BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN Photo Editor
“Air quality issues: Students with asthma have reported being bothered by air in darkroom/ photo lab area…” according to the 2017-2018 program review document.
Ventilation and safety issues have shuttered Delta’s darkroom, leaving photography students to contend with commutes to Lodi and class waiting lists complicated by a smaller space at Tokay High School.
Brown represented Area 6, which includes the city of Tra cy and the South Campus at Mountain“TrusteeHouse.Brown was a dedi cated and timeless supporter of the District and students in her area. She believed in her com munity, and she used her skills to advocate for all students. She
See VPI, page 8 See PHOTO, page 8
NEXT ISSUE: Oct. 7 • CONTACT US: deltacollegian@gmail.com or (209) 954-5156 • ONE FREE COPY The Collegian /deltacollegianIssue 1 • Friday, Sept. 16, 2022 • Facility issue forces sports off campus SPORTS, PAGE 6 Clay a ‘vision’ at campus art gallery ENTERTAINMENT, PAGE 5 deltacollegian.net
Photo lab repairs coming soon
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN
College Board President in the college release. “Her commit ment to the San Joaquin Delta Community Col lege District is commendable as is her influence in community col lege issues. Her loss will be felt statewide, too, as a longtime member and highly regarded presenter for the Community College League of California.
Smiling faces filled the crowd as the Fall 2022 semes ter got underway. This semester is the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began without any significant restrictions. The Associated Students of Delta College held a barbecue on Aug. 24 to welcome students back to campus, featuring music and food served by Fat City Brew & BBQ.
Dr. Teresa Brown, a 14-year member of the Delta College Board of Trustees, died on Sunday, Sept. 11.
a pioneer in that area.
will be deeply missed by all of us in the District. I want to extend my condolences to her loved ones, and thank them for her many years of dedicated services to Delta College as a trustee. She was an extraordinary per son,” said Superintendent/Pres ident Dr. Lisa Aguilera Law renson in a news release.
Brown was the Director of Online Education for the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley. Brown also worked for the California State University, Stanislaus Center as the program developer for Uni versity Extension Education.
BY ARIANNA JUÁREZ Editor-in-Chief
Documents from staff instructional program re views also express concern over ADA compliance
BY NICHOLAS MICHELSEN Entertainment Editor
BROWN
Since 2018, college staff has notified admin istration of safety issues in the Photo Lab, lo cated in Shima 150. One of the main concerns is poor air quality, caused by an inadequate ven tilation system and compounded by the use of photo development chemicals.
Back on campus like we never left Three Instructioninterviewcandidatesfortopjob
Dr. Brown devoted her life to education. She was dedicated to the welfare of students, and her voice always repre sented thoughtful con sideration of the issues beingBrowndiscussed.”wasset to oc cupy her seat through 2024. Board Policy 2110 dictates that va cancies be filled either through special election or ap pointment. Delta College has not yet announced how Brown’s seat will be filled.
A Sept. 6 forum featured three finalists in the college’s months-long search for Dr. Lisa Agu ilera Lawrenson’s replacement as vice president of instruction.Theposition was left vacant when Lawrenson was appointed acting superintendent/president following Dr. Omid Pourzanjani’s resignation from the office. Lawrenson has since been hired as Delta College’s 12th superintendent/presi dent.In the forum, the three candidates answered a series of questions collected from students and the Delta community at large. Topics ranged from LGBTQ inclusivity on campus to the can didates’ views on online and distance learning. The first candidate featured was Dr. Charles “Kale” Braden, current assistant vice president of
A release was sent to the campus community on Mon day, Sept. 12. Brown’s accom plishments at Delta and in life wereBrown’snoted. accomplishments were teaching online in 1996 as
LONGTIME DELTA TRUSTEE BROWN DIES
Brown was first elected to the board in 2008. She was most recently re-elected in 2020.“Iam saddened by the news of the sudden death of longtime trustee Dr. Teressa Brown,” said Dr. Charles Jennings, Delta’s
ly,” said DistrictDiPiero.police are on call at all times. The department can be contacted by cell phone or by picking up a blue-light emergency phone on campus. The District police department is always there to call in case you need a safety escort to get wherever you’re going on campus safely. Emergency flip
“I like DSPS and all their services are very helpful,” said Delta student Mustafa Shah.
They also have note taking and mo bility services just to name a few. More
DSPS is located on the second floor of the DeRicco building in Room 234. You can also reach them by phone at (209)954-5151 ext. 6272, or via live chat on the delta website. Its hours of operations are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The window of DSPS in the DeRicco 234.
DSPS assists me with extra time to take quizzes, taking quizzes and exams in the DeRicco building in room 114 and with assistance with physical work.
BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN Staff Writer
“Delta College remains one of the safest public locations in the county. In fact, statis tics show that you are more likely to be a victim of a crime across the street, at the malls, than you are on campus. It is also important for every person who comes on campus to practice safety by knowing their location and following basic safety principles,” DiPie ro said.Tohelp women on campus feel at ease the District Police Department provides multiple resources including the Rave Mobile Guardian App.
ARE WOMEN SAFE ON DELTA COLLEGE CAMPUS?
access; (209) 954-5000. You can also call us directly from any classroom or office phone by dialing; 5000. Lastly, you can go to any emergency blue light phone and contact us any time,” said DiPiero.
“Pepper spray is legal on the college campus. Legal container size must be equal to or below 2.5 ounces,” said
Although there are ways for women to keep themselves safe and strategies to help them stay vigilant, like Delta Student Layba Rehman are still“Creepycautious.stuff happens here, and I would try to get away,” Rehman said.
I also owe a lot to DSPS, which has been the stepping stone needed to help me get through all classes so I can grad uate. I recommend you sign up for it and receive the extra help that’s needed.
And always trust your gut.
DiPiero, who has been chief at Delta for more than five years, said statistics show that the campus is safe.
myaboutofdisability-support-programs-services.deltacollege.edu/department/IhavebeenapartofDSPSsinceFall2019andI’mgladthatIfoundoutthisprogramtoassistmewithdisabilities.Yes,Iwasscaredthat
cards are also available, they are located in every classroom. These flip cards have informa tion to help anybody with an emergency situation.
One of my professors had told me about DSPS because I was open and honest about some of my disabilities.
From attaching blades to our key chains, pepper spray in our pockets, and keeping our keys between our knuckles, are we safe in our own learning environment?
“The District police de partment is here for your protection 24/7/365. It is an important part of prepared ness to program the District police phone number for easy
San Joaquin Delta College Disabil ity Support Programs and Ser vices (DSPS) helps students deal with disabilities that may present them with challenges in passing the classes they’re taking.
accommodations are listed on DSPS’s website at
At first I thought no, that I could keep up because my issues are not that bad. The professor reassured me that taking the extra help wouldn’t harm me.
In order to be a part of DSPS you have to have a verification from appro priate certifying doctor which lists your disabilities and how it can hinder you with your educational limitations.
I’m not alone.
An informal survey of women at Delta College found that those who are regularly on campus feel safer than those who are not. On a scale of 1-10, student Lydria Caliz said she feels a “9” at Delta College, but said she is “not on campus a Studentslot.”can take proactive measures for their own self defense, including arming themselves with pepper spray.
What the Disability Support Programs and Services provides
The Collegian is the student newspaper of San JoaquinDelta 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 vigi lant in the protection of democracy and free speech. The Collegian The Collegian is a member of the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. STAFF ARIANNA JUÁREZ Editor-in-Chief JADA PORTILLO Opinion GRACIELA GABRIEL Feature DYLAN JAEKEL Feature NICHOLAS MICHELSEN Entertainment SAADIQ AFZAL Sports CHRISTINA GOODMAN Photo Editor EDITORS MATTHEWMULTIMEDIAWILSON TECH TARAADVISERCUSLIDGE-STAIANO 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shima 203/204, (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com For information about advertising, letters to the editor and editorial standards visit deltacollegian.net CONTACT US: VANESSA GOMEZ LAKEISHA JOHNSON MARISELA QUINTUA BRYAN LINCOLNRAMOSSIEVERS OPINION2 The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion091622
Bob DiPiero, Chief of the San Joaquin Delta Community College District Police.
my personal issues would have held me back and I probably would’ve dropped out because I know that I would have been overwhelmed with everything.
“This app provides safety resources to the end-user. More importantly, it allows the District police department to communicate emergency messages and Clery timely warnings. The app also allows students to contact the Dis trict police department and report situations anonymous
“I am happy about the services, without our services a lot of students would not be able to go or finish school,” said general helper Ashley Williams. “We offer different services for so many students with disabilities. So more than one type of student can be part of DSPS.”
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN
BY JADA PORTILLO Opinion Editor
“DSPS empowers students with dis abilities to achieve their goals and be come contributing members of society by eliminating barriers and facilitating services for students to become ac countable, self-reliant, responsible and capable,” according to Delta’s website.
Some accommodations DSPS provides include allowing students to take up to 90 minutes on quizzes and exams, as well as providing adaptive computer technology with specialized programs and hardware including voice recognition, screen readers, text enlargement, scanner with optical character recognition and cognitive rehabilitation program.
It’s important to always stay alert and walk with groups of people to help you feel safer.
Businesses can be risky because most businesses rely on receiving sales. Receiv ing business.totoyoumeanssalesneedbeableattractWhen
So the decision to make is yours. College or no college?
Delta College also has more than 100 certifi cate programs that offer alternatives as well.
FALL SEMESTER START
Thumbs up
C
If this sounds like somebody you know, they may need to seek alternatives. Starting a business can be something that they can do while they are figuring life out. It’s not without risks, but college isn’t
Delta offers everything from culinary arts to early childhood education certificates which can help students with getting their foot in the door at local businesses without earning an associate’s degree.Keep in mind that Delta is an accredited col lege which also stands out to possible employers.
BY LAKEISHA JOHNSON Staff Writer
If an individual feels they are not college material one of the things they can do is enter the workforce early, which provides a balance between the two extremes.
COLLEGIAN CRITIQUES THE
What’s the best route to take instead of get ting an education? We all know school isn’t for everybody.Solet’sadd it up. According to a 2019 Busi ness Insider story about the expenses involved with a college degree, the cost to attend a fouryear university is around $37,000. Compare that to the cost to start a small micro business, which is $3,000, according to the Small Business Ad ministration. No student loans need to be taken out or repaid with a small business.
“A sophomore for 10 years and hasn’t picked a career” is the famous quote by rap artist Kanye West in his song “Gold Digger.” Not everyone knows what they want to be or do when they arrive on a college campus, which means they may make the wrong choice, which may mean a longer time in school.
Weighing the options between college, work
OPINION3 The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion091622 • More students are on campus • College Hour is back • Free parking • Free admission to Delta’s sports games • Free laundry service • Access to the student Food Pantry • Financial Aid is available for in-person • Accommodations for people with disabilities • Delta Health Center is open on campus • Campus has an inclusive environment • Sports games limited on Delta campus • No fresh food served at Danner Hall • Delta website is not up to date • Hard to get an appointment with counselors • Not enough gender-neutral restrooms • Poor communication on available resources • Library is unavailable on weekends • Having to commute to and from school • Some classes are still unavailable on campus • Complications navigating the balance with on campus and online classes
Thumbs downor
According to a 2018 article by Freshbooks, an individual can expect to roughly earn about $49,000 their first year in about five years as a small business owner. An individual with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn about $70,000 a year, the article said.
The more experience you have, the more money you can potentially make in the business world. It also depends on what type of business you start. A person going into childcare can expect to make less than someone going into the tech industry. Location can also play a part. The more profitable businesses are people working remotely.Considering the cost to attend college an individual may not know what they want to do.
come, which can potentially help you start a side business. College teaches you how to network which is something extremely important and also teaches you discipline, she said. Some individuals need structure in order to be successful as well and that is something college can offer.
one is starting a business they have to add up all the costs. Advertisement being one of the most important costs of all, other than equip ment needed to get started. It’s not just as simple as saying you want to start a business, you have to do a lot of work to do so.
Tianaeither.Gen, an employee at the San Joaquin Economic Development Center, says finishing college also has rewards. An individual who has graduated from college may have a stable in
ollege or no college? The question will always stir up a conversation, particularly with the cost of education going up and loans being on everyone’s mind.
“I think without this gallery, a lot of pieces would go unrepresented and I love the way that they are showcas ing our ceramic artists,” student Steven NguyenOfferingsaid.an exhibit of this type and caliber brings new artists close to home.
The L.H. Horton Art Gallery opened its newest exhibit ‘Visions in Clay’ on Thursday, Sept. 1. Those who attended the gallery on the night of the opening reception were greeted with food, drinks, and a crowd gathered to celebrate the works of artists from near andThisfar. is the 13th annual ‘Visions in Clay’ exhibit; highlighting 28 artists with a total of 43 artworks.
can provide students with academic and health/wellness counseling.
The show is not only for Delta’s art students or even only those who con sider themselves creatives.
tive into ceramics.
Delta now offering resources for mental health
The counseling center, located in the DeRicco Student Services building,
Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fri days. Admission to the gallery is free to the public for everyone to reduce for everyone.
With an increase in the number of students on campus this semester, access to mental health resources is essential but many students may not know where to go on campus to find theseTheresources.student health center, located on the first floor of Locke, helps to provide students with both physical health care and behavioral health care.
The show includes works by Best in Show winner Ahrong Kim, second place and Regional Artist Demonstra tion Award winner Lorraine Bonner, and third place winner Taylor Robenalt. The winner of the San Joaquin Potters Guild Founders Award this year, with pieces ‘Screwed up’ and ‘Screw it,’ was Melodie Sidhu, a San Joaquin Delta college alumni and Stockton native.
Many of the pieces differ greatly in their style, message and emotions be hind them. Regardless of major, stu dents are encouraged to spend even a short amount of time in the gallery, as there is likely something for everyone to enjoy, relate to, and/or draw inspira tion
“Visions in Clay” will run at the Hor ton Art Gallery located in Shima 144 through Sept. 23. The gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through
Warm Line: (209) 926-3900
Mental health care is more than therapy, it is also managing every stressing and straining part of life; the health center will help you manage those parts of life.
If a student’s studies or circum stances outside of school are affecting their mental health, they can make an appointment with the counseling cen ter to develop a plan that works with their studies, personal lives, and overall mental health. Counseling appoint ments can be made in person or by phone.Active Minds also provides students with a safe space to speak about their mental health and to come together to create positive changes to mental health stigma on campus. Students and staff work together through the club to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in regard to conversations about mental health on campus. The club is one of over 600 chapters na tionally.Active Minds meetings are Wednes days on Zoom at 1:30 p.m.
part of it too,” said Cruces.
All students, regardless of whether they do or don’t have private health care, are able to schedule appoint ments for behavioral health care with the school’s on-site therapist without a referral. Appointments can be made by phone or in person for face-to-face sessions or telehealth.
Students
The Delta College Health Center also provides a “warm line,” phone number, which can put students in contact with a case manager who is able to connect students with a variety of resources including those for men tal health, psychiatric care, housing,
“It’sfrom.going to inspire people. It’s going to inspire young people to look around and see all this amazing art that’s happening and that you can be a
“These appointments students con fidential,” said Cox regarding both the warm line and health center appoint ments. “They (students) can trust that these visits are completely their own.”
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN
may feel their mental health concerns may not be unique or important, but this isn’t the case. There are many resources on campus for care and to aid you in finding care elsewhere. If you are looking for mental health care or someone to talk to reach out to:
‘Visions in Clay’ opens at Horton Gallery
Active Minds: (Zoom Meeting ID) 566962470
The exhibit offers a unique perspec
“Visions in Clay” creates an opportu nity for the Delta College community to experience art that it has never be fore.“I find it to be more of an intimate experience if you just look at it (the art works) physically instead of scrolling through your Instagram page and that's it,” said student and gallery attendee Michael Hernandez.
FEATURE 0916224 The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature
IF YOU NEED HELP
Counseling Center: (209) 954-5151 ext. 6276
Top left: “Sternula Reliquary relic: Mono Lake, CA (2022)” by Jeff Downing. Top right: “Caurina Reliquary relic: Lake Tahoe, CA (2022)” by Jeff Downing. Above: “Food Chain” by Judith Berk King and Bryan Hiveley.
BY DYLAN JAEKEL Feature Editor BY DYLAN JAEKEL Feature Editor
clothing, laundry services, etc.
“I think art should be available to everyone and I think that being out in Stockton, in the valley, we’re a little bit further away from the Bay Area where there is a lot of art happening in Oak land and San Francisco,” said Professor of Ceramics Shenny Cruces. “And hav ing a gallery of this caliber, where we’re inviting artists in and showing topnotch work and allowing our students to have access to this gallery space, and then the community, is just amazing.”
The health center takes student’s safety very seriously, as this is a con cern for many, “We are very conscious of infection control here, so any time
anyone uses or touches a specific sur face, it is wiped down between every visit, in the waiting area, to the count er in the reception, to the behavior al health chairs or exam rooms,” said health center manager April Cox.
Health Center: (209) 636-5000
Through the downtown city streets, up north into the suburbs, out east by the fields, and into the homes of southside, Stockton is rich in art and culture every where you look.
What about the future of stand up comedy?
Those artists can be comedi ans, poets, musicians, cre atives, and artists.
ENTERTAINMENT5 The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/entertainment091622
“I just want our scene to be seen! To grow and thrive!!! When I first started stand-up it seemed like there was basically nothing but now I’m almost five years in and we have a bunch of comics grinding and making comedy come alive in Stockton.”
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE FOR COMEDY AND STOCKTON IN THE FUTURE?
COMEDIAN JORDAN QUATTLEBAUM
BY NICHOLAS MICHELSEN Entertainment Editor
“I’ve been writing poetry for 9 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the changes in my art throughout this time … I started writ ing around when I was 13 and up until last year my poetry was something I kept for myself and didn’t really share with others.”
“I think comedy will always be alive. [Be cause] without it the world would be miserable. The future to me just seems like it’s just begin ning.”
“I liked messing around with poetry and us ing it as a coping mechanism in the beginning. What really made the art come alive for me was discovering the art of slam poetry and particu
WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT PRODUCING AND HOSTING SHOWS?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ESPERANZA CABRALES
HOW HAS BEING FROM STOCKTON AFFECTED YOUR EXPERIENCE IN COMEDY?
Homegrown talent shines
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE FOR COMEDY AND STOCKTON IN THE FUTURE?
Stockton, and the 209 as a whole, has bred some of the funniest people around and vibrant young artists in general.
This space allows me to introduce you to some new faces.From funny people, to the musically gifted, to the serious writers, I am proud to know these people and introduce them to the students and staff here at Delta College. My hope is that you enjoy the offerings this space will highlight.
larly the works of Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye. I love the way they could share positive and joyful emotions and bring a sense of wonder through their performances and writing.”
Gabriel Alexander, 36, is a native Stock tonian, former student of Delta College, and UOPAlexandergraduate.has been performing comedy for just under four years and is a paid regular at Laughs Unlimited comedy club in Old Sacra mento.Gabriel is a local and touring stand up comedian.Youcan find him on IG, Twitter, and Tiktok @Gabe209Alex
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE FOR YOURSELF IN WRITING IN THE FUTURE?
POET ESPERANZA CABRALES
“I would describe the poetry/arts scene in and around Stockton as re-awakening. I have met poets in people I was genuinely and hap pily surprised to know shared this art with me. COVID made many things fall through the cracks, but if anything it’s proven the importance of art when we feel ourselves at our lowest.”
Jordan Quattlebaum, 25, was born and raised in Stockton and graduated from Stagg High School.Quattlebaum has been writing and perform ing stand up comedy for nearly five years.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JORDAN QUATTLEBAUM
“I love Laughs Unlimited, a comedy club in the heart of Old Sacramento, It’s a great club…
In this space, we’ll take a look at ven ues past and current, and cover upcoming shows. The purpose will be to explore the offerings of the area with the hope of encouraging students and other readers to venture out and support local artists.
WHO/WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INSPIRATIONS?
“As far as comedy in general… just for peo ple not to attack comedians for making jokes.”
COMEDIAN GABRIEL ALEXANDER
“100 percent an Uphill battle. No matter what we accomplished in our city I don’t care what it is… when we went to bigger cities I felt like it wasn’t good enough for the bigger cities. We still had to prove ourselves.”
“I’d love for Stockton to start getting more shows….Nothing to do with me, but It was always a cool dream since I started comedy to have a comedy out here.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GABRIEL ALEXANDER
WHAT IS THE POETRY/ARTS SCENE LIKE IN AND AROUND STOCKTON?
In addition to stand-up at various clubs around California, Jordan regularly produces shows in and around Stockton. Y
“...I want to be able to produce art that is thoughtful not just in relation to my experience, but can speak to people whose experiences I do not know. As long as I stay true to my goals of connection and adding to the world instead of taking away, I think I’ll be happy with where my art goes.”
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INTERESTED IN POETRY? WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?
WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT LAUGHS UNLIMITED?
Esperanza Cabrales, 22, is a poet from Lathrop. She has been writing poetry for nearly a decade, and frequently visits spots in Stock ton, the greater 209 area, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles to showcase her poems. Follow her main account on Instagram @dreaming. eyeswideopen and her writing account @ es.cabrales
HOW HAS BEING FROM STOCKTON AF FECTED YOUR EXPERIENCE IN COMEDY?
“It mostly affects my stage time, ‘cause when ever there [aren’t] shows or mics in Stockton I have to drive mostly an hour out of the way but we gotta do what we gotta do.”
Out of every city I’ve performed in;
I met a lot of my good mentors and good comedy buddies to this day, there. And that was the first club, Jenny the owner, her and the club were the first people to kind of take a chance on me.”
You can check out Jordan Quattlebaum on YouTube for clips of his stand-up, or check out his website for more info on: QbaumComedy. com Follow him on IG, Twitter, and Tiktok @jordanqbaum
“Hosting to me is really fun & easy, it’s the producing that can be challenging. Gotta make sure the show is ran perfectly, comics are ready, butts are in seats, EVERYTHING! But in the end it always is satisfying when everything goes according to plan.”
WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF STAND UP COMEDY?
Welcome to “Live! from the 209” a column where each issue we’ll dive into the background and stories featuring live performers in our area.We’ll highlight artist of various disci plines, and upcoming events within the community.Asaworking comedian, I have met, worked alongside of and traveled with great talent from right here in the valley.
The recent heat wave is also impact ing the team, particularly as tempera tures reached 115 during the second week of September.
The whole team took measures to make sure everyone was safe.
“We would like to win league as we are in a very competitive conference, however making it to the final 4 of the state and state championship is always the goal,” Masai said “The year before Covid we finished in the top 8 and hope to be there or higher this year.”
“The athletic fields have a large impact on the commu nity through rentals,” said Joe Gonzales, interim vice presi dent of Instruction. “The rent als allowed for a connection to the community that our stu dents, alumni, employees, and families could come and cheer for events such as: United Way Baseball and Softball All Star Games, Kennedy Games, Special Olympic Games and Youth Track and Field.”
The design/build RFQ and RFP process for the athletic fields will be from October 2022 - January 2023. In ad dition, the board approval for the design/build choice will be around February 2023.Furthermore, the design/ construction for the athletic fields will be around March 2023 - December 2024.
Damaged Delta fields lock out athletes
“Students have been com plaining about leaving Delta College due to the athletic fields situation. They’d rather go to a school that has amaz ing and stable athletic fields,” said Kaiden Gibson, Student Representative of Delta’s
As for the baseball players, they’re also required to play their home games at McNair and Billy Hebert Field even though they practice at Delta as well.“Itis disappointing not be ing able to play at home but getting a new field is long
Above Left: Delta College football players walk onto the McNair High School Field in preparation of their game. Above Right: Damaged part of the Merv Smith Track Complex at Delta. Bottom Right: Damaged part of the Lawrence A. DeRicco Field at Delta. PHOTOS BY SAADIQ AFZAL
overdue and worth the sacri fice,” said Reed Peters, head coach of the baseball team.
“But we are learning a lot of in every game together as a team so being able to see a lot of family and friends can come out and support us at home for free is a big advantage for us as a team because it means more support and it motivates us individually and together to perform for our supports who make time in their day to come watch us play,” said Loza.
“Unfortunatelyshowing.wehaven’t applied it
SPORTS 0916226 The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports
As for football head coach Gary Barlow, he’s more fo cused on the football team succeeding in the regular season.“Isimply just move past this situation and main ly just focus on the regular season for football”, said Barlow. “We just beat Con tra Costa and our focus and mindset as of right now is to win our next game against Shasta College. Our team continues to strive and work hard in the regular season like always.”
Assistant football coach Gary Hyman said that al though student athletes can practice at any program or school, it would be easier to practice at Delta instead of another place since they have all their equipment here at Delta.“Ithink openly it would be easier for us to practice and have our equipment here at Delta. All of that is easier when you’re at home,” said Hyman. “We’re practicing at McNair because of the prob lems with the facilities. We couldn’t be more excited about the future because of that. And if it’s McNair, then it’s McNair. We can practice at anyFreshmanprogram.”inside linebacker Trey Burggraff wished that he could play on their own home field, but he and his team told each other they had to simply move past that issue.
Other students have not missed this issue, either.
The team played against Napa Val ley College on Sept. 13th at Napa. The game ended in a tie with a score of 1-1. The Mustangs will play again at home on Sept. 20 against Evergreen Valley College.
“I am a little disappoint ed for the girls. They came to Delta to play at Delta,” said Jim Fisher, head coach of the softball team. “We all know upgrading facilities takes time. But, we will push ahead and do the best we can with the current circumstances. This is just a new obstacle for our softball team to overcome.”
As of the 2022-23 season, football players, track and field athletes, baseball and softball players for Delta have been advised to play their home games and events at McNair High School and other pro grams and schools instead of their own fields due to poor playing surfaces on their fields and the turf being too danger ous to play on.
Board of Delta’sTrustees.football field, Law rence A. DeRicco Field, and the Merv Smith Track Com plex were both established in 2008, while the Bucky Lay land Softball Complex and the Nick Cecchetti Baseball Field were both established in 2009.Although the softball play ers practice at Delta, they’re still required to play their home games at different fields such as McNair High School and Billy Hebert Field.
Mustangs Assistant Head Coach, Brandon Masai said the team switched up a lot of things to make sure everyone was“We’vesafe. had to cancel some training sessions but we’ve also had to shorten training sessions and increase hydration breaks, including adding water breaks during the games. We had to change our Tuesday [Sept. 6] home game this week to an away game at Ohlone Col lege…,” he said.
the best we can but as long as we stick to what our coach has been showing us, results will come,” he said.
The whole team has goals to achieve this season. Isaac Lazo has set goals for himself and for the team.
BY BRYAN RAMOS Staff Writer
The team is 1-2 in the season as of Sept.
Tounou also talked about the chang es they’ve made to endure the heat wave. “Well the last few games have had breaks in place for us to catch our wind and hydrate which has been very nice. During training we’ll travel with our waters and just kind of stop whenever needed and jog over to grab a drink,” he said.
“It breaks my heart every single day to see our track in this condition,” said Lau ryn Seales, head coach for the women’s track and field and cross country team. “And while we have a really great program here, it’s extremely
“We’ve been working on positioning and how to react defensively to what we see. How to pressure the ball and create space has been emphasized,” said Tou nou.Tounou said it’s a matter of time be fore results start
As of September 2022, the Board of Trustees have ap proved to remodel and fix the athletic fields.
“Of course, we would love to have our own home field we can play at, but everyone just came together and said that we gotta do what we gotta do like we don’t want that to bring our season down,” said Burggraff.Ontop of that, the athletic fields were loved by the com munity and they were also used for specific events as well.
A big change this year for fans is that Delta is offering free admission to games, which is receiving a positive re sponse. Mustangs full-back Isaac Loza said he feels more motivated that peo ple he knows, including his family, have more access to the home games now.
In addition to that, cross country athletes have been practicing at areas that have soft surfaces, such as the soc cer complex on Morada lane and the levees near Stagg High School.
Mustangs soccer focuses on season ahead
Delta has dedicated $13 million to the renovation of its athletic facilities, which have been closed for home games of the Fall and Spring semes ter due to safety concerns.
The12.team has been working on var ious drills and tactics to improve its game. Mustangs center-back Anthony Tounou said the team has been working on defensive drills lately.
Brandon Masai also has goals for the team this season.
BY SAADIQ AFZAL Sports Editor
“Personal goals are to move on and play at a University at the end of the season, Team goals are to win every thing with my team and have an amaz ing season together” said Lazo.
difficult to attract talent when it has been said that we have the worst facility in Stockton. It is a disservice to the ath letes, to the program, and to thePlayers,school.”coaches and staff members are upset as well.
The Delta Men’s soccer team kicked off its season last month with a 3-2 away win at Merritt College, followed by a 2-0 loss to Cañada College and 3-2 loss to Ohlone college.
“We reached out to community or ganizations to help with the free admis sion,” said Espinoza.
The funding for the next two years is sponsored by Central State Credit Union and the Port of Stockton.
Free games next two years thanks to sponsors
SPORTS 0916227 The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports
DELTA TAKES ON SHASTA AT MCNAIR
Top Left: Wide Receiver Jah’Kier Moore is begin ning his run off of a punt return.
Community support and partner ships have allowed the games to be free.
Since sports are barely making a re turn and haven’t had enough games yet, there isn’t an accurate statement wheth
BY BRYAN RAMOS Staff Writer
PHOTOS BY DUANE SANDERS
Delta College’s next game is on Sept. 17 against the College of the Sequoia Giants. The Giants come into the game at a record of 1-1 after a 45-21 loss to College of San Mateo on Sept. 10.
This semester, Delta College an nounced all Mustangs sporting events areDelta’sfree. Athletics Director Tony Es pinoza decided on this because of the continued pandemic. ‘
PHOTOS BY LEO LORENTZEN
Bottom Left: Quarterback Cruz Herrera throws a pass to one of his receivers.
“People still struggle from COVID-19. Having free admission
er there is yet an increase in numbers of people attending in correlation to the freeAdmissionadmission.for season games are free, however, for the post-season games Delta College will charge to align with state“Weregulations.haveto charge for postseason games as it is a state requirement,” said Espinoza.
Regular admission prices ranged be tween $6 and $8.
Top Right: Wide Receiver Devyon Coleman go ing for a deep ball catch against Shasta College.
Bottom Right: Delta’s Football team celebrating after Coleman scoring a touchdown on Shasta Col lege.
The Mustangs faced Shasta College in its first home game at McNair High School. Delta came up short and lost the game 30-37. Delta College football is now 1-1 for the regular season.
will give more people that are strug gling access to the games,” Espinoza said.Espinoza emphasized the concern of handling and exchange of physical money.“We’ve been running into concerns and regards of money exchange at the front gate,” said Espinoza.
“There’s lots, lots to be fixed,” she said.
“We just want to get to a point where we can is sue awards again and have it [the program] be as robust as it was pre-pandemic,” said
PHOTO: Ventilation issues will be addressed
Delta College has partnered with the local nonprofit Com munity Medical Centers to of fer these services. This partner ship began Sept. 1, 2020, when the school was offering free flu vaccinations to its students. The partnership was officially signed last year, as a five-year collaboration.Studentswho are on Medi care, Medi-Cal, or similar gov ernment-based insurance plans will be accepted by the health
the health center is also offer ing various behavioral health services for students in need of mental support.
In his closing remarks, Braden admitted to having joined every single public board meeting since March of this year in preparation for the interview process.
“I could fit here,” said Braden. “This feels right.”
Next to be featured was Sam Agdasi, current Dean of Technology and Health Division at Mt. San Anto nio College in Los Angeles County. Agdasi’s academic and administrative career saw him design the entire curriculum for the nano technology program at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, as well as help establish a todasiping-stonecommitmentthenanotechnologystate-of-the-artlabthere.Whenaskedifheviewedpositionasalong-termorastepinhiscareer,AgstressedthathisvisionturnDeltaCollegeinto“a
Work towards those reno vation goals were “in progress” and estimated to cost $500,000 at the time, according to the 2017-2018 document.
The darkroom in Shima 150 has been closed due to safety hazards since March 2020. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN
Those issues are in terfering with the classes that can be offered.
for students with disabilities.
In the meantime, program
NEWS 0916228 The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news
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Braden then went on to hold various administrative positions in the Depart ment of Arts at American River College. Braden was eventually selected as Dean of Fine and Applied Arts, where he specialized in allocating the art depart ment’s multi-million dollar budget.“We want you to be here, and we are glad that you are here,” said Braden when asked about how he would promote Delta as a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students.
The hallway space is going to be turn into a classroom for digital photography.
BY VANESSA GOMEZ Staff Writer
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN
Instruction and Enrollment Management at American River College. Dr. Braden’s educational career began as a theater professor at Cos umnes River College, where he taught for 17 years.
hopefully, people will realize that this is a great opportunity for students to get the help that theyAsideneed.”from physical care,
The health center is only open on Mondays, Wednes days and Fridays. Once the center becomes more estab lished, the hope is to be open for one more day of the week. The center also plans to begin offering basic dental services on Sept. 28.
“We hope that this center al lows for services to be given to students who are underinsured or who have no insurance,” said April Cox, the center manager.
“What was originally thought was that, just select ele ments of the ventilation needed to be repaired or replaced, [such as] the fan motors,” said Gup till. “What we discovered as we looked at it, was that in fact the entire ventilation system had to be replaced, and that is a much more costly proposition.”
beacon of instructional ex cellence” cannot be realized overnight.“Iamcompletely commit ted to this job and making sure that the goals that we have and set to get there will be accomplished,” he said. “I believe that Delta College and the city of Stockton are great places to be at. I know about the challenges, how ever, I think there are great opportunities.”Thefinalcontender for the VPI position is Dr. Ro jelio Vasquez, a Fresno na tive with public and private sector experience in business management.Vasquez’s qualifications include a Doctorate of Management in Communi ty College Policy, as well as a Master in Business Ad ministration. His academic leadership career saw him as an Associate Dean at Fres no Pacific University, and then as a Dean of Business at Fresno City Community College.“I’m very selective in terms of what I want to do and who I want to work for,” said Vasquez during his opening remarks. “Delta College is one that came up to the Whentop.”asked about how he would support career technical education courses at Delta College, Vasquez stated that his private sector experience has given him “a better understanding of how to connect the dots” between industry and the academic sector.There is no timeline yet for the rest of the nomina tion process, but the college is expected to name the new VPI within the coming weeks.
“We have psychiatrics that students can reach out to either through in-person appoint ments or by phone appoint ments,” said Cox. “We can also get students in contact with a warmline, which can provide confidential, non-emergency mental support for students. If a student feels like they need further help, they can be as signed to a case manager.”
The new Delta College Health Center officially opened Aug. 26, giving unin sured and low-income Delta students and their children a way to access non-emergency medicalLocatedservices.in the Locke Building Rooms 126 and 128, the center will provide vacci nations, physical exams, birth control, psychiatric help and an array of other services.
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“ADA issues: …make it near impossible for students with disabilities to move around, in the event of an emergency it would be hard for students to evacuate properly…” reads the program review.
VPI: No timeframe given for official naming of VPI
Delta Health Center ready to serve students
center. Students who are un insured will be billed based on their income, which will allow some students to have their services performed for free.
Chris Guptill, the division dean of the Arts and Commu nication department, went on the record to elaborate on what has been stalling the process of repairing the campus photo lab.
Mass Communication profes sor and Collegian adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano, who also serves as discipline chair for the photography program.
So far, the initial reaction of students seems to be pos itive. “The staff was very kind and courteous, and the wait time wasn’t very long. I was able to schedule an appoint ment within thirty minutes,” said Ducusin. “I definitely will come back.”
enrollment has suffered significantly as told by oneKirstynprofessor.Russell, the professor of photogra phy at Delta College, explained the hurdles caused by the setbacks.
Delta Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, right, Delta Trustee Elizabeth Blanchard, center, and CEO of Community Medical Centers Christine Noguera cut the ribbon for the Delta Health Center grand opening on Aug. 26. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN
“Many students will over look the center because they don’t think they will qualify,” said Veronica Ducusin, a stu dent at Delta College. “But
“We used to have four classes running a semes ter, four to five, now just one over at Tokay, and we were lucky to have the Tokay opportunity,” said Russell.Russell, who has been with Delta College for more than 14 years, said there have been issues overlooked since she first began work here.