VOLUME 100, ISSUE 13
monday, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
Beavers bite Aztecs down
OSU chucks Aztecs, 34-30 | Sports P5
monica linzmeier, photo editor
COURTESY OF DAREN SCOTT
A weekend with Pablo Picasso
How many students does SDSU currently have? (Answer on P11)
Spectators are unexpectedly invited to live with Picasso for a few days in his France home in 1957. | Entertainment P7
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2 NEWS
monday, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#poetryseries
Poetry series welcomes foreign voices camille lozano staff writer
The Fall 2013 Hugh C. Hyde Living Writers Series began last Wednesday at San Diego State’s Love Library. The series takes place every semester to expose SDSU and the surrounding community to national and international poets and writers of ethnic and stylistic diversities. In conjunction with SDSU, the series hosts poets, writers and artists who participate in live readings, classroom visits and discussions. Poet Pireeni Sundaralingam was presented last night as the featured guest for the Laurie Okuma Memorial Reading, which showcases a female author from an underrepresented group. She was awarded the Rosenthal Fellowship by PEN Center USA and received the Potrero Nuevo Fund Prize for her album “Bridge Across the Blue.” Sundaralingam, a Sri Lanka native, spoke about some of her experiences there as a child and the political turmoil of the period. Her poem “Sri Lanka Cemetery” reflected on her childhood, but also spoke of “the fragility of life” as she informed the audience that many members of her elementary class were buried in the cemetery they had hid from as children. “The normalcy of war is the greatest tragedy of it,” Sundaralingam said. “The fact that normal beings can be so easily tipped into undeniable horror.” She read several other poems, including “Eden,” “Southend Pier” and poems from the anthology “Indivisible,” a compilation of contemporary South Asian-American poetry that she co-edited. “(Sundaralingam) reminds us of the indelible power of art and language,” Director for the Series, Meagan Marshall said.
International poets shared life experiences with attendees at the Writers Series at Love Library. monica linzmeier, Photo Editor
Marshall, who took over the directorship in fall 2011, said the series benefits a wide variety of audiences. “It’s evident that students who major in literature and creative writing benefit from the series; however, students from other academic disciplines as well as the San Diego community also have the opportunity to deepen their cultural experience and relationship to literature and reading.”
SDSU professor and director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing Sandra Alcosser will be reading from her collection of poetry, both old and new, on Dec. 4. Alcosser’s awards include two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, a PEN Syndicated Fiction Award and a Pushcart Prize. Funding for the series comes from an endowment from Hugh C. Hyde, himself. Additional funding is provided by the
Laurie Okuma Memorial Fund, the Instructionally Related Activities fund and several grants. The next event will take place at Love Library in room 430 on Oct. 9 featuring a reading from Halina Duraj, an assistant professor of English at the University of San Diego. All Living Writers Series events are free and open to the public.
#carparttheft
Car part thefts become a trend on campus April Testerman Staff Writer
Smart phones aren’t the only device being stolen on or near San Diego State’s campus. The part of a car converting toxic emissions into less harmful chemicals, catalytic converter, has become an easy target for thieves. Ed Hanson, owner of Ed Hanson’s Muffler Service in Spring Valley, says he receives about six to 12 calls per week regarding the theft of this device. “I don’t mind selling catalytic converters if they are worn out, but it bothers me when someone steals (a student’s)hard earned money,” Hanson said. “Some of these … run (up to) $2,200 to replace and some insurance companies won’t cover this.” Student Gabriel Jones’ converter was stolen just as the semester began. He had no idea what happened until he took his vehicle into a muffler service shop. “You think about all the parking structures around here; this is perfect for what these criminals are looking for,”
Jones said. “My car was just parked there and someone … came up and stole the converter.” Hanson said Toyota trucks are at a higher risk because they tend to be higher off the ground. Regardless if one is a customer or not, Hanson says he will weld the bolts of the catalytic converter, free of charge. The SDSU Police Department has been aware of the problem for the past three years. There have been 23 reported thefts of the device since 2009, according to department records. Thieves steal the converters because they contain platinum and can be traded for cash at recycling facilities. The parts can also be resold on Craigslist, but there is a much higher chance of getting caught that way, SDSU Patrol Sergeant Steven Harshaw said. Since the SDSU Police Department is aware of the issue, it looks out for certain behaviors thieves may exhibit when committing this crime, such as someone working on a car after dark. “We basically … always have day and
photo courtesy of seth sawyers
night patrol officers out 24/7; we’re out in the parking structures looking for car burglars,” Harshaw said. Harshaw also said the SDSU Police Department goes to meetings with city officials and other college representatives
that address specific issues, including catalytic converter theft. Areas seeing a high volume of a certain crime are discussed, allowing the police to look out for detailed behaviors and possibly intervene or prevent a crime.
NEWS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#sdsuadmissions
3
Enrollment strategy changes at SDSU adam burkhart staff writer
San Diego State is trying to account for a growing number of no-shows after enrollment rates dropped among students admitted for Fall 2013. The enrollment rate for local first-time freshmen was 32.6 percent this year, a drop of 11.1 percent since 2012. Enrollment rates among nonlocal first-time freshman have also continued to decline from 19.2 percent in 2011 to 14.6 percent in 2013. Assistant Vice of Academic Affairs Enrollment Services President Sandra Cook said the sudden drop in show rates prompted the university to use a waitlist this year to meet its enrollment goal handed down from the Chancellor’s Office. “We haven’t had to use the waitlist hardly at all, except this year we did
because there’s something happening with the particularly local show rates,” Cook said. “They’re much lower than they have been in the past.” Cook said the university will submit its admissions data to the National Student Clearinghouse within a month, at which point it will learn where the students went. “I think we’re going to see one of two things,” Cook said. “We’re going to see from the local area either the students have financial issues and went to the community college in greater numbers rather than here, or we’re going to see that the students had more options because they just applied to more places and decided to go somewhere else.” SDSU receives a large number of applications, about 75,000 per year, which more or less guarantees it will meet its enrollment goal. However, a large number
of those applicants may be applying to multiple schools, making it harder to determine whether they will choose SDSU. “We sometimes are a backup school, although the message we try to get out is a lot depends on your major, because if you want a solid business major you’re not going to get that at a University of California,” Cook said. Another factor Cook anticipates might affect enrollment trends in the future will be when the so-called Tidal Wave II, a boom in high school graduates throughout the last decade and a half, starts to subside this year. “This is the year that the number of high school graduates are going to be decreasing,” Cook said. “We have to figure out what does that mean for show rates and admission.” California State University media
relations manager Erik Fallis said because the university draws around half of its students from community colleges, the effects of a decrease in high school graduates will be slow to show themselves. “In that regard, if there was a change, it would at least be a few years before we saw an effect at the community college level,” Fallis said. SDSU will put the information it gets from the National Student Clearinghouse to use in the 2014 admissions cycle, which begins Oct. 1, Cook said. Cook said the university has begun to increase its enrollment target starting this year because of a slight funding rebound. “The good news is we’re done reducing enrollment, and so now this is the first year we’ve grown a little bit, 1.2 percent,” Cook said.
#campuslifecouncil
A.S. council discusses campus updates Luke Henning staff writer
Last Wednesday the Associated Students held their third Campus Life Council meeting of the Semester. Aztec Student Union update: With the Aztec Student Union nearing completion, the student union’s Director Lynn Cacha gave a presentation to the council on some of its new features. The student union is set to become the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certified building on a California State University campus, Cacha said. “Now that’s something to brag to your friends about,” Cacha said. LEED certification is based on a rating system set by the U.S. Green Building Council to evaluate the sustainability and energy efficiency of new buildings. Cacha also said the new building would offer a variety of new services such as foot washing stations in the bathrooms for Muslim students and gender-neutral
bathrooms. Alumni mentoring: The SDSU alumni chapter coordinator Diane Barragan, called on the CLC to raise awareness about a new alumni mentoring program. The Aztec Mentoring Program is a pilot program that pairs seniors with alumni mentors to aid them with career building. Currently, the program has more than 200 alumni in mentoring positions, but only a small percentage of students have signed up for the program. The registration deadline for this program has been moved to Oct. 4 and is now accepting junior applicants. The program will take place from Oct. 11 to Dec. 26 and will only take about 10 hours in total, Barragan said. Additional field Space in SDSU’s future: The student Recreation and Wellness commission is investigating the possibility of converting the lot to the west of the now under construction Nasatir and Storm Halls into a field for student recreational use. Recreation and Wellness commissioner, Representative Tyler Aguilar
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A.S. at its weekly Campus Life Council meeting. jordan owen, senior staff photographer
detailed plans by his committee to look into adding as much field space as possible. “By most university standards SDSU has a really low student-to-recreational space
ratio,” Aguilar said. The lot is currently being used by the construction crews who are renovating Nasatir and Storm halls.
4 NEWS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#SDSUrankings
SDSU provost reacts to high rankings
The dome at San Diego State’s Love Library. SDSU recently had a record-setting jump in national rankings. Monica Linzmeier, Photo Editor
Katie Westbrook contributor
Recently, U.S. News & World Report posted the latest of its annual national university rankings on its website. The list ranks the nation’s universities from best to worst based on factors such as faculty resources, student selectivity in addition to graduation and retention rates. This year, San Diego State ranked at No. 152 out of
281 national universities, jumping a record 31 total spots from No. 183 in 2011 to No. 165 in 2013, and again to No. 152 in this year’s rankings. “To move up 31 spaces over that time means that people at other universities are hearing about us and are impressed by what we’re doing, so they’re ranking us higher than they used to just a few years ago,” SDSU Provost Nancy Marlin said. “That’s very, very gratifying.”
According to the report, SDSU’s graduation rate is 67 percent, and its retention rate is 86 percent. Graduate programs such as rehabilitation counseling, audiology and public health are rated within the top 50 programs of their kind. Most notable is SDSU’s International Business Program, which earned a spot in the top 10 “Best Undergraduate Business Programs” at No. 8 in the nation. “My staff and I were thrilled, not only because it represents the hard work we have put into the program in the last year, but also because it makes our students and their degrees all the more valuable,” Director of the International Business Program Ramona Pérez said. Marlin said the rankings heavily analyze each school’s reputation, and because many universities are already cemented in place year after year, these steadily increasing numbers mark a huge step forward in boosting SDSU’s notoriety. “People in other disciplines are hearing about the cutting edge, visible research that a lot of our faculty are doing, so that is what they recognize and respect,” Marlin said. Opinions are difficult to change, but their evaluations are changing a great deal.” The reason for such a jump may also lie in the report’s ranking algorithm. In the overall ranking process, financial resources account for 10 percent, and alumni giving rate accounts for 5 percent. This means
that school funding makes up 15 percent of the total ranking score. So far, SDSU has collected more than $423 million in philanthropic donations to reach a goal of $500 million. Findings also indicate 56 percent of SDSU’s students graduate debt-free, while the average student debt at SDSU is $17,600. Such low student debt rates contribute to SDSU steadily increasing rank, but to Marlin, the real measure of SDSU’s greatness isn’t necessarily found in algorithms nor percentages. “The campus is viewed as a very welcoming environment for students because we are so diverse, and we value that diversity,” Marlin said. “This is a university that has a good sense of community and is very engaged in our local community. We have a lot of outreach programs that offer an inordinate amount of financial aid for students of various economic groups. We welcome various ethnic groups; veterans; the disabled; the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; and so forth, and it makes for an incredibly rich and wonderful campus.” SDSU can only grow from here, Marlin said. “We’re going to garner more national attention, and a better reputation, as time goes on,” she said. “Our focus is on improving student success, faculty research and the community aspect of SDSU. Those efforts will keep moving us forward.”
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SPORTS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#osuvsSDSU
5
OSU chucks SDSU 34-30 Ethan Bailey staff writer
The San Diego State Aztecs suffered a disheartening 34-30 defeat at the hands of the Oregon State University Beavers last Saturday. Junior quarterback Quinn Kaehler earned his first career start against the Beavers and played an efficient game. In the first half Kaehler was outstanding, completing 9 of 14 pass attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns. “I thought Quinn (Kaehler) had a very good game up until the very end,” head coach Rocky Long said after the game. “I thought he threw the ball pretty accurately and made some good plays that kept drives alive.” One touchdown throw was to senior wide receiver Colin Lockett for 80 yards late in the first quarter. Lockett caught the pass in the middle, made multiple Oregon State defenders miss and went on to run the ball into the end zone. Freshman running back Donnel Pumphrey also caught a 23-yard touchdown pass on the Aztecs’ opening drive. Junior running back Adam Muema had a 2-yard touchdown run in the first half as well. The Aztecs also had a good first half defensively, holding Oregon State rushing attack to just 7 yards on seven carries by three different players. Oregon State junior quarterback Sean Mannion had 170 yards and one touchdown through the first half of play and was sacked one time. The defensive line was able to apply pressure on Mannion most of the night. “We showed glimpses of what we want to be and what we’re capable of,” senior
linebacker Nick Tenhaeff said after the game. “Obviously couldn’t put it together at the end to finish it out.” Aztec senior kicker Wes Feer added a 45-yard field goal in the second quarter, his longest of the season. Feer was 3 for 3 in the game and is a perfect 7 for 7 on the season. SDSU led by a score of 24-14 at halftime. But Oregon State’s offense would not be subdued the entire game. A pass interference call against the Aztecs set the Beavers up at SDSU’s 38-yard line to end the third quarter, and less than 3 minutes into the fourth, Oregon State Quinn Kaehler completed 9 of 14 passes in the first half of Saturday’s game. Monica linzmeier, Photo Editor scored another touchdown. Mannion threw a 2-yard touchdown Up by two with less than 3 minutes pass to senior wide receiver Kevin in the game, and that’s exactly what they left in the game, the Aztecs made critical Cummings, who beat SDSU’s coverage did. errors deep in their own territory. The on a slant route. On Oregon State’s Oregon State threw 10 straight passes drive began with a false start penalty, next offensive possession, SDSU on a touchdown-scoring drive that took followed by a 4-yard loss on a Muema freshman defensive less than 3 minutes run. back Damontae to complete. The On the next play, Kaehler missed Kazee forced a final play of the Lockett on a screen pass and the ball fell fumble, which drive was a 10right into Oregon State junior cornerback was recovered by yard completion “We showed Steven Nelson’s hands, who consequently senior defensive to junior running glimpses of what we returned it for a touchdown. back Nat Berhe. It back Terron Ward want to be and what “I just overthrew it,” Kaehler said. was Berhe’s second who made an On the following drive, Kaehler threw fumble recovery of Aztec defender we’re capable of ...” a pass deep down the middle that was the season. miss in open space, - Nick Tenhaeff tipped by an Oregon State linebacker and The Aztecs allowing him to picked off by junior safety Ryan Murphy. capitalized on the run freely into the “We are glad as a team that we fought turnover by kicking end zone for the to the very end,” junior defensive back a 30-yard field goal score. King Holder said. “That’s a good sign for and running more than “We probably a team that you have warriors who won’t 4 minutes off the clock. A huge play for blitzed about 80 percent of the time and give up.” the Aztecs came on fourth down and put our kids in a lot of man-to-man The Aztecs will play at 6 p.m. MST this one-yard when Muema was able to get the coverage situations,” Long said. “And Saturday when they travel to Las Cruces, first down with a 2-yard run. until that last 2 minute drive … I thought N.M. to take on the New Mexico State Down by two scores, the Beavers would the pressure helped and the defensive University Aggies. need to score quickly to keep themselves backs did a nice job of covering.”
All photos credited to Monica LinzMeier, Photo Editor
#aztecgolf
Aztecs finish strong on final day of Husky Invite Patrick carr contributor
The San Diego State men’s golf team finished in a three-way tie for seventh place out of 15 schools last Monday and Tuesday in its first tournament of the new season. The Aztecs traveled up to Bremerton, Wash. to play in the Kikkor Husky Invitational at Gold Mountain Golf Club and were sitting in 11th place after the first day of competition. Freshman Ricky DeSantis led SDSU in his first collegiate competition by tying for No.15 in the individual scoring after
rounded out the squad with a 10-over 154 posting a 1-over 217 throughout three after the first day. rounds. Sophomore Kasier shot a final Kevin Ko finished round of 1-under one stroke behind DeSantis led the 71 to tie for No. with a 2-over 218, 25, rising up from tying for No. 20. Aztecs after the first No. 38 from the DeSantis led the day with a 1-over 145 first day. Schauffele Aztecs after the first after 36 holes with Ko overcame an upday with a 1-over two shots behind ... and-down day to 145 after 36 holes also card a 1-under with Ko two shots 71 and tied for No. behind at 3-over 147. 44. Holley also endured a challenging day Senior Austin Kaiser and Junior Xander at the Olympic Course with five birdies Schauffele were at 4-over 148 and 8-over negated by five bogeys and a double-bogey 152, respectively, while senior James Holley
to shoot a 2-over 74 and tie for No. 57. Meanwhile, junior Cheng Tsung-Pan from the University of Washington held off challenges from Brigham Young University’s sophomore Joe Parkinson and Washington State’s sophomore Michael Anderson to claim the individual prize with a stellar 11-under 205 during the three-round tournament. The Aztecs will hit the links again hoping to improve in Albuquerque, N.M. on Sept. 27 and 28 as they play in the William H. Tucker Invitational at the University of New Mexico Championship Golf Course.
6 SPORTS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#crosscountry
SDSU finishes fourth at 69th annual Aztec Invitational jose guzman contributor
The San Diego State cross country team finished fourth overall this past Saturday in the 69th annual Aztec Invitational, despite missing two key runners, with a score of 87—behind the University of Southern California and Biola University. No. 10 University of Arkansas dominated the race and swept the competition with a perfect score of 15 points as a result of having the first eight runners cross the finish line. SDSU top runner was sophomore Rachel Roesgen, who came in No. 13 overall with a time of 18 minutes, 51 seconds. Three spots later another Aztec arrived as sophomore Chelsea Kruthers finished No. 16 overall with a time of 18:52. Junior Jessica Cygan placed No. 20 in the 5k race and just behind her came freshman Elaine Ribeiro who proved that the team was capable of doing big things. Not only did SDSU compete against one of the top teams in the country, but it also was at a disadvantage. SDSU assistant coach Chris Capeau said he knew the challenges coming into this race without two key runners and facing a
team such as Arkansas. “They are ranked No. 10 in the nation and we are not ranked at all, but I was expecting us to come in and just show that we belong,” Capeau said. “I love competing against the best teams; I don’t believe in just competing against small schools where you can win easily. My expectations were to come in and just show that we can compete at the cross country level at Division I.” Capeau said that even though this is a young team he wished that a couple of them would have made the top seven, but also knew how good the Razorbacks were. Roesgen, who was the SDSU athlete that placed highest in the race, said this team is growing and improving because it has more experience than it did in the past. “I knew exactly what I had to do. I focused on the process the whole week and made sure I had everything prepared and, like, when I got here I knew what to do,” Roesgen said. “I just made it happen so that was very exciting.” Kruthers was another Aztec who performed well in this meet. She said that even with two teammates injured, SDSU was ready to come in for the win. “We are a very young team, we have mostly sophomores and freshmen, so we
are looking to do some great things in the future,” Kruthers said. “If you look at our results from last season and compare them to this season we have improved greatly.” Head coach Shelia Burrell said she is looking forward to having more teams at the invitational next year as her team grows. “We like to always compete against the best to be the best,” Burrell said. “It previews what it takes for our team as we are progressing and each year getting better to understand that this is the competition, you have to see the competition to know what
monica linzmeier Photo Editor
you are competing against so you can go after and chase that.” Burrell said the team has the next week off and it needs to prepare for the NCAA Inter-Regional Jamboree competition in Sacramento. “In our season, the meet in Sacramento is the meet that we want to do well at because that’s where the NCAA regional championships are,” Burrell said. “I think that’s where we really want to compete. So this course sets up to go to Sacramento and know where we are and have a good race there.”
All photos credited to Monica LinzMeier, Photo Editor
#swimminganddiving
Aztecs beat Toreros 18-6 in preseason scrimmage kristian ibarra contributor
The San Diego State swim team drove west on Interstate 8 on Friday to take part in a preseason pentathlon scrimmage against the University of San Diego. The Aztecs defeated the Toreros 18-6 at the USD Sports Center Pool. The teams swam 100 yards of each stroke before competing in a 200-yard individual medley. SDSU freshman Frida Berggren won the individual title in the final pentathlon standings, finishing the day with a total time of 6:10.88, almost 2 seconds better
than SDSU junior Chelsea Bailey who SDSU senior Mikaela Macklin, who placed second. had won the pentathlon against USD for Aztec senior Livvi Sefton said she the past two seasons, placed fourth in was pleased with the final standings. how the younger Although she did swimmers not win the event “It’s always nice to performed. this year, Macklin see the younger girls “It’s always nice said she was excited swim well since they to see the younger to not only see are the future of the girls swim well Berggren win the team”- Livvi Sefton since they are the event, but also to future of the team,” see her continue Sefton said. “She to improve her (Berggren) goes out and performance in the gets the job done and I’m excited to see pool. what she is going to do this season.” “Frida (Berggren) is definitely faster
than the times that she swam,” Macklin said. “This meet makes her times look fast just because she won the pentathlon, but she’ll drop all those times by 3 to 10 seconds at the conference meet.” Berggren placed first in the 100-yard fly and the 200-yard individual medley, second in the 100-yard breast and fifth in both the 100-yard back and free. The Aztecs placed first in all five events, preventing the Toreros from placing anywhere higher than third in any single event. SDSU will officially kick off its 2013-14 season on Friday, Oct. 18 at the annual Pacific Invitational in Stockton.
ENTERTAINMENT
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#pablopicasso
7
Picasso show is not just for his fans isabella place staff writer
Picasso-a household name. However, when a person hears it, how much does he or she actually know about this extraordinary man? Unless the person spends a weekend with Picasso, the persona pertaining to this famous icon won’t be revealed. Unfortunately, the artist is dead. Thankfully there is a more practical way of getting to know him. The San Diego Repertory Theatre presents, for a second time, the oneman play performed by Culture Clash co-founder Herbert Siguenza. In 2010, Siguenza created “A Weekend with Pablo Picasso” here in San Diego as part of a workshop production. He has recently been traveling to share this exquisite piece of drama with audiences throughout the U.S. During this flawless and thoroughly researched performance, spectators are unexpectedly invited to live with Picasso for a few days in his France home in 1957. Siguenza immediately addresses
theatregoers and brilliantly makes the openness of the “room” in his house feel like an actual home, quickly turning the audience’s instruction into an intimate celebration. The party is not without its “work hard, play harder” principle, which fits fabulously in the developing plot. Picasso is commissioned to produce several works of art in just a few days, and although hesitant at first, puts himself up to the challenge. He takes guests, who he refers to as his “art students,” along with him. Suitably, aside from the striking physical resemblance, Siguenza has a talent for drawing and painting on the spot in a style akin to the legend. A combination of traditional techniques mixed with innovative technological tools beautifully present the time lapse of montages that display the progression of Picasso’s commissioned work, as well as the recurring nightmares he experiences because of the response of his famous piece, “Guernica.” Alternately, Picasso encourages everyone to see the world through a child’s
Herbert Siguenza depicts Pablo Picasso as artistically gifted, as well as darkly flawed. Siguenza’s performance is flawless. courtesy of daren scott
eyes as he utilizes several props to show observers how. His opinion of women being either “goddesses or doormats” also reinforces Picasso’s promiscuous reputation. Although this speech might appear to be an attempt to illustrate Picasso’s dark temperament the overall production felt more like an indoor picnic
with a close, honest, and remarkably humble friend. Siguenza performs this role in both English and Spanish, elevating the drama to an even higher level of appreciation. Information about “A Weekend with Pablo Picasso” can be found at sdrep.org.
setting for the Grammy winning group. A word of advice for Aztecs planning on going to the Sleep Train Amphitheatre: remember to leave extremely early to get good parking. Traffic on the freeway is horrendous, so get on the road with plenty of time to spare. Supposedly there is a back way in, but I didn’t try it. Once you arrive, however, incredible sound and a party-going atmosphere make
the amphitheatre a fun place to watch all kinds of musicians perform. Did I mention the good food and drinks sold on the premises? Tickets and information about concerts can be found through Live Nation’s website, livenation.com. Sources: http://www.livenation.com/ venues/14468/sleep-train-amphitheatre-inchula-vista
#sleeptrain
Venue features unforgettable acts david dixon
entertainment editor Some of the best concert experiences are at outdoor venues where attendees can enjoy great music with friends and family under the stars. The Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista is a perfect example of this particular kind of environment. The location has an expansive vibe and is so large it can be confusing to navigate for first time-visitors. Be prepared to walk a lot to find your seats before a show begins. The seating is comfy, but there is also a lawn area that costs significantly less than a regular ticket. The downside to this is that you can only see the performers on the
large monitors. However, the sound quality is so good it doesn’t take away from the experience too much. The acoustics at the amphitheatre are some of the best I have heard in any San Diego arena. Even with many people cheering and conversing, it’s still easy to primarily focus on the stage. I recently visited the site to see the Dave Matthews Band featuring Gary Clark Jr. as the opener. I was blown away by Clark Jr.’s guitar and vocal skills, and encourage people to see him perform at the House of Blues on Sept. 27. Dave Matthews Band took full advantage of the space by incorporating surreal video footage into their act. It was a perfect
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8 OPINION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#israelvspalestine
Map reveals divide among students Controversy erupted after a controversial map emerged in an Arabic 101 course, dividing SDSU’s campus into rival factions. Kenneth leonard opinion EDITOR
Something has gone horribly wrong in the dispute between Israeli and Palestinian people, and there’s no reason to believe things are going to improve in the foreseeable future. Two communities, one Arab and one Jewish, both of approximately the same size and number, have equally valid claims to at least part of Israel and Palestine. In 2009, polls showed that 78 percent of Israelis and 74 percent of Palestinians favored a two-state solution, so why hasn’t it happened? For starters, prominent voices on both sides of the dispute claim to wield an understanding of God’s alleged intention for the land. Take, for example, the Messianic Jewish settlers who believe they have a divine right to certain territories and that by occupying other people’s land, they can somehow summon their mystical messiah—or messiahs, depending on whose tradition they are following. Of course, on the other side of the equation there are parties who also believe that God is directly concerned with Middle Eastern real estate, but that Zionists have the wrong God. From the perspective of the Palestinian religious elite, God has set the land aside for Muslims only. This is why religious nonMuslims and secularists who live in Gaza can expect to be brutalized, while those who are doing the victimizing maintain a sense of justification. The region is unstable and exists in a state of perpetual violence largely because the parties of God have played such a large role in the overarching discourse that decides the fate of the Israeli and Palestinian territories. I’m obviously only focusing on one aspect of the conflict, and several other factors complicate the pursuit of peace in that part of the world. My point is that the dialogue is fractured and ineffective for several reasons. All of this religious nonsense is just one set of symptoms that reveal a much larger problem. As an op-ed writer for a college newspaper, I have as much of a chance of sorting out the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as I do of choosing to levitate out of my chair right now and flying around campus—it’s simply not going to happen. However, I feel entirely justified
in pointing out that the mechanisms by which any conflict could be resolved are broken. Successful conflict resolution depends on both sides recognizing each other’s needs while regulating their own emotions and behavior. Unfortunately, for an example of how not to resolve conflict, one needn’t travel to Jerusalem. It’s possible to catch a glimpse of one of the most tragic—and often silly— conflicts in the world right here at San Diego State. Earlier this semester, a map was distributed in a language class here at SDSU that apparently labeled Israel as Palestine—from the perspective of several students and, eventually, several other members of the local Jewish community. The map was handed out by lecturer Ghassan Zakaria on the second day of class in Arabic 101. In a report by The Aztec last week Zakaria declined to comment on the backlash he’s received because of the map and he clarified that the map was not intended to be a political statement; it was meant to educate students about the location of Arabicspeaking countries. Approximately 15 percent of Israel’s population speaks Arabic, so Israel didn’t warrant a mention on a map of Arabic-speaking nations. In short, the professor didn’t include a non-Arabic speaking nation on a map of Arabic-speaking nations, sparking outrage from the Jewish community. From an outsider’s perspective—and I, a white dude who grew up on the west side of Chula Vista, am definitely an outsider—the entire controversy surrounding this map is petty and stupid. I certainly don’t mean to trivialize the emotional response many students have had to this map, and I understand what all the fuss is about, but it’s all silly and counterproductive. This leads me back to methods of conflict resolution, and how the IsraeliPalestinian conflict is a great example of how not to do things. “I don’t really believe (the class) was the right place for dialogue. It is a language class, it’s not a class about conflict,” said an anonymous SDSU student who spoke to 10News about the map. This student summarizes what’s wrong with the entire picture. It’s always the right time and place for dialogue. Where in the world is there a more safe place for dialogue to take place than in a university
As an op-ed writer for a college newspaper, I have as much of a chance of sorting out the IsraeliPalestinian conflict as I do of choosing to levitate out of my chair right now so I can fly around campus—it’s simply not going to happen.
Lecturer Ghassan Zakaria circulated this map of Arabic-speaking nations to SDSU students earlier this semester. screenshot courtesy of Stand with us san diego.
classroom? The problem with this entire picture is that people think it’s never the right place for real, meaningful dialogue. Instead, opposing factions retreat to their perceived safe zones and lob attacks at their enemies while entrenched in dogmatic ideology that helps nobody and accomplishes nothing. Shortly after Zakaria’s map was distributed, colleagues emailed me links to organizations such as proIsrael advocacy group Stand With Us and SDSU’s Students for Justice in Palestine, urging me to dive into the fray and sort out the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as if that was something I was interested in or capable of. After a week of consideration, I’ve come to the conclusion that the map controversy is more sad than substantial, and various pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups’ time would be better spent searching for common ground and breaking down barriers to communication than focusing on trivial nonsense. In response to the controversy, Stand With Us San Diego regional director Nicole Bernstein said, “This is not only anti-Israel, it’s the elimination of Israel.” Bernstein failed to mention how other non-Arabic speaking nations including Eritrea, Ethiopia and Chad were also eliminated from the map. So far, I have not heard of any African students protesting Zakaria or asking for an apology from the university for being anti-Ethiopian. I also haven’t heard any Eritrean students suggest SDSU faculty is trying to wipe Eritrea off the face of the planet as Stand With Us San Diego did in an email circulated by Aztecs for Israel that alleged SDSU faculty was “calling for the extermination of Israel.” Does anyone really think this type of rhetoric does anything to bring peace to Israel or Palestine?
In the wake of the map controversy, SDSU issued a statement to KGTV, saying “While SDSU encourages scholarly debate and discussion of varying opinions, presenting inaccurate information to students is not acceptable.” Well, I applaud our university for ensuring nonArabic speaking nations will be included on maps of Arabic-speaking nations from now on. According to theblaze.com, SDSU has also created two scholarships in collaboration with Stand With Us “for the study of Judaism and for study abroad travel to Israel” because of the map controversy. SDSU has clarified policies and created two new scholarships. The university apologized to students, and I think now is the perfect time to point out that nothing has changed and nothing has been resolved. Is it time for dialogue yet?
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OPINION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#raiseourwages
Students benefit from wage raise carmen huerta staff columnist
Minimum wage increasing to $10 per hour in California might be a one-way ticket out of poverty for many individuals trying to make ends meet. An increase of the federal minimum wage has been long overdue and many people have grown restless. Although the increase appeals to most Americans who live under the poverty line, some people may think the increase could have negative effects. Legislation to propose an increase of the minimum wage has been proposed by Sen. Tom Harkin and Rep. George Miller, who introduced the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013. According to supporters, this act will help alleviate the stress of the cost of living for many Americans, consequently encouraging an increase in consumer spending. When consumers have more money to spend, economic activity increases. This is a good thing.
This all seems splendid, but the annual increases during the next three years to the minimum wage are not going to be enough to reduce the stress of paying the bills. This bill has been long overdue and the increase won’t reach the $10 mark until 2016. As the minimum wage rises, hopefully people will see the incentive behind this legislation. However, some may fear employers becoming increasingly selective when hiring as wages increase because the cost per employee will rise, theoretically resulting in less hiring. Skeptics think this will lead to a decrease of labor demand. However, people need to have faith and see that there is a need to keep up with the ever-expensive cost of living in California. If Gov. Jerry Brown signs this bill it could help many working class families in California financially. If a city such as San Francisco, which leads the nation at an average of $10.55 per hour, is working with these numbers
then the rest of California can, too. As a student worker at San Diego State, a $10 minimum wage would be ideal in helping me not stress because of my finances, allowing me to focus more in school. We go to college in the hopes that we will obtain a well-paying entry-level job after graduation, but until then we have to work at $8 per hour. Surprisingly, if this bill passes it will be the first time in six years that the minimum wage increased.
There is a problem when the average American earns $15,080 per year and is forced to live with the minimum wage. The key theme in this debate contributes to economic justice. An increase in the minimum wage could put some small businesses in a pickle. Some small businesses might even be inclined to raise their prices to pay employees’ higher wages. However, there is a problem when the average American earns $15,080 per year and is forced to
9
live with the federal minimum wage as it is now. This is not enough to live on and this is not economic justice. Professors here at San Diego State remain divided about the minimum wage increase. “Most economists agree that the increase of minimum wage is a bad idea. It sounds good on paper, but its actually a bad idea because if you force employers to pay their employees more they will typically respond by hiring less workers,” economics professor Shoshana Grossbard said. However, other professors think an increase in wages would be beneficial. “I would support an increase in the minimum wage to move toward what is called a ‘living wage,’ which considers the cost of living. The cost of living varies within and across states, and MIT developed a living wage calculator based on one’s location in the U.S.” SDSU political science professor Cheryl O’Brien said. Expect this to be a trending topic during the 2014 mid-term elections as California tries to set a trend for a nationwide minimum wage increase. As a firm believer that an increase in the minimum wage will be beneficial to us in the long run, and as a college student who graduates in 2016, I expect to read about the benefits this increase could have in California during the next few years.
10 MUNDO AZTECA
lunes, 23 de septiembre, 2013
#derbez
El mensaje de Derbez resonó con la gente angel bonilla escritor
¡Arriésgate! Usa diez dólares para enamorarte de “No se Aceptan Devoluciones (No Instructions Included)”, una comedia brillantemente escrita, producida y protagonizada por Eugenio Derbez. La película ha sido un éxito sorpresa para Derbez al igual que para la taquilla Norte Americana, en donde estuvo en quinto lugar su primera semana de estreno. “No se Aceptan Devoluciones” nos presenta a Valentín (Derbez), un hombre mujeriego que es forzado a madurar y trabajar ya que de sorpresa una ex conquista lo deja con una hija, Maggie. Después de siete años, su relación con su hija es amenazada cuando de pronto su madre biológica, Julie, quiere regresar a la vida de Maggie. ¿Qué harías tú para proteger a tu hija o hijo? Esta pregunta es algo que sin instrucciones, Valentín busca contestar. Quizás es el mensaje de la película el que está atrayendo al público Norte Americano. “No se Aceptan Devoluciones” no solo habla sobre la relación de padre e hija y los valores de familia, pero incorpora a la comunidad gay y hace uso de conversaciones bilingües, cosas que son muy vistas y escuchadas en la ciudad de San Diego. Aparte, la mezcla de comedia y drama hace que el público esté atento a
cada segundo de la película. ¿Pero porque una película como esta encuentra éxito en el extranjero? El profesor de Cine Latino Americano en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego (SDSU) Robert Guzmán dijo creer que la producción viene “justo a tiempo, especialmente en una época donde están surgiendo los números hispanos”. Sin embargo, Guzmán agrega que también la inclusión de latinos en Hollywood es importante. “Siempre hemos sido proyectados como ‘los otros’ y el mensaje de la película resonó con la gente ... ya que es una película que se abre a varios géneros”. Claro, no hay que olvidar que las actuaciones del elenco hacen la película lo que es, en particular el estreno de Loreto Peralta (Maggie) en la pantalla grande. Peralta no solo da vida a Maggie, también te proyecta sus emociones en cada escena. Pocas películas extranjeras, especialmente las Mexicanas, llegan a tener el éxito de “No se Aceptan Devoluciones”, por lo cual Guzmán, agregó que espera esta producción de Derbez sea solo el principio del cine latino en Hollywood. Recomiendo que no te pierdas esta gran película a solas o con tu familia o amigos. Nada más recuerda tener el pañuelo a la mano. No lo lamentaras, ya que es muy posible que identifiques parte de tu vida con la vida y lucha de Valentín.
Eugenio Derbez es el protagonista, director y escritor de “No se Aceptan Devoluciones”. CORTESIA DE ROBETHO, 1996
#belindacocina
El sabor autentico rueda con la cocina de Belinda Andrea ciardiello escritora
Desde su comienzo en el 2009, el mercado al aire de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego (SDSU) fue recibido con los brazos abiertos por los estudiantes. Este mercado tiene amplia variedad para los estudiantes de SDSU, desde comida asiática a la jamaiquina. Pero solo el puesto de Belinda’s Cocina ofrece comida mexicana autentica. Belinda’s Cocina es una empresa familiar que fue fundada por Belinda Labry hace ocho años con la ayuda de su hijo Anthony Labry. El negocio de Belinda es único por que ella y su familia no tienen una tienda o restaurante que siempre permanece abierto al público; en vez, sólo venden su comida en mercados por todo el condado de San Diego. “Escogimos no tener restaurante por que pensamos que el negocio prosperaría mejor así … tener un restaurante abierto al publico es caro y la venta de nuestra comida aquí en el mercado de SDSU ofrece un margen de beneficio mayor para nosotros”, dijo Anthony Labry. La comida Mexicana es muy fácil de encontrar en San Diego. La familia necesitaba hacer algo para que Belinda’s Cocina fuera diferente a los demás restaurantes y por eso decidieron no tener un restaurante estable. La comida de Belinda’s Cocina se prepara fresca todos los días Anthony dijo. Usan los mejores ingredientes y hacen todo a mano para darle a la comida el sabor autentico. Las aguas frescas como la horchata atraen a muchos de los estudiantes que pasan entre clases porque no son artificiales y tienen el sabor “mexicano genuino”. La familia también hace sus propias salsas para acompañar su comida. Anthony explica que muchos de los estudiantes de SDSU siempre pasan diciendo que les encanta la comida de Belinda’s Cocina; atribuye el éxito de su negocio a las recetas de su mama.
Belinda’s Cocina vende comida Mexicana cada Jueves en SDSU . arturo garcia sierra, editor
PHOTO PAGE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
Photographers
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12 THE BACK PAGE
monDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
#fiction
A big match in a little city Christian Benavides Staff writer
U
nder a ripe night sky, my dad and I ended up at an obscure Mexican restaurant. It sat on the edge of a lonely shopping center that was lost deep inside a broken down neighborhood. The small block had seen better days. The parking lot, even in such darkness, lost its black color to layers of dust and strands of tissue paper littered across the area. The lines marking each parking space seemed to have been swallowed by potholes bigger than my head. The restaurant’s exterior looked slightly better than its surroundings, but its mute, gray paint drowned any sort of appealing factor. It bordered two sides of the parking lot in an L-shape and tightly squishing some of the businesses together. Despite its flaws, I was truly appreciative to finally find a place to watch the boxing match of the summer. It was also the first time my dad and I were doing something alone together. We had parked on the opposite side of the restaurant to avoid the unnecessary traffic after the match. As we made our way to the entrance I noticed two security guards, each standing in front of one door. Their uniforms seemed too big for them and I wondered if they had ever worked as security guards before. The shorter, pudgy guard with a thin black mustache opened the door, and I hesitantly walked in first. The inside of the restaurant was bigger than the outside made it seem. There were booths lining the walls and tables in every spot possible. Nothing in the
room matched, but it wasn’t all bad. Traditional Mexican decor was splashed around the restaurant with bright, festive colors that jumped out and grabbed your eyes. The waitresses, who were speeding around tables and dodging small children, wore the same bright colors with complementary smiles warm enough to remind anyone of the old villages in Mexico. A young waitress led us to a small table by the bar, it was one of the last tables open. Had we arrived a few minutes later, we wouldn’t have found space here either. After ordering a couple of beers, I looked around and noticed all of the families that were here to watch the match. Then I looked at my dad. I really looked at him, for the first time in a long while. His face had changed—there were wrinkles in new places; the skin under his eyes seemed to carry more weight and drooped a little more. He seemed better though. Humans tend to fear aging, but looking at my dad I saw pride in the hardness that replaced the softer skin of youth. There in his hands I could read all the experiences that had grazed his body, and although he seemed to be falling under gravity’s influence, his shoulders were straight, his chest proud and strong. Ding, ding, ding! Before I knew it, the match had commenced and people were immediately at the edges of their seats with their chins propped up under tense arms. I watched the two fighters begin to size each other up on the TV screen closest to me. The chants of many people could be heard, making
words
65 Funny Dame 66 Bombs 67 Narrow piece, as of cloth
the ring tremble as it moved up the feet and into the hearts of the two men who held the pride of a whole nation on their shoulders. Every muscle in their bodies seemed to shine with sweat under the spotlights, expanding like a bull’s heaving chest. Suddenly, my dad slammed his fist on the small wooden table we were seated at. Round six and the budding Mexican fighter seemed to be struggling. Each punch caught air and nothing more. “He’s too nervous,” my dad said. “That’s the problem with young people. So much energy, but they want to waste it all in one take.” I laughed—I’d heard that plenty of times throughout my years. Sometimes it was directed at me or my brother, but most times it came in the form of a soft exhale that wasn’t meant to escape his lips. I knew it was just his way of giving a bit more of himself to us. Round 10 began and the restaurant began to expand with heavy curses and restless feet. The Mexican fighter had managed only a handful of direct hits, while the U.S. fighter, with grace from years of experience and gained wisdom, punched with the accuracy of a mighty lion. After the 12th round, the young fawn fell short and lost. Most of the families began to leave with deflated hope, but I felt something warm lingering. It could’ve been the alcohol, but then my eyes caught my dad’s gaze. “You know, you’re allowed to make mistakes,” he said. “Cheers!” He called the waitress and ordered two more beers.
numbers
DOWN
Across
1 Nation between Togo and Nigeria 6 “Look over here!” 10 CSNY member 14 Private line? 15 Elevator man 16 “It’s clear now” 17 *Edward Cullen’s rival for Bella’s hand, in the “Twilight” series 19 Genghis __ 20 “The Plains of Passage” author 21 Former SSR 22 Pharmaceutical rep’s samples 23 *She played Michelle on “Full House” 26 Dogpatch creator 31 Alley cats, e.g. 33 Some crowns 34 Desert tableland
35 Blue bird 37 Looking for a fight 38 Suffix with infer 39 Cook, in a way 41 Bar bowl item 42 “Don’t tell me!” 44 2007 “American Idol” winner Sparks 45 *Brother of Helen of Troy, some say 47 Fails to pronounce 48 Image to identify on a driver’s license exam 51 Drifters 53 Diarist Anaïs 54 Neighbor of a Cambodian 58 Short race, briefly 59 *Beach Boys title girl 62 Ruse 63 Duel tool 64 Target Field team, and each pair of intersecting names in the answers to starred clues
1 __ California 2 *Biblical birthright seller 3 “Great shot!” 4 Teen Vogue subject 5 Lincoln’s st. 6 Beer garden music 7 Super Bowl I and II MVP 8 [Not my error] 9 “That wasn’t nice” 10 Former Soviet leader Khrushchev 11 *”High Crimes” actress 12 Corporate emblem 13 Egg sources 18 Bruises partner 22 Shade provider 24 North Sea feeder 25 Naut. speed units 26 Env. router 27 Stay awake in bed 28 *Source of an age-old medicinal oil 29 Part of MOMA 30 Promotional bribes 32 Composer Erik 34 Cattle call 36 Hankerings 38 “Need You Tonight” band 40 First name in shipping 43 1963 Newman/Neal film 44 *”Today” correspondent __ Bush Hager 46 Start of a show-off kid’s cry 49 How traditional Chinese brides dress 50 Taunts 51 Garden waterer 52 Burned, in a high-tech way 54 “I __ I taw ...” 55 It may have highlights 56 Years, to Caesar 57 Clouseau’s rank: Abbr. 59 Place to sleep 60 Bart’s Squishee provider 61 ACLU concerns
HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9. Difficulty Level:
3/4
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thefuture
Today’s Birthday (9/23/13) - Priorities this year include finances, your partner, home, travel and career. Seek knowledge, explore and study new cultures. Pace yourself; it’s easy to over-commit. Cultivate your networks. Discipline with finances serves you well. Unexpected change impacts your circle. Care for health and wellness. Contribute to a cause that inspires. HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.
Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a
6 - Release your imagination and add some passion to the colorful blend. Rely on your mate’s wisdom. Increase exercise, with extra points for location beauty. Friends want to follow your guidance. Take time to provide coaching and instruction. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 6 - There could be a temporary setback. Watch out for accidents. Caution is advised. Travel later, or add extra time for delays. You’re creatively busy this month. Look for ways to add efficiency. Add new seasoning to the mix. Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 - Expand your income sources. Good news comes from far away. Play by the book. One good turn leads to another. Postpone an outing unless it’s to take a walk outdoors. A physical workout provides strength and release. Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 5 - Postpone romance (and sweeten with enticements) until the job gets done. There’s more to it than you thought. Don’t believe everything you hear. Express your emotional biases before choosing. Someone has a brilliant insight. Count your blessings. Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 6 Make a new commitment. Take care to avoid breakage or crazy expense. Don’t go exactly by the book. Leave your savings intact. Passions get stirred, and creativity flourishes. Co-workers get wind of it. Family members grow closer. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 5 Controversy arises. A difficult job goes easier with help, so ask. Apply energy to your career and make up ground. Finishing old projects brings in extra cash (and satisfaction). Fix up your place, especially the garden. Get outdoors. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 5 - Emotions interfere with logic. Choose whatever is most important. Friends bring encouragement. Avoid distractions. Hold off on an assignment unless you can draw upon hidden resources and delegate. Get organized. Contact a defined market. Press ahead. Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 5 - Postpone an outing or expansion. Write a story, song or screenplay. Study with a passion. Clean up, but don’t throw out someone else’s stuff. Others buy in to your plans. You’ve got a mutually beneficial arrangement. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Today is a 6 - Lovely thoughts linger from sweet dreams. Don’t avoid work or spend impulsively today. Provide for others. You’re an inspiration. Work smarter for ease. It’s all coming together due to work you’ve already done. Plan for expansion. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 5 - Get public with your work. Support the people who support you. Don’t try to buy influence ... it’s unnecessary. You’re already making a good impression. Controversy could erupt, so don’t rock the boat. Don’t blindly trust what you’ve been taught. Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 5 - There could be difficulties with travel now, so take care. Find time to meditate or relax. A partner is excited. Saving money is possible. Expand your list of social contacts. Paint, draw or make music. Use red sparingly. Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 5 - More work is required. Keep control of expenses. Ask for help. You may find yourself at an impasse with a loved one. Continue to produce results. Don’t gamble now (or bankroll a gambler). Add to savings instead. Pamper yourself.