An intro to Katarina “Kat” Hernandez, ‘24-25 A.S. President
Three years of campus involvement has shaped Hernandez’s goals for the upcoming academic year
By EugéniE Budnik NEWS EDITOR
Most people would feel exhausted after glancing at senior criminal justice major Katarina “Kat” Hernandez’s résumé and calendar.
With 11 leadership positions spanning Associated Students (A.S.), XCentric! San Diego Dance Crew and more, it’s no surprise that Hernandez has poured her heart into community service during her three years at San Diego State.
Now, Hernandez faces her latest challenge: serving as the 2024-25 Associated Students President.
Hernandez’s journey to this prominent position is marked by unwavering commitment to leadership and community service. As GreenLove Representative, Hernandez spearheaded advocacy efforts for sustainable practices on campus. Hernandez represented the voice of thousands of SDSU students as vice commissioner of operations and the good neighbor chair.
Beyond A.S., Hernandez has also been involved in SDSU Mock Trial, Women in Business and more. She cites her varied involvement as the catalyst for her presidential campaign.
“I feel like I have a huge net of things I’m involved in on campus,” Hernandez said. “I’m not just involved in Associated Students. I’m around a myriad of students with different niches that I’m interested in, and I get to talk to people so often.”
One would be remiss to think that Hernandez can be summed up by her leadership positions, however.
Hernandez has an obsession with
K-pop, an obsession that fuels her artistry as a dancer. If she had to narrow down her favorite group, she said, “I really like the group ATEEZ. I really mimic my dance style after them.”
Dance fills the majority of Hernandez’s days off, and she’s constantly thinking of moves for XCentric!, the dance team she founded last year.
“I think I take a lot of pride in my creative process with my dance team,” she said. “It’s [XCentric!] the first thing I’ve ever founded. I’ve been a part of so many different things before, but this is my child.”
Hernandez’s creativity and passion extend far beyond dance and into her vision and goals in her role as this year’s Associated Student president. With a holistic understanding of the diverse population of the SDSU student body, she has outlined several key priorities for the upcoming academic year.
This year, the Associated Students executives have chosen the theme of “the S.E.A.” to guide their planning.
“S.E.A stands for ‘Safety, Equity, and Accessibility,” Hernandez said. “Those are three things that all five of us are extremely passionate about.”
Hernandez recognizes the challenges that come with having a different executive board come in after each year, with many projects or initiatives becoming waylaid or tabled indefinitely.
“Sometimes projects will start, then they’ll stop. Then they’ll get forgotten about for a couple of years, then someone else will pick it back up years later,” she said. “It’s important to look at what we already have and collaborate with as
many campus partners as possible.”
Hernandez’s team has taken on creating a comprehensive resource guide that covers all of the resources SDSU has to offer, from the Economic Crisis Resource Team (ECRT) to Title IX, and more.
“There’s no resource guide where everyone can see every resource we offer on campus, because there are just so many,” she said. “It’s gotten to a point where it’s completely inaccessible and it’s not serving students.”
Part of Hernandez’s drive to increase accessibility to resources on campus is
due in part to her own challenges as a student.
“I’m a guardian scholar and a foster youth,” she said. “I wouldn’t be on campus if it wasn’t for the resources that SDSU has to offer.”
For incoming students, Hernandez encourages them to be brave and take action on and around campus.
“There is so much power in representation,” she said. “I know it’s discouraging to get involved in places where you feel you’re not represented, but that’s all the more reason to do it.”
Everything you need to know about securing an on-campus job
With the fall semester starting up, many SDSU students are seeking on-campus employment opportunities
By isaBElla Biunno MANAGING EDITOR
With the rising cost of living in San Diego, many students have sought out employment to manage their finances.
Each year, many San Diego State students work on campus with roles ranging from front desk work to Associated Students and even to paid research opportunities.
Below is a guide to finding on campus employment as we detail the variety of roles offered to students.
Who is eligible to work on campus?
According to San Diego State’s Department of Human Resources, undergraduate students enrolled in at least six academic units and graduate students enrolled in at least five academic units are eligible to work on campus.
International students may also be eligible to work on campus if they are approved to work within the United States, however they will be required to provide proof of eligibility from SDSU’s International Student Center.
What is “Work Study” and how do I know if I am eligible for it?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a form of financial aid that provides students with part time jobs to pay for education expenses. Anyone who completes the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) is automatically screened for FWS eligibility.
If a student is eligible for FWS, then it should show up in their My.SDSU financial aid summary. Some jobs on campus may be designated for FWS eligible students only, so be sure to pay attention when applying to different opportunities.
The California Coast Student Financial Center on campus has a virtual front desk where students can ask questions about their financial aid, including FWS eligibility and the work study job finding process.
What are the benefits of working on campus?
Working on campus allows many students to have flexible schedules that align with their classes and other
Associated Students President Katarina Hernandez poses in SDSU’s Native and Indigenous Healing Garden. Photo Courtesy of Associated Students.
commitments, as most campus employers understand that their employees are students first.
Some on-campus jobs allow students to work as little as five hours a week or as much as 20 hours a week. On-campus jobs can also take the stress out of commuting, especially for first year students living on campus, who are not allowed to have cars on campus. Student workers can also choose a schedule that coordinates with when they are on campus, and the quick “commute” helps save time.
Dylan Diaz, a fourth-year Management Information Systems major, has worked at the Aztec Market location near Cuicacalli suites for over two years.
“I like how the Aztec market works with my school schedule, so the added benefit of an Aztec Shops job working with you is really great,” Diaz said. “Being able to practice talking with coworkers, my boss and customers has helped me become confident in communicating and coordinating with other people in a job setting.”
Diaz noted that another benefit of working on campus is the ability to make new connections with students, staff, and faculty.
“I also like working with other students,” Diaz said. “The customers and coworkers are all in the same range as me, so it made
it easier for me to be myself and have fun with the job because we all share the same struggles of going through college, as well as the same interests.”
What are the cons of working on campus?
The California State University (CSU) system has a policy that does not allow students to work more than 20 hours a week on campus. This also means if a student holds more than one job on campus, their combined weekly hours from all jobs must be 20 or fewer.
However, students can work up to 40 hours a week during academic breaks.
What kind of jobs are available?
San Diego State offers a variety of student positions across its departments and auxiliaries including within Aztec Shops/ Dining, KPBS, Associated Students, Library and Information Access, University Police and the SDSU Research Foundation.
Students can also choose to work for the Aztec Recreation Center, Snapdragon Stadium, resource and identity centers, colleges, residential communities and more. With these roles, students will work in customer service assisting other students and managing the various facilities around
campus.
There are even opportunities for paid leadership positions such as, president, treasurer and secretary of various disciplines within Associated Students. These roles allow students to take a step towards becoming leaders, and for many, these jobs provide a real-world experience that translates into many disciplines.
In her role as A.S. Government Secretary, fourth-year student Bella Todd assists A.S. councils with administrative duties such as preparing agenda packets, drafting minutes and posting meeting agendas online.
“Associated Students has greatly helped me develop the skills necessary for working in an office setting. Additionally, I have gained a better understanding of office culture, which will prepare me for future leadership roles. With Associated Students, it feels like a family that truly cares- they want students to develop professionally and become working members of society,” Todd said.
Many student employment opportunities allow students to gain valuable work experience, and some jobs are even specialized to a student’s major, allowing for professional development.
Where can prospective student workers find employment opportunities?
Any student seeking employment should check Handshake, an app designed for students looking for job opportunities. SDSU’s partnership with Handshake allows students to conveniently log in with their SDSU credentials to view active employment opportunities both on and off campus.
However, not all university departments and auxiliaries utilize Handshake.
Associated Students, the SDSU Research Foundation and Aztec Shops post job listings on their individual websites.
What deadlines should students keep in mind when job hunting?
On-campus jobs typically seek out students during the summer before a new academic year; however, there are always jobs being posted throughout the semester.
Students who are looking for fall employment should look at Handshake and Associated Students as soon as possible for the best pool of on-campus opportunities. “If there’s one piece of advice I could give to potential student workers, it’s to be mindful of not overworking- find a job that is willing to accommodate you,” Todd said. “At the end of the day, you’re a student first.”
FAFSA processing student aid following delays and system bugs
Financial Aid Department in a good place to help students due to FAFSA automation
By JacoB Houseman STAFF WRITER
Due to problems with the implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act and California not having a state budget for the fiscal year, the processing of financial aid for students was slowed for Cal Grants. Awards are now expected to be received by early August according to Chip Pierce, director of San Diego State University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
“The Cal Grant was held hostage by the state budget, and the reason for that is the California Student Aid Commission had planned for something they called Cal Grant Modernization to happen for 202425,” Pierce said.
Due to uncertainty with receiving funding, both new and returning students couldn’t be processed for awards but now that a Cal Grant roster for continuing students has been received by the department, they can be.
“We actually are pretty much caught up where we need to be as far as processing,” Pierce said. “We’ve tried to look at some counts as far as applications received and students awarded. For fall 2024, we actually have more awarded students this year than we did last year, which is great.”
Awards are currently being processed and adjusted as more aid is put into place by the Student Aid Commission.
Although most of the issues with the FAFSA simplification have been addressed, there are still some lingering problems .
According to Pierce, the biggest issue is when a student and their parent contributor have filled out their application completely but a student aid index can’t be calculated.
“Those cases are relatively small, but that’s very troubling for the student and parent because there’s nothing we can do to help them,” Pierce said. “They’re random, and as aid administrators, we’re still finding things as we look through the
data that are just kind of anomalies, they’re strange.”
One of the larger problems that is being fixed is for mixed-status families where a student, parent or both don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN).
“One selling point with the department was that in those cases those parents, even without an SSN, still could obtain an FSA ID and go ahead and submit a FAFSA on behalf of their student,” Pierce said. “The problem is it didn’t work as intended and many of these students and parents couldn’t complete their application early on.”
To solve this problem, the department is allowing these students and contributors to make an FSA ID without the new process so they can complete their FAFSA applications.
Another past issue included aid administrators not being able to make corrections to their FAFSA forms for students.
“We are now able to submit corrections to student FAFSA data online through something that’s called the FAFSA Partner Portal,” Pierce said. “Students that reported that they had unusual circumstances and were coded as provisionally independent, we now are able to go through and complete the review of those students.”
One of the areas where the new FAFSA process has succeeded, according to Pierce, is the direct data exchange from the IRS which allows for more accurate aid information while also asking fewer questions.
Another success, according to Pierce, is that fewer verification documents need to be processed, allowing for more time to provide student support.
“If there is an unusual or special circumstance, we have more resources to
help those students and parents,” Pierce said. “The more the process can build that in and take care of it automatically, the less time we have to burden ourselves processing documents and asking students and parents to provide all this background information.”
Both Pierce and San Diego State University recommend that students check their SDSU email and My.SDSU portal through the “Tasks” and “Financial Account” tiles at least once a week.
“Be aware,” Pierce said. “I think a lot of folks when they apply for financial aid, they fill out the FAFSA and they think that’s all there is to it. It’s not. Frequently there are multiple things that have to be done after the fact and My.SDSU is the place to look for that.”
Pierce also recommends that students look at their budgets to see how much they have to pay with aid to plan how they’re going to meet their deadlines.
With all the issues that have arisen with implementing and processing the changes to the FAFSA application and its processing, there’s some concern that there
won’t be an Oct. 1 launch for the next academic year.
“It has become a political liability for the Department of Education and any administration to not let that happen,” Pierce said. “So my hope is what they’re doing is they’re focusing on fixing the remaining problems and making sure that it is out there by October 1. I think that will happen, I really do.”
Students who need help filling out their FAFSA application or receiving aid can contact the Cal Coast Student Financial Center.
For more information on personal fee deadlines and how financial aid impacts them, students can look at their My.SDSU portal under the “Financial Account” tile or look at the SDSU payment due date schedule.
“We have worked hard to get to a good place for fall,” Pierce said. “For those folks that still have problems, issues, unusual circumstances, we are here to help. So just reach out, our staff can help.”
Ask an Aztec:
What has been your favorite class at San Diego State?
IntervIews and PhotograPhy by
Jenna ramIscal
With back to school season approaching, San Diego State University students are preparing to take on new classes. Before graduating, students are required to have accumulated at least 120 units, which is approximately 40 different classes.
SDSU has a total selection of 97 academic programs that undergraduate students can explore while completing their general education and major requirements.
Looking back at their time in university, recent SDSU graduates and rising seniors shared their favorite classes and the reasons why they left such a lasting impression.
Ariel Villanueva a recent graduate, who majored in computer science:
Villanueva shared that his favorite class was outside of his major. The class was Biology 101, which focused on the adaptation, evolution and diversity of animals.
“It was kinda like if National Geographic was a class. You just kind of learned about animals, and it was really cool.”
Emma Haukaas a fourth year biology major:
“I really liked my freshman year women’s studies class because I was brand new; I kind of didn’t know anyone. It was just a really welcoming and nice, and it was not my major, so I didn’t really know anybody in that area. It was much more relaxed than some of my really difficult STEM classes. I made a connection with the teacher and a lot of the people in the class.”
Haukaas said the class was Women’s Studies 101: Gender: Self, Identity and Society, with Professor Flores.
Chase Duncan a fourth year mechanical engineering major:
Duncan chose Mechanical Engineering 314: Engineering Design: Mechanical Components as his favorite class.
“I liked it because it was our first design that felt like real engineering. We were finally putting everything we learned into an actual product. We got to test it and see if it would complete the requirements.”
Ivan Vergara a fourth year biology major:
Vergara said Biology 203: Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology was his favorite class. “The course was set up completely differently, and it was more hands-on and interactive where we’re in groups. We only met once a week. The other two days were online lectures. The days where we do come together, I feel like I’m forced to learn a lot more, and you’re in an environment where you are supported not only by the teachers but your peers around you as well.”
Chris Mason a fourth year accounting major:
Mason described Women’s Studies 382: Gender, Science and Technology with Professor Amanda Beardsley as a memorable class. Originally, he took this course to meet the general education humanities requirement; however, after attending lectures, his interest in the subject grew.
“Every single week, I was very interested in going to that class just because the professor and the content was so interesting. It also sort of opened my eyes to so many things that I really have never really noticed before, especially in things like women’s studies and humanities and stuff.”
Carolina Martinez a recent graduate who double majored in film production and communications:
Martinez said her favorite class was Television, Film and New Media 540: Documentary Production with Professor Mary Posatko.
Martinez spent most of the class producing a documentary about the LGBTQ+ community in Hillcrest. She appreciated the creative freedom and hands-on approach that the class offered.
“It felt more like this is what I’m actually gonna be doing in the future, and it was so much
When did concerts become a battle to prepare for? I’m exhausted.
by Isabella Dallas ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
In the not-so-distant past, attending a live concert was an experience marked by spontaneity, camaraderie and music itself. The days of purchasing tickets without ripping your hair out over online queues and buying day-of tickets at the box office will never be the same. And Gen Z, with our insatiable appetite for social media and unfiltered self-expression, is only adding fuel to this war.
BATTLE ONE: Securing the Ticket
Our transformative impact on concert culture is unmistakably tied to how we’ve harnessed the power of social media. Concerts don’t start when the artist steps on stage- they start when it’s announced on Instagram.
The competition to secure concert tickets is more stressful than my final exams. Most artists now hold presales where “real” fans can buy tickets before they’re released to the general public. You usually receive a code and a super-secret, secure link and you’re in! It’s that easy…said no one ever.
The demand is simply too high. It doesn’t matter if it’s an indie artist you’ve been attempting to gatekeep or an international pop star who will sell out Viejas Arena. The bots and resellers are ready to ruin your life. Nights of showing up an hour before the venue’s doors open to buy a ticket are
long gone.
It’s a competition. A long, daunting and merciless fight for tickets.
BATTLE TWO: The Perfect Outfit
Camping tents outside Viejas Arena? You’re not seeing things, the days of purchasing tickets without ripping your hair out or casually strolling up to the box office are over
beat them to their own performance. Lucky you! You get to wave the artist in from their illegally tinted tour bus while you fight your fourth calf cramp of the night. Sure, the debate rages on whether camping out is worth the risks. But, there is a general consensus: if you want a spot on that barricade, pack up your lawn chair and REI tent. You’ll find yourself in line at 2 a.m. for a concert starting at 9 p.m. the next day, at least 100 people deep in line. I would like to be positive and say remember this is a marathon not a sprint, but it might be both…at the same time?
BATTLE FOUR: The Grand Finale
Now let’s say you manage to secure tickets. Congratulations! (you are now on my “to-rob” list). It’s time to start planning the outfit. An outfit can make or break a concert, I’ve seen it happen. You have to look good for a few reasons: an Instagram post (of course) and what if this is finally the chance the musician notices you (obviously).
And… it’s expensive. Did I need a feathered magenta mini dress when I saw Harry Styles for the first time? Probably not. It connects to the whole idea of
making longing eye contact with the artist who definitely can’t see anyone in the crowd because of the blinding spotlights. It’s war: throwing things on stage, bringing outrageous signs, filming the entire concert to get the perfect viral moment in the perfect outfit. It’s all so exhausting. At what point do we stop enjoying the show to become one ourselves?
BATTLE THREE: The Waiting Game
This part begins when we arrive at the venue days before the artist hits the stage. Again, no concert starts when the artist is on stage. If anything, you’ll probably
Finally, it’s time. Your heart is pounding and you let out a scream you didn’t know you could make. You think, this is my peak. This is the best day of my entire life. Then you blink and it’s over. You blacked out from pure joy, now suffering from post-concert amnesia. All you remember: being dragged across sticky venue floors, a colossal credit card bill and getting linejumped by seven teenage girls who loudly decided they hated your outfit.
And yet, you’re still smiling. You saw your favorite artist live and screech-sang those lyrics tattooed in your brain. Despite those bruises and cuts, you came out with a win. You survived the war of concert culture.
But wow, does it always need to be that hard?
The Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass for College Students
One convenient Pass to 16 museums in the Balboa Park Cultural District. Invest in your love for the arts, step back in time, try something new, and immerse yourself in San Diego’s ever-changing, always amazing cultural center. Save on museum admission all year long with a budget-friendly Pass. What will you explore?
GraphIcs by alex MartInez
Arts & Culture 6
San Diego’s sip and study: What your go-to cafe says about you
There are an endless number of great local coffee shops, so why not explore these few locations?
BY Petrina tran SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Editor’s Note: All opinions are based purely on the author’s personal experiences.
BIG CITY BAGEL
Atmosphere:
Better known as BCB Cafe, this little shop has multiple locations both on campus and around the city of San Diego. At San Diego State University, they commonly take the form of small coffee kiosks throughout the walkways of campus.
What It Says About You:
You’re in a rush to class, you want to sit outside, and you don’t feel like waiting in a line. Bonus points if your friend works behind the counter and you get to say hi between classes.
Author’s Order:
- Drink: Americano with cream and sugar
- Food: Cream cheese bagel or croissant
Locations:
- On SDSU campus: Engineering building, Peterson Gym, Lamden Hall, Music building, 24/7 area of Love Library
- Off campus: Hillcrest, Midway District
DUTCH BROS
Atmosphere:
Honestly, it’s so aggressive for no reason. What other coffee shop forces someone to come to the drivethrough or walk-up window on an early morning road trip while your favorite eighth-grade dance songs blast from the speakers? It feels more like a theme park coffee stop than a local cafe. With up to six shots of espresso in some of their drinks, even the names are enough to induce a mini heart attack. Their drinks make you feel like what hard rock music sounds like.
What It Says About You:
You’re here to shotgun your caffeine. Iced, blended or mixed with an energy drink, you’re here for some no-nonsense fuel. You either have at least eight hours of driving ahead, a 10-page paper to write or a treacherous full day of work, which means there’s very little time to mess around with cute, fancy coffees
Author’s Order:
- Drinks: The Annihilator, Sherbet Rebel
Locations: - Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, El Cajon (coming soon)
BETTER BUZZ
Atmosphere:
Your local Better Buzz is likely a bright space with lots of tables (though they are on the smaller side), upbeat (if slightly too loud) music and a wide assortment of beehive-themed decor and merchandise. Smaller
tables shaped like honeycombs compliment the hexagons on the walls and gold metal detailing with glowy backlighting that adorns the shelves. This is the perfect spot for a summer stop after a morning surf session or afternoon study slump.
What It Says About You: You aren’t basic; you like fancy flavors and seek out their perfect balance of pizazz and convenience.
A SoCal staple, Better Buzz offers both a local coffee shop feel and the accessibility of a larger chain with plenty of locations and a consistent menu.
Author’s Order:
- Drinks: Lavender Tea Latte, Mint Infused Iced Coffee
Locations:
- Several throughout La Jolla, the Mission Bay area, Central and Downtown San Diego, Coronado, North, South and East counties.
THE LIVING ROOM COFFEEHOUSE
Atmosphere:
True to its name, the cafe serves cozy food and drinks alongside a warm and welcoming collection of eclectic dining and living room furniture. It feels like stepping into a museum display of an old furniture store your grandmother used to shop at. Depending on location, it’s a crossover of a haunted hotel lobby and sketchy basement, so don’t be surprised by the smell of stale espresso beans, dust or the sweat and tears of students. Be warned: you’ll have a tough time finding a seat here during finals season, but once you have, prepare to lock in for a few hours. They’re open late and offer more food options than most coffee shops.
What It Says About You:
You mean business. You’re here for a bad time and a long time. Not to mention, your room is probably too stuffy, the house is too loud and the library smells weird. You’re seeking refuge in a space that understands your need for focus and comfort, no matter how unconventional it might be.
Author’s Order:
- Drink: Strawberry Matcha
- Food: Tomato Soup
Locations: - La Jolla, La Mesa, El Cajon/ Rancho San Diego
LESTAT’S
Atmosphere:
Eclectic, cozy and unique, this cafe has yet to disappoint. On Mondays, the Normal Heights location hosts an open mic night. The lighting is warm and atmospheric alongside bright wallpaper, creative artwork and decor lining the walls. The visuals of the cafe
pair well with unique, comfortable couches and dining chairs to create a castle dungeon kind of vibe. If you’ve ever wanted to be Belle trapped in a library from Beauty and the Beast, this spot is for you. They have a small selection of pastries and food as well as the basic coffee options and a variety of flavored syrups. This is the fun and artsy cousin’s version of grandma’s Living Room Coffeehouse, but as a bedroom.
What It Says About You:
You want a study session with a bit of funk and attitude. If you weren’t studying, you’d be enjoying spoken word and contemplating its meaning in either a downtown loft or jazz lounge venue.
Author’s Order:
- Drink: Mocha Breve
- Food: Rice Krispy Treat
Locations:
- Hillcrest, University Heights, Normal Heights
COMMUNAL COFFEE
Atmosphere:
This bright, fresh and airy space manages to be modern, contemporary and earthy all at the same time. The cafe also has a sectioned off boutique area and a lush decor of hanging plants around the place. Tables are on the smaller side and during busy hours it can be hard to find a spot, but once you’re there, the drinks are delicious and the atmosphere is conducive to work. Next to the North Park location, there’s also an adorable plant nursery for a break, and both spots feature outdoor patio areas where you can soak in the San Diego sun while working.
What it Says About You:
You’re a little bougie and definitely dressed up to study with a friend. You love a change of scenery paired with an aesthetically pleasing latte.
“Look good, feel good, do good” isn’t just a theory for you —it’s your way of life, and it’s working because those Instagram-worthy study pics are an A+.
Author’s Order:
- Drinks: Jasmine Vanilla Latte, Blueberry Earl Grey Tea Latte
Locations:
- North Park, South Park
CAFE MADELINE
Atmosphere:
This is a cute spot for sure. Both locations offer drinks, pastries and brunch food items alongside a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating are equally charming, but be sure to bring a fully charged device or prepare to only sit indoors if you need an outlet. Whether you’re looking to read a book with a cup of espresso or trying to draft a mass email, this SoCal slice of Europe is undeniably a quaint study spot.
What It Says About You
You’re sophisticated and classy, not looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame attempting chemistry homework. You’re probably here for a meeting or just wanting to relive that study abroad semester again, sipping an espresso strolling through the streets of Paris. This illusion is almost achievable until a large motorcycle gang barrels down Adams Ave. to remind you that you’re actually just next to a street in North Park. That’s okay, though, because you’re sipping a double shot of espresso from a tiny cup instead of that latte nonsense the Americans drink (although their lattes are really good).
Author’s Order:
- Food: Quiche Lorraine
- Drink: London Fog Tea Latte
Locations:
- North Park, South Park
A mint infused iced coffee from Better Buzz accompanies a student study session at the Mission Gorge location in San Diego on July 15, 2024. Photo by Petrina Tran.
A look into SDSU’s Adapted Athletics program and upcoming school year
Adaptive athletes and director share an insight into the program’s success and balance as a student-athlete.
By Cindy AvilA CONTRIBUTOR
San Diego State University is the first school in California to have a collegiate athletics program for individuals with disabilities, known as Adaptive Athletics. The program aims to train and support students throughout their journey as both students and athletes.
The roots for SDSU’s Adapted Athletics program began with Aztec Adaptive Sports, a Recognized Student Organization. It became an official program in 2018 once support from financial donors was found. In 2021, Associated Students took on the program.
“Amazing things have happened for the program since joining Associated Students. It has helped to financially cover certain aspects of the program as well as expand our faculty and faculty access,” says Director AJ Munoz-Bond.
As director, Munoz-Bond works to support his staff, oversee events, find donors and recruit new athletes. He also helps produce the attitude that pushes his athletes to feel ready to compete.
“Our program provides athletes with the perspective they need to crush any obstacle. We treat them like D1 athletes. We don’t coddle them, they are treated like an able-bodied person to help them realize people believe in them,” MunozBond notes.
Currently, the program has two competitive teams, Para Track and Field and Wheelchair Tennis. Additionally, athletes are also offered opportunities to participate in other sports, training and competitions, as well given access to numerous resources.
Second year Parker Olenick is the first and only recruited Para Surfer for SDSU’s Adapted Athletics.
“(SDSU Adapted Athletics) have helped set me on the right path by providing me with strength and conditioning coaches, sport PTs, nutritionists, sports psychologists and mentorship,” Olenick said.
Even though the program started at SDSU, athletes in this program do not have to be students to participate. With that said, for athletes who are students, school is a priority.
Michelle Cross is the first and longeststanding Adapted Athletics athlete. She started as an undergraduate student and is now about to finish her Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.
“If there’s a meet beforehand, I try to prioritize what I need to get done before the meet. My program director encourages the student athletes as well to seek out internships in their respected field to prepare for the workforce and see what type of work we want after athletics,” Cross answers.
This fall semester, athletes will focus on off-season training and team bonding events. Additionally, the program will host two important events in November. Nov. 1 will be a recruitment day with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, where interested athletes can receive help looking at finances and submitting applications to SDSU.
Nov. 16 will be the program’s third annual Lift-A-Thon fundraiser, which is open to all students to participate in or attend as an audience member
Aside from team events and practice, Cross and Olenick have other exciting opportunities this fall.
“I am looking forward to competing in the Paralympic Trials for track and field. I am also looking forward to competing with the National Women’s Cerebral Palsy soccer team in the World Cup that is happening in November of this year in Spain,” Cross shares.
Cross competed in the 2023 Parapan American Games for Team USA.
“I am most looking forward to representing Team USA at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in Huntington Beach this November,” Olenick mentions.
While Cross and Olenick will be competing, director Munoz-Bond will still be working diligently to help the program and athletes grow.
“I’m looking to (recruit) more athletes, prepare for the Paralympics and go to as many competitions as possible and crush it at nationals. I want the program to inspire young athletes and show them that competing is possible,” Munoz-Bond said.
Alex MArtinez
Things you may have missed in SDSU sports this summer 5
The Aztecs captured multiple conference titles, watched schools records be broken and had Oceanside call itself home for a new sports team
1
SDSU SOFTBALL ADDS ONTO PREVIOUS SEASONS SUCCESS
The San Diego State softball team concluded its remarkable season with a record of 31-20 (15-7 Mountain West) crowning them as the regular season champions of the 2024 season.
The Scarlet and Black competed in the 2024 Mountain West Softball Championship as the No. 1 seed, facing No. 5 Boise State and No. 3 the University of Nevada to advance to the Championship game.
In the final, the Aztecs competed against the Broncos in which SDSU won 6-3, securing their second straight Mountain West Tournament Title.
Mac Barbara was awarded Tournament MVP after recording five hits, three home runs, six RBIs and four runs scored. Besides winning titles, Barbara was awarded the Mountain West Softball CoPlayer Of The Year for the second time in three years.
Allie Light, Dee Dee Hernandez and Barbara were all named All-Mountain West First Team. Additionally, Cali Decker was named to the All-Mountain West Second Team. The Aztecs credited their success to their third-year head coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz, who was awarded Mountain West Softball Coach Of The Year.
2
AZTECS SET TO COMPETE IN PARIS SUMMER OLYMPICS
Three Aztecs competed in the qualifying trials for the Paris games. Former SDSU track and field star Shanieka Ricketts will be representing Jamaica in the triple jump event.
Ricketts scored 47-7 (14.50m) at the JAAA Puma National Championship to claim her spot in Paris as well as her sixth national championship in this event. This will be Ricketts’ third appearance at the Olympics, as she previously participated in the 2016 and 2021 games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
Junior Xiamara Young also competed in the triple jump qualifying event, placing fifth. Despite missing out on qualifying, Young recorded her personal best jump of 44-4 (13.51 meters).
Junior Meredith Smithbaker competed in the 50-meter freestyle qualifying event, placing second in her heat, and recording 43 in the preliminaries. Despite missing
out on qualifying, Smithbaker recorded a personal best of 25.65 seconds, beating her previous record by .03 seconds.
Former SDSU alum Xander Schauffele was named one of the four United States players that will compete in the 72-hole stroke play at Le Golf National. Recently, Schauffele won the 2024 Open Championship and last month, Schauffele also won the PGA Championship. Schauffele will play for the United States and compete in men’s golf.
3
THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS MOVE G-LEAGUE TEAM TO OCEANSIDE
SilAS brAvo CONTRIBUTOR
The Los Angeles Clippers announced back in March that they will be relocating their G League team to Oceanside, Calif. Starting in the 2024-2025 season, the Ontario Clippers will now be known as the San Diego Clippers.
The Clippers organization makes their return to San Diego after a 40-year period. The NBA Clippers called San Diego their home from 1978-1984 before controversially making the move to Los Angeles.
Gillian Zucker, president of business operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, spoke at the reveal earlier this year.
“We are proud to re-introduce the San
Diego Clippers into this passionate sports market,” Zucker said. “Our G League team is a critical part of our business and basketball operation, and we are thrilled to be relocating.”
The G League Clippers will be playing in the brand new Frontwave Arena, located in Oceanside. The arena is still in the process of being built but has plans to be finished before the beginning of the season. The arena boasts a 7,500-capacity venue that will also host concerts, soccer games and other community events.
4
SWIM & DIVE RETURNS TO A FAMILIAR PLACE
JAcob FogelStroM SPORTS EDITOR
The San Diego State swim and dive team ended their 2024 regular season with an undefeated record of 15-0 (2-0 Mountain West), extending their regular season win streak to 65. The Aztecs went on to secure their third consecutive Mountain West title at the championship meet in Houston, the program’s eighth title since 2010-2011.
In the meet, the Scarlet and Black claimed 11 event titles, while junior Valentina Lopez Arevalo earned Mountain West Diver of the Meet honors.
Seniors Alex Roberts and Christiana Williams advanced to the NCAA Championships meet in Athens, Georgia. Ultimately, both swimmers failed to
advance to Saturday’s final session, with Roberts falling short by .14 seconds. In Georgia, Roberts set a Mountain West record in the 200 backstroke, with a time of 1:52.76. This time surpassed her previous record, set at the 2023 MW championships with a time of 1:52.89.
5
MEN’S GOLF CAPTURES THREE-PEAT, COMPETES IN REGIONALS
JAcob FogelStroM SPORTS EDITOR
The SDSU men’s golf team captured their third straight Mountain West championship, defeating New Mexico on the par-72. This three-peat puts the Aztecs as just the third program in MW history to win three straight golf titles.
This conference championship puts mens golf at six MW titles all time, passing UNLV for the lone spot as the second most in league history.
Junior Justin Hastings and sophomore Tyler Kowack were both named to the 2023-2024 all-Mountain West team, giving Hastings his second consecutive award and Kowack his first.
The Scarlet and Black proceeded to finish sixth out of 13 teams at the NCAA West Lafayette Regional, falling 10 shots short of advancing to the NCAA championships and ending their season. Hastings and Kowack were selected to the PING All-West Region team, marking a second consecutive selection for Hastings and a first for Kowack yet again.
AbigAil SegoviAno MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR
MAc PhAM SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The US soccer “Pay-To-Play” system:
An SDSU athlete perspective
Aztecs commentate on recent criticism of the unaffordability of youth club soccer in America
By: Charlize Tungol SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
On Monday, July 1, the United States Men’s National Team fell to Uruguay in the group stage of Copa America 2024, knocking them out of the tournament. Viewers looked to point fingers at several things in hopes of finding the cause of the problem.
Was it coach Gregg Berhalter? Was it the lack of experience within the squad? Had their progress since last year’s World Cup simply plateaued?
It was a mix of factors that contributed to the disappointment of a performance the team put on, prompting the question of whether or not the US possesses a talent pool that could help restore the program’s competitiveness—the root of the cause: the pay-to-play system plaguing American soil.
The pay-to-play model of U.S. soccer creates a billion-dollar industry, so it’s not surprising that there is an aggressive push to apply it every year and test their limits.
A 2022 report by the Aspen Institute’s State of Play states that soccer parents pay an average of $1,188 a season per child, and usually kids play fall and spring ball every year.
“In my experience top clubs will raise their prices from year to year knowing people stay and pay it because of the promise for exposure that they deliver,” San Diego State women’s goalkeeper Taryn Grobbel said.
According to MLS Multiplex, only 11% of youth registered in clubs are from households that make less than $25,000 a year. On the other hand, over a third of the kids registered are from families that make over $100,000 a year.
“I think a lot of the systems in the U.S. tend to be structured towards short-term profit as opposed to developing the longterm – that’s what’s wrong with the U.S. as opposed to international soccer. It’s targeted towards making a profit in the short-term and having kids pay to play while in the long run, kids will fizzle out because they don’t have the funds to maintain that,” SDSU men’s soccer goalkeeper Djibril Doumbia said.
Kids looking to play soccer at the highest level in America are forced to make unnecessary sacrifices to get the exposure of college coaches and professional scouts. Hard work and talent only get you so far under the pay-to-play model. The harsh reality is if you can’t afford the registration fees, travel expenses and extra training, you might as well kiss your dreams goodbye.
“I have had teammates have to juggle playing competitive soccer and a job just so that they afford the costs of being on a competitive team,” SDSU women’s forward Logan Nidy said. “My parents always worked hard so that I could play competitive soccer growing up, however, this prevented us from going on vacations as a whole family. Soccer became our
vacation.”
“It was spare change for most boys whose parents had a good job, but for my family, it was not an easy task,” SDSU men’s defender Israel Carrillo said. “Luckily they were able to set up a plan and payments were done every month or so. We struggled but always managed. It stopped at the U-17 level where everything there was paid for, which was a huge relief as my parents were still paying the U-13 and U-15 payments at that time.”
There is a clear contrast between the experiences of playing youth club soccer in America and in other countries where financial issues aren’t as prominent.
Most countries in Europe encourage the participation of playing for a youth club or academy and working your way up to play at a senior level; however, these organizations clearly prioritize individual player development and growth rather than putting more money in their pockets.
“I’ve never had a real financial issue growing up to play soccer even though you gotta pay for the club license to play for the club,” SDSU men’s defender Noah Crétier said. “In France, once you get a certain age, you don’t have to pay anymore because you got a certain level and that’s when you start playing soccer and put it first even before school.”
“At one point after we graduate, some of us stop going to school and just play soccer to try to go pro and you can get
paid at a really young age,” Crétier said. “I remember that the license wasn’t that expensive but it was obviously a certain amount of money but most people can afford it.”
At some point, money can start to affect an athlete’s mental health while also hindering their opportunities. Instead of focusing on one’s performance on the field, having constant financial worries puts unnecessary stress on both players and their families.
“There were definitely times when me and my friends would feel really bad just complaining about a game or a practice because we knew how much time and money was spent into our development,” Grobbel said.
Not only does the pay-to-play model strip players of their passion and love for the sport, but it also completely redefines the purpose of playing soccer and investing time in club development. If not for monetary prioritization, soccer in America would be seen with much more respect and admiration.
“My family has always told me there’s no reason to play something if it’s not fun and you don’t love it,” Nidy said. “Every kid out there plays ‘cause they have fun and love it, which is how it should be. If they have dreams and aspirations of collegiate, pro soccer or national team soccer it shouldn’t be pushed down in the system due to payto-play and a lack of affordability.”
Noah Crétier lines up a pass to an open teammate against George Washington University on Sept. 8, 2023. Photo by Callum Wilson.
Mundo AztecA
La asociación que se convirtió en una familia cuando menos lo esperaba
Mi experiencia como una latina de primera generación en una conferencia de periodismo con otros latinos
POR AbigAil SegOviAnO EDITORA DE MUNDO AZTECA
Al entrar a mi primer año en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego (SDSU), no tenía ni idea de qué esperar. Solo sabía que quería unirme a The Daily Aztec, el periódico estudiantil, pero no tenía idea de las experiencias que realmente me proporcionaron. Como estudiante de primer año, pude presentarme a la secretaria de redacción en aquel tiempo, Xiomara Gerardo. En la primera reunión de todo el personal, pude hablar con Gerardo y me animó a unirme a la sección de SDSU de la Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos (NAHJ). Desde esa primera interacción, nunca habría imaginado que NAHJ sería mi otra familia y mi hogar lejos de casa. Como miembra actual de NAHJ, asisto a reuniones, recaudo fondos y promociono la organización en ferias y exhibiciones.
Quiero darle las gracias a la Dra. Lourdes Cueva Chacón conocida como Maestra para nosotros en NAHJ SDSU. Maestra nos apoya financieramente, emocionalmente y nos da consejos hasta hoy en día.
Cada verano, en julio, la organización nacional de NAHJ celebra una conferencia anual. Pude asistir a la conferencia de 2023 en Miami, tras mi primer año en SDSU. Estaba emocionada y nerviosa porque no tenía ni idea de lo que me esperaba. Antes de la conferencia Gerardo y otra miembra del Daily Aztec, Daniela Ramírez, tuvieron una reunión con todos los que irían a la conferencia.
Ellas asistieron el año anterior en Las Vegas, y pudieron compartir su experiencia y prepararnos para nuestro turno en la conferencia.
Gracias a la orientación de Jennifer Aguilar, mi predecesora en Mundo Azteca, pude prepararme para todos los aspectos de la conferencia. Pude retocar mi currículum y hacer tarjetas de negocio para establecer contactos y conocer a nuevos profesionales.
La conferencia en sí fue extremadamente abrumadora. Incluso después de lo que me contaron Ramírez y Gerardo, me sorprendió que asistiera tanta gente. Normalmente soy muy extrovertida, pero en la conferencia me desconcerté completamente.
Estaba demasiado nerviosa para hablar con la gente y cuando lo hacía, no era más que una conversación trivial. Me acerqué a los puestos de la Feria de Empleo y sólo hablaba con los reclutadores dos minutos como mucho. Tener a mis compañeros y amigos me ayudó mucho, ya que me fui sintiendo más cómoda a medida que pasaba el tiempo. A lo largo de la semana, pude conectar poco a poco con estudiantes, recién licenciados y personas que estaban en los inicios de su carrera periodística.
Además de conectar con la gente, algo que disfruté mucho fueron los paneles que ofrecía NAHJ. El deporte es mi pasión, así que asistí a la mayoría de los paneles
deportivos con muchos profesionales en la industria. Sin embargo, cada vez que había un descanso, iba a otros paneles aparte de los de deportes para aprender más sobre otros temas.
El último día de la conferencia decidí no asistir a los paneles. Tuve la oportunidad de ir al Homestead-Miami Speedway gracias a una invitación de NASCAR. Este evento fue una experiencia única en la que me permitieron ir de pasajera en un carro que corrió en la pista.
Miami fue una experiencia increíble.
En mi segundo año en NAHJ SDSU, fui elegida vicepresidenta.
El pasado mes de julio pude asistir a mi segunda conferencia de NAHJ en Los Ángeles.
Esta vez sabía lo que me esperaba. Fui más preparada que nunca y estaba más emocionada que nerviosa.
Esta vez conocí a más gente. La Abigail tímida de la conferencia del año pasado quedó anulada por la Abigail social de siempre.
Este año, NAHJ tenía nueve paneles deportivos en su programa, así que asistí a todos. También tuve la oportunidad de asistir a dos encuentros, una organizada por CBS Sports y la otra por ESPN.
Llegué a esta conferencia con el síndrome del impostor. Aunque esta conferencia estaba hecha para latinos, yo me sentía como una estudiante de periodismo con poca experiencia.
Tuve la oportunidad de hablar con numerosos profesionales, pero hubo una conversación que realmente me llamó la atención; fue con Chris Beltran. Beltran es productor de medios sociales para House of Highlights. Conocí a Beltran en Miami, pero entonces sólo compartimos una pequeña charla.
Siempre me he imaginado creando contenido deportivos para las redes sociales, y sabía que tenía que hablar con Beltran antes de que terminara la conferencia. Su panel fue, de lejos, uno de los mejores porque fue interactivo e informativo.
Agradezco que Beltran haya dedicado su tiempo para hablar conmigo. Acabamos hablando por más de dos horas sobre los medios deportivos, entre otras cosas. Beltran me ayudó mucho y siempre se lo agradeceré. Un consejo que me dio fue que no me comparara con nadie y que mi carrera periodística llegará en su momento. La conversación con Beltran fue una llamada de atención para empezar a explorar otras áreas del periodismo en lugar de centrarme sólo en escribir artículos.
En general, la conferencia en Los Ángeles fue increíble, y no habría tenido esta oportunidad si no hubiera sido por la pequeña charla que tuve con Gerardo. ¡Estoy lista para Chicago 2025!
Edior’s note: a translator was used as an aide in the production of this piece.
Abigail Segoviano, estudiante de tercer año estudiando periodismo en frente a un cartel de CBS Sports en la conferencia de NAHJ en Los Ángeles, el 11 de julio de 2024. Foto cortesía de Abigail Segoviano.
Tres artistas mexicanos vendrán a San Diego este otoño
Prepárate para ver a Peso Pluma, Grupo Frontera y Los Ángeles Azules
AbigAil SegoviAno
MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR
grAphicS by renee roldAn
LOS ÁNGELES AZULES PESO PLUMA
El cantante mexicano Peso Pluma se dirige a San Diego para su próxima gira Éxodo Tour. La gira sigue a su álbum Éxodo, que salió el 20 de junio. El álbum contiene 24 canciones, que son siete más que su álbum anterior Génesis. Este álbum contiene 20 canciones en colaboración con otros artistas entre ellos Iván Cornejo, Quavo y Rich The Kid. Pluma comenzó en la industria musical en 2020, pero no fue hasta 2022 cuando su canción, El Belicón con Raúl Vega, explotó en YouTube. Además, mientras ganaba fama, la canción Ella Baila Sola, de Eslabón Armado con Pluma fue lanzada el 17
de marzo de 2023. Esta canción le ayudó a crecer más y también obtuvo muchos récords en el Billboard.
Pluma hizo historia al ser el primer artista mexicano regional en presentarse en The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, cantando unas de las canciones que lo hizo famoso— Ella Baila Sola. Regresó al programa por segunda vez este año para cantar La Durango con Armado, una de sus canciones del disco Éxodo.
Peso Pluma se presentará en Pechanga Arena el 5 de septiembre a las 8 p.m.
¡No querrás perdértelo!
Los Ángeles Azules es un grupo mexicano compuestos por miembros de una familia. El grupo se formó en 1976, pero no empezaron oficialmente hasta 1980.
El género musical que interpretan es la cumbia mexicana y a través de los años han tenido varios éxitos. Sin embargo, con el tiempo han optado por tocas otros estilos de música— el último de los cuales es la cumbia sinfónica.
El grupo tiene más de 10 álbumes, el más reciente fue lanzado el 12 de abril de 2024 titulado, Se Agradece. El disco de ocho canciones incluye colaboraciones con artistas populares
GRUPO FRONTERA
Grupo Frontera, un grupo de música regional mexicana, estará de gira a partir de este agosto. El grupo se organizó en 2022 en Edinburg, Texas donde tocaban música en vivo en fiestas.
Como la mayoría de los artistas, la banda comenzó a publicar covers en las redes sociales. No fue hasta que un TikTok de una pareja bailando su cover de la canción, No Se Va de Morat, se hizo viral—creciendo su presencia artística. Ellos le agregaron su sazón y convirtieron la canción en una cumbia norteña.
El Grupo Frontera tiene dos extended plays (EP’s) con covers, pero
no fue hasta octubre de 2023 cuando lanzaron su primer álbum titulado, El Comienzo.
El 10 de mayo de este año, lanzaron su segundo álbum titulado, Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, que es también el nombre de la gira. El disco de 12 canciones incluye cuatro colaboraciones: Maluma, Christian Nodal, Morat y Nicki Nicole. No hace falta decir que el Grupo Frontera seguirá creciendo en la comunidad Hispana. Puedes ver a Grupo Frontera en vivo en Viejas Arena en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego (SDSU) el 21 de octubre a las 8 p.m.
como Alejandro Fernández y María Becerra. Los Ángeles Azules son más populares entre el público de mayor edad, específicamente los Baby Boomers y la Generación X. Muchos niños Hispanos que son Millennials y Generación Z crecieron escuchando esta banda gracias a sus padres y abuelos. No hace falta decir que si necesitas una noche para bailar, puedes ver a Los Ángeles Azules en su gira, El Amor De Mi Vida, el 28 de septiembre en Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre en SDSU a las 8 p.m.
Concert Culture: A student’s guide to navigating the San Diego music scene
by Naiima Paul ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
San Diego is a city with great weather and dozens of talented musicians, so there is always a non-stop wave of high quality live music just around the corner. Whether you’re new to San Diego or just getting into the music scene, here’s some helpful do’s and don’ts for finding the best times in music this year.
Do: Give new bands a chance
If you’re not familiar with the local music scene, the first step is to be open to new sounds from unfamiliar names. There are numerous up and coming artists launching their music all around San Diego. New bands are popping up everyday to offer you a variety of different subgenres, so allow yourself to be open to new music from less popular sources.
One of the joys of going to smaller concerts is getting familiar with the bands. It’s common for local indie bands. And with reasonably priced ($5-20) tickets you get the chance to enjoy a great show and support your local scene. Plus, if they get popular you always get the satisfaction of being a day-1 fan.
If you’re only used to listening to more popular artists, now is the perfect time to expand your horizons and find great music in unexpected places. Give that QR code a scan. Follow that Spotify link. That track with less than 1,000 listeners might just be your new favorite song.
Don’t: Count out campus
One of the most enchanting aspects of SDSU is that you don’t even have to leave campus to find great performances. SDSU has an extremely talented student body. It’s not uncommon to hear a student band rehearsing a cover of your favorite song on top of a parking structure or throwing a last minute house show.
A great on campus resource is Nooner, the weekly music showcase in the Aztec Student Union. Held on Wednesday’s from 12-1 PM, each week a new SDSUbased artist or band performs a set available for free, so you might just hear it on your way to class.
On top of that, Cal Coast Amphitheatre
located right behind the Love Library offers a venue large enough to host huge acts from all over the world. In the next few months, we can expect the likes of Lucki, The Marías, Wallows and Orville Peck to grace the stage.
If you’re not looking to shell out for tickets, stay tuned for events like the annual Greenfest which allows students to get tickets for as little as $5. The event is put on by SDSU’s Associated Students and past guests have included Gunna, T-Pain and Denzel Curry.
Do: Get Connected
SDSU has a number of clubs, organizations and passionate students that are consistently throwing parties with live performances. To stay informed and up-to-date, use social media to its full potential. Throughout the school year, clubs like Associated Music Group spotlights SDSU’s up-and-coming
musicians, inviting students to experience the music of their peers. Campus-based fashion magazine, The Look is often spotlighting local artists at their events.
Going to SDSU gives you unique access to a community of creatives always looking to engage a crowd. Follow the artists and bands you like to keep up with their shows, releases, and more. It can also be helpful to follow venues like SOMA, House of Blues, and Viejas Arena to hear the most up to date performance announcements.
Don’t: Be afraid to jump in
Crowds full of strangers might be overwhelming at first but don’t be afraid to go in. Local concerts aren’t meant to just stand there filming with your phone, they’re a time to fully enjoy the music being played.
Don’t worry about how you may look. The size of the crowd can be intimidating
but remember everyone else is there for the same reason as you. Concerts give you the unbridled opportunity to experience music with a community of people. You’re able to meet people who you might not have much in common with, but are brought together by a shared love of music.
Concerts are a perfect place to make new friends, so don’t be shy. A short conversation can be the beginning of a long spanning friendship or a new concert buddy. As long as you follow basic concert etiquette (try not to block people’s view, don’t distract from the music, have overall spatial awareness and consideration for others) you’ll meet tons of cool people looking for others.
Do: Get out of your comfort zone
To quote this year’s Greenfest guest Denzel Curry, “better learn something and get a degree!”
If you’re new to SDSU, consider concertgoing just another part of the college experience. Like many things in school, new can be scary and it’ll take time to truly feel like you belong. College is a place to learn, and one of the most important things you’ll learn is what you like, and the first step is to get out of your comfort zone. San Diego is a great place to explore, so as you’re getting your degree allow yourself to branch out and discover your interests outside of academics.
Go to shows, even if you don’t know anyone else going. When you get there, embrace the energy, and have fun. Don’t be afraid to tell the band you liked their set. Dance, sing along, get in the mosh pit, and if there’s no mosh pit, start one!
Photo of Wonderfront music festival, which was held on May 10-12. Photo by Isabella Biunno.
Diego rock band Half Hour
performs at the Wonderfront Festival at Seaport Village on May 11.
Photo by Isabella Biunno.
Arts & Culture
Run wild in the realness of Kobey’s Swap Meet
Step into the eclectic world of Kobey’s and discover the authenticity behind why artists do what they do
BY IsaBella Dallas ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
It’s a time for new beginnings! The back-to-school season invites students to embark on their own journey of exploration and learning. Whether you’ve been lucky enough to stay in San Diego for the summer or are counting down the days for campus to reopen, the start of the year brings a fresh energy full of possibilities. Perhaps this semester is dedicated to self-discovery.
Kobeys’ Swap Meet should be your first stop.
The spirit of innovation and tradition at Kobey’s mirrors the excitement and promise that the start of school brings to students, where each item bought or sold tells a story. The parking lot of Pechanga Arena is framed by endless rows of vendor stands, as the space awaits thousands of shoppers eager to find their new favorite treasures.
This swap meet welcomes the real, the raw and the reason behind
Since its beginning in 1976 at the old Midway Drive-In Theater, Kobey’s has become a cultural landmark, attracting tourists and locals alike. It has established itself as San Diego County’s premier swap meet, offering a unique 15-acre buying, trading and selling experience.
As overwhelming as that may sound, luckily, Kobey’s tends to split up its vendors into different sections, making the abyss of options easier to navigate. Between the walkways lined with rustic cowboy boots, surfboards and antiques, alongside faux fur mini heels and collectible toys, taking a quick peek at the layout is a good starting point.
For Brett Ericson, an ‘OG’ vendor specializing in vinyl records and retro fashion wear from the 1950s to the 1990s, reselling and thrifting has become an obsession. Ericson, known as Strictly Retro on Instagram, has been in this business since 1999, initially collecting
records as a DJ for clubs or radio play.
“I’m always collecting,” Ericson said. “I get great joy when people find the clothes that I’ve found in the wild because you don’t know who you’re buying for –that’s the best part. It’s just really cool to connect the item to the shopper because it’s all unique. All these clothes are one of a kind and hand sourced, same with the records for the most part.”
With the resurgence of the 1990s and early 2000s, the spectrum of vintage is growing, and at Kobey’s, this trend is everywhere. Plus, the pieces are absolutely iconic: original band T-shirts with nostalgic logos and characters, stacks of classic Nike Air Max sneakers, scrunchies and even retro gaming consoles. This broad time frame of what’s considered vintage is allowing for a bigger diversity and scope of vendors to pursue what they love.
In the neighboring space, spot H 54, Robert Myers presides over his own realm of sound, where the crackle of vinyl and the faint hum of nostalgia mix. Myers sells vinyls and records every Saturday at Kobey’s, in the same spot, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I think each person should do what they enjoy the most for themselves. It’s a nickel and dime business, so I’m not going to become a millionaire, but I do it because I have to have a passion for it,” Myers said. “When you share your passion with someone, it’s great. If you discover something that you know they’ll enjoy because it’s popular or aligns with their tastes, it not only brings them happiness but also gratifies you.”
Yet, among this maze of vendor stalls, lively conversations take over as people exchange stories and share what clothes fill their white take-out bags. There’s a freedom to be unabashedly yourself
here, even if you are drinking water out of a coconut. Human spirit thrives in all its unfiltered glory as the individuality through the swap meet is celebrated.
Rolando Berring, the mastermind behind Berr Printz, embodies exactly what Kobey’s is about: authenticity, originality and impact. Berring started his brand in 2020, after years of custom printing, and makes all the product himself locally in San Diego. With his signature bear logo, Berr Printz’s philosophy revolves around leaving a lasting mark.
“I connect ‘Leave Your Print’ to leaving your legacy behind,” Berring explained, smiling at his work. “All throughout life people have left their print with us. It could have been a teacher in middle school, a lunch lady, a bus driver, a grandma or grandpa, but we carry out these memories in people throughout all of our lives. To me, that’s leaving our print.”
Berring revealed that he chose the
name “Berr” not only because it’s the first four letters of his last name but also as a nod to his nickname ‘Big Bear’ from his middle school and high school wrestling team. While Berr Printz is a brand, it also carries a genuine story that can be shared with others. However he interacts with customers, Berring is leaving his mark, and that’s why he chooses to create.
While Kobey’s may be one of the largest open-air markets in San Diego, remember that behind every item lies a story waiting to be told.
Maybe it’s a story of determination and purpose. Perhaps it’s the discovery of someone’s inspiration. The space is a kaleidoscope of over 1,000 vendors and 20,000 shoppers. If you’re looking to check out the swap meet, it’s open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 3 p.m. And, if you find yourself a little lost at the start of the semester, take Rolando Berring’s advice: “Be your own muse.”
A collection of various shots of Kobey’s Swapmeet, in the parking lot of Pechanga Arena on July 12, 2024. Photos By Mariadelcarmen Zuniga
The entrance to Kobey’s Swapmeet, in the parking lot of Pechanga Arena on July 12, 2024.
Photo by Mariadelcarmen Zuniga.
A rack of t-shirts for sale at Kobey’s Swapmeet.
Photo By Mariadelcarmen Zuniga.
By renee roldan