03-14-2013

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THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

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VOLUME 99, ISSUE 87

National commercial spotlights alumni

campus

MAR 14, 2013

THURSday

VOTING A.S. ELECTION

Women’s Basketball on pages 6 & 7

Stephanie Saccente Senior Staff Writer

San Diego State will launch a new national TV commercial to spotlight eight Aztec alumni, now with NASA, who helped land the Curiosity rover on Mars.

The 30-second commercial, titled “From SDSU to Mars,” will debut during this year’s Reese’s Mountain West Basketball Championship.

The eight alumni involved—Mark Ryne, Doug Clark, Bonnie Theberge, Jordan Evans, Amanda Jeremiah Thomas, Brandon Florow, Joey Brown and Dave Herman— took on various pivotal roles that contributed to the success of the mission. The roles of these alumni ranged from systems engineer to spacecraft navigator, according to SDSU chief communications officer Jack Beresford.

The alumni will be presented with a Monty Award in April for their accomplishments.

Several of the alumni were a part of the Rocket Club on campus, which gave them experience with multistage booster rockets. When NASA was recruiting engineers, an SDSU alumnus/alumna scouted students to work in Pasadena.

Graphic design junior Kelsi Gallegos believes it’s important to share any and all alumni achievements.

“As a school, we should be proud of the accomplishments of

The SDSU alumni pictured above are now working for NASA were on the team to place Curiousity rover on Mars.

A national television commercial will launch this weekend highlighting Aztec alumni and their work with NASA.

fellow SDSU students and highlight them whenever possible,” Gallegos said. “These are the goals we should all strive to achieve.”

The commercial, filmed in two days on the SDSU campus, contains footage from ground control and computer animation from NASA. Beresford hopes the commercial will show that SDSU is an impressive place for engineering students to get their start. He said this event is a source of pride for the university and a great example of the university’s tagline,

“Leadership starts here.”

“Our students go big places and do big things,” Beresford said.

Accounting sophomore Ashley Breedan would like to see SDSU break away from its “just a state school” stereotype. She is thrilled to see the accomplishments of former students and hopes this will show the differences SDSU students can make in the world.

“I appreciate that in this new commercial, SDSU is really trying to show the exemplary education and scholars at (SDSU),”

courtesy of gary kemper

Breedan said. “We are often considered a party school and people should not solely have that outlook in mind. Any commercial that helps to address that point is good in my book.”

Seven of the eight alumni will return to campus at 3 p.m. on April 19 in the College of Arts and Letters 201 to participate in a public lecture to share their experience.

The commercial can be viewed on SDSU NewsCenter as well as The Daily Aztec’s website.

First Latin American Pope to lead Catholics

international Tara Millspaugh News Editor

As white smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church was chosen. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected the 266th successor of St. Peter and will lead 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide.

At 11:05 a.m. yesterday, the white smoke signified the appointment of a new pope.

Bergoglio, who is 75 years old, made his first appearance after thousands of people waited outside of the Sistine Chapel for more than an hour.

Former Archbishop of New York Cardinal Edward Egan was the first to react on NBC News’ live coverage.

“I could not be more delighted,” Egan said, describing the new assiandro di meo / zuma press /mct pope as a man of great compas- Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina walks out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the newly elected Pope. Bergoglio is the first non-European pope in more than 1,000 years. sion.

Egan said he knows Bergoglio in white, said from the balcony of percent of the world’s Catholics Bergogli said. personally and calls him a friend. St. Peter’s Basilica. live in Latin America. ABC News According to Reuters, Bergoglio He also said that even though the Bergoglio said the cardinals reported there are 31 million was born into a middle-class famnew pope is 76 years old, he is not “have chosen one from far away, Catholics specifically in Argen- ily of seven, and his father and feeble for his age. but here I am.” tina. mother were Italian immigrants Vatican City was filled with As the former Archbishop of Bergoglio received a master’s in Argentina. Bergoglio’s first cheers of “Habemus Papam!” Buenos Aires, Bergoglio is the first degree in chemistry at the Univer- language is Spanish, but he spoke which translates to “We have a non-European pope since Colum- sity of Buenos Aires. from the balcony in Italian. pope!” bus came to the New World, ac“His lifestyle is sober and ausThe Catholic Church was left “I would like to thank you for cording to The New York Times. tere,” Francesca Ambrogetti, a without a leader after former Pope your embrace,” Bergoglio, robed According to NBC News, 39 coauthor of a biography about Benedict XVI retired in February.

Entrepreneur Day offers SDSU new opportunities campus

Jamie Wilde Staff Writer

On Tuesday, San Diego State students, alumni and companies lined Campanile Walkway as part of Entrepreneur Day, collaborating to create a lively and interesting experience for all passersby.

Every year, SDSU’s Entrepreneur Society hosts the event, where budding businesses can showcase their ideas and expand their networks.

“It looks interesting and it’s nice to get to see new ventures and to learn,” computer science senior Tina Kristin Jenson said.

Jenson said she enjoyed hearing the story of Volcom’s cofounder at the “Meet the Entrepreneur” tent, which was set up as a place for aspiring student entrepreneurs to hear success stories from established business professionals.

There’s always opportunity in the most recessional times or the best of times. thomas mcelroy

Co-founder of Volcom

“There’s always opportunity in the most recessional times or the best of times,” cofounder of Volcom and founder of McElroy Communications Thomas McElroy said. “If you can play the card of knowing the right people and having the right credentials, then you can get a job anywhere.”

Entrepreneurship is a viable career option for any aspiring ENTREPRENEUR continued on page 2

2 | News

Volume 99, issue 87 | Thursday, March 14, 2013

SDSU reacts to life and death of Hugo Chavez

international David Hernandez Staff Writer

Alicia Chavez Staff Writer

The death of Hugo Chávez has evoked mixed emotions around the world. On Tuesday, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality at San Diego State discussed the nature and significance of Chávez’s politics.

During his 14 years of presidency, which ended on March 5 because of cancer, many considered Chávez a socialist, yet some argued his power in Venezuela was not a socialist movement.

“You either loved him or hated him,” SDSU political science graduate Justin Jones said about the divided country Chávez left behind.

Jones, who led the forum, began by stating that SDSU’s IYSSE does not consider Chávez’s practices during his presidency to be socialist.

“The notion that socialism can be handed down to the masses by one personality, even one as dynamic as Chávez’s, is a flaw,” Jones added. “In socialism, the working class needs to have a voice of its own, they cannot be rallied through strong personalities.”

Chávez forced many oil companies to nationalize, but Jones said equating nationalism with socialism is incorrect.

Jones then discussed how support for Chávez was divided among classes, stating that most of the

working class supported Chávez, while the middle class adopted more of a right-wing opinion.

Chávez never advocated for the abolition of classes, as much as he seemed to have favored the poor. As Chávez began to lose support, especially toward the end of his life, he did cater to the right-winged and rich, Jones added.

Chávez improved the lives of the poor by implementing programs that provided food, housing and health care to the impoverished population. Cuba provided free health care in exchange for the subsidized oil Chávez gave the country.

In 2003, Venezuela recorded a 62 percent poverty rate, which declined to 29 percent in 2009, according to World Bank.

While Chávez was praised for implementing programs that diminished poverty, many criticized him for paying for these programs with income Venezuela received from oil sales.

In the discussion, political science professor and faculty adviser for SDSU’s IYSSE Emanuele Saccarelli added that Chávez shouldn’t be classified as a socialist, because his aid to the poor was not a sustained solution to the social problems affecting the working class in Venezuela.

“The economy remained vastly dependent on oil; that’s not the basis in which you can really restructure society,” Saccarelli said.

Mechanical engineering senior Daniel Cavero, who was born in Venezuela but has lived in the U.S.

magdalena gutierrez abaca press /mct

Hugo Chávez passed away from cancer on March 5. SDSU International Youth and Students for Social Equality discussed Chavez’s presidency in Venezuala.

for four years, attended the forum.

He believes the U.S. and Chávez viewed each other in similar ways.

The U.S. media portrayed Chávez as “the devil,” but Chávez portrayed the U.S. likewise, Cavero said, alluding to Chávez’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly in 2006, when he called former President George W. Bush “the devil.”

“I think more than being a social-

ist, he represented something that a lot of the world didn’t see,” international security and conflict resolution sophomore Marna Shorack, who came to the U.S. from Venezuela a year and a half ago, said. “He represented a side that was very anti-Western, anti-U.S., anti-imperialistic powers, and I think that’s something that attracted a lot of people toward him.”

“There’s definitely a lot of grieving,” Cavero added. “He was such a figure. He was a father figure. He was a religious figure, even, to some people.”

Venezuela, which ended seven days of mourning Chávez’s death on Tuesday, will elect a new president on April 14. Vice president Nicolás Maduro, who holds office until then, will run for president.

from ENTREPRENEUR page 1

Students walk around the booths on Entrepreneur Day. Every year, SDSU Entrepreneur Society hosts the event to showcase budding businesses.

student with revolutionary ideas.

Creating a new company, as opposed to joining an established one, can stimulate the economy and gives graduates the unique

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25 and under?

Admission is always free!

There’s always money to be made. Whether the market is down or the market is up, there is always something to be done. justin ancheta

Entrepreneur Society member

opportunity of being one’s own boss.

“There’s always money to be made. Whether the market is down or the market is up, there is always something to be done,”

chelsea massey, staff photographer

Entrepreneur Society member and religious studies senior Justin Ancheta said.

Ideas flourish in entrepreneurship, such as Ancheta’s belief in “cause capitalism,”—when part of the cost of a product goes to a greater cause.

McElroy said the event benefits all students involved, whether an aspiring entrepreneur or an interested bystander.

“It shows that students have the capability to create something small and grow it,” McElroy said. “I mean, there are growing and thriving businesses here and they’re the same as everyone else. All these companies, within about the last 24 months, have started. Look at where they are now.”

opinion | 3

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 87

Sequestration cuts slash SD housing subsidies

local

S

equestration is upon us.

The $85 billion in federal budget cuts will hurt us locally in numerous ways. This region will obviously feel defense cuts because the U.S. Department of Defense is San Diego’s largest employer. However, cuts to vital social programs such as housing will hit local families hard.

KPBS reported all non-defense programs will receive an 8 percent budget cut because of sequestration. This will impact local programs such as the San Diego Housing Commission, which received more than $160 million to subsidize housing for families last year. The program gave vouchers to 14,600 families, with each receiving a monthly subsidy of $850. This may sound like a fat government subsidy for housing, but in a city where homes sell at an average of more than $620,000 and monthly

RACCOON FROM OUTER SPACE

by Emily Moretz

mortgage payments vary between $3,000 to $5,000, they can provide a much-needed relief to keep housing affordable in San Diego. It’s also uncertain whether this specific program will be cut equally compared to the rest of the housing programs the sequester threatens. The commission also hasn’t decided if it will be forced to cut some families from the program or cut the subsidy equally for all families that benefit from it.

The housing commission isn’t the only local housing program threatened by the sequestration.

San Diegans benefit from services for the homeless, assistance for first-time home buyers and a 4 or 9 percent tax credit for lowincome families. All of these are threatened by federal budget cuts.

The Section 8 subsidy, which already has a waitlist of more than 28,000 locally, also faces steep cuts.

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seem unavoidable because of an incompetent and partisan Congress that bickers back and forth about what programs to keep or cut. Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. should take a look at the housing situation here in San Diego to see how important these social programs are. San Diego is one of the most unaffordable places to live in the U.S. In fact, San Diego ranks as the fifth least affordable U.S. city according to a study by the Center for Housing Policy. A large reason for this problem is the phenomenon known as the sunshine tax, which exists as a result of San Diego’s pleasant climate and location.

Personally, I cannot afford to live on my own in San Diego. I work two jobs, go to school and pay $550 per month for renting with a roommate. In Bakersfield, my hometown, $550 would be enough to rent a one-bedroom apartment by myself. Federal

programs such as housing subsidies, tax credits and Section 8 are needed to keep San Diego from falling off the affordability cliff. Low-income families don’t always have the luxury to move on a whim. It takes time, money and a lot of job searching.

It makes very little sense to cut funding from the housing industry, especially considering Americans are still recovering from a recession that was largely caused by the collapse of the housing market. The collapse led millions of foreclosures and eventually contributed to the collapse of our financial system.

A decline in the housing market also leads to a decrease in jobs, not just for real estate agents, but construction workers, whose jobs depend on the demand for building new homes.

Avoiding the sequester is important not just for the housing market and social programs, but other aspects such making sure

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tax returns come in on time and preventing flights from being delayed. Legislatures need to show courage. It’s time to forget about the previous election or next year’s midterm election.

Lawmakers who worry only about saving themselves during election years while forgetting about what is best for the country don’t deserve to keep their seats.

They need to focus their priorities on issues such as sequestration, which can hurt our fragile economy. The budget hawks should put their partisan agendas aside and realize the biggest issue is the economy, but not just the deficit. If they help the economy recover, deficit reduction will follow. Our national and local economies need a plan that will keep our economy running and avoid the pain of sequestration.

—Staff columnist Matthew Smith is a teaching credential graduate student

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4 | entertainment

Volume 99, issue 87 | thursday, march 14, 2013

Eccentric style on display in Paris for fashion week fashion Elisse Miller Staff Writer

All good things must come to end, and such is true for the biannual fourweek-long span of fashion shows.

Models, photographers and writers settled in Paris for the last of the fashion weeks after covering New York, London and Milan. The City of Love served as a suiting backdrop to some of the most interesting and beautiful garments the industry can provide.

Several of the fashion world’s biggest labels show in Paris. Earlier shows laid the foundations for the clothes of fall 2013: straight-legged trousers, structured jackets and floorlength dresses. The Parisian designers maintained these trends and the fashion-friendly black and white color palette. Gareth Pugh hung A-line gowns of gray suede and black leather onto corpse-like models, creating a gothic fantasy expected of Pugh. Balmain showcased opulence through quilted gold, pink lame and pointed shoulders, a silhouette the brand used as a crutch for several seasons now. Comme des Garcons continued the season’s

theme of feminine meets masculine.

Designer Rei Kawakubo took suits of black, white and gray and turned them on their heads by warping their shapes through exaggerated shoulders and the unexpected placement of large rosettes. Kawakubo is notoriously skilled at this shape manipulation, which pays off at every runway presentation. Givenchy proved that punk can also be stylish by sending models down the runway with candycolored coifs and shirts of half plaid and florals. If I weren’t a broke college student, I’d pick up one of the mixed media sweatshirts sprinkled throughout the presentation, preferably the ones displaying Disney’s “Bambi.”

The show that had fashion bloggers and magazine editors on the edge of their front-row seats was Balenciaga.

In November, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Balenciaga’s creative director of 15 years, stepped down. It was not long after that designer Alexander Wang was appointed as the new head of the label. Many doubted Wang’s ability to step in an established fashion house because He only started showing at fashion week since 2007. Wang was able to leave his signature sporty aesthetic with his eponymous line, in-

stead presenting a collection that was minimalist in both palette and structure. Most importantly, it was 100 percent Balenciaga.

My personal favorite collection to show in Paris was Manish Arora.

While it’s not a staple fashion house, Arora inserts playfulness into his work that many other labels fear to do, making his brand one to watch.

In his fall collection, delicate gold chains and iridescent jewels embellished black dresses. Skirts and shift dresses were printed with surrealist landscapes. This collection brought together punk attitudes, girly motifs and classic shapes, something I attempt in my own wardrobe. Arora achieved this through oversized nose rings, heart patterns and good tailoring. With so many colliding elements, this collection lacked an element of cohesion. However, I am willing to forgive Arora because every piece on display was both unique and wearable, which is a difficult dichotomy to pull off.

Now that fashion week for fall season is done, it’s time for designers to head back to their sketchbooks and inspiration walls until spring brings fashion week back.

alex ander wang

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entertainment | 5

thursday, march 14, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 87

The Story So Far channel growing pains into pop punk sneak peek

Kevin Smead Entertainment Editor

The Story So Far is a band that knows what it’s like to be a 20-something guy with 20-something dude problems. Its 2011 debut “Under Soil and Dirt” is full of heartache, bummer situations and growing pains. While that sounds like it could be a followup to Taylor Swift’s latest smash hit, “Red,” The Story So Far packages its young-male angst in some of the catchiest pop-punk tunes this side of a New Found Glory album.

People are starting to take notice, too. The band was recently featured on the cover of the April issue of Alternative Press as part of its “100 Bands You Need to Know” feature. Its genre (jokingly called “tr00 pop punk”) is currently on

Weekend Concert Calendar

the rise, helmed by other bands such as Transit, Man Overboard and Title Fight. All the characteristics of the genre—rough vocals, poppy guitars, decreasingly punk-focused song writing, a more serious band image and songs about growing up—are all found in TSSF. It’s an unusual blend of high-school and early-20s anxieties, but as someone who completely identifies with those personalities traits, I’m sold.

Luckily, these dudes are just getting started. The band’s tour stops in San Diego on Friday night at the Epicentre (though it’s currently sold out) and its latest album, “What You Don’t See” drops March 26. Check these dudes out and make it to the show if possible and get all the angst out via some solid pop punk. courtesy of the story so far

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6 | SPORTS

Volume 99, issue 87 | THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Women’s Basketball MWC Tourney Preview women’s basketball Terence Chin Staff Writer

San Diego State Aztecs 24-5 (15-1) No. 1 in the Mountain West For a second year in a row, the Aztecs are once again the Mountain West Conference regular-season champions. After losing their first conference game of the season, the Aztecs never looked back winning 15-straight conference games. Their success was influenced largely by the vicious backcourt of senior guards Courtney Clements and Chelsea Hopkins. The Aztecs will face the University of Nevada Wolf Pack in their opening round game at noon today.

Senior guard Chelsea Hopkins was named Moutain West Player of the Year and first-team all conference.

jenna mackey, staff photographer

Fresno State Bulldogs 21-8 (13-3) No. 2 in the Mountain West If there’s any team that can challenge

the regular-season champions, it is the Bulldogs. They had an outstanding season for the first time in the MWC, going 13-3 in conference play with a win on the road against the Aztecs to start. As the No.2 seed, they’ll open their first-round game against the seventh-seed Boise State.

Wyoming Cowgirls 23-6 (12-4) No.3 in the Mountain West The Cowgirls had a solid season, losing just four games in conference play—two of them being against the Aztecs. They were led by senior forward Chaundra Sewell, who averages 15.1 points per game and is the conference leader in rebounds with 9.7 per game. As the third seed, the University of Wyoming will face Colorado State University in its opening round game.

UNLV Rebels 12-18 (8-8) No. 4 in the Mountain West The University of Nevada, Las Vegas finished conference play in a tie for fourth place with the University of New Mexico. The Rebels finished the conference with an even 8-8 record led by senior guard Kelli Thompson, who averages 18.6 points per game.

UNLV will face fifth-seed New Mexico in its opening round game.

New Mexico Lobos 16-13 (8-8) No.4 in the Mountain West The Lobos finished the conference in a tie with the Rebels, but were ranked fifth seed after losing both matchups against the Rebels. They are led by senior guard Caroline Durbin, who was named to the second-team allMWC after averaging 12 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. New Mexico will get one more shot at UNLV in its opening round, hoping to beat UNLV for the first time this season to advance in the conference tournament.

Colorado State Rams 11-18 (7-9) No. 6 in the Mountain West The Lady Rams struggled this season without any senior leadership, losing more than half of their conference games and finishing No.6 in the MWC. They will have a tough task in their first-round matchup against the Cowgirls having lost twice to them already this season.

Boise State Broncos 11-18 (4-12) No. 7 in the Mountain West After beating Wyoming in its first conference game, Boise State didn’t have much to look forward to for the rest of the season. It’ll be tough, but the Broncos will try to pull off an upset against the second-seed Bulldogs in their opening round game.

Air Force Falcons 4-26 (3-13) No. 8 in the Mountain West The lone highlight that the Falcons will take away this season is their win against UNLV in the first home conference game. The Lady Falcons struggled throughout the entire season, winning just four games, three of them in conference play. The Lady Falcons fell short in round one against ninth-seed Nevada Wolf Pack on Tuesday night.

Nevada Wolf Pack 8-22 (2-14) No. 9 in the Mountain West The Lady Wolf Pack struggled this season, winning just two conference games. They did, however, win against second-seed Fresno State.

Junior guard Danika Sharp carried the Wolf Pack to an 80-66 victory in the first round against the Falcons, finishing with 25 points and seven assists. They will face the No.1 seed SDSU in the first round quarterfinal game at noon today.

SDSU beats Iona softball Adriana Bush Assistant Sports Editor

With seven games within five days, the San Diego State softball team has a busy week ahead of it. So far, the Aztecs kicked the week off right, starting with a 10-7 win against Iona College Tuesday night.

“I think we did a good job offensively and making adjustments at the plate, learning their pitchers and figuring them out,” head coach Kathy Van Wyk said. “We had excellent defense tonight and I was very pleased with them.”

In the first inning, Iona scored its first three runs, thanks to a double with the bases loaded by senior utility Beth Kann.

SDSU answered back with a run of its own in the bottom half of the first. The Aztecs didn’t score again until the third.

Once they did, though, the Aztecs couldn’t be stopped.

Senior first baseman Kamerin May singled in sophomore left fielder Kayla Jordan for the first run. Then, junior right fielder Patrice Jackson hit a two-run single that brought home second baseman Katie Mathis and junior pinch runner Stefani Polonia.

Freshman third baseman Kayla Bufardeci singled in sophomore pinch runner Jacki Campa for the last run of the third inning.

SDSU was far from done and its five runs in the fifth inning showed the Gaels it was

determined to stay on top.

Iona attempted to catch up in the seventh inning with a pair of two-run homers by freshman infielder Sarah Schutz and freshman pitcher Christine Costello, which put the Gaels down by three runs.

But junior pitcher Lorena Bauer, who struggled in the first inning, wasn’t going to let Iona come back that easily: She struck out Kann to give SDSU the win and send Iona packing.

“It was a little rocky at first, but then I felt better as the game went on,” Bauer said.

Bauer hasn’t pitched a win since Feb.12, 2011 against Utah State University, so this was her first complete career game in a career-high seven innings. Bauer allowed seven runs on nine hits and two walks and had a careerhigh six strikeouts.

Mathis went 4-for-4 from the plate with three runs scored and two RBIs in the 10-7 win, while Jordan, May, Bufardeci and Jackson added two hits each.

Today’s game against Bryant University at 3:30p.m. marks the beginning of the San Diego Classic II, which ends Saturday for the Aztecs against Texas Tech University.

“I think these games this week in preparation leading up to conference are just really important for us to gain confidence and continue getting better and better,” Van Wyk said.

SPORTS | 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 87

Lady Aztecs take on WolfPack in first round women’s basketball Ryan Posner Contributor

Frontcourt Aztecs: In her last game at Viejas Arena senior center Malia Nahinu showed up big time for the Aztecs, scoring 12 points, blocking a career-high six shots and grabbing five rebounds. Nahinu was an enforcer in the frontcourt and was named to the honorable mention all-conference team. Another player to watch is sophomore forward Chairese Culberson, who came off the bench for the win against Air Force, collected 13 rebounds and contributed a career-high 15 points.

Wolf Pack: The face of the Wolf Pack frontcourt is sophomore forward Emily Burns, who leads the team in rebounding with 6.6 per game and blocks with 37 on the season.

Her downfall lies in her free-throw percentage, where she’s shooting at a mediocre 53 percent.

Senior guard Courtney Clements was named to firstteam all-conference for the second consecutive year.

monica linzmeier , assistant photo editor

Backcourt Aztecs: Nobody played better against Boise State University than senior guard Chelsea Hopkins.

Hopkins ended her career as an Aztec with a bang, recording her

fourth triple double of the season with 11 rebounds, 12 assists and 13 points. In addition, she received the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honor, capping off an incredible season. Senior guard Courtney Clements also performed excellently, scoring 26 against the Broncos. Clements was also named to first team all-conference.

Wolf Pack: Nevada has to be feeling a little nervous coming into the game against the SDSU, considering it has the most momentum coming into the tournament. However, the Wolf Pack gave the Aztecs a run for their money, losing only by 13 points. If Nevada can take some of its confidence from its game against Air Force, it may have a shot.

Wolf Pack: Junior guard Danika Sharp, who leads the team in scoring at 13.7 points per game, dropped 10 points the last time these two teams met. Also look out for junior guard Arielle Wideman, who doesn’t light up the scoreboard, but makes a living dishing the ball. She leads the team in assists, managing to accumulate six the last time she faced the Aztecs.

Coaching Aztecs: Coming off her second straight MW regular-season title, head coach Beth Burns was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year, for the second consecutive year. After leading the team to the Sweet 16 last year and then going 24-5 this season and 151 in conference play, Burns is establishing herself as one of the top coaches in the nation.

Intangibles: Aztecs: The Aztecs are the hottest team in the MWC coming into this tournament. They haven’t lost a game in more than two months and they’ve won their last three games by an average of 29 points.

Even better, the team’s only loss in conference was to Fresno State, which is on the opposite side of the bracket, so they won’t have to meet up until the tournament final.

Wolf Pack: In her first season in the MW, head coach Jane Albright struggled, going 2-14 in conference.

On the other hand, she led her team to a win against Air Force and is giving her team a shot in this tournament.

Prediction: Nevada: 52 SDSU: 60

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8 | BACKPAGE

Volume 99, issue 87 | THURSday, MARCH 14, 2013

See the hidden beauty of Santee

nonfiction

Ethan Bailey Assistant Features Editor

Being a native San Diegan has treated me well. Sunny skies almost every day of the year, the beach within a few minutes’ drive and an awesome downtown area are only a few reasons why I love San Diego so much.

I’m from Santee. You may have heard of it, but chances are you’ve heard bad things. Whenever I talk to people and mention I’m from Santee, they get this semi-disgusted, semihorrified look on their faces. You’d think I just told them I’d contracted some horrible, contagious disease and that I was about to sneeze on them.

The way they say, “Oh, you’re from Santee,” insinuates the town is some barren wasteland past the borders of San Diego County where dinosaurs go to die.

Another common response to my Santee-ism is, “That’s so far away!”

It’s not. It’s literally about a 20minute drive or 30-minute trolley ride from San Diego State. I can leave my humble Santee abode at 9:30 a.m., get to school, make a pit stop at either Starbucks or Peabody’s Organic Coffee and still make Mama C’s 10 a.m.

Spanish class.

Of course, the stereotypical nicknames given to the jewel of East County don’t help its cause. “Klantee” immediately comes to mind, which really makes no logical sense whatsoever. In fact, the 1920s San Diego Ku Klux Klan branch operated out of a building located on Idaho Street and University Boulevard in, of all places, North Park. Take that, hipsters.

When people think of East County, cowboys, horses and whiskey come to mind. They think it’s a place where horses rule the roads and the law is handled from the barrel of a colt .45caliber revolver. They think there’s sleaze everywhere and, at night, the streets are dark from the lack of streetlights.

But enough about Lakeside.

Santee is the quiet, comfy-bedroom community you’ve always been too scared to visit. It has nice homes, apartments and all the shopping and dining any San Diegan could ask for.

Just to name a few off the top of my head, there’s a Chili’s, an Olive Garden, a Subway, a Jamba Juice, an Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing Company, Domo Sushi, three Starbucks and many delicious taco shops to name.

Oh, and there’s a Phil’s BBQ. Did I mention Santee has the only Sonic Drove-in south of Vista? Shopping includes Target, Tilly’s, Forever 21, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble and even a PetSmart for your furry friends.

When you’re done stuffing your face and blowing your paycheck, head to one of the many exercise facilities Santee has to offer. Less than a mile away from the Santee trolley stop, Sportsplex USA resides. If you play in any indoor soccer or softball leagues, chances are you’ve played at one of the other Sportsplex locations. It has multiple softball, soccer and football fields to play in, even a sports bar.

If you prefer to get swole at a gym, there’s a 24 Hour Fitness and a Chuze Fitness. I go to Chuze regularly because of its sweet $10 per month membership fee and lack of juiceheads.

If a more natural, outdoorsy adventure sparks your tinder, head to Mission Trails Regional Park. There are acres of dog-friendly trails for both hiking and mountain biking. You can even ride horses there, if that’s your thing. Just be careful of the mountain lions. And snakes. And coyotes. I hear they’re more prone to attack Santee’s haters than any other group.

Prepare yourself because the following may induce euphoria: Santee has a drive-in movie theater. It’s one of two in San Diego County, the other located in the South Bay. There’s something really cool about going to a movie at a drive-in theater. You get your seats, snacks and drinks all within the privacy of your own vehicle. The screens are huge and the price is pretty hard to beat at $8 for two movies. If you’ve never been to a drive-in, you need to experience it. In fact, as soon as you’re done reading this beautiful, well-crafted newspaper, hit up a few of your friends and tell them you’ve discovered a hidden gem in a mysterious oasis called Santee. Or better yet, call your special someone and set it up as a date. Fun fact of the day: Making out is way easier at drive-ins.

In short, Santee isn’t nearly as scary as people think it is. It’s a growing community where businesses pop up left and right to serve the hard-working, middle-class citizens living there.

You don’t have to love Santee—I completely understand why East County has the stigma it’s associated with— but before you hate on it, make the not-so-long trip out and explore Santee for yourself. You just might like it.

HOROSCOPE

by Nancy Black, Tribune Media Services

Today’s Birthday (3/14/13) - This year is for you. Confidently choose a new direction. Expect more changes, and roll with them. Let a vision be your inspiration. Family and friends keep your home fires burning, until the fun outside overcomes. Play a game you love.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 9 - The next two days are good for making money, more than you think possible. Focus on doing the things that you’re passionate about, and it will be easier. Handle chores, too.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - Nothing can stop you now. The more problems you solve, the more empowered you feel. There’s so much to accomplish with this new confidence! Take actions where you’ve been stopped before.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 - It’s time to complete the project you’ve been avoiding. Spend time in private to replenish your ideas, but don’t get too much into your head. You’ll be glad when it’s over. Just do it.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - It’s getting fun. Hold off on making an important decision until you’re rested and have thought it over. It’s easier with some help from your friends. They add just the right amount of humor.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 - The upcoming days may bring lots of career movement. Get ready: It’s easier to take on a leadership position now. Making mistakes is part of the equation. Find support nearby.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8

- Your luck is shifting for the better again.

Travel conditions improve. You can take new ground. New opportunities will open soon, but there are still barriers. Rebellions flare up.

Rest up.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 - Be strategic rather than impulsive now. You receive a call to action in a transformative cycle. You provide the imagination. Do financial planning, and study your money.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - You’ll have more help. Accept another’s suggestion. Spend more time with someone beloved, as vivid feelings and expressions arise. Don’t hold them in. Share love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Get practical tasks done. The pace is picking up, and things don’t always work as planned; at least, not the first time out.

Discover glamour right around the corner.

After work comes play.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Pamper yourself, as you enter a luxuriously lovely phase. Bring someone along to help you make decisions and have fun. There’s more time for love, which is always a comfort when money’s tight.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Make your home more comfortable. It’s where you want to be, anyway. Authorize improvements. Clean house. Lounge around with friends, good food and a movie (after homework’s done).

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 9 - You’ll learn quickly, so pay attention.

Get ready to take action. Study new developments. Put what you learn to profit; focus on the marketing. Apply your business and commerce ideas. ©2013, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

by The Mepham Group, Tribune Media Services

Difficulty Level: 4 out of 4

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2013, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

Apply to be a writer for The Daily Aztec! www.thedailyaztec.com/jobs

CROSSWORD

throwback ‘74

john anderson (44) is congratulated by coach dick davis after a win against fresno state university ’s bulldogs. teammate allen bunting and manager dan gilbert smile in the background on march 13, 1974

Across 1 Retained 5 Music storage medium 9 In the thick of 13 Kirin rival 15 Arp’s art 16 Scale pair 17 Last one in 18 How 58-Across can be written 20 Diamond deal 22 Heartfelt 23 Quote from a pitcher?

25 Rigid 26 USN clerk 27 34-Across factor 29 “A Doll’s House” playwright 31 Mil. honor 32 Shout in la arena 33 Forensic ID 34 58-Across times 27Across 40 1967 NHL rookie of the year 41 Long time 42 One of them, maybe 44 “Let’s Dance” singer 47 Mathematically, what 58-Across is 50 Walkoff hit stat 51 Sighed line 54 Elect 55 Top player 57 Gluten-rich grain 58 Subject of an annual March 14 celebration and of this puzzle, celebrated in its circled squares in both a literal and a numerical way 60 Sends out 63 Works that glorify 64 Minnesota’s state bird 65 Leisurely stroll 66 Caesar and others 67 Fair 68 Post office call Down 1 Actor Penn who has worked for the Obama administration

by Rich Norris & Joyce Lewis, Tribune Media Services

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 2 That, south of the border 3 Deli order 4 Spring sign 5 French bean product?

6 Blast on Broadway 7 Farther out?

8 __ Lama 9 Part of LPGA: Abbr.

10 Isn’t in a big hurry 11 “Let me check” 12 Ohio home of the Wright Brothers 14 Hopping mad 19 Valuable fur 21 Construction sight 23 Throw in 24 Blu-ray buy 25 Its pages are often numbered i, ii, iii, etc.

28 Common street name 30 Outlaw

33 Soak 35 Le __ Soleil: Louis XIV 36 Dream up 37 Common star characteristic 38 Chew out 39 German article 43 Atlas abbr.

44 Met cheers 45 Start of a Beatles title 46 Left (to) 48 Blind followers 49 Unanimously 52 Nonnative Hawaiian 53 Dahl’s “Fantastic” title critter 56 Dope (out) 57 Lush 59 Burst open noisily 61 DDE’s birthplace 62 Lush