Texas farm workers history explored in presentation at Heritage campus

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…

Activism on display at local Women’s March

More than 250 participants gathered in Corpus Christi’s Cole Park for the Woman’s March for Equality to express their solidarity and support local activism. The event took place on International Woman’s Day, March 8, and was organized by local advocate Ellison Powers Rhea.   Organizers counted 270 participants, including District 2 City Council Member Sylvia Campos. Campos emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with younger generations in the fight against equality by showing up and speaking out. “You’re not alone, and you’re not crazy. There’s other’s that think just like we do,” said Campos on defending women’s right to…

Students learn about impacts of race and inequalities

Attendees learned the history of desegregation at Del Mar College in the 1950s along with other discussions of racial issues at the “Race Matters: An Afternoon on the Subject of Race” symposium hosted by the Social Sciences Department. The symposium held Feb. 26 featured five professors who each spoke on topics about race, including a timeline of the college’s personal history with integration presented by History Professor Mark Robbins. Robbins explained Corpus Christi’s period of segregation and how it impacted “the day-to-day actions in everybody’s lives to, also, the hallmarks of where we get our opportunity educationally, culturally, or even…

Lunar New Year celebration welcomes Year of the Snakes

The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education celebrated its annual Lunar New Year event on Saturday, Jan. 25 at its location at 1809 N. Chaparral St., four days before the actual Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year for many people) is a celebration of the new year based on the lunar calendar that has been celebrated not just in China, but also in Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. This year, the museum is celebrating the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac which it symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and…

The Texas 89th Legislature sets its priorities

The 89th Texas Legislature began its regular session Jan. 14. While the deadline to file new legislation is March 14, here are the priorities Texas lawmakers have set on changing the future of education in the state. The legislative session is scheduled to continue until June 2. Unlike the U.S. Congress, Texas Legislators only meet in regular sessions one every two years. The Republican Party still holds a majority in the Texas State Senate and the House of Representatives. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has clearly stated his priorities for this upcoming session, including school choice vouchers, fighting antisemitism on college…

Fire science cadets show off skills at fire demo

As the semester comes to an end, the Del Mar College Fire Science students held a family day to show their families and communities the techniques they have learned. Program Director Michael Schmitt, Instructor Joe McQuary, and Assistant Instructor James Creek oversaw four groups of five students put blazing fires out of a rusted dumpster and an old vehicle. As flames escaped the top of a large dumpster, the fire science students directed the hose and worked as a team, demonstrating the training they’ve learned during program. Spectators could feel the heat coming off the fire and the water splashing…

10th Annual Access and Advocacy Award Ceremony

Del Mar’s Center for Access and Advocacy hosted their 10th annual Advocate of the Year ceremony Oct. 3 at Wolfe Recital Hall on Heritage Campus. A total of eight nominees received awards for their outstanding commitment to helping students with disabilities. Award winners were Steven Kelm, Basic Construction Safety Program with the Continuing Education Dept.; Armando Gamez, Carpentry Program with the Continuing Education Dept.; Albert Curry, Mathematics Dept.; Darrel Rees, Mathematics Dept.; Wassin Atwah, Department of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Advanced Technology; Christi Hill-Troglin Cox, American Sign Language and Interpreting Program; Jim Galvan, American Sign Language and Interpreting Program; and…

The six elections that no one is watching

On Nov. 5, Corpus Christi voters will vote on six ballot propositions focused on issuing bonds and changes to the local sales tax. Bond Measures The first four propositions on the ballot are bond measures. A bond, specifically a municipal bond, is a means for local governments to pay for public projects. They are a form of debt in which the city sells bonds to investors, who can then claim interest on the bonds. The interest payments are sometimes funded by the revenue generated by the project itself. In all bond measures up for vote, a “Yes” vote would support…

HB 3297 gives car owners a break on inspections

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Texas will no longer require non-commercial car owners to complete state vehicle inspections with the passage of House Bill 3297 signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. This should save time and money for drivers, although the $7.50 fee previously charged during the inspection will now be charged when the vehicle is registered each year. “Vehicle inspections are costly and time consuming and provide little benefit to public safety,” said State Sen. Mayes Middleton. This means that if the car’s inspection has already expired this month or will expire by December, drivers still need to get a state…

Del Mar College’s Dental Program offering free cleanings 

Del Mar College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic Services is offering free cleanings through mid-December to anyone who qualifies.          For more than 50 years, the dental program has given back to its community while also giving its students hands-on learning opportunities.   Starting Sept. 9, the dental program is providing free services to qualified applicants. The services include medical history review, blood pressure screening, intra-oral examination, dental preliminary assessment, periodontal assessment, education on oral dental hygiene, oral cancer screening, radiographs, fluoride treatments as needed, selective polishing, conservative periodontal therapy, dental hygiene therapy, and dental sealants.   “It’s free of charge and it helps…