Foghorn News (Sept. 20, 2021)

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FoghornNews A DEL MAR COLLEGE STUDENT PUBLICATION

LIBRARY UPGRADES

Volume 86, Issue 1 FoghornNews.com

INTRAMURALS

White Library begins renovations, but

Department plans several virtual

resources still available.

competitions, as well as in-person yoga.

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Foghorn News

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

@TheFoghornNews

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Foghorn News

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Counselors offer to help virtually Free sessions available for all students, staff, faculty over Microsoft Teams

NICHAELA SHAHEEN | FOGHORN NEWS

Business major Jessica Carr leaves an inspiring message for her fellow Vikings to read during a Counseling Center event in the Harvin Center early this semester. The messages will be posted on the centers’ door.

New look, names for Del Mar’s campuses

Free services are available to all students, faculty and staff. Virtual sessions will be held over Microsoft Teams. To schedule a virtual appointment, visit www.delmar.edu/offices/counseling. Same-day appointments are available, and NICHAELA SHAHEEN | REPORTER the center works with individuals, couples nshaheen@foghornnews.com and groups. A counselor will contact stuWhile returning to campus after 15 dents over the phone at the scheduled apmonths of being in the comfort of one’s pointment time. home may be daunting for many Edwards said she was unsure students, the Del Mar College when the center would reopen Counseling Center wants them physically. to know it’s easy to receive the “There is no expected open help needed to thrive this semesdate of the center; we will be folter. And best of all, the center’s lowing community trends,” Edservices are free. wards said. Counseling sessions will be The center has locations on held virtually again this semester, both the Heritage Campus, forsaid Jessica Edwards, one of four merly known as East Campus, Del Mar counselors. Scheduling a in Harvin Center Room 233A as meeting with a college counselor Edwards said she well as the Windward Campus, is much easier than seeking help was unsure when formerly West Campus, in Room from off-campus professionals, the center would 262 of Health Science Building 2. who may require prior insurance reopen physically. For more information about authorization and have less flexithe Counseling Center, contact bility in scheduling. 361-698-1586 or dmccounseling “Using our services not only saves stu- @delmar.edu. The Counseling Center also dents money, but is a lot timelier than seek- is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at ing outside help,” Edwards said. @dmccounseling.

89%

11%

College unveils results of 10-month-long rebranding effort as well as survey PHILIP J. PEREZ | EDITOR IN CHIEF pperez@foghornnews.com After less than a decade, Del Mar College has a new look, as well as new names for its campuses. Part of the rebranding includes an updated logo and tagline. The new logo has a wave underneath the DMC brand. The second part of the process was the renaming of the campuses to Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek, formerly East, West and South campuses, respectively. Lorette Williams, executive director for Marketing and Communications for Del Mar, made the final presentation of the DMC Rebranding Initiative project to the college’s Board of Regents during its Aug. 21 meeting. The presentation was part of a 10-month-long project that included participation from DMC faculty and staff, students, community stakeholder groups and residents. Williams, who has been with DMC for two years, was given the task of rebranding by college President Mark Escamilla. According to Escamilla, the previous rebranding efforts happened in 2012 when the “Dreams Delivered” tagline was added to the DMC logo. “We want everyone to equate education with Del Mar College,” Escamilla said. “Our logo, colors and campus names have changed but our mission remains the same.” Williams said that with a new campus

79%

REBRANDING SURVEY RESULTS

21% PHILIP J. PEREZ | FOGHORN NEWS

The rebranding process included several focus groups and surveys that were done for students virtually in March 2020 due to the college being closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. opening soon, the time was right for a rebanding. “Del Mar is now building a new campus, which is Oso Creek on the south side and so as we started to have those discussions to decide what to call it,” Williams said of why the college decided to rebrand. “We have to get to a point where we’re ready to open that new campus and we have branding that is cohesive for the entire college,” Not included in the name change are the Center for Economic Development and the Northwest Center in Calallen. The rebranding process included several focus groups and surveys that were done for students virtually in March 2020 due to the college being closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Escamilla, the pandemic set the rebranding efforts, as well as oth-

er projects, back several months but once the College Relations team started the process, it proceeded exceptionally well. “Focus groups, including students, DMC employees and community members were instrumental in providing feedback on the rebranding elements,” Escamilla said. “It was very much a collective effort. According to Williams, emails with a link to participate in the focus groups were sent to all students with a DMC account. All faculty and staff were also invited to participate. “We did the focus groups, went through that process and in the end, we sent a follow-up survey for those who wanted to add additional information,” Williams said. “It isn’t a typical focus group where you have big whiteboards and sticky notes. It’s difficult to replicate in a virtual setting.” Out of 463 votes, 79% voted in favor of

the new names for the campuses while 21% preferred the names Bahia, Lantana and Laguna and The new logo was chosen by 89% of those surveyed. There will also be an updated color palette for each campus. “I think the process itself was really inclusive,” Williams said. “There was lots of opportunities, not only for internal audiences to attend these different focus groups but external as well. “We had legislators, public officials, the chamber, industry, our business community, we even had a general public forum where we put ads in the paper,” Williams said. Anderson Marketing Group was hired to design several pieces such as the creative color schemes and design work for SEE REBRANDING ON PAGE 3

Judges help raise funds for student’s tuition Villarreal’s determination impresses court officials, who donate nearly $3K ASHLY MORALES | REPORTER amorales@foghornnews.com As the first in her family to attend college, court reporting student Trysten Villarreal was determined to do whatever it takes to succeed. Her biggest obstacle was money. Fortunately, that determination was noticed by a local judge, who got together with others at the Nueces County Courthouse and were able to raise $2,800 toward Villarreal’s education.

Villarreal’s parents, who encouraged her to follow her dreams, had originally talked Villarreal into applying for scholarships to help pay her tuition. She received two at first, one from her church, Christian Church of Alice, and another from a program called JAG sponsored by Nueces County Commissioner Joe A. Gonzalez, a Del Mar alumnus. Needing more assistance, a member from her church then steered her toward Judge Missy Medary with the 347th District Court in Nueces Coun-

Medary and other judges raised $2,800 for a Del Mar student in the court reporting program.

ty. Medary asked Villarreal to write a letter stating why she wanted to be a court reporter. Medary presented the letter to her fellow judges and they agreed that Villarreal had the drive and ambition to become a court reporter, so together they contributed $2,800 toward her tuition. “It felt unreal even to this day,” Villarreal said of receiving the gift, adding that she was in shock. “I feel more confident knowing that I can focus more on my studies rather than worry about how I’m going to pay my tuition.”

Medary called court reporters the backbone of the courtroom. “Join the court reporting program,” Medary said of her advice to those considering the career. “It’s a two-year course at Del Mar and the starting salary is great. It’s a great career where you can make money, enjoy, and even travel.” Many judges push students to enter the field because of the benefits but also because they need them in the courtroom. Audio recording has been discussed as a replacement for court reporters but audio cannot do what a court reporter can do. Court reporters keep track of everything SEE COURT ON PAGE 3


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White Library undergoes renovations Resources still available to students, faculty, just in different locations MICHELLE MIRELEZ | MANAGING EDITOR mmirelez@foghornnews.com The William F. White Library, located at Heritage Campus, has closed its doors for renovations. The “down-to-the-bones” renovations could take as long as two years, according to librarian Alan Berecka. Students will still be able to use library resources but in different locations while the work is completed. The library was originally built as a two-story building in 1976, with its structure built to support three to five floors in all. The third through fifth floors were completed in 1979, although the fifth floor wasn’t used until 1998. “With the library in particular, I’m very excited about bringing a comfortable and modern look and feel to the space and offering updated services and technology,” said Cody Gregg, dean of Learning Resources. Library services are still offered on Heritage Campus in the General Academic and Music Building, GEND-103, and the Barth Learning Resources Center on the Windward Campus. Barth does offer a limited number of study rooms and most of the items that were checked out from White Library were moved to that location. Students or faculty needing research assistance can contact a librarian at 361-6981877 or refdesk@delmar.edu. FOGHORN NEWS FILE Reference assistance is available 24/7 through the library’s chat service, Ask A Li- Priyankaben Desai (left) explains the help she needs to tutor Emily Piolo as Piolo shows Desai how to improve her history paper brarian, at www.delmar.edu/library. in the Stone Writing Center. The center will be located in Room 116 of the Coles Building during renovations to the White Library The Stone Writing Center also has on Heritage Campus. The renovations could take up to two years. moved. “The SWC is temporarily located in the pers on Canvas. confidence they need to successfully use p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. Coles Building Room Once students have the SWC Online.” to 3 p.m. Saturday. 116 during the White Lisubmitted their papers The center’s Ask a Writing Tutor program, Students may request and pick up inThe library was brary Renovation,” Assisit can take 24 to 72 which provides help over the phone when terlibrary loan items by visiting the library tant Instructor Margot for a writing tu- needing a writing question answered office on the first floor of the General Acaoriginally built as a hours Sorrell said. tor to review their work quickly, is available to students at 361-698- demic and Music Building GEND-103. Loan Students can submit provide structured 1364 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through requests may take two to three weeks to be two-story building and writings by enrolling feedback. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. processed online at www.delmar. “We are so happy to The SWC will be providing a new proStudent ID cards are available in the first in 1976. edu/swc, available 24/7, be back on campus,” gram called SWC Live, which offers syn- floor hallway of the Harvin Center from 8 or in person to receive Sorrell said. “The live chronous help in person (CB 116 and 118) a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday assistance in how to enroll and submit pa- assistance will provide students with the and via Teams for students from 8 a.m. to 5 and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday.

License still required to carry gun on campus MICHELLE MIRELEZ | MANAGING EDITOR mmirelez@foghornnews.com

Free & Open to all DMC students in need

House Bill 1927, which allows for the permitless carry of a handgun for people 21 and older, went into effect on Sept. 1, meaning people without a License to Carry may now carry in Texas if they meet certain requirements. However, the new law does not apply to college campuses. In 2015, Senate Bill 11 set a requirement for all public colleges to allow licensed individuals to carry on campus property concealed, with the exception of some locations on campus where weapons are still prohibited. HB 1927 allows Texans to carry openly or concealed unless they have been convicted of a felony or domestic violence assault, or are the subject of a protective order. A License to Carry is still required to carry on a college campus. If students encounter a situation where they need to report an individual they suspect is not adhering to college policy, they should report the incident, according to Melinda Eddlemen, associate director of media relations. “DMC Security will investigate to ensure the individual is in compliance with the law,” Eddlemen said. “The health, safety and security of students, employees, and visitors while on a Del Mar College campus or at a center is the institution’s highest priority.” To report a concern or potential violation, contact DMC Security at 361-6981946 or the emergency number 361-6981199; or if in an emergency, call 9-1-1. For college policy, definitions, prohibited “campus carry” locations, cause for disciplinary action and other information visit https://www.delmar.edu/policymanual/ chapterx.html.

FoghornNews

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 Volume 86, Issue 1 FoghornNews.com

ROBERT MUILENBURG ADVISER SCOTT BECKETT LAB ADVISER The Foghorn News is a forum for student news, events and opinions produced by Del Mar College students for students.

1. 2.

Must be currently enrolled & present a current DMC ID. Must complete DMC Viking Food Pantry Referral Form available at Student Engagement & Retention website: www.delmar.edu

3.

Meet with Viking Food Pantry Assistant

For more information: Viking Food Pantry 361-698-2401 or foodpantry@delmar.edu

Foghorn News

@TheFoghornNews

FoghornStaff

PHILIP J. PEREZ

MICHELLE MIRELEZ

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

FoghornContributors ASHLY MORALES

NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Foghorn News

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the editor must be no more than 150 words in length, must be signed, and are subject to editing for grammar and content. Send emails to letters@foghornnews.com

Mail letters to the Foghorn News office: Harvin Student Center, Room 215, 101 Baldwin Blvd. | Corpus Christi, TX 78404 CORRECTIONS Need to report an error? Want to submit news? CALL 361-698-1390 | EMAIL news@foghornnews.com 361-698-1939 ADVISER | 361-698-1246 ADVERTISING


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COURT FROM PAGE 1 happening in the courtroom and can repeat back anything needed right away. Medary said the Coastal Bend needs more female law mentors to help guide other women who want to enter the field. Having a mentor and guidance can help students transition from school to the actual on-site job. “Everyone had a beginning — just keep going down the path you want. It’s so important to focus on the journey and not the ending. Make connections, dream as big as possible, because the prizes at the end are going to be worth it,” Medary said. Suzette Weis, who teaches the middle courses for the court reporting program, helps by dictating a Q&A, teaching punctuation and vocabulary, training the students in speed, and of course jury charges. Court reporters need to type anywhere from 225-280 words per minute. Weis also introduces students to the various fields that a court reporting degree can offer and shows them everything they will need to know when in a courtroom. Court reporting graduates can also do closed captioning for TV shows, movies, sports broadcasting and various news stations. Villarreal hopes to start a career in the courtroom before moving on to closed captioning. For more information on the court reporting program, contact Weis at sweis@delmar.edu. To help sponsor a student, reach out to the Del Mar College Foundation at 361-698-1317 and inform them you would like to contribute to students in the court reporting program.

Del Mar’s newest campus, located on the city’s south side, will be known as the Oso Creek Campus.

REBRANDING FROM PAGE 1 the new logo. The cost for the rebranding so far is $25,000, which came from the Office of College Relations budget. All future costs will be absorbed in current budgets throughout years, according to Williams. Williams said rebranding is expected to take three years and will be done in tiers. “Tier one is high priority public facing items like the Board of Regents seal and low-cost updates such as digital such as the website,” Williams said.

Tier two will include replacing departmental needs with logos and will be funded by department budgets. Tier three will include items such as letterhead and business cards that can be replaced as needed. Nursing student Jennifer Bernardini, who is not a Corpus Christi native, has concerns about getting used to the name changes. “It took me a while to figure out which was West and which was East, so if someone says, ‘You need to go to Heritage,’ I’d

PHILIP J. PEREZ | FOGHORN NEWS

have to think long and hard about which it is,” Bernardini said. “I can imagine it may be the same thing for people who have lived here all their life. Bernardini, who does like the new logo, believes the name change adjustment may be easier for newer students. Escamilla said the rebranding is reflective of an exciting new era at the college. “Our new colors are vibrant, our logo is sleek and modern and our new campus names give character to their respective locations,” Escamilla said.


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Virtual events part of monthlong celebration Del Mar College, the DMC Mexican American Studies program and the College’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education will present the following events in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month:

n Sept. 29 – Oct. 15, accessible online throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, “¡Viva Corpus Christi!,” go to: https://youtu.be/ 2I_IHqwMs5w n Questions or for more information, contact DMC Professor of Spanish Javier Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-6981582.

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 “Food and Culture: Vignettes from South Texas Family Life,” a Virtual Presentation Provided as Part of Del Mar College’s Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month Del Mar College History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins and Dr. Christine Reiser Robbins, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Co-coordinator of Southwest Borderland/Mexican American Studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, will provide a virtual presentation, “Food and Culture: Vignettes from South Texas Family Life,” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. For many of us, “food” is symbolically at the heart of our family and heritage, a connection between generations and across the many communities of which we are a part. This presentation explores food as an important window into South Texas family life, focusing on ‘living recipes’ shared by anthropology students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and oral history remembrances of farm workers. Drs. Robbins will discuss how viewers might preserve their own food heritage by conducting their own living recipes. This virtual presentation is part of Hispanic Heritage Month observances at Del Mar College. n Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, accessible online throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, a virtual presentation titled “Food and Culture: Vignettes from South Texas Family Life,” go to YouTube at https://youtu.be/m8ZxVeoq_DU n Questions or for more information, contact DMC faculty member Dr. Mark Robbins at mrobbins1@delmar.edu or 361-698-1370.

Oct. 6 -15

FOGHORN NEWS FILE

Dawson Barrett, a history professor and author of “Teenage Rebels,” speaks with students about the proud traditions of Mexican-American high school activism as part of Hispanic Heritage Month in 2015. Sept. 22 - Oct. 15 “A Poetry Duet Recorded in Anzaldúa Plaza,” a Virtual Presentation Provided as Part of Del Mar College’s Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month Interested in poetry? Del Mar College will present “A Poetry Duet Recorded in Anzaldúa Plaza” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. DMC faculty members Sara Kaplan, Associate Professor of English, and Alan Berecka, Professor of Learning Resources, will read a conversation in poems that they both wrote. The presentation includes a few memories of their late mentors and friends Professors Emeriti Mike Anzaldúa and Noe Guerra. This virtual presentation is part of Hispanic Heritage Month observances at Del Mar College. n Sept. 22 - Oct. 15, accessible online throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, “A

Poetry Duet Recorded in Anzaldúa Plaza,” go to YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ C3l2JCrpsHQ. n For more information, contact DMC Professor of Learning Resources Alan Berecka at aberecka@delmar.edu or 361-6981933. Sept. 29 - Oct. 15 Author Diana López Presents “¡Viva Corpus Christi!,” a Virtual Presentation Provided as Part of Del Mar College’s Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month As part of Hispanic Heritage Month observances, Del Mar College presents “¡Viva Corpus Christi!” with Corpus Christi native Diana López. An author of several novels and stories set in her hometown, López’s one-hour virtual presentation will examine how the city has shaped her identity as a Mexican American and how it has inspired her stories. Using a combination of personal narrative and readings from her works, López’s presentation will explore Corpus Christi, not just as a setting, but as a character—one with a rich Hispanic Heritage. This virtual presentation is part of Hispanic Heritage Month observances at Del Mar College.

“Hispanic Heritage Month: Poetry from Corpus Christi,” a Virtual Presentation Provided as Part of Del Mar College’s Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Del Mar College presents three poets—Juan Manuel Perez, Alex Salinas and Zoe Ramos—who have ties to Corpus Christi. As an eclectic blend of Latinx poets, each poet has a distinct voice that shows how diverse the culture and poetry can be. n Oct. 6 – Oct. 15, accessible online throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, a virtual presentation titled, “Hispanic Heritage Month, Poetry from Corpus Christi,” go to: https://youtu.be/CAS_mbrFXG0 n For more information, contact DMC Assistant Professor of Learning Resources Jennifer Jimenez at jjimenez14@delmar. edu or 361-698-1977. Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Library Display at Del Mar College Join Del Mar College Libraries in celebrating and learning about Hispanic Heritage Month. DMC Libraries has created a LibGuide to highlight resources about the month-long event. Resources include eBooks, films, articles and links to websites. Current students and employees can access the resources on the page at home with their DMC username and password to view the articles and films. Community members are encouraged to view the HHM information at https://libguides.delmar.edu/hispanicheritage. Or, go to the DMC “Virtual” Events page in Viking News at https://vikingnews.delmar.edu/event-calendar/. n Wednesday, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Library display at https://libguides.delmar.edu/hispanicheritage n Questions or for more information contact Jennifer Jimenez, DMC Reference/ eResource Librarian, at jjimenez14@delmar. edu.


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Students check out clubs

MICHELLE MIRELEZ | FOGHORN NEWS

ABOVE: Nursing major Linda Llamas stops at the Safe Space booth during Rush Week.

PHILIP J. PEREZ | FOGHORN NEWS

LEFT: Angel Love Bernal (left), vice president of Alpha Beta Gamma, provides info to business administration major Dilaya Rodriguez on Sept. 16 during Rush Week in the Harvin Center.

MOVIEREVIEW

‘Shang-Chi’ proves legendary, for many reasons ASHLY MORALES | REPORTER amorales@foghornnews.com

MARVEL STUDIOS

Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” Marvel’s first Asian-led superhero movie.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a must watch. Not only is this movie probably one of the best stories ever, it is also Marvel’s first Asian-led superhero movie. Despite “Black Widow” marking the start for phase 4, “Shang-Chi” came out and showed out, not only because of its incredible visuals and great storytelling but also because it continues to show the MCU’s representation of diversity. The movie, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, contains martial arts-inspired fighting as well as magical elements that help strengthen the storytelling. It starts with Shang-Chi (played by Simu Liu; his Twitter is worth a follow — just saying), who lives a normal life as a valet parker in San Francisco. Of course, Marvel has to have the slight comedic

element which is primarily provided by Katy (Awkwafina), Shang-chi’s best friend. We later find out he was trying to escape his father’s (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) legacy. His father, Mandarin, is not only the owner of the ten rings, but he is also what seems to be a crime leader. The ten rings give supernatural abilities that give the person yielding them the power to destroy/conquer pretty much anyone and anything in their way. Shang-Chi’s father tries to recruit his son to join the ten rings gang, but he refuses. When Shang-Chi refuses his father decides to take things into his own hands to achieve what he most desires. This movie also provides references to the big snap that occurred in “Avengers: Infinity War,” and also to “Eternals,” which is the next step in phase 4 and comes out in November. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

The Del Mar College Counseling Office serves over 4,000 students annually through our prevention programs. Our Services Include:

Counseling: Free and confidential counseling services for individuals, couples, and groups Wellness workshops: Interactive student workshops designed to help improve overall wellness Let’s Talk: Informal confidential consultations and symptom screenings with counselors Anxiety Management Program (AMP): Confidential individual mini-sessions for anxiety reduction Faculty, staff, and student consultations

Virtual Services are available Visit delmar.edu/counsel to get started! /dmccounseling

/dmccounseling

/dmccounseling

dmccounseling@delmar.edu

(361) 698-1586


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PERSPECTIVE

EDITORIAL

Masks should be required in Texas Texans need to wake up and set an example on the fight against COVID-19 by mandating masks — not just in our local school districts but at our colleges as well, where there are more people in an enclosed space. We have somehow managed to overindulge in returning to our day-to-day routine, leaving behind the precautions that we were asked to maintain. Social distancing is becoming harder in overcrowded malls and grocery stores while also resisting the need to take off our mask around our closest friends, whom we place an overabundance of trust in. We’ve gotten to the point that the community is trying to step in. For example, Paris Independent School District found a loophole in Gov. Greg Abbott’s non-mask mandate by placing masks as part of the school’s dress code, only to be fought in court by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who won the case and placed a temporary restraining order against Paris ISD from mandating masks. Abbott tweeted on Sept. 13 that in Texas, “Covid hospitalizations are at a downward trend and at the lowest level in 3 weeks.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths continue to rise as the delta variant hits the United States. CDC data show that on Sept. 13 there

KING FEATURES

were 12,949 hospitalizations due to COVID-19, only dropping 161 patients from data shown from Aug. 25 — a small number compared with the 3,973 deaths in Texas from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15. But where can we draw the line with deaths in the U.S. totaling over 666,000 in just the last 30 days? Texas ranks the second highest in deaths, behind California, since Jan. 21, 2020, with just shy of 7,400. Even though Abbott states in his executive order that the state would never mandate the vaccine while under the emergency use authorization, he has

restricted state and local governments from requiring Texans to mask up, while allowing private businesses to require customers and employees to wear them. Yet, he continuously campaigns for Texans to receive the vaccine if eligible as well as encouraging local officials to make the vaccines readily available for eligible Texans who want to receive them. He also has endorsed the effectiveness of the vaccine when Abbott himself came down with COVID, bellowing how he lacks symptoms due to being fully vaccinated.

In his executive order, Abbott leaves Texans to their own, “...personal responsibility to consistently follow good hygiene, social distancing, and other mitigating practices.” Leaving us to our own devices, we have to try harder. U.S. citizens need to come to a head and realize that to regain a sense of normalcy we need to fight with every little bit we’ve got. Understanding that not everyone wants to get the vaccine, we need to at least be proactive by wearing our masks — not just for ourselves, but for the ones we love.

OPINION

Divided we stand on 20 anniversary of 9/11 PHILIP J. PEREZ pperez@ foghornnews.com

As the 20th anniversary of the attack on our soil passes, one has to wonder what happened to the unity in our country? At what point did the United States of America become the Divided States of America? Many may be too young to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001. But for those who are old enough, the details are ingrained in our minds for the rest of our lives. We remember the fear we felt for our families and our country. We remember exactly where we were as we watched in horror as the footage of the second Boeing 767 crashing into the South Tower of the World Trade Center played over and over and over again. We remember the immediate change of emotions from sadness to fear to anger as we continued to follow the events that continued to unfold throughout the day — from the attacks in New York to the attack at the Pentagon to the news over a fourth jet crashing in an open field in Pennsylvania. We were united as our country mourned the loss of 2,977 people including 403 first responders from the NYPD, NYFD and the Port Authority who made the ultimate sacrifice to help save fellow Americans. We were united as we held vigils while family members waited for days and weeks to hear news of missing loved ones while lawmakers from both parties

ASSOCIATED PRESS

President George W. Bush addresses those gathered around the World Trade Center site in the days after 9/11. “These acts shatter steel but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve,” he said of the attacks. sang “God Bless America.” We learned the details of the heroic effort of the flight crew and passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 by fighting the hijackers and taking over the plane just moments after a passenger made a final phone call to his wife to tell her he would not be coming home. Seconds later, another passenger could be heard saying, “Are you ready? Let’s roll.” We were united as we learned that the terrorist organization al-Qaida, led by Osama bin Laden, took credit for the attacks on our soil. In the days after, liberals and conservatives flew flags outside their homes and on their vehicles. We were a country united; united by fear because this was something we never thought could happen.

We were united as our president, George W. Bush, declared: “Terrorists attacks can shake the foundation of our buildings but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” We cheered as Bush said, “We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” The unity we felt at that moment was brief and started to fade not long after, seemingly never to return. The unity was not the same as we celebrated the news on May 2, 2011, that bin Laden had been found and killed and the unity is definitely not there as 20 years later, President Joe Biden completes troop withdrawal

from Afghanistan just 10 years after then President Barack Obama announced a large-scale troop withdrawal and after a negotiated deadline for complete withdrawal between former President Donald Trump and the Taliban. One has to wonder when the divide happened and what caused it. Many will argue that the media played a large part due to media bias. This could be true. Gone is the time when cable news networks reported news constantly as it happened without opinionated commentary. Now all the news networks are dominated by commentary with a sprinkle of unbiased news throughout the day. In retaliation, we have leaders who cry “Fake News” every time their name is mentioned in a negative light, fueling the disdain of the general public toward news media in general — the extreme result allowing anyone to create a half-assed attempt of a Facebook news outlet and get thousands of followers even if he is a disgraced aspiring community advocate with a criminal record and a history of violating cake at City Hall. Social media continues to add to the divide as we argue over everything from how to survive a pandemic to whether systematic racism actually exists. We are divided over issues of police brutality and gun rights and voting rights and women’s rights and the list goes on but we’re not just divided, we are rabidly divided. We are so divided by our loyalty to a two-party system and those that lead the parties that we forgot how to be united. We either see red or we see blue and the small minority who do not subscribe to those two sides are silenced. We need to rethink our loyalties to red or blue and unite to become loyal to Red, White and Blue. After all, isn’t our mantra “United We Stand, Divide We Fall” or did we forget all that? It seems to we are falling in unity because we continue to divide.

QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERNS BEING BACK ON CAMPUS?

“It’s scary because of whats going on in the news lately. You never really know who’s going to be wearing their masks.” — Emmanuel Garcia, business administration

“It’s concerning, because the people you thought were vaccinated aren’t and they feel comfortable not wearing their masks.” —Kendall Messer, speech communication

“Honestly not really, place seems pretty secure and friendly and I actually really like it here.” — Lennon Glaze, mathematics

“With the delta variant that spreads easier, especially in a class I’m in, there has been several people out with COVID.” — Jojo Quiroga, computer programming


VIKING&CHILL

• The Chinese soft-shelled turtle urinates from its mouth. • Fashion designer Michael Kors’ first project was a redesign of his own mother’s wedding dress, at her second marriage. He was 5 years old at the time. • Too much sunlight can damage the algae that live inside shallow-water coral and are the main source of its sustenance. To protect this algae, the corals fluoresce, creating proteins that essentially serve as a sunscreen. • The Greek national anthem consists of 158 verses. • We all know hiccups can be annoying, but at least they tend to pass quickly — unless you were Charles Osborne, who began hiccupping in 1922 after a fall while attempting to weigh a hog before slaughtering it, and continued doing so for a total of 68 years. That’s an estimated 430 million hiccups! • Leeches have a brain in each of their 32 body segments. • Looking to expand your ice-cream palate? Masiwa, a cafe chain in South Korea, offers a black-hued, squid ink-flavored version, served in glasses with an octopus mascot. *** Thought for the Day: “The path of peace is not a passive journey. It takes incredible strength not to open a can of ‘whoop-ass,’ justifiably, when one’s button is pushed.” — T. F. Hodge

King Features Weekly Service

It’s notflying unusual cryofficial at weddings, •nKite istoan sportbutinin certain parts of China, weeping is a required Thailand. part of preparation for the big day. A month • It’sthey not tie unusual to cry weddings, before the knot, Tujiaatbrides will cry but in certain parts of China, weeping is for one hour each day. Ten days in, they’re a required partmothers; of preparation forafter the that, big joined by their ten days grandmothers, eventually day. A month and before they tieother the female knot, family Thecry practice is said to date Tujia members. brides will for one hour eachto China’s Warring States era when the mother day. Ten days in, they’re joined by their of a Zhao princess brokeafter downthat, in tears at her mothers; ten days grandwedding. mothers, and eventually n The Chinese soft-shelledother turtlefemale urinates family members. The practice is said to from its mouth. date China’s WarringMichael States era when n to Fashion designer Kors’ first project was a of redesign of his own mother’s the mother a Zhao princess broke wedding dress,atather herwedding. second marriage. He down in tears was 5 years old at the time.

7

August 30, 2021

By Lucie Winborne

n Too much sunlight can damage the algae that live inside shallow-water coral and are the main source of its sustenance. To protect this algae, the corals fluoresce, creating proteins that essentially serve as a sunscreen. n The Greek national anthem consists of 158 verses. n We all know hiccups can be annoying, but at least they tend to pass quickly — unless you were Charles Osborne, who began hiccupping in 1922 after a fall while attempting to weigh a hog before slaughtering it, and continued doing so for a total of 68 years. That’s an estimated 430 million hiccups! n Leeches have a brain in each of their 32 body segments. n Looking to expand your ice-cream palate? Masiwa, a cafe chain in South Korea, offers a black-hued, squid ink-flavored version, served in glasses with an octopus mascot.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Thought for the Day: “The path of peace is not a passive journey. It takes incredible strength not to open a can of ‘whoop-ass,’ justifiably, when one’s button is pushed.” — T. F. Hodge

Own your own business? Let your fellow © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc. Vikings know and maximize your profits!

Del Mar students can advertise in the Foghorn for as little as $10!

LIKE TO DRAW? The Foghorn News is always looking for talented artists. Stop by Room 215 in the Harvin Center for more information.

Drop by HC 215 or call 698-1246 for more information.


FITNESS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

8

Kate Burrill leads a yoga class in 2020. The classes will be offered again this semester from 1-2 p.m. Friday in the Kinesiology Building gym.

FOGHORN NEWS FILE

INTRAMURALS RETURNS WITH SEVERAL VIRTUAL EVENTS Intramural Sports will be offering the following virtual events this semester: n Yoga n 50,000 steps in a week Challenge n 1-Mile Virtual Run n Virtual Volleyball Passing Contest n Virtual 3-Point Contest n Bench Press n Virtual Free Throw Contest n Deadlift Competition n Burpee Contest n 100 Mile Challenge n Pull-Up Contest n Steps Challenge n Push-Up Contest

FRIDAY YOGA IS BACK

The department will offer yoga from 1-2 p.m. Friday in the Kinesiology Building gym. Mats will be provided.

Join for $0 Down + 1 MONTH FREE

HOW TO PARTICIPATE Visit the Del Mar College Intramural Sports website and select an activity. Read the instructions and requirements for the activity you have selected. Once you have completed the activity and have the required elements such as a video, picture or documentation according to the directions for your activity, submit the Intramural Sports Activity Entry Form. The top five in each event will be eligible for a champion T-shirt.

Check us out with this

7 DAY GYM PASS!

Join before your trial ends for

$0 Down + 1 Month FREE!

Valid at participating locations only. Restrictions may apply. See Club for details. Offer ends 9/30/21 PROMO CODE: STUDENT

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