Author: Lola Ponce

Column

Foghorn Editor-In-Chief on how Del Mar College shaped her path

Lola Ponce

When I first started at Del Mar College in the early 2000s, the world was a different place. The war in Iraq was making headlines, and the lingering effects of 9/11 were still felt everywhere with videos of before and the aftermath. Cell phones were just becoming more common, and MySpace was starting to take off. But in my own world, the biggest change was becoming a single mother at just 18 years old. My chances of continuing my education seemed almost impossible. I had originally enrolled in Journalism. But there was talk on how journalism was a dying breed.…

Features

Texas farm workers history explored in presentation at Heritage campus

Lola Ponce

Texas Standard digital media producer and Del Mar alumnus Raul Alonzo gave a deep dive into the history of the Texas Farm Workers Union that captivated attendees at the Heritage campus. The event, “Searching for the History of the Texas Farm Workers Union,” sparked an insightful discussion on the role of farm workers in shaping Texas and American society, as well as the labor movement led by figures like Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. Growing up in a family of migrant farm workers, Alonzo held a deep-seated passion for uncovering the often-overlooked history of the union. His research…

Opinions

Honoring and remembering my spiritual Father’s legacy

Lola Ponce

Last week I went to visit a man who I called my Spiritual Father and he called me his Spiritual Daughter. He had been in and out of the hospital for months. Normally I would visit him at his place of business where what was supposed to be a 30-minute visit would turn into six hours of talking. And boy do elders love to talk! But these weren’t typical small talk or chats to catch up. These were thought-provoking conversations. They were about life. Death. Spiritual ideals, events. Everything. He told me stories. I told him stories. In three years,…

Campus

Proposed drought plan changes causes strife

Lola Ponce

Frustrated Corpus Christi residents showed up for a Feb. 18 listening session hosted by the Corpus Christi water department to hear about proposed updates to the city’s drought plan and voice their concerns over water usage, particularly regarding high-volume water use by out-of-town industries. While the session was intended to gather input on drought management, the majority of speakers voiced frustration with the city’s ongoing relationship with major out-of-town industries that use large quantities of water. They argued that these industries, such as Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Flint Hills, and Valero, are allowed to consume a large share of the…

Campus, Community

De-escalation, non-violence protest taught at training

Lola Ponce

Corpus christi Democratic Socialists of America hosted event for activities The Corpus Christi Democratic Socialists of America hosted a protest safety and de-escalation training on Feb. 22. The training aimed at equipping protesters with tools for managing conflict and ensuring safety during demonstrations. The training session was led by Meira “Gumbo” V, a member of Austin DSA, Jewish Voice for Peace Austin, and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 1624. Known for their extensive experience in protest and movement safety, Gumbo shared personal insights from their years of organizing and de-escalation work. “I’ve been doing protest/movement safety…

Opinions

An economic blackout is the first step to change

Lola Ponce

A nationwide economic blackout took place Feb. 28, with people encouraging consumers to not purchase anything for a 24-hour period. The goal was simple: to boycott major retailers that had pulled back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. By halting purchases for a single day, the idea was to show that without consumer spending, the economy could feel a significant shift. But instead of limiting ourselves to a one-day blackout, why not make it a habit to shop locally all year? Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and supporting them year-round can send a much stronger message…

Campus

Grand re-opening of Memorial Classroom Building unveils new historical marker

Lola Ponce

Del Mar College kicked off its year-long 90th anniversary celebration with the grand re-opening of the Memorial Classroom Building on the Heritage Campus on Feb. 6. The event included the unveiling of a Texas State Historical Marker from the Texas Historical Commission, followed by a tour of the renovated building. Built in 1942, the Memorial Classroom Building was the first permanent structure on the campus of Corpus Christi Junior College (CCJC), which later became Del Mar College (DMC). For decades, it housed many of the college’s core classes, serving as the academic heart of the institution during its early years.…

Community

Know your legal rights when faced with ICE

Lola Ponce

The Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers hosted a “Know Your Rights Immigration Meeting” at West Oso Independent School District Feb. 6, offering valuable information to teachers, parents and students about their legal rights when interacting with immigration officers. The session featured Senior Immigration Attorney Arturo Lima, who shared key insights into protecting oneself during such encounters. Lima’s presentation provided clarity on recognizing an immigration notice served by an officer. He stressed the importance of verifying that any document presented should be a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, include the correct name of the person(s) being sought and…

Opinions

A personal perspective on disability rights

Lola Ponce

On Jan. 31, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a controversial executive order that directs state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This follows the passing of Senate Bill 17 in 2023, which eliminated DEI programs in public higher education institutions. DEI, in simple terms, refers to initiatives aimed to promote diversity, ensuring fair treatment for all, and creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of background, has equal access and opportunity. This decision has sparked a debate about whether it will protect or harm marginalized groups, especially those with disabilities. For me, the signing of this law hits…

Campus, Column

Law professor visists DMC to discus students rights

Lola Ponce

On Jan 30 Texas State University professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, Gilbert D. Martinez spoke on Free Speech rights and First Amendment rights to DMC journalism and media students prior to giving a speech at the Heritage campus Retama room. Martinez discussed the challenges facing free expression in today’s digital age and emphasized the need for protecting constitutional rights. He urged students and faculty that attended to remain vigilant in defending press freedom and the public’s rights to access information.