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Gator Statue on page 2
GOLDEN GATE
December 9, 2015 ISSUE 15 VOLUME CI GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Serving the San Francisco State community since 1927
Pouring rights fuels student engagement
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ASHLEY BOWEN
anbowen@mail.sfsu.edu
resident Leslie E. Wong’s refusal to sign a pouring rights agreement Nov. 19 drew critical interest from news organizations across the Bay Area and brought up the question of student power at SF State. Wong stated in an email that he decided to decline the agreement after considering health studies and comments put forth by the campus community. “The evidence was pretty compelling that moving forward
with a beverage agreement was not the right decision for our campus,” Wong said. The Real Food Challenge at SF State has been fighting against a pouring rights agreement since the end of last semester, according to Celia LoBuono Gonzalez, a member of the RFC and a communications and geography major at SF State. She said it was because of RFC that students became aware of the possibility of a pouring rights agreement, and the University made no attempts to reach out to the Associated Students, Inc.
in regards to the pouring rights initiative. Gonzalez said that with the mounting research the group conducted and the student support it accrued, the RFC drafted a resolution in collaboration with other student organizations to oppose pouring rights and asked the ASI Board of Directors to pass it, which she said the board did almost unanimously.
pouring rights Continued ON PAGE 3
BRIAN CHURCHWELL / XPRESS
Students opposed to the sale of pouring rights at SF State chant while marching in the J. Paul Leonard Library, Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Business major cruises into nautical career
KATIE LEWELLYN / XPRESS
SF State business management major and a full time first officer for Alcatraz Cruises, Josh Scerri, inside the ferry wheel house on Saturday, Dec. 5. Scerri assists the captain by navigating the boat using its radar system and is also given the opportunity to pilot to gain experience.
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COURTNEE BRIGGS cbriggs@mail.sfsu.edu
ourists shiver with cold as they huddle in line, waiting to be shepherded onto the boat and to take their seats. They snap pictures of the Bay as the boat departs and SF State senior Josh Scerri steers them toward the
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infamous Alcatraz. Scerri has worked with Alcatraz Cruises for the past five years in a job that is anything but ordinary. His duties include maintaining a boat, interacting with about 3,000 people a day and spending a good chunk of his time at the helm. "I could totally write a thesis paper on things I've seen," Scerri said. Scerri, a 24-year-old business
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management major who is graduating this semester, landed a job as a deckhand in 2010 following his high school graduation. He said he came across Alcatraz Cruises while job searching and spending time down around the wharf and thought he'd see if they had any openings.
alcatraz Continued ON PAGE 6
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Student captures Mario Woods shooting CREO NOVENO
cnoveno@mail.sfsu.edu
The deadly shooting of Mario Woods in The Bayview district Nov. 2 prompted a possible revision of the San Francisco Police Department’s use-of-force policy after the police chief’s claims that the officers acted in self defense, according to SF Weekly. SFPD Chief Greg Suhr presented witness video of the incident, which he claimed showed that the officers fired only after they were prompted by Woods moving toward an officer with an extended arm, the SF Examiner reported. Christian Hernandez, an SF State student in his second year, was one of the few people to post footage of the shooting on social media. His video has since been retweeted more than 56,000 times. “In the first couple of hours, it exploded,” Hernandez said. “I’ve gotten a lot of positive response, but there were some people who had hate speeches against cops. Last night, I got a comment from someone that said, ‘What is supposed to go viral, you agitator.’” Hernandez said he was on his way home from school, waiting for Muni, when he heard yelling and sirens. He said he then ran over to the other Muni stop to see the commotion, where he saw multiple police cars arrive and police officers surround a man – later identified as Mario Woods – and pull out their guns.
shooting Continued ON PAGE 4
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2 NEWS
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
COURTESY OF SF STATE ALUMNI RELATIONS
Clay models of the gator statue on display for review on Monday, July 6.
Senior class gift aims to boost school spirit COURTNEE BRIGGS cbriggs@mail.sfsu.edu
SF State will be getting a new statue in the near future as a part of 2015's Senior Class Gift campaign. The statue, which has been dubbed the Gator Spirit Statue, will be a 10foot bronzed gator featuring engraved plaques that can be purchased by current students and alumni, according to the project's website. Doug Hupke, executive director of Alumni and Constituent Relations and Annual Giving, said the idea for the statue originated in the hopes of promoting school spirit. It was designed by professor emeritus Leonard Hunter, who was a professor of art and sculpture at SF State until he retired in 2006. Hunter is working with sculptor Ilaman Sabirov on the project, with whom he collaborated in the past to create the bronze busts of former
SF State coaches Vic Rowen and Joe Verducci, currently housed in front of the gymnasium. "The statue started a very long time ago – maybe six or seven years ago – by Ellen Griffin, who was associate vice president at the time," Hupke said. "It was a unique concept: it shows a gator resting on a globe of the world with keywords that represent the University. It might be a little cheesy, but it looks like the gator is the guardian of SF State's values." The original plan was to erect the statue in Fall 2015, according to Hupke, but because of some structural delays, it's been pushed. He said he's still aiming to start by January 2016, but will try to begin construction at a time when it's least distracting to students.
COURTESY OF SF STATE ALUMNI RELATIONS
SF State President Leslie E. Wong reviews models of the gator statue on Monday, July 6.
According to the Alumni Relations website, engraved plaques, which will be permanently adhered to the pedestal of the statue, can be purchased for a $200 contribution to the Senior Class Gift campaign. The plaques are approximately 2 inches by 7 inches and engraved with up to two lines of 15 characters each. So far, they have raised $24,825 in donations through their website toward the $48,000 goal. Ian Garcia, a fourth-year broadcast and electronic creative arts major, said that while the statue would be a great way to bring school pride, he has reservations about spending the additional $200 on an engraved plaque. "I'd more than likely save my money for a Tuesday at Underdogs," Garcia said. Sophie Duster, a third-year student, said her concern is whether the money she'd give the school could be going to something more significant.
"Although it's a good idea, it's really expensive, and I think that (the money) should be used otherwise, like hiring more people to teach science classes or something," Duster said. Duster said she still agrees with the purpose of the statue and that she thinks it could boost school spirit. "I think that it's a good way to help get a little more school spirit here at the school," Duster said. "For example, people that graduate at UCLA have that big bear to take pictures next to, and we don't have anything here currently." While the location of the statue has yet to be finalized, Hupke said he hopes the gator will be a central point for visitors, students, and alumni to take a picture. "I really think the University needs to have a place for the community to come together and encourage school spirit, and I think (the statue) would be it," Hupke said.
XPRESS What do you think of the proposed gator statue? yoursELF WE ASKED SF STATE STUDENTS:
“I think it would be cool. It would give the campus some spunk.”
“I don’t see a problem as long as it’s not interfering with the budget cuts.”
“I can think of a lot of better things to spend the money on. I think there’s higher priorities.”
Jason Phillips, 26 Broadcast and Ray Anna McAllister, 19 Ann Holmes, 37 electronic undeclared communication arts major biology graduate student
“I think it’s probably a good idea. It’s our mascot, and it’s not really represented on campus.”
“If there’s a fundraiser for it, then great.”
Peter Ngoi, 23 biochemistry major
Jackie Shay, 28 biology graduate student
NEWS 3
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
Pouring rights fizzles after student protest
QING HUANG / XPRESS
SF State President Leslie E. Wong speaks at the Pouring Rights Town Hall at Seven Hills Conference Center Thursday, Nov. 19.
pouring rights Continued from the front school does not have an agreement due to “Another important piece to our campaign was to reach out to allies in the community,” Gonzalez said. “We contacted our local Board of Supervisors and told them what was going on, and we worked with them to get the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to unanimously pass their own resolution supporting the students and opposing pouring rights at SFSU. This is an amazing student victory, and it’s important to remember that we have incredible power as students if we act collectively.” The Golden Gate Xpress previously reported that SF State is the only California State University without a pouring rights agreement in place, but CSU Channel Islands also does not have a contract, according to Nancy Covarrubias Gill, director of communication and marketing at the university. Robert King, director of public affairs and communications at CSU Maritime Academy, also stated that the
their enrollment size. However, CSU Bakersfield, CSU East Bay, CSU Fresno, CSU Fullerton and CSU Sacramento all have contracts with PepsiCo Inc., and CSU Long Beach has a contract with Coca-Cola Co., according to representatives from each university. CSU Chico Director of Public Affairs Joe Wills said the university itself does not have a contract, but their Associated Students does have a beverage contract with Pepsi. Liana Derus, co-president of SF State’s Environmentally Conscious Organization of Students, said she is excited that Wong decided to put people over profit. “I believe our culture and dedication to social justice on campus is responsible for delaying a contract like this,” Derus said. “This sets us apart, because it shows that students have the power to shape their campus and especially gives power to students to prevent or overturn pouring
UNIVERSITY CRIME BLOTTER Friday, Dec. 4
LIBRARY Officers responded to a stolen property claim at the library at 12:24 a.m., where they took the male suspect into custody for the theft and on an outstanding felony warrant. The suspect was taken to County Jail 1 without incident.
AUTO BURGLARY A female victim reported the burglary of her vehicle on Buck-
ingham Way. She reported that the burglary happened between 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 and 6:52 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Responding officers took a report, listing total losses of $30. Thursday, Dec. 3
DRUG POSSESSION A suspicious 42-year-old male subject was noticed by pa-
trolling officers near Buckingham Way around 2:02 a.m. The officers contacted the suspect and discovered he was in possession of illegal narcotics and cited him for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was released at the scene without incident.
rights contracts.” Rich Schwanbeck, representative for the ASI Board of Directors and member of RFC, said this campaign created the chance to form a grassroots effort on campus, but that it shouldn’t have had to happen that way. “People in general have a lot of power, and all their power is their voice,” Schwanbeck said. “This experience showed students and everyone that they have a voice, and it can be exercised and should be safe to on a university campus like ours.” Wong, who said he was very involved in minority student and civil rights issues on campus as an undergraduate in the ’60s and ’70s, said he supports student voices as well as their desire for change. Derus said she believes the group’s success against the agreement is just the beginning of a more present student voice on campus. “I hope that Dr. Wong understands from
here on out that students will not allow for an administration that bypasses student input,” Derus said. “Students are the soul of this University’s community and refuse to be walked over by an administration that is willing to sell out to corporations that simply see us as consumers.” As for the future, Wong said he sees addressing the availability of water as a necessity and hopes to have water stations installed around the campus. According to SF State’s request for pouring rights proposals, they would have asked the beverage corporation for a one-time contribution of $2 million minimum and an annual payment of at least $125,000 throughout the contract term. Since Wong said no to this contract, he said he wants to work with students to find ways to provide funds for student programs, scholarships and athletics. “I hope that students will suggest and offer creative ideas for generating these funds,” Wong said. “The issue of student support didn’t go away with stopping pouring rights. We’ll need to look elsewhere to raise those dollars.” An Bui, president of the RFC, said that while Wong’s announcement is a huge success for the University, the entire process showcased the school’s lack of student input. “The times are changing, and we understand that the school has to look at more avenues for funding, but that’s all the more reason to involve students in these decisions,” Bui said. “After this campaign, it shows that students have the capacity to make responsible decisions for the campus.”
ANGELICA WILLIAMS / XPRESS
Posters from the pouring rights campaign at the Real Food Challenge’s victory event in the Cesar Chavez Student Center on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
COMPILED BY XPRESS NEWS STAFF
Between Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Monday, Dec. 7, University Police responded to 8 incidents. Here are the reports:
DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE While conducting a traffic stop at Winston and
Stonecrest Drive, officers discovered a 33-year-old driving without a license. The suspect was cited with a misdemeanor charge of driving without a license and Golden Gate Tow towed the vehicle.
BURGLARY Officers witnessed a 25-year-old male suspect attempting to steal a bi-
cycle from the bike racks at Thornton Hall at 9:11 p.m. The suspect was contacted by officers and taken into custody for attempted petty theft and possession of burglary tools. He was cited and released without incident. Wednesday, Dec. 2
PETTY THEFT UPD responded to an incident of petty theft on Tuesday, Dec.
3 when a male victim reported $275 total losses after the theft of items from his vehicle on Acevedo Avenue at Arballo Drive the night before. The incident occurred between 9:10 and 10:10 p.m. The responding officer took a report.
DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE At 7:45 a.m. during a traffic stop on 19th Avenue BIKE THEFT A male victim reported a bicycle theft from Hensill Hall between Nov. and Winston Drive, officers determined the woman was driving without a license. The officers cited the 27-year-old with the misdemeanor charge of driving without a license and released the vehicle to a licensed driver.
25 at 8 a.m. and Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m. The victim reported the total loss at $1,000 and an officer took a report.
4 Lifestyle & culture
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
Video sparks discussion on police violence shooting Continued from the front About two or three beanbag rounds were shot at Woods, Hernandez said. When Woods tried to find a way out, he either brushed against or tried to reach for something in his jacket, which prompted officers to shoot, according to Hernandez, who recorded the incident and posted it on the web. “It was pretty crazy, because I thought one officer would shoot him or someone would pin him down, but what really happened was completely unexpected,” Hernandez said. “I was really confused and shocked.” Hernandez said he forgot he shot the video until his Critical Thinking and the Ethnic Studies Experience class discussed the incident. “We focus on critical thinking on media coverage and news bias (in the class),” said Larry Salomon, who teaches the class. “We discuss videos that go viral and question how reliable they are. We’re also a critical thinking class in ethnic studies, so we look at things like race and power in our discussions.” Hernandez said that he mentioned that he had a video of the Bayview shooting, and Salomon asked to view it. Salomon said the class unanimously reacted with shock and outrage and encouraged him to get it out trending, but
Hernandez was initially hesitant to do so, because he was not sure of the reaction he would get to the video. “I wanted to make sure (Christian) knew what was going to happen and that he was prepared for possible criticism or retaliation (after releasing the video),” Salomon said. “But
I think his decision to just put the video out there, without comment, is incredibly brave. “ The class brought up the topic of police brutality and #BlackLivesMatter while discussing the video, according to Hernandez, who said students were shocked by the video, commenting that “it sounded like
a shooting range.” Hernandez said that in the class discussion, they understood that the police officers probably shot Woods because he was moving closer to another police officer but thought the way they responded was incorrect. “(The video) was really intense, because when I saw it,
DAVID HENRY / XPRESS
Larry Salomon, a lecturer for SF State’s ethnic studies program, speaks to his Critical Thinking in Ethnic Studies class in Burk Hall Tuesday, Dec 8.
I put myself in the shoes of the person shooting the video, and it seemed really intense to see that in front of you,” said Owais Naeem, a hospitality tourism and management major in Salomon’s class. “It was one man against all those police officers, and there was so many ways they could have peacefully approached him.” Hernandez acknowledges that people in San Francisco are very angry and are putting pressure on the police to change their system, but he said he knows that there are good police officers and bad ones, and no one knows who they will have to deal with. “I just think that not all cops are how people think, but I think that the way they killed him was the correct and moral way,” Hernandez said. Salomon said that while he couldn’t necessarily say that police violence and police bias is increasing, he does believe that greater access to images and videos of these incidents has prompted greater vigilance and awareness in the community. “I see more pressure being put on police, on the government, on the DA, on the mayor – the community is not just outraged but armed with more evidence,” Salomon said. “This is going to embolden communities. “
Students rebuild homes for the holidays ALLISON MICHIE
amichie@mail.sfsu.edu
As the SF State community gets ready for the upcoming winter break, one student is preparing for an alternative break to help rebuild a community in San Marcos, Texas that was devastated by October’s severe flooding. Jordan Weiser, a junior hospitality and management major, will be traveling with a group of about 15 people through the San Francisco Hillel, where he is the Shabbat engager, to help rebuild homes from Jan. 10 to 17. “I first learned about the concept of an alternative break trip my sophomore year of college at Sonoma State University,” Weiser said. “An alternative break trip is when a group of college students travel to a destination and do some sort of community service. The service can range from building houses to putting on programs for the local community.” The SF Hillel is spearheading the trip in conjunction with the Jewish Disaster Response Corps and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Hillel in order to bring young members of the Jewish community together to help another community in need, according to Weiser. “Our organization is going to provide a helping hand to whatever is asked of us in Austin,” said Elan Rodman, Immersion Coordinator for the SF Hillel. “We’re providing
assistance for the long-term recovery efforts.” The flooding in San Marcos left two dead and caused severe damage and the temporary closure of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, after nearly 6 inches of rain fell within an hour Oct. 30, according to a CNN article. According to Rodman, the group will first arrive in Austin, Texas before starting work in San Marcos. Weiser said he expects to spend busy nine-hour days helping with important tasks to help the community get back on its feet. “(What we do) is going to depend on where we’re actually working and what they need,” Weiser said. “What I’m picturing is that we’re going to be physically rebuilding homes; we’re going to be breaking things down and clearing away debris and things like that.” SF State student and SF Hillel member Shira Kattan said she believes the alternative break can also provide individuals with valuable skills and experiences. “The participants will gain leadership skills along with becoming humble from the experience,” Kattan said. “They will also get to learn about a new state if they have never been there and get new perspectives.” Those taking part in the trip have to each raise money to
JAMES CHAN / XPRESS
Jordan Weiser, hospitality and tourism major and Shabbat organizer, directs people at the weekly Shabbat at SF Hillel, Friday Dec. 12
pay for their participation fee of $500 and for their plane ticket to Texas, according to Rodman, who recruits for two different adventures through Hillel and helps them fundraise for the trip. “One of my favorite parts of the process is helping students fundraise and apply for grants to make the opportunity accessible to all students,” Rodman said in an email. “I’m really proud so many of the applicants have done amazing fundraising work, which also raises awareness about
the disaster and work that is still needed in the Austin community.” Weiser said he has already raised upwards of $200 to date through writing grant letters. “I’ve been writing grant letters to Rabbis at temples, to Jewish organizations in the area, like the Jewish Community Center up here (in San Francisco),” Weiser said. “I’ve also been reaching out to family members that I’m close to and family friends. Basically, I’m just telling them that it’s for a good cause because it’s deeply
rooted in Jewish values.” One particular value Weiser said he hopes to demonstrate during his time helping in San Marcos is the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, meaning to repair the world. “In Judaism, it is a commandment to ‘Love Thy Neighbor,’” Weiser said. “In this case, the community of San Marcos is our neighbor, and while I personally have no connection to Texas, we are doing a mitzvah (a good deed) by helping out there.”
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE 5
MELISSA MINTON / XPRESS
Ja Ronn Thompson leads the Gospel Gators Choir practice during class in Jack Adams Hall Monday, Dec. 7.
Gospel choir class cultivates community SAMANTHA LUSIGNAN slusigna@mail.sfsu.edu
The large classroom echoes with the sound of students being welcomed into Jack Adams Hall, until they quiet down and fix their gazes on their professor. Choir instructor Ja Ronn Thompson walks onto the stage and begins his first lesson with a chant, his voice booming across the stage. “We sing with-” Thompson leads. “Passion!” The class roars. “And?” Professor Thompson asks. “No fear!” The class yells. This is the daily mantra that the Gospel Gators choir say every Monday evening. They are practicing to prepare for their next gospel concert, which will take place at SF State’s Student Life Event Center at the Annex Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. “I’m really excited for this concert,” Thompson said. “I hope we can convey a message of struggle, happiness and the belief in overcoming.” Thompson has been teaching this class, which he created as a student at SF State, for
the last 12 years. He said he wanted to give students a form of community while teaching music, as well as instill a strong sense of unity. “I had an overwhelming desire to sing,” Thompson said. “I remember walking around campus praying to God asking to be in a choir. I remember distinctly hearing a voice say, ‘Well then, start one.’” Danish exchange student Karoline Brudeboel, 23, said she was excited to hear about the choir at the Welcome Days for freshmen and transfer students in the beginning of September. "This is my first time in choir,” Brudeboel said. “They said everyone is welcome, and you don’t need experience. I got a really good impression of this class – it looked like a good place to make friends.” English major Kaylee Fagan, 22, started singing with the Gospel Gators last spring. She said she repeated the class again, and their head-count of students has since doubled to 50 students this semester. “I think Ja Ronn is a great teacher with a lot of experience,” Fagan said. "He knows what we
need to do as a choir.” Thompson said that while most choirs perform to sound pleasing to the ears, he teaches his students to truly feel what they are singing. “Every music piece has a story with intention,” Thompson said. “I want to incite a certain emotion, otherwise there’s no artistry there.” Karina Medina, a 21-yearold psychology major, said she repeated Gator’s Gospel choir because she felt a family connection that she didn’t want to end. “When I auditioned, I was a very timid singer, and I went in and he gave me kudos and encouragement,” Medina said. “Since then, he is all about wanting people to get out of their shell and sing.” Thompson holds a retreat toward the end of the fall semester for the students as a celebration after major concerts. Thompson said he takes the choir to the Santa Cruz Redwood Glen camping facilities to give his students the opportunity to bond outside of choir. Madeline Flamer, SF State faculty advisor for the Gospel
Gators, has been with the choir for the past five years and said her favorite memories of the gospel class has been the annual retreat. “The students shared things inside that were broken,” Flamer said. “They all support and rally around each other like family. We had people meet and get married and have families. There’s a reason why we are here.” Thompson said the class can
be used toward credit, but can also be taken without a grade. Thompson said that Gospel Gators is not just about teaching musical technique, but for people looking for a place to belong. “We’re creating a family-type atmosphere,” Thompson said. “Some look to fraternities or sororities, but ours is different. We’re not asking you to pay or do anything – we’re just saying, ‘Hey, come be a part of this family.’”
MELISSA MINTON / XPRESS
Members of the Gospel Gators Choir practice during class in Jack Adams Hall Monday, Dec. 7.
6 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE
Wednesday, december 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
Women empowered through use of social media
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JOEL ANGEL JUÁREZ /
SF State students view the Instagram accounts of @chelseamcgehee (top), @brasiliangold (left) and @thecollegebabes (right) Tuesday, Dec. 8
JESSICA NEMIRE
A
jdn@mail.sfsu.edu
fter being in two abusive relationships as a teenager, California College of the Arts student Camille Urso uses her online presence to reach out to female victims of domestic violence. “Though this world is set up to make sure I am a selfloathing and submissive victim, I will never again see myself in that light,” one caption on her Instagram account reads. “Celebrate yourself not only today but every day.” Urso, 22, said that when she was in abusive relationships,
she blamed herself for the mistreatment, because she chose partners who abused her. “It was just this terrible, dark place, and I was upset all the time,” Urso said. “Everything I saw in (the media) would only encourage or solidify or validate everything my boyfriend at the time was saying or doing, because that’s the kind of imagery that we’re bombarded with.” Urso said she started reading literature written by other women who had gone through abuse, which helped her to cope and eventually inspired her to use her experiences to help others. She now has more than 2,700 followers on her personal Instagram account. “I decided that I need to put
stuff out there that I wish I could have read when I was going through a hard time,” Urso said. “I know there’s literature like that out in the world, but not enough where I feel like me putting that out there will be redundant. I feel like it needs to be said again and again and again.” Melissa Camacho, who teaches a women and media course at SF State, said that although social media can be a great place for women to “network with other women and create communities,” it can also become a place for women to bully each other. “The social norms in any society are going to be reflected in social media,” Camacho said. “I think women see that potential,
but it comes down to how they are going to use it. From TV to radio to Internet, we’re still having the conversation about gender. Social media is no different.” SF State French and art history double major Chelsea McGehee is one of many female college students who moderate Snapchat takeovers for the popular Instagram account @thecollegebabes. The account provides its more than 170,000 followers with daily photographs of college girls on their campuses, at the beach or partying. The account hands over its Snapchat password to various women featured on the account to show viewers what a typical day looks like for each person. However, McGehee, who models as a hobby, said she does her Snapchat takeovers a little differently. “I’ve been really successful at it, because I’m really quirky and I’m myself,” McGehee said. “A lot of girls get on there and just show their bodies, and I try to have conversations with people to show them the real me.” McGehee starting doing Snapchat takeovers for @thecollegebabes at the beginning of the Fall 2015 semester after the account direct messaged her on Instagram and asked her if she was interested. “I like to do Snapchat takeovers because they show off my personality,” McGehee said. “I think that’s why (the owner of @thecollegebabes account) asks me to take over a lot, because it keeps people interested, rather than like, ‘Oh, this is some other girl just trying to get attention on Snapchat.’“
McGehee’s Instagram account features mostly pictures from modeling photo shoots she’s done. The 23-year-old has more than 84,000 followers. Despite her success, McGehee said that she doesn’t view her modeling as a career, but rather an outlet to have fun and engage with other people. “I’m all about women empowerment and really inspiring women to be comfortable in their bodies and put themselves out there, McGehee said. “That’s the kind of image I’m really trying to portray on my Instagram.”
JOEL ANGEL JUÁREZ / XPRESS
Chelsea McGehee, an SF State French and art history double major, poses for a portrait at SF State Tuesday Dec. 1. McGehee takes over the @thecollegebabes Snapchat account from time to time.
Student makes waves in tourism industry
alcatraz Continued from the front
“I applied, but didn’t really have a lot of experience as far as boating goes,” Scerri said. “But they took a chance on me – at 18 I was the youngest one.” Scerri grew up in Pacifica and attended Serra High School in San Mateo. Scerri said he decided to attend SF State after Alcatraz Cruises hired him. He said he figured this was a job he would only do through college, but he developed a strong interest in boating and the marine industry. Scerri has since been promoted to first officer, who serves as an assistant in navigation and manages the crew. The position also includes taking charge in case of emergency. "It can be (a lot of pressure), but the emergencies don't happen too often, and we try to prevent them whenever we can," Scerri said. "The training and practicing helps (us) to stay calm and handle it." Scerri is currently in training to become a boat captain. "Ultimately, the goal is to earn a position as an actual captain, get my own boat, manage my own crew, and gain experience that way," Scerri said. "From there, the options are endless." Scerri said he hopes to not only be a captain but also aspires to enter the real estate industry with his best friend of 18 years, Johnny Fruehe. "I would say we are pretty much like brothers," Fruehe said. "I think we would make a solid onetwo combo. Our strengths make up for each other's weaknesses, which could be very beneficial in the business world." Scerri said throughout this experience he's learned the significance of accountability. "People say you gotta take responsibility for your actions, but when you're responsible for hundreds of people at one time during certain situations, it's heavy,"
KATIE LEWELLYN / XPRESS
SF State business management major and a full-time first officer for Alcatraz Cruises, Josh Scerri, sits in the wheel house, where he assists the captain by navigating the boat using its radar system, Saturday, Dec. 5.
Scerri said. Scerri's co-worker and roommate, Will Barnes, is a captain at Alcatraz Cruises and has been working with Scerri for the last five years. Barnes said Scerri is impressive as an employee as he continues to move up in the ranks. "He knows what it takes to get everything done
because he has done it all," Barnes said. "That is a rare and comforting quality to find in a crew member." Scerri said even with graduation approaching, he has no intention of leaving his job with Alcatraz Cruises. "It's been a joy meeting all these different people and experiencing all these different cultures," Scerri said.
8 OPINION
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
press
GOLDEN GATE Affirmative action combats racial and economic inequality
DARCY FRACOLLI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF dfracoll@mail.sfsu.edu
REID CAMMACK
MANAGING EDITOR reidcamm@mail.sfsu.edu
EVA RODRIGUEZ
ART DIRECTOR erodrig2@mail.sfsu.edu
JARED JAVIER
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR jjavier@mail.sfsu.edu
BRIAN CHURCHWELL
PHOTO EDITOR bchurchw@mail.sfsu.edu
CREO NOVENO
NEWS EDITOR cnoveno@mail.sfsu.edu
ASHLEY BOWEN
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE EDITOR anbowen@mail.sfsu.edu
JESSICA NEMIRE
OPINION EDITOR jdn@mail.sfsu.edu
TYLER LEHMAN
SPORTS EDITOR tlehman@mail.sfsu.edu
JOCELYN CARRANZA
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR jcarranz@mail.sfsu.edu
KELSEY LANNIN
ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR klannin@mail.sfsu.edu
GRADY PENNA
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR gpenna@mail.sfsu.edu
STAFF EDITORIAL
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on Abigail Noel Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, proponents of affirmative action across the country worry that the case will provide a legal foothold for its opponents. Fisher, who was denied admission to the university in 2008, claims that Texas has no reason to include race in its admissions process, since its policy of accepting the top 10 percent of graduating seniors from every high school ensures enough diversity. Texas argues that it doesn’t. Despite the fact that the conservative-leaning federal appeals court in New Orleans has twice denied Fisher’s appeal, advocates of affirmative action are concerned that the Supreme Court, which has reversed several major
u.s. supreme court must take the bigger picture into account when hearing university of texas case
race-based policies in public institutions in recent years, will side with Fisher. The larger issue at hand, however, is that adversaries of affirmative action could use such a reversal to chisel away at the legal basis for affirmative action in the United States. Losing all forms of affirmative action would be incredibly detrimental to minorities in this country. California banned affirmative action in 1998, and the New York Times reported that it significantly negatively impacted diversity at the
University of California. As of 2013, 49 percent of California's college-age residents were Hispanic and only 11 percent of freshmen at University of California, Berkeley were Hispanic, the Times reported. We have to address the fundamental inequalities at the heart of our nation. The Pew Research Center found that in 2013 the median household net worth for white families was 13 times greater than the median household net worth for black families and 10 times greater than that of Hispanic families. That means children
from these families are starting out with significant underlying disadvantages. College graduates earn more over the course of their lifetimes, and children whose parents are college educated do better in all aspects. A 2009 study from the National Institutes of Health found that “parents’ educational level when the child was 8 years old significantly predicted educational and occupational success for the child 40 years later.” Those who oppose affirmative action argue that racial inequality is no longer an issue in the United States, but there is no escaping the crushing factual reality. We need to right the inherent inequities that rots away the core of our society.
Being Brazilian is not an ‘other’ option
RACHELE KANIGEL
PRINT ADVISER kanigel@mail.sfsu.edu
JESSE GARNIER
FACULTY ADVISER jgarnier@sfsu.edu
KEN KOBRE
PHOTO ADVISER kkobre@sfsu.edu
EVA CHARLES
ADVERTISING & BUSINESS echarles@sfsu.edu
ARUN UNNIKRISHNAN I.T. CONSULTANT arun@mail.sfsu.edu
SAMANTHA LOPEZ CIRCULATION
SHAWN PERKINS
STUDENT GRAPHIC DESIGNER ggxads@sfsu.edu
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The Golden Gate Xpress accepts letters no longer than 200 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to Jessica Nemire at: jdn@mail.sfsu.edu
ABOUT XPRESS The Golden Gate Xpress is a student-produced publication of the journalism department at San Francisco State University. For more information or comments, please contact Darcy Fracolli at: dfracoll@mail.sfsu.edu
ILLUSTRATION BY EVA RODRIGUEZ
ISABELLA OHLMEYER iohlmeye@mail.sfsu.edu
Marking “other” on surveys as part of my racial demographic is insulting and belittling to my ethnicity. The SF State Climate survey asked me to define my race as: African American, Asian, White, American Indian, Native Hawaiian or Other. Many surveys also ask me, “Are you Hispanic or Latino?” As a Brazilian, I do not categorize myself under the Latino or Hispanic origin, so I am forced to mark no, when I wish a survey asked, “Are you Brazilian?” I was born in the United States and have dual Brazilian and U.S. citizenship. I’ve had to deal with ethnic assumptions my entire life, and seeing the word “other” on yet another form I’ve completed makes me feel alone, unwanted and stereotyped in my ethnicity. The U.S. Census Bureau needs to modify census demographics to include “Brazilian” as one of the options for someone’s ethnicity to make people feel more comfortable and included. Other ethnicities that are not seen in surveys, such as people from the Middle East, need to be listed as an option on surveys as well. I identify my ethnicity as Brazilian because I speak Portuguese to my parents and Brazilian family and I participate in Brazilian traditions such as wearing white on New Years Eve to attract peace. I am completely associated with being a Brazilian woman and I deserve to see the word Brazilian be recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau. I am proud to be of mixed heritage. My mom’s side of the family
is Brazilian and my dad’s side of the family is Panamanian. My dad was born in the United States, and considers himself more American. Although my father identifies as an American, I consider myself primarily a Brazilian in terms of my ethnicity because I have adapted the Brazilian culture in my life. The U.S. Census Bureau is currently experimenting with new ways to ask Americans about their race in the 2020 census, including the option of not using the word race at all, according to the Pew Research Center. The problem with previous national census surveys is providing limited options in terms of racial demographics, forcing confusion and uncertainty in the minds of those who are unsure of where to place themselves. Officials of the U.S. Census Bureau are planning to send out “test” forms this year that do not include the word race and is replaced with the word category instead. “In an effort to get better response rates, the Bureau is currently testing new wording in questionnaires that have been currently put out to 1.2 million homes,” an article from CBC News said. “Some test forms drop the ‘race’ term completely and leave it wide open by asking, ‘Which categories describe you?’” If a test form landed on my door step today, I would quickly fill out the survey and proudly write that being Brazilian best describes me in a category. Instead of eliminating the word “race” altogether, the U.S. Census Bureau needs to properly list every identified race instead of lumping Brazilians into the “Latino” or “Other” category.
OPINION 9
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
Reid It and Weep is a weekly column highlighting the frequent disappointments in contemporary pop culture.
REID CAMMACK
reidcamm@mail.sfsu.edu
One of my favorite parts of the weekend is when my friends and I get together, sit down and have a makeshift Socratic seminar about the world’s most important issues. This week, we discussed our new lord and savior Saint West, how terrible the new Superman movie looks, and how we feel about Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s over-publicized relationship. The latter topic quickly turned into a conversation about “The Voice,” NBC’s hit singing competition/reality show. Being the loud, overdramatic gay that I am, I quickly started yelling at my friends about how terrible that show is. The reality series exists to find the next great voice, but none of the discovered voices go on to do anything significant in the industry. The show instead focuses on the four judges – Shelton; Adam Levine; an interchangeable blonde woman like Christina Aguilera, Shakira or Stefani, and an interchangeable black man, like CeeLo Green, Pharrell Williams or Usher. Levine has been a judge on all nine seasons of the show and he even admitted that the show had problems. In an interview last year with Rolling Stone, Levine said his show didn’t “have as profound an impact as ‘Idol’” and “millions of people watch the show every week and fall in love with a singer, then you don’t hear much from them.” Three-time judge Pharrell Williams defended the show earlier this year, saying it was “not about someone signing a record deal and getting signed,” even though the ultimate
goal of the show is to win a $100,000 recording contract. During the Socratic seminar, I asked my friends to name a “Voice” contestant, and they couldn't name a single one. But when I asked for them to list “American Idol” contestants, even my friends who have never seen the show were able to name a dozen artists. After a couple of minutes listing singers off the top of our heads, we had a list of over 30 names that ranged from Kelly Clarkson to Sanjaya Malakar. We still couldn't name a single “Voice” contestant. “Idol,” the main competitor of “The Voice,” may not be relevant as it enters its 15th
‘The Voice’ caters to judges, not contestants and final season, but it at least didn’t pretend it wasn’t a singing competition with the ultimate goal of becoming a superstar. “Idol” has been able to push out Grammy- and AcademyAward-winning artists because their successful seasons were actually about the contestants and not the judges. “Idol” is able to make television promos and boast about its winners while “The Voice” has to focus on its judges and makes no real mention of their past contestants' now-failing careers. Yes, in the early years, “Idol” played up the banter between Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell at times, but they were still able
to push out superstars. It wasn’t until "Idol’s" ratings started falling and they imitated “The Voice” with stunt casting and famous judges that the quality of winners really died down. “The Voice’s” stunt casting isn’t an issue though. The show thrives off of it. The judges go into the show well-known and come out with even more recognition and fame. Judges like Shakira and Aguilera have used the show to launch new albums. Levine and his band Maroon 5 went into the show “slumping” in 2011 but came out quadrupling their previous album sales, with a clothing line and two fragrances for Levine,
according to Billboard. "The Voice" may have won an Emmy, but that just means it's entertainment. It isn't a viable option for people who want to project their careers and become a Carrie-Underwood-level superstar. The judges use the platform for their own personal gain and have no interest in actually helping these people further their careers. Hopefully, when they announce the winner of season nine in a couple weeks, they are able to gain relevance, unlike every other contestant that has sung in front of those giant red chairs.
ILLUSTRATION BY EVA RODRIGUEZ
Misconceptions of black women promote ignorance
determine what a good woman is based on her race, and put black women at the bottom time and time again, labeling us as too loud, too opinionated and lacking The other day, my friend and I were class. I've seen black men using hashtags discussing what we call the heterosexual “dating ladder.” On this ladder, white women like #whitegirlsrule, promoting race-based are put at the top and black women tend to be separation between women. Not all black men do this, but many of them do. placed at the bottom. Some men view black MyBlackMatters.com is a community women as a difficult task they do not want blog where young black women share nor have the time to tackle. They say we their experiences as black women in always have attitudes, we are too stubborn today’s society. In a recent article, writer and do not know how to behave in public. for MyBlackMatters.com Alexis Ditaway These negative stereotypes make it very examines the struggle black women face in difficult for black women to find a suitable the dating world. date. “Many black men have decided that Many black men immediately write off dating black women is 'not worth the a woman once they learn she is black. Our biggest struggle is getting them to see us past trouble,' and have deliberately excluded us from their dating pool, seeking the attention our skin color. of women of other races, primarily white," In the past, black men have told me I Ditaway said. am pretty “for a black girl.” Why are some Amongst the black community, black black men shocked that black women men value black women less, according to are beautiful in their own skin? They CHANTEL CARNES ccarnes@mail.sfsu.edu
ABC News. When black men are asked if they like white women the common response is “yes,” but when asked if they like black women they either respond with “no” or “it depends on what type of black woman.” It's disturbing how a black man can be born from a black woman and yet feel so entitled that he has the audacity to belittle black women. I have black male friends who explicitly say they would never date a black woman, and when I ask why, they list things like “black women do not know how to cater to their man,” “black women are too ghetto,” and “white girls are more fun.” Contrary to what people may see on television, black women are sophisticated, beautiful, headstrong women. The media drags black women through the mud by giving us a disturbing misrepresentation. Shows such as "Love and Hip Hop" or "Basketball Wives" are scripted “reality” shows that do not accurately depict a black woman’s character.
In the end, I blame society for the way some black men view and treat black women. From the time we are little, society tells us that you must be blonde with blue eyes and white skin to be appreciated. We are conditioned to believe white skin is the ultimate symbol of beauty. Growing up, the white Barbie dolls always had better hair and better clothes, and commercials featuring white families and white hair care products were broadcast on every television station. I am 100 percent in support of interracial couples, but this type of mentality is what leads black women to feel lesser and believe that our beauty is not up to par with society's standards. I applaud the black men who do not dismiss black women for our curves, out-spoken nature and intelligence, but to the black men who do, you do not deserve our respect.
10 SPORTS
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
volleyball
Women's volleyball had a fantastic 2015 season, and it's easy to see why, looking at the personnel. The Gators featured a pair of record-setting seniors, Jaclyn Clark and Jessica Nicerio, who were the backbones of the team's offense and defense, respectively. Nicerio, Clark and senior Arianna Cruz will be missed in 2016, but the Gators retain a strong foundation despite their departures. The team returns a stellar junior in Taylor Brownlee and will look to improve upon this year's first-round loss in the California Collegiate Athletics Association tournament, where the Gators fell to their season-long kryptonite Cal Poly, Pomona. Men's soccer followed their winning 2014 Christine Johnson (18) spikes the season with a consecutive one for the first time in ball against the Cal State San 35 years. Athletic Director Charles Guthrie has to be Marcos Cougars at the pleased with the progression of the team since the Swamp Friday, hiring of second-year head coach Matt Barnes. The Nov. 13. pool of talented players has increased drastically during the Barnes era, with eight starters looking to continue their strong play in 2016. The team's excruciating number of close losses and ties had to be frustrating for Barnes and company, but dropping winnable contests and still posting more wins than losses is an indication of good things to come, à la Murphy's Law. The Gators will lose All-Conference SS RE and All-Regional defender Max Talbert to XP / G graduation but should remain stout in the backfield. AN HU The Gators allowed just 0.72 goals per match this NG QI season with the help of upcoming freshmen Aydan Bowers and Jake Nokes.
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Fall Fall sports sports wrap-up wrap-up
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SF State Gators midfielder Emmanuel Serrano (5) and Concordia University Cavaliers midfielder Tevin Lowe (8) head the ball during the first half at Cox Stadium, Sunday, Sep.6.
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The advent of touted first-year head coach Tracy Hamm was as-advertised. The women's soccer team cracked the .500 win-loss margin for the first time since 2011 and outscored their opponents 26-22 on the season. A strong freshman class and a talented crop of transfers combined for more than half the roster, establishing Hamm as an effective recruiter and cultivator of talent. Both of the Gators' All-Conference selections, junior defender Jada Williams and junior transfer Vanessa Penuna, were firstyear starters. The team is slated to graduate only six on a roster of 32, so the foundation of returners is in good shape to put the recent half-decade skid behind the University.
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The SF State Gators celebrate after defender Paige Yeider (12) scores during the first half against the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos at Cox Stadium Sunday, Oct. 25.
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Departing sports editor Vince Fausone gives his take on the fall sports season
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vfausone@mail.sfsu.edu
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men’s cross country Collegiate cross country is all about peaking at the right time, and head men's cross country coach Tom Lyons showed his ability to facilitate timely performances at the Division II Western Regionals. Four of the Gators' top five finishers set personal best times on the season's biggest stage, securing them a fifth-place finish among 23 teams – one spot shy of qualifying for the Division II National Championships. Junior Benji Preciado spearheaded the charge with a 15th-place finish and time of 30:27:74, and sophomore Drew Feldman was close behind at 30:43:59, finishing 26th. Men's cross country is top dog among Gators athletic programs at this point in the year, and they will keep their top-three core of runners intact for the 2016 season. Drew Feldman (396) competes during the 2015 SF State Invitational at Golden Gate Park Friday, Oct. 9.
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women’s cross country
After the departure of their top runner and senior team captain Paxton Cota in 2014, the women's cross country team experienced an expected drop-off in the CCAA standings this season, but the young squad is retooling in a promising fashion. Sophomore Adriana Calva emerged as the Gators' top post-season threat after a quiet freshman campaign, finishing with a time of 22:33:51 at the Division II Western Regionals. Cori Harral was right behind Calva at 23:07:87 and paced the team for most of the season. Chloe Rock, Samantha Lopez and Jessica Betancourt rounded out the top five for Gators, who won't lose any seniors to graduation heading into 2016.
Jessica Betancourt (392) competes during the 2015 SF State Invitational at Golden Gate Park Friday, Oct. 9.
sports 11
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 goldengatexpress.org
Top-ranked wrestler taps into past
T
TYLER LEHMAN
tlehman@mail.sfsu.edu
he sound of wrestlers Region IV. Prior to the Cliff being thrown to the mat Keen Las Vegas Invitational Dec. and the rabid crowd 4, Alnassiri had a 6-2 record, bounced off the pale with one of those wins being a green trees during SF State’s major decision. Nov. 15, at the outdoor wrestling meet against Roadrunner Open, he placed Division I California Polytechnic fifth and had four victories, all State University, San Luis Obispo of which were against Division I Nov. 7. Mixed with the cries opponents. of the spectators were shouts “(Sam) is the team’s of encouragement from 6-footemotional leader,” SF State 4-inch, 285-pound SF State wrestling coach Lars Jensen heavyweight Sam Alnassiri. said via email. “He is always Alnassiri paced back and forth motivating his fellow student outside the ring, clapping his athletes, whether it be in practice hands together, saying, “Come on or competition. Sam responds guys, let’s go! Wrestle! Wrestle!” well to verbal cues and is very “I like to be pumped all the coachable.” time,” Alnassiri said. “I feel Alnassiri has been wrestling like me cheering just makes since middle school, following in (my teammates) want to go the footsteps of his older brothers, harder. That’s why I’m always who wrestled as well. He said the loudest one on the wrestling has helped keep sideline, yelling him on a straight path. and always “Wrestling just pumped kept me out and trying of trouble,” to motivate Alnassiri said. everyone “It made me around keep a good me.” grade point When average. I it was had to go finally to school, time for get good -sam alnassiri Alnassiri’s grades and go match in to practice, which the ring, the kept me away from Sacramento product other kids trying to get me said he used his frustration and in trouble.” anger to beat his opponent, While in high school, tragedy fueling him to a major decision struck for Alnassiri when his best over Cal Poly’s Cortes Morales friend Jimmy Doan passed away. 14-5. “He was trying to cut weight “I see it as ‘I bleed, he bleeds, to try to get to 103, but his natural we all bleed the same blood,’” weight was higher than that and Alnassiri said. “They may be at he was just too skinny,” Alnassiri a bigger program, and they may said. “One day he was boxing be top-ranked coming out of their with one of my other friends, and high school, but it’s whatever.” he just collapsed in the ring. It The junior heavyweight was a hot day in Sacramento and was ranked No. 1 in his weight his heart just stopped working.” class in the first 2015-16 regular Alnassiri said his friend’s season ranking of the Division II passing was hard, but he uses it Wrestling Coaches’ Poll-Super as fuel to continue to improve as
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Wrestling kept me out of trouble. It made me keep a good grade point average.
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DAVID HENRY / XPRESS
SF State wrestler Sam Alnassiri poses for a portrait inside the wrestling room at the Gymnasium Monday, Dec. 7.
a wrestler. “Ever since then, I’ve always been striving for greatness, because he was so motivated to make the state tournament, so I just had the mindset that I had to make it for him,” Alnassiri said. “He’s always in the back of my mind. I’m grateful and blessed that he was a part of my life, and he’s the reason that I’m where I’m at today.” Teammate Fern Giron said Alnassiri’s motivation doesn’t go unnoticed. “Sam’s always yelling,” Giron
said with a smile. “During the Road Runner Open, I could hear him yelling from the side, and it definitely helps. You hear his voice, and it either makes you mad and makes you go harder, or it pumps you up to get that extra takedown or get off bottom.” Besides wrestling, Alnassiri said he is also interested in pursuing a career in his major, criminal justice. “I’ve always been the nosy type and always wanted to know everything,” Alnassiri said. “I’ve always watched the FBI shows
and the criminal shows, and ever since then, I’ve just wanted to do what those guys are doing.” Once Alnassiri is done wrestling at SF State and is chasing down criminals in alleyways, he said he’s always going to come back to the program. “This program has had such an impact on me,” Alnassiri said. “I’m always going to be around this program in the future. I’m going to come in and wrestle with the new kids and be a proud (alumnus).”