The Collegian Issue 6 • Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 •
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deltacollegian.net
CREATIVE CANVASES L.H. HORTON GALLERY SHOWCASES, CELEBRATES RECENT DELTA COLLEGE ALUMNI ARTISTS
By Dylan Jaekel PAGE 3
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Four baseball players ready to take talents to next level
PAGE 12
Elevators struggling to reach similar heights
PAGE 5
NEXT ISSUE: Feb. 23 • CONTACT US: deltacollegian@gmail.com or (209) 954-5156 • ONE FREE COPY
2 From the Staff
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net
The beginning of spring semester is here and with it there is love in the air. The only thing in our hearts this Valentine’s Day, however, is you, fair reader. In our eyes you are the perfect partner with the most amazing qualities. You are resilient and understanding. You stuck with us when The Collegian had a change of look last semester. MORE ONLINE Though our style is different, you see that we were still the DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET same inside. Read more stories online, including: You are dependable. Picking up each issue, allowing us to • A rundown of the promotion of do what we love most, writing for you. Your support and loyZero-Cost, low, or no cost textbooks classes on campus alty makes us a better newspaper, motivating us to continue • A look at Delta College’s Covid preimproving and expanding. cautions and cases, four years after You are a great listener reading and grasping each detail of the pandemic began our stories in print and online. We hope that you not only read our stories, but that you learn from them and that they help to grow your experiences here at Delta. To show you just how much we appreciate you, we promise to continue writing stories that matter to you, fair reader. We promise to continue to put our all into our reporting because you deserve the absolute best. We hope that you think of us as much as we think of you this semester and you continue to value our relationship.
@
ON THE COVER: “Sufro” by Yvonne Saldana is an acrylic painting on display through Feb. 15 at the L.H. Horton Gallery as part of the Delta College Alumni Exhibition “A painting of a wolf with Dia de los Muertos-inspired face paint and it has the halo you would see in old Catholic artworks,” said Saldana in her artist statement. The piece can be purchased for $570.
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.
STAFF
EDITORS DYLAN JAEKEL
Editor-in-Chief, Social Media, Feature
VANESSA GOMEZ News
JELISSA KING Opinion
DOMINICK DELISE ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON
LA RIE’ RICHARDSON MERCELI RIOS JOSHUA SIMAS
CHRISTINA GOODMAN
MULTIMEDIA TECH
Entertainment Entertainment Photo Editor
MATTHEW WILSON
ANDREA RIVERA Sports
ADVISER
STAFF RYLIE ASUNCION JOE DEMASI GRACIELA GABRIEL
GURMAN SINGH CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER ZANIEL WALDO
TARA CUSLIDGE-STAIANO GRACE LAWSON ERIC NORIEGA SERGIO PALACIO
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shima 203/204, (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com
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3 Cover Story GALLERY SHOWCASES ALUMNI ARTISTS
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net
BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief
Delta’s L.H. Horton Art Gallery held its reception for its new Delta College Alumni Exhibition on Jan. 25. The reception brought out one of the biggest gallery reception crowds since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for a larger community to come together to experience and celebrate art on campus. The exhibition highlights 39 artworks by 21 artists who formerly attended Delta College. To be eligible to enter works into the exhibition, artists must have graduated from Delta between 2010 and 2020 and must have a major or minor in graphic arts, photography and/or studio arts. Many of the artists showcased in the exhibit went on to attend four-year universities such as CSU Stanislaus, UC Davis and University of the Pacific after attending Delta to further grow their skills and continue their arts education. The exhibition was juried by Daniel “Atta” Seifert, co-founder of “Hi-Fructose: The New Contemporary Art Magazine.” Seifert delivered an artist talk in the Dawn Mabalon Forum before the gallery reception later that evening. For some of the exhibited artists, their time in Delta’s arts program provided an opportunity to not only grow as artists but begin to seeing themselves as artists. “To be honest, I wasn't even an art student originally. I was in psychology and I almost graduated with my psychology degree and I took, I don't know the term, I took a fun class and it was ceramics and then I realized that it was more important for me to express how I feel rather than understand how I felt,” said exhibited artist Zoe Nelson. Nelson has previously had their work showcased in the L.H. Horton Art Gallery in various student shows and the Visions in Clay Exhibition. Other artists saw their time at Delta as being influential in their technical skills and ability to explore new mediums for their work.
“I think it really just taught me a lot of the fundamentals, things like color theory, how to work with certain mediums that kind of frustrated me sometimes. A lot of it was also just kind of building like the community and professors,” said exhibited artist Abigail Glass, who graduated from Delta with an Associate Degree in Art. The exhibition showcases the talents of Delta alumni, as well as serves as inspiration for future and current Delta artists. “I think it's really important to bring them back and see how they've grown, how they've changed. I think it's important to inspire other students to see that you can make it out in the world in the arts,” said art gallery coordinator Jan Marlese. The gallery reception brought out a lively crowd. Old friends reconnected through their art, family got to celebrate their loved ones’ creativity and most importantly a community came together to embrace local artists and their impact on Delta college arts. “What people need to understand is as artists they need to make art. And we need to celebrate that as a community. And so when we have these alumni shows we bring out the whole community,” said Marlese. The exhibit serves to inspire the Delta college community as well as the greater Stockton community. Showing that art as a means of connection and self expression is accessible to everyone. “There are some people who are very creative, they're like, they can create anything no matter where they live. So, I feel like this brings a whole positive to Stockton and I hope that more people are more allowed to come and see all the creations that we made. And also, hopefully get inspired to also become artists as well,” said exhibited artist Kimberly Juarez, who graduated from Delta with an Associate Degree in Art.
Top: My Sleep Paralysis by Robyn Jones. Above: Gods of Creation by Abel Cardenas Jr. Bottom Left: Leaf Bottle by Zoe Nelson Bottom Top Left: Angel Tears by Neang Narkary GALLERY PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN TOP PHOTO BY ROBYN JONES
4 News
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/news
Elevator issues hinder student mobility BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief
Accessibility and mobility are important to all students on a college campus, but it is even more vital to students with physical disabilities and/or mobility aids. Access to a working and reliable elevator is necessary for reaching upper floor classes on time. Being a frequent user of elevators on campus often means long waits, elevator malfunctions, or even breakdowns, leaving students to find new ways to class or being unable to attend their classes for the day. Recently, Delta has been having problems with the Shima elevator, but is working to resolve the issues. “Yes, the Shima elevator seems to have issues with malfunctioning. We continue to work with the various programs in the building that use the elevator to ensure they are not forcing the doors open or propping the opening, which will cause the elevator to
shut down and need to be reset,” said Pinola. According to Pinola, when Delta plans to make future renovations, elevators will be a part of that discussion. Though getting to an upper floor via the elevator in a timely manner can sometimes be met with challenges, the possibility of an elevator malfunction happening when students are on upper floors is an even bigger problem. If a student or staff member with a physical disability and/or who uses a mobility aid were to be stuck on an upper floor after an elevator malfunction, there are plans in place to safely get that individual to the first floor. If an individual sees that an elevator is not working and they are in need of assistance, they should first notify campus staff and/or police of the situation. They can do this by contacting Delta on their phone, notifying a nearby staff member to contact someone, or by using one of the blue light phones on campus. These phones are most often located near the ele-
vators. “Many people think the phones are only for emergencies but they can be used for any reason to contact the police such as if they need to get back into a class to retrieve a cell phone they forgot in that class,” said Health and Mobility Coordinator Roy Juarez via email. Once mobility specialists and campus police are contacted, they are able to provide necessary assistance, sometimes with the help of Delta’s maintenance department and/or Stockton Fire Department. “If a student in a wheelchair or scooter gets stuck on upper floors because of a power outage or elevator breakdown we have a few options of getting them down. We have special wheelchairs that can lower them down to the ground. We use a chair called the Stryker Evac chair,” said Juarez. Once the individual is brought down staff will usually not bring mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or
scooters, down until the elevator has been fixed for safety reasons. Elevators on campus were retrofitted about six years ago, after they had broken down multiple times within the span of a month, according to Juarez. “The board approved the Elevator Repair and Renovation Project in 2013 through Measure L Bond Funds for $950,000,” said Director of Facilities, Planning and Management, Stacy Pinola via email. The approved project addressed the elevators’ fire alarms, control panels, interiors, and mechanics. Delta was able to move some upper floor classes to alternative accessible classrooms, which would be the course of action if this were to happen again. However, if an elevator were to unexpectedly break down for only a few days, it is most likely that these accommodations could not be made due to short notice, and some students would be unable to access their classrooms.
Delta Board appoints former head of RTD offers free bus Mountain House campus to Area 2 seat passes with app BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON Entertainment Editor
On Jan. 16, Delta College welcomed a new member, Dr. Jessie Garza-Roderick to the board of trustees. She fills the Area 2 vacancy left by Dr. Elizabeth Blanchard’s resignation on Nov. 21, 2023, and will serve until the November election. Garza-Roderick has more than 40 years of experience as an educator, including 10 years at the college’s Tracy Center and another 12 years at the South Campus at Mountain House. “We gotta do right by students,” Garza-Roderick said when discussing her approach to being a member of the board. The retired dean spoke about the need to help new students forge a path to success at Delta College. “In order to build a pathway, you need to build for four years, so high school students coming in can know their path forward,” she said.
Dr. Jessie Garza-Roderick
Part of the reason she took the position on the board was to help with the coming discussion regarding the 2024 bond measure. “When you talk to people about what their money and contributions will do for students, they write the checks,” she said. Garza-Roderick is hoping that Delta can use funds from the bond measure to take further strides to
improve the experience of the students One of the ways Garza-Roderick would look to utilize the funds from a bond measure would be to help improve the overall health of the campus overall such as repairing the frequently failing elevators or upgrading classrooms. “With bond money, we redid the classrooms… and the students said it made a difference,” she said. Addressing those failures might incentivize more students to take classes on campus. “Everybody wants to do distance learning! Nobody wants to come to campus. And I don’t agree with that,” she said. Garza-Roderick’s appointment is currently provisional. If a petition for a special election is not filed with the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools by Feb. 15, it will become effective.
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BY GRACIELA GABRIEL Staff Writer
This year RTD is expanding its services to the Stockton community and giving out free 14-day passes for riders who sign up for a new app. The free pass must be claimed through March 1. The program began issuing the passes on Jan. 28. Passes will be valid until March 31. These free passes will benefit the passengers who need to move around in local areas which will help reduce their time waiting for the bus. How do the riders claim these free passes? By opening an account with the Vamos Mobility App. When having the Vamos Mobility App the local riders will claim free passes by contacting the phone number (209) 9431111 ext. 100. The free passes are not applicable for commuter services.
5 News
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/news
ELECTION 2024
Previewing Stockton’s local primary elections BY JELISSA KING Opinion Editor
Election year is here and the Stockton primaries are coming soon. San Joaquin County Candidate Forums will take place at Delta College. Who is running for office for city council, board of education, board of supervisors and for mayor? Mayor Kevin Lincoln will not run for a second term. He shoots for the stars as he runs for the Congressional seat in the 9th district. But, what has the mayor achieved in Stockton that will help him be successful in Congress? Lincoln’s campaign manager, Kristian Vazquez, makes a statement on his behalf: “In his time as Mayor, Kevin Lincoln led Stockton’s COVID recovery and
MAYORAL CANDIDATES (FORUM #1 - FEB. 7) •
CHRISTINA FUGAZI (EDUCATOR)
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TOM PATTI (SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SUPERVISOR)
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DANIEL WRIGHT (CURRENT DISTRICT 2 COUNCILMAN)
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JESUS ANDRADE (NONPROFIT DIRECTOR)
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JESSICA VELEZ (BUSINESS OWNER)
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SHAKEEL AHMED (BUSINESSMAN)
CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT 6 (FORUM #2 - FEB. 8) •
RALPH WHITE (BUSINESSMAN)
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RONNIE MURRAY SR. (PASTOR)
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SATNAM SINGH (FINANCIAL ADVISOR/TRUCKER)
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JASON LEE (BUSINESSMAN)
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ZOBEYDA “ZOYLA” MORENO (COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER)
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KIMBERLY WARMSLEY (CURRENT VICE MAYOR & COUNCILWOMAN)
implemented an economic development plan aimed at creating job opportunities. As a result, the city has issued 3,000 new business licenses, reduced violent crimes, and increased access to shelter, housing, and services for the homeless,” said Vazquez. However, Stockton locals don’t all agree with his congressional run. “Running for Congress? Why?,” said Missy Howe. “As mayor he did okay. But Congress is a bigger ball game and I don’t think he’s ready for that. I do look forward to the primaries, I’m hoping we get Christina on the ballot.” The majority of the mayoral candidates are experienced with Stockton’s government. The first forum will take place on Feb. 7. All forums will be held at the Dawn Mabalon Forum starting at 6 p.m.
CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT 2 (FORUM #1 - FEB. 7)
CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT 4 (FORUM #2 - FEB. 8)
MARIELA PONCE (PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE WORKER)
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MARIO ENRIQUEZ (COLLEGE EDUCATOR/DIRECTOR)
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HENRY RODRIGUEZ III (NONPROFIT DIRECTOR)
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PAMELA PETTIS-HOUSTON (BUSINESS OWNER)
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GINA VALDEZ-BRACAMONTE (BUSINESSWOMAN)
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WAQAR RIZVI (COUNTY TECHNOLOGY MANAGER)
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ANTHONY SILVA (BUSINESS OWNER)
RAY ZULUETA JR. (STOCKTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER)
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JEROME CLAY (BUSINESS OWNER/ATTORNEY)
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SAN JOAQUIN BOARD OF EDUCATION AREA 5 (FORUM #3 - FEB. 12) • •
SAN JOAQUIN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DISTRICT 3, 1
JORDAN GIANNONI (COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROFESSOR) GREG CLARK (RETIRED SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR)
DISTRICT 3 (FORUM #3 - FEB. 12) • • •
ANGEL SEPULVEDA (SMALL BUSINESS OWNER) SONNY DHALIWAL (CITY OF LATHROP MAYOR) STEVE DEBRUM (FARMER/BUSINESSMAN)
• • • • •
MARIO SANTIAGO GARDEA (CITY OF STOCKTON FIREFIGHTER) LILLIANA UDANG (SENATE DISTRICT DIRECTOR) TERENCE WEST (COUNTY SERVICES DIRECTOR) MARK L. STEBBINS (ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR) CHRIS ROUPPET (SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SUPERVISOR’S CHIEF)
DISTRICT 1 (FORUM #4 - FEB. 13)
Stockton’s primary elections are coming up on March 5. Local voters will have to choose which council members and mayoral candidates will end up on the ballot for Nov. 5.
Emergency Medical Technician classes continue to grow at Delta BY SERGIO PALACIOS Staff Writer
Delta is offering Emergency Medical Technician classes for a second semester. The EMT class is 12 weeks and teaches students how to care for patients with cardiac, respiratory, or trauma emergencies, according to the official Delta College website. EMT training is useful for students wishing to become paramedics, fighter fighters, and related fields said the Delta college website. The EMT class offers 41 chapters for it's class and it seems to be off to a great start, according to Ricardo
Campos, the EMT director. “Our EMT class is currently in our second semester. We finished our last semester with a 100 percent pass rate,” said Campos. The course is vital in addressing local shortages, as San Joaquin county is medically understaffed according to San Joaquin General Hospital and has been since 1994 according to Rep. Josh Harder in a bill he introduced to bring in more doctors to the area. The 8-unit EMT class requires no experience to join and just asks that you be 18 years or older. EMT students will receive hands-on training on medical
care. A typical week for an EMT student consists of two four hour lectures a week and five hours of skill lab sessions, and by the end of the semester students must complete at least 48 hours of observation time — 24 in the emergency room and 24 in the ambulance. If you have the drive to join the medical field this will be the perfect class for you. If you have any other questions about the EMT class please contact the lead instructor and director Ricardo Campos at ricardo.campos@deltacollege.edu.
6 Feature
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/feature
Phoenix Program supports education after incarceration BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN Photo Editor
Ivan Thomasson served a total of 34 years of his life inside prison bars. “I was called a lifer on an installment plan,” said Thomasson. Now, he’s a Delta College student navigating new systems, including much younger classmates. “I had to remember that these are kids,” he notes. Thomasson is one of a number of formerly incarcerated students on campus t Delta College, these students are guided and aided by the Phoenix Project. The Phoenix Project has been available since 2018 and helped in total 180 students. They see themselves as family and is here to serve and to uplift students and not bring them down. The project, one of the programs housed under the campus Empowerment Center, links students who have done time with campus resources for success. This kind of support is vital, said Thomasson. “I treated it like I’m still in prison. The rule is the same thing in Latin is the same thing in Greek,” said Thomasson, describing his adaptation from being an ex-con to being a student. The transition from prison to classroom is sometimes hard, specifically when formerly incarcerated students have “difficulty finding and maintaining employment, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, which can contribute to a cycle of poverty and social marginalization,” according to the National Incarceration Association (NIA). The description noted is for Post Incarceration Syndrome. Students might take the steps and enroll back in school for a high school diploma, GED or even go to college but still will have the mindset of being in prison. “These difficulties can also increase the risk of recidivism, or returning to criminal behavior,” notes the NIA.
Thomasson notes that formerly incarcerated students will adapt. He said he functions in prison the same way he functions in the streets. “It’s all about giving respect and staying in your own lanes,” he noted. Thomasson said he didn’t know about the Phoenix Program when he first started at Delta College, but since he has been connected, he’s been able to receive support, as well as books Henry Romero works as a Student Programs Specialist in the Emand supplies. powerment Resource Center. The Phoenix Program is one of the “I’m going after my certification in audio programs within the center. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN engineering and that helps my record company Eyes on U Records. My studio is a safe and website “Phoenix Project is a student support program affordable place to come relax and record,” he said. for Delta College students who were formerly incarI spoke with Sydney Johnson who is the informacerated/in custody, or who are currently incarcerated tion specialist and also a student at Delta and part of within the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) or Custhe program as well. tody to Community Transitional Reentry Program Johnson stated, “I’m formerly an incarcerated (CCTRP) in Stockton.” inmate. Coming from being sentenced to 15 plus life The Phoenix Program also provides help with stuto now I’m living my life as a civilian and a full time dents who are not familiar with the process of enrollstudent.” ment and help with filling out FAFSA for financial aid. Johnson also added, “I will be graduating this year Johnson also quoted “I hope that each and every as a substance abuse counselor and will continue work student will be successful in choosing their major and as Delta as an intern.” careers as we assist them throughout their journey.” What is the Phoenix Project? According to Delta’s
Delta officially celebrates Lunar New Year for first time BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON Entertainment Editor
Starting in 2024, the academic school year will be gaining two more holidays. Lunar New Year and Native American Day will both be commemorated for the first time this year following a bill introduced by Assembly member Evan Low. Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Feb. 9, and Native American Day will be commemorated on Sept. 22. WHAT IS LUNAR NEW YEAR? Lunar New Year has roots in several cultures, which had developed calendars that used the phases of the moon to read the time of year. Such efforts were necessary in order to make the most of agriculture. “If a peasant waited too long to plant a crop, he might miss advantageous spring rains…” notes, The Lunar New Year: Ritual and Legends, a resource for
educators that focuses on teaching about the lunar new years and traditions that accompany it. WHY WE CELEBRATE? Lunar New Year is being celebrated by Delta College for the first time this year because of Assembly Bill 2596, introduced by Evan Low in 2022. The bill introduced two new holidays including Lunar New Year as an official state holiday. It specifically states that Lunar New Year will be celebrated on “The date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene” HOW TO CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR? If you’re a Delta college student having trouble finding ways to celebrate then look no further. Traditionally
Lunar New Years is a time for a fresh start and a clean slate and this manifests in several different traditions. This might include looking back at the failures of the previous years and internalizing lessons from them. This is especially relevant for a college student right at the start of a new semester, perhaps taking a chance to look back at the previous semester and make new goals for the future. It's also encouraged to meet with old friends, refreshing connections that might’ve withered in the previous year. Think about reaching out to a friend you’ve been longing to speak with, what better excuse than a tradition that’s persisted thousands of years. This year in particular is the year of the dragon, traditionally symbolizing good luck, justice, prosperity, and strength. If you were born in the year of the dragon you are seen as charismatic, confident, and powerful.
7 Feature
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/feature
ExCel internships give students work experience BY ANDREA RIVERA Sports Editor
Delta College offers a variety of different programs and opportunities for students to gain experience with their future jobs, internships or simply looking for a new job and need help finding one. One such opportunity is the Experience, Career Exploration, and Learning (ExCEL) Program. The program helps students gain training with a job they apply to and offers paid internships that are on and off campus. “ExCEL Internship Program…available to all enrolled students with a 2.0 GPA or higher and who are looking to gain paid work experience or career exploration which aligns to their program of study,” said Program Manager for CTE & Workforce Development Center Michelle Castanon. If looking for the internships that can result in internship credit, “we can work with the ASBT Office (Holt 140) for enrollment into the Occupational Work Experience (OWE) Program and set an application deadline,” said Castanon. To begin the process for an internship or new job that aligns with your studies search for the “ExCEL program” on the Delta College website.
Here you will find information on what students, employers and Delta will provide to you and require from you. After locating the program watch the video on how to set up the Jobspeaker account. Next, go to the Jobspeaker website and find the sign in button in the top left corner. Here you will see a Delta Student Login and follow the steps to setting up your account and locating the dashboard to set up a profile. Finally, select the “Job Board” button and the “Filters and Preferences” button and lower your location for job/internships down to your preferred area, and add any other options. Specifically, for internships you will want to put the filters on for “internship-paid, internship-unpaid, and work experience” and enter in “Stockton. Be mindful that on-campus internships are only about 10-15 are offered. If you run into any problems or have questions or concerns using Jobspeaker “stop by Shima 217, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also make an appointment with a Workforce Specialist in-person or virtually in Zoom,” said Castanon.
Pride Center binder program provides essentials to queer students BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief
The San Joaquin Delta College Pride Center recently launched a program giving students an opportunity to access new chest binders. Chest binders are a gender-affirming garment that uses compression to flatten the appearance of an individual’s chest. Access to binders can be life-changing, allowing many queer people the ability to relieve gender dysphoria and better express their gender identities. The Pride Center was given funding from Delta’s Basic Needs Center for new chest binders as a way of providing gender-affirming clothing essentials to students who need them. “They started offering ... basics like socks, blankets, things like that. So I thought, well, we're already offering ... clothing or things that you know people are utilizing for themselves and it's just, like, why are we
not then offering ... an equivalent but queer specific,” said Pride Center Student Program Specialist Jasmin Arroyo. The half-length binders are new from Amazon and range from sizes S to 3XL. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If students have an interest in a binder but the Pride Center has run out of their size, the Pride Center can order a new binder for them in their size; students would just need to wait a little longer to receive them. Students enrolled in the Pride Scholars Program have priority for receiving a binder, but those not in the program still have plenty of access. “Interestingly enough, all of the people who have requested binders and picked them up have not been Pride Scholars,” said Arroyo. Enrolling in the Pride Scholars Program is also not a difficult task. Students can find a New Student Form on the Delta website’s Pride Center page. Through this form, students can then set up a meeting with Pride
Center staff. “The Pride Scholars program is for enrolled LGBTQ+ students who are pursuing a degree, certificate, and/or looking to transfer to a 4-year college or university. You would join a community of scholars who receive support to ensure their success at Delta and in their future,” says the Delta website’s Pride Center page. Along with priority access to the binder program, Pride Scholars also have access to textbook vouchers, letters of recommendation, one-on-one advising, and other benefits. The binder program is hopefully just the start of the Pride Center providing students with needed gender-affirming garments. After doing a further survey of the needs and wants of students, Arroyo plans to expand the program to include other gender-affirming garments to better support the needs of Delta’s LGBTQ+ population.
8 Entertainment
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/entertainment
Love only seen in the movies BY ZANIEL WALDO Staff Writer
I
n film, many world concepts can be skewed for the film’s narrative. The romanticization of love in relationships is one concept. Looking at relationships depicted in “Titanic” or “Forrest Gump,” we see couples make greater sacrifices or commitments. However, such portrayals continue to receive negative criticism for conveying fulfilling companionship. Dilpreet Singh, a second-year Delta student, noted that as a fan of “Titanic,” he also understands the controversy of unrealistic companion issues. “Real relationships are messy. Not everything has a linear path. Jack and Rose, it was an odd thing to include as a tragedy in a movie about the Titanic,” Singh said. Among the criticisms include bashing its depiction of love and questioning the validity of the sacrifice. Another contention point for audience viewers is that of Forrest and Jenny, who argue about unfair romance and selfishness. Daniel Muñoz, a third-year Delta student, stated his conflicting views with understanding the pair, knowing that it is supposed to be well-meant. “With those two, that one is a little hard to defend. But it is showing that eventually people realize the value in a relationship and taking care of it. It’s just one of those things where people don’t realize how good they have it,” Muñoz said. A general agreement was the stance that most view-
ers avoid recognizing the film's significance and overall layering theme. “Titanic” is ultimately a story about loss and death. We're introduced to two young adults and their romance to build up to the film's climax. Jack is living and experiencing many adventures, whereas Rose is without purpose and momentarily suicidal due to a restrictive lifestyle. Through exposure to different backgrounds aboard the ship, we see a once-troubled individual regain the happiness she had lost. The death of all the characters the audience met through Rose’s point of view doubles down on the travesty the event was. Jack’s sacrifice is the crucial factor that determines Rose to survive and live the fulfilling life he would have wanted for himself and her. Ultimately, the audience is reminded that life is finite, and to live long is a luxury many don’t experience, and should not take it all for granted. Despite an easily misunderstood depiction, the pairing of Forrest and Jenny also has significance to its story. Forrest represents the kindness within humanity and the possibility of the American Dream. Jenny represents the vulgarity of lost individuals struggling with self-acceptance that is thrown out by
society as outcasts. In this manner, they are very much the antithesis of each other. Jenny has the underlying motive to move to forget and escape her past, acknowledging her unpleasant personality. Forrest is a patient individual who holds no grudge and is quick to forgive. Nour Abdel-Magied, a thirdyear Delta student, stated his understanding of the relationship. “It sounds like something I would do. Waiting for her and giving second chances. It does sound like a lot for a man to take on. But I definitely also think that most dudes would do that,” Abdel-Magied said. A troubled individual from an abusive childhood whose decisions are clouded by impulsivity and self-awareness, she evokes a more realistic encounter with the real world. The film contains characters who struggle and have to find peace. Some reach that point sooner than others, but even they are fortunate to reach a point of peace that others don’t achieve. A point made that was agreed upon was that although movies can be unrealistic in romanticizing concepts, it is better to offer that sense of idealism to expose audiences to possibilities of enjoyment instead of bitterness.
9 Entertainment
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/entertainment
Stockton Symphony looks to exciting year ahead BY DOMINICK DELISE Entertainment Editor
This season Stockton Symphony will be ushering in a new wave of exciting performances at Delta College’s Atherton theater and Lodi’s Hutchins Street Square Auditorium. The season kicked off Jan. 20 with “Explore!” A mix of Czech musical influences to African and Indian fusions. “It’s a real gem that doesn’t get heard very often,” Stockton Symphony Director and Composer Peter Jaffe. Stockton Symphony’s Box Office Manager Dan McCabe mentioned the show’s success and told us that despite the show competing with the 49er’s game, “Explore!” still had over 800 people in attendance throughout the weekend. Then the symphony returns on Jan. 30 with “Stepping out,” an educational program for children.
“We reach thousands of kids, it’s all about the increasing time signatures, it helps them with fractions,” said Jaffe. The music will focus on familiar tunes such as Lizzo’s “It’s about damn time,” and ending with a theme from the film “Mission Impossible.” By Feb. 10 the orchestra will put on “Gospel Inspirations,” where the orchestra will celebrate the classic gospel sounds that have been an inspiration to many different genres. “Gospel Inspirations” will feature guest conductor Damien Sneed alongside a performance by multiple Emmy award Winning composer John Wineglass who has written a piece exclusively for Stockton Symphony. As time’s arrow marches into spring the symphony will have a seasonal inspired concert “Spring Forward” on March 9. This concert
will have a party an hour before UPCOMING PERFORMANCES the event starts and will feature teenage prodigy violinist Ava The Stockton Symphony performs across San Pakima. Joaquin County for its next four performances: “It’s a wonderful American • Gospel Inspirations, Atherton Auditoriballet,” said Jaffe. um, Stockton, Feb. 10 7:30 p.m. “Ports of Call” April 6 and 7 • Spring Forward, Hutchins Street Square, March 9, 7:30 p.m., Grand Theatre, March featuring Scottish fantasy and 10, 2:30 p.m. multi-cultural pieces with Ro• Ports of Call, Atherton Auditrium, April 6 man influences. The piano march 7:30 p.m. and April 7 2:30 p.m. included in this concert was • Pops: Whodunit? Atherton Auditorum, written for the Port of Stockton. May 12 2:30 p.m. “It’s a lot of fun, a huge orchestra, a really epic piece of work that ends in a huge blade clues along the way so they can guess of glory,” said Jaffe. who committed the murder. On May 12 the season will come Stockton Symphony is also proud to an end Mother’s Day weekend to announce that all shows will be with “Pops: Whodunit?!,” A fun lov$10 for all local public-school stuing event that invites the audience to dents elementary to college age. participate by including a mysterious Presale for all tickets this season guest conductor who will be killed are available online at stocktonsymin the middle of the show. Various phony.org. musical tones will give the audience
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10 Opinion
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/opinion
Examining chivalry in the modern dating era BY ZANIEL WALDO
T PHOTO COURTESY DELTA COLLEGE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
YAY OR NEIGH?
Is it time to send Fierce Mustang back to the stable and pony up a better looking horse to represent the college? BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief
O
n Oct. 30, 2023, San Joaquin Delta College posted to their Instagram account, asking students for suggestions on how to improve our beloved mascot, Fierce the Mustang. “Fierce first came to life to represent Delta College around 2014. Our trusty steed has looked the same ever since and is ready for a refresh,” said the post. Students were able to comment on the post with their suggestions for a possibility to win a $25 Delta College Bookstore gift card. Many comments suggested giving fierce a mane, while others suggested giving Fierce a friendly smile. Though students still love Fierce, their look is definitely in need of an update. Updating their look would not just make them appear better, but it could lead to a better sense of identity for students, as our mascot becomes more distinct and recognizable. “... It does look like it could be anybody. It doesn’t look like it could be a mascot. It could be… it looks like anybody in a costume,” said student Jasmine Doan, who had never actually seen Fierce until being shown a photo before the interview. Student James Carey thinks that Fierce’s current design is fine, but giving them some Delta apparel, such as a sweater with the Delta College initials, could better associate them with the college. Though Fierce can sometimes be spotted at events wearing Delta College t-shirts, it isn’t a constant part of their look. A reason that many suggest giving our mascot a mane or long tail is so that they can be more immediately recognized as a mustang, es-
pecially because they have been lovingly deemed the “Delta donkey” since their inception. “Yeah, I don’t know what it’s supposed to be. When you first showed me, I didn’t know what I was looking at or what it was supposed to be,” said Doan. Some students feel that Fierce needs to be more intimidating in order to better represent ourselves at sporting events. “I mean, he doesn’t look vicious. He just looks like BoJack Horseman. He doesn’t look very mighty, I could say. Like how I feel like a mascot is supposed to look…,” said student Alexis Grayson. Others have the opposite idea and think that Fierce’s design needs to be made cuter, so that students and the public find them more approachable. Students Lucas Mizener and Tristan Horak feel that though a mustang mascot is a marketable choice, Fierce does not resemble the same cute design of their plushie counterparts found in the campus bookstore. “He just doesn’t look approachable in his general design, but maybe we make him a little more sillier. I think that would be cool,” said Horak. A way of improving his approachability and friendly look could be to add more padding to the mascot costume. In their current design, Fierce’s head is quite plush and padded, a contrast to the body of their costume which has no padding, distorting his overall proportions. “I feel like if they even out his body a little bit more, like head to body ratio…,” said Horak. With the hint of a redesign that came from Delta’s Instagram post during the Fall semester, it is hoped that a new and improved Fierce will be spotted out and about in the near future.
Staff Writer
he concept of companionship in dating has always been vague and disillusioned commitment. This is largely due to miscommunication and pre-established expectations in a partner. Chivalry demands in a committed relationship build tensions between couples. By definition, chivalry pertains to the courteous acts of men to women in a romantic relationship. Examples include holding the door open, offering jackets when the female is cold, and the sidewalk rule of the male being closer to the street to protect women. Overall, it was essentially a rulebook to help young men bring structure to a relationship by behaving in a respectful manner as a gentleman. Yet, recent discussions show there are opposing stances on whether chivalry is dead and its significance in relationships. Luna Siliverdis, a second-year Delta student, said chivalry has become an unfollowed practice as rudeness in people grows, which can be tied to the acceptance of societal norms. “For the most part, people now just wanna be this big deal and then forget about chivalry along the way. I think it was an illusion that society portrayed because it’s like the men are stronger and women are weaker. But part of it is that men are supposed to be respectful and do all this stuff for the lady, but the woman is not supposed to,” Siliverdis said. She reassured her stance as a proponent of equality by not holding men to a standard that she is not ready to fulfill herself. Broader definitions include acts of honor and generosity on both sides of a relationship, highlighting a less-discussed side to the concept. She said if we were to flip the conversation from the chivalry of men to that of women, the
expectations would potentially become more demanding. Such acts of courtesy include more than small gestures of politeness, such as staying at home, cooking and cleaning. Male students did struggle with conceiving acts of chivalry on the woman’s end, but they didn’t doubt gestures would likewise be as demanding. Kieth Lam, a second-year Delta Student, said he is a proponent of chivalrous gestures, declaring their significance in building awareness to mutual respect. “I’m just that kind of person that I will just pay for the first date. I don’t want to quarrel with chivalry because, a lot of times, they’re just good gestures,” Lam said. He understands the argument for excessive responsibilities for men, he also does not mind them since they help and provide joy. Another aspect brought to the topic was social media's role in modern dating. Benjamin Zoren Aclar, a second-year Delta student, said social media has played a role in creating a false perception of reality that influences the younger and current generations. “I feel like it’s almost been made into like a competition between two people in a relationship. Who makes more money, who can do this, who can do that? Not really like what can we do as two people,” Aclar said. Aclar believes social media has the ability to bring exposure to chivalry and, in an optimistic outcome, have a positive influence. The promotion of promiscuous lifestyles devoid of sincerity continues and is likely not to change. In the end, most appear to disagree on the significance of well-behaved gestures. Successful relationships are regarded to require a level of communication and loyalty to develop authenticity. But it seems our opposing acceptance stances will continue disagreements and comparisons to illusionary notions.
11 Opinion STANLEY CAUSES SOCIAL FRENZY
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/opinion
BY ANDREA RIVERA
D
Sports Editor
rip* *Drip* The sound millions of Stanley Cup Quencher users hear as their cups fill up to the top. And was the one specific thing student Yazmine Lopez asked for from her sister this holiday season. “I thought they were cute, but it was mostly for the hype, if I’m being honest. It’s definitely a conversation starter,” said Lopez. Why all the social media craze and obsession over this "insulated, stainless-steel bottles,” as advertised on stanley1913.com. What was so wrong with our stickered Hydro Flasks and ice cold Yetis? Why buy into a craze — almost a frenzy — for a Stanley Quecher and ditch our other, long-beloved reusable water bottles. Users began to love the idea of matching their water bottles to their outfits, cars, used as accessories and even their moods as “new” and “rare” colors or “limited edition” cups would come out. Consumers would post TikToks and pictures raving about the size of the Quencher and ability to keep beverages ice cold. ”I have been wanting it because
I like to hold things and just drink from it,” said Delaney Brubaker, a Delta student. “I don’t like the twist top. I’ve been drinking way more water with it. ” The obsession still didn’t get to Brubaker though. In fact, Brubaker is not going to buy into the “Stanley girlies” hype. Student Caylen Douangmalalay said that she would not be participating either in the mania because, “I don’t like to associate with that, because personally, it’s a good cup, but like I wouldn’t go bizarre and fight people for the cup… it’s a good cup really besides the fact that it spills.” The Stanley cup popularity began in 2020, after “The Buy Guide,” a blog and instagram account run by Ashlee LeSueur, Taylor Cannon and Linley Hutchinson was, “largely credited for helping to bring the Quencher back,” according to an article The New York Times
published in 2022. The three bought 5,000 Quechers from the company and agreed to sell them all in hopes that the Stanley company would not discontinue the product. After careful advertising and marketing by the trio of influencers, a change in different colors to aid in aesthetics, the Stanley Cup Quenchers began to fly off the shelves. Specifically, millennial women over the course of three years loved the “40-ounce tumbler, which costs $40, comes in 11 colors and occasional limited-edition shades. It features a lid with a removable straw, a handle and an insulated body that is tapered, allowing it to fit in a cup holder,” said The New York Times. Since then consumers have gotten more and more
ridiculous trying to acquire those special, limited edition colors. More closely to home, buyers were lying up at sunrise waiting for Starbucks and Targets to open for the Valentines Day Stanley Quencher and some just in line to resell the product for more than 150 dollars. “One TikTok shows a crowd of customers running full speed towards a tower of Valentine's Day Stanleys. Amid the frenzy, a woman wearing a cream sweatshirt can be seen taking a tumble as other fans race past her,” according to an article posted by delish.com in January. One sixteen-year-old girl in Alabama, according to FoxBusiness.com, even had her parents spend,“around $3,000 over the last year to help her collect every style and color of Stanley cup available.” But alas, the craze may be coming to an end. It has come to light in recent months that the beloved Stanley Quenchers do contain lead pellets that are then covered in stainless steel. “Stanley cups do contain a lead pellet that seals the vacuum insulation at the base, reportedly a common manufacturing practice for vacuum-insulated water bottles. Not all water cups use lead (Hydro Flask
is a notable exception), but using lead is easier, cheaper and more common than not,” said Forbes.com in an article posted at the end of January 2024. And do to our love of spreading information through social media, many consumers have began testing their own cups with at home lead tests and posting them on social media platforms to warn others, but the Stanley company did issue a statement to consumers according to forbes.com, “Please rest assured that no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes in contact with you or the contents of your container… The only risk of lead exposure would come from the bottom of the flask being damaged and coming into contact with skin.” If I'm being honest, these cups look aesthetically pleasing and are cool, but as one person who still to this day has not downloaded TikTok or bought into many hypes from social media and values, possibly never ingesting lead, I will never enter my “Stanley girl” era. I will, to the end of time, always prefer my stickered indestructible, lead-free hydro flask, and its many benefits of 24-hour ice cold water with the ability to drink it in my bed without spilling.
FAFSA delays, financial aid obstacles leaves student asking: ‘Where’s my money?’ BY CHRISTINA GOODMAN
C
Photo Editor
lasses to attend. Books to buy. Good grades to earn. Being a student is hard enough without adding one more thing onto the pile. Delayed FAFSA applications add to the burden, as does reaching that point at Delta College where you are no longer eligible for financial aid, despite wanting to continue taking classes and learning. I reached the point of financial aid disqualification last year. “This letter serves as notification that you've been placed on Financial Aid Disqualification for reaching the 150
percent maximum timeframe allowed for the completion of your program of study. Federal Regulations allow students to receive financial aid until they have attempted 150% of the total number of units required to complete the student's declared program of study,” the letter read. The problem is, I’m not done learning. A lot has happened in my time at Delta, a nice amount of it good, but some bad. I started the appeal process. I met with an academic counselor because I wanted to declare a new major. I had to gather medical records to prove I had health issues, which led me to change my major. I started as a
Culinary Arts student. But losing a toe due to amputation in 2020 meant that standing for long periods of time was painful for me. The year 2020 was a bingo card of misfortune for me: Covid-19 pandemic, a death in the family and several procedures on my back. I have changed my major three times. Now I’m waiting for doctors notes to help me prove and plead my case. I’m hoping to get everything collected by the end of February. The work of this has caused me more stress in a time I just want to focus on classes. While I graduated in Spring 2023 with a grade-point average of 3.6, I continue to pursue classes that will help me — a disabled woman — secure a
job to support myself at some point. I added a social media certificate and a Digital Media degree to my Communication Studies degree because it provided hands-on media experience. The process feels unfair. It feels like more of a burden. It feels like the intent is for me to give up before my case is settled. I know I’m not the only one. This has been a topic of discussion at different points on a Delta College Facebook group that has more than 8,000 people. Students complain about similar or the same issues. I’m also now ineligible for programs that once helped me, like EOPS which was providing services such as a book voucher and school supplies.
12 Sports
Feb. 2, 2024 deltacollegian.net/sports
BASEBALL PLAYERS SWING FOR THE FENCES Exciting last season ahead for four players as they discuss plans to further their careers at colleges, universities, across the country ing, “Delta has helped me by fixing my mechanics as a pitcher and I’m very excited to return to Long Beach.” Giotta also praises Delta’s Baseball proAfter the baseball season, four Delta base- gram. ball players are transferring to 4-year programs “Delta College has been amazing. I'm a to try and to continue their baseball careers. transfer student and have absolutely loved my Third-baseman Mateo Garcia is transfer- time here. Delta is a great JUCO, (junior colring to Santa Clara University, first-baseman lege) it builds strong individuals with grit and Grant MacArthur is transferring to the Uni- passion for their sport and schoolwork.” versity of Connecticut, right-handed pitchGiotta respects students who go to Junior er Erick Diez is transferring to Long Beach College, “JUCO isn’t easy, it's a grind anyone State, and right-handed pitcher Luke Giotta will tell you but it makes your next school a is transferring to Cal Berkeley. walk in the park because athletes are catered Garcia was a great hitter in 2022 having a to and it teaches you how to take care of yourbatting average of .343 and leading the con- self and be a better man.” ference in triples with 4, MacArthur was more Garcia couldn’t be reached for comment. of a power hitter in 2022 batting .357 with The transfers 13 home runs, Diez is praise Coach Reed a 6-foot pitcher whose UPCOMING BASEBALL GAMES Peters and his apfastball ranges from proach to the game 90-94 miles per hour • Feb 6, 2 p.m. vs. Ohlone College @ University as a former profes(MPH), his slider runs of the Pacific sional player himat 80 MPH with ex- • Feb. 9 2 p.m. vs. Mt. San Antonio College @ Uniself. ceptional movement, versity of the Pacific “I have played and his changeup is • Feb.10 1 p.m. vs. Mt. San Antonio @ University for a lot of coaches of the Pacific 86 MPH, Giotta is 6 but Coach Peters • Feb.13 2 p.m. vs. Cabrillo College @ University foot 3 inches tall, his has been one of of Pacific fastball is 90-92 MPH, the most influential • Feb.15 2 p.m. vs. Cabrillo College @Cabrillo his changeup is also • Feb.16 2 p.m. vs. Irvine Valle College @ Islander coaches I have ever 86 MPH, and he has a Field had and he loves the unique pitch a knuckgame,” said MacArleball which runs at 81 thur. “He’s consisMPH with good movement. tently out at the field trying to get every one MacArthur enjoyed playing at Delta. of us better.” “I have loved my time at Delta. Coming Diez agreed. here has been one of the best decisions I’ve “Coach Peters is a great coach. He’s helped ever made because I have met great people me with my mental game and how to overand friends. I have grown up on the West come things when I’m up pitching and his Coast and lived here my whole life and I’m mental game class has taught me to be menexcited for change for the East Coast.” tally stronger. He keeps us in check and pushMacArthur is excited about competitive es us to our goals whether that’s moving onto baseball, “Obviously the weather will be one the next level or going to a state championof my biggest changes, and adapting to the ship”. cold might be difficult but it's something Giotta adds: “Coach Peters is special, no I’m looking forward to and the baseball will one can replicate the dynamic he has on the be some of the most competitive I have ever baseball field. He has the respect from everyplayed.” one and doesn’t need to yell for people to lisDiez feels Delta was a great step in his base- ten. ball career. His ability to be friendly and stern is some“The coaches, players, and just everything thing you won’t find anywhere else. Coach about the program has been great. They have Peter's experience with pro ball is what gives definitely prepared me to play at the next lev- him the knowledge to lead teams to state.” el. Our lifting and conditioning program has The 2023-2024 baseball season started on gotten me stronger.” Jan. 26 and will continue through the spring. Diez feels coaches helped him with pitchBY JOE DEMASI Staff Writer
Top Left: Sophomore right-handed pitcher Erick Diez. Top Right: Sophomore first-baseman Grant MacArthur.
Top Left: Sophomore third-baseman Mateo Garcia. Top Right: Sophomore right-handed pitcher Luke Giotta. PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT