The Collegian — Published Sept. 27, 2019

Mustangs win game 29-22 against Chabot

ON THE MENU WITH MARIA DIGS IN AT CAST IRON

The Collegian SPORTS, PAGE 11

Issue 2 • Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 •

FEATURE, PAGE 7

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DELTA HONORS HUERTA WITH PLAZA NAMING

deltacollegian.net

Delta looks to future under new state budget formula

BY JASON ORTEGA Staff Writer

Delta College is looking to a revised financial future under the new Student Centered Funding Formula (SCFF) introduced during the 2018-19 school year statewide.

The formula change helps meet the needs of students on campus as advised by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO).

The new formula replaces an older model known as the Total Computational Revenue (TCR). Both models are being simultaneously utilized in order to work out inconsistencies found in the new model. Delta plans to phase out the TCR model during the 2020-2021 school year.

Vice President of Administrative Services, Chris Nguyen, explained the differences between both models.

“The older model rewarded colleges for students at the college…the new model is designed to ensure that students are successful as to why they are in college,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen, whose departmental duties include overseeing the fiscal services of the college’s operational budget, further elaborated on just how part of the revenue is obtained from the state towards Delta.

See BUDGET, page 12

BY KACI KELLEY Staff Writer

“It was here in Stockton where she learned to be an activist,” said Griselda Alonzo Cruz, the student speaker for the unveiling of the Dolores Huerta plaque. “Her story is your story.”

The scene at the heart of campus was upbeat on Thursday, Sept. 19, as a dedication ceremony took place to name the plaza area between the Science and Math building and the Shima Center in Huerta’s honor.

The unveiling event brought many people together. The Associated Students of Delta College had flautas for Mustang Pass holders. Green, pink and white conchas - Mexican sweet bread - were handed out to passersby. A crowd danced to the live sounds of Trueno Norteno.

Dr. Sarah Seekatz, associate professor of history and a Cultural Awareness Program Chairperson at Delta College, helped organize the event.

Seekatz said the dedication to Huerta is important because “students see themselves in her story.”

The plaque went through committees and was presented to the Board of Trustees for approval. It’s placement is symbolic, History Professor Lynn Hawley told those present for the dedication, because it is at the heart, or corazon, of the campus.

The dedication was a communi-

ty effort. Students wrote letters in regards of the plaque, along with making donations.

Members of the campus community donated to erect the plaque, now standing at the mouth of the plaza near the North Forum. More than $3,500 was raised for the plaque.

Any leftover money will be going to the Dolores Huerta scholarship, which funds continue to be raised for.

This implementation is bigger than a plaque.

This is the story of many students here on Delta college’s campus.

Many Delta students are first generation college students who also try to fight for social justice, just like Huerta. Fifty-percent of students at (Top) Alicia Arong, Dolores Huerta’s sister, Delta are Latino.

The crowd exchanged speaks at the unveiling of the plaque in Huerta’s chants of Huerta’s fa- honor. (Bottom) Griselda Alonzo Cruz, the mous phrase: “Si se student speaker for the event adresses the puede” or “Yes we can.” crowd. The event took place in Delta’s plaza.

Huerta wasn’t pres- PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE JIMENEZ ent for the event due to a previous engagement. Her sister power” Huerta continues to be active in Alicia Arong came in her place. activism, getting arrested in AuTo close the event the crowd gust at a Fresno Board of Superchanted: “Who got the power, we got the power, the people got the visors meeting for protest against unfair labor practices.

Records impacted

by MyDelta change

BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR Editor in Chief

MyDelta is causing more setbacks for students, including unaligned data between the new and old systems. Financial aid, transcripts and education plans are currently impacted.

These problems were highlighted in a campuswide email sent to Delta staff on Sept. 18.

Students were not notified by a similar email.

Students hoping to transfer may experience issues, particularly with official transcript requests, according to the email. Most transfer applications require both official transcripts and education plans.

Both are supposed to be located in the new MyDelta portals, but since the system changed data has been misplaced.

The school hasn’t made public what plans are to ensure university applications are still valid for review, but said in the email appropriate departments would be working with university partners.

As of the email date, Delta was unable to send out official transcripts with work in progress. Instead, previous semester work would be included, along with a print out of a current class schedule and a verification letter.

No timeline was given for a projected fix.

When informed on the current issues, Fashion Merchandising student Galilea Paez said she feels “horrible, because you plan this whole [transferring] thing, for me it’s been two years.”

See MYDELTA, page 12

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2 NEWS 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news

National vape safety debate heating up yet again “There was a customer who had been smoking cigarettes for 40 years, but said this is what helped them to stop,” he said.

The debate over e-cigarettes and vaping has Dan Orozco, a sophomore at Delta College, heated up yet again. vapes several times a week. He mostly views vaAfter an outbreak of a severe lung disease afping as an enjoyable activity to take part in with fecting users in multiple states, many are left to friends. wonder: Is it time for vaping products to finally Like Mohamed, Orozco said it is important be taken off of the market? for vape users to be cautious of where they purWagdan Mohamed of Stockton Smoke and chase their products from.

Vape has seen a decrease in sales after news of the “People should generally be more aware of mystery illness first broke. This, he said, is largely what they’re putting into their body,” he said. due to misinformation spreading in the media.

“Anything that’s classified as a drug shouldn’t be “People don’t do their research,” he said. “It’s bought off the streets.” not the vape that is harmful, it’s the oil that’s comWhat keeps Orozco going back to vaping is ing from the black market.” the unique experience it provides. The smoother, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevencleaner taste compared to marijuana. tion has warned consumers not to purchase tet“The feeling of it is just different,” he said. rahydrocannabinol oil, also known as THC oil, However, it may become more difficult for Orozfrom street dealers. Officials believe it is likely to co and fellow vape users to experience that high. be contaminated.

District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar proposed Boxes of vape cartridges. E-cigarettes are facing scrutiny by some lawMohamed said teenagers are susceptible to a plan to ban the sale and distribution of e-cigamakers after a series of illnesses have been linked to the devices. buying vaping products from street dealers as it rettes in San Joaquin County at the Board of Suis the easier option for them. They don’t have to COURTESY PHOTO pervisors meeting on Sept. 10. worry about being carded or finding someone else Nationally, President Donald J. Trump has expressed desire to ban the sale of flato walk into a shop for them. vored vaping products in an effort to encourage young adults to give up the habit.

“They’re going to get their hands on it one way or another,” he said.

“The banning of those products should be the least of the President’s worries right According to the CDC, of the 530 reported cases, 16 percent of patients are under now,” Delta College sophomore Denise Ramirez said. the age of 18.

“If the flavored products are banned, it would be a good way to entice much younger Although vaping is getting a bad reputation due to the recent outbreak, Mohamed people not to start vaping,” she said. “But I don’t think it’s going to make a big differis vocal about the good he has seen it do for people. ence.”

BY HANNAH WORKMAN Staff Writer

Shima parking lot berm construction to be completed by December

BY MATTHEW MILLSAP Staff Writer

Only a few weeks into the fall semester and students are finding parking spots occupied by cyclone fences, large machines and mounds of dirt.

This has been the scene at the center of the Shima parking lot since Sept.

9. It began just before the start of the semester.

Students were notified of the construction on Sept. 5 with announcements on social media: “Shima parking lots (S1/S2) will be restricted due to construction.” A map was attached showing closure at the north side entrance.

The project, called the Path of Travel Phase III, is underway and on time.

Vice President of Operations Geraldo Calderón, said the breaking of ground is just the first step in a larger plan to improve parking and accessibility.

“The scope of the project is to replace the entire asphalt pathway on the berm as you enter the campus from Pershing Avenue, and continues east along the southern edge of the Shima parking lot toward the Budd Center.

The project calls for replacement of the original asphalt pathway from the early 1970’s. The new path of travel provides a smooth concrete surface that meet accessibility requirements,” he wrote in response to emailed questions from The Collegian.

The Path of Travel Phase III project also includes modern features, from lighting to safety.

“The work also includes LED lighting posts, an emergency Blue Phone with a direct connection to Delta’s police dispatch center, and placement of a video surveillance camera,” Calderon said.

The parking lot is slated for another traffic-reducing corridor, adds Calderon.

“In addition, a second traffic exit lane is being added to the southern entrance/exit to the parking lot (across the road from the baseball field),” he said.

Repairs and upgrades are welcomed.

Students who have parked in the further reaches of the Shima 2 lot may have observed the concrete walkways lining the parking lots are in disrepair.

Some are warped and cracked by tree roots. Drivers experience congestion

when driving through the lot’s two narrow entrances on North Burke Bradey Road by the Horticulture Center and West Burke Bradey by Pershing Avenue and the Nick Cecchetti baseball field.

“I am looking forward to it since it’s an upgrade!’ said Melany Navarez, a Delta alumni and English Department employee. “I don’t mind the construction either since I get to the parking lot earlier and park close.”

Apart from the temporary inconvenience, Naverez also voiced feelings on the loss of some of the trees.

“I guess I don’t mind it too much,” said Navarez, “because it’s a small area being redone. However, if they were to completely redo the entire parking lot then I would be upset because I enjoy the trees on campus.”

The Path of Travel phase III is scheduled to be complete and the parking lot reopened by December this year.

For a map of the planned changes, visit bit.ly/shimaLot.

(Top) Operating the construction vehicle is Dion T. Gibson, while his supervisor Matt Albert observes and guides Gibson raking the soil. (Bottom) Rockford Kossman dampens the soil to hellp losen the dirt, making it easier to rake. on Sept. 23.

PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER APCAR

3 OPINION 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion

Trump’s anti-LGBTQ actions defy his rhetoric

BY YGRAINE MONTGOMERY

T

Senior Staff Writer

he Trump administration is continuing its across-theboard assault on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights. The administration has been removing protections in the areas of housing, healthcare and the military.

In the latest example, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a brief with the Supreme Court to deny LGBTQ citizens discrimination protections at work.

“This is a critical point in history,” said Alesdair Ittelson, the law and policy director at interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth in The Guardian newspaper. “The outcome of this case is going to have a tremendous impact on everyone.”

The Guardian continued: “LGBT people said existing laws meant to shield them are inadequate and poorly enforced – and that if they were to lose what little recourse they have now, the consequences could be devastating.”

The concern is this administration’s anti-LGBT agenda could get traction in the Supreme Court and reverse hard-won civil rights for millions of people.

This is a stark reversal from Trump’s campaign promises, when he

openly courted the LGBT vote.

Trump promised LGBTQ protections and tweeted he “would fight for them.”

Then he filled key administration positions with people who embrace anti-LGBT agenda.

Ben Carson, the head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, removed anti-discrimination requirements from federally funded homeless shelters in July.

Shelters can now openly deny gay and transgender individuals without penalty.

This is especially egregious because LGBTQ people are more likely to be homeless.

According to the National Center for Transgender Equality “homelessness is... a critical issue for transgender people; one in five transgender individuals have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.”

Of the 1.6 million homeless youth in this country, the center estimates that 20 to 40 percent are LGBTQ. Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-Leesburg) was one of 61 members of the House of Representatives who wrote to Carson to demand an immediate reinstatement of the LGBTQ protections, citing “a real— even deadly—threat to the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender individuals who are already subject to alarming rates of violence and abuse.”

Another attack on the LGBTQ community occurred in May, when the Department of Health and Human Services finalized the “Conscience and Religious Freedom Rule,” allowing healthcare workers to opt out of providing services on religious grounds.

This rule specifically deals with abortion and sterilization, but the broad scope of the rule causes concern women and transgender people will be denied legal medical procedures.

According to Lambda Legal, an American civil rights organization focusing on LGBTQ litigation, gay and transgender people already face discrimination and substandard medical care at alarming rates. The study finds almost 56 percent of lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) respondents and 70 percent of transgender respondents received substandard medical care or were refused medical treatment outright simply because of sexual orientation.

The most egregious example of this was outlined in three Washington Post stories relating the death of 24-year-old Tyra Hunter, a transgender woman who suffered a car accident in 1995.

While Tyra was bleeding on the ground, a paramedic started treatment on her and was shocked to find she had a penis.

He got up and walked away.

While Tyra gasped for breath, he mocked her.

While Tyra choked on her broken teeth, he joked about her.

When bystanders begged him to help, he refused.

And so did the other paramedics on the scene.

When Tyra finally got to the hospital, the doctors ordered blood but never gave it to her.

They took tests, then lost the results.

Tyra was largely ignored by a room full of doctors and died an hour later.

When Tyra’s mother brought the case to trial, medical experts said Tyra had an 86 percent chance of surviving the accident if she had received proper care.

But she didn’t, simply because she was transgender.

Even setting aside the staggering lack of empathy that was demonstrated here, we don’t know if all these people refused to treat Tyra because of their religious objections, or just because Tyra didn’t conform to their version of normal and was therefore disposable.

We do know that this administration is actively working to make this kind of barbarity legal.

For this administration, the cruelty is the point.

Trump administration barring asylum seekers from the United States

BY JEFF LEIVA

T

Staff Writer

he Supreme Court is temporarily allowing the Trump administration to deport wouldbe asylum seekers, seeking to change the process on who is allowed asylum in the United States.

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), anyone can now be barred from seeking asylum in the United States if one “can be removed to a safe third country under a two-party or multi-party agreement between the United States and other countries.”

The process of entering the U.S. as a refugee or asylee has historically been difficult. These changes are aimed to actively target Hispanic immigrants seeking protections.

To seek asylum in the U.S., one has to go through seven lengthy steps under the Affirmative Asylum Process.

According to the National Immigration Forum(NIF), the asylum process takes from months to “several years.”

This system is increasingly backlogged. The NIF notes the average wait time for an immigration hearing in 2018 was 721 days, or more than two years.

According to the NIF, “the backlog has been worsening over the past decade as the funding for immigration judges has failed to keep pace with an

increasing caseload.”

This system was built on denying people from entering the country.

Families and children aren’t judged on who is deserving of protections. But rather if they’ll be, according to acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ken Cuccinelli, a burden.

This system looks at how many people can be declined from entering the States. The Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse released a report that found that in 2018, the U.S. barred 65 percent of asylum seekers. They also found that the decline rate surpassed the acceptance rates.

This new rule aims to increase denial rates by retroactively deporting asylum seekers.

This is not the first time asylum and refugee seekers have faced bureaucratic challenges. In 2018, Mother Jones reporter Noah Lanard covered a Louisiana immigration judge that denied every asylum seeker that reached her courtroom.

According to Lanard, Judge Angelis Reese denied more than 200 cases between 2011 and 2018.

President Donald J. Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric has fueled hatred against immigrants in this country.

While he tweets “BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum!” there are hundreds of families being deported at the border

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 VIVIENNE AGUILAR Editor in Chief/News

AYAANA WILLIAMS Feature

MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO Opinion

AMIRAH AMENHOTEP

Entertainment/Social Media

PAUL MUYSKENS Sports

SENIOR STAFF YGRAINE MONTGOMERY JUSTINE CHAHAL MAISY MACATO

CONTACT US:

because they were unable to seek asylum elsewhere.

As of late September, there is no word on how long the Trump Administration can impose these new rules.

The Supreme Court ruled the administration can temporarily impose these new rules as long as its legal fight plays out in lower courts.

To seek asylum in the United States means risking your life. You have to leave everything behind and navigate hundreds, if not thousands of dangerous miles.

You may have to cross rivers and canals. You risk being robbed, assaulted or even killed.

Once you reach the border, the United States is not waiting to help you. We’re arresting and separating families.

Under this administration, we have taken the international right of global citizens to seek protection from crime and poverty.

Immigrants come to the United States for necessity. Immigrant families have to make the difficult decision of risking everything to allow their children to have a better future. But we don’t care about that.

USCIS looks at refugees and asylum seekers as criminals and threats to our national security. The Trump Administration has enabled USCIS and Border Patrol to actively demonetize and dehumanize the most fragile families in the world.

STAFF ZOEY CAMPBELL KACI KELLEY JEFF LEIVA ALEXZANDRE SALON MATTHEW MILLSAP KAROLINA A. MOLINA JASON ORTEGA HARPREET SINGH DAVID VICTOR TYLER WILLIS MATISSE WOODWARD HANNAH WORKMAN

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PHOTOJOURNALISM ALEXANDER APCAR SIDNEE GALLARDO NATHAN GILES STEPHANIE JIMENEZ ROBYN JONES SERENA MALDANADO FOREST MAYO JESSICA MOLANO JOSEPH PETHOUD COLIN WEIS

MULTIMEDIA TECH MATTHEW WILSON

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

4 OPINION 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion

Poetry makes comeback pushing marginalized voices into spotlight

NOT JUST HOT AIR

BY JUSTINE CHAHAL Senior Staff Writer

Helium shortage affecting more than party stores

P

BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR Editor in Chief

H

elium probably brings thoughts of birthday balloons and high-pitched voices, but what will happen when all helium is lost? How will people know it’s a special occasion if there are no balloons?!

In all seriousness, if we lose helium sources, many more important inventions will become useless.

For example, MRI machines’ magnetic fields are powered by tanks of helium.

The rockets we send to space burn helium because it stays in its gaseous state at low temperatures.

Overall, scientific research dependent on helium will be brought to a stand still.

I feel it’s wrong how the conversation on the world’s depleting resources is being overshadowed by party supply sales figures.

According to Kornbluth Helium Consulting, in a New York Times article said we are seeing the third shortage in 14 years. The earth is giving us all that it can, and we’re sending resources to space on a rocketship before it has the chance to get there

on its own.

My main concern is for medical imaging: If we do run out of helium, will MRIs stop being available to the public? Will only the rich have access to medical imaging, hoarding it from the rest of us?

I want leaders, world and community leaders alike, to realize the crisis my generation and those to come are facing. We need change now!

There will soon be no use to some technological advancements that rely on helium which we were promised would usher us into the future.

What I would like to see in response to headlines reading “HELIUM SHORTAGE” is: “let’s halt all unnecessary consumption of the gas,” not “We need to stockpile this stuff till it comes around again.”

This is a warning sign that we all need to be more aware of how we use our resources.

So, sure, buy that balloon for your kid’s birthday — at this rate they won’t be able to do that for their own child.

MUSTANG VOICE

What do you think of Area 51?

“Area 51 has been the biggest phenomenon/conspiracy of the decade. People just wanting to know what’s inside.”

Ellioth Araujo, Auto Body

“Social media. Everyone depends on it for everything. I’m guilty of it myself. People can use it for good or bad, I think Area 51 was something to joke about and make memes of which is why it was hyped up for so long. Social media controls everything.”

Alyssa Campas, Child Development

“Because it was such a ridiculous idea ... people were down just for the memes.”

Tony Von Tersch

eople often cringe at the concept of poetry. Many will say they don’t enjoy reading poems because they’re “confusing” or “too emotional” or “just plain boring.”

It doesn’t help when people think of poems, they often imagine three kinds of people writing them: 1. teenagers going through every kind of mood swing imaginable 2. hipsters wanting to look smart or 3. dead old white people who didn’t even know what germs were The belief that all poets reside in those three categories leads people to assume poetry isn’t for them.

However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

We’re beginning to see more poets emerge from marginalized communities, writing about experiences we often don’t hear about through mainstream media.

Poets like Danez Smith, Ocean Vuong and Warsan Shire share their perspectives with the reader. As we read these stanzas, we begin to learn what it’s like to be an immigrant or person of color or member of the LGBT community.

These are unique perspectives, but they are also perspectives many people can relate to.

We can find poetry written by people who have experienced the same things as us, regardless of factors like our race, sexuality, or beliefs.

Vuong’s imagery stands out to me and I will always appreciate his ability to find hope against all odds. The words “The most beautiful part of your body is where it’s heading” will always mean a lot to me.

Poetry teaches us that our experiences are universal regardless of where we come from or who we are.

In fact, poetry bridges a gap in understanding between people of different backgrounds. A reader can learn to sympathize with the writer despite whatever differences they may have as individuals.

Even if you can’t personally relate, you can feel Smith’s pain as a black man when he says “ask not what your country can do for you / ask if your country is your country.”

One can understand Shire’s experiences as a woman when she compares herself to a house, writing “Sometimes the men - they come with keys, and sometimes, the men - they come with hammers.”

The ability to sympathize with another despite our differences is, in my opinion, a great lesson to learn in the polarizing times we live in.

Through different forms of art, we’re able to learn a lot about the world we live in. If you refuse to read poetry, you’re closing yourself off from learning about communities that are too often ignored.

Poetry is also just an interesting way to express your thoughts and feelings. It’s a way of writing that takes on many forms: it can be formatted differently and use different rhyming schemes or not rhyme at all.

In the great collection of poetry forms, whether it’s a sonnet or haiku, there’s bound to be one that speaks out to you.

Of course, not every poem will be enjoyable to you. That’s okay.

Canadian poet, Anne Carson, said in a CBC Radio interview that “Poetry in general doesn’t do anything...Some of them I don’t get, some of them seem banal, some of them change my life. So there you go. It’s bound to be a spectrum, it’s the same with bagels.”

Even if one poem isn’t your cup of tea — or brand of bagel, to use Carson’s metaphor — the one poem alone shouldn’t deter you from enjoying poetry in general.

Poetry is a platform for anybody to have their voices heard. It’s for everybody.

5 OPINION 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion

Is there light at end of the tunnel for the homeless?

A man by the name of Sean shares his journey from Utah to California on Sept. 18. He is currently residing in Stockton in an alley way below Interstate 5. PHOTO

BY BONES PETHOUD

Stockton’s homeless problem has grown in the past couple years, with words thrown around, but no actions to actually solve the problem

BY HANNAH WORKMAN

A

Staff Writer

sleeping bag set up against the wall of a vacant building.

An abandoned shopping cart at the edge of the sidewalk. A panhandler asking for change. These are scenes you can expect to see on the streets of Stockton any given night.

Homelessness in our city has become an epidemic.

According to a biennial census taken in May, the number of unsheltered homeless residents skyrocketed from 311 in 2017 to 921 in 2019.

Over the course of the past few years, there’s been a whole lot of talk from City Council members who claim they’re committed to finding a solution, but follow talk with no real action.

Former Stockton Mayor, Anthony Silva, once proposed portable bathrooms and lockers for the homeless.

The idea never saw the light of day.

Current Mayor, Michael Tubbs, was a member of the council that instated a Homeless Task Force in 2015. Despite the founding of this organization, the city’s problem has only grown worse under Tubbs’ supervision.

Thus far, no progress has been made.

Instead of making a conscious effort to fix this, Tubbs neglects his community’s well-being in favor of crafting his public image as “America’s youngest mayor.”

He is quick to make television appearances and speak of his plans to “reinvent Stockton,” yet the reality is our city has become more dire with him at the helm.

When will we stop hearing about Tubbs’ plans and finally see changes

made?

This month, all eyes have been on Modesto and its tent city. Three-hundred tents were set up to house about 400 people. It’s not just the tents sparking interest, it’s the additional services and resources the city is offering the residents.

It is being dubbed as a model for housing the homeless. Officials in Sacramento and the Bay Area are now looking to replicate Modesto’s success.

If a neighboring city can come up with an effective method, why can’t we do the same?

At a Stockton City Council meeting on Sept. 17, a contract in the amount of $90,365 was authorized with Homebase, a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to helping communities combat homelessness.

Let’s see how long it takes for city officials to put this money towards a solution that makes visible progress in our community, or if it would even be enough to.

Say our officials decided to replicate Modesto’s model. The tents retail at $400 each, so setting a similar camp up here would cost $120,000.

It’d be a shame if nothing comes from this grant like nothing has come from the Homeless Task Force as of yet. It’d be a shame if in two years, we’ll come to learn that the homeless population has increased once again.

This issue isn’t going to be resolved overnight. We shouldn’t expect it to be. We should, however, expect our city officials to do the job they were elected to do: better Stockton. That means addressing issues head-on before they spiral out of control, as they did in this case.

What we desperately need from those in power is less talk and more action.

Marie shares her testimonies of her visits to City Council in regards to the homelessness in Stockton on Sept. 18. PHOTO BY BONES PETHOUD

6 FEATURE 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

Police academy changes training standards

BY HARPREET SINGH Staff Writer

Delta College’s Police Officers Standards and Training Academy is centering its training around new techniques for a new era of policing, focused on de-escalation tactics. PHOTOS COURTESY TAMMIE MURRELL

Students at Delta College’s Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) Academy are entering a new era of policing — one that spotlights humanizing the police within the community.

Academy curriculum works to eliminate the thin blue line separating the police from the people.

Delta’s POST Academy, directed by Tammie Murrell, prioritizes de-escalation tactics to avoid the use of force on civilians.

“The tactics are centered around being able to communicate with people to result in a peaceful solution… if we can effectively communicate what we are trying to do, then we can break things down and reach a peaceful solution,” said Jonah Quinn, a former Delta College trainee now with the Stockton Police Department (SPD).

The reason for the divide between police and community?

“Over the years in policing, we lost our way,” Murrell said.

Murrell is a retired Deputy Chief with the Stockton Police Department, holding around 30 years of police experience.

Murrell said police agencies got used to “a mentality of us versus them, and that is not how it should be.”

Individual instances of police brutality, not related to campus, have sparked calls for change throughout the nation in recent years. This includes the Black Lives Matter move-

ment and the act of kneeling during the National Anthem, which began on the grand stage of the National Football League.

The events and subsequent protests started a conversation now being addressed as a pillar of police training.

Murrell said an old and flawed way of thinking is responsible.

“Police work is changing.

It used to be very paramilitaristic, meaning that our police departments are structured like the military,” Murrell said.

Murrell makes it a point to tell young officers today that, “we are not at war with our communities, and you are not soldiers.”

SPD members, as well as the POST Academy, are working with the intention of progression.

There are 41 POST academies throughout California.

Murrell said the academies have added hours of new training to the curriculum to emphasize giving officers the ability to resolve situations peacefully, without the use of force.

Programs such as “Coffee With a Cop” and “Cops for Kids” are being prioritized to positively boost the police presence in the community.

Delta College’s POST Academy is currently recruiting for its spring section. Fall courses begin on Sept. 28.

To learn all about the POST Academy, including steps to enroll visit deltacollege.edu/program/post-academy.

Natalie Borsdorf inspires local artistry at Delta College mouth and another of intestines.

She also felt there was presNatalie Borsdorf knows the sure when creating original struggle for artists trying to get pieces, and people wouldn’t like their foot in the door of the art what she was making. world and has some advice for Borsdorf boosted her confiaspiring artists. She also knows dence by taking art classes and success. getting a feel for what people The second-year Delta Col- liked. By applying to art shows, lege student is now a hired art- and having work put on disist for Terra Coffee, located in play, Borsdorf was able to build Downtown Stockton, where an audience and following and she has her work on display for find her style of art. the public to see.

Social media has also played But Borsdorf wasn’t always a role in motivation because serious about art, remember- she feels she needs to stay acing she had been drawing ever tive for her art account. Borssince she was a kid. It wasn’t dorf would also paint celebuntil she started taking art rities who would repost her classes here at Delta she “real- work, gaining more followers. ized she could [create] art proSupport was critical, she fessionally.” said.

Art has always appealed to “I feel like my parents really Borsdorf. like it. They think some of my She said “it’s a way for [her] stuff is weird. They’re proud to express [herself ], clear [her] because I’m getting into somemind,” and have a “therapeutic thing I enjoy but are also skepoutlet.” Oil painting is her fa- tical because they’d rather see vorite type of art to create and me do something more conuses only four colors during her crete. Now that they see I can painting process. do stuff with it, they’re more Borsdorf found getting her comfortable. My brother likes work out there was difficult. what I do and motivates me to She feared her confidence, and continue. My friends feel the worried about “people think- same as my brother, and appreing [her] stuff was too weird.” ciate my skill,” she said.

Some of Borsdorf ’s earlier Borsdorf ’s boyfriend, Jerry work were paintings of a giant Iles, feels she has a “very interBY ALEXZANDRE SALON Staff Writer

esting way of going about art,” and has a “very wide spectrum of color, even only using four colors.”

Coworker and art curator for Terra Coffee, Akeem Shomar, said “what she’s doing doesn’t get enough credit by doing much more than artists at art shows.” Shomar also “enjoys that [Borsdorf ] wants to put her work up [at Terra] and does a good job inspiring others.”

One of the first pieces Borsdorf had displayed was a self-portrait in the Haggin Museum. Initially, it was a high school assignment “submitted for class, and [she] was one of the few that got accepted.” Another piece Borsdorf has had on display was in the Goleman Library and was asked personally by her professor if he could hang her piece there.

Borsdorf also submits her work to art shows hosted by Empresso for people to buy, and sells custom-painted clothing on Etsy and Depop.

When creating a piece, Borsdorf takes up to three days doing a study of what she wants to make, practicing painting to “warm-up [her] skills for something bigger and complex.”

It can take up to a month to

Natalie Borsdorf next to her self portrait in Terra Coffee. PHOTO BY ALEXZANDRE SALON

complete a piece.

This is because the parameters have to be perfect while she is working.

Borsdorf keeps a simple palette and set up because she doesn’t want to be distracted by having too much to work with; this is something she’s noticed while taking art classes.

“Painting as a skill is like anything else. You have to study, take classes, and understand the elements. You need to consistently dedicate time.

If you want to be an artist you have to set aside time to explore what you want to do.

Draw inspiration from other people and be dedicated,” said Borsdorf.

Some advice Shomar offers is artists should “bridge the gap between older and younger artists because older artists can tell their mistakes to others” to learn from.

While at Terra Coffee, Borsdorf has recreated its menu board, created many pieces to help contribute to the decoration, and has brought the ideas of the owners to life.

Currently, Borsdorf is working to create a mural for Terra Coffee.

7 FEATURE 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

Stockton sisters receive Golden 1 scholarship

BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO Opinion Editor

Top: Cast Iron Burger with a side of fries. Bottom: Vegan Totchos garnished with house pickled jalapeños, radishes and micro cilantro.

PHOTO BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO

Cast Iron offers a unique variety for foodies

BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO Opinion Editor

C

ast Iron Trading Co. will be celebrating their third year in October. It’s been a long journey for Eric Lee, owner of Cast Iron, from cooking with friends at home to starting a pop up called Cast Iron Cheese to opening his Downtown Stockton eatery.

Cast Iron is located in Downtown Stockton, where by day you see lawyers and judges in suit and ties, and by night you see college students enjoying live music from local artists.

Eric grew up in a household where his family was a foodie family. He had no culinary school background before starting his pop up. Like any other chef, Eric liked cooking at home and watched Food Network. “(Eric) read a couple inspirational entrepreneurial/cook book stories and just thought that the whole concept of pop up restaurants and stuff was cool,” said Eric.

Two years before opening Cast Iron, Eric and his friends decided to start a pop up with gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and named it Cast Iron Cheese. At first, they did not do many events, but eventually “every event snowballed into another.”

During that time, Eric worked at a farm-to-table restaurant where he gained experience in both front of the house, serving customers and back of the house, cooking for the customers, so he decided to start up his restaurant.

Opening up Cast Iron gave Eric and his crew a set place to showcase his love for food and provide for the community.

The “downtown communi-

On the menu with Maria ty…is our strongest community,” said Eric on the Stockton community.

During the weekend, you can enjoy some “California cuisine” while enjoying live music featuring local artists.

But they don’t just have food and live music. Cast Iron also features several local craft beers such as Jackrabbit Brewing Company’s own “Old Mango New England IPA” and Morgan Territory Brewing’s “Blood Lust Mad Badger Pale Ale”.

“Within the craft beer community, I feel like an important player,” said Eric.

Nothing better than pairing a craft beer with one of Cast Iron’s top sellers.

“Overall our burgers and sliders and tacos are our best sellers,” said Eric. Not to mention, very Instagram worthy too.

Cast Iron is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.

“Two years ago we were voted the best vegetarian and vegan options in the city by the Stockton Record readers,” said Eric.

You’d be surprised that their “vegan and vegetarian items move a lot more than people would think.”

So grab a craft beer, order some tacos, sit down and enjoy the show.

Stay up to date with menu specials and future local artist performances by following Cast Iron Trading Co. on their “sexy Instagram” page @cast_ iron_trading_co or on Facebook @ Cast Iron Trading Co.

Stockton natives and sisters Ashleigh and April Ellison were both recipients of the Golden 1 Credit Union scholarship for 2019. Ashleigh was awarded $5,000 this year and $1,000 for the year of 2018 to help with her studies to become a speech and language pathologist. April was awarded $1,000 and is studying for liberal studies in elementary education.

Both Ashleigh, who attended Delta College from Summer 2017 to Spring 2019, and April, first semester at Delta, were awarded this scholarship, which has helped them both in their educational careers.

“It means so much to me that I was selected for this scholarship. I think Golden 1 is amazing and beyond generous with college students. This financial support will help me pay for tuition, gas, textbooks,

and other college expenses,” Ashleigh said.

While living in Stockton and commuting to Sacramento State on a daily basis, having the support from Golden 1 helps students like Ashleigh be able to continue their education.

“It’s a scholarship that largely has to do with community service. I’ve done a large amount and large variety of community service throughout the years, so it seemed like I had a high chance of earning the award,” said April.

Golden 1 “has awarded $2.7 million in total scholarship funding,” said Jenna Sharp, Account Executive for Golden 1.

This scholarship “provides credit union members and their dependents financial assistance, valued at up to $20,000 per student, for full-time students who plan to attend accredited, nonprofit two-year community colleges or four-year colleges

and universities in California” said Jenna.

The process to apply for this scholarship is like an interview process, “submit an application and a written essay,” said Jenna.

Students applying must also: Hold a grade point average of 3.0 or higher Be involved in community service and extracurricular activities totaling at least 24 hours in the last 12 months Be a Golden 1 member for at least one year, or be a dependent of someone who has been a member for at least one year Students are selected “based on their academic achievements, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and education and career goals,” said Jenna.

“I feel very blessed that Golden 1 chose both me and my sister” said April.

For more information or to apply for the Golden 1 Credit Union scholarship visit golden1.com/Scholarships/default.

aspect of comedy.

After a stint touring with Ringling Brothers, Martin joined the Reduced Shakespeare company full time. It was during this time he began teaching the art of comedy and improv in the form of hosting workshops and master classes.

“Theatre teaches life skills useful in any endeavor. It teaches you public speaking, time management, creative problem solving, and organized team building,” Martin explained. “I believe everyone should take at least one drama class.”

Martin joined the Delta College staff as an adjunct professor this Fall, continuing t o instruct stu-

dents in the art of improv and performing in his classes Drama 6A and 6B, Improvisational Theatre I and II. He is also directing and assisting students in creating this year’s Repertory Workshop piece.

Longtime Delta drama student Caleb Jynes describes Martin’s teaching as “unique.”

“He uses a different style.

He goes deeper and it’s a good different,” said Jynes It is vital in any drama class that students feel comfortable and safe in order for them to take creative risks and properly hone their skills. This is especially relevant in an improv course where the first rule of improv is to never deny your scene partner or given circumstances.

“This is my first time taking an improv class,” student Alvaro Hernandez said. “He made sure we were all comfortable in our environment by having us meet and get to know everyone. He has created a really safe space.”

Martin is also bringing a new approach to this year’s Repertory Workshop show by making it a “Devised Theatre Piece” meaning there’s no script and the students are in charge of creating the show.

“As an actor, to realize we can create our own shows is freeing,” Martin said.

This isn’t the first piece of devised theatre he has helped create and direct.

In 2015 Martin put on a similarly styled show in Napa Valley called “Improv Zombies from Hell.” If the glorious title is any indication of the show, Delta’s is in good hands.

New Delta drama adjunct bit of a Renaissance man

BY ZOEY CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Director. Performer. Writer.

Educator. Former clown and former understudy Ringmaster with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Reed Martin is a man of many skills.

Martin is best known for his work with the Reduced Shakespeare Company, a three-person show taking typically long and boring topics and cutting them down into short and clever comedies. He has performed all over the world in places such as the White House, Madison Square Garden, London’s West End and the Old Globe Theatre.

Martin studied at U.C. Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and the Dramatic Arts.

He then went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from U. C .

S a n Diego.

Fr o m there he joined the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College to work on the physical

Austin Tichenor (left), Reed Martin (center), and Matt Rippy in costume for a performance of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s “The Complete World of Sports (Abridged).”

PHOTO COURTESY REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

8 FEATURE 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

Delta celebrates Constitution Day Civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez, known for fighting for children’s equal education, speaks at Delta College on Constitution Day about injustice in the United States.

BY MAISY MACATO Senior Staff Writer

Sept. 17 is the day the Constitution was signed in 1787.

To commemorate this day, Delta College invited Sylvia Mendez to speak at the Tillie Lewis Theatre about how her family fought for the desegregation of schools in California because the state violated the 14th amendment in the case of Mendez v. Westminster.

“Education is what gave me the American Dream,” said Mendez.

Everyone has a right to equal education but in the 1940s segregated schools were fairly normal and education differed in the school settings.

Gonzalo Mendez didn’t understand why his children had to go to a farther school when there was one already near the family. Since it was a white school it wasn’t allowed, which led to the father’s struggle to fight for his children’s right to an equal education.

The case ruled in the Men-

“Education is what gave me the American dream.”

- Sylvia Mendez, civil rights activist

Sylvia Mendez speaks about how her family fought for the desegregation of schools in California. The talk was part of Delta’s Constitution Day events on Sept. 17 PHOTO BY MAISY MACATO

dez family’s favor and after the case California’s governor Earl Warren ended segregation in California schools.

“This wasn’t fought by one family… and it wasn’t just for the Mendez family, but for

all the children,” said Sylvia Mendez.

Sylvia didn’t know that not everyone knew of Mendez v.

Westminster and it was her mother who encouraged her to go out and talk about it be-

cause it was an important part in history.

“I see prejudice all over the nation,” said Mendez in response to the question of whether schools are still segregated.

Segregation is somewhat still part of the U.S. school systems now but has to do more with poverty and income.

Marin County is a prime example of segregated schools still happening in 2019 knowingly yet not broadcast where the public knew until recently.

Everyone has the right to an education that is equal and is justified in fighting for it when it is denied.

On a budget? Get discounts with a Mustang Pass

BY YGRAINE MONTGOMERY Senior Staff Writer

The beginning of the school year brings a lot of new expenses for students.

Fortunately, there are a number of places that offer student discounts, and all you’ll need is your school ID card to save some money.

You can even use your school ID to score a free lunch at school every Tuesday!

The ASDC office at Shima 101 offers a free lunch through the Food 4 Thought program every Tuesday between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

A typical lunch includes: • One uncrustable sandwich, apple slices and a bottle of water • Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, granola bar and a bottle of water • Campbell’s soup, crackers and a bottle of water • Lunchable, fruit snacks and a bottle of water Lunch supplies are limited, so be sure to get there early.

The Mustang Pass is Delta College’s official student ID. card.

If you paid your $10 Student Activity Fee at registration, you can take a print-out of your class schedule and payment to the ASDC office at Shima 101F. (Or, you can just show them this information from your smart phone.)

FOR MORE INFO For more information on how to get your Mustang Pass and additional participating businesses visit bit.ly/ mustangpass and bit.ly/mustangdiscounts.

IDs. A full list of local businesses that offer Mustang Pass discounts can be found on the Delta College website by searching for “Mustang Pass Program”, then clicking on the “View Participating Businesses” link.

Here are some local businesses that will offer you a student discount.

PA R T I C I PAT I N G LOCAL BUSINESSES

If you opted out of paying the Student Activity Fee at registration, then visit the Cashier’s Office on the first floor of the Horton building to pay your $10 Mustang Pass fee. Then present your receipt at the ASDC office at Shima 101F to get your Mustang Pass.

Some local business also offer discounts with student

• Delta College Bookstore and Delta College Cafeteria – show your Mustang Pass to get 10 percent off food and apparel items.

• San Joaquin Rapid Transit Department - $41.20 for a 31-day student bus pass.

You can order bus passes online at their website or purchase passes at their Bus Pass Outlets.

• El Senor Frogs, 17217 Pacific Ave, Stockton – 10 percent discount OR buy one combo, get the other combo (of equal or lesser value) for half off.

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, 2809 W March Lane, Stockton – offers a 10 percent

discount.

• Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 1000 W Robinhood Dr, Stockton - receive a 20 percent discount on your order.

• In Shape Gym, 4555 N. Pershing Ave, Stockton – Show your student schedule and your Mustang Pass to get a special rate of $29/one location or $34/multiple locations.

• Peets Coffee and Tea, Stonecreek Village, 5765 Pacific Ave Ste 125, Stockton – receive $1 off everyday during student happy hour 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

• Pacific Avenue Bowl, 5939 Pacific Ave, Stockton Thursday nights are college nights after 9:00 p.m.; $3.50 per game and $1.00 for shoes with your student I.D. NATIONAL STUDENT DISCOUNTS • Students can get Amazon Prime free for 6 months which includes free 2-day shipping, unlimited streaming of movies and tv shows on Prime video and more. After 6 months, you have the option to renew your Prime membership at half off the usual rate. www. amazon.com/b/ref=tb_surl_astudent/?node=668781011 • Spotify / Hulu / Showtime: get all three services free for three months, then pay only $4.99 per month afterwards. support.spotify.com/

us/account_payment_help/premium_for_students/student-discount/ • Converse offers a 15 percent discount when you purchase goods at www.converse.com. Simply verify your status from the shopping cart area or during Step 2 of the checkout process. conversehelp.force.com/s/article/does-converse-offer-a-student-discount • Microsoft Office 365 is a free software suite for students which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote.

You don’t even need an I.D. card for this – all you need is your Delta student email address. You can sign up at this link: www.microsoft.com/en-us/ education/products/office • YouTube Premium, which include ad-free videos and unlimited YouTube Music, which is their version of Spotify. The first 3 months are free, then available for $6.99 per month; if you just want YouTube Music, the cost is only $4.99. www.youtube.com/premium/student • Apple’s student discounts change periodically, so check their website at www.apple.com and search for “student discounts” to see the latest deals.

• Adobe offers 60 percent off their Creative Cloud suite for students and teachers.

This includes 20+ apps, including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.

9 ENTERTAINMENT 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/entertainment

DJ workshop mixes it up

BY AMIRAH AMENHOTEP Entertainment Editor

Jennifer Lopez stars as Ramona in “Hustlers.”

PHOTO COURTESY EPK.TV

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Hustlers’ shows a different side of the sex worker industry

BY AMIRAH AMENHOTEP

Britney Marquez demonstrating the turn tables to Delta students (left) Jalen Hodges (right) Mayra Aguinaga. PHOTO BY AYAANA WILLIAMS

BY AYAANA WILLIAMS Feature Editor

Hip-hop and EDM beats filled the RTV lab on Monday Sept. 23, as lab tech Britney Marquez hosted a workshop teaching people how to DJ. Marquez used the Radio DJ software and a soundboard to create music mixes, which she showed attendees how to use.

Workshops like this are hosted about once a month and are free and open to the public.

“By me putting on these workshops I hope that people come here and kind of get exposure to Delta College and the things that we have going on,” said Marquez.

“You don’t actually have to be a Delta student to take these workshops, so it might be something that triggers

a new hobby for somebody.”

Students and community members who attended this workshop took home some valuable skills and knowledge about the art of DJing.

“I really like how she [Brittany] really went in depth about the system. I don’t necessarily have any background knowledge on DJing, but it was a great experience and a good opportunity,” said student Jalen Hodges.

Those who are interested can also look forward to other upcoming workshops to be hosted in RTV such as: “How to Record Instruments” on Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. and ”Adobe After Effects” on Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.

“We’ve had people contact us from outside of Stockton even so it’s not just necessarily here on campus,” said Marquez. “Anybody and everybody is welcome.”

Pride Center does ‘La Vida Loca’ for Latinx Heritage

BY JUSTINE CHAHAL Senior Staff Writer

The Pride Center will be putting on a free production of “La Vida Loca” on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Tillie Lewis Theatre as part of Latinx Heritage Month at Delta College.

Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the lives of Latinx individuals through events held on campus and this show is no different. However, it also celebrates the LGBT community.

The one-man show is described as an “apolitical inyour-face odyssey” following the life of a gay Mexican immigrant living in California.

“We are putting on this event to share a story that is often left out of mainstream Latino cultures and stories and mainstream LGBTQ+ cultures and stories. It is to say ‘Yo existo/I exist!’” said Pride Center advisor Ricky Guiterrez-Maldonado in an email correspondence.

Creator Carlos-Manuel Chavarria’s creation speaks on his own experiences through monologue, occasionally breaking the fourth wall and using Spanish slang according to Contra Costa College’s The Advocate.

The show acknowledges the intersection of race and sexuality, a topic that’s often ignored.

“It’s important to highlight the intersection of being Latina, Latino, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ because this community offers a rich history and perspective... LGBTQ+ Latina/o/x peoples exist at this intersection, at this

border, and often are the bridge builders that connect communities and bring people together. This goes for a lot of LGBTQ+ people of color. Our identities cannot be parsed out. We exist as both and often our sense of being Latina/o/x is influenced by our sense of being LGBTQ+. These identities influence each other, are tied together, and cannot be separated or ignored,” said Guiterrez-Maldonado.

The show tackles the discrimination and prejudices faced by Latinx people, LGBT people, and immigrants.

“The show demonstrates the experiences, both the struggles and joys, of being Latino and gay, as well as being undocumented and an immigrant...LGBTQ+ people of color, immigrants, and undocumented people face a myriad of systems that are relentlessly oppressing them from various angles. This theory demands that we look at these overlapping systems to really understand the circumstances and cultures of Latina/o/x LGBTQ+ people,” said Guiterrez-Maldonado.

The show points out the struggles faced by these overlapping systems, but also honors overcoming those struggles through it’s “comical, serious, and confrontational approach,” according to the Delta website.

The event, co-sponsored by the Cultural Awareness Program, is open to the public.

To learn more about the Pride Center and the events they will be hosting throughout the semester, visit them in Shima 108 or go to their Facebook and Instagram, @ SJDCPrideCenter.

T

Entertainment Editor

hey don’t have morals. They should get a real job.

Many people hold these negative, close-minded views of sex workers, but the truth is sex workers do what they do to survive and live the best life they can — just as anyone sitting behind a desk, working for small and big businesses or even working at a fast food restaurant.

But in reality the same people who harp on sex workers have no issue using their services in private, which is how a group of workers pulled off a scam for the books, portrayed in the film “Hustlers.”

The film is an adaptation of a well-respected news article “The Hustlers at Score” written by Jessica Pressler for New York Magazine. In fact the film is the making of the story with an all star cast that had a range of fans filling seats. Jenifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart and Julia Stiles along with singers and songwriters Lizzo and Cardi B. The story starts in 2007, right before the Wall Street crash. Both film and article described how work in strip clubs was flourishing in New York City. After the crash, everyone was affected because if customers lose their money then workers can’t get paid.

Two women along with a group of other workers, decide to scam wealthy men who are well known to splurge at strip clubs — or on sex workers in general. To guarantee money they set up an elaborate scheme by drugging the men via spiking their drinks to the point that they cannot remember the events of the night.

The plan was very successful — until they became greedy and lost some of their best customers and had to start scamming complete strangers. Eventually it became riskier, to the point of them getting caught.

As the story progresses it explains why they felt what they need to do and most of them just wanted a better life than what they had.

“Hustlers” isn’t a story about thieving strippers. It’s about what some people will do to achieve their own American dream.

How they did it wasn’t the brightest — but everyone has a hustle.

10 SPORTS 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports

FOOTBALL WINS FIRST GAME SINCE ‘17

Delta’s Maxwell Nicholas runs with the ball after making a catch against Chabot. PHOTOS BY SIDNEE GALLARDO

BY PAUL MUYSKENS Sports Editor

For the first time since Oct. 28, 2017 the Delta Mustangs football team got to celebrate a victory as the Mustangs snapped a 14-game losing streak with a 29-22 win over Chabot on Saturday at Lawrence A. De Ricco Athletic Field at Delta College.

Starting the season with back-to-back blowout losses the Mustangs surprised many on Saturday afternoon as they never trailed on the way to the win against a Gladiators squad that had won in convincing fashion the week before against Sequoias.

Jumping out to an early lead the Mustangs got two touchdown passes from quarterback Justin De Mello as he connected with William Brown for an eight-yard score in the first quarter and then found Keaton Hampton for a 20-yard score in the second quarter to extend

the lead to 13-0.

Chabot would come back and tie the game at 15 before two fourth quarter scores would be enough for the win as Jaylyn Session capped off an eightplay, 81-yard drive with a oneyard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter and a few minutes later De Mello connected with Alvin Howard for a 51yard score.

“It was pretty exciting, our first win since 2017,” said Session who is in his first year at Delta after going to high school in Florida.

Session finished the game with 110 yards and a score on 20 carries while De Mello completed 19 of his 31 pass attempts for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

They will play on the road against Feather River on Sep. 28 before returning home for a game against Diablo Valley on Sat. Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.

(Above) Terry Holmes runs with the ball. Holmes rushed for 38 yards on seven carries. (Right) Keaton Hampton with the ball after one of his two catches on the afternoon which included a 20-yard touchdown reception.

11 SPORTS 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports

Dance, soccer make for a perfect pair

BY KAROLINA A. MOLINA Staff Writer

“Together We Can.” It’s a motto coach Joshua Bradley uses with the men’s soccer team. It’s also one he uses in his personal life, where the star Delta College coach and professor is married to a talented dance choreographer and dance professor, Milissa Payne-Bradley.

The couple met in quite an interesting way. Milissa was on her way to Humboldt where she would be a guest performer for a showing of the Nutcracker. She stopped at a gas station and locked her keys in her car.

Joshua stopped at the same gas station while on his way to meet soccer friends from Humboldt when he noticed Milissa standing in the rain frustrated. He asked if she needed assistance and she assured him AAA was on its way and it was ok for him to go.

When heading back into the gas station, a woman who worked there told her “you’re going to marry that man.”

Before leaving the station, Joshua wrote his number on the back of a lottery ticket. “To

this day, I still have that lottery ticket,” Milissa said.

Both Joshua and Milissa have traveled the globe making a name for themselves from New York to Australia.

Joshua became interested in soccer at the age of three. He’s never let go of that passion as part of the Olympic Development Program and joining Humboldt State Men’s Soccer team, where he studied Marine Biology.

Milissa began dancing at a dance school in Fresno ran by Diane Mosie, at the age of five.

She began her professional career in 2005 with the Oakland Ballet Company. After years of being a professional dancer, she decided to go back to school at 28.

Milissa thanks her husband for helping her get the gist of school again from writing papers, signing up for classes, and help to balance school with life.

“She was fearless and fully charged back into school,” Josh said. Milissa was able to obtain her undergrad in Performing Arts and Master’s in Fine Arts at St. Mary’s College. She is now obtaining her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at

Stanislaus State.

Josh heard Delta College was hiring in 2014 for a Men’s soccer coach and earned the position as coach and athletic professor. Since then he has taken the team to the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

Since then he’s been approved to teach biology.

Milissa was hired for the position of a dance professor.

She inspires her students to be fearless and to become comfortable with their bodies. She finds music her students would respond to and teaches them where certain forms of dance come from and how they could relate to each form of dance, she said.

Milissa also has her own company, the Milissa Payne Project, where she teaches and inspires students outside of the classroom.

The couple said their schedules tend to be full, but agree the most important thing is spending time together, just like the soccer team’s motto.

The Bradley’s always manage to work together to make their schedules meet to spend time together and put their family first.

(Top) Joshua Bradley (far right) talks with players during halftime against Napa Valley PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS (Bottom) Milissa Payne-Bradley PHOTO COURTESY MILISSA PAYNE-BRADLEY

Men’s soccer has even higher expectations for the 2019 season

BY DAVID VICTOR Staff Writer

The Delta College men’s soccer team has high expectations for the 2019 season after winning the Big 8 Conference championship and ending with a record of 14-3-1 in 2018.

“The expectation is the same, as high as possible. We expect them to again make the playoffs and to challenge for a league championship,” said

Mustangs Head Coach Joshua Bradley.

Last year the program won its first title since 1999, when the team competed in the Bay Valley Conference.

Defender Julio Torres Rivas said he thinks the Mustangs are capable of surpassing 2018 accomplishments.

“I see us going straight to finals, just like the girls. Top four, top two or maybe even first,” said Rivas, speaking of

the team’s potential to compete for a state championship like the women’s team.“We connect really well, I’m surprised at the connection that we got.

It’s a lot of people that haven’t played together, all of them are mainly freshmen.”

The Mustangs have a record of 6-1 after defeating Napa Valley at home 1-0 on Tuesday Sept. 17 and an away victory 2-0 against De Anza on Friday Sept. 20.

Daniel Gomez celebrates after scoring the game’s lone goal during a 1-0 win over Napa Valley. PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS

Bradley said he wants more concentration from the team during the most crucial moments of a game.

“Towards the end of the game we want to make sure that we can see a game out, mentally focus and not be in a panic type mode,” said Bradley.

In seven games during the preseason the team has scored 20 goals and secured five shutouts.

Eleven sophomores returned from last year, including midfielder Toby Penawebb who expects himself to assume a leadership role as one of the captains this season.

“As a leader I expect myself to be a role model for the team and someone they can come up to if they need help. I’m always going to be there for my team,” said Penawebb.

Penawebb and Martin Torres Jr. have both scored a teambest five goals through the first seven games.

Rivas, the second captain of the team, thinks the role of a captain doesn’t have to be limited to one or two players.

“I feel like everybody is a captain here. I just consider myself as someone who could help the team win. I feel like everyone has their own individual powers just like anybody has their own attitudes and personalities,” said Rivas.

With incoming freshmen each year, Bradley likes to give a sense of belonging to help integrate them to the team and cope with returning sophomores in order to form a competitive group of players.

“The chemistry is fine, we do a lot of team building through-

Alexis Jimenez goes up for a save during a 1-0 win over Napa Valley. PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS

out the summer so it helps build that team mentality. We like to consider ourselves a Delta family,” said Bradley, referring to the players as a group of comrades and more than just a team.

Now that the non-league portion of the season has come to a close the Mustangs are set to start the 2019 Big 8 Conference season at home this afternoon for a 1 p.m. game against Folsom Lake.

12 NEWS 092719

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news

Campus celebrates Hart’s service to Delta

Former President/Superintendent Dr. Kathy Hart’s retirement was celebrated on Sept. 25 in the Blanchard Gym. The campus and community were invited to the three hour long reception.

Hart worked at Delta College for 25 years.

“Well I’m just very proud to

have been able to serve this long and I have every confidence that the school will continue to be a great place to learn,” said Hart.

The event featured Delta’s culinary students, live music, and wine. Hart’s portrait was displayed and will be placed back in the Administration building.

Tables of Hart’s accomplishments were also displayed for the crowd throughout the ceremony.

Photos depict faculty during the beginning of the celebration.

Many greeted Dr. Hart upon arrival.

PHOTOS BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR

MYDELTA: Setbacks affect transfer students, financial aid applications continued from PAGE 1 The email addressed financial aid inconsistencies as well.

Many students have either not received the Promise Grant, formerly known as the Board of Governors’ (BOG) Waiver, and some financial aid distributions have not been made available.

Students continue to ask questions in the nearly 5,000 member public San Joaquin Delta College Facebook group about aid issues.

Problems include lack of communication from financial aid specialists, continued questioning to dis-

bursements, and lack of waived fees.

The only public announcement within the same time frame has been: “The MyDelta Portal will be unavailable beginning at 6 pm on Friday, September 20 until 12 am on Saturday, September 21st for system updates. Thank you for your patience!”

Earlier in the semester, when students would inquire about financial aid status, they would receive a similar message from individual financial aid specialists: “Please note that we are currently unable to post these fee waivers in the database system so you will not see this fee waiver in your current Financial Aid Award. Additionally, you will still see that you owe

fees for fall 2019 in your student account. However, you are eligible for the fee waiver and you do not need to pay the fall 2019 enrollment fees. We anticipate being able to award the fee waiver and apply this to your fall 2019 fees soon.”

The Collegian sent questions through email on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 to Dr. Lisa Cooper-Wilkins, vice president of student services and assistant superintendent, who sent the initial message to staff campuswide.

Questions were included seeking clarification and comment on the issues. Cooper Wilkins did not respond.

BUDGET: State and local institutions make budget changes

continued from PAGE 1 According to Nguyen, the TCR model only valued the number of units a student took for the calendar year.

A student taking 30 units per year was considered a full-time enrollment student (FTES). To figure revenue, the college would then take all students attending and convert them into a FTES score based on the total units registered divided by all students.

Even though Delta has approximately 24,000 students, the combined FTES score is converted to approximately 14,500 students. The state, pending a dynamic, intricate formula based on tax revenue, places a dollar value to a single FTES. At the current state of the economy, the FTES score has a current dollar value approximated at $5,000.

If one does the math, the apportionment granted by the Chancellor’s Office toward Delta College is approximately $72.5 million as part of the combined

revenue toward the operational budget for Delta College.

Nguyen said the new SCFF model no longer awards dollar value solely on FTES score alone but instead, enables funding based on three parts: FTES score, an equity score for students that fall under the category of underrepresentation, and student success rate.

Success rate includes the number of certificate graduates, transfer students to a four-year college, and students who selectively took specific courses in order to improve their skills for better employment.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley, who serves as the CEO of the Board of Governors and oversees the system’s executive office, had stated the purpose for the SCFF in previous interviews. “…California’s state leaders have truly delivered on a promise to put students first and set an example for the rest of the nation by adopting a new funding formula that incentivizes student suc-

cess…,” Oakley said.

The change in formula aligns the entire system to a new approach. Questions to Vice President of Instruction Dr. James Todd were answered by District Public Information Coordinator Alex Breitler.

“The College is aligning its budget and educational services with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Vision for Success. The Vision for Success and the Student Centered Funding Formula are designed to best ensure that California’s diverse students reach their goals and improve their lives through higher transfer rates to CSU and UC, reducing the time-to-degree for students, increasing the number of certificates and degrees that lead to good jobs, and eliminating achievement gaps across student populations,” said Breitler.

The goal of the SCFF is to be multi-functional in providing system resources.

“For the students who go to a community college to transfer to a four-year,

this formula is designed to help them ... for those students that want to go to college and then get a degree so that they can get a well-paying job, this formula is designed to help them do that. And, for those students that just want to go and just take some classes and dabble and learn, it also has a mechanism to fund colleges to allow students to do just that,” said Nguyen.

Administration is already moving plans in place to monitor and ensure student success, said Breitler.

“The College is planning to introduce Guided Pathways to students in Fall 2020, which includes providing students with structured and efficient onboarding processes, clear maps of degree and certificate programs, consistent monitoring of students and their progress (with a focus on student equity), and coaching to completion and post-graduation outcomes,” said Breitler in an email response.

For more information on the SCFF, visit bit.ly/scffBudget.