12-11-2019

Wednesday, Dec. 11 - Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2019 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 106, Issue 18 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

Top SDSU stories of the decade

Flynn for the win

Student union drama, campus fees, protests overtake past 10 years

by Bella Ross EDITOR IN CHIEF

2009-2010: STUDENTS APPROVAL STUDENT UNION REMODEL The white-and-teal behemoth that now serves as SDSU’s student union was once subject to the kinds of contentious fee referendums that continue to divide the campus today.

Former Daily Aztec Editor in Chief Faryer Borhani said the proposal to renovate the building, accompanied by a $94 per semester price tag for every student, was only narrowly passed. Given the recession a few years prior, he said campus attitudes toward fee increases were vastly negative.

2010-2011: STUDENT UNION STORY THICKENS The approval of the student union renovations was prefaced by a 2006 proposal to renovate the space, which students approved, leading to significant fee increases. But things got

complicated with the economy crashed two years later, and the project stalled. Increasing construction costs led to the 2010 fee increases once administrators realized the initial fee would not cover the price of the project.

A 2010 report released by The Daily Aztec shows the initial budget also didn’t account for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or earthquake safety requirements, forcing the university to turn to students to pick up the rest of the bill.

The old student union, previously named Aztec Center, was demolished in 2011.

2011-2012: FACULTY PROTESTS CSU BUDGET CUTS With the recession looming over the California State University system, former Gov. Jerry Brown was forced to slash the public higher education budget by $500 million in 2011.

Statewide protests by students and faculty members ensued.

The faculty response was significant due to concerns that the proposed cuts would impact union contract negotiations.

2012-2013: PRESIDENT’S PRICEY REMODEL In 2011, former campus President Elliot Hirshman received a salary increase, bringing his income up to the $400,000 mark. In that same year, tuition increased.

As if the salary jump wasn’t controversial enough among students, a Daily Aztec report in 2012 revealed the president’s home had undergone more than $250,000 in renovations.

The remodel was paid for with university revenue. “(The California Faculty Association) said the money could have purchased 183 new classes, 4,600 spots for students to get into classes needed to graduate or 153 one-year scholarships for SEE DECADE, PAGE 6

File photo

Students, faculty members, and other supporters took to the in 2010 to protest budget cuts and fee increases.

Photo by Sam Mayo

Junior guard Malachi Flynn hit a game-winning 3-point shot against San José State on Dec. 8.

by Kyle Betz ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State men’s basketball defeated San José State in a lastsecond 59-57 win on Dec. 8 at Viejas Arena.

The Aztecs (10-0, 2-0 Mountain West Conference) led by as many as 13 points in the first half, but a second half rally from the Spartans (4-6, 0-2 MWC) tested the Scarlet and Black. A last-second basket from junior guard Malachi Flynn gave SDSU its tenth straight win.

With the win Sunday, the Aztecs cracked the AP Top 25 poll. It’s the first time the Aztecs have been ranked since the 201415 season.

“I think it’s a great accomplishment for this program and this university,” junior guard Schakel said of the ranking. “I just think that we put in a lot of

time and I think it honors all the guys that were here before us and what they did when they were ranked.”

Here are three observations from the game.

MALACHI’S MOMENT 5.7 seconds left, and the Aztecs inbound from the baseline.

Schakel got the inbound pass in the left corner and was immediately double-teamed.

His only option? Flynn.

With just over two second left in the game, Flynn got the pass and had to shoot a long 3-pointer.

“I just knew I had space to get it off and I let it go,” Flynn said.

It surely didn’t seem like it, as Flynn shot the ball over three defenders while falling to his left.

Somehow, the ball found its SEE BASKETBALL, PAGE 9

Mission Valley site receives $15 million donation from philanthropist Jeanette Giovanniello & Michael Cline

by

San Diego State announced a $15 million major gift from local philanthropist Dianne L. Bashor on Thursday that will help the university finance its new Mission Valley stadium.

As a result, the field will be named Bashor Field at Aztec Stadium.

The $15 million grant will be used to help fund the total stadium construction costs — currently projected to be $250 million.

“I feel its a privilege to be here today to add to the glory of the university and people in it,” Bashor said. “The students and the people of San Diego will benefit from everything we do with this property, and it will be so wonderful to have something

positive to think about and have everybody participate in.”

University President Adela de la Torre said the gift will enable SDSU to fulfill their objectives at the Mission Valley site.

“SDSU has long inspired to build a world class university, research and innovation district and multi-use stadium in Mission valley,” de la Torre said.

“Today, due to the generosity of a local philanthropist and visionary leader, the momentum continues.”

Chair of the CSU Board of Trustees Adam Day said the gift will help thousands of future prospective students.

“This gift will be the lead gift to the construction of the multi purpose stadium, as SEE DONATION, PAGE 2

Photo courtesy of SDSU

An aerial rendering of SDSU’s proposed multi-use stadium at the site of its Mission Valley expansion.

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The Daily Aztec

News

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com

Aztecs Rock Hunger breaks previous record

by Catlan Nguyen STAFF WRITER

Associated Students announced a new campaign record for the Aztecs Rock Hunger food drive — 601,607 pounds of food — at the Aztec Student Union courtyard on Dec. 5.

The 2019 total broke last year’s campaign record drive that collected 590,503 pounds of food.

The donations go towards the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which is associated with the food pantry on San Diego State’s campus.

Vice President of Financial Affairs and Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign lead Dustin Adkins was joined by James Floros, president and CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, and SDSU President Adela de la Torre. Awards were given to recognize the division of business and financial affairs, Aztec Shops, Zura Hall and various fraternities and sororities for contributing and helping with the campaign.

“Being able to see the way that something like this has a spark that actually has an impact is my favorite part of being involved in this project,” Adkins said. “Being able to tackle this (issue) and take the lead in it is really rewarding to me, and it’s something I just truly have a passion for doing. Working with my team and asking ‘what are some new ideas we can use’ was also really rewarding.”

Adkins has been a part of Aztecs Rock Hunger since his sophomore year.

This campaign is personal to him since his family has also experienced food insecurity.

“I am a first generation low-income student myself, so my family has actually used food pantries, and we’ve used food banks before,” Adkins said. “My family has worked really hard growing up, so I know how difficult it can be to make ends meet.”

Despite the amount collected, the goal for Aztecs Rock Hunger’s 10th anniversary was to raise 619 thousand pounds — symbolic of San Diego’s area code.

The campaign also adopted a new approach that increased focus on recognition for on-campus clubs and organizations that help raise awareness and collect donations, Adkins said.

The Aztecs Rock Hunger team also received more media coverage and engaged the local college area by collaborating with local businesses.

“This year we made a specific effort to modernize the campaign,” Aztecs Rock Hunger public relations officer Chelsey Crowne said. “We did this by rebranding and changing the logo, focusing more of our raising awareness and education efforts on social media and collaborating with community partners.”

In its previous nine years, the Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign has raised 2.7 million pounds of food, and the food raised has been incorporated into the oncampus student food pantry, Adkins said.

The variety of ways A.S. took donations included red bins for the non-perishable food item donations, cash in person or through Venmo with volunteers or

at Aztec shops and online food pantry donations.

“Having an organization such as Aztecs Rock Hunger on campus shows the effort and consideration SDSU stands for,” journalism junior Olivia Waczek said.

“Knowing I attend a school who strives to help end this cycle of poverty truly shows the incentive to support our community as a whole.”

20% of the monetary donations raised go to the university’s Economic Crisis Response Team, which helps SDSU students facing food and housing insecurity, said Adkins.

“Regardless of the total that we raised, I think it’s important to focus more on the impact that we’re making,” Adkins said.

“We never wanted this campaign to be consumed by the number. While we have an ambitious goal, we didn’t want it to be ‘if we don’t hit this number, we weren’t successful.’ We’re doing something that will feed thousands of San Diegians and I think that’s something we should be proud of.”

Students demand renovations to Music building

by Jeanette STAFF WRITER

Giovanniello

A Change.org petition to modernize the Music building emerged on Nov. 22, yielding nearly 1,400 signatures from students, faculty and alumni.

The petition calls for the renovation of the outdated building to stop alleged health hazards.

The demand for change was sparked by a pipe rupture that occurred in the building on Nov. 16. A broken water pipe in the building’s basement sent hot steam throughout the vents, prompting an evacuation.

The petition was started by Charles Ritter, a global composition music student at SDSU. He previously worked as the production coordinator for SDSU Music and Dance.

According to an email from Ritter, petitioners include several faculty and staff members, families of students and alumni from as far back as the 70s, who “have seen no significant upgrade since their attendance of the school.”

Dozens of comments left by petitioners mention issues such as sewage leaks, flooding and mold. Music recording junior Javier Piñón said while the musty smell was always present within the building, the odor has gotten “substantially worse” since the pipe rupture.

“Before, depending on where you’d go in the basement, some spots smelled worse than others,” Piñón said. “Definitely nothing as present as it has been these past few weeks.”

He said this has prevented students from practicing within the building, particularly vocalists and musicians with wind instruments.

Donation:

continued from page 1 well as the academic facilities and laboratory space, for over 15,000 new students that need and demand a seat in the CSU system.”

SDSU envisions breaking ground on the stadium next spring. The university hopes to complete construction of the stadium in time for the start of the 2022 NCAA football season and the Aztecs’ Sept. 3, 2022 matchup with the Arizona Wildcats.

Photo by Alexa Oslowski

A gas pipe rupture at the Music building in November was one of the factors that led to the creation the petition.

“You physically cannot be there for an extended period of time,” Piñón said. ”You feel it in your breathing. If you can’t breathe, then you can’t practice well. If we’re in an area where we feel our lungs will get affected, people are hesitant, because that’s their career.”

SDSU Environmental Health Services sent an email stating the building is mold free, but some students are not convinced, Piñón said. Music education senior Melody Ebner said the class takes air breaks due to the musty smell that disrupts students’ ability to rehearse or sit through lessons.

“Since the pipe burst they’ve fanned it out, but it just doesn’t feel good,” Ebner said. “The teachers take a break for us to get fresh air. It smells so bad there, but it’s really pungent in the basement.”

The building’s broken elevator was also mentioned in the petition’s comments. Piñón said the elevator has an expired license and a hole in the floor from the elevator falling

years ago. While the hole is now covered by plating, the elevator still gets stuck frequently.

Other petitioners have pointed out the facility’s lack of updated technology, such as classrooms that still have chalkboards and walls that are not soundproofed.

“I have friends that go to SDSU that aren’t music majors, and they’ve never seen chalkboards,” Ebner said. “Why is my education so different than yours when we’re paying the same?”

The issues have been present for years, said Edner, who works in the San Diego music business with SDSU music alumni.

The unchanging conditions lead to some students to question the need for the new $5 million ENS field that lies directly parallel to the Music building.

“The field built next door was such an insult to everybody,” Piñón said. “Nobody asked for that, or needed it. The building that’s literally right next to it is falling apart.”

SDSU Athletic Director J.D. Wicker said the donation helps keep the university’s development goals on track.

“With this gift, we are one step closer to the shovel on the ground in April 2020,” Wicker said. “The city council and mayor’s office have overwhelmingly supported our offer to purchase the property, and now our teams are working diligently to ensure we meet our timeline over the next couple of months.”

The university’s 35,000-seat multiuse stadium will replace the 52-yearold SDCCU Stadium the Aztecs have called home since 1967. The stadium

will allocate 5,000 seats for students, along with student-specific amenities including discounted concessions that can be purchased through meal plan funds.

In an October conference call with journalists, SDSU Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer Tom McCarron said the university would finance stadium construction costs through a combination of philanthropic donations, a stadium naming rights deal, seat licenses for season tickets, sponsorships and a financing plan through the CSU system.

Complaints towards other SDSU facilities have arisen this semester, particularly within student housing. Students living in University Towers described flooding issues, and those living in Aztec Corner started a petition over their living conditions. Last semester, a roofing project in the Professional Studies and Fine Arts building led to health complaints from occupants due to the presence of dangerous fumes.

“We just don’t feel appreciated, amongst needing a safe and up to date environment,” Ebner said. “We’re still there for the sporting events and singing the national anthem for these events. We’re important when you need us, but otherwise, we’re on the back burner.”

SDSU responded to the petition in an email and said the odor in the music building basement was linked to flooding after the SDG&E power outage that occurred on Nov. 12.

“After power was restored to campus and while returning steam services to (the music building), a mechanical issue caused the fire sprinkler to malfunction,” the school said. “This resulted in water being released into the mechanical room located in the basement level of the Music Building.”

The university said the basement’s moisture and odor issues are being addressed and monitored by Facilities Services and Environmental Health & Safety.

The school has also tested the air quality levels, ensuring the building is safe.

“On Nov. 25, the SDSU team commissioned third-party industrial hygiene tests to ensure that the air quality in the basement of the Music building were within safe and normal levels. Those test results have come back indicating there are no elevated mold counts,” the university said.

SDSU awarded Clark Construction Group the contract to design and build the new stadium in February. Gensler will serve as the stadium’s architect.

The university says the stadium will also host professional and collegiate soccer and lacrosse matches, NCAA bowl games and concerts.

In addition to the 35,000 seat stadium, the university’s campus expansion plans feature a river park, hike and bike trails, housing and educational facilities.

The university projects the 135-acre SDSU Mission Valley development will add $3 billion in local economic value.

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com

News

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The events that shaped the semester of fall 2019

by Kaitlyn Little & Aaron Tolentino

THE DEATH OF DYLAN HERNANDEZ AND IFC FRATERNITY BAN On Nov. 8, San Diego State freshman Dylan Hernandez died after allegedly attending a fraternity event. This resulted in the suspension of all 14 Interfraternity Council-affiliated chapters.

Hernandez’s death broke national news. In response to the death, university President Adela de la Torre created two Presidential Task Forces, according to a campuswide email sent Nov. 12. The Presidential Task Force on Student Activities and Safety and the Presidential Task Force of Alcohol and Substance Misuse are both intended to address campus issues of alcohol and drug use, along with student safety.

The list of members was announced on de la Torre’s webpage, with a majority being SDSU administrators. Alumni representatives, student leaders and administrators from other schools also make up the two task forces. Additionally, an anonymous SDSU parent and alum recently filed a complaint with the U.S. government on Nov. 18 alleging the residence hall bunk beds are unsafe, according to NBC 7.

SCOOTER BAN Students came onto campus this semester struggling to ride a motorized scooter to class.

This was because the University Senate passed a micro-mobility device ban in a March 5 meeting.

A 22% increase in bike, scooter and skateboard incidents between Fall 2017 and Fall 2018 was used to justify this decision, with no distinction between the forms of transportation, according to the meeting’s minutes.

However, after receiving the data behind the decision, it was found that there were 139 incidents between August 2017 and February 2019. 17.9% of those came from scooters and 8.2% came from bicycles, while 73.9% of the accidents reported came from skateboards.

There was no formal

Halfway through the semester, students in Ecuador were given information by their host university about returning home in the wake of protests across the capital. Ecuador President Lenín Moreno’s decided to cut fuel subsidies, a decision that caused the price of fuel to skyrocket.

Protests erupted across Quito, according to The New York Times. Students weren’t required to return home but were given the option to finish courses online if they opted to come back. The protests occurred in the same city as the university, but the students were not directly impacted. For those that did stay, curfews and mandatory student check-ins were required by both the government and the university.

Courtesy of SDSU

Dylan Hernandez, a freshman at SDSU, died falling off his bunk bed in his dorm room.

announcement of the decision until an Aug. 19 campus-wide email. Similar to the presidential task forces established, the team for the scooter ban included 12 individuals from Student Affairs, Business & Financial Affairs, Associated Students and University Relations and Development, with only two student-representatives.

MISSION VALLEY CAMPUS After months of negotiation between San Diego State and the city of San Diego, plans are moving forward with the Mission Valley purchase.

Members of the City Council voted to unanimously approve a requested council action to proceed with the process of drafting a purchase sale agreement document on Nov. 18.

Currently, the Council has sent the PSA drafting process to the City Attorney’s office.The university aims to present the finalized PSA, financing plan and Environmental Impact Report to The California State University Board of Trustees on Jan. 28, 2020.

A recent $15 million donation from local philanthropist Dianne L. Bashor will help to push this project along and help fund the estimated $250 million multi-

use stadium at the Mission Valley site.

STUDENT HOUSING STRUGGLES Student dorms came under fire for their conditions — specifically University Towers, Chapultepec Residence Hall and Aztec Corner. In UT, the building reportedly experienced flooding in the bathrooms and sinks within the individual rooms — to the point where residents needed to be relocated to unaffected rooms . SDSU’s Housing Administration blamed the floods on clogged shower pipes due to missing shower grates. They are addressing the issue by conducting monthly health and safety inspections to make sure the shower drains have covers.

Residents in Chappy voiced concerns about mold in the air vents, but housing said that it was actually connected to dust and dirt build up in the filters.

Housing confirmed only one case of mold in Chappy due to a food spill and are combating any problems from occurring through the monthly safety inspections.

The conditions in Aztec Corner made it to not only The Daily Aztec, but news stations all over San Diego. This was sparked by a Change.org petition that cited

termite infestations, plumbing problems and poor response times to maintenance requests as some of the problems, as well as demanding action from housing administration. Service requests through the apartments are managed by housing but resolved by Aztec Corner maintenance staff.

Cynthia Cervantes, director of SDSU housing, said the housing administration has already contacted residents who signed the petition in an effort to address their concerns and encouraged students to reach out if they feel t heir concerns are not being addressed.

STUDY ABROAD SAFETY CONCERNS Students studying abroad in both Ecuador and Chile had their experience cut short by protests against their sitting governments. Students studying in Santiago, Chile, were given the option to be brought back from the international business program after Chilean students jumped turnstiles to protest a government-imposed increase to metro fares on Oct. 6, according to The New York Times. Those who were enrolled in the program returned to the United States to finish their courses online.

FOOTBALL NOTCHES ITS FIRSTEVER WIN AGAINST UCLA It took San Diego State on its 23rd try to finally defeat the Bruins. The glitz and glamour of playing in a historic venue such as the Rose Bowl did not get to the Aztecs. Senior linebacker Kyahva Tezino, a Los Angeles native, expected over 60 family and friends to see him play.

Those folks chose a good game to watch as Tezino recorded nine tackles, a sack and a key forced fumble that led to a touchdown for SDSU. The win marked SDSU’s fifth win against a Pac-12 school since 2016 – that’s more than the Pac-12’s own Oregon State, who has four during that span.

SDSU BECOMES ONLY SCHOOL TO BOAST TWO POSTSEASON MVPS When the Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the 2019 World Series, pitcher Stephen Strasburg was named World Series MVP. Strasburg, who played at SDSU from 2007 to 2009, went 2-0 and recorded a 2.51 ERA in 14.1 innings. He joins fellow alum Kawhi Leonard to make SDSU only college in history with two postseason MVPs in the same season.

Leonard led the Toronto Raptors in winning its first NBA title in franchise history by averaging 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.

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Opinion

The Daily Aztec

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Catherine Van Weele • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

AB 5 hurts California journalists

by Charlie Vargas STAFF WRITER

For journalism students graduating this spring in California, or writers merely looking to work in the state, there is a new law that will affect their standing in the freelance workforce. On Jan. 1 2020, Assembly Bill Number 5 will be implemented as law.

The legislation stems from the California Supreme Court decision, Dynamex Operations Industries v. Supreme Court, that took place in 2018. The ruling came down on gig economies, aimed towards businesses like Uber and Lyft, who rely on independent contractors and are considered “nonemployees” who carry out the services of a company for short periods.

The ruling resulted in the adoption of a guideline referred to as the “ABC test.” It consists of three parts: “A) The worker is free from the employer’s control or direction in performing the work, B) The work takes place outside the usual course of the business of the company and off the site of the business, C) Customarily, the worker is engaged in an independent trade, occupation, profession, or business.”

The decision inspired AB 5 to strengthen the ruling by adding some specifications to an independent contractors’ profession, and among them were freelance writers who are associated with the “B” component of the test. AB 5 requires news outlets to hire freelance writers as workers

if they write more than 35 submissions for a news outlet.

Alexia Fernández Campbell wrote one of the best takes on this situation in her Vox article.

She wrote that two things could be accurate. The first is that the vulnerability of journalists are at the hands of the companies who hire them, while avoiding paying them benefits like Social Security. The other was that limiting a freelance writer to 35 news submissions each year is disruptive to their livelihood.

just this year. These losses are what make this situation increasingly complicated, especially when considering the state of journalism.

On the one hand, it’s a monumental win for worker protections in California, but on the other hand, it may put a strain on already struggling institution. The business model of the news has been in trouble for some time now. Journalism used to rely on advertisements in its print editions, which

“For student journalists, freelancing is a way to build up a resume and experience... AB 5 will likely increase competition between rookie freelancers and experienced ones.”

The bill comes from good intentions by seeking to provide labor protection for workers. It was authored by assemblywoman and labor leader Loreta Sanchez, who represents San Diego’s 80th district and has been vital in strengthening labor laws in California and setting the standard nationally. According to a Hollywood Reporter article, Sanchez collaborated with freelancers while writing the bill in attempts to ensure that they would have better labor protections and would not be used to break newsroom unions.

The Hollywood Reporter piece also referenced a Business Insider article that an estimated 7,200 jobs in media were lost

kept it stable. But the digital age disrupted that, and it is still having trouble adapting.

Journalism is losing advertising revenue, facing governmental antagonism and newsrooms are shrinking.

It is a challenge that faces news outlets that are dependent on profits for their survival.

Journalists understand that their jobs can be in jeopardy at any moment if their news outlet’s financial well being is threatened. Their termination becomes the means for news outlets to stay afloat. That is why there is a sense of anxiety from freelancers about AB 5 because, like every other company that is threatened, the first cuts to stabilize survival are often its

workers. The assumption and concerns are that companies who don’t have the money to hire more staff will utilize freelancers less to save money.

For student journalists, freelancing is a way to build up a resume and experience. Student journalists should be aware of this law and continue to use their college resources to secure their experience. Some ways to do that are by continuing to write for their college newspapers, interning and joining press networking organizations.

These strategies may be the only ways student journalists remain competitive. AB 5 will likely increase competition between rookie freelancers and experienced ones. It could lead to a decrease in journalists because those who can’t find an opportunity for better standing might be drowned out.

In a democracy that is strengthened by a plurality of voices in the press, a stimulation of decline in those voices is serious. The ramifications of this bill won’t be known until 2020 progresses, but it will undoubtedly put a strain on an institution that will have to decide if they can hire more writers without endangering the news organization financially.

The question that remains is whether that survival will come at the expense of freelancers and writers’ livelihood or come out of their profits.

As of right now, it is not looking too promising.

Charlie Varags is a senior studying journalism. Follow him on Twitter @CharlieVargas19.

It seems like the second you put down your fork from the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, the holiday season begins.

I believe this time of year brings people together. It provides special occasions to make memories that last a lifetime. Yet, it seems like the obligation to buy gifts has taken the place of simply enjoying the season. Not to mention, gift giving on a college budget is an impossible task itself.

Why do we give gifts? Is it to show appreciation in a physical form?

When we were younger, it was the most magical time of the year. Then, as we get older, the magic tends to fade. I feel like gifts have become a task and a check on the to-do list. However, this is not to say that people should not be awarded for hard work or deserve a bonus here and there, but gifts get a bad wrap in general.

This holiday season, let’s all spin the narrative and put gifts in a different light.

So let’s set the new frontier and think, “What will be the

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 COPYEDITOR Noah Goldbloom

STAFF WRITERS Aaliyah Alexander Roxana Becerril Natalie Borton Trinity Bland Breven Honda Jeanette Giovanniello Antonio Marquez Catlan Nguyen Juniper Perkins Charlie Vargas SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Sydney Faulkner Johann Derek Oribello ________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond

Gift giving is a way to show loved ones you care

by Natalie Borton STAFF WRITER

EDITOR IN CHIEF Bella Ross

best memory for this person?”

Everyone needs extra love to know they are appreciated this season. The most cherished times in my life are from creative activities people have gifted me such as concerts or dinners.

With this, I’ve thought of some helpful tips to a no-stress gift-giving checklist.

(Cue the Michael Buble Christmas Album.)

For your best friend, write a heartfelt card and plan a fun activity. The activity is a vague statement, but depending on the person it can range from grabbing dinner, a picnic or a Disney Plus night.

For that special someone, give them something that will make them laugh. This can be an ugly sweater, a card with a funny memory or even ice skating.

For the roommate, show them you care by putting together a little box of treats or candy — even though you might share a shoebox together you can still get along.

For the family, a framed memory or treat from the farmer’s market is easy, quick

and meaningful.

Gifts are not physical obligations.

To give someone a gift is a great reminder for how special and appreciated they are. It’s an individual and unique way to let them know that the year is full of long trials and triumphs but their presence has made an impact on your life.

Natalie Borton is a senior studying journalism.

________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER/ADVISER Jay Harn GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Luis Valenzuela ________________________________

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Opinion 5 SDSU admissions must support its transfer students

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Catherine Van Weele • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

by Alexa Oslowski PHOTO EDITOR

As a senior in high school, nothing felt more stressful than college decisions. You’ve made it to the final hurdle. You’ve taken the classes, received letters of acceptance, toured the schools and now it’s time to choose.

Looking back at who I was at 17, it’s easy to judge my past self for all the choices I wish I had made.

I didn’t even apply to San Diego State when I was in high school.

I had a one-track mind to go to UC Santa Cruz, and as soon as I got my acceptance in March I was sold. Little did I know, life had a vastly different route for me.

Being a transfer student was not what I pictured for my college experience. I had decided that I wanted to be a journalist, and UCSC didn’t offer the degree I needed to be successful, leaving me with no choice but to transfer to a new school. I changed majors, moved more than 400 miles to Southern California, signed a lease into a sorority house with 40 women I’d never met and now I’m graduating in five years instead of four.

I had envisioned that when I transferred, SDSU would help me every step of the way, considering I was switching from a UC to a CSU and had an unusual case.

I found out that was not what would happen.

I accepted my admission offer in

April with no indication that my classes wouldn’t transfer properly.

I signed a housing agreement with the school (which was later canceled) and once that was settled I booked a flight for my orientation in early August.

Flash forward to the end of my final quarter at UCSC in midJune. On the last day of finals for the summer, I discovered on my Webportal account that my admission to SDSU was mysteriously rescinded.

I hadn’t received a call or any correspondence, and no reason was given online.

After hours of phone calls and waiting on hold, I was informed that after a full evaluation of my transcripts, there was a discrepancy between by UCSC classes and the transfer requirements for SDSU. Therefore, I failed to meet transfer admission requirements and the Admissions Office revoked my enrollment.

Since they informed me well after the registration date of any community college semester, there was absolutely no way for me to take a replacement until the summer. In less than 24 hours, I enrolled in summer classes starting the next week, packed my entire apartment in Santa Cruz into my car and drove home.

I spent all summer going back and forth with SDSU admissions offices about what happened. I jumped through all their hoops.

I filed the appeal work, took and passed the classes, and still,

The Daily Aztec

they refused to budge. They fully intended to keep my $400 deposit and $100 payment for transfer orientation (which they still have).

During this summer, I was left with a lot of questions, and over a year later they were never answered. In my appeal letter, I included documentation from my local community college showing the class I took at UCSC was equivalent to the requirement in question. I had proof that the admissions offices never informed me of this issue before June, and it was impossible for me to remedy the situation because I wasn’t given the chance. After weeks of not knowing anything, I called and learned SDSU would not reinstate me as a student and my appeal was denied.

I was two years into a degree and had nowhere to finish it. I had withdrawn from UCSC and had no interest in returning. I was forced to cancel my lease, watch everyone around me go back to school and I was stuck in my hometown with no direction.

I spent the entire month of August in a mental health slump.

My college experience had already been disappointing, couldn’t I have my transfer work out for me?

I felt slighted by the universe, and definitely by SDSU. I felt like I was being punished for a mistake that I was never even given the opportunity to fix, and one I wasn’t even aware of until it was too late.

After a lot of talks and self-

Photo by Alexa Oslowski

Outside of SDSU Admissions Office.

reflection, I decided to take some action. At this point, SDSU still had my $400 deposit that’s supposed to go towards my tuition (that no longer existed since I wasn’t a student). I had now completed all the transfer requirements after my summer classes ended.

With nothing to lose, I submitted a second appeal. This time, I was fighting to defer my admission to the spring 2019 semester. I wrote the letter, filed the paperwork and let it take its course.

In mid-September, I finally received the news I was waiting to hear. My second appeal had been approved, and I would be an Aztec starting Spring 2019. A decision from the appeals board couldn’t be overturned by the admissions office, so I was in for good.

My journey with transferring is far from over. I changed majors from art to journalism, and even with that, the process was further complicated by my transfer status.

I was forced to submit a petition

and skip the standard pre-major process to be a journalism student.

Instead of graduating this spring in 2020, I will be a fifth-year student and walking in 2021.

Sometimes I just want to forget everything that happened with my experience getting into SDSU. I got what I wanted, I’m an Aztec after it all. Then, I think about how I wish someone had shared my experience when I first decided to leave UCSC. I think about all the ways SDSU should have supported me, but didn’t. That entire summer, I didn’t feel like a person . I felt like a set of numbers on a screen for them to disregard since it became inconvenient and complex to work with me.

I might be a student now, but it still came at a price. SDSU needs to treat transfer students better.

Alexa Oslowski is a senior studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @AlexaROslowski.

Sharing your personal story with others can be healing, liberating

by Trinity Bland STAFF WRITER

We’ve always loved stories.

Even from a young age, stories played a vital part of many of our upbringings and traditions.

Today, we still love stories. We love sharing some of our fondest memories as much as we enjoy listening to other people’s exciting adventures. We tend to share the best parts of ourselves without really realizing it. Whether it is a compelling tale of triumph after overcoming adversity or a funny moment that happened to us in passing, storytelling is one of our favorite methods to communicate. It gives us all a greater and more vivid experience of life.

For some reason, even though we love stories, there are times when we won’t share our own and as I started writing this article, I realized something very profound about stories.

A story can only be a story if it is told.

The reason a story is created is to become a shared experience.

This is what makes sharing as important to storytelling as the experience itself. Once a story is shared, it becomes part of all of us.

As college students, we are constantly faced with different narratives, viewpoints and perspectives on the world from others in our classrooms, our residence halls and on campus

Graphic by Emily Burgess

in general. The mere thought of sharing your own story can be daunting when you hear someone else share their own experience.

It prompts you to take a deeper look at yourself, but it can also activate an interest in sharing your story.

But for some reason, you don’t.

Nevertheless, it is important that we do not silence ourselves or suppress our opinions, ideas and experiences. While it is possible that sharing your experiences may be triggering or traumatizing for you, we can often feel the consequence of suppressing ourselves soon thereafter and it isn’t a great feeling. However, if we share our experiences with others, there are a plethora of benefits that can come from it.

Sharing our stories with others invites others to connect with us.

Whether the experiences we talk

about are positive or negative — it doesn’t matter. The fact that we are share anything with others in a society that is either all-ornothing is impactful in itself. It causes everyone who is listening to reflect on our words.

When you share your story, experiences, and truth with others, you gain a different level of respect. Listening to things and reading things with an autobiographical context is something that has the ability to grip someone emotionally. In doing so, people are forced to reaffirm or rethink themselves and their morals.

Telling your story will enhance your personal growth and maturity. Being confronted with the unfortunate realities that come with having difficult conversations or sharing negative or triggering experiences can be

worth the growth. Growing not only for yourself but also for those who choose to be actively engaged in this journey of learning alongside you.

Sharing your experiences with others gives them the courage to share their stories, too. They may feel intimidated or afraid to talk about their experiences, but seeing someone else do it with such confidence gives them a sense of ease. Being respectful and avoiding language that can be considered offensive or triggering is important not only in this instance but as you mature and grow older.

Talking about your experiences and about what is important to you is an easy and effective way to create progress, start further conversations and connect with the people around you.

It is important to provide platforms and inclusive outlets for people to share their stories, particularly in college. Students can feel so lost, and this could be another reason why they may not even attempt to open up to anyone.

Sharing your experiences can help you find your voice. During your college journey, it is not all about the pursuit of academia. It is about pursuing your passions and learning about life as well as getting a sense of what being an adult is truly like in this day and age.

Often, without even realizing it, we discover who we are as people in the conversations we

have, the friends we make, the stories we tell and so through many other channels. The power of sharing our experiences and being true to ourselves reaffirms what we believe. It boosts our confidence and pushes us to be better people. It may make us a bit uncomfortable for a little while, but the lasting impact is empowering and liberating when we’ve been able to share our story.

Something that one of my mentors taught me is that expressing to others what is inside doesn’t always have to be perfect. It’s your story and you are allowed to give yourself permission to be messy as you’re telling it. You don’t need to be put together the entire time.

The way you deliver your story insinuates a lot about where you are in the process of the experience in which you’re speaking of and it is more than okay. This is all apart of your story.

There is no right way to tell your story as it is yours to tell, so share it in a way that is best suited for you. It may be easier to first sit down with a friend, roommate or classmate rather than sharing it with a group of people first. You may also find it comforting to put it in writing and share it online or to record it on a podcast.

Either way, it is undeniably necessary to tell your story.

Trinity Bland is a sophomore studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @trinityaliciaa.

6

News

The Daily Aztec

Decade:

continued from page 1 students,” The Daily Aztec wrote in 2012.

2013-14: STUDENT SUCCESS FEE SPARKS CONTROVERSY, NEW STUDENT UNION OPENS In fall 2014, a new mandatory fee that was passed the semester prior took effect. The Student Success Fee, which sits at around $200 per semester, would be used to increase course selections, tenure-track faculty lines and student success. The decision loomed over the rest of the school year, inspiring students to protest the decision.

In the spring, after months of setbacks, the student union as we know it today was opened.

“We’d like to welcome you all to your new campus living room,” Hirshman said at the opening event.

2014-15: FRATERNITY MEMBERS WAVE SEX TOYS AT ADVOCATES, “SIGTOPIA” At an annual Take Back the Night rally — held in oppoition to sexual assault on campus — members of Sigma Phi Epsilon welcomed advocates by yelling obscenities. Members of Delta Sigma Phi then waved dildos at demonstrators from the chapter house’s balcony.

The incident resulted in the

suspension of all social activities among Interfraternity Council chapters. But this inspired some party-seekers to get creative.

After Sigma Chi was removed from campus in 2013 following hazing allegations, former members and friends launched “Sigtopia.” The house was not technically affiliated with any fraternity chapter, placing it just outside the university’s realm of regulation and making it perfect for parties.

“That place isn’t a school’s dream,” communications senior Tyler Dabovich said. “It isn’t a fraternity house’s dream. It’s like that ‘Old School’ house that you can’t really regulate them because they’re not a fraternity, but they’re still partying.”

The party house was alleged to be the site of two sexual assault cases out of 17 reported near campus during fall 2014.

2015-16: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FALSLEY ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT In December 2014, international student Francisco Sousa was arrested and suspended from SDSU in connection with an alleged sexual assault off campus.

But the district attorney later declined to press charges, saying there was not substantial evidence backing the case.

Asserting he was falsely accused of the act, Sousa filed a lawsuit against the university and won $10,000 in a 2017 settlement

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com

Dyer said.

Later that semester, following years of debate around SDSU’s use of the Aztec mascot, the University Senate passed a resolution to investigate the appropriateness of the figure.

The decision led to the creation of a task force, which released its findings the following summer.

The group decided to retain the use of the Aztec moniker, but to instead refer to the figure as a “spirit leader.” The university also decided to retire some aspects of the Aztec Warrior in order to achieve a more “respectful portrayal.”

File photo

Two students pose in front for a Sigtopia sign in 2014.

agreement.

2016-17: PRESIDENT TRAPPED IN COP CAR BY PROTESTORS In April 2016, fliers appeared around campus that identified seven specific students that an organization claimed “have allied themselves with Palestinian terrorists to perpetuate (Boycott, Divestment and Sanction) and Jew Hatred on this campus.”

Following what critics considered to be a lackluster response to the fliers by Hirshman, a silent protest turned into a two-hour barricade where the president was surrounded by demonstrators while he sat inside a police cruiser.

“I wanted you to defend me,” senior Osama Alkhawaja told Hirshman directly. “They called us terrorists, and you didn’t defend us.”

2017-18: UNSOLVED STUDENT DEATH, MASCOT RESOLUTION PASSES Last seen at a fraternity tailgate party at SDCCU Stadium, Jasmine Madarang was struck and killed by a car while attempting to cross the I-8 near Waring Road in September 2017.

Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

“It’s still a mystery how she ended up on the side of the 8,” former Editor in Chief Andrew

2018-19: RACISM ON CAMPUS The spring of 2019 saw a number of incidents targeted at the Black Resource Center and black students generally, sparking widespread discussions about racism on campus.

In early March, a non-student captured the sound of a racial slur being shouted at the center on video. Just over a month later, the center was quietly vandalized, resulting in about $400 worth of property damagers.

There was a large rally the following week where campus advocates presented a list of demands to the university on how to improve campus race relations.

But this did not end the conflict.

At the end of April, a Snapchat was released where a student called a black student a “monkey” and threatened to hang them like an “ornament” off a tree.

Learn more at: iam.sdsu.edu

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Alejandra Luna • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

7

Abogados ofrecen ayuda gratuita para estudiantes indocumentados en SDSU por Antonio ESCRITOR

Márquez

Este semestre se ha implementado una nueva oportunidad para los estudiantes y empleados que buscan recursos legales llamado Servicios Legales de Educación Superior.

La Universidad Estatal de California ha creado esta oportunidad en conjunto con diferentes organizaciones, tales como la Fundación de la Familia Judía con la finalidad de tranquilizar a las familias inmigrantes sobre las decisiones que se han estado realizando en la corte suprema.

Es por eso que en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego cuenta con dos abogados especializados en temas de inmigración, lo cual brinda apoyo y confianza a la comunidad de SDSU con la finalidad que los estudiantes estén bien informados sobres sus derechos.

Mónica Alvarado es una de las abogadas que se encuentra trabajando en la universidad para ayudar a los estudiantes indocumentados que necesitan

Foto por Anonio Márquez

Símbolo de solidaridad en la oficina del programa de oportunidades en SDSU.

recursos legales.

“Realmente me gustaría establecer nuestra presencia aquí en la universidad”, comentó Alvarado.

“Es nuestro primer semestre en el condado de San Diego, y es realmente genial porque la región está tomando un liderazgo estatal".

Asimismo, los abogados de la universidad ofrecen talleres para enseñar a todos los universitarios sobre los derechos legales que existen y la importancia de saber cúal es el procedimiento apropiado que ellos deben tomar.

Jairo Castañeda, abogado en SDSU, sólo busca que los estudiantes conozcan sus derechos y los recursos sobre su situación migratoria.

"Estamos en un momento muy crítico en la historia de EEUU, y es importante que las personas puedan sentirse cómodas aquí en el campus mientras aprovechan su estudios superiores y se empoderan académicamente", dijo Castañeda.

Estos servicios incluyen renovaciones para el permiso de Acción Diferida, (DACA), solicitudes de residencia o cualquier pregunta sobre casos legales.

Las universidades estiman que al menos 9,500 estudiantes son indocumentados y reciben privilegios de AB540 que les da la oportunidad de pagar.

Además, los universitarios indocumentados tienen prioridad para agendar una cita

y recibir asistencia legal, como la estudiante Elizabeth Chávez, quien asegura tener abogados y recursos de forma gratuita, quitándole un peso de encima.

“Mis papás crecieron en el campo, es por eso que temas como de abogados no tenían sentido para ellos porque no estaban informados”, declaró Chávez.

A su vez, Chávez añadió que el procedimiento para solicitar el permiso de DACA no fue nada fácil para ella, pero se alegra que ahora ya existan más recursos para otras personas.

Sin embargo, los jóvenes indocumentados se encuentran preocupados porque actualmente el programa está en la cuerda floja. Se habla de que el siguiente año subirán los precios para la renovación de DACA, hasta el momento no se ha confirmado.

Por el momento, los abogados de la universidad piden que si algún estudiante necesita ayuda o le interesa saber más sobre sus derechos, visiten las oficinas de EOP que se encuentran en el campus o pueden acudir a la universidad de San Marcos, donde también ofrecen la ayuda.

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8

The Daily Aztec

Sports

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Poll: Top 10 SDSU athletes of the 2010s

File photos

(Left to right) Donnel Pumphrey Jr. played at San Diego State from 2013-16 and Kawhi Leonard from 2009-11.

by Breven Honda STAFF WRITER

The Daily Aztec sports staff of 13 writers each submitted their top 10 list of Aztec atheletes of the 2010s. There were 19 nominees selected from. Atheletes who got a first place vote received 10 points, a second place vote got nine points, a third place vote got eight points, etc. The points were added up to create this top10 list.

1. DONNEL PUMPHREY JR. (FOOTBALL, 2013-2016) – 120 POINTS Pumphrey rushed for a total of 6,405 yards during his collegiate career, which is ranked first in NCAA FBS history.

During his senior season, he finished tied for tenth in Heisman Trophy voting and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award in 2016. He finished as the alltime MWC leader in all-purpose yards (7,515), rushing touchdowns (62), overall touchdowns (67), and 100-yard games (33). Pumphrey was honored six times for MWC Offensive Player of the Week and was a three-time First Team All-MWC player. In 2015 and 2016, Pumphrey was named MWC Offensive Player of the Year.

2. KAWHI LEONARD (MEN’S BASKETBALL, 2009-2011) – 109 POINTS In Leonard’s second and last season at SDSU, he ranked first in rebounding, offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding, fourth in scoring, fourth in steals, sixth in free-throw percentage all among MWC players. Across the country, Leonard ranked fourth in double-doubles (23) and ninth in rebounding, as he was one of ten players selected on the Wooden Award All-American team.

Leonard was voted to the All-MWC first team, tournament team, defensive team and NABC All-District 17 team. He was one of 10 players nominated for the Naismith Award and one of 20 for the Wooden Award.

3. RASHAAD PENNY (FOOTBALL, 20142017) – 91 POINTS Penny finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting after his senior season.

The fifth place finish was the highest since Marshall Faulk finished fourth in 1993 and the best by a Group of 5 running back since TCU’s LaDainian Tomlinson finished fourth in 2000. Penny rushed for 2,248 yards and was the nation’s leading rusher in 2017. Penny was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, the nation’s premier running back. In total, he was on nine first team All-American lists, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated. Penny was also the 2017 MWC Offensive Player of the Year as he was able to run, catch, and return kicks. He was a five-time MWC Offensive Player of the Week and a four-time MWC Special Teams Player of the Week.

4. DAMONTE KAZEE (FOOTBALL 20132016) – 61 POINTS Kazee was a two-time MWC Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016 and became the first cornerback in MWC history to win the award twice. In 2015, he was the first player since Kirk Morrison (2003-2004) to be named MWC Defensive Player of the Year. Kazee is the program leader in interceptions (17). He was part of the teams that won the MWC Championship in both 2015 and 2016.

In 2016, Kazee became the first Aztec in program history with six or more interceptions in consecutive seasons.

5. DJ GAY (MEN’S BASKETBALL, 20072011) – 49 POINTS As a senior, he helped lead SDSU to its first Sweet Sixteen run by going 34-3.

He played in all 140 games since came to SDSU and started the final 71. The 140 games played are the most in SDSU Div. I history. Gay is second in three-point percentage and games started. Gay was on the All-MWC first team, all-MWC tournament team, NABC all-District 17 team selection and was one of 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award during his senior

season. During the 2010-11 season, Gay hit two game-winners, one during the MWC Tournament semifinals against UNLV and in MWC play at Colorado State. He finished 25th in the NCAA in assist-to-turnover ratio.

6. ASHLEY HENDERSON (TRACK AND FIELD, 2014-2018) – 45 POINTS Henderson set four school records, including the outdoor 100 meter dash with a time of 10.96. She was a nine-time MWC Outdoor Track and Field Champion and a five-time MWC Indoor Track and Field Champion. Henderson was also a five-time, first-team outdoor USTFCCCA All-American and a four-time, first team indoor USTFCCCA All-American. In 2017 and 2018, Henderson was named Mountain West Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Most Outstanding Performer.

7. BONNIE DRAXLER (TRACK AND FIELD, 2014-2019) – 42 POINTS Draxler was a USTFCCCA Indoor and Outdoor First Team All-American in 2019 and was the MWC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year in 2019. Draxler set two conference and program records during her time at SDSU. She was named to four All-MWC Indoor Track and Field Teams and five All-MWC Outdoor Track and Field teams. Draxler competed in four NCAAs, placing as high as second in the 2019 Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault Championship. Draxler swept the pole vault indoor MWC title in all four years she competed and won twice on the outdoor side.

8. XAVIER THAMES (MEN’S BASKETBALL, 2009-2014) – 38 POINTS Thames was part of both Sweet Sixteen teams for SDSU and took charge as the senior guard during the 2014 run, which led him to be named MWC Player of the Year in 2014. Thames helped SDSU beat Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., which ended a 68-game home winning streak for the Jayhawks and a historic comeback victo-

ry over New Mexico for the MWC Regular season Championship. In his senior season, Thames averaged 17.6 points and 3.2 assists in 36 games in which he all started.

9. XANDER SCHAUFFELE (MEN’S GOLF, 2012-2015) – 29 POINTS In Schauffele’s senior season, he was SDSU’s top finisher in 11 out of 14 events, recorded eight top-five performances and 10 top-10s. He averaged a 70.49 scoring average. Schauffele recorded 19 rounds under par and 13 rounds in the 60s. He was an All-MWC selection three times and on two third-team All-American lists.

T-10. JAMAAL FRANKLIN (MEN’S BASKETBALL, 2009-2012) – 22 POINTS During the 2011-12 season, Franklin was the top scorer in the MWC, third in defensive rebounding and fourth in freethrow percentage and rebounding. He was also an Associated Press All-American, MWC Player of the Year, and AllMWC first team selection during his sophomore season. Franklin led the team in scoring (17.4) and rebounding (7.9).

He ranked second nationally in scoring and rebounding improvement from 2010-11 to 2011-12.

T-10. TREY KELL (MEN’S BASKETBALL, 2014-2018) – 22 POINTS In Kell’s four seasons at SDSU, he started 112 games and played in 134 total games. Kell was a two-time MWC all-tournament selection and was MWC tournament MVP in his senior season. He helped lead a team go 9-1 to finish the 2017-18 season, which included winning the MWC Tournament Title game and make a trip back to the NCAA Tournament. Kell finished his collegiate career with 1,403 points, good for sixth all-time and second highest in the decade.

Breven Honda is a junior studying journalism.

Follow him on Twitter @BrevenHonda.

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec

9

Walk-on wide receiver Jesse Matthews earns scholarship

by Aaron Tolentino SPORTS EDITOR

After entering the program in 2018 as a walk-on, San Diego State football redshirt freshman wide receiver Jesse Matthews has earned a scholarship.

Coming into Fall Camp this year, Matthews was listed fourth on the depth chart for San Diego State football’s wide receiver “Z” position.

This came after being named the team’s Offensive Scout Player of the Year in 2018 as a redshirt who walked on to the program.

A year later, Matthews had a good camp and earned himself playing time in the Aztecs’ first game of the season, breaking out to lead the team in receiving. Granted, it was only three catches for 25 yards during a 6-0 win over Weber State.

The local product out of Christian High School followed that up with five catches for 59 yards in a win against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

With games such as six catches and 73 yards against Wyoming and four catches for 78 yards against BYU, Matthews has proven to be a reliable target. His best performance came against Fresno State on Nov. 15 when he posted a career-high eight catches for 118 yards.

On top of that, the SDSU coaching staff had Matthews return punts as well.

Forty-five catches and 522 receiving yards later, the second-leading receiver on the team still is without a scholarship.

When Matthews made a high-flying catch for 20 yards against three Utah State defenders on Sept. 21, plays like that

Basketball:

continued from page 1 way into the basket to give the Aztecs a 59-57 lead with 0.9 seconds left.

That shot would preserve the team’s undefeated record.

“I’ve hit a couple tough shots to end games, but this one was huge,” Flynn said.

“This has been the best one yet because right now we’re still undefeated, so that was big.”

Head coach Brian Dutcher said the inbounds play was designed to have Schakel take the last shot, but SJSU gave the Aztecs a different look on defense.

“That was the first time they zoned the baseline out of bounds all game,” Dutcher said. “They did a great job of doubling Jordan… He let the guy that takes impossible shots get the ball and he made one.”

NATHAN MENSAH’S SECOND HALF IMPACT Twelve points – all after halftime.

Three blocks and a steal on the defensive end.

Sophomore forward Nathan Mensah was a force for the Aztecs on both sides of the ball in the second half.

He also tallied seven offensive rebounds (10 total in the second half) and made three second-chance shots.

“That’s just what he does,” Mitchell said of Mensah. “He came out in the second half and he came out hard. He played to his level, so kudos to him and hopefully he can do that the rest of the season.”

Despite Mensah collecting two fouls early, Dutcher said he decided to keep him in the game because of depth from senior forward Yanni Wetzell and sophomore forward Joel Mensah.

“Nathan was great on the glass,” Dutcher said. “Two hands on the back, and all of a sudden he’s got two fouls early.

We played him in the first half with two fouls, sometimes we don’t do that. But we had him in there because of our depth.”

Despite Mensah’s second-half showing,

garnered him the nickname “Megatron.”

How can a team’s “Megatron” not be on scholarship?

Well, that all changed Monday when Matthews sat by his locker after practice with a letter informing him he has received a scholarship.

“Yeah I got a little emotional,” Matthews said on whether or not he cried. “Everything kind of hit me at once. I didn’t cry after when they announced it at first. When I got home after (practice) to call my mom, all the emotions came.”

Matthews added he hears the noise on social media calling for him to get a scholarship.

Sophomore cornerback Darren Hall has seen Matthews’ progress in the past two seasons, lining up against one another numerous times in practice.

“Don’t let his hands touch the ball because nine out of 10, it’s a catch,” he told The Daily Aztec. “I am proud of him. He came in and made progress from the first day he was here.”

Senior cornerback Luq Barcoo was in a similar situation as a junior college player – someone who took the field not knowing if he were to ever receive a scholarship.

“For me, it’s very inspirational because I come from a junior college,” Barcoo said. “I was kind of in a similar situation where I kind of had to earn my scholarship. I didn’t get it right off the bat, so I know how hard it is, how mentally tough it can be … I got a lot of respect for him doing that.”

A reporter in Tuesday’s news conference asked Long about Matthews getting a scholarship.

Long asked him how he found out,

Photo by Kareem Jones

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jesse Matthews runs up field during SDSU’s win over UCLA on Sept. 7 at the Rose Bowl.

and the reporter said he saw a picture on Instagram. Long was simply glad there was no extravagant video of the announcement.

That’s not the way Long runs his program.

“He obviously deserved one,” Long said.

“One of the guys that was in our program got a medical (waiver) approved, so that allowed a scholarship to be available. As soon as it was available, we gave it to him because he deserved it.”

News was kept off Twitter, but various

teammates took to their Instagram stories to congratulate Matthews earning a scholarship.

The team ganged up around Matthews and started chanting in celebration once the seniors had made the announcement.

“I was afraid they were going to hurt him,” Long said with a smile. “But (Matthews) came out of the room okay.”

Aaron Tolentino is a senior studying journalism. Follow him on Twitter @atolent2.

Dutcher said Wetzell has earned more offensive opportunities in the paint.

“He was really important as the game went on,” Dutcher said. “I think Nathan would like more touches, but I’m going to Yanni more than Nathan more right now because I just feel like Yanni’s been more effective in the low post... just relying on his experience.”

SDSU SHOOTING STRUGGLES The Aztecs were only able to shoot 11for-30 (36.7%) in the first half, including just 2-for-7 from the 3-point line.

For the last 3:21 of the first half, SDSU did not make a field goal but held on to a 30-25 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Aztecs were unable to make a field goal for over seven minutes.

SDSU entered the contest scoring 38.5 points per half but were held to 30 in the first half and 29 in the second.

The Aztecs only made one out of its last seven shots – with Flynn’s game-winner being the only shot made.

Even with that shot, Flynn posted a 23% (3-13) field goal total.

But Flynn wasn’t the only starter who had a below-average shooting performance. Senior guard KJ Feagin was only able to make one out of 10 shots.

During Tuesday’s news conference, Dutcher said the Aztecs’ offense had good looks but weren’t able to make enough shots down the stretch.

“Did our offense produce a lot of the shots we wanted? Absolutely,” Dutcher said. “But at some level, you have to make those shots, and we didn’t make enough to create separation.”

Junior forward Matt Mitchell said the Aztecs were fortunate to have escaped with a win.

“This was definitely a game that could’ve gotten away from us,” Mitchell said. “I think we’ve got to take this as a teaching lesson and say we can’t tip-toe in the first half and even to start the second half.”

Kyle Betz is a junior studying journalism.

Follow him on Twitter @KyleBBetz.

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The Daily Aztec

Arts & Culture

Bands battled for Greenfest Spot

by Aaliyah Alexander CONTRIBUTOR

Battle of the Bands fanatics rushed into Montezuma Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5 to cheer on artists that competed for a spot to be the opening act for this coming up year’s GreenFest Concert.

The concert will be held at Cal Coast Open Theater in March 2020. The headliner for the 2020 Greenfest festival is still unknown, but last year’s leda act was R&B singer Daniel Caesar, so the

pressure was high for student bands.

This year’s Battle of the Bands contestants were Getaway 95, Dylan Wager & Co., Sammy Bel Mar, Outside the Frame, Ariel Imani, Rain on Fridays and ZachBrosi.

The event drew in music fans who enjoy having the opportunity to be introduced to local, upcoming artists.

This was the first Battle of the Bands for mechanical engineering sophomore Emom Askarnia.

“I always like finding out about new people, especially if they’re local,” Askarnia said.

Photo by Aaliyah Alexander

R&B singer and songwriter Ariel Imani took home first prize and will be performing during Greenfest as the opener.

During the competition, the audience was encouraged to participate by cheering on their favorite bands and artists. Students jumped around to upbeat songs and shouted catchy lyrics along with the artist performing.

The competition had a variety of contestants who varied in style such as contestant Dylan Wager & Co., who’s described to have an acoustic and pop style, and contestant ZackBrosi who has a unique blend of rock, pop, reggae and blues.

Theater junior Katie Malone described her taste in music to be somewhat limited when it comes to branching out and discovering new artists, but she got to experience a mixture of talent at the GreenFest event.

“I am not used to all the different types of music, but I really enjoyed, like, getting to know all these different genres,” Malone said.

After all seven bands performed and a few raffle prizes were given away to the audience, the judges gave the crown to R&B singer and songwriter Ariel Imani.

Standing front row at the competition, first year psychology major Alexis Dozier said the winner was one of her favorite artists that performed that night.

“All the bands were really cool. I predicted the winner, I knew she was gonna win,” Dozier said. “She had a really good sound and she sounded really all there … authentic.”

Sending off senior staff writer to NYC

by Sydney Faulkner SENIOR STAFF WRITER

When I joined the Arts & Culture section of The Daily Aztec two and a half years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the way it would shape my dreams, career or the amount of opportunities it would bring me. From experiencing some amazing local eateries, covering more than 18 performing arts events and landing a career starting gig with Broadway San Diego, I am thankful for everything the newspaper has put into motion for me.

I still get incredibly excited to see my articles and my name in print. There is magic in print journalism. It is also always cool when someone comes up to me and says “Hey, you’re the girl that writes about theatre!”

I started out as a political science major with big dreams to be a foreign service officer, but after realizing exactly how heavy the world’s challenges are, that quickly changed. When I joined the School of Journalism and Media Studies, it all clicked. When I chose my auxiliary discipline in theatre, everything felt in tune. I encourage all college students to think about what makes them happiest in life and go for it, don’t be afraid of change and don’t think you have to chase money.

I graduate in two days and the emotions are running high, but I am so excited for the future and to take what I have learned from The Daily Aztec and San Diego State with me to New York City where I will be joining the team of the off-Broadway musical “Good Morning New York.”

Having my name in a real life Playbill is a dream come true, and I have to thank the newspaper for helping me gain invaluable experience over the years.

I have had the honor of experiencing incredible teaching from people who are so passionate about their subject and that makes all the difference.

Professor Alexa Mokalis, you are such a queen. I want to be you when I grow up.

Your courses are so relevant and useful that I truly feel more prepared for my professional career because of you. Also, you’re fabulous. Thank you for always plugging my jacket painting business, your support is so appreciated.

Dr. Nate, I don’t even know where to start. You have expanded my mind and broadened my perspective in so many ways. You promote creativity in your students and that is admirable. You are such a force on SDSU’s campus and I am so glad I was able to take your classes.

I will truly miss our “How To Get Away With Murder” and “Schitt’s Creek” recap discussions.

Professor Jayla Lee, I hope you never

Photo by Victoria Brose

forget when I started crying in your 8 a.m. last week due to my bittersweet emotions about graduating. I have enjoyed your classes so much because of you and the way that you teach. You are the kindest soul I have ever met and you are a gift to SDSU’s campus.

Dr. Patrice Amon and Dr. Katie Turner, I am so thankful for your passion and hearts to teach theatre. In many ways your classes saved me, made me laugh and made me look at things in a different light. Patrice, you literally took us to Disneyland. You are incredible.

Lizbeth Persons Price, thank you for being the point of contact for the countless theatre productions I have attended and for always inviting me to shows. It has been such a pleasure working with you over the years.

To my past Arts & Culture editors – Cami, Julianna and Ceighlee – thank you for encouraging me and helping me along the way. I’m thankful to have learned from each of you.

A special thank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me during my time with The Daily Aztec. There are so many of you who have stopped and gave your time to share your lives and voices.

Mark Beltran and the Broadway San Diego team, thank you for every opportunity you have given me in the last year. It has been an honor working with you!

Perhaps my biggest thank you’s of all: Garett, thank you for being the best husband, being by my side through it all and being my constant cheerleader. Also, thank you for being a trooper at freshman orientation and wearing the parent sticker and attending the parent sessions. Love you and Apollo forever.

Mom and Sarah, your constant encouragement, even when I was insanely dramatic, helped me get here today. I love you guys “all the much.”

Thanks for everything SDSU.

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Holiday movie Netflix guide

by Johann Derek Oribello SENIOR STAFF WRITER

With the weather outside being frightful lately and finals week rapidly approaching, the holiday season is officially here.

Netflix has recently updated its catalogue to include a plethora of holidaythemed, streamable content for consumers to enjoy. Although a majority of students’ free time will be spent on late night study sessions to prepare for final exams, Netflix has fans covered with endless hours of entertaining shows and movies to help viewers escape from the stresses of life and keep them cozy for the holidays.

Here are some of the top holiday Netflix TV shows and movies available. Amongst new and original content being released in this year’s holiday lineup, Netflix decided to include timeless Christmas classics. One of the top classics currently streaming includes the 2000 live-directed film, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” featuring Jim Carrey.

The grinch is an iconic holiday character that touched the hearts of countless children nationwide. Carrey nails the titular role to a tee as the cranky, green grump of Dr. Seuss’ iconic tale in this film. Coming out in 2000, this film is nostalgic to university students across the nation who have probably viewed the film at least once in their life. Now available on Netflix, revisit this timeless classic that has provided countless years of holiday cheer.

A great holiday-themed Netflix original that viewers should check out is the movie, “The Princess Switch.” High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens stars in this holiday rom-com under two lead roles – as a duchess and ordinary Chicago baker who are twins. The plot revolves around these two individuals discovering each other’s existence just a week before Christmas arrives.

With the holidays approaching, they develop a plan to switch lives and trade places for a few days. The plan takes a turn to the left as both twins end up finding romance in each other’s lives and must find a way to make it work. This film is a great rom-com to put on and get cozy with family and friends.

Another fantastic Netflix original for the holiday season is the movie, “Klaus.”

Releasing just recently on Nov. 8, it holds a rotten tomatoes critical rating of 92%.

The movie marks Netflix’s first original animated feature film and revolves around the origin story of Santa Claus.

The movie is directed by Sergio Pablos who is best known as the creator of the beloved animated franchise, “Despicable Me.” Returning to the movie scene with a new original work, he captures the hearts of people once again with the heartwarming narrative detailing how Santa Claus came to be. With gorgeous hand-drawn animations that stand out from the standard CGI animation format, it’s clear to see that “Klaus” took much time and effort to create. It all pays off with a wonderful Christmas film that has the potential to become a future Christmas classic for children and families to enjoy.

The wildly popular TV series, “Friends” is loved all around the world. Fortunately, one of America’s favorite sitcoms has many holiday episodes to binge between study sessions. With more than 10 episodes centering around holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah and even New Year’s, there’s bound to be an episode to put on for the season.

These are just some of the incredible movies and shows currently available to stream on Netflix. With the year and decade coming to a close, put on one of these recommended movies to help keep you warm as the new year comes along.

Arts & Culture 11 Professor creates food pantry for struggling students

Dec. 411 - Jan. 21, 2019 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com

by Dana Tsuri-Etzioni MANAGING EDITOR

Professor and Director of the San Diego State School of Theater, Television and Film, Dr. Niyi Coker, implemented a food security operation this semester to help students in his department.

The program allows hungry, lowincome students to go into several food pantries located in the drama and communication buildings and pick the food they want – no questions asked.

“We don’t ask any questions, we don’t need to see an ID,” Dr. Coker said.

“Anyone can go in and grab food if they’re hungry.”

Dr. Coker started the program for TFM students from scratch because he wanted students to be well fed.

He said students in the department work hard, some have jobs other than their schoolwork and they have the

The Daily Aztec

extracurricular aspect of participating in TFM productions. About 1000 students are helped through the program every two weeks, Dr. Coker said.

Even though financial aid helps students, it still doesn’t mean food stability is guaranteed, Dr. Coker said.

“Scholarships help with housing, but they don’t necessarily help with food so a lot of students go hungry,” Dr. Coker said.

He started the program in the beginning of the semester, but it’s been in the process for about a year because it takes a while to build relationships with companies and get all of the licenses necessary to handle food.

Professors from the school volunteer every two weeks to help Dr. Coker pick up the food from the grocery stores that are partnered with Feeding San Diego — an organization that connects and distributes food to the community from donors.

Holiday fun to attend over the winter break

by Juniper Perkins STAFF WRITER

Decided to stay local for the upcoming break? San Diego is packed with winter events for everyone to enjoy. From holiday classics to cultural celebrations, this winter break is sure to excite.

WINTER FUN The Rady Children’s Ice Rink is already in full swing at Liberty Station. It’s open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 5, 2020. The rink is closed Christmas Day. Tickets can be purchased at the door; adult tickets are $15 and children tickets are $13. Proceeds from the event benefit the “Thriving After Cancer” program Rady for Children’s Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

If ice skating isn’t for you, relax at the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade and watch giant, beloved characters float down Harbor Drive. The parade will start at 3 p.m. on Dec. 26 after the Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk. Street view for the parade is free while grandstand tickets are $22. Maps and more information can be found on the Holiday Bowl’s website.

Lastly, the fun at Balboa Park doesn’t stop with December Nights. The park is hosting a Holiday Food Truck Festival from Dec. 26 to 30, noon to 7 p.m. In addition to food trucks, the festival will also feature live music, a prize drawing for museum tickets and several special activities and attractions at various museums. More information can be

Photo Courtesy of Flicker

This was a character from the bowl parade in 2013.

found on the Balboa Park Conservatory website.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVITIES Christmas is already shining bright in Chula Vista’s Christmas Circle. The houses on Mankato and Whitney streets adorn twinkling lights, candy decorations and more. The street is open to drivers, but visitors are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the lights in person. The streets light up at 5 p.m. every day until Dec. 26. Hot chocolate and other sweet treats are sold at one house, but otherwise the experience is free.

This year, the eight day-celebration of Hanukkah kicks off on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Liberty Station will end its “Salute to the Seasons” series with its annual Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting between the ice rink and The LOT. The family friendly event begins at 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 and will feature music as well as some holiday surprises.

The weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa begins Thursday, Dec. 26. The WorldBeat Cultural Center will observe five of the seven days during its 39th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Festivities include “The Kola Nutcracker,” an African twist on the classic nutcracker story, ceremonial candle lighting and more.

Each day of the celebration will focus on a different aspect of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics and purpose. This year commemorates the 53rd year of Kwanzaa after it was founded in 1966 by Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga.

NEW YEARS The merrymaking doesn’t end there. San Diego offers countless ways to celebrate the new year in style. Party into 2020 at the Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve Gala on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Tickets start around $85 and include endless drinks, all-you-can-eat buffet, multiple party areas and an electric lineup hosted

by DJ D-Rock. More information can be found on the event’s website. Celebrate at the Hard Rock Hotel while dancing through seven rooms on three different floors, listening to 15 unique DJs and possibly drinking endless champagne.

Tickets start at $60. For more mellow fun, feel free to save some time and money by watching the ball drop in Times Square from the comfort of your own home or dorm room.

Perishables and non-perishable items are available to students. Perishables are picked up every Friday, and Dr. Coker

encourages students to come get the food on Fridays at 3 p.m.

Photo by Dana Tsuri-Etzioni

Dr. Coker restocks non-perishable foods in the different pantries where students can come to get the free food.

Gifts for the five love languages

by Roxana Becerril STAFF WRITER

The time of the year when gift guides saturate the internet has officially arrived.

Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, “The 5 Love Languages,” suggests everyone gives and receives love differently. According to Chapman, this observation surprisingly takes place in all forms of relationships not just romantic ones. Use this guide to help you find a gift that aligns with Dr. Chapman’s five forms of communicating love.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATIONS Chapman’s first love language refers to those who prefer to receive affection in the form of affirmative words. People who fall into this category like being told they’re appreciated. This holiday season, give a gift to a words-of-affirmation enthusiast by writing them a letter about what you most admire about them. Aim to demonstrate your intentions and emotions by sharing the details that you most appreciate about that person. Using stationary like these $5 cards from Pigment in North Park, jot down a few sentences telling someone why you care about them.

ACTS OF SERVICE This love language is for people who believe that actions speak louder than words. Unlike those who prefer to hear how much they’re cared for, people on this list like to be shown how they’re appreciated. It is a little old fashioned, but this is the perfect opportunity to handmake a booklet of chores or tasks the receiver could use whenever they want. A couple examples of tasks could be coupons for back massages, mowing the lawn, making your friend dinner and more. An alternative option for this love language is to offer to run an errand or do something the person dreads. Chances are, no one, regardless if they fall into this category or not, will be upset if you offer to wash their car.

RECEIVING GIFTS The third love language takes a more materialistic approach but still requires some thought and retrospect from the gift-giver. People whose love language is receiving gifts enjoy being gifted something that is both physical and meaningful.

Take one of their favorite things like their favorite flowers or a place they often visit and transcend those interests into a physical gift. If you want to give them a gift that keeps giving, consider giving that

person a subscription box. Native Poppy in South Park and Drift Away Coffee online have special discount prices if you gift someone a subscription of their flower bouquets or boxes of personalized coffee.

Birchbox also has good deals on beauty and grooming kits.

QUALITY TIME The second-to-last love language denotes the idea of spending quality time with someone. This love language is all about giving your undivided attention to that one person, without the distraction of phone screens. A possible gift idea for them is buying an activity you think you’d both enjoy. Groupon is a great site for finding offers on local activities like sip-and-paint classes where you make a painting while enjoying a glass of wine. Invite them to elevated arcades like Punch Bowl Social in downtown, where you can play games, have a beer and spend quality time with your company. Tickets for escape rooms, kayak and water tours and sports classes also make good gifts for this love language.

PHYSICAL TOUCH The last love language, physical touch, does not condone inappropriate public displays of affection or unsolicited physical contact. People who communicate their appreciation through this language, when they consent to it, feel appreciated when they are hugged, kissed and so forth.

While you can increase the amount of tight hugs you give a friend or partner when you’re with them, you can also continue that feeling of warmth and comfort by giving them a cozy blanket or a fuzzy robe.

Stuffed animals and body pillows are also great gifts for someone who needs extra physical contact.

Photo by Roxana Becerril

For example, these are a couple cards from Pigment.

The Back Page December Nights lights up Balboa Park’s sky again 12

Dec. 11 - Jan. 21, 2019 Editor: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

by Catlan Nguyen STAFF WRITER

The holiday season in San Diego may not always feel like winter with the warm weather, but the various holiday events in town warm even the grinchiest of hearts. Every year, Balboa Park hosts December Nights where all museums are free for the first Friday and Saturday in December. The whole park is decorated with Christmas decorations and lights while performers of all genres put on shows and food trucks sell all kinds of food. This year, December Nights fell on Dec. 6 and 7.

HOLIDAY EVENTS A must-see at December Nights was the Festival of Trees presented by the San Diego Floral Association. The room was filled with numerous Christmas trees with all differing decorations. There was a space-themed tree, classic green trees, a peacock tree, white trees with pine cones and many more. Bouquets were also for sale, said Tara Egipto, a volunteer for the San Diego Floral Association.

“The San Diego Floral Society is always known every year for their Christmas trees,” Egipto said. “They have all these lovely Christmas trees inside and sometimes they’re decorated with different countries and it smells so good when you go in there. It’s known as the stop that you need to come to when you go to December Nights.”

A human-sized nativity scene series was near the main Christmas tree. A large light display of Santa and his sleigh being pulled by his flying reindeer was a favorite photo spot for many visitors of December Nights. The Botanical Building and Lily Pond were decked out in red and green lights which is where many people used the scenic area for a backdrop for their holiday Instagram photos.

MUSEUMS AND ART Notable museums to visit during December Nights include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Fleet Science Center. Balboa Park is home to nine museums total with a brand new Comic-Con museum, yet to be opened.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum stands out because of its interactive features that make each visitor feel like an astronaut on a journey through space, determined to rediscover the stars. The Air & Space museum also holds many vehicles of flight. They offer images, videos and audio archives including

Photos by Catlan Nguyen

Everything from food to lights, museums to performances, singing to tree decorations, December Nights provided a little bit of everything for everyone on Friday and Saturday.

never-before-seen footage of local and national space history and information on historical figures such as Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. Then there is the San Diego Natural History Museum.

If you want to feel like Ben Stiller in the movie “Night at the Museum,” visit the museum and see replicas of T-Rex skeletons and more. The Fossil Mysteries collection shows dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, some home to prehistoric southern California. Visitors can touch and assemble real fossils and rocks to tell a story about each dinosaur’s life and demise. They currently have an Insects Face-to-Face exhibition with larger-than-life photos of insects up close and personal. They also have a giant screen theater with informative movies about the ocean, 3-D movies about the Pacific and more.

MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES Performances included choir singing for classic Christmas songs, Spanish music, tap dance performances, alternative rock performances and more. Multiple performances were going on at once with roughly three-to-four stages all around the park. Each performance had music of all genres and many drew large crowds.

“December Nights was a great experience,” public health junior Monique Woodworth said. “I enjoyed seeing all of the cute Christmas decorations. There was a lot of food vendors from all over which made it exciting as well. I can’t wait to go again next year.”

Woodworth also said she heard bands playing and saw people doing the Cupid shuffle and the wobble.

FOOD AND VENDORS Food trucks at December Nights sold poke bowls, flavored fries, crab cakes, bratwurst, Mexican food, Thai BBQ, Taiwanese food, sushi, spam, grilled cheese and more. The mini donuts came in many mouth-watering flavors such as cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate and more. Many unusual foods were sold such as Thai Burgers and rainbow-colored roasted corn. Many booths sold clothes, jewelry, herbal oils, pet ID tags and more. Educational booths about different religions were

AZTEC RECREATION Associated Students / SDSU

also scattered in the park. Even with the threat of rain, many people showed up and performers exclaimed in between sets they were so happy they didn’t get rained on for the second and final night of December Nights.

“I always come here every year,” film junior Esteban Quintanar said. “I started when I was a little kid and it never disappoints me and it’s always better with good company. My favorite part was seeing the concerts and especially the lights. I think the lights make December Nights.”

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