The Collegian -- Published Nov. 22, 2013

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Issue 6 • Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

INSIDE

LOSING THE STATIC

Proposed cell phone tower could bring in more than $21,000 a year for campus by kenneth huntley news@deltacollegian.net

Delta’s basketball team looks to beat previous record Page 10

Delta College’s cell-phone dead zone may soon be a thing of the past — if you’re an AT&T cell phone owner.

In the coming months Delta will be leasing land to New Cingular Wireless PCS, a subsidiary company of AT&T. According to Director of Facilities Management Michael Garr the location of the cell phone

Search for best burgers in San Joaquin County Page 2

tower will be along the property line of the main campus, near the north warehouse.

“The Negotiating is in planning stages,” said Garr.

“There is currently no firm date on when the cell phone tower will be built,” said Garr.

The contract is for 25 years, but due to Delta College being a public institution the contract would have to be reviewed every five years, he added.

Student Juan Velaquez wondered if Delta really needed the cell phone tower, particularly when it is a non-educational item.

“We’re at Delta to learn. Go off campus to call,” he said.

Student Raquel Rodriguez said it is “essentially a cool idea, it’s just not necessary.”

One of the main reasons for installing a tower is security.

With the addition of a cell phone tower on campus, accessing Delta College Police easier. Staff and students will not have to worry as much about dropped calls in an emergency.

The college is asking for an option to have three additional antennas installed on

City to hire more officers after measures pass

Student aspires to be McDonald’s ‘voice’ Page 11

by hannah stevens news@deltacollegian.net

UPCOMING Jazz Ensemble holds a Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Nov 25 Women’s basketball vs. DeAnza College at 3 p.m. on Nov. 27

FIND US

top of the cell phone tower for other carriers, said Garr.

The cost of the tower will be “in excess of $100,000” to build, said Garr. Delta will not be financially responsible for the construction of the tower.

The wireless company will be.

Delta will earn more than $21,000 a year through leasing the land.

Staff and students can feel rest at ease with the knowledge of a cell phone tower being built, as there are no known health risks with a cell phone tower being placed on campus, Garr stated.

The American Cancer Society website backs up what Garr said, in respects to cell phone tower technology.

Specifically it states that people whom are on the ground far from the top of the tower where the frequency is at its strongest, will not be affected.

PHOTO BY KARINA RAMIREZ

COMMEMORATION: The Puente Club placed a photo of deceased member Emmanuel Ruiz on a Dia de Los Muertos altar.

Puente Club honors memory of member by karina ramirez deltacollegian@gmail.com

The Delta Puente Club is grieving the loss of a fellow member, 27-year-old Delta Student Emmanuel Ruiz.

Ruiz was killed during a Nov. 8 home invasion.

According to KCRA, two other members of Ruiz’s family died as well, leaving only two survivors, including a six-yearold boy.

Puente Club President Sofy Bobadilla has placed a picture of Ruiz on the Dia de Los Muertos altar in the library to honor him.

The altar is a collaboration between the Art and Puente clubs to commerorate the Mexican holiday of Dia de Los Muertos.

“He actually helped us set up,” said Bobadilla said. “It was a shock.”

See PUENTE, Page 11

Measure A will increase the sales tax in the city of Stockton by 3/4 of a cent. Measure B gave voters the chance to give opinion on what the Measure A tax money will be used for.

The passing of Measure B affirms the majority of voters would like 65 percent of the funds to go toward paying for law enforcement and crime prevention services.

The remaining 35 percent will refill the city’s general fund in an effort to end bankruptcy.

Only 28,312 registered voters participated in this election.

Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva posted on his official Facebook page that the “difference is 1,050 votes in a city of 300,000 people.”

“No matter how you voted on Measure A, I wanted you to

be aware of how the ‘few’ can make significant change for the ‘many,’” said Silva on the page.

An analysis in the official ballot from City Attorney John Luebberke before the election said: “The proposed transactions and use (sales) tax is a general tax because the City can use the tax revenue for any legal municipal purpose.”

This means Stockton can use the funds for legal purposes, even though Measure B has passed. The city put Measure B on the ballot to get voter opinion on the issue.

Silva posted on his official Facebook page that he will make sure the city will respect the voter opinion voiced by the passing of Measure B. “Now Stockton has the relief to exit Bankruptcy and hire more Police. I will ensure that the money is spent

See POLICE, Page 11

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opinion

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Burger Wars

IN SEARCH OF DELICIOUS

by chris howze

news@deltacollegian.net

E

very town has one, a small mom and pop burger place to call their own.

Special places where it might not be as fast or as cheap as a McDouble, make up for that in spades with size, taste and atmosphere.

Recently, a burger place called The Habit Burger Grill opened up in Stockton.

The line is constantly out the door, even with an In-N-Out burger nearby.

The popularity of this new location inspired our staff to go around the valley and seek the best local burgers.

The Habit, despite the hype it had garnered from friends and associates, was just good, but not amazing like I had heard.

The establishment was nice and the employees were quick, but the food itself was just average.

For as much as I was paying for a burger, I was hoping for something a

little bit meatier, even a double was still no bigger than a Big Mac. On top of that, the fries were tasteless.

I don’t live in Stockton. I live in Escalon, located about 25 miles away, where we have a different go-to hamburger, Hula’s.

Located off the Highway 120, the establishment sticks out immediately with palm trees contrasting everything else around it.

For such a small and singular place it has a lot going on with free wifi, a drive thru and and indoor/outdoor dining area.

Hula’s also pays host regularly to classic cars, with the parking lot overfilled with old codgers showing off 1950s to 1960s pristine examples of American automotive prowess.

The best part comes when you actually take a bite of the food.

The sweet potato fries are so tasty they could be their own food group, and the regular fries — while not spectacular — taste like actual fries and not

empty ghosts of potatoes long gone.

Meals come with a little complimentary cup of half chocolate, half vanilla ice cream.

If you order to go, the employees give the ice cream first while you wait for your main course.

With the tag line “Best burgers in the Valley,” it’s pertinent that it does a good job at living up to that claim.

The burgers are perfectly cooked and just the right size, not puny like most fast food joints but not draconian in their girths that makes your heart just wants to call it a day.

I asked for the Bacon Cheeseburger and much to my surprise and satisfaction, there was almost as much bacon as there was hamburger. Slap on some awesome honey mustard and it’s time to work out your coronaries.

In Manteca there’s Chubby’s. The restaurant off Main Street is like something out of “Back to the Future.”

Upon entering the restaurant, you leave 2013 and go back to 1955.

Bandstand is playing on the radio, the tiles and tables are checkerboard.

The walls are decorated with memorabilia from the era.

While the burg-

ers are good, and so is the breakfast, I might add, the best part about Chubby’s is the bread. The hamburger buns are made freshly in store and really give the food a unique identity.

Voices from newsroom burger lovers Foster’s Freeze, Lodi

Squeeze Inn, Tracy

Foster’s Freeze, an old-fashioned burger stand in Lodi, is like many others of its kind, frozen in time while wedged in a tiny space between bigger, newer business areas.

Think of the house from “Up.” While Foster’s biggest draw is its nostalgia factor in town, most people are going for the ice cream and shakes, not so much the burgers.

The burgers fulfill a standard for what you expect out of a decent burger, and pass for a good lunchtime meal, but have little extra to offer flavorwise to make them stand above the crowd.

When you eat the fries they don’t quite work well with the burger and are very bland, especially when compared with the fries of fast food restaurants.

Foster’s has a certain charm that keeps people going back, and the owners are very friendly with most people in town.

You can enjoy a shake in the company of people you probably see everyday.

Even if it doesn’t offer a full gourmet culinary experience, Foster’s doesn’t need it in order to keep a slice of old-fashioned Americana alive.

The dining experience at any version of the notorious Squeeze Inn can be summed up in two words: cheese skirt.

It’s big. It’s gooey. And it defines what makes burgers at this known Sacramentofounded so delicious.

The Tracy version of the hamburger joint, located at 2742 Naglee Road near the West Valley Mall, opened in 2012. The only San Joaquin County Squeeze doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a hearty meal.

The top item is the Squeezeburger, a 1/3-pound all-beef patty served up on a warm sesame bun. Regular toppings for the burger include mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickle, tomato, onion and lettuce.

The burger is intimidating. It takes some gastrointestinal fortitude to conquer, particularly as the patron eats through the thick forest of toppings.

But the burger just doesn’t have the pizazz of the Squeezeburger with Cheese, which is also served with mushrooms or bacon depending on the order.

— christina cornejo, opinion editor

The cheesy version is like a gift from the hamburger heavens: hearty with a savory taste.

The skirt is the selling point. Shredded cheese is thrown on the patty as it cooks, creating an abundant layer on the hamburger.

The rest of the cheese creates a border around the burger and becomes a mix of melt and crisp.

It’s nearly impossible to eat without a logistical plan of action.

Some suggestions: Fold it in. Eat it piece by piece before consuming the burger. Take small bites one at a time to minimize the cheese halo.

Whatever the preferred method, one thing is sure: You will not leave the Squeeze Inn hungry.

It’s affordable too, with a meal costing about $12 with fries – regular and sweet potato are options – and a drink.

— tara cuslidge-staiano, newspaper adviser

3

opinion

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

First holidays for foreign exchange student

Delta student is getting a new view on the season through the eyes of a foreigner by brianna torres news@deltacollegian.net

E

ating copious amounts of turkey.

The scent of delicious, homemade confections. Waking up at 2 a.m. for the best Black Friday deals the day after Thanksgiving.

All of these things come to mind when thinking about the way Americans celebrate the holidays.

These are all moments that families can laugh over for the years to come. These are moments that solidify traditions.

These moments, though, aren’t as commonplace for an outsider, especially one visiting from another country.

Marco Tognazzi is a 16-year-old exchange student from Breccia, Italy.

He is currently staying at with my family, and has never experienced the American holiday season. The celebrations of this year are all brand new to him.

Tognazzi wanted nothing more than

to be fully immersed into our American culture.

Halloween was the holiday Tognazzi was most excited for.

His reason was simple.

“Zombies. I cannot wait,” he said.

The look on his zombified face that night was almost as satisfying as the disgusted look he made a few nights before when we were carving pumpkins as he stuck his hand into a pumpkin for the first time.

After Halloween ends, it seems like all the stores immediately set up large Christmas displays before Thanksgiving can even get a chance.

What Tognazzi looks forward to most about these holidays is the food.

“I have never eaten turkey before, and I can’t wait to try it,” he said.

As families sit at the table together devouring giant plates of food coated in gravy, most people take turns telling what they are most thankful for.

What I am thankful for is the perspective into the traditions usually taken for granted.

This holiday season, I’m seeing seeing everything in a new perspective.

My holidays are now being discovered through foreign eyes, coated with a sense of wonderment and magic at the changing festive atmosphere around town.

“I am excited to see the Christmas spirit. I want to see the houses all decorated with all the lights,” said Tognazzi.

This next month is going to be crammed with midterms, finals, insane amounts of people shopping everywhere, and a lot of stressful cleaning, hosting and cooking.

Just remember to enjoy the small moments of whimsy that the holidays can infused into these cold autumn days.

Losing the holiday spirit: Take the commercialism out of the season by diane rivera

news@deltacollegian.net

W

hen we think of holidays we usually think of times that we spend with family and friends enjoying food and much needed quality time together.

In recent years, however, there has been an increase in the commercialism that comes with “the most wonderful time of the year.”

The message in the popular holiday song has lost its true meaning especially when we consider the Christmas season to be the biggest shopping time of the year.

Before Oct. 31 has even come and gone, consumers can see Christmas-themed commercials alongside commercials of M&Ms that want to join the Halloween party.

When we walk into stores such as Wal-Mart and Target, we end up seeing Halloween decorations near Christmas lights and trees.

We should just focus on one holiday at a time because life is already fast-paced enough.

We shouldn’t allow our holidays to simply come and go.

We should enjoy the holidays as well as the feeling this time of the year gives us — something that gifts wrapped in fancy paper and bows can’t.

The annual shopping day known as Black Friday has begun earlier in recent years because most stores plan on being open Thanksgiving.

Have we forgotten why we celebrate Thanksgiving?

Do most of us realize that it’s more than just a holiday that allows us to eat turkey and stuffing until our stomachs are about to explode?

It is actually meant to be a day that we give thanks for what we have. That includes friends and family, not so much material possessions.

Christmas is a religious holiday meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s not a day to see who can get the best presents money can buy.

Companies are forgetting the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas because many companies seem to only care about making more money while employees miss out on spending time with family and friends.

Shopping malls even use Santa Claus as a way to lure shoppers to purchase products. Right after the turkey is done on Thanksgiving Day, people are focused on how to beat the crowds to get Black Friday shopping done before most of us are awake.

Holidays such as Christmas aren’t days that we should focus on shopping. Instead, we should focus on being with family and friends, going to midnight mass on Christmas Eve, enjoying eggnog, hot chocolate and cookies next to the fireplace or watching a Christmas movie.

We also need to try to bring Christ back in Christmas. Once we do, the season will have an even more special meaning for us every year on Dec. 25 than the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning.

THE COLLEGIAN — FALL 2013 Editor In Chief Chris Howze News Editor Justin Tristano Opinion Editor Christina Cornejo Feature Editors Valerie Smith Karina Ramirez Entertainment Editor Chris Howze Sports Editor Jermaine Davis

Staff Eric Carranza Derrion Dunn Kevin Fleischman Sonya Herrera Kenneth Huntley Michael Johnson Santana Juache Valerie Lancer Eleanor Mafi Sean Mendoza Diane Rivera Amanda Sarisky Heidi Sharp Hannah Stevens Brianna Torres Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano

Advertising The Collegian offers display advertising at competitive rates.

Editorial Unsigned editorials reflect the position of the entire Collegian staff.

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.

Letters to the editor Letters raising issues and opinions not represented by the newspaper are encouraged, but should not be taken as a reflection of the opinions of the staff or adviser.

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.

4

opinion

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

An arbitrarily de-charged word by eric carranza news@deltacollegian.net

I

n today’s society many people use a word that African Americans take offense to.

Yet, we hear this word nearly everywhere, in sports, in music and in everyday conversation.

It’s the N-word.

There are two different N-words: the version with an “a” at the end and the version with an “er.”

The first version of the word has become a friendly, conversational term, used mainly by Blacks.

The other is more racially used to offend a Black person.

People should be more offended that others care less about what they say nowadays. Before people were more protective of the word, and no-one wanted to hear it.

Now it seems as if color is no longer the factor that grants permission to the word, and it’s more the likeability of the person.

In certain situations, people still do find the N-word offensive and take action on it. For example, Los Angeles Clippers Forward Matt Barnes tweeted the N-word, which caused the NBA to fine him.

Apparently, there are exceptions to using either word without offense.

In October, Miami Dolphins’ Guard Richie Incognito was involved in a bullying situation with

teammate Jonathan Martin.

In that situation, Martin showed investigators a voice message Incognito left him where Incognito called Martin a “half-N****r.”

Many of Incognito’s teammates heard the voice message, some of which weren’t offended.

In fact, many teammates supported and felt bad for Incognito for being called a bully and a racist.

“I don’t have a problem with Richie, I love Richie,” Dolphins Wide Receiver Mike Wallace told the Miami Herald.

Some teammates even thought he was a brother figure to Martin.

“I think if you had asked Jon Martin a week before who his best friend on the team was, he would have said Richie Incognito,” Tannehill said to NBC Sports. “The first guy to stand up for Jonathan when anything went down on the field, any kind of tussle, Richie was the first guy there. When we would hang on off the field, outside football, who was together? Richie and Jon. I’m not in those guys’ shoes, I can’t explain what’s going on.”

If this situation would have happened in the 1990s or earlier, the outcome might have been different.

A similar situation happened during the NFL off-season.

Philadelphia Eagles player Riley Cooper was at a concert and had a too much to drink. He was caught on camera getting into it with

someone and excessively using the N-word in his trash talking.

Unlike Incognito, Cooper’s had very little support and a lot more hate in his direction.

Marcus Vick, brother of Eagle Michael Vick, tweeted a threat on Cooper after the incident: “Hey I’m putting bounty on Riley’s head.

1k to the first free safety or strong safety that light his (expletive) up!

Wake him up please.”

Other teammates voiced opinions as well. “...we’re merciful as a team toward Riley, toward his family, but at the same time we realize that it offended a whole bunch of people, me personally,” Jason Avant said to Comcast Sportsnet.

It’s odd that people will support someone who said the N-word, who wasn’t intoxicated, yet, are offended when someone is intoxicated.

Many believe the true you come out when you’re drinking.

That still doesn’t give anyone the right to say the N-word whether you are white, Black, Hispanic, intoxicated or sober.

The word was never supposed to be used as a way of being “cool” with one other.

It’s amazing that it takes a celebrity to get in trouble for saying the word for people to say something about it or have any opinion about it.

Bullying necessitates harsher punishments by diane rivera news@collegian.net

B

ullying is a big problem.

Recent suicides sparked by bullying, such as the case of 12-year old Rebecca Sewick from Florida, have brought this important issue to light.

Many victims of bullying that commit suicide are preteens and young adults.

According to information provided by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services on stopbullying.gov, the definition of bullying is “unwanted aggressive behavior” that involves a “real or perceived power imbalance.”

Bullying is often repeated over time without knowledge of those who have the ability to stop to it.

The site also defines bullying as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking verbally and physically and the exclusion of another person.

Bullying that happens with young adults or college-aged students often

requires different courses of action of bullying is called cyber bullying. than it would with younger children.

This type of bullying is done in These are often crimes under state chat rooms and on social networkand federal laws. ing sites such Facebook, and involves As a result, the people committing harassing another person, making those acts can end up serving some fun of a person’s appearance and who jail time if they are found guilty. he or she may be dating.

Bullying Sometimes can involve the bullying and HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY actions such harassment can If you or anyone you know is considering as hazing, hago so far that the rassment and victim actually suicide, there is a place you can turn. stalking. decides to take his Call the National Suicide Prevention StopBulown life.

Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). lying.gov There should reports that 70 be stricter rules in percent of young people across the how bullying is handled. nation say they have seen bullying in People that bully should be puntheir schools. ished or prosecuted so that it would Bullying is getting worse all over give a reason not to bully, and help to the United States, possibly due to decrease the number of bullying victhe fact that some people may live tims that commit suicide every year. in environments that often involve The best way to stop bullying as domestic violence at home. an otusider is to step in and prevent These violent environments the behavior. increase the likelihood that a person Bullying is something we should can end up being a bully to another. all be aware of, and we should take Currently, the most common type action to prevent it.

NSA has gone too far by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net

T

he National Security Agency (NSA) was formed Nov. 4, 1952 by former President Harry Truman.

Beginning first and foremost to help intercept German and Japanese codes during World War II and threats of the German U-Boat, the agency was formed to help prevent detrimental events from occurring in the United States.

But what is the government aiming for today?

Americans have become alarmed with the spur of events recently brought to light by former Central Intelligence Agency Technical Assistant and NSA Agent Edward Snowden.

Snowden, now known as a whistleblower, released top-secret documents from the NSA. This has since brought new revelations of NSA surveillance infringing on numerous countries, corporation and Americans.

Do we, as a society, feel a piece of our privacy has been ripped away?

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act allows the IRS and individuals to read communications from any source they get without a warrant.

The government and Congress are in talks to reform the bill, and make it so that individuals are aware of document readings by warrant.

We should reform the ECPA to disclose warrants when our electronic data is read.

Snowden came forth, and said in The Guardian newspaper: “I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions,”but “I will be satisfied if the federation of secret law, unequal pardon and irresistible executive powers that rule the world that I love are revealed even for an instant.”

He had the choice to remain anonymous, as whistleblowers are allowed by law, but instead decided to hide was the wrong route to take.

He wanted the United States to know an organization we help fund is invading our privacy, and invading multiple countries and corporations.

In my eyes the NSA has gone too far with their power. Surveillance rules and laws were violated.

A civil liberty lawsuit is underway, questioning the constitutionality of obtaining phone records. Government and congress emphasize the importance of obtaining these phone records to prevent terrorism.

There are multiple lawsuits uprising against the NSA from multiple countries, organizations and individuals. The NSA is under siege.

The question I pose to the NSA is: How far is too far when it comes to the abuse of power and protecting our privacy?

KEY EXPOSED ALLEGATIONS • • • • •

NSA collected millions of U.S. phone records NSA monitored servers at nine Internet companies Mass electronic surveillance of emails, phone calls and texts through PRISM were then shared with the U.K. A British spy agency tapped 100 fiberoptic cables carrying global communications; data was shared in U.S. NSA hacked computers in Hong Kong and China

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feature

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Recounts of the beginnings of Thanksgiving by sonya herrera news@deltacollege.edu

When Delta College student Daymian Villapudua thinks of Thanksgiving, he recalls the Pilgrims.

“They really didn’t have any food with them,” he said. “They needed help from the Indians to kind of stay alive during that time. And that’s how it all started.”

Why do many Americans slice turkey, pour gravy, and feast nonstop every November?

Is it to celebrate the generosity, cooperation and gratitude exemplified by our Puritan and Native American predecessors?

Or is this oft-repeated origin story more myth than fact?

The history of Thanksgiving has been explored by numerous scholars including professors here at Delta, and the central valley.

Mourt’s Relation, a document written by William Bradford and Edward Winslow includes an account of what some consider the first Thanksgiving.

Winslow was a prominent member of Plymouth Colony.

In the document, Winslow describes a bountiful harvest and the hunting of fowl to celebrate.

According to Winslow, the Pilgrims were joined by the natives in a three day feast.

“Thanksgiving,” an essay written by James W. Baker states, “historically, the New England Thanksgiving evolved without any association with Pilgrim dinners, Indian guests or harvest celebrations.”

Baker is a former director of research at Plymouth Plantation.

It was not until 1841, when Rev. Alexander Young took the liberty of iden-

tifying the 1621 feast as “the first Thanksgiving,” that the holiday began to be associated with the Pilgrims and Wampanoag natives.

Many Delta students continue to relate Thanksgiving to the early Puritans.

“I only know a few things about the origins of Thanksgiving,” wrote delta student Lauren Myers in an interview. “It has something to do with Pilgrims having a feast following a good harvest.”

“The very nature of a celebration, extending over several days or a week with PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS secular ‘recreations’ and nonPORTRAYAL OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING:Artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, recreated circa 1912 Christian guests, is what piof the Wampanoag tribe and Pilgrims on Thanksgiving.

Many argue it is not historically accurate. ous Calvinists such as the Pilgrims would be first to protest had no place in any The Pilgrims’ feast “did not represent Dr. William Swagerty, a Professor of Christian holy day,” says Baker. the beginning of a tradition,” he added.

Native American History at University The Calvinist (religious Christian Rather, it was “a moment in time be- of the Pacific, said that “there is much sect) Thanksgiving arose from Puritans’ dissatisfaction with the deluge of overly- tween the Pilgrims and a specific group mythology associated with the reciprocof Wampanoag under the sachem, Mas- ity of 1620/21.” pagan Christian holidays in England.

However, he acknowledges “any According to Baker, Puritans created sasoit, who came together for a onememory of sharing and reciprocity had a purer ritual, which “praised God for time celebration.”

“The Wampanoag and the Pilgrims at been forgotten as the English colonists his goodness and made sure that His the time of the First Thanksgiving had attempted to wipe out the local Indian people’s gratitude was made evident.” a mutually beneficial relationship,” said people who had initially befriended The Pilgrims brought this Thanksthem.” giving to New England, and until the Lindsay.

Soon after the friendly relationship Throughout history, people create Victorian era began the holy day meant came to an end. myths to embody the values they want “attendance at church, return to the old “Massasoit’s son, Metacom, was reto believe in, that they hold dear,” said homestead and the reunion of the extended family in a private communion sisting the Pilgrims and Puritans in an Robert Rennicks, an Delta Professor of all-out war,” said Lindsay. “Which led Mythology, in an email interview. with tradition,” says Baker.

“The mid-nineteenth century AmeriDr. Brendan Lindsay, an Assistant to his brutal death and mutilation, and the selling of the Wampanoag survivors cans wanted to ‘create’ a story that emProfessor of Native American History at into slavery in the West Indies.” bodied the values of sharing & cooperaCSU Sacramento, notes a discrepancy.

If the Plymouth feast was not a genu- tion, community, equality, acceptance “I think it is crucial to recall there is ine Thanksgiving, as seems likely, why — and, of course, gratitude,” he said. not a Second Thanksgiving,” he said in do we associate it with the holiday? an email interview.

Reminiscing on Thanksgiving traditions

Three families recall their new experiences, memories from their homes and around the world by amanda sarisky deltacollegian@gmail.com

The leaves are starting to change color. The morning chill lasts longer into the day. People are beginning to plan Thanksgiving meals.

Same holiday, different memories.

FAMILY BONDING For many families, the holidays are a way to reconnect with family members we aren’t able to see throughout the year.

For Delta College student Kimberly Keefer, Thanksgiving is a way for her to reunite with her four brothers.

Three of her brothers have moved out. “I really only get to see them during the holidays,” Keefer said.

Like many families, Thanksgiving will be growing this year. “My brother got married, so his wife will be joining us this year — I’m looking forward to that because I won’t be the only girl anymore,” Keefer said.

For Keefer, the best part of the holidays is the together time.

“My favorite part about the holidays is being able to spend time with my entire family,” Keefer said.

KINDNESS IN ANOTHER COUNTRY Not everyone has a traditional Thanksgiving.

For Delta Professor Dr. Joe Bisson his most memorable Thanksgiving occurred while on sabbatical. “I was in South East Asia studying how countries remember their history — I was

there specifically to study how Cambodia remembers the crimes of the Khmer Rouge,” Bisson said.

Without any direct flights to Cambodia, Bisson said he had to fly to Bangkok then travel on motorcycle to the country.

While making his way to Cambodia, he met this Venezuelan and Cuban couple.

The husband was an ex-Cuban patriot who worked at the Mars candy company. Bisson said the couple took him to a nice hotel where they all ate a Thanksgiving meal together.

“The entire night we sat with each other and talked about our travels — it was a really great memory,” Bisson said.

PERSONAL JITTERS Experiencing the nerve filled moment of introducing a boyfriend of girlfriend to their loved ones.

Last Thanksgiving I introduced Edwin my current boyfriend to my family.

My boyfriend, Edwin, had met my immediate family, but not my cousins, great-aunt and uncle or my godparents.

Naturally, I was nervous. Thanksgiving was celebrated at my greataunts in Lodi.

My quiet boyfriend came out of his shell, to my surprise he had full conversations with the godparents.

Being able to have him interact easily with my family made last years Thanksgiving my favorite.

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feature

GIVING BACK

Issue 11 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Stockton Emergency Food Bank continues to make strides in community by valerie smith

deltacollegian@gmail.com

For ways FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit stocktonfoodbank.org to find ways to contribute, volunteer and donate.

Stockton Emergency Food Bank provides over 2,000 boxes of everything a family needs for Thanksgiving feasts on November 26th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their location 7 W. Scotts Ave. “You will see people lining up from the door to the Amtrak station,” said Rebeca Knodt, executive director of the Emergency Food Bank.

One of the food bank’s biggest fundraising events, the 9th annual Run&Walk Against Hunger will be taking place on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28. The main run begins at 8:30 a.m.

The run is the food bank’s biggest funGIVING AND RECEIVING: “Helping people draising event of the year with proceeds supporting food distribution and support in need is my call and enjoyment its not of administration at the food bank. only a job its a passion,” said Rebeca Knodt “We have to say we are very lucky for executive director at Emergency Food Bank. the community at large, they are very mindful of the people in need,” said Knodt.

The Emergency Food Bank is one of 13 pantries throughout the county, but many students may be unaware of the assistance and resources they can offer.

From cooking classes to disease prevention emphasizing diabetes and obesity, helping families and individuals in need with healthy meals and recipes, the organization remains humble.

“We try to make whatever is available healthy options,” said Knodt in regards to available food to the needy.

PHOTOS BY VALERIE SMITH

They visit over 60 sites throughout San Joaquin County, collaborating with assistance programs such the Women’s Center, St. Mary’s and the homeless shelter.

“What you think is nothing, means a lot to somebody,” said Knodt.

CalFresh Outreach which has a food stamps program is another huge resource they help people access.

“The more we enroll the more income into the community,” said Knodt.

There is misconception as to who is stricken with hunger. Many Americans may think it is the homeless or substance abusers, in actuality 77 percent of those in need are the working poor.

Many of the receivers tend to be the elder community, who have worked all their lives, and due to government and economy difficulties have lost a majority of their social security.

“We can all end up in the same fashion,” said Knodt.

The Emergency Food Bank can only distribute once a month to each family or individual, which provides them with approximately three to five days of groceries. They are allowed to come and pick up Monday through Friday from 9-12 a.m.

“I wish we could give more, but we don’t have the resources,” said Knodt.

More than 138,000 people per year visit this site, and 6 million pounds of food donated to those in need.

“I’m feeling that I’m doing something, this goes a little beyond that its absolutely rewarding,” said Knodt.

Operation Dreamkeeper keeps local children smiling by eleanor mafi

deltacollegian@gmail.com

One year ago, Antoinette FoutzContreras came into a Delta College Plant Science class and talked about Operation DreamKeeper.

Operation Dreamkeeper is one of the largest toy giveaway programs for disadvantaged children in Stockton.

It provides Christmas for boys and girls ages 5-10.

The program is a non-profit organization that is run by volunteers.

“I have been a volunteer for Operation Dreamkeepers for the last four years,” said Foutz-Contreras.

Volunteers for Operation Dreamkeeper also raise money and gather gifts for the biggest Christmas party in town.

The party includes live puppet shows, a Nativity scene, appearances from Stockton mascots and gifts for

every child in attendance. the organization held toys for this “One of my good friends told me year’s Christmas party was broken into. about the program and asked me to The thieves stole about $2,000 volunteer at the Christmas party in worth of toys. It was a devastating act 2009. It was one of for the orgathe most fulfilling exnization, not TO ways HELP OUT periences of my life! For only because The excitement, Those wishing to donate money these toys were the smiles, the laugh- can make checks payable to: taking from ter, I had never seen our children anything like it. I Good Samaritan Training Center in need, but knew at that mobecause they Memo: Operation Dreamkeeper ment, I wanted to where so close 1331 E. Fremont Street do more for this proto this year’s Stockton, CA 95207 gram,” said FoutzDec. 21 party.

Contreras about how Operation she got involved working with this DreamKeeper now finds itself strugnon-profit. gling to replace the toys.

A recent tragedy happened to OpBut the goal is still to serve the chileration DreamKeeper. dren of Stockton this year.

A thief stole the toys from the chil“The results have been phenomenal. dren in Stockton.

For one day we are making a differOn Oct. 28, the storage place where ence We provide them with Laughter,

we provide them with fun, and we let them know that we care. We are making a difference in a child’s life. Our program has continued to grow, last year we served 700 children in Stockton. This year we are expecting to serve 925 children,” said Foutz-Contreras.

The goal of Operation DreamKeeper is to let the children of Stockton know there is hope and put a big smile on the their faces, said Foutz-Contreras.

To donate or volunteer for Operation DreamKeeper please contact Antoinette Foutz-Contreras at (209) 981-8250 or by e-mail at steven.contreras82@yahoo.com. Volunteer David Cloxton can also be contacted at (209) 469-7098.

More information about the organization can be found at goodsamaritantrainingcenter.org.

7

feature

Issue 11 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Black Friday survival tips by valerie lancer news@deltacollegian.net

Food drives ramp for holidays by chris howze

deltacollegian@gmail.com

Delta College’s Associated Student Body Government (ASBG) is always doing something for the campus and its students.

But sometimes it feels like the student body’s general apathy allows ASBG’s admirable work to go completely unnoticed.

Around this time of year the organization holds quite a few food drives for the more needy students out there.

These last couple months have been busy for ASBG with a canned food drive that not only met the government’s goal of 1,000 cans collected but exceeded it with 1,200 cans collected and delivered.

The ASBG turkey drive will finish

FIRST PERSON

up today.

Anyone can deliver a turkey to be given out to other families for Thanksgiving.

Student involvement has been egregiously low this year with only one turkey accounted for.

When asked why the number of turkeys delivered were so low, Ernesto Episnoza, ASBG Senator of College and Community Relations, said this year’s turkey drive started a little later than usual because of a focus on the very successful food drive.

“The goal is to get at least 20 turkeys before our deadline ... we’re also trying to reach out to local businesses as well,” Epinoza added.

A ham drive is ASBG’s next venture. At this point there is no specific end date but it will finish right before

winter break hits.

The goals are similar in hopes to give hams to student for the holidays that might otherwise not get them.

All of this is a smaller part of ASBG’s Food Pantry.

A service they hold year long that provides food for students who need a helping hand.

Alejandro Gomez, ASBG Senator of Legislative Affairs, said Delta College might be the only school locally that has such a service.

So students and staff of Delta College, it’s almost the holidays, it’s the time of gift giving, so take part and help ASBG make it so everyone on campus can have a better holiday season.

Volunteering means more for those once helped by chris howze

deltacollegian@gmail.com

B

ack in 2003 I was living in Lake Tahoe.

I was staying in a women’s center with my mother, little brother and sister.

We had almost no money, but for the first time in a long time, we felt safe after incidents of domestic violence tore my family apart.

We could sleep easy.

My mom had left my abusive father and taken the three of us with her. Although scarred and scarred, we found a place to be begin again.

We knew how fortunate we were to have each other.

In the middle of all of this, we decided to give back to show how thankful we were for all that we’d been given.

One of the things we started doing as a family was volunteering at the local food bank where we were also getting assistance, including food and incidentals for daily life.

The place was called Christmas Cheer All Year and for the 14-year-old me back then it was a formative experience.

The food bank was run by a lady named Wilma.

It’s been so long that I forget her last name now, but she left a lasting impression by allowing us to all help out. I don’t remember that much about her, as she mostly interacted with my mom, but I do remember her being sweet to the three of us children.

It was early November, we were all waiting for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” to come to theaters.

But we spent a large chunk of our days helping out at Christmas Cheer.

It was getting cold fast, as always, is in Lake Tahoe.

Homelessness was prevalent there as it is everywhere else. But the bitter cold and snow made the less fortunate population more desperate and needy.

The job my siblings and I were tasked with was preparing packages for the food bank’s clients.

We would grab a decent-sized box and fill it with as much stuff as we could, all of it from canned food drives or other community donations.

In return our PHOTO BY KARINA RAMIREZ house wouldn’t be empty either. Wilma FILLED WITH HELP : My siblings and let us have a box of I would fill boxes much like these daily for those in need. good for ourselves whenever we needed it. Our needs were great, but we also knew the needs of others were as well.

Canned goods, paper plates, plastic utensils, bread, spam, even small things of soup or detergent, anything that could last for sometime would come home with us. We were grateful.

In the room next door my mother, and other volunteers, would sort through a mountain of donated secondhand coats and sweaters to include with the packages.

My siblings and I rocked ugly Christmas sweaters that winter. We weren’t fashionable, but we were warm.

I once heard a quote that “only in the face of adversity that humanity reaches it utmost nobility.”

I don’t know if that’s completely true as I’ve seen much weakness around me when the goings get tough.

But helping out at that place for the short amount I did made me want to be a better person.

To see the looks of defeat on the down trodden melt away, if only for a moment, when we would load up a crate full of supplies made me feel good.

It’s an addicting feeling, one that I’ve tried to replicate as much as possible, in every small way I can.

Because giving back gives you something in return.

BUY COMFORTABLE SHOES Make sure they have great traction and excellent cushion for the bottoms of your feet.

Break them in before Black Friday.

Try a nice run in them so they will be nice and warmed up for the big event. Don’t wear heels or flip-flops which you shouldn’t be doing anyways since it’s fall. Be smart.

HAVE A GAME PLAN Plan out the time you will arrive and leave. Don’t stay just to look at a few more things or shop around. Know what to buy and then get out of there as quickly as possible.

Budget for Black Friday and print out as many coupons you can.

Many stores have already posted coupons online.

FUEL UP Eat plenty before going shopping in order to build up energy and also prevent from buying too many candies or goods.

It’s holiday season people.

There is plenty of time to eat treats on Christmas.

LET GO OF THE SHIRT We’ve all seen how crazy people (women) get when shopping around the holidays.

Sometimes two people see something at the same time and fight for it like a game of tug-of-war.

Or sometimes they will stalk in hopes you might put it down. This is represented in episodes of “The Nanny” and the movie “Jingle All the Way.” If a similar situation arises ... let go of the shirt.

Seriously, just let it go. Nothing is that important and lives are at stake. Mother or brother or sister’s cousin’s fiancée’s nephew’s dog will understand if they don’t get the newest and most expensive present.

Christmas is about so much more.

GO EASY ON ASSOCIATES Don’t demand so much from them or ask them to complete 1,000 tasks because, rest assured, they are busy.

There will come a point where you will see Hell fire in their eyes and they will snap.

You don’t want that kind of attack while with children. In fact, let that be the sixth and final tip for Black Friday. It is probably the most important.

NO CHILDREN ALLOWED Don’t, under any circumstances, bring children Black Friday shopping.

They will get trampled on, lost, or they will steal toys. Just leave them at home or with grandma or somewhere where they will have fun while their parents are training for the shopping Olympics.

8

entertainment

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

vs.

CONSOLE WARS 2013

New game systems duke it out this holiday shopping season by chris howze vivilu226@aol.com

PHOTO BY CHRIS HOWZE

DOES THIS MEAN I DON’T HAVE TO PAY MY LATE FEES? : The remains of the Blockbuster Video store in Manteca, which closed earlier this summer.

VIDEO STORE ARMAGEDDON

In the war against Internet streaming, Blockbuster suffers a fatal blow from changing viewing habits by eleanor mafi

deltacollegian@gmail.com

T

here has been a paradigm shift in the last decade in how we watch and rent video content.

Ten years ago you could walk into a Blockbuster or a Hollywood Video and pick up a movie.

A monolith of days gone by.

Hollywood video went the way of the dodo back in 2010 and now Blockbuster has sadly followed.

Not all Blockbuster retail stores are going extinct, but all of the San Joaquin County locations are closing.

There will be no more driving by the bright blue and yellow–themed video store, waiting at the light and looking to my left and seeing people go in an out with rented movies, anxious to go home and watch.

Blockbuster on Pershing Avenue, the nearest location to Delta College, is the last to close locally.

About 300 other Blockbuster stores are closing across the nation.

There were once six Blockbuster locations in the San Joaquin County alone. Now there are none.

Some locations are being turned into other businesses, like Dollar Tree stores. Others are collecting dust.

The video store gave Americans, the family movie night or even date nights.

It was something to look forward to on every weekend.

“Sad, because as a kid, me and my brother would always go out and rent movies so I feel like a part of my childhood is gone, but I still prefer Netflix though,” said Delta College Student, Cambrian Hibbert.

Everything changed when Netflix, Hulu,

RedBox and internet torrenting came out.

People now drive to there closest RedBox machine to rent a movie for $1.29 a night even when the line was long.

Many spend $7 a month for Netflix or Hulu subscriptions, which gives viewers a different variety of movies and television shows.

You name it, Netflix and Hulu will most likely have it.

Some people even watch films for free through legally dubious websites online.

I’m not going to lie, I have Netflix, I spend $7 a month because it is worth it.

I don’t have to drive anywhere to pick up movies because they’re right on my iPad. Every person in my family watches Netflix, including my two-year-old niece EdenJade. She wakes up everyday to watch “Backyardigans.”

Blockbuster wouldn’t have carried this cartoon.

You can take Netflix and Hulu anywhere you want as long as you have internet.

Most people think streaming movies and shows online is better.

During our childhoods, past generation go the video stores for all their filmic needs.

But seeing it go will not hurt our feelings because most people are satisfied going to their closest RedBox. But have we lost something unique with the video store experience?

The human interaction between consumer and video store clerk usually resulted in seeing movies you may otherwise not have ever even considered.

There are a few video stores run locally still clinging on, supported by a community of devoted film lovers.

Now though people are content with having Netflix or hitting up a Redbox.

In the end we have all the choice now of how and where to watch our movies.

I

t’s scary to think that it was eight years ago when the Seventh Generation of video game consoles began with the release of the Xbox 360.

Cut to now and within the span of one week the Playstation 4 has been released with the Xbox One becoming available starting today.

Whenever there is a new console launch there seems to be a sense of social forgetfulness on part of the consumers.

They wonder why the systems are so pricey and why there aren’t more games.

Just because it’s new and shiny consumers think they need the video game system.

But I’m not budging.

Whenever some new gadget pops up on the radar we all get the momentary psychosis of “I need it.” We’ve all been guilty of it at one time or another.

With these new systems it’s further exacerbated by the fact that it has been so long since we got new game systems.

Traditionally there’s a gap of five to six years between game systems.

The original Playstation was released in December 1994, the PS2 in 2000 and the PS3 in 2006.

This latest generation comes so late because of the rise of internet connectivity and system updates so the life of the consoles were extended to a full eight years.

Gamers are foaming at the mouth. But if they stop and think for a moment, hopefully they can remember how dreadful console launches can be.

THE LINES I work in a retail electronics department and last Friday’s launch of the PS4, while well organized, was still a perfect affirmation of the insanity of launches with all of our stock running out within 45 minutes.

I’m fairly certain that while the Xbox One has less hype behind it — given its year-long battle with self-inflicted bad press — it will still sell out fast, leaving many gamers left wanting.

THE GAMES Very few console releases had amazing system defining releases on day one. The exceptions are the Nintendo 64 with “Mario 64” and the original Xbox with the first “Halo.”

The PS4’s launch is comprised entirely of next generation upgrades of games already available.

The Xbox will fair better but only slightly with help from “Killer Instinct” and “Forza 5” but there won’t be that one game that everyone will be telling you is the reason to buy the system.

MAYBE JUST WAIT There’s also been reports of faulty PS4’s out there. I have no doubt that the Xbox One will have similar problems. But let’s hope it’s nothing as wide ranged or infuriating as last generation’s Xbox 360 and its “Red Ring Of Death” general system failures.

There’s so many quality games still available on the current generation systems and so few on the new ones, that I think it might be best to simply be patient and wait until next year when gamers will have a better sense of what both consoles are capable of and what games will be available.

9

entertainment

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Highs, lows of fall’s TV season in progress by christina cornejo deltacollegian@gmail.com

Every year brings a slew of brand new TV shows that never make it past December.

Many of this season’s new shows will likely meet the same fate with disappointing ratings and questionable quality. There were, however, new shows that showed great potential for staying power, while others don’t stand a chance.

THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW – NBC 2 stars While it’s great that Michael J. Fox has returned to acting despite his struggles with Parkinson’s disease, his show severely misses tapping into its funny bone. Fox plays a slightly meta character that (big surprise, NBC) works at NBC studios in area news. The family dynamics just aren’t cohesive, and it’s almost like watching several mini stories in one episode that don’t connect.

Plus it’s hard to really let the jokes stick when it’s still so apparent that the lead is not well.

DADS – Fox 1 Star When Seth McFarlane decides to make a live action show, the expectation is another incarnation of Family Guy – the same jokes, delivery, crudeness and dysfunction you come to expect from his writing. “Dads” takes

the dysfunction too far, leaving horribly unlikeable characters to banter on screen, while the show barrages you with too many laugh tracks. It would take more than an artificial sound of laughter to make anyone think this was comedy gold.

THE BLACKLIST – NBC 4 stars In this drama of backstabbers and secrets, James Spader plays his favorite character archetype, which many of us enjoy watching, of the twisted jerk who only serves his own interests. “The Blacklist” has the potential to hook anyone who was missing that chaotic factor in their espionage-related dramas. Spader works well with the female lead, who asks the audience’s questions about what role Reddington, Spader’s character, has in any given situation, while harboring her own powerful and secretive story herself.

SUPER FUN NIGHT – ABC 3.5 stars Rebel Wilson plays a mousy, agonizingly awkward lawyer in this comedy about misfits and finding love as an underdog. If you have any empathy, you feel for her character, even if her name is Kimmie Boubier – a play on the word boob by the way it’s pronounced. She lacks grace and falls prey to many misunderstandings that ultimately highlight the ways she can rise above her underdog status and become an awkward hero to

the socially misplaced masses. While the show is not perfect and doesn’t always hit the comedy mark, it has potential for some serious staying power.

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE – Fox 3.5 stars The creator of “Parks and Recreation,” brings us a show that is almost an exact copy of “Parks and Rec” but with the setting of a New York Police Department and starring the highly energetic Andy Samberg. It even comes with its own deadpan scary female version of Aubrey Plaza. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is complete absurdity, but in a fun sort of way. Once you suspend your disbelief that this is actually a functioning police department, you can enjoy the dynamic between Samberg, who is playing his usual silly, aloof character, and the super serious head chief. Hijinks ensue.

DRACULA – NBC 2 stars Johnathan Rhys Meyers may have brought some of the sexy to the “Dracula” name in this show, but he didn’t make it all that interesting. The show looks visually impressive, but when you try to get a grasp of the plot it stumbles. “Dracula” isn’t a creature of pure evil and is instead looking to destroy a group of mysterious bad guys and their stake in big oil, so he can save the world from them. What were the writers thinking?

Dracula with no evil and is no Dracula at all.

Upcoming ‘Jurassic Park’ sequel prompts nostalgia, new fans by sean mendoza deltacollegian@gmail.com

T

he age of dinosaurs may be long gone, but the creatures’ legacy stayed alive throughout the years thanks in part to Steven Spielberg.

“Jurassic Park” was the flick that made many children fall in love with movies.

It was a massive hit and still one of the highest grossing movies of all time, but more importantly it changed the way we could make movies, with its ground breaking computer generated dinosaurs.

It spawned two sequels in the subsequent years with varying degrees of success both commercially and critically, but the love for the series still goes on with a 3D re-release in theaters earlier this year as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.

Now a fourth installment, titled “Jurassic World,” has been announced and set for a summer 2015 release date.

The premise for the new film is rumored to take place on the island of the original film, Isla Nublar, which has not been seen since the original.

The plot being that someone has reconstructed what was left of the theme park and brought it back to full running operations with a fresh batch of cloned dinos ready to amaze and chew on the tourists.

The new director, Colin Trevorrow, who garnered attention for his

indie hit “Safety Not Guaranteed,” is rumored to be targeting “Parks and Recreation” star Chris Pratt and Idris Elba for leading roles, with Bryce Dallas Howard already cast in an as of yet unspecified role.

Though lets be honest, the appeal of this series is the dinosaurs, and each sequel upped the ante with newer and more spectacular ones.

The second film brought Stegosaurs and the coyote like Compsognathus.

The third film shook things up by introducing flying dinos like Pteranodon, and dethroning the mighty T. Rex with the even bigger and more vicious Spinosaurus.

So for the fourth film, the most logical avenue to take would be the introduction of the marine life of the Mesozoic Era with such beasties as the Mosasaur which got as long as 50 feet.

The plot doesn’t have to be anything truly special, just give us good character actors and dinosaurs wrecking stuff, and people will be happy.

“Jurassic Park” was a great introduction for children growing up in the 1990s to theaters and dinosaurs, with some children even turning towards a life of paleontology because the movie inspired them so much.

2015 will be a very busy year for movies, with a new “Star Wars,” “Batman vs. Superman,” “Avengers 2,” and the next James Bond, “Jurassic World” will fit nicely in a jam packed summer of nostalgia fueled insanity.

by valerie lancer

deltacollegian@gmail.com

I

t seems as if I am constantly getting criticized for movies I have yet to see.

This year’s Collegian Editor, who also edits the entertainment page, is one of the biggest movie enthusiasts I know. He constantly asks: “Have you seen this?” or “Have you seen that?” My answer? It’s usually a sad and disappointing “no.”

Based on what I hear on a most regular basis, the top five movies I have not seen, but should see, include “Star Wars,” “The Godfather,” “Schindler’s List,” “Fight Club” and “Die Hard.”

I know these are important movies to the very history of film, each adding something unique to the melting pot.

But I simply have lacked the drive to watch them The sad truth is that I just don’t care to do so. The movies I have seen, have been viewed with special people in my life during special times.

My mother raised me watching those sickening romantic comedies with happy endings, despite real life’s pessimistic viewpoint.

My grandmother would sit me down with a cup of coffee and a pastry while we enjoyed movies from the 1920s to the 1950s.

But so many looks of disappointment and disapproval took its toll, and I finally broke down and humored my friends by watching “Jurassic Park;”

one of the big movies I was chastised for never seeing.

I can see why they chastized and ended up loving the movie and admiring the scenery, the acting and the dinosaurs.

Actor Richard Attenborough is great because he is so sassy, yet genuine. He plays “the guy who writes the checks,” as a friend refers to him. He plays John Hammond, the rich eccentric that makes the dinosaur theme park possible.

The first big dinosaur reveal with the Brachiosaur was incredible. The music set the tone for the moment and the greatest part was when Dr. Grant turned a preoccupied Dr. Sattler’s head to see the massive beast. I stared at my television screen in awe much like the characters did in the scene.

Another great moment was the adorable and entertaining explanation of DNA that looked more similar to a Disneyland ride than a science class.

The film is filled with great character actors like Jeff Goldblum who embodies the wonderfully insane mathematician, Ian Malcolm and adds color and energy to this film. The ancillary cast surprised me with such notable faces such as Samuel L. Jackson, Laura Dern and Newman from “Seinfeld.”

After finishing “Jurassic Park,” I realized what I may have been missing. All these movies that my friends swear by maybe should viewed after all.

The problem is with the kinds of friends I have, it means a lot of catch up.

10

sports

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Lady Mustangs win tournament

MUSTANG OF THE MONTH

Soccer player lauded Freshman gives her all to team by michael johnson deltacollegian@gmail.com

MAKING IT PERFECT: The women’s basketball team warms up during a recent practice on campus.

PHOTO BY JERMAINE DAVIS

by jermaine davis deltacollegian@gmail.com

Delta College’s women’s basketball team is off to a solid start, as the team prepares for Big 8 Conference play.

Though there are new faces on the team this season, the Lady Mustangs still seek to improve on the team’s 11-3 conference record from last season.

After winning all three games at the Jocelyn Mancebo Classic Tournament, the Lady Mustangs proved that a team with 10 freshmen can play together as a team and make adjustments when necessary.

During the first round of the tournament, Delta out-played Monterey on both ends of the court by playing at a faster pace with a smothering defensive attack that resulted in a land slide 90-54 victory for the Lady Mustangs.

“Our goal is to keep the tempo up … we want to get good shots up and work on certain parts of our game that needs improvement,” said Head Coach Gina Johnson.

The second round game against Fresno City College, a team that finished second in the state and first in the Central Valley Conference last season, wasn’t as lopsided as the team’s first round match-up.

At the end of the second half both teams were tied 72-72, sending the game into overtime.

Sophomore Forward Asiana Scott made an impact on the game coming off the bench.

In 26 minutes of play she contributed 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, shooting 5-6 from the field.

The Lady Mustangs were able to walk away

with a victory, beating Fresno City 82-79.

“I knew our team would do really well. We’re a very talented team and our talents come together really well once we’re in sync,” said Taylor McMiller, a sophomore.

In the third round of the Jocelyn Mancebo Classic Tournament against College of Sequoias, the Lady Mustangs were forced to play at a much slower pace due to the opponent’s style of play.

At halftime the score was 29-26, with Delta trailing by three.

After making adjustments and substitutions, the Lady Mustangs picked up the pace and applied pressure on Sequoias.

The team scored 44 points in the second half, and after a failed last second shot attempt by Sequoias, Delta won the game 70-68 earning the title of winners of the tournament.

“We’ve been doing a lot of CrossFit which we’ve never done before. CrossFit is mentally just as much as it is physically because you get halfway through the workout and think you can’t do it anymore because it’s too tough,” said Assistant Coach Sam Oelsner. “We’re really pushing them to the breaking point mentally, so the team is prepared for whatever the games throw at them this season.”

Making sure the Lady Mustangs are physically and mentally prepared for each game this season is a high priority for the coaching staff. “To come out and win our tournament really told us and show us how much we really want this, so hopefully this carries over and this season goes great,” said sophomore Karleasha Thompson.

The Lady Mustangs next game against Deanza College is 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Men’s basketball season starts off with strong record by derrion dunn

deltacollegian@gmail.com

Delta College’s men’s basketball team is ready to run the court with a record of 3-1 to start the season.

“The team is improving everyday as we work on putting all the pieces together,” said

Head Coach Rich Ressa.

The Mustangs suffered the first loss of the season 81-72 on Nov. 15 to Columbia College.

“There were a lot of distractions in this game,” said Sophomore Forward Jerrel Green.

Sophomore Guard Alex Simmions, is the leading scor-

er on the team averaging 15.8 points through the first four games this season.

Delta hopes to regain momentum as the team prepares for its upcoming road game against Merced College.

Merced has yet to win a game. The Mustangs take on the team on Nov. 26.

Last month, Delta College recognized women’s soccer player Monica Arroyo as Mustang of the Month for her outstanding performance on the field, scoring five goals in October.

“Monica is one of the most explosive players in the conference with her speed and is finding ways to make an impact despite being identified and tightly man mark in every match,” according to the Delta Athletics site.

The 24-year-old freshman said she gives her all to the team, which keeps this wild horse galloping toward victory.

Winning is a team effort, but individual players’ attitude plays a role in success as well.

“I give it my all to help my team. I don’t quit. I play hard till the whistle blows,” said Arroyo in an email interview.

That determination was demonstrated when Arroyo drew a penalty during a team win over Sacramento City College on Nov. 1 Arroyo credits hard work to her talent.

“I train hard at practice. I treat each practice like a game. I give it my all and fix any mistakes my coach tells me,” she said.

Arroyo said there is no strategy in particular that is part of her success other than getting out there and playing with her heart.

“My hard work shows on the field but sometimes I have better days than others but I see improvement in each game I play,” she said.

Arroyo and the team’s hard work has earned the Mustangs a spot in the regional playoffs, which begin on Saturday, Nov. 23.

“I can't predict the future but I think my team is good but there is always room to improve and be better,” said Arroyo.

Wrestling into regionals by eleanor mafi

deltacollegian@gmail.com

Mustangs wrestling Head Coach Michael Sandler is now in his eleventh year at Delta College.

“The kids — I love working with the athletes and enjoy watching them get better for the next level,” said Sandler.

The Mustangs wrestling practice structure includes a little warm-up, drills and then wrestling and conditioning.

“I have to work hard and think that every opponent is better then me and have to do better in each match,” said wrestler Antoine Lopes.

The wrestlers all have different techniques they love to use when going into a match.

“Take down is my best technique that I use,” said Lopes.

The Mustangs have been up and down all year, but the wres-

tlers have had some strong moments.

The Mustangs took on Lassen College at Blanchard Gym on Nov. 13.

“Today was a great match.

We had an opportunity to beat Lassen and I think we been wrestling really well lately so I am pretty excited going into regionals,” said Sandler after defeating Lassen.

“Now it is time to focus on minor things and getting better at things that we need to improve on. It’s different for each kid but we’re excited to get ready for regionals and host state the week after,” he added.

The Mustangs have a tournament at Menlo College on Saturday, Nov. 23.

After that is regionals at Lassen College, then it’s state championships, which the Mustangs will host Dec. 13-14 all day at Blanchard Gym.

11 news

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Eight-day Jewish ‘Festival of Lights’ to begin

Delta student competes in singing contest

by kevin fleischman deltacollegian@gmail.com

by jermaine davis deltacollegian@gmail.com

Everyone wants to be a superstar but very few actually put in the hard work to make their dreams come true.

That might be the story for some who procrastinate, but not for one Delta College student.

Erica Lutrell, 23, is a Stockton native who has been writing songs since elementary school.

She has auditioned for TV talent shows like “The Voice” and “American Idol” in past years, but now has her sight set on becoming the “Voice of McDonald’s.”

“I’ve been working for McDonald’s for seven years and this competition’s been ongoing on for three, so I figured why not try it out ... if all I have to do is submit a video,” said Lutrell.

McDonald’s made accommodations for Lutrell to go to Los Angeles, where she enjoyed her stay at a Hollywood hotel, like superstars do.

The company paid the expenses, including studio time. McDonald’s even shot a music video to promote Lutrell being in the contest.

PHOTO BY JERMAINE DAVIS

THE VOICE: Erica Lutrell at the campus Koi pond.

A competition like this one that determines the winner by online voting can be stressful.

Between school, work and a daughter, Lutrell is challenged with staying updated on the votes.

“Online voting doesn’t let you know how many votes you actually have, but you can see how many shares you have on Facebook and right now I’m somewhere in the middle of the pack with more than 300 shares ... while the top contestant has 12,000 shares on Facebook,” said Lutrell.

“If I finish in the top three, my next stop is Orlando, Fla. for 10 days and I will compete worldwide on stage. Winning this competition would give me more confidence in my singing abilities and open so many doors for my singing career,” said Lutrell.

To watch her music video and vote go to: voiceofmcdonalds.com. Voting opened in October.

It will end Dec. 2 at midnight.

Many Americans are counting down the days until Thanksgiving.

Many may not be aware of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew.

Hanukkah begins on Nov. 27 and ends Dec. 5 this year.

Hanukkah, which is also referred to as the Festival of Lights and Feast of Dedication, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple.

One of the highlights during the festival is the lighting of the candles on the Menorah, which consists of eight branches with one additional raised branch called the Shamash.

“Our family celebrates by lighting a candle each night of the eight days on the menorah.

We say a prayer each night. I make potato latkes fried in oil,”

said student Marilyn Chadnick, a member of Temple Israel in an email interview.

Families will usually enjoy singing special songs, such as Ma’oz Tzur and eating fried foods such as potato latkes.

In Jewish law Hanukkah is one of the lesser holidays, many people don’t realize when it actually starts, so it often gets forgotten.

“It’s a great celebration of Miracle for the Jewish people,” said Chadnick.

Temple Israel in Stockton will be hosting a Hanukkah party on Dec. 1.

Chadnick said the origin of Hanukah is that in ancient times there was a battle between the Jewish and Syrian Greeks. The celebration is eight days long because a flame lit, which only had enough fuel for one day, burned for eight days.

“I am proud of the Jewish survival and the creation of the state of Israel,” said Chadnick.

Professors offer tips on debate strategies to students by justin tristano deltacollegian@gmail.com

Students may be familiar with professors vs. students debates, but may not be familiar with the recent modification called professors vs. professors.

On Nov. 7, Delta College faculty members debated as to the relevance of bachelor’s degrees and if the value is

worth the cost.

Naturally the faculty members shared a few tips for students to consider when preparing their own debates.

The most common point made when debating was to always start by researching the other sides arguments so you could be prepared.

“I researched how bachelor’s degrees [weren’t] worth the investment before re-

PUENTE: Club remembers member continued from PAGE 1 Ruiz was an active member, continuingly looking for volunteer opportunities.

Ruiz also had a young son and is remembered as a proud father.

“He brought (his son) to one of the fundraisers on Halloween.

He was helping us out, he always asked if there was anything he can do to help,” Bobadilla said.

Ruiz was new to the club, starting this semester, but his presence continued to make the club feel more like a family, Bobadilla said.

“We barely met him, [but] we try to include everyone. They come from different backgrounds, they come from different pasts.

We come together. And even if we don’t have the same interest, we’re still a part of the club,” she added.

The Puente Club will host a fundraiser to raise money for the family. Puente is also looking to set up an account for Ruiz’s family in the Delta Cashier’s office.

No arrests have been made in the shooting.

Anyone with knowledge of the crime is asked to call the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 468-4444.

searching that it was,” said Director of Forensics Kathleen Bruce, who was arguing that bachelors was worth the investment.

A good source to pull for the debate according to Dr. Bill Ferriolo is articles written by academics.

“You want to go to publications that have no financial stake in the data,” he said, because financial stake could

mean content would be modified to fit an agenda.

The alternatives are also online, through the Delta library’s online resource as well as interviews or direct articles.

But not Google.

“Google is usually tertiary sources and you usually want primary sources,” said Bruce.

Once you get to the debate however, there is more than just facts to support you.

A few points Ferriolo gave were to fit in humor if you can, try to phrase arguments to fit the audience and don’t be afraid to put in a few jabs towards your opponents position on the subject.

Current plans are to make the professors vs. professors debate every semester while keeping the professor vs. students debate to its current annual listings.

POLICE: Increase in sales tax allows Stockton to hire more police, work way out of bankrupcy continued from PAGE 1 EXACTLY how it was promised,” he wrote.

The funds will begin coming in next summer.

“The City will not actually receive any money from the sales tax increase until approximately July 2014, which will provide a partial fiscal year of funding,” said Connie Cochran City of Stockton Public Information Officer during an e-mail interview.

Although the city hasn’t received any of the money from

the sales tax increase yet, more police officers are being hired with plans for that to continue.

“The Police Department has been hiring new officers for several months in order to increase staffing and become eligible for a federal COPS grant. The sales tax increase will allow them to continue hiring. We hope to hire approximately 40 officers per year over a three-year period,” said Cochran.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

(COPS) grant gives the city of Stockton the financial support to hire additional Police Officers.

The city has filed what is called a “plan of adjustment,” or plan to exit bankruptcy, with the bankruptcy court.

Stockton’s “plan of adjustment” is reliant on this tax raise.

“It includes agreements for adjusting our debt with the City’s largest creditors. We have reached tentative agreements with some creditors which required the passage of the sales tax increase,” said Cochran.

12 news

Issue 6 • Nov. 22, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Culinary Arts program serves Delta population by jermaine davis news@deltacollegian.net

The Delta College Student Chef ’s Lounge is serving some of the best food on campus but few students take advantage of the fresh dishes and quiet environment available.

The lounge is located in Danner Hall.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, visitors to Danner may see students walking around campus with brown boxes in hand.

Those are the students that have ordered food to go from the Student Chef Lounge.

Students and staff aren’t the only ones enjoying the food on campus, many customers from outside place orders from work and have lunch inside the lounge.

Having a Student Chef ’s Lounge on campus allows the students enrolled in the culi-

nary courses to have hands-on experience being a server, along with making sure customers are satisfied with their service.

There is an alternative, when the cafeteria line is piled up like cars stuck in 5 o’clock traffic, so why aren’t students eating at the Student Chef Lounge more?

Possibly because time isn’t on student’s side with multiple classes to attend throughout the day, but really the main reason is students aren’t paying attention to their surroundings.

“A lot of the time, students stumble over here and never knew the Student Chef’s Lounge existed, which shocks many students … I don’t feel like enough people know about us on campus,” said Jazzmine Hall.

The meals are fresh, the service is fast paced and the mood is mellow, but many students get caught up with price comparison

and miss out on the experience.

The hottest item on the menu is the “Delta Burger.”

Visitors can have it prepared however they like, with or without all the essentials such as tomatoes, unions, pickles, lettuce, mayonnaise or mustard. The burger comes with a plate full of thick, filling fries.

The price for the “Delta Burger” is $6 for anyone who attempts to conquer this meal.

This semester there are 12 students in total that work in the front and back of the house, which is challenging at times because usually there’s almost 20 enrolled.

“When we had a full class, we would cook Monday through Wednesday, but now we prep the food on Monday,” said Instructional Support Assistant McKenzie Harrison. “Now we can only do two days of service with the

PHOTO BY JERMAINE DAVIS

STUDENT CHEF: Staff and students have lunch in the dining room while being served by Culinary Arts students.

staff we have, so it’s a problem because their students who’ve never done this before ... In a restaurant you only get a few hours to prep then serve,” she added.

The last day to experience the Student Chef ’s Lounge this

semester is Tuesday, Dec. 26.

The lounge will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I love what we do here and I expect to see a full house on our final day of the semester,” said Jacquelyn Scarlett.

Shopping discounts offered online on Monday after Black Friday craze by kevin fleischman deltacollegian@gmail.com

THIS MOMENT BEGAN WITH A CHOICE.

®

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.

EDUCATION BENEFITS • SKILLS TRAINING • PART-TIME SERVICE

Contact Staff Sergeant Arturo Alcantar at 209.496.5060

1-800-GO-GUARD Programs and Benefits Subject to Change

10BW-04_6x7_Alcantar.indd 1

8/30/13 9:44 AM

With the holidays approaching Americans will hit the ground running for the best shopping deals on Black Friday.

But Cyber Monday is also predicted to be one of the busiest days of the year.

What is Cyber Monday?

It’s a marketing term created for the Monday after Thanksgiving in the United States when consumers are encouraged to shop online.

With Thanksgiving being later this year, many companies are hoping the increase of online shoppers will be higher than usual.

“One of the many companies that expects to see an increase in volume during the holiday season is FedEx,” according to a company news release.

According to the FedEx website, during its busiest week of the year, which is expected to be Dec. 1 -7, the company plans to move more than 85 million shipments throughout its worldwide facilities.

“Monday right after Thanksgiving and employees are returning to their offices and computers which will

make them buy something right away,” said Delta College Student Victor Monjica.

Monjica said another reason online shopping is growing in popularity is because some companies are offering free shipping if your total is greater than a set amount.

With the addition of the Amazon Fulfillment Centers in Tracy and in Patterson the Central Valley should see more presence in online orders.

The new centers allow shoppers to order more items then before because the nearest Fulfillment Centers in the area were in Las Vegas or Southern California, which still has a delivery time of three to four business days.

Now with two distribution centers in the area, customers may gear more toward buying right from the comfort of their own homes and not have to deal with the possibility of rude shoppers during the crazy holidays.

“It’s much more convenient for shoppers who frequently buy from online sites versus going to the stores directly,”Monjica said.

Monjica said he likes having Amazon here in the valley especially the facility in Tracy, which allows him to get his items faster.