MONDAY, oct. 6 - wednesDAY, oct. 8, 2014 • VOLume 101 • ISSUE 17 News • P2
Opinion • P5
Students show support for affirmative consent
Pi Kappa Alpha to set up chapter at SDSU
1921 First SDSU Football game was played. Students referred to members of the team as “staters” or “professors”
#AZTECWARRIOR
1923 San Diego State’s newspaper, The Paper Lantern, campaigned for the “Wampus Cats” mascot. Other ideas included “Panthers,” “Balboans” and “Thoroughbreds” 1941 Art Munzig played the role of Montezuma for the first time during halftime of a football game between SDSU and Pomona 2000 Ray Soto, representing the Native American Student Alliance, petitioned A.S. to have Monty Montezuma removed, claiming the mascot was disrespectful toward Native American culture
madison hopkins managing editor _____________________________________
SNEAKPEEK
The Aztec Warrior mascot can be seen running the length of the field at football games, cheering on “The Show” at Viejas Arena and promoting the San Diego State spirit in the community. But what many current students may not know is that the warrior, whose history is relatively short lived, has been frequently contested by members of the Aztec community. As recent as last Friday, new voices have emerged in the debate regarding SDSU’s official mascot. The SDSU Queer People of Color Collective called into question the appropriateness of using an indigenous figure as a mascot on Oct. 3 when the group submitted a proposal to the Associated Students University Council, stating in an official resolution “the continued use of the name ‘Aztec’ and the ‘Aztec Warrior’ mascot perpetuate harmful stereotypes of Native Americans.” QPOCC members have rallied behind this issue and hope to inspire the campus body to partake in the movement. “Our goal is to end the use of cultural appropriation and racist stereotypes perpetuated through our mascot and allowing the Associated Students and university to do their work to choose a new mascot if they decide that one is necessary,” QPOCC member and LGBT studies senior Thomas Negron said. The resolution calls for the end of any official association with Aztec culture, including the spear in the SDSU athletics logo and the slogan “Fear the Spear.” If or when the university should choose to create a new mascot, the resolution
states that the appropriateness of the mascot should be considered and that it should add to SDSU’s Mission and Goals to “promote human dignity” within its diverse community. The QPOCC isn’t the first group at SDSU to raise questions related to the cultural sensitivity of various mascots, and movements such as these has spurred wide-scale campus debates in the past. The historical context of this conflict extends back nearly 100 years ago to SDSU’s first football game. At the inception of the university’s athletics program, the media was lost on how to refer to the red and black team. Some pushed for the title of “staters” or “professors,” and in 1923 the student newspaper tried to encourage the “Wampus Cats” — none of which stuck among the campus community. It wasn’t until 1925 that SDSU President Hardy formally approved the “Aztec” nickname, as it was considered representative of a southwest culture and supported by the student body, according to GoAztecs. com. For decades, Aztecs remained the title of SDSU sports teams, but there was still no official mascot. In 1941, Art Munzig was the first person to dress up and act as the ancient Aztec ruler Montezuma II during a halftime skit at the football season opener. The character gained popularity and students, faculty and community members began to commonly refer to the newfound mascot as “Monty” for short, according to Go Aztecs.com. Monty spent the next six decades with relatively little controversy. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that the debate surrounding the misappropriation of cultural references to Aztec history
P3 Police, students talk safety
SEPT 16, 2002 Aztec Warrior Foundation, consisting of university alumni, students and community members, held press conference announcing its plan for reemergence of a mascot. DEC 11, 2003 Campus referendum makes mascot official following vote of 7,731 to 2,142. Carlos Gutierrez, the former Monty Montezuma, would resume his duties on the field, only now he would be Aztec Warrior FEB 23, 2004 Official new mascot announced by The Daily Aztec prior to basketball game against Colorado State. Aztec Warrior’s outfit cost $11,000, which was raised by SDSU Alumni Association SEPT 2010 “Zuma,” an additional jaguar mascot, made its debut at Qualcomm Stadium. Tezcatlipoca, an Aztec god of magic and darkness, was often associated with a jaguar MARCH 2012 SDSU gets rid of Zuma, but retains Aztec Warrior as official mascot OCT 2, 2014 Queer People of Color Collective submits proposal to Associated Students to officially change the mascot
thrust the campus community onto the national media scene. The topic proved to be divisive when the Native American Student Alliance submitted a petition to A.S. claiming Monty was disrespectful toward Native American culture, spurring former SDSU President Stephen Weber to convene a task force of students, alumni and faculty members to look into the matter. Weber personally created a 70-page report from his research and findings, according to an article from The Daily Aztec in 2000. As the result, President Weber formally announced his decision to remove Monty as the mascot. He concluded that it was acceptable to
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P6 Men’s hoops hold first practice
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The Aztec Warrior leads the crowd at a San Diego State game. JENNA MACKEY, PHOTO EDITOR
SEPT 14, 2002 Aztec Warrior makes debut appearance at football home opener without the support of university administration, which had yet to approve an official mascot
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MASCOT METAMORPHOSIS
MAY 15, 2001 SDSU President Stephen Weber removed Monty as official mascot in an effort to shift policy in a direction more respectful of Aztec culture
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2 news
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com
#sdsupike
Pi Kappa Alpha to set up chapter at SDSU lauren spinelli contributor _____________________________________ A new fraternity chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) is coming to San Diego State this fall. PIKE National Consultants Patrick Hamel and Christopher Ehiogu will be on campus for the next five to seven weeks building a colony. PIKE’s main goal at SDSU is to be the premiere gentlemen’s organization and make campus and community the main focus, according to PIKE’s national consultants. The PIKE recruiters’ main focus is “SLAG,” which stands for scholars, leaders, athletes, and gentlemen. The athletic aspect is added to the qualities of a PIKE to uphold the fraternity’s completive atmosphere. PIKE aims to break from the social norm of fraternities to uphold professionally and communitybased goals along with social aspects, according to PIKE’s website. During the colonization process the consultants hope to receive potential member recommendations from a variety of individuals. “It’s a selection-based process,” Hamel said. “We get recommendations from high-caliber individuals so we can find the high-caliber men. That’s the way in which we want to go about establishing a chapter so when moving forward they are self-governing after we leave.” The consultants plan to meet with
Pi Kappa Alpha consultants are building a colony at San Diego State to estbalish a chapter. courtesy of christopher hamel
campus administrators, campus leaders, professors, university staff and coaches at SDSU. Members of the university community can also recommend young men online at pikes.org/sdsu. “It’s a colony of founding fathers who are working toward becoming a chapter,” Hamel said. Hamel said there is no set number of individuals that will form part of the chapter, but he hopes it will be of comparable size to other fraternities on campus. After the colonization process is complete, the new colony members will
hold a “Meet the PIKEs” Night. “Meet the PIKEs Night is open to the campus and community for anyone who wants to come out and see the men selected that are going to be apart of the Pi Kappa Alpha colony,” Hamel said. One of the consultants’ main goals at SDSU is to train the selected men to maintain a fully functioning colony after Hamel and Ehiogu leave. The colony should be self-governing after consultants leave to then start petitioning to establish a charter chapter, Hamel said. “A colony is almost like you’re running a small business or you’re starting a small
business,” Hamel said. Before becoming a recognized chapter, the colony has to complete a program checklist and then petition to charter and prove why they are worthy of being a chapter at SDSU. After the petition to charter, the colony will have an installation and chartering weekend to be initiated as members of the organization. They will then be nationally recognized as the SDSU Delta Kappa chapter of PIKE. It typically takes 12 to 18 weeks after petitioning to charter to become a chapter, Hamel said.
news 3
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com
#lgbtq
Campus hosts ‘Coming Out’ week jaclyn palumbo staff writer _____________________________________ Oct. 11 will mark the 26th annual National Coming Out Day. For San Diego State students, faculty and staff, school-wide events are in place to raise awareness in the community about the national celebration. “Because this day is on a Saturday, SDSU has decided to create a week-long celebration that anyone can take part in,” The Pride Center Assistant Lou Tabalon said. “This is a milestone for many students who had difficulty coming out and a possible first step for those who want to come out.” Campus events are scheduled for the first full week of October with sponsorship from SafeZones@SDSU, SDSU’s The Pride Center, Queer Student Union and other student-run clubs and organizations that specialize in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer awareness and advocacy. One of the events from the week includes the Coming Out Discussion Panel that will consist of LBTQ students and community members discussing their experiences coming out and the impact it has had on their personal relationships. “Its purpose is to raise awareness and share life experiences that can benefit
other people who are in the process of coming out,” Co-Chair of SafeZones@ SDSU Susan Cayleff said. “It also helps demonstrate to LGBTQ allies effective and supportive ways to respond to someone who is coming out.” The pannel, hosted by SafeZones@ SDSU, will be from 12 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 at Scripps Cottage on the west end of campus. A list of events can be found on the calendar sidebox. The Pride Center may add other events during the week on its Facebook’s page. “To create a truly inclusive campus community we must ensure we focus on all dimensions of identity,” The Pride Center Coordinator Anthony Keen said. “Sexual orientation and gender identity are critical components of all of us and there are a variety of campus organizations, departments and services strive to create a community where students can thrive.” The Pride Center began serving SDSU students in the spring of 2014. In August 2014, SDSU was ranked one of the top 50 most LGBT-friendly universities by the Campus Pride organization. “Students need to be supportive to their peers every day, not just during National Coming Out Day events,” Cayleff said. “Come to the panel and join the LGBTQ movement for social justice.”
coming outober week wednesday, oct. 8 LGBTQ RESEARCH CONSORTIUM: esther rothblum speaks from 12 to 3 p.m. at THE pride center SAN diego pride: Pride talks from 6 to 9 p.m. at the conrad prebys aztec student union theater
thursday, oct. 9 Safezones@SDSU presents: national coming out discussion panel from 2 to 4 p.m. at scripps cottage sexual orientation gender identity discussion from 4 to 5 p.m. at student life and leadership qsu’s general body meeting: Coming out from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the pride center
friday, oct. 10 coming out lunch-in from 12 to 1 p.m. at the pride center 127 easy steps to becoming a man: scott turner schofield from 7 to 9 p.m. at the student union theater
SAturday, oct. 11
national coming out day
SDSU police, students talk campus safety Colleen Larson Contributor ____________________________________ The safety of students walking on and around campus at night has been a popular topic of discussion since the semester began. Recently, the disappearance of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham has attracted media attention and has caused college campus safety concerns nationwide. At San Diego State, students have mixed feelings about how safe they feel when walking on and around campus at night. “I feel safe when I am walking in places with a lot of light and other people around me,” pre-nursing sophomore Savannah Eshelman said. “But when I am by myself and I feel secluded, then I feel really unsafe. I am not scared or panicking, I am just a little apprehensive.” Pre-nursing sophomore Aerieldeanne Aragona said there could be a heightened sense of fear because of the fact that SDSU is an open campus. “In the (Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union) I feel kind of scared … because it is really public, I feel like something could happen to me,” she said. “SDSU is an open campus so anyone could walk on. But I feel moderately safe over all.” AZTECS: Continued from p1
have a human character represent the school, but the university must encourage a more historically accurate depiction of the ancient ruler. These steps included removing the name “Monty,” insisting on referring to the figure by his full name. Also, Montezuma was then to be referred to as the “ambassador” and was meant to behave more appropriately at sporting events, as opposed to the mascot who ran up and down the field with a flaming spear, according to the a previous article in The Daily Aztec.
The SDSU Police Department has encouraged students to walk in groups as much as possible. Students are advised not to be distracted by hand held devices, according to SDSUPD’s Fall 2014 Safety Message. “Walking alone is not inherently dangerous but it is definitely safer to walk with groups and be aware of
surroundings,” SDSUPD Community Resource Officer and Corporal Mark Peterson said. Students are also encouraged to keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior and report it to the police department immediately. “If something does not seem right, it is usually because something is not right,”
Peterson said. “We would much rather be called out and find out something is absolutely nothing at all, then not be called out and have some type of preventable tragedy occur.” SDSUPD offers an escort service to provide students, faculty and staff an alternative option to walking around campus at night. This resource aims to be a reassuring, safe option. However, there have been mixed reviews about the reliability of the escort service. “They told me that they would be with me in 40 minutes,” business management freshman Andrea Chavez told The Daily Aztec in September. “I decided to just walk to my car without them, by the time I got there they still hadn’t gotten to me. They’re no help.” However, fellow student Eshelman had a positive experience. “A police officer picked me up and drove me back to my place,” Eshelman said. “She was really polite and I felt safe.” To request an escort, students can call (619) 594-6659 from 5 to 11 p.m. or (619) 594-6659 after 11 p.m. SDSUPD also offers other services, such as the Red and Black Shuttle and the Library Shuttle. More information can be found on SDSUPD’s website.
This still wasn’t the end of road for the Aztec Warrior. In the years following the transition from Monty the mascot to Montezuma the ambassador, some students and alumni felt they were deprived of having a true mascot. The absence of Monty gave way for the formation of The Aztec Warrior Foundation, a non-profit alumni association whose goal was the reinstatement of the Aztec Warrior mascot, and unofficially introduced the character to SDSU crowds at the Sept. 14, 2002 football home opener, according to the LA Times.
More than a year later, a campus referendum with unprecedented turnout showed the student body overwhelmingly voted in favor of adding the Aztec Warrior to the SDSU family, according to U-T San Diego. Three months later, the warrior made his official debut at a men’s basketball game against Colorado State University, sporting a new $11,000 costume. Although this extensive past may seem convoluted to some, this is only a brief summary of the aspects that lead to our current university icon. Regarding the most recent addition to the Aztec mascot’s
timeline, SDSU Chief Communications Officer Greg Block said the university has no plans to reconsider the use of the warrior. “We are the Aztecs and we have every intention of remaining the Aztecs,” he said. During the next few months, the SDSU community will likely have the opportunity to share their varied perspectives on the issue. The Daily Aztec will provide more in-depth coverage of this debate and readers are encouraged to join the ongoing discussion by commenting on our website.
file photo
4 opinion
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: elpin keshishzadeh • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
Who’sWho? Editor In Chief Monica Linzmeier
#Aztecwarrior
Managing Editor Madison Hopkins News Editor David Hernandez asst. News Editor Camille Lozano Sports Editor Kristian Ibarra asst. sports Editor Terence Chin Opinion Editor Elpin Keshishzadeh asst. opinion Editor KC Stanfield Entertainment Editor Nick Knott asst. entertainment Editor Ryo Miyauchi Features Editor Kelly Hillock asst. features Editor Chelsea Baer Photo Editor Jenna Mackey video editor Wesley Beights Digital Content EDITOR Kelly Gardner Production Designers Kate Leonard Mark Anthony Santos
file photo
Rally around the Warrior Anthony Berteaux senior Staff columnist _____________________________________
I
’ve never been much of a sports guy. If anything, I try to keep my San Diego State game visits to a minimum. But even I can’t deny the few times I do go to games, there’s something inherently special about our student body exhibiting pride when we, old and young, collectively cheer on the Aztec Warrior as he rallies us together. There are some, however, who disagree with the existence of this symbol. The Aztec Warrior has become the center of controversy under allegations in another petition to Associated Students that the mascot displays levels of “disrespect and dehumanization of native cultures” and perpetrates racist perceptions of Native Americans as “savage” and “uncivilized.” This ridiculous argument to eradicate our school mascot, the Aztec Warrior, in the name of combating racism ridicules social justice movements. It disrespects the unified culture of our school and the roots Aztec (or Nahuatl) culture has in San Diego, while making broad assumptions about the context of our mascot and how indigenous people should feel about it. The argument that the Aztec Warrior is culturally insensitive is not as clear-cut as people think, especially if we gloss over the controversies of the past. The Aztec Warrior, for many of us, is much more than a college sports mascot. When we cheer for him we cheer for something bigger than us. He’s a symbol of a larger identity and unifying culture we have here at SDSU that transcends age, race, gender and other factions that tend to divide us. It was a controversy of the same nature that officially killed Monty Montezuma in 2001 and left SDSU being the only
division I program without a mascot. In 2003, in response to allegations of racism, 83 percent of SDSU students and faculty overwhelmingly voted for an Aztec Warrior design that distanced itself from the cartoonish and offensive antics of yesteryear and moved toward the historically accurate, loin-cloth-wearing Aztec Warrior we know today. What didn’t get much attention throughout the correction of the inappropriate themes associated with the old mascot was the extensive measures made on behalf of SDSU. This campus spent approximately $100,000 toward the removal of the imagery, the creation of committees to debate the issue, and the creation of a new mascot in consultation with multiple Aztec scholars in the United States and Mexico. By consulting Aztec scholars, the current mascot honors Aztec culture instead of deriding it. This decision was a result of former SDSU president Stephen Weber, who had read more than a dozen texts on Aztec culture and Aztec identity politics. The revision and reinstatement of the new mascot was made in hopes that our sports teams would immortalize the achievements, tenacity and battlefield heroics of the Aztecs through their actions. So what’s the complaint this time? The fact is Americans today strive to be excessively politically correct when it comes to racial issues and injustices, and it’s ruining things as simple and innocent as school pride. Even Clarence Thomas, who is famously known as the second African American to serve on U.S. Supreme Court, said, “My sadness is that we are more race and difference conscious than I was in the 1960s … name a day when (race issues) doesn’t come up. Everybody is sensitive.” We’ve seen similar cases reflected in other sports teams’ names across the nation. A golden example is the controversy surrounding the usage of the word “redskin” in teams such as the Washington Redskins.
While we are quick to assume that all Native Americans are immediately offended by the usage of the term redskins, we have to know that such generalizations hurt the cause. In a survey conducted in 2004, 90 percent of Native Americans reported not being offended by the term. Many feel like there are more pressing issues, such as Native American welfare, to be concerned with. Robert “Two Eagles” Greene, a longtime chief of the Virginia-based Patawomek tribe, has openly stated he would conversely be offended if the Washington Redskins were to change their name to something else. “Was the comment made to denigrate Indian people?” he asked. “I don’t think so … I think that sometimes, we’re a little too touchy in our society these days.” The same applies to the Aztecs. At the state in which we glorify the Aztec Warrior and celebrate Aztec pride, it’s hard to find a reason to justify the argument that the usage of the Aztec Warrior marginalizes those of Aztec descent and culture as subordinate and inferior. The only way I would take this argument seriously is if the mascot held the same derogative imagery as referred by “black-face,” or if the term “Aztec” held the same gravitas as the n-word. The other argument regarding the mascot’s promotion of a savage-like perception of indigenous people also is one that fails in logic. Unruly behavior is not exclusive to our mascot only. All mascots, from the SDSU Aztec Warrior to the Oregon Ducks, are supposed to display aggressive behavior at sports games to rally school pride. As a symbol that unites students of diverse backgrounds, it’s absurd to call for the end of the Aztec Warrior on the assumption that it racially marginalizes. Symbols, like the Aztec Warrior, serve a larger purpose and it’s the reason we yell and scream at games. Regardless of what class, race, age, sex, religion, or sexual orientation, we’re all Aztecs for life. If a mascot can make a sports cynic like me feel that unity, isn’t it worth protecting?
volunteer writers Jaclyn Palumbo Colleen Larson Mike Heral Sarah Tanori Matthew Bain Jack Haworth Ethan Bailey Patrick Carr Alicia Chavez Lauren Spinelli Tabi Hoshmand Sabrina Shahawi __________________________________
Advertising Director Tony Disarufino Sales Manager Adam Zabel senior Account Executive Radbeh Rabaz Account Executives Alfonso Barajas Shannon Lubar Kamila Sikorski Accounting & Contracts Michael Bratt Kim Le __________________________________ General Manager Jay Harn Graphics Specialist Chris Blakemore __________________________________
What’sWhat? ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com editorial inquiries 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com Print The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies twice a week on Monday & Thursday during the school year, and 3,000 copies every other Monday during the summer. Web Our website, thedailyaztec.com, publishes daily content & breaking news. Mobile Our mobile app, The Aztec App, is available for the iPhone and Android. __________________________________
CORRECTION: In an article published on Oct. 2 titled “Aztec mascot undermines culture” it was originally stated that the mascot was chosen in 1925 when it was actually SDSU’s former mascot, “Monty Montezuma,” that was chosen at that time.
opinion 5
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: elpin keshishzadeh • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
#GOOD2GO
New app Good2Go into the trash KC Stanfield Asst. Opinion Editor ____________________________________
I
t’s official: There’s now an app for everything, even if it’s completely unnecessary and useless. Good2Go, which isn’t related to the Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme in any way (unfortunately), falls into this category and is borderline insulting to the college population and its issues. Sexual consent is definitely a just concern, especially with all the recent sexual assault reports around San Diego State and the newly passed Yes Means Yes law, but Good2Go has to be the most dumb way to communicate consent. Maybe I’m too old at the ripe age of 21 to understand young people, but what happened to communication by spoken words? It’s not like the app is any more advanced than just passing someone a piece of paper with sloppily scribbled questions — most people can easily ask those questions to begin with. It’s not a complicated procedure that requires an app for simplification.
However, it is a terrifying rationalization that even when it comes to sexual consent, there’s a way to hide behind a screen in order to justify willingness, or lack thereof. In addition to having an unoriginal name, Good2Go is an app for affirmative sexual consent. The individual with the app gives the person of interest his or her phone and the app proceeds to ask qualifying questions to determine level of consent. Given that both individuals want to have sex, the app questions level of intoxication. If it is determined that one or both members of the party are too drunk, Good2Go will not give the green light. After a few other taps regarding age and phone numbers to confirm identities, the app will process the results and give a final answer. Good2Go has more holes in its logic than the most pierced individual in the Guinness World Records. The most obvious are decisions aren’t always set in stone. Anyone can change his or her mind, which immediately invalidates the necessity for the app’s existence. Yes means yes, but yes can become no really quickly and this is where the app falls terribly short. Although the app reminds both individuals of this apparently rare concept toward the end, the necessity for the reminder says
more of our generation than the app. Lee Ann Allman, Good2Go creator, told Slate Magazine the app is supposed to help college students who are worried with what’s going on, and are confused or unsure about approaching someone they’re interested in. She also said with kids being so used to their devices and technology, it often times helps them deal with personal issues. I resent that viewpoint of college students for two reasons: First off, our
the victim in the slightest. The app isn’t a legally binding contract, so it’ll still be a he-said-she-said situation. It’s very likely it could also give some alcohollogged, inhibited fool the wrong message by telling them they’re “good to go,” even upon hearing the words “no,” or “stop.” Although it fails exponentially, Good2Go only brushes upon issues of rape and sexual assault in the college community. The only way these
Good2Go has more holes in its logic than the most pierced individual in the Guinness World Records. generation isn’t reliant on technology to the point where we’re unable to make decisions. Second, taking advantage of another is inexcusable regardless of the situation. The only people who deserve to be worried are those worried about becoming victims. There’s no need for confusion because only a definite yes will work now, it’s not rocket science. Good2Go could only potentially help those accused of rape; it will not help
concerns can truly be combated is if the surrounding culture is reevaluated. Perhaps I’m looking at this the wrong way. Maybe Good2Go will prevent rape by becoming a warning sign for everyone to see. But that’s not the problem. The problem lies in the misconception that a simple “no” when it comes to sex is no longer enough. Individuals need survey results to justify their reasons for wanting, or not wanting, to engage in sexual activity.
#yesmeansyes
SDSU shows support for affirmative consent sabrina shahawi staff columnist _____________________________________
I
n a demonstration led by San Diego State students, posters with the phrase “Consent is hot, rape is not” were waved around Hepner Hall to support the recent affirmative actions Senate Bill 976. With sexual assault being such an unfortunate and frequent occurrence in the college area, it’s important for students to be well informed about the bill, which has resulted in the “Yes Means Yes” law. The fact that there were three sexual assault reports made to the SDSU Police Department in September alone is unfathomable. This bill will work to help educate more students about their rights while helping prevent rape. Although the purposes of this bill are well developed, it won’t pose useful unless this campus enforces its policies. “I think it’s important for all students to be conscientious and aware citizens,” demonstrator and computer science junior Osama Alkhawaja said. “Ignorance to what is occurring is not an excuse when it comes to injustices. If we don’t stand up and defend the rights of the sexually assaulted victims, then we are just as guilty as the rapist.” “Yes Means Yes” is currently a hot topic and the newly passed law by Gov. Jerry Brown. This law makes California the first state to confirm sexual consent by an affirmative “yes.” Surprisingly, however, a lot of students don’t even know what this new law indicates, even with the horrific amount of sexual assaults that have occurred at SDSU in the recent months. The recently passed law specifies both individuals involved in any
San Diego State students protest for affirmative consent bill. Jenna MACKEY, photo editor
sexual activity must consciously make affirmative consent in order to willingly engage in said activity. This affirmative consent law aims to prevent any vagueness that could be associated with a nod or smile. In addition, it requires colleges to implement new policies in support of affirmative consent. “Affirmative consent means if I’m interested in having a sexual contact with another person, I must first find out if that other person wants to do it with me,” Carl Mosley, director of educational and training program, “We End Violence,” said. The students who were a part of the demonstrations spoke up and expressed how sexual assaults are subjective to campus culture, considering that a majority of sexual assaults occur while
people are under the influence. These demonstrators voiced their opinions and concerns about campus safety; their apprehensions with campus safety projects sincere care for students who wish to walk around campus, whether after a night class or a party, without the fear of being sexually assaulted. Now that the bill has been passed, it’s imperative for more students at SDSU to become better educated with their rights when it comes to sexual assault because it is preventable. With that said, it’s also imperative for SDSU to take the appropriate measures. “This bill is not the solution, it is just a step,” Alkhawaja said. “The burden now falls on our university and on our fellow students to implement tangible programs and initiatives to help educate
the population and hopefully stop these assaults from occurring.” So many people believe nothing bad will ever happen to them. The gruesome idea of being sexually assaulted is a distant concern until it actually occurs. No one is immune to being a victim or suspect of sexual assault and that’s why education of this law is necessary. The more students are informed about affirmative consent, the less likely sexual assaults will occur. Many young men and women are sexually assaulted because they are either under the influence or their lack of consent isn’t acknowledged. Well, now it’s no longer necessary to even have to say “no,” because all sexual activity requires affirmative consent. It’s hard for a person to know how to react in a situation they have never been in. It seems as though communicating the unwillingness to engage in sexual activity would be clear-cut, but that’s often not the case. Sexual assault doesn’t always occur with strangers; in fact, it often occurs with someone familiar. In these situations, saying “no” might not be the easiest to communicate and it might not even be well received. “There are instances where a girl or guy is way too under the influence to say no, so waiting for a yes is the easiest way to ensure their wants and basic safety needs are met,” public relations sophomore Alexis Evans Bendel said. This bill clearly highlights what consent looks and sounds like. There is no logical reason why anyone should be against the education of this law considering it is only in the best interest of anyone involved. It’s extremely admirable that there are students at SDSU who are concerned about the safety of our campus and voice their opinions through demonstration. Now that the bill is signed, a lot of positive change on campus will be necessary, especially when it comes to sexual safety.
6 sports
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com
#aztecmbb
Men’s hoops holds first practice Matthew Bain Senior Staff Writer _____________________________________ The band Europe’s hit song “The Final Countdown” came to mind when the San Diego State men’s basketball team warmed up for its first official NCAA practice last Friday in Viejas Arena. With only 36 days remaining until the season opener against California State University, Northridge, Aztec players and fans alike begin the final countdown to a highly anticipated season— a season with big-time expectations. “That’s what everybody aspires to and pines for,” head coach Steve Fisher said during warm-ups. “They want to be talked about. And we’re getting more and more of that, and it’s good. It’s healthy if managed the right way.” Fisher said that one of his biggest challenges during practice would be to find out who fits where and which role each player will fill. He said all 11 scholarship players who are able to play (not counting injured freshmen Malik Pope and Zylan Cheatham) are good enough to compete for minutes this year. “Every single spot, every position, you
Men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher welcomed the media to the team’s first practice on Friday. kristian carreon, senior Staff PhotograPher
have to work,” senior guard Aqeel Quinn said. “Or else someone is going to come at you and you’re going to get exposed.” Members of the media, who were invited to the first 20 minutes of practice, got a chance to hear from junior forward Angelo Chol, who will play his first season as an Aztec after sitting out last year
because of transfer rules. And if Chol was trying to hide his excitement about playing a full season at SDSU, he didn’t do a very good job. The former University of Arizona Wildcat’s face lit up when asked about finally getting on the court. He laughed with a big smile when asked if he and
junior forward Skylar Spencer would compete to see who could block more shots this season. The media also got a good look at three SDSU freshmen: shooting guard Trey Kell, point guard Kevin Zabo and small forward Malik Pope. Freshman power forward Cheatham watched practice with basketball in hand, his yearning to get back on the court painted all over his face. It’s difficult to tell a whole lot about the freshmen from the one drill media members were allowed to watch, but players definitely seem excited about their new teammates. “The four freshmen are ready beyond their years,” Quinn said. “Zabo, he’s like a seasoned vet. Both him and Trey (Kell) are light years ahead.” Pope, who Fisher said last week would most likely miss SDSU’s first game, ran the floor in a fast-break drill without any apparent problems and even dunked a couple times. He wore compression sleeves on both legs. Fans will get their chance to see the team pretty soon, as they’re scheduled for an exhibition game against Point Loma Nazarene University on Nov. 7 at Viejas Arena.
#aztecmsoccer
No. 2 Bruins barely get by, blank Aztecs 1-0 patrick carr staff writer ____________________________________ One of the themes for the San Diego State men’s soccer team this season has been how young the team is, and how it hasn’t reached its full potential or played its best. Head coach Lev Kirshner called Saturday’s game against the No. 2-ranked University of California, Los Angeles the best his squad has played all season. But that performance wasn’t enough to propel SDSU to an upset victory as UCLA snatched a 1-0 win with a late first-half goal. “The football on the offensive side was our best, the defense and the tactics that we had employed were executed almost perfectly until the last two minutes of the first half,” Kirshner said. Throughout the first half, the Aztecs matched the Bruins’ every stride— chasing defenders and working hard
on defense with sophomore midfielder Casey Macias making UCLA players seemingly uncomfortable. The two sides played a physical, gritty tug-of-war that ended with 37 fouls and numerous words between them. But when it was all said and done, SDSU wasn’t rewarded for its efforts. The Aztecs were able to fashion some space many times down the left side as freshman midfielder Ozzie Ramos linked up with senior defender Casey Phillips on numerous occasions, but Phillips’ crosses weren’t able to find any of SDSU’s attacking players in the 18-yard box. Phillips had the first chance of the night with a low dipping shot that was saved well by Bruins’ senior keeper Earl Edwards Jr. UCLA’s senior midfielder Leo Stolz almost opened the scoring in the 24th minute from a free kick. Aztecs’ redshirt freshman keeper Adam Allmaras was up to the challenge, diving to his right to palm the low curling shot away.
Allmaras once again reacted brilliantly to keep the game scoreless in the 36th minute, holding on to freshman forward Abu Danladi’s low shot. “Adam (Allmaras) had a great game, man of the match for my likings,” Kirshner said. “We’re very happy with a freshman playing like that.” The Aztecs felt they should’ve had a free kick when freshman forward Donald Benamna was hauled down on the edge of the 18-yard box, but the referee waved away the complaints. Soon after, the Bruins took the lead in the 44th minute. A defensive breakdown let sophomore midfielder Felix Vobejda race down the right side and send a low ball to junior forward Larry Ndjock who smashed home from five yards out. The Aztecs had a solid chance in the second half when freshman forward David Olsen’s shot just missed the mark. They had another missed opportunity when sophomore forward Forrayah Bass had his close-range effort blocked to
cries of handball that the referee waved away. That would be the last of SDSU’s chances as the Bruins dominated the remainder of the half, condemning the Aztecs to their third loss in four games and outshooting SDSU 12-6 on the night. “They move the ball a lot, they made us run a lot and we eventually fatigued,” Ramos said. But Ramos wasn’t necessarily disappointed about losing to the No. 2 team in the nation. “It was the first game of the Pac-12 and we definitely wanted to win it, but we’re just going to learn from this,” Ramos said. Kirshner also managed to find a silver lining in the face of defeat. “This is one of the better defensive teams in the conference, if not the country,” Kirshner said. “They do very well with that and we did have some very good chances.” The Aztecs travel to Palo Alto, California to take on Stanford University on Friday.
If your ad was here, you’d be rich by now. (619) 594-6977 | advertising@thedailyaztec.com
OCT. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JENNA MACKEY • PHOTO@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
AZTEC WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. COLORADO COLLEGE FRIDAY OCTOBER 3RD PHOTOS BY KRISTIAN CARREON
PHOTO 7
8 sports
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com
#aztecfb
Bulldogs bite Bawden, beat Aztecs
Freshman quarterback Nick Bawden (15) completed nine passes for 84 yards in his first NCAA start. jenna mackey, photo editor
Matthew Bain Senior Staff Writer _____________________________________ The San Diego State Aztecs (2-3, 1-1 Mountain West) lost 24-13 to the California State University, Fresno Bulldogs (3-3, 2-0 Mountain West) on Friday in Fresno. This marks the third consecutive season that the Bulldogs have claimed the Oil Can trophy. SDSU’s offense struggled all night with true freshman quarterback Nick Bawden behind center. Bawden completed nine of 24 passes for 84 yards, one touchdown and two crucial interceptions. “You’ve got to be patient with freshmen,” head coach Rocky Long said after the game. “They’re going to have more bad days than a veteran guy will, so you’ve got to get him through this bad day.” The Aztecs began the game with two consecutive three-and-outs, in
which Bawden completed zero passes and sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey gained just eight yards. Much to SDSU’s relief, Fresno State’s offense wasn’t playing much better. Senior cornerback J.J. Whittaker intercepted junior quarterback Brian Burrell on his third pass, forcing the Bulldogs to settle for a field goal on their next possession. The tides soon appeared to be turning in SDSU’s favor. Freshman wide receiver Kameron Kelly returned Fresno State’s kickoff 56 yards to the Bulldog 42-yard line. However, two plays later, Bawden carried the ball himself, got hit hard and fumbled the ball. Fresno State would then proceed to drive the ball methodically down the field to go ahead 10-0 with 2:56 remaining in the first quarter. SDSU offensive coordinator Bob Toledo shifted gears and focused on pounding the ball with Pumphrey, junior running back Chase Price and junior fullback Dakota Gordon on the next possession.
Bawden handed off the ball for nine straight plays and his backs gained 60 yards. However, Bawden couldn’t make his first completion of the game to convert on third down and the Aztecs settled for a 24-yard field goal by junior kicker Donny Hageman. In the rest of the second quarter, Bawden made his first career NCAA completion to junior wide receiver Larry Clark. Not much else happened, though, as the two teams traded empty possessions and the Bulldogs led 10-3 at halftime. SDSU came out of the half with guns blazing — on the ground, that is. Pumphrey ran the ball six times in the first two Aztec drives of the third quarter. He gained 23 yards on those carries, but SDSU couldn’t capitalize deep in Bulldog territory. Hageman knocked through his second field goal of the day, this time from 36 yards, and the Aztecs trailed 10-6 with 8:11 left in the third.
Here’s where things got interesting. The Aztec defense continued to stifle the Bulldog offense and forced a punt. However, sophomore tight end Daniel Brunskill was called for roughing the passer after he knocked down Fresno States’ punter while attempting the block. However, television replays seemed to show Brunskill slightly blocking the punt with his fingertips, and the punt only traveled 23 yards. If Brunskill touched the punt, then the roughing the punter call would have been negated. But after review, referees maintained their decision that Brunskill didn’t touch the punt, and the Bulldogs began their drive with a fresh set of downs. Eight plays later, Fresno State would score its second touchdown on a 2-yard rush by senior running back Josh Quezada. The Bulldogs led 17-6 with 2:49 left in the third quarter. Bawden suddenly looked like a veteran on SDSU’s next drive, though, leading a 14-play, 79-yard touchdown drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass to senior fullback Adam Roberts. SDSU’s defense forced Fresno State into two straight three-and-outs and gave the offense a chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Bawden threw two interceptions, and by the time he and the offense got the ball again, Fresno State was ahead 24-13 with 3:24 left in the game. As much as SDSU’s offense struggled, the Aztecs lost because of turnovers and penalties. Coach Long’s squad turned it over three times and committed seven penalties for 74 yards. When a team gives up the ball three times and hands 74 extra yards to an opponent, it’s hard to win. “(The defense) came up big and we turned the ball over, and you can’t turn the ball over,” Pumphrey said. “It’s as simple as that.” The Aztecs travel to the University of New Mexico to play the Lobos next Saturday at 6:30 p.m. PST.
#aztecvolleyball
Aztecs’ road woes continue in two losses jack haworth staff writer ____________________________________ Playing on the road can give teams a huge disadvantage. Whether it is the hostile crowd, unfamiliar court, or just tough opponents, the San Diego State volleyball team has only won one of their eight games away from Aztec Court at Peterson Gym. “Our goal this season is just to learn and get better as the season goes on since we are such a young team,” SDSU head coach Deitre Collins-Parker said. The Aztecs learned the tough way during their two-game road trip that concluded over the weekend. They dropped both of their Mountain West Conference games to University of Wyoming and No. 7 Colorado State University which sent their overall record to 5-8, and their MWC record to 1-2. Last Thursday, SDSU lost in four sets to the Wyoming Cowgirls (27-25, 20-25, 1325, 20-25). The Aztecs came out strong by coming back to win the first set while hitting a solid .372. Unfortunately for SDSU, that would be the only set victory for the entire road trip. For the rest of the match against Wyoming, the Aztecs hit a measly -.008
Halle Aiken (right) had 13 kills in Friday’s loss to the University of Wyoming. connor guy, staff photographer
and lost three straight to the Cowgirls. “We started out competing well but they made some adjustments as the match went on and we just faltered in the end,” Collins-Parker said. Junior outside hitters Halle Aiken and Ciara Brown led the Aztecs by recording 13 kills apiece. In addition to their performance, freshman setter Courtney
Eckenrode ended the match with 39 assists, two blocks and five digs. One downfall of SDSU this year has been being able to adjust to the opponent’s mid-game adjustments. The Aztecs have typically started matches well, but as the game goes on, the opponents seem to gain the upper hand. “Adjusting to our opponent’s
adjustments is something we are constantly working on,” Collins-Parker said. “It is just a learning process as the younger players continue to grow and mature in the game.” After Wyoming, the Aztecs traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado to take on the number seven ranked Colorado State Rams. Collins-Parker believed this would be the SDSU’s biggest challenge ,and that certainly proved to be true. SDSU lost in three straight sets to the Rams despite putting up a strong fight in the match (25-22, 25-21, 2516). The win improved Colorado State to an impressive 16-1 and 4-0 in MW competition. While the Aztecs did their best to stay close in the first two sets, the Rams finally broke the Aztecs in the third and final set by hitting an incredible .528. Meanwhile, the Aztecs hit .207 throughout the match. Eckenrode continued to be a bright spot for the Aztecs by recording 33 assists as well as hitting a personal season-best .429. Senior right-side hitter Chaiymin Steel also put in a good performance with 12 kills. SDSU will be looking to get back on the right foot at home where they have only lost once this year. Their two game home stand begins at 6 p.m this Thursday against New Mexico at Aztec court.
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com
#aztecfb
9 COMMENTARY
Sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey had 24 carries for 94 yards in Friday’s loss to Fresno State. kristian carreon, senior Staff PhotograPher
Put the pigskin in Pumphrey’s palms Ethan Bailey Senior Staff Columnist ____________________________________
R
emember when the San Diego State Aztecs football team banked on its explosive backfield to win the game against University of Nevada, Las Vegas last week? Despite playing with a true freshman quarterback on the road, offensive coordinator Bob Toledo didn’t show the same commitment against the California State University, Fresno Bulldogs on Saturday—and it cost the team the game. With more than six minutes left in the fourth quarter and down 17-13, the Aztec offense had a chance to take its time and try to score a touchdown with little time left for Fresno State. The drive started out nicely, as freshman quarterback Nick Bawden completed a couple of passes to convert on back-to-back third downs. The Aztecs started at their own 37-yard line and drove 29 yards in five plays, burning almost two minutes off the clock. At this point, SDSU was nearing field goal range. Unfortunately, Bawden’s next pass was intercepted after the ball tipped off the hands of his wide receiver. I know it’s easy to be frustrated with freshmen ¬— especially when they’re the signal caller of the football team — but this wasn’t Bawden’s or his receiver’s fault. This turnover began with Toledo’s play call. The Aztec offense uses a heavy amount of play-action passes to capitalize on the success of its running backs and catch defenses off guard. It’s a great strategy, but not when you’ve thrown the ball multiple times in a row with success. The right-rolling, playaction pass didn’t fool a single Bulldog defender and they were ready to pounce on Bawden’s throw. Down one score with less than five minutes left in the game and all three
timeouts, there was no need to force the passing game. The Aztecs had rushed for nearly 200 yards at this point, compared to Bawden’s 84 passing yards, so why not pound the ball forward the way you had the entire game? Even SDSU junior fullback Dakota Gordon rushed for more than 40 yards, averaging seven yards per carry. Fresno State couldn’t stop any of the Aztec rushers all night long, yet there was no sight of them in a potentially game-winning situation. The Aztec defense held up its end of the bargain, stopping the Bulldogs and giving the offense another chance from its own 14-yard line with 4:23 left in the game. The next offensive play was a screen pass that resulted in another interception. Again we have to look at the play call and wonder why a screen pass to the short side of the field was the decision here. Screen passes work best when defenses are in attack mode — the pass rushers get behind the line of scrimmage and then the quarterback dumps the ball off to the running back, who burns the defense for a big gain. With about four minutes left and the Aztec offense backed up near its own end zone, it’s hard to imagine the Fresno State defense would’ve taken a balls-tothe-wall approach because they had to ensure the deep pass was covered. The whole thing is especially frustrating because it was a well-called game by Toledo up to these points. Bawden was having trouble moving the offense in his first collegiate start so sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey and the rest of the Aztec backfield was able to put the team in multiple scoring positions throughout the game. But it’s not about how you start; it’s about how you finish. If this team wants to go anywhere this season, it has to learn how to finish games and it has to learn in a hurry. The bottom line is that the offensive play calling at the end of games? It has to get smarter or the Aztecs’ season will be over before we know it.
10 entertainment
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: nick knott • entertainment@thedailyaztec.com
#highgroundfilm
Innovative SDFF film focuses on vets Mike Heral staff writer ___________________________________ Last week’s San Diego Film Festival provided an opportunity to preview unreleased movies. More than that, it also provided examples for producing award-winning films without needing a huge budget. And it was an opportunity to hear how even a small film leaves an impact on filmmakers. Take veteran Walt Disney Studios producer Don Hahn for example. Hahn could be forgiven for being jaded after working on the biggest Disney animated films of all time, including “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King.” However, he shared with the audience how “High Ground”—a lowbudget documentary about Global War on Terror veterans hiking a Himalayan mountain—moved him. “I’m a storyteller by profession,” Hahn said. “And I loved how this story rises on the strengths of its characters— how they rise and fall.” Hahn became aware of the project when its energetic director, Michael Brown, approached him. “Michael Brown is an amazing guy,” Hahn said. “He’s summited Mount Everest five times. I sometimes need help just getting to the parking lot.” He was also impressed with Brown’s approach to low budget filmmaking. Its film crew was so small it fit around a dining room table, Hahn said. “This film cost $450,000,” Hahn said. “The last movie I did was ‘Maleficent,’ and that $450,000 might not cover the catering budget.” In addition to funding concerns, Brown wanted to go small because his last attempt at filming an Everest ascent sunk under the weight of heavy film equipment, Hahn said. Not only did smaller cameras and microphones keep Brown and his crew from breaking their backs, today’s proliferation of high-quality, low-cost equipment kept the budget manageable. “They used Canon 5Ds,” Hahn said. “You can rent or buy those cameras in your local film store.” More astounding is that “High Ground” was filmed in 2012, and the photographic equipment used
Walt Disney Studios veteran producer Don Hahn spoke enthusiastically about Michael Brown’s ‘High Ground.’ courtesy of wikipedia
then pales in comparison to current smartphone cameras, Hahn said. This lo-fi approach works because the emotional heart of “High Ground”—its soldiers struggling through both internal and external disabilities—matters more. Thus, the audience forgives it not being as glossy as a typical box-office smash. “I’ve never seen actors open up the way these men and women do,” Hahn said, reflecting on his almost 30 years of making movies. Through his time with them, Hahn learned that veterans don’t process
disabilities uniformly. “Oddly, the people with physical issues, such as blindness or missing a limb, for some reason tend to be doing better than those with internal problems,” Hahn said. Even though the film screened twice on Capitol Hill, Hahn’s favorite moments occurred away from the national seat of power and its glitzy fundraisers. “I am a Hollywood mucket-y muck,” Hahn said, “But the most gratifying thing is that we screened this on every major military base. The ability to show
it to military families and help them understand some of the issues facing vets has been outstanding.” Unfortunately, the U.S. is back at war after a few relatively peaceful years. Recent air strikes on Iraq and Syria increase the relevance of “High Ground.” “It’s had amazing long legs,” Hahn said. “It’s painful watching this movie knowing we are back into a military situation again.” “High Ground” is available for instant streaming on Netflix, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Instant Video.
#Phimualpha
Phi Mu Alpha serenades SDSU community Sarah Tanori staff writer ____________________________________ A men’s music fraternity? What might come to mind are some boys belting out tunes over red Solo cups, right? Wrong. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a group of musical men providing charity and bettering the world through song. They are the nerdy sweethearts of Greek life, making themselves known on campus through the art of serenading. Although not part of the official Greek council, their presence is one worth paying close attention to. Many might recognize them from singing to students on campus around Valentine’s season in their signature all-black suits and red ties. However, they are much more than the occasional Frank Sinatra tune outside East Commons. Phi Mu Alpha
Sinfonia takes its musical abilities into the community at retirement homes, children’s hospitals and any other event upon request. The most defining aspect of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is its openness to incoming members and opportunities that come their way. Most would make the assumption that a music fraternity requires one to be a good singer or to be a music major. On the contrary, only two members of the San Diego State chapter have professional vocal training. The rest trained their voices along the way. Many others of the fraternity consist of non-music majors, simply guys whom grown up with music or grown into a zest for music. Most members say one of the most rewarding experiences gained from this fraternity is watching their own musical growth as well as that of their peers. The young men of Phi Mu Alpha
Sinfonia are always happy to oblige a request for song. Member Matt Gellar recalls their last trip to Rady Children’s Hospital, where a teenage patient confined to his hospital bed requested a performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Although not a song in their repertoire, the fraternity members were determined to bring music to this patient despite the lack of prior practice. The personal meaning behind the song for Gellar truly captured the essence of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia; “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the song Gellar’s marching band would chant on their high school trips for performances. In that moment, Gellar realized this teenager wouldn’t have the same opportunity to obnoxiously scream this popular song with friends. It was a magical moment for them all as they had the chance to bring spontaneity
and joy to someone who lives an otherwise regimented and bleak lifestyle. This all sounds a bit sappy, but truth be told, the world needs more people like the brothers in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Membership to the fraternity goes beyond brotherhood and into the deep-seated desire to spread their passion for music to incoming members and peers alike. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is not about getting wasted, sporting an ego or planning the next party. It’s about building invaluable ties with people who have a feel for the power of music and taking that into action. If you want to hang out with these musically inclined nerds, they hold a donut bar from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the green room in the Music building. They are always open to singing for you, your pals or a community event.
features 11
oct. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kelly hillock • features@thedailyaztec.com
#studentspotlight
Aztec stars in MTV reality show alicia chavez senior staff writer ____________________________________ One San Diego State student is about to make reality television, a reality. Briana Lacuesta is a second-year transfer student who spent her summer in San Juan, Puerto Rico filming season two of MTV’s “Are You The One?” The show, beginning early next week, is a dating experiment among 20 participants willing to play the game. Every season, MTV casts 10 single men and women and have paired them with their perfect match. The game is for each person to successfully find his or her counter-part, over the course of ten weeks. If the cast can do it, they receive $1 million to be split among all cast members. Lacuesta was a fan of “Are You The One?” after the first season started airing. She began watching the show with a few friends, who then encouraged her to apply for the second season. The decision to apply was a spurof-the-moment that occurred while Lacuesta was working as a receptionist for a salon. After recently recovering from a break-up, Lacuesta said she was already in the single mentality. The day after Lacuesta applied, MTV representatives immediately contacted her asking for more personal information
and photos. The casting process included a series of over-the-phone and Skype interviews, as well as meeting with a panel of 12 MTV producers in Los Angeles. Lacuesta was able to utilize speaking and communication skills she developed while attending SDSU throughout the interviewing process. “During the main interview with all the producers in LA, there were 12 people just listening to what you have to say,” Lacuesta said. “So I obviously had to have pretty good speaking skills to land on the show.” Lacuesta never expected to be on a reality television show and was even hesitant because of privacy issues. “In my mind I never thought I’d be on a reality TV show, but my friends and I would always talk about it,” Lacuesta said. “Once you’re on a reality TV show, especially like MTV, everything is going to be out in the open.” Lacuesta was not allowed to share details of the show, but is eager for students to tune in, beginning with the first episode. She hinted the first episode is an indication for what is to come throughout the rest of the season. Although the new season will begin airing on Monday, Oct. 6, a female SDSU student has already recognized Lacuesta on campus. Lacuesta does not think she will ever get used to the idea of
CROSSWORDS
Across 1 Cross in some hieroglyphics 5 Guinness of “Star Wars” 9 Most of its panhandle is in the Pacific Time Zone 14 “Star Wars” princess 15 “Hawaii Five-O” nickname 16 At lunch, say 17 Reminder to be polite 20 Pond growth 21 Churn up 22 “__-haw!” 23 Assetsand-liabilities statement 27 Judge at a base 30 Flower pot filler 31 Something to brag about 32 Perform perfectly
36 Dance movements 39 Rower’s blade 40 “Congratulations!” 42 Be a contender 43 Word with whisper or fright 45 It’s a gas in Canada 46 Copper-plated coin 47 Without ice 49 Millionaire’s accumulation 51 1993 film about a novice Olympic bobsled team 56 Incoming flight info: Abbr. 57 Any minute now 58 Hop out of bed 62 What risktakers have ... and what the starts of 17-, 23-, 40- and 51-Across can be?
San Diego State student Briana Lacuesta is a participant on the MTV reality show, ‘Are You the One?’ megan wood, staff photographer
people recognizing her, but is excited for students to start watching the show. “I’m interested to see what people will have to say and if anybody notices me after the first episode premieres,” Lacuesta said. Careful to not give away any spoilers of the show, Lacuesta briefly described her ideal match and the traits she looks for in a love interest.
“I like to have things organized and I want someone who can keep up with me,” Lacuesta said. “I need someone who is going to school and getting a degree, not needy or clingy, and someone who is at least six foot.” For other students looking to be cast on a reality television show, Lacuesta encourages individuality but stresses the importance of staying true to one’s self.
Classifieds
66 Nursery rhyme tart taker 67 Large cross 68 Blessing ender 69 Repaired, as a shoe 70 Approximate figs. 71 Ties the knot Down 1 __ mater 2 Astronaut Armstrong 3 Checkmate victim 4 Tasted, with “of” 5 “And now, without further __ ...” 6 2000s first lady Bush 7 2001 bankruptcy filer 8 Stand-up individual? 9 Road trip
stopover 10 Crime family boss 11 Right in front of one’s face 12 New recruit 13 Beginning 18 Magazine subscription period 19 Many microbrews 24 “Stormy Weather” singer Horne 25 “Nothing special” 26 Bit of Google success 27 Sci-fi transports 28 Veggie platter’s lack 29 Like “The X-Files” cases 33 Thumbs-up vote 34 For what __ worth 35 Part of LAPD 37 Ice cream buy 38 “Family Guy” creator MacFarlane 40 Wash-and-__ 41 Prom attire 44 Hair goo 46 Source of legal precedents 48 Rear end 50 “Thick & Fluffy” breakfast brand 51 Big barrels 52 Maine campus town 53 Bete __ 54 Verboten things 55 Weighty gold bar 59 Weighty work 60 Pre-owned 61 Rollerballs, e.g. 63 First lady? 64 Actor Danson 65 QB’s scores
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12 the back page
ocT. 6 - 8, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kelly hillock • FEATURES@thedailyaztec.com
#rant
Flush fees down the toilet Tabi Hoshmand Contributor ______________________________________
A
$25 fee for everyone living on the floor because someone didn’t flush the toilet. How is it even possible to file against that? A floor meeting was called when one of the girl’s bathrooms in Chapultepec had complaints from the custodial staff. Apparently, one of the toilets wasn’t flushed and the custodial staff complained for having to be the babysitter. In the Guide to Community Living and Roommate Agreement booklet, which is given to freshmen when they move in, the custodial staff’s description is, “they work to ensure a clean and sanitary community.” How is not flushing the toilet, ensuring a “clean and sanitary community?” Of course, it’s silly that the girls never flushed, but that’s not the point. Why are we paying for the service that’s against us? It’s understood by the majority that the staff does a good job of keeping the floors clean, but being that it’s part of their job description, why is it in turn becoming the resident’s problem? A $25 fee, when considering the amount of residents on one floor, for one person’s mistake is completely absurd. The first meeting with the floor after move-in day consisted of the Resident Advisers informing everyone with the
rules of living in the residence halls. One guideline mentioned was a $25 fee that could be placed on residents if custodial staff filed a complaint against them. At first, the rule seems fair, however, nowhere in the entire handbook is there anything about a $25 fee. What if the RAs forget to mention that because they are brand new? Can a charge like that still be placed out of the blue? Just because the RAs forgot does not make it our problem. Even if they remembered, the entire meeting was filled with phrases like “it’s in the handbook.” That reference is clearly not credible or fair. How can someone be blindly charged for something that was not even his or her fault? What are the
...however, nowhere in the entire handbook is there anything about a $25 fee. standards for a $25 fee in the first place and how are the residents aware if it’s not mentioned anywhere? Does this make the fee a bluff? Is the staff just trying to scare the floor by claiming to charge us? If so, how is that fair? Any small problem that the custodial stuff has with the floor can easily be filed to charge them. This kind of power can easily be taken advantage.
#dasnapshots
Are they paying for a staff that is just bitter from their messes? With a building full of freshmen, what is there to expect? Of course, the argument being freshmen are officially in the real world and must in turn be adults that can pick up after themselves. This should be true, but a lot of them are just used to their parents cleaning up after themselves for 18 years and it’s hard to change habits so quickly. A $25 fee doesn’t seem like much individually but when you consider the 80 some students on one floor it totals up to $2,000. $2,000 for not flushing a toilet. The fact that a fee like that can be placed on a floor multiple times throughout the year is even more ridiculous. How are we supposed to trust the staff to keep a hygienic and sanitary environment if flushing the toilet was one small problem? It’s not expected of them to clean up throw up or gross stuff smeared on the toilet, but if all the problem was a toilet not being flushed, then it’s time to find something bigger to charge for because at this point it’s obvious they are bluffing. Somewhere, it needs to be stated that this fee exists and it’s not just some random scare floating in the heads of residents. If this fee is to be impactful, then it’s time to make it a real rule rather than one just randomly mentioned. It’s only fair to the residents and therefore it's fair for the custodial staff to use it.
SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9. Difficulty Level:
1/4
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Photo editor Jenna Mackey traveled to a haunted ghost town in Bodie, Calif. and captured this photo of an abandoned church.
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HOROSCOPE happy Birthday (10/6/14) - You're clear what's important this year. Connect with friends, groups and family. The two eclipses this month (10/8, 10/23) incite changes in partnership and new profitable opportunities. Intention and action reap cash rewards through 12/23, when focus shifts to writing, researching and recording. Springtime service leads to personal power. HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad. Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - Complete the task at hand and then venture farther out. Expand your influence, with help. Mobilize team efforts. Do it with passion. Revise your sales pitch or resume. Accept a difficult assignment. Work interferes with play. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - Disciplined collaborative effort surges forward and pays off. Plan and prepare. Steer a steady course, and tie up loose ends. Someone needs to take responsibility. Re-commit to a project. Figure out who does what, by when. Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 9 - Consider a steady income. Think about a partner's good idea. Let yourself get persuaded. Think quickly, but move slowly. Put your feelings into each activity. Confer with family. One of them will see reason first. Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Take the practical path, and the most direct route. Update your equipment. Discover imaginative ways to save money. Contemplate possible changes. Watch for hidden dangers, as you march boldly. Old stories are a reliable guide. Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 - Get empowered by love. You're even more attractive now. Your fame travels far and wide. It's okay to be proud of an accomplishment. Consider long-term implications. Prepare documents, and await signatures. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 - Invest in your home. It doesn't need to be expensive. Use something you've been saving. Let circumstances dictate the time. Working at home increases your benefits. Advance despite breakdowns or distractions. Get your partners involved. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 - Discover a whole new batch of options. Resist temptation to run away or spend carelessly. Accept an offer for more authority. Doors that seem closed open later. You know what you're talking about. Love transforms you. Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - Don't push too hard. There's more money coming in. Grasp a potent opportunity. Beat out the competition. Circumstances lead you in a practical direction. Make a valuable discovery. Replace something that just doesn't fit. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Today is an 8 - You can see the road winding into the distance. There's a way around this problem. Invest in long-term solutions, without diminishing resources. You're growing wiser and gaining respect. Make plans now for action later. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Work could interfere with travel or transportation. Do your share of the chores. If you've kept your word, you gain status. Don't make new promises yet. Keep some things hidden. Consider the road ahead. Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 9 - Keep your focus and maintain momentum to profit. Team projects go well. Your partner adds to the excitement. Friends offer good advice. Provide motivation. Your work is respected. Develop a plan of attack. Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Finish a project that you've been avoiding. Completion leads to opportunity. Imagine perfection. Passion can move mountains. Accept a challenge. Your partner supports the game. That dream vacation is possible.