News

University confirms 96 COVID-19 cases

by LuceLis Martinez

STAFF WRITER

San Diego State released a universitywide email encouraging students to be mindful of COVID-19 during the Labor Day weekend.

As of Sept. 7, the university has confirmed 96 COVID-19 cases on SDSU’s main campus, with at least 792 tests administered at the time of the Sept. 3 email release. The university has confirmed one COVID-19 case at the Imperial Valley campus.

The email contained a message from a White House briefing, given by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning people not to travel if they have not been vaccinated.

“This fall, individual COVID-19 cases that are confirmed will be posted to the COVID-19 Dashboard and shared in the COVID-19 Weekly Digest,” the email said.

Public health teams will inform and guide those who have been in close contact with those positive with COVID-19, according to the email.

“If any individual close contacts are identified, a case management team contacts each individual to provide them with information and direction, including any instructions for quarantine per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance,” the email said.

SDSU offers self-administered COVID-19 testing options via kiosks installed around campus, 24 hours a day for students and employees.

“Faculty, staff, students and auxiliary employees with RedIDs may pick up a self administered COVID-19 test kit at the vending machines,” the email said.

The tests are not the same as rapid at home tests. Results are available between one and three days later. The tests are $1 or students can follow the instructions on the kiosk to gain free test credit.

The Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at Student Health Services.

As of Sept. 3, over 95.2% of SDSU students are vaccinated, according to the email.

Additionally, the email mentioned the ongoing Aztec Nights Events.

“These events are designed to provide an outdoor, social space for you to meet and celebrate with other students in a safe environment,” the email said.

2021 national suicide prevention week

by KateLynn robinson

NEWS EDITOR

Anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts are common mental health issues among young adults. Moving out, attending college and establishing a career are clearly major stressors. The pandemic is in no way lessening the stress of young adults venturing out into the world on their own.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10-34.

“In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ED visits for suspected suicide attempts began to increase among adolescents aged 12–17 years, especially girls,” the CDC report said. “During February 21–March 20, 2021, suspected suicide attempt ED visits were 50.6% higher among girls aged 12–17 years than during the same period in 2019; among boys aged 12–17 years, suspected suicide attempt ED visits increased 3.7%.”

Needless to say, it is true when people say you are not alone.

All this being said, resources and programs are available. The month of September is set aside to initiate openminded conversations and discuss potential solutions.

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline website provides a list of coping mechanisms for living during the COVID-19 pandemic. The site recommends limiting media consumption and getting reliable health information for direct sources such as the CDC.

San Diego State students have a variety of mental health services available. Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services offer mental health resources including counseling, therapy and workshops.

Students who would like to speak with a therapist can call the following phone number, 619-5945220, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a 15-minute consultation, according to the Counseling and Psychological Services website.

A schedule of group therapy and workshops are available during the Fall 2021 semester. The sessions are designed for specific needs and individuals. Some of the programs listed are “Womxn of Color Empowerment Group, Living with Loss and Body Wisdom.”

Additional workshops include mindfulness and mediation practices, targeted to improve sleep, academic performance and relaxation, according to the website.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255 is available 24 hours a day.

Statue of Samuel T. Black, the first president of SDSU.

Photo by Amal Younis

Afghan photos:

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Protests and demonstrations have spread across the nation showing solidarity with Afghan citizens and communities.

A protest organized by Sana Heshemi brought together hundreds of activists who marched the streets of downtown San Diego.

The Taliban initiated a caretaker government on Sept. 7. Loyalists dating back to the 1990s have been appointed as acting cabinet ministers, according to the New York Times.

Photo by Catlan Nguyen PHOTO BY ADAM CORREA Photo by Catlan Nguyen

Photo by Catlan Nguyen

Photo by Catlan Nguyen

The crowd chanted “We want refugees!” later in the march all around downtown.

Photo Catlan Nguyen

The variety of signs shows support for Afghan citizens and puts U.S. and NATO on blast.

Photo by Catlan Nguyen

Recall election:

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difficult for young people to grow up in,” Kiley said. “Kids coming out of college today, you can get a good job, work really hard, do everything right but not be able to afford a down payment on a home until you’re in your 40’s.”

A recent SurveyUSA poll conducted for The San Diego Union Tribune shows 5 percent of voters supporting Kiley, well behind front runner Larry Elder who is at 27 percent. Despite the gap in support, Kiley said the person he is running against is Newsom and he won’t contrast himself with any other Republican candidates.

“I’m seeking to differentiate myself from Gavin Newsom, he’s my opponent in this race. I think he’s led the state in the wrong direction and I seek to lead it in a totally different direction,” Kiley said.

Kiley said his qualifications in Sacramento are what sets him apart from any other candidate in the race.

“I’m the one person running who’s been fighting in the legislature,” Kiley said. “I’ve been a member of the California legislature for five years. If the recall is successful, I’d be ready on day one to actually implement the changes that we really need here.”

Kiley has sat on the higher education committee during his time in the California legislature and said he has fought against the consistent increase in tuition at California State Universities.

“We have a very large budget in California, we pay a lot of taxes and I don’t see any reason why we should keep asking our students to pay more to get a good education,” Kiley said.

San Diego State College Democrats President Maya Banks said her organization is counting on students to turnout and vote no on the recall despite low enthusiasm to participate.

“The gap between winning and losing for Newsom is tiny,” Banks said. “I think it’s a super important election for Democrats in particular to vote in because we’re seeing Republicans (are) more likely to vote because it’s a way to get Newsom out of office.”

Multiple controversies involving Newsom during California’s stay-athome order drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. But Banks said that doesn’t warrant removing Newsom from office.

“I think it was definitely a misuse of his power,” Banks said. “But does that really say he’s a danger to the citizens of California?”

The results of the election will ultimately come down to voter turnout and Banks said that is what concerns her the most.

“The problem is going to be that if we have too many Democrats who decide to just not fill out their ballots and not vote in this election, there’s a good chance a Republican will come to power. But that Republican will not be widely supported throughout the state,” Banks said.

Every voter in California has been mailed a ballot and will have the opportunity to vote in-person on Sept. 14.