thecollegian Issue 13 • Friday, April 26, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
INSIDE
SHOWCASING SPEECH & DEBATE
ANIMATED RESPONSES: Top, Jeff Toney, left, and Harry Mersmann debate against instructors keeping concealed firearms in the classroom during the Tuesday, April 23 speech and debate showcase in the Atherton Auditorium. Left, Scott Nelson gives an “after dinner” speech about how which decade was better, the 1990s or the 2000s. For more on the event, visit deltacollegian.net. PHOTOS BY JUSTIN TRISTANO
Spelling Bee Tillie Lewis Theater, 8 p.m. May 3 - May 5 Aspargus Festival Downtown Stockton April 26-April 28
FIND US
Scorecard numbers raise concern news@deltacollegian.net
Homeless veteran tells his tale of struggle Page 5
UPCOMING
JH
by christina cornejo
Hipster mentality grows at Delta Page 4
Student duo finds success founding two production companies Page 6
One free copy
Group advocates for feral felines to keep campus rodent free by james striplin news@deltacollegian.net
The environment on campus is managed by staff and students alike, but hidden behind every bush is a wild feline that keeps Delta in top shape. In a delicate balance, the cats of Delta eat wild rodents and in return a small group of cat enthusiasts feed, hydrate and watch over them. Claudia Mackey, a community education coordinator, is one of the said enthusiasts. She said there are more than 17 cats roaming freely on campus. When feral cats are found on campus, the group takes them to local veterinarians where the animals are spayed and neutered. The cats are then released back on campus. Many, though, are found good homes, said Mackey. “We probably found homes for 20 cats in the last five years,” said Mackey.
All cats at Delta are fed with donations, which comes from students and little events held by the group, including garage sales and raffles. This group runs roughly on $1,000 a year. “I bring three-gallon bags with me, but I usually don’t use three-gallons of food in one day,” said Mackey. Cats are only fed dry food, and altogether the animals eat about three pounds a day. This unofficial cat community was founded several years ago to deal with stray cats on campus, and was later disbanded. The group came back after a rising issue with rampant vermin. “We don't have much of a rodent problem because we have cats,” said Mackey. Anyone interested in helping the cats on campus can donate food or money to the cashiers’ office for the “campus cats.”
Less than half of all Delta College students have completed degrees or transferred to fouryear colleges in the past six years according to recent student performance statistics. On April 9, Delta released results of the California Community College system Student Success Scorecard, which measures student performance across different demographics and success indicators, such as completion and persistence rates. This follows new state law establishing the use of the tool across all state community colleges, including Delta. Although the rate of completions seems low, Interim Vice President of Instruction Matt Wetstein notes that not all first-time students who take classes at Delta do so with the intention of completing a degree. According to research by Peter Bahr of the University of Michigan, about 30 percent of those first-time students just experiment with EXPLORE one or two classes with no intention of completing a degree. THE SITE “They are taking one or two Visit http:// classis in topics; it could be book- scorecard. keeping, agriculture, or business cccco.edu classes. They are taking those to explore classes and going back out into the Student the workforce with those skills Success and making more money,” said Scorecard. Wetstein. “Those are successful students, but they may be totally missed by those statistics.” Other major findings in the scorecard showed that persistence rates are high, 72.5 percent of the student body returns from semester to semester, while the rate at the state level is at 65 percent. Additionally, there are higher persistence rates among students who are unprepared for college, rather than those who are prepared, suggesting that the college may be adequately addressing the needs of those students. However, findings from the scorecard also highlight the presence of an achievement gap among different ethnic groups. African-American students who come prepared for college have a 42.3 percent completion rate in contrast to the 81.3 percent rate among prepared Asian students. “We know we have some progress to make in closing the equity gap at the college, but the scorecard shows how strong our college is, and how committed the staff and faculty are to student success,” said Delta’s Board President Lisa Turner in a press release.
continued on PAGE 8
2
opinion
Issue 13 • April 26, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
EDITORIAL
Humanity prevails through a maelstrom of fear
W
e’ve all seen the photos of the explosions, the blood-stained streets and the injured victims. We’ve heard the stories from the people whose lives were feared for and we all watched in horror, the video footage of the dual bombings that took place April 15 at the Boston Marathon finish line. The tragic events of the bombings in Boston left many Americans disgusted and confused by the fact that another human being could inflict such pain on others. Similar to previous unexpected tragedies, government conspiracy theories have surfaced on the Web regarding who is responsible and enemy countries have been accused of releasing acts of terrorism against the United States. An uneasy feeling has once again covered our country and its people, leaving many feeling unsafe and uncertain where they have felt safe before. In the midst of all this chaos and confusion; we as a country have let fear, disgust and anger toward the people responsible for the horrific acts overshadow and blind us to the courageous and admirable acts of Boston Marathon‘s own “Good Samaritans.” In what many witnesses described as “a war zone,” police, emergencymedical technicians, random people and bystanders at the marathon risked their lives and reacted quickly to help victims they may or may not have known before. Boston residents all over the city were quick to respond and were willing to help
the victims of the bombings as well. These residents went as far as to open their homes to anyone who needed a place to stay. Some offered cars as shuttles. Other locals quickly brought food and drinks from their homes to help runners that were stranded when thousands of marathoners were abruptly stopped less than a mile from the finish. Businesses offered Internet connections to the victims in order for them to get a hold of their families. Restaurants offered free food. Another simple, yet admirable act from a bystander came from an elderly lady, who stood at the scene of the bombings and wept and prayed for the victims and the families of those affected by the tragic events, until she was moved by police officers and other personnel to a safer place. Random people were coined heroes the day of the bombings as well. Carlos Arrendondo, or as he is more famously known as “The Man in the Cowboy Hat,” was just another bystander, attending the marathon to honor the death of his son who was a Marine and had been killed in Iraq. His selfless courage highlighted him as a hero at the Boston Marathon. Arrendondo saved a man whose legs were blown off by the bombings, by pinching the victim’s severed arteries in his thigh closed and assisting the injured man to medical staff, all while offering him words of comfort. Other heroes from the marathons included numerous doctors, nurses and
medical personnel who were not on duty, but were quick to respond to wherever they were needed. One particular doctor, Dr. Vivek Shah was just about to finish running the marathon and as he approached the finish line, the first and second bombs had went off. Instead of running away from the scene, like many others, he ran to find his family who had been waiting for him. While looking for his family, news reports say Shah saw numerous people lying on the ground who were in need of a doctor. Without hesitation, Shah put his own worries about his family aside and assisted whoever needed it. Lastly, former New England Patriots Lineman Joe Andruzzi, already coined a hero on the football field, became a hero to a woman he never met before, as he helped evacuate her and her daughters from the bombing sites. Andruzzi and a team of about 21 other people, including his wife, had been running in the marathon in sponsorship of his foundation. That is when he saw the injured woman being carried by her two daughters and offered a helping hand. It’s so easy to forget the beauty in humanity when tragic events like the Boston marathon bombings take lives of the innocent. However, these stories that are just a few of the many stories, display there is still beauty in humanity. The good should reassure us that when evil strikes heroes will rise out of that situation to overcome it.
THE COLLEGIAN — SPRING 2013 Editor James Striplin News editor Brian Ratto Opinon editor Justin Tristano Entertainment & Sports editor Christopher Howze Feature editors Karina Ramirez & Valerie Smith Copy editor Haley Pitto
Staff Christina Cornejo Christian Covarrubias Victoria Davila Jermaine Davis Derrion Dunn Ashley Gordon Alyssa Gress Michael Johnson Shallena Johnson Valerie Lancer Sean Mendoza Andrea Masuret Salvador Ortiz Diane Rivera Sofia Sher Devin Valdez Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano
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Call (209) 954-5156 or email deltacollegian@gmail.com for more information.
Comments, letters and editorials with a byline represent the opinion of the writer, solely. This paper does not endorse or represent the opinions of the adviser, the mass communication department, the Fine Arts Division, the printer or San Joaquin Delta College administration.
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Mission statement The Collegian is a student run First Amendment newspaper that prides itself on its commitment to the students of San Joaquin Delta College while maintaining its independence of any outside influence. The Collegian will 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.
3
voice
Issue 13 • April 26, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
Financial aid standards are not enough by sofia sher
news@deltacollegian.net
A
ll Delta College students are required to take the assessment test before determining their entry level of English and math into the college class system. Although the purpose of these tests is to evaluate the student’s overall performance, I believe there should be a limit for passing or failing the test, as a way to get students better prepared for college. By giving students the opportunity to retake the test an unlimited amount of times, it seems that regardless of their score, upon the completion of the exam, most are eligible to receive financial aid. It’s time for Delta to rethink its system and give financial aid to those who meet their standards and are serious about their ambitions. I believe that students who score a high level on the assessment test deserve priority registration as well as financial
What’s
wrong with haley pitto
aid because they will master the challenge of proving that they are at a college level. The results should also determine whether or not the student will even qualify to be a “college student.” Without any requirements, I feel many students don’t take the test seriously. It’s like taking a test in math and knowing that you are guaranteed to pass the class. In that situation many wouldn’t even attempt to study, including myself. When I entered Delta in Fall 2009, I was unaware of the exam scoring system. I was upset when I received a 3 in Math because I was told the highest was a 6. I discovered however, that my 3 allowed me to skip over Math 80, and go straight into Math 82, intermediate algebra. “Test scores and multiple measures are used to assign level placements and make course recommendations regardless of testing outcome,” says Patrick Caffrey, Supervisor
with people?
of the Assessment Center. Students who receive a low score on the assessment test will have to take lower-level classes, which means they have to stay at Delta longer and receive financial aid longer than those whose test results are higher. Because Delta offers more math classes than English, the highest level of composition is 3. I feel that’s a pretty low standard for English majors like myself. When I get a 3, three years after graduating high school, than I believe that Delta needs to raise its standards. I also believe that students should need to take the composition exam after taking an English course, as a sign that they have improved. Adding more levels will also prepare them better for a fouryear university and beyond. We have already increased the levels for the math exam, so that we can better understand the level that students are at. Why can’t we do the same for English courses?
KNOW-IT-ALLS WHO THINK JUST THAT
hpitto2@hotmail.com
T
here’s always that one person. You know the one I’m talking about — the knowit-all. This guy (or girl) breaks into almost every conversation that someone is having, even if they aren’t a part of it. They always have something to yammer on about. They may be a lawyer, a student or unemployed by day, but consider themselves an expert on all things by night. They have a strong opinion on everything, even if they don’t know anything about the topic or the people involved. These people just do not know when to be quiet and mind their own business. They enjoy disrupting a perfectly nice conversation just to hear the sound of their own voice. When dealing with a knowit-all you must approach the situation with one of two things: extreme patience for the attention seeking chatterbox or the ability to drown
out what they are saying while pretending you are actually listening. Never attempt to argue with a know-it-all because they will use this as an opportunity to reel you into a debate on something you probably don’t even care about. Finally when you are so annoyed that you want to slap them, they’ll push that last button just to see you get angry because to them that means they’ve won. You didn’t really expect to win a debate with them did you? A know-it-all is tough to deal with, especially when you have to work with them or they are in the same class. Know-it-alls generally like to talk. They enjoy hearing themselves screech. Because they are always “right.” They think the words they speak are equivalent to the Gospel and you should listen while they preach to you. If you listen to the know-it-
all, you may find out that your favorite color is not green but actually blue and your sister is having a boy not a girl, even though she’s only a month along. What they say usually comes in large groups of information at an alarming rate of speed you think (and secretly wish) their jaw will fall off. They do this so no one can interject or voice their thoughts because, Heaven forbid, someone else have a turn to talk, for they may prove the know-it-all wrong. They also speak at the volume of a small earthquake because they can easily tune out the opinions of others whether they are similar or different from their own. If you happen to prove a know-it-all wrong, I applaud you for your work. If you are the know-it-all, please do us all a favor and pipe down! Usually know-it-alls are the reason someone bothers to ask, what’s wrong with people?
THE
10 Percent
with Brian Ratto
Unified voices against unwarranted hate
W
eeks after the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding marriage equality and DOMA, the LGBTQ+ community fights hate with Day of Silence. The 2013 National Day of Silence was held April 19. The Delta College Delta Pride Club participated with a silent vigil on campus, with “selfies” that include a personal statement advocating for change. Personally, I wore white and black and was silent for most of the day. I was not silent as a follower of the movement, but in remembrance that the world has a long way to go to become a better place. I dedicate my vigil every year to Matthew Shepard, a student murdered by two homophobic men in Laramie, Wyoming. Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson offered Shephard a ride home on an October night in 1998. That ride would be Shephard’s last. The 21-year-old college student was found beaten, half dead and tied to a fence on the outskirts of town, he died a few days later. Since his death his parents Dennis and Judy Shepard founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The foundation is non-profit organization that vows to “replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance via outreach education and advocacy” wanting to persuade people to think and behave differently in regards to the importance and value of diversity. The foundation has multiple ways to promote the cause with a speaking bureau, a youth-outreach program called “Matthew’s Place,” the Laramie Project Support, education resources and a “Small Bear Big Dreams” educational program. Besides just the foundation there are other organizations to help combat hate-based violence. One organization helping LGBTQ+ teens feel they are not alone is the Trevor Project. Founded in 1998 by James Lecense, Peggy Rajski and Randy Stone in regards to their coming of age movie about a 13-yearold boy named Trevor who was teased by the children at school for having a crush on the most popular boy in school. The filmmakers noticed there was no crisis or suicide prevention line for other LGBTQ+ youth, so they opened one. The Trevor Project has combined forces with the Human Rights Campaign. As America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality the Human Rights Campaign works by inspiring and engaging all Americans to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. Recently they spurred a social media campaign of a pink equal sign on a red background, a variation of their yellow equality sign on a blue background, to urge Americans to support the fight for marriage equality in regards to the supreme court hearing the appeal of California Proposition 8 and Defense of Marriage Act. Together all of these organizations are working to change the way American society looks at the LGBTQ+ community one event, campaign and person at a time. The Day of Silence asks one question: What are you going to do to end the silence? Personally I advocate by speaking out, being active in the LGBTQ+ community and writing a blog, oshenukharr. wordpress.com.
4
feature
HOMELESS VETERAN REFLECTS ON LIFE, SERVICE
Issue 13 • April 26, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
by valerie smith
by karina ramirez
The term “hipster” has become generalized as a trend in the Delta college community. As of late we see more and more students donning clothing from thrift stores and vintage boutiques, or so we think. In actuality mainstream consumers are striving to achieve this look from popular clothing franchises such as Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and American Eagle. The hipster look is classified as tight jeans, throwback sneakers, plaid shirts, thick-rimmed glasses, beanies, Toms shoes, handle bar mustaches, side-swept bangs and ankle cleavage. Being a hipster is much more than a trending fad, it’s a lifestyle. The subculture has been around for years. Tiffany Pech, a 19-year-old Delta College freshman, doesn’t classify herself. “It’s just another label for people, but I don’t really care. The word hipster doesn’t bother me,” she said. Often times real hipsters get offended by the categorization, but Pech does not. “It’s kind of weird that it (hipsters) got popular, they dress the style but get it at like Forever 21 or something,” said Pech. Thrifting is a staple for hipsters, and not just to look cool as Macklemore’s popular song “Thrift shop” has made it. “Come on I’ve been poppin’ tags forever, and now you want to pop tags with me,” said Pech laughing. “Didn’t see many people popping tags in high school.” Pech has a unique style which many may say is hipster, but is unique and TIFFANY PECH definitive. PHOTOS BY VALERIE SMITH “I do thrift I’ve been doing it since high school, but personally I’m just a broke college student,” said Pech. “And it’s like treasure hunting digging through the trash to find the treasure.” There are many other stigmas to being a hipster, such as: they all ride bikes, eat organic food, work at coffee shops, and love Indie bands-and underground artists. Although a majority of stigmas can hold truth, it is not something which true “hipsters” seek out, it is a general belief of their intellectual personalities. “Riding bikes, for instance, not all people do it to be cool or eco-friendly,” said Pech. “Most of us just don’t have money for gas, and it’s an easy way to get around.” She has worked at Empresso coffee shop located on Miracle Mile for about two years. “This place is hipster central,” said Pech. Many of her friends visit Empresso on a regular basis. The low-lighting, and vintage feel gives a relaxed vibe, as well as the cool Indie tunes. Pech is also majoring in art, and one of her pieces is on Exhibit in the L.H. Horton Gallery. Certain stereotypes of a hipster hold truth for Pech, but it is not something she is trying to achieve it is a natural part of life for her. “I’m just myself, I’m not trying to be cool or anything,” she said. Today the hipster lifestyle is trending, but let’s see how long it lasts for the trend followers. For Pech, it is a lasting form of her natural being.
Roland Lewis Miller is one of the 19,000 homeless veterans in California. From 1968 to 1992, his life was dedicated to the United States Army. Over the course of a 24-year career he served in Vietnam and Grenada. He has battle wounds to prove it. The 62-year-old pushes a wheelchair full of every personal item he owns down the streets of Stockton each day, including the backpack he used when he was a lieutenant. “Homeless vet needs help,” a sign attached to the chair reads. When night comes, Miller pitches his tent in the same place. Police no longer hound him. “They realized that I’m harmless. I’m not going to hurt anybody,” he said. Soon, his presence may no longer form a threat thanks to the proposal of a homeless “bill of rights.” The bill by assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) aims to take away the criminal aspect of being homeless. It cleared the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. The Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights and Fairness Act will assist Miller; under the act he cannot be denied employment because of his housing status. Miller said he has placed dozens of applications to potential employers in the past week. “I just need some work. If I don’t know I’ll learn. I catch on fast,” he said. Miller, a former sniper, said he is a decorated veteran with a Bronze Star and is a two-time Purple Heart recipient. He also served three tours in Vietnam, and was wounded in an unlikely area. “We got overrun and had to go undercover … I was horizontal diving into
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news@deltacollegian.net
Will the real
HIPSTERS
please stand up
Mangonada makes mouths water by christian covarrubias news@deltacollegian.net
Mangonada, a trendy summer food trend, is becoming a treat of choice in Stockton. “ I have been eating mangonadas for a couple years now and I love them,” said Nathan Oreiro of Stockton. “I am glad to see that everybody is finally catching on to this new trend because you have not lived until you have tried one of these things.” The contents of this new craze are somewhat simple. You start off with mango-flavored ice cream that can be purchased at most grocery stores. The ice cream is then mixed with hand chopped mangos. DELICIOSO: Mangonada treat available at United Mexican Ice Cream shop. PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN COVARRUBIAS
Once it gets into the cup it is topped of with a mix of chili spices and tamarind candy. A straw gives this dessert a final touch. It’s wrapped with Mexican candy to give it that extra kick. This mouthwatering treat is sold locally at United Mexican Ice Cream shop and has interested many. People travel from as far as San Jose to try the mangonada. Mangonadas is priced at $5. “I know the drink is kind of expensive but, so is ice cream at Cold Stone or Baskin Robbins. I rather purchase a mangonada any day then a generic cookies and cream ice cream cone,” said Gabriel Sanchez of Stockton. The store is located at 712 Eighth Street, right off Interstate 5. United Mexican Ice Cream shop is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday. The store only accepts cash.
CHILL: From top left, Christian Anaya, Jerome Arevalpo, Harveer Singh and Denzel Foronda.
Anthropology Club makes a comeback on campus by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net
When Delta College students think of joining the campus Anthropology club, the first thing that may come to mind is bones and primates, but the club can offer much more than that. Alex Coburn, a current Delta student recently refounded the club. He said it offers a chance to “help students get their foot through the door in research.” The idea to start the club came about this semester. It’s “all students driven, fun and educational,” said Dr. Peggy Scully-Linder, the club’s advisor and physical anthropology instructor. “I think it’s a great idea since this a commuting campus,” said Scully, “Instead of just getting in your car and driving home right after class, students can join our little community.” Coburn, president of the current club, got his interest in anthropology in adolescence. “I’ve wanted to go into anthropology since I was six-years old,” he said. “My mom gave me a book about archaeology and that’s when I realized someone would pay me for digging in the dirt.” Coburn is also a volunteer at Micke Grove Park
and Zoo in Lodi, which is the club’s next planned trip. “I teach people about the animals, primarily primates,” said Coburn. The club held a Titanic Tea Party event in Danner Hall on April 15. The event offered students to take a look at Titanic memorabilia and partake in tea, crumpets and scones. This event is among others the club has had, including: an Oak Grove park and museum trip, nature walks and a St. Patrick’s Day cookie sale, where club members educated passersby about the history of the holiday. The club plans to also have a detailed tour of Julia’s House, a Stockton historical landmark. Since the club started mid semester, the members haven’t had many resources for trip plans. “When we get a better start next year our fundraisers will be more numerous and allow us to take more extravagant trips,” said Scully-Linder. The club meets Tuesdays in Holt 125 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and also on Wednesdays in the Rauhuff board room in Shima from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Scully-Linder encourages students to join and learn about different studies of anthropology. “I’m always there for the students or at least I try to be as much as I can, it’s my job,” said Scully-Linder.
a foxhole, got grazed by an AK [ak-47 bullet] and lost half my [butt] cheek. I didn’t even know I was hit,” he said. In the U.S. invasion of Grenada, a hand grenade severely damaged his right arm. Three months out of combat, Miller had an altercation with a fellow lieutenant that ended his military career. “I made a stupid mistake,” he said. “‘Cause of all the years and decorations that I have, they couldn’t dishonorably discharge me,” he added. Miller’s powerful warstory telling voice starts to tremble when speaking of his second wife. Tears swell in his eyes PHOTOS BY VALERIE SMITH when describing her death. SCARS TELL HIS STORY: Roland Lewis Miller, 62, She died in his arms due to shows the battle wound he recieved in Grenada. cancer. “I didn’t recover after. It beat me up so bad, I almost “There’s so many of us out here that lost the will to live,” Miller said. turn to drugs, turn to hurting people, robThe couple had two sons together. beries. I refuse, I will not take the easy way Miller said both are currently serving in out,” Miller said. the Marines. He’s sought help at the Stockton ShelMiller keeps in contact with them by ter for the Homeless. cell phone. He didn’t consider the experience posiHe and his sons rotate payment for the tive, specifically because of the close-quarmonthly phone bill. ters with others. “Just because I’m homeless doesn’t “How’d you like to be shoulder to mean they don’t love me. They love me to shoulder … you don’t even know the man death, but right now they have their own laying next to you, smells … It’s disgustfamilies to worry about,” he said. ing,” he said. Due to the discharge, he no longer has Although he is a combat veteran, he a pension. is not exempt from the horrifying crimes He has access to full medical and dental against the homeless. He’s been threatened coverage, but no income supporting him. with guns, and verbally assaulted. Miller
recalls profanity-laced taunts. “I have more positive encounters than I do negative, but the positive ones aren’t as toll taking as the negatives are. The negative stick with you, and make you hold a grudge,” he said. By the end of this month, Miller would like homelessness to be part of his past. He hopes all the applications he’s turned in will result in a permanent job. For Miller, the path to an easier life can be accomplished if the Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights moves further as a bill. “I love this country, there’s no other place in the world I’d rather live. This country can be good to everybody, we have to be good to it,” Miller said.
AN ARTIST PASSAGE
Fashion student’s passion grew from childhood by wisdom-shallena johnson news@deltacollegian.net
Turn up the creative glam. It’s fashion, not function. For many up and coming designers at Delta, fashion is more like a way of life. For them, fashion is art. Peachez Smith, 29, is a Fashion Design student, who already has experience designing for a production. “I have always been into fashion since I was a child. It started from watching my mom get dressed before she would go out on an evening shindig, or get up and ready for work. Just the way she would match everything to perfection,” Smith said. This spring, Smith will receive a Design certificate and plans to finish up her general education within the next few semester with associate’s degree. “I have experience in styling, visual merchandising, costume designing, accessory designing, as well as retailing. I plan on gaining much more experience once I finish school. My future plans in fashion is to continue to design costumes that have the naked eye thinking outside of the box,” she said. “I plan to continue to design accessories with my business partners Tareka McClellan and Shaunta Wilson. I also have another goal up my sleeve, but that is one you will all have to wait and see.” Smith’s sense of style has captured fashion followers, as she
steals the scene on stage. Smith says her inspiration comes not from high-end designers, but from her audience. “It’s the customer that is blown away by her new pair of earrings she is having a hard time believing I did by hand. It’s my creative team I work with that keeps me inspired,” she said. Not only is she a Fashion Designer model, she’s a good luck charm for actors and actresses too. “My other major inspirations developed as I developed costumes for a play production called “Dam/aged” written by Bronche TaySon as well as when two other women and I started to start our own accessory business, QT’S Accessories. Because of my desire to push talents, I then decided to return to school,” she said. Tayson is also a Delta College student. In today’s fashion industry, Smith is sure to bring her creative skills to the table. “I do have a passion to design my own things, but it will more so be costumes and accessories. I do not design my own clothes that I wear on a daily, but I will quickly go to the thrift store, items from previous decades and revamp them to something that goes with me.” After Delta, she looks forward to continue her masters on the East Coast. “I will let God continue to guide my path,” she said.
6
entertainment
Issue 13 • April 26, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
Delta students create dual production companies by brian ratto
produce professional portfolios. Johnson wants to help talented individuals and those with the passion learn build a career and knowledge in multimedia. Delta College students Wisdom-Shallena Johnson and Johnson’s professional production company has created Ashley Gordon are bringing together talented students in opportunities for clients spanning from California to Las various areas from multimedia to work. The duo has paired up to put together a production com- Vegas. “We specialize in creating ideas for skit comedy shows, pany and television network, Wisdom B4 Hate (WB4H) films, sitcoms, news, sports, music videos, reality shows, Productions and CWN11 (the Choose Wisely Network). “After my internship with KCRA and how lame I felt commercials and children programs,” said Johnson. Johnson has a large number of students working with it was, I just really wanted to get out there! I her and Gordon. just wanted to tell the story, build my skills, THE UNDIVIDED One such individual is David Cannon, so that I could go back as an intern with more confidence,” said Gordon. “Wisdom Sat. April 27 at 7 p.m. who started working with Johnson when now has a place to broadcast all of her mate- WB4H and CWN11 wil he was 16 and has been with the company rial out of, and I now have a place I can call host a launch party/ fund- from the beginning. Currently there are 8 interns at WB4H my reporting home.” raising event held at Chez Gordon started the company as a means to Shari’s 305 N. Union Rd. Productions and CWN. Delta students work as interns for the start the journey of building her skills. Manteca . (209) 825-8524 company in writing, acting, operating the The name for WB4H came from thinkcamera, working audio and hosting shows. ing first and taking action after you reach a final decision. WB4H has recieved multiple awards including 9 at Being creative in whatever you choose to do with your life. The slogan of WB4H is “choose wisely” which lead to the 2012 Multimedia Film Festival. Johnson won the first the name of the CWN11. The number represents the day Marsha Posner Williams Radio-Television Scholarship. With the help of her brother, Johnson was able to the name was chosen, Nov. 11. The two companies were formed in 2011 to provide purchase her company name. The company utilizes labs the latest information and give the chance for interns to within the RTV studio.
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We’re here for you!
PHOTO COURTESY OF WISDOM-SHALLENA JOHNSON
HARD WORKING AND PASSIONATE DUO: Ashley Gordon, left, and Wisdom-Shallena Johnson.
“When Marsha came around, I put on my great impression suit, only for her to like me for me,” said Johnson. “I was more impressed with her, she became an inspiration to me.” Since then, the company has gained funding from clientele and continues to aid in the education of people interested in the world of multimedia.
New sports biopic cuts against the grain with a focus more on the man, not the sport jermaine davis
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“42” is a biography film that tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first AfricanAmerican accepted into Major League Baseball. Robinson wore the number 42 as a player, hence the title. Directed by Brian Helgeland, this inside look into Robinson’s journey stars Chadwick Boseman in the leading role, and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The late Robinson was one of the most influential African-American athletes to ever play sports in American History. The film provides a lot of information on sports and history during the 1940’s, and what it was truly like for an African-American who was breaking color barriers. When watching “42," I didn’t find myself focusing on the personalities of the characters, instead the fight for equality and the understanding of one another as human beings grabbed my attention. In 1945, Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, had an idea that he knew would be controversial, bringing an African-American to Major League Baseball, to play for his team. Later on in the film his personal motivations and feelings come up providing a nice emotional beat that helped define a character who could’ve been two dimensional. The film starts strong putting you right in the action, as we see a younger Robinson, stealing bases and making fun of the opposing team catcher, while he was a member of the Negro Baseball League. Though he wasn’t considered the best player in the Negro League Baseball by many, Rickey believed that Robinson had the right composure to handle the scrutiny and racial taunts that would come his way. On April 15, 1947 for the first time in America, an African-American played Major League Baseball as a Brooklyn Dodger. In honor of him all major teams retired the number 42 on the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s first game, with the exception being every April 15 where players show their appreciation by wearing his number. Despite it being simply baseball, Robinson helped plant the seeds for civil rights in America for African-Americans, before Rosa Parks, Malcolm X or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What’s unique about “42” is that it focuses on the man Jackie Robinson himself, and not so much on the game of Baseball. The restrain that Robinson shows repeatedly throughout the film, from lashing out at the criticism he endured from fans, teammates and reporters, is what I really liked most about the film. The next time I’m being harassed or put under pressure, I’ll say to myself “What would Jackie Robinson do.” 4 out of 5
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sports
Issue 13 • April 26, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
Kings’ fate in question
Lakers soldier on despite star player’s injury
by diane rivera
news@deltacollegian.net
news@deltacollegian.net
The Sacramento Kings just finished the season, but this could be the last the team sees in the capital city unless a decision can be reached about the Kings’ future. The potential sale of the Kings may result in the team moving to Seattle and could be settled as early as next week, with a final decision coming next month. It’s been a few years of the same questions: Will they? Or won’t they? The general thought is maybe they should leave. Sean Reilly is a student at Delta College and the host of DJ Slugger’s sports talk show with the campus Radio-Television program. “The Kings are not bringing in too many people, and as a result they need to move because Sacramento isn’t a basketball city and they are not ready for their own team,” he said. All of this may be coming to an end very soon, silencing the many months of speculation leading up to this. NBA Commissioner David Stern called this situation the most “wrenching” of his career. A committee is reviewing the bid
made by the Seattle group that is interested in buying the Kings from the Maloof family. There is a contingent, including Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, that is trying to keep the Kings in California. Discussions on the matter are expected next week. A vote by the NBA Board of Governors should take place as soon as May 8. The current owners, the Maloof family, need to first approve the move. In January, the Maloofs were able to reach a settlement in the sale of the Kings. Recently, more people have become more interested in buying the Kings, which would allow them to stay in Sacramento. The commissioners wanted to stress that there will be no bidding war between the Maloofs and wealthy buyers. “I think they will move because they have been trying to ask the city if they can leave Sacramento, but I think the only way they would stay would be if they could get a new arena,” said Daniel Whelan, a radio and television student in the sports department. Will the Sacramento Kings really move and become the Seattle Kings? Only time will tell.
by sean mendoza The NBA playoffs began on Sunday, April 21 for the top eight teams in both the Eastern and Western conferences. The star-studded playoffs feature superstars Lebron James of the Miami Heat and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which both led their teams to a number one seed in their respectable conferences. However, one team participating without its superstar is the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant went down with a torn Achilles tendon on April 13 during a regular season game against the Golden State Warriors. Bryant was driving to the basket as usual when all of a sudden he took a hard step with his left foot and he fell to the ground instantly. After getting up, Bryant knocked down two free throws and walked to the bench with a limp. The Lakers won the game, but lost more than was realized at the time. It was announced after the game that Bryant would undergo an MRI the next day, which showed that he suffered an Achilles tendon tear. It’s forced Bryant to sit out the rest of
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the season, including the playoffs. It was pointed out that the injury might have occurred due to the heavy workload he’s been giving the Lakers the whole season just to get them in the playoffs. Bryant averaged 39 minutes a game and at 34-years old, that’s a lot of work on the court. Bryant had an emotional rant on his Facebook page the night his injury happened. He guaranteed the Lakers will make the playoffs and that they will be fine without him because of the other all-stars that will lead this team. Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace and Steve Nash are all looked upon by legions of Laker fans to carry the load the rest of the way. No one is expected a lot more from than Howard, the man fans believe will carry the torch when Bryant retires. Kobe underwent a successful MRI and was given a time schedule of six to nine months of being sidelined. The superstar vowed to return to the court and promised a quick recovery. The Lakers clinched the seventh seed and are scheduled to battle the second seed San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
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Issue 13 • April 26, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
Earth Day promotes being green, brings world together by valerie lancer news@deltacollegian.net
The 43rd annual Earth Day was celebrated on April 22. Senator Gaylord Nelson (DWisconsin) created this day to spark awareness of environmental issues and the consequences of our bad habits, such as littering, taking hour-long showers and leaving appliances plugged in all day while at work or school. He chose April 22 because there was no interference or clashing with other holidays. Earth Day goes back to the 1960s during the Vietnam War protests and still lives on. Some Earth Day celebration rituals include planting trees, recycling and much more. Earth Day used to be a day of politics and protests, rallies and statements, rights and wrongs. It is a day in great support of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Endangered Species acts. The first Earth Day was scheduled on Arbor Day 1970, hence, the reason for planting so many trees on this holiday. For Earth Day 2013, volunteers in Veracruz, Mexico spent their time cleaning up beaches to create a healthy living space for sea turtles, students from Jalandhar, India spent their time
planting saplings in their hometown and in Seoul, Korea, fans of “Gangnam Style� singer Psy performed a flash mob version of “Eco-style.� New York City’s Grand Central Terminal held live performances, activities for the children and talks on sustainability with free admission, spreading awareness of environmental unhealthiness. Sims Recycling Solutions in Roseville attempted to break a Guinness World Record for “most consumer electronics recycled within 24 hours� in order to celebrate this environmentalawareness holiday. An Earth Day event was also held in Stockton at Victory Park on Sunday, April 21. Earth Day Network is the coordinator which has brought over 175 countries together to celebrate Earth Day and participate in “green� activities such as planting trees, recycling, cleaning up litter, riding bikes and much more. Americans have become less aware and less caring about the environmental issues of today. The year after Earth Day was created, 63 percent felt cleaning up the environment was “very important,� according to The Huffington Post. That same poll now says only 39 percent feel this way.
PHOTO BY ALYSSA GRESS
Faces of Dance brings culture of movement to stage by alyssa gress
news@deltacollegian.net
Faces of Dance was an exciting evening with talented dance groups from the community sharing and demonstrating artistry, culture and love for the art of dance. The styles included ranged from traditional cultural dances like those of India, to ballet, interpretive, Vaudeville, all the way to hip hop. The performances were composed of dancers that attend Delta, as well as some help for local dance companies like Dance Connection and
New Dance Company. The interpretive dances were beautiful story telling performances with no words. The Vaudeville performance added a bit of whimsy with the use of theatrics and props. The hip hop dances had the crowd clapping along and wanting to jump out of those seats and on to the stage to join the party. The big hit performances of the night were the large group performances. The crowd amped up when all dancers were on the stage together doing their own thing.
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Sister speaks against drunk driving by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net
Mia Deiro Douglass, the sister of Dominick Deiro, fallen victim of a drunk driving tragedy, is set to speak on Tuesday, April 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Upper Danner. The family’s decision to educate others with responsible drinking and driving has turned into a citywide program known as the Dominic Designated Driver (DDD) program.
SCORECARD: College to set goals
continued from PAGE 1 While the overall achievement gap is an issue for Delta College to address, it remains a few points lower than the statewide gap, giving a positive look on the small successes that the college has been able to maintain. Wetstein also identified the timing of the recession as a factor in the data. “When these students were going to school, 2006 to 2007 was the start of the recession. We started cutting classes. We got rid of weekend classes, evening classes, ESL, and basic skills classes, which led to a negative ability for students to get classes,� he said. “I’m proud of the fact that this number didn’t drop more.� It remains to be seen how Delta college plans to improve student performance over the next few years. Wetstein discussed the need for the college to set its own goals for acceptable rates of success, but he has a positive outlook on the statistics. “Students are validating how good this college is. It’s really positive when you start looking at persistence and completion. We really look good as a college,� he said.
He chose to make a difference. Chose to get a degree. To learn new skills. And it was all made possible by the National Guard.
Contact Sergeant Arturo Alcantar at 209.496.5060
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