Richland Chronicle April 28th, 2020

CHRONICLE Richland

Vol. XLVI Issue 28 April 28, 2020

A weekly student publication

Gov. Abbott plans to reopen Texas economy Pg. 2

• Medical • Medical workers struggle to remain safe

Pg. 3

• Ricky’s • Ricky’s take on Brian Dennehy films

Pg. 4

• Richland • Richland student receives international honor

Pg. 6

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Richland Student Media

2 COVID-19

April 28, 2020

Photo The Associated Press

Gov. Greg Abbott, center, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, right, speaks during the April 27 news conference.

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Retail to lead Texas’ slow economic reboot Republican Gov. Greg Abbott outlined April 27 a slow reopening of the Texas economy that is among the largest in the world, allowing restaurants, retailers, movie theaters and malls to start letting customers trickle into their establishments starting May 1.

The move comes as Texas and other states process a record-high surge in jobless claims, food banks are seeing spiking demands and testing for the coroanvirus remains limited.

Conservatives and supporters of President Donald Trump have amplified calls to get the state and country back to work, while leaders of Texas’ biggest cities, who are mostly Democrats, have urged a slower course.

Abbott’s plan allows establishments to let in customers up to 25% of capacity as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. Those in counties that have reported fewer than five cases of the coronavirus will be able to serve customers at a 50% threshold unless officials see a spike in new cases.

Abbott also said he will let his month-long, stay-at-home order expire on April 30. Bars, barbershops, hair salons and gyms remain closed, as do universities and schools for more than 5 million children. Abbott has been under some pressure for a quicker reopening but chose a cautious route intended to avoid a spike in new cases.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson released a statement regarding Gov. Abbott’s order to open the Texas economy.

“The governor has made a decision and, under Texas law, he has the final say in these matters, so now it is incumbent upon all Texans to ensure that this plan is successful,” Johnson said. “Dallas residents and local leaders have worked hard to flatten the curve of COVID-19’s spread, and we must continue our commitment to social distancing practices, good hygiene, protecting our vulnerable populations, and doing all we can to increase testing and contact tracing.”

Abbott said his order on business capacity can be enforced through fines or threats of 180 days in jail for business owners for violations. Or a regulated business could lose their license to operate

Cities like Dallas, Houston and Austin, which have required people wear to masks in public, cannot punish any violators with penalties. However, Abbott urged people to continue wearing masks and said anyone still nervous about going out in public should stay home.

“If you want to continue to stay at home, stay at home,” Abbott said.

A key part of Abbott’s plan is a promise to boost testing and track outbreaks, including building a team of 4,000 contact tracers by May 11. The new rules could be expanded to more businesses if the next two weeks do not show sharp increases in the number of people hospitalized or dying from COVID-19.

In a series of radio and television interviews last week, Abbott assured that life would start getting back to normal in May, promising both a “strategic” approach along with hints of a “massive” reopening. But the plan outlined April 27 is a more cautious approach that some other states have taken, with a promise of greater expansion if things go well.

“We’re not just going to open up and hope for the best,” Abbott said. “Opening Texas must occur in phases.”

Americans remain overwhelmingly in favor of stay-at-home orders and other efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, according to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. A majority of Americans also say it won’t be safe to lift social distancing guidelines anytime soon.

According to state health officials, Texas had more than 25,200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of April 27, with 663 deaths and more than 11,100 deemed recovered. The number of infections is likely higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and be life-threatening.

–The Associated Press

April 28, 2020

COVID-19/CAMPUS 3

COVID-19 medical battleground: stories from the frontlines Angela Ly

Staff Writer Tiffany Corey’s coworkers always encouraged her to speak up at work and, amidst the global pandemic, she finally did. Corey was one of the first to leave her hospital due to the conditions she described as “unsafe.”

A shortage of N95 masks compelled nurses and doctors to wear surgical masks while entering COVID-19-positive rooms. When Corey asked management how safe it was to enter these rooms with improper equipment, she said, the response she received was, “This is what we’re doing right now.”

“It was an eerie feeling like you’re the only one [who] feels like it’s wrong,” Corey said.

There are key differences between these two masks. Surgical masks do not filter small airborne particles produced by sneezing or coughing unlike the tighter-fitting N95 respirators that block at least 95% of large and small test particles, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“This was the hardest decision I ever had to make, but being told to go into a +COVID [COVID-positive] room with a surgical mask is unsafe. No if, ands or buts. If a nurse gets sick [or] is asymptomatic and continues to work with a surgical mask, they are contributing to the pandemic,” Corey wrote on a Facebook post.

Ralph Lee, a physical therapist, agrees that it is unsafe to be in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, despite the false sense of security a mask can provide.

“I don’t think it’s safe. I don’t think it should ever be done. Surgical masks aren’t suited for anything like COVID. You need N95 masks,” Lee said.

Many medical workers across the nation have been furloughed or have had their hours cut due to the pandemic, which has forced hospitals to suspend elective surgeries and other procedures. It is no different at Lee’s hospital, Medical City McKinney.

From working 40 hours a week to a waning 23, Lee finds himself screening for the coronavirus when he’s not rehabilitating patients

from previous ailments, a population that’s drastically declined because of local shelter-inplace orders.

“A lot of patients that are usually in our hospitals aren’t coming because of COVID. We’re also saving some of our rooms for COVID-19 patients in case there is a spike,” he said.

Lee understands Corey’s concerns. Still, he has positive things to say about how his hospital management has handled the pandemic.

He said “they’re trying to do their best at keeping everyone safe” by requiring every medical worker to wear N95 masks at all times as well as patients who are in and out of their rooms.

Thanh Le, a doctor working at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System in Tyler, about an hour east of Dallas, also felt supported by management. Le began limiting elective appointments days before his hospital followed suit.

Le, however, faced a different dilemma.

His hospital, like Corey’s, is experiencing a shortage of N95s. They’re storing their N95s in paper bags to reuse them for up to five days before rotating them out. One of his colleagues resorted to personally ordering some from Taiwan to distribute to other hospitals and healthcare providers.

From experience, Le says the masks get musty within the first few hours of usage, let alone, days. Since his hours also were reduced, he said, his masks now last longer.

Wearing a mask will not guarantee anyone immunity from the virus, Le said. The masks help mitigate the spread.

Before someone infected with COVID-19 begins “feeling symptomatic, you’re already a carrier transmitting the disease,” Le explained.

“The problem is you have to assume everyone has it so that’s why everyone’s wearing it [a mask].”

Le said the pandemic has, at least, given him the opportunity to live life more “normally” without the odd hours that typically come with working in the medical field, but he is anxious to get back to a full practice again.

“You have to remember [that] there are still people in pain and lives that I still need to get

COVID-19 protection supplies for local medical workers.

to,” he said.

Kathy Lao, a Walgreens pharmacist, said pharmacies are experiencing a medication shortage due to the coronavirus – most notably hydroxychloroquine, widely used to fight malaria, lupus and arthritis, and azithromycin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

The reason patients frantically requested these pharmaceuticals from their doctors: An article that discussed a “treatment” for coronavirus.

President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly touted hydroxychloroquine as being potentially beneficial to those with COVID-19.

Patients who rely on these drugs are the ones most impacted by the shortage.

“A lot of patients were contacting their doctor(s) to prescribe those medications ‘just in case.’ There was a point where we couldn’t even get the medication because there was a

Staff Photo Angela Ly

shortage of it. It was being overprescribed,” Lao said.

The hoarding of these drugs and others prompted the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to impose new controls and restrictions as to how, and how much, they can be prescribed.

“In order to dispense the medication, you have to have a valid diagnosis and it’s limited to a certain amount of days,” Lao said.

Lao said the rush to buy these drugs reflects the desperation to find a treatment for the coronavirus until a vaccine is developed.

“I felt really bad because we were dispensing this medication and we weren’t 100% sure it was working,” Lao said “But for the people actually on these medications for an actual illness, they didn’t have it, so that was kind of sad.”

Jack Ramirez Bernal Managing Editor

While COVID19 has halted several scheduled activities on campus, the Office of Student Life (OSL) is moving forward with a virtual event focusing on sexual Dawn Townsend harassment and domestic violence.

The online program, which was held April 28 will have a second session scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. April 30, feature

presentations by Dawn Townsend, founder of the Let It Dawn On You Empowerment Foundation.

On April 28, she discussed her experience as a sexual assault survivor and coping with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. On April 30, the program will revolve around a “Let’s Talk About It” Q&A panel discussion with Townsend, two Texas Health Resources SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) community health outreach specialists and the Richland Counseling Center.

Ellicia Money, a licensed professional counselor with the Lakeside Resource Center at Richland, said that even with the local shelter-in-place order confining students to their homes, resources and outreach specialists are

still available.

“The safety of the individual is always a top priority and shelters such as The Family Place and New Beginnings are still open during this time, if someone needs to leave their home,” Money said. “As far as accessing services, phone calls are also an option, if someone is struggling with technology options.”

Students can contact the counseling center via email at Counseling-RLC@dcccd.edu.

The counseling center will continue to offer walk-in hours daily from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and drop-in group sessions every Tuesday from 1-1:45 p.m. Reports can also be filed through Richland’s Title IX office at https:// www.richlandcollege.edu/au/fastfacts/legal/titleix/ pages/default.aspx

Resources outside campus include the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, which has a daily 24-hour hotline. Details are available at https://dallasrapecrisis.org/ Texas Health, one of the event partners for the Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, also offers helpful resources at https:// www.texashealth.org/Community-Health/TexasHealth-Sexual-Assault-Nurse-Examiner Students interested in attending the event will need to log in into their eCampus accounts, go to Thunderduck Commons and under the Student Life tab, there will be a Zoom invitation link available. April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

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Sexual assault panel discussion to be hosted online

4 MOVIES

April 28, 2020

‘Bad Boys’ are back again Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor “Bad Boys For Life” finally came out in theaters earlier this year, sans director Michael Bay, who was off doing other things – more specifically “6 Underground” with Ryan Reynolds for Netflix. I saw it before the stay-athome mandate went into effect, changing our lives and daily routines.

This tale finds two veteran Miami cops, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowery (Will Smith), who just want to retire. Lowery is still up for all the action, something his nimble body is still used to. Burnett, on the other hand, feels like he has done enough for the people of the city and wants to end his stint as a man in blue.

Sewn into the plot are other members of the Miami police force that include Vanessa Hudgens (“Sucker Punch,” the “High School Musical” franchise), and Alexander Ludwig (TV’s “Vikings,” “Lone Survivor”).

Gone are the fast-paced, quick cuts formerdirector Bay employed. Instead, the audience is treated to the action from directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah who do a competent job of shooting their antics for the big screen.

The directing duo developed their careers on a variety of projects, including music videos and short films. Fallah directed 2018’s “Gangsta.” He also helmed the independently made

“Black” in 2015.

In the end, this one turned out to be the best of the “Bad Boys” trilogy. Part 2 was too lengthy for its own good. It ran for 2 hours, 27 minutes. That length to me is just ridiculous.

Bay and his crew should have done better.

Also woven into this tale is the duo’s disclaimer that they don’t want the other new cops singing the “Bad Boys” theme song. They explain it took them years to master it and they don’t appreciate such mangling of their precious song.

The plot essentially revolves around a mother and son portrayed by Kate del Castillo and Jacob Scipio. They’re a tag team wreaking havoc across the golden streets of Miami. The catch is that one of the sons is Lowery’s offspring.

Also involved is Joe Pantoliano as Capt.

Howard. He’s been in all of these tales since the original in 1995.

He’s a welcome return, since his appearance always puts a smile on my face. He’s just a fun actor to watch. I liked him in “The Fugitive” (1993), “Bound” (1996), “Memento” (2000), “Midnight Run” (1988) and, lest we forget, his part in the Wachowski siblings’ “The Matrix” in 1999.

With all my reservations covering this trilogy, “Bad Boys For Life” actually turned out to be a tolerable piece of popcorn entertainment.

Grade B-

Will Smith, left and Martin Lawrence are on the lookout from their car.

“First Blood” (1982) – Following the success of “Rocky” in 1977, Sylvester Stallone created another pop-culture icon with his Rambo persona.

In the first entry into the series, by author David Morrell, the late Brian Dennehy, who died April 15, plays Sheriff Teasle.

Brian Dennehy Tribute Edition

A-

Photo courtesy IMDb

Rosario Dawson, as Wonder Woman, prepares her Lasso of Truth.

Photo courtesy IMDb

‘Wonder Woman’ takes it away the animated way Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor “Wonder Woman: Bloodlines” is a fun feature-length animated tale that has a lot of spunk, vim and vigor in its 83-minute running time.

The characters are the same in that audiences get to see Steve Trevor again. In the 2017 movie, Chris Pine played that role.

Jeffrey Donovan (TV’s “Burn Notice,” “Sicario,” “Sicario 2: Day of the Saldado”) is the voice of Trevor here. Rosario Dawson (“Sin City,” “Clerks 2,” “The Rundown”) co-stars as the title character and Amazonian superhero.

This one does make references to the past, since part of the action occurs at Themyscira on New Earth, where the Amazons of Themyscira are a race of female warriors.

Sure, it is juvenile and ridiculous in spots, but that is just part of its comic book upbringing. There’s also a whole lot of sci-fi mumbo jumbo. At one point, the audience is

“Cocoon” (1985) –

This Ron Howard-directed sci-fi comic-drama finds a group of elderly individuals able to extend their lives after encountering a group of aliens led by Dennehy’s Walter.

Don Ameche won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

“F/X” (1986) – This Robert Mandel-directed film finds Dennehy’s cop teaming up with a visual effects artist, played by Bryan Brown, to uncover a major conspiracy. It’s an enjoyable yarn that was made before everything went digital.

B+

B-

treated to a character known as Gigantor, because of her 20-foot stance, who runs around the area like it’s a giant battlefield.

A ridiculous subplot involving Medusa leads to some nonsequential antics. Sure, one will roll their eyes, but it’s supposed to be just that ridiculous.

The writing is not the best in the world but, after all, it’s just a silly comic book yarn. It’s not as awful as the “Captain America” flick from 1990, with Matt Salinger in the lead as Steve Rogers. It had Ronny Cox as the villain, and received a D- on my A-F scale. I really cannot complain too much, since Salinger is still making movies to this day.

On the website IMDb.com, he’s slated to appear in “The Ice Road” in 2021 as CEO Thomason. It has a big cast with the likes of Liam Neeson and Laurence Fishburne, so I’m expecting big things from it.

If you just want to be entertained, “Wonder Woman: Bloodlines” will fill the bill.

Grade B-

“A Killing in a Small “Tommy Boy” (1995) Town” (1990) – This – Dennehy was Big Tom, fact-based, made-for-TV drama was shot in Plano where I received my first credit as an intern. Barbara Hershey was an Emmyaward winner. Dennehy played a significant role as an attorney discovering shocking facts.

C+

Chris Farley’s father, in this slice-of-life tale set in modern-day America.

There were some funny bits, but it runs out of steam somewhere along the way.

—Ricky Miller

C+

April 28, 2020

GAMES 5

‘Final Fantasy’ enters the ‘Zodiac Age’ Bryan Pham Staff Writer “Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age” is a fantasy, role-playing game developed by the publishing company Square Enix as a part of the “Final Fantasy” series. This is a 2017 remastered version of the original “Final Fantasy XII,” which was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006.

“The Zodiac Age” offers graphic enhancements with high-definition rendering, reconstruction of level design and the implementation of a job system. It also features improved technical performance with a re-mastered soundtrack.

The game’s plot is set in the world of Ivalice, a continent that encompasses two warring and dominant empires, Rozarria and Archadia.

Dalmasca is a small kingdom caught in the midst of a war between the two empires. After a failed attempt to withhold its territory, Dalmasca surrendered to the Archadian Empire.

Two years after these events, the player is switched to the perspective of one of the game’s main protagonists. Vaan is an orphaned street urchin living in the capital of Dalmasca who yearns to become a sky pirate.

He despises the Empire for killing his older brother during the war.

After sneaking into the palace’s treasury room to “take back for its people,” he stumbles upon a mysterious woman who goes by

the alias Amalia. She is leading a resistance group to reclaim the kingdom from Archadia.

Vaan reluctantly joins her efforts to free their homeland with the help of Balthier, a witty sky pirate, and his partner Fran.

Although this is the 12th game in the series, players are not required to play the 11 prior games to follow the storyline as each game consists of different settings, worlds, plots and characters.

“The Zodiac Age” offers players an immersive world to explore, consisting of diverse races, unique environments and sites to visit as the story progresses.

Most of the tale unfolds from the perspective of Vaan. He is among six main characters the player will encounter. All have distinct personalities and motivations. The characters are complemented with emotional voice acting and clever dialogue. The voice actors were cast by translator Alexander O. Smith, who selected actors with theater experience.

The gameplay utilizes an “active dimension battle” system, in which a player is free to take control of any of the three-party members and switch leaders during battle. Enemies are visible on the battlefield map, allowing the player to engage in combat or avoid confrontation.

While the player can manually control the commands of all of the party members’ actions, the game has implemented a “gambit” system in which each character can be given

Photo courtesy Square Enix Games

Penelo, left, talks to Vaan as she looks through the bag of stolen goods.

battle-specific commands. For example, a character’s gambits could be set to cast a “cure” spell, if an ally’s points drop below 50%, and then continue to attack their nearest foe, if that command was previously set in its gambits. This allows the player to focus on fewer commands, while the other party members act on their own during combat.

Another game mechanic is the Zodiac job system. Players can select one of 12 jobs for each character and use their License Board as means to level-up their status. The License Board consists of unique icons where players can spend points collected by defeating enemies. Once unlocked, the licenses give players access to certain abilities, weapons, armor and

character-status upgrades. This unique growth system reflects the theme of law and politics in the game and offers the player options to customize their character’s skills and abilities.

The game is a wonderful re-master of the original masterpiece. With the classic, yet fascinating, story of “reclaiming the kingdom,” the game offers players a great tale in which to invest. Thanks to improved visuals, the reimagining of Ivalice, and the beautifully remastered soundtrack, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, “Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age” proves to be a worthy installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game is available for purchase on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam systems. Grade A+

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Health Studies

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General Studies

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Criminal Justice

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Sociology

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Dental Hygiene, RDH-BSDH

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Nursing, RN-BS

Additional degrees offered in a hybrid format.

Learn more at TWU.edu/transfer

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Complete your bachelor’s degree 100% online at TWU

April 28, 2020

PTK student wins international award CHRONICLE Richland

Adrienne Aguilar

Emeritus Editor-In-Chief “Four years ago [it] was unthinkable,” said Ferdinando Castro Gonzalez, one of the few students across the globe to receive the Most Distinguished Photo Jonathan Lin Phi Theta Kappa Castro Gonzalez.

(PTK) Member Award. The news came as a surprise, as PTK leaders elected him without him knowing.

“I didn’t think I could do something like that,” said Gonzalez. “I figured it out during regionals because I won the state one.” Yet, the honor didn’t come without trouble. Originally, Gonzalez planned to be a professional athlete in his home country of Venezuela. Coming to the U.S. was never a part of his plan.

“I worked on a project for 21, 22 years and I have to remove that from the equation completely,” he said. His career as a recognized soccer player and Kung Fu martial artist ultimately ended as the country took a turn for the worse.

“If I go back, there’s like, no safety for me,” said Gonzalez. Despite having family in the United States, his life would be starting over from scratch.

“I was very depressed and sad. I knew I could do a lot but I didn’t know how to,” he said. Gonzalez applied for immigration and asked about continuing his education.

He found his way to PTK after deciding to follow what he was passionate about. “I was really, really bad last year,” said Gonzalez.

“And I thought, ‘let’s change something,’ and I changed everything.”

Gonzalez joined a student organization and became active on campus. “I do feel like they gave me a second chance at life,” he said. The club opened him up to all of the organizations provided by the district. “I got up to the point where I’m in 11 organizations and I’m active with all of them,” Gonzalez said.

He used his position in PTK to propel students forward and his recent promotion as SGA vice president and upcoming PTK president has inspired him to impact his community positively.

“Everything that happened in Venezuela really affected how I perceive service,” said Gonzalez. “I joined Phi Theta Kappa and I just wanted to do as much as I can.” From there, Gonzalez devoted himself to help the campus as a whole.

Most campus clubs have made the transition to online connectivity. “Honestly, most of the things we already do for Phi Theta Kappa were already done,” Gonzalez said.

A majority of the events, attending conferences and preparing members to become the next officers, have transitioned smoothly. Gonzalez said he is now on Zoom. com every day.

“The only thing that has affected me with coronavirus is that I’m very active on campus,” said Gonzalez. The move to Zoom hasn’t negatively impacted clubs, yet, it left students and staff struggling to find solace amid the pandemic.

“It’s OK because I like what I do but, in a sense, it’s like your burden,” said Gonzalez.

The online transition and lack of being connected with people in person made Gonzalez’s ambitions harder to achieve.

“Everything I’ve done for Richland, I haven’t done as an officer.”

Gonzalez calls students to ask if they’re doing well and directs them to campus resources and clubs. Due to the lack of

Student Government Assn. election results Adrienne Aguilar

Emeritus Editor-In-Chief

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th

6 CAMPUS

The Student Government Association (SGA) elected new student board members online for the first time April 24. Students were able to select the candidates they believed would best represent their goals for campus life through the Thunderduck Commons posted on Blackboard.

SGA president Edward Sesay won another term. The two-year leader of the SGA said he plans to bridge communications between students and administrators.

“We have accomplished a lot for the students,” said Sesay. “My goal for SGA as president is to extend the communication between us and the students.” The presidential seat was uncontested.

Ferdinando Castro Gonzalez now holds the position of vice president with the SGA. He ran against Isra Asghar Qureshi. Both

advocated for more student engagement.

Gonzalez said he also hopes to send SGA to greater heights. He noted goals of generating more interactivity on campus, improving student life and increasing an awareness of serious issues on campus.

Nabeela Iqbal beat Yousha Qureshi for the position of Speaker of the House. Some of her goals are to bring awareness about SGA to campus clubs and increase student participation. She is also a member of Student Media, the Campus Activities Board, Women’s Initiative Network, Black Student Association, Muslim Students Association, Intercultural Women’s Society and the Asian Student Association.

To become involved with SGA, reach out to SGA adviser Kelly Sonnanstine with the Office of Student Life at ksonnanstine@ dcccd.edu. Students, faculty and staff can also visit SGA’s social media pages to find out about upcoming events on campus.

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Emeritus Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Assistant Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Photo Editor Sports Photo Editor Online/Special Projects Online/Special Projects Photo Courtesy Ferdinando Castro Gonzalez

The 2020 PTK Catalyst ceremony streaming on Youtube.

one-on-one accessibility, Gonzalez said it’s less rewarding. “I feel like I’m not doing enough,” he said.

His goal as PTK president is to provide awareness and activities for those on campus.

“I do want to engage more with students and recognize them for what they do,” said Gonzalez. “I feel like we have a very selective group of students who are really, like, taking over the campus,” he said. The objective, he said, is to present opportunities to students who do not yet know the benefits of being active.

“They have a lot to do and give,” said Gonzalez. “It’s kind of sad to see there are a lot of things they can’t take benefits from.”

Among those lost opportunities are unknown scholarships, help transferring to four-year universities and other resources available to those who are taking classes at Richland.

“I do have a lot of planning in my head right now. That’s why I ran as Phi Theta Kappa president,” said Gonzalez. He also plans to finish 500 hours of community service. So far, he has over 250.

“I am an international student but it was through campus I was able to have a medal from the White House,” he said. Over time, Gonzalez earned a Presidential Volunteer Award and a Region 2 Representative Community Chair position with the Student Government Association (SGA). He also raised $6,000 in scholarship money for students of his major, is aiming to provide more emotional and mental health resources through SGA, add a coat closet, educate students about sexual harassment and more. On top of his international recognition, Kathleen Stephens, director of the Honors Program, nominated Gonzalez for Best Student of the District, which will be announced May 1.

“If I could do that as an international student, then they can do that,” said Gonzalez.

“I really just put myself out of my comfort zone.”

The one thing he hopes to convey to others is to follow their passion. “Honestly, since doing that, I have been able to get in contact with so many people.” He now plans to finish his education and hopes to continue studying at Richland for another year.

“People can see when you’re true to yourself and they can connect to it,” he said. The one thing to ensure is to know boundaries. Challenge yourself in a healthy way. “Eventually you’ll get it right but don’t stop.”

Adrienne Aguilar Jack Ramirez Bernal Barbara Gandica Martinez Alex Ortuno Joyce Jackson Ricky Miller Jonathan Lin M. Daniel Mbega Ndoumou Damon Craig Ryan Bingham Duff

ON THE COVER Gov. Greg Abbott announces the relaxation of restrictions on some businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic April 27 in Austin.

Photo: The Associated Press

BACK COVER Staff Illustration: Barbara Gandica Martinez

COVER AND FONTS Certain cover fonts are provided by the following www.nymfont.com – www.bvfonts.com

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF David Acosta Bernard Cheatham Dave Freeman Nabeela Iqbal Angela Ly Marcellus Martinez Natalia Pineda Fernanda Pargas

Bryan Pham Thinh Pham Glen Pierre Adina Ramirez Orlando Silva Sara Snyder Mubeena Wahaj Jerry Weiss

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards

Tim Jones

Jack Fletcher

Larry Ratliff

Meg Fullwood

Karin Matz

James Ragland

ISSUE DATES May 5

May 12

STUDENT MEDIA AWARDS Student Organization Community Service Award, 2019 Student Organization of the Year, 2019 CMA Pinnacle Two-Year TV Station Award, 2018 CMA Two-Year Radio Station Award, 2018 ACP Newspaper Pacemaker Winner Award, 2016 ACP Best of Show Award, 2015 ACP Photo Excellence Award, 2015 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place – Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014 1st Place – TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place – TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 Over 270 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

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Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2020

April 28, 2020

CAMPUS/SPORTS 7

Food pantry donates 75% of supplies to locals Staff Writer

The Richland Food Pantry provides food for students throughout the school year, but with campuses closed due to COVID-19, the college is looking for other ways to meet the nutritional needs of the community.

On April 21, Richland donated 101 boxes of non-perishable food items to local food pantries. Seventy-five-percent of the food went to three locations, including the Network of Community Ministries, Vickery Meadows Neighborhood and Highland Oaks Church of Christ.

“We hope that our students are taking advantage of local food pantries and the continued distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables by the North Texas Food Bank,” said Latrenda S. Thomas, associate director of student services.

COVID-19 has affected students in many ways. Students who are just now adjusting to a new normal with online classes are also facing being laid off from work. Due to the Dallas shelter-in-place order, businesses have been forced to close, leading to a massive job loss.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 26 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the last five weeks.

Food insecurity can harm college students’ ability to achieve educational goals. Combine that with classwork, lectures, the switch to

an online platform, for some, transferring to a four-year university, and the pressures of home and family, students are facing challenging situations. Since the closing of the DCCCD campuses, students are no longer able to get the food they need.

A Wisconsin Hope survey of DCCCD students showed 41% of students have missed meals because they did not have enough money to buy food and 27% of them reported to have “marginal or worse food insecurity.”

The district had almost 22,000 food-insecure students in 2018. The pandemic has made it harder for those who are already struggling.

The Richland Food Pantry is reaching out to faculty members, staff and students to help bring food security to the student body

through gift cards. The food pantry is distributing $50 grocery gift cards to students in need.

They can apply for the gift cards through the CARE website at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?DallasCountyCCD&layout_id=85 .

Faculty and staff can also refer students to the program. Approved forms are sent to the DCCCD Foundation staff. Students who are approved will receive the gift card through the mail. The gift card distribution program is administered by Stephanie Harris and Carol Castillo with the Lakeside Resource Center.

To date, the food pantry has raised enough money to help 140 students. Those who would like to make a donation to the Richland College Food Pantry can contribute online at www.foundation.dcccd.Edu/give-to-a-specific-college .

Staff Writer

The sports world is still topsy-turvy, with college campuses closed to practices and games of any sorts and professional leagues in a wait-and-see mode. Although Richland sports are over until fall, men’s soccer and baseball athletes have been busy contemplating their futures. Several signed letters of intent to pursue their sport at the next level.

Baseball players Matt Vasquez and Luis Villanueva signed letters of intent to play baseball at four-year universities. Vasquez signed with Texas A&M Kingsville and Villanueva signed with MidAmerican Nazarene University.

Freshmaen Nate Van Maanen was named All American for the 2020 baseball season.

In addition, Junior College Baseball (JBB) released its 2020 rankings for junior college teams, with Richland finishing 10th in Division 3.

Soccer player Gabriel Rojas signed his letter of intent to play Division 3 for the University of Houston-Victoria.

Head baseball Coach, Guy Simmons said he and his staff have recruited several players for next fall and hope to use the Metro Summer League and other off-season programs for further recruiting. The coronavirus pandemic is still affecting pro sports teams, too.

Food

North Texas Food Bank For food assitance call 1-855-719-7627 or 214-269-0906 https://ntfb.org/the-north-texasfood-banks-response-to-covid-19/ Find a food pantry near youhttps://ntfb.org/our-programs/getfood-assistance/find-a-food-pantry/ SNAP benefits- not everyone qualifies and benefits do not begin immediately https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc. texas.gov/programs/snap

Employment

Lost your job?-file for unemployment twc.texas.gov Work/study students Talk with your financial aid adviser.

If you contract COVID-19 while on the job- check with TWC to see if you are eligible to file for Workers Compensation.

Photo Courtesy Richland College Facebook

The North Texas Food Bank distributes fresh fruits and vegetables at North Lake College.

Local and national sports set for unusual season Matt Thompson

Internet access

AT&T- two months free Comcast- two months free Spectrum- two months free for families with school-age kids only

Major League Baseball (MLB) is still facing an uncertain future as it deals with COVID19. One plan MLB is considering involves setting up a three-state hub for teams, including Texas, Arizona and Florida, according to The Associated Press. Under that plan, Texas would serve as the Mid-American hub.

“Depending upon a variety of the other factors, it makes a lot of sense,” Rangers general Jon Daniels said April 27, when asked about the possibility of Texas being part of such a plan.

The virus has also delayed the opening of the Ranger’s $1.2 billion stadium in Arlington. Athletes have been working out in the team’s Double-A franchise home in Frisco and several top-notch college facilities, including TCU in Fort Worth. Daniel also has small groups working out at the Globe Life Field, the new stadium whose opening last month was pushed back until at least May due to the coronavirus.

The 2020 NFL draft looked different this year, too. Due to the pandemic, the draft was streamed on ESPN and the NFL Network.

The first round started on April 23 and selections continued in seven rounds through April 26. Players and coaches were on video from their respective homes. I thought it was a cool setup with no technical difficulties.

The first few minutes of the broadcast were dedicated to the battle against COVID-19.

Their theme for the draft was “hope.” You

could really tell everyone was trying to enjoy themselves as much as possible. The draft started out strong with the Cincinnati Bengals using its first-round pick to select QB Joe Burrow. It was no surprise that they picked Burrow, as the recent LSU graduate is one of the most impressive young athletes today.

The Dallas Cowboys got the 17th pick in the first round with wide receiver Cedarian “CeeDee” Lamb. The OU graduate was a no-brainier for Jerry Jones because Lamb went to John and Randolph Foster High school in Richmond, Texas. Lamb is known as an explosive and versatile big-play receiver.

Some of the other picks for the Cowboys were cornerback Trevon Diggs from the University of Alabama, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore from the University of Oklahoma, and cornerback Reggie Robinson from the University of Tulsa.

The Cowboys had the team’s first draft under its new head coach, Mike McCarthy, who replaced Jason Garrett. QB Dak Prescott is not under contract yet, however, McCarthy decided to draft Lamb, adding a new wrinkle to the offense.

Players are still kept out of practice facilities, due to the pandemic, but McCarthy said in AP interview that the team just has to adjust and get ready: “There’s a set of rules and procedures that we’re operating in and we will use that process to get our team ready to win games.”

Financial assistance

United Way COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund- can help with rent, bills, food. Call 211 Dallas water- suspends disconnections until further notice. https://dallascityhall.com/ departments/waterutilities/pages/default.aspx

Mental health

Crisis Text Linetext HOME to 741741.

Unique keyword for students of color - Text STEVE to 741741 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-8255 Stress and coping- https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/prepare/managingstress-anxiety.html Mental Health mid the Coronavirus Pandemic- https://www. activeminds.org/about-mentalhealth/be-there/coronavirus/

Travel

Check for travel advisatories for your intended destinition before traveling abroad-https://travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ CDC’s travel health notices-https://wwwnc. cdc.gov/travel/notices

DCCCD’s Response

DCCCD COVID-19 updates-https: //www.dcccd.edu/au/news-media/ coronavirus/pages/default.aspx

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Ferdnanda Pargas

COVID-19 Resources

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April 28, 2020

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