Wednesday, March 10 - Tuesday, March 16 Weekly Digital Edition
Vol. 107, Issue 18 www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Second round of relief money distributed to students by
Catlan Nguyen
by
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
At the end of last month, $14.9 million in emergency relief aid was given to qualifying San Diego State students. The funding came from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which granted SDSU $45.9 million total. The remaining $31 million will go towards unbudgeted costs and lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting campus activities, according to the university’s website. Undergraduate and graduate students at SDSU’s main campus and the Imperial Valley campus have already been notified by the
Amber Salas
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
San Diego State men’s basketball is gearing up for the most pivotal moments of the season as it heads into the Mountain West Conference tournament in Las Vegas this upcoming week. The Aztecs hope to be back playing in the conference championship game on Saturday, and winning the championship game should leave the Aztecs with a decently high-seeding on Selection Sunday the following day. The conference title game was the last game the Aztecs played before COVID-19 canceled the NCAA Tournament in 2020. The Mountain West was
Brenden Tuccinardi
EDITOR IN CHIEF
File photo
university via email of the $500 or $700 reimbursement. “Because of the aid I got from SDSU, I was able to pay off this (academic) year completely on my own using this and the aid I got
from the CARES Act last semester,” public relations first-year Angus Hsieh said. Hsieh said he’s grateful for the additional aid this semester because, while
see
RELIEF page 2
One year later, it’s special to be back at Mountain West tournament by
Unprecedented: Year in review
one of the few conferences that was able to play through their entire conference tournament. Has it really been a year? The Aztecs played the conference tournament last season in front of thousands of fans at the Thomas & Mack Center, and the team will return this week to an empty stadium. The Aztecs’ 71-62 win over UNLV last week allowed them to clinch the outright regular season Mountain West Conference champions. This is the Aztecs’ eighth regular-season title and the first time in the school’s Division I era that the team has won consecutive outright regular-season
conference championships. Head coach Brian Dutcher reflected on how special this moment is for his team given everything they’ve gone through during this unique season. “What this team accomplished this season was really special because of the circumstances we had to do it in,” Dutcher said. “I told them today, we started back in September or November, one coach in gloves and a mask, one basketball, one player and we couldn’t rebound the ball for the player.” There were many questions at the start of the school year on how see
TOURNAMENT page 7
On March 11, 2020, The Daily Aztec published its last print edition, although editors at the time did not know it. Days later, San Diego State announced that all classes would be moving online, notified on-campus residents they would only have 24 hours to move out and Gov. Gavin Newsom implemented a stay-athome order. At the same time, Men’s basketball had just finished up a historic regular-season and was preparing for the NCAA tournament. Associated Students elections were on the horizon. Daily life took a quick turn as the dangers of the coronavirus became more clear. It’s been an unprecedented 365 days and here are the stories that defined them. March 12, 2020 SDSU to go online-only starting Friday, cancels most events until April 8 In a campus-wide email sent on March 12, SDSU announced that all in-person courses would move online starting the next day. This came after the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts moved classes online on March 9 and accelerated the university’s original plan to move classes online after spring break. Two days earlier, an anonymous student started an online petition that gathered over 2,000 signatures in the first two days it was posted. At the time the petition was started, there were 164 COVID-19 cases in the United States and 45 in California. To date, the U.S. has reported more than 29 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus, more than 3.6 million of which are in Cal-
ifornia. March 12, 2020 NCAA cancels tournament, school suspends spring sports In light of growing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mountain West Conference postponed and then canceled all spring sports, including baseball, softball, water polo, rowing, lacrosse, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s golf. In addition to spring sports, the NCAA canceled the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, which was especially devastating as the Aztecs had just wrapped up a historic season (30-2) and had been expected to make a deep tournament run. March 20, 2020 - CA governor issues ‘stay at home’ order, SDSU to remain open On March 19, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a mandatory stay-at-home order, requiring residents to stay at home or in their places of residence save for essential services. Campus remained open, and instruction was not affected, though at this point, all classes had transitioned to online. The U.S. Department of State also issued a level 4 global health advisory for U.S. citizens urging them to avoid international travel. The California State University discontinued international travel and students studying abroad were told to evaluate their safest options. Following the governor’s order, SDSU announced that it was postponing May commencement until December and would offer a see
REVIEW page 3
News Plans for possible in-person commencement announced 2
by
The Daily Aztec
March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Jadyn Brandt
Brenden Tuccinardi
EDITOR IN CHIEF
San Diego State grads could be celebrating in-person this May. Should conditions continue to improve and coronavirus cases continue to decline, the classes of 2020 and 2021 will have the option to participate in an in-person commencement, the university announced March 5. While specific details are yet to be released, the university plans to hold three days of commencement exercises at an outdoor, off-campus venue on May 25, 26 and 27. This option is not finalized, an email from the university said, and is dependent on state and local guidelines. More information regarding the specific event type, guest policies and location will be shared no later than April 1, the university said. Without these important details, some students are doubtful they would attend. Fourth-year marketing student Isabel Barrandas said there’s “no point if we can’t have guests.” For one 2020 graduate, it’s too little, too late. “I’m a first-generation
RELIEF:
continued from page
1
he was able to keep his job, he recognizes many others lost theirs during the pandemic. The aid was directly deposited into students’ accounts and qualifications include having a FAFSA on file or meeting Title IV requirements, according to a campus-wide email. “I gave all of it to my mom,” civil engineering second-year Pedro Salas said. “We’ve been having some economic problems due to COVID and I know they were going to use it better than me.” Salas lives at home and used to commute to SDSU when classes were still fully
EDITOR IN CHIEF Brenden Tuccinardi NEWS EDITOR Jadyn Brandt ASST. NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Trinity Bland MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval ASST. MUNDO AZTECA Karina Bazarte File photo
graduate, and I’ve had my fill of let downs from SDSU,” Diana Ramirez said. “I’m not paying any more attention to future promises. At this point, I’m just looking toward my graduate school graduation, hopefully in another year.” However, other students were excited by the possibility of celebrating in-person. “After all the hard work and memories at SDSU, it would mean the world to me to walk across the stage with my friends and family there,” journalism and media studies senior Alexandra Gex, said. Child and family development senior Kaeley Kaufold was happy to hear that she might have the oppor-
in-person. His family was among many who were hit hard during the first leg of the pandemic: Salas, his mom and his dad all lost their jobs last spring. Luckily, his dad is working again now, Salas said. In late December of 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was passed by Congress to provide more support as the pandemic reaches its one-year anniversary. This is an extension to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in the spring of 2020 during the pandemic’s onset, according to the university’s website. Salas also recommends
tunity to celebrate with her parents. “As a first-generation college grad, I was devastated knowing my parents weren’t going to be able to watch me walk across that stage,” she said. If conditions do not permit an in-person celebration, SDSU has a drivethrough option also in the works. The “CARmencement” will allow graduates to drive through campus with friends and family while faculty and staff cheer them on. It will include moving across a stage, reading graduates’ names aloud and professional photos, the university said in an email. This option would be held beginning May 22 and
appealing for a second review from FAFSA if any students are still struggling moving forward. While difficult to get an appeal approved, it’s worth trying if any student has no other form of financial help. He did so after an SDSU counselor advised him to since Salas’ financial aid amount for last semester was lower than in the past, due to his family’s 2019 tax return showing higher amounts of income. This tax return couldn’t predict the pandemic hitting and impacting everybody’s financial situation, however. “In terms of supporting their students, I would say (SDSU) have done a decent job,” Hsieh said. “With the
continue through May 28. In addition to the possible in-person and drivethrough options, the university will offer a virtual option, similar to the one held last year. An announcement about commencement plans for SDSU Imperial Valley will be made next week. The university will continue to update the main commencement webpage as more information becomes available. This is a developing story. Follow The Daily Aztec on Instagram and Twitter to receive updates and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest SDSU news delivered right to your inbox twice a week.
circumstances that they were dealt, they did an acceptable job with free COVID vaccines, ECRT and the A.S. food pantry.” International students, international exchange participants, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program recipients do not qualify for this relief due to federal funding guidelines, according to the university email. If you have not received relief aid but believe you qualify for it under Title IV, immediately complete the FAFSA form online so it can be reviewed for eligibility. For more financial aid resources both on and off campus, visit SDSU’s Economic Crisis Response Team’s website.
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Devin Whatley SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Luis Lopez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Catlan Nguyen PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Orozco VIDEO EDITOR Angela Kurysh ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Emily Burgess
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Ryan Hardison Aleah Jarin Amber Salas Reese Savoie STAFF WRITERS Emily Forschen Sara Rott CONTRIBUTORS Megan Nimitz Jacob Sullivan ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond EDITORIAL editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday thoughout the semester when we are not in a global pandemic. WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com SOCIAL MEDIA @thedailyaztec
@TheDailyAztec
/DailyAztecVideo
/thedailyaztec The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.
News
March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Jadyn Brandt
REVIEW:
continued from page
The Daily Aztec
3
1
virtual alternative. April 28, 2020 - San Diego State reports $42 million in losses associated with pandemic The pandemic devastated the economy and, along with it, SDSU’s budget. In April 2020, the university reported a $42 million loss, with refunds and fee reimbursements constituting the majority of the total. In response to the unexpected fallout, the university implemented a hiring chill, paused all non-essential construction projects and tapped into funding reserves set aside for economic uncertainty. SDSU received $29 million in federal relief funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Half of this funding was disbursed to students. Today, SDSU has begun to close a $67 million funding gap, using mostly one-time reserves and relying on higher than expected enrollment numbers. However, budgetary constraints are predicted in the long-run. May 12, 2020 BREAKING: San Diego State moves to mostly virtual instruction for fall 2020 semester As SDSU students had just finished up the second half of the spring 2020 semester online, the university announced that it would continue with virtual instruction in the fall, following guidance from the CSU. The plan, marketed as SDSU Flex, would offer flexibility for a select number of in-person labs and studio classes and reopen residence halls at 54% capacity. July 15, 2020 - SDSU shares Ten Point Plan to advance racial justice Following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police, the nation entered into a summer of racial reckoning. In response,
Photo by Brenden Tuccninardi The March 11 print edition of The Daily Aztec – the last since the pandemic began – has sat in newsstands on an empty campus for a year. The yellow, sun-faded newsprint tells the story of a campus in transition as the headline reads, "Classes to go online only due to coronavirus fears."
SDSU released a 10-point plan to address inequity and better support Black students, faculty, and staff. The plan called for hiring five tenure-track faculty with experience teaching/ servicing Black communities, creating on-campus artworks and murals that highlight Black history and culture, publicizing college diversity plans, and establishing a Presidential Task Force on “Principles of Community,” among other initiatives. Aug. 17, 2020 - SDSU Mission Valley ground breaking ceremony ushers in ‘A New Era’ for San Diego State Finally, after years of campaigning, a ballot measure, community meetings and CSU approval, SDSU broke ground on a new stadium in Mission Valley. “Today marks a milestone moment for San Diego State University and the city of San Diego,” President Adela de la Torre said at the ceremony. Aztec Stadium will be the first part of SDSU’s Mission Valley campus when completed in Fall 2022, just in time for SDSU football’s season opener against Arizona State University. Aug. 27, 2020 Covid-19 Update: SDSU reports two new
positive cases, University Police respond to large gatherings over the weekend Two days following the start of the fall semester, SDSU reported two new positive COVID-19 cases among students. Both students lived off-campus, and the cases were unconnected, the university said. The same day, the university reported an additional two off-campus cases. By Aug. 31, the university had reported a total of 20 off-campus cases, though this was only a taste of what was to come. Two weeks after the start of the semester, SDSU reported 64 new cases and paused in-person instruction for the 200 courses on campus for four weeks. Sep. 6, 2020 - SDSU issues ‘stay at home’ order to on-campus residents After reporting 120 new cases of COVID-19 on Sep. 4, SDSU implemented a mandatory stay-at-home order for on-campus students.The total cases number of cases associated with SDSU since Aug. 24 was 223. The initial order was slated to last a week. However, the university extended it another week in light of the holiday weekend.
By Sep. 8, SDSU was reporting 400 confirmed positive cases, 75% of them among off-campus students. On Sep. 15, the university announced that it would require all students living on campus to undergo weekly coronavirus testing as part of a new surveillance testing protocol. Confirmed cases associated with SDSU were at 676. At the same time, SDSU was beginning to get a handle on the situation, San Diego County was at risk of returning to the more restrictive ‘purple tier’ in California’s reopening blueprint, with county officials placing much of the blame on the university. By Sep. 30, the university surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, making it the number one university or college in California in terms of coronavirus cases. Sep. 23, 2020 - Joseph I. Castro chosen as next CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro made history as the eighth chancellor of the California State University. Castro, who replaced former Chancellor Timothy P. White, became the first California native and first Mexican-American to lead the nation’s largest public university.
Castro, now entering his third month on the job, has said he is prioritizing increasing access to higher education. Oct. 1, 2020 - San Diego State releases revised 2020 season schedule After months of uncertainty surrounding the future of college football, the Mountain West Tournament gave the go-ahead to start the season (only after they postponed the season and then changed their minds). The Aztecs finished with a 4-4 record (4-2 in MWC play) and chose to withdraw from bowl consideration. Nov. 4, 2020 - SDSU hosts super poll site at Viejas Arena Like everything else this year, the general election was unprecedented. SDSU opened its doors to voters on Election Day and hosted a super poll site at Viejas Arena where people could register to vote, come vote in-person or drop off their mail-in ballots. Dec. 1, 2020 - SDSU eliminates Spring Break, adds “recovery days” despite massive student opposition On Dec. 1, the Universisee
ONLINE
4
Opinion
The Daily Aztec
March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Trinity Bland
Fans deserve satisfying season finales by
Ryan Hardison
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
There are few things on this earth I despise more than disappointing television show finales. To me, a satisfying television show finale is one that ends plausibly, succinctly, and clearly. If it achieves at least one of these, then it’s just decent, but achieving none of these deems it bad by my standards. Not everything has to be tied up into a neat, little box, but leaving things completely and intentionally unresolved irks me on another level. In all fairness, some shows are canceled before they are able to harness their full potential and are left with annoying cliffhangers like “Hannibal” and “Pitch.” This should definitely be accounted for when judging the quality of a show’s resolution.
For some reason, there is a lot of information concerning television show finales on my mind, and since the pandemic began, I have had an abundance of time to watch shows and reflect on ones I haven’t seen in a while. When deciding what to watch, I immediately noticed bad finales really hurt not only a show’s binge-worthiness but the ability to rewatch it in general. Even shows I have never watched before felt really unappealing because I already knew too much about how things go south. Some are so notoriously bad that it leaves a stench and the lingering knowledge that one day I’ll be face-to-face with the thing I hate so much. I’ll be forced to reflect on all the time spent getting to that final, crucial moment, just
for it to explode in my face. Personally, I’d rather not have that. For example, this is how I view the show “Lost.” I’ve never seen the show, but the fact that I know the ending is regarded as super unsatisfying makes me steer away from it, leaning toward shows that are still starting out. My disdain for “Lost” is also combined with the fact that drama shows with 20+ episode
seasons and hour-long episodes are extremely time-consuming to get through. If I just ruined “Lost” for you as a future possibility, then I’m sorry. But look on the bright side, not all finales are bad. A few recent comedies like “New Girl,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Schitt’s Creek” had sweet conclusions that not only tied up loose ends but rewarded
Graphic by Shalika Oza
long-time fans. However, there are a few that steadily tread off so that when the end comes, it's almost impossible for it to be even worse than what they previously aired in the show’s final and weakest moments. I call this move “The Office.” When reflecting on the worst of the worst, there are a few that stand out in my mind. To start, let’s look at “How I Met Your Mother,” which took a bow after its 9th season in 2014. This CBS comedy followed Ted Mosby and his four closest friends as they navigated New York City in their late 20s and early 30s. The episodes are viewed as stories that an older version of Ted tells his two children in the year 2030. This is basically his attempt to sum up how he met his fusee
ONLINE
The WandaVision finale: What an emotional ride by
Sara Rott
STAFF WRITER
Marvel fans, are we okay? This weekend was a big deal for Marvel fans as the series finale of the hit TV show “WandaVision” debuted last Friday. All of the twists and turns had us on the edge of our seats while we watched every bit of drama unfold over the last few episodes. The series, which aired for eight weeks on Disney+, took a very unique approach to its story while also diverging from the formula of Marvel’s previous films. Although this amazing show has come to an end, Wanda Maximoff's story is far from over. Like a lot of Marvel fans, I could not wait to see how “WandaVision” was going to end. When I sat down to watch the final episode, I did, indeed, cry. Grab your tissues and fasten your seatbelts, everyone, you’re
all in for a bumpy ride. *Spoilers for the ending of “WandaVision”, go watch and come back if you have not seen it!* I’ll give you some context: in episode eight, we were given two big reveals that had us up all night. Reveal one: It was Agatha all along In a strange turn of events, the nosy neighbor Agnes, played by Katheryn Hahn, is revealed to be Agatha Harkness, a sorceress from the era of the Salem witch trials who sensed Wanda's magic. Reveal two: Vision lives! Well, kinda. Tyler Hayward, played by Josh Stamberg – who I personally found to be a horrible person to begin with – brought him back as “White” Vision who, in the comics, is Vision minus his memories. This brings us to the beginning of episode nine. I just want to talk about
some of the key moments that stood out. Agnes utters the words “the Scarlet Witch”, Wanda's given hero name that, up until this point, has never been mentioned in the MCU. The Darkhold, the evil book that held the fate of “The Scarlet Witch” in its pages. This book is essential to the future of the MCU and it is definitely not the last time we are going to see it. It wouldn’t be a Marvel movie without some action and this was really a boss battle between the characters — Wanda versus Agatha, Vision fighting himself and S.W.O.R.D wedging themselves into the Hex. At this point, we cut back to Vision’s battle, where we watch the two Visions standoff. When Hex Vision transferred his memories to White Vision, I was absolutely, emotionally overwhelmed.
Graphic by Emily Burgess
Just like that, he flies off, leaving us wondering where he went.What does that mean? No matter what Agatha threw at her, Wanda picked up quickly and took up Agatha's tactics to use against her. This could be a callback to the comics — where Agatha teaches Wanda how to control her powers. The finale of the battle with Agatha also gave us Scarlet Witch’s costume reveal. I personally love the new color scheme and think the new colors represent a new side of Wanda that we have yet to see.
With Agatha useless and her power drained, Wanda places her back under the hex of Agnes and possibly sets her up for future MCU features. The overwhelming defeat of S.W.O.R.D., White Vision and Agatha is — in its own way — a happy ending. However, we know that this also means the destruction of Wanda’s dream, her false reality. I feel as though Wanda disassembling the Hex gave her some much-needed closure. Her saying see
ONLINE
Opinion Teachers need to put SDSU, stop confiscating pepper spray from students students first March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Trinity Bland
by
Megan Nimitz
CONTRIBUTOR
I was once told by my high school math teacher that I would always be a C-student. Growing up in the American education system, this feedback was not entirely dissimilar from other situations I experienced throughout my schooling. The first public school in the United States was established in 1635 and is known as the Boston Latin School. Unfortunately, not much has changed since the grand opening besides girls as well as students of color are now able to learn in the same room as their white male counterparts. While little significant change was made to the system in general, there have been numerous attempts to redefine teaching throughout my educational experience — the most profound being, Integrated Studies. Overnight, my class was the guinea pig for this newfound discipline. We were tasked with relearning our process of learning since we first started school. Instead of implementing this at a young age and giving students the tools they need to thrive, we were thrown in too late in the game. Today, we look at underperforming students from a lower socioeconomic status and label this disconnect as the “achievement gap” when in fact, it is an “opportunity gap.” This gap only became more profound with the learning transition and I never understood why until recently. Throughout my educational experience, I was fortunate enough to be provided with private tutoring in subjects I struggled with like summer learning programs, SAT preparation classes and individual col-
The Daily Aztec
lege counseling. Having access to these resources is a privilege not available to all students within our education system. This gap deepens every passing summer due to a percentage of kids not having access to learning resources so they can continue to progress, instead of regress while school is not in session. Not every kid has the luxury of attending summer camp. Some individuals need to help bring in money for their family or take care of loved ones instead of doing things to further their education. This difference is not accounted for or addressed when students return to school after two months off. In 2001, President George W. Bush passed the No Child Left Behind Act, consisting of a variety of tests students had to take on a yearly basis on top of all the tests they have for actual classes. This act penalized schools for failing to hit the designated mark, impacting teachers and students nationwide. Teachers were tasked with allocating the majority of class time to math and reading due to the amount of testing in the new accountability system. Experts found a moderate increase in academic anxiety according to Sage Journals (between 0.08 and 0.14 standard deviations) which is the opposite of what growing children need going forward. I know for a fact these high-stake tests had a profound impact on my existing anxiety levels.Teachers and schools, by large, do not account for the basic needs of growing kids. Instead, we are taught that a grade on a test or in a class defines our intelligence. I briefly switched from a see
ONLINE
by
Katelynn Robinson
ASST. NEWS EDITOR
As an incoming freshman at San Diego State, I remember expecting to learn more about class registration, student organizations and my housing portal. I expected to learn about financial aid, student loans and how students should save their money. Instead, I learned the exact definition of assault, consent and rape. While it is good to know these definitions and to be aware of SDSU’s resources, SDSU convinced me I needed to be prepared for an assault. Pepper spray should not be thrown away by security upon entering Viejas Arena and California Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.
Students often forget their pepper spray is attached to their keychain as they enter Viejas Arena or the football stadium since carrying the self-defense weapon becomes second nature to most people. A locker or coatcheck system should be implemented that would allow students to pick up their pepper spray after they leave the event and travel home safely. One of the major pitfalls of confiscating pepper spray is once thrown away the student must make the journey back to their home at an even later hour completely unarmed. According to an SDSU Campus Sexual Surveys Results Study Report from the spring of 2015, 15% of students attending SDSU experience sexual assault during their
5
Graphic by Emily Burgess
time here. Approximately 40% of these assaults take place within a five-mile radius of campus. The cost of paying a few individuals minimum wage for a few hours to check a student's pepper spray at the event is worth the benefit of young women returning home safely. In a group chat with 260 SDSU women, two questions were asked about see
ONLINE
Top 10 ways to spend R&R days by
Emily Forschen
STAFF WRITER
If you’re following anyone on social media, you know how excited everyone is that spring break has been changed to a series of “recovery days” on different days throughout the semester. With all of this new time scattered throughout the semester, surely you’re wondering how you’re going to fill your recovery day! Here are the top ten ways to spend the days as they come: Finish the assignment that you got only because you had an extra day to work on it Good news! There will be a strict NO HOMEWORK DUE policy on your recovery days. But you had an extra day to work on that one assignment, so it will be graded just a little bit harder. So,
you know. Get on it. Yoga! Ah, feel that? Yoga is a great way to get some exercise in while staying indoors. It’s also often used as a tool for meditation. You’re already only wearing sweats and leggings, anyway. This spring, you’ll likely want to learn the new stretch most commonly known as the Total Breakdown. It’s performed by lying on your side, pulling your knees up to your chest and wrapping your forearms around your legs.
Breathe in deeply and let out a nice, long, agonizing scream from the depths of your soul. Much better. Light a candle and just watch it burn Inexpensive scented candles are a great budget-friendly way to provide you with a new sensory experience at home. Lighting one of those suckers up will bring you restoration as you watch the wax just slowly melt away for hours. Before see
ONLINE
Graphic by Shalika Oza
6
The Daily Aztec
Mundo Azteca
March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Noé Sandoval
SDSU planifica nuevas medidas pos-COVID-19 por
Noé Sandoval
EDITOR DE MUNDO AZTECA
La universidad anuncia planes sobre la ceremonia de los graduados, el regreso a clases presenciales, y el requisito de la vacuna El 2 de marzo, el senado estudiantil de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego comenzó a hablar en su junta sobre los planes de la ceremonia de graduación del año escolar 2020-21, el regreso a clase presenciales para el semestre de otoño 2021 con el requisito de la vacunación para regresar a las clases. Los graduados de SDSU podrían celebrar en persona este mes de mayo. Si las condiciones continúan mejorando y los casos de coronavirus continúan disminuyendo, las clases de 2020 y 2021 tendrán la opción de participar en una graduación presencial, anunció la universidad el 5
de marzo. Aún no hay detalles específicos, pero la universidad planea realizar tres días de ejercicios de graduación en un lugar al aire libre fuera del campus el 25, 26 y 27 de mayo. Esta opción no está finalizada, dijo un correo electrónico de la universidad, y depende de las medidass estatales y locales. Se compartirá más información sobre el tipo de evento específico, las políticas de invitados y la ubicación a más tardar el 1 de abril, dijo la universidad. Si las condiciones no permiten una celebración en persona, SDSU también tiene en proceso la opción de tener la celebración en carros. Esta manera permitirá a los graduados conducir por el campus con amigos y familiares mientras los profesores y el personal
Foto por Brenden Tuccinardi
los animan. Incluirá moverse por un escenario, leer los nombres de los graduados en voz alta y fotos profesionales, dijo la universidad en un correo electrónico. Esta opción se llevaría a cabo a partir del 22 de mayo y continuaría hasta el 28 de mayo. Además de las posibles opciones presenciales, la universidad ofrecerá una opción virtual, similar a la que se realizó el año pas-
ado. La próxima semana se hará un anuncio sobre los planes de inicio de SDSU Imperial Valley. La universidad continuará actualizando la página web principal de graduación a medida que haya más información disponible. Con los planes de la ceremonia, también está la posibilidad de regresar a clases presenciales este semestre de otoño 2021.
Actualmente, la universidad está coordinando con cada departamento para determinar cuántos asientos puede ocupar un salón, mientras aún siguiendo las medidas del aislamiento social de 2 metros o 6 pies. Usando tiendas de carpa afuera para tener clases de 70 o más alumnos también puede ser una opción para el próximo semestre. Por tanto, la universidad todavía está en discusión de estos planes y se espera una decisión final para el fin del mes de marzo. Las vacunaciones serían lo primordial para que estos planes sean ejecutados bien. La universidad ha administrado 300 vacunas recibidas por el condado de San Diego. La universidad recibió 300 dosis adicionales de vacunas el 25 de febrero, por lo que las segundas see
ONLINE
La Academia San Pasqual cierra sus puertas pero los estudiantes muestran desaprobación con la decisión por
Karina Bazarte
ASST. DE MUNDO AZTECA
El estado de California ha decidido cerrar las puertas de La Academia San Pasqual, donde actualmente alberga a 69 niños y niñas en cuidado de crianza, en octubre de 2021. La Academia San Pasqual es una educación residencial por primera vez en la nación. La academia está diseñada para jóvenes en cuidado de crianza que tienen problemas de encontrar un hogar y los ha ayudado por 20 años. Una estudiante de la Academia San Pasqual, ha creado una petición para evitar el cierre de la academia. Muchos estudiantes se enteraron por el pediodico “San Diego Union Tribune’ y la noticia fue muy fuerte. “La Academia San Pasqual me ha dado un ambiente seguro y estable
que nunca había tenido, y ahora con la noticia que la academia cierra no tendré ese ambiente” dijo Princess Galvan, una estudiante de la academia. Galvan es una de las 69 estudiantes que será afectada por esta decisión. Ella describe que la academia le ha ayudado en formas que ella nunca pensaría tener por ejemplo su pasión por la educación, aprender a cocinar, y so-
bre todo tener una familia con quien confiar. El estado de California, escribió una comunicado donde explica la razón en porque la academia será cerrada en octubre. La razones son por baja matrícula y cambios en leyes estatales y federales. En el comunicado, los reguladores estatales piden más tiempo para que los 69 jóvenes puedan encontrar hogares con fa-
las que la academia está cerrada es por la baja matrícula. Galvan comentó que la razón de que la academia tenga baja matrícula es por Covid-19. “La academia no quiere ponernos en riesgo con Covid-19 es por eso que la academia no ha permitido nuevos jóvenes ingresar este año y que puedan tener Covid-19,” dijo Galvan. File photo Muchos estudiantes graduados de la academia milias idealmente. Pero los han expresado sus senestudiantes temen caer en timientos en la petición. familias equivocadas. Comentarios dicen si no Para los estudiantes la fuera por la academia no academia es un hogar esse donde estarían. pecial. La academia provee “La mayoría de los esalimentos nutritivos, ropa tudiantes se sienten perpara todas las ocasiones, didos si la academia cierra beneficios para enconel Octubre,” dijo Galvan. trar hogares antes de que “Sigan mandando correcumplan los 18 años, y soos electrónicos a Nathan bretodo la academia les Fletcher y el condado de ayuda aplicar para univerSan Diego y sobre todo sidades. firmen la petición,” dijo Una de las razones por Galvan.
March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Kyle Betz
Sports
The Daily Aztec
7
TOURNAMENT: continued from page
1
basketball would be able to play at all. The Aztecs didn’t return to campus until the end of August, which was about two months later than usual. There was a two-week pause in early September because of a spike in campus COVID-19 cases, and the Aztecs weren’t able to participate in contact drills until October. “And to think a few months later, we’re celebrating a conference championship,” Dutcher said. “I couldn’t be more proud of a coaching staff and a team that we were able to accomplish our goal of winning a title under these circumstances and it’s a credit to everybody in our program.” File photo As a player who’s San Diego State men’s basketball then-junior guard Jordan Schakel attempts to drive to the basket during the Aztecs’ 59-56 Mountain West Conference had to live through the tournament championship loss to Utah State on March 11, 2020 at the Thomas & Mack Center. strict COVID-19 protocols, senior forward out the rest of the sea- noise in the NCAA “I mean, they got a on Selection Sunday Matt Mitchell described son. Tournament, so the taste of it as these last where they hope to be getting to this point as “We locked in as a most meaningful bas- few games have been in a strong spot headed pure relief. team,” Mitchell said. “I ketball is still ahead of big games, but these into the NCAA Tour“It’s a big feeling of think that’s all that it us. That’s the most ex- younger guys and it nament. relief I can say, and joy is. We locked into the citing thing about this just comes with expeOne thing will be on and happiness,” Mitchell things that are set in season — that we have rience,” Schakel said. the Aztecs’ mind: the said. “Being happy for place for us as game- meaningful games to “There’s not much you hunger they have to my young guys that ha- plans, the type of team play together as a team.” can tell except staying continue what should ven’t been here before, we are getting out in These games during on them every day in have been done last being happy for the old- transition, and really tournament season practice making sure year in the tournament. er guys that haven’t been spread the ball around. come down to what that they’re taking it seSchakel knows it’s a here before, like (senior Everybody gets love, teams have the stron- riously. These guys do a special opportunity to guard) Terrell (Gomez), everybody gets shots, gest mindsets and will good job of that.” play for last year’s secoming here wanting everybody touches the to win. It comes down Schakel reflected on niors who deserved to to win, the young guys ball, everybody gets a to experience, and not his first trip to the tour- play in the tournament. coming here wanting to chance to be aggressive necessarily the expe- nament and what the “It’s nice after evwin wanting to be a part now I think that’s what rience of playing in the headspace was like. The erything we’ve been of something special. So makes it dangerous.” tournament before. All biggest piece of advice through,” Schakel said. I could just say that is a As the Aztecs played that matters is having for his teammates is to “It’s been a long, long sigh of relief.” out the remainder of the mindset like you’ve stay focused. journey. Hopefully, we The Aztecs are head- the season, they played been there before. “It just comes with ex- make it to the tournaing into the conference with the expectation Out of the entire Az- perience,” Schakel said. ment, and we’re gonna tournament on an 11- that they would win a tecs roster, only two “I wasn’t very poised play for those guys that game win streak. The conference title. Now, players have played in my freshman year when didn’t get the chance Aztecs started out the the team is beginning to the NCAA Tournament it came to this time of last year — (senior season going 5-0 be- prepare for tournament before — Mitchell and the year — it’s foreign guard) KJ (Feagin), (sefore dropping their first games with an even senior guard Jordan territory. That’s why nior forwards) Yanni game to Brigham Young. stronger mindset. Schakel. (Dutcher) likes to re- (Wetzell) and Nolan The next few weeks “I think obviously, we Schakel knows his cruit a lot of older guys, (Narain). Really just play were rocky with a loss wanted to and expect- team has gained expe- and most of the time it’s for those guys, because to Colorado State and ed to win a conference rience during these last older guys that win in it would have been reallosing a series against title — we’ve done few games of the reg- March. That experience ly special last year.” Utah State. that,” Dutcher said. ular season that were just pays off at this time In a year where nothAfter losing to the Ag- “We want to win a con- a must-win for the Az- of the year, so I think ing is guaranteed, the gies in early January, the ference tournament tecs. He says the focus we just stay focused and Aztecs know how lucky Aztecs came together title so that’s the next should be on practice keep doing what we do.” they are to be back in as a team and started a task at hand. And then always being taken seriThe Aztecs patiently this position. Their hard new mindset of winning we want to make some ously. await to hear seeding work has just begun.
8
Sports
The Daily Aztec
March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Kyle Betz
Baseball wins third straight series, takes two against Fresno State BY Reese Savoie SENIOR STAFF WRITER San Diego State baseball took its conference series against Fresno State this past weekend at Tony Gwynn Stadium. After falling 3-2 to the Bulldogs (3-4, 1-2 Mountain West Conference) in game 1 of the series Saturday, the Aztecs (7-3, 2-1 MWC) came away with two back-to-back victories, clinching their third consecutive series win this season. Here are three observations from this past weekend’s homestand. 1. Explosive presence on the plate The Aztecs saw another successful offensive run against the Bulldogs, most notably in game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Scarlet and Black racked up 17 runs, shutting out their opponent and ending the game in the seventh inning out of a mercy run-rule. 11 of those runs came in the second inning alone, with the Aztecs cycling through their entire batting rotation (and then some) and bringing 16 players to the plate. Redshirt senior shortstop Mike Jarvis, redshirt junior catcher Wyatt Hendrie and redshirt sophomore outfielder Jaden Fein smacked four RBIs apiece. The game also saw senior outfielder Matt Rudick and redshirt sophomore infielder Caden Miller each collect three runs, leading the team in scoring in Saturday afternoon’s contest. Three appeared to be the magic number, with Jarvis and redshirt senior Ryan Orr leading with three hits each. Sunday’s game wasn’t too different. The Aztecs were down 2-0 early on but appeared to wake up in the third inning with the collection of five runs. The Bulldogs briefly reclaimed their lead in the top of the fifth, scoring
Courtesy of Derrick Tuskan, SDSU Athletics San Diego State baseball redshirt sophomore catcher Wyatt Hendrie finishes his follow-through on a swing during the Aztecs’ series against San Diego on Feb. 19-21, 2021.
five runs and putting themselves on top 7-6. Fresno’s short but sweet advantage was immediately extinguished by the Aztecs, who answered back and put up an additional five in the bottom half of the inning. Fein went 4-for-4 in the third game, with two RBIs and one run. After a successful hitting barrage this weekend, the now-three-time 2021 Mountain West Player of the Week’s average improved from .529 to .587, leading the team by almost 200 points. 2. A tale of two starters Despite splitting Saturday’s doubleheader, SDSU’s performance on the mound was one to celebrate in both contests. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Michael Paredes started game 1 for the Aztecs, tossing six strikeouts and allowing only one run and four hits in six innings. Head coach Mark Martinez said that Paredes is no stranger to hard work on the mound. “Down to the strike zone,
he competed his tail off,” he said. “That’s (Paredes) in a nutshell. It’s what he does: he shows up every day, he’s gonna compete really hard, he’s gonna pound the strike zone and he doesn’t let things rattle him.” Melton started on the bump in the second game, pitching a complete seven-inning shutout. He allowed only four hits and struck out nine, matching his career-high. This was the longest Melton has remained in a game so far this season. His last two starts saw the duration of his time on the mound lasting an average of 4.2 innings apiece. Melton opened each series against San Diego and UC San Diego, respectively. However, the triad against Fresno State did not see Melton entering the game until the second contest. Martinez said this gave Melton the opportunity to gauge the performance of the Bulldogs’ batting rotation in game 1 in order to find the most success heading into the second part of Saturday’s doubleheader.
“It gave him an opportunity to kind of chart the game and get a feel for how he was going to attack the Fresno State hitters,” he said. Aside from being able to preview the competition, Melton dedicated Saturday’s success to his ability to slow things down and have faith in his own ability. “I was kind of just overthrowing everything in my first two starts (against USD and UCSD), so today was about just calming down a little bit and trusting everything,” Melton said. Melton and Paredes share more than just a pair of good games against Fresno State. The two are also good friends, and that chemistry is evident in their ability to play off of one another. “Even though we lost the (first) game, I really felt like (Paredes) set the tone and gave a great roadmap to be successful against a really good offense,” Martinez said. “He passed the baton on to (Melton), and I thought (Melton) did a really good job of putting together that game plan
heading into the second game.” Melton agreed. “I think that’s the standard for both of us. We’re competitive with each other, but also he’s probably my best friend on the team so it’s a cool dynamic that we have,” Melton said of Paredes. “I watched what (Paredes) did and tried to replicate it a little bit and tried to put my little twist on it, so I think he did a good job of setting the tone and I tried to carry the baton. I think I did a pretty good job.” 3. Experience, mental endurance equate to success The Aztecs were able to climb their way to victory after giving up five runs in the middle innings of Sunday’s contest. This is not the first time this season the Scarlet and Black have been able to fight their way back on top. Martinez said the team’s tenacity can be credited to the squad’s veteran leadership. “I think it’s a testament to our experience,” he said. see
ONLINE
Arts & Culture Social media star Bretman Rock featured at influencer spotlight event March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Devin Whatley
by
The Daily Aztec
Aleah Jarin
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
San Diego State welcomed 22-year-old social media beauty guru and YouTuber Bretman “DaBaddest” Rock at the Aztec Student Union Board's first-ever influencer spotlight event on Thursday, March 4. Rock talked about what it was like filming his new MTV reality show, the pressures of being an influencer, how to have self-confidence, incorporating his Filipino culture into his content, future projects and more in a live Q&A session via Zoom. Co-moderator Eleanor Mauhay, Union Nights chair and biology junior, and co-moderator Jano Paredes, music and entertainment chair and marketing and hospitality and tourism management
Photo by Aleah Jarin
sophomore, led the discussion while over 700 participants tuned in. Mauhay shared that ASUB and the other board members were in a unique position this year due to the virtual setting, so they had to brainstorm to come up with events and programs students could still enjoy remotely. “My co-host and I got the idea of an influencer spotlight after looking
into what other colleges have done for their programming,” Mauhay said of the planning process. “We wanted to bring a wellknown individual who is admired by many here at SDSU.” “As a huge fan myself and knowing Bretman’s personality, I knew he would be the perfect guest to bring,” Mauhay said. Mauhay said Rock’s natural humor, energy and
overall authenticity carried the night and made it more engaging. Attendees were able to submit questions through the Zoom chat, however, halfway through the night attendees had the opportunity to have their video camera on and ask Rock a question directly. One student thanked Rock for increasing the visibility of Filipinos around the world by incorporating his Filipino culture into his content. Rock responded graciously and said he’ll always be Filipino and, “whatever show I’m filming, whether it’s a reality show or not, I will always be waving the Filipino flag.” Another highlight of the night was when Rock addressed how it feels to be “DaBaddest” and how he stays so confident.
9
“I loved this moment because I felt like it embraced vulnerability, humbleness and empowerment,” Communication and Spanish senior Carolina Lopez said. “He said that self-confidence is something that each of us has to build for ourselves. His way of doing so was by calling himself [“DaBaddest”] so often that eventually he believed it which reflected in his whole attitude and lifestyle.” “I consider myself a great admirer of Bretman's career and this event allowed me to see how genuine he is in other contexts apart from social media,” Lopez said. Kinesiology junior Jayson Santos said the night was full of good energy and vibes due to see
ONLINE
Quick Take: March SDSU football alum and rapper Kalan.FrFr signs with kicks off with releases from big-name artists music label Roc Nation by
Ryan Hardison
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
It’s time to add another name to the list of famous former students at San Diego State University. The alumni most recognized at SDSU include sports stars like Tony Gwynn, Kawhi Leonard and Marshall Faulk. There’s also actor Carl
Weathers, known for portraying Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films, “Blazing Saddles” star Cleavon Little and Arizona State Football Head Coach Herm Edwards. But now rising rap star Kalan.FrFr deserves recognition for his tremendous career arc. Formerly an SDSU football defensive back, Kalan Montgomery first suited
Photo courtesy of Kalan Montgomery
up for the Aztecs in 2013 before departing from the team in 2016. After leaving football, Montgomery’s focus took a sharp 180 as he fully shifted towards a career in music. Though he had been pursuing music while he was still on the team, making songs fulltime allowed him to grow into one of the region’s most prominent artists The now 25-year old rapper established a leading presence in LA’s magnetic rap scene with a versatile bag of regional hits like “Hot N Ready Freestyle” and “Right Wit It” featuring G Perico and Chris O’Bannon and produced by fellow up-andcoming rapper Blxst. The hypnotic beat and commanding bars of “Right see
ONLINE
by Jacob
Sullivan
CONTRIBUTOR
Since the start of 2021, music releases have seemed to be a minor discussion. The year for music has definitely started off slow, partly due to the heightened political climate, and record label regulations performers have dealt with for nearly a year.
This slow music pace has kept up for the majority of the past two months. It is certain those months still have quality releases, but music’s first quarter has struggled. March 5 was a big day for changing the narrative entirely, as multiple award-winning artists came out with new music. see
ONLINE
Graphic by Emily Burgess
10 T
he
Daily Aztec
Arts & Culture
March 10 - March 16, 2021 Editor: Devin Whatley
Review: Minari Lee Isaac Chung’s 'Minari' explores Korean-American family’s adjustment to new lifestyle by
Emily Forschen
STAFF WRITER
“Remember what we promised each other when we got married?” Jacob Yi, played by Steven Yeun, asks his wife in a doctor’s office waiting room. “We said we would go to America and save each other.” Vibrant colors of summer grasses and warm jewel tones line the horizons of “Minari,” Lee Isaac Chung’s semi-autobiographical movie about a Korean-American family adjusting to what they hope is a fresh start in rural Arkansas. Jacob’s dream is to be a successful farmer. Monica’s seen him try and fail enough times that she wonders if he cares about anything else. Their children, Anne and David, are truly
all-American kids who are figuring it all out on their own. At any given moment, the whole of their lives threatens to give way. The film, which stars Yeun, Han Ye-Ri as his wife, Monica, Youn Yuh-jung as Monica’s mother and Alan S. Kim as the young David Yi, is a spectacular look at one family’s struggle to get by in a deeply American sense. “Minari” blends a magnificent score, stellar performances, lively dialogue and thematic depth, all with a delicate hand on all accounts. Above all, the element that makes “Minari” work that other movies struggle to attain is its graceful yet ever-present tension. The tension that holds the family together is the same tension that threatens to tear them apart: a
Photo courtesy of Ethan Johnson, A24 Studios
tense hope that Jacob’s farm will turn a profit. A tense struggle within the identities of each character and their family between assimilation and standing out. A tense battle between idealism and realism in a marriage. An underlying tension of health concerns, financial worries, work-life balance and looking at one’s life, wondering if this is really it.
There is a tightrope that is drawn on every character, theme and scene, which threatens to overthrow at any moment. It’s this delicacy that allows the viewer to keep wanting. Chung directs with a clear vision but with a loose grip, careful to leave artistic fingerprints and not indentations. The methods are fairly conventional – nothing is highly stylized, which
is a broad part of its appeal. “Minari” is a story about a family. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else, and it accomplishes that mission with all of the nuance required to effectively tell a story of a family with all the complexities it calls for. In a hospital room, Jacob reminds Monica of a promise they made at the see
ONLINE
School of JMS’ screening circle addresses social justice issues with “Lovecraft Country” by
Aleah Jarin
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) analyzed scenes from episode one of HBOMax’s “Lovecraft Country” in its first-ever Screening Circle on Thursday, March 4 via Zoom. Similar to a book club, the Screening Circle aimed to address and discuss the issues raised in the show, and spark a bigger dialogue about the show’s central theme of racial injustice. Screening Circle is part of an initiative by the School of JMS’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee. School of JMS Director Temple Northup, Dr. Kaye Sweetser, JMS graduate student Gabriel Adibe and public relations senior Totyana Simien, who are all members of the com-
Photo courtesy of Aleah Jarin Screenshot from the interview with “Lovecraft Country” production designer Kalina Ivanov conducted by co-host Gabriel Adibe.
mittee, worked to bring this initiative to life. “While we were brainstorming ways we could promote diversity, equity and inclusion and challenge our students to be more socially aware...we came up with the idea of the Screening Circle,” Simien said. “We wanted to take popular movies, shows, podcasts, etc. that focus on people of color and use it as a way to start these
important conversations.” Adibe and Simien co-hosted the event, while students from Dr. Sweetser’s JMS 585 capstone class helped execute it. Megan Blacher, public relations senior and one of Dr. Sweetser’s students, said working on the Screening Circle felt like a breath of fresh air. “It makes me happy to know we are collectively working on something that is literally a catalyst
for change. It gives me hope for the next generations of SDSU students that we're building a community of more empathetic and active people,” Blacher said. To get a better understanding of the show’s meaning, attendees of the Screening Circle were shown a pre-recorded interview with Kalina Ivanov, “Lovecraft Country” production designer, conducted by co-host Adibe. In the interview, Ivanov said she and Misha Green, “Lovecraft Country'' creator, discussed how they envisioned the show’s look. The two drew inspiration from Beyoncé’s visual album “Lemonade,” which addresses historical events and ideas in an accurate, yet entertaining way. Ivanov explained that Green wanted the show
to be historically accurate, but didn’t want it to “become so enamored with the history.” “When the characters were on their magical journey, we were more free to interpret [the show’s time period] and bring, what I call, the contemporary entertainment value by honoring the past, but pushing it forward to modern audiences,” Ivanov said. During the Screening Circle, attendees were also given the space to share their own opinions of the show and what it represents in breakout room sessions. “I think [the Screening Circle] was a great opportunity for students to experience watching a show together and go further into it by talking with others and listening to othsee
ONLINE