Wednesday, Oct. 23 - Tuesday, Oct. 29 2019 Weekly Print Edition
Vol. 106, Issue 11 www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Four more fraternities placed on interim suspension, seven total
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION Black, queer students get a voice on campus through Blacq Space PAGE 2
RECORD-SETTING DAY San Diego State men’s golf boasts individual and team titles at the Bill Cullum Invite. PAGE 9
STUDENTS SHRED Outside the Frame, a band made by two SDSU students, plays a fusion of rock and punk. PAGE 15
CONSORCIO BRASILEÑO -Poetas brasileñas recitaron sus poemas a estudiantes de SDSU. PAGE 13
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INDEX News........................... 2-3, 6 Opinion.......................... 4-5 Sports.............................. 7-9 Arts & Culture.......... 12, 15, Mundo........................ 13-14 The Back Page.................. 16
by Kaitlyn Little NEWS EDITOR
Four more fraternities have been put on interim suspension at San Diego State — bringing the total number of chapters facing disciplinary investigations to seven since late August. Sigma Alpha Epsilon was disciplined on Oct. 4, with Kappa Sigma following on Oct. 10, Director of Student Life & Leadership Caryl MonteroAdams said in an email response. Both of these fraternities were disciplined due to alcohol and health and safety violations. Nu Alpha Kappa was disciplined on Sept. 25 for alcohol-related activities and hazing violations. Theta Chi was then disciplined on Oct. 10 for violating alcohol, health and safety and hazing policies, with violations of dishonesty and harassment and abusive behavior. All of the chapters have been placed on interim suspension until the investigations into their wrongdoings have been completed, Montero-Adams said. The SDSU chapter of Kappa
Photo by Alexa Oslowski
The total number of SDSU fraternities on interim suspension rose to seven due to alcohol and health and safety violations.
Sigma and Nu Alpha Kappa declined to comment. Neither the SDSU chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Theta Chi were immediately available for comment. These interim suspensions
Running backs lead football to victory With six wins, Aztecs become bowl eligible for tenth straight season, one of 14 teams with such streak and one of two in Group of Five. by Aaron Tolentino SPORTS EDITOR
SAN JOSÉ –– Two years ago, San Diego State football’s then-sophomore running back Juwan Washington returned a kickoff for 78 yards during the Armed Forces Bowl when Rashaad Penny led the charge of Aztecs running backs scoring all five touchdowns in a losing effort. That was the last time an Aztec returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Two years later, sophomore running back Kaegun Williams brought back the opening kickoff for 95 yards. Despite the two-year hiatus, the Aztecs have returned the most kickoffs (11) for touchdowns in the FBS since 2015. “All your hard work paying off,” Williams said of his first career touchdown. Fitting the kickoff return
was by an Aztec running back. “It’s real special,” Washington said of the younger backups. “Especially when I was here when they were younger, just seeing them develop into the running backs they are today, it’s a really good feeling.” The production from the Aztec backfield – whether on offense or special teams – was responsible for all three touchdowns during the Aztecs’ 27-17 victory over San José State on Saturday, Oct. 19 at CEFCU Stadium. SDSU’s rushing attack notched a total of 270 yards and two touchdowns. “We got a lot of guys in our position that can go out there and make plays. That’s just our goal every week,” Washington said who ran for a touchdown and 78 yards on 16 carries.
SEE FOOTBALL RECAP, PAGE 7
come just over a month after three other fraternities — Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Upsilon and Phi Kappa Psi — were disciplined in late August. There is limited information available about the incidents that
led to these violations because the investigations into all seven cases are still pending. In the last two academic years, FRATERNITIES, PAGE 2
Aztecs Rock Hunger annual food drive starts by Jeanette STAFF WRITER
Giovanniello
In sight of it’s 10th anniversary, the Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign is striving towards it’s most noteworthy fundraising goal yet, which is more significant than just it’s number. Associated Students launched the beginning of their campaign with a kickoff event on Oct. 22 to reveal this year’s slogan and goal: 619 for the 619. The goal to raise 619,000 pounds of food is not only a nod towards the county’s area code, but was also set to represent the cooperation within the San Diego community. This year, the campaign is going further than partnerships with Aztec Shops and Starbucks. The AHR team has worked with local businesses in the College Area, such as Cheba Hut, Woodstock’s and Corbin Q’s to collect donations and hold fundraiser events. Speech, language and hearing sciences junior Courtney Parks joined the AHR team after being on the A.S. Community Service Commission. She said the AHR team is aiming to reach out to
more organizations on campus as well. “This year, we’re really trying to reach more broadly across campus and target groups that we haven’t in the past and in the College Area business district,” Parks said. “It’s a huge push this year to get them more involved, and they’ve shown us a lot of support already.” The money raised goes towards the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which is associated with the food pantry held twice a week on campus. The San Diego Food Bank has been in collaboration with the campaign since the first year in 2009. One dollar donated generates six pounds of food, according to A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs Dustin Adkins. While most donations go to the food bank, 20% of the monetary proceeds go towards SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team, which helps students in need of food or housing help. A portion also goes towards the campus food pantry. AZTECS ROCK HUNGER, PAGE 3
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The Daily Aztec
News
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com
Black, queer students get voice through new club by Ashley Na STAFF WRITER
Founded in 2017, BlacQ Space is the first Black, queer organization at San Diego State. It was first created by BlancQ Space President Shane James with the assistance of the SDSU Pride Center. Having a “Q” in the organization’s name serves as a symbol of it’s queer inclusivity. BlacQ Space is a discussion group and student organization that is dedicated to fostering community dialogue and healing for black sexual identities and gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, James said. The group just transitioned into being a recognized student organization last year. “I created the discussion group because I would just go and talk to (graduate student Myisha Butler about) a lot of my experiences being black and queer and she would talk to me about her experiences of being black and being somewhere on the queer spectrum,” James said. “We realized that we would love for this to be a space other people also had access to. So we started as a discussion group.” Despite having a small group to begin with, James was able to view the success of the organization because to them, it wasn’t about the numbers. It was the fact that the group existed and as long as people knew the space was there, James said people can come whenever they are comfortable.
Fraternities:
continued from page 1 four of the current fraternities on interim suspension “were found responsible for alleged violations of the Student Organization Code of Conduct,” according to Montero-Adams. Delta Upsilon and Sigma Alpha Epsilon received formal warnings, Phi Kappa Psi went on probation and Sigma Phi Epsilon had a suspension in abeyance. Montero-Adams said the fraternities have not been placed on a social moratorium, or party ban, at this time. This is unlike in 2018 when the Interfraternity Council imposed a party ban after six of its then 15 chapters were placed on “elevated status,” meaning they were facing either suspensions
“The Pride Center, being that it is the hub of where we do a lot of our meetings, the different things that we want to do or different partnerships we were thinking about doing, they’ve been really helpful in that aspect, as well as being a financial partner for a lot of the different events that we do,” James said. Some of these events included The BlacQ Gay Pride Week which started from Oct. 14 to Oct. 17, with activities such as games nights, panel discussions, movies and even a drag show. James said they hope the club can host the week-long event annually. “It’s been quite the evolution to getting to us, having a whole week,” James said. “Even from here we’re already thinking of next year, what other things we want to do, how much bigger do we want to make the week and really wanting to somewhere down the line, partner with San Diego pride to have it just as big as San Diego Pride.” BlacQ Space External Relations Chair Jasmyne Robinson said the organization is planning to collaborate with other organizations like the Student African American Brotherhood and Sisterhood at SDSU this semester. By collaborating with these groups, Robinson wants to work on educating them on how to create safe spaces for African American queer people. But this would not be the first of the young group’s collaborations. “We recently developed a partnership with a company called Rebels and Royals
or probation. The ban was lifted last October. The latest wave of interim suspensions means six of the IFC’s now 14 chapters are currently on elevated status. Nu Kappa Alpha is not a part of the IFC. IFC President Steven Plante said these violations are something the council takes very seriously. “We can’t ever have a tunnel vision mindset,” Plante said. “And a lot of people think that seizing all activity would answer all of our questions, but unfortunately, I truly don’t believe that’s the answer. I don’t believe that just trying to get rid of everything is going to solve our issues. And unfortunately, if we were to do that people would just be more inclined to do their own thing and then they wouldn’t have a governing council like IFC.” The national chapters of Kappa Sigma,
Photo by Ashley Na
Founded by Shane James in 2017, BlacQ Space is the first Black, queer organization at San Diego State.
and also the Black LGBTQ Coalition of San Diego,” Covington said. Robinson said BlacQ Space helped her to come out as a lesbian and to love and embrace herself for who she was during her freshman year. The group has had a similar impact on some of its other members. “After one meeting, (an attendee) wanted to come out to her grandma as someone who was questioning their
identity or someone who might want to be a lesbian,” Robinson said. “So I think that was very cool for us to hear that we were able to answer some questions that she had and that she was able to relate to us and find safety in the space to say ‘Hey, I think I might be lesbian.’” BlacQ Space meets twice a month at the SDSU Pride Center. The next meeting, “Decolonizing Our AntiBlackness,” will be held on Oct. 24.
Nu Alpha Kappa and Theta Chi all said they are investigating these cases along with the university. The national chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was not immediately available for comment. There have been educational and structural changes put in place in Greek life to help change these kinds of behaviors, Montero-Adams said. There are new member symposiums addressing alcohol, drugs, hazing and sexual violence. Additionally, there are required community wellness workshops for various chapters. “While the organizations may stay the same every year, there’s new groups of students that we’re continuously working to educate within the organizations,” Montero-Adams said. “And so as we have new members come in, we have changed the way the new member education process works. So from our office, we’re
facilitating symposiums that address some of the big issues that we see within the organization.” If anyone has concerns or reports about the Greek community, they are encouraged to fill out the IFC Active Bystander Submission Form. Plante said this helps to take action and handle issues internally with members of the IFC through their judicial hearing process. The form is entirely confidential and only the IFC President and IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs have access to. “It allows us an opportunity to really hear from the community what’s happening because we’re not out on the streets patrolling every single night,” Plante said. “But we are able to have access to that form, which gives us more insight to what’s happening. And that way we’re able to better adjudicate our chapters independently with IFC.”
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Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com
News
The Daily Aztec
3
Sports for All symposium advocates for adaptive athletics by Jadyn Brandt STAFF WRITER
On Oct. 17 the Student Ability Success Center and Aztec Adaptive Sports came together to raise student awareness and support the Adaptive Athletics program at San Diego State. SDSU’s adaptive athletes attended the event to tell their stories and answer questions from other students. Ablebodied students had the chance to play wheelchair tennis and sitting volleyball in front of Hepner Hall. The program offers ambulatory track and field, aquatics and wheelchair tennis to adaptive athletes. Taylor Becher is one of three athletes on the team who attends a local community college but still represents SDSU. She said Adaptive Athletics not only offers the athletes opportunities to excel, but it also gives them a sense of belonging, history sophomore Teylor Becher said. “We’ve become not only really good athletes with really great coaching but we’ve become a really big family,” Becher said. “It’s really nice to have a place where we can train really hard and get to the level we want to be at while also being surrounded by people who understand us and understand what it’s like to struggle.” Becher, who studies history at her community college, said she plans on transferring to SDSU soon. Criminal justice freshman Amanda Malawski said the Adaptive Athletics program was the first time she had been a part of a sports team geared specifically towards athletes with disabilities. “When I was in high school, I got really
Photo by Jadyn Brandt
The Student Ability Success Center and Aztec Adaptive Sports co-hosted the Sports for All symposium.
subpar training because the coaches,” Malawski said. “They tried their best to train me, but they feared that they are going to harm me. “So to have this in comparison to high school is a total 360. They don’t make me question my ability they help me gain my ability and discover abilities I didn’t even know I had.” Program Director Ahkeel Whitehead said Adapted Athletics provides students with a way to compete in the sports they love which brings both mental and physical benefits.
“Mentally they’re starting to build some confidence and some self-empowerment, and a sense of belonging,” Whitehead said. “Physically, they are getting healthier, they are getting stronger, they’re getting better at their sport.” Although the program is relatively new, having been established in 2017, it has grown exponentially from when the first athlete in the program and criminal justice sophomore, Michelle Cross, started training. “I think people are starting to actually to recognize us as a real program,” Cross
said. “It’s been an amazing experience to see the growth that has come to the program.” Adaptive Athletics worked alongside SASC to raise awareness for the athletic program. “The main purpose was to promote inclusion on campus and educate the students at SDSU about our Adaptive Athletics team,” child and family development senior and SASC Programmer Julia Karczewski said. The Adapted Athletics program began only a year ago and is currently overshadowed by more popular sports like basketball and football. However, both the athletes in the program and SASC are working to change that. “Most students don’t even know we had a team because it just recently got started,” Karczewski said. “Able-bodied people, when they aren’t around it just don’t know about it and it’s not their fault.” Karczewski said working with Adaptive Athletics has made her more aware of accessibility and the barriers to accessibility that some students face. “It’s focusing on that it’s not just people in wheelchairs,” she said. “So making sure that if you have an event on campus everyone is included and welcome and there are accommodations for everyone.” Kinesiology freshman Mikayla Chandler said she and the other athletes currently have their sights set on making it to the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. “This summer we are going to Minnesota for the Paralympic time trials for Tokyo, so we’re going to be shooting for that and just trying our best to make the team,” she said.
Former student receives probation for setting fires near SDSU by Daniel Farr STAFF WRITER
A former San Diego State student has been sentenced for her involvement with a string of four fires in the College Area earlier this semester. Madelyn Delarosa was charged with 12 felonies in a four-day span between
March 13 and 16 of this spring, according to case documents. The cases shows the 20 year old set two occupied buildings and the property of at least two different individuals on fire. She was charged with three counts of burglary, four counts of arson, four counts of possession of flammable material and vandalism for the actions done around
campus. Delarosa was released from jail, placed in a youth mental health treatment program and was sentenced to three years of probation on Oct. 16, according to court documents. Prosecutors said on March 13, Delarosa unlawfully entered Piedra Del Sol Apartments with the intent to commit felony vandalism. She damaged property
that wasn’t her own and the value defacement, damage and destruction was $400 dollars or more. These crimes happened on the 5500 and 5600 block of Hardy Avenue and the 5500 block of Montezuma Road. No injuries or deaths were reported, and Delarosa was ordered to stay away from the victims and SDSU’s campus.
Aztecs Rock Hunger:
continued from page 1 “We use how much we raise as a credit line with the food bank, and then we use that to get food for our food pantry,” Adkins said. “So last year we used 111,000 pounds for our own food pantry on campus.” James Floros, president and CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, has been instrumental in the effort of having a food pantry on every college campus in the county. The food bank, which serves over 350,000 San Diegans a month, has one very clear goal: to break the cycle of poverty. “Hunger is a significant problem in our community,” Floros said. “We have 177,000 children that are living in poverty that are not eating food, and if they do, it’s not very nutritious, so it’s affecting academic outcomes, and it’s just a vicious cycle.” President Adela de la Torre attended the event, sharing words of encouragement to students and the campaign team. “The partnership with the San Diego Food Bank to address hunger in the community really speaks to the leadership that we share here,” de la Torre said. “One
Photo by Jeanette Giovanniello
The Aztecs Rock Hunger team announced a new goal to raise 619,000 pounds of food.
of the wonderful things about SDSU students is that they go beyond campus to the community to make transformative change.” This year’s campaign will run from Oct.
18 to Nov. 10. If the goal is achieved, it would generate over half a million meals, according to Floros. Red bins will be placed throughout campus to collect non-perishables, which
will contribute directly to the campus food pantry. Monetary donations can be made through Venmo or at any Aztec Shops location. To get involved, visit the Aztecs Rock Hunger website.
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Opinion
The Daily Aztec
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Catherine Van Weele • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
Students benefit from minimum wage increases by Catherine OPINION EDITOR
Van Weele
The current minimum wage in the city of San Diego is $12. Although this is far above the national minimum wage, it lags significantly behind a livable wage. For college students who are working, $12 an hour barely contributes anything. In the past, it was easier for students to work their way through college, but today, with rising costs of tuition and housing, it is much more difficult. It is recommended for full-time students to work about 10-15 hours a week. If a hypothetical San Diego State student were to work 15 hours each week at a minimum wage job, they would have an untaxed earnings of $9,360 for the year. This would just be enough to cover the cost of tuition at $7,510 as well as textbooks and course materials for the whole year. However, this would not cover the costs of housing, food, transportation, insurance, entertainment and any other
expenses that may come up. Although there are many students who are awarded financial aid and scholarships, most students end up paying out of pocket and taking out loans to cover all the costs of attending college. This is particularly problematic at SDSU where non-local freshmen must pay upwards of $15,045 for housing and food costs for the school year. Even students who live off campus find housing costs to be expensive where the average rent for an apartment is $2,004 a month in College Area. Asking students to work anymore than 15 hours each week would be detrimental to student academic performance. Studies have shown when students begin to work more than 20 hours a week, their grades decrease. Students, regardless of employment status, are enrolled in college to pursue an education and that should remain their priority. Higher wages would allow students to focus more on what they are here for without having to carry the burden of additional financial stress.
The more time spent at work, the less time for everything else. Aside from classes, working students may struggle with maintaining a social life, joining extracurricular activities on campus and practicing self-care. Often, students must choose between homework or friends, sleep or exercising and so on. Every day of every week must be carefully planned out to ensure responsibilities do not overlap and all those responsibilities are met in a timely manner. This includes planning out meals, errands and chores. It is exhausting. Raising the minimum wage would allow students to work less hours so they can utilize their time doing something more constructive, making their schedules less stressful. The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at SDSU is $30,522 which includes tuition, food, housing, transportation and additional personal expenses. If a student worked 15 hours a week, to cover this expense students would need to be earning over $39 an hour.
This number would be impossible to attain. But any increase to the minimum wage would significantly help working students. Studies show the majority of Americans support raising the minimum wage to a rate of $15 an hour. While the state of California is slowly implementing a $15 minimum wage by raising hourly wages by one dollar each year. More can certainly be done, but this is a step in the right direction. Students working 15 hours on minimum wage will soon be earning more than $2,000 more with this higher pay. This amount of money could cover nearly all of one’s groceries or gas for the year. And, perhaps some of it could even be put into a savings account so students have some funds after they graduate. College is hard enough as it is. Money should not be a limitation to success. Let’s raise the minimum wage so students be the best they can. Catherine Van Weele is a sophomore studying political science. Follow her on Twitter @catievanweele.
SAT & ACT shouldn’t be considered in college applications by Karlene STAFF WRITER
Sanchez
Tests have been designed as a way to test students’ knowledge and understanding of a subject after lecturers teach a set of modules. But, what happens when a student isn’t a good test taker? Does a score diminish or determine a student’s abilities? Think about a time you were getting ready to take a big test that either made or broke your grade in a class, or determined your acceptance into your dream university. Anxiety and stress levels are sky high at these moments, creating pressure before and after the test is taken. What happens when students don’t get the results they wished for because they scored poorly? This creates more anxiety and lowers a student’s self-esteem. University of California officials are closely considering their focus on testing requirements, and determining if change is needed in testing demands we have long been familiar with. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) are standardized exams that have been used for decades to test academic readiness for college and the scores considered in the college admission process in the U.S. These are both now being observed by UC officials. UC President Janet Napolitano wrote to Academic Senate Chair Shane White in July 2018 requesting the academic senate “examine the current use of standardized testing for UC admission; review the testing principles developed in 2002 and revised in 2010; and determine whether any changes in admission testing policies or practices are necessary to ensure that the University continues
Graphic by Emily Burgess
to use standardized tests in the appropriate way.” Academic Council Chair Robert C. May accepted Napolitano’s request in Sept. 2018 on behalf of the academic council, then formed the Standardized Testing Task Force in fulfillment of the request. The task force includes UC professors in the fields of education, neuroscience, engineering, economics and one student representative. The task force will evaluate whether the University and its students are best served by the current testing practices, a modification of the current practices, another testing approach as a whole or even no testing at all. The overall goal is to develop recommendations for implementation in UC undergraduate admissions process. It’s especially important that leaders of the panel consider how altering the test requirement will be beneficial to students who aren’t good test takers, but are still bright students. Business marketing senior Georgia Martin said tests are not a reflection of what has been taught, but rather, a student’s
memorization skills. “Sometimes I memorize content even if don’t understand it because there’s no time to understand,” Martin said. ”Tests are designed in a way to pass a class which leads to a short-term memory.” Martin adds she knows intelligent people that aren’t effective test takers, but tests reward people who can understand and memorize content. Professors and educators should ensure students have flexibility in the way they are tested by accommodating students’ needs, and not simply forcing them to memorize for the sake of a letter grade. Perhaps more effective ways of testing students knowledge without implementing the traditional “testing” structure could be by allowing students to produce content that challenges their creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, motivation, leadership, courage and sense of wonder based off of the content learned. Director of the Student Ability Success Center Pamela Starr believes there is not a single efficient method to measure all students’ knowledge on a subject.
“Each student has their own learning style, or combination of styles,” Starr said. “With this in mind, if a test were made up of different styles of measure, such as multiple choice, true and false, short answer essay, demonstration and oral dialogue, then the outcome would be a much stronger demonstration of mastery for most students than a test with one style of measure.” Clearly there are so many factors that must be taken into consideration when assessing a student. The way tests are structured today with simply true and false, multiple choice and rarely short answer essays, narrows our testing abilities to a great degree. Aside from narrowing our testing abilities, tests can add unnecessary amount of stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, therefore contributing to an added pressure when taking a test. Institutions should instead cut back on giving students unnecessary tests and encourage students to implement their creativity towards what has been taught and taken away. If one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious public university systems decides to terminate or adjust its standardized testing requirement, the California State University system should join in reevaluating its testing prerequisites. If the task force decides to drop the SAT requirement, this will bring more equity to students who aren’t good test takers, thus allowing students to pursue their dreams without barriers. Let’s hope our leaders make a decision that will benefit all students regardless of test taking ability. Karlene Sanchez is a senior studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @SanchezKarlene.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Bella Ross MANAGING EDITOR Dana Tsuri-Etzioni NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Little ASST. NEWS EDITOR Michael Cline OPINION EDITOR Catherine Van Weele MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Alejandra Luna ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Diane Lopez ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ceighlee Fennel SPORTS EDITOR Aaron Tolentino ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Brenden Tuccinardi PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Amal Younis ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jack Molmud GRAPHIC DESIGNER Emily Burgess VOLUNTEER COPY EDITOR Noah Goldbloom
STAFF WRITERS Roxana Becerril Jadyn Brandt Daniel Farr Jeanette Giovanniello Luis Lopez Antonio Márquez Lucelis Martínez Ashley Na Catlan Nguyen Juniper Perkins Katelynn Robinson Karlene Sanchez Noé Sandoval Miles Streicek CONTRIBUTORS Peyton Antil Sofia Longo Amber Salas Oliver Schacht ________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond ________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER/ADVISER Jay Harn GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Luis Valenzuela ________________________________ EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday throughout the semester WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com QUESTIONS/COMMENTS letters@thedailyaztec.com The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.
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Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Catherine Van Weele • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
Opinion
The Daily Aztec
5
SDSU should celebrate Aztec culture by Peyton Antil CONTRIBUTOR
For decades at San Diego State, there has been a contentious debate about the cultural appropriateness of our school mascot, the Aztec Warrior. In recent years, there has been upheaval and change after a 300-page report conducted by a 17-person task force was delivered in 2018. I am not here to say that using the Aztec name is wrong and we should get rid of it, but I am here to say that we are in a way exploiting this culture for our own gain. To rightfully and respectfully call ourselves Aztecs, I believe there must be more education universally on campus to celebrate their rich culture. As a freshman, as soon as I made the decision to come to SDSU I was concerned with the fact that I, a white person, would be deemed an “Aztec for Life.” It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth thinking I am now able to “identify” with a culture that I know little to nothing about. It feels like I am taking something that wasn’t mine to take. Former SDSU President Sally Roush rationalized continued use of the name by encouraging recognition and reverence for the Aztecs and their culture as part of our daily life here at SDSU following the task force’s thorough investigation, according to the president’s website. Although school has only been in session for about nine weeks, I have seen very little implementation or “recognition” and “reverence” of the Aztec identity in my daily life here at SDSU, other than street and
building names. And if there have been educational opportunities that I might have missed, the school has not done a good job of advertising them. Personally, I do not believe slapping an indigenous name on to a dorm building and calling it a day is considered honoring a culture. Especially when that name has become subject to ridicule and disrespect. In the mere six weeks it has been open, the new freshman dorm building, Huaxyacac, has been christened “Wash ya cock” almost universally on campus. This is because it was deemed “too hard to pronounce” by a majority of students. Huaxyacac means “place of the guaje,” a pod from the Leucaena leucocephala tree, also known as the Guaje tree. Huaxyacac is a Nahuatl variation that refers to the region of Oaxaca as it was known by the Aztec civilization prior to colonial contact. This represents a very significant part of the Aztec culture, yet far too many students don’t know any better, or care. And that is the problem: we don’t know any better. Out of the nearly 34,000 students enrolled at SDSU, what percent can say where in the world the Aztecs originated? Hint: Nowhere near San Diego. Who knows the true importance and significance of Montezuma (correctly spelled Moctezuma) whom has many spots on campus named after him? How many students know the vast accomplishments of the Aztec people? For us to rightfully and completely honor the culture that our school is representing, there must be more educational
opportunities. This native culture is too valuable and important for thousands of us to not know any better. The Aztec Identity Task Force decided to keep the Aztec moniker, but did not reach a consensus on the future of the Aztec Warrior. The task force also recommended that SDSU uses a variety of Aztec symbols around campus in order to provide education on the Aztec culture and to support indigenous cultures. The school has since gotten rid of our “mascot,” The Aztec Warrior, and has renamed it the “Spirit Leader” along with altering the costume to make it more historically accurate and culturally sensitive. Regardless, whatever you want to call it, the Aztec Warrior is still a mascot by definition, and we continue to use the Aztec culture as a token of our sporting events. Can the majority of the student body actually tell the cultural significance that the Aztec Warrior or spiritual leader is based on? Does the spirit leader significantly add anything to the experience of the game? If the university is willing to go through the trouble of conducting a months-long project to justify the mascot name, why should it stop there? If the name is really that important to this institution, we need to be doing more to honor and teach about their culture instead of doing the bare minimum. In 2005, the NCAA cracked down on teams with “hostile or abusive” mascots. SDSU was not cited in this decision. We were given a pass due to the fact the Aztecs are not a Native American tribe and no longer
Photo by Alexa Oslowski
Aztec Warrior at SDSU a football game.
have any descendants, as the civilization was eradicated due to colonization in the 1500s. Author Jennifer Guiliano, said for NCAA, “It’s really hard for native communities to look past that a lot of this celebration is a celebration of the dying of their ancestors … If these are celebrations, what exactly are they celebrating? It is celebrating extermination and colonization.” I believe it is wrong to call ourselves the Aztecs without addressing why they no longer exist. And the fact we could keep the Aztec name with no penalty from the NCAA on a technicality until the school decided to get involved 10 years later isn’t something to be proud of.
In addition, one could argue the NCAA’s claim there are no longer any Aztec descendents alive is invalid. Since there is allegedly no descendents of the Aztec people left, don’t we have an obligation to continue their legacy though educating our student body? I am not suggesting we lose the Aztec name. However, if we are going to keep it we must have some integrity and implement the decisions from the report and actually offer thorough recognition and reverence for the Aztec name and culture. Peyton Antil is a freshman studying journalism and political science.
We must be realistic when drafting climate change plans by Miles Streicek STAFF WRITER
Both our nation and the world have recently been rocked by large scale protests against perceived inaction on the subject of greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change. This movement has largely been spearheaded by a 16-yearold girl from Sweden named Greta Thunberg. She recently spoke passionately about the existential threat to humanity at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. These demonstrations and Thunberg’s activism are certainly well intentioned and bring up genuine issues, without a doubt. However, the issue with the current state of climate advocacy is that there is a lack of practical, serious or realistic plans that address the issue from multiple sides. At most, you will see many catchphrases on posters at protests and a lot of Democratic party activists talking about how we need new leadership in the White House. If you hear any actual proposals made, it will likely have to do with passing the “Green New Deal,” going vegan
or stopping the use of fossil fuels virtually overnight. These are not serious ideas, these are ideas from people in a state of desperation thinking emotionally instead of logically. Even the United Nations Sustainable Development plan isn’t serious. This is people getting excited about the problem and not any real solution. Here in the U.S, what we can do as a nation is tackle the issue from three different angles, as opposed to one. The first being to continue the expansion and subsidization of American manufactured green energy technologies. This includes solar, wind and hydro, which make up 11% of our current energy production in total, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency. One of the main limitations to solar energy in particular is that it only generates power during the day, so to solve this issue, battery technology must advance through public and private sector collaboration. The goal should be to see a large increase in the portion of our energy produced from renewable methods year after year. The second angle to take is the
development of new technology. Some projects currently in the works include fusion energy and carbon removal. Fusion power is a form of nuclear power, but instead of splitting atoms apart, it puts two hydrogen atoms together to make one helium. This generates a virtually unfathomable amount of energy, is much safer than fission, does not create nuclear waste and is virtually unlimited as hydrogen is the most abundant substance in the universe. Aside from that, the technology already exists to pull carbon out of the air using fans and suspending it in liquid containing carbon capturing chemicals where it will then be used to create synthetic fuels. Right now, unfortunately, it is far too expensive for widespread commercial use at around $600 per ton of CO2. But in the future, if scientists say the price could drop below $100, which would make it cheap enough for widespread use. These two technologies alone could help to solve the climate issues once and for all if implemented. The final angle is to decrease the emissions of our pollutiongenerating industries. The simple reality is, we do not have the
ability to stop burning fossil fuel in the near future. More than 60% of our electricity is currently generated by coal, natural gas and oil. So unless you are okay with giving up electricity and modern society, and going back to the stone age after a descent into chaos, shutting down coal plants and stopping the utilization of oil and natural gas isn’t a serious solution or idea. Yet there is an immense amount we can do, and are doing already, to reduce our carbon footprint in heavy industry and electricity. The major part is the transfer from oil and coal towards natural gas, which, although still produces carbon dioxide, is far cleaner. For this reason, and largely this reason alone, our country has seen a decrease of 12% in total carbon emissions and nearly 20% on a per capita basis between 2005 and 2017, while China and India have doubled theirs in the same time frame. While coal is on the decline for energy use, it will not be fully eliminated because it is used in the manufacturing of solar panels and carbon sequestering
concrete. It would make sense to implement “clean coal” technologies which reduce the total carbon footprint per unit of power generated by up to 70% as well as massive reductions in other pollutants. This is done through a large engine that compresses the CO2 once burnt from the coal into essentially more coal that is then burnt, thus generating more power for the same amount of coal while also sequestering carbon in a similar liquid used in carbon harnessing fans. These are our best ways of cutting emissions in the short term, while simultaneously working on longer term solutions. However, ironically, people protest against clean coal and natural gas technologies, ignorantly insisting they are part of the problem rather than part of the solution. With a clear head, steadfast leadership, market incentives, cooperation between scientists, government and corporations, we can get past this issue. Miles Steiceck is a junior studying finance and is a member of College Republicans on campus.
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The Daily Aztec
News
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com
Free speech site, inclusive portal launched by Oliver Schacht CONTRIBUTOR
San Diego State has launched two new web-based resources that will provide students with information regarding free speech rights and a mechanism to report incidents related to inclusivity on campus. The university created two new websites – a Free Speech site and Inclusive SDSU – to engage students on their rights and responsibilities surrounding the use of speech on campus. “The new Free Speech site is just an avenue for students to get educated on what it means to use free speech and what the difference between free speech and hate speech is,” Associated Students President Christian Onwuka said. Now their goal is to make students aware of the new website. “I think it is important, especially because the political climate that we are in right now as a country,” Onwuka said. “To draw that line between free speech and hate speech but still encourage students to be confident and empowered to use their voice and tell the university and their constituents what they need to hear.”
According to SDSU Newscenter, the development of both online resources collectively involved representatives of SDSU Divisions of Student Affairs and Business and Financial Affairs, as well as Faculty Advancement, Associated Students and other areas of campus. The free speech website contains information regarding Constitutional rights of students. “Our campus is committed to its academic mission and public mandate to serve as a place where individuals from diverse perspectives can freely express and explore ideas, concepts and opinions,” according to the Free Speech site. The Free Speech site will be updated with more current information and additional resources over time. The university also launched Inclusive SDSU to focus on diversity and inclusion. “The Inclusive reporting system is a new resource that is available to students on campus that allows students to share information about positive or negative events related to diversity and inclusion on campus,” Associate Chief Diversity Officer for Student Engagement Jessica Nare said. Nare said the ability to report incidents
Photo by Alexa Oslowski
SDSU launched two new web-based portals regarding free speech rights and inclusivity on campus.
— positive or negative — is important in ensuring SDSU remains a welcoming campus for all students. “The portal is a way to highlight positive interactions but also report when a negative incident occurs,” Nare said. “Our goals are to really make sure that students feel welcome, safe and included on campus.” The university will review the
submissions of the Inclusive Reporting System to recognize patterns of occurrences on our campus that may require coordinated action. “It allows us to track any common themes that arrive as a really biased incident so that our campus can respond and be aware of some of the prevention and intervention to address these specific biased concerns our students are reporting,” Nare said.
Student entrepreneurs compete in VentureStart event by Daniel Farr STAFF WRITER
San Diego State’s student-entrepreneurs went toe-to-toe and put their business ideas and pitches to the test at the finals for the Lavin VentureStart Competition on Oct. 16. Each team had seven minutes to share their business ideas before three judges, all SDSU graduates and now successful entrepreneurs, had five minutes to ask each team questions after their pitch. Four teams competed to build a real company and solve an industry problem. TechFresh, a four person team, was named the fall 2019 winner. “As far as their presentation, set up, business model was well established and they seemed to research more than some of the other teams and they addressed every area,” Vice President of Technology at Power Digital Marketing and competition judge John Saunders said. TechFresh proposed an app that offers technological help to seniors, which would include assistance with printing, downloading a file or anything technology related. According to the team members, 77% of seniors need solutions for tech shortcomings. The TechFresh team said they also
Photo by Daniel Farr
The winning team, “TechFresh,” took home a trophy and $500 dollars in the Lavin VentureStart Competition.
want to build a platform that connects seniors with college students who fully understand tech. The student employees would be paid $20 dollars an hour to answer questions from seniors about technology, if the company can come into fruition. Senior citizens would be able to get help through their app and, in some cases, the employee could come to the customer’s home to offer in-home tech support. “We’re using the winnings as our testing faze,” Benjamin Shapiro, a TechFresh team member and business junior said. “We’re reaching out to retirement homes,
senior citizens organizations and asking them what they need so we can launch a prototype.” Runner-up, BabyBox claimed parents spend too much money on infant clothing. The company would send 10 outfits to the subscriber for a cost of $45 dollars per month. All the clothes would be recycled, meaning once the month ends, the subscriber packs up the 10 outfits, sends it back at no extra charge, then receives a new box. The clothes that get returned, cleaned, then sent out to the next subscriber.
“I was hoping to get first place, but I feel like TechFresh did a great job of presenting and they deserve the first place ranking, but second place is better than last place,” Victoriana Geonzalez, a BabyBox team member and business administration senior said. “We will get a prototype finished and start testing with groups of mothers.” Third place was awarded to Genie, a company focused on senior isolation. Their company proposed an app or software to help isolated seniors with daily tasks. A senior would log onto an app or webpage, then select what they need help with. It could be companionship, shopping, cooking or cleaning. A college student would show up and help them with anything they’ve selected. The seniors would be charged $20 dollars an hour for these services. The Lavin VentureStart Competition takes place once a semester, and the winning team receives $500 dollars and their name on a passed-down trophy. Second place winner receive $250 dollars and third place winners receive $150 dollars. SDSU students interested in competing next semester can visit the Lavin Center website for more information.
Crime report: Petty theft, vehicle theft, vandalism on campus by Katelynn STAFF WRITER
Robinson
PETTY THEFT On Sept. 23, there were six reports of petty theft. At 9:12 a.m., it was reported that two clothing items were stolen from the Aztec Shops Bookstore. The items were valued at $53. A non-SDSU student was arrested and not allowed back on campus for seven days. Around 10:30 a.m., it was reported that two shirts were stolen from the Aztec Shops Bookstore, which were valued at $72. The non student was arrested, cited and then released.
An iPad was reported stolen around 1:50 p.m. from a golf cart that was parked outside of the Education and Business Administration building. At Tarastec Apartments on 55th Street, around 4:40 p.m., it was reported that the seat, rear reflector and phone holder were stolen off of a bike parked in the bike racks. It is expected that the theft occurred between Wednesday and Saturday. A bike was reported stolen at 6:22 p.m. from the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. The reporting party left the bike, valued at $150, in the East rack by the flag poles at around 8:00 a.m., and when they returned it was gone.
At 9:26 p.m., a skateboard was reported stolen from the skateboard rack outside of the Aztec Recreation Center. It is believed that the theft occurred the day before between 11:00 p.m. and midnight. VEHICLE THEFT On Sept. 20 at 8:20 a.m., a golf cart was reported stolen. The theft occurred at Facilities Services on Aztec Circle Dr. The graphics design golf cart was noticed missing at 7:00 a.m. and the chain cut. VANDALISM At 2:57 p.m. on Sept. 20, it was reported that paper plates were burned
and melted into a vehicle parked at Parking 1 on College Ave. On Sept. 18 at 12:53 a.m., a laptop valued at $1,500 was reported stolen from the locker room at the Aztec Recreation Center. The theft was expected to have occured between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. GRAND THEFT At 8:52 p.m. on Sept 17, a backpack with items valued at $1,500 was stolen from a bench at Malcolm A. Love Library on Campanile Dr. The backpack supposedly went missing after the owner left it on a bench and then returned and it was missing.
7 Sports Aztecs stumble in second half, fall to No. 21 Marshall
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
by Amber Salas CONTRIBUTOR
San Diego State men’s soccer lost to No. 21 Marshall by a final score of 5-1 on Oct. 18 at the SDSU Sports Deck. The first half started as a back-andforth affair between both sides until Marshall pulled away in the second half by scoring four goals. “That goal going in the first couple of minutes broke our spirit,” SDSU head coach Lev Kirshner said. “The team just didn’t bounce back and they made us pay for it.” All the action began in the 29th minute when redshirt freshman defender Kyle Colonna was issued a yellow card inside the penalty box. Marshall (10-1-2, 3-01 Conference USA) sophomore defender Jan-Erik Leinhos converted from the penalty spot to give the Thundering Herd its first lead of the game. The Aztecs (3-8-1, 0-5 Pac-12 Conference) fired back a few minutes later after a corner was awarded from a free kick position. Senior midfielder Pablo Pelaez hit a ball that connected with senior defender Miles Stray to find the back of the net for his first goal of the season. “It feels good,” Stray said of the goal. “But it feels a lot better in the moment. It would be nice if we came out with the (win).” Stray’s goal ended the Aztecs’ twogame scoring drought. Despite their deficit, Kirshner said his team was still able to bring its competitive drive.
Photo by Luis Lopez
Sophomore midfielder Tristan Weber (19) attempts to dribble the ball past the Marshall defender during the Aztecs’ 5-1 loss to Marshall on Oct. 18 at the SDSU Sports Deck.
“That’s generally the character of our program,” Kirshner said. “There’s always fight and always a battle.” This is the first time Marshall allowed an opponent to score in the first half all season. Marshall then opened up the floodgates
in the second half. Sophomore forward Vitor Dias got the Thundering Herd on the board three minutes after the break in the 48th minute. Redshirt freshman forward Milo Yosef had a brace scoring goals in the 66th and 75th minute.
The nail in the coffin came in the 78th minute when SDSU sophomore midfielder Reagan Sherlock scored an own goal. Marshall was pressing on the attack when a crossing ball deflected off Sherlock and went past his own goalkeeper. The Thundering Herd only needed 11 shots to bag in its four goals, and Kirshner said it was frustrating to watch his team have defensive breakdowns. “We continually keep doing this to ourselves,” Kirshner said. “This is not soccer. That is just giving away easy goals.” The Aztecs have managed to only have one goal in their past three matches. Sophomore midfielder Laukoa Santos said the team has been facing hardship when it comes to scoring. “We have to look within and figure that out,” Santos said. “We haven’t been connecting as well in the final third.” Santos added the Aztecs will remain positive and believe they can turn it around with six games remaining on their schedule. “We don’t want to have a losing record,” he said. “We need to start winning games for the seniors, for the program, for the fans who come out here.” The Aztecs will face Oregon State in a pivotal Pac-12 Conference matchup on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the SDSU Sports Deck. Amber Salas is a junior studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @ambersalass.
JUMP:
continued from page 1 Add junior running back Chase Jasmin to the party. Jasmin had a 50-yard burst to give SDSU the 27-10 lead at the end of the third quarter. The run was the Aztecs’ longest play from scrimmage this season. Aztecs head coach Rocky Long said when the team runs the ball like that, good things usually happen. “I don’t know what the stat is, but any time we rush over 200 yards, we seem to win at a very high rate,” Long said. “So our offense did a nice job running the ball.” At six wins, SDSU now becomes bowl eligible for the tenth straight year – a feat that only teams such as Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and MWC opponent Boise State have accomplished. “That’s where our program is in public perception, and that’s where our program is in my perception,” Long said. “I think being bowl eligible is pretty elite. It’s hard to do consistently. When you have a good team for a year or two, that’s not hard to do. But to do it for 10 straight years, that doesn’t happen in many places.” With Stanford going through a down year at 3-4, the Cardinal are in danger of missing out on bowl eligibility for the first time since 2008. If Stanford does not become bowl eligible this season, the Aztecs will be the only California school with such streak. Despite the signifance of the win, Saturday did not come without its flaws. The Aztecs committed 12 penalities for 85 yards compared to SJSU’s one penalty for 15 yards. SDSU senior quarterback Ryan Agnew said limiting penalties will be a focus in the week’s upcoming practices. “You just have to hold your composure, you can’t have those holding penalties, blocking in the back, false starts,” Agnew said. “The only way to get better is just (to) harp on it, keep talking about it during the week of practice.”
Photo by Kareem Jones
Sophomore running back Kaegun Williams runs through the Spartan defense during the Aztecs’ 27-17 victory over San José State on Oct. 19 at CEFCU Stadium. Williams returned the opening kickoff for a 95-yard touchdown.
“I think being bowl elgible is pretty elite. It’s hard to do consistently... To do it for 10 straight years, that doesn’t happen in many places.”
– Rocky Long, Aztecs head coach
Coming into Saturday, the Aztecs were expecting a whole lot of pass attempts from Spartans senior quarterback Josh Love who came in averaging over 300 passing yards a game along with 10 touchdown passes. Indeed, the Aztecs saw a bunch of pass
attempts. But they also saw a bunch of incompletions as well, thanks to the defensive effort put on against Love. The Aztecs held Love to 19-of-36 passing, 218 yards and two touchdowns. Long said the defense was able to force
Love in having a subpar performance. “Except for a couple really long passes they completed, I thought we kept them under control,” Long said. “We kept him below his completion percentage rate. We intercepted a pass at the end. He’s only thrown two (on the season).” SDSU’s defense has given up an average of 13.7 points per game, which is good enough to be ranked ninth out of 130 FBS teams in the country. Aaron Tolentino is a senior studying journalism. Follow him on Twitter @atolent2.
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Sports
The Daily Aztec
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com
SDSU victorious over Boise and Pepperdine by Brandon Whatley
Freed & Devin
San Diego State swimming and diving defeated Boise State (150-134) and Pepperdine (207-80) in a tri-meet on Oct. 18 at the Aztec Aquaplex. Mike Shrader, the reigning Mountain West Swimming Coach of the Year, said he enjoyed his players’ energy at the pool. “It’s a privilege to work with fabulous young ladies,” he said. They are like sisters and like family. They’re a really close team and we had a lot of fun today, they were dancing around, singing, having fun and being very relaxed, which translated to a lot of good results.” One swimmer to emerge from the results was junior Klara Thormalm, who won both breaststroke races. Shrader said Thormalm’s best performance was in the 200-meter breaststroke when she recorded a season-best time of 2:14.79. “(The) 200 meter breaststroke was my favorite swim she had today,” Shrader said. “She seemed very relaxed, and her time was about the same time as last week.” The Vetlanda, Sweden native said she was proud of her performance considering how early it is in the season. “(The 200 meter breaststroke time) was about three seconds off my personal best, and that’s a good time for right now just starting the season,” Thormalm said. On the diving side, sophomore
Photo by Sam Mayo
A San Diego State swimmer competes in the butterfly during the Aztecs’ first home meet of the season against Pepperdine and Boise State on Oct. 18 at the Aztec Aquaplex.
Ximena Lechuga won the 1-meter title with a season-high 302.30 points. Lechuga, the defending MWC Diver of the Year, said she strives to be persistent as the season progresses. “I can improve on my hurdles mostly and be more (consistent) entering practices,” she said. Friday was SDSU’s first meet at the Aztec Aquaplex this season. Thormalm said it was exciting to play
at home in front of the Scarlet and Black crowd. “It’s always fun to compete at home and there was a lot of supporters and cheering today, so it was really fun to compete in front of the fans,” she said. The Aztec divers will head to the Northern Arizona Diving Invitational from Nov. 15 to 17, and the swimmers will participate at the Mizzou Invitational in Columbia, Mo. from Nov. 20 to 22.
Shrader said despite the separation of meets, it will prepare the squad for MWC competition in the spring. “We’ll be a little bit apart, come back and have more meets apart,” Shrader said. “Then get ready for conference in second semester.” Devin Whatley is a sophomore studying journalism. Brandon Freed is a junior studying journalism.
Water polo’s offseason fueled by new faces, new energy by Breven Honda STAFF WRITER
San Diego State water polo has seen some changes to its program this offseason. “Even though we’re not in 20-hour practices yet, it’s going really well so far with a lot of new faces and new energy,” head coach Carin Crawford said. One of the new faces on the team is an assistant coach. Dana Ochsner, who is from nearby Oceanside, Calif., was named assistant in September.
“We have a lot of new changes starting with my new assistant coach, Dana Ochsner,” Crawford said. “She’s brought a lot of good energy, new ideas and good excitement to the team.” In addition to a new coach, Crawford added some pieces via new recruits from the high school and transfer market, including three true freshmen and three transfers. One of those transfers is junior goalie Hannah McCarley, who is elevating the competition for the other goalkeepers. “I think we will be a little tougher to score on, especially in those outnumbered attack situations,”
Crawford said. “Our young goalie group has grown up a little bit. They have taken a lot more shots up and I think Hannah McCarley as the experienced, community college transfer has stepped up the level of competition and play.” Another player who has elevated their game is junior defender Lucia Carballo. Crawford said Carballo played attacker as a member of the Mexican international team. “(Carballo’s) role on our team is defender and she’s done that really, really well,” Crawford said. “But her summer with team Mexico helped her develop as an offensive threat. She
File photo
Head coach Carin Crawford speaks to her team in a game during the 2011 season.
was in there as an attacker. It was the best possible training she could have received in terms of bringing that skill set back to our team.” Carballo’s transition gives Crawford thought to play her alongside senior defender Casia Morrison instead of playing them at different times. “(Carballo) and Casia have been my two senior defenders and they’ve never been in it at the same time,” Crawford said. “With (Carballo’s) experience on defense, I know I could trust her on that side of the ball. She’s speedy and if she’s willing to attack, she’s definitely a good option.” Carballo and Morrison are just two of 13 upperclassmen on the roster. Crawford said having a baker’s dozen worth of juniors and seniors gives the team maturity and confidence from the elder statesmen. “When I see a player like Casia and (senior utility) Isabelle Hastings, the experience and knowledge and the skill of the seniors is excellent,” she said. “It really shows that if you put in the time, you stay the course and you don’t give up, your time will come.” Hastings, who is from San Diego, was a role player for her first three seasons as an Aztec. But Crawford said she has an opportunity to explode in year four. “I really see Hastings having a breakout season and she’s pretty much been a role player for three years,” Crawford said. “Putting in the time and the experience she’s gained over the past three seasons is almost unofficially going to have her better prepared than a freshman coming in that doesn’t have that experience.” Breven Honda is a junior studying journalism. Follow him on Twitter @BrevenHonda.
Sports
Oct. , 2019 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
9
Golf has record-setting day, takes home individual, team title by Luis Lopez STAFF WRITER
For San Diego State men’s golf, its last tournament win came in 2016 at the Saint Mary’s Invitational. Three years is quite a while to have to wait for another tournament win. However, thanks to Aztecs junior golfer Puwit Anupansuebsai, the wait is over. Anupansuebsai took home first place at this year’s Bill Cullum Invite at the Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley, California. He said the team’s unity helped it earn a tournament victory. “We haven’t been playing well the past two or three years, and this year we have a pretty good team,” Anupansuebsai said. “We came together as a team, preparing to push (ourselves) further really hard, practice and prepare before we go out to every tournament and it worked pretty well.” Anupansuebsai’s individual victory was the first of his collegiate career. He said the work he and his teammates put in to prepare for tournaments was a key factor
in his success. “It felt good,” Anupansuebsai said. “All the hard work and the time we put in to practice, workouts and school work, it’s just great to be out there and win the tournament.” Anupansuebsai posted a score of 198 for the tournament, shooting 18 under par – a tournament record. He simply alluded to how his game was top notch for the tournament. “I didn’t really make any mistakes out there, I just played my game,” Anupansuebsai said. “My putter worked really well that week.” The 2019 All-Mountain West selection also led the field with 21 birdies during the tournament. While a victory at the collegiate level was something that previously eluded Anupansuebsai’s time at SDSU, head coach Ryan Donovan said he knew it was on the way. “He adds so much value for our program and the team, and it becomes one of those things where you’re almost just waiting and needs a breakout win,” Donovan said in a phone interview. “The sky’s the limit for him. We knew he was definitely
going to be in contention coming nine holes down the stretch.” The win wasn’t the only time Anupansuebsai put up a good score. In March and April of this year, Anupansuebsai placed eighth in both the Lamkin San Diego Classic and the Mountain West championship. Donovan said Anupansuebsai’s consistency has helped him find success this season. “With his three starts, just consistency,” Donovan said. “He’s been under par everywhere now.” A player of Anupansuebsai’s talent level is sure to draw excitement from any coach, and Donovan is no exception. Donovan even mentioned a title that most collegiate athletes aspire to reach. “He’s one of our guys, he’s our leader, and he’s been through the process long enough where I think he’s just continuing to become of All-American status,” Donovan said. One could only imagine the sky is now the limit for Anupansuebsai. Luis Lopez is a junior studying journalism. Follow him on Twitter @Lopez509Luis.
Courtesy of Derrick Tuskan, SDSU Athletics
Junior Puwit Anupansuebsai shot a tournament-record 18 under par at the Bill Cullum Invite.
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Date Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Wednesday, October 23, 2019 Thursday, October 24, 2019 Thursday, October 24, 2019 Thursday, October 24, 2019 Friday, October 25, 2019 Friday, October 25, 2019
Time 7:00 PM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 10:00 AM 1:00 PM
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY ALTERNATIVE CONSULTATION OPEN FORUM SCHEDULE STUDENTS MUST BRING VALID RED ID CARDS TO FORUMS! Location Host Tula Community Center Residential Halls Student Leaders Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Student Life and Leadership Professional Studies & Fine Arts Building, Suite 100 Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Student Visionary Suite Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition North Education Building, Room 60 Fowler Athletics Center Auditorium Calpulli Center, 4th Floor Conference Rooms Peer Health Education Trainees
Monday, October 28, 2019 Monday, October 28, 2019 Tuesday, October 29, 2019 Wednesday, October 30, 2019 Wednesday, October 30, 2019 Thursday, October 31, 2019 Friday, November 1, 2019 Friday, November 1, 2019
1:00 PM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 2:00 PM 3:30 PM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM
Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre Tula Community Center Black Resource Center Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Tehuanco Suite Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre Calpulli Center, 4th Floor Conference Rooms Arena Meeting Center A&B Classrooms Storm Hall 109
Monday, November 4, 2019 Monday, November 4, 2019 Tuesday, November 5, 2019 Tuesday, November 5, 2019 Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Thursday, November 7, 2019 Thursday, November 7, 2019 Thursday, November 7, 2019 Thursday, November 7, 2019
1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM 12:00 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:30 PM
Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre Cuicacalli Suites Seminar Room Tula Community Center Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Park Boulevard Room Tula Community Center EOP Learning Support Center, Student Services East Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Pride Suite Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Student Life & Leadership Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre Calpulli Center, 4th Floor Conference Rooms Center for Intercultural Relations
Professional Studies and Fine Arts College Council Residence Hall Association Collegiate Black Caucus of SDSU SHAC/Students for Public Health Associated Students
Elymash Yuuchaap College of Sciences College Council SDSU Ambassadors International Security & Conflict Resolution Student Society EOP Student Advisory Board Afrikan Student Union Associated Students: Your Voice Matters SISSTER & FratMANers Womxn’s Outreach Association
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 10:00 AM Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre Business, Engineering & Health and Human Services College Councils Tuesday, November 12, 2019 3:30 PM Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre Associated Students: Your Voice Matters Wednesday, November 13, 2019 12:00 PM Tula Community Center Wednesday, November 13, 2019 4:30 PM Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Pride Suite The Black Student Science Organization Thursday, November 14, 2019 1:00 PM Calpulli Center, 4th Floor Conference Rooms Active Minds Thursday, November 14, 2019 4:00 PM North Education Building, Room 60 Thursday, November 14, 2019 6:00 PM Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Council Chambers Graduate Student Association Friday, November 15, 2019 11:00 AM Conrad Prebys, Aztec Student Union, Theatre Arts & Letters, Education & Undeclared College Councils Friday, November 15, 2019 1:00 PM Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Park Boulevard Room Andres Bonifacio Samahan Additional forums are being scheduled, so please check the CFAC website at sdsu.edu/alternativeconsult, if you don’t see an option that works for you. For students who are unable to attend a scheduled open forum, you may come to SDSU’s Testing Services starting Monday, October 28, through Friday, November 15 (except for Monday, November 11). Students can drop in between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please bring your RedID Card and plan on being there for 45 minutes to watch the full presentation and to complete your feedback form. Please note: If you require an accommodation for your participation in a scheduled open forum, please contact the Student Ability Success Center at either 619-594-6473 or sascinfo@sdsu.edu. If you are interested in hosting a forum, please contact CFAC at cfac@sdsu.edu. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY PROPOSED INCREASE TO THE INSTRUCTIONALLY RELATED ACTIVITIES FEE Executive Summary A proposed $40 fee increase to the Instructionally Related Activities Fee, effective fall 2020, shall be determined through a series of public forums and consultations open to any interested, regularly enrolled students at San Diego State University, not including students exclusively attending Imperial Valley Campus for whom this increase would not impact. Revenue generated from this proposed increase will help to fund academic success initiatives in the Asian American Pacific Islander Lounge, Black Resource Center, Center for Intercultural Relations, Latinx Resource Center, Native Resource Center, Pride Center, and Women’s Resource Center to close equity gaps on campus. Open Forum Times Please visit sdsu.edu/alternativeconsult for the most current list of scheduled forums. Background SDSU educates an ethnically, culturally, economically, and academically diverse student body. More than half of the students at the SDSU campus are students of color, 11 percent are eligible for Pell Grants (need-based grants for low-income undergraduate students), and 7 percent are first generation college students. Yet, as demonstrated through the California State University system-wide Graduation 2025 initiative, historically underrepresented and underserved students often experience unique challenges in their educational experiences that contribute to gaps in outcomes: First-generation, low-income students, students of color, and other underserved students continue to graduate from SDSU at lower rates than their peers (CSU Graduation 2025). More specifically, local data indicates that while the overall six-year graduation rate for SDSU students is 77 percent, the six-year graduation rate for Latinx students is 72 percent, 71 percent for Pacific Islander/ Native Hawaiians, and Asian and African American students both graduate in 6 years at a rate of 70 percent. These disparities are even more striking when gender is considered in conjunction with race and ethnicity. For example, 68 percent of Latinx men, and 60 percent of Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian men complete their degrees within six years (SDSU Analytics). In addition, using a nation-wide longitudinal sample of nearly 8,500 students, Cress (2008) found that negative campus experiences among LGBQTIA undergraduates are associated with academic disengagement, lower grade point averages (GPA), lower ratings of academic knowledge and skills, and lower ratings of academic and social self-concepts. San Diego State University’s consortium of Academic Success Centers offer culturally-relevant mentoring, academic support systems, academic coaching, and retention activities that help students to navigate their college experience. National studies have found that faculty availability for mentoring of students is one of the top indicators for retention of students and has proved empirically relevant for students of color (Nora, Cabrera, Hagedorn, and Pascarella 1996). Moreover, the availability of social support in the form of mentoring for historically underrepresented and underserved student centers create secure, knowledgeable ports of entry that enable students to safely navigate the unfamiliar terrain of the university (Tinto, 2005). The funding provided by the proposed increase to the IRA fee will support the Academic Success Centers’ efforts to directly address graduation and achievement gaps by expanding pre-existing retention programs to support historically underrepresented students at San Diego State University. Uses of Instructionally Related Activities Fee Revenue The alternative consultation process seeks student input regarding the proposed increase of the Instructionally Related Activities Fee (IRA), effective fall 2020 of $40 per student per semester (see financial analysis). An increase to the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) Fee will create funding to support academic support services for students by investing in the spaces, programs, and services designed to help students achieve personal, academic, and professional success. The revenue from this fee increase will create a sustainable funding source for SDSU’s Academic Success Centers including: Black Resource Center, Center for Intercultural Relations, Pride Center, Women’s Resource Center, Latinx Resource Center, Native Student Resource Center, and Asian American Pacific Islander Lounge. If approved, fund revenue will support the following best
practices recommended by the CSU System Graduation 2025 Initiative in each Academic Success Center to close equity and achievement gaps: • • • • • • • • •
Culturally-specific mentoring programs Academic case-management to support students impacted by equity achievement gaps Academic support services (e.g., tutoring, supplemental support services) Programs focused on effective learning skills and strategies Programs focused on increased sense of belonging Staff hires dedicated to programs and initiatives that support students from historically underserved communities Leadership and academic success initiatives to empower, guide and support men of color Parent and family engagement programs for historically underserved populations Leadership and professional development opportunities for historically underserved student leaders
Summary of the Issue A recommendation in favor of the proposed Instructionally Related Activities fee increase means: 1. The IRA fee will increase $40 for both fall and spring semesters and by $17 for the summer term 2. The Latinx Resource Center, Native Resource Center, and Asian American Pacific Islander Lounge will be sustainably funded to provide a physical center to students along with academic and co-curricular support programming 3. Full-time staff positions and programmatic funds will be added in each center to support academic coaching, mentoring, culturally-specific leadership opportunities and retention activities for historically underrepresented and underserved students A recommendation in opposition to the establishment of the proposed Instructionally Related Activities fee increase means: 1. 2. 3.
The IRA fee will remain at $199 for the fall and spring semesters and $88 for the summer term Sustainable funding will not be available to support the Latinx Resource Center, Native Resource Center, and Asian American Pacific Islander Lounge to provide a physical center to students along with academic and social support Full-time staff positions and programmatic funds will not be added in each center to support academic coaching, mentoring, culturally-specific leadership opportunities and retention activities for historically underrepresented and underserved students
Financial Analysis The proposed increase to the Instructionally Related Activities Fee (IRA), if adopted, will increase the fee $40 per semester (during fall and spring) and will be adjusted annually by the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), beginning fall 2021. The IRA fee is currently $199 per semester for full-time undergraduate students during fall and spring semesters. During the summer term, the proposed IRA Fee will be adjusted from $88 per term to $105. Currently, the IRA fee is already adjusted by HEPI and supports intercollegiate athletics, intramural sports, student colloquiums and lecture series. Current IRA Fee Compared with Proposed $40 Increase Current IRA Fee
IRA fee with proposed increase, effective fall 2020
Fall
$199
$239
[a]
Spring
$199
$239
[a]
Summer
$88
$105 [b]
[a]
[a] Annual fee increase is based on Higher Education Price Index starting in fall 2021 [b] The IRA fee will be increased $17 during the summer term adjusting the price from $88 to $105.
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Oct. 23 - 29, 2019
The Daily Aztec
Fee Revenues A $40 increase to the Instructionally Related Activities fee will provide $651,830 in funds to support mentoring, programmatic elements in the centers, student assistant expenses, retention activities, tutoring, first year experience programs, and the expansion of existing academic success initiatives. The fee increase at this level will fund 26 staff positions to support these initiatives and the academic success of historically underrepresented/underserved students. These positions include retention coordinators, academic coaches (Assistant Directors) and co-curricular programmatic leads (Directors). Revenue Uses from a $40 Fee Increase
I support the increase to the institutionally related activities fee because it is an investment in lifechanging work that has changed and will continue to change the lives of students on our campus.
Revenue: Annual Revenue from Proposed Fee Increase:
Statement in Favor of Increasing the Instructionally Related Activities Fee The San Diego State University cultural centers are a crucial part of marginalized students’ experiences at SDSU. Our cultural centers help students of various backgrounds develop leadership skills, explore their identities, academically succeed, and find community at SDSU. The proposed increase to the institutionally related activities fee would help fund the programs that make these things possible and increase the reach of the cultural centers to serve more communities. The cultural centers also offer crucial cultural competency trainings for faculty, staff, and students (such as SafeZones, the Diversity Awareness Certificate program, and The Brave Project) that have made our campus a more safe and inclusive space for all those that call it home.
$2,779,000
Expenses: Return to Aid: (3% of revenue from proposed fee)
$83,370
Expenses: Academic Success Programming
$651,830
Expenses: Academic Success Staff
$2,043,800
Total Expenses:
$2,779,000
Lori Loftin, SDSU Graduate Student Statement Against Increasing the Instructionally Related Activities Fee Undergraduates and graduate students who do not use these centers do not benefit at all; rather they are subject to a tuition increase. The tuition has already been rising throughout the years, and this is just adding to the issue. Rather than funding these initiatives that serve a small proportion of the student body, the focus should be on more pressing issues. Why are there not enough classrooms and teachers for classes? Why are so many students being accepted but not enough room? Change should be significant to all students. Proper funding for classrooms or materials should be the most important. We already pay so much to attend the school and the supplies needed to succeed, yet you ask for more. Steven Bui, SDSU Junior
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY PROPOSED INCREASE OF STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS FEE Executive Summary A proposed Student Health and Wellness Fee increase (currently referred to as the Health Services Fee) shall be determined through a series of public forums and consultations with interested, regularly-enrolled students at San Diego State University, except those exclusively attending Imperial Valley Campus. The Student Health and Wellness Fee increase amounts for consideration are $55, $61 or $73 per semester (during fall and spring) and $20, $22 or $27 for the summer term beginning fall 2020. Moreover, it is proposed that the total Student Health and Wellness Fee be adjusted annually by the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), beginning fall 2021. Revenue generated from this proposed increase will sustain existing, and allow the hiring of additional counseling faculty and staff to meet the mental health needs of SDSU students. Open Forum Times Please visit sdsu.edu/alternativeconsult for the most current list of scheduled forums. Background Basic mental health services are provided on campus to enhance the academic performance of matriculated students and to facilitate their retention. Mental health problems can impact students’ concentration and focus, overall mental ability, energy level, and optimism, hindering academic performance. As an example, depression is associated with lower grade point averages and has been linked to dropping out of school. Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS) has a demonstrated commitment to serving students in comprehensive ways along the continuum of care from prevention to intervention to management of imminent crises. Tens of thousands of students have been assisted by the department via the robust and innovative clinical services, provided both inside and outside the office. Since 2011, the number of students seeking C&PS services has increased by over 100% and the demand for crisis intervention has increased by 170%. To improve coping and other skills to improve academic success and prevent the occurrence of crises, programming provided along the entire continuum of care should continue. Of note, crisis services, since they cannot be postponed, negatively impact wait times for scheduled treatment appointments. These increases are occurring across the U.S. and are predicted to continue in future years. The service delivery model at C&PS focuses on strategic outreach to the campus community. To effectively engage in prevention, programming must occur outside the office via presentations, facilitated interactions, drop-in informal consultation, and many others. Although the clinical services in the office are heavily utilized, reaching students in non-traditional ways who may be reticent to seek professional help in the department, is a strong value. It is important to impact the campus at the community level, engaging all partners. C&PS faculty therapists provide training for faculty, staff, and students to support students in distress and connect them to resources. Uses of Health and Wellness Fee Revenue This alternative consultation process seeks student input regarding the proposed increase of the Health and Wellness Fee, effective fall 2020, between $55 and $73 per semester (fall and spring) and between $20 and $27 for the summer term (see Financial Analysis). The additional revenue will allow the University to sustain existing and hire additional counseling faculty and staff to meet the mental health needs of SDSU students through improved access and increased outreach and programming. C&PS is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS), which provides guidance regarding the standards of practice for mental health services in the university setting. Increasing counseling center staff will allow the University to attain the standard set forth by IACS, which is a ratio of one therapist to between 1000 and 1500 students. The current C&PS therapist-to-student ratio falls short of the standard, impacting the services offered. The current ratio for fall 2019 is 1:1813. While the current ratio falls short of the standard, this ratio has improved in recent years, a result of increased funding from the Student Health and Wellness Fee (currently referred to as the Health Services Fee). This fee is currently $150.00 per semester and supports services offered by Student Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services, Well-being & Health Promotion and Student Ability Success Center.
2. 3. 4.
Access to mental health services will become more impacted, as demand for treatment and crisis services rises. Preventive and consultative program offerings will be reduced, to divert necessary resources to supporting immediate crises. Revenues from an increased fee will not be available to support counseling faculty positions therefore existing ratios will be maintained or may decrease.
Financial Analysis The proposed adjustment to the Student Health and Wellness Fee (currently referred to as the Health Services Fee), if adopted, will increase the fee, not including students exclusively attending the Imperial Valley Campus, equal to $55, $61 or $73 per semester (during fall and spring) and equal to $20, $22 or $27 for the summer term beginning fall 2020. It will be adjusted annually by the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), beginning fall 2021. The Student Health and Wellness Fee (currently referred to as the Health Services Fee) is currently $150.00 per semester and supports services offered by Student Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services, Well-being & Health Promotion and Student Ability Success Center. If this fee increase is approved, the Student Health and Wellness Fee (currently referred to as the Health Services Fee) will be adjusted from $150.00 to either $205, $211 or $223 per semester (fall and spring) and from $110 to $130, $132 or $137 during the summer term. This proposal will also include a 3 percent return to aid component to help to offset the impact of this fee increase. Current Student Health and Wellness Fee (currently referred to as the Health Services Fee): Health and Wellness total fee with proposed increase, effective fall 2020 Current Fee
Option 1 - 1:1500 student to therapist ratio $55 increase for fall and spring; $20 for summer
Option 2 - 1:1300 student to therapist ratio $61 increase for fall and spring; $22 for summer
Option 3 - 1:1000 student to therapist ratio $73 increase for fall and spring; $27 for summer
Fall
$150
$205
$211
$223
[a]
Spring
$150
$205
$211
$223
[a]
Summer
$110
$130
$132
$137
[a]
[a] Annual fee increase based on Higher Education Price Index starting in fall 2021 Fee Revenues Option 1: A fee increase to support mental health of $55 per semester (fall and spring), and $20 per summer term is estimated to generate approximately $3.8 million of additional fee revenue. This fee increase will support the Counseling and Psychological Services existing and additional operations to bring their therapists to a 1 to 1500 ratio and provide critical infrastructure support such as a 24-hours SDSU access line and case managers to supplement the services provided by the therapists. Option 2: A fee increase to support mental health of $61 per semester (fall and spring), and $22 per summer term is estimated to generate approximately $4.2 million of additional fee revenue. This fee increase will support the Counseling and Psychological Services existing and additional operations to bring their therapists to a 1 to 1300 ratio and provide critical infrastructure support such as a 24-hours SDSU access line and case managers to supplement the services provided by the therapists. Option 3: A fee increase to support mental health of $73 per semester (fall and spring), and $27 per summer term is estimated to generate approximately $5 million of additional fee revenue. This fee increase will support the Counseling and Psychological Services existing and additional operations to bring their therapists to a 1 to 1000 ratio and provide critical infrastructure support such as a 24-hours SDSU access line and case managers to supplement the services provided by the therapists.
The therapist-to-student ratio has decreased steadily since 2015 when it was 1:2857 as compared to the current 1:1813. Investments have been made in recent years to hire additional therapists in an attempt to address rapidly growing demand. The increase in demand has outpaced the investments. Moreover, the budget cannot sustain the investments and additional funding is needed to support the existing staffing levels and augment the department with additional staff to best serve the needs of SDSU students.
Option 1 1:1500 student to therapist ratio $55 increase for fall and spring; $20 for summer
Option 2 1:1300 student to therapist ratio $61 increase for fall and spring; $22 for summer
Option 3 - 1:1000 student to therapist ratio $73 increase for fall and spring; $27 for summer
Summary of the Issue A recommendation in favor of the fee increase means: 1. Beginning fall 2020, the Student Health and Wellness fee will increase to an amount between $55 and $73 per semester (fall and spring) and between $20 and $27 for summer term and will be adjusted annually by the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), beginning fall 2021. 2. Increased access to mental health services on campus, including reduced wait times for treatment. 3. Additional primary prevention, intervention, and consultative program offerings. 4. An increase in the number of therapists will allow for greater diversity in the range of services provided, areas of expertise, theoretical modality and race and ethnicity in the department.
Estimated Total Fee Revenue
$3,797,500
$4,210,500
$5,043,500
Estimated Total Expenses
$3,797,500
$4,210,500
$5,043,500
Therapist Costs
$2,479,147
$2,879,757
$3,687,767
Case Managers and Interns
$506,400
$506,400
$506,400
Infrastructure Costs: staffing
$556,028
$556,028
$556,028
Infrastructure Costs: other operating expenses
$142,000
$142,000
$142,000
A recommendation in opposition to the proposed increase of the Health and Wellness fee means:
Return to Aid(3% of revenue from proposed fee)
$113,925
$126,315
$151,305
1.
The Student Health and Wellness Fee will remain $150 per semester (fall and spring) and $110 for summer term.
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The Daily Aztec
Arts & Culture
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com
Game on: Laser tag fun provides study break for students by Juniper Perkins STAFF WRITER
The Aztec Student Union Board hosted a free laser tag event on Monday, Oct. 21 in Montezuma Hall. The event, called Game On!, was organized by ASUB Union Nights chair and communications sophomore Desi Rearte. She said her committee had the idea for a laser tag event during the summer. “This is one of our smaller events,” Rearte said. “But it turned out to be very successful.” One of ASUB’s goals is to bring activities to campus that are generally inaccessible to students living on campus due to lack of transportation. Outlets like these become more important during midterm season. Nursing freshman Peter Pagel said this event was a good way to get out of the dorms and take a break from studying. “It was fun playing with the paintball structures,” Pagel said. “I got (my friends) a lot of times.” Pagel and his friends competed on opposite
teams during their five-minute match. The arena was decked out with inflatable structures for students to hide behind and bright, black lights that made some students glow. “I had a blast shooting my friends,” aerospace engineering sophomore Andrew Birch said. “I hit a couple of trick shots. I 360 no-scoped (my friend).” Overall, Birch said his favorite part was hanging out and playing with his friends. He and his friends competed for the most hits, and he won with over 60. Civil engineering sophomore Josiah Imperial said his favorite part of the event was meeting new people. Imperial and Birch both said this event was a great way to de-stress during midterms and they hope to see more events like this in the future. “It was a lot of fun,” finance sophomore Matt Phayre said. “It was a good way to get out, and we got burritos.” ASUB’s table was decorated with various
Photo by Juniper Perkins
Students duck behind inflatable obstacles in Montezuma Hall during the laser tag matches to shoot at other teams..
prizes - including notebooks, grocery bags and reusable straws - for their game of spinthe-wheel. Before spinning, students were asked to follow @aztecnights on Instagram. “Our committee meets every week to discuss ideas,” Rearte said. “It’s a great way to get involved on campus.”
ASUB’s next event, Open Mic Night, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24 in the Aztec Student Union Courtyard from 5 pm. to 7 p.m. Juniper Perkins (they/them/their) is a sophomore studying journalism.
Powerful orchestra concert pairs last dying words with classical music by Juniper Perkins STAFF WRITER
“Truth and Reconciliation” engaged the community in discussions of discrimination, loss and healing with the help of San Diego State’s Symphony Orchestra. The event was held on Oct. 19 at the College Avenue Baptist Church in collaboration with the San Diego Master Chorale. At 6:30 p.m., orchestra conductor Michael Gerdes, chorale conductor John K. Russel, composer Joel Thompson and Africana Studies lecturer Bonnie Reddick participated in a pre-concert discussion. The concert began at 7:30 p.m. The program opened with Thompson’s “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,” setting the last words of seven unarmed black men who were killed by police to orchestral music accompanied by the choir. Thompson was inspired by journalist Shirin Barghi’s #LastWords project in which Barghi drew illustrations to accompany the last words of several Black men killed by police. “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed wasn’t written to be heard,” Thompson said. “It was essentially a sonic diary entry expressing my fear, anger and grief in the wake of this tragedy.” Thompson said he was motivated to tell this story in the form of classical music to reach a different demographic than he might have with another genre. The piece features the last words of
66-year-old Kenneth Chamberlain, 16-yearold Trayvon Martin, 23-year-old Amadou Diallo, 18-year-old Michael Brown, 22-yearold Oscar Grant III, 22-year-old John Crawford III and 43-year-old Eric Garner. In the first movement, the choir sang Chamberlain’s last words, “Officers, why do you have your guns out?” while the orchestra’s somber tunes flowed throughout the church. The second movement began with orchestral music emulating the panic and anxiety of Martin’s last words, “What are you following me for?” Diallo’s last words, “Mom, I’m going to college,” are featured in the third movement. The choir angelically sang his words, welcoming a soloist to begin and end the movement. In the fourth movement, the orchestra exploded in trepidation while the chorus sang Brown’s last words, “I don’t have a gun, STOP!” The chorus repeated “stop” louder and louder before seamlessly transitioning to the next movement. Grant III’s last words, “You shot me,” opened the fifth movement. The first violinist played short notes, imitating a lifeline, and chorus members hit their chest, imitating a gunshot. The chorus sang the last words in rounds, still hitting their chest and shouting in agony, until the entire group joined in a whisper. Angelic themes returned in the sixth movement, featuring Crawford III’s last words, “It’s not real.” The lifeline remained prominent throughout, eventually slowing at
Statement in Favor of Increasing the Student Health & Wellness Fee I think we need more mental health professionals available for counseling sessions on campus, and adding a fee that can be covered by financial aid will help students without health insurance get access to quality therapy. I have needed mental health services several times in college and had to be put on a waitlist to see a counselor, but seeing a professional at a private practice was too expensive. I think the fee amount per semester is a good value if we can have increased access to regular counseling sessions. Thanks! Charlotte Roberts, SDSU Senior Statement Against Increasing the Student Health & Wellness Fee I am against this price increase because as is, I am already struggling to pay for costs associated to
the end. The piece ended with Garner’s last words, “I can’t breathe.” The chorus began as a whisper and grew louder, holding every line until singers lost their own breath. “The way (the phrases) worked together with the music was really powerful,” history sophomore Jake Frautnick said. “My jaw dropped. It was really impressive, the way they put it together.” Frautnick said although he didn’t know what to expect, he was glad he went. “Hearing their final words in a song was like, wow,” he said. “These people and their families had someone very important to them stripped away from them too soon.” The concert quickly transitioned to “Glory” from the movie “Selma,” arranged by Eugene Rogers. The triumphant tones offered reprieve from the opening’s tragic themes. Master Chorale conductor John K. Russel then officially introduced the next section of the concert. “It means a great deal to us that you’re here supporting live music,” he said. “This program was developed by myself and my colleague and it is meant to help you reflect, reconcile with some pretty difficult truths that you heard in the first piece.” The next piece, “Abendlied,” or “Evening Song,” by Joseph Rheinberger lyrically asked the audience to persist through the remainder of the concert. It was sung in German with an English translation in the program. Then, SDSU Symphony Orchestra conductor Michael Gerdes took the stand for
“Mother of the Man,” by John Adams. After intermission, Russel took the stand again for “Son to Mother,” a poem by Maya Angelou. The chorus sang her verses in enchanting harmony with the orchestra. “‘The ‘Seven Last Words of the Unarmed’ was showing us that not all human relationships are loving and nurturing,” viola player, orchestra member and music education sophomore Dayne Sakazaki said. “To play those pieces, ‘Mother of the Man’ and ‘Son to Mother,’ really accentuated that lack of love and compassion.” They transitioned to “Visions of Peace” by Jean Berger, compiled of excerpts of the Bible’s “Isaiah.” The next piece, “Litanies à la Vierge Noire,” or “Litany to the Black Virgin,” was sung in French with an English translation in the program. The concert ended with a blessing in the form of “Benedictus,” by Jocelyn Hagen from her collection “amass.” “I’m very honored that I was able to be a part of something like that,” Sakazaki said. Sakazaki said he hopes the audience will think about not only themselves but also their relationship to the world and how they’ll act in the future. “This whole program was about starting a conversation about this topic of violence and discrimination and then providing a space for all of us … to reflect on that,” he said. Juniper Perkins (they/them/their) is a sophomore studying journalism.
attending SDSU. I am in debt and would have to take out more loans to cover this increase. Even at the minimum of $55 per semester, that’s an extra $110 a year. That money is usually used toward other expenses like textbooks, but now I would have to spend it on this fee. Another reason I am against this is because I personally do not use the wellness or health center. I would be forced to pay for something I do not use. As a commuter student, I feel the extra $110 would be paying for someone who lives on campus to be using these resources. Making an appointment at school is a hassle compared to making one somewhere closer to home. The lower wait times does not get rid of this hassle. Also someone who normally wouldn’t use this resource could start using it to make use of their money spent. Therefore it would increase the wait time or at least not follow the exact decreased times presented in the plan. Jayleen Ballesteros, SDSU Junior
Submit a comment/question to CFAC at cfac@sdsu.edu Prepared by the Campus Fee Advisory Committee
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The Daily Aztec
Mundo Azteca
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Alejandra Luna • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com
Recitan poemas contemporáneos en el consorcio de la legua portuguesa por Noé ESCRITOR
Sandoval
El jueves 17 de octubre el Departamento de Lenguajes y Literaturas Españolas y Portuguesas tuvieron un consorcio dedicado al estudio en culturas y literaturas de la lengua portuguesa. El evento se llevó a cabo en la biblioteca de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego, lo cual fue dividido en siete sesiones donde hablaron sobre varios temas de la cultura y literatura portuguesa. El consorcio tuvo dos poetas invitadas que recitaron sus poemas y obras literarias. Muchos profesores y estudiantes de portugués asistieron a la presentación para oír y experimentar la poesía. Las poetas invitadas fueron Angélica Freitas y Patricia Linos, ambas dieron una recitación de sus poemas. Las recitaciones fueron dadas en portugués pero los poemas han sido traducido en varios idiomas. Incluso, hubo poemas con contextos audiovisuales y audio verbales. Angélica Freitas es una poeta brasileña y sus poemas más recientes de su libro, “Un útero es del tamaño de un puño”, hablan sobre la perspectivas de mujeres y la comunidad LGBTQ en Brasil. Durante su recitación en el consorcio, ella recitó poemas llamados “Una mujer limpia”
Foto por Noé Sandoval
Presentaciones de las poetas brasileñas en SDSU.
y “Un útero es del tamaño de un puño” a profesores y estudiantes”. Sin embargo, los poemas de Freitas usan mucha sátira e ironía, el cual atrae a mucha gente a leer sus poemas ya que habla sobre la vida de la mujer y los problemas que enfrentan hoy en día. En el consorcio, el público se rio durante las recitación de
Freitas. Los poemas también exploran la personalidad de Freitas con el uso de sus palabras y ritmos para diferente tonos literarios entre sus obras. “Soy muy juguetona con mi escritura”, dijo Angélica Freitas. “Veo a mis personajes a través mi punto de vista”. Muchos estudiantes de portugués asistieron a la
recitación de Freitas, dejando un impacto en el aprendizaje de la literatura portuguesa. “Sus palabras son bien poderosas”, mencionó Ilse Ibarra, estudiante de maestría en español, quien asistió a la recitación de Freitas durante el consorcio. La segunda poeta que dio una recitación fue Patricia Lino, poeta portuguesa y profesora
asistente de portugués y español en la Universidad de California de Los Ángeles. Sus poemas se enfocan en las polémicas históricas del imperialismo y la colonización portuguesa. Los poemas de Lino van más allá de palabras y lecturas. Lino muestras sus obras literarias con videos y música, lo cual mejora la experiencia para el lector y el espectador. En su recitación, Lino exhibió por primera vez su obra, ANTICORPO, un libro paródico y audiovisual sobre la plática colonial portuguesa. La obra, ANTICORPO, es un collage de video, conteniendo fragmentos de propaganda del gobierno portugués. Durante su recitación, Lino mostró al público la eficacia de usar otros métodos de comunicación para una obra literaria y creativa. “Lo académico y lo creativo van juntos”, dijo Patricia Lino durante su presentación. Lino, siendo poeta y profesora, enfatizó que su trabajo y su creatividad son utilizadas para mostrar y enseñar la capacidad académicas y creativas a estudiantes. Además, recitó otros poemas que se tratan de la experiencias de humanos y sus sentimientos. A su vez, con su poesía portuguesa, Angélica Freitas y Patricia Lino pudieron enseñar a los asistentes del consorcio los contextos sociales y culturales de la vida contemporánea.
Profesor chileno brinda clases a estudiantes de SDSU por Diane López ASIST. DE EDITORA
Patrick Thelen, profesor asistente de periodismo, es uno de los poco profesores en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego que vienen desde Latinoamérica. Thelen creció en Santiago de Chile donde trabajó como periodista durante unos años, después de obtener su maestría en periodismo en la Universidad de Adolfo Ibáñez. Mientras trabajaba para la sección internacional y reportaba noticias de todo mundo, Thelen mostró más interés en las noticias de EEUU. Sin embargo, decidió cambiar de ruta porque el trabajo que estaba haciendo en Chile no fue algo que le apasionaba. Thelen se sentía como un recolector de notas y traductor porque la sección no tenía los recursos necesarios para enviar a los periodistas a cubrir historias de todo el mundo. Lo que Thelen quería hacer como periodista era cubrir y reportar noticias. Después de la muerte de su hermano, Thelen comenzó a preguntarse cuál era el significado de la vida y qué quería hacer con
su vida. Esto lo llevó a dejar su trabajo con noticias y se decidió estudiar otra cosa. Asimismo, realizó una maestría en relaciones públicas ya que era algo que le interesaba. En el 2012, decidió venir a EEUU para continuar su educación superior. Para Thelen fue fácil adaptarse a una nueva cultura e idioma porque según él era uno de los pocos en Chile que conocía inglés con fluidez. Esto le abrió muchas puertas y oportunidades. Después de terminar su maestría en relaciones públicas estratégicas, regresó a Chile para trabajar para la agencia Hill + Knowlton Strategies. A su vez, Thelen se interesó en comunicación interna y siguió su educación para obtener su doctorado en la Universidad de Florida. Misma que terminó en agosto de 2019. A los pocos días de recibir su doctorado, llegó a San Diego para brindar clases en SDSU. Al profesor Patrick, como sus estudiantes le llaman, le encanta el periodismo porque le gusta contar historias y aprender más sobre la vida de las personas para conocer quienes son, no obstante, no le gustaba buscar el lado negativo a las cosas.
“Es un poco lo que a veces se tiene que hacer para ser objetivo”, expresó Thelen. “Hay que buscar el lado negativo pero yo me sentía un poco incómodo teniendo que decir algo malo de otra persona”. Además, es importante para Thelen que la universidad tenga estudiantes y profesores de diferente países porque aprenden el uno del otro y saben cómo valorar diferente culturas. El mayor aporte que el profesor trata de dar es la oportunidad de abrir la mente de los estudiantes para que conozcan cómo son las cosas en diferente partes del mundo. “Vengo de Latinoamérica, otra cultura y de otro país”, mencionó Thelen. “Al traer a gente a la universidad, contratar a gente de distintas culturas y países, creo que le hace muy bien a la universidad porque permite que los alumnos conozcan a gente de distintas partes y aprendan de experiencias”. Thelen dice que le gusta hacer las cosas lo mejor que puede, lo cual lo mueve a ser la mejor persona posible. “Todos somos diferentes y por eso mismo somos valorables”, mencionó Thelen. Este es el primer semestre que el profesor Thelen instruye una clase bilingüe en SDSU.
Foto cortesía de Patrick Thelen
Profesor Thelen enseña relaciones públicas y periodismo en SDSU.
Mundo Azteca 14 Termina obra teatral dejando una moraleja a actriz Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Alejandra Luna • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com
por Lucelis ESCRITORA
Martínez
El segundo año de colegiatura en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego, le ha dado una voz impactante a la estudiante Laura Sandoval-Rivas. Sandoval-Rivas es una actriz en el grupo de drama, quien acaba de finalizar sus últimas actuaciones de la obra Just Like Us. Just Like Us fue actuada en el teatro experimental en SDSU entre el 27 de septiembre y el 6 de octubre. Aunque la obra haya terminado, Sandoval- Rivas tuvo mucho que decir sobre su experiencia y la conversación sobre inmigración que generó. “La inmigración es un tema que ha sido discutido en mis cenas familiares y me sentí inspirada por eso”, dijo Sandoval-Rivas. “Me sentí como que tenía una ventaja por eso”. Muchas minorías se sienten sin voz por el resultado de poca representación en cada medio, incluyendo el teatral. Sandoval-Rivas describió que cuando ella se enteró sobre su logro y que sería la actriz principal de la obra en su clase de actuación y llamó a su mamá. “Yo ya le estaba hablando a mi mamá sobre la ausencia de personas de color o diferentes etnias en las obras”, mencionó Sandoval-Rivas. “Ella quiso que yo tuviera la oportunidad de actuar como alguien de mi cultura porque no es típico, por lo menos en SDSU”. El personaje que Laura
Sandoval interpretó esta basado en una persona real. La obra es basada de un libro real, lo cual relata la historia de cuatro inmigrantes y su trayectoria. Dos son legales y dos no lo son. Marisela, la líder de las cuatro es también la más brillante, destacada con honores en cada cosa que se propone. La dramaturga, Karen Zacarías quiso contar una historia diferente. “Esta es una historia que no veo en el escenario, la historia de niñas buenas, la historia de familias llenas de gente trabajadora”, señaló Zacarías. “No de pandillas y el barrio y todo eso, pero la historia de millones y millones de personas que están en este país simplemente trabajando y tratando de alcanzar al público todos los días”. La visión de la directora, la voz de la actriz y las palabras de la autora son importantes para entender una obra, pero la reacción de la audiencia también importa. Judith Chambers fue una de las encargadas de organizar a la audiencia en sus asientos. Chambers también es de origen hispano y sabe un poco de el mundo de obras, después de haber escrito cuatro obras sobre la perspectiva hispana. “La muchacha que estaba actuando como Marisela (Laura Sandoval- Rivas), hizo un buen trabajo en explicar la situación actual . Una de las cosas que tenemos que recordar es que ellos (los inmigrantes) no son
The Daily Aztec
Foto por Lucelis Martínez
Laura Sandoval-Rivas fue la actriz principal de la obra Just Like Us en SDSU.
ilegales”,aseguró Chambers. “Ellos son seres humanos, entonces son indocumentados, no tienen documentos. Ese es el primer paso que tenemos que dar. Laura lo explicó en una manera que quitó un poco de la tensión porque fue chistosa, la escuchamos. La manera en que actuó ayudó a la conversación”. Chambers también vio a
gente que caminaba en frente de los actores, y personas que no paraban de interrumpir a la obra. Al interrumpir la obra, miembros de la audiencia se perdieron de la oportunidad de escuchar la historia de inmigración presentada y todo lo que viene con ella. La historia original fue escrita
por una reportera y Laura Sandoval-Rivas tuvo mucho que decir sobre su personaje. “Las historias recordadas por el mundo están escritas por gente blanca. Cuando Marisela enfrenta a la periodista que está contando su historia, al final de la obra, yo deseaba que siguiera el argumento”, declaró Sandoval-Rivas.
Las minorias necesitan lugares para distraerse y disfrutar por Antonio ESCRITOR
Márquez
Cuando cumplí 27 años no solamente fue una noche de diversión, sino también una noche donde encontré la oportunidad de trabajar en el que fue mi primer club nocturno. NUMBERS fue mi primer antro donde pude presenciar varios eventos de la comunidad LGBTQ. Recuerdo la primera Noche Latina que me tocó trabajar como cajero, vi cómo
“Fue ahí cuando comprendí que el antro era un refugio para una comunidad que ha sido rechazada por su familia y la comunidad”. – Antonio Márquez, Estudiante de periodismo.
diferentes personas llegaban a divertirse para olvidarse de la rutina de trabajo por unas cuantas horas. Uno tras otro espectador
Cortesía de Antonio Márquez
Antonio con AB Soto después de su presentación.
llegaba, ya sea para bailar toda la noche y tomar unas cuantas copas o solo para disfrutar del show que diferentes drag queens hacían. Estas artistas llegaron a representar a Thalía, Paulina Rubio o cualquier otra artista latina que estaba destacando en el momento. Durante el tiempo que trabajé en NUMBERS, AB
Soto tuvo una presentación y fue una de mis favoritas por su trabajo de mezclar música latina y música electrónica. Fue ahí cuando comprendí que el antro era un refugio para una comunidad que varias veces ha sido rechazada por su familia o la sociedad. Las Noches Latinas y la Noche de Osos eran temas de cada semana, lo cual no eran
tan comunes en otros antros y eso llamaba la atención a los espectadores. Los grupos que llegaron a dar un espectáculo en NUMBERS eran artistas reconocidos por la comunidad hispana tales como los Horóscopos de Durango y Ninel Conde, por mencionar algunos. Desafortunadamente todo terminó cuando tuvieron
que cerrar este lugar y así la comunidad latina perdió uno de los únicos lugares donde podían ir a disfrutar de una noche de baile. La comunidad LGBTQ latina ahora tiene bares como The Rail y Mo’s. En estos nuevos antrod se llevan a cabo eventos como la de Noches Románticas con Daisy Salinas, Viernes Sabroso y Sábado en Fuego. Los recuerdos que tengo como cajero son ver a personas que podían ser ellos mismos y podían usar lo que ellos quisieran sin ser juzgados o ser señalados por otras personas. En una ocasión se realizó un tributo a Gloria Trevi para los fanáticos que no pudieron asistir a su concierto. En este show las drag queens presentaron la carrera artística de Trevi ya que para muchos de ellos es muy querida por el apoyo que les ha brindado a la comunidad LGBTQ. Además, lo que vi durante ese tiempo es que no hay mucho apoyo en este tipo de eventos especialmente entre la comunidad hispana. El trabajar en un bar para minorías pude darme cuenta que existen muchas personas que necesitan un espacio para poder identificarse y no sentirse señalados o juzgados por los demás.
Oct. 23 - 29, 2019 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com
Arts & Culture
The Daily Aztec
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Students fuse modern punk and hard rock by Catlan Nguyen STAFF WRITER
Outside the Frame, a punk rock band made of San Diego State students, won the first Open Mic Night and is in the running to perform at the Battle of the Bands in December. With their fusion of modern punk and hard rock music, music freshman Nate Williams and computer science freshman Max Conahey won over the judges, though Conahey wasn’t even aware they were being judged. But this didn’t keep the group from giving their all. Williams’s strumming hand even started bleeding midway through the performance. Williams and Conahey have been officially known as Outside the Frame for about a year. They got their name from a song lyric from one of their favorite bands, Queens of the Stoneage, according to Williams. They’ve known each other and played music together since they were in seventh grade, Williams said. Conahey plays guitar and Williams is the main vocalist and bassist. Williams also knows how to play the piano, guitar and drums. “To us, Outside the Frame literally means what the camera doesn’t see and, for me, it’s what isn’t mainstream or what’s focused on,” Williams said. Conahey said the name allows them to exist in their own world of musical rules. “It’s like a strike back at what’s normal,” Conahey said. “We run by our own rules, basically.” Their original music is heavily inspired by their experiences with love, high school and mental health, Williams said. Mechanical engineer freshman Mason Greer has been a long-time Outside the
Photo by Catlan Nguyen
Max Conahey, left, plays rhythm guitar with his friend Nate Wiliams, right, who is the vocalist and bass player. Together, they made Outside the Frame by fusing hard rock and punk.
Frame supporter, as a friend who has supported the band even before they were formed. “Well, I have been friends with both Max and Nate for years,” Greer said. “Both of them are super talented and they’ve always worked together pretty well so I knew the music they would create would be awesome. Their first few songs proved me right.” The two are currently looking for a drummer to play with them since their original drummer went to another college. Williams and Conahey both said they
enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being in a band together and are fully committed to their music. Many of their supporters include friends and family. Most notable is John Williams, Nate’s dad, who is an SDSU alumnus and was also in a band in college. “Obviously, when your kid is in a band, you want to support them,” Williams said. “They’re really accomplished for their age. Nate has a really unique voice and their sound is almost fully formed at such a young age.”
Students laugh away stress at Comedy Night
Photo by Sam Mayo
Los Angeles comedian Simon Gibson performed duing comedy night and incorporated the free pizza into his act.
by Sofia Longo CONTRIBUTOR
The Aztec Union Student Board hosted its first stand up Comedy Night of the year on Oct. 16 in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Comedian Hannah Einbinder from Los Angeles started off the night by poking fun at San Diego State Greek’s life and what the “coolest” fraternity on campus may be. It was noticeably a little difficult to work the crowd in an outside setting, but Einbinder gave the audience some laughs with her amusing personality. Theatre freshman Ann-Marie Thorton agreed that next time, the show should be held indoors, but was still impressed with the comedy acts. “It was really good,” Thorton said. “I think audience energy was low, and that
it really affected the show, but I think that they are actually really talented comedians.” Thorton especially loved Einbinder’s personality and believed her show would work better with a more energetic audience. The second act following Einbender was Simon Gibson, another LA comedian. Gibson was loud and lively, quickly instructing that everyone cannot get up and leave his show just to get the free pizza, or his career will actually be over. However, once the pizza arrived, he stood in line and did some crowd work interviewing the line of students who were waiting to eat. Gibson interacted heavily with the crowd and did impressions of Sinatra singing the “Mission Impossible” theme song as well as “Jurassic Park” and “Star Wars” themes. He finished off his show promoting his Instagram handle and promising a follow back and a story shoutout (within the next
four years). Gibson did a great job connecting, relating and interacting with his collegiate audience. Gibson loves the spotlight and talked about how it is one of his favorite parts about being a stand up comedian. “I think being the complete center of attention is appealing,” Gibson said. “I’m an actor as well, and I like that for the opposite reason because you’re a part of a team.” For anyone looking to join the comedy world, Gibson recommends writing every idea down on a piece of paper before it is forgotten. He also emphasized practicing everyday to be able to talk and connect with audiences better, such as going to open mics. Math sophomore Amanda Chavez thought Gibson’s pizza spiel was funny because every college student loves anything that is free. Chavez enjoys comedy and thought the show was pretty entertaining for her and her friends. “I think comedy is really uplifting and it is a good escape during midterm season right now, so it’s a good time to have this event too,” Chavez said. SDSU’s very own improv team, Iota Eta Pi, took the stage after Gibson and they performed a speed dating skit to finish off the last half of the night. The team also garnered lots of laughs from the crowd. Although audience energy was lacking at times, stand up Comedy Night was a great distraction from the stress of midterms and free pizza is one thing that nobody can complain about. Sofia Longo is a freshman studying journalism.
John notes how many of his favorite bands, like Nirvana, influenced some of Nate and Conahey’s favorite bands like Queens of the Stoneage and Royal Blood. Their EP “Outside the Frame-single” is available on Spotify, Soundcloud, ITunes, Apple Music and more. For more information about Outside the Frame, visit their Instagram page @ outsidetheframeca. Catlan Nguyen is a junior studying journalism.
Taco Poll: Tacos el Gordo vs. Tacos el Panson Last week, The Daily Aztec ran dueling stories on Tacos el Gordo versus Tacos el Panson. In a poll on our Instagram, Tacos el Gordo took home the win for most beloved taco shop with 47 votes. Follow us on Instagram @ TheDailyAztec.
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The Daily Aztec
The Back Page
Oct. 23 - 29 2019 Editor: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com
Latin American artist creates stories with photos and string by Roxana Becerril STAFF WRITER
The inauguration of Luis González Palma’s solo exhibition counted on the attendance of over 30 art enthusiasts to initiate a new experience of observing and analyzing art at San Diego State’s Downtown Gallery on Oct. 17. The visitors — some accompanied by white poster tubes and film cameras — had their gazes fixed on the photographs that covered the gallery’s white walls. Others wandered from one piece of art to the next with appetizers in their hands. The artist, a tall figure in gray, was encircled by presumed fans and colleagues when I first noticed his presence. Engaged in the duties of a renowned artist, Palma was seen conversing with guests, signing autographs and greeting visitors. Standing only a few steps away from sepia-filtered portraits, Palma talked of his native country, Guatemala, sources of inspiration and his objectives as a Latin American artist. A collection spanning over a period of two decades — 1990s to circa 2017—, Palma’s exhibition consists of portraiture, photography, mixed media and collages. The artist described it as a retrospect of the artwork he created in Guatemala and Argentina. As implied in the exhibition’s title, Palma’s work remains true to the elements that define mythology. Furthermore, his exhibition is fixed on a mission of constructing fictional stories that revolve around the themes of cultural identity, emotion and the human condition. “There’s a consciousness of loss and of life being a painful experience. There’s a wish of being able to capture looks,” Palma said. “There’s this feeling of life being fragile that has always stuck with me and that will never go away … those ideas are present in my entire collection.” Palma’s multi-themed exhibit isn’t the product of a specific source of inspiration, it’s an artistic response to different time periods and personal life experiences. Anchored on the exploration of the human experience, Palma’s work touches on everything from solitude and heartbreak to abstraction and illusion. “Everything we see is an illusion and a projection of ourselves,” Palma said. “We spend our entire lives trying to figure out the ‘why’ and the ‘what for,’ and my work orbits around those ideas.” After discussing thematic concepts,
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Photos by Roxana Becerril
Luis Gonzalez Palma, left, stands next to the Director of San Diego State’s Downtown gallery Chantel Paul, right.
Palma’s varying use of technique and media was put into question. Iconography, somber hues and geometric shapes are just a fraction of the elements visible in his collection. “I decide on which technique to use depending on the project,” Palma said. “Present-day technology makes it possible to print images on different media. This changes the symbolical notion of the image and that interests me.” Palma’s art has also gained recognition for its incorporation of unconventional media such as gold leaves, thread and onion paper. Graphic design sophomore Jada Lomibao was especially moved by the wooden embroidery hoops and colored thread Palma used for a series of portraits. “(The portraits) drew my attention because you don’t usually see photographs that (have a circular shape) and I really like how he added the weaving with colored thread,” Lomibao said. Although Palma’s work has been displayed in galleries all around the globe, the collection displayed downtown marks the artist’s first solo exhibition on the west coast. Locals and art enthusiasts alike will be able to enjoy the exhibition free of charge until the end of January. Chantel Paul, director of the SDSU Downtown Gallery, said she was enthused to bring the work of an influential and prolific artist to the city. “I chose to work with (Palma) because there’s so much variety in the work that he’s doing,” Paul said. “I felt like it was an opportunity to connect with all different disciplines that are studied at the School of Art and Design.” For Palma, bringing his work to U.S. soil carries a heavier significance than just expanding the acknowledgments section of his résumé. By sharing fictional narratives from a Latin American perspective, Palma hopes to achieve his ultimate goal of invoking a different type of criticism and reflection among Americans. “The purpose isn’t to criticize my image on whether it’s right or wrong but rather to impose a critique on the way you see it and to reflect on what you see,” Palma said. “I feel that as a Latin American photographer who’s exposing these images to the United States, I have a perspective that needs to be shared and viewed in a certain way.” Roxana Becerril is a senior studying journalism.