Tag: Lola Ponce

Community

The Unresolved Case in the Pre-trial Hearing for Amethyst Sistine Silva

Lola Ponce

In a pre-trial hearing on June 5th, Judge David Klein presided over the State of Texas vs. Jacob Joseph Leal, a case that has left the Silva family yearning for closure. The proceedings, held in the shadow of tragedy, mark a crucial step in their quest for justice. As 2023 New Year approached, the Silva family gathered to capture the moment in a photograph. Little did they know, this innocent act would forever alter the fabric of their lives. As 11-year-old Amethyst Silva stood alongside her father, a stray bullet cruelly cut short her aspirations and dreams. Every New Year…

Community

Running Turtle Salazar’s Speech Sparks Community Engagement

Lola Ponce

On May 09, Larry Running Turtle Salazar, a prominent figure in the Indigenous rights movement, delivered a stirring speech at the YWCA in Corpus Christi. With a focus on his own background and the often-overlooked history of the city’s original inhabitants, the Karankawa people, Running Turtle mesmerize the audience with his sincere advocacy. Salazar, who’s name his people received in 1836 during the Indian Removal Act, began by sharing personal anecdotes, detailing his upbringing. “My first indication that there was a problem with who I am was in the first grade when the teachers cut my hair and took my…

Campus

Alcorta’s Mexican folk-dance company echoes of tradition at DMC Auditorium

Lola Ponce

Alcorta’s Compania De Danza Folklorica brought the vibrant traditions of Mexico to life at DMC’s Richardson Auditorium on May 03. With the auditorium nearly packed, audiences were treated to a mesmerizing display of classic folklorico dances. From the colorful costumes to the energetic footwork, Alcorta’s transported everyone on a cultural journey through Mexico’s rich heritage. It was a night filled with joy, passion, and the celebration of Mexican culture.

Community

Vigil held to honor non-binary teen

Lola Ponce

Corpus Christi residents stood in solidarity with the passing of two-spirit Dagny “Nex” Benedict at Unitarian Universalist Church located at 6901 Holly Rd on Feb 25. 16-year-old Benedict, who identified as non-binary, pronouns preferred they, them, was murdered after an altercation at Owasso High School, Oklahoma on Feb 7. Nex’s mother, Sue, took them to the hospital after the altercation. On Feb 8 Nex took their last breath. Volunteer for Nex’s vigil, Kelly Macias assisted with greeting and handing out programs, flags, as well as memorabilia of the event. “I am a trans man. It’s important to be here especially…

Campus

DMC Kinesiology Department now offering zumba classes

Lola Ponce

The Kinesiology Department at Del Mar College is extending a warm invitation to all employees by hosting Zumba classes. These invigorating sessions, offered weekly, are a testament to the department’s commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness among DMC employees. Wellness Zumba instructor, Perla Soliz has taught Zumba for 11 years. “There is no right or wrong way to do it. Make it your own. The goal is to move and have fun! I’m happy to guide you,” said Soliz. By providing accessible and engaging opportunities for physical activity, the Kinesiology Department aims to contribute to the overall…

Campus

Self-defense classes offered to DMC students and staff

Lola Ponce

Students, faculty and staff got a free self-defense class that aimed to help them feel safe and learn basic skills to protect themselves in case of an attack.   Some who attended the class on Feb. 24 said the one-time opportunity to learn basic self-defense skills was not enough. They want DMC to provide more opportunities to continue learning the skills .    Amie Valdez, a student assistant at the Student Success Center said that learning how to defend yourself, although basic, is a necessity. Being female and leaving campus when its dark, which Valdez and others has have done. “I’ve been…

Art, Campus

DMC art department to host 58th annual drawing and sculpture event

Lola Ponce

DMC’s Art Department is coming up on its 58th Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture, an event Joe Cain, art professor at Del Mar, created back in 1966. The entries were not limited to Del Mar college students. Submissions were open to all U.S. artists, with a record 792 artworks submitted for consideration, including 25 sculptures and 28 two-dimensional works. Accepted submissions included work that has been created within the past three years. Artists were allowed to submit a maximum of three pieces. Artwork that was accepted could be submitted within three years of production. All the artwork that is…

Community

Elevate 361 benefits young adults in Nueces County

Lola Ponce

Elevate 361 acts as a life coach for at-risk 16- to 24-year-olds in the Nueces County area. “Elevate 361 was created to help opportunity youths who fall through the cracks of the system and to elevate them,” said Kimberly Head, the center’s director, stating she uses the term “opportunity youths” to describe young adults and or at-risk youths. Elevate 361 is used as a hub to help with young adults struggling with homelessness, joblessness, school, drugs, etc. With the help of partners such as Workforce Solutions, Crossroads and many others, the location houses many representatives to connect them to the…

Campus

Emergency Aid for DMC students

Lola Ponce

Del Mar distributed $104,500 in emergency aid to 340 students in 2023, according to Associate Vice President of Development Matthew Busby. With a recent change to the program, that number is expected to jump this year. Initially students applying for Emergency Aid needed minimum cumulative grade point average, or GPA, of 2.0 to 2.5. This has been removed. Now students, both new and returning, have the chance to apply and receive funds on a case-by-case basis. “We know students face crises that are unexpected, and, in that moment, they don’t have time to wait for FASFA. They need a quick…