Anti-trans event sparks protest at University of the Pacific
BY ANDREA RIVERA Editor-in-Chief
On March 19, protesters gathered in rainbow masks and colorful signs at the University of Pacific campus at the Long Theater to rally against an event called “The Truth About Transgenderism,” hosted by the school’s chapter of the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA.
The Turning Point event drew a crowd of 139, according to a press release from Pacific directly after the event. Approximately 120 protesters demonstrated outside.
Although the gathering remained peaceful, some protesters attempted to move past a barrier and get closer to the theater doors. Police said the protesters must remain behind the barriers or they would be cited for trespassing on private property.
Police did allow protesters to remain on the theater lawn that had no barricades.
At one point during Pastor Junsun Yoo’s speech inside the Long Theater, power and amplified sound was lost for approximately 8 minutes. The event continued and power was quickly restored. The cause of the outage is under investigation.
Yoo hosted the event, which would “shed light on the truth about transgenderism and other LGBT-related topics,” according to a flyer promoting it.
Yoo spoke about his beliefs that gender transition processes should not “be available to those under the age of 18 without consent.”
The Turning Point event coincided with an LGBTQ+ summit titled “There’s More to Us,’” held on the opposite side of campus at the Center for Identity and Inclusion. More than 150 people attended the summit, according to a press release from the university directly after the end of the event.
Protesters remained outside the Long Theater during the Turning Point event and for
a small time afterwards yelling their chants such as, “No Trump. No KKK. No TPUSA.” They also handed out pamphlets on information collected about Turning Point USA and the members that are involved as well as past speakers.
Delta students were present as well. ASDC Vice President Layla Alaswald was there from the beginning.
“These ideas should never be here, especially in Stockton, or allowed on a college campus where people can be harmed,” said Alaswald, “These ideas are not just ideas, ideas lead to action and action leads to hate crimes.”
The protests began to gather in front of the theater before the event started holding signs and shouting chants to all those who entered and attended.
Delta student Jenessa Franco was a prominent speaker during the protests leading chants for the group and spreading awareness of transgender rights as attendees walked in.
“We are here to just say we exist, and that they can’t spread their lies anymore…These people believe in eradicating transgender people,” said Franco.
Franco said she was there to promote that events like these should not be held on educational campuses and that the LGBTQ+ community in schools need to “feel a part of a community and that they belong here.”
The event was originally
announced in February, with many people speaking out about Pacific’s involvement with allowing a controversial topic to be discussed on the campus that promotes diversity and inclusion.
The college released a statement about the event on Feb. 20 stating, “It is important to know that this event is not a university sanctioned event. This is a registered student
organization event. As with all registered student organizations who invite speakers or host events, the university provides event space and audio/visual capabilities. No other university funds are allocated.”
The release also said that the college will uphold the constitutional concept of freedom of expression, “even speech we do not agree with. Simultaneously, we remain steadfast in our
commitment to fostering an environment that upholds our core values of inclusion and respect where all can thrive Understanding these principles, Pacific does not prevent recognized student organizations from inviting speakers to campus, even when the speakers espouse views that are antithetical to many of our understandings of how to best honor human dignity.”
Protesters stand behind barriers and confront University of Pacific Police officers outside Long Theater on March 19. PHOTO BY ANDREA RIVERA
‘MORE THAN US’ FOCUSES ON EMPOWERMENT
Panelists at Pacific Center for Identity and Inclusion event talk about trans experiences
BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON Managing Editor
On March 19, the 2025 LGBTQ+ Summit was held at the Center for Identity and Inclusion (CII) on the University of Pacific campus.
This year’s summit, organized by the CII, is subtitled “There’s More to Us: Centering Trans Narratives, Empowerment & Liberation” had a particular focus on the T in LGBTQ+.
In a year of particular turmoil for trans people, following executive orders that target gender non-conforming individuals and a rise in anti-trans rhetoric on a more local level, a focus on community became imperative.
“The goal was a celebration of love, a celebration of trans lives and centering trans narratives, ” said Yvette Quintana, assistant director of CII. “Centering just means that you are giving them the platform to share those stories and visions of the future.”
The event featured three panelists who spoke about the trans experience and advocacy from both the perspective of trans individuals and allies: James Pautnade, transgender advocacy specialist for San Joaquin Pride Center (SJPC); Andrea JuarezSmith, founder and CEO of Tracy Pride; and Leo Marquez, multimedia lab tech for Delta College’s Digital Media program and co-lead for Delta College Pride Coalition (DCPC).
“Being a trans man, I felt like, especially in the climate that we’re in politically right now. It’s incredibly important to be open to sharing my experiences to help others. So It definitely meant a lot to me to be a part of that panel,” said Marquez in an interview following the event. “I went into just hoping that people’s takeaway would just be that everybody has their own personal journey,” said Marquez. “It’s really important for people to just hear other’s experiences, because it allows them to view the trans experience in a different way.”
During the panel, speakers discussed several topics including how their own journey’s affected their advocacy.
Marquez spoke about the many hardships he faced including struggles with mental health and identity.
“It’s really just creating this visibility for our students, just knowing that they have resources, that they have people that they can go to, that they can go to safe spaces on campus,” said Marquez.
On top of sharing experiences, Marquez spoke about working to assist the LGBTQ+ community on the Delta campus through advocating for all-gender restrooms and preferred names.
“It’s the same way I look at parenting,” said Marquez, a single father. “I want my daughter to have a better life than I have and I want the same for our LGBTQ+ community.”
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) will be commemorated on Monday, March 31. The Delta College Pride Coalition is planning an movie event for next week. Follow the group on Instagram at instagram.com/dcpc_sjdc for more information on the event.
The Digital Media department will also post a podcast on TDOV. Find a link to the podcast at instagram/dmediasjdc
Pautnade highlighted how lack of community influenced and fuels his work for SJPC where he assists transgender people by providing resources.
“Being a trans person growing up in a super rural area, there is really nothing out there for a young queer trans kid to be around, there was no community really,” said Puautnade, who grew up in French Camp. “Going back to the quote where you know ‘change starts with community’ a lot of the time that starts with just creating community, if you don’t have it you have to find it.”
Prior to the main panel there were several workshops and speakers.
The event began with a workshop by Larry Levine, professor of law and associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, who spoke about the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in America.
Levine did not shy away from the dire state of affairs, highlighting legislation against LGBTQ+ people around the nation and noting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent comments condemning trangender athletes on his podcast.
“I expected that things would be bad after the last election, and I have to confess that things are so much worse than I even dared to imagine,” said Levine, who described himself as a “dark gay thundercloud of doom.”
“I always expect the worst so I can be pleasantly surprised and this time it’s not working,” said Levine.
Levine briefly addressed another event held on campus at the same time as the summit, hosted by the Pacific branch of far-right political group Turning Point USA and featuring a speaker who was critical of the existence of transgender people.
“This insidious event that’s occurring here on campus today,” said Levine referencing the Turning Point event. “I can’t think of a better way to respond than by bringing joy, by being upbeat and by showing those people what they’re missing.”
Even in the face of such adversity however Levine spoke of the power that community had to uplift and empower people.
“Let’s talk and see if we can hold each other close and raise each other up at a really, really difficult time,” said Levine. “We have folks who are fighting for us, who are the most amazing individuals and somehow they’re not getting worn down.”
Alongside Levine’s workshop were other events such as “Peaceful Pages: Art and Journaling for Emotional Healing” and “Transform Your Campus: Tools for Effective Organizing and Leadership.”
Following the discussion, city council members Mario Enríquez, Michele Padilla and Vice-Mayor Jason Lee presented a proclamation by the city of Stockton honoring Transgender Day of Visibility, which is celebrated on March 31.
“The city of Stockton stands with the LGBTQ community, the trans community,” said Enríquez. “We are staunch advocates to ensure that LGBTQ rights are protected and defended.”
The summit concluded with a drag show featuring drag performers LOTUS, Faye King-it, and Mx. Frizzle.
Digital Media Multimedia Tech Leo Marquez speaks about his experience as a trans man at the “There’s More to Us” event at University of the Pacific on March 19.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER MALOY
ACTIONS TARGET TRANS COMMUNITY
Trump administration continues to move a flurry of anti-trans executive orders
BY JILLIAN ROHRBACH Staff Writer
President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the month of March to be recognized and celebrated as Women’s History Month. In the same act of putting pen to paper, Trump made the decision to not only draw attention to discussing women’s history, but to condemn the existence and rights of all Transgender people.
While presidents have been celebrating this month since 1981, the Trump White House has chosen to not only stake a claim in women’s accomplishments by pointing out their administrations female hires, but are choosing to couple the celebration with an opportunity to attack a group of people that makes up less than one percent of the U.S. population.
“No longer will our Government promote radical ideologies that replace women with men in spaces and opportunities designed for women, or devastate families by indoctrinating our sons and daughters to begin a war with their own bodies,” the proclamation reads.
“Instead, my Administration will safeguard the great American values of family, truth, well-being, and freedom,” it continues.
The administration's decision to turn a celebratory month for the population of women into a righteous pulpit to bring negative public attention to the trans community has been claimed by Trump as an issue that nearly 80 percent of Americans are supportive of.
It’s a claim that has been made on the White House website by Trump despite not having anycredible sources to back it up.
Trump’s efforts to diminish the existence of Trans people isn’t a new concept for his administration. This proclamation has come on the back of several executive orders directly othering transgender Americans.
ACTIONS BEGIN
This barrage of attacks by executive order began immediately on Inauguration Day.
On day one, Trump signed an order declaring his Federal government will only identify two sexes, female and male, on official documents such as passports. Meaning any U.S. passport with “X” in place of a specific gender will no longer be issued bringing uncertainty to any transgender American of whether they will be allowed to travel freely and without risk of retaliation.
The decision acted as Pandora's Box, opening up a flurry of orders creating disruption for transgender lives.
MILITARY IMPACTS
Transgender military service members were some of the first to take an executive hit with newly appointed Secretary of Defense, Peter Hegseth, put in place to carry out any and all orders the President demands. Hegseth is standing firmly behind the move to ban
TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY
Transgender Day of Visibility will be commemorated on Monday, March 31. The event is meant to raise awareness about transgender people, according to GLAAD.
“It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces compared to cisgender (non-transgender) people,” notes the GLAAD website at glaad.org
This is especially important in light of President Donald J. Trump’s recent orders related to the transgender population.
“Transgender Visibility Day plays an especially important part in American society right now because of the legislation and rhetoric we are seeing from our current presidential administration,” said Jasmin Arroyo, student program specialist at the Delta Pride Center.
For more information about Transgender Day of Visibility, visit glaad.org/tdov
all current serving trans military members and those wanting to serve. This includes the halting and preventing any procedures that support gender transitions. The Presidential action was titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness.”
It’s a reversal of the Biden’s administration protection of transgender rights.
“Effective immediately, all new accessions for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria are paused, and all unscheduled, scheduled, or planned medical procedures associated with affirming or facilitating a gender transition for service members are paused,” Hegseth declared.
The Department of Defense estimates that about 4,200 active-duty service members are transgender which equates to only about 0.2 percent of the military.
EDUCATION IMPACTED TOO
The orders Trump signed vary from banning schools from using students' preferred pronouns to requiring academic staff address each student by their birth name, an act referred to as “deadnaming.” According to many psychologists it is incredibly harmful and can lead to chronic stress, depression, and even result in suicide for those who experience it.
Another issue being pushed by Trump’s admin is that K-12 schools will be monitored for any promotion of gender ideological equity and for those who do not abide, will face the consequences threatened of having funding stripped and removed from their particular school.
‘STROKE OF HIS PEN’ CAN’T UNDO HISTORY
Newly elected Congresswoman Rep. Sarah Mc-
Bride (D-Del) is the first openly transgender woman elected to congress, and has spoken outwardly against the policies and the various orders the administration is putting forth sounding off alarms and providing a semblance of hope for all those who identify as transgender.
“As much as this president seeks to protest to the contrary, he can’t, with a single stroke of his pen, undo Supreme Court precedent or undo the Constitution,” McBride continues adding that the Supreme Court, “made clear that LGBTQ people are protected under federal civil rights laws, and an executive action can’t undo that Supreme Court precedent.”
The reality for many transgender people is that Trump’s administration’s policies are having a negative effect on them and the language being casually used is turning into verbal threats and potential violence.
For students who are struggling during this time and are seeking support and resources can reach out to Delta College’s Pride Center located on the second floor of Danner Hall in room 202B or reach out by phone (209) 954-8349.
Trans allies shows support at Sacramento Capitol protest on March 8, 2025. PHOTO BY JILLIAN ROHRBACH
Standing in solidarity with our trans community
Thismonth, Collegian is not just holding space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Nearly one third of this paper is devoted to coverage and analysis of the rights of one particular part of the rainbow — our transgender friends, colleagues and loved ones.
In this newsroom, we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We see the executive orders. We understand the pain of being misgendered or deadnamed. And we are here to demand better from our country. Call us liberal heathens. Call us the “radical left.” Call us whatever you want. We’re standing on the side of human dignity.
In the nine weeks since President Donald J. Trump took his second oath of office, we have seen what we’re now calling “Trumpery” happen again and again. Don’t mind Daylight Savings Time when the administration leading our country has eliminated 16,000 federal jobs, only to be ordered to reinstate the same jobs weeks later after legal
EDITORIAL
challenges.
The Department of Government Efficiency is big news alongside this week’s headline about the Editor in Chief of The Atlantic being accidentally looped into text messages about classified attacks.
The missteps rage on, but none more than ones taken to minimize and harm vulnerable populations.
Trump continues to sign executive orders targeting the trans community including “X” being removed as an option for sex on passports, the banning of transgender folks in the military, and schools being under the threat of losing federal funding for “promotion of gender ideological equity.” On the House Floor, Democratic Senator Sarah McBride, a transgender woman, was called “the gentleman from Delaware” and “Mr. McBride” by Republican lawmakers on two separate occasions.
It’s wrong. All wrong.
Last week, the University of
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.
the Pacific chapter of conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA held an anti-trans event on its Stockton campus, a mile south of Delta College. According to the Turning Point USA website the group’s “mission is to empower citizens of all ages to Rise Up against the radical left.”
Pacific received immediate backlash when the event was first introduced in February, releasing a statement noting that it was “important to know that this is not a university sanctioned event. This is a registered student organization event.”
This event included discrimination, mis-gendering and transphobia. Regardless of if that’s your brand of freedom of speech, school systems, whether private or public, should provide a safe space for all students.
Media reports note that members of TPUSA consist of White-nationalists, homophobes, bigots.
We believe that people within these groups most likely hate themselves and need to project
their self-hatred onto others. By spreading more hate. And this is what we’re inviting into the community? Private property or not, they were inviting locals to participate.
We believe that Delta wouldn’t allow a transphobic group, or any hate group, to speak on campus. With Delta being a public campus, there would probably be more outraged protesters. We believe Delta would do right by its mission to be an “equity-focused college” serving our community.
We hold on to that because it’s also what we hold dear on a campus where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than implored as a weakness.
It’s only March, but Trump has signed nearly 100 executive orders since taking office. He’s recently revoked immigrant legal statuses targeting half a million Latin immigrants. That’s not it. He has also signed an executive order to close the Department of Education. We have 1,394 days left of the Trumpery. Who’s next on his humanity-void hit list?
ANDREA RIVERA Editor-in-Chief
JELISSA KING Editor-in-Chief
ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON
JOE DEMASI
SENIOR STAFF
JOHN NGUYEN NADAR WILLIAMS JR. STAFF
JILLIAN ROHRBACH BELINDA SEIBEL JARRED WRIGHT
SUMMER CLASSES NO REST FOR THE WHIZKID
BY ANDREA BALTODANO Opinion Editor
While many students take the summer off, beginning May 27 others at Delta College will be opening Canvas and joining virtual classrooms instead of vacationing.
Whether aiming to graduate sooner, retake a challenging course, or maintain academic momentum, students are choosing summer classes to stay on track.
Delta’s summer courses, including many offered entirely online, provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to study from home, work around busy schedules, and accelerate their education. With the compressed format, coursework moves quickly, requiring discipline and organization.
For some, summer classes are a strategic move to graduate faster.
J.J. Barrera, a political science major, is taking 10 units this summer to stay on track with his goal of finishing Delta College in 2.5 years.
“I want to make the most of my time and stay on track with my academic goals,” Barrera said.
He’s not alone.
Many students use summer to accelerate their education, especially those planning to transfer to a four-year university. According to Delta College’s Admissions & Records office, 18,859 students enrolled in summer courses in 2023.
BALANCING FLEXIBILITY AND FAST-PACED LEARNING
Most of the summer catalogue at Delta is fully online, offering students the ability
to study from anywhere.
“Online learning has greatly improved my experience,” said Eric Tigger Nietzel, an environmental science major. “For students like me with unconventional schedules, being able to complete coursework from home is a game changer.”
However, flexibility doesn’t mean summer classes are easy. The accelerated format condenses a four-month semester into just four to eight weeks, requiring students to keep up with rapid deadlines.
Barrera, who juggles multiple courses, relies on strict time management to stay ahead.
“I create a schedule that balances classwork, studying, and personal activities,” he said. “Setting realistic deadlines and using tools to stay organized helps me keep up.”
THE CHALLENGE OF A CONDENSED SEMESTER
For both students and faculty, the fast pace of summer courses presents unique challenges.
“For teachers, the challenge is never really feeling caught up,” said Tara Cuslidge-Staiano, a Mass Communication professor. “And for students, that could be the case too.”
Nietzel agrees time management is crucial.
“The biggest challenge is the accelerated speed,” he said. “You’re doing the same amount of work two or three times faster, which can be overwhelming.”
IS IT WORTH IT?
Despite the challenges, students say summer classes are a worthwhile invest-
ment in their academic future.
Nietzel considers summer cours es an essential part of his academic routine.
“I make my class selections care fully to maximize my goals while avoiding overload,” he said. “It’s a fine line, but the extra work is worth it in the long term.”
Open registration for Delta College’s summer session be gins March 31 with priority registration happening the week of March 24.
Students can register for classes through the MyDelta portal. To view a full list of available summer courses, visit the class search tool at deltacollege.search.col legescheduler.com.
Summer Classes can be a way to speed up academic progress at the cost of some rest and relaxation.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON
Mustang PSA: Summer Class Name Changes
BY JOE DEMASI Sports Editor
The Summer semester begins on May 27 with many options available for classes, but some notable name changes for high transfer classes. Delta College has noted the course name changes
both on the website and in social media posts. The new names and numbers align with California Assembly Bill 1111 from 2021. The bill aimed to reduce confusion for transferring students by Fall 2027.
These courses mark Delta’s rollout of alignment to AB 1111, with more courses changing in upcoming semesters. Called the “Common Course Number-
ing” project (CCN), the effort is meant to “assign the same course number to comparable courses across all California community colleges to ‘streamline transfer from two- to four-year postsecondary educational institutions and reduce excess credit accumulation,’” according to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
• COM ST. 1A Public Speaking is becoming COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking
• ENG 1A Reading and Composition is becoming ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing
• ENG 1D Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking is becoming ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing
• POLSC 1 American Government and Institutions is becoming POLS C1000 American Government and Politics
• POLSC 1H Honors American Government and Institutions is becoming POLS C1000H American Government and Politics Honors
• PSYCH 1 Introduction to Psychology is becoming PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology
• STATS 12 Introduction to Probability and Statistics is becoming STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics
Delta College hosts community safety fair
BY AMAL KHANSHALI Staff Writer
On March 19, a number of police agencies came to campus to educate students on their jobs, the different positions they offer, programs they provide, and safety protocols.
Some of the agencies that attended include California Highway Patrol, San Joaquin Office of Emergency, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Stockton Fire Department, Alcohol Beverage Control, the Family Resource Center and Delta College’s own police department.
The event was held to educate students about the different systems and programs that are provided for the safety and security of students on campus.
Of these systems put in place are the blue light emergency phones on campus, where students can access if they need assistance of any kind. This includes escorting a student to their car if that student feels unsafe, especially at night.
The Family Resource Center offers a plethora of services, including food and housing assistance, employment help, mental health services, substance abuse help, and mental/dental care assistance.
“It’s a great resource that everyone should know about. Our community should know about all the free resources that is available to them,” said Johni Ohm, the senior community resource specialist of the Family Resource Center.
She goes on to say that people should not hesitate to call 211 for assistance
of any kind, adding that a popular misconception about dialing 211 is that it is only for people who are homeless. “It is available for everyone.”
211 is a telephone number that provides services to the local community.
“2-1-1 is available in multiple languages, allowing those in need to access information and obtain referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions,” the California Public Utilities Commission writes on its webpage.
“I dialed 211, I was living in an abandoned house… same day I was on the phone I got a voucher,” Nikaya Hudson, a 34-year old attendee who was previously homeless, said.
She also mentioned that they provide free appointments with psychiatrists, therapists, and health services.
The City of Stockton has an app called “Ask Stockton,” where one can make requests to the city. That way they are referred to the correct location and the concern can be handled efficiently.
The Stockton police department also has a program called Your Way Registry, where people could register specific information that the police should know about someone in their household, like if someone in their home has light sensory issues or autism.
There are several programs geared towards mental health, suicide preven-
tion, substance and physical abuse, and disability programs. There are also multiple opportunities for jobs in the field, some of which are sworn careers while others are not.
Of these opportunities is the Alcohol Beverage Control Minor Decoy Program, where students under the age of 20 can volunteer to buy alcohol to test if establishments will sell to a minor.
The Stockton Fire Department offers an auxiliary program, where one can be a volunteer firefighter. This includes training and being present for a shift once a month.
The Lincoln Unified Department of Public Safety offers training programs to non-sworn officers. “It is a good stepping stone,” said Travis Brown, with the Lincoln Unified Department of Public Safety.
Top: A San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services drone flies above the Cunningham Lot during the District Police Community Safety Fair on March 19.
Middle: Carina Casillas of the Stockton Police department speaks to Aneeb Hassan at the District Police Community Safety Fair in the Dolores Huerta Plaza on March 19.
Bottom: San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services drone takes off in the Cunningham Parking lot during the District Police Community Safety Fair on March 19
Trump targets education with new executive order
BY BELINDA SEIBEL Staff Writer
On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to close the Department of Education, stating the order would “return authority over education to the States.”
However, since the Department of Education, ED, was established by Congress in 1979, abolishing the department requires approval from Congress.
This comes after a press release from the ED on March 11 stating they are cutting 50 percent of staff, having laid off 1,315 employees thus far.
This all comes as no surprise, as closing the ED was part of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
A lawsuit has already been filed by 20 state Attorney Generals, including California, against the department laying off employees.
An additional lawsuit has been filed in Massachusetts against the closure by unions including American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers.
“While the full implications of the EO [Executive Order] remain unclear, we are committed to protecting our students and their full access to higher education,” said the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office in a statement issued March 24.
A major function of the ED is to provide federal funding for both colleges and college students. San Joaquin Delta College receives $4.8 million in non-financial aid federal grants.
Additionally, 45 percent of Delta students receive FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and around 34 percent of students qualify for federal Pell grants, according to Alex Breitler,
Delta’s director of Marketing and Communication.
Although the ED may not be shut down in full, the layoffs in the department already have students fearing how this will affect them.
“My biggest fear is, even though it might not be shut down, there’d be stricter requirements. And because there’d be stricter requirements, people with unique circumstances such as I, and especially people with undocumented parents, will possibly not get financial aid to fund their college tuition,” said Ema Fua, second year Delta College student.
Fua had a difficult time applying for and receiving FAFSA due to her unique situation. Fua applied for FAFSA in March 2024 for the school year 202425, and was only just approved in March 2025.
“With less people being at the depart-
ment, which seems to be the case in the next few days, I would imagine it will be very difficult to process all those FAFSA applications. We already saw those struggles last year,” said Dylan Myers, student representative for Delta’s Board of Trustees. “The fact that we’re going to have 50 percent less staff will probably delay many people’s FAFSA, and other programs too. It’s going to be a damaging effect if there’s no system in place to compensate for the loss of personnel.” Myers is also a recipient of FAFSA as well as the federal Pell grant.
“For students, it’s important to stay focused and keep moving forward toward your goals. Delta College will continue to do everything we can to support you in your journey. We’re not going anywhere. Hang in there and we’ll get through this together,” said Delta President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson.
Do as the Romans do with political science
Delta political science students, faculty host public policy forum after visit to Italy
BY JOHN NGUYEN Senior Staff Writer
On March 20, professors and students of the Summer 2024 Political Science 14 (POLSC 14) class presented Delta’s first Public Policy Forum at the Tony Fitch Forum.
At the forum, presenters spoke about various local issues and made proposals for reforms that were modeled off their findings on European public policy during POLSC 14’s trip to Italy in the summer of 2024. Political science professors Cirian Villavicencio and Joel Blank acted as anchors for the forum.
“We’re talking about improving the opportunities we have for next generation,” said Blank. “How we can improve Stockton county [sic] to make it a better place to live. How we can increase trust among each other and be supportive of each other, that we’re all proud to call ourselves Stocktonians.”
The forum delivers on the Political Science Program’s plan for the Academic Political Science Study Abroad Program, which let POLSC 14 students visit Italy for around two weeks during last summer. Referencing local governance issues from home, the students conducted research on the approach to public policy in sister city of Stockton, Parma, as well as other cities
like Florence and Rome.
“The basis of this Study Abroad Program … we were going to look at some of the most salient issues that are affecting local government today, which we now know, what’s local is now global,” said Villavicencio.
UC Davis student and Delta alumnus Jourieal Quisin presented on the issue of homelessness and the state of homeless aid in San Joaquin County. Referencing the Italian pastoral organization Caritas Italiana as an example of a near-monopoly of homeless aid, Quisin proposed the establishment of centralized hubs for the homeless in California, coordinating resources and data to provide to the needs of the homeless. Quisin also recommended a push towards higher-density zoning of housing as well as for cities to actively pursue federal and state grants.
History major Arena Sotelo Padilla presented on rehabilitation and urban redevelopment, particularly in concern with homeless people. Drawing from the Co-City program of European initiative Urban Innovative Actions and other commons initiatives, Padilla recommended the creation of integrated spaces through the renovation of abandoned buildings to help integrate homeless people into the community.
Padilla further recommended the training of civil servants who can collect data on the homeless and manage the development of spaces for the homeless.
Health Science major Sophia Torrice presented on the benefits of civic engagement to the community, using Florence community garden Giardone dell’Ardiglione and Turin urban security initiative To-Nite as case studies. Torrice recommended the renovation of abandoned areas to create social hubs, as well as for local nonprofits and other community-based organizations to collaborate.
San Francisco State University graduate Noah Blank presented on poverty in San Joaquin County and the effectiveness of cash transfers as a solution, referencing the Brazilian program
Bolsa Família and Citizens’ Income, a monthly €700 program from Italy which was cut by prime minister Giorgia Meloni and replaced with the Inclusion Allowance and Support for Training and Work programs. Blank proposed to “give people money,” specifying a monthly $500 cash transfer program for people below the poverty line that could be accomplished through a new revenue source like a 5 percent increase in excise taxes for liquor, cannabis and tobacco.
UC Santa Cruz junior student Andres Gonzalez pre-recorded a presentation of his and Delta alumnus Larissa Prather’s proposal for garbage disposal
in Stockton. Gonzalez recommended the implementation of large public trash cans to allow people in high traffic areas to access a proper garbage receptacle.
Larissa Prather also proposed a solution to the “urban heat island” phenomenon in Stockton where urban areas of the city have significantly higher temperatures than rural areas, which Blank presented on Prather’s behalf. Prather’s proposals include implementation of sunlight reflective technologies in cool roofing and cool pavements, as well as greater incorporation of vegetation into architecture through methods like green roofing.
In the interest of urban security in Stockton, Villavicencio presented two proposals for the implementation of technology-based frameworks modeled after European projects: the Finnish initiative Smart Urban Security and Event Resilience, for the coordination of event stakeholders and surveillance of crowds at events and Greek initiative Be Secure Feel Secur,e with a crime prevention model of governance, social, spatial and cyber layers.
At the end of the forum, Blank and Villacencio awarded certificates of recognition issued by the University of Parma to students that presented.
Upcoming plans for the Study Abroad Program include a trip to Costa Rica for the Summer 2026 POLSC 14 class.
REPTILE SHOW SLITHERS INTO STOCKTON
BY JOHN NGUYEN Senior Staff Writer
Great Reptile Shows hosted the Stockton Reptile and Exotic Pet Show at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds from March 22 to 23.
The expo was the first exotic pet trade show that Plan B Productions, parent company of Great Reptile Shows, hosted in Stockton after over ten years of production. Recent Stockton shows from Plan B Productions included the Christmas at the Fair event from Dec. 12 to 22, 2024.
Around 25 local and regional vendors were invited to the event.
Tickets were $15 for adults, while children less than 12 attending with their parents were permitted free entry into the expo.
A variety of exotic animals were on display at the expo. Reptiles included lizards, snakes, tortoises and skinks. Arachnids included spiders, scorpions, and a vinegaroon. Insects included centipedes as well as live feeder insects like fruit flies, roaches and more. Frogs and isopods were also displayed at the expo.
Animals of interest include: a crocodile monitor, the
third-longest living lizard in the world; New Caledonian giant geckos, the largest known living gecko species; Mexican beaded lizards, one of the few venomous species of lizard in the world; a ball python with a superfly leopard stranger clown morph, with up to six mutations; the Goliath birdeater tarantula, the largest tarantula of the world; a black widow, a neurotoxic spider and more.
Many of the animals displayed at the expo were available for out-the-door sale. Some of the most expensive examples could cost from $3,000 to $6,000.
Vendors also allowed visitors to hold and photograph themselves with many of the animals, with some charging fees to touch the animals.
“We’re all in this Earth together, and we need to care for each other, whether we have legs or not,” said Rhonda Velez, a vendor at the expo and member of the Bay Area Herpetological Society, a conservational group of amateur and professional herpetologists based in the Bay Area.
A variety of pet-related products were available for sale at the expo like tanks, heaters, animal medicine and food. Animal-themed merchandise like
toys, figurines, plushies, stickers and apparel. A variety of plants and related products were also available for purchase, while mineral commodities like crystal, metal and fossil products were also sold at the expo.
The expo attracted many animal enthusiasts, with owners of all experience levels looking to observe or purchase the reptiles and other exotic pets available. Cassidy Sigsworth was one such enthusiast, a worker for Nevada highway patrol and childhood reptile owner who came to her first reptile expo on her birthday. She left with the purchase of a bold stripe Tremper albino morph of leopard gecko.
“Watching them grow and seeing how their interactions are with people and yourself, seeing their personalities in the animal is really cool,” Sigsworth said.
The expo also brought visitors looking to conquer their fears of reptiles and exotic animals, such was the case for Esperanza “11espi” Gonzalez, a Stockton-based social media influencer that came to her first reptile expo to film Snapchat content with her mother.
“Worst fears … how they come about is just being unfamiliar with them, and like all the unfamiliarity with them just triggers the fear to be even worse,” said Gonzalez. “You see a bunch of kids here who grew up with animals so they’re not even fearful of it. So to me, that’s what I think it is that I’ve never been around them ever.”
A Cuming’s Water Monitor reaching for light inside it’s enclosure at the
during the
on March 22. Far Left: An adult Pacman Frog sits in its enclosure at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds during the Stockton Reptile Show on March 23. Left: A vendor holding out a Anerythristic Kenyan Sand Boa at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds during the Stockton Reptile Show on March 22.
Top:
San Joaquin County Fairgrounds
Stockton Reptile Show
PHOTOS BY JOHN NGUYEN
NASA, Puente host cultural workshops
BY ELIJAH PROSSER Staff Writer
The Native American Success Academy (NASA) and Puente hosted two cultural workshops on March 18 and March 20 in the Puente Center, Shima 133.
The hands-on workshop allowed people to make beaded hair sticks, engage with each other and form positive peer connections through arts & crafts. The workshop included food, drinks and music.
“After the workshop, I learned more stuff, like getting to know more about the Native American culture and I got
to do more crafts because I’m a pretty crafty person, so it made me like more about the culture,” said third-year Delta student Portia Madayag.
The cultural workshops first started this spring, and this is the first semester of the Native Success Academy Program that has been active on campus because it’s been under development since the fall semester. But NASA was active last semester.
“Our cultural workshops began in February so the project was painting and March is beading which started on the 4th, so we try and have several beading events to continue to allow students to engage with in these workshops and
gives them more opportunities instead of only a one-day event,” said Darlene Solorio, program manager for NASA.
Getting more money to help with such a small program could have many benefits, such as providing a source of funding and more resources for projects, so that the program can have a long-lasting availability.
NASA is a grant-funded program, and the Native American Student Support and Success Program granted 20 community colleges in California onetime funding to support Native American students.
“A part of the goals of the grant is to create community and peer con-
nections, so that’s exactly what we do, and so what it is that we’re providing an opportunity for peer connection and support for our students by connecting them through cultural events,” said Solorio.
All of the people who were present during the cultural workshop were all smiles and having a good time engaging.
“Some of the ways I feel connected to students through these types of events are through peer/faculty connections, so we engage in conversations and share stories about ourselves, share our lives, so we’re able to connect on more of a personal level,” said Solorio.
Canadian geese: Delta College friends or foes?
BY KAITLYNN BRANDON Entertainment Editor
A typical morning on campus features pothole dodging, rushing to class, caffeine of choice in hand — and the ever present goose calls.
Heard more than they are seen, the Canadian Geese residents of Delta College spend most of their time on top of the buildings or under the trees in the parks, but are not generally spotted in the Quad, likely due to the hustle and bustle of student life.
Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler has a history with Stockton’s waterfowl population as a former reporter for the Stockton Record.
Breitler still keeps tabs on the geese, revealing that a pair of geese who’d built a nest on the third floor
roof of Shima last year have returned to rebuild.
“I was in a meeting the other day in Shima, happened to glance out the window and saw one of them on the roof. We all stopped what we were doing for a second or two so we could take a look,” said Breitler. “Not something you see every day!”
Breitler’s experience models proper wildlife interaction.
According to Jack Sparks, the Refuge Manager at San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife should be observed from a respectful distance.
“Just be an observer,” said Sparks, “If you see that your actions are causing them [the geese] to change their behavior then do what you can to minimize those actions.”
Sparks said to try not to impact the wildlife, and that if the animal appears stressed by your presence, or if the animal becomes aggressive to “leave it alone.”
“Don’t try to counter its aggression by capturing it. Geese can at times be very protective of their territories,” said Sparks. “Don’t try to chase it. Don’t try to handle it or grab it.”
Sparks said that geese are not predators, so the advice not to run when faced with a threat like a mountain lion doesn’t apply here.
“It’s different with a goose, it doesn’t necessarily want to chase you,” said Sparks.
So students who cross paths with a goose, or spot a nest on a roof, you should always observe and not interact.
Top: A goose on the backside of campus off Burke Bradley Drive in the back of campus on March 25. Left: Geese on the backside of campus off Burke Bradley Drive in the back of campus on March 25.
PHOTOS BY LEVI GOERZEN
DELTA WELCOMES NEW BUS FOR TRANSIT NEEDS
BY JARRED WRIGHT Staff Writer
The pursuit of an education at Delta College may require travel beyond campus; with an upgraded bus that is now possible.
Last June, Delta College’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of investing in a new bus to meet transportation needs of students and staff.
“The objective of this purchase is to ensure and secure transportation for District-sanctioned activities and programs. The District anticipates the fleet addition of this unit will increase the ability to support transportation needs while reducing contracted services with Charter bus companies,” reads the passed motion.
The 56-passenger vehicle comes as a welcome upgrade. The previous bus — which now sits hidden behind a storage container, ready to be offloaded — is a 1990 model that is worn down inside and out, with the engine having at least 560,000 miles on it and the interior fabric “diminished.”
The purchase of the bus is also a part of an objective to reduce “contracted services with Charter bus companies,” a move intended to save the school money in the long term.
“It’s for everybody on campus to be able to use,” said Veronica Arroyo, administrative assistant for the Main-
tenance & Operations department. “Whether it’s an athletic trip or a game or for visiting the universities.”
Many features new to this bus lend themselves to making the bus not only a means of transportation, but also an improved and more accessible learning environment.
This includes an “AV (audio-visual system) that’s available so if an instructor [or coaches] want to show previous games, go over some strategies, or an instructor wants to go over some curriculum while they’re going to their destination, they have that ability to do so,” said Arroyo.
Also included is a wheelchair lift to improve accessibility, Wi-Fi and USB ports in outlets placed in front of each pair of seats, as well as a new HVAC system. The newer model boasts several new safety features and tools for drivers, according to Motor Coach Industries (MCI), from whom Delta contracted the coach. Three bus drivers have been trained on the new features.
The use of the bus is not limited to just athletic games, though Arroyo emphasized that “Currently our athletics teams have been utilizing the bus to go to their events.”
Instead, it can be used for any approved field trip. Instructors and coaches can request use of the bus via email, after which it goes through a process of approval from the division
dean followed by the collection of signatures from students.
The bus was also recently wrapped in a new exterior design done in collaboration with local business Revamp Signs & Design, who has worked with Delta on projects before.
The bus now shines in gold, white and black hues with the Delta Mustang mascot emblazoned on its side, awaiting its next educational adventure.
Above, right: The new Delta College bus in the Budd parking lot on March 26. PHOTOS BY LEVI GOERZEN
Below: A new Delta College bus is parked near the Lourn Phelps Police Services Building on March 10. PHOTO BY JARRED
WRIGHT
Entertainment
KILUSAN PACIFIC HOSTS CULTURE NIGHT
BY ELLIS GRIFFIN-JEWETT Staff Writer
Kilusan Pacific (KP) is hosting its annual Filipino Culture Night (PCN) at University of the Pacific on Saturday, March 29, in the DeRosa University Center Ballroom.
The event exhibits dance and drama productions in collaboration with performers from Delta and the broader Stockton area that celebrate Filipino culture. Showtimes for the event are 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., tickets are $14 at the door.
According to the organization’s Community Coordinator, Xavier Martinez, Kilusan was founded in 1994, and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.
The Dance events will feature contemporary and traditional dance performances by the Kilusan Hooligans, a student-led dance group currently composed of 35 dancers, founded by Jonas Sung in 2012.
“I thought it was really important to provide space for beginners to feel safe and for those with lots of experience in Dance, it was a space for them to share their experience and practice creative leadership,” said Sung.
The Hooligans welcome people of all cultures and experience levels local to the San Joaquin area.
“Although it is a Filipino club, KP is a culture that welcomes everyone,” said Martinez, who is of proud Mexican descent.
Of the 35 dancers, 10 are students at Delta, including the Lead Facilitator for the intro to Asian American studies course and actor, Aliza Paulino, who will be performing in the lead role of PCN’s drama portion of the event titled. With Love, K.P.
Paulino will assume the role of Chriselle Mae as she navigates life post-grad, trying to balance the expectations of her family, pressures of adulthood while trying to keep her relationship with her boyfriend Lorenzo (played by Pacific student, Josh Fontanilla) a secret.
“A major theme of the production is the battle be-
tween prioritizing family while simultaneously choosing oneself and happiness … if you’ve ever felt lost or frustrated about life, With Love, K.P. is a show you won’t want to miss,” said Paulino.
Kilusan Pacific has emphasized creative collaboration in all aspects of its productions, from choreographers to actors.
“Everyone I’ve met has been very sweet and welcoming … I’m glad we can share our Filipino culture together while building relationships and strengthening our community,” said Paulino when speaking on her experience working with Pacific students.
Aside from PCN, Kilusan Pacific also hosts events at Pacific that incorporate various sectors of the Stockton community, including elder luncheons and high school picnics that “host all the highschools in the 209 area,” according to Martinez.
In addition to hosting its own events, KP also works in collaboration with Stockton organizations like the Filipino Women’s Club and Filipino-American National Historical Society as a way of “giving back to the community,” said Martinez.
Top right: Noah Vinoya takes lead on dance rehearsals with Hooligan dancers in the DeRosa University Center Ballroom at University of Pacific. Bottom: Kayla Xiong and Hooligan dancers rehearsals in the DeRosa University Center Ballroom at University of Pacific. PHOTOS BY ELLIS GRIFFIN-JEWETT
Nickelback: Second worst band makes comes back
BY LEVI GOERZEN Feature Editor
Nickelback
is going on the “Rock The Country” tour with Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Nickelback being featured on this tour begs the age-old question: Is Nickelback actually good?
The public opinion around Nickelback is that their one of the worst bands ever, in fact on May 9, 2013, Rolling Stone released the results of a Readers’ Poll titled “The Ten Worst Bands of the Nineties,” on this list Nickelback was ranked second worst, only beaten by Creed. However, Nickelback didn’t achieve virality until the year 2001 when they released their album “Silver Side Up.”
The main source of Nickelback hatred stems from the metal community, as Nickelback was signed to Roadrunner Records — the label for bands such as Slipknot, Sepultura and Fear Factory.
“Metal fans don’t realize what a great thing Nickelback was for them because everybody thought Nickelback killed Roadrunner. The success of Nickelback allowed Roadrunner to be Roadrunner, to continue. It continues to this day,” said Monte Conner, former A&R executive at Roadrunner Records, in a 2023 documentary “Hate to Love: Nickelback.”
If you look deeper into the statistics of Nickelback’s sales and awards received, it’s not hard to notice that
they are wildly successful. The band has gone gold six times, platinum 22 times and diamond once, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awards. RIAA awards signify sales with a gold signifying 500 thousand sales, platinum signifying one million sales and diamond signifying 10 million sales. The band has won multiple awards, including 13 Junos, six Grammy nominations, two American Music Awards, six iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards and a People’s Choice award. The band also was added to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023 during the 2023 Junos in Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The band is currently ranked 279th in the world for Spotify streams.
“If you turned on the radio in 2001 you couldn’t miss it, Nickelback had gone global. Every 40-something has sung this song at the top of their voice in a bar. It’s a right of passage and it’s become the most played song of the decade,” said actor Ryan Reynolds at the 2023 Junos.
Statistically speaking the band has all the accolades to be considered one of the greatest bands of all time. Billboard even placed them as the 26th best band of the 21st century placing them higher than any other rock band with Linkin Park coming in second amongst rock bands placing 37th. Nickelback has cemented themselves as one of the greatest rock bands of all times despite all the hatred and meme culture they have been through.
InLAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE SAME BORDERLINES
2018, I watched my homeland Nicaragua unravel into a human rights disaster. Protesters against government corruption were met with brutal crackdowns.
Students, journalists, priests and activists were arrested or forced into exile. Universities were stripped of their independence, and civic freedoms — speech, press, and protest — became punishable offenses and “treason to the homeland.”
Nicaragua now sits on human rights watchlists from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, its government condemned for silencing dissent.
“The ongoing political crisis in Nicaragua has been marked by severe human rights violations, including the stripping of Nicaraguan nationality from political opponents and the arbitrary arrests and detentions of human rights defenders, religious leaders, and Indigenous leaders.” Amnesty
International reported in 2023.
When I fled I believed I was escaping that fate.
with ANDREA BALTODANO
The U.S. was supposed to be different: a place where democracy was protected, not dismantled. But now, under the looming cloud of another Trump presidency, I find myself watching this country repeat the same mistakes I thought I had left behind.
On March 10, the U.S. was added to CIVICUS’s (a non-profit alliance of civil society organizations focused on citizen actions and civil rights) global watchlist, marked as having a “narrowed civic space” due to Trump’s attacks on civil liberties and democratic norms.
“The United States has been added to the Watchlist as it
faces increasing undue restrictions on civic freedoms under President Donald Trump’s second term. Gross abuses of executive power raise serious concerns over the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, and association,” according to CIVICUS’ March 2025 Watchlist.
The country that once positioned itself as a defender of freedom is now being watched for violating it.
SLOW DEAT H OF FREE SPEECH
In Nicaragua, we didn’t lose free speech overnight, it happened bit by bit. First, certain topics became too “controversial” to discuss in universities. Then, professors were fired for opposing and calling out government actions.
Eventually, entire campues like Central American University (UCA), my previous school, and Polytechnic University of Nicaragua (UPOLI) were shut down and repurposed by the dictatorship to spread their propaganda through education.
I see echoes of that here.
President Trump and his allies are already pushing to ban discussions on race, gender, and systemic injustice in classrooms across the U.S. His cabinet is actively working to censor books and suppress student leaders like Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident and activist who led pro-Palestine protests in Columbia and is now in removal proceedings as per a State Department order.
What happens when universities become battlegrounds for state-controlled narratives?
What happens when America stops pretending to be different?
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
If there is one thing I have learned, it is that silence enables oppression. In Nicaragua, we lost our democracy because too many people believed it couldn’t happen. Many thought that as long as it wasn’t happening to them, they didn’t have to fight back.
The U.S. is following that same path, and if people don’t start resisting now, there will come a day when resistance is no longer an option.
The warning signs are there. The question is: will Americans pay attention before it’s too late? I came to this country because I believed in its promise. Watching that promise erode is heartbreaking.
If the U.S. is now on a human rights watchlist we should all be paying attention. Because once civil liberties start disappearing, they rarely come back.
Believe me, I know that firsthand.
Looking at what’s good, bad as we move into spring
BY COLLEGIAN STAFF
WHAT’S BLOOMING
• Graduation is almost upon us
• Registration for summer classes is happening
• Opening days for baseball is coming
• Outstanding students were recognized on March 26
• Eid al-Fitr
• Cesar Chavez holiday on March 31
• Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s new album
WHAT’S GLOOMY
• Financial aid delays
• The weird weather
• Allergies
• The startling rise of fascism in America
• The economic state of the world
• Administrators not answering emails from student journalists (yes, we’re salty)
• ICE deporting international students
‘Peaceful assembly’ covered in First Amendment
Important to know your rights, prepare before jumping into movements
BY KAITLYNN BRANDON Entertainment Editor
Aprotest is the democratic way for the people to show the government what they think of an issue. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right protected under the First Amendment as “the right of the people peaceably to assemble.”
Everyone should know how to peaceably assemble, and successfully express opinions.
TAKE THE ESSENTIALS
• Water
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• A hat, for warmth or shade
• Phone chargers and portable chargers
• Speakers and protest music
• Medications and pain relievers
• Milk cartons for when something stings the eyes
• Clean wipes
• First-Aid kit
• Protest posters/signs
• Protest posters/signs repair kits
• Loudspeaker (Note that some areas do not allow amplified sound in protest)
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PROTESTING
Prepare with basic knowledge of what the protest is about. Research any important people involved, like speakers or officials.
EXPRESSION
Sight and sound are protesters’ bread and butter. The point is to express what you think about the issue so it is important to be clear.
Signs should have large, clear writing, and pictures should be identifiable at a glance. Chats and phrases can be prepared ahead of time to be more catchy and memorable.
PROTEST ACTION FORM
Organizations can keep a protest peaceful. Discuss routes. Will there be a march? Is the protest happening in a single spot? Where are the emergency exits?
Is there a meet up point if someone gets lost? What time is the protest expected to start and end and should protesters arrive early? Are there bathrooms? It’s good to think ahead.
STAY SAFE
Remember that safety is the priority. If you feel unsafe, leave! Do not start fires. Do not assault anyone. Do not destroy public or private property.
Prioritizing self care can help stave off burnout
As semester moves towards end, remember to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed
BY ANDREA RIVERA Editor-in-Chief
Aswe near the end of the semester, you may be experiencing emotional, physical and mental fatigue.
Or have been meeting all of the above for some time now. I know I have.
As a dual-enrolled student in a fouryear college and here at Delta, while maintaining two jobs outside of school, and my social life.
I feel like burnout is always on the horizon. Now this is no excuse to keep procrastinating all of your assignments.
“Burn-out is included in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon. It is not classified as a medical condition,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Burnout can make you feel hopeless, cynical and resentful.
Some key symptoms include: no longer feeling excited, engaged or invested, your sleep is off, you're physically exhausted, your eating habits have changed, you're having headaches or stomach aches.
This may also sound like depression,
however there are some key differences, such as, “In depression, negative thoughts and feelings aren’t only about specific demands (such as job-related ones), but about all areas of life.
Other typical symptoms of depression include low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, hopelessness and suicidal tendencies,” according to the National Library of Medicine.
So people with burnout don’t always have depression but you should always consult a medical professional for a true diagnosis.
I know… Just reading all of that information is going to cause you to stress and overthink as it did for me just writing this.
But take a deep breath, because I have a few tips and tricks for us to get us through the rest of the semester and maybe even the year if we’re smart.
PRIORITIZE
YOUR SELF CARE
Yeah, we have all heard this one before. But it is crucial to replenish your physical and emotional energy.
This should help with refocusing your mind and remind yourself to begin good sleep habits, nutrition, exercise, social connection.
Something we forget to practice that promotes our well-being.
I suggest working out, meditating, journaling, reading a book or simply going outside and taking a walk.
DELEGATE OR ASK FOR HELP
This is a big one for me. I always feel like it's up to me to get everything done and never ask for help because other people have more important things to do then help me.
However, do it!
Ask others to help step in and plan out what tasks you may be able to let go of.
It could be simple things such as asking your partner or family member to do the grocery shopping, or as simple as your friend handling the planning of your next get-together.
SET BOUNDARIES AND SAY NO WHEN YOU’RE ABLE
It’s more than okay to set healthy boundaries for things that are no longer helpful or beneficial to you.
This isn’t an excuse however to turn down every request asked of you, but you can set boundaries on how, when and what you are willing to accept.
For example, telling friends or family you need an advance notice in order to
make plans that work with your schedule can help.
Another one could be turning your work notifications off after hours, because let’s be real we’re not on the clock getting paid to check every five minutes, or not checking your email past a certain time. I mean seriously apple made four different settings for us to step away from our phones and not be interrupted, let's use them.
TAKE THAT BREAK YOU HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT
Whether you’re waiting for the right time for the week off, or it’s just a day trip, spend the time to yourself.
Use some form of transportation to remove yourself from your surroundings to clear your mind and body of all the stress and expectations you have built up and allow yourself to just disconnect. Although the semester or year is near, remind yourself in a world full of constant distractions and “this can wait,” your mental health should never have to wait.
More resources on campus can be found on the Health and Wellness on the Delta College website: deltacollege. edu/department/health-wellness
Vickers’ volleyball journey fueled by dedication
BY NADAR WILLIAMS Senior Staff Writer
Emily Vickers’ journey to earning a Division I volleyball scholarship to Tarleton State a University in Texas is a story filled with determination, resilience and support.
Delta College was pivotal not only for her athletic development but also for her personal growth as an athlete who learned to overcome adversity and embrace challenges.
“The junior college experience on the court was very competitive and made me fall in love with the sport again,” Vickers said. “Off the court it was awesome as well. The environment is small and concentrated, so you get the help and training you need to become a better student-athlete.”
Though she was in her first year, she was a standout player helping get the Mustangs to the playoffs. She also was a two-sport Athlete on Delta’s beach volleyball team.
Vickers faced significant challenges during her sophomore season.
“I got injured midseason, which made it hard to stay motivated during the recruiting process,” she said. “It was tough because I wasn’t sure where I stood with my injury, but my coaches and teammates were incredibly supportive. They pushed me to keep going even when I felt uncertain about my future.”
Her resilience paid off when she received a scholarship offer from Tarleton State University.
“I was looking for a program where I could compete with top teams, and Tar-
leton felt like the perfect fit for me,” Vickers said. “The coach, Dayna Masters, was incredible. I felt a real connection with her and the team from the start.”
She excels as both a leader and a playmaker.
In a match against Hartnell College, Vickers recorded 10 kills and 26 digs, helping the team secure a dominant 3-0 win.
Her consistency was a major factor in the team’s success, finishing her career with 398 kills, 441 digs and 56 blocks in 51 matches.
Vickers was named State Player of the week September 9, 2024 Vickers led the Mustangs with 32 kills, 27 digs, and 9 service aces in their victories over American River College and Sierra.
“The team and coaches have been so
supportive,” Vickers said. “It pushed me to be my best every day.”
Her family also played an indispensable role in her success.
“My parents have been amazing. They took me to every practice, every tournament, and spent thousands of dollars each year in the club just to give me the opportunity to play in college,” she said. “They have motivated me every step of the way. They always encouraged me to work hard and never give up on my dream.”
Vickers is pursuing a nursing degree, having that set of skills she has developed through volleyball will prepare her for the discipline required in the medical field.
“I’m ready for the next challenge,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from my time at Delta, and I’m excited to continue my journey at the next level.”
Star pitcher Nava to stay in Stockton at Pacific
BY NADAR WILLIAMS Senior Staff Writer
Stockton’s pride is on full display with Ariel Nava as one of the faces of success.
After excelling at Saint Mary’s High School, she took her game to Delta College, where she led the team to a championship victory.
She’s staying in Stockton, committing to the University of the Pacific.
From the moment she picked up a softball she knew she was destined for something special.
World Series, that I knew I wanted to pitch.”
“I saw a girl pitching, and I turned to my dad and said, ‘I want to do that,’ and that’s when it all started,” Nava recalls.
“I started playing softball when I was about 5-years old because my dad just wanted me to get into something,” Nava said. “But it was when I was 7, watching a college softball game on TV during the College
Lodi gets rugby team
Nava’s years in travel ball were filled with both challenges and growth.
Her tough sophomore year in travel ball taught her lessons about mental toughness.
“My sophomore year, I struggled a lot. There were times I almost quit, but I learned mental toughness. I learned how to fight through it, and that made all the difference. By my junior and senior years, I was playing at a much higher level,” Nava said.
Nava played for other competitive teams before coming to Delta.
BY LEVI GOERZEN Feature Editor
Lodi will be hosting the Bay Breakers of the Women’s Elite Rugby League (WER) at the Grape Bowl. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States.
“WER is led by a diverse team of veterans of the U.S. rugby market, experienced sports business professionals and me-
Nava had an outstanding senior year showcasing her skill as a two way player. As a pitcher, she posted an impressive 1.76 ERA with a 16-4 record, striking out 174 batters over 143 innings.
Her opponents struggled with a .191 batting average against her, and she showed excellent control with only 45 walks allowed.
Her hitting was just as good, Nava contributed offensively with a .369 batting average, 31 hits, and 17 RBIs across 26 games.
“When I first arrived at Delta, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. I only really knew two girls on the team, Nava said. “But then, I realized I had nothing to lose. I decided to have fun, and it was the most fun I’d ever had playing softball.”
A notable moment was beating Sac City to qualify for state.
“Beating Sac City to go to state was a huge moment. Competing against
dia experts. WER President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf is currently an assistant professor in the sport management and athletic leadership programs at Vermont State University at Castleton. As a former international rugby player and NCAA athletic director, she is one of a handful of dedicated women that have spearheaded the efforts to launch this league,” said a press release from WER
the best junior colleges in California and representing the North was such a memorable experience.” She stated.
Nava’s hard work earned her several accolades, including Big 8 Conference Most Valuable Pitcher, 3C2A AllState, First Team All-American, and 3C2A Pitcher of the Year.
After her standout season, she received interest from D-I schools.
“It was a tough decision to go the junior college route when my teammates were committing to big universities. But looking back, I would not change it for anything,” Nava said. “Pacific’s new coaching staff and their pitching coach, Kelanni Ricketts, who’s one of the best in the game, really drew me in.”
Her inspiration is her father.
“My dad is one of the strongest people I know, he has been a huge part of shaping who I am today. I would not be where I am without him,” she said.
on April 10, 2024 regarding the launch of the league.
The WER features teams from Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Bay Area California and Twin Cities. 2025 will be the inaugural season for WER.
The Breaker’s first game is in Glendale, Colo., against the Denver Onyx on March 29.
The Breaker’s first home game will be on April 5, at 5:30 p.m. Games will be broadcast globally on DAZN. “DAZN’s unrivalled[sic] scale, global footprint, and significant women’s sport audience is uniquely positioned to help build an engaged fanbase for Women’s Elite Rugby, with both DAZN and the league committed to growing the product through collaborative marketing efforts,” said a press release from WER on March 20.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DELTA ATHLETICS
Baseball beats Sac City, edges closer to playoffs
BY JARRED WRIGHT Staff Writer
The stakes were high at Billy Hebert Field as Delta’s men’s baseball team faced off against Sacramento City College, with Delta pulling off a steady 6-3 victory at the March 21 matchup.
It was the last of a 3-game pairing against Sac City. Preceding the game, Delta contended with two previous losses against Sacramento, with scores of 3-0 and 18-8.
“We need to win and make sure we get into the playoffs. We’ve been scrapping a little bit,” said Coach Bob Kittle of the losing streak
Early on in the game Delta stood firm, averting Sacramento’s 3rd inning advancement.
The Mustang defense made a quick throw getting both of Sacramento baserunners out just in time. This tac -
tic was used repeatedly and proved to be a winning strategy throughout the match.
At one climactic juncture, Delta 1st baseman Joseph Roman turned heads as he stretched out and made the catch while splitting his legs, getting a Sacramento baserunner out with only the edge of his shoe touching the plate.
Defense, Kittle said, was “key to the game.”
“Our hitters stayed with the plan and we played good defense and that was probably our most complete game of the year,” the coach said.
As the wind picked up and the sun began to set, Sacramento made a quick comeback.
At the bottom of the 6th inning and through the 7th, the guest team scored 3 points, rapidly edging closer to Delta.
However, these 3 points were to be
the last that Sacramento scored, failing to gain enough ground to surpass the home team.
With this victory, Delta’s ratio of wins to losses this season has pushed past a tie of 13-13 to 14-13.
This puts the Mustangs in a stronger position in preparation for the upcoming Big 8 Conference playoffs.
“Any win in the Big 8’s a huge win, and one win – one loss – could be the difference between making the playoffs or not,” said second baseman Ian Guanzon. “Every one matters.”
On April 1 through April 4, the Mustangs will be playing a series against Modesto Junior College.
WOMENS BASKETBALL MAKES STATE
BY JOE DEMASI Sports Editor
After winning regionals and back-to-back Big 8 Conference titles, our Lady Mustangs reached the 3C2A State Championship quarterfinals and were in the Elite 8.
However, on March 14 Delta lost 64-49 to Glendale eliminating them from the postseason.
Guards No. 10 Fajr Cuthbertson and No. 1 Kiara Council were named to all-state teams.
Cuthbertson was the team’s leading scorer in the loss to Glendale, averaging a team-high 12.3 points per game, and shooting an efficient 52.7 percent.
This season Council averaged 10.1 points per game, shot 39.2 percent, and averaged 2.4 steals per game.
Freshmen guards No. 2 Aaliyah Youngblood and No. 25 Isabella Azzolino had exceptional seasons as well.
Youngblood averaged 11.5 points per game, a team-high 2.6 steals per game, and played in all 31 games this year.
Azzolino was a good 3-point shooter this year averaging 10.8 points per game, shot 34 percent from 3, and played in 24 games this season.
In the offseason, Head Coach Gina Johnson was inducted into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame. This was her 28th season with Delta, and she has coached numerous Division 1 players.
The Mustangs also had succeeded in the classroom having 4 different athletes make the Academic all-state team.
Guard No. 0 Kathreen Noa, Coach Kiara Manipol, Forward No. 21 Grace Brown, and former guard Maya Chelini all made academic teams.
Brown was a good leader and mentor as well. Freshman forward No. 23 Madison Perea praised her leadership and looks forward to next season.
“I thought we had a good season this year Coach Johnson is a very good teacher and she helped me a lot this year. Specifically, Grace (Brown) really helped me with footwork and rebounding,” She said.
Perea also says Brown helped her with defense and said she was relatable
because their games mimic each other as rebounding defenders who could score in the paint when needed.
After the season concluded The lady Mustangs have announced four new commitments to play on next year’s team.
They are all high school commits and the Lady Mustangs look to continue their success for next year.
No. 2 Aaliyah Youngblood, sophomore guard, making a three point shot against in the Blanchard Gym on Feb. 7. PHOTO BY BELINDA SEIBEL