The Collegian — Published Nov. 8, 2019

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The Collegian Issue 5 • Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 •

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Vandalism targeting LGBTQ+ students prompts action ment condemning the actions. “... I want to be clear that we cannot and will not tolerate hate crimes of any kind in our District. I want A late October vandalism incident directed at the to repeat this, we exercise ZERO tolerance for these LGBT student population has put the marginalized activities on our campus!” he wrote, also urging the group on edge and prompted a campus wide response. campus community to “stand together to fight this A poster explaining the purpose of the all-gender type of behavior!” bathrooms in the Forum Building was defaced around The vandalism is the first of such reported in 3 Oct. 23. In marker, words of hate were written against years, according to Delta College Clery Report numindividuals who are transgender, accompanied by a bers. swastika.

“If a person can’t accept that, there is going to be “Whether the symbol was a joke or not, it is kind all gender bathrooms which is supposed to make it of dangerous just because it’s a symbol that has been equal for everyone they shouldn’t even waste their historically used as a sign of desire to commit against time going into the restroom vandalizing something various marginalized communities,” said Delta student Robert Felton. “Using it on the poster in the bathroom Delta’s Pride Center is so impacted students resort to sitting means something dearly to the LGBT community,” is still dangerous because it potentially insight people outside the first-floor Shima location. PHOTO BY AMIRAH said Delta student Yasmeen Alcala.

There are three restrooms designated as all-gender to commit violence since its being used in the context AMENHOTEP on campus, two in the Forum Building and one on similar to how it was in the past for those reasons.” the first floor of the Shima Building. In February and A crime alert was sent out by campus police on Oct. early March, police investigated potential arson fires 25 detailing the vandalism, in part, as “an ‘X’ crossing out” a part of the “poster referencing campus community members who identify in the Shima bathroom.

“It makes me feel extremely unsafe to go back into that bathroom cause what as transgender or non-binary,” an “expletive, followed by the letters ‘LGBT,’” and if they are in there? I just want to go to the bathroom,” said Delta Student Basile a swastika.

See LGBTQ+, page 2 The same day President/Superintendent Dr. Omid Pourzanjani released a stateBY AMIRAH AMENHOTEP Entertainment Editor

50 YEARS OF ACCESS

California, Delta celebrate five decades of Extended Opportunities Program and Services

(Left) “They kept trying to cut our funding, but we took EOPS, to community schools, state schools and universities of California,” said Antohny Cedillo, one of the first EOPS directors speaks. (Middle) EOPS student, Se’Quoia Drew speaks at the EOPS 50th Anniversary Celebration. “After being out of school for 10 years, EOPS and its staff have helped me to succeed here at Delta College.” (Right Top) Cupcakes served at the celebration. (Right Bottom) Attendees fill their plates during the event. PHOTOS BY AYAANA WILLIAMS AND STEPHANIE JIMENEZ

BY AYAANA WILLIAMS Feature Editor

On Nov. 4, the Extended Opportunities Program and Services (EOPS) celebrated 50 years of service to its students throughout the state of California.

The celebration was held in DeRicco 275 and featured a variety of food, drinks and socialization among students and faculty.

In addition to the abundance of food, cupcakes and music, EOPS members took pictures with one another against a provided backdrop that displayed black and gold balloons and other decor.

EOPS is a program designed to help students with challenging educational backgrounds such as low-income households, ESL students, first generation students, students who did not finish high school, etc.

“This program provides access to education in a way that no other program in the nation does,” said director of student support services, Danita Scott.

Scott oversees EOPS, CARE and DSPS on Delta College campus.

Many people attended the event showing support for the EOPS program and for student success at Delta College.

“Ultimately what we’re celebrating here is the success of a program that has withstood some serious challenges,” said Scott.

In 2009 the program suffered a 40 percent budget cut, but continues to provide students with financial and academic support regardless.

In addition to services EOPS also helps students meet their educational goals through workshops.

“Our goal is to find marginalized populations, recruit them, bring them on campus and provide comprehensive support services so that they can meet their educational goals of earning a certificate, a degree or transferring,” said Scott.

A few of the many services provided to EOPS students include first day priority registration, tutoring, financial support/grants, helping students purchase required textbooks and parking permits, transportation services and much more.

One support EOPS stresses the importance of counseling to students.

“The heart of the program is really the counseling services,” said Scott. “EOPS students are required to have three counseling contacts each semester — the beginning, middle and the end — because our whole goal is to build that relationship to keep that student engaged in their educational pursuits.”

Over the last 50 years EOPS has provided service to over a million students across California Community College campuses and will continue to do so as long as possible.

“Hope, equity and success — that’s what we’re celebrating.” said Scott.

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2 NEWS 110819

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Leadership Stockton project looks to improve zoo Four Delta College employees among class members hoping to raise $70,000 for Micke Grove ters Coordinator Jordan Harless, “sweat equity” was someEditor in Chief thing the group wanted to get Leadership Stockton’s cur- out of the project. Leadership rent class of 24 community Stockton found this in the members are fundraising to Micke Grove revitalization revitalize the stage area in the project because of the handsback of Micke Grove Zoo by on work.

The project has been denext summer, in order to give scribed as an adoption of the back to the city.

Four class members from zoo’s dilapidated amphitheater area so it can be used for anDelta are part of the project.

Jordan Harless, Kristi imal demonstration and edCapra, Mario Vasquez and Ra- ucation once again. The area besides the stage includes quel Romero mews, children’s have reached play space, and out to campus HELP THE PROJECT paras part of the Find out more about the Leadership birthday f u n d r a i s i n g Stockton class of 2020 Micke Grove ty tables, and shade structures. efforts. The in- Zoo project by visiting: A mew is a tent is to raise • facebook.com/LeadershipStockton • gofundme.com/mickegrove resting space $70,000. for animals who “It’s realspend most of ly funny what the day socializpeople do when you just simply ask them, you know you have ing with zookeepers.

Capra said the zoo focuses a good cause and you want it on animal rescue, not animal supported, people are usually willing to give you some- exploitation.

Capra mentioned the bald thing for that,” said Capra, an adjunct English professor, eagle at Micke Grove is diswho primarily teaches online abled and would die if released into a natural habitat. courses.

So far, the project has unVasquez is a police sergeant for Delta police. Romero is a dergone the first demolition Student Programs Assistant at last weekend and is scheduled for another one.

Delta.

“Micke Grove is really cool The group considered other projects, including revamping because the five acres of land the local animal shelter or a that it sits on her in a trust and not five acres that encompasspark.

According to Associate es you have to remain a zoo Professor and Learning Cen- no matter what … they have a board of directors and their

BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR

Leadership Stockton works on demolition for their Micke Grove Revitalization project, the first step of many. PHOTO COURTESY BY KRISTI CAPRA

brand new it’s great I think new leadership helps, but they were struggling with their fundraising efforts in these for projects,” said Harless.

Stockton Chamber of Commerce’s annual agenda for Leadership Stockton is reach out for people who are active in the community and want to give back. Those chosen meet once a month for eight hours, learn more about our local infrastructure, government system and school system. Finally, the class chooses a project to fundraise for and work on.

The class encompasses people from all industries, not just education.

Leftover funds after the project is finished will be donated to securing new animals for the zoo.

According to Harless, Micke Grove has missed out on adopting a few animals because they did not have enough funds at the time. The group hopes any additional funds can provide extra support to the zoo.

Leadership Stockton’s Class of 2020 graduating next sum-

mer plans to walk on the stage they build, according to Capra.

The idea behind helping the zoo is to further animal education in the community.

Capra and Harless both mentioned Micke Grove’s intention of bussing animals to schools for children who are unable to make it to the zoo.

Ways that students can assist with this project is to reach out to Leadership Stockton’s Facebook page to volunteer, and donate to the group’s GoFundMe page.

Mobility and Health Center goes beyond navigation help for students

BY HANNAH WORKMAN Staff Writer

Disability Support Program and Services (DSPS) at Delta College aims to help disabled students receive appropriate accommodations to ensure they have an equal chance of achieving educational success.

“DSPS is here to even out the playing field,” Mobility Specialist Roy Juarez said.

DSPS helps students with a range of disabilities: from those who are hard of hearing, to those who are blind, to those who are physically impaired.

The Mobility and Health Unit, which Juarez oversees, focuses on helping those who are physically impaired have an easier time getting around campus.

In the Mobility and Health Center, physically impaired students can check out scooters or request a student aide to guide them to and from classes.

A few of the other key services provided by DSPS include accommodated testing, interpreting and captioning, note-taking and specialized counseling.

“We’re not asking the teacher to give you more time on an assignment or make your assignments easier, we’re asking that they give you an accommodation so you could succeed just like anybody else,” Juarez said.

Juarez has seen the Mobility and Health Unit go through several changes since first joining DSPS 14 years ago.

In 2009, the Mobility and Health Unit was cut since it was not mandated by law and the school did not have funds. It was brought back three months later after board members recognized its importance.

During those three months, Juarez called other community colleges in the area and asked what services their Mobility and Health Units offered.

He found that none of the 13 colleges he made contact with even had a Mobility and Health Unit.

Because of this, Juarez believes Delta is “one of a kind.”

While the Mobility and Health Unit is still active, it’s not as large as it once was.

“Right now, I’m the only EMT,” Juarez said. “In 2009, we had two EMTs and a whole team of substitutes so if I called in sick, we had a number of firefighters who were EMTs that we could call and ask to cover the shift.”

Now, if Juarez is unable to work, the Mobility and Health Unit shuts down and if students need assistance, campus police are notified.

Being the only EMT, Juarez could use a few helping hands. He typically hires 10 students a semester to act as aides.

Aside from guiding blind students to and from classes, members of his staff also take notes for those who are unable to, walk physically impaired students

through exercises during PE and file reports.

Third-year student Christina Torrez has been working as an aide for the Mobility and Health Unit since August 2016.

Torrez took the job without knowing much about what it entailed, but immediately became fond of it.

“I feel like the most grateful people I’ve met, I’ve met working here,” Torrez said.

She has formed many friendships with the students she’s assisted.

“We tell each other our life stories,” Torrez said. “It’s nice getting to know more about who they are.”

She feels her experience working with the disabled has made her more aware of the struggles they face. She tries to look for ways to make their lives just a bit easier.

“Anywhere I go, I won’t take the elevator,” she said.

“If I see somebody in a wheelchair, I’ll open the door for them.”

Third-year student Luis Garcia, who works alongside Torrez, said his favorite part about the job is “the character it builds.”

He takes pride in knowing his contributions are benefiting students in need.

According to Garcia, DSPS is an integral part of campus and should be given more awareness.

“It really has a huge impact on these individuals’ lives,” he said.

the center also spoke during public comment at a Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 22.

“I would like Delta to pay more attention to their LGBT community because it feels like no attention is being really being paid to us even with our room we are still trying to fight for a bigger room because so many of us come into this room. I just think delta should try and pay more attention to its students, especially their LGBT students who are trying their best,” said Ruiz.

The vandalism has set the community in action. On Nov. 22, the Offices of the Vice President of Student Services and Student Equity & Diversity will host “A Campus Conversation” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in DeRicco 274-275 in response to the incident.

“I would like them to be more proactive obviously

we can’t regulate everybody, there is going to be hate speech that comes up. Either verbally or graffiti on walls that targets vulnerable populations. But whenever that does happen, I just hope Delta really realizes we are all apart of Delta, we are a community within Delta, and that they rally around LGBTQ students in particular,” said said Pride Center Advisor Ricky Gutierrez Maldonado. “Obviously, there is LGBT faculty and staff that may be impacted by this. I’m a gay man and I work here, so I want to make sure I’m safe and I’m working in an environment where I’m not fearful of maybe someone is going to tag this thing up or come visit us in the Pride center. So there is really issues around safety and I think Delta can really do a great job in terms of really publicly countering that message with a message of solidarity of support and community.”

LGBTQ+: Campus President urges students to resist hate continued from PAGE 1 Jake.

The person who committed the crime may think it’s funny, but the act is a serious one.

“First of all, of course, its disrespectful but it’s being mean towards a group of people you don’t even know about its just arrogant and it’s annoying and ignorant of how many times they have to do these things. And they have to they just still do it, but we are still peacefully trying to get ourselves through this time so it’s difficult to not just get through to them but to people who are like this,” said Delta student Gilbert Ruiz.

The incident also comes the same week Pourzanjani met with Pride Center members as the group seeks out space larger than office-sized location it now occupies in the Shima Building. Students who utilize

3 OPINION 110819

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Anthropology is not dead

BY MATTHEW MILLSAP

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Staff Writer

ometimes, when answering people about what my major is, I get truly puzzled looks when I tell them it’s anthropology.

What is anthropology?

Fair question. From the Greek root, ánthrōpos, meaning human, it’s the study of humanity.

More specifically, it’s the scientific study of humans, human behavior and societies in the past and present. It’s a broad field combining several scientific and humanitarian subjects together in a comprehensive way. Some say it’s the most humanistic of the sciences and the most scientific of the humanities.

Social anthropology studies patterns of behavior and cultural anthropology studies cultural meaning, including norms and values. Linguistic anthropology studies what language is and how language influences social life. Biological or physical anthropology studies the biological development of humans.

Archaeology is the study of material culture left behind by past people.

Primatology is the study of our closest relatives and is decisively included in the bunch as it relates to our past, and arguably our present and future.

Anthropology as a whole is the field

that binds it all together.

What has anthropology done for us?

We as a society have benefited from it more than you might think.

They have pieced together our modern understanding of language, human diversity, evolution and the timeline of the human past. Forensic anthropologists handle the unidentified victims of crime. And when something mysterious turns up, anthropologists work to fit it into our ever-growing understanding of the human story. For instance, if not for anthropologists, we may not even have known what a Neandertal was. Prior to the advent of paleoanthropology, experts thought the Neandertal skull found in Germany

belonged to a deformed Napoleonic soldier. New cutting edge science has recently revealed that our 40,000 year old Neandertal cousins still partially live on in us — a result of our very human tendency to get friendly and mix.

A common phrase you will hear in anthropology is “anthropology makes the strange familiar and the familiar strange.”

A byproduct of the studies of culture and all that it’s comprised of, is that it illuminates the circumstances and innate human mechanisms that cause culture, and how all human societies are fundamentally the same, and closely related.

When I took professor Marcy Williams’ cultural anthropology class

the Central Valley? Enough to export almonds, tomatoes, grapes and asparagus crops to the rest of the country.

Bolthouse Farms in Bakersfield processes six million pounds of carrots every single day, according to an article

by Mark Bittman in the New York Times, which goes on to say that if you took a week’s worth of those carrots and “stacked each carrot from end to end, you could circle the earth.”

Growing crops at that scale, in a state that regularly experiences prolonged stretches of drought, leaves farmers constantly concerned about reliable water sources for their crops.

But more than farmers depend on that water.

For the last 50 years, the amount of water pumped and exported from the Delta has steadily increased, leaving the fish populations to endure living in shallower water. One side effect of less water is the harm that occurs to fragile fish eggs, which get too hot from the sun’s heat and die.

Another effect is from the pumps themselves, that are large and strong enough to actually reverse the flow of the Sacramento river. Although the pumps have mesh screens to prevent most fish from getting sucked into the pumps, fish still get caught in the screens, becoming an easy dinner for

any predatory species nearby.

Both of these factors have drastically affected populations of the tiny Delta smelt, a silvery fish that used to roam our waterways in the millions but is now functionally extinct.

The Delta smelt is an indicator of the overall health of the valley ecosystem, like a canary in a coal mine.

Since each element in an ecosystem depends on the other elements to function and stay healthy and whole, the near-extinction of one species has a domino-like effect on the other species and the general ecological health of the water.

Along with the Delta smelt, Chinook salmon used to swarm the Delta waters annually in the hundreds of thousands to mate and lay eggs for future generations; now they number merely in the thousands.

Why is this important, if you’re not a smelt, or a salmon?

Because of the ripple effect, which will impact humans and non-humans.

Killer whale populations feast on the salmon, but their numbers have dropped dramatically, due to lower numbers of salmon.

An out-of-balance ecosystem becomes more vulnerable to other stressors, like the blue-green algae blooms we’ve already seen in the waterways in

at Delta, it opened my eyes to the huge number of cultures on earth. There’s endless variation, and as cultural relativism contends: they’re all reasonable adaptations to living in this world.

Minoring in anthropology has great benefits. Knowledge of cultural anthropology looks great on a resume if you’re pursuing advertising or social science. It gives a deeper understanding of human behavior and sets you apart from the rest in your field. Anthropological training builds a vast array of skills and aids careers in both business and policy making.

If you are wanting a memorable experience that helps shape your understanding of your human self and your place within the world, take an anthropology class.

Trump administration decisions impacting livelihood of Delta smelt

BY YGRAINE MONTGOMERY

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Senior Staff Writer

he Trump administration is fulfilling a campaign promise to divert more water to farmers in California’s Central Valley over the objections of federal career scientists, who argue that the new rules, called “biological opinions,” will further endanger critical Chinook salmon populations and other fish in the Delta.

When the scientists at the National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, disagreed with the new rules, the Trump administration replaced those biologists with a new team, who rewrote the decision, saying their new plan would “create a much smarter approach that focuses on real-time management,” according to Paul Souza, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest regional director in an NPR article.

However, environmentalists disagree.

This decision affects all of us because the waterways of the San Joaquin/Sacramento valley provide drinking water for two-thirds of the states’ population, and for the vast tracts of farmland throughout the valley.

So just how much food is grown in the fertile soil and favorable climate of

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

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

and around Stockton.

Not only does the smelly algae kill marine life, it can sicken and potentially kill any people and dogs who play or swim in the algae-polluted water.

Symptoms of exposure to the algae can run that gamut from “rashes and a runny nose to diarrhea, vomiting and liver damage,” according to the Stockton Record.

Farmers need their water and we need the food they grow; however, something clearly needs to be done to protect what’s left of the fish in the Delta and to protect our drinking water. And we shouldn’t have to dance with the prospect of danger every time we swim or play in water that might be festering with deadly algae.

There isn’t one single, viable solution to the Delta’s water woes. Many different groups have proposed fixes, and many of those groups — along a spectrum with strict environmentalists on one side to those with purely political motives on the other — disagree with each other on the viability of those solutions.

Maybe there isn’t a quick fix to save the fish and protect our drinking water, but we should all feel invested in finding a permanent solution, before it’s too late to fix it.

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SENIOR STAFF YGRAINE MONTGOMERY JUSTINE CHAHAL MAISY MACATO

CONTACT US:

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Disneyland is for people of all ages, even ‘childless millennials’

BY KAROLINA A. MOLINA

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Staff Writer

nce upon a time, in the memory far, far away, we experienced our first visit to the happiest place on earth: Disneyland.

When stepping into this magical land by transporting us to a world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy, we are greeted with warm feelings we can’t find anywhere else.

In recent months, the phrase “childless millennial” has gained attention after angry Facebook mothers have shared thoughts about young adults taking away their children’s magic by joining in on the fun.

That happiness is now threatened by naysayers who decry “childless millennials” shouldn’t be entering the park. These critics are wrong.

This park has welcomed many families with their first visit and continues to make magic for those who make it a tradition to make everlasting memories.

In addition to visiting the parks, many children grow up watching movies with their family and bring the magic of Disney into their home. Others go the extra mile to incorporate Disney into fashion and home decor.

However, when those Disney loving children grow up, their love for Disney isn’t embraced by everyone.

Peter Pan warned “it’s better not to grow up.”

After hitting a certain age, loving Disney is seen

as something that is “childish” because its movies “are only meant for children.”

I don’t think that’s the case.

We’re never too old to experience that nostalgic feeling that we get when watching “The Lion King” or the fireworks in front of the “Sleeping Beauty” castle.

When creating the park, Walt Disney had families in mind, not just children. There are many activities in the park that can be enjoyed by adults, and many also are

MORE enjoyable than going with or as a child.

These bothered parents see these childless millennials taking up space in line for rides and snacks, which seem to be the reason their families can’t have a fun vacation.

These mothers not only caused the media community to make noise about the critiques, but have found ways to turn the tables on the mothers.

Some have even created T-shirts reading “Childless Millennial” and captioned their park photos of them having a great time at the park … without children.

Those judgmental mothers and others fail to notice how great it is to go to the parks as childless, lone adults. There are many ways adults can take advantage of their age to better their visit.

You’re able to participate in the single-rider option and get on certain rides much quicker, making more time to enjoy other parts of the park.

You can drink in California Adventure and in the new Galaxy’s Edge addition at Disneyland, which makes for a good time.

The older you get, the more you understand the movies and ride stories. When you’re a child, you only understand so much, but growing up and paying attention to the details can enhance the magic and help you appreciate everything around you.

You’re never too old to experience the magic of Disney.

Price of redemption for public figures directly connected to actions

BY YGRAINE MONTGOMERY

W

Senior Staff Writer

hen Ellen DeGeneres recently chummed it up with former President George W. Bush, it caused a reaction, to say the least.

The public was surprised DeGeneres, a gay paragon of kindness and tolerance, would mingle with the man who actively tried to ban gay marriage during his presidency and constructed lie after lie to start a war in which tens of thousands of people suffered and died.

DeGeneres addressed the controversy on her show, admitting “... I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have. We’re all different. And I think that we’ve forgotten that that’s OK that we’re all different.”

This advice is the epitome of the left’s brand of tolerance, the thing we embrace and eat up with a giant spoon — then ask for seconds. Many warmly praised Ellen’s feel-good advice, including celebrities.

However, others were not so forgiving. Some criticized DeGeneres for ignoring that Bush was a warmonger who also made deliberate choices, under the guise of religious principles, that made life harder for LGBT people.

I admit that I appreciated Ellen’s warm fuzzies. But as I thought about it, the more questions it raised.

I realized that not only would I not freely socialize with Bush at a party; I wouldn’t even shake his hand.

He lied to start a war.

A WAR. The heavens trembled with the wailing and lamentations of his victims, whose only crime was that they

MUSTANG VOICE

lived on the other side of a man-made border.

Bush is a war criminal, even judging by the standard that all presidents have hands thickly stained with the blood of innocents.

He’s a war criminal even when you consider the presidential job description specifically confers the momentous responsibility of sending people off to kill, and possibly die trying.

He’s a war criminal even though we know presidents authorize numerous covert actions around the world, possibly including murder, for political reasons.

If Bush had killed someone in the Oval Office, he would be prosecuted for the crime of murder.

So why do so many shrug off his obvious war crimes? Because he possessed the lofty title of “president” and committed his crimes from a distance?

Should there be a different standard for judging presidents from how we judge the general population?

Yes, probably, simply because of the unique weight and responsibility of the job. But if so, where do we draw the line?

“The world is messy; there are ambiguities,” President Barack Obama said at an Obama Foundation summit. “People who do really good stuff have flaws.”

Forget about shaking Bush’s hand; I would hug Obama for hours if he let me. Obama tried to unite the country during his term and made a point of including and accepting others who had different viewpoints. I admire his genuine sense of empathy for others and his compassion for humanity.

I was moved when he cried after Sandy Hook, and sang “Amazing Grace” at a reverend’s funeral.

But let’s not forget that as president, he authorized near-constant drone strikes for years against terrorist targets in the Middle East, with full knowledge that innocents would end up dead as collateral damage.

If people who do really good things have flaws’, does authorizing murder by drone count as a “flaw?”

And knowing this, why do I and so many others still admire Obama so much, but despise Bush?

Contrast this situation with President Jimmy Carter, who didn’t declare an outright war during his presidency, but he either tacitly or openly support human-rights-abusing regimes around the world — in Guatemala, East Timor and Angola to name just a few. Many innocent people around the world suffered wretched tribulations as a direct result of his actions — or inactions.

But since leaving office, Carter has done the most of any other president to redeem himself in the eyes of the world. Working through the Carter Center he has helped to almost eradicate the dreaded Guinea worm in Africa, which caused untold long-term suffering for millions of people. He has promoted conflict resolution and human rights around the world, and has done a tremendous amount of hands-on work building homes for the underprivileged through Habitat for Humanity.

He’s living proof that people who have flaws can also do really good things.

I don’t know if there’s anything that Bush can do to redeem himself in the public eye.

But he couldn’t go wrong if he followed Carter’s example.

‘How does your current career path differ from when you were younger?’

“When I was younger, I wanted to be a pastor and then I realized I liked computer science.”

“I wanted to be a lot of things ... I wanted to be a criminal psychologist...I picked up accounting because it’s a stable career that’s always needed but psychology is still in the back of my mind.”

“Growing up I wanted to be an astronaut and now I want to be a network technician.”

“Growing up I always wanted to be a veterinarian but once I started college, I saw the different ways I can help people and make a positive change in their lives.”

Margarete Polak-Youmans, Computer Science

Frankie Alvarez, Accounting

Eloy Salas, Net Technician

Liliana Xec Gramajo, Speech Language Pathology

“When I was a little boy I wanted to be a police officer because I thought it would be a great way to help the community. I now want to pursue becoming a counselor and help people ... cope and achieve their goals.”

Angel Calderon, Psychology

5 OPINION 110819

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Technology eroding your privacy

Holiday conversations are hard to navigate

BY DAVID VICTOR Staff Writer

BY MAISY MACATO

T

echnology is an essential component in our lives and many strive to have the most up-to-date gadgets, but innovation comes at the price of privacy.

As technology continues to advance we see breakthroughs in the medical field, communication, convenient services, energy efficiency and many other things which contribute to making our lives easier.

But where do we draw the line between exchanging intimacy for technological privileges?

Companies like Google collect information from people’s profiles and online activity for reasons such as improvement of services or targeted advertising.

According to Google’s privacy policy, you are trusting the company with your information by using its services.

Google collects data based on user activity including: • Search Terms • Watched videos on YouTube • Activity on third-party sites using Google services • Voice and audio information when using Google Home and audio features • Communicating or sharing content with other people • Information about apps and devices using Google services • Information about locations from which a device is operated It’s not a coincidence when ads relate to something you consider purchasing.

For example, if I’m searching for a new car to buy online, ads about car sales will pop up because anything you put into Google’s search engine is being tracked.

I’m skeptical about using Google as a search engine because of this.

Google can track how you interact with ads. I don’t even need to click on an ad, my behavior is already being monitored when I roll the mouse over one.

Your phone number and payment information can also be collected if you choose to include them in your account profile.

Google can even use information about you found in public sources for its search engine to index if anyone is searching for your name.

There are circumstances where the company can share information without your consent, one of which is for legal purposes upon request of government agencies.

If I happen to find myself in a court of law, information I’ve posted online could be used against me.

These practices are helpful for quickly finding a product through ads or getting yourself out there to advance your career.

However, your data is made publicly available for anyone to see, including stalkers and hackers. I have the option to control how much information can be collected, but this limits my options for using services.

Voice assistants are another technological privilege which challenges our intimacy.

With voice assistants you can control the lights in your home, play music and get answers to questions just by using your voice.

These assistants can be helpful for the elderly who

T have trouble getting to a light switch, but they also record your requests and send them to companies’ data centers.

The reason for this is to help the assistants recognize your voice and improve its artificial intelligence to effectively complete the user’s requests.

I’m tempted to use these assistants, but I find myself unsettled at the fact my voice can be recorded and sent to a data center.

With Google Assistant, at least I have the option to delete my recordings and not let the assistant record my voice.

With other assistants like Apple’s Siri or Microsoft’s Cortana I don’t have much of a choice.

Either I allow these assistants to recognize my voice or I don’t use them at all. You can try this with Cortana on Windows 10, I already have.

These services challenge our privacy now, but future technologies could take it a step further in invading our intimacy. In 2013 Google launched Google Glass, a pair of smart glasses you can use to do things like take pictures or find directions.

It’s true this gadget failed to take off after its release, but this doesn’t mean companies have stopped developing similar products. In 2016, Samsung obtained a patent in South Korea for smart contact lenses with built-in cameras, according to Samsung-focused blog SamMobile.

With these lenses anyone can snap a photo of me and I wouldn’t even know it.

These technologies and services may collect our data and threaten our privacy, but we’re also responsible for unknowingly giving our consent.

When we download an app or subscribe to a service, most of us want to use the features right away and don’t bother to read the terms of service or privacy policy.

There may be a few people who are aware of these policies but choose to use a service because they may not have many options.

The tendencies of people to not read the policies and unknowingly agree to the terms of service leads companies to believe that we are fine with giving them our consent to use our information.

How long will it take before we discuss how much we want technology to be a part of our lives?

I don’t see the answer to this question anytime soon.

Senior Staff Writer

hanksgiving is all about family, friends and food.

Family, though, can make it a hard when they start to try to talk about what you’re up to and get too personal.

The younger generation that’s still in school, whether high school or college, have to deal with the dreaded questions like “when are you going to graduate?” or “what are you plans?”

Maybe cue cards could help or have the answers prepared that way those questions don’t stump you.

The one conversation I hate the most is when relatives nitpick your appearance — especially your weight because it’s like they expect you to stay the weight you were since they last saw you.

This can make me too self conscious to actually enjoy the food, which is the best part of Thanksgiving.

It might be a good thing to bring up the issues of what criticizing body image does to confidence and that relatives shouldn’t do it even if they think it’s harmless.

One thing to avoid is politics, because that can get as heated as the turkey.

Politics can make everything so much worse due to opposing views.

If you’re brave enough to try to educate your relatives on your opinions, then I say kudos to you because you might get them to see from your point of view.

I think if you take the calm approach that it might deescalate the situation and it can make for a decent conversation than a screaming match.

There’s also “friendsgiving,” which could save you when you can’t deal with family or don’t have a close family.

Friendsgiving is the more relaxed version of Thanksgiving because it’s with people you may actually be able to tolerate and party with, without worrying about personal questions.

That’s not to say you can’t play catch up with friends but it definitely won’t be as stressful as actual Thanksgiving.

Stop feeding the corporate pig: use morals when spending money

BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR

I

Editor in Chief

f you’re one of the people who stresses over the future or our nation, consider your own influence. Put your money where your mouth is.

Capitalism, when powered by the ambitions of a few people trying to have it all, will eventually burn everyone else.

On social media, we like to dis Walmart for treating its workers like slaves, and flooding the market with cheap alternatives to everything.

We’re angered by the never-ending cycle of workers being burned with low wages, and affordable products being unsustainable. People are mad wages are too low to shop with morals.

The poor never have power over what is available to them because they’re too busy working.

If our paychecks are barely enough to cover necessities, why wouldn’t we gravitate towards the cheap options? In many cultures, finding low

prices is something to take pride in.

Capitalism is defined as “ an economic system in which the market economy determines the prices of goods and services” in my history class textbook, “Visions of America”. This tells us, as consumers, we can set what the market economy will determine is important.

If everyone chooses to not spend hardearned money on disposables, plastics and cheap-labor produced products eventually the market will have to make ethical and sustainable products affordable.

If you decide to use your voice to debate if the wealthy have too much to gain from our spending, ask yourself how often you contribute to the problem.

Concerns over the one percent and unethically produced products can be remedied by individuals making conscious spending habits.

When enough of us put our money where our mouth is, we will see real change in what is on the shelves.

6 FEATURE 110819

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

Active Minds hosts yoga, meditation to promote mental health on campus Students participate in yoga/meditation session under the tent in the Doloras Huerta Plaza. The event was hosted by Active Minds and lead by club member Ayaana Williams. Active Minds is a club that is part of a national chapter devoted to curing the stigma of mental health discussion. PHOTOS BY ROBYN JONES

Delta campus full of history well as a preeminent scholar of literature. She had a concern We come to Delta Col- that the students should have lege in pursuit of education. a center for social interaction Knowledge is essential. We of- and collegiality. To that end, ten prioritize what we desire to she gifted funds for the conlearn amidst these buildings on struction of a student union.”

Danner donated over campus, named after historical $500,000 dollars to have the San Joaquin County figures. student union built.

She died Students repeat the names of buildings often without think- in 1970.

Bloch serves as a member of ing about who the monikers the college Heritage Commitbelonged to. tee and the San Joaquin Delta “I’m in the Holt Building,” College Foundation.

Iberlina Suero, a police acadeEach building has a dedmy cadet, said. “I do not know ication plaque honoring the who Holt is.” person that it is named after.

“This is the Budd BuildFor the most part, the plaques ing,” Ashley Simmons, nursing can be easily found on the first student, responded. “I have no floors. idea who Budd is.”

Delta College’s history is tied to its historical connec- SHIMA CENTER tions, including those who have The Shima Center is dedbuildings and areas named af- icated to George Shima who ter them. lived from 1863-1926. Born Ushijima Kinji, he emigrated from Japan and developed San DANNER HALL At Danner Hall, a table of Joaquin Delta swamp land into 17 students socialized over potato fields during the 1890s.

He became America’s first Japlunch.

They basically knew they anese American millionaire. were in Danner Hall, but their He was known as the Potato responses to who Danner were King of California. across the board.

“Danner, he’s a person. He’s BUDD CENTER a man,” a student exclaimed.

The Budd Center was dedi“Hey, don’t be assumptive,” cated to James Budd who lived scolded her friend. from 1851-1908. Budd became Her friend was correct in the 19th governor of Califorher admonishment. nia from 1895-1899.

Helen Danner — According Budd was instrumental in to retired History and Politi- having the federal government cal Science Professor Charles create the Stockton Deep WaBloch, Helen Danner was ter Channel, also known as the “… an English teacher with a Stockton Waterfront. As govstrong dedication and caring ernor, Budd helped bust railattitude toward her students as road monopolies. The governor

BY JASON ORTEGA Staff Writer

is buried in Stockton’s Rural Cemetery.

HOLT CENTER The Holt Center was dedicated to Benjamin Holt, who lived from 1849-1920. He was a co-founder of the Stockton Wheel Company and known for inventing the tread-type tractor. Holt’s innovation led to the development of British and French tanks during World War I. Also named after him is Benjamin Holt Drive in Stockton’s Lincoln area.

GOLEMAN LIBRARY Delta’s library is named after Irving Goleman, who lived from 1898–1961.

Goleman “...was among the pioneering faculty who transitioned from the founding of Stockton Junior College as the lower division of the College of the Pacific to Stockton College to San Joaquin Delta College,” said Bloch.

LOCKE CENTER The Locke Building is dedicated to Dean Jewette Locke, who lived from 1826-1887. He was the founder of the town known as Lockeford. He was known as a gold miner, educator and medical physician of his time.

Delta College has a host of other buildings with interesting stories about the individuals named after them. Some buildings such as the Cunningham Building and the George Clever Planetarium were torn down. They only exist now in our historical accounts.

The Delta College campus is seen from above on Oct. 31. PHOTO BY THE COLLEGIAN

TILLIE LEWIS THEATRE Located within the Locke building, this theater was dedicated to Tillie Lewis, a patron of the arts. She is known for innovating the agricultural industry by introducing and developing the italian pomodoro tomatoes to San Joaquin County.

Her business expertise enabled San Joaquin County to become the leading county tomato producer in the nation during the early 1940’s. Lewis lived from 1901-1977.

WARREN ATHERTON THEATRE An advocate for veteran’s affairs, Atherton served as the national commander for The American Legion.

He helped create the G.I. Bill for returning military vets after World War II in order to further their education plus other benefits. Atherthon served as a judge for Stockton, CA. He lived from 1891-1976.

ALFRED H. MULLER THEATRE An educator in San Joaquin for over 60 years, Muller taught and directed theater at Delta from 1968-1992.

He directed hundreds of shows. He was an original member of the Stockton Arts Commission. Muller lived from 1932-2017.

LOURN PHELPS POLICE SERVICES BUILDING Phelps converted the campus security into a fully POST certified police agency back in 1984.

His efforts enabled state funded training as well as mutual partnerships with city, county, and state law enforcement organizations for Delta Police.

He was an Army Air Corp WWII veteran tailgunner on a B-17 and also served as the Chief of Police for Richmond, CA. Phelps lived from 1924 to 2008.

7 FEATURE 110819

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

(Top): Chef Ian Bens places Scallops on top of sautéed greens and crispy prosciutto on the pass. (Bottom right): Blue cheese burger drizzled with barbecue sauce, side of lettuce and french fries. (Bottom): Chef Dai sprinkles coarsed salt on rib-eye steak, laid on top of demi glace. PHOTOS BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO

Rosewood Bar & Grill prepares to impress

BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO

R

Opinion Editor

osewood Bar & Grill, a fine dining restaurant where you will have an outstanding experience from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. With the option of dining, bar or patio seating, you can enjoy the wonderful California weather, while digging into some Pacific oysters.

Chef Ian Bens, who’s been at Rosewood for two and a half years, describes the menu as “modern American comfort food.” Comfort food can be anything from a roasted beet salad to oven-baked vodka pasta to Mary’s organic chicken breast.

With a great bar selection, you can pair your appetizer or entree with one of Rosewood’s classic cocktails, such as Coconut Bliss — Three Olives Coconut Water vodka, fresh lime juice and simple syrup — or a crowd favorite like the Jalapeño Martini — Crop Organic Meyer lemon vodka, triple sec, simple syrup, fresh jalapeños and lemon.

Like many restaurants around the area, Rosewood likes to incorporate produce from local farmers and producers.

Chef Bens likes to “work closely with local farmers” as well as attend farmers markets and street faires in Lodi to provide the best produce.

With produce changing with the seasons, at Rosewood you can find both a standard menu, which will remain the same for several months, and a daily menu that rotates on a day-to-day basis depending on what local farmers have.

On the menu with Maria On a typical Friday night, there’s a “nice energetic flow,” said Chef Bens.

With Lodi being an emerging wine area, Rosewood has welcomed people from all over.

Manteca, Stockton and people from the Bay Area, have discovered what Downtown Lodi has to provide, Rosewood being one of those restaurants that leaves people wanting to come back.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, Rosewood will provide a seasonal menu in which many regulars are looking forward to see what Chef Bens and his team come up with.

Check out Rosewood Bar & Grill at rosewoodbarandgrill.com or follow them on Instagram @rosewoodlodi for upcoming specials or new menu items.

What’s on your plate this Thanksgiving?

Collegian polled our Twitter followers to see what are people’s favorite main and side dishes on Thanksgiving What main dish do you associate Thanksgiving with?

Do you think of warm, pillowy mashed potatoes, or decadent candied yams?

When you see the assortment of mouthwatering home-made dishes on the

table, what are you going for first? What are you taking double scoops of ?

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is subjective, however some people believe that turkey is the best thing on the thanksgiving table —

Best 36% Ham Main 0% Roast Beef Dish 9% Chicken

those people are wrong.

No one is going to pick dry dead bird over joyful cheesy mac n cheese.

So what is the best Thanksgiving dish? Collegian turned to Twitter to find out the truth — here are the results:

55% Turkey

Best 8% Mac n Cheese Side 0% Greens Dish 61% Mashed Potatos/Gravy 31% Stuffing/Dressing

Best Cheesecake 17% Dessert 25% Sweet Potato Pie Dish 0% Apple Pie 58% Pumpkin Pie

8 FEATURE 110819 Student moves beyond violent past The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

BY HARPREET SINGH Staff Writer

“This might be it, [my life] could all end today.”

Efrain Padilla once woke up to those thoughts. Today, his mornings are filled with more positive affirmation.

Padilla, a student at Delta College, was close to meeting death at 18 during what seemed like a regular night out with friends. He took 15 bullets that night.

In the years since, Padilla has worked to transform his life, moving away from gang life to become an inspirational speaker whose experiences have earned him an audience with Mayor Michael Tubbs and Grammy Award-winning artist Common among others.

It’s a far cry from the night Padilla assumed he died.

He was rolling a joint in his car outside of his friend’s house, focused on a temporary escape from reality, when a tap on his window brought him back.

Padilla couldn’t escape, he was a gangbanger.

The man who tapped decided Padilla’s life would end at that moment as he unloaded 15 bullets into Padilla’s face, head, back, and arms. “[I was hit in] every part of my body, my mouth was hanging [off my face],” he said.

Events like this are expected in the lifestyle of such a person,

Efrain Padilla draws on gang experience to fuel positive interactions whether or not he was in that car that night didn’t matter. If he didn’t meet those bullets then, they likely would have met elsewhere, he said.

Padilla was rushed to a hospital by a friend whose vocal support kept him conscious.

“I just remember I was dead, I gave up,” he said, “I tried to yell but I couldn’t, I was already dead.”

His surviving conscious observed as his hospital-mate was being strapped to a steel table, preparing to undergo an operation of his own to recover from a single bullet wound in his chest. That man didn’t survive.

In the coming days, “doctors from everywhere all over Cali (Bay Area, Socal, etc.) woke me from my sleep telling me I’m a miracle. I was like… [get the] f**k away from me,” he said with a laugh.

Padilla scraped the line between life and death.

So how did it come to this?

Padilla was once a happy, innocent child.

“It starts when you are young,” Padilla said. “For me, I had no father and my mother was always working trying to provide. She barely spoke any English.”

Padilla stopped going to school at 14, a freshman in high school. For him, once the

school bell rang he became angry at the cards he was dealt.

“These other kids are going home to their nice families, we are over here worried about getting jumped and finding a way to eat,” he said. “Once we got out of school, that’s when sh*t got real, now it’s survival mode. That’s why [school] went out the window.”

He would watch people in his neighborhood pull up in cars and shoot. He himself shot at people and was shot at. He was in and out of incarceration and was lost in a senseless life.

All of this due to, in his words, “gang stuff.”

“All you want as a kid is praise and comfort,” he said.

“And these [gang members] were the only ones who gave that to me. They made me feel like I had a purpose and gave me confidence.”

He did not return to school until around 10 years after dropping out when he went to get his GED, a life-changing decision that came to him when he most recently got out of prison.

“I tried to go back to work at a warehouse and physically, mentally, I just couldn’t do it. I got hernias and shattered bones, a plate in my arm, bullets next to my spine, above my heart, my arm was so swol-

len from working that I had to go back into surgery. They kept me in the hospital for 16 days and I almost lost my arm.

That’s when I thought ‘I have got to do something,’” he said the final word with such a force that feels like absolutely anything he chose would be better.

“That’s when I got my GED.” He started at Delta College in Fall 2018. Padilla today faces issues that are meant for students: finding his way through Canvas, MyDelta and other student work.

“I didn’t know I was capable of doing these things, getting an education and living a normal life,” he said. “It’s hard, it’s a culture shock. I didn’t know what Canvas was, I didn’t know how to write an email. I was overwhelmed after my first day, little things like this overwhelmed me.”

Through the positive environment that he calls Delta, Padilla found his way to the Stockton Office of Violence Prevention, which in turn opened the door to a new life.

He now speaks with city officials regarding gang violence prevention. He has been a guest speaker at Modesto Junior College, has been visited

by Stockton’s Tubbs, conversed with Grammy Award-winning artist Common, and most re-

cently was flown on a trip to Long Beach to a gang violence convention centered around him.

“I am so blessed,” he said.

“My whole family made it out of that life.”

His purpose, he has found, is to help everybody in any way he can. He has a goal to give back to Stockton, and to be a voice to anybody who thinks they don’t matter.

Some issues today, aside from those basic student struggles, are to ensure the city officials he speaks to are serious about their efforts to help the city.

He’s found “[some officials] speak about me all the time and when I ask for help, they won’t even help me.”

Padilla looks to impact the kids who are growing up under the same messy circumstances he did.

“There is nothing in Stockton for the younger kids, something as simple as affordable sports, [for me growing up] even if the sports were like $50 per child, there are seven of us!” he says with the most dumbfounded expression. “Give the kids some resources, a safe spot to hang around, counseling, anger management, substance abuse counseling. I feel like that would make a huge impact.”

Fashion Department’s ‘Nearly New’ sale is nearly here

BY JUSTINE CHAHAL Senior Staff Writer

Delta’s Fashion department will be hosting its semi-annual Nearly New Sale on Nov. 16.

The event will sell a variety of items, including clothing for women, men and children as well as accessories including jewelry and handbags. There will also be home and holiday decorations on sale.

“We’ve been holding the sale for about 15 years, one each spring and fall. Originally, the club produced the sale as a fundraiser to help them with the costs of our NY Fashion Industry trip that we took every year.

Then, the program hosted the spring event to help pay for the annual fashion show,” said Leslie Asfour, professor and chair of the Fashion and Interior Design Programs.

The event, held by the Fashion Club, not only raises funds for the trip and fashion show; it also allows Fashion student to gain experience in being visual merchandisers, managers, marketers and owning their own store.

The event will sell donated items from local retailers, re-

gional manufacturers, and even family and friends. Some familiar names include Dorfman Pacific and Gary Long Jewelers. However, these donations don’t come from just Stockton, but from all across the Central Valley.

Members of the club reach out to retailers and manufacturers for donations.

We then set pricing days to determine price points of merchandise. The day before the sale is set up, we bring fixtures in and all of the inventory and set Danner Hall up like a department store. We produce our own marketing pieces, social media events and signage to promote the event,” said Asfour.

Items on sale can be sold for as low as $1. According to Asfour, tanks are $1, t-shirts are $1-2 and jeans are $3-5 while designer jeans are $10-15.

The sale will even provide new bridal gowns ranging from $10-50.

These low prices are something college students who are trying to balance their budget can appreciate.

The Nearly New Sale will be held in Danner Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Customers browse clothing racks and purchase merchandise from the Delta College Fashion Department’s annual “Nearly New” sale in April 2014. COLLEGIAN ARCHIVE PHOTO BY JERMAINE DAVIS

9 ENTERTAINMENT 110819 Delta celebrates Dia de los Muertos The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/entertainment

(Above) Tina Leal poses with the pan dulce for the Dia de los Muertos scholarship breakfast hosted by Delta’s La Raza Employees Association. (Top right) A DACA ofrenda pleads for the program to remain in effect. PHOTOS BY SERENA MALDONADO

Decorative handmade skeletons, displayed at the Dia de los Muertos scholarship breakfast. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE JIMENEZ

Various performers at the Dia de los Muertos concert on Nov. 1 in Atherton Auditorium.

PHOTOS BY BONES PETHOUD

‘A Winter’s Tale’ opens at Delta

BY AMIRAH AMENHOTEP Entertainment Editor

Delta Drama Department will present Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale,” directed

by Delta teacher Greg Foro, starting this month.

The story is a classic play with twists, turns and plenty of laughs on and off the stage.

For many of the actors, this is a production they have definitely enjoyed preparing to bring to life.

“I feel privileged to play Camillo and I also feel it’s hard to get into — like it’s hard to get into Camillo’s skin a little bit — but I’m here for it,” said Delta student Katelyn Kenyon. “I was crazy nervous.

I haven’t had any experience with Shakespeare or classical, and before I auditioned I spoke to Greg and enrolled in the classical acting class at Delta to make sure I felt prepared. So, I felt nervous but I love it now, I’ve really in a crazy nerdy way fallen in love with it.”

Since this is the only production this semester, there is massive energy surrounding the cast and behind the scenes leading up to the premiere.

The play will be shown on Nov. 15-16 and Nov. 22-23

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Maleficent’ shows how far she will go for her ‘daughter’

BY MAISY MACATO

S (Above) Rachel Engh, Caleb Jynes and Alvaro Rojas perform a run through of “A Winter’s Tale.”

(Left) Ben Wimer and Joseph Dahl try new entrances for a scene.

PHOTOS BY AMIRAH AMENHOTEP

at 7 p.m., with two matinee performances on Nov. 17 and

Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Tillie Lewis Theatre.

Senior Staff Writer

equels to movies aren’t needed in some cases because they don’t live up to the same standard as the first movie.

This is not exactly the case for “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.”

The dark godmother has to deal with letting her “daughter” Queen Aurora marry her love Prince Phillip, but she does not take it all too well when the mother-in-law Queen Ingrith accuses Maleficent of killing humans for no reason during their meeting dinner.

Maleficent is made to be seen as an overbearing mother who doesn’t approve of her daughter’s future marriage and is still considered evil by humans due to “rumors.”

She doesn’t help her case when both families have dinner together and she flies into a rage because Queen Ingrith tries to impose on the mother role that Maleficent and Aurora have.

The dinner is a disaster when it seems that Maleficent “cursed” the King and Queen Ingrith declares a war between the Moor fairies and humans.

The movie makes up for the over-used “evil mother-inlaw” cliche with incredible CGI of fairies and special effects of Maleficent’s power.

We get to see more scenes of the cute, lovable fairies and their comedic ramblings and the fairies even find love with each other.

Of course, the movie drags the plot of domineering mothers throughout the movie until the very end.

The very very end.

10 SPORTS 110819

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports

Mustangs’ win Mancebo Classic championship quarter the young Mustangs squad found themselves trailing after the first quarter 28Starting the season by host- 22 before the game went into ing the Jocelyn Mancebo Clas- halftime tied 38-38. sic the Mustangs opened the Despite dealing with foul season in dominating fashion trouble the Mustangs took as they defeated Big 8 rival control after halftime as they Sierra 80-61 in the champi- outscored the Wolverines 30onship game on Sunday after- 12 in the third quarter on the noon. way to the 19-point win.

“It’s exciting that we beat Donja Payne led the way them and beat a Big 8 rival,” with a double-double as she said head coach Gina Johnson scored 22 points and grabbed after the championship game ten rebounds. Freshman Alicia win. “They are always a tough Jones added 19 points while team to play and we learned Sarah Ruiz came off the bench some things that we need and scored ten points. to work on because we had In a tournament that feasome struggles but I am excit- tured three of the top five ed about moving forward and teams in the CCCWBCA getting better.”

North Region preseason poll Struggling with their tran- the Mustangs, ranked third, sition defense in the opening made a case for their ranking

BY PAUL MUYSKENS Sports Editor

Alicia Jonez dribbles the ball up the court during the championship game against Sierra. PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS

being too low as No. 2 Merced lost earlier in the tournament to No. 4 Sierra.

Earlier in the tournament the Mustangs defeated Merritt 111-34 and Feather River 11551. In the season-opening win over Merritt it was Vanessa Cochrane who led the scoring off the bench as she scored a game-high 28 points and was one of six Mustangs’ to score in double figures.

Cochrane also had a big second game once again coming off the bench with 23 points while Alicia Jones scored a game-high 27.

They will now have two weeks off before they next take the court at the Skyline Tournament in the Bay Area on Nov. 15.

Barrajas gives an inside look at men’s soccer with YouTube channel

BY HARPREET SINGH Staff Writer

Cesar Barrajas found himself in Stockton after being cut twice from another college.

“I had been playing for 18 years, how can this coach think I’m not good enough?” he said, “It was my first time getting cut from any team in my life so it was a reality check … imagine getting cut two times by the same coach. He cut me twice and said ‘I like your effort but it’s just not going to work out.’”

Barrajas immediately contacted Delta College Head Coach Josh Bradley who told him to try-out for the Mustangs.

“At this point I didn’t even know anyone [in Stockton] so it was a complete shot in the dark. I had never been to Stockton, I didn’t know any streets here, I didn’t know any people. I came with the mentality that I have to make this team, there is no other option,” he said firmly.

“That was one of my defining moments, where I was most hungry. Absolutely nothing will get in the way of me making this team, that was the maximum effort I had given in anything in my life, it was kind of surreal to see.”

Barrajas’ life has always revolved around soccer. His cousin used to have a YouTube channel where he would film Barrajas being lively, which influenced him to create his own channel.

“I have cousins in LA with YouTube channels, one has like 30 thousand subscribers,” he said. “[My cousin told me] how fun it is to record your experiences doing what you

Cesar Barrajas looks for a teammate to pass the ball too during a recent home game against Cosumnes River. PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS

love, not to get views or to get people to like you, really doing it for yourself,” said Barrajas.

On his YouTube channel, Ceeezzy TV, he broadcasts his days as a student athlete.

His extroverted nature is seen instantly in the way he messes around with his teammates and family.

“I was always the funny kid I guess.

I was always really extroverted and just liked to have fun,” he said. “I like to be extra confident (not cocky) just because

it is fun to do. It’s a part of me, [I have fun] being free flowing and not filtering what I have to say.”

He posts videos of peculiar conversations with family and also has a day-inthe-life series where he shows everyone what he deals with on a daily basis playing soccer for Delta College.

“People see what I go through and it is really interesting for some. People who want to play soccer for a junior college can see what it is like,” said Barrajas.

His videos show first-hand the bonds formed when playing sports. In almost every video you find Mustang Soccer players clowning one another. “[Through soccer] I met people I still connect with to this day...people I met when I was 10 years old and 13 years later we are still friends, the relationships you build through soccer are amazing.”

He attributes the sport to building his character in ways he could never imagine.

Right now the Mustangs are third in the Big Eight Conference at 3-1-2, with an overall record of 10-3-4 heading into the playoffs.

“We are pretty much in the playoffs but we can not just sit back and lose the rest of the games,” said Barrajas.

His sophomore season represents all the work he has put in since he first began playing soccer.

“I have been playing since I was three years old, I am 23 now,” he said. “[Sophomore year] is a very critical time, right now is when you either shut up or show out. If you don’t perform colleges aren’t going to want you.”

His focus this year, aside from his main goal of transferring to a four-year college, is to be a leader to his younger teammates.

His philosophy is to take life one day at a time.

“When I wake up I am always focused on the next game, that is the most important thing. Once you look too far ahead you get confused in what the main goal is for the day. If you take things one day at a time, all of your work will add up,” he said.

Regular season nears end for Delta’s highly-ranked volleyball team

BY KACI KELLEY Staff Writer

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Delta College volleyball team played at home against Sacramento City and won in straight sets as Angel Lambert led the way with a match-high 14 kills.

Currently ranked sixth in the state the Mustangs improved to 17-5 with the win as they won their fourth straight match and nine out of their last ten matches.

The beginning of each set saw the Mustangs start off slow before find-

ing the momentum and taking control.

According to Head Coach Molly Mordaunt-Hummel the Mustangs usually feed off the energy of the crowd but the crowd was small compared to the others in the past.

Sophomore captain, Angelique Stepanoff, continuously was yelling “energy” and doing her best to keep the team motivated despite her tough night on the court finishing with just six kills.

Mordaunt-Hummel later said she’s trying to

teach the team how to be more consistent on feeding more off the energy of the team rather than the crowd. Two days later and despite a great crowd the Mustangs dropped a five-set match against Folsom Lake.

In their most recent match on Wednesday nigh at Santa Rosa the Mustangs won in straight sets to improve to 18-6.

Their final two home matches of the regular season are next week as they take on American River on Wednesday the 13th and Diablo Valley on Friday the 15th.

Lauren Hicks and Jessica Smith go up for a block during a win against Sacramento City.

PHOTO BY PAUL MUYSKENS

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Men’s basketball tips off season with two road victories

BY PAUL MUYSKENS Sports Editor

Despite injuries and lots of question marks coming into the season for the Delta men’s basketball team, the Mustangs opened the season with two wins at the Cabrillo tip off as they defeated Shasta 74-50 and Cabrillo 77-41.

“I think we have a very high ceiling this year and I’m very excited for the prospects,” said head coach Rich Ressa at practice the day before they took the floor for the first game of the season.“We have a lot of new and young kids that are new to the program and we are going to have to gel as a team.”

Onkar Sidhu had 17 points and eight rebounds in the season opener while Dillon Autrey added 16 points with seven rebounds. Travis August is the lone returning starter back to this

year’s team and he led the way with 27 points in the win over Cabrillo.

With their starting lineup not finalized until game day, the Mustangs have already had to deal with multiple injuries as they suited just 11 players for their first games of the season when normally they dress 15 or 16.

“I love this level,” said Ressa, who has been the head coach at Delta since 2008 and enjoys the challenges that come with coaching at a junior college. “It gives you a great opportunity to teach and develop kids. Kids that are willing to buy in and sometimes feel like they have been overlooked and have a chip on their shoulder with something to prove.’

Two of the new faces this season for the Mustangs also have family connections with nearby University of the Pacific, as Damon Stoudamire Jr. is the

son of Pacific men’s basketball head coach Damon Stoudamire while Jake Whitehead is married to Pacific women’s basketball player Savannah Whitehead and is joining Delta after taking two years off for his Mormon mission.

“Coach Stoudamire gave me a call and said he had his son and wanted to know if there was a chance and an opportunity for him to play. He has been doing great. He is going to be a good Mustang before all is said and done,” said Ressa.

“Jake let us know two years ago that he would be interested in coming to Delta College and his situation. We said great we would love to have you and fast forward two years later and he is here with us,” said Ressa about the freshman from Utah.

Both were among the injured to start the season but both had

high expectations for this season as Stoudamire, who played last season in Alabama, will look to make the most in his one season with hopes of playing at the next level.

Whitehead has been surprised with how tough it has been to get back into basketball shape after such a long break from the sport but doesn’t regret taking the break from the sport for his religious beliefs as his wife also took a year off from playing at Pacific to go on a mission. “It’s the biggest part of our life. It’s the reason we left each other for two years and the reason we gave up basketball for the time we did. It’s who we are.”

They will play three more games on the road before their home opener on Wednesday, Nov. 20 against Canada at 5:30 p.m.

Delta cross country prepares to compete in NorCal championships

BY JASON ORTEGA Staff Writer

The men and women’s cross country teams are nearing the end of the 2019 season with major qualifier events happening this month.

On Nov. 1, Delta athletes participated in the Big 8 Conference Championship held at Legion Park in Modesto. Runners Maria Soto-Aguilar and Vivianna Gardea earned first and second team All-Conference honors.

“I was really happy with the performances of both men and women teams at Big 8,” said coach Lauryn Seales. “Cross country is all about self improvement and each of my players did exactly that! All of them left the meet with personal bests for

that course.”

“It was certainly a challenge but overall I enjoyed it a lot,” said Soto-Aguilar who was pleased with her performance in Modesto.

“Freshmen Maria Soto-Aguilar and Vivianna Gardea are truly our one two punch runners,” said Seales.

“They came into my program and really bought in and have worked hard.

Their results are a predictor of their hard work and if this continues, next year will be even better!”

Both men’s and women’s teams qualified to participate in the CCCAA NorCal Cross Country Championships at Toro Park in Salinas, on Friday, Nov. 8. The Toro Park course is known to be tough for its multi-hill terrain. 18 teams qualified

to compete in NorCal and the top seven teams in this event will qualify for the state CCCAA Cross Country Championships to be held in Fresno later this month.

“Cross country has truly been a blessing to me. The meets are fun, beautiful, and do not last long,” said Seales about coaching a sport like cross country. “It’s the most inexpensive sport on campus, yet is a sport that everyone can do. You only need a pair of shoes and anyone can train for it. Most of my athletes who compete here gain lifelong friends from the team. It is an individual sport but also a team sport as well. For an athlete, being able to focus on your personal goals and reaching them is so rewarding.”

Maria Soto-Aguilar earned a spot on the Big 8 Conference first team. PHOTO BY JASON ORTEGA

Jacqueline Herring, Delta women’s golf headed to state finals this month

BY HANNAH WORKMAN Staff Writer

In her last season as a member of Delta College women’s golf team, second-year Jacqueline Herring is striving to end her time as a Mustang on the high side.

Herring, who has been with Delta for the past two seasons and played previously for Linden High School, began golfing when she was only seven years old. She was encouraged by her father, an avid golfer, to pick up the sport.

“I became his little golfing buddy,” Herring said.

Herring still finds herself on the golf course with her father often, reminding her of some of her earliest childhood memories.

“My dad and I play all the time together,” she said.

“We play almost every weekend together. He is a great mentor and my biggest support.”

She finds that the extra time she spends with him on the course has had an impact on her performance.

This season, Herring said she feels confident in her game and has worked at keeping a consistent score.

She does note, however, that “there is always room to improve.”

On Sept. 19, Herring recorded Delta’s low score of 90 as the team finished fifth in a Big Eight Conference match at Whitney Oaks Golf Club in Rocklin, CA. At another Big Eight Conference match on Oct. 10, Herring was one of three Delta players to score in the 80s. The team finished fourth overall.

“Our team is pretty steady this year,” Herring said.

“We are all on the same level and can rely on each other to play well and get the job done.”

Herring said she shares an especially close bond with her teammates, who she views as her “second family.”

“We spend a lot of time together, giving us the chance to bond and really get to know one another,” “I think we are all equal and support each other as she said. “We are a small team compared to the other sports on campus, so it’s been pretty easy making con- best we can,” she said.

A piece of advice Herring would give to younger nections with everyone.”

Despite her status on the team as a second-year, players is to simply stay in the moment.

“The most important shot in golf is always the Herring remains humble and says she doesn’t view next one,” she said. “Golf is a mental game. You can’t herself as a leader.

(Top) Jacqueline Herring drives the ball down the fairway at Spring Creek Country Club in Ripon. (Left) Brittany Cooper chips the ball on to the green. COURTESY PHOTOS

control what’s going to happen so don’t worry about the end result. I have to remind myself that all the time.”

After she obtains her associate’s degree, Herring aims to attend a four-year university where she can earn her bachelor’s degree while continuing her golfing career.

As for the immediate future, she has hopes of her team making NorCals and State in 2019 “It would be the best way to end my last season here at Delta,” Herring said.

Delta recently qualified for the state finals which will take place Nov. 17-18 in Morro Bay.

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FULL TURNOUT FOR ANNUAL DANCE WORKSHOP

(Above) Instructor Bernard Brown leading the beginning class through stretches before going into more Contemporary dances in Atherton Theatre on Nov. 2 at the workshop. (Far Left Top) Nicole Manker sharing a laugh with intermediate dancers while instructing the African Caribbean dance in Al Muller Theatre on Nov. 2 at Delta College. Stockton, Calif. (Far Left Bottom) Nicole Manker leading intermediate participants in an African Caribbean dance in the Muller Black Box. (Left) Jazz instructor (gray shirt); Angela Franklin-Wilkes posing with the advanced dancers after learning new choreography in the Al Muller Theatre at Delta College on Nov. 2. Stockton; Calif. PHOTOS BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO

BY HARPREET SINGH Staff Writer

Delta College held their 11th annual Dance Workshop on Nov. 2 at the Warren Atherton Auditorium.

Curious dancers of various backgrounds came together to learn new movements and cultural styles:Caribbean, West African, Contemporary, Mambo, Jazz and Hip Hop. Each style is instructed by distinguished dancers including Nicole Manker and Bernard Brown.

Students danced throughout the day, with the workshop being scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. , transitioning from one style of dance to another.

An event such as this is typically very costly.

“Usually people are exposed to these different kinds of dances in school, but what about those who never get that exposure?” said Valerie Gnassounou-Bynoe, Delta College Dance Professor and Curator of the workshop.

She made it a point to bring along children from the inner-city in hopes to spread enthusiasm of dance to everyone.

“People [from the inner-city] would never be exposed to something like that,” she said. “The workshop’s purpose is to bring dance to the community, not only our students [at Delta] but people who don’t have the means to go to a dance workshop,” said

Gnassounou-Bynoe.

The workshop’s accessibility does not only benefit those from the inner city, it benefits all dancers in the community.

Celeste Coe has been a dancer for over 20 years and is still looking for new movements and ways to improve.

“It’s a great deal,” she said, “I have been coming here for a while, usually this kind of event costs a lot.”

Gnassounou-Bynoe said that dance is a way of showing one’s true self. She encourages students to not simply go through the motions and to celebrate movements.

Wildfire season in California comes with issues

BY MARIA ABUGARADE RAYO Opinion Editor

As most Californians are aware, wildfire season is upon us.

Knowing about potential power shutoffs and staying alert with your surroundings will help not only you and your family, but the community prevent any potential wildfire ignitions.

“I am very confident that we can get this campus evacuated” said District Police Chief Robert Di Piero about the Delta campus, if an emergency evacuation is needed.

When a campus shutdown is due to a power outage, it will not require an emergency evacuation but when a decision is made to close campus “(it’s) all hands on deck; police, custodial staff, maintenance and operations staff, building captains” said Di Piero.

PG&E SHUTDOWNS

In a way to prevent wildfires, PG&E may turn off electric power in certain areas where humidity is at or below 20 percent, winds of 20 miles per hour or higher, or wind gusts of 40 miles per hour or higher. According to Michael Rochman, Managing Director School Project for Utility Rate Reduction (SPURR), the power shutoffs, “referred to as ‘de-energization’ or Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPS), to protect public safety. In the PSPS program, power may be cut on transmission and distribution lines in fire-prone areas when the risk of wildfire is deemed to be high.”

SPURR is the utilities joint powers authority of California public schools.

Fortunately, Delta College is not considered to be in a fire-prone area, but many surrounding cities are, which can affect some students that attend Delta College.

As of now, Delta has not been affected by any PG&E shutdowns.

“Knock on wood, we won’t be affected by it,” said Di Piero.

WILDFIRES

Most of Northern California can look back to a year ago and think about the Camp Fire in Butte County, one of the deadliest, most destructive wildfires in state history. That blaze burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,804 structures and killed 85 people. Smoke from the fire caused such poor air quality that Delta campus was closed down from Nov. 15 to Nov. 25, 2018.

Since Oct. 31, there have been 12 fires throughout California according to Cal Fire, including the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, the Getty Fire in Los Angeles County and the Hillside Fire in San Bernardino County.

PG&E has admitted that some of its equipment may be linked to the cause of

An aerial view of the skyline above Delta College on Oct. 31. Smoke from wildfires burning across California have not yet affected campus, unlike last year when poor air quality shut down campus for more than a week. PHOTO BY THE COLLEGIAN

the Kincade fire, but according to Cal Fire the cause is still under investigation. As of Nov. 3, the fire has reached 77,758 acres burned and was 78 percent contained.

PREPARATION

Whether you live in a high fire-prone area or not, one should always be prepared for anything. According to Cal Fire, familiarizing yourself with a “Ready, Set, Go Program” can help you be prepared: • Ready: for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of defensible space (cleared off space from debris that may help reduce the spread of fire) and hardening homes with fire-resistant building materials.

• Set: creating a Wildfire Action Plan with your family which consists of having a designated meeting location and emergency escape routes from your home and community.

• Go: be prepared to Go and evacuate your home.

Here at Delta, one can find generators throughout campus, however the generators will only provide electricity to “certain areas” which will be enough “to get people safely off the campus” said Di Piero.