The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 71

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 71

THE

DAILY

w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m

AZTEC

Tw i t t e r : T h e D a i l y A z t e c

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913

I N S I D E T O D AY OPINION

Police investigate theft case

AS REFERENDUM A.S. gave insufficient notice of a call for a con viewpoint on the new ModernSpace referendum. page 3

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

SNOW RESORTS Discover the best snow resorts and how El Niño is affecting this season’s conditions. page 5

SPORTS

MWC STANDINGS See where the SDSU men’s basketball teams stands in the hunt for the Mountain West title. page 6

TODAY @ SDSU Darwin Lecture 4 p.m., Gold Auditorium John van Wyhe, founder and director of Darwin Online, will discuss the “true story” of Charles Darwin. The event is free and open to the public.

For more of today’s headlines, visit:

www.thedailyaztec.com

CONTACT GENERAL INFORMATION 619.594.4199 IN CHIEF, FARYAR BORHANI 619.594.4190 EDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

The San Diego State Police Department is investigating an embezzlement case. Police Capt. Lamine Secka says embezzlement cases do not frequently occur on campus.

No one has been charged in the active embezzlement case.

EDITOR

CITY EDITOR, WHITNEY LAWRENCE 619.594.7781 CITYEDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

FEATURES EDITOR, NICOLE CALLAS 619.594.6976 FEATURE@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS 619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

OPINION, ALLAN ACEVEDO 619.594.0509 OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

TEMPO EDITOR, ALLIE DAUGHERTY 619.594.6968 TEMPO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ART DIRECTOR, ELENA BERRIDY 619.594.6979 ARTDIRECTOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

PHOTO EDITOR, GLENN CONNELLY 619.594.7279 PHOTO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

WEB EDITOR, MYLENE ERPELO 619.594.3315 WEB@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ADVERTISING 619.594.6977

INDEX OPINION.........................................................................3 TRAVEL & ADVENTURE...............................................4 SPORTS.............................................................................6 CLASSIFIEDS....................................................................7 THE BACK PAGE............................................................8

K R I ST I N A B L A K E A S S I S TA N T C I T Y E D I T O R

The San Diego State Police Department is officially investigating an embezzlement case from within Associated Students Business Services.

The incident was first reported in the Jan. 20 campus police media bulletin. According to the bulletin, an employee who received refunds reportedly deposited the money into a separate account he created for himself instead of entering them into customer credit card accounts.

Police Capt. Lamine Secka said no one has been charged.

Because of the ongoing investigation, Secka said he could not disclose how long the employee had supposedly been embezzling money, how the office discovered the situation or what the employee was supposed to be refunding.

Secka added that police do not yet know how much money may have been embezzled.

While the police report was taken to the A.S. Business Services office, a source who wishes to remain anonymous confirmed that

the incident occurred in the Aztec Recreation Center.

A.S. Associate Executive Director Christina Brown said only one employee is being investigated.

“At this point I just want to say they are no longer with us,” she said.

Brown said A.S. discovered the situation, but she could not explain how or disclosed the amount supposedly embezzled.

“To tell you the truth, we don’t know for sure,” Brown said. “We’re investigating that. We have an idea,

“At this time we do not believe that any of our customers or credit card information has been compromised.”

—Christina Brown, Associate Executive Director

but we’re still looking into it.”

A.S. is pursuing a legal case, so Brown said she did not want to say anything that would jeopardize the investigation.

“This isn’t me trying not to be transparent; this is literally just the legal system at this point,” Brown said. “This person has

rights and they’re only a suspect at this time because nothing has been proved legally.”

In fact, Brown feels the media bulletin disclosed too much information.

“I can’t tell you any more than what it said in that log,” she said.

“To tell you the truth, too much was said in that log. We are pursuing this legally and so we’re already a little bit frustrated at how much was put in that log because of the person’s rights.”

While the bulletin gives the impression that customers were affected, A.S. believes that wasn’t the case, Brown said. “(The bulletin) is not really accurate,” she said. “It circles around what happened, but that’s not exactly what happened. I see where it makes it look like customer credit cards could have been affected and I think it’s very important to say we believe they were not.”

Brown said A.S. is the victim and that customers should not be concerned.

“At this time we do not believe that any of our customers or credit card information has been compromised in any way and we take that very seriously and have all of the policies and procedures in place to protect that,” she said. “If there does prove to be any type of a loss, it would be a company loss that we believe would be covered under insurance.”

In cases such as these, Secka suggests customers contact their financial institution or the organization customers have their account with if they suspect any wrongdoing.

“If (customers) have reason to believe that something occurred, then yes, they can contact their police department,” he said.

Secka said customers should also take precautions to ensure their bank accounts are safe.

“What we recommend people do periodically regardless is to keep an eye on your account,” he said. “Make sure that the transactions you’re expecting are actually taking place. We make that recommendation when you’re talking about identity theft and all kinds of things.”

Secka said embezzlement cases do not frequently occur on campus.

He could not guess what the potential penalty could be, but that it could extend anywhere from “just being reprehended and / or fired to serving jail time and having to repay the money.”

The total value of the allegedly embezzled money would greatly affect what kind of punishment the suspect would receive if the investigation proves the employee guilty. According to California Penal Code 487, if the value of the allegedly embezzled property exceeds $400, prosecutors can file grand theft charges.

2

CITY

The Daily Aztec

A.S. BRIEF State budget support Associated Students voted for a resolution in support of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s budget. The new California budget includes a 3.5 percent increase in funding for higher education and the resolution thanks Schwarzenegger for the emphasis on higher education. The resolution was voted to move to action although it had not gone through the full number of readings. A.S. adopted the resolution verbatim from one passed and written by the California State Students Association, in which A.S.

President Tyler Boden and Vice President of External Affairs Alyssa Bruni serve as representatives.

Multi-Cultural Caucus The A.S. resolution in support of the Multi-Cultural Caucus Certificate has been delayed. A current lack of funding for the program has halted the resolution’s progress. However, the resolution will be presented again by the end of the semester.

-Compiled by Senior Staff Writer Sarah Kovash

Got a hot tip?

Let The Daily Aztec know!

The City section is looking for investigative news leads to provide more indepth, quality news stories.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

OPINION

FLAMING LIBERAL

T

3

POINTS TO PONDER

Referendum process is unfair he ends do not justify the means. Let’s get down to specifics because this philosophical conversation will get us nowhere.

Last Thursday, the Associated Students of San Diego State announced the student body would be able to vote on a fee referendum on March 9 and 10.

The voter pamphlet, which states it was compiled by the Campus Fee Advisory Committee, is entirely biased and has disenfranchised students who do not support the referendum.

When the notice was distributed on the pamphlet it should have included both pro and con statements, but only a pro statement was submitted. Where the con statement should have been, it states, “No responsive argument was submitted.” If you follow the timeline, it’s easy to see how a con statement was not submitted.

The public notice of a call for submission of pro and con statements was published in The Daily Aztec on Jan. 20 and 21. It notices calls for submissions to be made no later than noon on Jan. 26. That is just six days after the first day of class and only three and a half business days.

This is not enough time for students to know what the issues are and be able to submit a well thought-out response.

This notice allowed A.S. to push its agenda forward while ignoring opposition. A student, only identified in the referendum as Jeremy Katz, SDSU Senior, had all the information, but misrepresented himself when he did not include his title as the A.S. Executive Vice President. Katz is part of the planning process of ModernSpace and also part of the Executive Committee of the A.S. Council. The fact that this was not disclosed is troublesome to many students who would otherwise just view the submission as a regular student who approved the project.

When interviewing Katz, he said, “We

The Daily Aztec

A L L A N AC E V E D O OPINION EDITOR

followed all the rules dictated to us by CFAC.” He stated the announcement for the pro and con statements went out within the allotted timeline and was published twice in The Daily Aztec.

When asked if he thought enough time was given for students to realize what was being asked of them and come up with a cogent argument for submission, Katz stated, “The time we gave was sufficient. We did not break any rules.”

Well, even if the time allotted for students was sufficient on paper, it was not enough. Especially in a time of budget cuts, students aren’t scanning through the ads in the paper during the first two days of class, they are more worried about crashing classes and meeting with advisers.

The notice was not sufficient and now that the brochure was published, all the students who do not support the referendum are disenfranchised and have no way for their views to be publicly acknowledged.

Even if CFAC did establish all the deadlines, we have more than enough student representation on that board to make sure that not only was “sufficient” time given, but that there was enough time for students to be able to weigh in on this issue. The student voice should be the most important part of any referendum. Creating a process that prevents students from participating is restrictive to student input and underscores the reason students do not participate in student government.

This committee should care strongly about compiling an informative and unbiased pamphlet to educate students about what they are voting for. The way this pamphlet and process has unfolded so far has been inheritably biased; all the students that currently sit on CFAC are members of A.S. Council. A.S. Council already voted last

semester to approve this referendum and expressed its support of its passing.

Even though this bias is already in place, I would hope that the student members on this committee, Tyler Boden, Alyssa Bruni, Ignacio Prado, Natalie Colli, Laura Schofield, Caleb McCanne and Isaac Castro, could separate their own interests from the larger interest of providing unbiased information to the student body and allowing for a fair and transparent voting process.

This doesn’t seem to be happening and I am deeply disappointed. It seems that CFAC should be reformulated to have student representatives who are independent of the A.S. Council. We can’t keep relying on the same people to make all the decisions for us if they are unable to create a fair process that values student input.

Another large concern is that students are only given 35 hours to cast their ballots. Low student turnout for voting in elections and referendums has been a perennial issue. If A.S. really wanted to make sure they were taking student input into consideration, they should provide more hours for students to vote.

This process is flawed and unrepresentative, which makes me worry about the substance of the actual referendum. If any students oppose the fee increase, I invite them to write a letter to the editor to express their concerns so we can publish it and make sure all student voices are being heard. If A.S. will not ensure this is happening, we can always rely on the independent student newspaper to do so.

—Allan Acevedo is a political science and comparative literature junior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

Parcel tax for San Diego schools District’s operating budget for next year:

$1.2

billion

District’s estimated deficit for next year:

$93

million

Number of district voters surveyed via telephone:

500 Number of favorable votes needed to pass parcel taxes:

2/3 House allows US debt to increase

Debt increase allowed:

1.9

trillion

Government debt increase per U.S. resident:

$6,000 A GUEST’S PERSPECTIVE

Bonuses uncalled for in recession

W

e are all more attuned to money matters these days, now that we are living with a starved education system.

My jaw dropped when I read the headline: “UC approves $3.1 million in bonuses for senior medical executives” on www.latimes.com last month.

All of this bonus money coming into the University of California medical centers should be going to the struggling faculty and students in the UC system. If these medical centers are booming with cash, they should be giving the money to the struggling parts of their institution.

Even if there is some excess, this is not a wise way to use it.

The UC regents approved these bonuses while continuing to cut pay and layoff much of their medical staff. The regents are claiming that this is to “protect the quality of the whole university and the medical centers,” according to The Union Tribune.

The regents have said that these incentives bonuses were rewarded for reaching goals such as “improved patient health and stronger hospital finances,” according to www.latimes.com.

These bonuses are not insuring the quality of the health centers or the university if they are only going to the top positions, while rank and file workers are dwindling.

The executives are receiving bonuses that are huge percentages of their salaries while the workers are getting bonuses that are small percentages of their salaries.

Furthermore, some of the workers’ bonuses are less than enough to make up for the 4 percent pay cut that they took this year.

The hospital finances were improved because there were less employees and less money paid to employees overall.

The UC regents’ claims of bonus-worthy quality health care are simply not true.

The hospitals met goals of “reducing catheter-related infections and saving

S A L LY S C H I L L I N G CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

money through group purchases of supplies,” according to www.latimes.com. There may be positive measures taken by these hospitals here and there, but these do not justify the huge rewards given out to the people at the top.

Basic needs in these hospitals, such as sufficient staffing, are not being met.

Nurses were outraged at the bonuses because they see firsthand the current declines in health care.

“These bonuses reward chronic understaffing of nurses and other health care staff,” said Beth Kean, director of the California Nurses Association at UC. “One example is that nurses in transplant units are responsible for five patients rather than the recommended four,” Kean said according to www.sfgate.com..

The bonuses received by the executives should have been given to the people who impact the quality of care on the actual hospital floors, who have small salaries to begin with.

State Sen. Leland Yee has sponsored a bill that would limit executive bonuses during fiscal crisis. This reactionary measure is a step in the right direction, but it does not target the underlying problem of competitive, incentive-driven health care.

Regents claimed that the incentive bonuses are good because they need to compete to keep their top dogs in these hospitals and that means attracting them with inflated bonuses.

Health care should not be a competition.

Health care should not run on incentives for the executives. This means finding the easiest path to make the most money. Incentives in health care do not cause a competition of who can provide the best service, but instead who can

appear to provide the best services, save the most money or project whatever image is needed to get the reward.

This competitive system is exactly what the UC regents have condoned by approving these bonuses at a time when the hospitals are understaffed and underfunded.

Health care in the U.S. should be a right, like the right to an attorney.

Some may argue that quality goes down if there is no competition for money between health care providers. I think that the opposite has proven to be true. The UC medical centers are competing to keep their executives and yet they are seeing their hospitals’ overall quality of care go down.

We have many public services that function well without competing with each other. For example, firefighters are always entrusted to do the best of their ability to protect citizens. Firefighters ensure our safety and they do not compete with anyone else to provide us with protection. The same should go for health care.

If we continue on this path of incentive bonuses we will see the competition between providers increase and the quality and quantity of health care fall into a deeper decline than the one it is already in, while a few executives get fatter wallets.

We are already struggling to hold on to our right to quality education. We need to fight for our right for quality health care by encouraging a health care system that is not centered around competition.

—Sally Schilling is a political science senior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

Amount of borrowed money in every dollar the government spends: more than

40

cents

Estimated budget for this year:

$3.7

trillion

Facebook’s sixth anniversary

Number of users worldwide: more than

350

million

Number of users who update their status each day: more than

35

million

Number of photos uploaded per month:

2.5

billion

Number of notes, shared Web links and blog posts uploaded per week:

3.5

billion

—Compiled by Contributing Columnist Cindy Lopez

4

The Daily Aztec

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Lighting up the medical marijuana business

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

The medical marijuana business has been booming since 1996, when a ballot initiative was passed in California to legalize medical marijuana for patients with illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cancer or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

S USA N H E A LY S TA F F W R I T E R

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.

In October of last year, President Barack Obama’s administration directed the U.S. Department of Justice to end the prosecution of state-compliant medical marijuana clinics. Today, many entrepreneurs are using this calm time as a business opportunity, and the business of medical marijuana is booming.

Marijuana was declared legal in the state of California in 1996 and is currently lawful in 14 other states. However, during former President George W. Bush’s administration, marijuana remained illegal by the federal law. Experts predict that Obama’s lifting of this federal policy will result in a legal pot business boom.

Because of the nature of this industry, selling cannabis is strictly regulated and must comply with numerous state laws. One legislation requires dispensaries to operate in a nonprofit business model.

“Dispensaries work as a nonprofit (by saying) their prices are a donation,” a former Cannabis Club employee, Laura Magana, said.

While not forced to give back to the community, many “give free med-

ication to terminal patients such as people who have AIDS and cancer,” Magana said.

Despite the nonprofit business model, owners can potentially make huge profits, according to Magana. An average customer at an Orange County dispensary spends around $80 per visit and daily traffic ranges from 25 to 50 people a day. The two owners at the dispensary where Magana worked made anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000 each month between them.

According to Magana, start-up costs to open a dispensary average about $50,000, which includes rent, products, security system, supplies, employees and an attorney. Although financial risks are prevalent when opening any type of business, it is more risky to start a cannabis club because of the legal ambiguity.

“In Los Angeles, they are closing a lot of dispensaries because there are so many and the city can close them down whenever they want,” Magana said.

Cities are mainly concerned with the security risks that go

hand in hand with allowing these types of businesses to operate, such as vandalism, theft and illegal soliciting.

“There have been policemen who hang outside the dispensary and when patients leave, they would pull them over because some patients … come multiple times a day and sell illegally,” Magana said.

“There are a lot of hazards such as the extensive electricity used, the chemicals, the gas for heating, etc,” a local government who will be issuing permits in the near future, said. “Additionally, the sheriff is worried about where these can be placed and the zoni n g

le .O

id J

Dav

r nde

tan

ssis

/A

r

dito

oE

ot t Ph

requirements. There is also lighting needed for safety since they are subject to criminal activity.”

According to this employee, dispensaries have extensive building requirements such as intrusion alarms and cameras, 24-hour lighting, vandal-resistant glass panes and on-site uniformed security personnel during business hours.

The City of San Diego Legislature wrote, “Dispensing cooperatives and collectives … shall not be located within a 1,000-foot radius of schools, playgrounds, parks, libraries, places of religious worship, child care facilities and youth facilities.”

One firm has formed its business model by starting a pot-growing college. Oaksterdam University in Oakland has educated 6,000 students on the details of owning a dispensary.

They teach those interested about the essentials of mass pot growing, state laws, federal laws, etc.

Although there is no official accreditation p r o g r a m required to own a dispensary, this type of educational certification program benefits both the

owners and the community. The more responsible and knowledgeable the entrepreneur’s are, the more likely they will run a safer and more efficient business.

Therefore, training facilities such as Oaksterdam may possibly lead government officials toward a promedical marijuana stance while reducing community risks.

Federal and state laws seem to be moving in a direction in favor of the solicitation of medical marijuana, but the future of the industry remains unknown.

“Nationally, I think dispensaries are eventually going to be just like it is for liquor stores,” Magana said.

“For the next generation, it will be as normal as alcohol. Marijuana will be regulated and legalized.”

Although it is a very controversial matter, some see it as beneficial for the future.

“One reason I believe in medical marijuana is because it is the clean, natural alternative to treat symptoms such as pain,” Magana said.

“And (it) is better than going to get Oxycontin or other horribly addictive drugs for medicating purposes.”

Although there is ambiguity regarding the future of medical marijuana, it is certain that this profitable industry is erupting because of people who are selling legal pot and those who are educating others about how to sell it.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

The Daily Aztec

5

El Niño prolongs the winter wonderland resorts in North America by multiple publications, Snowbird is Utah’s finest.

Located atop Little Cottonwood Canyon, the summit of Snowbird is 11,000 feet high.

From that unobstructed vantage point, the snow-swept appeal of the resort is apparent. For anyone interested in back country, this is the place to be. Powder enthusiasts have ample room to glide down terrain that stretches out across several large peaks.

According to www.snowbird.com, the resort remained open until May 31 of last year, which allows plenty of time for a late-season ski trip. So don’t worry about rushing there immediately.

MCT Campus

This year’s series of storms draped skiing and snowboarding resorts with blankets of powdered snow, extending the season.

E

l Niño. El Niño. El Niño.

With a repeated echo fit for an announcer at a monster truck rally, weather forecasters won’t stop talking about El Niño this year.

But, there’s good reason for the repetition, because an El Niño weather pattern generally translates into heavy snowfall in California and its surrounding states. Even without the added benefit of El Niño, the next few months are likely to see great ski and snowboarding conditions in

JARED W HITLOCK S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

several states.

“2010 got off to a slow start,” Jessica Kunzer, Ski Utah Director of Communications, said. “But Utah and other states were hammered by storms at the end of January.”

If that’s not persuasive enough, “In Utah most of our snow usually comes in February and March,” Kunzer said.

There’s plenty of winter left, which means it’s time to trade in the beaches of San Diego for the snow-encased mountains. So dust

off the snowboards and skis, here’s a guide to some of the premier resorts in California, Utah and Colorado.

Snowbird I have a secret that has haunted me for years: I’m a Utah native. This fact has been the source of plenty jokes at my expense. From 3.2 percent beer to magic underwear, Utah certainly has its faults.

However, the powder isn’t one of them. After all, the slogan, “The greatest snow on earth,” isn’t just a cheap marketing ploy. Routinely ranked as one of the best ski

Vail People often quibble about the best ski resort in Colorado. The debate generally boils down to a rider’s personal preference.

Because San Diego State students often enjoy consuming copious amounts of alcohol, I’m going to go ahead and give Vail the prize.

Students will feel right at home with the array of nightclubs and bars lining the streets. However, be warned: Hangovers are worse at a higher altitude.

That’s not to say Vail is only a party haven; its diverse 5,200 acres offer something for everyone. The easygoing runs are counterbalanced by the world-class terrain parks catered to rippers.

s o c a l ' s

p r e m i e r

Mammoth Mountain, Lake Tahoe and Big Bear I won’t sugarcoat the snow situation: Compared to the two previously mentioned resorts, the California trifecta is usually inferior. It’s the reason I generally pony up extra cash to visit Colorado or Utah come March. However, as the saying goes, “every dog has its day.” More accurately, every dog has its season.

Thanks to El Niño, Mammoth Mountain, Lake Tahoe and Big Bear have been assailed with snowstorm after snowstorm for the past month.

“Utah, particularly the southern part, and Colorado feel the effects of El Niño,” Kunzer said. “But California feels the full brunt of El Niño’s force.”

That means San Diegans may not have to travel far to experience the epic conditions, which are expected to continue into February and March as El Niño strengthens, according to www.theskichannel.com. For cashstrapped students, it’s certainly a cause for celebration.

Colorado and Utah might offer better snow, but the big California three are certainly a viable option.

No matter where you go, the rest of the winter will continue to offer guaranteed thrills.

—Jared Whitlock is a journalism senior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily

c a r e g i v e r

SAN DIEGO'S LARGEST FACILITIES AND SELECTION WITH OVER DOWNTOWN

2215 Kettner Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92101 M-F 7am-8pm Sat-Sun 10am-8pm 619-238-3538

Voted “Best Quality Meds” in San Diego FREE GIFT for First-Time Patients!

Longest Standing Medical Marijuana Collective in San Diego!

Convenient and Safe Parking at Both Locations

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL, DAILY 7AM-9AM

- ALL 8th’s ONLY $50! -

30 FLAVORS! COLLEGE

6956 El Cajon Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92115 M-F 7am-9pm Sat-Sun 11am-9pm 619-465-4217

FREE PRE-ROLL WITH ANY DONATION! Valid only with coupon. One per patient per visit.

Valid with any donation for medicine with SDSU ID. Expires 2/14/10.

"Compassion and Quality Above the Rest!"

In strict compliance with California Prop. 215

Serving Fair Trade and Organic Espresso and Coffee roasted locally in San Diego by Café Moto!

Located right on campus!

FREE BAGEL WITH ANY BEVERAGE PURCHASE! Cream cheese available at additional charge.

One bagel per customer.

Available while supplies last.

Expires 2/14/10.

6

SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

WATER POLO

Weekend in Seattle SDSU didn’t defend highlights potential Triton Invite crown CHUCK HERRMANN S TA F F W R I T E R

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE STANDINGS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Looking to rebound after a tough loss on Jan. 30 to No. 58 UC Irvine, the San Diego State women’s tennis team headed to Seattle last weekend for two tough matchups, ending with a clash against No. 20 Washington.

SDSU was unable to hold off the talented Huskies, losing 5-2 on Sunday afternoon at the Nordstrom Tennis Center.

The Aztecs started off in a hole heading HUSKIES 5 into the singles matchafter losing the douAZTECS 2 es bles point, 3-0.

The best chance SDSU had in doubles was the team of junior Julia Trunk and freshman Julia Wais, who lost a close one, 8-6.

The Aztecs were able to get two points from their singles matches, but ultimately they could not overcome the Huskies.

Despite the loss head coach Peter Mattera was pleased with his team’s efforts.

“This was really impressive for our team,” Mattera said. “One of the better performances we have had, losing to one of the finer college teams. We played really well; most of our matches went down to the wire.”

Trunk had an impressive win in her singles match on Sunday, beating Washington’s No. 11-ranked Venise Chan in a nail-biting three-set match.

“That was a big win for Julia,” Mattera said,

“especially in such a tough place to play.”

Freshman Alicia Aguilar got the other point for SDSU on Sunday, beating Washington senior Joyce Ardies in a threeset match.

“This was a real great weekend for us,” Mattera said. “We took a big step forward.”

That was where the points ended for the Aztecs on Sunday, but they were able to leave Seattle with a 1-1 record on the weekend after they beat the University of Portland 5-2 on Saturday.

“Portland was a good match for us,” Mattera said. “We were able to step up in key moments to help secure that victory.”

SDSU began the weekend against Portland with a 2-1 doubles victory to take the doubles point. The Ellison sisters, Roxanne and Sierra, continued their strong doubles start this year, winning 8-6.

Meanwhile, the team of Trunk and Wais was able to win their match, 8-4.

Heading into singles matches, the Aztecs got four strong wins as Aguilar and Wais each won their singles matches, while the sophomore Ellison sisters won their own singles matches to clinch the victory for SDSU. After the long weekend the Aztecs were able to walk away with an overall Mountain West Conference record of 3-2.

Next up for SDSU is the University of Hawaii on Thursday afternoon at the Aztec Tennis Center.

“This weekend really shows the potential this team has,” Mattera said.

Team

Conf.

Overall

BYU

7–2

22–3

New Mexico

7–2

21–3

UNLV

7–2

19–4

SDSU

5–4

16–7

Colorado State

5–4

14–9

Utah

3–5

10–12

TCU

3–6

11–13

Wyoming

2–7

9–14

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

Air Force

1–8

9–13

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

The San Diego State women’s water polo team outscored its opponents 48-23 in last weekend’s Triton Invitational. Even with the huge goal difference though, SDSU finished the tournament in third place.

P HIL GI O R I S TA F F W R I T E R

On Sunday morning, the eighth-ranked San Diego State water polo team faced No. 13 Hartwick in La Jolla. With a win against the Hawks, SDSU had a chance to repeat as Triton Invitational champions.

But after leading 9-6 at halftime, the Aztecs SDSU 10 were caught off guard UCI 5 by a resilient Hartwick squad in the second half.

SDSU was outscored 6-2 in the second half, and was shut out 3-0 in the fourth quarter, sealing a

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

heartbreaking 12-11 loss.

The loss matched the Aztecs with UC Irvine in the third place game later on Sunday afternoon. SDSU rebounded nicely with a 105 win against the Anteaters.

The tournament started Saturday, and the Aztecs came out ready. It was an easier day for SDSU, as the squad cruised in dominating fashion past Redlands and Cal State Bakersfield, winning 15-3 and 12-3, respectively.

Overall, the Aztecs outscored their opponents 48-23 in the tournament, but finished in third place.

SDSU will face UC Irvine again this Friday and will need another strong effort to beat the Anteaters in Irvine.

SPONSORED BY

FOR SDSU WATER POLO

Advanced Test Preparation

48

Goals for SDSU in last weekend’s Triton Invitational

23

Goals for the Aztecs’ opponents in the tournament

3

Wins for SDSU at the Invitational

1

Loss for the Aztecs last weekend

3

Place SDSU finished in at the Triton Invitational

7

Wins for the Aztecs this year

2

Losses for SDSU this season

1

Home game for the Aztecs so far this year

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

Tuesday February 9, 2010

HELP WANTED Activity Leaders Needed for before and after school programs.

A fun rewarding job working with children and teens, ages 5-14. AM/PM hours available, M-F 15/25 hours per week. Min of 48 college units (or passing CAPE test) and min 6 months experience working with children. Pay rate at $10.16-$11.00 p/h.

E-mail resumes to careers@saysandiego.org or visit our website at www.saysandiego.org SAY San Diego CHILDCARE. Afternoon driver needed for three teens.

Pick up each kid after school around 2 or 3pm. Take to my home and drop off every other week. $20/day.

Contact Michelle 619-517-4999 or e-mail MNixon@sempra.com

CLASSIFIEDS

The Daily Aztec

7

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

HOUSES 4 RENT

ROOM 4 RENT

SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE! CAMP WAYNE FOR GIRLSChildrens sleep-away camp, Northeast Pennsylvania (6/19-8/15/10). If you love children and want a caring, fun environment we need Counselors and Instructors for: tennis, swimming, golf, gymnastics, nature/camping, cheerleading, drama, high & low ropes, team sports, water-skiing, sailing, painting/drawing, ceramics, silk-screen, printmaking, batik, jewelry, calligraphy, photography, sculpture, guitar, aerobics, self-defense, video, piano.

Other staff: Administrative, CDL Driver (21+), Nurses (RN’s and nursing students), bookkeeper, Mothers’ helper. Interviews on the SDSU campus February 17, 2010. Select the camp that selects the best staff! Call 1-215-944-3069 or apply at www.campwaynegirls.com

START YOUR MEDICAL CAREER IN 6 MONTHS OR LESS!

LIVE ONE-EXIT SDSU/CLOSE! PRIME 4BD/2BA DUPLEX-HOUSE. NEW CARPET, TILE, WASHER/DRYER, BACKYARD DECK. AVAILABLE NOW! 619-252-9060.

TWO BEDROOMS AVAILABLE! 1 single+bath, 1 double+bath. New Sterling apartments, no-deposit, spectacular amenities.

Contact Sarah 805-512-5765.

P r o f e s s i o n a l M e d i c a l Te c h n i c i a n Certification Program

Advertise!

Need Roommate, $695 for own bedroom and bathroom on SDSU campus. M/F OK, walk to classes.

Nice 3Bdr/2Ba apartment. 818-288-3773. Nice Roommates.

Medical Assistant Patient Care Technician Medical Office Assistant EKG Technician

Educational Excellence!

Convenient Class Schedules!

• • • •

FREE Course Textbooks FREE Premier Medical Kit FREE Scrubs FREE Exam Preps

EASY PAYMENT PLANS!

Big room for rent in house a few miles from SDSU! Downstairs room comes with furniture, own bathroom, wireless internet & big pool in backyard. $700/mo. Call Kevin for more info: 949-939-8291.

Very spacious 1BD/1BA + walk-in closet close to SDSU. Move-in ASAP. Lease until end-of-May. 707-290-3704.

Display 619-594-6977 Classifieds 619-594-4199

THE DAILY AZTEC DOES NOT ENDORSE OR SUPPORT AND HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OFFERED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS SECTION.

OTHER COURSES: Pharmacy Technician • Insurance & Coding

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL COLLEGE

919 Garnet Avenue #219 San Diego, CA 92109

858-357-8800 www.CMCsandiego.com

E L C Y C RE

Please

Your Newspaper!

Mention This Ad and We Will Pay For Your First National Certification Exam!

EGG DONORS NEEDED We are seeking attractive women of all ethnicities between the ages of 21-29 who are physically fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. $10,000 plus all expenses. If you have a desire to help an infertile family please contact us.

Email: darlene@aperfectmatch.com 1-800-264-8828 www.aperfectmatch.com Perfectly matching donors with families since 1998

twitter.com/TheDailyAztec

8

THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: 7 2 OFF SUIT

Stereotyping your ride

M

ercedes screams success. Hondas preach efficiency.

And, according to recent reports, people who drive Toyotas don’t watch the news or use the Internet. Because I have a 25minute commute to school, I have a lot of alone time on the road to judge strangers’ personalities and life values based solely on their car. It’s not stereotyping, it’s science. Really.

GM Oldsmobile I bet you didn’t know this, but Oldsmobile is actually an acronym: old ladies driving slowly, making others behind infuriatingly late everyday. These women are either going to Bingo night or church, neither of which expects them to be on time. Driving an Oldsmobile says, “This is the last car I will ever own.” I mean — it even has “old” in the title.

Toyota Prius We get it. You love the planet like a frat boy loves protein shakes. I’ll tell you what, I’ll acknowledge your superior love for the earth when you stop driving 52 mph in the fast lane. Yes, I’m sure if I actually listened to what you have to say, you may present an educated argument for owning a Prius. However, it only took one episode of “South Park” to properly indoctrinate me with all the stereotypes about you that I care to know.

K R I ST E N AC E N E VA R E Z S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

history or an imagination.

You consider yourself immortal. I find that incredibly sexy.

Wit h a Kit: You are an Asian ricer racer and have seen “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” too many times. However, you still can’t parallel park.

Post-2007 models: The digital speedometer on the dashboard makes you feel like you’re in a spaceship, and that was all it took for you to decide to buy this car. (Also, you are incredibly attractive, intelligent and popular among your peers.)

SUV

BMW

Your kid may be an honor student, but you, ma’am, are an idiot. I understand that the car is so big, both children and their upper-middle class mom paranoia can fit inside, but that does not entitle you to two parking spots. I do have one question for you though: Is it hard to find your car after soccer practice, when every other mom’s car in the parking lot looks exactly like yours? I’ve always wondered.

What’s the difference between a porcupine and a BMW? In a BMW, the prick is on the inside.

(Except you Scott, you’re cool.)

BMW drivers love that they own a BMW so much their license plate holder says “BMW” even thought the logo is right above it.

They think the redundancy is necessary, and that is why these cars get keyed. (Side note: Greek decals on your back windshield?

Really? Did Delta Delta Delta manufacture your car, or is it the Greek translation for “pass me, I’m busy texting?”)

The rest of the stereotypes are as boring as a sedan, so I suppose I’ll end with this: Cool kids drive 2007 Honda Civics, lifted trucks aren’t always compensating for the little guy riding shotgun (sometimes they’re compensating for mommy issues too) and if you don’t have a European accent, you can’t have a Mini Cooper. Oh, and if it costs more than $100,000, go ahead and stop by a drive-in bank today so your car can visit its real owner.

night a little scary. I don’t know whether to praise the earthfriendly San Diego State carpool system or bust out my all-in-one pepper spray, rape whistle and flashlight keychain. (That’s right, Mr. Bad Guy. Consider yourself warned.)

Motorcycle

Toyota Scion / Cube You are easily swayed by flashy commercials with edgy and hip techno music. You are disappointed that your life did not turn into an urban music video after purchasing this car. (Scion owners: You are also probably not aware that you are driving a Toyota.

Might want to get that checked.

I’m just sayin’.)

Big white van

Highway patrol car

You remember how in “The Silence of the Lambs” Buffalo Bill uses his unmarked van to bring victims back to his basement dungeon and fillet their skins?

Yeah — that makes walking past the fleet of windowless white vans in Parking Structure 5 at

This content has been removed because of blatantly tasteless analogies.

Honda Civic P re-2007 models: You either don’t have credit

major task. Push toward the goal line.You score creative points now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 Work closely with a female associate to bring fresh energy to a dull project. A dismal beginning turns into steady progress.

Mull over discrepancies.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - A long-distance associate or customer shakes everything up.This person doesn't want to do it your way. Explain the logic behind your methodology.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 6 - Throw yourself into creative transformation.Your life could change in a big way, or you may simply change your mind about an issue that's been nagging you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - You work hard all day, and you accomplish more than you thought possible. Drop into a comfy chair and let someone else serve you supper.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Build like you want it to last. A solid foundation carries you forward better than a quick fix.Think in decades. Imagine golden success.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Meet with your team and a visitor.Their consensus illuminates where to tighten up logic, and is only possible because you've anticipated the objections. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

© 2010 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

CROSSWORD

The Daily Aztec is hosting its very first Open House on February 15 at 6 p.m. in our office located in the basement of the Education & Business Administration Building. All students and faculty are welcome to attend!

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/9/10).This is the year for you to develop internal mechanisms for accomplishing your goals.You already know something about adapting to the world. Now, utilize your creative mind so that the world bends more to your wishes. Use your excitement to motivate friends and family.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - Today gives new meaning to "nose to the grindstone." Plan on productivity, with a female making the final adjustments.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - Step off the carousel today and plant your feet firmly on the ground. Practical matters demand close attention. Create new boundaries.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 5 Take your work seriously, even if your mind is on other things. Consult a new source for materials you need.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 Words don't come easily now, especially at work. Stay on task, even if you have to close your door to make it happen. A female supports your cause.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 Quiet contemplation in the morning leads to social grace later.Take a chance on an idea your partner thought up. It could be just what you've needed.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 Personal effort reaches a balance point today, as you get over the hump with a

—Kristen Ace Nevarez is a theater arts junior.

Stop the presses!

Come tour The Daily Aztec offices!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

ACROSS 1 Part of DMV 6 Need a backrub, say 10 “__-daisy!”

14 Nobel Peace Prize winner Root 15 Walk like a drunk 16 Entre __ (between us) 17 Using a treadmill, e.g.

20 29-Down, for one 21 The Beatles’ “__ Loser” 22 Relating to flight technology 23 Laurel and Getz 25 Medicine amount to take 26 Regional air travel brand since 1984 31 Either Bush, e.g.

32 Round-buyer’s words 33 Baker’s meas.

36 Leftover bits 37 “I don’t think so!”

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 39 “__ boy!”

40 On the authority Capitals 10 Dweebish puzzle’s four of 38 Québécois’s 11 Leaves for the longest answers 41 Friend approval holidays?

62 Many MP-3 play42 Vietnamese, e.g.

12 Sleeping girl in an 39 Queens tennis er batteries 43 Aviator who said 63 Game with six stadium Everly Brothers “the lure of flying 41 Civil rights activist hit colorful characis the lure of Chávez 13 “Hang on __” ters beauty” 42 Munitions center 18 All-in-one Apple 64 Google alterna47 Corp. heads 44 Bermuda rentals computer tive 48 Hospital staffer 45 University of 19 Crest 49 Beer unit DOWN Oregon city 23 Mmes., in Madrid 52 Former telecom 46 Museo hangings 24 Kids’ outdoor 1 Honeyed liquor giant 47 Eyelashes winter project 2 Land O’Lakes 53 Former Pakistani 49 The Star Wars 26 Resting on product president films, e.g.

27 Trifling 3 Run out of gas 56 Movie DVD spe50 “Squawk Box” 28 Old-time break4 “I’ve got you cial feature, pernetwork ing news cry now!” haps 51 Bush advisor Rove 29 Bambi’s aunt 5 Add insult to 59 Encircle 30 Actress Adams of 53 Brass component injury 60 Fiber-rich food 54 Prefix with China “Enchanted” 6 Major or Minor 61 “Dog the Bounty 55 Awfully long time tarot card group 34 Marquee name Hunter” network, 7 So-so mark 57 Fraternity letter 35 Gasp and a hint to the 58 Word before 37 Org. with 8 Penta- plus one theme in this break or care Senators and 9 Mt. Fuji statistic