10-21-2013 by The Daily Aztec

VOLUME 100, ISSUE 21

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013 courtesy of kelly smiley, staff photographer

HOMECOMING COURT UNVEILED Fourteen Aztecs compete for king and queen | News P3 courtesy of kevin serrano, staff photographer

courtesy of monica linzmeier, photo editor

ASL program closure continues to affect deaf community

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ASL Club petitions for program return | News P2

Fourth place for Lady Aztecs

Cross country team at Invitational | Sports P7

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2 NEWS

MONDAY, october 21, 2013

#deafstudies

ASL Club pleas SDSU for program’s return staff writer

Isaiah Moore stood in complete silence surrounded by a group of about 20 students gathered on San Diego State’s Campanile Walkway. Though no words were spoken aloud, Moore’s agile hands told a story to his captive audience. Moore, unlike most of the students around him, is deaf. He has spent most of his life in deaf education, but he is able to communicate to his hearing audience through American Sign Language. “I used to want to go to SDSU,” Moore signed. “But since they closed the deaf studies program there is no place for me here.” Within the deaf community the lack of a program is seen as an exclusion of deaf students, Moore said. Following the closure of the deaf studies program in May 2010, a group of students took it upon themselves to promote awareness of deaf culture and issues through the founding of an ASL Club. “People forget that ASL is a language just like any other with its own syntax and culture,” ASL Club President and

psychology senior Angela Van Ostran said. The deaf studies program was closed in 2010 because of a combination of budget cutbacks and low enrollment–24 students were enrolled in the program at the time of its closure–and may reopen if sufficient interest is shown, SDSU Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Rivera said. Though SDSU no longer has a deaf studies program, it still provides interpreters to deaf students. However, this does not solve the problem, Van Ostran said. The interpreters are for academic use, leaving a social void for deaf students who have trouble communicating with peers outside of the classroom setting.

The ASL Club was specifically set up by founder Isidore Niyongabo to fill the social void left by the lack of extracurricular communication and involvement that comes with the language barrier. Van Ostran and her fellow club members have since built the club, which recently became officially recognized by SDSU, up from only four members to more than 30 at the start of the fall semester. Despite the club’s growing success, members still want to see a return of the deaf studies program or at least increased student access to ASL courses. Only one ASL course is currently offered at SDSU and is only available to speech

The ASL Club signing on Campanile Walkway. The club has seen an increase in membership this semester and wishes for deaf studies to return. kevin serrano, staff photographer

#outofthedarkness

Aztecs walk for suicide prevention raquel harriott staff writer

Last Saturday, staff members from San Diego State’s Counseling & Psychological Services, peer educators and campus clubs attended the Out of the Darkness 5-kilometer walk to prevent suicide hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. More than 1,200 attendees gathered at Embarcadero Marina Park North to commemorate the death of loved ones and raise awareness about mental health in addition to supporting the development of new and existing programs. SDSU’s C&PS staff members and peer

educators participated in the 5k walk with members from SDSU’s Active Minds, a nationwide campus-based organization for mental health. “Growing up I always looked up to my two older sisters, so it was hard for me when my oldest sister was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder,” Active Minds member and psychology sophomore Taylor Brenis said. “Seeing the way people judged her and looked down on her was difficult.” AFSP featured a remembrance tent to display pictures and messages of people that were lost to mental health illnesses. Walkers were encouraged to wear beads to represent their personal connection to

language and hearing sciences students. In response, the ASL Club has been offering ASL lessons free of charge for the past two years. It’s difficult for the students who run the ASL Club to maintain a deaf-friendly community on their own, speech, language and hearing sciences senior Mahie Sumathipala said. “I think the university sees us as filling the role of a deaf studies program,” Sumathipala said. “As students we just don’t have the same resources.” Currently, the club has been petitioning for the return of a full-fledged deaf studies program.

who’swho

luke henning

suicide prevention. After AFSP San Diego Area Director Jessica van der Stad lost her father to suicide, her involvement in AFSP gave her reassurance. Van der Stad said she found comfort in knowing that she could relate to other people who shared similar experiences. “You want to know that you are not alone,” van der Stad said. The event included a resource fair to inform attendees about programs, suicide statistics and health plans. Members from SDSU’s Rotaract, a community servicebased club, provided water and snacks for participants. “It’s great to see so many college students come out and advocate for a cause like this,” psychology junior and peer educator Kaitlyn Holt said. Proposition 63 granted counties, universities and community colleges funds for programs through the Mental Health Services Act, according to C&PS Psychologist Elizabeth Kingsbury. Along with all other CSUs, SDSU focuses on suicide prevention, stigma reduction and peer-to-peer counseling. Multiple programs are offered through SDSU’s C&PS to advocate the areas of emphasis. “There is a huge myth that if someone is suicidal, there is nothing you can do… and that’s not true,” Kingsbury said. “Empowering people to know there is something they can do, something they can say, there are actions they can take and resources available, is important.” Students and staff can contact the C&PS for help, questions, and inquiries about training at 619-594-5220. The suicide hotline is available 24/7 at 888-724-7240 or by visiting itsuptous.org.

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NEWS

MONDAY, october 21, 2013 #sdsuhomecoming

Nearly all of the 2013 homecoming court standing in front of San Diego State’s Hepner Hall. Absentees are Alexa Barraza, Antonio Cinotto and Colby Smith.

kevin serrano, staff photographer

Aztec homecoming court rises at SDSU camille lozano staff writer

As the “Rise of The Aztecs” Homecoming kicks off, the 14 students chosen to represent San Diego State this fall in the 2013 Homecoming Court have been revealed. From a selection of 38 applicants this year, seven women and seven men were chosen by the Homecoming Court Selection Committee based on their academic efforts and community and campus involvement, Student Life advisor Patsy Armstrong said. Alexa Barraza, Victoria Clark, Sonia Holzman, Sophia Huynh, Marina Mantos, Dajanae Palmer, and Kristyl Smith are the women nominated for the court this year. Kodi Bobier, Antonio Cinotto, Javier Gomez, Jordan Harrison, Darius Koohmarey, Joshua Morse, and Colby Smith are the men. The seven Selection Committee members, which are made up of faculty, staff and

one alumni member, were part of the deliberation process. Members come from areas such as SDSU’s College of Sciences and the Educational Opportunity Program, Armstrong said. Assistant Student Life advisor Richard Eberheart said that since the early 1950s, SDSU has recognized student leaders who have promoted the mission of the university through nominations to the homecoming court. Kristyl Smith, psychology senior, said she was not expecting her nomination from the Student African American Sisterhood, an organization she is an active member in. “It is an absolute honor to be a part of the homecoming court,” Smith said. “I had no idea I was being considered for nomination until the week before the application was due. If I were to win, it would be the ultimate recognition of my growth and accomplishments.” Bobier, communication senior, was nominated by the SDSU Ambassadors.

“Winning and being selected as the homecoming king would mean that I was able to provide a sense of hope for people,” he said. “I come from a low-income background where college was a dream, not so much a reality. If I win, I am winning for everyone out there who has dreams of becoming something big and making a difference in the world.” One of the benefits in securing the coveted homecoming crowns is receiving funding from the university that will be used to hold a community service event during the spring semester. Many of the court nominees expressed their excitement at the possibility of attaining the funding to use for an event of their choice. “If I were to win, it would mean gratitude and compassion,” Huynh, public health and pre-med senior, said. “I will give back to the community that has believed in me and be the best person I can for them.” International security and conflict

resolution senior Colby Smith offered insight into his community service event intentions as a member of the Student Veterans Organization. “To be selected as the 2013-14 SDSU homecoming king would present me with an opportunity to reach out to our global community with a project that would enable San Diego State University students an opportunity to help suffering people across the world,” Smith said. Members of the court said they were thankful for the nominations and now look forward to the possibilities that come with the crowning of king and queen. “Once again we have an amazing group of students representing SDSU as the homecoming court and I expect nothing, but great things from this group,” Eberheart said. The king and queen will be announced during the Aztecs homecoming game versus the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 26.

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4 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013

#aztecstudentunion

Aztec Student Union

A nearly finished Aztec Student Union standing south of campus. A quick-service Oggi’s Pizza and a Commuter Resource Center are two additions to the union’s services. monica linzmeier, Photo Editor

Oggi’s Pizza

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company opens a new sports bar on campus chris bengtsson contributor

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company will be pioneering a new sports-themed bar and restaurant in the Aztec Student Union. The San Clemente-based restaurant chain has always had a close bond with San Diego State. Company CEO and founder George Hadjis has been teaching a franchise management class at SDSU for the past three years. His daughter and Vice President of Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing, Estella Ferrera, earned her Master’s degree in business at SDSU in 2008. “We are extremely honored to be chosen by SDSU to further our relationship with the SDSU community,” Ferrera said. She also said the new restaurant will be a fast-food establishment called Oggi’s Pizza Express, a new direction for Oggi’s. The venue will feature multiple TV’s designated for sports, indoor and patio dining and have a live music stage, Ferrera said. There will be 14 to 20 award-winning craft beers sold at the establishment, and menus for specialized beer and food pairings will also be offered, Ferrera said. Associated Students Vice President of External Relations Javier Gomez said it’s important to have alumni be a part of the new Aztec Student Union because they understand what it means to be an Aztec. “I think it will be a key component in providing the atmosphere to celebrate

Commuter Center

Commuter Resource Center to be established in new Aztec Student Union

Aztec pride,” Gomez said. camille lozano While Gomez said the goal is to have staff writer Oggi’s Pizza Express open for students in late January. A Commuter Resource Center will be “It will be cool to have somewhere opening in the Aztec Student Union to centralized to watch the road games give commuter students the opportunity of the Aztecs, because we don’t really to experience a source of community have a sports bar in the College Area,” on campus. Designed to promote unity business management senior Evan and provide incoming students with a Stanner said. welcoming college experience, the center Conor Mongan, an online business will offer aid and act as a gathering place owner and founding member of the for those traveling to and from campus on Aztecs sports fan group called “The a daily basis. Show,” tweeted that he wants to display Approximately 25,000 students the “Jacko” big head at Oggi’s Pizza commute every day, and only 4,000 of the Express. total student population live According to a on campus, Assistant Sports Illustrated Director of Student article, back in “It is important to have Life & Leadership November 2002, Robyn Adams said. alumni be a part of the Mongan created a She expressed her new Aztec Student giant poster board excitement for the Union because they cutout representing center as a commuter understand what it Michael Jackson’s and member of the means to be an Aztec.” head. “The Show” Commuter Student crew would then - Javier Gomez, A.S. Success Committee. use the big head to Many local vice president of external relations distract basketball universities, including players shooting free the University of throws at Aztec games. San Diego and the The big-head fad became a nationwide University of California, San Diego, already phenomenon and is now a mainstay have similar spaces available for commuter prop in college sports. students, a trend that has recently caught The Jacko head was the original big on quickly among schools throughout the head, and now Mongan wants to give it U.S. a temporary home on campus. Adams described some of the services “Until the Smithsonian asks for it, I that may be available to students as plans thought that Oggi’s new sports-centric for the center become more solidified. eatery would be a good showcase for it,” Academic workshops, career development Mongan said on Twitter. sessions, study abroad workshops and vehicle maintenance workshops are among

the services being discussed for the center. Adams was especially interested in a “classroom tours” option that would help students find classes before the first day of school each semester. Commuter Appreciation Week and Coffee Pick-me-up Days are some of the interesting ideas that have been discussed and are largely popular on other college campuses with similar resources for commuters, Adams said. Associated Students Vice President of External Relations Javier Gomez said the center will provide a community for commuters. “We are really excited because for the first time, commuters have a place to come to,” Gomez said. “We want to make sure everyone has a place to relax and enjoy, and we are hoping students will find that with the center.” Assistant Student Life Advisor Melissa Gonzalez described the center as a central hub where commuter students will be able to utilize a lounge area and the special services provided. “We want students to be able to come and hang out, but also be there for them as a resource … if they are lost, or have any questions we want to be able to help them,” Gonzalez said. “As a commuter student, you come in and you don’t know anyone. You don’t live on campus so you are not as well informed with what is available to you, so we want it to be there as a resource.” The Commuter Resource Center will be funded through the New Student Union fee referendum and will be managed by Student Life & Leadership. It will be completed along with the Aztec Student Union this fall.

MONDAY, October 21, 2013

Drawings: Carlos Jimenez Screenwriter: Erik Dobko

COMIC PAGE

6 SPORTS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013

#halloffame

SDSU honors 2013 Hall of Famers Kristi Vettese staff writer

On Friday, Nov. 1, San Diego State will honor five alumni athletes into the Aztec Hall of Fame. Men’s basketball player Brandon Heath, women’s basketball player Michelle Suman, football player Don Warren, track and field coach Choc Sportsman and sailing athlete Mark Reynolds will be the newest alumni to be admitted. Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, which are typically held this time every year at SDSU, are a time to acknowledge the greatest athletes who have graced the SDSU campus and honor their achievements during their time spent competing as an Aztec. According to Associate Athletic Director Steve Schnall, the ceremony and the honor the athletes receive is a tremendous accolade to each individual. “The event is meaningful to the inductees who poured their heart and soul in an athletic and academic career at SDSU, and in some ways it culminates for them by being inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Schnall said. The induction ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. at the Fowler Athletics Center located next to Peterson Gym. The induction ceremony process was previously put on a 2-year hold while the center was under construction and is now the permanent home of SDSU’s Hall of Fame.

Redskins. “The induction ceremony on Friday, Sportsman, who coached at SDSU Nov. 1 is by invitation only. Only former for 20 years, enjoyed success winning inductees get invited along with whomever various Division II titles during his career. the new inductees invite to come. Typically, He passed away in 1994, and will be the ceremonies range from 150 to 200 represented by his son Chuck at the award people and usually fills up the entire ceremony, who will accept the honor on his auditorium,” Schnall said. father’s behalf. All five inductees will be honored the “It brings great pride and appreciation following day at the football game against that my father is being awarded induction the University of New Mexico. Schnall into the Aztec Hall said, each inductee of Fame. Though will be featured he cannot be during timeouts “The event is meaningful to present to receive throughout the the inductees who poured and celebrate this game in a video their heart and soul in tremendous honor, montage of his an athletic and academic he will certainly be or her athletic career at SDSU ... ” with us in spirit,” achievements. Chuck Sportsman - Steve Schnall, The five associate athletic director said. “This honor recipients represents the all achieved final chapter in his remarkable success coaching career in during their time as track and field and also cross country. an Aztec. Heath, who graduated in 2007, He took great pride in mentoring young graduated as SDSU’s all-time leader in athletes to excel and become true scoring with 2,189 points. champions in sports and in life.” Suman graduated in 1995 and left as the Being inducted in the school’s Hall all-time leader in consecutive starts with of Fame is meaningful to current SDSU 118 games in a row. athletes as well, freshman redshirt Reynolds, a former sailing athlete at linebacker D.J. Hunter said. SDSU, went on to achieve additional “SDSU has plenty of talented athletes success in his sport and won a gold medal that are playing now and that have played in the 2000 Olympic Games. here in the past. Being named one of the Warren went onto win three Super Bowl top athletes is an honor of all honors,” championships with the Washington

Choc Sportsman was a track and field coach at SDSU for 20 years. He will be remembered at this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony. courtesy

of SDSU Athletics Media Relations

Hunter said. “When I see a former player get inducted into the Hall of Fame here at SDSU, I know they were the real deal. It’s a big deal.” Students are encouraged to attend the Nov. 2 football game against the Lobos to show support and honor this year’s recipients.

#football

Aztec football to battle it out against Bulldogs ethan bailey staff writer

The San Diego State Aztecs will face the Fresno State University Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Qualcomm Stadium. Coming off of two consecutive Mountain West Conference wins against University of Nevada, Reno and the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Aztecs will look to prove themselves against the No. 17 ranked Bulldogs. Fresno State is so far undefeated and has a 3-0 record against Mountain West conference teams. During the past two

Aztec victories, the running game has been a consistent and dominant focal point for the offense. Freshman running back Donnel Pumphrey had impressive performances against Nevada and the Air Force, combining for 229 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while junior running back Adam Muema rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns during the same span. The Aztecs will look to continue using the ground game to take pressure off of junior quarterback Quinn Kaehler, who has steadily improved since becoming the starter in week 3. The Aztecs’ resurgent running game

Defensive back Brandon Porter handles the ball. The Aztecs will play at home against the Fresno State University Bulldogs this Saturday. monica linzmeier, Photo Editor

is a positive sign for two reasons: First, it gives the team both the ability to control the clock when protecting a lead and to score from anywhere on the field with Pumphrey’s quickness, as shown on his 72-yard touchdown run against Nevada. Second, it allows head coach Rocky Long to play the style of football he wants, which employs a stout rushing attack backed up by solid defense. While Kaehler has played admirably as the starting quarterback, the strength of this offense resides in the running game. Fans should expect to see a healthy dose of Pumphrey and Muema early and often against Fresno State. The Bulldogs enter Week 7 with an average of 384.2 pass yards per game, enough to rank them No. 4 in the nation in this category. They also average 45.8 points per game, the fifth-highest mark in the nation. Senior quarterback Derek Carr has thrown for 2,276 yards with 23 touchdowns and four interceptions in six games this season. By contrast, Kaehler has thrown for 1,231 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Edge: Bulldogs The Aztecs’ secondary has stepped up during the past two victories. Early in the season, SDSU’s young and inexperienced cornerbacks were beaten on many deep balls, but those issues seem to have been addressed. Sophomore defensive back Damontae Kazee and senior defensive back Nat Berhe have caused trouble for opposing

offenses by intercepting passes and recovering fumbles. Senior linebacker Nick Tenhaeff has been big in stopping the run for the Aztecs, and junior linebacker Josh Gavert forced a fumble in the game against Nevada, which led to a score for SDSU. The Aztecs have given up an average of 32.7 points per game this season compared to 30.2 for the Bulldogs. While this stat indicates the Bulldogs have a better defense, SDSU has arguably played better-quality opponents thus far in the season. Expect the Aztec secondary to force a key turnover from Fresno State late in the game. Edge: Aztecs The Aztecs have performed well so far against MWC teams, which can arguably be attributed to the level of competition the team faced with Eastern Illinois, Ohio State and Oregon State universities early in the season. While Fresno State is undefeated entering Week 8, the Bulldogs have yet to face a nationally ranked team. Edge: Aztecs Fans should expect a high-scoring game between SDSU and Fresno State. It will be difficult for the Aztec defense to contain Carr and the rest of Fresno State’s passing attack for 60 minutes. The Aztecs must bring their A-game (pun intended), especially defensively, if they want to beat No. 17 Fresno State. Prediction: Bulldogs 34 Aztecs 41.

SPORTS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013

#WOMENSBASKETBALL

Women’s basketball needs love too kristian ibarra contributor

Despite back-to-back seasons of 26 wins or greater, women’s basketball falls into the depths of anonymity at San Diego State. Students have often heard of how men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher walked around campus handing out free tickets to students in hopes of increasing game attendance. Those days are but a distant memory, as students often need to camp outside days before tickets become available to guarantee seats inside of the sold-out games at Viejas Arena. According to a statement released by the Goaztecs website, the men’s basketball team averaged a school record of more than 12,000 attendants and ranked first among Division I schools in California during the 2012-13 season. SDSU went 14-1 at home and 23-11 overall that season. During the same season, the women’s basketball team had a total of 9,237 attendants at home games combined, according to the NCAA website. It averaged 734 attendants and went 14-2 at home and 27-7 overall that season. At this point, the problem is obvious; people are not interested in women’s basketball at SDSU. But pinpointing the cause and solution are far more difficult tasks. Cameron Satterlee, host of the “Sports Monologue” on SDSU’s KCR College

6 University of Connecticut, Radio, said although he does not winners of eight national arbitrarily hate women’s basketball, he titles, averaged 8,977 at can’t change what he, and others enjoy. home games during the Though women’s basketball never makes 2012-13 season. its way onto Satterlee’s on-air agenda, he This year, the Lady Aztecs said he can appreciate the sport. aren’t ranked and may not “One thing I respect about the women’s hold a candle to the Huskies level of game is that they play old-style basketball. play. However, the men aren’t ranked Fewer dunks, more passing, more either this year, but the pandemonium teamwork,” Satterlee said. for regular-season tickets sprouts every Jordan Harrison, year like clockwork. marketing senior Maybe the team and avid basketball needs to start fan, said he doesn’t dunking and go understand why “One thing I respect undefeated. Maybe he’s one of the few it also needs to people to attend about the women’s win eight national the women’s games. game is that they play championships The atmosphere, for old style basketball. so that it can obvious reasons, Fewer dunks, more receive any of the is not comparable passing, more recognition it to men’s games, teamwork.” already deserves. Harrison said. There are no “There’s not - Cameron Satterlee, more excuses. much intensity KCR College Radio host The women’s at all,” Harrison team plays well said. “All the noise and tickets are came from the free to students. band section and if The venue is right they weren’t there you next door. Before the new women’s wouldn’t hear much else from the stands. basketball head coach Stacie Terry It’s cool to be able to choose your own starts walking into West Commons to seat, but to choose your own row is kind hand out tickets, students should line of crazy.” up at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office and The lack of attention on women’s rejoice in watching a quality basketball basketball is not a national phenomenon. team outperform its opponents. According to the NCAA website, the No.

Point guard Ahjalee Harvey has been on the team for one year. Women’s basketball is an often ignored sport at SDSU. monica linzmeier, Photo Editor

#crosscountry

Aztecs finish fourth at invitational jose guzman

time that I had with these girls and I love it,” Capeau said. “They are getting better and better each week and a bunch of girls are running lifetime (personal records) On Saturday morning, the San Diego almost every week, so this is a great thing State cross country team placed fourth to see and to be around. I think we just overall at the Highlander Invitational in need to keep building off of that.” Riverside. Kruthers placed No. 9 out of 91 The improvement of each individual runners with a time of 17:55.8. Roesgen is making an impact on the Lady Aztecs concluded No. 14 with a time of 18:05.3. team as they work as a unit and build up “I was expecting to do a little bit from last season. better. I had a goal set and I reached Sophomores Chelsea Kruthers and that today, but I feel like Rachel Roesgen overall I just went continue to guide out there and gave the team. However, everything I got the remainder of “... a bunch of girls and 14th wasn’t as the group helped are running lifetime good as I wanted pull off this (personal records) it to be, so I think favorable result almost every week, there is a little bit this past weekend. so this is a great of disappointment,” The University Roesgen said. “We of Southern thing to see and to be are on the right California was around.” track and today we neck-and-neck - Chris Capeau, actually shortened with the Aztecs for cross country assistant coach our spread a little fourth place, but bit between fifth in the end SDSU and sixth runner. clinched the position I think we are moving in the right with an overall score of 92. USC finished direction.” with a score of 130. Juniors Jessica Cygan, Dynasty SDSU assistant coach Chris Capeau Gammage and Katy Smith placed within said what gave them the advantage the top 30 runners of this race. against the Trojans was the fact that his “One of our goals was to beat USC, so I squad ran as a team. am really glad that we did,” Roesgen said. “They are exactly where I like them to “Overall, I think we accomplished our be, especially in such a short period of staff writer

goal in that aspect, but we are looking to take out other teams besides USC. I’m very positive and am still looking forward to the future, but I need to focus on each race and go out there and do what I know I can do.” The Aztecs have less than a week before they participate in the Titan Invitational in Fullerton on Oct. 25. “I can’t wait to show everyone just how good we are at the upcoming meets,” Kruthers said. “Although I didn’t race as well as I wanted to personally, I believe that the girls and I have really come together today and felt what it was like to race as a team for the first time, rather than individually.”

Dynasty Gammage runs toward the finish line. The Lady Aztecs cross country team scored 92 points at Satuday’s Highlander Invitational in Riverside. monica linzmeier, Photo Editor

8 OPINION #specialelection

MONDAY, October 21, 2013 Layout by Carlos Jimenez, Production Designer

Special Election Preview

San Diego will elect a new mayor in less than a month. Here are our first impressions of the three main candidates in this race:

Alvarez Madison Hopkins

SENIOR STAFF COLUMNIST San Diegans are ready for a mayor they can trust. They are looking for someone who will put the needs of San Diego before their own intentions while bringing transparency to City Hall. District 8 City Councilman David Alvarez believes he could be that candidate. Alvarez grew up in the underprivileged neighborhood of Barrio Logan. He is a product of the local school system, and a San Diego State alumnus. His parents worked minimum-wage jobs, his brothers had run-ins with gang activity, and he suffers from asthma—a by-product of fumes from a chromeplating shop adjacent to his childhood home. Clearly, he has firsthand knowledge of San Diego’s issues. During his 2010 city council campaign, Alvarez ran on the platform that he knew San Diego’s needs and he would work to bring funding and services back to neighborhoods. Once elected to the council, he attempted to make good on these promises. Alvarez has invested in law enforcement, improved emergency response times, supported affordable housing initiatives and worked to enact a community plan for Barrio Logan. The councilman pushed hard for the plan, which was approved by the council on Tuesday, but it is currently being threatened by a potential referendum backed by the local maritime industry. The plan addresses zoning issues that would create a buffer zone between residential areas and carcinogenic fume-creating industrial businesses. The plan is meant to prevent residents from falling victim to the same environmental oppression Alvarez grew up with. Despite opposition from fellow councilman and mayoral opponent Kevin Faulconer, who stands with the interests of the maritime industry, Alvarez has worked to find a compromise to promote the health of his constituency, including making concessions to the shipbuilding industry to negotiate an agreement. He lost support from some of his own community for compromising, but at least he’s attempting to make progress. Alvarez also promises to bring jobs back to San Diego. He has already done this, but not by bringing in the types of jobs his constituents may want. As a councilman, he supported the opening of two Wal-Mart stores in his district. Wal-Mart has been criticized for being anti-union, sexist, ageist, racist, and for providing low-paying jobs while crushing local businesses. Alvarez, who has received support from labor unions, claims he never voted in favor of Wal-Mart developments. The City Council approved an ordinance requiring special conditional-use permits for big-box stores, such as Wal-Mart. The council had the power to halt the development of these stores if economic studies showed they would negatively affect surrounding businesses. Wal-Mart retaliated by gaining enough signatures for a referendum and demanding the council put it on the ballot. The council, however, voted to simply repeal the referendum rather than pay for a special election. Alvarez was among the council members who voted to appease the corporation. My primary concern when evaluating Alvarez is his lack of experience. At 33 years old and with only a couple years in office, Alvarez’s resume does not stack up against the real contenders in this race.

Fletcher Sicily Famolaro STAFF COLUMNIST

Nathan Fletcher’s quite an enigma. Such a concise description merely scratches the surface. His professional career began after his graduation from California Baptist University. He then served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2007, prior to his election and service in the California State Legislature, which began in 2008. During his time in the assembly he was a Republican. Fletcher was even elected as the Assembly Republican Whip in 2010. After leaving Sacramento, he became a senior director at Qualcomm Inc. He also holds an adjunct political science professorship at University of California, San Diego. His policy platform stresses a cumulative variety of issues San Diego faces. Published on his campaign website, his major emphases are: neighborhood infrastructure investment, public safety, inequality of recreational park distribution, K-12 educational programs, public transportation, the state of water and beaches, promoting small businesses and a “21st Century Jobs Plan.” He is a philanthropist, in conjunction with many state and city councils, and sympathetic to the cause of war veterans because of his own military service. He is ambitious in progressivism, and seems to be passionate about drafting legislation to promote holistic internal improvement. Legislation proposal is his most notable accomplishment as a politician. During his term as an assemblyman, he wrote more than 30 legislative articles pertaining to “veterans, job creation, water infrastructure, pension reform, modernization of state government, health care, and public safety,” according to his website. His most well-known legislative accomplishment is the passage of Chelsea’s Law—a penalty intensification on sex offenders. With that determination and zeal, he has been distinguished as a highly efficacious policy maker. However, Fletcher seems fickle when it comes to adhering to a political classification. He has changed his party twice in the past year and a half, which is atypical behavior for a politician. After identifying as a Republican his entire career, he changed to Independent during the 2012 mayoral race, and became a Democrat this past May. Such an inconsistent record is alarming. Though it may be an attempt to distance himself from the polarity of the political system, it still denotes a leader who may not be sure about his own policies. A party deflection— not once, but twice—doesn’t mean he’ll stick to his proverbial guns. I’m not going to judge his character and leadership ability on this premise. He seems like a good, diligent and dedicated man. Political identification has nothing to do with leadership potential. Inconsistency might not seem appropriate in the political world, but it’s not a crime. I do believe that humans are capable of change, so I won’t discount Fletcher as a flip-flopper because he switched parties when the political stakes were high. People alter their modes of thought daily about the simplest and most cumbersome subjects—he is only experiencing a natural human tendency. That being said, the prospects that Fletcher might actually reshape and transform this city look bright. He certainly seems to be an impetus for change with his breadth of drafted legislation and party vacillation. For those who believe in what he preaches, it seems that he will push those policies and reforms from ideas to fruition. Fletcher is good at what he’s supposed to be: a legislator.

Faulconer Morgan Rubin Staff columnist

San Diego’s political climate has been hectic during the past few months. We found out our mayor was as creepy as he looked, and now we have to hold a special election to determine who our city’s next leader will be. One of the top three candidates—Nathan Fletcher, Kevin Faulconer and David Alvarez—will probably win the position. Many people aren’t following the special election, but being the politically savvy girl that I am, I keep up with local politics. After much consideration, I’ve decided the worst option for San Diego is Faulconer. I’ll be the first to admit Faulconer isn’t a crazy Tea Party conservative. Compared to many members of his party, he’s quite moderate. That being said, his moderation isn’t a good enough reason for this city to elect him. I can’t get past the fact that Faulconer’s position as a council member allowed him to play a role in negotiating Filner’s resignation. How is that not a conflict of interest? In my mind, Faulconer said, “Thank you, Filner, for damaging the city’s reputation. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. By the way, I’m going after your job.” It’s unfortunate that the stereotype of the madly ambitious politician is alive and well in San Diego. Faulconer’s stances on important issues are nonexistent, irrelevant or way off base for what San Diego needs. For example, he opposes current legislation to raise the minimum wage to $9 per hour by next year. I have a hard time believing someone could oppose such a bill, knowing there are people who are working full-time making the current minimum wage and living below the poverty line. At the same time, I recognize that since he’s never had to worry about how he was going to feed his own family, connecting with underprivileged San Diegans might be difficult. Most voters aren’t rich businessmen. Voters are working single moms who need affordable day care programs for their kids. They’re college students who need to know they can get a good paying job so they can pay off debts. Faulconer has no idea how to connect with people who don’t live in his world, and since the mayor is representative of the entire city, he simply doesn’t work as a candidate. As a black, 21-year-old woman in college, I don’t see how he could possibly know what I need as a resident of this city. He’s the type of politician who doesn’t encourage progressive change, and the change he does promote is not what San Diego needs. Minorities, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, low-income workers, veterans and students are all groups that won’t benefit from a Faulconer victory. I’m sure he’s a smart guy, and I can respect him as a member of the Aztec family, but he’s still part of the Republican political machine. I’m just not convinced Faulconer is a good fit for San Diego at this point in time. If our city keeps moving at a progressive pace, he won’t be a good fit for it. I equate him to the first model of the iPhone. It may have been good at one time, but with newer models on the market now, going back to the iPhone 3 would be a step in the wrong direction. There’s just nothing separating Faulconer from the typical middle-aged White Republican politicians who were so common among pre-Filner San Diego mayors. On election day, Faulconer won’t get my vote. His priorities for the city aren’t on point and I don’t agree with him on most issues. Most importantly, he doesn’t inspire me. I look at him, and I don’t feel like he’s an essential part in moving San Diego out of the shadow of Filner’s scandal.

OPINION

MONDAY, october 21, 2013 #standwithmalala

Malala: Education is a necessity and right Kelly Gardner

how an education can help them, Kalhoro said. Households led by educated individuals akistani activist Malala Yousafzai are more inclined to send their children has been making global headlines to school because they have seen the recently for her courageous work in opportunities that knowledge can lead standing up for girls’ rights to education. to. This was the case for Yousafzai. Her Her life story at 16 years old is far more father is an educated man who witnessed complex than one may imagine by the injustices cast upon his sisters during glancing at her young face. Yousafzai their youth. His commitment to help was targeted by the Taliban when she his daughter receive an education, no was only 14 years old because of her matter how severe the consequences, relentless desire to empower herself with demonstrates how education is a priority an education. A Taliban gunman shot her to some families in Pakistan. in the head and neck on a school bus one The Taliban has set up schools in morning. Yousafzai survived the brutal Pakistan that are training camps for attack and has fully recovered, and has child suicide bombers. As their number since become more determined than of supporters shrink, they have begun before to raise awareness of her cause. manipulating vulnerable demographics, Her passion for the necessity of education including the poor and uneducated. brings to question the lack of gratitude People struggling to support their families and appreciation we have for our own have accepted settlements of money for country’s education system. In the U.S. their children. Others who lack education it’s every person’s right to have access to have been convinced the Taliban will get an education so he or she may acquire their child into paradise if handed over to knowledge to excel in any field. Education one of these camps. should absolutely be a right granted to “At the end of the day, these children every individual; however, this is not the are not being given an education that will case in every country. Because of this, we progress them in society. A lot of mothers especially need to realize the sanctity of of these children are highly against this, what we have. but they just don’t know what to do about The logistics of Pakistan’s society it,” Kalhoro said. are radically different from our own. Education is a powerful mechanism Their government has not implemented and, in some cases, a dangerous weapon. extensive social programs such as This is not only an issue in Pakistan. education and health care. San Diego State We see the same issues with our own graduate student Sanam Kalhoro came to education system, just on a smaller the U.S. from Pakistan to obtain a master’s scale. The U.S. has long struggled with degree in women’s studies. She, too, has equality, with the most harm being done been exposed to the challenges women in in impoverished areas commonly made her culture experience regarding access to up of minorities. While we may have an education. established public school system requiring “Pakistan is a very stratified society in all American citizens to acquire a basic terms of class as education, there is well as ethnicity. no doubt that the The way that quality of education the country is each student structured it’s receives varies broken up into significantly. “At the end of the different provinces Our school day, these children and each province system is has a different responsible for the are not being given ethnic background education of our an education that of varying social society as a whole will progress them economic statuses,” and as of right in society. A lot of Kalhoro said. now it’s not cutting mothers of these She explained it. Until every children are highly that this is one individual in the of the biggest U.S. has access to against this, but they determining factors an education that just don’t know what in whether or not acts as a platform to do about it.” a child in Pakistan for future triumphs, - Sanam Kalharo, will receive an we will continue SDSU graduate education. to see power student Because of the struggles relating lack of funding to socioeconomic for social services status. Yousafzai there are very few should be a public schools for reminder to all of children to attend, us that education and existing schools is a privilege and are severely underdeveloped. This led we are lucky to have such a developed to the privatization of most educational educational system. She is 16 years old, outlets in Pakistan and because they are has faced death and is still championing privatized the schools are very expensive. the need for education within her culture. Most citizens have inadequate funds to We are so much closer to that reality in send their children to school, assuming America, but that amount of dedication is there’s even a school nearby. Many rare among American students. children in Pakistan aren’t aware they’re Obviously, Yousafzai is dealing with missing out on something, and they may much greater devastation within her own not even know what a school is or what society, but that doesn’t mean we can’t takes place there, so they have no idea apply her ideals to make our country greater. staff columnist

Malala Yousafzai has become a dedicated advocate for educational rights around the world. illustra-

tion courtesy of michael volpicelli

10 mundo azteca #educacionbilingue

La educación bilingüe llega a CA Lourdes valdez

preocupan por el desarrollo académico de sus hijos. escritora “A veces los padres se ponen un poco nerviosos … por que ellos ven La escuela primaria Valley Elementary, posiblemente que sus vecinos … están ubicada en Poway, es una de las escuelas avanzando un poquito mas en el ingles en California que participa en el programa … pero cuando ya están en quinto grado de educación bilingüe. Antes de entrar están muy agradecidos”, dijo Barragán. a varias de sus aulas, los visitantes son Barragán afirmó que dicho currículo informados de la presencia de un maestro no es exclusivo para alumnos latinos bilingüe. y que al entrar a cada aula, uno puede Se solicita que si necesitan preguntar ver una gran diversidad cultural entre algo en el idioma ingles, se espere hasta los alumnos. Agrego que cada dos que la maestra salga del aula. La exaños su institución organiza un viaje de alumna de la Universidad Estatal de San aproximadamente 12 días en el que los Diego (SDSU) Angélica Barragán es la estudiantes pueden interactuar en español coordinadora del programa de educación en un país hispanohablante. bilingüe en esta escuela. Actualmente, existen varias El estado de California ofrece dos organizaciones que buscan extender la tipos de programas de inmersión dual. educación bilingüe al resto de los Estados El primero y el más común es conocido Unidos. Entre ellas esta como 90:10. ATDLE (Association Este modelo de of Two-Way & comienza en Dual Language preescolar cuando Education) los estudiantes la cual busca interactúan el 90 promover este por ciento de su tipo de programas tiempo en español y “A veces los padres ofreciendo talleres a solo el 10 por ciento se ponen un poco maestros bilingües en el idioma inglés. de todo el país. Cada año, el nerviosos ... pero En su pagina porcentaje en cuando ya estan en de Internet la español baja asociación publico mientras que el de quinto grado, están que “programas inglés aumenta. muy agradecidos”. bilingües permiten Barragán dijo que Angélica Barragán, que estudiantes al concluir este alcancen programa, los alumna de SDSU una amplia estudiantes salen alfabetización con un amplio en dos idiomas”. conocimiento de También insistió los dos idiomas que ser bilingüe al hablar, leer les facilitará y escribir. La comunicarse con coordinadora personas de países explicó que en el otro diversos. prototipo, llamado 50:50, el medio día es Barragán dejo en claro su deseo de dedicado al aprendizaje en inglés mientras que algún día la educación bilingüe sea el resto se le dedica al español. un requisito nacional. Finalizo diciendo En general la reacción de los padres que Estados Unidos es “uno de los pocos hacia este tipo de asignatura ha sido países que hablan solo un idioma y eso es positiva. Sin embargo, siendo un una tragedia”. programa relativamente nuevo, ellos se

Please drink responsibly.

Un corcho en Español en un salón de la primaria Valley Elementary. lourdes valdez, escritora

PHOTO PAGE -TRAVEL

MONDAY, october 21, 2013

A foggy day in Ouror Preto, Brazil. ANA CEBALLOS, MANAGING EDITOR

Ancient Babylon sight in Iraq. kaiem majed, art director

The Library of Celsus in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey. CHELSEA MASSEY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Funeral walk next to a religious figure’s shrine; Imam Ali, in Najaf Iraq. kaiem majed, art director

The Arc De Triomph in Paris. WESLEY BEIGHTS, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hagia Sofia in Instanbul is now a museum. CHELSEA MASSEY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Musuem of Natural History in Paris. MONICA LINMEIER, Photo Editor

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monDAY, octoBER 21, 2013

#fiction

Pluto’s Electrifying Traveling Carnival

e felt his shoes losing grip on the cold cement. His legs had become weak with fear and it was like he was running on a frozen lake. This was the only time he began to regret not joining a sport. He was on the run and he was loose. Every story has its beginning, but this one stems from a hazy past unknown to even the oldest member of Oakwood. But Chris’ story is all too real. From behind large monumental canopies and trailers with their crisp, colorful paint depicting childhood imaginations of clowns and tightrope walkers, hideous creatures squished and waddled, growled and groaned, gathering a hunger for life beyond the reaches of their bodies. “Pluto’s Electrifying Traveling Carnival,” the name echoed through the aging walls of the small town, announcing the arrival of the eccentric carnival that tore through the silence and cloaked the streets throughout the year. The people of Oakwood didn’t look at the leaves and their orange attire against the cold to acknowledge a change of seasons. Instead, they trained their ears to twitch as soon as they detected the bouncy carnival music that seeped below doors. And then, with a gasp, they declared fall had arrived. For Chris, his first time at the carnival was a bleak memory. Though he was now a 16-year-old, still adjusting to his longer legs and lanky arms that bumped into every table in front of them, there was still a cool feeling that fizzed from the bottom of his stomach when he saw the Ferris wheel poke out through the cluster of pine trees, like some ancient dinosaur that stopped to look at how the world had changed after so many years. Not one person in town could keep their teeth from peeking out from the small red barriers. Pluto’s Electrifying Traveling Carnival had become an old tradition, and every year from the window of his room, Chris would look out and wait for the pink,

CHRISTIAN BENAVIDES STAFF WRITER

yellow and green stars to ignite the night sky. Last year, Chris was able to meet the almighty ring leader. He was a legend with his black top hat and velvet suit, standing beneath the bright white lights and the excitement of over-enthusiastic kids. He was a Greek god manifested into reality. Even parents squirmed with excitement upon seeing him. Chris always dreamed of falling under his mentorship and one day taking over as ring leader. But this year, Chris became wary of something. He began going at night with his friends and heard things beneath the carnival music and laughter, something that wasn’t present all those years he’d gone during the day. Something moved restlessly beneath the ground. The sound was soft but gradually grew in power, almost like an ongoing low growl that the rides were incapable of making. After a sleepless week, Chris decided to investigate. He spent two nights looking behind crates, broken-down rides, and vendors until he found a small black tent on the third night. It sat at the very back of the lot the town kept empty for the carnival. There was a faint light, probably from a candle, coming out from the small entrance. He had gone around to the back and looked in through a small slit in the tent. There he was, Mr. Chuck Bones, the ring leader, but the glam and greatness was gone. Bones’ costume was off and in its place was thin set of hair that didn’t cover much of the scalp, greenish skin that slightly sagged into bumpy wrinkles and twig-like fingers. However, it was the absence of a spark in Bones’ eyes that Chris remembered the most. They had become two vacant holes, absent of any emotion, staring at pictures of kids Chris went to school with. Up on a bulletin board was his yearbook picture

words

63 Leaning somewhat 64 Lousy grades 65 Like so 66 Zappos.com inventory

with a bright red circle around his face, and beneath it the word, “HEART.” It took another week for Chris to process what he had seen, until finally he decided to do an investigation after closing hours. He feared something wasn’t right about Bones, and although terribly afraid, Chris was attracted to the mystery he’d become part of. Chris set out on his own one midnight. Walking into the carnival, he was surprised to see how dead and ugly everything looked without all the lights. It was like looking at the sagging corpse of an animal. The normally flashy front entrance resembled one out of an “Addams Family” movie. A walk further inside showed more signs of death and darkness as the carnival rides sputtered their last few breaths, and the smell of cotton candy and popcorn dissipated under a musty atmosphere of sweat. A screechy voice spoke loudly from all directions almost instantly after Chris walked in. “You finally came,” Bones spoke slowly as he walked out from one of the many shadows. “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time, Chris.” Suddenly, Chris remembered the old pictures his grandfather had shown him from his childhood days. They were vague in his memory, but yes! In one of them, Chuck Bones appeared in the background with the same dead eyes, same everything, including his age. “Don’t be scared,” Bones interrupted, as if he knew what Chris was thinking. “You’ll be part of the carnival forever. Isn’t that what you wanted?” After that, Chris didn’t wait a second longer to find out what Bones wanted. He knew and he began to run. He was running and he was tired and scared but couldn’t get anywhere. The whole lot was a merry-goround and he was trapped. He was loose.

numbers

Across

1 Floating platforms 6 Guy or fellow 10 Haughty sort 14 Creepy starer 15 Top military draft category 16 Skid row denizen 17 German cars bought by Riyadh residents? 19 Not many 20 Releases (on), as an attack dog 21 Cafeteria carriers gone missing? 23 QB’s mishap 24 Tennis icon Arthur 25 Makes a choice 26 Drawing upon 28 100-yard race 30 Shoulder wrap 32 “Once __ a time ...” 34 PC software

38 Rose of baseball 39 Hard to hear 40 Was a passenger 41 Figure skater’s leap 42 Uncle Remus’s __ Rabbit 43 Nursery-rhyme Jack or his wife 44 Put down, as floor tile 46 “__ my case” 48 Fixes with thread 50 Plastic coffee container designed for a Keurig brewer 51 Sports enthusiast 54 Streamlined onion relatives? 57 Pie à la __ 58 Basketball’s __ “The Pearl” Monroe 59 Stories you’ve heard a bajillion times? 61 Bad to the bone 62 Promgoer’s concern

1 Big name in vermouth 2 A second time 3 Vary irregularly, as prices 4 Koppel and Knight 5 __ Lanka 6 Teeth-and-gums protector 7 Conductor Previn 8 “Star Wars” princess 9 “Piece of cake!” 10 Out-of-tune string instruments? 11 Like Jack 43-Across’s diet 12 Does as directed 13 Curtain call acknowledgments 18 Part of YMCA: Abbr. 22 How-__: instruction books 24 Feel lousy 27 Neato water sources? 28 Insult comic who was a frequent Johnny Carson guest 29 Crumb-carrying insect 30 Relaxation center 31 Put a curse on 33 Dessert with a crust 35 Financial planner’s concern 36 Handheld computer, briefly 37 Go down in the west 39 “The X-Files” gp. 43 Ninth mo. 45 Pop the question 47 Ploy 48 Work really hard 49 Spooky 50 Reeves of “Speed” 52 Dancer Astaire 53 Homes for chicks 54 Future flower 55 J.D.-to-be’s exam 56 __ A Sketch 57 Trig or calc 60 Prof.’s helpers

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9. Difficulty Level:

1/4

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thefuture

Today’s Birthday (10/21/13) - Travel and education are recurring themes this year. Chase innovation and pursue mastery at your art. Attend lectures and conferences. Write, record and publish. Leave a light footprint as you go. Balance your lifestyle for health. Get social and grow partnerships and networks. Play with your favorite people, and collaborate to make dreams real. HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 - It’s Mercury retrograde Monday. Brace yourself for the unexpected. Communications and transportation may break down. Flexibility serves you well. Think fast and back up vital info. Spark imagination and creativity. You get a great story to tell. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - There may be setbacks and resistance, but at the end it’s all worth it. This week is especially good for attracting money. Sign contracts only after thorough review. It’s better to be sure than sorry. Consult a respected friend. Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 6 - Watch out for confusion at home over the next three weeks. You’re eager to go. Get farther by staying put. Complete a domestic project. Have back up plans for all essential operations. Leave extra leeway. Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 - Review recreational plans and refurbish necessary equipment. Revise and refine. Finish up old projects. Costs appear prohibitive at this point. Don’t venture far. Find fun close to home. Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Secure what you’ve achieved, and complete household projects. Clarify issues first. Consider an outsider’s objections. Discuss what should be done first. Do what’s best for all. Ignore distractions. Work towards a vision. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 - There’s more analysis required. Practice obedience, and get much stronger. You’re attracting the attention of an important person. Be careful not to rock the boat. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 - You’re entering a house cleaning phase. Keep tight track of your money. New opportunities present themselves with new research. Keep working! Postpone a romantic interlude until the job’s complete. Make plans and even reservations. A flexible schedule suits. Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - Review recent personal decisions. Get into negotiations. Run a reality check. It could get awkward. Make repairs right away. The more careful you are with the details, the better you look. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Today is a 7 - Settle in and develop plans. Join forces with a master of surprises. Keep it practical. Travel beckons but take care. Wait to take action on your dreams. Spend time growing a partnership. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Today is a 7 - Travel could get confusing. Review the data to find the truth. Keep it updated and backed up. Gain deeper insight with patient listening. Go ahead and wax enthusiastic. Wait to see what develops. Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 6 - Carefully review your savings plan and develop team goals. Tend the fire, and manage chores and responsibilities. Imagine a path into a brighter future. Regroup and go again. Just show up. Eat healthy food. Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 5 - Reorganize a kitchen drawer. Keep equipment in repair, as you study unfamiliar territory. Stay close to home as much as possible. This saves time and money. Conference calls and chats keep you connected.