Women’s soccer remains undefeated SPORTS, PAGE 7
Black Friday survival guide
The Collegian
FEATURE, PAGE 4
Issue 4 • Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 •
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CELEBRATING DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
MORE INSIDE View images celebrating Dia de Los Muertos from the Mexican Heritage Center’s street fiesta on Oct. 30. PAGE 3
A Dia De Los Muertos ofrenda was set up on the first floor of the DeRicco Building. Delta’s Puente students, along with the help of the Chicanx Latinx Faculty Task Force, the La Raza Employees Association, and the Dreamer Success Center put the display together. Students and faculty were welcome to bring in a photo memory of loved ones to place on the ofrenda, which was available to visit through Nov. 9. PHOTOS BY ANI GUTIERREZ
Stockton Scholars expanded BY ALAN SOLORIO LEON Staff Writer
Reinvent Stockton Foundation’s program “Stockton Scholars” has declared that their scholarship opportunities will stretch beyond high school seniors to all high school students in the Stockton area and nearby school districts such as Lincoln, Lodi, and Manteca planning to attend any college. It was previously limited for seniors planning to attend a UC or private colleges such as Stanford or USC. “We are opening up the scholarship. It will be available to any student attending a public high school in Stockton regardless of district, so we are very excited to expand opportunities and resources for young people here in Stockton,” said Janae Aptaker, Director of Stockton Scholars program. During the Stockton Scholars Expansion Press Conference, Delta’s Superintendent and President, Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson expressed her joy about the program
partnering with Delta. “On behalf of the college (Delta College), we are thrilled to continue the MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Stockton Scholars and expanding this opportunity for our students, it is wonderful for members of our community to expand their opportunities to be here at Delta College and other regional colleges,” Lawrenson said. The expansion guarantees students throughout the area will have the opportunities for scholarships to chase a higher education. Students who have applied and completed the process will acquire the scholarship money to use for a twoyear college, a four-year college or university in California, and even to attend Historically Black Colleges (HBCU). Delta’s Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Lonita Cordova said she supports the cause as she believes these scholarship chances can help and change lives for Delta College students.
See SCHOLARS, page 8
Using your street smarts on campus Safety reminders after more than year of isolation BY ARIANA MALLERY News Editor
With people being back on campus after being gone for so long, we might all need a refresher on how to stay safe. Did being on lockdown make people more or less vigilant of the world around them, and how has this translated to people’s behavior on campus? “The pandemic made people more aware, and that’s directly as a result of being cooped up,” said Support Services Sergeant Jim Bock of the San Joaquin Delta College District Police. “My personal house, internet usage went way up, with more people streaming on their devices, becoming engaged in the news...just by proxy that provided more opportunity to research. Honestly we see people happy to see some semblance of normalcy, and because they’re informed, they want to see the safety of themselves and others.” The dependence on smart devices during lock down has led to problems. “The biggest mistake is they’re living in their smart devices, heads buried in their phones, not paying attention around them,” Bock said. “In general
over the years, we’ve seen more accidents where people trip over something. Typically when we have a crime on campus where it involves a suspect and a victim, almost every time the victim has been wearing headphones in both ears, or doing something like looking at their smart device and were distracted.” What precautions can students take? “One of the biggest messages we want to get out is: listen to music, that’s fine. Just keep an earbud out. When you’re walking, try to keep a partner. Keep your head up so you’re not distracted. Safety is a two way street. Safety starts with individuals making good choices,” said Bock. Every year, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, San Joaquin Delta College releases a “Clery Annual Security and Fire Report.” This report details the Clery crime statistics from the year prior, with Clery crimes being separated into four categories. Category 1 is primary crimes, which
See SAFETY, page 8
NEXT ISSUE: Dec. 3 • CONTACT US: deltacollegian@gmail.com or (209) 954-5156 • ONE FREE COPY
2 OPINION 111221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion
Cal Grant Reform Act vetoed but was it right? BY BRYAN RAMOS
G
Staff Writer
overnor Newsom recently vetoed AB-1456, the Cal Grant Reform Act, but was it really the right thing to do? The Cal Grant Reform act was meant to update many things for the Cal Grant program. One of those changes would’ve been to expand who would be eligible for Cal Grant. Eligibility for Cal Grant is based on FAFSA/CADAA responses, GPA, school that student will attend, etc.The act would’ve reduced the minimum GPA requirement for UC and CSUs from 3.0 to 2.0. It would’ve also removed GPA requirements for community colleges so therefore way more students would get help. Newsom didn’t necessarily reject the whole bill but he just doesn’t think it is a good idea because of the possible hikes in tuition and possible taxes on their part that come with the aid. AB1456 is a great idea for people going to college. Newsom should approve of AB1456 because this bill could help many more students afford college. With the more relaxed requirements, it would help more students around that range be able to enter college without trouble and especially if they’re going
to a community college. With the pandemic going on, many people lost their jobs and many families are still struggling financially because of that. If they’re struggling financially, obviously they won’t be able to pay for college and even if they did, it would be through student loans and it could cause a huge financial burden for everyone. The loosened requirements for AB1456 can also have families because tuition fees would be waived so families would have to worry less about college expenses. Cal Grant works in an interesting way and that confuses many students as they don’t know how Cal Grant works. AB1456 would’ve helped with that because the bill would have simplified it all by having separate awards for low-income community college students and four-year UC/CSU students. This would’ve been another great way to help the students because now they would know what award they get since they’re separate. Newsom also mentioned that it would hike college/university fees. Whether the prices go up or down, students would still be covered by financial aid and they’re most likely going to have to pay anyway so if tuitions and other fees hike, might as well take that risk so more students can be covered by Cal
Grant. Others may say that it won’t get students as far but the point of the bill is to help more students qualify for the reward at least and it is better to have some help than no help so even if they don’t cover full costs, other things like scholarships can come into place If the Cal Grant reform act can actually take place, more people will go to college. Another effect of the pandemic is that less people are going to college because Covid completely affected them because what was already hard to pay for got even harder due to people suffering financially. There was a decline in enrollments in college because they can’t pay for it during these times and the Cal Grant rewards could have helped them but maybe they didn’t receive the help which is also why they haven’t enrolled. With the pandemic getting under control and if the act takes place, more students will start to attend college again because their tuition can be covered. The bill should go into legislation regardless of the consequences like tuition hikes, taxes, and other fees so they can help all the students that are going through this time of uncertainty and help them strive for a better future.
Dine-in vaccination status requirement invasive?
In-n-Out says it’s unreasonable, invasive to enforce vaccine mandate BY JAHDAI SPIKES
Entertainment Editor
I
n San Francisco, restaurants are required to check customers’ vaccination status in order for them to dine indoors. In-N-Out refused to do so, and after checking on Sept. 24 and again on Oct. 6 to see they were still not complying with the law. The San Francisco Department of Public Statement then issued a violation and closure for the restaurant. The San Francisco In-N-Out is not alone, the Contra Costa county In-N-Out in Pleasant Hill was also closed for the same reason on Oct. 26. This may have been the smart decision for these cities to make for multiple reasons, the most obvious of which being that this would reduce the possible spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students around campus, such as high school senior Ferhawn Shaheen, agree that the restaurant should have been closed as long as “other measures had been taken” beforehand. If the city had closed the restaurant without giving warnings and waiting to see if the
situation would improve then this would have been the wrong thing to do, but since they did take these steps prior to, In-NOut did not give them much of a choice but to close them down in response. Some people feel this is an overreach of government power, that they should not have been able to simply close the restaurant, and that demanding customers to show proof of vaccination is violating and unnecessary. “It is unreasonable, invasive and unsafe to force our restaurant associates to segregate customers into those who may be served and those who may not,” In-n-Out said in a statement roughly around mid-October. And although this is a valid point, it is undeniable that going through these extensive measures to ensure everyone’s safety regarding the pandemic in public has been effective so far. Others argue that having to check customers vaccination status at the door would slow down business. But as seen by many other restaurants implementing these exact measures and being fine, this point is null and void.
The Collegian The Collegian is the student newspaper of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif. The paper is published six times a semester. As a First Amendment newspaper we pride ourselves on a commitment to the students of Delta College while maintaining independence. We reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech.
The Collegian is a member of the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.
EDITORS DAVID VICTOR Editor in Chief
JASON DIEZ Opinion
JAHDAI SPIKES
STAFF JULIO BURGOS GRACIELA GABRIEL ANI GUTIERREZ SANTINO MARTINEZ ALAN SOLORIO LEON
MULTIMEDIA TECH MATTHEW WILSON
ADVISER TARA CUSLIDGE-STAIANO
Entertainment
ARIANA MALLERY News
ALBERT GAMEZ Editor at large
BRYAN RAMOS Editor at large
CONTACT US:
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shima 203/204, (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com For information about advertising, letters to the editor and editorial standards visit deltacollegian.net
3 PHOTOGRAPHY 111221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net
Individuals and businesses display custom vehicles, above and right, along with an altar honoring their loved ones for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at a street festival hosted by the Mexican Heritage Center in Stockton on Oct. 30.
STOCKTON STREET FIESTA CELEBRATES DAY OF THE DEAD
A couple stops to pose while they walk the streets.
A little girl dances in the street at the Mexican Heritage Centers’ fourth annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) community fiesta on Oct. 30 in downtown Stockton. PHOTOS BY LESLI DIEHL
A woman dressed in cultural attire walks the streets during the Mexican Heritage Centers’ community street fiesta.
Celeste Valencia, age 5, paints on the "Jr. Mural" put together by local street artist Carlos Marquez during the Mexican Heritage Centers’ fourth annual Dia de los Muertos community street fiesta. A gentleman plays his guitar as he walks the streets during the Mexican Heritage Centers’ community street fiesta.
A young woman dressed in cultural attire walks the streets during the Mexican Heritage Centers’ fourth annual Dia de los Muertos fiesta.
4 FEATURE 111221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature
ON DIEZ BY JAaffS Writer
G N I V I V Y R A U D I S R F K C A BL
St
Black Friday, a nerve-wracking and anxiety-inducing day, marks an annual sale across the county that follows after Thanksgiving. After the holiday feast begins the carnage between customers and the markdown 50 percent cat apparel with vibrant festive print. To avoid the relentless long hours spent outside, due to last minute planning, brings about the imperative Black Friday holiday shopping guide. “Wild, loud, crowded, anxious, and competitive,” said Tutti Frutti Yogurt Manager Monica Hernandez of the emotions throughout the annual shopping holiday. The first step to tackling this stressful holiday is having a set goal in mind. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of deals plastered across each passing store window from 30 percent to almost 50 percent in the entire store. These stores often find a way to market themselves to consumers that are “window-shopping” with no aim or goal in mind. Which in turn causes shoppers mindlessly wandering throughout these stores, racking up expensive purchases. Planning ahead not only saves the headaches, but can help set a clear goal in mind. Think of early holiday shopping. Think of next season shopping. The next point is safety in numbers. Travel in groups, because it’s easier to navigate through a crowd. Just like the ebb and flow of the ocean, going against the tide of people will knock you back when it comes to a new shiny pristine plate set. “This is an opportunity to do a family thing,” said Janet Nguyen, a University of the Pacific student majoring in Psychology. It’s an opportunity to maneuver against the crowd while creating an intimate moment with your loved ones. Traveling in numbers is always a safe option, be-
cause you avoid the risk of being lost amongst the intersection of multiple stores. Another point is rest and regenerating. Black Friday, traditionally a one-holiday thing, has now extended itself to a week-long event. It’s imperative to rest and regenerate. Bringing a hydro flask or water bottle saves the stress of having to spend more money on top of one’s purchase. While you’re saving money on spending money on beverages, you’ll be able to use that money for the better good. More clothes. More deals. It’s important to eat food as well during the holiday. It can easily slip the mind while you’re shopping. The mixed emotions of hunger, confusion, and anxiety can cause a person to forget to eat. Not all stores offer Black Friday deals. “Customers expect deals, but Hobby Lobby, no deals on Black Friday. We’re notoriously known for having sales each week,”said Customer Service Manager Mylea Phou, bringing about the importance that not all stores will offer Black Friday deals. This ties back to the stigma that all shops will always have deals on Black Friday; however, not all stores are obligated to have deals. It’s important to conduct your personal research on what stores would offer a Black Friday deal. While the hype of Black Friday is notoriously known, another safe and viable option is Cyber Monday. This virtual shopping holiday, provides the ease of browsing through catalogs of items without the stress of worrying if the store has the item in the store. Cyber Monday allows people to shop at the comfort of their home. It’s like if Black Friday was brought to the house. Lastly, remember to shop safely. Public safety is an important factor to the Black Friday survival list.
Eckerd Connect helps disadvantaged youth BY JULIO BURGOS Staff Writer
Eckerd Connect is a government-funded program designed to provide assistance to youth with disadvantaged backgrounds in San Joaquin County. Eckerd Connects manages the WorkStartYES program in Stockton where they offer employment, training, and career guidance services to youth ages 16-24 years old. “The mission is for youth to obtain employment and complete educational goals. Our youth are able to become independent and provide for themselves and get closer to their dreams,” said Natalia Hurtado, program manager for Eckerd Connect, who has worked closely with many teens and sees potential in every youth that enters the WorkStartYES program. “Every youth that walks through the door of our program made the first step to change their lives which tells that they really want our support. I always tell them that we’ll neve know our full potential unless
you push yourself to find it and that’s what they do when they come to us” said Hurtado The program focuses on youth that may be in or out of school, of low-income backgrounds, and facing barriers in obtaining post-secondary education and/or securing employment. According to an article posted by Brandeis University, Stockton ranked in the top 4 worst cities with opportunities for youth. This makes it difficult for Stockton youth to further their opportunities in life. For a teen living in Stockton this statistic not only puts them at a disadvantage but it can also be discouraging. WorkStartYES provides no-cost services such as: Paid incentives for completion of program goals, high school completion or GED assistance, career exploration opportunities, postsecondary and job site field trips, resume building, application, and job search assistance, paid work experience, supportive services, financial, educational, and career workshops, follow up services.
Marcy Delatorre is currently enrolled in the program and expressed how it has helped her get back on track. “When entering the program I was just looking for a job but they helped me go back to school and now I’m working on my high school diploma and have a part time Job. This program helped me get back on my feet with all their support, said Delatorre. Access to programs like this can help in the overall success of the youths’ futures and gives them a chance to achieve in opportunities such as educational and societal positions. Eligible individuals include but are not limited to school dropouts, previous offenders or justice-involved, homeless or runaway, individuals in foster care or aged-out of foster care, pregnant or youth parents, or an individual with a disability. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the program or wants to find out whether they qualify can call outreach and enrollment at (209) 468-9043.
5 FEATURE 011221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature
YOUR HOW-TO GUIDE FOR FALL 2021 FASHION BY JASON DIEZ Staff Writer
Think of browns. Think of trench coats. Think of fall fashion. What are the trends you see when it comes to fashion for the fall?
California’s diversity in taste of fashion varies from one-layered clothing to multiple-layered clothing ensembles. Navigating the multiple variations of what is considered “Fall Fashion” is your in-depth analysis and guide for
The Stocktonian Streetwear Icon
2021. “When I think of Fall Fashion I think of boots, beanies, leather jackets, face piercings,” said Monica Hernandez, Tutti Frutti manager on Pacific Avenue. With new and upcoming
trends, it’s important to remember the staple pieces. For fall fashion, acknowledging your fundamental pieces can help put together your outfit.
Y2K Fashion Baddie
Having a crewneck stashed in the backseat of your car can add a layer to your outfit. From the creamish whites to subtle brown tones, crewnecks offer a sense of comfortability and functionality to your outfit. When pairing your outfit with a crewneck, there are multiple ways of assembling the style. One way of pairing it is with a cream crew neck paired with a red wind-resistant fabric and subtle details of black inner lining. To match, you can pair the outfit with a red baseball hat and wide length pants to provide the cozy fitting of pants. The wide-length pants provide an illusion of looking visually taller than usual. After slipping on a pair of skateboarding shoes, for the ease and access on putting them on, the outfit is assembled. With this outfit it gives you a fashionable but comfortable style.
For this, it’s important to have a colorful pattern or animal print to help create the pop of style in the outfit. While you’re keeping the fit tamed and safe, you’re expressing your inner fashionista through this article of clothing. Think of hats or bags. They both serve functional purposes for the fall. Think of the grunge influencers on TikTok and Instagram, pairing their fits with chains and small jackets. It’s more of a spin on Y2k Fashion, and a modernized version for 2021. This style is often paired with blacks and darker colors with baggy pants to appear bolder and louder.
I’m-just-naturally-charming
Executive travelling abroad in style
Last style, if “subtle fashion icon” is not your thing, is the “I just rolled out of bed” style. “I often see students wear sweats, and black, because it’s midterm season and no one really cares,” said Mylea Phou, a Hobby Lobby customer service manager. For this style, you’d typically pair this fit with a black puffy jacket. The bigger the better. This helps provide safety in your clothes without having to put in too much effort. After that, you’d pair the fit with sweatpants and comfortable shoes. This style is to give the illusion that you’re primed and ready for the day while you just rolled out of bed.
For this pair, you layer the outfit with a trench coat that not only displays a business-like ready-to-go style, but someone who’s prepared for a meeting on the demand. The purpose of the trenchcoat is to add the icing on top of the cake. Underneath the trenchcoat serves the bases of the coat, with this it’s important to emphasize and prioritize neutral and less-conflicting colors. This not only helps lessen the eyestrain but makes the outfit visually appealing to everyone.
6 ENTERTAINMENT 111221
and it was also one of my favorite games,” said Dong-hyuk. The hidden meaning behind the game as a whole, though, is that it
BY ANI GUTIERREZ Staff Writer
“Squid Game,” a South Korean Netflix series that was released on Sept. 17, is the show that has been the center of everyone’s discussion lately. All across the world, from South Korea to the U.S, this show has made quite the impression on viewers. Currently being the most watched show on Netflix worldwide, “Squid Game” has a hold on the internet. From conspiracy theories, to memes, this series has captured nearly everyone’s attention. Warning: spoilers follow. In basic terms, this show is about a bunch of financially struggling people in South Korea who accept an invitation to play presumably safe children’s games, like red light green light, to win a cash prize of billions of dollars and be released from their debt. The facade quickly fades as those who fail the games are killed. The contestants, shocked at the deadly outcome, were then allowed to partake in a vote of whether to continue with the game or not. With almost an even vote, the consensus came out to them leaving the game. Shortly after, though, a large majority changed their minds and decided to come back and play the game, with the deadly intentions being as clear as ever. The cash prize and debt-free life was too tempting for the struggling characters. Only one surviving winner in the end wins all the money that is accumulated from the deaths of the other players. The game is controlled by
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/entertainment
some of the most powerful people in the world, the filthy rich (referred to as The VIPS), who ultimately created the game for their own entertainment. The meaning behind this show is much deeper than it may first seem, though, which has become the center of many viewer’s conversations. The show’s creator, Hwang Donghyuk, told RadioTimes.com that the name of the game is inspired by a popular Korean childhood game that he would play when he was younger. This game starts with a squid-like diagram drawn in the sand. Played by two teams, one of them being the attackers that try to dominate the opposing team’s land by pushing them outside the lines of the diagram. “It was one of the most physical
symbolizes the capitalistic society in which we live in.” “I felt that this game could be the most symbolic children’s game that could represent the kind of society we live in today,” said Dong-hyuk. The fact that the contestants willingly played after they were aware of the death consequences sets an illusion of “free choice” under capitalism, when their only real choice is to exploit others to get ahead. Everyone became so greedy with the cash prize and their own lives that they didn’t care about others dying so they could get ahead in the game, win the money, and be freed from their debt. One of the characters and contestants in the show, #001, or Oh Il-nam, said in the first episode, “Life is like a game, there are many players. If you
don’t play with them, they’ll play with you.” This is an example of how symbolism is hidden in just about every bit of the show, thus leading many of the viewers to believe that the game is a symbol of life created by the capitalist system and that ultimately it’s eat or get eaten in a world full of debt and money-thirsty people. The hidden symbolism in this series is where the internet-breaking conversations and conspiracies come to play. “I didn’t notice much of the symbolism until watching a few tiktoks explaining the clues. The detail they put into the dialogue is really great too. Like how the VIPS all have animal masks which I interpret as the rich being inhumane for taking joy in watching lower class citizens fight to the death,” said Elisa Martinez, a second year student and fan of the show. “I feel like the meaning of the show is pointing out how some capitalist countries, kinda like America, are not perfect and we need to work on the fact that poor people aren’t poor for no reason, there is a reason and it’s not always their fault. Most of the time it’s because of things like they can’t pay taxes back, things are becoming expensive and inflation,” said Melyka Lewis, first-year student. Lewis continued to say: “I do believe that it was some kind of symbolism where people that are rich are essentially watching us poorer people fight for whatever we can as entertainment.”
American Film Institute’s top movie list outdated
100 movies do not represent younger viewers BY JAHDAI SPIKES
Entertainment Editor
I
n 1998 the American Film Institute released its “100 Greatest American Movies Of All Time,” where more than 1,500 professionals in the field choose from a list of 400 nominated movies. This list was then updated in 2007. It hasn’t been touched since. The result is a dated collection of movies that, while important in their own times, are irrelevant to a new generation of moviegoers whose grandparents watched in-theater debuts of many of the noted films. The top three movies on this list are “Citizen Kane,” released in 1941, The “Godfather,” released in 1972 and “Casablanca” which was released in 1942. When students were asked if they’d seen the top ten movies on the list, the vast majority had not even heard of more than two of them. Would this have changed if teachers on campus were to be asked the same thing? Most likely. But the fact remains that this top 100 list isn't relevant for the younger population in our country. We need a new top 100 list. The past 14 years since this list has been updated have shown a great evolution of both cinema and our society as a whole, this list should reflect that. If this is the most official source to get an accurate and fair ranking of the top 100 movies from our country, they shouldn't have such a large gap of time in which the list has not been updated, especially with all the changes cinema has seen over the past decade alone. The fact that “Toy Story” made this top 100 list shows that fact perfectly. It was ranked very low on the list initially. Would it have better placement under new reviewers with updated eyes viewing it?
Although “Toy Story” is a good movie, it's nothing necessarily special by today's standards. But in 2007 when animation was really starting to grow and evolve Toy Story was a great example of cutting edge animation. And this is the only reason Toy Story made this list. If this list were to be updated, “Toy Story” could be replaced with something like “Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse, “a movie that is universally liked amongst the younger population in this country that has displays impeccable animation, a perfect soundtrack, and a solid and intriguing plot. And if this list were to be updated, it should have to include either a brief explanation as to why each movie was placed where it was or an overall grading criteria that could be used to understand the placement of each movie. As of now we have no clue why Citizen Kane is the best movie of all time according to AFI, or why movies we as a society deem as classics such as “Jurassic Park,” “Ghostbusters” and “The Princess Bride” are not on the list at all. We would also know why some genres are over-represented compared to others, such as there being many more comedies than there are any movies of the horror genre. If this list were to be updated movies like Us, a psychological thriller from 2019 that won 49 awards and was nominated for 69 others, and Baby Driver, an action movie from 2017 where the soundtrack is masterfully integrated into the movie, would surely be somewhere on the list. One could guess why they placed each movie where they did but we need a concrete explanation behind each decision for it to truly be considered the official list of the 100 best American movies.
A poster for “Citizen Kane,” released Sept. 5, 1941. PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGE
7 SPORTS 111221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports
Delta midfielder Taylor McMahon celebrates with teammates Alexis Brewah, Sabrina Cabrera and Kaley Miller after scoring v. Santa Rosa on Nov. 8. PHOTO BY DAVID VICTOR
Women’s soccer aims for Big 8, state titles BY DAVID VICTOR Editor-in-Chief
Delta’s women’s soccer team gets ready to compete for the Big 8 Conference title and in the NorCal regional playoffs for a spot in the state championship tournament. Entering the postseason ranked first in the state by the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA), the Mustangs (18-0-1) remain as the only undefeated team in the state and aim to win the Big 8 Conference title and the regional playoffs. Head Coach Adrienne So-
renson said her team is prepared to take on the postseason, as she and her players have been preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. “We’re definitely preparing ourselves for tough moments in games and if a tough moment happens how we would respond,” said Sorenson. “This group has been playing, practicing the whole season for the postseason, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.” Delta will not have to travel away from Stockton for the entire postseason up until making it to a hypothetical CCCAA State Championship tournament.
As the No. 1 seed in Northern California, Delta is guaranteed to host all of its playoff games at the Delta College Soccer Complex, where the Mustangs maintain a 37-game undefeated streak and have not lost a game since 2017. While the Mustangs are excited about having the home field advantage for the playoffs, the team is aware that its opponents will give it their all to give Delta a tough battle. “I don’t think teams particularly love to play here [at Delta], but at the same time teams come in knowing that we love to play at home and that we play well at home so they al-
ways bring their best here. I think that’s something that we have to understand mentally, that we come ready,” said Sorenson. On a team that’s currently ranked the best in California on the community college level there are several players who are having a season to remember. The most significant player of them all, however, is forward Alexis Brewah who has had an outstanding performance. Scoring 19 goals in 18 games, Brewah has been a key player for the Mustangs’ offense. She is also important when it comes to generating
plays up top and has the third highest number of assists in the state with 19. More than just her performance on the field, Brewah plays an important leadership role as the team’s captain. “At the end of the day that’s just my job. That’s what I’m here to do is to make everyone’s job easier,” said Brewah. “If I can help people score, that’s what I’ll do. If I have to score myself, that’s what I’ll do. I’m just here to help the team in whatever way they need my help.”
READ THE FULL STORY AT DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET
Football seeks to end season on high note
players hasn’t put Delta in a higher position within the Even though this season rankings, some of them have hasn’t been what Delta’s foot- had noteworthy performances ball team had hoped for, it still for themselves to rack up numseeks to finish the year off in bers in their stats. Freshmen Jaylyn Surrell, the best way it possibly can. The Mustangs (1-8) picked Nicholas Johnson and Aaron up their first victory against Jaimes-Rodriguez are among Chabot College with a score the players with the largest of 31-28 on Oct. 30 in a close workload on the team’s defensive unit, registering a total 82 game. Following its only win of tackles together for the team. They also account for four the season so far, the team lost its following game to Laney of Delta’s eight interceptions, with Surrell picking the ball off College 42-7 on Nov. 6. The Mustangs sit in fifth three times and Jaimes-Rodriplace of the Bay 6 with a 1-3 guez once. On offense it’s the sophoconference record. Despite not having the best mores who have led the way results this year, head coach in moving the team on every Gary Barlow sees better things drive and getting the Mustangs to come for a predominantly on the scoreboard. Quarterback Justin DeMelfreshmen squad. lo is passing for 1,815 yards “I think every game there’s and 10 touchdowns, while runimprovement. They’re making strides every game, so if this ning back Jaylyn Session has group stays together I think five rushing touchdowns and some really good things are go- 214 in running yardage. Freshman Jaylen Pickens ing to happen down the road,” has caught six of the 10 touchsaid Barlow. Throughout the season, the down passes and sophomore Mustangs have conceded a Alvin Howard leads the team total of 346 points and scored in receiving distance with 699 catching yards. 146. More than just the offensive Although this group of unit, the sophomores demonBY DAVID VICTOR Editor-in-Chief
strate their leadership to the team as a whole for the younger players which is a role DeMello had assumed during his first year. “I feel like I kind of had this leadership role last year as a freshman. There were a lot of guys looking up to me back then, so it’s nothing new really,” said DeMello. With the end of the season approaching, players want to continue showing what they’re capable of on the field and continue adding more numbers to their performance. This is especially important for the sophomores wanting options to transfer to a higher education program. DeMello thinks he and several of his teammates have that chance of getting noticed given that Delta is constantly competing against some of the top teams in the state. “We’re playing in the toughest division in all of California, so a lot of scouts come through. It’s nice just to get some film,” said DeMello. The Mustangs will finish off the season when they play their final game tonight at 6 p.m. Delta wide receiver Rashard Stallworth attempts to shake defenders in their visit to Diablo Valley as he runs down the field with the ball against Chabot College on Oct. 30. PHOTO BY DAVID VICTOR College.
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VACCINE OPPOSITION As mandates roll out, pushback comes from those advocating for personal freedom, alternative treatments BY ALBERT GAMEZ Staff Writer
Moves toward widespread vaccine mandates have led to a rise in voice for objectors who are expressing their opinions against the push to require the shot. The Nov. 4 finalization of Occupational Safety and Health Administration plan for all companies with more than 100 employees to be vaccinated for Covid-19 reaffirmed the government’s stance on mandates, pushing a Jan. 4 deadline for compliance. Mandates have been met with opposition nationwide but an Oct.1 vaccine mandate for schoolaged children has parents concerned. “The state already requires that students are vaccinated against viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella – there’s no reason why we wouldn’t do the same for COVID-19. Today’s measure, just like our first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination requirements, is about protecting our children and school staff, and keeping them in the classroom,” said Governor Gavin Newsom in a news release. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey from October found that 3 out of 10 parents surveyed said they would get their child vaccinated for Covid but the others were either cautious or a hard no. “Talk to me in five or ten years when this vaccine has had sufficient time to be studied. Children are in the lowest risk group and beyond that it should be up to me as a parent to decide what to put into my children’s body. As I’ve raised my children I’ve become more aware of how nutrition impacts their body, this vaccine is no different than that consideration and awareness,” said Maia Aguirre, mother of four and grassroots organizer for LodiUSD Homeschooling and Research Option. Aguirre said the data doesn’t support the hardline decision. “Despite the sweeping assumptions and name calling from being vaccine-hesitant — I have my mind made up. It’s unfortunate that my decision is an issue for some but the data presented does not provide justification for a mandate.” Much of Aguirre’s concern revolves around the efficacy of this vaccine and its long term effects. She cited its lack of United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for children as well as its time spent in development as key factors driving her opposition. The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is currently the only of the three vaccines that has full approval from the FDA for individuals 16 years of age and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines currently are being administered under Emergency Use Approval and are pending full approval. “Vaccine development is a long, complex process, often lasting 10-15 years and involving a combination of public and private involvement according to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. ” Two of COVID-19 vaccines are based on mRNA technology. These viruses “do not contain any live virus,” according to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control. The technology has been in development for years, but Operation Warp Speed was directed from the Trump administration that moved toward production of multiple vaccines.
The first Emergency Use Authorization came in December 2020. “FDA may authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions caused by CBRN threat agents when certain criteria are met, including there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives, according to Section 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic ACT. The idea of alternative treatment is a recurring issue in the realm of opposition as well. The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) may be the largest non-profit group reviewing alternative treatments. This group consists of over 2,000 critical care specialists, some of which are the world’s leading pulmonary specialists who have been advocating for a protocol based on prevention rather than treatment -- one preventative measure is antiviral mouthwash. “The early stages of the viral burden begin in the mouth and sinus cavity, so if you can keep this area sanitized your course of illness will be markedly impacted. Oropharyngeal sanitization has had great impacts on preventing the symptoms of COVID-19 and helped tremendously to stave off hospital visits”, Dr. Pierre Kory states in a panel for the FLCCC. The CDC also offers an alternative treatment of monoclonal antibodies, these are laboratory-made molecules that act as substitute antibodies. They can help your immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus, making it more difficult for the virus to reproduce and cause harm. So although there is a scientific basis for alternative strategies, vaccination remains the primary approach for containment. At Delta College, members of the Board of Trustees heard opposition to its vaccine mandate during a Sept. 21 board meeting. Responses on social media posts related to the vaccine mandate have voiced disapproval of the mandate. “Super late, shame on you delta. You people need to do better to serve the community,” one commenter wrote on an Oct. 14 Instagram post, the day before the vaccine mandate took effect for Delta College staff. Although not everyone supports this measure, Delta College’s approach is aimed at maintaining a safe and healthy environment for their staff and students. “The bottom line, I suppose, is that we’re trying to implement the fairest possible solution for everyone. Again, we recognize that there are different points of view on the mandate and we appreciate that. We want to ensure that all students have a path forward to achieve their goals”, said Alex Breitler Head of Marketing, Communication and Outreach of Delta College. In California, police unions, parent groups, and health care officials have come out against the mandates, even as jobs are lost. “Those who refuse vaccination are a shrinking but vocal minority,” according to an NBC article entitled Protests, Lawsuits Signal 4esistance as Federal Vaccine Mandates Loom. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday that 80 percent of U.S. adults have now received at least one dose of a vaccine.
SCHOLARS: More scholarships available continued from PAGE 1 “Stockton Scholars has provided over three hundred thousand dollars in scholarships to San Joaquin Delta College students in two short years of their program existence, so what we want to do is to continue that, grow it, expand it in whatever ways we can, and partner and support in whatever we can because we know that we are open access, that education transforms lives...for many of our students’ vocational positions, Teach For America’s apprenticeship programs all of those things are what are going to
change our students to be able to be functioning members of society as well as being good human being hopefully and understanding the importance of the community.” said Cordova The window to apply for the Stockton Scholars program has been open since Oct. 15 and will close on March 2, 2022. The criteria for eligibility to apply is to be a graduate or a soon-to-be graduate of any public high school in Stockton, with a minimum high school GPA of 2.0, completed the FASFA or DREAM ACT application, and be enrolled full-time at a non-profit college, university or trade school in the state of California, or an HBCU.
SAFETY: Campus police can be reached various ways The police department is prohibited from removing include murder, non negligent homeless individuals. manslaughter, negligent man“By law, community colslaughter, aggravated assault, leges are public land. One arson, burglary, robbery, and of the biggest criticisms the motor vehicle theft as well as police department gets is sexual offenses including rape, ‘Why aren’t you doing anyfondling incest, and statutory thing, they don’t belong rape. Category 2 is classified here’. While it makes many as alcohol, drug, and weapon people uncomfortable to see violations, including liquor an obviously homeless perlaw violations, weapons pos- son walking through camsession, and drug abuse viola- pus... because by law we are tions. Category 3 includes hate an open crimes. c a m T h e s e CONTACTING CAMPUS POLICE pus, they crimes have a i n c l u d e There are many ways to contact emergen- right to any of cy services if you are in need of assistance. be here. These include (but are not limited to): the above So long • (209) 954-500 or ext. 5000 listed as they • Blue light emergency phones crimes, are not • Elevator emergency phones as well • RAVE mobile safety app activel y as larcecausing ny-theft, a dissimple assault, intimidation, turbance, we cannot prevent and destruction, damage, or them from being here.” vandalism to property. CateBock said a lot of the gory 4 crimes are defined as homeless people are repeat those which engage in vio- customers. lence against women, which “One of the biggest things includes dating violence, we focus on at the police destalking, and domestic vio- partment is that we are very lence. empathetic to those who are In 2020, the total Clery disproportionately impacted. criminal offenses dropped to [The police] are always prothree, as compared to seven viding them with resources in 2019 and 12 in 2018. and assistance… some we have Bock partially attributes even transported to get that this drop to the campus clo- assistance. Our main goal is to sures due to the pandemic. balance their civil rights with “Anytime it shows low- the safety of students, staff, and er crime statistics is a good faculty on campus. We want to thing. Even though we are provide the safest educational one of the safest public lo- experience possible.” cations in the county, the Delta College has partreduction... We already had nered with RAVE Mobile a low crime rate. But that Safety. The RAVE Guardian reduction was definitely im- app allows you to get into an pacted by the long campus in-person class without having closure,” Bock said. to fill in one of those COVID Crimes that don’t meet forms every time. The RAVE the requirements to be a app isn’t limited to campus. Clery crime, but are still an It let’s emergency responders offense, have a similar trend. know the last place you were, The largest crime on campus so if you need help or don’t reis petty theft. spond, they know where to go. “People leave things out, In addition, you can live-chat somebody swipes it. Next with the police department, would be disturbances, People and talk to the police departgetting into arguments. Nat- ment live with an option to do urally because we didn’t have so anonymously. Students can a lot of people on campus call the district police straight throughout that closure, it was through the app. definitely impacted,” said Bock. There are also 45 blue One of the higher numbers light emergency phones on seen is for arson. The Clery campus which are directly report states that for 2019, linked to district police. there were three cases of arson Bock ends with one final on-campus property, which piece of advice. make up nearly half of the sev“We want to make sure en Clery crimes in that year. everyone knows that they can “We did have several arsons do safety escorts. You can call in 2019. With fewer people on us through the app, or chat campus during the pandemic, through the [RAVE] app, or there have been more encoun- call us directly through a blue ters with homeless persons. phone. If you don’t feel comWe were constantly having fortable walking to your car or issues where we were locating to a specific area on campus... homeless persons,” said Bock. Maybe you had an argument “Any of the arsons we have had with someone off campus and were typically associated with you don’t feel safe walking from a homeless individual. Their building A to building B… intent was to start the fire. We You can call us up, and keep had a portapotty recently that in mind we don’t have to hold went up in flames. They just your hand. We can stand away want to stay warm, but then and just be in the area for you, it gets out of control…. A so you feel more comfortable lot of the arsons we show up as you walk from point A to to in the area are actually off point B. We’re also more than campus in the College Square happy to walk alongside you area.” No buildings have been and share a great conversation damaged by these fires.” as we walk you to your car.”
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