Wednesday, August 16 Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Weekly Print Edition
Vol. 104, Issue 1 www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
San Diegans hold vigil for woman killed in Charlottesville
NEW INVESTIGATOR SDSU hires a new investigator for Title IX complaints, Sara Vogel. PAGE 2
by Will Fritz NEWS EDITOR
“Love, not hate, makes America great,” hundreds chanted.
This was the sentiment the night of Sunday, Aug. 13, at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego, where people from throughout the region descended for a candlelight vigil in honor of the woman killed while protesting against white supremacists at a rally in
Charlottesville, Virginia. Heather Heyer, 32, died and 19 others were injured Saturday after being struck by a Dodge Challenger driven into a crowd of counterdemonstrators at Charlottesville’s Emancipation Park. The vehicle’s driver, identified as 20-year-old
James Fields Jr., managed to reverse and escape, but was later arrested and charged with seconddegree murder. “We cannot afford to be divided anymore,” Imam Taha Hassane, director of the Islamic Center of CONTINUED PAGE 2
Chancellor’s executive order brings changes to remedial classes
REMEMBERING GARRETT Friends pay tribute to an SDSU student who lost his battle with brain cancer. PAGE 4
by Will Fritz NEWS EDITOR
ranking as the one of the nation’s best universities for diversity, entrepreneurship and study abroad. Associated Students Vice President of Financial Affairs and finance senior Hayden Willis said he chose SDSU because of its nationally recognized professors and the opportunity to grow with a student body dedicated to leadership. “SDSU lives by the motto of ‘Leadership Starts Here,’ breeding a culture for students to excel as leaders in the classroom, on campus, and in the community,” Willis said. “I think we earned this recognition through our commitment to excellence as a premier research institute, athletic powerhouse and pioneers in sustainability.” Willis said SDSU has prepared him for life after college and has given him different resources
The California State University system will be making sweeping changes to the way it handles incoming freshmen who do not meet college-level English and math standards. CSU Chancellor Timothy White signed an executive order Aug. 2 mandating that the 23-campus system do away with non-credit remedial coursework and stop offering English and math placement tests. CSU students who are assigned to Early Start or remedial classes based on Early Assessment Program test results - taken during a student’s junior year of high school - will get credit for the courses, which will be college-level and supplemented by support services to help students succeed, CSU public affairs manager Elizabeth Chapin said in an email. Students in need of academic support in English or math will be offered a one-unit remedial class, to be taken alongside a general education course. The Early Start Program, which offers remedial classes during the summer prior to a student’s first semester, will also begin offering credit-based classes concurrently with general education classes. Changes to ordinary remedial classes will be implemented fall 2018, while changes to the Early Start Program will be complete by fall 2019, but universities may offer “pilot” credit-bearing classes before that. Campuses will be required to offer enough credit-bearing remedial courses to meet demand. The chancellor’s office said the
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AZTECS TAKE THE REINS The SDSU football team takes over a long-standing Chargers tradition of holding a practice at MCAS Miramar. PAGE 5 photo by Danny Dyer
Chicano Batman frontman Eduardo Arenas takes the stage at BeerX, a daylong music and craft beer festival held at Waterfront park. See the full story on page 10.
FOOD PARK Eat San Diego plants a free food for the general public to enjoy in City Heights.
SDSU among highest-ranked universities in the nation
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INDEX News............................... 2-4 Opinion............................. 5 Mundo Azteca................. 6-7 Sports.............................. 8-9 Arts & Culture............ 10-11 The Back Page.................. 12
by Emely Navarro SENIOR STAFF WRITER
San Diego State was ranked one of the top universities in the nation by The Princeton Review. The list of “The Best 382 Colleges” is released every year and ranks universities’ administration, academics, demographics, extra-curriculars, social scene and quality of life. It is based on a survey given out to 137,000 students attending 2,500 four--year colleges nationwide. The guide does not rank each university from one to 382—instead it lists them in alphabetical order highlighting the special academic, financial and extracurricular programs each one offers. This year, about 15 percent of U.S. four-year institutions made
the list. SDSU is one of several universities with a longer feature on the list. According to the list, incoming freshmen in fall 2017 have a 3.88 high school GPA and an average SAT score of 1229. Graduation rates at SDSU have increased over the past few years. Approximately 74 percent of first-time freshmen graduate in six years or less, and 90 percent of SDSU freshmen return to school for their sophomore year. SDSU Provost and Senior Vice President Chukuka S. Enwemeka said this progress can be attributed to the university’s efforts to improve advising, investments in commuter student success, hiring of 223 tenuretrack faculty over the past four years and the advancement of a variety of student experiences, including housing and campus infrastructure. Enwemeka said SDSU is proud of its diverse student body and its
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News
The Daily Aztec
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com
Photo by Jocelyn Moran
Hundreds gathered in Downtown San Diego’s Waterfront Park to show solidarity with Heather Heyer, the woman who was killed protesting a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Vigil for Charlottesville: continued from page 1
San Diego, said at the vigil. “We have to be united all the time. And we have to resist. We have to fight,
“Love didn’t die yesterday,” Rev. Gerald Brown, executive director of United African-American Ministerial Action Council, told the crowd. “Love rose yesterday. Out of hate, love rose. Out of her, love rose.” Rev. Beth Johnson of the Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Vista said the torches of the white
with fear, but lit with hope, with the anticipation that together, can make this world what it was called into being, by love.” “I know that you know that the moral arc of the universe is long,” Johnson said, referencing Martin Luther King Jr. “And we are bending it towards justice.” Many of those present at the vigil
Photo by Will Fritz
Vigil attendees waved candles, lighters and phones as they sang and chanted together.
and we have to fight with love.” Attendees held up candles – both real and artificial – as well as lighters, phones and anything else they could wave back and forth as they chanted and sang “This Little Light of Mine” and “This Land is Your Land.”
nationalists at the Charlottesville rally shone hate and fear on their faces. “The light showed the horror of what we are finally coming to terms with in this country,” she said. “Tonight, I look at your faces here that are lit with sadness, lit
said they were there out of a sense of duty to hold their ground against the neo-Nazi movement that Heyer died standing up to. “We came here to reaffirm our determination as people of faith and people of conscience here in San Diego that we should never
allow our nation to dive into this cycle of hatred and racism again,” Hassane said after the event. “And we all have to work together to stop it right here.” Escondido resident Yusef Miller said he was at the vigil to “speak up for equality and justice.” “We want to draw people’s attention, of course, to the senseless loss of life yesterday, and also to let people know that this is an issue that goes on throughout the country,” Miller said, “and we all need to stay resilient against this type of white supremacy, injustice and bigotry that happens throughout our country. SDSU graduate student Bo Elder said it’s important for people to show their opposition to the white nationalist violence that he sees as more and more of a problem in this country. “It’s being emboldened by a president who just winks and nods and says the bare minimum,” Elder said. “People need to stand up and show that they won’t (tolerate) it and get organized to act against it.” President Donald Trump was criticized for responding to the Charlottesville incident by blaming “hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides.” Many, including Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, questioned why the 45th president did not specifically address the white nationalists and neo-Nazis who organized the rally Heyer was killed protesting against. The White House later sent out a statement saying Trump’s condemnation “of course” includes white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and all extremist groups. Trump did eventually condemn the white nationalist movement in a speech Monday, Aug. 14. Kathy Stadler of San Diego Indivisible said the vigil was put
together on short notice by her organization in partnership with Women’s March San Diego and Together We Will. Stadler said she was in Atlanta when she heard the news from Charlottesville, and was “stunned.” “I think, sadly, this isn’t the last event like this that we’ll have,” she said. “This is a really long war we’ve gotten into. And a lot of the things that our country has needed to reconcile for a long time are really coming out to the forefront.” Stadler said the woman who posted the event to Facebook, Chris Wodjak, had never planned anything of this size before. “She said she had faith that the community would come and that people would step up to help make it go,” Stadler said. “And they did.” Leaders of SDSU’s College Democrats and College Republicans both later condemned the violence in Charlottesville. “Things like this can’t happen,” Brandon Jones, College Republicans president, said Monday. “Racism and hatred and violence (are) never really the answer.” Jones said in his view, those advocating for white supremacy don’t represent any specific political party and don’t represent the attitude of the nation as a whole. “I think it’s good San Diegans are coming together,” Jones said. College Democrats President Michael Cline said the thought that peaceful demonstrators were run down for their political viewpoints is “terrifying” and a reminder of “how toxic our political environment is.” “Having a vigil is, hopefully, a return to some sort of civility in the conversation and maybe we can learn from this tragic and unfortunate circumstance,” Cline said.
News
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
SDSU creates new Title IX position by Jasmine Bermudez ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
SDSU’s Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities created a new position aimed toward investigating student sexual assault complaints. Former CSU San Marcos Associate Director of Residence Life Sara Vogel became the school’s first Title IX and Student Conduct Investigator in March. SDSU Title IX Coordinator Jessica Rentto said the position was created because SDSU needed someone with the time and expertise to focus on students seeking Title IX resources. “Over the past few years, I think due in part to the increased dialogue nationwide about issues of sexual violence on college campuses, we have seen a lot more people who are aware of the issue and so more people are coming forward and seeking resources,” Rentto said. She said Vogel’s position allows student complaints to be addressed by one individual who can provide additional time to support prevention and outreach efforts. “When someone reports sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, rape, dating violence and things of that nature, I will be working with those students to help them find resources,” Vogel said.
SDSU ranks highly among American universities:
continued from page 1 through student organizations and A.S. to have a plan for the rest of his life. “Having the opportunity to grow as a student leader, first through Financial Affairs Committee and now as VP of Financial Affairs, has expanded my knowledge in Finance and prepared me to succeed in a fruitful career beyond my collegiate experience,” Willis said.
photo by Joe Kendall
Sara Vogel was hired as SDSU’s first Title IX and Student Conduct Investigator in March.
Faculty and staff ultimately report to her regarding Title IX complaints, and she reaches out to students and checks in with them. Students can also come into her office to get more information on the rights and options they have based on the CSU system’s executive orders. Vogel said moving forward, some decide they only want
Computer science senior Nimish Saxena said he feels SDSU is deserving of being on the list of best 382 colleges in the nation because he feels it is well-rounded and diverse. “I chose SDSU because of all of the potential extracurricular and academic activities that this school provides.” Saxena said. “It is important to have fun and have a great long-term learning experience in college. And this school, out of all of the other schools, has had the most diverse list of both academic and extracurricular activities.” Saxena also said SDSU prepared him for a career in computer science. “I had no experience for my major before attending my first class in college, so SDSU has definitely taught me a lot of useful
photo by Richard Han
resources, and she connects them with the sexual assault victims advocate and professors if they need academic accommodation. Others decide to take it into investigation and she starts talking to the people involved. “Ultimately, I make sure that they have what they need,” Vogel said. Rentto said Vogel was hired
because she demonstrated a devotion to serving students and their education “We interviewed a number of great candidates and Sara really stood out,” Rentto said. “Her commitment on student development and student success was evident and she demonstrated it through her prior professional experiences.”
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Vogel is a graduate of University of the Pacific, where she worked as a resident advisor. She went to graduate school in Florida and transferred to North Carolina State, where she earned a master’s degree of education in counseling and student development. Since moving to San Diego in 2013, Vogel has dealt mainly with on-campus residential life. She was UC San Diego’s Assistant Director of Residence Life before working at CSU San Marcos. Former Interim Director at CSU San Marcos John Capaccio said Vogel was an amazing coworker. “She is very insightful and has a ‘get it done’ type of attitude,” he said “She looks at the big picture and her strength was making connections with the intent of collaborating.” Vogel said she hopes to continue to streamline services for SDSU’s Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities. “I want more and more students to know about us through orientation, advocacy across campus and a strong online presence,” Vogel said. “This material can be really tough to understand but we are making it easier to access.” Vogel said she encourages students to reach out to her and know that there are people who want to help them. “I am excited to be here,” Vogel said. “I am really happy that this position was created in that we can outreach and positively affect the community here at SDSU.”
News Friends remember student who lost battle with cancer
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Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
Garrett Chipman 1995-2017 by Emely Navarro SENIOR STAFF WRITER
“No bad days.” A motto Garrett Chipman followed everyday, even enough to get it tattooed on his arm. A lover of music, he admired Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Rihanna and Coldplay. He was adventurous, frequently going on hikes, paragliding and even skydiving. He loved to make people laugh. He filled his and others’ lives with happiness and positivity. He strived to put a smile on everyone’s face, saw the best in people and never gave up when things got tough. San Diego State journalism senior Chipman, 21, grew up in Antioch, California, and died of brain cancer on Aug. 6. He was set to graduate in May 2018. Chipman was experiencing migraines and vision loss and went to an optometrist in fall 2016, where they discovered he had a buildup of fluid behind his eyes. According to his GoFundMe page, after undergoing an MRI, doctors discovered the fluid behind his eyes was a mass blocking his spinal fluid from draining regularly. San Diego surgeons then diagnosed him with stage three Anaplastic Astrocytoma brain cancer. Shortly after his diagnosis, he had to pursue treatment and fight the illness in Northern California.
In the summer of 2017, Chipman moved his treatment to City of Hope in Los Angeles. At this hospital the doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his spine. The radiation from his treatments left him paralyzed from the waist down in his last month. “As hard and terrifying as it is, I’m choosing to find the positive in the situation and fight it,” Chipman wrote on his Instagram page on Nov. 26, 2016. Garrett’s high school friend and college roommate Kohta Zaiser said he found the positivity Garrett carried throughout his treatment impactful. “I cannot possibly begin to imagine the thoughts that go through one’s head when presented with the news and the emotions Garrett felt during all this time,” Zaiser said. “But his strength and perseverance through everything has spoken miles and miles upon his character and who he was.” Psychology senior Ashley Light said Chipman reminded her how in the midst of all the crazy changes in life, it is important to always remain positive. “He made sure to make the most out of everyday and to keep smiling no matter what,” Light said. “It was a major reminder to me to look at life in a different way and try to find the best in every situation.” Journalism senior Haley King said his happiness is something that made him distinct. “He was such a bright light in my life, he kept me calm, he made
me happy even on what seemed like the worst days and he felt like family,” King said. “He could make anyone laugh with his amazing storytelling. I was infatuated with his ability to make a story seem funnier than it really was.” His friends described him as positive, humble, loving, optimistic, considerate and funny person full of dreams. Renee Ramirez, a journalism senior who lived on the same floor as Chipman in the residence halls, said his positivity, optimism and strength impacted her. “He didn’t take life too seriously,” Ramirez said. “He always knew the important things in life.” She said one of her favorite memories with Chipman was during her sophomore year of college in their surfing class. “I just remember us both being terrible, we basically went through a whole semester of surf class only standing up five times combined,” Ramirez said. “But it’s a really special experience to have with Garrett, because when people say he is a positive person I truly felt like I experienced it oneon-one with him here. He never let me give up on trying the next wave, no matter how bad I fell.” She said watching him persevere motivated her to keep trying. King said he was her “rock” in college. “We took every class we could together, changed our majors together, lived together and did everything in between with each other,” King said. “I spent almost everyday with him for over two years.”
Courtesy photo
Garret Chipman was a senior studying journalism at San Diego State. He lost his battle with brain cancer Aug. 6.
She said knowing Chipman has been one of the biggest blessings in her life. She said he left an imprint on her heart and will always be someone she cherishes dearly. “I cannot express the pain of missing someone that you envisioned living the rest of your life with,” King said. “ I am at peace knowing that we will always be with me, and I am more determined than ever to live life to the fullest for the both of us.” She said throughout the several milestones, triumphs and battles in her life, he will always be with her. During his treatment Zaiser said
Garrett said one thing that stuck with everyone: “I don’t need a fancy job, or fame or money, I just want to make a positive impact on the world before I go.” Zaiser said he thinks he achieved his wishes. Zaiser said Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the community have made a significant donation to City of Hope in Garrett’s honor. “He made that positive impact he longed for before he passed, not only in myself, but the countless people that were either graced with his friendship or strangers moved by his inspiring fight.”
Photo by Kelly Smiley
Anthropology senior Ricardo Betancourt works on a computer in the library.
Remedial classes:
continued from page 1
Courtesy photo
Chipman poses with his mother and sister in an undated photo.
purpose of the order is to ensure all students have a shot at graduating on schedule. Often, students who are forced to take non-credit remedial classes need extra time to finish school. “Statistics show that being assigned to remedial courses based on placement exams has a negative impact on a student’s credit accumulation in the first year, decreasing the likelihood that they persevere through college and earn a degree,” Chapin said. “Instead, students’
preparation in these areas will be assessed using a more holistic approach including high school GPA and test scores.” The changes will increase the credits students earn in the first year and ultimately make college more affordable, Chapin said. “The California State University is committed to helping all students admitted to a CSU campus achieve their academic goals by allowing them to earn college credit beginning their very first day of class,” said Loren Blanchard, CSU’s executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. “This suite of changes maintains the quality and rigor of the CSU while enabling tens of thousands of students to get needed academic support
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Dana Tsuri-Etzioni, opinion@thedailyaztec.com
OPINION
The Daily Aztec
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Professor’s post lacks empathy EDITOR IN CHIEF Andrew Dyer MANAGING EDITOR Lilly Glenister
Facebook post on McCain diagnoses goes viral
NEWS EDITOR Will Fritz ASST. NEWS EDITOR Jasmine Bermudez OPINION EDITOR Dana Tsuri-Etzioni MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Jocelyn Moran ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Cami Buckman SPORTS EDITOR Zach Engberg ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Abraham Jewett DIGITAL SPORTS EDITOR Mary York ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Alex Piscatelli PHOTO EDITOR Kelly Smiley MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mirella Lopez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR David Santillan COPY EDITOR Brian del Carmen EDITOR-AT-LARGE Jacob Sisneros ART DIRECTOR Aiden Prehatny SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Emely Navarro Talia Raoufpur Julianna Ress STAFF WRITERS Danny Dyer Ceighlee Fennel Concepcion Guzman Elizabeth Barboza Amal Younis STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Kirby Crow Joe Kendall Petey Dyer Richard Han ________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Connor Brooke SALES MANAGER Peter Saridakis ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES George Saridakis John Weil Josh Diaz Rauda ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Tyler Burnett Meah Mapp ________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER/ADVISER Jay Harn GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Christopher Blakemore ________________________________ EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday throughout the semester WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com QUESTIONS/COMMENTS letters@thedailyaztec.com ________________________________ The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.
BY TALIA RAOUFPUR SENIOR STAFF WRITER
San Diego State political science professor Jonathan Graubart’s recent Facebook post expressing irritation towards the outpour of positive wishes for Senator John McCain’s glioblastoma diagnosis sparked national controversy. In his post — which has since been made private — Graubart quotes political theorist Hannah Ardent to underline the idea that the lives of the elite are more valued than the layperson’s. He also claims that Albert Einstein, for example, possessed humanitarian instincts that made him more worthy of public goodwill as an elitist in comparison to McCain.
According to the American Brain Tumor Association, it is estimated that more than 12,300 cases of glioblastoma will be detected in 2017. Of course, a majority of these diagnoses are unknown to the general population. If the media was to report on the common person’s cancer experience more often, greater attention by the public would be awarded to them too. The issue presented by the post is not one of a college professor publicly expressing his political views on social media, but his blatant disrespect for a family man who may die from brain cancer — a disease that took the life of Professor Graubart’s mother 20 years ago. Graubart should recognize that he is also an elite member of society. While his name may be unfamiliar to most, his profession has awarded him the privilege to serve as a vault of knowledge and the ability to sway his students’ opinions. His lack of empathy is
Responses to Graubart counterproductive BY VICTOR BECK CONTRIBUTOR
San Diego State University professor Jonathan Graubart faced major criticism after his controversial comments regarding Senator John McCain’s recent brain cancer diagnosis. Graubart took to Facebook to express annoyance with the flood of “good wishes” directed towards McCain as a result of the diagnosis. Graubart also attacked McCain’s track record — that not only has he faltered in his commitment to public health, but that he is a war criminal as well. Graubart may have shown a lack of empathy in his original post, but he poses an interesting point. Graubart expresses his frustration by saying “what troubles me is the urge to send such well wishes to an utter stranger as it reinforces the notion that some lives are more important than others.” Graubart is personally connected to the situation and explains that his mother fell victim to the same form of brain cancer as McCain — glioblastoma. Being uncomfortable with valuing certain lives over others is valid, but Graubart overlooked a few details when making his claim. John McCain isn’t an “utter stranger”. He is an expresidential candidate and wellknown senator. Of course his brain cancer diagnosis is going to gain traction with media outlets, and it is only natural for people to wish well for those who have fallen ill. If there was a movement to financially support McCain, Graubart’s frustrations would be more grounded because it would reinforce his notion that
we shouldn’t value any life over another. Wishing wellness on someone is something anyone is capable of doing. It is clear that emotion has taken over Graubart’s critique rather than logic. Even if Graubart overlooked important details when trying to express his opinion, it doesn’t validate the threats against his life that he has received since posting his thoughts. As a professor, Graubart has a responsibility to pose intellectual questions and challenge those around him on how they view various topics. And as students, we have the right to challenge him on his thoughts and his views of the world as well. We are not always going to agree — our views may be drastically different — but that doesn’t validate threatening someone’s life and creating fear. Opinions don’t have to divide us, but fear will. Perhaps Graubart did lack empathy in his post, and perhaps it was fueled by anger, which can often blind us. However Graubart had every right to post what he did, and, in response, the public has every right to criticize Graubart’s post and argue against his points. What no one here has the right to do is instill fear into anyone — that is where the real problem lies. Threatening the opposition as an initial response to a disagreement does nothing but halt progress. Threats cause one to forgo the opportunity to shed new light on things in a way the opposition may have never seen. Professor Graubart has expressed some remorse in regards to a few of his words in the post, as he didn’t anticipate the traction it would gain, or how potentially damaging some of it was. If society resorts to threats, fear and persistent anger, then these kinds of realizations aren’t possible.
shameful. The SDSU College Republicans said in a statement that the organization “(does) not approve of the comments made by Professor Jonathan Graubart aimed at reducing the significance of Senator John McCain’s potential suffering.” SDSU also issued a statement stating that “the viewpoints expressed by students, faculty and staff on their personal social media pages do not reflect the views of the university.” Second year English major John Ciulla said he was disgusted by Graubart’s post and engaged in a dialogue with the professor in the comments section. “I was angry with the way he characterized McCain,” Ciulla said. “For him to speak so ill of him, it’s unbecoming.” The sudden outpour of well wishes towards the senator are to be appreciated. In a time when name-calling, toxicity and hatred bleed through the veins of America’s political body, any immediate example of compassion is to be cherished. Thousands of Americans are uniting to send their positive energy to support a father who is vying for a chance at survival. His status as a public figure is not indicative of whether or not such support is acceptable. In an interview with The Daily Aztec, Professor Graubart
stated that the post was intended for his intimate circle of 90 Facebook friends, when in fact it was made public for the entire world to read. His actions were completely intended to overstep his boundaries as an elite member of academia. At this time, Senator McCain should not be placed on a pedestal or blindly supported for his political endeavors. He should, however, be recognized for his battle with cancer and supported in it. This is not the first time faculty at SDSU have made contentious political comments on social media. In June, Patrick McCarthy, the associate dean of library and information, said in a Facebook comment that the Republican party was an “extremist terrorist organization.” The insensitive comments regarding McCain’s health is a reflection of Graubart’s character and only adds to the negativity that plagues the world. “Dying or not, he’s a risible public figure. I have no idea what he is like on the personal level and I don’t care,” Graubart said in his post. People should reject outright this type negativity and strive towards a more positive world. Human lives — all of them — have value.
Choose a major because of passion, not future stability BY JORDAN RUBIN CONTRIBUTOR
Life doesn’t have to be about making money or having a specific job title. Passion for a career and life activities allows life to be most enjoyable. Being a college student forced with choosing a major can be very stressful, due to the fear of not succeeding in the field chosen to pursue. Choosing a major based on a potential future salary can cause an unhappy life. According to the Fowler College of Business here at San Diego State, one of the top ten reasons college students leave or drop out is because they chose the wrong major. Everyone has the ability to choose what he or she is passionate about and the ability to pursue a dream. No one should choose the wrong major just because the people around them say it’s the secure choice to make. Life is too short to be doing what one doesn’t love — as cliche as it may sound. Passion for a career makes waking up for work every morning less dreadful. If more people were able to choose what they wanted in life based on their goals and desires instead of the set pathway to success society guarantees based on a chosen major, people would be a lot happier with what they are doing. Money can be made at all times
throughout life yet taken away randomly. There is no set plan for success and the only way to achieve success in the form of happiness is by doing what one loves. Make money through creative ways that allow goals to be fulfilled —it shouldn’t matter what major or career path is chosen. One can major in biology in hopes of becoming a doctor and still be an entrepreneur on the side if that is their passion. It is important to make the most out of every situation and to show people that expect others to follow societal expectations that they are wrong. Take the step and decide to change a current major if it was chosen based on what others advised would be best. Choosing a major based on fervor gives the ability to finally accomplish goals and leave the skeptics behind. Having a passion for something, and following that passion can bring genuine happiness and have lasting impressions on others. The only way to truly succeed is to achieve the goals in life set for oneself, not ones others set. Goals and desires are possible to achieve if one is able to picture them and do everything in their power to reach them. Take the risk — it’s okay to feel insecure at times. A lot of the time, taking the safe path in regards to a career won’t bring happiness. Nothing can get in the way of the decisions that are in each individual’s hands.
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The Daily Aztec
Mundo Azteca
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Jocelyn Moran, mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com
Cientos se reúnen en San Diego para honrar a los heridos de Charlottesville por jocelyn moran EDITORA DE MUNDO AZTECA
La canción “Esta Luz Pequeña Mía” fue cantada por cientas de personas mientras levantaban velas en Waterfront Park en Downtown San Diego el 13 de agosto. Miembros de la comunidad de San Diego se reunieron en honor de la mujer que murió protestando en contra de los supremacistas blancos en Charlottesville, Virginia. Heather Heyer de 32 años, junto a 19 otros, fue atropellada por James Fields Jr. de 20 años quien estrelló su Dodge Challenger hacia un grupo de personas protestando cerca de Heyer. “El amor no se murió ayer”, dijo Reverendo Gerald Brown, director ejecutivo de Consejo de Acción Ministerial AfricanoAmericano Unido al grupo. “El amor se levantó ayer”. Brown dijo que todos ellos unidos representan el amor y la paz. “Estamos en esto juntos”, dijo él. “Estamos aquí, y seguiremos aquí”. Abel Macias, profesor de Estudios Chicano y Chicanas de
Foto por Jocelyn Moran
Miembros de la comunidad de San Diego levantaron velas en Waterfront Park para honrar a Heather Heyer.
SDSU, dijo que quiso ir porque quería participar en algo que estaba ocurriendo en apoyo de Charlottesville. Kathy Stadler de San Diego Indivisible dijo que la vigilia se organizó sin mucho tiempo para preparar. Su organización también organizó la Marcha de las Mujeres en enero en San Diego.
Estudiante de ciencia política de la Universidad de California Los Ángeles Armando Olea dijo que no podía sentarse en casa y hacer nada. “Aunque estamos en la otra parte del país, todos estamos en esto juntos sin importar la raza o el sexo”, dijo Olea. Presidente Donald Trump
fue criticado por no condenar a los nacionalistas blancos y neoNazis específicamente quienes organizaron la manifestación en la Universidad de Virginia, en la cual murió Heyer protestando en contra de. Sin embargo, Trump lo hizo después de mucha crítica el 14 de agosto en un discurso. El club Republicanos de la
Universidad SDSU publicaron una declaración en donde condenan las acciones de los supremacistas blancos en Charlottesville. Ambos Presidente del club Republicanos de la Universidad SDSU Brandon Jones y Presidente del club Democráticos de la Universidad SDSU Michael Cline dijeron que como una universidad, la manera de mover adelante es a través conversaciones. “Necesitamos empezar a tener conversaciones reales”, dijo Jones. “Obviamente, cuando tienes a un republicano y un democrático sentados juntos, van a tener puntos de vistas diferentes. Pero, yo verdaderamente pienso que tienen la misma meta, solo tienen dos caminos diferentes hacia llegar a esa meta”. Cline dijo que las diferencias no necesitan dividir a la gente o definir quienes se asocian con. “Pienso que podemos estar arriba de este tipo de violencia que ocurrió durante el fin de semana”, dijo Cline. “Como un campus, estamos en un ambiente donde (conversación) puede ocurrir. Es un lugar donde puedes hablar y escuchar puntos de vistas diferentes, y aunque estas desacuerdo con algo, puedes reconocer el derecho de la persona de decir algo sin que ellos tengan temor por sus vidas”.
Princeton Review clasifica a SDSU como una de las 382 mejores universidades en la nación por Emely navarro ESCRITORA
San Diego State fue clasificada como una de las mejores universidades en la nación por el Princeton Review. La lista de “Las 382 Mejores Universidades” sale cada año y clasifica las universidades por su administración, lo académico, la demografía, las actividades extracurriculares, la escena social
y la calidad de vida. Una encuesta lista. fue dada a 137.000 estudiantes De acuerdo con la lista del que están asistiendo 2.500 Princeton Review, los estudiantes universidades de cuatro años a entrando a primer año en el otoño escala nacional. de 2017 tienen un promedio de un La guía no clasifica a cada 3,88 GPA de la escuela secundaria universidad de uno a 382, y una puntuación promedio de sino que las enumera en orden 1229 en razonamiento del SAT. alfabético destacando los El número de estudiantes que programas especiales académicos, se están graduando de SDSU ha financieros y extracurriculares aumentado en los últimos años. que ofrece cada universidad. Aproximadamente, 74 por ciento Este año, cerca de 15 por ciento de estudiantes de primer año se de las instituciones de cuatro años gradúan en seis años o menos, y de los Estados Unidos hicieron la el 90 por ciento de los estudiantes
Foto por Jocelyn Moran
Estudiantes visitan a San Diego State durante el verano.
de primer año de SDSU regresan a la escuela para su segundo año. Vicepresidente Senior de SDSU Chukuka S. Enwemeka dijo que este progreso se puede atribuir a los esfuerzos de la universidad para mejorar el asesoramiento, inversiones en el éxito de los estudiantes quienes viajan a la escuela, la contratación de 223 tenure-track facultad durante los últimos cuatro años y el avance de las experiencias de los estudiantes, incluyendo la vivienda y la infraestructura del campus. Nimish Saxena, estudiante de último año de ciencias de computación de SDSU, dijo que no cree que la educación y los recursos de SDSU hayan mejorado mucho desde que fue estudiante de primer año en 2014. “De hecho, creo que el material del curso ha permanecido igual, pero consiguiendo clases para que los estudiantes puedan graduarse en cuatro años, los recursos han disminuido debido a la naturaleza de la lista de espera”, dijo Saxena. “Ha causado que muchos estudiantes se gradúen en más de cuatro años”. Él dijo que SDSU es digno de estar en la lista de las 382 mejores universidades en la nación porque es diverso. "Escogí SDSU debido a todas las posibles actividades extracurriculares y académicas que esta escuela ofrece", dijo Saxena. "Es importante divertirse
y tener una gran experiencia de aprendizaje a largo plazo en la universidad, y esta escuela, de todas las otras escuelas, ha tenido la más diversa lista de actividades tanto académicas como extracurriculares". Enwemeka dijo que SDSU está muy orgulloso de su cuerpo estudiantil diverso y su clasificación como una de las mejores universidades de la nación en parte de diversidad, el espíritu empresarial y el estudio en el extranjero. Vicepresidente de Asuntos Financieros de SDSU y cuarto año de finanzas, Hayden Willis, dijo que eligió SDSU debido a sus profesores reconocidos a nivel nacional y la oportunidad de crecer con un cuerpo estudiantil dedicado al liderazgo. “Tener la oportunidad de crecer como líder estudiantil, primero a través de la Comisión de Asuntos Financieros y ahora como vicepresidente de asuntos financieros, ha ampliado mis conocimientos en finanzas y me ha preparado para tener éxito en una carrera allá de mi experiencia universitaria”, dijo Willis. Saxena también dijo que SDSU lo ha preparado para una carrera en la ciencia de computación. "No tenía experiencia para mi carrera antes de asistir mi primer clase en la universidad. Entonces, SDSU definitivamente me ha enseñado mucha información útil para mi carrera", dijo Saxena.
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Jocelyn Moran, mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com
Mundo Azteca
The Daily Aztec
7
Un mes en México no es suficiente por Elizabeth ESCRITORA
Barboza
Abordé el avión hacia la Ciudad de México un martes 20 de diciembre con una maleta más pesada que yo. Pensaba que a lo mejor había tomado la peor decision de mi vida al salir del país sola por primera vez y viajar a una ciudad tan inmensa sin conocer sus calles ni su gente. Éramos la ciudad y yo. Semanas antes, había ingresado en un programa llamado Asociación para Estudiantes de Intercambio Internacional en Economía y Comercio (AIESEC) por medio de San Diego State para brindar servicio voluntario en el extranjero. Durante cuatro semanas, visitamos una casa hogar, un asilo de ancianos, una escuela de niños con parálisis cerebral y participamos en el Juguetón de TV Azteca. Ahora, no pasa un día en que no añore regresar a la ciudad capitalina. Sus calles, su gente y su ambiente ahora son solo recuerdos en mi mente, fotos y números de contacto en mi celular. Un mes en La Ciudad de México no es suficiente para conocerla pero aquí dejo algunos lugares que visité que recomiendo visitar. 1. Bellas Artes; Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia
Hernández Si no pasaste por el Palacio de Bellas Artes, no fuiste a México. Localizado en el Centro Histórico, este monumento estilo art nouveau no puede pasar por apercibido. Además de ser un museo lleno de piezas de arte de prolíficos artistas como Diego Rivera y Rufino Tamayo, el palacio presta uno de sus escenarios al Ballet Folklórico de México cada miércoles y domingo. 2. Museo Soumaya Si te has preguntado ¿qué edificio con piel de pescado se encuentra detrás de J Balvin en su video “Bobo”? Este es el lugar. Ubicado en Polanco, el museo de la Función Carlos Slim está abierto todos los días del año y sin costo alguno. La mayoría de los museos en la ciudad no se pueden recorrer en menos de una hora y este es uno más. Su figura exterior te hace dudar de la cantidad de pisos que contiene el edificio, pero al entrar, te darás cuenta de su amplia estructura. 3. Churrería El Moro Dicen que los mejores churros los hacen en Coyoacán pero yo los encontré en el Eje Central de Lázaro Cardenas. Una orden de churros con dip de tu preferencia y chocolate caliente te trae de vuelta a la casa de tu abuelita. Las meseras vestidas con uniformes antiguos, los cocineros con gorritos de papel y paredes decoradas con azulejos complementan el estilo único de esta churrería. Hacer
Foto por Elizabeth Barboza
El Catedral Metropolitana es una de las catedrales más grandes de Latinoamérica
fila de espera por una orden de churros no te pesa cuando se te garantiza servicio y sabor excepcional, además de que puedes estar comiéndote unos tacos de adobada que venden afuera mientras esperas entrar. 4. Catedral Metropolitana En el corazón del Centro Histórico, se encuentra una de las catedrales más grandes y emblemáticas de Latinoamérica. Su estilo barroco, sus altares de oro, sus campanas gigantescas que retumban a su alrededor atraen a
miles de turistas a sus puertas. 5. Castillo de Chapultepec Se puede admirar desde Avenida Reforma como fue su propósito. Desde ahí, se puede disfrutar de un paisaje hermoso de la ciudad sin antes explorar el castillo de pies a cabeza. Repleto de objetos únicos prehispánicos y del virreinato, increíbles murales de artistas mexicanos contemporáneos y vestiduras propias de los emperadores y presidentes. Es recomendable ir con anticipación, ya que se
requiere tiempo para poder apreciar la inmensidad del castillo y sus numerosas salas disponibles. Si estás pensando viajar o estudiar en el extranjero o estás planeando tus próximas vacaciones, espero que esta guía te ayude a considerar a México D.F. como una opción. Si estás dudando salir del país para estudiar o visitar, no lo dudes, solo hazlo porque no tienes nada que perder. Hay mucho más allá afuera por explorar que por esta pantalla.
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Welcome all new and returning students! For more information, contact (619) 594-1236 and visit armyrotc.sdsu.edu or goarmy.com/rotc/gt40.
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8
Sports
The Daily Aztec
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Zach Engberg, sports@thedailyaztec.com
Aztecs meet military, fans at Miramar base by zach engberg SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State football took its daily practice to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Friday, Aug. 11. In a tradition long held by the Chargers when they called San Diego home, the Aztecs met with Marines and fans on the base before holding a shortened practice at the base’s sport complex. This was the first time SDSU has been to the Miramar base as a team. Senior defensive lineman Dakota Turner, whose father is a retired marine and who spent a lot of time at armed forces bases as a child, said he relished the chance to give back to a community he was once a part of. “It’s an awesome opportunity to give back to the community and the military family,” Turner said. “They give so much, so even something small like this is the least we can do.” Sophomore offensive lineman Daishawn Dixon, another selfdescribed “military brat,” said he recognized many military qualities in his team. “We stand behind each other. We have each others backs. We communicate like a military unit. That’s a big part of how we play,” Dixon said. “It’s a blessing every
day to get to do what we do, and that’s thanks to them.” The event began with Aztecs presenting Major General Mark Wise and Colonel Jason Woodworth with signed footballs. Wise and Woodworth returned the favor with jackets for Director of Athletics John David Wicker and head coach Rocky Long. The team spent time speaking to fans and signing autographs. Long spoke to what this chance meant for his young team. “This was an opportunity for our team to do something they have not done before,” Long, whose father was in the army, said. “What you’ll see is a completely different atmosphere because they play for the love of the game … the experience they are having is much more valuable to this age group than any other age group.” Turner said the event reminded him of similar events from his childhood on a military base. “I remember professional teams that would come on the base and trying to get autographs and looking up to those guys,” Turner said, “so it’s great being in their shoes and giving back and being a role model like this.” The event also gave SDSU an opportunity to branch out to fans who were recently abandoned by the Chargers. Long took this opportunity to make his pitch to San Diego football fans. “Football fans are out there,”
Senior cornerback Kameron Kelly presenting a football to Major General Mark Wise.
Long said. “We’ll get some people that just like to watch good, competitive football who don’t want to drive three hours and pay $150 for a ticket. They’re not as skilled, they’re not as big and they’re not as fast, but they play for the love of the game.” SDSU adopted the “one city, one team” tagline this year in an
attempt to remind fans that even though the Chargers left, there is still a reason to make a weekend visit to Qualcomm stadium. Lance Corporal Jason Favor, a former Rams fan from St. Louis, Missouri, said he knows what it feels like to have a team leave town. “It seems like LA takes every
Photo by Andrew Dyer
home city’s team away,” he said. Favor said he enjoyed the visit, and sees the Aztecs taking advantage of being the only show in town. “It’s pretty awesome. This is big for the community. They have big shoes to fill now that the Chargers ditched us… but I think I will go to a game this year.”
Holder holding out hope for a more successful senior season after an inconsistent 2016 campaign by abraham jewett ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State football wide receiver Mikah Holder is coming into his senior season looking to make a big impact for a team with lofty expectations. Holder, who led the Aztecs in receptions (27), receiving yards (581) and touchdowns (five) last season, may be in line for an even bigger workload as he begins the season as the no. 1 receiver in an offense that may be looking to redefine itself after the departure of the FBS all-time leading rusher, Donnel Pumphrey, to the NFL. “I know that we’re a run-based offense,” Holder said, “but I hope that we can bring an aspect of throwing more to our offense. If we do need it I’m more than willing to step into that role and be that guy.” Holder’s familiarity with senior quarterback Christian Chapman should help his and the team’s development. Chapman will be entering his second year as the team’s full-time starter after redshirting in 2014 and starting two games during his 2015 freshman campaign. Holder and Chapman have a close relationship both on and off the field, having lived together since 2014. “I’ve been with (Chapman) for the last four years knowing him
SDSU Senior wide receiver Mikah Holder running a route during the 2016 season.
and growing up with him in the same household so I’m pretty well intact with that guy,” Holder said. Holder also has the confidence of his coaches, mainly third-year wide receivers coach Hunkie
Cooper, who describes him as a team leader. “Mikah leads by example. He does everything right, does what he needs to do and makes the room better,” Cooper said. “He’s a guy that keeps the room calm.
Photo by Kelly Smiley
He doesn’t let these young guys panic.” Cooper said he believes that Holder should be in line for another big year. “With (Holder) he’s just continuing to develop, every year
he’s gotten a little better … he should have a really really good season,” Cooper said. Consistency will be key if Holder is to recreate and build on his prior success. He said he recognizes that is an important aspect of his game he needs to improve for him to reach the high goals he has set for himself. “In the beginning of (2016) I was really going off and doing well and then I kind of fell off in the middle of the year,” Holder said. “I aim for 1000 yards receiving this year and touchdowns wherever they may come … anything that can help us win games.” During the 2016 season, Holder had his best game in an Aztecs uniform in the team’s home opener against New Hampshire. He finished the contest with 160 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Holder said he will be looking to get off to another fast start this year when the Aztecs take on UC Davis in the team’s season opener on Sept. 2. “The home opener is always a fun game,” Holder said. “I expect (UC Davis) is going to come out with full force. We’re a very formidable team and we’ve won two straight conference championships, so they’re gonna come at us with everything they have and I expect us to handle it pretty well.”
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Zach Engberg, sports@thedailyaztec.com
Sports
The Daily Aztec
9
Team experiencing swift youth movement by zach engberg SPORTS EDITOR
The constant turnaround is what makes college sports exciting. Aside from the rare outlier, maybe players compete at this level for a maximum of four years before having to say goodbye and rebuild. Each year talent and leadership is lost.
But for San Diego State football, this last year’s collection of lost talent will be a challenge to overcome. The core of two consecutive 11-win, Mountain West Conference championship seasons left Rocky Long and company for the NFL. The head of that class was Donnel Pumphrey, a four-year starter and the all-time rushing leader in the history of
Photo by Kelly Smiley SDSU Redshirt sophomore cornerback Ron Smith readies for a drill during fall practice.
college football. Long said that Pumphrey’s replacement - senior running back Rashaad Penny - is just as capable of turning out a monster season. “You never replace Pumphrey. I thought he was the best running back in the country last year - well, I think Penny is the best running back this year. Different styles, different guys, but I think we should have the same production as long as the offensive line plays well.” Pumphrey had the luxury of running behind four senior offensive linemen, including Nico Siragusa, a fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens who started 41 consecutive games for the Aztecs. On defense, SDSU lost two-time MW Defensive Player of the Year Damontae Kazee, who is making his name known with the Atlanta Falcons, as well as threeyear starters Malik Smith, Calvin Munson and Alex Barrett, who are all trying to make NFL rosters. Despite the copious losses, Long said he is optimistic about the future of his team, which will need to begin now. “We have seven guys in NFL camps right now, so you obviously miss their talent and their experience,” Long said. “But i think we have a talented team right now, and some of them are gonna be in NFL camps next year or in the years after.” The talent will take time to come together, however, especially with four new starters on the offensive line and only one returning starter on the defensive line. “This team is starting a lot younger, so they’re starting a lot lower at this point… we will be a good team by the fifth game, but right now we are really young,” Long
said. There will most likely be a freshman getting major playing time at several key positions, Long said, including safety, running back and offensive line (where up to four may be seeing starting time). Long refers to this explosion of young talent as “inexperienced depth” – a feature of the team that may come into the forefront earlier than expected, as several Aztecs are facing bouts of chickenpox, hamstring issues and other injuries. Senior linebacker Randy Ricks said the veterans are putting their faith in the young Aztecs. “The players that are coming in, (we are) letting them know who they’re replacing and letting them know they have big shoes to fill,” Ricks said. “Letting them know that they are young and we need them to step up now.” Those young guys include redshirt sophomore cornerback Ron Smith, who will start at cornerback in Kazee’s old position, and redshirt sophomore running back Juwan Washington, as backup running back, a role that netted Penny over 1,000 yards last season. Redshirt junior quarterback Christian Chapman said he believes in his team, and despite its youth, it has the potential to build on last year’s success. “We have athletes this year to step up into those roles that guys left behind… we have the opportunity to be better than the team was last year, a little more explosive this year.” Chapman will lead his young team on the field for the first time on Saturday, Sept. 2 when the Aztecs face UC Davis at Qualcomm Stadium.
Smith stepping into a bigger role So it gave me a lot of confidence, but now I just gotta lock in.” by zach engberg Smith nabbed three of the Aztecs’ FBSSPORTS EDITOR leading 26 interceptions last year. He will face the challenge of replacing not only Then redshirt freshman cornerback Ron Damontae Kazee, the two-time Mountain Smith stepped in front of the pass from West Defensive Player of the Year and University of Houston senior quarterback SDSU’s all-time leader in interceptions, Greg Ward Jr., mid-sprint, intercepting but four other key veterans in the the pass at midfield and taking it back defensive backfield. Smith is joined in this rebuilding effort 54 yards for a touchdown, the first of his by three key returners: senior cornerback young San Diego State football career. Smith airplaned around the end zone in Kameron Kelly, who is making the transition from safety to cornerback, celebration, senior safety h a v i n g Trey Lomax, e x t e n d e d “Keep the energy high. As long as you’re and junior the Aztecs’ having fun with it, having fun with the safety Parker lead in the Baldwin, game makes you play at an even higher Las Vegas w h o Bowl to level.” emerged as 2 0 - 1 0 . a playmaker The pick Ron Smith, redshirt sophomore cornerback in the 2016 six helped season. secure the S m i t h Aztecs’ said that he knows his unit has to make bowl victory and led to them finishing a difference like the players that came in the AP Top 25 for the first time since before him. 1977, when they finished at No. 16. “It’s an expectation, and its something History will remember running back we preach around here, to make plays Donnel Pumphrey - now a member of the and force turnovers,” Smith said. “As Philadelphia Eagles - breaking the all-time FBS rushing record, but for the future of long as we’re in the right position we can SDSU football, Smith’s interception was make the same plays this year.” With all the new faces, the vetrans try just as vital. to instill key values in the new wave of Now a sophomore and leader of the defensive backfield, Smith looks back on young defensive backs, Smith said. “Keep the intensity high. Stay confident. the game as a harbinger of things to come Work your technique. Keep the energy for him. high. As long as you’re having fun with “That game gave me a lot of confidence, showing me I can play with the best and it, having fun with the game makes you just that I can step up and play my role,” play even at a higher level.” Smith and his backfield will be tested Smith said. “Coming into this year, I know by the likes of Stanford University, Boise I have a bigger role ahead of me, because I’m gonna be starting from the beginning. State and the University of Wyoming.
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Arts & Culture
10
The Daily Aztec
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
BeerX takes the stage
A junction of styles old and new rocks San Diego for a day Story & photos by Danny Dyer
T
he piercing rays of the San Diego sun were drooping over the Pacific Ocean as local rock group Splavender finished its set. It was one of the six bands that hit the main stage of BeerX, a day-long music extravaganza at San Diego’s Waterfront Park teeming with craft beer samples and reggae riffs hosted by San Diego’s alternative radio station 91X. Lead vocalist, guitarist and lyricist, Danny Ellis, didn’t unveil much about his band’s peculiar band name. “It’s kind of a secret. It’s a recipe of some sort,” he said. In a way, this mysterious originstory is coincidentally fitting, as Splavender itself is currently a San Diego secret, a local music gem still burrowed in San Diego’s coastal sands, yet to be heard by the rest of the nation’s sound waves. Drummer Anthony Noriega detailed how monumental of a step this was for the young group.
intermixed line-up of local up-incomers and big-name acts with a harmonious ferocity. Trouble in the Wind followed suit, only reaffirming the notion that San Diego’s talent pool is brimming with potential star power. Fronted by Robby Gira’s high-octave vocals, the band’s tidy 35-minute set smoothly spilled into an equally satisfying performance by Canadian-based reggae pop quartet Magic! By now the venue was swelling with life, each hour lurking closer to Iration’s awaited headlining set. Before this however, Chicano Batman commandeered the stage in it’s usual bravura, flaunting it’s now-iconic show outfits of matching three-piece tuxedos. Frontman Bardo Martinez skipped around the stage tirelessly, swapping from keyboard to guitar to keyboard again, all while singing hits like “Magma” and “Black Lipstick.” Bassist Eduardo Arenas posed
“We want to always be pushing the boundaries and pushing the genres.”
Micah Peuschel, Lead singer and guitarist of Iration
“I was a little shaky before the set man, not going to lie,” Noriega said. “BeerX is popping, and the stage is a monster. It’s just awesome.” Despite this, Splavender jammed with a synchronized confidence, igniting the day’s
as the ever-cool statue of the band, straightened in a power stance that tastefully complimented Martinez’s energetic scatterings. With J Boog ushering in the night with “Let’s Do It Again” and “Waiting on the Rain,” alongside a duet of “Sunshine Girl” with
Carlos Arévalo, guitarist of Chicano Batman, plays passionately during his set at BeerX.
surprise guest Peetah, Iration’s set finally arrived. A colorful hybrid of reggaerooted grooves with an alt-rock tinge, Iration is pitted somewhere on the intersection of the two genres, a rare feat they are proud to have established. “We don’t ever say that this has to be a reggae song, that’s what it comes down to,” lead vocalist and guitarist Micah Pueschel said. “We want to always be pushing the boundaries and pushing the genres.” 91X hosted events are no uncharted territory for these Hawaiian-bred, Santa Barbarafounded frontrunners of Sunshine Reggae. This is an important stat in its touring timeline, as each revisit
to San Diego seems to staple a maturation in its encompassed sound. This time around was no exception. Opening with “Hotting Up,” the 2015 single-turned-album-title, and the love ballad “Turn Around” subsequently trailing behind, it was evident from the first pluck of the guitar that crowd-cooperation would be a continuous thread throughout its hour-long set. After a condensed version of “Automatic” blared through the stage speakers, the newly released acoustic cut “Borderlines” gripped the audience with its all too relevant topic of acceptance and compassion for others. Pueschel detailed the track as a song about trying to be a little more understanding of
Micah Peuschel of Iration headlines BeerX festival.
opposition. “It’s about seeing things from other points of view,” he said. “The way our world is so divided right now, I think we could all benefit from walking in the other person’s shoes, and being a little more empathetic.” A juddering trumpet introduction cued “Midnight” next, with screeching guitar progressions harmonizing in a creamy fusion. “This might be our favorite city in the country,” Pueschel said to a deafening crowd response. Speckled lights patterned the emblazoned Iration logo gleaming in the backdrop as the mellowed intro to another fresh release, “Fly with Me,” rung with twanged-out guitar and more billowing notes from the trumpet. Hands flailed in rhythmic unison as “Reelin’s” tempo crescendo’d into the whammy bar- induced “Get Back to Me,” with the band urging a crowdclap to the backing of a shattering drum line solo. All members of the band stepped back from their mics as they absorbed a mass-sung chorus of “Summer Nights,” nodding their heads in grinning approval of the crowd’s impressive harmony. Unsurprisingly, the conclusion of Iration’s set came about with the distinguished hit “Falling,” only for the band to step on stage for two encore songs. The first being “Wait and See” and the latter being the ear-perking classic “Time Bomb.” It doesn’t seem as though Iration will be taking a break any time soon. “I don’t think we are where we want to be yet, we’re still trying to get to that place, so we’re not done yet, we’re not resting,” Pueschel said. With the Sounds of Summer tour simmering to a close and the Intergalactic Tour aimed to circuit through North America this fall, the band is undoubtedly taking the proper steps to get to its desired place.
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
Arts & Culture
The Daily Aztec
11
Food park grows sense of community
Photo by Petey Dyer
Eat San Diego opens new free food park in City Heights.
Cami Buckman ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
It is a concept taking root in San Diego one bus stop at a time. Creating community gardens in spaces otherwise forgotten. City Heights has shown to be fertile ground for the free food movement. Eat San Diego is a volunteer
group that plants free food for the general public to enjoy. On July 29, the free food movement came to City Heights with the installation of the free food park. This is the first of its kind in City Heights. The garden contains a variety of fruits and vegetables planted for the community to enjoy freely. The idea for this project started with one man planting vegetables
at bus stops around San Diego, without asking for permission. “We think that public space has a lot more potential and there is kind of this value in dusty corners of bus stops,” Eat San Diego founder Devon Lantry said. Lantry had the idea to make San Diego an edible city. Lantry said he initially went to the city clerks office with the idea to plant edible crops at a bus stop.
After learning that the city had not approved fruit trees to be planted, he decided to plant fruit trees anyway. The community welcomed the fruit trees with open arms, and green thumbs. “It’s beautiful, it smells better and everyone gets free food,” Lantry said. Lantry said Eat San Diego’s goal in creating free food parks is to alter the ways in which community space is utilized. The newest free food park features five bathtub-sized planters with a small walking trail that winds through peach, pink lemon and loquat trees with garden beds raised for accessibility. Along with edible food, the park is decorated with native plant species that feed local pollinators and endangered butterflies. “I think it is kind of a waste of money to plant regular trees when for the same price you can plant orange trees and everyone loves it,” Lantry said. Eat San Diego unveiled its newest free food park on El Cajon Blvd. in the diverse community of City Heights. In less than seven square miles, more than 30 languages are spoken. 44 percent of City Heights residents are first generation immigrants. “When you walk down the street and pick a fresh fruit or
SDSU beer camp taps into the industry Ceighlee Fennel STAFF WRITER
San Diego, located in the self-declared capital of craft beer, fosters education and opportunities for people looking to get a foot in the booming brewing industry through its new craft beer camps. For those 21 years and older, the Craft Beer Connoisseur Camp and the Brewery Start-Up Camp are nine day programs that mirror San Diego State’s popular Business of Craft Beer program. Marc Myers, interim director of the camps, said the programs are designed for people outside of the San Diego area so that they can get the benefit of the Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer, but in a more condensed version. “Craft beer across the nation is getting a lot of attention and the beer industry is evolving,” he said. The camps are taught by industry professionals and participants learn the behind the scenes of the brewing business including marketing, trading and taste testing to refine participants’ pallet. “People who are tired of basic beers and have more sophisticated pallets have these programs open up opportunities for them to work in an industry they have a passion for,” Myers said. “The goal is to help them be
successful.” As a participant in the program, Randall Dibb said that along with figuring out the different style and layers of the beers, the tasting was his favorite part. There are around 140 craft breweries in the San Diego area. The camp has taken participants to Cellar 3, Green Flash Brewery, Bay City Brewery, South Park Brewery and Stone Brewery. These educational outings allow students to view the behind-the-scenes set up and equipment of local breweries. The front end demands of the business including customer service and finance are also shown. “The outings are an awesome selection of places because each one is different and brings a different perspective to the brewing operation,” Brewery Start Up Camp participant Scott Nebula said. The College of Extended Studies originally created this program in 2013 with the course title being Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer. Spots filled so quickly that program organizers created the Beer Education Camp that consists of the two camps. The first launch of this camp had a maximum of 50 students per class with two sections. The classes were filled after being made available within nine hours. “That is pretty amazing for a program and I believe it’s because there were a lot of people in
San Diego who wanted this education, but couldn’t get it before,” Myers said. The craft beer programs are involved in events around San Diego. Participants have the opportunity to volunteer and network with professionals in the industry. “If you pursue your passion, then it has a wealth of opportunities,” Dibb said. “It can put you a long way ahead of other people trying to get into the market.” The camps target people looking to start their own breweries or become beer judges or certified cicerones. They are also looking to attract craft beer enthusiasts. “Courses are all taught by industry professionals currently working in the field who simply want to pass their valuable
information along,” Program Coordinator Cynthia Estrada said. She said that many students who have participated in the program have taken what they learned in the course and opened their own breweries or become certified cicerones. “All of the instructors are outstanding,” Cebula said. “They are super knowledgeable about the industry along with being engaging.” Cebula, who has been home brewing for 25 years and is about to open his own brewery, said that every participant in his camp class is planning to open their own businesses. That amounts to around 18 new breweries. “This is the next generation of brewing entrepreneurs,” Cebula said.
veggie from a shared community garden, that’s something special,” Eat San Diego co-founder and City Heights resident Kelly Colt said. “It’s something that causes a shift in how you think about your neighborhood.” Reflecting the diversity of the community, the free food park grows vegetables found in the cuisines of Cambodia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Guatemala and other countries of origin represented in the community. In addition, the free food park also grows traditional American crops that are less commercially viable than produce found in most grocery stores. “It stops being a place you live and starts to feel more like home,” Colt said. Eat San Diego has two other free food parks located in Point Loma and Ocean Beach. Other traditional community gardens are scattered around San Diego. Lantry said Eat San Diego has proposed a long list of new locations to create more projects. Specifically, he said he has taken an interest in the Barrio Logan community. The free food parks are run entirely by the commitment of volunteers. Anyone can help in the movement by doing the simplest of actions. The City Heights free food park for example does not have an internal water source and relies entirely on water brought in by hand. Simply bringing a cup of water for the garden beds can help to make these gardens not only stay alive, but thrive for the community. For those who see a bland sidewalk, who have an empty lawn or who own a bare store front, Eat San Diego seeks to utilize that space with more free food parks and community gardens. The crops in the City Heights location are expected to be ready this fall and winter, and will be available for the community to pick and enjoy, even while waiting for a bus.
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Photo by Kelly Smiley
Marketing senior Lexi Price pours beer at Bubs in Pacific Beach.
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12
The Daily Aztec
The Back Page
A new, classic look for The Daily Aztec At a time when many Americans say they do not trust what they see on the news, student media is more important than ever. by Andrew Dyer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Since 1913, student journalists at San Diego State have published The Daily Aztec. Although the paper — and the university — have gone through many name-changes and redesigns, its commitment to the students of this institution and the residents of the surrounding communities has never faltered. We remain committed to this service today. As you read through the pages of this newspaper, you might notice it looks a bit different than it has in previous years. Shifting publishing schedules and trends in design led to many different looks for the paper over the last several years — it went from a daily print edition, then to twice weekly before settling on its current weekly print schedule. Now, as the dust settles and the print edition has established itself in a weekly routine, we look to the past for inspiration for the future. The new design of The Daily Aztec is a throwback to one last seen in 2010 — a classic newspaper design we think presents information in a clean, concise manner with which readers are comfortable and familiar. The media landscape of 2017 is more convoluted and more controversial than it has been in more than 100 years. We have to
look all the way back towards the days of old-school newspapermen William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer to find media as slanted, divisive and dishonest as too many outlets are today. However, even the most egregious yellow journalist might gasp at what we are seeing today. It appears one half of the country has walled itself off from the other half, each with its own television channels, websites and, of course, newspapers. There are popular, succesful media organizations preying on an audience that looks to them for information that confirms and justifies their pre-existing worldviews. Dutifully, they consume this media diet of empty calories, leaving them bloated, fearful and frothing over one manufactured outrage or another. This is not — and has never been — the mission of The Daily Aztec. This is the only publication on campus that enjoys real independence. Nobody tells us what we can or cannot write about. We strive to bring this community news it cannot get anywhere else — from news that affects students’ day-to-day lives to opinions on the hot topics of the day, we bring a unique SDSU perspective to the issues and events people here care about. But, we can’t do it without you — the students, faculty, alumni and greater San Diego community. We need you to pick up this newspaper, read it and patronize the local businesses who advertise with us. We need you to follow us across social media, engage with us and, if there’s something you do or don’t like, to let us know about it. But, for some, perhaps that is not enough. If this is you, then we’d especially like to hear from you. We are completely student-
run, and the work we do is 100 percent dependent on the student volunteers that comprise the vast majority of our staff. The more people on staff, the more we can cover. We want to reflect the community we serve, and are looking to fill our newsroom with staff from any and all backgrounds. We are currently looking for writers, photographers, artists and cartoonists. If you are passionate about politics, consider writing for the opinion section. If you love music, come write for Arts & Culture. If you like to doodle and draw, come do it at an organization that will publish your work. And finally, we want the university community to know we are here for them. If you know a story that hasn’t been told, or a wrong that hasn’t been righted, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We need sources in all departments across campus, and are unafraid to shine a light on wherever required. So, whether this is your first year on campus or your twentieth, remember to reach for The Daily Aztec. Our weekly print edition hits stands every Wednesday morning and — of course — we’re online daily.
Aug. 16-22, 2017 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
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IN MEMORIAM San Diegans gather at a vigil for murdered anti-racism protestor Heather Heyer at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. Photo by Will Fritz.
ACROSS 1 Feathered Nile wader 5 Tropical hardwoods 10 Title of respect 14 Have a flat? 15 Barbera’s partner in cartoons 16 Sea eagle 17 Designer Schiaparelli 18 Moving 19 Journalist Jacob 20 Sustained nuclear chain reaction requirement 23 Room where you may have to stoop 26 One working with dough 27 Really botch things 31 Port and claret 32 __-Magnon 33 The Cowboys of the NCAA’s Big 12 34 __ one’s time: waited 35 Haphazard 38 Tires (out) 40 Give in to the munchies 41 __ green 44 Emmy nominee Fischer of “The Office” 45 Edible seaweed 48 1992 Disney film featuring a magic
lamp 50 Wild West brothers 51 A breeze to use, in adspeak 55 Moscow news acronym 56 Retired racehorses, often 57 Thames museum 61 35-Down house 62 “I give!” 63 Ticklish Muppet 64 Inexact figs. 65 “My heavens!” 66 Prince’s “Purple __” DOWN 1 Intense anger 2 __ Paese: Italian cheese 3 GEICO product: Abbr. 4 One of Barbie’s siblings 5 Pad __ 6 Right direction? 7 Opposed 8 Madison Square Garden hoopsters 9 Clear wrap 10 Mythological swimmers 11 Daughter of King Minos 12 Liqueur flavoring 13 Mr. and Mr. 21 HDTV maker
22 Explorer with Clark 23 “Preacher” network 24 Black goo 25 Ref’s ruling 28 Zingers 29 That, in Tegucigalpa 30 More definite 34 Information units 35 Tegucigalpa’s country 36 Tablets that can’t be swallowed 37 __ tai 38 Jai alai balls 39 Observing Ramadan, say 41 __ favor 42 Sixth sense letters 43 Stubborn beast 44 Muppet who plays lead guitar in The Electric Mayhem 45 Baseball division 46 Blokes 47 Become an expert in 49 Point of contention 52 Killer whale 53 Blend 54 Doesn’t allow to rust 58 Mobile’s st. 59 “Enough gory details, thanks” 60 Ages and ages