April 25, 2016 by Mustang News

Monday, April 25, 2016

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Count on Colombini... HANNA CROWLEY | MUSTANG NE WS

...to care, communicate and connect Naba Ahmed @nabaahmed

The Colombini legacy will live on through the next Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President: Jana Colombini. Colombini is a third-generation Cal Poly student. Her grandfather was involved in Mustang Daily and was a member of the crops club, while her father was on ASI Senate — the Board of Directors of that time — representing the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. Her brother, Jason Colombini, was the 2013-14 ASI president. “I am going to the continue the legacy and representation that we like to give back and have a positive influence in whatever we are involved in,” Colombini said. “What happens is we join organizations, fall in love with them and then figure out how we can make them better.” Colombini has had an active role in ASI since her sophomore

Trans Fashion Show 2016 Recap

year, when she served on the Board of Directors as a College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) representative before becoming the Board of Directors vice chair as a junior. “What my family really strives for is to get involved,” Colombini said. “There is another aspect that comes from extracurriculars; those Learn by Doing opportunities that are outside your academic classes like ASI and clubs are a part of that.” Her interest in agricultural sciences stems from the summers she spent working on her parents’ ranch in Linden, Calif. She used that money to fully fund her ASI campaign.

Continued on pg 3.

Baseball sweeps UCSB

Story on pg 5.

Story on pg 8.

KATY BARNARD | MUSTANG NE WS

CHRISTA LAM | MUSTANG NE WS

How Grant Desme lost his name and gained his purpose Benjy Egel @benjyegel

Having traded in his usual white habit for grey gym shorts, a blue cap and a Cal Poly baseball athletic shirt, Frater Matthew Desme seemed to fit right in at the Pitch N’ Hit Sports batting cages on a recent spring day in Laguna Hills. Sitting on a metal folding chair next to a bucket of baseballs, Desme flipped pitch after pitch to 17-year-old Michael Gates, who cranked the monk’s offerings into the protective net. “Keep your knees bent. Stay smooth.” Another line drive back into the screen. “Nice.” Envy is one of the seven deadly sins, but envy is what plenty must have felt when they saw what Desme had going for him just a few years ago — back when he went by Grant. He seemed to have everything: CAL POLY ATHLETICS | COURTESY PHOTO

supernatural physical gifts, a realistic shot at fulfilling millions of American boys’ dreams and a loving girlfriend. But one day the former Cal Poly superstar walked away from it all, giving up a possible family, a chance to play for the Oakland Athletics and even his name. He traded them all for a life of poverty, chastity and obedience at St. Michael’s Abbey of the Norbertine Fathers in Silverado, Calif., a half-hour drive from the Los Angeles Angels’ stadium. Desme, who last played baseball in 2009, is in the sixth year of his decade-long journey toward priesthood. This is his apostolic year. For this year only, he is allowed to serve as an assistant coach for the abbey’s adjoined high school in addition to his duties as a monk. Frater Matthew is a difficult man to contact.

Seminary policies prohibited him from speaking to media for more than a year during the beginning of his juniorate period, which typically lasts from a frater’s third year in the abbey through his seventh. His phone conversations are infrequent and hinge on the approval of St. Michael’s Fathers. He is a man of God. He is also a human, albeit a human with the courage to follow his heart despite common reason telling him to do otherwise.

Go to mustangnews.net to read the rest of Desme’s journey

BENJY EGEL | MUSTANG NE WS

Monday, April 25, 2016

NEWS | 2

How Cal Poly has cut its water use since 2013 NABA AHMED | MUSTANG NE WS THIRSTY | Grass across campus was killed with pesticides last year, though it remains at popular areas like Dexter Lawn and turf near the residence halls.

Naba Ahmed @nabaahmed

FA S T FA C T S

PERCENT REDUCTION IN CAL POLY’S CAMPUSWIDE WATER USAGE

What have they already done?

• 954 low-flow faucets in University Housing • 300 low-flow shower heads added in residence halls • Four new cooking steamers at Campus Dining • High efficiency spray nozzle at meat storage walk-in cooler • Pool covers to Anderson Aquatic Center

Existing buildings might see changes such as: • Low-flow plumbing fixtures in restrooms (i.e. low-flow toilets/urinals, low-flow showerheads) • More efficient lab equipment • Cooling towers • Less water for swimming pools

gallons of water saved through these measures.

MILLION

Cal Poly has reduced its campus-wide water usage by 31 percent compared to 2013, exceeding Gov. Jerry Brown’s statewide mandate of a 25 percent cut. Despite the rainfall the Central Coast has received this year, there has not been substantial water for Cal Poly to end its conservation practices. Therefore, the Drought Response Plan, which influences Cal Poly to make environmentally conscious decisions, is still in effect, according to Facility Services Director for Strategic Projects Scott Loosley. “There’s a reason why this is happening: because we are in a drought of historic proportions,” Loosley said. “This is our commitment to reducing our water use, and we haven’t gotten adequate rainfall to start replanting yet.” Despite Cal Poly’s effort to remain compliant with the governor’s mandate and adjust to the environment, there may not be overwhelming approval for the drought reduction plan. “We’ve gotten pressure from multiple sides. When we hadn’t reduced

our irrigation at all, we were getting complaints from students and faculty that we weren’t doing enough to show our commitment to reducing water use,” Loosley said. “We eliminated turf and we got complaints from people that the campus looks worse than it ever has.” However, animal science sophomore Chelsea Dinndorf thinks the environmental impact outweighs less greenery on campus. “I haven’t felt an impact in the reduction of grass on campus spe-

people is that we have a beautiful campus. Now when you drive in, it’s like, ‘Wow, it’s pretty brown,’ but I think that that is an accurate reflection of our environment right now,” Loosley said. “I think to do anything differently would either show a carelessness to our water use and wouldn’t be responsible. I am hoping that people understand, that while our campus doesn’t look very good, we are making a commitment to reducing water.” A few landscape architecture students, including junior Jonah Polkes, have received THERE’S A RE A SON WHY THIS IS design project assignHAPPENING: BECAUSE WE ARE IN A ments associated with the DROUGHT OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS turf reduction plan. SCOT T LOOSLE Y “It’s a tough balance FACILITY SERVICES DIRECTOR because obviously people FOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS like sitting on the grass,” Polkes said. “But, from an ecological standpoint, grass cifically with my animal sciences is not the best option and there’s a classes,” Dinndorf said. “The pas- way around it, which is what I think tures are watered regularly, so as they are trying to do.” long as they are maintained for the Cal Poly uses approximately 309 animals, I think the reduction plan million gallons of water per year is good for Cal Poly.” from the Whale Rock Reservoir The campus may not look very near Cayucos. Approximately 25 attractive, but the changes are nec- percent of total water usage can be essary for the sake of saving water, attributed to building use, one third Loosley said. goes to sports fields and landscape, “Unfortunately, one of the defin- and the rest is used for agriculture. ing images and comments from Total water usage has remained

nearly flat since 2003, even with the addition of Poly Canyon Village (PCV) and building expansions, Loosley said. Drought The 2015 Drought Response Plan focuses on three different areas: building plumbing systems, landscape irrigation and agricultural operations. Facilities Process Water Use accounts for lost water through leakage or evaporation. Building plumbing systems Cal Poly is switching to low-flow fixtures, which will reduce the amount of water per use in addition to saving excess clean drinking water that usually goes down the drain. Low-flow faucets have a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute, while regular faucets have a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute. When PCV was built, water usage remained flat even with the addition of 2,800 beds due to efforts to add low-flow fixtures. However, the completion of Student Housing South is going to add to the student population living on campus. In order to keep water usage down, the university is going to include more water efficient fixtures, project manager Annie Rendler said.

Landscape Irrigation Landscape water use will be reduced through: Turf reduction plan • Improved moisture retention • Updated irrigation system Turf reduction plan According to Loosley, Cal Poly has eliminated more than 14 acres of unnecessary turf. “The turf reduction plan was part of a broader campus drought contingency plan that occurred on campus,” Loosley said. “One of the directives was to eliminate turf that just has an aesthetic element that was along roadways.” Facility Services designed a map to show how the plan has affected campus. All areas that are green show grass that will not be removed, while yellow shows turf areas that will be or have been removed. Rather than letting the lawn die on its own, it was sprayed out with herbicide for two reasons, Loosley said. Trees left on lawns still needed irrigation, and lawns often look weedy when left to dry out, since some areas die quicker than others. “Our main goal is to preserve the tree collection on campus,” Loosley said. “If the drought were to continue, we would sacrifice other landscapes in order to maintain our trees.” The grass-killing was not without controversy, though. Cal Poly used Roundup, a Monsanto pesticide that is legal in the United States, but illegal in countries such as France and the Netherlands because of health and environmental risks. According to Facility Services Landscape Manager Ronald Hostick, the area that used to have turf will be repurposed to better suit the current environment. Climate-appropriate plants which need little water will be planted instead of thirsty greenery. All turf areas that are frequently used by students will be retained, such as Dexter Lawn, O’Neill Green, turf by residential halls and the lawn on the south side of English (building 22).

Moisture retention Before putting in drought-resistant plants, the plant beds will be treated with soil amendment, a material that can improve soil physically or chemically to make it more suitable for plant growth. After, the soil will be covered with mulch in order to retain moisture. Irrigation system With the advancement of their irrigation control system, Facility Services will be able to wirelessly control water distribution. The new program will use evapotranspiration, the process of evaporating water through plant transpiration, to determine the amount of water the plant needs. Additionally, Calsense sensors will be used with irrigation controllers to monitor the environmental conditions and daily weather. According to Hostick, other universities have been able to prove a 30 percent reduction in irrigation water use with this method. “We are making a large upgrade to our irrigation control system and tying it back to evapotranspiration,” Hostick said. “Once we’ve got it programmed, it will adjust the run time and act as a central controlled system that will turn off when it rains, and subtract that from future irrigation to the same plants.” The new irrigation controls would use weather data to determine how much water is needed versus determining the amount of water based off of appearance, Loosley said. “Currently our irrigation controllers are programmed by grounds workers and is based more on appearance; if things are wilting or really green,” Loosley said. “There is a tendency to kind of overwater so things look really good, rather than underwatering to the point where things look really bad.”

Agricultural Operations Since 2013, agriculture has accounted for approximately half of Cal Poly’s water usage and covered approximately 120 acres of pastures and crops. Conservation measures for agriculture include: • More efficient sprinklers • Drip irrigation system • Install micro-emitters • Improved reservoir and well management The Whale Rock Reservoir and campus wells are used for irrigation around Cal Poly farmland. The Whale Rock Reservoir allo-

cates approximately 125.7 million and pastures. The reduction in ping of water on the crops. gallons of water per year. nozzles decreased water use in In looking to use reclaimed waSince Californians started sprinkler irrigation by 33 percent. ter, Cal Poly has also implementpaying attention to the drought, Micro-emitters have been in- ed green roofs and a rainwater Cal Poly has come up with a few stalled to irrigate all the orchard catchment system. tricks. Using water All components from the wells on of the Drought ReField 25 and 28 has Using water from the wells on sponse Plan will be reduced demand Field 25 and 28 has reduced implemented over on the reservoir demand on the resevoir by apthe course of the by approximately proximately 33 million gallons next few years. 33 million gallons It will cost approxM I L L I O N since January 2014 since January 2014. imately $420,000 Over Summer but w i l l s ave 2014, all existing $150,000 each year sprinklers were replaced with crops which allow for low pres- in utility expenses overall, which smaller nozzles in the crops units sure spraying, misting or drip- will balance out in 2018.

Monday, April 25, 2016

NEWS | 3

Over-the-counter birth control comes to California, and soon to Cal Poly Lexi McCoy Special to Mustang News

Getting birth control just got easier in California — and will soon be easier for Cal Poly students as well. Women seeking birth control pills, patches, shots and vaginal rings can now get them over the counter at pharmacies — no prescription or doctor’s appointment required. By the end of Fall 2016, students will likely be able to get over-thecounter birth control at the Health Center, Executive Director of Campus Health and Wellbeing Dr. David Harris said. “We don’t want any barriers to birth control,” Harris said. “We want every woman to have access to birth control. That is our premise.” California joins Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C. in this step toward reducing unintended pregnancies. Those seeking birth control can access it with no age minimum, just by filling out a health questionnaire and getting their blood pressure taken Continued from page 1

However, money was not the only factor backing her. Without the support and friendly competition from her brother, Colombini would not be where she is today. It all started her freshman year of high school: Jason was the ASB president while Jana was her freshman class president. It was a deja vu moment when Jana first ran for Board of Directors at the end of Jason’s term as ASI president. She jokingly said that fortunately her brother hadn’t besmirched the Colombini name before he left Cal Poly. Despite her brother preceding her, Jana has climbed her way to the top on her own accord. “He sat down with me and made sure that I was reaching for ASI president because it was something that I wanted to do, and I wasn’t basing wanting to run because my brother did it,” Colombini said. “He’s served as huge role model, but I wanted to do this because I love it and felt I was the best person for the job.” ASI experience Colombini’s previous experience with student government will help her transition into the role of ASI president. “ASI experience is absolutely critical because you know how ASI works, you know how to get what you want to get done and that’s a key component to it,” Jason

at a pharmacy. will not get checked by a doctor if Pharmacists at the Health Center they can walk up to a pharmacy will have to take a course, typically window and get birth control on online, to be prepared to adminis- their own. When a woman has ter birth control, Harris said. never taken birth control before, “I think it’s a good idea. I don’t it is helpful for her to see a doctor, think the doctor does much more Harris said, especially since conthan what the pharmasultations are free at the cist will do when Health Center. they give you “I think (the birth control,” law) a step in We don’t want any barriers child develthe right diopment serection, but to birth control. That is our nior Amanit’s requiring da Chausse the patient premise. said. to make an DR. DAVID HARRIS O v e r awful lot of the-counter decisions like birth control picking what will give young medication is apwomen more freepropriate,” Harris said. dom, psychology junior Jordan “I would prefer to have an expert Britt said. help each patient make those “I think in a young wom- initial decisions.” an’s sense, it’s nice because you Seeing a doctor would also be don’t have to tell your par- useful if the patient is having ents that you need to see a complications with their birth gynecologist,” Britt said. control, Harris said. He also Not everyone is supportive of this added that people still need to new law. Critics say many women protect themselves against sexu-

SAR AH C | CRE ATIVE COMMONS CONTROL | Some critics of the law think women should still see doctors before purchasing birth control.

ally transmitted diseases and get tested for them. Britt and Chausse said they would recommend over-thecounter birth control to friends, but still encourage them to see a doctor. “I would tell my friends you can get it really easily. But I would give them information if they want to talk to a doctor before,” Britt said. Birth control is currently available at the Health Center with a prescription and is less expensive than a traditional medical office because the Health Center does not make a profit, Harris said. The Health Center runs off of the Student Health Fee, which is

$100 per student per quarter, plus a $3 facility fee. Condoms, the primary male birth control method, are available over-the-counter at the Health Center. The morning-after pill, commonly referred to as “Plan B,” is also available without a prescription. According to the Health Center’s 2016 birth control sheet, one month of birth control pills can cost anywhere from $7-19, two months costs between $12-35 and three months will be anywhere between $17-45. The Health Center will also order a specific type of birth control pills that a student needs if it is not already in stock,

Harris said. “The premise is that every service we offer in the health center we make no profit,” Harris said. “When we sell any medications through the pharmacy, they are at cost and there is no profit added on.” This new law will be helpful for women who move often, Harris said. “It’s going to make it easier for women who don’t regularly have a physician or provider that they see,” Harris said. “They can get their birth control wherever they are, and I suspect that most pharmacy chains will only have you fill out that information once and then

said. “She’s got those relationships her freshman year, but had iniwith administrators and knows tially met a good group of friends how all the different departments in Week of Welcom (WOW) and work; she’s going to be able to hit missed the registration deadline as the ground running really, really a sophomore. She felt too old to join quickly.” a sorority in September, but when Not only does knowing the Alpha Gamma Delta (AGD) came ins and outs of ASI have its ad- to campus in Winter 2015, she devantage, but loving what you cided to take that leap. do is a key component, Board “It was a chance to be involved in of Directors Chair Vittorio something that was starting from Monteverdi said. the ground up, set the foundation “I have not seen anyone else and help the organization succeed,” HANNA CROWLEY | MUSTANG NE WS within student government with as Colombini said. “It’s all about emmuch passion as she has,” mechan- powering women which is a very LEGACY | Jana Colombini (center) is the sister of former ASI president Jason Colombini (to left). ical engineering senior Monteverdi impactful message.” said. “Last year, she and I put on the Colombini also felt a personHer sisters were a huge part of lombini said.“Once it hits me, I San Luis Obispo so the students can ‘It’s on Us’ week and it was a great al connection with the sorority her support system, in addition to will break out into a million tears, have their voice heard in matters success, and I just saw her put the because one of its philanthropies her other family: ASI. In the weeks but what I really learned is that I affecting the city. same energy and love into every- supports diabetic awareness, and leading up to her campaign, her am proud of myself because I tried She plans to gradually implement thing else she does.” friends were either at the to campaign as hard as I could so different aspects of her platform as Her commitment to evbooths in the University that everyone was informed on my she sees fit. SHE’S GOT THOSE REL ATIONSHIPS WITH erything she does is going Union (UU) Plaza or on platforms.” “My goal is that each one of the ADMINISTR ATORS AND KNOWS HOW ALL THE DEPARTMENTS WORK; SHE’S GOING to make her successful as Dexter Lawn to act as a Jason Colombini was almost as platforms will happen simultaneTO BE ABLE TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING ASI president, University presence for her when she excited as his sister. ously and will be a continuing efRE ALLY, RE ALLY QUICKLY. Union Advisory Board wasn’t able to. “I can’t even describe how proud fort,” Colombini said. “It will be a (UUAB) Chair Sevelyn After getting approxi- of her I am right now,” he said. “She rolling effort throughout the year so JA SON COLOMBINI FORMER ASI PRESIDENT VanRonk said. mately four hours of sleep, has a different plan and she’s going at least I will be setting the ground“I know Jana pretty well Colombini set out on the to make her own legacy.” work, if not completely accomplishfrom working with her this final day of voting to make ing the platform.” past year and she definitely the per- her grandfather was diabetic. sure that even if students didn’t vote Care, communicate, connect She also plans to provide outreach son who will give her full 100 perHolding off on recruitment for for her, they were aware of the elec- Current ASI President Owen on the role of ASI. According to Cocent with everything that she does,” the past couple years was the right tions. As she walked from her class Schwaegerle created the different lombini, the ASI president’s role is child development senior VanRonk choice because she fell in love with to the UU, her mind was running secretary positions during fall to be a university-wide representasaid. “She has great follow-through, AGD — and the people — as soon a mile a minute so much so that quarter, which Colombini wants tive for all Cal Poly students. so I really do believe that all the as she found out about it. she hadn’t eaten anything all day. to continue. She is going to take “ASI president makes an impact things she campaigned on, she will “Everyone is so supportive. It puts When her name was announced, it it one step further by creating and because in a lot of meetings, they really put forth next year.” a smile on my face to talk about was overwhelming to say the least. selecting her Secretary of Diversity are the only student representative,” them,” Colombini said. “They are “At that moment, I was completely and Inclusivity before the quarter Colombini said. “You have to make Support system my sisters and my family; they are in shock, everyone giving me hugs, is over. sure the student voice is taken into Colombini said she wanted to be- just a solid group of awesome in- so distracted about other things; it Additionally, Colombini wants account by administration and come involved in greek life since dividuals.” still hasn’t hit me quite yet,” Co- to get students registered to vote in faculty.”

Monday, April 25, 2016

ARTS | 4

Pilipino Cultural Night brings the community together for Sayawan

GABBY PA JO | MUSTANG NE WS CELEBRATING HERITAGE | This weekend’s performances by the Pilipino Cultural Exchange displayed the realities of Pilipino life in America during the 1920s, giving the audience an entertaining history lesson.

Regine Smith @regine321

The Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre hosted Sayawan, the 27th annual Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) put on by Cal Poly’s Pilipino Cultural Exchange (PCE) on Friday and Saturday. The performance was set during the 1920s in Stockton’s taxi dance halls, a prominent setting in Pilipino-American history. Cal Poly alumnus JD Torres, who was vice president of PCE, returned to see this year’s show. “They’re touching on a lot of great history in terms of Pilipino-American culture,” he said. “For PCN, that’s really what it’s about. It’s an expression of Pilipino ideals and values, and our history. It’s not something you see in mainstream media, so it’s great to see them write a script that touches on something like that.” The play follows Pilipina orphan

Samantha, who is attending college in America. Her parents were killed during a peaceful protest sparked by race riots. In the play, the local American community is angry with the presence of Pilipinos in Stockton. Their aim is to shut down the Pilipinos’ place of gathering — taxi dance halls. Here, Pilipino men blew off steam by paying to dance with beautiful, and usually white, women. The dance halls were very controversial at this time, and were often equated to brothels. In one line, they are referred to as “a brown man’s vanilla heaven.” Leading the revolt against the Pilipino community is local police Chief Ryan, a staunch racist responsible for the death of Samantha’s parents. Controversy arises when Chief Ryan’s son, popular athlete Kelby, falls in love with Samantha. Kelby simultaneously grows intrigued with Pilipino cul-

ture, but must downplay his interest in Samantha to avoid rejection from his friends and family. As Kelby sets out to win over Samantha’s heart, he struggles to understand why the community discriminates against his newfound friends. Coming from a privileged family, he is hit hard with the realities of poverty immigrants experience. Juxtaposed between play scenes, the performance also incorporated PCE’s choir, Ating Hamig, the Modern Dance Crew and the traditional Kasayahan cultural dance troupe. Each performance was strategically woven into the story. Romantic ballads such as Elvis Presley’s “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” were sung by the choir as Samantha and Kelby’s romance intensified. Kasayahan performed after a scene depicting traditional dances at a Pilipino party.

GABBY PA JO | MUSTANG NE WS

“I like how they incorporated omore Denise Hensley was most mance, or were a part of the local the traditional dances and mod- impressed by the use of dance to Pilipino community. The crowd, ern dances in between,” aerospace demonstrate culture. reflective of the Pilipino presence engineering freshman Tristan “I’m actually Pilipino, so I want- in San Luis Obispo, was small but Golds said. ed to go see it,” she said. “They highly enthusiastic. The placement of each dance really used dance to their advanAudience member Donna Blow, helped convey the mood of the tage. They mixed in old dances who is not Pilipino, said: “I was preceding scenes. like Tinikling, and also modern not really aware of the taxi hall The strength of the evening was hip-hop, which I think Pilipinos history and the Pilipino commuthe immense talent found among now are really into. We dance and nity. That was an area I found inPCE members. The script, writ- sing all the time, so they hit every teresting and enlightening.” ten by students involved with aspect of our culture.” Following a climactic outbreak of PCE, provided a provocative violence, the performance ended and telling narrative of Pilipiwith a moving segment of spono history. The stage decor was ken word that cried for empathy kept to a minimum; many of and equality. After this came the the sets were composed of a curtain call, playing the Black few props and a photo-proEyed Peas’ pop-hit “Bebot.” They’re touching on a jected backdrop. This left it The song mixes traditional lot of great history in terms of up to the impressive actPilipino drums and taming skills of the cast to tell Pilipino-American culture...For bourine with a modern hipthe story. hop beat. It pays homage PCN, that’s really what One critique of the play to Black Eyed Peas singer would be that Pilipino Apl.de.ap’s Pilipino heritage, it’s about. students were cast as their but is also known outside the PCE VICE PRESIDENT caucasian counterparts. This Pilipino realm because of the JD TORRES was ironic, as the characters were group’s international success. supposed to be racist toward PilThe curtain call had every auipinos. It is understandable given dience member — Pilipino and that the entire crew is involved in Sayawan’s themes were hard-hit- non-Pilipino alike — moving, PCE, and more so, the acting and ting. The play addressed racism clapping and singing along with dialogue made up for it. It was and compassion and the audience the vibrant, proud cast memnot difficult to tell who was who. was challenged to reconsider the bers. They chanted: “Pinoy ka At times, racial stereotypes were stigma of dancing with men for sigaw na, sige! Kung maganda exaggerated to provide comic re- money. Sayawan depicted a wom- ka sigaw na, sige! Kung buhay lief to the otherwise heavy tone an’s struggle through poverty. Sa- mo’y mahalaga, sige! Salamat sa of the play. The script masterfully mantha leads a double-life of par- iyong suporta. Pilipino ... Piliused humor to balance out seri- adox as both a taxi hall dancer and pino ... PILIPINO!” ous themes, making for an overall an admirable woman of character. This translates to: “If you’re Pililight-hearted performance. The Every time Samantha stood up pino, shout it out, c’mon! If you’re stereotypes were not only funny, for her rights or defended her cul- beautiful, shout it out, c’mon! but also helped illustrate how ture, the crowd went wild. Many If your life is valuable, c’mon! Pilipinos act in real life. of the audience members came to Thank you for your support. PilBusiness administration soph- support a loved one in the perfor- ipino ... Pilipino ... PILIPINO!”

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Monday, April 25, 2016

ARTS | 5

Taking pride in being yourself at Trans Fashion Show Sabrina Thompson @sthomp_jour

KATY BARNARD | MUSTANG NE WS STRIKING A POSE | Jordan Collins modeled her sparkly attire Saturday evening, focusing on empowerment.

“If I had to sum it up in two words, it’s about education and empowerment.” That is how Trans Fashion Show Co-Director and theater senior Rotem Drori described Saturday night’s Trans Fashion Show. The fashion show, hosted by the Pride Center and featuring Cal Poly students who identify as transgender or genderqueer, showed students different styles of fashion that can contribute to gender presentation, and gave the models a chance to feel accepted in the safe space of the San Luis Lounge of the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU). The different looks and performances of the night highlighted the importance that gender and acceptance for people who don’t conform to typical gender roles and identifications play. You could feel the support of the audience as they cheered on each model. Though not professional models, each one of them walked with an air of confidence. Presenting looks that fit their idea of what their gender would express, it became apparent that it is more than just articles of clothing that can define a person’s gender expression. From professional wear to summer attire, the colors and fit of each outfit played a role in defining their preferred gender. The fashion showed that there is so much that goes into choosing an outfit, and even more for someone who identifies as transgender.

For one model, the show was a chance to have a lot of fun. Architectural engineering junior Andy Muncey wanted to show people that drag and trans are two different things. “With trans fashion, it shows a wide range of presenting oneself and changing what you look like,” Muncey said. The Trans Fashion show has been going on for several years at

If I had to sum it up in two words, it’s about education and empowerment TRANS FASHION SHOW CO-DIRECTOR

ROTEM DRORI

Cal Poly. Drori spoke proudly of the development it has had over the past four years. From attending the show as a sophomore to directing it, Drori wanted to show that people who are transgender or gender nonconforming shouldn’t feel misunderstood, and that the key is educating people about the fluidity of how we express gender in day-to-day life. Part of the show featured poetry written by transgender students. The pieces were about the angst and frustrations they felt about the way they expressed their gender, and how people reacted to it.

The importance of pronouns was a prominent theme in the poetry; it is often overlooked in everyday conversation. But for someone who is trying to identify as their true identity, being called by their correct pronoun can be a daily struggle. Though when it happens, it can have a lasting effect on them. In attending the Trans Fashion Show, the frustrations and triumphs of the trans community could be seen. An exciting presentation of the night was a makeup tutorial by business administration sophomore Richie Kelly. “Makeup is gender neutral,” Kelly said. “It is a tool people can use to play with gender expression.” Little tricks, like the placement and colors used on a person, can make all the difference in passing as the gender that they identify as. While it is not absolutely necessary, for those that wore makeup that night it provided them with additional confidence in the way they looked. As the show’s popularity continues to grow, the education they provide becomes even more valuable. While people who are not transgender can never completely understand the struggles that nongender conforming people face, the fashion show was a great opportunity to hear about their experiences and show support for the community. The audience received invaluable education about the importance of gender expression, and the models had a chance to strut their stuff, empowered by acceptance and support.

Monday, April 25, 2016

OPINION | 6

MUSTANG NEWS Graphic Arts Building Building 26, Suite 226 California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

CONTACT EDITORIAL (805) 756-1796 ADVERTISING (805) 756-1143 CLASSIFIED (805) 756-1143 FAX (805) 756-6784

EDITORS & STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kayla Missman MANAGING EDITORS Celina Oseguera, Benjy Egel BROADCAST NEWS DIRECTOR Leah Horner

An open letter to Jana Colombini from Owen Schwaegerle MUSTANG NEWS FILE PHOTO

Dear Ms. Colombini, Congratulations on being elected by the students of Cal Poly to serve as our Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) president next year! Your passion and commitment to the student body has shone through, and now you will be our elected representative. You were moving into Fremont Hall your freshman year when I first saw your name tag on the wall. “Colombini! I know Jason Colombini; are you his sister?” That was the first impression, but as time went on there was no more “Jason’s sister.” It was just

Jana. Weeks after we first met, you began to grow so much respect in our college, started to serve our community in incredible ways and worked hard to make an impact on every person you came across. You have been committed to Cal Poly for years now, and you deserve the title of one of the loftiest positions on campus. I am confident you will fulfill the duties of the ASI president very well. Jana, there is no doubt that you are Cal Poly proud. Our university means so much to you, and you want to make sure every student graduates from our school

feeling loved, safe and accepted. Now, more than ever, we need to be united as a campus and find a common cause that all Cal Poly can care about. In this position as ASI president, it is very easy to get caught up in the same old day-to-day activities: attending meetings and responding to emails. This role is so much more than that. People want to see you at events on campus, talk to you about their problems and know that you are connected to what is going on with the student body. You are naturally a people person, and because of your inherent skills, you are needed at the

most opportune time to connect students with each other, the city and the state. You are a great fit for this role. Lastly, in this role, you will be the sole representative of students in many situations. For this reason, it is extremely important that you communicate constantly with the students to increase transparency. Inform yourself on the needs of the students and represent them well. Students need a strong voice representing them, and you naturally fit this expectation well. Your confidence has been displayed in all of your actions, and I know the students will be so thankful for your leadership

next year. Though this may sound overwhelming to handle, you do not have to do this alone. This is the time for you to surround yourself with skilled, committed individuals that will help you have the most successful year possible. Next year will be the most fun, difficult and humbling experience yet. I will be here for you through it all, as well as our predecessors. Congratulations once again, Jana. It is an honor to pass down the legacy of the ASI president to you. Sincerely, Owen W. Schwaegerle

in our society and because religion is comforting. Essentially, religion tells us that human lives Emilio Horner is a political sci- are special. ence senior and Mustang News But do all dogs go to heaven? columnist. The views expressed Another part of being human, is in this article do not necessarily not being a nonhuman, or more reflect the viewpoints and edito- simply put, an animal. Just as it’s rial coverage of Mustang News. impossible to conceive a cooked carrot without understanding a An insane man runs screaming raw carrot, one cannot underdown the meat aisle at your lo- stand what it means to be human cal grocery store. A normal man without understanding what doesn’t bat an eye as he reads it means to not be a human. about drone strikes in Yemen, Furthermore, part of believing while sipping his daily fair trade that human lives are special is coffee. This column, as always, believing that we are different is not here to talk about Trump than animals. This means that or Bernie (bless his soul), or we as a society choose to value whether Hillary does have hot the things that make us different sauce in her bag. It exists to ask from animals more so than the the big questions. What does it things that make us similar. If mean to be human? Who counts we value the similarities, then as human? Whose lives count as we aren’t viewing ourselves as lives worth mourning? special. Specialty comes Part of being from uniqueness. human in a JuWhat makes deo-Chrishumans diftian cultural ferent and What makes human similar context like unique is that we are all coporal and ours is befrom anvulnerable beings who are ing socialimals is ized into capitalborn and will die. believing ism, ratioEMILIO HORNER that life has an nalism and inherent grand technological purpose, and that innovation; unwe operate in a world surprisingly these are of good versus evil in which the things that Western society good will win out. I think this values the most. What makes is nonsense. humans similar to them is that A lot of people will tell you we are all corporal and vulnerathis is nonsense and identify as ble beings who are born and will atheists, while still secretly living die. In creating human exceptheir lives based off Judeo-Chris- tionalism, we forget that we are tian principles. This is because all vulnerable. Vulnerability of the values are deeply ingrained others is something not respect-

ed, and it should be. Having a category of life that is not human, and therefore not valuable, allows us to be able to “dehumanize” other people. For example, when ISIS beheaded American journalist James Foley in 2014 that was a life that was worth grieving because that was a life that was considered human. On the other hand, the Iraq Body Count project estimates that there have been 155,932174,355 civilian deaths in Iraq as of March 2016. Why is it that we live in a society in which I would be considered crazy if I was seen crying about another dead Iraqi civilian every day on the bus ride to school? Notions of masculinity and emotional displays aside, it is because we as a society don’t view those lives as mournable because we don’t view them as human. The solution to this problem is that we should eliminate the category of life that is not valuable, mournable or vulnerable, essentially the category of life that is not human. Essentially this means that if we don’t want people to be dehumanized, we should change what it means to be a non human or an animal. We should respect the dignity and value of animal life. This means that we should reject all animal testing, stop using animal furs and pelts and most importantly stop eating meat. This is the only way for us to realize that life in general is valuable and fragile. Obviously, this column respects the class privilege of being a vegetarian or vegan and

NEWS EDITOR Jen Silva ARTS EDITOR Frances Griffey SPORTS EDITOR Eric Stubben BROADCAST CONTENT PRODUCER Michelle Logan BROADCAST SPORTS DIRECTOR Allison Edmonds SPECIAL SECTIONS COORDINATOR Suha Saya PHOTO EDITOR Georgie De Mattos OPINION EDITOR Liana Riley HEAD DESIGNER Jordan Dunn SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Cara Benson OUTREACH COORDINATORS Hannah Avdalovic, Reilly Roberts WEB DEVELOPER Jon Staryuk STAFF REPORTERS Gina Randazzo, Warren Fox, Naba Ahmed, James Hayes, Carly Quinn, Brendan Abrams, Michelle Zaludek, Madi Salvati, Annie Vainshtein, Will Peischel, Alison Stauf, Keenan Donath, Clara Knapp, Ayrton Ostly, Alexa Bruington, Avrah Baum, Tommy Tran, Hannah Stone, Ty Schilling, Michael Frank, Connor McCarthy, Chloe Carlson COPY EDITORS Tori Leets, Kalynn Carpenter, Gurpreet Bhoot DESIGNERS Zack Spanier, Sabrina Smith, Kylie Everitt OPINION COLUMNISTS Amelia Parreira, Emilio Horner, Brandon Bartlett, Daniel Park, Erica Hudson

Life that matters Emilio Horner @mustangnews

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the new left understands in food deserts it becomes impossible to purchase affordable, nutritious and healthy food. I also understand certain allergies, cultural practices and eating disorders make being a vegetarian or vegan difficult. Still, the principle remains that many people continue to eat meat and disrespect animals. Re-conceptualizing animals will force society to value loss, vulnerability and grief, near universal characteristics of living. Vulnerability and loss follow from being constituted bodies. People mourn when they accept that by the loss they feel, they will be changed forever. Mourn-

ing has a mysterious element to it. Since “you” constitutes “I,” a loss is partially a loss of the self. Accepting this and understanding grief and suffering is necessary toward developing the ethical responsibility to reduce suffering worldwide. When a man walks down a supermarket aisle filled with dead carcasses, then that should be something to scream about. That should be terrifying, because it is. Meanwhile, anyone who is not disturbed by our continued illegal and unconstitutional drone strikes in Yemen, killing civilians, should be considered a psychopath.

GENERAL MANAGER Paul Bittick

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Monday, April 25, 2016

SPORTS | 8

Cal Poly vs. USCB

Results from the weekend

7-0

2-5

10-5

4-3

Baseball wins

Tennis loses

Baseball wins

Though the Mustangs swept the Gauchos in women’s volleyball and women’s cross-country, UCSB still leads the Blue-Green Rivalry 13-9-1 this year.

Baseball completes sweep of UCSB TOMMY TR AN | MUSTANG NE WS GETTING DIRTY | Senior right fielder John Schuknecht tries to slide under a tag at third base during the Mustangs’ 4-3 win over UC Santa Barbara on Sunday. The Mustangs swept the Gauchos in the three-game series.

Tommy Tran @tommytran_

The Cal Poly baseball team swept its rivals, the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, in a three-game series at home in Baggett Stadium over the weekend. The Gauchos entered the series favored to win, ranked No. 8 in the nation and at the top of the Big West Conference standings, all while the Mustangs were unranked nationally. However, the Mustangs battled against the odds to sweep the Gauchos in the three-game series, 7-0, 10-5 and 4-3. “It’s awesome,” said sophomore

pitcher Jarred Zill, who scattered four hits over 6 1/3 innings. “It’s what we expected to do, it’s a good feeling but definitely, it’s an extra special sweep, because it’s Santa Barbara.” Sunday’s series finale featured intense, close play throughout the game. The Gauchos started the game with a run in the top of the first inning, leading the game for the first four innings. The 1,500-person crowd started to think that it would be UCSB’s game, until sophomore center fielder Josh George scored the first run for the Mustangs in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie

the game 1-1. George filled in for freshman center fielder Alex McKenna, who was out for an undisclosed reason for all three games of the series. “It was exciting to see so many guys step up after some injuries and to have people come in and fill their place,” junior left fielder and team captain Brett Barbier said. “It just showed that we had some depth in our lineup and guys were willing to step up and make the plays.” The Mustangs seized momentum and took control of the game in the sixth inning, extending their lead to 3-1.

Barbier started the Mustangs’ rally, scoring on an RBI single by junior third baseman Michael Sanderson. Senior right fielder John Schuknecht extended the lead to 3-1 after scoring on freshman catcher Nick Meyer’s RBI double. Cal Poly continued to dominate in the bottom of the seventh inning, with junior second baseman Brett Binning scoring on a passed ball. With the Mustangs leading 4-1, UCSB attempted to come back and cut into the deficit by scoring two runs in the top of the eighth inning. Cal Poly was not able to muster

a single hit or run in the bottom of the eighth inning, making the top of the ninth inning another nail biter, with the Gauchos at bat and the Mustangs hanging on to a one-run lead. Gauchos’ freshman shortstop Fisher Clay stole third base, putting pressure on the final batter of the ninth inning, but junior pitcher Justin Calomeni struck out Gauchos’ junior third baseman Ryan Clark to clinch the game for a 4-3 Mustang victory. “This weekend was awesome, it was just a big confidence booster for us,” Schuknecht said. “We should come out and play like this all the time. It was just great

for us to perform as a team so well in so many different areas.” The Mustangs look to continue their momentum when the travel to No. 18 Cal on Tuesday to face the Golden Bears at 5 p.m. The Mustangs faced Cal on April 12 and lost 7-1 after giving up six runs in the fourth inning. “We have a tough game on Tuesday and Long Beach (State) is going to be another tough series for us, down at Long Beach, because that’s always a tough place for us to play,” Barbier said. “We’ve just need to keep swinging it, keep pitching and just play our game and play against ourselves and I think we’ll be alright.”