The Collegian Issue 4 • Wednesday Wednesday,, Nov. 8, 2023 •
/delta deltacollegian collegian
deltacollegian.net
REFLECTING COMMUNITY
DELTA COLLEGE CELEBRATES FORUM RENAMINGS THAT CONNECTS CAMPUS TO LOCAL ROOTS
Story by Vanessa Gomez, Photos by Jelissa King PAGES 2-3
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Examining the campus climate
Women’s water polo mourns ‘sweetest soul’
PAGE 5
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NEXT ISSUE: Dec. 1 • CONTACT US: deltacollegian@gmail.com or (209) 954-5156 • ONE FREE COPY
2 Cover Story
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net
Cultural communities gather for dedications on campus Top left: Mariachi Del Rio performs in the Joe Serna Sr. Amphitheater next to the Campesino Forum. Middle left: ‘Michelaguas La Gordita’ owner Karen Muniz and Katia Valenzuela caters at the Delta dedication. Bottom left: Nimely V Napla dancer takes over the dance floor in solo performance. Middle center: Del Rio soloist steals the show. Below: Nimely V Napla dancers perform in front of the Dawn Mabalon Forum. Bottom right: ‘Little Manila Rising’ organization serving cultural cuisine to the Delta community. PHOTOS BY JELISSA KING
3 Cover Story CAMPUS FORUMS DEDICATED
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net
Once directionally named, classrooms now celebrate former Delta College counselor Tony Fitch, local Filipina scholar Dr. Dawn Mabalon, Campesinos who are tied intrinsically to the land BY VANESSA GOMEZ News Editor
The former North, West, and South Forums were officially renamed to the Tony Fitch, Dawn Mabalon, and Campesino forums, respectively on Nov. 2. The ceremony marks the end of a three-year long conversation between faculty and administration over how to properly represent the student body diversity on campus. The renaming effort has been going on since the formation of the faculty equity task forces. After the 2021 murder of George Floyd, faculty on campus began calling for more representation and visibility on campus. This led to the creation of three faculty task forces, the Black Faculty Task Force, the Chicanx Latine Faculty Task Force, and the Faculty Caucus for Asian Pacific Equity, which were created to find a way to bring change on campus. The day started off in the Campesino Forum, where Delta President/Superitendent Dr. Lisa Lawrenson presented her own connection to the campesinos. “... I think of my family members who were farmworkers, my grandparents and my great grandparents, and that’ll just make me cry, just thinking about that,” she said. There was also a showing of Delta alumni Joe Poni’s short documentary Campesinos: America’s Unsung Heroes, which covered the plight of California farm workers during the pandemic. The celebration of the Tony Fitch forum began with an introduction by Professor Lauryn Seales to the new forum. There was a dedication and a moment of silence for Fitch held by the Black Student Union president and vice president. There was also a moment of remembrance by former coworkers of Fitch, such as counselor Clarence Louie. The Dawn Malabon Forum presentation was hosted by Adjunct Counselor Debra Louie and Professor of Political Science Cirian Villavicencio. There was a showing of Malabon’s self-narrated short film, as well as several words said by Malabon’s friends and family. The ceremony ended with a dance
held by the EPIC Club. Professor Mario Moreno, a member of the Chicanx Latine Faculty task force said that one of the most difficult things to get through was getting the forums renamed through policy standards. “When we were working with the Heritage Committee, there was noth-
“... I think of my family members who were farmworkers, my grandparents, and my great grandparents, and that’ll just make me cry, just thinking about that.” Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson
President/Superintendent of Delta College
ing written about equity, nothing about representation, about visibility. What was written was significant financial contribution, which comes from privilege and power,” said Moreno, speaking about the Campesino Forum. “Emotionally, I feel very proud that we have finally been able to bring this to fruition,” said Moreno. “Looking at what we had to go through, the policy that we worked within, going to all the meetings, going back and forth … to finally come to this place, I feel proud.”
On the cover: A Nimely V Napla performer dances to the beat of the drums. PHOTO BY JELISSA KING
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
JELISSA KING
VANESSA GOMEZ
ANDREA RIVERA
Editor-in-Chief
Entertainment
News
Sports
JADA PORTILLO
NICHOLAS MICHELSEN
Opinion
Social Media
GRACIELA GABRIEL
KIEMA GARRETT ALEXANDER GASPAR MARIA GONZALEZ ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON MICHELLE CARRERA JOHN NGUYEN SERGIO PALACIOS MERCELI RIOS
ANGELINA TATLONGHARI MARTIN TECUANHUEY ZANIEL WALDO
Feature
STAFF SARA ALVAREZ LAYLA CARRASCO DAVID CASTANON DOMINICK DELISE
JOE DEMASI AZRIEL DRUMHELLER SAMIRAH GABER ANEL GARAY
MULTIMEDIA TECH
ADVISER
MATTHEW WILSON
TARA CUSLIDGE-STAIANO
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shima 203/204, (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com
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4 News
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/news
Artisan Bakery’s head chef hopes for expansion BY NICHOLAS MICHELSEN Social Media Editor
On a Thursday, just after 10:30 a.m., inside of the Goleman Library, a line of more than 20 students has formed waiting for the student bakery to open its doors. A group of students walked in, one said “oh wow” and another responded “it’s actually not that bad this time” as they took their place in the growing line. Up at the front was one student, Berenice Gonzalez, who was excited for the chocolate mousse. “It’s rich and creamy, not [overly] sweet, it’s really good. The bread is pretty good too, the sandwiches are really good, I’m mostly a dessert person,” Gonzalez said. Another student, Portia Madayag, was standing behind Gonzalez and replied about the desserts with glee. “Me too! I like their muffins and croissants,” Madayag said. By 10:59 a.m., the line of eager patrons grew to more than 75 people At 11 a.m., Chef Robert Halabicky opened the doors to the Student Artisan Bakery and was met with light applause and cheering from hungry patrons in line. In a public board meeting, Halabicky, the director of the student bakery program, addressed the administration about the future of the program. “I’m not trying to toot our own horn, but we are popular. We are popular.
Last Wednesday we had over 400 customers walk through.” “When I got here 22 years ago the cafeteria was a different place. You know. We had 8 full time employees working with Lori [Aubin], and they had 20 or 30 student workers. And now I’m just assuming that the district can’t afford that kind of payroll anymore, because Lori does the very best she can. But it’s only Lori. So we really see this as an opportunity to be a part of the Delta community serving the community. The people who work here, the people who- the students who come here,” Halabicky explained. “I come in at 3 o’clock in the morning on bakery days. My class doesn’t start till 8 o’clock in the morning. So I’ve been doing this for decades, and I’m not complaining, but I’m just giving you some background information. And I A customer purchases sweets at the bakery. PHOTO BY AZRIEL DRUMHELLER do it because I love Delta College and I ward on expansion of days and our footlove students. And I love doing this kind to win a trip to Italy. “All they need is a passport and what- print here. That is said to happen starting of thing, but I feel like, you know, we’re right now- we want to go 3 days a week ever spending money they want. The in the next Spring semester,” Halabicky foundation takes care of the rest. I’m not said. if possible.” Currently the student bakery is open Halabicky spoke about the program involved in any of the judging,” he explained. every Wednesday at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and directly to Collegian. When asked about the funding need- Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We pay for everything in here, inHalabicky hopes to be open three cluding some of the furniture. The sales ed to continue the program and be open profits go into our foundation,” Halab- for more than two days weekly, he had days, possibly Tuesday through Thursday, weekly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. icky said, explaining that the foundation this to say: “I met with [Vice President of In“Braden has authorized this expanpays for the needs of the program itself. The foundation also pays for students struction Dr. Kale Braden] yesterday. At sion [to begin] in Spring 2024 and conto participate in a cooking competition this point we are said to be moving for- tinue through Fall,” Halabicky said.
Spring registration, student population increase BY JOE DEMASI Staff Writer
Open registration for the Spring 2024 began on Oct. 30, with priority registration for select student populations beginning on Oct. 16. The spring semester begins on Friday, Jan. 12. This school year sees Delta moving away from enrollment struggles related to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which saw student numbers declining in 2021 and 2022 to 16,220. Enrollment is at 18,658 this semester, according to Collegian reporting on enrollment increases at the beginning of the semester. Delta’s goal is to get back to pre-pandemic numbers so it continues to add more in-per-
son classes than online, due to the pandemic being over and having multiple campuses like Mountain House and Lodi. Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler gave the exact number of classes in person, hybrid and online. “At this point in time, about 29 percent (554 classes) are fully in person, 42 percent of classes are fully online (809 classes, and 27 percent are a hybrid between online and in person”, Breitler continues. “One way to look at the data would be to say 56 percent or more then half of our Spring classes are at least partially in person.” Breitler says Delta’s goal is to give students as many options as possible.
“What we’re really trying to do is give students options to pick classes that will work best for their schedules and learning preferences,” Breitler said. “Some may prefer an in-person learning environment while others may prefer or need the flexibility of online learning. As we continue to adjust to the new normal of higher education post-COVID, we will keep working hard to create the best schedules we can for our students.” Delta student Teaghan Gallego is excited about more in-person classes being available to students. “I have always preferred learning in person than online and when I was registering for fall classes I was disappoint-
ed there weren’t more in-person options and they still had lots of online classes,” Gallego said. “I’m happy to hear about the changes because I do live closer to Lodi which means I can add more classes for the Spring semester at the Lodi campus and I feel enrollment will increase as well.” Gallego’s goal is to graduate in the Summer of 2024 and plans to transfer to a four-year college in California, but is undecided on which one. Eladio Martinez is a high school graduate who is planning to go to Delta but took one semester off. Martinez said that online classes offer flexibility and doesn’t understand why Delta is cutting back on them.
“Online classes have always been easier for me because I work and I have a really big family. They allow you to work on your schedule and I travel a lot for work so it helps that my work is all on my laptop,” Martinez said in an email interview. “I don’t like that Delta is planning to do more in-person learning but it is something I will have to adjust to.” Martinez plans to go to St. Mary’s College and wants to open up his own business in Stockton after college. It is always important to meet with a counselor to discuss educational plans and personal challenges. Students can use the shopping cart on MyDelta and organize their schedule the way they want to.
5 News
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/news
Survey reveals needs insecurity Independent report breaks down how students and employees feel about Delta’s ability to provide adequete support for their success BY ANDREA RIVERA Sports Editor
STUDENTS’ BASIC NEEDS CONCERNS BY RACE/ETHNICITY
In Spring 2023, Delta college issued their campus climate survey, interviewing many students and employees. The survey had a big focus specifying students’ concerns with basic needs provided by the college. “A handful of student parents cited that they learned about basic needs resources in class from faculty members, in their course syllabi, and or on social media. However, multiple students said “increased clarity and communication around the services and resources available to students who are parents is warranted,” read the survey. The review also examined that not all FIGURE FROM THE RP GROUP students or employees, especially parrelatively low, with 10 percent of respondents expressents, have stable access to the internet or ing concerns about access to child/dependent care, 9 time to research what Delta offers to those in need. For basic needs, the survey focused on things such percent expressing concerns about housing stability, 8 as food, housing, transportation and child or dependent percent expressing concerns about access to transportation, and 6 percent expressing concerns about the abilcare. “Of the students surveyed, 30 percent had concerns ity to access food,” read the survey. Demographic differences were pointed out from about transportation, 22 percent were concerned with access to adequate food, 20 percent expressed concern these results specifically that African American/Black with stable housing, 10 percent of students indicated employees, compared to other ethnic groups and short concerns about their access to child/dependent care term employees, were more worried about their housand 4 percent indicated concerns about having a com- ing. The biggest concern for employees at Delta, accordputer,” according to the results According to demographic breakdowns, African ing to the survey, was child/dependent care. “Employee parents across focus groups noted that American/Black students surveyed were the most anxthey were not having their basic needs met, specifically ious about information to support their needs, leading the research groups with 37 percent in transportation, around childcare. The Delta Early Education and Child35 percent in accessible food, 29 percent concerned care Center (i.e.Campus Hazel Child Development with stable housing and 14 percent concerned with Center) is a state-funded preschool program that is income based, which disqualifies working families at Delta child care. Other groups found support with specific groups or who earn over a certain dollar amount,” read the review. Because of the schooling issue and not being able to organizations on campus “Specific to Hispanic/Latinx students, focus group use the same resources as the students with the child participants noted how the Puente Program led them care center here at Delta, participants in the focus to other available resources on campus, like EOPS… group shared that Delta “discriminates against workmultiple students in the LGBTQ+ focus groups specif- ing parents with childcare/pick-up responsibilities by ically referenced the benefits of Delta Pride Center, re- excluding such employees from the shared governance vealing that they felt protected in this safe space,” read process,” read the study. The survey included solutions that have already been the survey report. However, in the footnote it read that,“the demo- directed toward attendees and employees, naming,“Calgraphics of those who have the capacity to participate WORKS, Community Medical Center (CMC), Exin a focus group may differ from those who are facing tended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), financial aid, food pantry, mental health counseling, the significant basic needs and insecurities.” Next, the employees were asked if they had concerns Pride Center and the Puente Program.” As for as an action plan to help improve the basic over access to transportation, ability to access ample needs for employees and students, “Offer grocery store food, housing stability, and access to child or depenvouchers, possibly $10 for markets around town (e.g., dent care. “Overall rates of concern regarding basic needs were the 99 Cent Store). Provide more publication about what housing support looks like and how to navigate
it at Delta. Increase resources directed at first-generation students, student parents, online students and other marginalized populations to help them with registering for classes, making an education plan, accessing basic needs resources, mid-semester check-ins, etc.” For employees in need of assistance now, search for “Employees Wellness Resources” in the search bar on the Delta college website, where you can access different links for things such as Safety Resources, Crisis Resources, Employee Benefits, Community Wellness that offers on and off campus resources, Diverse Population Resources that gives “various resources for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Caregivers and other diverse groups on campus.” For students who are in need of support now and need to take action, the Basic Needs center is located in Danner 202. There are also many services and programs offered here at Delta under the Services tab on the Delta website, where you can find a multitude of resources. EOPS and CARE offer a “variety of free support services and benefits for low income or educationally disadvantaged students.” CalWORKs give “services and assistance in completing Welfare-to-Work requirements and becoming self-sufficient.” Delta’s Disability Support Programs & Services offers “A variety of services and accommodations for students with a disability.” Empowerment Resource Programs “Support former foster youth, students who were formerly incarcerated, and students who are homeless and housing insecure.” Delta’s Veterans Resource Center have “A wide array of services and resources to our student veterans and military/veteran-connected family members.” Undocumented Students Resources offers undocumented students “Information, resources, and a confidential community for students and families who are undocumented to pursue higher education.”
CAMPUS CLIMATE STORIES Stories focusing on other topics featured in the Campus Climate Survey will be published on deltacollegian.net/ campus-climate To read the full report, go to https://deltacollege.edu/ campus-offices/institutional-research-and-effectiveness/reports-resources
6 Feature
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/feature
CHEMISTRY MAGIC SHOW ENCHANTS CROWD
Top left: Chemistry show presenter Abner Aries, carefully pours and mixes a concoction of liquids, setting in motion a color-changing liquid experiment. PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GASPAR Bottom left: Associate Professor Mary Ellison pops hydrogen balloon with flame. Right: Chemistry show presenters Chinl Phou, Jasslen Gill and Rene Nerio producing a flame from carbon dioxide bubbles. PHOTOS BY ANDREA RIVERA
Delta’s American Chemical Society hosts Chemistry Magic Show on Oct. 26 in the Science & Math Atrium, bringing excitement, laughter and explosively good times to students BY GRACIELA GABRIEL Feature Editor
Delta’s American Chemical Society (ACS) club and the Chemistry department hosted a Chemistry Magic Show on Oct. 26 during College Hour to celebrate National Chemistry Week. The show was held in the Science and Math Building (SCMA) Atrium. “National Chemistry Week is a weekly celebration all over the country along with other chemistry departments and colleges where they do different activities for it, and we have been doing it for seven years now. Sometimes we do presentations for the weekly celebration but this time we only decided to do the chemistry show,” said Co-Advisor of the American Chemical Society Club Trinidad Arraya. All students who participated are part of the American Chemical Society Club, and the club is open to all Delta students who have an eye to learn about chemistry without needing to be in a chemistry or science class.
Along with professors and staff, the students were able to demonstrate experiments related to chemistry and most of them were in the style of magic tricks. Delta’s ASC also was awarded an Honorable Mention from the American Chemical Society for their efforts to host chemistry shows at local elementary and high schools. It was their sixth consecutive award. The show started with an invisible ink demonstration, in which student Marilyn Solsona sprayed phenolphthalein on a poster and then followed with a bottle of sodium hydroxide. Ink started to appear on the poster, welcoming all guests. A new demonstration added for this year’s show involved student Abner Arias asking the crowd to guess what color a substance inside a set of glass bottles would turn into when different substances were added. To each of the six bottles he added sodium hydroxide to show the colors, which were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and pink. Abner then dropped these colors into a large beaker and asked the crowd to
guess the last color. Adding a last bit of acid neutralized everything — the mixture turned clear. A methane bubble demonstration with Chinl Phou, Jasslen Gill, and Rene Nerio followed. After taking safety precautions, the trio held their hands together with soap on it and then ignited the mixture with a long lighter by student Jael Medina. The resulting thermal reaction showed that soap can help the fire. Liquid nitrogen also made an appearance, with students freezing and then shattering bananas, flowers and balloons. Associate Professor Mary Ellison closed the show by popping hydrogen balloons with a long lighter. All these experiments also used strong chemicals like acid and liquid nitrogen or open flames, and so they are not recommended to copy at home. Delta’s ACS does offer home demo experiments that are safe at home to do on their website https:// sites.google.com/view/sjdc-fall2020-chemshow. More information about the show is also available on their Instagram page @sjdc_acs.
7 Feature
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/feature
Celebrating El Día de los Muertos
San Joaquin Delta College celebrated Dia de los Muertos with the creation of two ofrendas. Ofrendas are alters made to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. They are decorated with photos of the loved one(s), colorful decorations and offerings, which could include the loved one’s favorite food, flowers and more. Students were able to bring photos of loved ones to add to the ofrendas on campus. The ofrendas were on display through Nov. 8 in the Puente Center in Shima 133 and the Dreamers Success Center in Holt 201.
Top Left and right: Photos of loved ones adorn ofrenda in Puente Center located in Shima 133. Bottom left: Photos and artwork celebrate the lives of loved ones in Dreamers Success Center located in Holt 201. PHOTOS BY ANEL GARAY
8 Entertainment
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/entertainment
PINING FOR FILMS WITH HOLIDAY SPIRIT “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”
BY ZANIEL WALDO Staff Writer
A dramedy based in a more religious spirit that focuses on George Bailey, who contemplates the end of his life due to stress and problems. After the angels discuss his life, portrayed through flashbacks, a guardian is sent down to stop him and show George what his town would have looked like if it had not been for all his good deeds.
W
ith Halloween out of the way, most people now decorate and prepare for the end-of-the-year holiday season. Part of getting into the festive spirit is watching film favorites that center on such holidays. Though Thanksgiving may not have much, there are a few.
“ELF”
A comedy that tells the tale of Buddy, a human orphan raised among Santa’s elves. After learning he is not an elf, he travels to New York in full elf uniform, searching for his birth father. Ironically, his father is a cynical businessman who lacks the Christmas spirit. As he works to become a coherent member of the human world, his childlike manners lead to increasingly chaotic results.
“A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING”
A comedic family animated short that follows Charlie Brown’s struggle to prepare a Thanksgiving feast after Peppermint Patty invites everyone from class to his house to celebrate. The main issue is that his family plans to leave town to celebrate. In fear of letting everyone down, he works with Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock to organize.
And yes, there are some centered on New Year’s as well.
“FREE BIRDS”
A family comedy that centers on a turkey named Reggie who realizes the purpose turkeys serve on Thanksgiving. Luckily, after being pardoned by the president, he lives a carefree lifestyle. However, fellow fowl Jake recruits him for a time-travel mission back to 1621, just before the first Thanksgiving, to prevent turkeys from becoming holiday dinners.
“PLAINS, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES”
A comedy road trip film centered on control freak Neal Page, hoping to get home to Chicago on time to spend Thanksgiving with his wife and kids. A snowstorm gets his flight rerouted to a distant city in Kansas, causing him immense distress. Also adding to his annoyance is when he has to bunk with chatty Del Griffith. Nevertheless, together, they overcome the intensity of holiday travel.
“SNOOPY PRESENTS: FOR AULD LANG SYNE”
Of course, there are many Christmas movies to offer.
“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET”
A festive dramedy of an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle. After working the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, he is hired at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. To everyone’s surprise, Kringle believes he is the real Santa Claus. Nonetheless, his endearing personality makes it easy for him to become friends. To undermine his hard work leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, most of all, his authenticity.
Yet another adventure featuring the Peanuts gang. This time, it focuses on two characters, Lucy and Charlie Brown. After learning her granny will not be visiting for Christmas, Lucy cheers herself up by throwing the greatest New Year’s Eve party. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown tries to accomplish at least one of his resolutions for the year before starting the next.
“ARE WE THERE YET?”
A comedy, road trip film centered on Nick driving two children to their mother in Canada before New Year’s Day in hopes of starting a new relationship. However, the kids are determined to keep their single mom from dating anyone but their dad.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’: Halloween or Christmas movie? BY JOE DEMASI
I
Staff Writer
s "The Nightmare Before Christmas" a Halloween or a Christmas movie? Tim Burton originally wrote the poem in 1982 while working as an animator for Disney. In 1990, Burton struck a deal with Disney Studios to start production for “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and production started in San Francisco in July 1991. It was released in the United States in October 1993. The film is set in a town called Halloween Town and the town’s Pumpkin King Jack Skellington
is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day Jack finds himself in Christmas Town and becomes fascinated with the idea of Christmas. He likes the atmosphere and tells Halloween Town so they can create their own Christmas with their twist. Although it was originally a modest box office hit, it has created a huge cult following and is regarded as one of the greatest animated movies of all time. But every year it sparks a debate: is it more of a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? Former arts student Nyha Christofferson has always loved
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” and she sees it as both a Halloween and Christmas movie. “I see it as both a Halloween and Christmas movie cause it addresses both of the holiday traditions in the movie,” Christofferson said. “I admire the clay animation styles and I love the soundtrack because it always stuck with me as a kid.” Unlike Christofferson, economics student Julie Leon sees the film as a Christmas movie over a Halloween movie. “Although it is set in Halloween Town I see The Nightmare Before Christmas as more of a Christmas movie because the
Christmas spirit is way more prevalent in Halloween Town than the Halloween spirit is,” Leon said. “I think the setting is Christmas time because there is a countdown for Christmas Day and I consider ‘Die Hard’ as a Christmas movie because of its setting”. Just because the movie takes place around Christmas time doesn’t mean everyone thinks it's a Christmas movie. Riley Lewis is a student at Delta majoring in business administration and feels it is more of a Halloween movie. “If you listen to the soundtrack, it has three separate
songs which the characters are confused over Christmas tradition”, Lewis continues “The movie was released in 1993 but it was 2 days before Halloween which makes me think the writers of the movie feel it is more Halloween.” The film’s composer Danny Elfman has gone on the record saying that it is more of a Halloween movie than a Christmas movie. It is fascinating because you can usually distinguish what movie goes with each holiday and this one even mentions Thanksgiving and Easter. Let's just call it a holiday movie.
9 Opinion
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/opinion
Ads now interrupt streaming, unless you pay
Premium pricing required to avoid having interruptions to your viewing experience BY JELISSA KING
T
Entertainment Editor
his year, inflation has impacted essential needs and wants like; food, Starbucks, McDonald’s hash browns, gas and now, streaming services. Over-the-top (OTT) platforms offer no ad subscriptions, however, these services continue to increase prices. What is the ultimate strategy for raising the price? From the start, Netflix had every TV series and movies on their platform. Now, there are streaming competitors like Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+ and others that take those movies off Netflix’s shelf. Subscribing to one OTT (no ads) is $20 a month. Now, subscribing to multiple that are also $20 a month equates to someone spending $200-$300 a year on streaming services. Netflix has always been known to have zero ads from the start. However, the service created the standard subscription (with ads) in late 2022. This incentivized them to increase the prices due to password sharing and multiple household logins. Netflix has two extra tiers that offer no ads but there are limits to these plans. The Netflix features of the standard (no ads) plan offers to watch on two supported devices at a time, watch in high definition (HD), download to two supported devices at a time and an option to add one extra mem- Advertisements, which most people who “cut the cord” from cable to get away from, are quickly becoming part of ber who doesn’t live with you. The premium plan offers streaming plans, unless viewers pay a premium. PHOTOILLUSTRATION BY JADA PORTILLO to watch on four supported devices, watch in Ultra HD, policy, I couldn’t log into my cousin’s account anymore. I month. With the Netflix standard plan (with ads) $6.99 download to six supported devices and an option to was pissed. I eventually got my own account but somea month. Hulu’s regular plan (ad-heavy) is $7.99 a add two extra members who don’t live with you. This is times I feel like it’s not worth it,” Prudente said. month. Disney+ Basic (ads) is also $7.99 a month. according to the Netflix help center website on plans Disney+ was originally $6.99 a month when it came If you’re looking for a better deal, college students and pricing. out in 2019 with zero ads. It increased to an extra dollar can receive discounts from a few streaming services, Originally, the Netflix premium was $17.99 and in 2021. By Dec. 2022, Disney+ offered the premium with proof of enrollment: jumped to $19.99 by January. 2022. However, another deal where the price was $10.99 with no ads. This past • Hulu offers $1.99 a month (with ads - but don’t increase happened earlier this year in January making October, the streaming service increased its premium sleep on this deal) premium subscription $22.99 monthly. deal to $13.99 a month. • Paramount+ offers 25 percent off students’ subDelta student Beverly Prudente voiced her opinion Recently, Hulu notified the no-ads subscribers that scriptions, making it $4.50 a month on Netflix’s new policy on password sharing. its price will spike from $14.99 to $17.99 by Nov. 19. • Amazon Prime offers students a six-month free “My cousin let me use her Netflix account since As an OTT consumer, there are cheaper options. trial. The student discount includes more beneCOVID. I do remember hearing about Netflix cracking If you don’t mind watching the same ads on any fits on top of being a Prime member. Once the down on password sharing and resisting certain houseof these services, you will be paying less than $10 per trial is over it’s $7.49 a month. holds sharing accounts. But once Netflix changed their
Mental health breaks important for everyone BY JELISSA KING
L
Entertainment Editor
iving in a world where there are high expectations can be stressful, it doesn’t matter if it’s from your parents, family, friends, work or school. Sometimes we need to take a moment to breathe. In Calif., we have normalized mental health breaks. In 2021, Senate Bill (SB) 14 was passed for public school students to be allowed absence due to their behavioral/mental health. “This bill would include, within the
meaning of an absence due to a pupil’s illness, an absence for the benefit of the pupil’s mental or behavioral health,” according to SB-14. To bring awareness, Delta College’s Basic Needs Center hosted the Spooktacular Mental Health Break at the Dolores Huerta Plaza. The event was on Oct. 26 and started from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Spooktacular didn’t get a huge turn out, however the event brought awareness to personal wellness. Delta student Pharele Jackson volunteers and was tabling for the Dreamers
Success Center at the event. He gave insight on what his mental health break consists of. “I just stay at home and watch TV. I’ll do some of my art. I like to paint on pizza boxes and Amazon boxes. I like abstract art, so that helps me when I take a break,” Jackson said. When having a mental health break it’s okay to escape from reality. Besides staying home, there are activities you can do too. Do things that bring you joy or give you small wins like; creating art, meditation/yoga, being outdoors,
going for a walk or a ride, watching TV, reading a book, cooking or trying a new recipe. Another small win could also be surrounding yourself with positive people. We’re not only just college students; we are single mothers/fathers, we’re interns, we’re managers, we all have obligations and expectations which is exhausting. It’s okay to have an off day and it’s okay to not be okay. Yes, we have responsibilities but we are also responsible to take care of ourselves and our well-being.
10 Opinion THANKSGIVING SUCKS, HERE’S WHY
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/opinion
STORIES BY JADA PORTILLO
E
Opinion Editor
ver since I was born Thanksgiving has been just around the corner. Whenever November hits, a turkey is always at the corner of your eye. They usually roam around in groups, almost like a wolf pack. What for? Maybe they are finally standing up against this lame holiday. Bland flavorless turkey, weird textured stuffing, mashed potatoes (which are actually tasty), gravy, cranberry and pumpkin pie that is always sold out sadly. Thanksgiving just feels like an over-hyped holiday knowing you’re going to end up in a Jack in the Box drive thru at 1 a.m. because the food was just trash. There’s nothing worse than no pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving, according to Delta student Sunny Jit who remarks how pumpkin pie is sold out everywhere. Besides the pie, we actually have to talk to people around a table and watch people eat food. My social anxiety simply says no. I’m pretty sure we all dread the weird conversations that are waiting to happen on this forgotten day whether it’s your grandparents asking if you’re finally in a relationship or them talking about how big you’ve gotten. I’m not sure they realize my smile means I want to disappear. “My least favorite things about Thanksgiving as far as food goes would probably be cranberry and stuffing,” Delta Student Andrew Tristian said. Cranberry has always felt like a forbidden Jello to me, unless it’s actually Jello. From talking about forbidden topics such as politics which starts an angry war of throwing the poor turkey across the room, throwing mashed potatoes at each other or an angry glare from your parents that signals you to shut your mouth. Thanksgiving doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving. What exactly are we giving
thanks for? If I was a holiday I wouldn’t want to be in between the two best holidays, Halloween and Christmas since Mariah Carey defrosts on Nov. 1 and Halloween is just Halloween, it’s great. Where are the Thanksgiving decorations? Go inside a store in the first week of November and all you’ll see is Christmas. Maybe Thanksgiving should be celebrated in another month to really give the holiday the appreciation it deserves, but then again Thanksgiving kind of sucks. At this point we should move to Canada to experience Thanksgiving in October, it could be better than America. “I don’t like how we only get to enjoy the holiday once a year. There should be Thanksgiving in February and November,” Tristian said. There are not enough movies, no songs, decorations, no anything about Thanksgiving. The only thing holding this holiday together is the movie ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ and the new horror movie coming out about Thanksgiving called ‘Thanksgiving’. Is it too much to ask for a turkey inside of a snow globe for my annual holiday desk decor. This holiday has become a rug we all just step over with our muddy shoes. Thanksgiving sucks and that is just a fact. Though we all went through learning about the origins of Thanksgiving with the big feast the pilgrims had in the New World. I still don’t see the point of the holiday. It might’ve been fun for them but not for me, though making turkey drawings out of my hand print during elementary was pretty fun. Thanksgiving needs a major glow-up and the holiday needs to take their month back from Christmas, or everyone will honestly just forget about the holiday.
T
OK, maybe it’s alright
hough this holiday isn’t what most holidays are like, I guess we can still somewhat enjoy Thanksgiving. There are no pumpkins to carve, trees to decorate but there are big inflatable turkeys to put in your front yard or inside your house if you want. I guess Thanksgiving can’t be all bad because if it were then why is it still on our calenders? Here are some positive things you can do this Thanksgiving: • Go outside and step on leaves • Help make Thanksgiving dinner or help eat the dinner • Trace your hand and make a turkey (YouTube time) • Get festive and buy
some leafs and items with turkeys on them to spice up your home (99 Cents Only Store has some gems) • For your peace of mind: no Christmas music it’s just going to ruin the nonexistent vibe Thanksgiving doesn’t have a lot to give, besides mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and no school. Besides those points, who doesn’t love eating food? Take the time to spend time with loved ones or make this holiday a Friendsgiving. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
11 Sports
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/sports
REMEMBERING STUDENT-ATHLETE MAKAELA CRESPIN Women’s water polo team recalls ‘sweetest soul’ who ‘lit up the room with her smile’ BY NICHOLAS MICHELSEN Social Media Editor
At the end of October, The Woman’s Water Polo team at Delta College, along with friends, family, and the greater community; said goodbye to beloved teammate, Makaela Crespin. At just 18 years old, Crespin’s life was taken abruptly in a tragic traffic collision on the evening of Oct. 29 in downtown Stockton. “She’d always tell us how much she loved us. Nothing negative ever came out of her mouth which is hard to say for a lot of people. She had no enemies, ever,” said teammate Ally Ratto on the hardship felt by the team. “She has the sweetest soul, everywhere she was, she went, she just lit up the room with her smile,” she said. This season was the first at Delta College for Ratto and Crespin. “We all showed up to the vigil together, we all had a team meeting, that's how we were told. We had been doing dinners together, we did lunch together yesterday. We went to the Edison [vs] Lodi game, because
she used to play for Edison as well,” Ratto said. Prior to this year, Crespin played water polo with Edison High and was coached by Nikka Simoni, who spoke about the tragic loss felt by our community on video with KCRA 3. “She definitely made a huge impact on every team and every friend — anybody that she came in contact with, she made a huge impact with,” she said. “The sky was the limit for her,” Simoni said to KCRA 3. “So, yes this is very hard, but we are all very much leaning on each other, for going through this,” said Ratto. “There’s 19 girls on our team, so really just leaning on each other is the most important thing. Delta has fantastic resources for us as well. Everyone is here at a click of a button,” she said. Alex Breitler, was available to comment via email on behalf of Delta’s administration. Crisis counselors had been made available to anyone affected, and they are in contact with the coach of the woman’s water polo team. The coach is said to be in
contact with the Crespin family during this difficult time, and the greater athletic community has reached out as well. “Also, other teams have provided support and encouragement as well; the women’s soccer team came to water polo practice earlier this week and gave each player a rose and a bracelet. We know this must be an incredibly difficult time for everyone who knew Kayla, and we’ll continue to be there for each other like the close-knit community that we are,” the email read. “Our coach, Nate, he has fostered a very, very close environment. We care alot about each other,” Ratto said in regard to the team's perspective. “It doesn't matter if we are losing games, winning them, we will always be each other’s number one fans,” Ratto said. “[Kayla] is literally the sweetest person you will ever get to know and I am so privileged that I got to know her and be on the team with her because she was truly one of the best teammates I have ever had in my 6 seasons of playing,” she said.
Makaela Crespin in her official Delta College athlete head shot. PHOTO COURTESY DELTA COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Football fumbles in game against Laney College BY ZANIEL WALDO Staff Writer
The Mustangs team lost its last home game of the season on Oct. 28 against the Laney College Eagles from Oakland in a match that ended in a brawl on the field. The final score was 17-21, just one touchdown shy of a potential victory. The game was held at Ronald E. McNair High School, which served as the home field for the season while the Delta football field underwent renovations. Starting in the early afternoon, the first quarter of the game saw both teams make immediate touchdowns. The Mustang defense lineup showed good performances in opposing Laney’s offense and protecting their Quarterback to make his plays. Some players were mildly injured but showed resilience in getting up and playing the rest of the game. By the end of the first quar-
ter, both teams were tied 7-7. However, Laney took the lead when they succeeded in making a touchdown and field goal, taking them to 7-14. The second quarter had a promising start for the Mustangs, with decent plays from No. 4 Wide Receiver Link Rhodes making a good kickoff and No. 10 Quarterback Kenyon Nelson gaining a significant distance when he ran the ball to the other half of the field. Nonetheless, the game soon after saw several failed plays by the Mustangs with many missed passes. Although Laney College had more plays that went in their favor, with a few tackles and an interception, the Mustangs prevented the Eagles from advancing further during the second quarter. At the end of the first half, the score remained 7-14. During half-time, Mustang’s supporters were optimistic about the team progressing further. Neither team was signifi-
cantly dominant over the other and faced similar advances and setbacks. The third quarter could have been more successful for the Mustangs’ efforts. Despite starting with a good kickoff and tackling a Laney player with the ball, the Eagles successfully held off the Mustangs with more unsuccessful plays. The Mustangs managed to intercept one of Laney’s plays and gain two points but failed to prevent another touchdown and conversion, bringing the total score to 9-21. From there, the game’s outlook went down as the opposing team gained a significant lead. Despite numerous penalties on Laney and successful catches and tackles from the Mustangs, the quarter ended without advancement. At the commencement of the final quarter, the team managed an immediate touchdown and conversion, bringing the score up to 17-21.
The Mustangs and Eagles lined up ready to make a play at an Oct.28 game. PHOTO BY DYLAN JAEKEL
Players were determined to bring in the winning game during the final stretch but ultimately were unsuccessful. The defense did its best to prevent Laney from taking a higher lead. However, the offense failed to gain ahead after a couple of missed chances to make touchdowns. After the game, video from Collegian staff showed that a brawl had erupted. It was un-
clear who was involved. For security measures, fences had been locked to prevent anyone from getting in or out. The brawl broke apart after several minutes and it is unknown if any were injured or if any disciplinary action has been taken. Collegian editors Dylan Jaekel and Andrea Rivera contributed to this report.
12 Sports
Nov. 8, 2023 deltacollegian.net/sports
Basketball dribbling into the season BY DYLAN JAEKEL Editor-in-Chief
Delta’s men’s basketball has been warming up for their 2023-24 season. Exhibitions/scrimmages are giving the team and fans a glimpse of what to expect before the start of their official season on Nov. 3. Their most recent exhibition game was against Skyline College. The team brought their all to the court and won 80 to 78, using the exhibition game as a learning tool for the future. “What we're trying to do is we're trying to learn what kind of team we have. We're learning our strengths and weaknesses,” said Head Coach Rich Ressa. “So, in a scrimmage situation, the focus is really on process, not outcome.” Though exhibitions can be beneficial when it comes to preparation and progress, training goes well beyond that, on and off the court. Conditioning, weight training and film review are also essential aspects of training as a team. Some players take it a step further by developing individual practice regimes along with team practice. “So, I'm preparing individually in the weight room. I'm doing yoga. Working on my game every day,” said sophomore forward Dominic Perasso.
Athletes are not only working on their skills on the court but their skills in the classroom. As student-athletes, these men have to find a balance between their sport, their academic requirements, work and social lives. “We have some student-athletes that are working 40 hours a week, taking 12 units and going to basketball and weights and conditioning and film. You get the point,” said Ressa. “It's very, very stressful for a lot of people. It's not for everyone. And that’s why it's so special to be part of a group that's willing to sacrifice for each other.” Though it can be stressful, the players feel their sport is worth the sacrifice. They are also grateful for the ability to be a student-athlete. “Not everybody has the opportunity, so with pressure, it's privilege. So I guess you say it's privileged pressure for us to be in this situation,” said sophomore guard Dayton Managa. With the time commitments that come with basketball, good planning skills are necessary for physical skills, academic performance and much-needed rest time. “I try to just make a schedule every
week of when I'm going to do my school work around when I only have practice and stuff like that. And then try to give myself a little bit of free time, too,” said sophomore forward Domonick Victor. Each year, as new players cycle through Delta’s basketball program, new opportunities are created. Though you can’t predict too much this early in the year, the 2023-24 team is looking good. “Every year is a different journey as we work through, and that's the exciting thing about sports. We'll find out. I'm excited about this team. I'm excited about the potential for this team. Let's see how we develop and see how the story goes,” said Ressa. Expectations are high for this season. Our Mustangs are showing good dynamics on the court and will be leaving it all on the court. “I have really high hopes for this team this year. We get along very well. We have a lot of guys that have big chips on their shoulder. They got a lot to prove and show,” said Managa.
Sophomore guard Jaylen Lee going for a lay-up as teammate sophomore forward Domonick Victor comes behind for backup. PHOTO BY DYLAN JAEKEL
Men’s water polo takes loss as a win on the road to big championship BY ANDREA RIVERA Sports Editor
Freshman utility Jakee Chacon aiming for a lob shot against American River College on Oct.25. PHOTO BY ANDREA RIVERA
The men's water polo team had a tough loss on Oct. 25, 18-7 against American River College. However, the team took lessons from the game and will be implementing them on the road to the Big 8 Championship. “We needed to test ourselves to see if our starting rotation can last four quarters. And on that we executed and that was good,” said Head Coach Mike Maroney. The last six games the starting rotation of the team has been hurting due to players injuries. The team has been working towards making their ultimate goal of the Big 8 championships and perfecting their defense. “Today was more like a feel out game because we’re going to play them again this weekend, so we’re trying to get a gauge for how their players work. We could do better by helping each other out,”
said sophomore attacker Trenton Worden. The Mustangs have also been working their ejection plays at practice to get more 6-on-5 plays to man up and use during the games. The team has been trying to improve their communication and chemistry as well, knowing that it was insufficient in this past game. “We didn’t have good enough communication. Their chemistry was a bit better at times and we kinda just fell apart there,” said Worden. On Oct. 27 the team won against Ohlone College and Cabrillo College, utilizing the all lessons and practices learned and as the fourth seed in the league, have won the two most important games for the Big 8 championships. The Mustangs will go on to play American River College and redeem themselves against them on Nov. 2 through Nov. 4.