Novelist Oscar Casares reads from new book

Award-winning author Oscar Casares recently visited Del Mar College to read from his new book, “Where We Come From,” a novel about a Mexican-American family in Brownsville that becomes involved in smuggling immigrants into the United States. Casares, who was born and raised in Brownsville, also signed books during his visit, sponsored by the Mexican American Studies Program and Department of English and Philosophy on May 30 at the Center for Economic Development. Casares said “Where We Come From” is influenced by the immigration that occurs in his hometown and how the first couple of generations struggle after their families…

Photographers share their ‘Visions’

Exhibit to remain up through June 6 Several student photographers are showcasing their best work for the public at the college’s Center for Economic Development.  The Del Mar College Continuing Education Department hosted the opening reception of the digital photography exhibit, “Seven Visions,” in early May. “Seven Visions” features seven student photographers including Amy Currin, Kim Walker, Elizabeth Bragg, Mayra Beach, Diana Pena-Gaona, Anissa Medina and Isabel Martinez. The students were selected from the advanced photography course at DMC instructed by Jeff Janko. Janko taught for twenty years before retiring and now instructs beginning, intermediate and advanced photography in the…

Fun in the sun threatens wildlife

Every Spring Break the coast is flooded with beach-goers and local business is booming. However, beneath the profitable beat-banging and bottle-popping festivities are several layers of garbage pummeled into the sand. The daily remains left behind include beer cans, liquor bottles, cigarettes, sandals and countless other random items that cause damage to the beaches and marine life. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that plastic debris adversely affects at least 267 species globally, including 86 percent of sea turtles, 44 percent of seabirds and 43 percent of marine mammals.  The most common threats to wildlife include both physical hazards from ingestion…

Same bus, different routes

As I hop on the transit and greet the driver, I flash my DMC identification card like a VIP pass. He gives me a nod, so I walk to the back of the bus and swing my body off a steel pole onto a two-seater. It is a relief I have the space to myself before the next wave of bodies comes pouring in. Fortunately for college students, this ride is free with a valid school ID; very helpful when nickel and diming for something from the dollar menu on a busy day. As passengers begin to board it’s easy…