The Collegian - Published Dec. 3, 2021 by The Collegian

‘Tis the season of Carey

Heartbreaking loss ends soccer season

The Collegian Th FEATURE, PAGE 4

Issue 1 • Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 •

SPORTS, PAGE 7

/deltacollegian

deltacollegian.net

Delta implements Covid exposure notifications BY ALBERT GAMEZ Staff Writer

TIKTOK SETTLES LAWSUIT Social media giant accused of collecting data of users without consent; TikTok denies wrongdoing in $92M settlement BY JASON DIEZ Staff Writer

TikTok users residing in the United States might be entitled to payment from a Class Action Settlement. If you or a minor has used TikTok prior to Sept. 30 might be able to claim to be a part of the $92 million settlement. TikTok sent out notifications to users notifying them of the settlements on Nov. 15 along with a link to information on how to submit a claim. The settlements come as a result of a lawsuit where plaintiffs accused TikTok — and predecessor app Musical.ly — alongside Bytedance, of allegedly violating federal and state law by data mining and collection of personal data without consent. Basically, TikTok uses a series of algorithms to interpret and identify concentrated content for users. According to NBC News, TikTok creates “complex system of artificial intelligence to recognize facial features in users’ videos” and to analyze faces in order to “determine the user’s age, race/ethnicity, and gender … to recommend content and profiles for the user to follow.” TikTok denied these allega-

tions. “Privacy is something that’s so elusive in the digital age because we give away so much of ourselves online that we really give bits and pieces even though we don’t think we are because we’re not reading the terms of service and we’re not engaging in the End User License agreement and we’re not really understanding kind of this broader like where our information goes,” said Tara Cuslidge-Staino, a Mass Communication Studies professor at Delta College. In February 2021, ByteDance, a parent company of TikTok, agreed to the $92 million settlement to avoid this case going to court. Individuals that are impacted by this are both Nationwide Class and Settlement Class. “Nationwide Class involving all persons who reside in the United States who used the App prior to September 30, 2021,” said on the TikTok, Inc., Consumer Privacy Litigation; in the same claim, “Illinois Subclass all persons who reside in the State of Illinois and used the App in the State of Illinois to create videos prior to September 30, 2021.” In order to claim part of the $92 million settlement, users will have to submit a claim before March 1, 2022. Individuals residing in Illinois that created Tiktok

or Musical.ly videos prior to Sept. 30 might be entitled to six times the payment. “While we disagree with the assertions, rather than go through lengthy litigation, we’d like to focus our efforts on building a safe and joyful experience for the TikTok community,” TikTok said in a February 2021 action settlement statement. “I voluntarily decided to create content on this app solely because of the algorithm and how personalized it was,” said Olivia Lee, a lifestyle content creator at Delta College. “It is uneasy to hear that they are taking your personal information but the app is completely customized to you and it makes sense that it isn’t just based on what you like rather than outside sources.” Those who file and submit a claim on their own behalf or on the behalf of their minor child can be entitled an estimated amount, after the deduction of attorney fees, costs, and other fees circulating. The court overseeing the case has yet to decide on the approval of the settlement. The issue of privacy online has been a hot topic as of lately but it comes down to users being aware of how little information they want to give out.

Confirmed exposures to COVID-19 on the Delta College campus are now being reported in alignment with California Assembly Bill 685. Cases reported on campus so far in the Science and Math Building, Holt, DeRicco, Danner Hall and the Goleman Library. Delta College has disclosed exposures since Nov. 4. “This is now a state requirement that employers notify all employees of confirmed cases at their place of work. The intent of the legislation is to make sure we are tracking workplace exposure and to help keep employees safe on the job, which is obviously more important than ever,” said Director of Marketing and Outreach Alex Breitler. Delta has been committed to maintaining a healthy environment for students and staff by implementing various measures designated by the state, he said. “The state did not want employees to be fearful of their safety because they are unaware of where cases may be occurring. So, it's really important that we report cases as quickly as possible,” Breitler said. Although Delta is only required to share information regarding an exposure to employees, but they are taking it a step further and have decided to share this information with students as well.

See EXPOSURES, page 8

HOSPICE TREE LIT

A Christmas tree has been displayed at the main entrance of Delta for the Holiday season. The Hospice of San Joaquin held a tree lighting on the evening of Nov. 23. for the public to be a part of. PHOTO BY ANI GUTIERREZ

NEXT ISSUE: Spring 2022 • CONTACT US: deltacollegian@gmail.com or (209) 954-5156 • ONE FREE COPY

2 OPINION 120321

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion

Planetarium, Cunningham gone, but ghosts remain BY ARIANA MALLERY News Editor

f you’ve ever driven around campus, you may have noticed some signs that don’t add up. There’s a sign outside the Shima parking lot on North Burke Bradley Drive heading towards the Science and Math building that proudly states “planetarium.” I remember I was in the car one day with someone who was relatively new to the campus. We were heading back to campus from wherever we had gotten a bite to eat from and saw the sign. “They have a planetarium here?” the person asked. “They used to,” I said. This was in fall of 2019. The incorrect sign is still there two years later. There’s also a couple of maps around campus, like the one outside the Locke parking lot by the electron microscopy building that still says “planetarium” and “Cunningham.” It’s true, we used to have a planetarium on campus and a Cunningham building. I remember going to said planetarium once or twice on a field trip when I was in elementary school. It was the George H. Clever Planetarium. According to press releases from Delta College, the push to build the original planetarium was spearheaded by a civil engineer/amateur astronomer/rancher in Tracy named George H. Clever. In 1963, he served as the founding board presiThe ghosts of former Delta College buildings linger in signage across campus. Above: Collegian News Editor Ariana Malldent for San Joaquin Delta College. He had hoped to ery points to the remnants of the Clever Planetarium in a sign near the Shima parking lot PHOTOS BY JAHDAI SPIKES succeed in building a planetarium at Delta College so students could learn more about the unknown. In 1973, his goals were met when the planetarium opened. Later, in 1983, Clever retired and the planetarium was named the George H. Clever Planetarium in honor of all his work. In 2014, under one of the Measure L Bond Projects, the Cunningham building was demolished and replaced by the $74 million Science and Math building (yes, you read that right). Unfortunately, the project included the destruction of the planetarium. “In November 2003 the San Joaquin Delta Community College District’s Board of Trustees placed Measure L, a $250-million bond, on the March 2, The Board of Trustees is looking into a future 2004 ballot. Measure L is the District’s first bond bond for 2022, which would, according to the Delta measure since 1969. website, “provide clean and safe learning environThe purpose of the bond measure is to renovate, ments, including removing asbestos, lead paint and upgrade and expand buildings, many of which are mold from buildings.” now over 40 years old, develop new facilities and The buildings are dated and in need of much infrastructure, and support site acquisition and derepair and renovation. velopment of educational centers to provide access to According to Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing Delta College throughout the region as growing enand Communications, a north county campus is “still rollments warrant” according to history on the Delta a priority.” College website. “I should emphasize that we have not reached a Put simply, it means the school takes money and decision yet whether to pursue a bond, but we are fixes stuff. exploring the possibility,” said Breitler. However, in the original Measure L Bond ProSo even if they don’t go back to adding the planegram on the Delta college website, the language used Not a yes, but not a no to a new planetarium. tarium as a project with the Measure L Bond, there’s specifically mentioned the planetarium as one of As to why the signs are still there, Breitler states a chance that it could be a project with a future bond. they simply “haven’t replaced them yet.” the things to renovate/improve ... but the Board of “We are still finalizing the project list for the Trustees removed it from the project list in 2017 for I don’t think they should be removed though. The potential bond measure that I told you about, and the funding to go elsewhere. planetarium signs should stay as long as the Cunmeeting with various groups to get their input and There was still hope. ningham parking lot continues to be called such, even ideas about which projects should be on the list. So, At the time of removal they stated “once enrollwithout the Cunningham building attached to it. it’s a bit early to say anything definitive about which ments meet or exceed 500 full-time-equivalent stuThey’re a part of the campus history. projects will be included,” said Breitler. “I can tell you, dents per academic term, the District can advance to Plus the signs are already there, all we need now is a planning stage for a permanent center in the region, though, that the focus is more on expanding Delta’s a new planetarium to go with it! educational opportunities, such as modernizing our possibly using the Liberty Road site.” Read more about future proposed bonds and projcareer education facilities, fixing up old classrooms, The Liberty Road site, though, has been all but ects at deltacollege.edu/OurFuture. etc.,” said Brietler abandoned.

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 DAVID VICTOR Editor in Chief

JASON DIEZ Opinion

JAHDAI SPIKES

STAFF JULIO BURGOS ALBERT GAMEZ ANI GUTIERREZ SANTINO MARTINEZ BRYAN RAMOS

MULTIMEDIA TECH MATTHEW WILSON

ADVISER TARA CUSLIDGE-STAIANO

Entertainment

ARIANA MALLERY News

ALAN SOLORIO LEON Editor at large

GRACIELA GABRIEL Editor at large

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

3 OPINION 120321

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion

ASTROWORLD TRAGEDY: WHO’S TO BLAME? BY ALAN SOLORIO LEON Staff Writer

n Nov. 5, Travis Scott’s annual Astroworld festival took place in his hometown of Houston at NRG Park. What was supposed to be a fun and exciting event took a turn to tragedy. Scott has received severe backlash and blame for his handling of the situation, but is it fair? According to ABC News, the chaos began on the morning of the festival when festival-goers ran past security checkpoints to get to the venue, jumping fences, and tearing down barricades to get in. Hours later when Scott’s set began at 9 p.m. fans are seen on video rushing to the stage while pushing and shoving to get closer. Some fans passed out because of the distress, Scott paused the show for a bit because of a particular fan who had passed out near him, “ Hol(d), hol(d)...get somebody (to) help him, somebody passed out right here,” said Scott in a video taken by a fan. He then resumed the show when he got confirmation that the fan was okay. Minutes later the medical staff responded to another fan in the reserved section who was lying unconscious, which led to the viral video of Seanna Faith McCarty, the woman who told the cameraman to tell the “La Flame” rhymer to stop the show, in which viewers interpreted that he ignored her. This is when more fans started to trample people to the front of the stage, as Houston police and fire department received calls of “mass casualties” of concert-goers being crushed and trampled. When Travis finished the show, his attorney Edwin F. McPherson

claimed his client “did not know what was happening (trampling) in the crowd during the concert.” A confirmed 300 people were treated by medical staff, 25 were transported to the hospital, and 10 died either at the event or later from their injuries. The youngest victim was nine-year-old Ezra Blount. In the wake of the tragedy, music fans are evaluating their perceptions of Scott and festivals. “It’s sad ...when I first [saw] videos about it looked scary, everybody was squished together and I think Travis could have acknowledged that.,” said Delta student Jeanette Baez. “I believe he (Travis) deserves a lot of blame.” Former Delta Student and Rap enthusiast Travis James Timbreza shared a similar but moderate take on the situation. “What happened at the Astroworld tour was honestly unacceptable and I’m still in shock ... Travis Scott should be held accountable but so should everybody else coordinating the event,” he said. Public blame has been levied on Scott solely though, which is ridiculous. Scott doesn’t deserve all of the blame. Months before the festival took place, Scott tweeted in a now-deleted tweet in support of fans sneaking into festivals and concerts saying “NAW AND WE STILL SNEAKING THE WILD ONES IN.!!!!!” which could have given some of his bizarre-thinking fans ideas to actually take the Tweet seriously and cause destruction before and during the festival, which does fall on Scott for instigating the cause. However, he shouldn’t be held responsible for the blood of those deaths caused by tramplings because in no way did he say or imply to the public to trample people and kill them just for their selfish desires

to be closer to the stage. Scott also doesn’t deserve to be criticized for pausing the show multiple times and continuing it rather than stopping it. Could he have handled it better? Yes, he could have asked and gotten more information about the crowd situation. However, Scott and his attorney said the rap artist wasn’t aware of the tramplings but just of people fainting. How many concerts and festivals have people passed out at? Isn’t this a normal occurrence? Michael Jackson and The Beatles are notorious for their fans passing out and fainting during their performances and nobody complains they should have stopped the show. Why should they now to Travis? Now, some artists have stopped shows when fans have fainted like Adele who in a concert in 2011 stopped her show at the Hammersmith Apollo so that doctors could assist the fan. Some people also find it hard to believe how Scott didn’t notice the tramplings. Scott was on high stage looking down to a crowd of 50,000 people at night with dimmed lights. I don’t believe anybody could notice what was going on unless they were informed. The Majority of the blame should be placed on the concertgoers and fans who caused the injuries/killings and the security. The concertgoers because they physically committed the crimes, they are thinking human beings that can understand the severity of the situations they were in and they still proceeded to do it. Security because it is their job and responsibility to de-escalate situations like these when they occur and listen to the people who are asking for help, not ignore them so they can inform the performer of what is happening so they could handle it accordingly and they failed to do so.

NFTs emerging as major form of global pollutant? BY JASON DIEZ

Staff Writer

FTs, an emerging form of technology built on cryptocurrency, are online tokens that can be used for selling or trading. These non-fungible tokens, better known as NFTs, are basically art pieces or digital content that can’t be replicated or replaced. NFTs are unique, by acting as holders for any data. From a snapshot of a NBA highlight reel to an intricate multi-medium digital artwork, these pieces are stored into a blockchain. Blockchains act as a form of digital folders for cryptocurrency transactions that’s organized in chronological order. There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of what an NFT is for, let alone what it is. For starters, let’s define what NFTs are: they’re called “Non-fungible Tokens” where these assets cannot be traded with something of equal value. It’s like where a dollar is the same as any other dollar, a

bitcoin is the same as any other bitcoin, however no two NFTs are exactly alike. NFTs came into play as a way for digital artists to claim the originality of their artwork online. When the artwork is being minted online, it’s entered into a database to keep track of who owned what and where it came from. While the original artist of the artwork is able to earn a percentage for every resell or trade of the artwork, this digital token is passed through and logged onto a series of data ledgers. When NFTs are purchased from the artist, they’re proof of the ownership. “This blockchain entry is unique to the piece of work minted, so when it is purchased from the artist, it acts as a proof of your ownership. The actual digital art can still be copied in its usual file types (e.g. .jpeg or .png), but not the associated NFT,” said Jiahui Qiu, a journalist from Earth.org. In order for buyers and sellers to cash-out their cur-

rency is through Ethereum, a platform that houses a digital currency and global payments. NFTs are paid with ether, the cryptocurrency on Ethereum, which equates to 4,441.97 U.S. dollars. However, with ether the prices fluctuate, and share the same same-risks of stock fluctuations. Ethereum is only one type of cryptocurrencies, similar to bitcoin and dogecoin, NFTs are a part of the Ethereum blockchain. However, NFTs pose a threat to our planet. While NFTs are in their early stages, it’s energy transaction is similar to powering a single U.S. household. The energy consumption is measured by the miners, people who can earn cryptocurrency without dishing money out for it, that run on concentrated machines that are used to verify and add the purchases to the blockchain 24/7. “According to the Digiconomist website, a single Ethereum transaction consumes more than 70.32 kWh, enough to

power 1 U.S. household for 2.5 days. This is equivalent to a carbon footprint of around 34 Kg of carbon dioxide (CO2),” said Vikram Barhat, a journalist from Morningstar, “Compared with traditional sources of consumption, this carbon footprint is equivalent to watching more than 5,700 hours of YouTube video or over 76,000 credit card transactions. Ethereum consumes more energy per year than all of Denmark and has a carbon footprint the size caused by Lithuania, according to the site.” While the purpose of NFTs is to serve ownership on pieces of digital media, it drives the need to want more sustainable approaches. This should raise red flags when reading into the process of NFTs. It involves minting and officiating the NFTs into a digital ledger, then the interlocked webbed transactions of who bought what, then currency transaction of ether into USD, which basically leads to more carbon emissions.

Carbon emissions, not only encourage deadly global climate change, but enforces the greenhouse effect. NFT users are actively producing a carbon footprint that builds on top of the snow caps melting and light pollution in the sky. Why should you worry about the impacts of NFTs and ongoing carbon emissions into the atmosphere? Everyone lives on one planet, we cannot procrastinate and push these environmental concerns to the side. Bitcoin, NFTs, or cryptocurrency use electrical energy and carbon. While a single penny doesn’t weigh against a large purchase, when collected slowly it builds overtime. This should be applied to the same process, while NFTs are in their early stages, it’s important to recognize that these small electrical waste emissions or carbon production will continually pile up. Time doesn’t wait for everyone, and we sure as hell do not have enough time to push Earth to the side.

‘Harry Potter’ movies versus books, which is superior? BY GRACIELA GABRIEL

Staff Writer

s holidays are approaching, it’s the time for movies and marathons on television. People are also getting ready to start Christmas shopping. Those two things go hand-in-hand when considering that more people are streaming series, movies, and shows than opening a good book. However, when asking students if they would prefer to read or watch a movie, students agreed they enjoyed watching movies, but would rather read a book instead. Harry Potter is a classic movie that is mostly played during the Christmas season. Many students are also very familiar with the movies and books. “Harry Potter is one of the movies and books that I have read before. I am more towards the book, I like the book more because it’s more interesting and gives out more details that the movie doesn’t give out,” said Carlos Hernandez, a student at Delta. While the book can be more descriptive, movies can also be fun to watch with family for the holidays. “Harry Potter is also a friendly classical movie you can watch with the family for the holidays and the books are amazing. They can also make a great gift, even

the movies,” said Hernandez. Regardless if students are doing reading for a few classes, some still enjoy reading a book more than watching movies. Hernandez says, “I rather read books or comic books than watch a movie because it makes it more interesting.” Books are not the only thing that they make a movie out of, but comic books are also known to be created as movies. Hernandez not only enjoys reading books, but comic books as well. Hernandez said, “For the holidays a book or movie I would recommend to people besides the Harry Potter would be Moon Knight Marvel comic book. It’s very interesting and different compared to other Marvel comic books.” Some people were never exposed to certain books till watching the movies. Many students can watch a movie and become very interested and later find out a movie can be based on a book and become interested in it. “I have never read the Harry Potter books but I recently watched a full marathon of Harry Potter movies on TV,” said Edwin Rodriguez, a student on campus. I can agree books can be better than movies because they are more detailed with the story. When reading a book it feels more intense as you visualize every detail

that is given in the book. Books can expand your imagination more and reading a book in general can develop your vocabulary. “I think the movies are very good and would actually give it a shot to read the books because many people always say books are better than the movies or hold more information than the movie.” Rodriguez said. “However, a book and movie I have watched is Holes. The movie is very good because Shia LaBeouf is in it but the book is very good. It is more descriptive.” said Rodriguez.“I read the book so many times and never get tired of it. I am in between liking to watch movies and books but when it comes to certain books, for example, Holes or any of my favorites I would rather read the book,” said Rodriguez. For example, I have never been exposed to the popular film “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” until reading the book first. I really became obsessed with the book and read it two times before watching the film. However, when watching the film I was not amused or satisfied, as it was completely different from the book. The only perks of the movie was Emma Watson being in the film.

4 FEATURE 120321

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

IDEAS FOR LAST-MINUTE GIFTING AND CELEBRATIONS BY BRYAN RAMOS Staff Writer

Christmas is near, and some people may still be unsure on what to do with their family and friends during the season. Here’s a quick guide for some snappy holiday ideas.

SECRET SANTA

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE

You can’t go wrong with a classic secret Santa gift exchange. Exchange some presents with some friends and to make things more fun you can also include a price range of the gift too.

You can spice up things with your friends by doing the White Elephant Exchange. Everyone brings a present and tries to leave with the best present. It could be even more intense if everyone brings obnoxious gifts.

BAKING GINGERBREAD HOUSES Bond more with your friends and/or family and make gingerbread houses. Take photos of the houses and eat them. You can decorate your house by putting different sweets you think represent yourself.

BONFIRE

POSADA

PAJAMA DAY

Start a small fire and get in a circle with your friends and family. Have some drinks, eat some food, make some s’mores live, laugh, love. Make sure you’re careful when turning on a fire and make sure the fire isn’t indoors or near anything that can be hazardous.

You can always try something different for Christmas. There is a Hispanic tradition called a posada. A posada is a celebration that honors the birth of Baby Jesus. A posada leans more into the religious side but the people that celebrate it also do posadas to have fun with others.

It is winter time and it is obviously cold. Spend Christmas with family or friends in pajams at home, more preferably onesies, and watch a movie or do anything else.

All I want for Christmas is Mariah Carey it IS actually catchy. We still listen to Holiday Classics like ‘Rockin Around The Christmas Tree”’ and ‘It’s BeginAlmost the second it turns from Oc- ning to Look A Lot Like Christmas’ tober to November, we hear it. and those came from before the 70s! In stores, on TV, on the radio — It’s the one time of year this music gets there’s no escaping Mariah Carey’s it’s shine!” said Maduli. hit song, “All I Want For Christmas is The song also has PG appeal, makYou.” ing it something that anyone can sing Being a Billboard hit in four sepa- and find connection to. rate decades is an impressive feat … but “I’d say it’s one of *the* Christmas what is it that has made this song be songs, meaning it’s one of the top few synonymous with the holiday season? songs distinctly associated with ‘the Is it the lyrics? The instrumentals? The spirit of Christmas.’ Especially because iconic music video of Carey playing in of its familiar tune and PG appropriate the snow? lyrics, it airs constantly to signify the “Honestly, it’s so funny how the song months of Christmas (aka November has been treated. The second it hits Nov. and December),” said Eiler. 1 it’s ‘Mariah Carey season’ because the After an original release in 1994, song from 1994 manages to hit the top Carey’s song has seemed to so far with10 charts every holiday season,” said stand the test of time. The same can’t Matthew Maduli, a culinary arts stu- be said for other once holiday classics dent at Delta. “Working retail the past like “Santa Baby'' and “Baby, it’s Cold three years — it’s all you hear! At first, Outside,” which in past years have been it’s a great song to belt and attempt to cancelled or have had to have their lyrsing, then it cycles around and you get ics changed due to their offensive or bored of it, then it just grows on you.” outdated nature. Student Jade Eiler attributes the Despite its “PG lyrics,” the connosong's popularity to another reason, tations and double entendres are there. “It’s overplayed, but also lowkey a “Cause I just want you here tonight meme,” she said. Holding on to me so tight Eiler elaborated. What more can I do? “I find it lowkey to be a meme for Oh, baby, all I want for Christmas is similar reasons: its upbeat rhythm and you familiarity make it a good background You, baby” music for a running meme similar to Is the very essence of this song a how the saxophone part in careless woman listing all the meaningless first whisper is a meme,” she said. world nothings relating to the holiday What is it about Carey’s song that season she would be willing to sacrifice keeps it relevant? Is it relevant? Or are to have this man for herself ? Is the song we as a society forcing it to be relevant sexual in nature? Or is it just a happy by playing it on repeat so many times? holiday bop? Is it possible for this song “I personally don’t think it’s ‘forced’ to be canceled in the future? Or is this to be relevant - it’s just holiday music song a timeless classic that will not fall that’s appropriate for the season. And victim to persecution? BY ARIANA MALLERY News Editor

“I feel like a lot of songs get double standards — of course ‘Santa Baby’ and ‘It’s Cold Outside’ have sexual natures — but it’s all into interpretation. I mean the holiday season is about being indoors, intimate and warm with your family and significant other,” said Maduli. “When it’s cold outside, what more is there to do? Mariah’s song should be immune though. If it gets canceled for whatever reason, I just think it’s just being a try hard ‘woke’ concept rather than being progressive.” There’s also the who involved in the song. Carey is an indomitable artist. “Mariah Carey is a memorable artist and because of her identity that makes her top known songs also memorable … however, I don’t think the song is sexual and I highly doubt her song could fall victim to being canceled but I don’t think Mariah sings in Washington D.C. in 2009. PHOTO BY any song or piece is ‘im- DONNA LOU MORGAN/PUBLIC DOMIAN mune’” to scrutiny and persecution,” said Eiler “Especially in the age where new “scan- song “All I Want For Christmas is You” dals'' pop up easily and frequently and isn’t going anywhere any time soon … new info can change the narrative of at least maybe until Jan 1st. People agree it’s a great song that has things we thought to be ‘sound truths,’” One thing is for certain: whether come to be the epitome of the holidays. you like it or not, Mariah Carey’s hit

5 FEATURE 1203211

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature

Hallmark Holiday BY ARIANA MALLERY News Editor

It’s the holidays. That means its time to go back to your small hometown and reconnect with that long lost love for a perfect Christmas. Where will your Hallmark horoscope take you? Hint: It’s basically all the same movie. Do you prefer to be on your own? Or do you prefer to be with other people? You’re going back to your small childhood hometown for Christmas! What do you start with first?

It’s your first holiday season in the big city ... but your boss wants you to work overtime.

Show them the true meaning of the holidays! Where do you start?

Wrapping presents

Quit the big city job!

Baking cookies

Next?

Next? Picking out a tree at the tree lot

Wrapping presents

Ice skating at rink

Chopping down a tree in the woods

You run into your first love from your childhood! They’re putting up missing posters for their dog. Do you ...

You run into an old flame! They’re putting up missing posters for their dog. Do you ...

Ice skating at the lake

NTA APPR

You are kidnapped by a man in a Santa costume for not helping look for the dog. You don’t have good Christmas spirit.

Ignore them and go to a Christmas party.

As you lean in for the kiss, you’re interrupted by the sound of barking! It’s the dog!

You race out of the car and the dog comes rushing to you. Everyone joins in a big group hug as the snow falls around you! Congratulations! You’ve saved the Shih Tzu named Holly and saved Christmas!

Help them look for the Shih Tzu named Holly! You’re happy to spend time with them.

You realize your feelings for each other have been rekindled. Do you lean in or move away?

You turn away and look out the window. It’s starting to snow. Out of the corner of your eye, you see something at the edge of the forest. It’s the dog!

Your car broke down while looking for the dog! It’s very cold outside. What do you do? Sit in the car and talk

Start a fire

The AAA person comes to save you, and they have the dog!

6 ENTERTAINMENT 120321

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/entertainment

‘HOME ALONE’ STANDS TEST OF TIME

BY JAHDAI SPIKES

ometimes the essential classics run into upsets. Movies symbolizing the holiday season were chosen and voted on by Collegian staff in a randomly generated bracket system. The results of this movie ranking are actually very surprising to me, the biggest surprise being that Home alone was decidedly the best holiday movie of all time. My votes were for either “Gremlins” or “Polar Express.” “Polar Express” is generally well liked among most people around the 18 to 24 age group and it is a movie that I personally have nostalgic ties to, so it felt obvious to vote for it. “Gremlins” is a movie that had a strong cultural impact over an entire generation of people. I would have never guessed that “Home Alone” had that same impact amongst my generation. I even expected classic holiday movies such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “The Grinch” to win sooner than “Home Alone” would just due to the fact that they’re classics. I am not at all upset with the results of this movie ranking, just slightly shocked.

Charlie Brown Christmas Die Hard

Home Alone

Charlie Brown Polar Express Christmas National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon’s Gremlins Christmas Vacation

The Grinch Home Alone

Die Hard

Die Hard A Christmas Story

Entertainment Editor

Frosty The Charlie Brown Snowman Christmas

Polar Rudolph the Express Red-Nosed Reindeer

It’s A Wonderful Life

Mupp et Christmas Carol

Home Alone

The Grinch

7 SPORTS 120321

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports

Mustangs midfielder Jasmin Mejia looks down at the field disappointed after losing in a penalty shootout to Fresno City College in Round 2 of the NorCal Regional playoffs at Delta College in Stockton on Nov. 23. PHOTOS BY DAVID VICTOR

Mustangs fall to No. 8 seeded Fresno City in NorCal playoffs via penalty shootout BY DAVID VICTOR Editor-in-Chief

Following a 3-3 tie after a nail-biting 120 minutes, Delta women’s soccer had its 2021 season come to an end on Nov. 23 after falling 5-4 to Fresno City College in a penalty shootout, in what is perhaps one of the season’s biggest upsets. In what was a repeat face-off of the two teams from Sept. 1 where Delta defeated Fresno 2-1 at the beginning of the season, the Mustangs (20-0-2) sought to knock off the Rams (15-2-6) once again to advance to the NorCal finals. The competitive level during playoffs, however, is completely different to that of a non-conference bout to start off the season as both teams gave it their all to continue advancing in hopes of reaching the CCCAA State Championship. “The game was really open and physical, both teams fought really hard,” said Delta head coach Adrienne Sorenson. With a persistent Fresno City pressuring Delta’s back line, the Mustangs found it very difficult to move the ball forward while keeping it on the grass and on many occasions was forced to play long and try to win 50-50 aerial battles near midfield. The two teams had five shots each during the first half, with few scoring chances from both sides.

Above: Mustangs forward Sabrina Cabrera dashes past Fresno City defenders Breauna Mello and Lauren Salazar in the box to attempt a shot on goal. Above right: Mustangs midfielder Jasmin Mejia shields the ball from Fresno City midfielder Hannah Martin to keep possession.

The Mustangs were able to open the score in the 26th minute after forward Kaley Miller netted the ball after it slipped out of the grasp of Rams goalkeeper Cailyn Bawdon following a cross from left field. It was in the second half that the matchup rattled everyone’s emotions on the field, on the bench and in the crowd with an onslaught of goals during the game’s most crucial moments.

Forward Alexis Brewah extended Delta’s lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute after receiving a long midfield pass from forward Sabrina Cabrera. After doubling the lead, it seemed like Delta was on its way to adding another win to its undefeated record. However, things were about to make a turn for the worse for the Big 8 Conference champions. Delta was met with a resilient Fresno City that was not

phased by trailing 2-0 in an away game to the No. 1 seed in Northern California and the only undefeated team in the state which has not lost a home game since 2017. The Rams rallied a massive comeback with forward Jazmin Mora shortening the lead 2-1 in the 56th minute and midfielder Hannah Martin netting the equalizer six minutes later. “Fresno City just never gave up. They gave us a tough battle and you just got to tip your hats off to them,” said Brewah, who recognized the resiliency of her opponents. During this point of the game, Delta had a hard time defending Fresno City’s attacks, especially on free kicks and corners. “The game was very open, it

was the set piece mistakes that hurt us,” said Sorenson. The last five minutes of the second half was not fit for the faint at heart as Fresno City took the lead 3-2 after midfielder Serina Oceguera scored in the 87th minute. When it looked like Fresno was going to get the win in 90 minutes, Brewah sped past the Rams’ back line to win a ball in the box and score the equalizer for Delta in injury time to force the game to continue an extra 30 minutes. Even with the mistakes on the back line, Sorenson was glad to see how her team was able to show mental toughness and fight to the last minute. “I’m proud of the team for equalizing late when we were down a goal. That’s something I haven’t had happen in a while,” said Sorenson. Ultimately disappointment and sadness appeared on the faces of Delta’s players after midfielder Jasmin Mejia missed the decisive penalty in the shootout. Despite the elimination, Sorenson is proud of what her team has accomplished during the season and said that her players should keep their heads high after ending the season on a penalty shootout in an intensely contested playoff game. “Penalties are tough. Honestly there’s nothing to hang our heads about. I’m just so proud of the team for what they’ve accomplished,” said Sorenson.

8 NEWS 120321

The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news

Chabad of Stockton celebrates Chanukah

Above left: Courtney Harrel participating in the Chanukah celebration. The candles are lit by those in attendance while speaking blessings, led by the Rabbi. While the lighting of the menorah is traditionally a ceremony performed in one’s home, the lighting of candles in public can signify a duty of lighting the candles for those who are unable or do not have homes, thus conveying a sense of warmth, love, and togetherness. Above right: A member of Chabad of Stockton lights the center candle, or shamash, that will in turn be used to light each of the other candles throughout the eight day celebration.. PHOTOS BY LESLI DIEHL

EXPOSURE: Delta required to report out per AB 685 continued from PAGE 1 “We want to be as transparent as possible with the entire college community. Hopefully these reports are useful to students,” said Breitler. In addition to the AB 685 reporting dashboard available online, Delta also has the contact tracing badges which act as individual notifications in the case of direct contact. While here were no serious implications of these exposures, the availability of exposure data is f u n d a - COVID-19 COVERAGE m e n t a l Read more about Delta Colbecause it lege’s actions related to is one of Covid-19 at deltacollegian.net. the most e f f e c tive tools for dealing with the spread of COVID-19. An article published in The National Law review analyzed the benefits of how AB 685 will provide an increase in environment safety as well as provide precise data that may not be available otherwise. Despite having the added benefit of providing data, this system was designed for those working in the midst of the pandemic. The law “required employers to notify all employees who were at a worksite of all potential exposures to COVID-19 and notify the local public health agency of outbreaks,” according to a fact sheet from the California Department of Industrial Relations. Measures such as these have been put in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19 as well as provide accurate data for the state of California to track the spread. Although the bill is a fairly new addition in terms of precautionary measures as it was signed this year in early January 2021, it is scheduled to be repealed exactly two years to the date — Jan. 1, 2023, according to the bill’s text.

SJ Office of Education hosts coat drive BY ANI GUTIERREZ Staff Writer

The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) Foster Youth and Homeless Services program put together a winter clothing drive taking place in six different locations through Dec. 10. One location is on campus through the Delta College Athletics department, four others being in Stockton and one in French Camp. “The County Office of Education contacted us and wanted to set up a location for drop offs on this side of Stockton. Our cheer coach works for SJCOE so she coordinated everything,” said Director of Athletics Tony Espinoza. “We are happy to have the opportunity to partner with the county and support foster and homeless youth services,” said Espinoza. The drive is accepting only new items, sizes infant through twelfth grade, under the categories of: beanies, blankets, coats, gloves, pajamas, scarves, slippers, socks, sweatpants and sweatshirts. The donations go to foster and homeless youth in San Joaquin County. “You are letting them know that they have not been forgotten and that there are people in their very own

community who care for them,” by donating winter clothes, according to the SJCOE Foster Youth and Homeless Services’ Instagram post promoting the clothing drive. “People usually donate jackets, socks and blankets. We have a need for everything you can think of, anything new we can give our students… Jackets of all sizes from small to XXXL are helpful,” said Transition Specialist Pia Sellers. “I donated some gloves and scarves that I never ended up wearing. It feels good knowing that I could help keep someone in the community warm this winter,” said second-year student Genevie Salcedo. SJCOE Foster and Homeless Youth Services provides educational leadership, resources, and services to San Joaquin County schools. “Our Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP) represents foster and homeless youth in San Joaquin county by providing educational advocacy and services. FYSCP advocates for Foster and Homeless Youth to have equal access to a free appropriate public education. We provide services year-round to youth within our one program and our fourteen school districts in San Joaquin County,” said Sellers.

Their official website said the organization is, “focused on improving the educational outcomes of wards and dependents, ages 4 to 21, who reside in licensed children’s institutions, foster family agencies, and county foster homes as well as those students and families who are homeless.” The goal is to help improve academic achievement and attendance of these foster and homeless students while also reducing discipline problems. This program also provides additional services such as “counseling, life skills, mentoring and tutoring.” SJCOE Foster and Homeless Youth Services doesn’t just host clothing drives to help support the homeless and foster youth in the area. Some other events and donations they have had in the past include a Thanksgiving food drive, a feminine hygiene and diaper donation drive, health fairs, and even more creative and interactive events like a pumpkin painting party. This organization works together to help the foster and homeless youth of San Joaquin. “I have a strong desire to help others. But I am only as good as my team and those around me, it’s a team effort with events like this clothing drive, to help meet the needs of our students,” said Sellers.

Pacific CIP program open for applications BY JULIO BURGOS Staff Writer

Delta College is now approaching the end of another semester and for many students, it is time to apply for transfer to continue their education. One of the overwhelming parts of this process is finding out that continuing higher education comes at a lofty cost. Fortunately, there is a great deal of help out there for students. One of those programs is the Community Involvement Program (CIP) at the University of the Pacific. CIP is a scholarship and retention program for first-generation college students from Stockton. The program is intended to help low-income students and first-generation college students. Qualifications differ slightly between high school and Delta students. High school students need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, will be first generation college students, residing in Stockton for at least 3 years, and have evidence

of community involvement. Delta transfer students have the same requirements but will be able to get the U.S. citizen and permanent resident requirements waived. This will allow students who do not have legal permanent status, such as DACA students, to apply. The application process is opened until Jan. 22. In addition to financial support, each student that is part of the CIP program will have access to supporting staff from the CIP community including tutoring and mentoring assistance. These students will also have the opportunity to network with CIP alumni which can be a valuable tool for future career opportunities. Locals also benefit from the student-led community projects. The projects are designed to give back to the community as well as promote higher education. Students who want to find out more information about this program can reach out to the community involvement program at cip@pacific.edu.