C AL POLY SAN LUIS OBISPO ’S NE WS SOURCE
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NOT SO SWEET Police not taking action after reports of man selling candy causes distress in neighborhoods around campus
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OCTOBER 1, 2019
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WOW GROUP LEAVES NO MAN BEHIND
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Austin Linthicum
Group make pathway to bonfire for student with disabilities
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
SPO R TS Naythan Bryant Editor Kyle Har Adam Birder Diego Sandoval Jack Clark Garrett Brown Alyssa Tierney Jordana Ginsburg Gabriel Arditti Brian Truong Sydney Finkel
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Social Media Director
ALEX FUNG | COURTESY
PH OTO Carolyne Sysmans Editor Diego Rivera Kyle Calzia Alison Chavez Connor Frost Sofia Clark Jack Sann Andy Sherar Rachel Arabia Caroline Sliva Kylie Kowalske Luke Deal
Alex Fung’s WOW group created a makeshift pathway so he could wheel onto the beach.
CO P Y Amanda Simonich Francisco Martinez Eddie Railsback D ESI GN Solena Aguilar Director Von Balanon Samantha Shin Lucy Houghton Sophie Kroesche
ALEX FUNG | COURTESY
The entire WOW group helped lay tiles from their car to the bonfire pit.
SO C I A L Lauryn Luescher Miranda Knight Kelsey Luvisa Cammy Okmin
BY HANNAH FRYE
A DV ERT I SI N G & PR Alyssa O’Halloran Manager Victoria Coen Assistant Manager Shannon Weiss Assistant Manager Rachel Marquart PR Manager Steven Nguyen Design Manager Justin Vermeltfoort HR Manager Grant Mitchell Distribution Manager Max Jenkins Ad Designer Elaine Do Ad Designer Von Balanon Ad Designer A DV I SO RS Jon Schlitt Student Media Manager Pat Howe Advisor Brady Teufel Advisor
4 Violations down during WOW Safety Enhancement Zone
The way to get to Week of Welcome (WOW) events, such as kayaking or a beach bonfire, is not a big concern for many new students at Cal Poly. But that is not the case for aerospace engineering transfer student Alex Fung. Fung said for every WOW event he wanted to attend, “there was a lot of red tape to go through.” In 2012, at the age of 21, Fung fell down a mountain while hiking in Big Sur. The fall resulted in two breaks in his neck, paralyzing him from the waist down. Seven years later, at the age of 28,
5 Get to know ASI President Mark Borgess
Fung decided to continue his education at Cal Poly. After many painful years of hospital care and battling depression, Fung said he found excitement in this new journey at Cal Poly. Going into WOW, Fung was curious how exactly the faculty and students at Cal Poly would approach the accommodations he needs. Fung said that ever since the accident, attending events has felt like a mission for him. This struggle was taken off his shoulders, though, on one of the final days of WOW, when the efforts of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) were combined with the kindness of those around him – his WOW group included. In order to ensure that Fung could attend the bonfire, the DRC sent Fung and his WOW group to the beach with tiles used for walking at commencement. The idea was to use these to hand build a path for Fung so he could cross the sand without damaging his chair. However, the group had to park far away from the bonfire pit and did not have enough help to lay them out as Fung rolled onto the beach. “At first it was just two or three people helping to lay out the panels” Fung said. “But the group grew so quickly.” Fung explained that people from his WOW group began to come over and help, and eventually another full WOW group helped lay tiles.
6 When will the campus construction projects be completed?
9 “Candy man” causing distress in neighborhoods
Fung said, “I was enjoying that moment so much ... I felt great.” The selflessness of his peers on that day shocked Fung, as did his WOW leaders’ commitment throughout the entire week to include him in as many events as possible. However, WOW leaders Claire Mazraji and Anelise Wyandt said they received very short notice about Fung’s disability. “It was the day before WOW started when we got an email saying that one of our WOWies was registered with the DRC,” Mazraji said. As WOW leaders are required to have their events planned months ahead of time, Mazraji and Wyandt decided they unfortunately could not find accommodations for Fung for every event. Had they known ahead of time that Fung was going to be in their group and in need of accommodations, they would have “completely changed the plan so he could attend everything,” Mazraji said. “Figuring out the logistics of how we were going to modify events for Fung was very stressful,” Wyandt said. “Although Amy [Gode] from the DRC was on our side and helped us figure out everything we needed to do to help him.” Having done WOW for the past two years as well, Mazraji and Wydant said they felt especially thankful for the kind students they got in their group this year. Wyandt explained how they both felt extremely proud of their WOWies throughout the week but especially on the day of the bonfire for how they helped Fung without hesitation. Challenges included, Wyandt and Mazraji are happy they got to have Fung in their WOW group and truly broke out of anything close to a “cookie cutter WOW experience.” Although accommodations still can be improved throughout campus for those in a situation similar to his, Fung said the willingness to help from everyone around Cal Poly makes him feel grateful. WATCH
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14 COLUMN Does Cal Poly prioritize winning?
A YEAR AFTER THEIR SON’S DEATH, GRANT’S PARENTS FILE LAWSUIT
AUSTIN LINTHICUM | MUSTANG NEWS
The lawsuit alleges multiple jurisdictions were negligent in maintaining the intersection and driver Richard Giuli was negligent in operating his vehicle.
BY MARLEY MYERS
A year after computer engineering freshman Jordan Grant’s death in a car accident, his parents have filed a lawsuit in San Luis Obispo Superior Court against the driver and jurisdictions associated with the intersection of the crash. This lawsuit comes after driver Richard Giuli was charged with a single count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without
gross negligence. Giuli was sentenced to 18 months of formal probation and will not serve any jail time. Jordan’s parents James and Rebecca Grant advocated throughout last year to restrict left-hand turns at El Campo Road and three other Highway 101 crossings. The crossing were closed in May 2019 by Caltrans . “We have to look beyond that and say ‘Why did it happen, who
is responsible for Jordan’s death, and are there other crossings of the 101 that failed to be addressed that are waiting for the next Jordan to be killed?’” Jordan’s father James Grant said. The civil complaint in San Luis Obispo Superior Court names the State of California, County of San Luis Obispo, the City of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and the driver Richard Giuli.
The lawsuit states each party was negligent in maintaining the intersection. The complaint alleges that Giuli was negligent in operating the vehicle that caused the crash. A 2009 Caltrans traffic study found that the median closure would “reduce the number of broadside collisions” at the El Campo intersection with minimal traffic impacts. However, public opposition at the time left the crossing open. “[Caltrans] proved to themselves that it was a dangerous intersection, that it needed to be closed, and that they got state funding for the intersection to be closed. They said if they didn’t close it, there would be severe broadside collisions in the future that would result in injuries and deaths, which is exactly what happened to Jordan,” James Grant said. Jordan was traveling south on Highway 101 on Oct. 7, 2018 to watch a launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base when Giuli, crossing at El Campo Road, hit his motorcycle. Jordan was pronounced dead at the scene. Giuli was uninjured.
BY EMILY GASSAWAY
The idea
Coast in the future. He hopes also to one day create a reality television show called Hustler House, giving behind-the-scenes access to his app as well as some of his adventures with his friends. “That’s just another net where people get to recognize the brand [as] more than just the brand,” Foreman said. “They recognize the people behind it.” Despite the growth in popularity and expansion of the app, Foreman said the goal of the app — to engage people with their community — remains intact. “Everything we do, by manufacturing the caption or whatever we are doing, is to say something about engaging with people in the real world, whether they’re a business owner or a user,” Foreman said. “At the end of the day we are a business, and we need to drive traffic to these other merchants in town, and we need to make the users happy.”
BY JAROD CONTRERAS
The Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Recreation Center lap pool, which was closed during the summer for re-plastering and concrete pouring, has reopened. Lap pool users will not notice any differences, according to ASI Director of Facilities Management Ron Skamfer. Only the degrading materials, including the plaster and concrete, were replaced. The pool is visually and functionally the same. The plaster that coats pool bottoms typically lasts 15 years, Skamfer said. The lap pool plaster was last poured 15 years ago, so it was in need of replacement. If not replaced, pool plaster can become hazardous to pool users, with the possibility of chipping and cutting users’ feet, according to Skamfer. The concrete ADA pool entrance ramp was also degrading and replaced during summer. The project began June 1 and Skamfer said that ASI originally targeted Labor Day weekend for reopening. Alternatives during the closure were dedicated lap lanes in the shallow leisure pool or the Anderson Aquatic Center pool, which was opened to Rec Center members only during the lap pool’s closure. Now that the pool is open again, Moran said he is grateful that he will not have to balance life with limited pool hours and intends to continue to use the Rec Center lap pool as he did before. The project accomplished all ASI goals and Skamfer said he does not expect any future closures.
NEWS
Foreman said he initially noticed patterns in college students that gave him the idea for Kickit Points, but as the app grew in popularity, he began seeing it used more and more by families with children. Kick-it Points has also adapted
to include more markets than just deals for food and drink, which Foreman said was the primary incentive for users of the app in its early stages. Now, the app features transportation, service and outdoor activity businesses, as well as wellness businesses. Architecture sophomore Ameya Dalal said the app helped him discover places and activities he would not otherwise have known about. “It’s not just restaurants and places where we can get drinks – it’s a lot more dynamic in that there are a range of experiences that we can get benefits from,” Dalal said. “For instance, Kick-it Points connects me to health and fitness institutions in [San Luis Obispo] that I never had access to, like the Athlon Fitness and Performance or the SLO Yoga Center.” Foreman said he hopes to grow Kick-it Points around the Central
REC CENTER LAP POOL REOPENS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
Less than two years ago, business administration alumnus Brett Foreman founded the app Kick-it Points to connect Cal Poly students with deals in the San Luis Obispo community. Kick-it Points is an app that lets users discover deals paired with activities and points of interest in town. When people go to specific locations, they claim the deals and may redeem them in stores. Deals range from free coffee from Avila Market and discounted massages at Avila Bay Club to halfoff any lunch special at Rib Line BBQ and Grill. Foreman said he came up with the idea during his time at Cal Poly as a student athlete, where he spent a lot of time with his soccer team both on and off the field. He said he sought to combine social activity with saving money, while also making people “real-world social.”
“Within those three steps you’re hopefully either by yourself meeting people, by yourself enjoying your time or with others rallying together like I was a lot of the times with my soccer buddies,” Foreman said. Since the creation of the app, it has grown in both the number of companies featured and the number of users. At the time of its conception in November 2017, it featured 11 companies and attracted 400 users. Today, the app is used by about 20 percent of the San Luis Obispo population and features over 100 businesses.
RON SKAMFER | COURTESY
At about 25 percent completion, the pool’s plaster had been removed, the deck concrete had been stripped and the concrete pool shell was visible.
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STUDENT COUPON APP GAINS FOLLOWING
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VIOLATIONS DECREASE DURING WOW SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ZONE BY HAILEY NAGMA & SADIE RHEN
NEWS
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
Crime reports were down this year for Week of Welcome (WOW). But with five arrests, 14 alcohol and drug related medical aids, 54 fire alarm incidents and 81 noise complaints, the freshmen’s first week in the city of San Luis Obispo was anything but quiet. San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) reported 81 noise complaints due to off-campus parties, with the highest number of complaints taking place on Saturday, Sept. 21. University Police Department (UPD) logs reported 54 fire alarms that included 13 cooking-related alarms, 11 false alarms due to human error, nine where the fire department was called prior to the alarm and two counts for marijuana. Neither marijuana-induced fire alarms resulted in arrests.
University Spokesman Matt Lazier did not respond to a request from Mustang News for an interview with university police. The five arrests that took place during WOW consisted of one driving under the influence charge, one minor in possession, one instance of resisting police/providing false information to a police officer and two cases of public intoxication. Alcohol-related incidences made up a smaller margin of the police logs, showing two counts of minors in possession, five alcohol violations, one incident involving possession of a fake ID and the DUI that resulted in an arrest. Alcohol- and drug-related medical aid incidences were higher, totaling 14. Arrests have declined compared to past years. In 2018, there were 14 arrests during WOW week, and in
2017, eight. From Lassen Hall in the North Mountain dorms, environmental management and protection freshman Eric Anderson and construction management freshman Nicholas Schorno said they heard sirens almost every night, and sometimes on multiple occasions in one day during WOW. “We live [in] a corner dorm, and we saw police cars going up the street multiple times with sirens on,” Anderson said. “[We also saw] an ambulance and a fire truck.” On the other side of campus in the Yosemite Towers, animal science freshman Anahita Emami had a similar experience. “I definitely heard a couple [of] fire trucks,” Emami said. “There [were] a lot of police sirens going off and yelling at people.”
Number of noise complaints during the WOW Safety Enhancement Zone 35
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Cal Poly students help revegitate Oceano Dunes BY STEPHANIE ZAPPELLI
Planting on the dunes
CONNOR FROST | MUSTANG NEWS
IMPROVING AIR QUALITY ON THE NIPOMO MESA The air quality on the Nipomo Mesa is sometimes so polluted it is classified as hazardous to all people. Cal Poly students are working to help mitigate the problem. Cal Poly students planted approximately 35,000 seeds Sept. 18, 20 and 21 in a greenhouse on campus. These seeds will be used to revegetate the Oceano Dunes after many native plants have been crushed by off-road
vehicle recreation, according to horticulture professor Mike Bush. These plants anchor sand to the dunes with their root systems, Bush explained. The roots hold the sand in place, preventing dust from blowing off of the dunes when it is windy. The fine dust particles are a leading contributor to the poor air quality. “By planting these plants, we’ll be affecting the air quality as a whole. It’s just really fulfilling,” agricultural and environmental plant sciences soph-
omore Loren Alamillo, who worked on the project last year, said. “We’re guests on this Earth, and if we want to enjoy it, we need to take care of it.” Without plants to stabilize the sand, there is a higher chance of dust blowing into the air and lungs of Nipomo Mesa residents, potentially harming their health. More than 130 Nipomo residents filed complaints with the San Luis Obispo Air Control District that dust pollution aggravated asthma symp-
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SADIE RHEN | MUSTANG NEWS
toms and prevented them from going outside from May 29, 2012 through Oct. 19, 2017. The park violated air quality standards 363 times from 2012 to 2017, according to the San Luis Obispo Air Control District. “These are real world problems that our students can solve and can feel that they’re taking an important step in saving the dunes, and creating a more healthy situation for the people who live downwind,” Bush said. “They can be part of the solution through hands on learning here at Cal Poly.” The park initiated restoration efforts to satisfy an agreement with the San Luis Obispo Air Control District to improve Nipomo air quality, according to a stipulated order of abatement. Last year, Cal Poly students planted 3000 seedlings on an acre of Oceano Dunes, and State Parks revegetated other parts of the dunes, according to Bush. This year, PM10 emissions have declined by 22%, according to a report from State Parks. “You’re trying to hold the beach together rather than let it fray in the wind,” Bush said. More rain or less wind could have lessened emissions from the dunes, but it is also possible that the new plants filtered PM10 and improved the air quality, Bush explained.
After plants in Oceano Dunes were crushed, students planted approximately 35,000 seeds to revegetate the area.
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This year, students on the project have been hard at work growing plants for the dunes. They are growing 12 species of plants native to the Oceano Dunes, including the Dundelion, Lupine and Evening Primrose. All of the seeds were collected from Oceano Dunes by State Parks and the California Conservation Corps, Bush said. Different species had to be planted
in different ways, agricultural and environmental plant sciences sophomore Henry Main explained. Some of the smaller seeds were loaded into a salt shaker and sprinkled onto a bed of soil, whereas Lupine seeds, which are about the size of a bean, were planted into individual cells, Main said. “We want the plants to be as strong as possible. It’s brutal, it’s windy — a day or so after it rains it’s dry,” Main said about the harsh environment of the dunes. After the seeds grow into seedlings of about two to four inches tall, they will be transplanted into pots and transferred into an open air greenhouse, Main said. The open air greenhouse will protect the seedlings from rain, but not from wind or temperature change, preparing them for the dunes, Bush said. Bush hopes to deliver 28,000 seedlings to state parks for planting, which will take place in January and February during the rainy season. “I spend far more hours working and volunteering and just messing around and playing within my field than I do in class or doing homework,” Main said. “I feel great, surrounded by oxygen pumpin’ plants all day long.” In addition, this project is a way for those involved to give back to the environment, Bush said. “I was in the original bunch of tree huggers in the 70’s … and this i s a way I can sustain that feeling of being connected to the environment and being an advocate for positive change,” Bush said. “I think we will all be in a better place when more and more people choose to leave the world a better place than what it was before.”
ANDY SHERAR | MUSTANG NEWS
ASI President Mark Borges discusses his plans for the new year.
GET TO KNOW ASI PRESIDENT MARK BORGESS As told to SABRINA PASCUA
The responses in this article have been edited for brevity and clarity.
What is one thing that you learned from working with ASI President Jasmin Fashami last year that you want to apply this year in your own presidency? I learned from Jasmin the opportunities that this position holds. I think a great example is Jasmin’s efforts in registering voters and Civic engagement from last year. How do you plan on accomplishing the campaign priorities you ran on this year? Some of the projects looking into the future that we are looking at in terms of sustainability [are] creating
a space on campus for sustainability groups to collaborate and cross program. Many people have referred to this as the Sustainability Hub. There’s one project in terms of diversity and inclusion … which is now being called the Strategic Diversity Leadership Institute. That plan and those efforts are going to be critical to ensuring that the money was spent to hire and work with Damon Williams and his team will turn into tangible change on campus and create a more inclusive campus for all students in terms of health and well-being. A major priority this year for myself is going to be looking into efforts
Cross Cultural Centers coordinator Lilianne Tang reflects on her road to recovery BY RYAN BURR
put more weight through my legs as opposed to putting my weight on crutches.” Tang explained that, although the Cal Poly campus is not well-suited for those in the disabled community, she feels motivated to make the best of her situation and use those challenges as a means of exercise. The stairs and long walks between buildings provide an opportunity to make progress, as she said she is continuously working to rebuild strength throughout her body. Although much of her recovery has been independent, Tang attributed her success to the incredible support system she developed both within
How are you feeling about your leadership team this year? I love my leadership team so much. We are the best of friends. I should say. I really don’t have much of a social life outside of student government. So I just make everybody in student government my best friends. And so I have enjoyed.
and outside the Cal Poly community. “Support came in so many different forms from Cal Poly, whether it was sending me messages, donating (vacation) hours, sending me cards, sending me care packages — all of those things went such a long way,” Tang said. After five surgeries and nearly a year’s worth of recovery efforts, Tang said she is looking forward to executing her goals and visions for Cal Poly’s Cross Cultural Center and said she is grateful for those that helped along the way. “For the people who were there at my accident — I don’t know who they are, I don’t know their faces — but they all, I think, saved my life by making that decision to come out and help, and I wish I knew those people to thank them personally,” Tang said. “I feel like I’m alive because of them.”
NEWS
JACK SANN | MUSTANG NEWS
Lilianne Tang said she is constantly working to rebuild strength
On Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, Cross Cultural Centers coordinator Lilianne Tang was severely injured in a car crash that nearly killed her. While crossing the street in downtown San Luis Obispo, Tang was suddenly struck by a speeding car and forced underneath the vehicle. “I couldn’t breathe and was tasting blood,” Tang said of the accident. “The heat of the engine was burning my face and my body.” Witnesses and emergency services were able to free her from underneath the vehicle quickly. Tang was airlifted to Fresno for
emergency surgery. Tang remained in Fresno for more than six weeks to undergo two more surgeries. Her mother and sister, who took a leave of absence from UC Riverside for the quarter, stayed in Fresno throughout that time to provide support. After going through rehab in Los Angeles, Tang returned to her job at Cal Poly in July 2019. With limited mobility and constant pain, Tang said her return to campus was an endeavor that required patience and ambition. “It was really difficult at first,” Tang said. “I don’t have a lot of strength and energy, and I have to
What is one thing that Cal Poly student should know about you? That I’m here. I’m always willing to meet with students. I’ve been doing this work for the past three years now, it’s something that I’m so passionate about. And so I hope I’m seen as a vehicle for change on campus and I want to continuously promote myself in that effort and just always being very receptive to student concerns.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
RETURNING TO CAMPUS AFTER NEAR-DEATH CRASH
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MUSTANG NEWS
What are you most excited for looking ahead to this new year? I’m most excited for the opportunity to be an advocate for students. For example, I serve as a student representative on the Provost Search Committee along with Chairman for the ASI Board of Directors Rob Moore and we’ve already had opportunities to ensure that they are somebody who ensures the success and values from the student perspective.
How do you plan on expanding ASI’s presence on campus? We’ve adopted the slogan for the entire year, “Students for Students” because we truly are here on campus to accurately represent and continuously push the student experience in all levels of decision-making. I think what’s important for us to realize is that we are a group of about 40 students representing over 21,000, so we don’t have every perspective of every student within our program. We are continuously seeking out ways to better understand students.
around bystander intervention. And while alcohol will not ever be completely eliminated from the student experience at Cal Poly, I do believe that there are efforts we can make in creating a culture that actively wants to protect and look out for our fellow Mustangs. There’s so much work we can do in that and just empowering people to look out for not only their friends, but maybe also people they don’t know. The last one is empowering student voices. There are two main projects in this category: The first is obviously our voter registration efforts, but also the follow through with our voter registration efforts, which is students actually voting. We just want to make sure that students have all the knowledge that they need to go out and actually exert their influence wherever they are registered to vote. We are creating some educational opportunities around what students can do if they’re unable to register to vote.
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THERE ARE 10 ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ON CAMPUS BY ETHAN TELLES Cal Poly’s campus currently has 10 large, active construction projects, leading to limited walking routes and driving access throughout campus. Sections of N. Poly View Drive and N. Perimeter Road are sanctioned off from pedestrians and vehicles, causing traffic, especially during passing periods before classes. Cal Poly’s master construction plan, active since 2001 and updated in June 2019, is well underway. Construction on new facilities and amenities for dining, research and sports has commenced. The most prominent projects underway are the Dignity Baseball Clubhouse, JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture, William and Linda Frost Center for Research and
“At all of these projects we have tried, where possible, to provide secured detours for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic that has been affected by construction closures,” Anthony Palazzo, the Project Planner and Architect for Cal Poly’s Facilities Planning and Capital Projects, wrote in an email to Mustang News. University spokesperson Matt Lazier wrote in an email to Mustang News that only the Frost Center for Innovation and Entrepreneur is restricting foot traffic on campus. According to the Facilities Management and Development website, “every effort will be taken to minimize disruption during class and work.” However construction on the research center can be heard in the English Building, Agriculture Building, Faculty Offices North, Science
Innovation, Vista Grande Dining Facility and Mustang Beach Volleyball Complex. According to Associated Students, Inc., Chumash Auditorium is also slated to begin renovations in early October. Additional projects the university is planning on starting soon include a new Cal Poly Plant Conservatory and new signage. Once the Vista Grande Dining complex is complete, the University Union Neighborhood project, which involves renovating 805 Kitchen and The Avenue, will commence. The university has also began planning the Kennedy Library Renovation project, but as of now there is no set date to start construction. Additionally, the Grand Avenue market, which is not mentioned on the website, is currently being completed near yakʔitʸutʸu.
Wine and Viticulture
North and Baker Science. Construction on the research center started in May 2019 and does not have a planned date of completion. So far, only main gates blocking off construction area and landscaping have taken place. Additionally, at night the buildings adjacent to the construction will be going through a “night flush.” All ventilation systems will be on full power to help circulation throughout the day when classes take place so that windows can remain closed during the day while construction takes place outside. The Vista Grande Dining Facility will include six new restaurants and lounges for students to study. This $36 million project was first projected to be finished in Fall 2019, but has been moved back to Spring 2020.
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Currently, the site lies on Grand Avenue through the main entrance of campus. Gates are lined up along the pedestrian path and Deer Road is closed to both pedestrians and cars. A livestream is posted and updated daily to see live construction activity. Following the Vista Grande Dining Complex site, construction will continue with the University Union Neighborhood project. The project will renovate and add more within the Julian A. McPhee University Union and the According to the Administrative and Finance Department, as soon as the Vista Grande Dining Complex is complete, renovations will begin in the University Union. Close by, the Grand Avenue Market will shortly open in Winter 2019, but has been delayed due to permitting. This $1.225 million project will include new dining facilities and adhere to,” the freshman residents as well as visitors on that end of campus so the mix of food, beverages and products offered will be geared toward that population,” Aaron Lambert, a member of the Cal Poly Corporation and leadership team in the Grand Avenue Market construction plan, wrote. Another site impeding pedestrian access is the Mustang Beach Volleyball Complex, located right behind Mott Gym, running adjacent to Grand parking structure. The complex will feature audience seating, a scoreboard and a brand new volleyball court. The project started in July 2019 and is slated to be finished by Winter 2019. It is important to note that all construction spoken about is affecting campus function. “Any routes on campus may face temporary restrictions depending on ongoing construction activity,” Lazier wrote. This also includes bicycle routes. Cyclists are advised to share the road between Via Carta and Safety Way East on Perimeter Road, according to the Facilities Management and Development Department. “It is imperative that the campus community follow signage to temporary access paths and roads and avoid cell phone use while in these areas,” Palazzo wrote. “We encourage everyone to be aware of your surroundings, as construction site safety measures and barricades can change day to day and week to week.” For the safety and wellbeing of students and faculty, alternative routes have been accommodated into every day travel, but should be approached with precaution wherever students choose or are obligated to attend. Updates to the plans are coming soon.
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DEAL OF THE WEEK
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NOT SO SWEET Police say they cannot take action after man selling candy causes distress in neighborhoods around campus BY KIANA MEAGHER
Reports of a solicitor dubbed “the candy man,” have circulated San Luis Obispo for the last week, and it is not the first time. The man reportedly frequents San Luis Obispo to gather information for later break-ins and robberies under the guise of a salesman raising money for youth charity. On Sept. 22, there were reportedly sightings of the man on California Street, Stenner Street and Lemon Street. Multiple reports raise the possibility that the “candy man” is more than one individual.
card, he kept gesturing to and it was a very small font. I didn’t read it because I would have had to get super close to him.” Polmar had a similar encounter with the man when he came to her door. “I saw a tall figure through my glass window panel. As I opened the door, he made an advance into the house, and that’s when I kind of shut the door so he wouldn’t come in.” Multiple sources said they called San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) and were denied any motion to file a legitimate report. Veum said she called the police immedi-
ately after her encounter with the “candy man,” hoping to make a report, but did not find much help. “We called SLOPD and wanted to make a report. The girl who answered said ‘If he didn’t go into your house, he’s just selling candy, they can’t do anything about it.’” Minutes later, Veum called again and was greeted by the same dispatcher. “I asked if I could please just give a description, that [SLOPD] could keep on file just in case something else happens later on,” Veum said “But she claimed it was just an urban
legend that he comes in and robs you.” According to SLOPD, salespeople do not need a permit to solicit in the city of San Luis Obispo. Veum said the dispatcher told her that unless the man were to enter or rob the student’s home, they cannot take action. “I literally begged them to try to let me give them a description and they said it wouldn’t really help and that he’s harmless.” SLOPD could not comment on the reported incidents because no report was ever officially filed.
We called SLOPD and wanted to make a report and the girl who answered said ‘If he didn’t go into your house, he’s just selling candy, they can’t do anything about it.’
COVER STORY
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
— LAUREN VEUM
Business administration junior Lauren Veum, who encountered the solicitor, described him as a Black male, approximately 5-feet-eleven-inches tall, wearing a blue shirt with an average to skinny build holding a clear Tupperware bin with a few kingsized Reese’s and red vines. Political science sophomore Alli Polmar and business administration sophomore Grace Battle both described the “candy man” as relatively short, around 5-feet-seven-inches, bald, and in his late 50s. Although the man Veum saw told her roommates he was raising money for a minority youth charity, the man Battle and Polmar described said he was raising money for domestic violence victims. “He was mumbling, but said he was raising money for a charity for battered women that are victims of domestic violence and [asked] if we wanted to donate,” Battle said. “He had a badge that was the size of a note-
ALISON CHAVEZ | MUSTANG NEWS PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
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KYLE CALZIA | MUSTANG NEWS
PlyoJam is sometimes called “Zuma on steroids” due to its high intensity routines.
KYLE CALZIA | MUSTANG NEWS
Christine Hernandez teaches the hottest new cardio dance class at Cal Poly.
‘ZUMBA ON STEROIDS’ PlyoJam class gets students jumping at the Rec BY SARAH PEDRO On Monday and Wednesday nights, you can find dance instructor Christine Hernandez at the Rec Center leading the hottest new cardio dance class, PlyoJam. Studio 3 comes alive with color-changing lights and booming club music that has students outside glancing into the windows. While this is Hernandez’s third year
teaching PlyoJam at Cal Poly, it is still not nearly as well-known as its sister class, Zumba. PlyoJam is even sometimes called “Zumba on steroids” by Hernandez due to its high intensity routines.
What exactly is PlyoJam? “It just has more plyometrics, more jumps,” Hernandez said. “We do quite a lot more hip-hop and pop.” Hernandez spent a lot of her child-
hood in her mother’s dance studio. She was one of the first PlyoJam instructors to get certified and is currently the only certified PlyoJam instructor in San Luis Obispo County. “I had no idea how big it was gonna be here. I really didn’t,” Hernandez said. Hernandez attributed the rise in attendance to the students themselves. “It was just word of mouth,” Hernandez said. “First year, I had four
to six girls and guys … I want to give them credit. They are the ones that actually grew this brand.” As an instructor, Hernandez said she believes it is very important to make PlyoJam a class where you do not need to be a dancer to have fun and burn calories. At the beginning of each class, she said she stresses that students can go ahead and modify any of the moves or even freestyle at any point during the class. “If anyone is not a dancer but they love the jumps, they could do the jumps,” Hernandez said. “If anyone is a dancer but doesn’t want to do the jumps, they can just do that. Door’s never shut on me and that’s why everyone is welcome.” Although Hernandez exudes confidence on stage, even dancing queens get nervous sometimes. Hernandez said it sometimes takes a while to overcome the nerves that
she recalled walking into the music workshop to hear someone playing Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” on the piano. Soon, she realized everyone in the room was singing and harmonizing to it. The Nairobi trip immersed students not only in music, but in Kenyan culture as well. As a former British colony, Kenya practices traditional tea time breaks. Frei said this provided an opportunity to build friendships and hear voices outside the chorus.
“It was the best thing because during rehearsals, you’re singing and singing, and tea was my time to interact with my fellow singers and really get to know them,” Frei said. “Plus, the tea was absolutely delicious.” The six vocal students — Frei, Hanford, senior Michaela Donofrio, sophomore Sheridan Liaw, junior Erin Ichimura and sophomore Zahra Rothschild — said they felt fortunate to set their program’s maturation into motion with this trip. “I’m so lucky to have been offered
this opportunity by Dr. Glysson,” Hansen said. “The department has graced us with so many wonderful opportunities already, and I can’t wait to see what it has in store for the future.” This choir trip to Africa is only the beginning, according to Glysson, who said he has plans to bring a group to South America in the future. The choral director said he aims to continue the exchange every two years. “I would love for this program to be a vessel for students to see the world,” Glysson said. “Music is a shared emotional experience, and that connects people on a deeper level.” In March, Cal Poly’s music program will welcome its Kenyan friends, in a collaboration on musical and cultural growth.
STUDENT LIFE
The power of music took six Cal Poly students and two music professors to Nairobi, Kenya this summer. For two weeks, the students sang all day, performed solos and accompanied Kenyan choirs. The journey to Africa began in 2017 when the International Choral Society’s International Conducting Fellowship Program selected Choral Conductor Scott Glysson for an exchange.
“Through that connection, I made friends [in Kenya] who asked to have me back for a conducting workshop, and I thought it would be really cool to bring some voice major students,” Glysson said. “The purpose of the trip was to give my students a cultural experience, learning about Kenya and its music first-hand.” Music sophomores Jenna Hansen and Mady Frei said they found deeper appreciation for their craft while immersed in Kenyan culture. One day after a lunch break, Hansen said
Go to mustangnews.net to see PlyoJam in action.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
BY OLIVIA MEIS
WATCH
MUSTANG NEWS
MUSIC STUDENTS TRAVEL TO KENYA FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
come with leading such a big group. “I do get shy,” Hernandez said. “I don’t know why. But it really helps when I see the students … That’s when I don’t feel alone anymore and that’s when I start having fun and just acting goofy.” Hernandez said she encourages everyone to just have fun. “Everyone is in there to either take a break from studying, from stress or they just want to create a healthy lifestyle,” Hernandez said. “So, when you come and take PlyoJam, just go in as yourself because this is your workout and I’m just here onstage trying to help.” To sign up for a PlyoJam class, visit the Associated Students, Inc. website.
ECO TO-GO Hungry and in a hurry? Check out the Eco To-Go program at 805 Kitchen. First years can pick up a reusable container at the 805 Kitchen register, fill it up, then pay at the register. Bring your container back next time to swap for a fresh, reusable container (it’s $4 if you don’t bring your old one back), and do the whole thing over again!
COOKING IN THE CANYON Do you love to cook? Want to improve your culinary skills? Sign up for the first Cooking in the Canyon event, Oct. 8, from 12-1. Our Campus Dining chefs will teach you how to build your own sushi at Canyon Café! Get ready to impress your family and friends with your amazing sushi rolling skills! Visit our Facebook events page for sign up info.
#CHOOSEWELL Looking for healthy options on campus? Keep an eye out for the vegan, veggie and balance icons throughout Campus Dining venues. These icons alert you to the presence of healthful, meat and animal-product-free options. Balance means healthy levels of calories, fat, sugar and sodium.
SAVE THE DATE! Premium Meal Mondays in 805 Kitchen have begun. It’s your chance to treat yourself to the best culinary delights prepared by our professionally trained chefs. Treat your taste buds to exquisite, succulent delights like pan seared salmon, steak, and surf and turf. Mondays beginning at 11:00.
GET THE DISH DELIVERED HOT TO YOUR INBOX WEEKLY. SUBSCRIBE AT CALPOLYDINING.COM/ THEDISH
@cpcampusdining
THE HOOF | SATIRE
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CAL POLY COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION ON ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING The Hoof is a satire column, created to find the humor in the daily life of Cal Poly students. If you’re looking for news, this is not for you. If you’re looking for sports, this is kind of it, because we’re having a ball. Ha. Puns.
BY IZAAC TOMPKINS
Izaac Tompkins is an environmental protection and management senior and satire columnist. The views represented do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang News. Following nearly three months of preparations, campus officials have announced a new “Campus Rehabilitation” project that will rival even the most ambitious of simultaneous construction projects. Sources confirmed this weekend that, starting in October, construction will commence on every campus road, building and sidewalk. Now, instead of
fences lining nearly every road and building throughout campus, officials absolutely guarantee it. Freshmen may understandably face some trouble when unable to enter a building from three of its most convenient sides, but sources tell The Hoof that there may be some helpful arrows printed on copier paper. Perplexed incoming students are encouraged to wander in circles before succumbing to and suffering a full psychological breakdown, at which point they can be treated at the Health Center. Directions around and through the necessary fencing will additionally be printed, hole punched and cable-tied through the holes in the fences. Travel on campus will become exceedingly difficult, an official told The Hoof, but the changes to campus travel will only be temporary. Officials predict the construction
period to last a mere four to seven years. Many similar projects on campuses throughout the country have been in progress for decades, but this administration hopes to change that. By starting construction on every single square foot of campus, Cal Poly can get everything out of the way for a while. Sources tell The Hoof that by combining everything into one big, long project, there may be one entire week (seven days) without construction on Cal Poly’s campus. Commencing construction on everything essentially means that the overall school endowment has been reduced to scraps (due to the rising cost of temporary fencing). Officials have assured The Hoof that there is a spectacular art in the commencement of simultaneous construction throughout the peaks and bowels of this great campus. Construction will also occur on every patch of open or green grass on campus. Principally, both Dexter and Baker lawns will be put under construction to create greener and more efficient grass. Students can rest easy knowing there will be a solution to the temporary (four- to seven-year) lapse in recreational/ study space on campus. Officials plan to designate grand areas of asphalt delicately placed in-between
SAMANTHA SHIN | MUSTANG NEWS
a myriad of different fences. Areas such as Baker Science (Building 180), which just recently finished construction, will reenter construction for the next four to seven years to make fresh and modern stylistic improvements. Funding for these massive capital improvement projects has, unfortunately, been classified and may or may not be released within the following decades. Students need not
worry about rising tuition and administrative costs — officials confirmed to The Hoof that these costs would continue to rise regardless of the gargantuan expenditures of campus-wide simultaneous construction. Officials told The Hoof that students unhappy with the sheer scale and extensiveness of on-campus construction should carefully direct their comments to the “Cal Poly SLO Mustang Parents” Facebook page.
OPINION
WOW LEADERS FACE THE LOUSY SIDE OF OUR NATIONALLY-RANKED PROGRAM BY LILLY LEIF
knowledge to tell them. My answer came from my own experience, rather than what was covered in training. All the relevant information was glossed over. At the end of my 50 hours of training, I still felt completely unprepared for the week. I understand that sitting and listening to logistics for three hours can be a lot of information to absorb. However, we’re all adults – we sit through two hour lectures or three hour labs and don’t need to have childish games to keep our attention. If all of these filler activities that had no relevance to WOW had been cut out, at least an hour could have been shaved off the meetings. And in a college student’s busy schedule, that hour is really crucial. Only about 50-100 WOW leaders out of 900 are returners. To me, this speaks volumes on how poor the training and benefits are. With some adjustments to the program, Cal Poly’s WOW would have the potential to become more enjoyable for all those involved. Those that put in such an effort would feel valued as a part of campus for their work rather than feel used for all their unpaid work.
OPINION
around the room like a child and you’re coerced to stand up and clap while he gallops around the perimeter of Chumash. The whole three hours almost seems like a talent show in which the WOW Board “performs” various songs and dances. When you do have to listen to a presentation, it is a woman talking to you about train tracks for roughly an hour. The words “see track, think train,” will be forever etched into your brain and will echo in your head as you try to fall asleep at night. Or maybe, you are subjected to the Ripples Guy with his abundant hand motions, whom we’ve all experienced as incoming students. He will tell you an absolutely depressing story that, again, does not correlate to WOW training whatsoever. When the meeting ends, it’s 10 p.m. and you wonder if you’ll ever get the hours of your life you just lost back again. After my training I felt somewhat useless with the lack of information I had. Yes, I knew how to dance to Michael Jackson’s “PYT” (that song has been ruined for me), but if a WOWie came to me for advice on academic or career advising, I had minimal
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
A rite of passage at Cal Poly is becoming a Week of Welcome (WOW) leader. You have the opportunity to make freshmen feel welcome on campus and give them a sense of home. Instead of fearing the looming four years ahead, WOW leaders help incoming students ease into their college experience while meeting new people. And while this all seems nice, the process to get there is downright grueling and unfair for those who donate their time. It is not my intention to say that Cal Poly WOW is a bad program, just that it is run poorly. I really enjoyed my week as a leader and spending time with my WOWies. It’s just that the process to get to that point is exhausting and expensive. The lack of any financial reimbursement and disorganized training is a massive deterrent from being a repeat WOW leader.
If there is a budget to pay SLO Days leaders $13 an hour for three months, there should be enough to at least reimburse WOW leaders for their expenses. At the very least, WOW leaders should perhaps earn course credit for a GE for playing such an important role in Cal Poly’s orientation program. Cal Poly upholds WOW as one of the best orientation programs in the nation but does not seem to value all of the work and money that WOW leaders put into it. However, the worst part of the process to become a WOW leader is the training. Allow me to walk you through the process of a weekly meeting for WOW training. You sit on the cold, hard floor of Chumash Auditorium, as hundreds of students are hopeful that WOW will be a fulfilling experience. For three hours, your legs fall asleep while you are taught the multiple “traditions” of WOW, most of which are just various chants and songs. Instead of normal transitions between topics and presentations, you get to watch the WOW Board lip sync and dance to songs that have no relevance to what you’re training for. A man two years your elder skips
MUSTANG NEWS
Lilly Leif is an English junior and Mustang News columnist. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang News.
WOW leaders receive absolutely zero financial compensation, not even so much as a minor reimbursement for the hundreds of dollars that some spend. I personally spent at least $600 between food and a rental Zipcar for the week due to the fact that there is such a pressure to take your WOWies off campus. There is essentially no way for WOW to be fun if you’re on campus the whole week, despite what you’re told in training. No one wants to tour the Recreation Center six times and watch the grass grow on Dexter Lawn. It is expected that you take your WOWies to the beach or kayaking, among other excursions. And then there’s the cost of supplies you need to buy for making your sign, snacks for your WOWies, gas money for travel, bonfire supplies and other expenses. All of these purchases add up, especially if you’re a college student on a budget. Because WOW is a selling point for people to attend Cal Poly, I find it very upsetting that WOW leaders are not compensated for the roughly 50 hours in training over the course of spring quarter and the weeks before WOW.
PUZZLES & HOROSCOPES
CLUES ACROSS 1. Fertile desert spots 6. Married woman 9. Some animals travel in one 13. Fear 14. Hawaiian island 15. Fit to work 16. Electronic countercountermeasures 17. Former Senator Specter 18. Cambodian currency 19. Dave Matthews Band hit 21. Lists ingredients 22. Endangered antelope 23. Jerry’s TV partner 24. Blue grass state 25. Obstruct 28. Luke’s mentor __-Wan 29. Fencing swords 31. Oh, heavens! 33. Insensitive to changes in price 36. Hillsides 38. Brew 39. Gland secretion 41. A typical example 44. Get up 45. You put it on your pasta 46. Expresses surprise 48. News organization 49. Disorder of the lungs (abbr.) 51. One millionth of a gram 52. Some are of the “suit” variety 54. Group of organisms
56. Produces 60. Passage into a mine 61. __ and cheeses 62. Semitic fertility god 63. Dry or withered 64. Religious ceremony 65. __ Winger, actress 66. German river 67. Midway between northeast and east 68. Take something or somebody somewhere CLUES DOWN 1. Lyric poems 2. Genus of saltwater clams 3. Ingroup 4. Type of lounge chair 5. Memory card 6. Archipelago 7. Common Korean surname 8. It’s up there 9. Quantity that helps to define 10. First month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year 11. Metal-headed golf club 12. A shade of green 14. Begin 17. A good thing to have 20. Language spoken in Laos 21. Loosely compacted sediment 23. Naturally occurring protein 25. Woman
26. Central Indian city 27. Volcanic craters 29. The largest existing land animals 30. Rumanian city 32. Equal to 10 meters 34. Historic Nevada city 35. A point of transition 37. Remove 40. Overwatch character 42. Records electric currents linked to the heart 43. Settles in calmly 47. Partner to his 49. Banking giant 50. Slowly disappeared 52. End 53. Sword with a v-shaped blade 55. Fabric with smooth, shiny surface 56. Wild cherry tree 57. Traditional Japanese socks 58. Make of your hard work 59. Stony waste matter 61. Woman (French) 65. Unit of loudness
See answers at mustangnews.net/games-answers
ARIES – March 21/April 20 A hectic few weeks find you looking forward to some time off, Aries. You may have to finish some complicated tasks first to free up moments for relaxation.
LIBRA – Sept. 23/Oct. 23 It is sometimes good to look at the world through rose-colored glasses, Libra. However, do not let this cloud reality to the point that you do not see the truth.
TAURUS – April 21/May 21 Taurus, this week, feelings that have been simmering just under the surface come to light. Clear the air and you’ll discover everything was just miscommunication.
SCORPIO – Oct. 24/Nov. 22 You are so busy with various activities that it is impossible to be bored for the next several days, Scorpio. You may be able to eke out a little time to recharge if you delegate.
GEMINI – May 22/June 21 There’s more going on with friends than meets the eye, Gemini. Do not rush to think something negative is going on. Keep an open mind and you could be surprised.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 23/Dec. 21 Sagittarius, new friends come into your life this week. It’s an exciting opportunity to get to know new faces. You can benefit from expanding your social network.
CANCER – June 22/July 22 Temporary responsibilities at work have you feeling a tad overwhelmed, Cancer. This project was put in your hands, so you will have to see it through to the end.
CAPRICORN – Dec. 22/Jan. 20 Avoid a knee-jerk reaction to a stressful situation, Capricorn. You may find that not all stress is bad; some can spur you to accomplish things you never imagined.
LEO – July 23/Aug. 23 Talk things through with a close friend before you swing into action, Leo. Sometimes it is better to have a springboard for ideas to see if things are truly feasible. VIRGO – Aug. 24/Sept. 22 Virgo, you may be having doubts about just where the future will bring you. But you don’t have to be looking too far ahead for the time being. Focus on the here and now.
AQUARIUS – Jan. 21/Feb. 18 Aquarius, miscommunication can be a tough hurdle to clear. Make a greater effort to communicate effectively in the coming days and weeks. PISCES – Feb. 19/March 20 Make family your top priority this week, Pisces. Everything else can take a back seat for the time being. There will be time to get everything done.
MUSTANG IN FOCUS
FOOTBALL’S LEADING RECEIVER J.J. KOSKI
STUDENT ATHLETES TO PROFIT
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CA first state to allow athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ
CAL POLY ATHLETICS | COURTESY
J.J. Koski has already recorded two touchdowns into the 2019 season.
As told to BRIAN TRUONG, NAY THAN BRYANT & SYDNEY FINKEL
Football captain and senior wide-receiver J.J. Koski has been the Mustangs’ leading receiver for the past two years. An integral part of the Mustang offense, Koski was listed as the No. 1 wide receiver on Cal Poly’s depth charts heading into the 2019 season. The Danville native spoke about leading by example, expectations and fishing. This interview has been edited for clarity.
MN: What is it like playing for a school that runs a triple option offense? JK: Even though it’s triple option, I feel like I can be really productive in this offense. And I think this year, we’re taking steps to being more of a dual-threat team. We’ve shown that in the past games this year we can make some big plays. We’re making strides to definitely open up the pass game and make big plays when we can. MN: What’s new with Cal Poly’s offense?
MN: Have you ever missed a game in your time here? JK: No, I’ve actually not. Never missed a game. I knock on wood every time I say that, but I pride myself on that – being tough. If there’s any way I can play, I’m going to be out there no matter what. MN: What’s the secret to staying healthy? JK: Honestly, I think a lot of people overlook taking care of your body. I really emphasize that throughout the season – eating really well, getting your sleep. I was just talking earlier about our early morning wake ups. You’ve got to get to bed by 10 [p.m.], hopefully. We get up at 5 [a.m.] everyday. So just taking care of your body and not getting
too far away from that throughout the whole season really can help. MN: What do you want people to know about you? JK: I don’t know. I really like to fish. I love the outdoors, honestly. Love hikes. Love fishing. I went fishing this summer with my dad and some buddies up in Canada. So I’m a huge outdoors guy. When I want to get away from football, that’s usually what I want to go do. I bet people probably wouldn’t know that about me just from talking, but yeah, that’s one of the things I really like to do. MN: What should people expect to see from you the rest of the season? JK: Hopefully, big plays. Every time I touch the ball, I feel like I can have a pretty big impact on the game. I know being in a triple option, you don’t get the amount of touches you get at, let’s say, a spread offense or something like that. But anytime the ball is in my hands, I can make a big play and put six points on the board. Hopefully in the coming weeks, that’s what’s going to happen.
SPORTS
JK: We’re doing a lot of the same stuff but just putting tweaks on different things. The coaches put us in some great spots in the first couple of games where it expanded our playbook a little bit. Our wide receiver, Quentin Harrison, he’s taken some big strides in this off-season and coming into the season, so that helps a lot. We got two guys on the outside who can make big plays any moment in the game. The coaches are putting us in some good spots. Definitely.
MN: Can you elaborate on leading by example while on the field? JK: I try to be super mentally tough out there and limit my mental mistakes, which leads to big plays and physical plays. So yeah, I don’t say much on the field … I think when I get out there and I strap it on, I’m all business going into the game.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
MN: How has it been taking on that role? JK: It’s been a lot different being a captain this year because I’m not the most vocal guy, but I think I’ve always kind of showed through my play and helped the younger kids along ... it’s been a lot of fun for me to see them progress throughout the summer, and it’s a big step from high school to come in here and learn a whole new playbook. It’s just
a lot for some of these kids, so it’s been fun taking that role and taking some of these kids under my wing.
MUSTANG NEWS
Mustang News: With the departure of Joe Protheroe and Khaleel Jenkins, did you know you would be stepping into a bigger leadership role this year? JK: Yeah, I think so. Knowing we run the triple option just feels like there’s only so much I can do. But this off-season we put in some game plans to get me in the slot more, to get me moving around a lot more. And [Jalen Hamler] stepped in and filled that role really well. As a redshirt freshman, that guy shows some poise in the pocket, and he can move. He can do it all. It’s exciting playing with a guy like that who’s got that much potential back there, and he makes some big plays every Saturday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom defied the NCAA and many universities by signing a bill that gives California student-athletes the opportunity to profit off their own likeness or image. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023. SB-206 was signed into law by Newsom on LeBron James’ talk show “The Shop.” James, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders, were two of the most prominent supporters of SB-206. Both announced their endorsement of SB-206 on Twitter earlier this month. “Colleges reap billions from student athletes but block them from earning a single dollar,” Newsom tweeted after signing the bill. “That’s a bankrupt model.” The NCAA condemned the bill’s signing in a statement, stating that state laws like SB-206 “will make unattainable the goal of providing a fair and level playing field” for all NCAA schools and their student-athletes. “As a membership organization, the NCAA agrees changes are needed to continue to support student-athletes, but improvement needs to happen on a national level through the NCAA’s rules-making process,” the NCAA wrote in a news release. “Unfortunately, this new law already is creating confusion for current and future student-athletes, coaches, administrators and campuses, and not just in California.” The organization also said they will weigh their future options with California while continuing to work with NCAA schools on handling issues of student-athletes’ image and likeness rights on an organizational level. “We urge the state of California to reconsider this harmful and, we believe, unconstitutional bill and hope the state will be a constructive partner in our efforts to develop a fair name, image and likeness approach for all 50 states,” the board of governors wrote. SB-206 was co-authored in the state Assembly by assembly member Jordan Cunningham of San Luis Obispo.
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COLUMN CAL POLY ATHLETICS | COURTESY
Cal Poly Women’s Basketball celebrate their first and only Big West Tournament Championship in 2013.
HOW MUCH DOES CAL POLY PRIORITIZE WINNING?
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
BY BRENDEN CARRETERO
It’s Saturday and there is a big college game on TV. You tune in to watch the matchup between two highly ranked Division I teams as they battle it out with professional sports commentary in the background. What will likely appear on your screen is a sea of fans in the arena boasting the attire of their respective school. While you can find this scene at Cal Poly on rare occasions like the BlueGreen Rivalry or at a sold-out Women’s Volleyball match against a conference rival, the dream-like school spirit scene is not a reality at Cal Poly.
With a lack of consistent winning seasons by the more popular sports over the years, coupled with the recent dismissal of longtime Men’s Basketball head coach Joe Callero, one question surrounds Cal Poly Athletics in comparison to other Division I programs: How much does Cal Poly Athletics prioritize winning? Cal Poly alumnus and Director of Athletic Communications, Eric Burdick, said he believes the reason for the lack of wins and overall titles is a result of the foundation that Cal Poly is built off of. “Competition isn’t the number one priority with the administration
here,” Burdick said. “It’s a combination of excelling in the classroom as well as the court. I don’t think the emphasis will ever change here.” Mustang Football Home Team Booster Dana Nafziger said Cal Poly has taken steps towards being a notable athletic school with their joining of Division I back in 1994. However, Nafziger also said Cal Poly will have to continue to evolve if they are going to be competitive. “It seems like football and basketball are having the hardest time for whatever reason,” Nafziger said. “What we’ve been looking at as a group of alumni is, ‘Okay, what does
Cal Poly Athletics records since 2010 300 250 200 150 100 50
SPORTS
0 Men’s Basketball
Football
Women’s Basketball Wins
Losses
Volleyball
Men’s Soccer
Baseball
Ties
BRENDAN CARRETERO | MUSTANG NEWS
this look like to the university in terms of the desirability to put a competitive team on the field?”’ Looking at the last available set of expenses for Cal Poly Athletics, Men’s Football (17 percent) and Men’s Basketball (12 percent) were the two sports that were allotted the most money. Women’s Basketball (nine percent), Men’s Baseball (seven percent), Track & Field (seven percent), and Women’s Volleyball (six percent) followed. While the data doesn’t suggest how much Cal Poly prioritizes winning based off the numerical value of the money awarded to each sport, it does highlight which sports could be seen as a priority over others based off of the funding they each receive. However, each program’s record since 2010 shows that more money spent on a team does not always translate to a winning record. In fact, you can see a fairly identical win-loss percentage of .500, meaning for every one loss, the team earned a win. While Women’s Volleyball and Men’s Baseball were the exceptions, the results show that Men’s Basketball was 76 games behind going .500, ultimately factoring into Cal Poly Athletic’s decision to not retain Callero. Given the fact that this was the first time a Cal Poly head coach has been fired since Kevin Bromley in 2009, there are now questions surrounding the university’s value of competition
and whether it was a sign of a movement towards a win-now culture. “I think we proved ourselves very patient, in terms of what our win-loss record was,” Oberhelman said in a press conference after the decision was made public. “We need to be in the hunt for titles, and I’m not saying that we need to win a Big West title every single year. I want us to get back into the hunt.” While bringing in a new coach may result in change, boosters like Nafziger believe the lack of longterm success for mainstream sports like football and basketball may be attributed to the university’s admissions system and their unwillingness to take a chance on high school students who don’t already have good study habits reflected in their grades. “What we’re looking at is a more flexible admissions system where we can bring high-level guys in that have excellent athletic abilities, but maybe not the best study patterns,” Nafziger said. “In other words, let’s say we have a kid that maybe didn’t qualify for the academics that [Cal Poly] Admissions wants, so that player goes to Stanford or UC Davis. How does that make any sense? He wasn’t good enough for Poly, but Stanford will take them?” While there are a number of factors that can contribute to repeated losing seasons such as injuries, team chemistry, or a rigorous admissions system, it all boils into the question of: will this ever turn around? According to Burdick, who noted that there are teams still doing well like volleyball, baseball and football, the idea of an immediate turnaround is unknown. While Burdick described the recent struggles of Cal Poly Athletics as “kind of a tough time,” he also pointed out the increase among graduation rates and student success rates of Mustang student-athletes. “Obviously the fans want to see wins and that is certainly one of our top goals, which is to try to get back up there,” Burdick said. “Will it turn around anytime really soon? I don’t know, that’s hard to say.” Others are more optimistic that over time Cal Poly can find a formula to create a winning culture that extends throughout all sports, something other rival universities have already figured out. Nafziger said he believes the culture surrounding Cal Poly Athletics will change as sponsors and donors respectfully bring their concerns to President Armstong, the Provost and the university. “We have people that are really going to support the program, but we want to make suggestions for possibilities that we see schools like UC Davis doing,” Nafziger said. “They are bringing in huge dollars, but again, when people put in dollars, they want to see change. That’s part of philanthropy. It is, ‘Okay we support, but we love to see success.’”
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