08-29-2012

Don’t be sad that summer is over. Check out our guide to San Diego’s best venues.

THE NEWSPAPER OF SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1913 VOLUME 99, ISSUE 4

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29, 2012

All on-campus living is now a flat rate Stephanie Saccente Staff Writer

Maya and Olmeca Residence Halls

Zura Residence Halls

That is completely unfair. The nicest dorms should go to people who are willing to pay more.

Cuicacalli Suites resident Emily Barkenbush room. This has led to a change in the price for room and board. The costs of living in all residence halls will now depend on the room type (e.g., single or double) and meal

plan choice.

According to SDSU research, students who live on campus their first and second year achieve higher GPAs, as well as retention and

Cuicacalli Suites

graduation rates. SDSU’s Director of the Office of Housing Administration Eric Hansen believes this new system of assignment choice and rate standardization will provide students with more equality and add value to success both personal and academic.

“The new assignment and rate structure is intended to allow students to select learning communities based on their interests instead of what they can afford,” Hansen said. “The new rate structure is in

ana ceballos , assistant news editor

better alignment with the egalitarian and socially just mission of SDSU.” Carolyn Smurthwaite, an honors student and resident of Maya & Olmeca Residence Halls, knew she would be assigned to live in Maya because of the honors program.

She wasn’t disappointed to live in Maya because of its convenient location, but was still shocked to learn her housing and food costs HOUSING continued on page 2

Counselors offer aid to troubled minds The three-minute informational video is available on C&PS’s website. At the time of publication, the video received 321 views, but is accessible to more than 30,000 students on campus. The services included are telephone consultation, therapy, crisis intervention and a center for well-being, where students can

Jenna De Stefano Staff writer

As students settle into the routine of a new semester, some will inevitably encounter obstacles before the semester ends. For students who experience issues affecting their mental health, some of them will reach out to counselors and therapists

available at San Diego State, unfortunately many will go untreated.

SDSU Calpulli Center’s Director of Counseling & Psychological Services, Dr. Sandy JorgensenFunk, encourages students not only to seek help if needed, but to seek help before their problems escalate. However, many students who need help do not visit C&PS

because they are unaware of the services available.

As explained in a video produced by C&PS, research from The Healthy Minds Study of 2009 found 30 percent of SDSU students did not know mental health services are available.

Health Services are included with basic tuition and fees for students.

We were convinced if we stayed still, we would all end up surrounded ...

How to stay together while apart Edward Henderson Features Editor

Nicole Yi Staff Writer

take part in stress management and relaxation activities.

According to the video, in the past year 37 percent of SDSU students thought they needed help for a mental or emotional problem.

Although students are aware of their struggles, Jorgensen-Funk said the stigma surrounding mental health may complicate the process of asking for helping.

“Asking for help can be hard, especially when you fear that you might be judged or stereotyped for doing so,” Jorgensen-Funk said. “What we want people to COUNSELING continued on page 2

SUMMER LOVIN’ continued on page 3

Dr. Sandy Jorgensen-Funk, Director of C&PS at SDSU

paige nelson, photo editor

Backpage Sneak Peek

Amazing summers are made of sun-kissed days at the beach.

However, a little summer romance can make the threemonth pardon from homework and cram sessions a memorable one. One of the most important contributing factors to an unforgettable summer is whom you choose to spend it with.

Inevitably, the moment arrives when lovers have to decide if their time together will be more than just a summer fling.

There are key components to successfully extend your summer love into the school year and ways to end it without suffering the heartbreak.

The aspect of a long-distance relationship doesn’t appeal to everyone. San Diego State sophomore Taylor Carr believes that age plays a major factor in the success of a long-distance relationship.

“When you’re older and have a better sense of who you are, and you can be by yourself for a little while. If you’re young … you need more affection. You’re too

What we want people to know is that it’s a common experience for students to struggle...

Counseling & Psychological Ser vices on SDSU’s Calpulli Center’s floor plan.

PROS AND CONS

Change comes with each new school year. Whereas in previous years incoming freshmen at San Diego State had the opportunity to request which residence halls, they wished to live in, this year’s freshmen were only offered the option to request a single or a double

Our preview of the election takes a look at a prop try to reign in special interests

PROP 32

SDSU’s housing administration plans to charge the same price for the cost of living in all residence halls and meal plan options

2

News

Wednesday August 29, 2012 The Daily Aztec

South commuters to avoid traffic Arturo Garcia Staff Writer

Plans to reconstruct and modernize a local highway is expected to facilitate and accelerate travel to and from San Diego County’s southern areas.

Residents from areas such as Chula Vista and National City will benefit from the Interstate-805 South Project. According to keepsandiegomoving.com this ongoing transportation development will provide carpool lanes, sound walls and a Bus Rapid Transit System.

Covering a region of about 11 miles between East Palomar Street in Chula Vista and the I-805 State Route 15 interchange in San Diego, the estimated $1.4 billion project is catered to the future needs of travelers in South Bay regions, according to keepsandiegomoving.com The carpool lanes will extend from East Palomar Street to State Route 94, easing congestion in the eight-mile span from Chula Vista to San Diego.

“I think it’s going to make it a lot easier for us students that live down

south to get to school faster,” kinesiology senior Ana Ramirez said about commuting from Chula Vista to San Diego State. “Hopefully we

It sometimes takes them an hour or two to drive, especially to morning classes.

Melissa Felix Asst. Student Life Advisor won’t have to get up so early.”

According to the Analytic Studies & Institutional Research department at San Diego State, 85 percent of undergraduate students lived off campus or commuted to school in the 2011-12 school year.

Assistant Student Life Advisor for Casa Azteca Melissa Felix said the I-805 South Project could benefit students in the program.

Casa Azteca is a student success program at SDSU focused on San Ysidro commuters.

“They often tell me how hard it is to get here,” Felix said. “It sometimes takes them an hour to drive, especially to morning classes.”

Construction for the carpool lanes began in the summer and is expected to be completed next fall. Sound walls to reduce freeway noise will be added in 2013 and are expected to be finished by 2014. More than 60 sound walls have been proposed.

Some SDSU students find carpooling the easiest and most efficient way to get to campus. “In our learning community, the students become friends and they start carpooling once they figure out they live nearby,” Felix said.

The transportation development will also aid commuters from Mexico, according to French and francophone studies senior Mario Delgadillo, who commutes from Tijuana to SDSU every day.

“I can’t wait for the 805’s carpool lane to be ready so that my two hour commuting trip can be reduced,” Delgadillo said.

Aztec Bike Rental is now open to all ARC members this fall

Display of the available themed cruised bikes for rent outside of San Diego State’s ARC, which is part of the Associated Students’ bike rental program for students, faculty and staff this Fall.

Tara Millspaugh News Editor

Cars are expensive to own, gas is expensive and San Diego has beautiful weather. These are three reasons why there are so many bike riders on and around San Diego State.

“The Associated Students is excited to offer the first-ever bike rental program to SDSU’s students with ten new beach cruiser bikes. If this year’s test proves successful, the program will be expanded in the future,” Aztec Recreation Center Director Eric Huth said.

The “Aztec Bike” rental program is available for faculty and staff. Those with a valid RedID and an ARC membership can rent an Aztec themed cruiser for $30 a month. Those without an ARC membership can pay $35 a month.

The rental program operates on a first-come first-serve basis.

According to SDSU’s Student Life and Leadership commuter resources, more than 85 percent of today’s college students live off campus. This means, many

tara millspaugh, news editor

plans on using it for at least three months, it would make more sense to buy one.

Despite the cost, one of the goals for the program is to reduce parking congestion and decrease air pollution by encouraging bi-

Despite the cost, one of the goals the ARC has for the programs is to reduce parking congestion and decrease air pollution by encouraging bicycling rather than driving. students must provide their own transportation.

Betina Brantely, a liberal studies junior, lives off campus and would consider renting a bike from the ARC if the price was lower.

According to Brantely, $30 a month is a little pricey. If Ione

cycling rather than driving. A.S. plans for this program to further assist the ARC in gaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. LEED is a green building rating system that provides standards for an environmentally sustainable campus.

Overpopulation may lead to worldwide drought by 2050

mct campus

Ana Ceballos Assistant News Editor

As the world continues to house billions of humans, resources are becoming more scarce and our current abundance of food will likely be an extinct luxury by 2050.

According to a study by the Stockholm International Water Institute released at the annual world water week in Stockholm, water used for crops and produce will not be available if the current trends of the westernized food industry continue.

The world population is expected to reach 9 billion by the year 2050, compared to the 6 billion people recorded in March 2012 by the United Nations Pop-

ulation Division Department.

As the water deficit progresses throughout the years, the new report published by SIWI claims resolving the issue means cutting the current 20 percent intake of animal-based produce by 5 percent.

“Personally, I don’t have anything against people that eat meat, it is just a personal choice,” nutrition senior Cynthia Twain said.

“But once it affects the environment; that is when I start worrying about people’s selfishness just because they like meat; we all live in the same planet afterall.”

According to the institute’s report, as a consequence of excessive water consumption, there will not be enough water to feed and sustain animals, making meat-eating a luxury.

from HOUSING page 1

from COUNSELING page 1

were the same as if she lived in any other residence hall.

“I had no idea they’re all the same price. That is completely unfair. The nicest dorms should go to the people who are willing to pay more,” Smurthwaite said.

Cuicacalli Suites resident Emily Barkenbush was also unaware of the new policy.

“I honestly didn’t know all of the dorms were the same price, but I think it is fair that I was assigned to Cuicacalli because I made sure I signed up for housing as soon as possible to verify that I got the best option,” Barkenbush said.

This change of student accommodation is only the start of a new on campus living environment. According to the Office of Housing Administration, current and incoming students can expect a new residential program for transfer and second year students for the 2013-14 academic year.

“Specifics are yet to be determined, but the intention is to support those students who are transitioning to SDSU as well as those who desire the full collegiate experience and who would benefit from living on campus another year,” Hansen said.

know is that it is a common experience for students to struggle with various issues throughout college.”

According to JorgensenFunk, students tend to stress about relationships, academics, the balance between school and social activities and adjusting to a new environment. The C&PS video gives more specific examples, which include students being too anxious to study, coping with problems and hating their jobs.

These examples among others emphasized in the video reveal no problem is insignificant if causes personal turmoil.

Each year, Jorgensen-Funk sees an increase of students contacting C&PS when their stress peaks from the middle until the end of the semester.

While Jorgensen-Funk said students should address their problems eventually, the staff at C&PS wants students to know they do not need to wait until they feel they are in a crisis to seek help.

“Talking with a counselor before the situation becomes a crisis can enable the student to deal with the situation and prevent it from becoming more severe,” Jorgensen-Funk said.

“Remember that as humans, we all know what it feels like

Correction Tuesday’s article, “Associated Students execs take a paycut,” stated that the projected cost of attendance of an SDSU student living off-campus is $24,362. The projected cost only included the fall and spring semester and did not include tuition fees for summer.

Summer tuition for students taking 6 units was $1,850, not including living expenses. A.S. executives are paid $26,000 according to the summer session and the fall and spring semesters

FEATURES

Wednesday August 29, 2012 The Daily Aztec

3

from SUMMER LOVIN’ page 1

love

& relationships

concerned with seeing them and being with them,” Carr said.

SDSU senior Andre Miller believes the best way to end a summer fling is to try and part on good terms.

“I would say ‘things have been good with you and I appreciate my time with you but at this time in my life, I’m going in a different direction. I feel like I need to focus on me right now,’” Miller said.

Couples willing to put in the work have quite a few rules to abide by. Long-distance relationships are the toughest to survive and demand much more effort. However, trust in a relationship is similar to a fast pass for a ride. Without it, there is much more to endure and obtaining the ease your summer relationship once had is at the end of the line. Diminishing all insecurities is essential to a successful long-distance relationship. The dreaded “what if’s?” can drown out the positives of long distance, making the relationship more of a burden. The best strategy is to be as reassuring as possible and eliminate all doubtful or suspicious thoughts.

However, couples should not be discouraged. If both are willing to commit, the obstacles are well worth the effort.

SDSU sophomore Ishdeep Bhamra has been dating his girlfriend, Kat, who goes to San Francisco State, for one year and

Summer relationships can add passion and excitement to your vacation. But what happens when it’s time to go back to school?

eight months. Right before the start of their freshman year, there wasn’t even a need to discuss whether or not they’d remain together after summer. Bharma gave insight on how 500 miles apart is worth the struggle.

Honestly, the key is trust. If you dont have trust and someone gets excessively jealous or needy then that’s where the problems start ... cracks will eventually cause a break.

Ishdeep Bhamra SDSU sophomore

“Honestly, the key is trust.

If you don’t have trust and someone gets excessively jealous or needy then that’s where the problems start,” Bhamra said.

“You really can’t crack or cry everyday because it is just too hard. Otherwise the cracks will eventually cause a break.”

Distance puts things into perspective and even the most trivial activities once taken for granted become appreciated.

Bhamra explains missing each other is the hardest part about being so far apart.

“Simple things like wanting to get dinner, go to the mall, watch a movie, just hang out, or literally

dustin michelson, senior stafff photographer

anything really, you start wishing they were there just doing it with you.”

Using Skype to compensate for the lack of face-to-face interaction aids the couple during the times.

For these lovebirds, with a total of only three visits last year, temptation is not even a concern.

“To me I already have a beautiful girl who wants to be with me from 500 miles away and she cares more about me than anyone else,” Bharma said.

“I’m sure temptation does get hard but if you easily swing and have no inhibition, ask yourself if long distance is the right thing for you.”

Remember, just because the end of vacation is drawing near, it doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your summer love.

Going the distance may require time and dedication, but absence makes the heart grow fonder indeed.

To have your love and relationship questions answered by the love guru in our new column, email features@ thedailyaztec.com

Yogurtland offers an eclectic mix of fro-yo options food

& drink

Alejandra Paz Staff Writer

San Diego State classes have started, campus is full, books are expensive and all students may yearn for is a few minutes to get away and refuel with a treat.

From plain tart to chocolate, students have gone to Yogurtland since 2006.

Less than two miles from campus, students can ride their bike or walk up College Avenue, to stop by Yogurtland.

Class ends at 10 p.m.? Not a problem.

Yogurtland is conveniently open until midnight every day for late-night study breaks and tiring school nights.

From fruity to milky, Yogurtland offers a diverse range of flavors to suit your taste buds. Toppings include strawberry lemonade sorbet, salted caramel pecan, mango piña colada, almond midnight mocha, arctic vanilla, birthday cake batter and more. If those flavors seem overwhelming, Yogurtland offers mild ones, such as plain tart or French vanilla.

Additional toppings include tropical fruits, candy, nuts, grains

Many SDSU students have salivated about Yogurtland’s spread of flavors and toppings.

and chocolate. With its self-serve option, customers also control how much yogurt they have.

Numerous students at SDSU have created memories, made

friends or just cleared their minds at Yogurtland.

Britta Peterson, a senior at SDSU said she’s visited Yogurtland since she was a freshman. She

paige nelson, photo editor

added that frozen yogurt fits perfectly with the sunny San Diego weather.

Peterson said all students should definitely visit Yogurtland

at least once a month. “It is such a friendly place, the yogurt is so good, and it is really cheap, so it’s a good price,” Peterson said.

“People just hang out there and are really social and I have met so many cool friends there.”

Peterson said even when she graduates next spring, she will continue to stop by for her frozen treat.

“Who doesn’t like fro-yo?”

Peterson asked.

With active ingredients, real yogurt, less than 30 calories per serving in all flavors, and the option to have gluten-free yogurt, there is no guilt in treating yourself to something sweet.

Yogurtland also offers antioxidant-rich flavors and more than 25 nonfat flavors.

Yogurtland promotes a healthier environment by using biodegradable spoons and recyclable cups.

To receive a 10 percent discount, students can just show their RedID at the cash register. Fundraising opportunities are also offered to student organizations on campus.

If you would like more information about the location or nutritional facts, visit yogurtland.com.

4

opinion

Wednesday August 29, 2012 The Daily Aztec

HAPP

Y LABOR DAYN

REM EMBER SO THE REASON FOR THE SEA

Labor Day’s history is more than just beer and hotdogs

L

abor Day is Christmas in September. You might not always get gifts, but it’s definitely a welcome breather just a week into the semester. Just enough time to realize, yes, you really are back in school.

Labor Day has become one of America’s favorite holidays, and not just because of how early it is in the school year. Because it’s a federal holiday, most employees and students get the day off. And unlike other holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, you don’t have to take a break from your day-off shenanigans to squeeze in some generic gratitude or patriotism. Yep, Labor Day is simply the Feds giving you one last chance to barbecue and do some light-to-heavy drinking before summer is officially through.

But – and here comes the history lesson because you’re back in school – it wasn’t always so. The national holiday was created as a sort of half-baked apology to labor after the U.S. government killed a couple of workers at a strike in Pullman, Ill. Of course, the idea for a day to honor workers had been around for longer. Traditionally, it was celebrated on May 1. To this day, Occupy Wall Street types, possible communist subversives and most of the developed and developing world celebrate labor on that day. As with inches and pounds, America chose to do its own thing instead.

America has had a love-hate relationship with organized labor.

While they now generally refrain from shooting striking workers, conservatives around the country have taken concerted steps to destroy unions. Wisconsin became the poster child of anti-union legislation after it passed a bill banning collective bargaining for public employees, essentially castrating unions. That was met with widespread protests from teachers, firefighters, students and everyday citizens. The fight culminated in an unsuccessful

forms. Apple’s Foxcomm debacle proved that public shaming could pressure a company into instituting more humane policies toward its employees. But media frenzies and Twitter storms will never replace unions. As long as we have workers, they will band together to protect their rights against corporate interests.

While you’re out enjoying the extra day off, remember that without organized labor, you’d be lucky to even have a regular weekend.

For more on labor & politics turn to page 7 GIVE US YOUR TWO CENTS!

Leonardo Castaneda Opinion Editor

recall campaign of Gov. Scott Walker and the anti-union spirit quickly spread. A similar bill passed, and was subsequently overturned by voters in Ohio.

And mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio has been quoted saying he wants to make San Diego the “Wisconsin of the West.” The way Republicans see it, unions stand in the way of profits by demanding good wages and working conditions for their members. Therefore, they must be eliminated.

To be fair, the history of labor unions has not always been one of brave workers standing in solidarity against the soulless forces of capitalism. I did see Jack Nicholson’s movie about Jimmy Hoffa. I know many union leaders have been rightly accused of profiteering and corruption and at times unions have fought against necessary, if painful, changes.

PROPOSITION 32 Paycheck Protection Initiative election preview

The goal of Proposition 32 is to prevent corporations and unions from making contributions to state and local candidates. It also makes it illegal for a government contractor to donate money to the campaigns of politicians controlling his contract. And most importantly, it requires unions and corporations to get annual written permission from employees and members before enacting any automatic wage deductions for political purposes. Because unions historically have favored Democratic candidates, this law if passed is expected to weaken their fundraising abilities. Similar propositions have been put on the ballot previous election cycles. Prop 226 in 1998 and Prop 75 in 2005 were both defeated at the ballot.

YES

become a writer for the

Public sector employees swarmed Madison, Wis. after a controversial anti-union law was passed.

NO

mct campus

daily aztec’s opinion section and tell san diego

This doesn’t look quite as bad when we take into consideration the people often bringing up these accusations are politicians, bankers and factory owners – hardly the models of moral rectitude.

In the end, morally just or not, unions are down on hard times.

Only 11.3 percent of American salary and waged workers belonged to a trade union last year. That’s down from a peak of 34.8 percent in 1954. But unlike other fads from the ‘50s, such as rock and roll and the hula-hoop, unions continue to serve a vital purpose in our society. They ensure living wages, safe working conditions and reasonable hours for the workers we depend on the most. Teachers, police officers and firefighters count on their unions to fight for their rights so they can perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. In the past, unions fought hard to win concessions we now take for granted. Basic rights, such as the minimum wage, eight-

hour workdays, overtime pay and workers’ compensation, were once demands by union leaders and members.

The battle for workers’ rights is far from won. In the coming years, it might evolve to new

state students what you really think.

Email Editor: Leonardo Castaneda opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Faculty and students protested the 2010 round of budget cuts

PROS This law would go a long way to curb the power of unions in the state. Because unions rely on automatic wage reductions, they would be unable to fundraise for pro-union causes and candidates effectively. The influence of special interests in Sacramento and City Council would be diminished, and the relationship between government and contractors would be much less cozy. Reducing union strength in the state will allow the government to restructure or eliminate contracts and send contracts currently done by union labor to non-union contractors. It will also make it easier for budget cuts to be turned into wage and benefit cuts for public sector employees.

filephoto

CONS The bill would dismantle unions defending workers’ rights without diminishing the power of corporations. Because corporations have vast sums of money independent from their employees’ wages, they can continue making huge, election-influencing donations to unregulated super PACs. Rather than eliminating special interest influence in politics, this proposition would remove the only counterweight to corporate power.

2010

6

ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday August 29, 2012 The Daily Aztec

Patrons sit outdoors during an evening performance at San Diego State’s Open Air Theatre. SDSU is fortunate to have one of San Diego’s nicer venues on campus. With both floor and stadium-style seating, every seat is good.

file photo

Are you a freshman waiting to jump into the San Diego music scene? Are you a local who’s never really been into live music?

No matter who you are, The Daily Aztec’s got you covered on venues to check out this fall.

SOMA (Side Stage)

Sports Arena Area / Point Loma SOMA is an all-ages haven for metalcore and hardcore shows with an atmosphere that suits the music. The venue is split into two stages: a large, movie theater-sized main stage and a smaller side stage. With a lineup consisting of mostly local acts, SOMA Side Stage is a great place to see a friend’s band before going out for the rest of the evening. The shows rarely go past 10:30 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to hit the bar after standing through a mixed bag of bands. However, when Side Stage is full and a national act is rolling through, there are plenty of good times.

Bands such as Four Year Strong and Pierce the Veil have had their share of performances on SOMA Side Stage. Some gripe about SOMA’s all-ages crowd and its lack of alcohol, but really, that’s not what it’s about. It should also be noted, main stage should probably be avoided because of lessthan-stellar sound and overall atmosphere, but when the time is right at the side stage, it’s easy to feel like you’re 17 again, and that’s a good thing.

House of Blues San Diego

Open Air Theater

The Casbah

The Che Café Collective

First and foremost, the sound quality at House of Blues is second to none. Granted, it’s a big-name venue and can easily afford top-of-the-line equipment. Secondly, the lineup is varied enough to please everyone. From Reel Big Fish to Circa Survive to old school punk acts such as Rancid, it’s tough to find a show you won’t be into. HoB runs through Ticketmaster, meaning you’ll be charged out the nose with fees (sometimes doubling the price of the ticket). And then there’s the downtown crowd, which can be the very definition of hit or miss. Also, the venue tends to come off as a bit corporate, though to be fair, it is a corporate business. The venue itself does have its own charms with its New Orleans feel. Plus, the balcony is pretty cool, because you can enjoy a show without worrying about getting punched in the face. For bigger shows and great sound, HoB is great. Oh, just be sure to avoid the bar. A tall can of beer is almost $10. Yee-ouch.

We at SDSU are lucky to have one of the nicest venues in San Diego right on campus. Not only is the sound great, every seat in the house is good because of the amphitheater layout.

Sure, the seats are concrete and may get uncomfortable after a while, but if you’re sitting down during a concert, you’re doing it wrong. Recently, OAT was visited by the likes of FUN., Tenacious D and the teen boyband sensation One Direction.

The biggest concert many are looking forward to is the return of The Shins on Sept.

30. It’s been quite some time since the band has toured, and many consider it great fortune they chose to stop at SDSU. Once again, the downside is occasionally obnoxious patrons and the ludicrous asking price for a pint of beer, but hey. It’s close, it’s fun, there’s nothing better than a concert under the stars. Bring a blanket, because the fall and winter nights can get cold outdoors. But for some San Diegans, sitting outside on a cold night with live music is something to look forward to.

While it may or may not be the same Casbah The Clash sang about, The Casbah still rocks.

With an independent spirit and a consistently excellent lineup of both local and national bands, there’s plenty to do at this venue. Not only does it have a main room with a large stage and a bar, there’s an outside alleyway doubling as a patio you can catch some fresh air— or fresh cigarette smoke. Also, there’s the Atari Lounge in the back, which features a billiards table, another bar and plenty of old arcade games. Even if it was only a bar, the Casbah would still be awesome. Fortunately, it hosts some of the best shows in town and the venue has a legendary history, once regularly housing San Diego legends such as Hot Snakes and Rocket From The Crypt. Late last year, Hot Snakes played a reunion show there that sold out quicker than San Diego’s Comic-Con. Also, last and (arguably) the most important: The bar prices are fair—meaning of a normal bar and not a ridiculous venue.

That’s enough to get our vote.

While the first four venues are mostly well known, the Ché Café Collective is probably the most underground. Despite this, the storied Ché Café on UCSD’s campus has played host to a bevy of punk, hardcore and indie bands for decades. Though the Ché recently suffered financial woes, a support campaign organized last year brought the venue back from the brink of closure. This speed bump hasn’t slowed the Ché much, though, as it consistently puts on great shows. Just recently, the OFF!—featuring Keith Morris of Black Flag and The Circle Jerks as well as other genre legends—made a stop at the venue. DIY punks RVIVR plays there at least once a year, and Los Angeles-based Touché Amore played at the Ché at least twice last year. True to its name, it also has a café, which serves coffee and all sorts of vegan delicacies. Though it’s a little out of the way, the Ché is one of the best “bang-for-yourbuck” venues in San Diego. Be ready to get caught in a circle pit, though, and watch for dudes hanging from the rafters.

Downtown

San Diego State

Downtown / Little Italy

University of California, San Diego / La Jolla

OPINION

Wednesday August 29, 2012 the daily aztec

7

Mitt Romney’s Guide to Labor Equal housing prices are unfair to students R epublican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is running as the multimillionaire investor who can get America back to work.

Yet it’s hard to see how his background helps him relate to lower and middle class Americans living paycheck to paycheck. His net worth is estimated at as much as $250 million. But we aren’t here to judge a man by his checkbook.

Instead, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite things Romney has said and done relating to labor.

Some of them were during his 15 years as the cief executive of Bain Capital, the investment company he cofounded. There he established a business model where investment firms can buy existing companies and then try to flip them for a profit.

1

The Washington Post reported companies Bain Capital owned during Romney’s tenure “were pioneers in the practice of shipping work from the United States to overseas call centers and factories making computer components.” Not exactly a good record of job creation.

2

Romney’s Bain Capital didn’t always ship off jobs to other countries. Sometimes it simply destroys jobs, leading to massive layoffs in its newly acquired companies. For example, Bain-owned electronics company

Leonardo Castaneda Opinion Editor

3

Clearly Romney is more than willing to destroy or outsource jobs when there’s profit for shareholders. More than that he enjoys it, saying “I like being able to fire people” when their job performance displeases him. But for all his merry-golucky firing, Romney hasn’t lost his respect for work. He believes everyone should work if they want to receive any form of state help, such as feeding a young child. He was quoted saying, “even if you have a child two years of age, you need to go to work.” Why, you ask, can’t that mother receive state help to raise her child regardless of her employment status? Because Romney wants everyone to have the “dignity of work.”

4

The Huffington Post reported at a speech in Michigan, Romney claimed President Barack Obama “takes his marching orders” from unions.

Interesting idea coming from a man whose campaign receives millions in donations and support from banks such as Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, as well as

Classifieds HELP WANTED

APTS 4 RENT

Mission Valley office, Part-time - $1012/hr + BONUSES. Great resume experience - include major. Call 619822-2428 and/or email resume to justine@amgbanking.com

Studio, separate building, private, quiet, full kitchen & bath, off street parking. $700 + utilities. 619-461-0377. __________________________________

RENTALS Cars for rent, $99/week, student special All maintance is included 619-477-2935 juan@economyautorentals.com __________________________________

USES FOR THE DAILY AZTEC: > NEWS > SPORTS > OPINION > GAMES > PAPER HAT > MAKESHIFT UMBRELLA > KINDLING

T

DDi Corp. filed bankruptcy in 2003, but not before Bain sold shares. The company went bust but Bain made a tidy $85.5 million profit from stock, plus $10 million in management fees.

The Daily Aztec does not endorse or support and has no affiliation with the products or services offered in the Classifieds section.

mct campus

shady millionaires such as casino owner Sheldon Adelson.

5

Romney, notorious for flip-flopping, said in the same speech that unions “too often contributed to disappearing companies, disappearing industries, and disappearing jobs.” However, Romney has also been quoted saying, “labor unions play an important role in our society.”

But he did also say he is against union bosses and supports right-to-work legislation decimating union membership.

To summarize, Romney is for unions, except for when he’s against them.

his semester, San Diego State debuted a new housing policy that is expected to continue the school’s proud tradition of equality.

Instead of allowing incoming residents to choose their living accomodations, students will be given housing based on their academic interests. And instead of varying costs based on the quality of the residence hall, students will pay a flat rate based on their meal plan and whether they selected a single or a double room (for more on the new rule flip to page 2).

Stephanie Saccente quoted SDSU’s Director of Housing Administration, Eric Hansen, saying the new pricing system is more “egalitarian and socially just.” I must admit, it is refreshing to see SDSU take such an unexpectedly communistic view. Seemingly, this streak of Marxism has been an underlying theme at the school, quietly influencing such decisions as the ever-rising tuition fees. I would love to see the school continue on this new path of social justice when determining faculty and administrative wages.

In reality, this wasn’t a decision to help students choose the most suitable housing or alleviate their cost considerations. It was done to overcharge students that are

Leonardo Castaneda Opinion Editor

living in the residence halls that for a variety of reasons are worse than others. This isn’t some form of high-minded egalitarianism; it’s the most blatant form of monopoly upon a captive student market. If the school truly wants to make its housing decisions socially just and fair, it should remodel and improve all housing

I must admit it is refreshing to see SDSU take such an unexpectedly communisitic view.

until every single hall has the same benefits and amenities as the others. Then they can charge an equal, and socially just flat rate.

It is easy to be cynical of SDSU’s new housing policy. We can only hope the university’s intentions are as equitable as it claims.

Maybe then SDSU will try to do something to lower the housing costs that force so many students to commute in the first place.

8

Backpage

Wednesday August 29, 2012 The Daily Aztec

Drivers beware of downtown SD

humor

Bree Lutjens Staff Writer

I’ve never been the world’s best driver. Or navigator. Or the calmest under pressure. I am really good at sitting in the passenger seat, talking to the driver and singing really loudly to the car radio.

Unfortunately, those last three talents aren’t exactly essential to safe driving. And when you’re the one driving, they’re actually detrimental: You can’t sit in the passenger seat and drive, you shouldn’t be talking to yourself and for the sake of everyone else in the car, you shouldn’t sing as loudly and off-key as I do.

So, naturally, I found myself in the world’s hardest place to navigate—downtown San Diego. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but as a non-native whose directions are based off landmarks such as “the tree with the hole in it” and “the house with the red door,” driving through downtown requires a compass, a

through the car windows to see me and my friend cowering in our seats behind locked doors.

It seemed like a simple task.

We were picking up a friend from the train station a little after 1:30 a.m. and to take him back to our apartments. My friend and I left early and arrived with plenty of time. From there, paranoia told us it would be better to circle around the two-block radius surrounding the train station than park somewhere along the road.

We were convinced if we parked and stayed still, we would end up surrounded by a group of scarylooking West Coast mobsters and inspire the next episode of CSI. (Some might say we have slightly overactive imaginations, but I say we’re just cautious).

Once the train finally arrived and our friend got in the car, we headed back toward campus on what we thought would be a very straightforward journey. But on our way downtown, we managed to miss the many one-way streets in the area and any signs directing us to the freeway. Needless to say,

I’ve always been the kind of person who will not speed, not drink, and who makes sure all my lights ... are ... working. I still break out in a sweat when I see a cop on the road.

GPS and several maps to crossreference. And of course, someone to figure them all out for me.

I was also there at the worst possible time—about 2 a.m. on Friday, when all the clubs had a constant flow of girls in towering stilettos tottering in and out of buildings and crossing every one-way street in sight, followed by every guy who would look

our trip to find the freeway ended up taking us so far south that we were pretty sure we were about to hit the Mexican border.

Finally, we found a freeway and hopped on, getting back on track as our GPS realized where we were and how to get us back to campus.

After switching to second freeway, we hit a traffic accident, freaking out about what may have caused

a complete stand-still on the freeway at 2:30 in the morning.

After passing it, we finally found ourselves on familiar territory, traveling in the I-8 with the sweet realization we were actually going to make it back from our travels alive and without any CSI investigators.

At that point, (almost 3 in the morning,) we’d driven around downtown for about an hour, of which I’d spent about threefourths of that hyperventilating and trying to get the CSI theme song out of my head. We saw the campus and we knew we were about to arrive home safe and sound. Less than two minutes later, we found ourselves at a DUI checkpoint right down the street from our apartment, which terrified me. I’ve always been the kind of person who will not speed, not drink, and who makes sure all my lights and registration are updated and working. I still break out in a cold sweat whenever I see a cop on the road. I’m always convinced there’s something I’ve done wrong, and I’ll be pulled over, given a ticket and arrested for something I’m completely clueless about.

After making it through the checkpoint, trying to steady my breathing and my heart rate after parking the car, I managed to make it up to my room and collapse on my bed.

Needless to say, I won’t be driving downtown anytime soon. Nor will I be watching any episodes of CSI; I think it causes more trouble than it’s worth.

-Bree Lutjens is a relations sophomore.

HOROSCOPE

by Nancy Black, Tribune Media Services

Today’s Birthday (8/29/12) - Embrace priorities and release unnecessary fluff. This year’s potentially brilliant for your career.

Creativity, expression and communications shine, and your circles open new doors.

Relationships get particularly interesting after autumn. Love’s the new currency: spread it around.

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 7 - There’s plenty of work to be done, and it’s the lucrative kind. But there are also plenty of distractions. Add a dash of fun and spice to keep it interesting.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - Feed on other people’s ideas, and add your personal brilliance. Others look to you for advice; see how you can make it work for you, financially.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 - Go for it. There’s really nothing stopping you, even if it seems so. You may fail, but you won’t know if you don’t try. Restore your power through yoga.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 5 - Reinvention is called for. Your intuition and creativity come to the rescue. Co-workers get inspired and join the project. At the end, you’re all stronger.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Do the necessary research, and find the very best deal so you don’t spend the money that you’ll need later. Don’t overthink it, though. Trust your instinct. Add respect.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 - Make an educated decision. They’re saying nice things about you at work. Ask for more (and get it). Friends help you get the word out. There’s fun going on, and you’re in the thick of it.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 - Take on a leadership role. With your excitement, everything seems easier now.

Close the door for more privacy. Discard junk and gain creativity.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - Improve your home with a touch of love.

Listen for miracles. Don’t force the issue, though. Your fame precedes you. Walk the walk.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Dedicate some time to write, as you’re very persuasive now. A walk outdoors helps clear up your ideas. Play the game, listen to your intuition and score.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 6 - It’s worth the extra effort to put your ideas in action. You’re getting more and more curious. Revamp your wardrobe. All it takes is a little juggling.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Work from home, and use money to make money. Your friends cover for you, but you have to ask them. A happy secret gets revealed. Provide information.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 5 - Your genius and efforts are appreciated.

Grasp the new opportunities coming your way. Don’t be afraid to assume authority. A familiar routine is comforting. ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

by The Mepham Group, Tribune Media Services

Difficulty Level: 3 out of 4 Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

public

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

FREAKIN’ TWEET! CROSSWORD

One-way streets, pot-holes and ‘outdoor americans’ create a colorful cast of characters and obstacles for drivers downtown.

GENERAL INFORMATION

:

619.594.4199

PLEASE NOTE :

dustin michelson, senior staff photographer

FOR ALL OTHER CONTACTS

thedailyaztec.com

,

PLEASE VISIT

The views expressed in the written works of this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Letters to the editor can be sent to letters@thedailyaztec.com

Across 1 Folder projections 5 Come-on comeuppance 9 Enterprise doctor 14 First name at Woodstock 15 Freezer cooler 16 Popped up 17 Market pessimist 18 Like Death Valley 19 All-night bar?

20 Quip, part 1 23 Bourbon barrel wood 24 Zamboni milieu 25 Thumbs-up 26 2010 Olympic skiing gold medalist Miller 28 Highly skilled 30 Coppertone letters 33 Dictation whiz 35 With precision 36 Missing in the mil.

37 Quip, part 2 40 Aesthetic to a fault 41 Milking container 42 Dadaism pioneer Max 43 Cooking choice 44 Wonderland tea party attendee 45 Environmental concern 46 Crew member 47 See 45-Down 48 VCR format 51 End of the quip 56 Yard neatener 57 Stoltz of “Pulp Fiction” 58 French 101 verb 59 Flip over 60 Longing look 61 See after 62 Plaster painting surface 63 Violin virtuoso Leopold 64 Belligerent god Down 1 Major no-no 2 Field of play 3 Aikido masters 4 Mad 5 Like hen’s teeth 6 “Foreign Affairs” Pulitzer author Alison 7 Slightly

/ THEDailyAztec

by Rich Norris & Joyce Lewis, Tribune Media Services

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 8 Mani-__: spa service 9 She played Lois in “Superman” films 10 Curved piece 11 Masked scavenger 12 Greek peak 13 Still 21 Golfer’s nonplaying wife, facetiously 22 Three-nation ‘90s treaty 27 “I’m __ human” 28 Motherless calf 29 __ of Gloucester: “King Lear” character 30 Fiscally conservative Democrat, say 31 “Iron Chef” supplies 32 Pass (by) quickly, as time 33 Booty 34 Ancient home of Irish kings

35 Unseen “Fiddler on the Roof” tyrant 36 Picked locks?

38 Separated 39 Lyons lady 44 Bob or beehive 45 With 47-Across, modern-day chauffeur 46 “Catch This!” autobiographer Terrell 47 Early American crop 49 “Stormy Weather” singer 50 RR postings 51 “Dream on!”

52 Carries a mortgage, say 53 Video game giant 54 Herr’s better half 55 Old 48-Across rival 56 Coffee holder