Stockton’s spokesperson.

“It’s an absolute honor to be a part of this milestone for women’s soccer in Stockton being the first USL W expansion team in California,” Sorenson said. “The vision for this team is extremely rare: a team for women by women instead of the norm which is typically a men’s program with a future women’s team as the afterthought. The baller women in this area have been without a professional pathway team that is accessible to them and that is no longer the case. It means everything

to me to be a part of building this team from day one.”

Neves saw Sorenson as an ideal spokesperson to contribute to the growth of the women’s game in the area.

“Adrienne is a great ambassador for women’s soccer in Stockton. She offered to be our spokesperson and we gladly took her up on that offer. We’re glad to have her on board,” Neves said.

When it comes to results on the field, the CEO believes the city is capable of putting together a highly competitive team from the get go.

“If you expect mediocrity you get mediocre results. We don’t plan on going into our first season to ‘see how things go.’ I expect the team to make

the playoffs and compete for a championship because I believe Stockton has the talent to do that,” Neves said.

As the USL W kicks off its very first season this month, Stockton will have to wait one more year before soccer fans get to see their team in action.

In the meantime, the club is still figuring out where they will play their home games and who’ll put together the team.

“We expect to determine where we’ll have our venue somewhere between late June and early July. For the roster we’ll know more by the end of this year going into next year,” Neves said.

Sports has long been used as a political weapon

BY DAVID VICTOR

T

Sports Editor

here is much more to sports than viewing it as a spectacle for an audience or the sheer thrill of competition for athletes and fans.

Throughout the course of history several movements, organizations and even governments have used the element of sports as a tool to expand their agendas to the public.

In most recent occurrences, FIFA and UEFA decided to ban Russia from all competition, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, following the invasion of Ukraine in late February.

Sports have also been used as an advocacy tool by organizations to assist athletes outside of competition on sensitive topics.

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai accused a top Communist Party official, former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.

The 36-year-old later disappeared from public view for several weeks and reappeared denying these accusations, according to reports from CNN. In response to the case, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced in December of 2021 that it will not hold events in China until Shuai’s case is resolved.

Given Shuai’s popularity, the Chinese government resorted to censoring her on social media to cover up the case and protect Gaoli.

On several occasions, governments have used massive sporting events that are viewed by millions to promote a positive image of their nations under their rule.

One year prior to the 2018 World Cup, Russia hosted the 2017 Confederations Cup in which, before the tournament’s first soccer match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino encouraged people from around the globe to visit Russia when the World Cup was coming up a year later.

This would also mean more tourists coming to visit in addition to approval from a large sports organization like FIFA, which has affiliated soccer federations from 211 nations. That is more than the number of nations who are currently members of the United Nations, which is 193.

Germany’s organization of the 1936 Berlin Olympics serves as a major example, in which Adolf Hitler saw the games as an opportunity for the emerging Nazi regime to push its propaganda across the globe.

Hitler intended to propagate the idea of the superiority of the Aryan race through sports while obscuring the fact that the Nazi’s had established racist policies in Germany, according to a Britiannica Academic article.

There’s definitely more to sports than just competition.

It can show values many people could learn from and used as a self-promoting element for companies and political figures, especially now with social media facilitating communication across the globe as millions of people tune in to mass communication mediums such as radio and television to enjoy a competitive spectacle.

12 NEWS 051222

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news

Bill looks toward include number to support mental health on IDs

BY GAVIN CARDOZA Staff Writer

Assembly Bill 2122 was introduced in the State Assembly on March 9, if passed, it would require all California Community Colleges and California State University (CSU) campuses to require Mental Health Hotline numbers on the back of Student identification cards.

If passed, the bill would follow Senate Bill (SB) 972, which already requires schools and colleges in california to print out a suicide hotline number on the back of student identification cards.

The new requirement would also follow SB 316, which holds the same premise as SB 972. However, instead of a suicide hotline, it is a domestic violence hotline. Both bills are meant to help students get accessible help to their needs, and AB 2122 is written with similar intention.

“Mental health is often overlooked until it’s too late – students start suffering from extreme burnout,

disengagement, dropping grades. There’s so much schools can do to help students before they reach that point,” said Léo Corzo-Clark in an interview with EdSource, a recent high school graduate from the Bay Area who helped originate Bill 2122.

In a recent report from the CDC, 37.1 percent of students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, and another 44.2 percent of students had experienced persistent feelings of “sadness and hopelessness.”

“I’d love to see this bill signed into law. But just introducing the bill is a way to start a conversation and let the Legislature know that this is a priority for students,” Corzo-Clark said. “Students are saying, ‘This is what we need.’”

Although the bill has intentions to try to help alleviate these numbers and students’ needs, some feel as though it won’t live up to its hype.

“I honestly don’t think it would be that beneficial.

At my high school we had hotlines [on] the back of our ID cards and they were simply a joke. They would

be the subject to jokes instead of their actual purpose,” said Delta College student Jasmine Castillo. “I honestly feel like that [the hotline] is not enough. I feel as though teachers should implement discussions on mental health in classrooms.”

Despite the concerns on whether the hotline would be useful, some students remain optimistic about the idea and encourage its benefits.

“I don’t see the harm in showing some people that there is help out there. I mean college alone is hard and with minimum wage staying low, and prices increasing, I think people knowing that there is help and that they are not alone would be beneficial,” said Delta College student Robert Queirolo.

State legislative guidelines don’t allow the bill to be acted on for 30 days after it’s been introduced. At the time of this article’s release, the State Governor will have 10 days remaining to either veto or sign the bill into a law.

CTE graduation returns to campus

Top Left: Professor and Mistress of Ceremonies Adriana Brogger gives opening remarks at the Careers Technical Education ceremony. Top Right: Horticulture student Adrian Darling watches the ceremony. Bottom Left: A student shakes hands with their professors before receiving their certificate. Bottom Right: Faculty seated near the front, to watch their students receive their certificates. PHOTOS BY ARIANA MALLERY

LAWRENSON: Administrator has served in acting role since October continued from PAGE 1 In her time as acting superintendent/president, Lawrenson has overseen solutions for the pseudo-student population that had Delta in the national news during the Fall 2021 semester and ever-evolving plans for a more robust return to campus under a pandemic state.

“We’re trying to create the Delta of the future,” she said. “We need to be prepared and provide the best college we possibly can for this region. I want us not to be good, I was to be excellent, the best, a hallmark institution. I think we have all of the foundation to do that.”

Lawrenson has deep roots in the community college

system “I began my journey in a community college when I was just in preschool,” said Lawrenson in the opening response to a forum question about her educational background. “I went to preschool at a community college where my mother was a single parent of three children and she’s one of 22 children herself and the first in her family to go to college.”

She said when she talks about the impact of community colleges on her life, she sometimes “gets weepy” because she and her siblings wouldn’t be where they are today without the community college system. She noted in the forum that she did her dissertation work

for her Education Doctorate in Community College Leadership at Delta College.

“My love of the community college began at a very young age,” she said.

Lawrenson has a 29-year history in the community college system.

Her previous roles have included the Dean of Humanities and Vice President of instruction at American River college, the Interim Vice President of Instruction and Student Learning at Cosumnes River College, as well as an English and Humanities professor at South Puget Sound Community College for more than a decade.