The Collegian - Published Oct. 6, 2023

By Jada Portillo

Here we are, back again, the second issue of Collegian!

Since our last letter, we addressed our new format due to issues with the end of a long, beautiful relationship; as our previous printing house, unfortunately, closed its doors. The storm for us is still in swing as we are preparing to adjust to a slightly smaller size, starting with the third issue onward. This semester has just been about adjustment.

The past week of reporting has been met with peril as many of our staff writers scrambled to meet deadlines.

Many of us at Collegian have noted the alarming nature of our recent reporting, such as:

• A $2 million dollar lawsuit against Delta College regarding discrimination and the subsequently alleged wrongful termination of employment

• Startling campus-wide survey results where students and staff polled said they have experienced racial discrimination on Delta’s grounds

You’ll find the inside scoop on both of those stories as they are being reported first by the student journalists of Delta College. We’re not trying to muckrake. A student newspaper’s responsibility is to report the news on campus, good or bad.

Normally the midpoint of the semester gives us more peace. By now, as the leaves turn to fall colors, we’re well adjusted.

Instead, it feels a bit unsettled on campus.

As our sports editor, Andrea Rivera puts it: “Blame it on the moon, the Fall equinox is upon us!”

The world, according to the bleak eyes of Delta may in fact be burning at our very feet, but Collegian is standing strong in the ashes, ready to follow the threads of truth into the fires of oblivion. Or something like that. We’re not trying to be prone to hyperbole.

Stay tuned, and please continue to support student journalism.

With love, truth and integrity.

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.

@MORE ONLINE DELTACOLLEGIAN.NET

Read more coverage of the Delta College campus and beyond, including:

• A overview of 2023 Campus Climate Survey results

• Coverage of the Delta College Foundation Black & Gold gala

• A primer on what to watch during the ongoing actor’s strike

• A look at late-start classes

Front cover features new signage in all-gender restrooms on campus PHOTO BY JADA PORTILLO

ALL-GENDER RESTROOM BEING RENOVATED

BY JADA PORTILLO Opinion Editor

All-gender restrooms on the Stockton and Mountain House campuses have received new renovations focusing on student safety and security after a collaboration with the Delta College Pride Coalition (DCPC).

During a Board meeting on Sept. 5, Stacy Pinola, director of facilities management and operations, and Augustine Chavez, vice president of administrative services, gave a presentation about the changes, which include three different phases for the restrooms starting in Fall 2023 and going through Fall 2024.

These changes come with new signage, security cameras and redesigns of the six all-gender restrooms on campus, with one in Mountain House. New bright red signs can be seen on the first floor of Shima, second floor of Danner, the South Campus (Mountain House) and Forum.

During a campus climate survey presented in the presentation, 25 percent of students who were unsure of their identity felt unsafe in restrooms on campus, which is more than 14 percent of students in Delta College.

“The number one concern for me was safety, visibility and access,” Professor of Photography and Co-President of DCPC Kirstyn Russell said. “We wanted students to feel safe going into the bathrooms, as there were a lot of students who didn’t feel safe and a lot of incidents that had happened and so we were looking at strategies around making sure people felt safe going into the bathrooms.”

The Campus Climate Survey, administered in Spring 2023, noted that “when it came to feelings of safety, stu-

dents in the LGBTQ+ focus group tied their feelings of safety to their identity. Students in the focus groups shared how they had experienced loud, offensive comments in public spaces and do not feel safe or comfortable defending themselves.” Students said “they had experienced or witnessed discrimination — in person and online — based on sexuality or gender identity/expression.”

For safety concerns, a camera was placed by Shima 101 overlooking the Shima all-gender restroom, along with a camera by the Forum all-gender restroom.

“Recently, the District Police Department placed a camera in the first floor of the Shima building to enhance safety within the Shima building,” Public Information Officer for Police Services Jim Bock said. “It became operational during the last week of July. The camera in the lower level of the Forum building went operational during the first week of September.”

DCPC is a group of Delta employees looking to create a safe environment for students on campus.

“We are a group of Delta employees and that includes staff, faculty, and managers, that identify within the LGBTQ+ community we work together to create safer policies and just keeping the students in mind at all times, specifically our LGBTQ+ students,” Digital Media Multimedia Lab Tech Leo Marquez said.

The urinals in the all-gender restroom on the first floor of Shima were removed due to a new concept design: fully enclosed stalls. These stall doors travel from

the ceiling to the floor with four stalls in the bathrooms for multiple people to use according to Pinola during her board presentation.

With phase one for the all-gender restrooms already done, phase two starts in Spring 2024 with hopes that the redesign will be 50 percent completed with potential panic buttons which are currently in development by Delta Police. Phase three, which starts in Fall 2024, will have 100 percent completed all-gender restrooms.

“The first bathrooms were installed in 2016. That was because of the law that they have to be put in,” Russell said, pointing out how there are more transgender and non-binary students than there were 10-15 years ago. “I’m really excited that Delta is finally stepping up to do more than just the bare minimum.”

Discrimination lawsuit filed against Delta College

BY NICHOLAS MICHELSEN Social Media Editor

Editor’s Note: This story contains racist and explicit language, which has been redacted. It has been included to provide context for the allegations made in the lawsuit. View the lawsuit as filed at deltacollegian.net.

One Delta College employee was denied advancement due to ethnic background discrimination and another was fired in retaliation for whistleblowing, according to a lawsuit filed on July 18 against the college in San Joaquin County Superior Court.

The plaintiffs named in the document are Neelab Ibrahim and Dawn Kendrick. The suit seeks $2 million in damages.

Delta College as an entity is being sued, with specific employees named within the suit.

The lawsuit alleges that Ibrahim was prevented from advancing at the college due to discrimination from her supervisor, specifically the “discriminatory animus of the Fiscal Director Vanessa Rodriguez, and the blind eye that Human Resources turned toward Rodriguez’s repugnant actions,” according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that over the course of a two-year period, Ibrahim had applied for higher positions to be compensated

for the work she was already performing.

“Ms. Rodriguez falsely told Ms. Ibrahim that she did not meet the minimum educational requirements for the Level 4 (Fiscal Analyst) position. This was not true,” the document claims.

According to court records, Ibrahim holds a degree in Accounting & Finance, worked for over 10 years with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ibrahim later received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at CSU East Bay, and also received Top-Secret security clearance while working as a Signals Intelligence Analyst for the U.S. Armed Forces.

“When Ms. Ibrahim reached out to Human Resources about this issue, Vanessa Rodriguez yelled at her, and gave her a write up without notifying the Union,” the lawsuit alleges.

According to the lawsuit, the other plaintiff, Dawn Kendrick, was on several calls with Director of Fiscal Services Vanessa Rodriguez regarding Ibrahim’s role.

“Ms. Rodriguez made a point, again, of noting that Ms. Ibrahim was from Afghanistan, ‘and that is where she received her education, and you know foreign degrees don’t mean [s–] in our country…. Afghanistan and that region of the world is violent and chaotic, and those [f–]ed up, middle eastern people bring that [s–] here to the United States and expect us to give them everything! … I can’t stand it, and

she is just like the rest of them! I am sick of this [f–]ing [b–]! She doesn’t even belong in our department!’” claims the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that in a “2.5-hour team call,” Rodriguez allegedly stated to Kendrick that the Level 3 position required 20 units of accounting disqualifying Ibrahim, as opposed to the position actually only requiring 12 units, meaning Ibrahim was qualified.

“In a heated frenzy, Ms. Rodriguez said of Ms. Ibrahim [to Kendrick], ‘Neely [Ibrahim] has a false sense of self, and she thinks she is better than everyone else. She even applied for my job! Can you imagine Dawn?’” claims the document.

The lawsuit then states that Kendrick reported the issue to Theresa Truly, the director of Human Resources.

“The Head of Human Resources took no notes, asked no questions, and as far as Ms. Kendrick could tell, conducted no follow-up with her or anyone else,” the suit alleges.

Eight days after requesting that Ibrahim’s position be reclassified, the lawsuit claims that Kendrick was fired without cause.

“[Kendrick] uncovered the truth about Ms. Ibrahim’s reprehensible treatment, she tried to set the record straight. For her courageous actions, she was terminated,” states the lawsuit.

Delta has retained Kellie Marie Murphy to represent the college in the lawsuit. A case management conference has been

scheduled for Jan. 16, 2024.

Emails sent to Drew F. Teti, the lawyer representing Ibrahim and Kendrick, as well as Rodriguez and Truly, were not returned as of press time.

Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications for the college, responded to Collegian’s request for comment via email, issuing a statement:

“As a general rule, Delta College does not comment in detail on pending legal matters in order to preserve the integrity of the process.

We can confirm that the College has investigated the allegations, but cannot discuss that investigation as this is a personnel matter.

Delta College is firmly committed to diversity in the workplace and to ensuring that employees from all backgrounds and walks of life are welcomed into our college community and treated respectfully.”

A Campus Climate Survey conducted in Spring 2023 cited that people on Delta’s campus experienced problems with racism and discrimination.

“Most interviewees cited being targets of racism and discrimination. The majority of interviewees cited being targets of microaggressions. Distressingly, one focus group participant identified the microaggressions — compounded by the toxic campus culture as — ‘the Delta Way,’” reads a report on the survey.

Urinals were removed in the all-gender restroom on the first floor of Shima. PHOTO BY JADA PORTILLO

CSU ANNOUNCES TUITION INCREASES

BY SERGIO PALACIOS Staff Writer

The California State University’s Board of Trustees has announced tuition hikes over the next five years that raise the price to attend $342 a year through 2028-29.

The 6 percent a year increase will end up topping out at 30 percent overall due to the financial instability facing the CSU system.

“I feel like maybe it’s not fair to people who are financially struggling and gives them less opportunity to go to better schools,” said Igmarty Martinez.

Although if you have most if not all your tuition covered by scholarships, grants, waivers and non-loan aids it is said that you will not be affected by these tuition increases with 49 million going to help those funds.

CSU currently charges $5,742 for tuition but once the tuition increases students will be paying around $7,452 in tuition fees.

With these tuition increases it is looking like more California students will be turning to community college or looking to extend their time at a community college.

“It’s something that makes me glad I go to a community college,” Giovanna Ortelli said, noting that she feels she will need to work a full-time job while going to school to be able to pay for school. Delta’s yearly tuition fee is on average only $1,104, but roughly two thirds of it’s 18,756 students get free tuition through the promise grant and AB19 free tuition program. Those students being full time or first time students.

This will most likely will be less rare in the future for many California students. CSU currently has 23 campuses including much-sought transfer destinations for Delta College students, including Sac State, Fresno State, Stanislaus Statewhich has a Stockton satellite campus near downtown - and CSU East Bay.

“The tuition increase will generate $148 million in revenue in the first year (2024-25) with $49 million going toward financial aid support for students. The five years of the tuition increase will generate a total of $860 million in revenue, with a commitment of $280 million of that revenue for financial aid.

This will be the first tuition

increase for CSU in over a decade.” noted the CSU website calstate.edu.

The system’s Chief Financial Officer Steve Relyea said “The revenue from the tuition increase is essential to provide the CSU with the financial stability it needs to continue to serve students today and in the future.” According to the CSU website calstate.edu the price increases are necessary for CSU

to be able to serve students, since the system is currently facing a $1.5-billion deficit.

Still, the sticker shock of higher tuition makes Delta students not too thrilled about being charged more for a future CSU education.

“I feel like it’s really unfair for the students who just want to go to school and they’re taking advantage of them for their money,” said Malik Monroe.

Delta Instagram page hits 10,000 followers

BY SARA ALVAREZ Staff Writer

In late September, San Joaquin Delta College reached 10,000 followers on its Instagram page. The announcement was made through a post on the account which has the second highest number of followers behind the college’s Facebook page, which has gained 19,000 followers since its July 2011 inception.

The Instagram account launched in April 2016. Delta College also has active accounts with X (formally Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok that are used to spread information to students and the community.

“It’s a pretty wide community that we have; potential students who are looking at our pages, current students that we have, employees at Delta, staff and faculty and then we have all of the community members,” said Victoria Gonzalez, Director of Digital Communications. “So just making sure that we’re engaging with everyone, reaching out to everyone, and sharing content that might be worthwhile.”

The accessibility of social media posts is a trend students at Delta favor. In a fast paced educational environment, students can have all of the resources Delta has to offer at their fingertips with speed.

“People won’t look at a website but they will look at a social media post,” said Ashley Aguilar, a third-year Criminal Justice student. “It’s just there…quick and easy.”

The opportunities for campus organizations to connect with students also exist.

Various clubs and departments at Delta also have social media accounts that are available for public viewing such as @deltacollege_atheltics, the public account for the Athletics Department, where students can see the latest updates on sports events and teams.

Delta’s engagement with students is lively and its monitors are open to interacting with students via social media.

Posts are published on the daily and comments with questions are answered.

To Erica Hamilton, a third-year Psychology major, the social media page serves to, “...inspire more students to come here and learn…to have Delta as an option.”

As Delta looks to the future, it sees it in bluelight. Being one of the largest colleges in northern California, according to Community College Review, Delta hopes to shine a light on its strong sense of its mission.

Gonzalez said her hope for the Delta pages is to “let people know that they are welcome at Delta…and that we’re here to help support their dreams.”

Delta is not alone in the social media sphere. Since the rise of online social networks, educational institutions have created accounts to connect with students in addition to the traditional forms of communications such as bulletins, emails, websites, and simply passing on the word.

Being connected is more important than ever as the user numbers continue to grow with their main additions being young adults and college aged students. In the latest data collected by DemandSage, as of 2023 the United States has 302.35 million active users, with Facebook being the leading platform and Instagram as the follow-up.

Monroe is not the only one who feels that way.

“I think they’re crazy,” said Emily Cristerna.

Not all students, though, were negative in their reactions.

“Honestly since I’m at the beginning I really don’t have an opinion,” said Santiago Santana.

The increased rate will go into effect at the beginning of the 2425 academic year.

Campesino Forum dedication postponed

BY ZANIEL WALDO Staff Writer

The Chicanx Latine Faculty Task Force scheduled five events to celebrate Latine Heritage Month, but one event in particular has been partially delayed.

Oct. 5, was originally designated as the official dedication and renaming of the South Forum building to Campesino Forum to honor the labor farm workers within our region. It will feature a blessing of the forum, documentary screenings, and poetry reading. The official dedication has been postponed, however, to Nov. 2.

Sarah Seekatz, Professor and Cultural Awareness Program Chairperson at Delta College helped to clarify some of the changes.

“There may be some slight alterations to the event, for example no mariachi and food, but the film screenings, Q&As and poetry readings will continue as planned,” Seektaz said.

The renaming of South Forum has been a two-year joint project between FCAP, the Black Faculty Task Force, and the CLF Task Force.

The project targeted the North, West and South Forums to rename them after Tony Fitch, Dawn Mabalon and the campesinos.

Last year saw the approval for the renamings in a vote by the Board of Trustees.

This May, after conversations regarding signages took place, Oct. 5 was announced as the date and was what the CLF Task Force initially worked toward.

Incidentally, the celebration will occur during a Chicano

Ethnic Studies class.

Alberto Gutierrez, the professor for that course, expressed his enthusiasm to have the celebration occur for his students to witness.

“It is a privilege to witness this historical occasion. It is crucial to recognize that our nation’s foundation is rooted in a rich tapestry of immigrants and

indigenous peoples, and the renaming of the South Forum to the Campesino Forum carries profound symbolism,” Gutierrez said.

Mario Moreno, an art professor at Delta College, who served as the Chair of the Campus Facilities & Cultural Climate committee, clarified why the changes occurred for the

original date.

Also occurring on Oct. 5, starting at noon, is the Indigenous People’s Day Celebration, which sees speakers and dancers celebrate the contributions of Native people.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., the activities planned for the Campesino Forum celebration grew to a large amount that would have been challenging not to overlap with the following event.

“We split it up so that now we have Oct. 5 to celebrate the educational aspect of the recognition. We don’t want to name a building and have people not understand the significance. On Nov. 2, we want to have this grand opening in which we officially dedicate the three forum spaces,” Moreno said.

Administrators interested in attending the event expressed concern that other unrelated responsibilities would not allow them to.

Since the CLF Task Force was already having trouble organizing all the activities within their time slot, the date changes became all the more convenient for all parties involved.

“The programming would have been really hard to work all of these things in one day. That does not even include what the Black Task Force was planning, or FCAP,” Moreno said.

Harder helps secure $3.8 million grant for nursing

BY JOHN NGUYEN Staff Writer

On Sept. 18, Congressman Josh Harder secured $3.8 million in the community project funding monies from the House Appropriations Committee, which will be delivered in a grant to Delta College with the intent of expanding the nursing program.

Delta College plans on investing the money into more equipment and facilities to conduct the nursing program’s simulation labs. These simulations use patient mannequins with lifelike tubing that nursing students can practice their medical skills on in a safe environment.

“We have several different labs on campus that we use in the Locke Building right now, that we use for students to be able to come on campus and practice their skills. They practice simulations so they’re mimicking something that’s in a clinical environment, but they’re doing it in a space that’s here on campus so it’s a little bit safer, and they get to practice and go through the motions before they actually go out into the clinical space with patients,” said Julie Henderson, Direc-

tor of Grants at Delta College and writer of the $3.8 million grant. “We’ve been improving our simulation spaces, and trying to constantly keep up with the different practices that we see with our clinical partners and different evidence-based practice that we see that’s constantly changing in a clinical environment.”

Currently, California is facing a nursing crisis where hospitals remain understaffed following the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage of nurses is projected to grow even larger. A study conducted by the Healthforce Center of UC San Francisco estimated a 35 percent increase in demand for registered nurses in San Joaquin Valley alone by 2030, while also predicting a decline of workers within the area.

The intent of the grant monies is to relieve the ongoing labor shortage in California’s nursing industry. Delta College and the U.S Department of Education aim to prepare San Joaquin County for the shortage by training more registered nurses for the future through the additional funding.

“Our families are waiting way too long to get the healthcare they need. We have to train and keep more health practitioners in San Joaquin County,” Harder

said in a media release about the funding. “I am proud to bring home this money to expand Delta College’s nursing program to make sure we are training talent right here at home and getting our families the health care they need.”

The increased budget could allow for Delta College to double the number of nursing students on campus. To increase the number of students at Delta College’s nursing program, an application for a higher student limit would have to be submitted and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Currently, the Delta College nursing program enrolls 120 students yearly, according to the Board of Registered Nursing.

“One of the program’s issues is finding qualified faculty, so we can’t always increase the number of students because qualified faculty are needed. We have to have the hospital partnerships, so clinical placements are a factor in what we do and how we can increase the numbers, the Board of Registered Nursing has to approve us to increase numbers, and then ultimately funding as well,” said Lisa Lucchesi, Dean of Health Sciences at Delta College. “We can’t just increase the number of students to produce more employees like that.”

The West Forum was renamed to the Campesino Forum on Oct. 4, 2022

PHOTO FROM COLLEGIAN ARCHIVE

Lodi event supports suicide prevention

BY DOMINICK DELISE Staff Writer

Lodi’s Annual Suicide Prevention Walk-out returned to Lodi’s High School track for it’s third year on Sept. 23.

The purpose of the walk-out is to raise funds for the Suicide Prevention Program of San Joaquin County and to spread awareness for mental health.

The directors of the walk are Lodi High School (LHS) psychologist Souria Haddad and Assistant Speech Therapist Laura Carstens. Although the walk-out is staged at LHS, it’s an event open to the entire community.

"What we are doing here is raising funds and awareness to go towards the suicide prevention program of San Joaquin County. We have been hit hard; especially after COVID, with suicides,” said Haddad.

Working alongside the directors is the architect of the walk-out LHS Senior Lucas Goulart, who started the walk-out after the loss of a friend to suicide. The pain Goulart felt inspired him to create the event to raise awareness for mental health.

"I realized that we were doing something wrong. Obviously, we weren’t supporting our students in the way that we should,” said Goulart. “I wanted to make sure we put something out for students to make them feel supported.”

Goulart contacted the San Joaquin County Office of Education, from there he received lime green ribbons

that stand for mental health awareness. Oct. 1 through Oct. 7 is Mental Illness Awareness Week.

With administration approval, Goulart handed out more than two hundred ribbons to staff and students during lunch.

“Then they came to me with the idea of the walk and that’s when this was sort of born,” said Goulart.

From the beginning, the goal of the walk-out was always to spread awareness and reach a substantial level of growth within the community.

“We really want to destigmatize mental health and suicide. We want people to know that it’s okay to talk about it, and it’s okay to come get support,” said Haddad.

According to Haddad and Carstens, students are more open about the topic of mental health, and are actively participating in the event each year. On top of that the event has seen more volunteers this year than ever before.

“The first year we didn’t have any booths, it was just a walk. Last year we had about half the raffles and half the booths that are out here. It’s really grown, I think just taking the time and working together and getting the community and the school involved has been really helpful,” said Haddad.

Communities all over Lodi schools and businesses have set up shop, some with advice and therapeutic techniques for those dealing with depression. These booths ranged from a small lemonade stand to an art therapy activity for chil-

dren.

The Suicide Prevention program had a booth for donations and places to go for those who may be seeking help or know someone who needs help.

Christy Hannan, another member of the LHS psychologist team, had a gardening booth where people could plant seeds in small plastic cups and take them home.

“Gardening is actually one of those activities that’s very good for your mental health. It releases hormones that fight off stress, like vitamin D and really

creates an aura of mindfulness”, said Hannan.

All carnival booths, wellness activities and prizes are included in the ticket price. Participants paid $10 to walk, or $20 to walk and wear the shirt. Snacks and raffle tickets were also available for purchase. The raffle cost was $5 and all funds go to the Suicide Prevention program of San Joaquin County.

For more information about suicide prevention or mental health awareness, visit: https://takeaction4mh.com/

Horticulture’s hard work blooms in Mustang Acres

BY ANDREA RIVERA Sports Editor

Mustang Acres, the farm behind the Science and Math building, has come a long way since the old grape vines and run down field, a fully student-run farm overseen by Associate Professor Tina Candelo-Mize. Students in the horticulture classes grow flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

“Everything you see has been student driven, from the soil preparation, to irrigation. We have a couple of students that are experts at this now… All of the maintenance and all the drip lines you see now the students finished,” said Candelo-Mize about how hands-on the students get with the farm.

Delta incorporates job-related training into its career education programs. Skills students learn in the horticulture program or club can be used in many ways.

“Definitely one of the main reasons for (sic) taking this hort classes is to get me a higher chance of getting

a job in horticulture,” said junior Taylor Thomas in an email interview.

Candelo-Mize makes sure her students know that just learning the skills won't be enough and that it is tough, but people are needed in this field.

“I’m not going to say it’s easy for students and farming is not easy, breaking into your own business is not easy but it is very doable with the hard work,” said Candelo-Mize. “And the stuff they learn from Delta they can definitely take out and start their own business or another organization.”

Currently the horticultural club will be fundraising with the pumpkins they have grown this season and will start to sell them this month. Leftover pumpkins are then donated to the Child Development Center. Other vegetables or fruits that are entering their harvest phase are then sent home with students to use for their needs at home, but also sent to the Student Food Pantry.

“The students in the horticultural classes have been harvesting them and taking them home. We will have a

really big harvest of tomatoes coming up, and the plan is to get it to the student pantry,” said Candelo-Mize.

Candelo-Mize and the students want to expand where the produce and plants go and find ways to get them to students in need.

“I hope to see the food in (sic) the food pantry and the community harvesting and getting to see what we have grown! Our (sic) main goal is to give back,” said Thomas.

That is what Candelo-Mize hopes as well. She has more planned in coming semesters.

“We are going to have a market stand for students, and that will be for students, pay as you can. Whatever you have that day we aren’t going to turn anybody away. We also will have a workshare program where students can come out and put in a couple hours of work, then they can take produce home at the end of the day or week,” said Candelo-Mize.

Suicide Prevention Walk-out attendees speak with and receive information from representatives of the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC). PHOTO BY DOMINICK DELISE

STOCKTON PRIDE CREATES QUEER JOY

BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief

Stockton held its 10th Pride event on Oct. 1 at the Yosemite Street Village, hosted and organized by the new San Joaquin Pride Center, Pride Committee members, and volunteers.

Booths lined the street, providing pride goers with the ability to purchase clothing, locally made art, plants, food, drinks, and much more. There were also booths highlighting local organizations available to Stockton and San Joaquin County residents. Attendees included Visit Stockton, the City of Stockton Community Service Department, Community Medical Centers, the Stockton Teachers Association, the San Joaquin Pride Center, and many more.

Many local organizations’ goal of the day was to inform the community about the services they provide. Many pride attendees who stopped by the Planned Parenthood Mar Monte booth were surprised to hear about the expansive services provided by Planned Parenthood and that those services included gender-affirming care like hormone therapy.

“Another reason that we’re here today is to make sure that we’re providing support and we’re providing health care services and information,” said the director of public affairs at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Candelaria Vargas.

A theme that could be observed throughout the day was the embrace of the arts and music as a tool to create community. The main stage was occupied by a variety of artists, including Stockton Civic Theater, Apex Martial Arts, Loghan Longoria, Tyler Vernon, Gloomy June, the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus, and more. Eight drag artists performed between the day’s

family drag show and Stockton’s premiere drag show at the end of the day.

A local band that graced the stage and gave a performance that made everyone groove was the Two Hip Band. The band consists of five members, one of whom is a University of the Pacific student, and the other four go to our very own Delta College.

“The arts and the queer community, there’s a lot of shared space and interaction. There’s a lot of support from both parties for one another. It has been a very symbiotic relationship for a long time between the arts and people of different sexual orientations and everything like that,” said the Two Hip Band's saxophonist and Delta College student Nathan Forschen.

The day was filled with positivity and support, and fostered a goal of creating community amongst Stockton’s LGBTQIA+ population.

“We need to do more than just talk

about diversity, equity, and inclusion; we actually have to do something, and when we have a community event like this, where we open our doors to community members and businesses and nonprofits, that’s how we’re really putting in the work to build a community where in the future everyone truly feels included in our greater Stockton area,” said Tracy City Council member and deputy district attorney for San Joaquin County Dan Arriola, who served as host for Stockton Pride.

Maintaining an event like Stockton Pride that has been going on for 10 years requires immense amounts of work from large groups of people months in advance. The San Joaquin Pride Center worked on creating social media campaigns and getting the word out to as many people as possible. Groups of volunteers made sure that they were there to provide assistance to

make the day run smoothly. Nothing would be possible, however, without the work of the pride committee.

“We have an entire Stockton pride committee that is separate from the San Joaquin Pride Center staff, so huge props to all of the people that are on the pride committee. There’s eight different humans that are a part of that and making that happen. All the vendor team, the family alley, the volunteer team, the decoration team, and them doing that for three months before,” said Michaelwayne Cozzens, lead outreach coordinator for the pride center.

Over the past few years, we have seen an uptake in anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric in online and public spaces, as well as in legislature. Pride events and pride centers work to make sure that queer people feel welcome in their communities, especially in times when finding support can feel difficult.

“It’s super important that an organization or community across San Joaquin County are supporting the LGBTQ community, especially because we’ve generally been a more conservative area. Having grown up here in this region, I grew up in Tracy as well, I think seeing places like Lodi, Tracy, Stockton having prides makes me feel like I belong in this community, in this region, that I don’t have to leave where I grew up, where I feel a sense of belonging to find that queer acceptance,” said Tracy political candidate William Muetzenberg.

Pride is not limited to one day or even one month, pride is a year-round celebration. If you are a queer person looking for community, support and resources at Delta College or in the Stockton area, reach out to the San Joaquin Delta College Pride Center (SJDCPC) or the new San Joaquin County Pride Center (SJPC) for information.

Horticulture’s hard work blooms in Mustang Acres

BY MICHELLE MENDEZ CARRERA Staff Writer

This semester the Agriculture Department at Delta College had an unusual start, with class start dates being pushed back and classes being canceled due to resignations. The area also had no instructional dean over the summer.

Board of Trustees documents

shows two of the area’s professors resigned this summer. A third professor resigned in January. The department usually has four full-time professors.

Delta has started to set a plan into motion to to ensure students are able to take what they need to complete their degrees, after the semester’s rocky start.

“We have hired three emergency hire adjunct faculty members and are in the process of hiring more faculty members and are in the process of developing a

strategic course offering,” said Resource Specialist Kim Trujilo, who is assigned to the Agriculture TrAC.

Classes across Animal Science, Agriculture Business, and Plant Science have started as late as mid-September, according to the Delta College class schedule.

Some of these emergency hires might potentially permanently replace the past agriculture faculty members.

“They have indicated interest in teaching next semester, as we work to

hire a permanent replacement for that position” said Trujilo.

Although Delta seems to have a set plan to support and guide students through this situation, it still affected students' original start of the semester.

The department has a plan so this won’t be a recurring issue.

“Faculty have been coordinating and discussing availability ahead of time, so the courses are scheduled according to the faculty we have,” said Trujillo.

Young Pride attendee is lifted up to see drag queen Ava Roberts preform to “Black Magic” by Little Mix. PHOTO BY DYLAN JAEKEL

CRUISING DOWN THE MIRACLE MILE

BY JELISSA KING Entertainment Editor

Every third Thursday the Miracle Mile showcases Stockton Cruise Night from the months of May to October. It’s a car show event where car enthusiasts and car clubs come to the Mile and show off their beautiful toys.

The event planner, Justin Juencke, has been hosting Stockton Cruise Night since 2019. The event’s goal is to provide the Stockton community with family-friendly entertainment.

“When I lived in Long Beach, I started Cruise Night out there. I’m originally from Stockton and once I moved back I wanted to bring Cruise Night out here. In the beginning, I received a lot of backlash about how the car meets’ could bring violence and trouble. But everyone who shows up is respectful to each other and the Miracle Mile. I wanted to bring something positive for the Stockton community,” said Juencke.

Cruise Night definitely gave a positive vibe throughout the night. All the attendees greeted everyone on the street; showed their cars off, took photo ops, and had a good time. TAPS Barrel House offered happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m. during the cruise, while old-school music from the 1950s-80s era; serenading Pacific Avenue.

The amount of cars that participate varies each time, but up to 150 classic cars and motorcycles make appearances on the mile. Barbershop owner, Jaycen Talley, attended his second cruise night showcasing his ‘77 Chevrolet

Caprice Classic.

“This is my second time attending cruise night. Me and some of my boys just come out here to cruise and check out the classics. Me, attending so far, has always been a good time,” Talley said.

The Cruise Night merch pop-up tent is located between La Palma Mexican Restaurant and Thai Me Up on Tuxedo Court. The event is open to the public and any car/motorcycle enthusiast can join the cruise for free.

The next Stockton Cruise Night is Oct. 19. It will be the last cruise night of the year.

Delta Drama performs ‘Treasure Island’

BY VANESSA GOMEZ News Editor

Delta Drama’s fall production is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “Treasure Island.” Adapted to the stage by Tony Award-Winning director, Mary Zimmerman, the iconic adventure tale will be presented in an unique, interactive way in the Alfred Mueller Theater.

“Some of the audience members will be sitting on the set itself,” said Karen Vance, Associate Professor of Drama. “The cast will interact with them, and they will be a part of the show, singing sea shanties and such.”

The interactive focus on this production comes directly from Vance’s experience work-

BY ANDREA RIVERA

ing in Chicago theaters. Vance describes this style of performance as “physical theater.”

“I want this to be a unique experience for the audience, to

really immerse themselves in the story,” said Vance. The up-close style of this production provides unique challenges for the actors.

“[Treasure Island] is a mix of scripted and improv, because you’re going to have to react to the crowd in character,” said Aaron Jones, who plays the role of Long John Silver. “It keeps you on your toes.”

There are some challenges to playing on such a different stage, where the audience is a part of the setting.

“This is a pretty exhausting production,” said Axel Tomelloso, who plays the role of Jim Hawkins. “There are parts of the play where I’m literally swinging by a rope, and I have a fear of heights, so that was really challenging for me.”

In telling such a recognizable story, there may be worries that there isn’t anything that makes this version

unique. The fun in a story like “Treasure Island” is adding a unique twist to a well-known story.

“It’s a coming-of-age story that everyone can relate to, even in this pirate setting,” said Vance. “This was blind casted, so multiple types of people’s experiences will be on display.”

“I can personally relate to Jim because even though he and I are different people, I still feel like I have a sort of childish energy,” said Tomelloso. “I feel like I can relate in that way to him, being a child and having a lot of trust in the adults.”

“Treasure Island” will run Oct. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.

Top Left: Jay Cuttem’s Barbershop owner, Jaycen Talley, brings out his ‘77 Chevrolet Caprice to Cruise Night. Above: Family and friends stroll on the Mile. Below: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle makes appearance at the Stockton Cruise Night.

PHOTO BY JELISSA KING

Delta Drama actors perform part of “Treasure Island” during the Delta College Foundation’s Black ands Gold Gala on Sept. 23. PHOTO

IDENTITY MIX OF RACIAL, ANCESTRAL ROOTS

BY ZANIEL WALDO Staff Writer

multiple languages, traditions, holidays and food is a defining part of the Chicano experience.

Celebrating

Part of my upbringing was learning to acknowledge both ethnic and racial ancestral roots. In my case, my race is Native American, and my ethnicity is Mexican-American.

However, that distinction between race and ethnicity has led to much confusion and sentiments of underrepresentation among many in Latino communities.

Briannely Archundia-Flores, thirdyear student at Delta College, noted her experience explaining the difference when helping people file paperwork.

“When I help a family member fill out paperwork or translate from Spanish to English, they always think they’re answering the same question twice. The line definitely gets blurred between the two definitions. They get confused especially when it comes to choosing race. I get told ‘I don’t see any Hispanic here?’ When situations like this happen, I try my best to explain the differences so they know for their future use,” Archundia-Flores said.

The questions in particular for these official forms are usually phrased the same:

“Are you Hispanic/Latino?”

“Regardless of how you answered the previous question, please select your race.”

Most people often identify with their ethnicity more than race. So, after marking off Hispanic or Latino as their ethnicity, there is confusion on how to answer the following question.

William Guzman, a third-year student at Delta College, shared his experience witnessing the confusion among people. He thinks interracial lineage plays a pivotal role in the struggle for identity.

“Among Hispanics/Latinos, has seen confusion when selecting race, and I myself have been confused when asked this question. Because of interracial lineage, like Europeans mixing with the Aztecs and producing mestizos, this can be a reason on why people from Latin America do not have a fixed race,” Guzman said.

Guzman also stated that many within the Latino communities are not well-versed in the difference between race and ethnicity. The confusion has resulted in many believing the two are the same.

“People really do not acknowledge their ancestral roots, as myself have done before when it comes to choosing my race. I believe it is from a disconnection of cultures and a small flaw in the education system,” Guzman said.

An aspect that has played a role in such confusion is that many are often disconnected or unaware of their ancestral roots.

There is a significant number of people who, despite their outward resemblance, will deny another culture as their race.

Only those whose upbringing gave

them insight into their racial roots will likely identify with their race.

“I would say it’s a mix of flaws in the educational system and disconnection from cultures. I didn’t learn the difference between race and ethnicity until I was in college. Throughout my school years before my professors never bothered to teach us what they meant or their differences,” Archundia-Flores said.

Among the confusion between race and ethnicity often comes the gatekeeping of cultures, with groups of people making more distinctions and separating themselves.

Sometimes, when self-identifying as Native, there are remarks to neglect the idea. The reasoning is that they are different cultures with differing languages, religions, and celebrations.

Many will often assume that I am not Mexican-American. If they ask, I will respond with my ethnicity and race. When they learn I have an indigenous background, they sometimes remark in arrogance.

Ignoring my ethnicity, they would

Online or in-person: What’s your preference?

BY JOE DEMASI Staff Writer

Online classes and programs have existed since long before the pandemic but the lockdown made colleges emphasize them and make them more accessible. Now that the pandemic is declared over not every class is available to take online.

Delta College offers 60 different online degrees or certificates. As technology has developed over the years with apps such as FaceTime and Zoom, it can be easier for students to learn virtually.

Students who work full time or have a family to raise may find it easier to enroll in online classes instead of in-person classes.

Justin Largent is a full time student at Los Medanos College in Pittsburgh studying fire science in hopes to become a firefighter, and he has a job. Largent

said that online classes are easier for him.

“Although some online classes are harder than in person classes, I find it easier to do online because of my busy schedule,” Largent said. “In order to do online, you have to stay engaged and good time management skills which I feel are skills I already have.”

Many would argue that in-person classes help them stay engaged in school and that you will learn social skills from going to class in person that can benefit your future career. Going to class in-person was the traditional way to learn and some students had trouble during the pandemic when everything was switched to virtual learning.

Julie Martinez is a full time student at the University Of Montana in Missoula, Mont. She is majoring in economics, and hopes to go to law school after she graduates. Martinez likes the idea of being in a traditional classroom.

“I’ve always benefited from having a set schedule then making time for myself,” Martinez said. “Going to class in person and interacting with fellow students and teachers is just way better for me than having virtual class and it’s just what I’m used to.”

One big difference between Martinez and Largent are their schedules.

Martinez’s number one focus is school because she is unemployed during the school year, while Largent works a fulltime job.

Teachers’ opinions are very important too, as an engaged professor can always help a student that seems unengaged.

Delta Communications Professor Tyffani Upton Benton teaches seven different classes at Delta, six online and one in-person.

Upton Benton said she doesn’t particularly have a preference between the types of classes.

“I enjoy both; they are both offering approaches to allow students to hone the skills of both work and social dynamics,” she said.

Online does offer some benefits, she said.

“Being able to offer a high level of flexibility to students is very important,” said Upton Benton. “Being online eliminates distance and spatial barriers if a student must travel, it can come with you and it also offers a better work life balance.”

Upton Benton has some advice to professors trying to teach an online class.

“Students have become more comfortable with remote learning and can thrive,” said Upton Benton. “Yet in order to do so I would advocate online instructors offer Zoom or team meetings as needed for students that prefer a visual of the instructor.”

Video games as mental health outlet

BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief

Often,video games are associated with things like violence, increased stress levels, and negative academic or social performance. While video games in excess can have some negative effects, short daily gameplay can positively affect individual mental wellness.

“While excessive use can be harmful, moderate use can have emotional, psychological and social benefits, with games successfully used in treating anxiety and depression,” states a 2022 study conducted by researchers from the University of Otago and the Capital & Coast District Health Board.

Video games often require repetitive action and can help to improve memory problems, which can often be associated with depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, etc.

In a video game, you are often given a small task or a series of short tasks, which can be a refreshing contrast to everyday life, where it feels like you must get everything done as soon as possible. This allows people to separate themselves from everyday stressors for a short period of time.

“Games provide instant gratification, which can be a swift respite for those leading demanding lives, whether at school or at work. When struggling through setbacks, a good game gives us small, attainable goals that help create a feeling of accomplishment or satisfaction,” said a 2020 Psychology Today article written by licensed clinical social worker Andrew Fishman.

Video games can provide gamers with structure. Narrative video games, specifically, create more immersive atmospheres that lead the player on a preset journey, allowing them to derive a sense of purpose in the decisions they make along the way.

Online and multiplayer games allow players to make new friends, connect with existing friends, and/ or create a sense of greater community. Feeling a sense of belonging with others and support can be vital for mental wellness, especially for those with existing mental health disorders.

“When people are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and to have better mental and physical health outcomes. They are also better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression,” states an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, last reviewed in 2023.

A study conducted by the University of Oxford used data collected from over 3,270 people who played the video games “Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” to analyze the effects of video games on wellness. The study found that the positive and negative effects of video game use had less to do with the amount of time played than the experiences felt during gameplay. Players who genuinely enjoyed their gameplay had more positive effects on personal well-being.

It sounds simple, but if video games are not played in excess, and the player avoids games that can create anxiety-inducing situations, they will likely experience positive effects on their mental well-being because doing the things that bring them happiness can be

FAFSA simplified, deadline delayed

Changes to application coming with new December submission date

BY JADA PORTILLO Opinion Editor

Insteadof the usual Oct. 1 opening of FAFSA, the date is being pushed back to Dec. 2023 for the 2024-2025 application. With a new opening date, priority registration moved from March 2 to April 2.

After almost 40 years of the same application, FAFSA is facing a redesign.

This change comes from the FAFSA Simplification Act passed by Congress on Dec. 27, 2020, to simplify the application for students, families and overall to help more people submit an application.

Besides applications having one less month to fill out the form, there will be fewer questions instead of the 118 questions the application usually has.

“Less questions is fine, it’s less work for me,” Delta College student Jonathan Mayolopez said.

FAFSA has always been something that’s taken a toll on me to complete since the majority of the questions are confusing

for me, luckily the 2024-2025 FAFSA Form Preview provided by Federal Student Aid shows a much-simplified version of FAFSA that seems understandable. Maybe I’ll actually finish the application in one day instead of three.

“I think it’s going to be very beneficial for our students and families because now the application will be shorter, which will make the application process less stressful and time-consuming,” Financial Aid Outreach Support Specialist Leslie Sanchez Valenzuela said.

Another new change is expected family contribution (EFC) is changing to Student Aid Index (SAI) which is an eligibility index number that schools use to determine how much aid a student receives based on their school of attendance based on their FAFSA application.

This change removes the number of family members you normally would input in your application since the number of your siblings in college or family members won’t affect eligibility for financial aid.

The application also comes with new

terminology word ‘contributors’ will be used to describe a student’s parents.

There has also been an increase of aid eligibility for single parents which includes a greater eligibility for the maximum Federal Pell Grant.

Besides the change in FAFSA, the California Dream Act (CADAA) opens the same month as FAFSA with the same amount of questions CADAA usually has.

Changes for this application include optional questions about race, ethnicity and gender.

With the new changes, make a mental note or write on a sticky note about FAFSA opening up in December since a date has yet to be released for the new form.

Delta and to our neighboring high schools and community organizations.”

WHAT’S THE BIG DILL WITH PICKLEBALL?

BY KIEMA GARRETT Staff Writer

University of the Pacific has partnered with Taktika Padel, a tennis program of the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, to construct a new 12-court complex in support of the rapid growth of pickleball.

Taktika’s partnership with Pacific will help to construct, operate and maintain the complex, consisting of “eight courts for the popular U.S. sport of pickleball and four for padel … equipped with lights and video cameras for live streaming,” according to a University of the Pacific news release from August.

Pickleball is an incorporation of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. The sport’s rise in United States popularity may vary by reason, but the numbers don't lie.

Pickleball has seen an unprecedented growth rate of 158.6 percent over a span of three years, averaging 36.5 million U.S. pickleball players with 10,320 locations to play, according to a state of the industry report from Pickleheads (pickleheads.com) and the Sports & Industry Fitness Association.

“With 8.9 million participants in 2022, the number of new participants in pickleball exceeded the total number of pickleball participants in 2021,” the 2023 report reads.

Pickleball is gaining traction locally as well.

“It is kind of like tennis, but the size of the court is similar to a badminton court, and we play with paddles,” said Nissi Guiao, Pickleball Club Administrator and front-desk associate of In-Shape Health Club, located at 1074 E. Bianchi Road. “It is very easy to get hooked! My aunt and I began playing at InShape three times a week, then almost everyday, next thing I know, I was suddenly asked if I wanted a job and the rest is history.”

Guiao said pickleball may have grown in popularity for a number of reasons, but for her it has changed her life.

“I’ve gotten more fit, built amazing connections, I have tons of fun, and I get to be a part of a pickleball club here at In-Shape, where Stockton's pickleball club originated,” said Guiao.

According to Pickleheads.com, California holds 1,014 pickleball court locations, with five courts located in Stockton. This number doesn’t include the current construction of Pacific’s new court complex.

“We are really just at the preliminary stages of construction,” said Mike Klocke,

Senior Director of Media Relations at University of the Pacific. Although the expected completion date has yet to be released, according to Pacific’s online news article; the first Pickleball/Padel tournament is set to take place Oct. 14, 2023 at Pacific’s homecoming and family weekend.

Pickleball is a growing community of local games, players (Pickleheads) of all ages, and a fun way to be fit. With five courts located at In-Shape on West Lane, Oak Park Senior Center, Fritz Grupe Park, Marina Tennis Club and Stribley Community Center, pickleball is turning into a big “dill” nationally and locally.

But would Delta ever consider it a sport?

“Due to its increase in popularity, we’re thinking about adding a P.E. sector for Pickleball … although not definitive,” said Tony Espinoza, Delta College’s athletic director.

Girls soccer team continues winning streak

BY ANDREA RIVERA Sports Editor

The Mustangs took their sixth win in a row against Cabrillo College 3-0 on Sept. 26 with exciting last minute shots and intense defense.

The first half of the game had many goal attempts from the Mustangs and lots of defense, but to both teams dismay no points were scored. By the second half, Delta came out of the locker room with a new fire and scored their first point.

“We worked hard the whole game and to get that goal, Cabrillo (sic) didn’t give up but they lost their fire a little bit and it just felt good to know we’re the better team and we can show for it,” said Mustangs sophomore midfielder Natalie O'Sullivan scoring that goal relieved the team.

With 11 minutes still remaining on the clock, it gave plenty of time for Cabrillo to make a comeback, however freshman midfielder Ange-

la Cardozo solidified the Mustangs’ second goal.

“It felt very inspiring to me, I was very happy literally just coming in and going for the shot. I felt like it brought the team a little more motivation (sic) to attack more,” said Cardozo.

As the game moved closer to the end, the Mustangs made their last goal of the night to give Cabrillo something to remember on their bus ride home.

“It was a good sting. I'm glad we got a good team win,” said sophomore defender Evelyn Gomez. “We are not complacent with where we are right now, we obviously want to keep elevating more and more, and be able to start the first halves with better energy and higher intensity. And just crush those teams' dreams in the first half.”

Additionally, the Mustangs will continue to work on gaining that energy for more

games and improve working as a team.

“We want to keep playing as a team and keep working that ball and we’ll find that goal,” said head coach Adrienne Sorenson.

The Mustangs will try to continue their incredible winning streak throughout the season and onto the championships.

Left: Sophomore forward Jaedyn Sanders stealing the ball from Cabrillo and going towards the goal. Right: Sophomore midfielder Natalie O’Sullivan Kicked the ball towards the goal to make the first goal of the game. PHOTO BY ANDREA RIVERA

Edwardo Guerrero, George Gonezles, and Jose Sanches are putting down wood beams in the ground so the concrete can stay in the area. PHOTO BY MARTIN TECUANHUEY

Progress comes in waves for water polo

BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief

Delta women’s water polo went headto-head with four Calif. community college teams in the two-day Delta Women’s Invitational.

The games started at 8 a.m. on Sept. 29 and continued into the afternoon of Sept. 30. The Mustangs first faced off against the Orange Coast Pirates, ending with a score of 16 to 6 in favor of the Pirates. Things looked up afterward when Delta won against the Santa Rosa Bear Cubs 11 to 6.

The next day the invitational started again at 8 a.m. when Delta played the Fullerton Hornets, losing 11 to 4. The next game was against Orange Coast again, ending with 13 points for Orange Coast and 6 for Delta. The last game of the invitational was against the Citrus College Owls, ending with a final score of 10 to 7 in favor of Citrus.

Despite only winning one of their five games, Delta remained resilient and determined in the water. While watching the game, you could observe how the team worked well together effortlessly and had trained hard to perform well on game days.

“We practice Monday through Saturday if we don’t have any games,” said freshman attacker Esmeralda De La Torre. These practices can last four hours each of the days.

On top of the work that goes into the sport in and out of the water, these women also must maintain their academic careers as student-athletes.

Water polo is a difficult and tiring sport; you must maintain power and agility while in the water at all times. Endurance is a key element of the game, according to sophomore defender Kenna Dooley.

“No matter what you do, you have to keep swimming; you have to keep pushing. You have to keep pushing through, even just like things around in your life as well. Honestly, endurance is the number one thing; you just push all the time, you push yourself to new levels, and it just never stops,” said Dooley.

At the beginning of each season, the team focuses on strength training and

conditioning to develop skills and muscle memory. Their focus also goes to maintaining endurance and speed while competing. As they near the middle of the season, the focus shifts more to preparing for each game individually.

“We would have a meeting and talk about their key players, how our defense matches up against their offense, and things like that. So, it’s kind of fluid, it changes throughout the season, but we’re still in that mid-season mode right now. There’s still a lot of conditioning, a lot of grinding, and a little bit of tactical stuff,” said the team’s head coach, Nathan Varosh.

Though the physical training is important, something that can be seen as almost more important is the development of camaraderie and friendship amongst the team, as it is what keeps them motivated and determined throughout game days. The team spends a lot of time in the beginning of their season developing the bonds that make the team what it is.

“They really learn how to lean on each other and rely on each other, but yeah, tons of time goes in, almost more time than training goes into it. It’s a lot, it’s a big part of our process throughout the year,” said Varosh.

Though the invitational did not go exactly according to plan, the team still has high hopes for the future and will use these losses as a way to grow and expand their skills for the rest of the season.

“We’re just going to reflect on this weekend, do a lot of analytics and film. We’re just going to try and get better every day. We are very young in the season; we’re very young as a team, so there’s a lot of… the ceiling is very high here,” said Varosh.

The Mustangs placed fourth in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championships during the 2022-23 season and are hoping to get there again this year.

“I expect us to kick butt. I expect us to work super hard. We’re working really hard to get to where we want to be, which is State, and we want to be top again, top four. That’s our goal,” said sophomore attacker Kaitlynn Desimone.

Football wins first game for season

Sophomore goalie, Alana Lillie, goes head to head with Orange Coast player taking a shot at the goal during Sept. 30 game.

PHOTO BY DYLAN JAEKEL

Top left: Freshman Kaiden Merryman running down the field to gain yards to the goal. Bottom left: Delta player gets tackled by Feather River City player. Middle: Sophomore Rex Hermano smiling for photo after winning first game. Bottom right: Freshman Johnell Pettus, Freshman Ollie “Trey” Martin lll and Freshman Dinero Burgess celebrating win after game.

PHOTOS BY LAYLA CARRASCO