Eddie Lucchesi Spotlight On - San Joaquin Delta College

More Inside:
March 28, 2008 | Volume I, Issue 4
http://www.deltacollege.edu/dept/publicinfo/delta_express/
Spotlight On:
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Clearing Your Way!
Eddie Lucchesi
Study in China
Program Update
Delta College
Police go
High-Tech to
Fight Crime
A True Champion
Rita Carter-Overstreet
Shoot for the Stars! ............................5
Culinary Arts Fundraising Banquet ..7
Sabbatical Leaves for 2008-2009 ....7
Resignations and Retirements .........7
The Board of Trustees Actions ..........7
New Position Entitlements ................7
Special Events ....................................8
Delta Center for the Arts ..................8
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4
6

Spotlight On:
Clearing Your Way!
Eddie Lucchesi
It’s that time of year. With many a
blustery day, you can’t miss Eddie
Lucchesi. As usual, he’s hard at work
keeping your path clear. Eddie greets
all with an infectious smile and upbeat
manner that prompts all to say “hello.”
As a young man, Eddie Lucchesi worked
in San Joaquin County farming with his
father (who recently turned 95). After a
35 year career as an office manager with
Teichert and Son Construction, Eddie
farmed and sold pumpkins for several
years with his oldest son, Ed. Eventually,
Eddie found his way to Delta College as
a groundskeeper. “I always liked working
outdoors,” says Lucchesi. “I get an
immediate return from my work…seeing
a beautiful campus.”
Eddie’s roots to Delta College go way
back. He graduated from Stockton
College in 1956 with an emphasis
in plant science. Stockton College
ultimately became San Joaquin Delta
College in 1963. “I remember hunting for
pheasant just across the street where the
Sherwood and Weberstown malls are.”
Eddie’s daughter Joanie, and sons Ed and
Bob are also Delta College graduates.
“One of my grandsons, Joey, played on
Delta’s football team last year. Unlike
me, he’s a big guy.” The 71 year
old Lucchesi and wife, Patty, have 6
grandchildren.
The fall and winter months are especially
demanding with clean-up from storms
and plant maintenance. “It’s always busy
if you want a beautiful campus. Once
spring rolls around, it’s time for seeding,
fertilizing, pruning, fixing sprinklers,
mowing and more.”
As you might expect, another duty
follows Delta’s groundskeepers. “At
the beginning of each semester, we also
help students with directions to class,”
Lucchesi laughs. “I enjoy meeting our
students. It keeps me young!”
Eddie has this advice for those who want
great looking lawns. “There is no secret.
The key is lawn maintenance. It’s a labor
of love. Keep the weeds out, overseed
and fertilize in the spring. Once you
fertilize in the spring, get ready to start
mowing again.”
Eddie helps maintain the interior
grounds with Jesse Fonseca. “All our
groundskeepers do a great job keeping
our campus beautiful. We help provide a
safe environment for students and staff,
especially after a storm when lots of
debris is scattered about.” With a touch of
pride, Lucchesi adds, “Everybody loves
Delta’s landscaping.” Eddie shows no
signs of slowing down on the job. “As
long as I’m still enjoying it, I’ll keep at
it.”
It was a windy weekend, leaving much to
do. Eddie Lucchesi starts back to work.
He smiles and leaves us with this sage
advice: “Be thankful for what you have
and count your blessings!”
Will do, Eddie.
2 SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE

DELTA EXPRESS
A True Champion
Rita Carter-Overstreet
Rita Carter-Overstreet is a champion.
Not just because she was voted
outstanding Female Athlete of Edison
High in 1973. Not just because she
earned scholarships to UOP and studied
Sociology and Psychology. Rita Carter-
Overstreet shows the spirit that every
champion has: Perseverance in the face
of tremendous odds.
“I started loosing my vision in High
School with Rod-Cone Dystrophy. A
rupture of the blood vessels in my eyes
affected the retina. I know you’re there,
but you’re nothing but a blur,” say’s Rita.
“It’s like looking through wax paper.”
Soon after entering UOP, Rita became
visually impaired. Further deterioration
of her vision initially ended Rita’s ability
to compete in athletics. “I felt like a
major part of my life was leaving. A
terrible feeling...”
A promising UOP student, her studies
were cut short by her mother’s heart
attack and resulting health problems.
“I had to quit UOP to help my mother.
I took a job at the Rainbow Bakery.”
Rita worked at the bakery for 12 years.
Another Rod-Cone episode further
deteriorated her vision and
forced her to leave.
That didn’t stop Rita. She
started a janitorial service with
her family. The service handled
numerous business and private
contracts. “I did the general
work; others did the detail
clean-up.”
As a mother of two daughters,
Rachelle and Treisa, Rita knew
she needed to learn new skills
to cope with her disability. “The Blind
Center in Lodi taught me to read braille
and daily living skills for the vision
impaired.”
The desire to acquaint herself with
latest adaptive technology drew Rita to
Delta College as a part time student in
2001. “I needed to learn technology for
the visually impaired that would allow
employment. At first it was quite hard
to get around Delta, but I had mobility
training with Charlene Furnas. I get
around well now, but there are still
obstacles.”
Now a full time student, Rita will
graduate with a degree in Early
Childhood Education next fall. “I want
to work with toddlers and preschool
children who are visually impaired. They
need the guidance and support I have the
experience to give.” Rita adds assertively,
“I can teach independence!”
Rita thanks Delta for establishing its
Disability Support Programs and Services
(DSPS). “They give disabled students the
opportunity to experience college life. I
know Delta opens doors for those with
disabilities.”
Rita recognizes the contributions of
DSPS director Karen Andersen and
her staff. “Ted Wattenberg, Charlene
Furnas, Janice Walth and the office staff
have been a blessing. They’re always
encouraging, helpful and happy to find
ways to accommodate me.”
Life turns full circle.
Beep Baseball: Rita takes a swing!
Rita always wished to find a way to
satisfy what she though lost: Athletic
Competition. That wish was granted
through the sport of Beep Baseball. Beep
Baseball was formed in 1976 by the
National Beep Baseball Association as a
means for the visually impaired to play
baseball. As a member of the Stockton
Stingrays, Rita is an all-star and has
played in 3 Beep Baseball World Series
Championships. The Stingrays have
played in Columbus Ohio, Cleveland,
Rochester Minn., and Huston.
“Beep Baseball is the only sport I know
through which the blind can compete
locally and nationally.” With pride, Rita
points out, “The 2009 Beep Baseball
National Championship will be played
in Stockton, thanks to the efforts of Don
Miller, Director of the Stockton Sports
Commission.”
Rita hopes the Stockton Stingrays can
play in front of their home crowd and
bring a National Championship to
Stockton. “If the Stingrays continue to
improve at the rate we are, I predict we
will be among the top 4 teams contending
for the championship. Be there!”
Rita finishes with advice all winners
have, advice she knows all to well.
“Simply…your education comes first.
Only then will you achieve your dreams.
Never…never give up on yourself, no
matter what!”
Spoken like a true champion.
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Study in China
Program Update
Study Abroad in China is an exciting program
that offers Delta Students the opportunity
to study Chinese and Chinese culture at
the Huaihai Institute of Technology in the
beautiful coastal city of Lianyungang, Jiangsu
Province. The program is currently in
session, Feb. 15 to May 23.
Delta faculty coordinator, Dr. Jun Wang, is
burning the midnight oil as the program’s
full time instructor. “I’m the students’ new
mom, emergency call center and business
accountant.”
Jun reports the students are having a great
time, learning Chinese, Chinese culture and
making friends. “The curriculum is rigorous,
but the students can already make simple
dialogs in Chinese and are able to count
1 – 100 forward and backward. The ‘buddy
system’ is very important when it comes to
practice.”
The students have homework every day, but
that doesn’t mean they don’t have time for
sightseeing and Chinese culture. Jun said
class visits include Nanjing (Ancient Capital
of China), Confucius Temple on the last day
of Chinese New Year celebrations, the Sun
Yat-sen Memorial and the tomb of the first
Ming Emperor.
In addition, students will experience Chinese
culture by taking courses in the traditional
Chinese mind/body exercise Tai Chi during
the first 6 weeks of their stay, then the martial
art of Wushu during the last 6 weeks. They’ve
even completed lessons in the ancient
Chinese art of paper cutting.
Students visit Nanjing, China
Jun says a local Chinese newspaper
interviewed the class and published an article
with pictures of the students’ activities at
the Huaihai Institute. “During International
Women’s Day, the Huaihai Institute prepared
tulips for each woman professor as well
as foreign female students. They were
beautiful!” says Jun. “The trip has been a
great experience for our students. However, I
miss all my colleagues at Delta!” Ancient Chinese Art of Paper Cutting
4 SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE

Shoot for the Stars!
Classified staff packed the Micke Grove Zoo’s Julia Harris Memorial Auditorium for the 15 th annual classified retreat,
“Shoot for the Stars!” Attendees participated in an assortment of activities and games with an outer space theme. Clearly, Sarah
Foster is the master of Sci-Fi trivia. Dr. Rodriguez presented staff recognitions, then joined all for a great lunch by Country
Catering. After lunch, former San Francisco 49er Bubba Paris entertained with an enthusiastic, motivational presentation.
Bubba focused on individual responsibility to achieve life’s goals and happiness. Finally, raffle prizes. Everyone’s a winner!
New Staff in Space!
Slingin’ Sarah
Big Turnout Felix Visits the Universe
Crossword Wizards
30 Years for Manual
Amal Wins!
A Headlock for Jeff…OUCH!
Stylin’ & Profilin’
DELTA EXPRESS 5

Delta College Police go High-Tech to Fight Crime
Bad guys beware!
Delta College’s police force is using the
latest monitoring technology and high
tech access to bring criminals to justice.
San Joaquin Delta College’s Measure
L bond funds (passed in March 2004)
will allow the college to complete the
installation of an advanced camera
security system. Over the next month, 37
additional high tech cameras will be added
to our system, bringing the total to 80.
Vendor Honeywell will install and test the
new cameras, servers and monitors.
Delta College Police Officer Geff
Greenwood says sophisticated software
and installation of a fiber based network
will allow Delta’s security and alarm
systems to be joined under one roof.
Currently, certain campus services must
monitor their own systems. Delta’s
campus police will ultimately have the
ability to monitor all locations, allowing
for more efficient police assessments and
response.
“Our camera systems have a dramatic
impact in fighting campus crime,”
Greenwood says. “Bookstore thieves are
often arrested before they leave the store,
and auto thefts are down 60 percent.”
System motion sensor capabilities alert
police when activity is occurring in
potential crime locations. “Modern camera
security systems are especially useful in
preventing car theft,” adds Greenwood.
Once Delta’s new system is complete,
video will be recorded onto a digital
storage array, replacing the current tape
based system. This allows for more
efficient camera review and quicker
response time.
A recent back-pack theft from Delta’s
bookstore illustrates monitoring
technology at work. The suspect was
caught on camera. Photos of the suspect
were e-mail campus wide requesting an
ID. The e-mail did the trick, as the suspect
was identified and later arrested on return
to the store.
Another successful high tech procedure
resulted in justice for the victim of a
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Blue Phone Upgrades
$3000 laptop auto burglary. The Delta
Police received an e-mail from Absolute
Software Corp, indicating the stolen
laptop was protected with their LoJack
theft protection software. LoJack is a
service that tracks, locates and recovers
stolen automobiles, laptop and desktop
computers. The software worked behind
the scenes to silently contact the LoJack
monitoring center. LoJack reported to the
Delta police that the computer was still
active and being used by the suspect.
High Tech Security Camera
The next step was to get the laptop’s IP
(Internet Protocol) address. The Internet
Protocol is the method by which data is
sent from one computer to another on the
Internet. Each computer has at least one
IP address that uniquely identifies it from
all other computers on the Internet. More
important, it allows police to verify the
location of the computer when it’s on-line.
A search warrant allowed AT & T Internet
Services to provide campus police with
the owners IP address. Little did the
suspect know that AT&T continued to
send information regarding the computer’s
location via IP address. In addition,
keystroke captures were used to identify
the suspects. A warrant was served on
the suspect’s location. The $3000 laptop
was recovered along with unregistered
firearms, and stolen property from a
New Phone Switch
previous Stockton burglary.
Delta Officer Jim Bock says, “The LoJack
technology, combined with the resources
of Delta’s police department helped us
facilitate a very positive outcome for both
the victim and the college. The suspects
never knew we were on to them!”
Measure L Bond funds will also allow
the installation of a “Mass Notification
System.” This system will permit the
mass communication of important campus
messages to student’s home phones,
cell phones, computers and BlackBerry
wireless e-mail devices. “These messages
can include vital information necessary in
emergencies,” says Officer Greenwood.
“It’s a tremendous service to ensure the
safety of our students and staff.”
Another security enhancement includes
replacement of Delta’s aging emergency
“Blue Phones.” New electronics will
be installed in 9 elevator and 45 exterior
phones, adding to campus safety and
reliable emergency response.
And finally, Officer Geff Greenwood
leaves us with this personal security
advice: “There is no absolute defense
against crime, but a good defense involves
taking precautionary measures to increase
awareness of your environment and avoid
the risks around you.”
SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE

Culinary Arts
Annual Fund
Raising Banquet
This year’s Culinary Arts Foundation
banquet and auction will be held on
Sunday, April 6 th at the Stockton Golf
and Country Club. Festivities begin at
5pm. Funds raised are used for student
scholarships and enhancement of
Delta’s great culinary program. Over
the years, many students have received
awards of up to $1,500, and then gone
on to lead successful careers in the
culinary industry.
Chef and instructor Paul Trout
promises a great evening. A gourmet
meal will be prepared and served by
Delta’s culinary students. “We are
celebrating California Cuisine with a
healthy menu featuring the bounty of
this beautiful state. To compliment the
meal, local wines will be featured with
each course. Don’t miss it!”
Delta College’s Jazz Band will provide
the entertainment. Live and silent
auctions will be featured to keep the
evening exciting. This worthy event
always sells out. Please call 954-5516
ASAP for ticket information. See you
there!
DELTA EXPRESS
Sabbatical Leaves
for 2008-2009
Academic Year:
Theodore Kallman, History Instructor,
Social Science Division – Spring 2009
This sabbatical will allow the instructor
to study the universal human quest for
utopia through reading, research, and
travel to historical, archaeological, and
cultural sites in Europe, the United
States, and Latin America. The instructor
will develop a deeper understanding
of the efforts and motives of utopian
thinkers and experimenters and would
bring this understanding to his students
in the classroom and to the college
community through teaching, writing, and
photography.
Carol Thomas, Early Childhood Education
Instructor, Family, Consumer, & Health
Sciences Division – Spring 2009
“During this sabbatical the instructor
ill identify current research into the
principles of adult learning and develop
specific techniques that would be applied
in the community college classroom.
The instructor will visit four community
colleges and post secondary schools in
California. She will measure the extent
to which the use of technology and
innovative methods of instruction increase
enrollment and retention and determine if
technology impacts student interest.
Resignations and
Retirements:
Dr. Della Condon; Assistant
Superintendent/Vice President of
Instruction; May 3, 2008
LaToya Marshall; Learning Advisor I;
Child Development Center; March 14,
2008
William Southern; Facilities
Coordinator; Workforce and Economic
Development; March 3, 2008
Jessica Mindnich; Research Analyst;
Planning, Research and Regional
Education; February 29, 2008
Other Actions
Taken By the
Board of Trustees:
Award of Bid LA-8314, Stockton
Infrastructure-North Road Project
On March 18, 2008, the Board of
Trustees voted to award this project
to the low bidder, DSS Company
of Stockton, CA, in the amount of
$968,037.
The North Road Project consists of
a new street extension starting from
the existing Burke Bradley Road and
ending at the proposed new SDDC
Complex. In addition, a new water
line extension from the existing City
of Stockton water line loop will be
constructed, as well as new serer
lines, storm drains, electrical service
additions, and irrigation, lighting and
fiber optic upgrades will be installed
to provide the necessary services
and fire protection to the new SDDC
Complex. Road improvements and
upgraded traffic signaling have also
been included into this Project to
allow for larger trucks to negotiate the
sharp Pershing-Burke Bradley street
intersection.
New Position
Entitlements:
The position of Director of System
Development in Information Services
has been reclassified to Range 5 on the
Management scale.
On March 18, 2008, the Board
of Trustees voted to create a new
entitlement for a Secretary I in the
Academic Senate. The new position
was placed at salary range 28 on the
Classified scale.
On March 18, 2008, the Board
of Trustees voted to tentatively
establish three faculty entitlements
in the following disciplines: Biology
Instructor, Science & Mathematics
Division; Reading and English
Instructor, English Language Arts
Division; Drama – Technical Theatre,
Fine Arts & Communication Division.
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Three Early Childhood Education Presentations:
March 28, 1:00 p.m., North Forum – “Foundations for
Foundations: Invisible Influences on children and their
behavior.” Presented by Laurie Prusso.
April 11, 1:00 p.m., North Forum – “No Child Left Inside!
Extending the Curriculum Outdoors.” Presented by Sharron
Krull.
April 25, 1:00 p.m., North Forum – “Creating A Sharper Image.”
Presented by Janice C. Jones.
April 1 & April 3, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., West Forum: Time
Management
Lydia Macy, EOPS Adjunct Counselor will conduct a seminar
to help attendees identify time that’s available, time needed for
study, and how to overcome procrastination. “Learning good
time-management skills will keep you motivated to accomplish
your goals,” says Lydia.
April 3, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. & April 4, 2:00 p.m. –
3:00 p.m., Holt 121: Web Enhanced Instruction (Or
Teaching in the Fast Lane on Cruise Control)
Paula Sheil will demonstrate the use of ETUDES_NG as a
supplement to the face-to-face method of instruction.
For more information
http://deltacollege.edu
DELTA EXPRESS
Special Events
April 3, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Danner Hall: The
Fashion Club’s Annual Spring Nearly New Sale
Come out and support the Fashion Club, and get some great
deals on brand-name merchandise.
April 3, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Quad Area, Latin
Oldies Band: “The Factor”
This event is sponsored by the ASBG
April 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Danner Hall, State of
Our Community Address: “Literacy Rates”
Presentations from Stockton Public Library and Outreach
groups. Sponsored by ASBG.
April 10, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Quad Area, State of
Our Community Address: “Hip Hop In the Community”
Music Video by “Big Shark—Rashard Stallworth”. This is a
local MC performance and is sponsored by ASBG.
April 11, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Mustang Room: Dealing
with Difficult People. Workshop with Michael Chojnacki based
on the “Aiki philosophy” of conflict resolution. Michael
Chojnacki will conduct a workshop that is based on “the Aiki
philosophy of conflict resolution and allows you to create
harmony through balancing the body, mind and spirit.”
Delta Center for the Arts
Box Office hours: M-F, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
March 29, 7:00 p.m., Warren Atherton Auditorium – “Idol
Productions: April Boy Regino”
Don’t miss these young singers from the Philippines. Philippine
Idol April Boy Regino is featured. Tickets: $20
March 30, 3:00 p.m., Warren Atherton Auditorium –
“Stockton Symphony’s Family Concert”
This popular Symphony program is geared toward the entire
family. There’s even a “petting zoo” prior to the performance!
Attendees can get a close up look at the instruments and try them
out. For ticket information, call the box office at 954-5110.
April 3, 7:30 p.m., Warren Atherton Auditorium – “SJDC
Spring Festival of Choirs”
The program will feature our own SJDC Choir conducted by
Scott Bowen as well as other choirs from the area. For ticket
information, call the box office at 954-5110.
April 5, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Warren Atherton
Auditorium – “Stockton Community Band Festival”
The program features the SJDC Band and several top bands from
the surrounding community. Admission is free!
April 5, 3:00 p.m., Warren Atherton Auditorium –
“Stockton Concert Band Concert”
Right after the Community Band Festival, the Delta’s Stockton
Concert Band, conducted by Art Holton, will perform along with
the Tracy Band and River City Band. Tickets: $8 for adults / $5
seniors and students.
April 10, 8:00 p.m. & April 12, 6:00 p.m., Warren Atherton
Auditorium – “Stockton Symphony: Frank Wiens”
This exciting Symphony performance will feature guest pianist
Frank Wiens. For ticket information, call the box office at
954-5110.
April 18 & April 19, 8:00 p.m., Warren Atherton
Auditorium – “A Sense of Time”
Directed by Valerie Gnassounou-Bynoe, this production presents
an exciting series of works, ranging from ballet, modern, hip-hop
and jazz dance. Tickets: $12 for adults / $10 for students, seniors,
and children.
April 20, 4:00 p.m., Warren Atherton Auditorium –
“Ebony Fashion Fair”
The Stockton Chapter of Links, Inc. is sponsoring this year’s
traveling fashion show put on by “Ebony” and “Jet” magazines.
Tickets: $35
April 22, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. – “Theatreworks:
Winnie the Pooh”
This musical is crafted to appeal to all pre-K through 3 rd grade
children. For ticket information, call the box office at 954-5110.
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