Mustang News April 16, 2019

C A L P O LY S A N LU I S O B I S P O ’ S N E W S S O U R C E

MUSTANG NEWS

ON THE RISE IN SLO COUNTY

CAL POLY AT THE EPICENTER PAGE 4 APRIL 16, 2019

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MUS TA NGNE WS.NET

Austin Linthicum

President & Editor in Chief Quinn Fish Print Managing Editor

Lauren Arendt Social Media Managing Editor

Rachel Marquardt Digital Managing Editor

Rachel Showalter Video Managing Editor

NEWS Cassandra Garibay Editor Ashley Ladin Emily Quesada Isabella Paoletto Hailey Nagma Lauren Kozicki Lauryn Luescher Maureen McNamara Roselyn Romero Sabrina Pascua Samantha Spitz Aidan McGloin

V I D EO Connor McCarthy Chief Anchor Justin Garrido Video Editor Sawyer Milam Sports Video Director Reid Fuhr Sports Video Producer Sydney Brandt Video Producer Kallyn Hobmann Kayla Berenson Jared Smith Emi Powers Intern Lily Dallow Intern COPY Amanda Simonich Copy Chief Kelly Martinez Jarod Urrutia

ARTS Emily Merten Editor Sabrina Thompson Michaela Barros Caitlin Scott Grant Anderson Kiana Meagher Sydney Sherman

D ES I GN Calista Lam Director Michelle Cao Solena Aguilar Julia Jackson-Clark D I V ERS I TY Monique Ejenuko Editor

OPINION Olivia Peluso Editor Hanah Wyman Abdullah Sulaiman Yervant Malkhassian Lilly Leif Jaxon Silva

SOCIAL Hanna Crowley Kelsey Luvisa Danielle Lee Candace Lee Kelsey Parmenter

SPORTS Brian Truong Editor Francisco Martinez Sophia Crolla Garrett Brown Kylie Smith Sydney Finkel Naythan Bryant Prerna Aneja Kyle Har

PR Alyssa Wilson Dominique Morales Kaitlyn Hoyer Mikaela Lincoln Tess Loarie Intern Christina Arthur Intern S PEC I A L S ECT I O N S Isabel Hughes Editor Ava Fry Sophia Lincoln Lauren Walike Samuel Serra

PHOTO Zachary Donnenfield Editor Carolyne Sysmans Kylie Kowalske Alison Chavez Diego Rivera Connor Frost Kyle Calzia Sofia Clark Luke Deal

A DV ERT I S I NG DE S IG N Keilani Waxdeck Lauren Marshall Steven Nguyen Von Balanon Kendra Oliver

Bianka Pantoja Advertising Manager

Shea Irwin Advertising Design Manager

BJ Drye Advertising Manager

Jasen Journeycake Distribution Manager

Kylie Goldfarb Advertising Manager

Claire Blachowski PR Director

IN THIS ISSUE

TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | NEWS | MUSTANG NEWS

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61 SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS “CLAPBACK”

SENIOR TURNED HER EXPERIENCE INTO AN INVESTIGATION

BY S AB RIN A PAS CUA In 1995, Safer — an on-campus confidential advocacy, education and support program concerning sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking — painted red hands at reported sexual assault locations and started the Red Handprint campaign.

Twenty-three red handprints appeared in buildings, residence halls and other places on campus.

In 2005, University Housing removed the red handprints due to concerns raised by parents and students about safety on campus.

Now, English senior Amelia Meyerhoff, a sexual assault survivor herself, is bringing back the Red Handprint campaign through her senior project.

“I wanted to bring back the red hand in this project, not only because it’s called the Clapback and [because] I want our voices to be like a slap in the face, [but because] I also want to honor the 23 survivors who may have felt invalidated at that time,” Meyerhoff said.

Her project called “The Clapback: An Investigation of the Sexual Assault and Rape Climate at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo” launched Monday, April 8. Meyerhoff’s investigation began in September 2018 and concluded in March. She conducted her

investigation by interviewing 61 survivors who are Cal Poly students and alumni.

“I really wanted it to be a slap in the face,” Meyerhoff said. “You can’t ignore 61 people coming together.”

In their interviews, survivors shared with Meyerhoff the details of their assaults, how they navigated Cal Poly culture, how the experience of sexual violence impacts their daily life and where they find support and healing.

“When you sit down with a survivor and you look them in the eye and say, ‘Hey, I’m a survivor, too,’ there’s some sort of bond that you have,” Meyerhoff said.

Meyerhoff said the inspiration for her project stemmed from her experience as a survivor. She said she was raped in her sophomore year at Cal Poly, and a year later she sought support through group therapy for survivors held on campus.

There, she said she realized testimonies from survivors can provide greater insight about the sexual assault culture at Cal Poly.

“When I started hearing about girls reporting to Title IX and not feeling as though they were getting justice through that and having to see their perpetrator everyday, that was not okay to me,” Meyerhoff said.

Recently, the California State University (CSU) system mandated all campuses to stop current and appeal-pending Title IX sexual misconduct investigations while the CSU adopts a new investigative model. The new model would allow those accused of sexual misconduct to cross-examine their accuser.

“This problem is going to get worse under the Title IX changes that have happened,” Meyerhoff said. “It’s just going to create a really unhealthy climate for survivors to come forward.”

The project

Not all of the testimonies she received are

featured online due to privacy reasons, and the survivors remain unnamed.

Meyerhoff also pulled 26 categorical findings she found to continuously come up in her interviews. These include consent, coercion, Title IX, fraternities and intersectionality. Under each category, viewers can find quotes from testimonies that speak to that specific concept.

“It was very interesting to hear so many of the survivors say the same things,” Meyerhoff said. “We do go through completely different experiences.”

Each of the participants vary in terms of ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Meyerhoff added that almost all of the participants subsequently struggled with mental or physical health after their assault. She said people also struggled to keep up with their academics.

“I’m not here to say that this problem is going to get better,” Meyerhoff said. “It’s not … It’s disheartening to hear that 61 people have gone through this, and most of them don’t feel as though they have any justice.”

Cal Poly President Jeffery Armstrong responded to the project in an editorial piece featured in Mustang News.

“Sexual misconduct is not welcome on our campus. It is heartbreaking, abhorrent and against everything for which our university stands,” Armstrong wrote.

Moving forward, Meyerhoff said she would like to see her project be used as an educational resource. Meyerhoff said she hopes people will respect her project and take the time to listen to survivors’ stories “It’s sad to me that I had to hear so many horrible stories and know that they’re struggling, but they’re also okay,” Meyerhoff said. “That’s why we’re called survivors. We go through a lot, then we come back, we bounce back and we’re ready to speak out now in this project.”

STUDENT PRO WRESTLING REFEREE

MEET THE THREE ASI PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

STUDENT BACK IN WATERS 6 WEEKS AFTER SHARK ATTACK

ALTERNATIVE HOUSING: LIVING IN A VAN

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Cover: Art by Solena Aguilar, Zach Donnenfield, Austin Linthicum & Quinn Fish

THE REAL COST OF BEING A

WOW LEADER

BY MIC HAELA BARRO S Since President Jeffrey Armstrong announced that Week Of Welcome (WOW) would become a mandatory program in 2015, the program’s budget has consistently been “in the red” by approximately $22,000, not including what WOW leaders pay out of pocket.

This deficit is due to subsidizing low-income students who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend the mandatory program.

The deficit is absorbed into the Overall Orientation budget. Incoming students who do not attend WOW will have their admission revoked, with the exception of transfer students, who are not required to attend.

When the term “Week of Welcome” was coined in 1957, the program was described as a “club” or “committee.” By 1964, the university received a profit of $10,500 on the optional eve. In 1971, WOW provided both a “Camp” or Campus option. The camp option allowed for incoming students to pay $187 (adjusted for inflation) to camp in Cambria for 10 days.

“WOW is not intended to be a money-making program,” University Spokesperson Matt Lazier wrote in an email to Mustang News. “It is aimed at providing new students with the most comprehensive and robust program-

ming possible to familiarize them with campus and its resources, introduce them to new people and guide them through their first week of classes as they begin their Cal Poly careers.”

Cal Poly is not the only California State University (CSU) to require incoming students to attend an orientation program. According to the CSU official website, students are either strongly encouraged or mandated to attend their universities’ orientations at each respective university.

The majority of the Campus Fee Advisory Committee is composed of students who establish the fee required of all incoming freshmen or “WOWies.”

Sixty years later, the WOW Leaders still meet at 7 p.m. every Tuesday of spring quarter, but the student-run program no longer earns a profit. The responsibilities are more extensive for the leaders, and the program is recognized as mandatory by the university for approximately 5,500 incoming students annually. This year, the revenue for WOW was $867,293, a $10,410 increase since last year.

WOW leaders are volunteers and do not receive reimbursement for money spent on gas, snacks, materials for their decorative signs or the $25 parking passes.

The leaders dedicate more than 30 hours to the training program during

spring quarter alone and strictly follow the mantra of “no white space” during the orientation week. The phrase is used to remind leaders to leave no gaps without activity in their schedule for their “WOWies.”

Some WOW leaders said they felt they greatly benefited from the time commitment, as did the program.

Computer engineering senior Sydney Mendoza wrote in an email to Mustang News that she was a WOW leader in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and that the hours of training were a positive experience for her.

“I loved Spring Training,” Mendoza wrote. “Yes, the hours were long, but I feel like it was necessary. Through the training, I learned a lot about myself and my leadership role while also seeing myself grow a lot. Even though you have to go to 30-plus hours to become a WOW leader, I definitely think it is worth it because in the end you see the impact that you have on new students, and you see growth in yourself.”

Aerospace engineering junior Grayson McKenzie, Houghton’s coWOW leader, wrote that he decided to be a WOW leader because his experience as a WOWie was not what he expected. He wanted to improve the event for incoming WOWies. He said he enjoyed his experience as a leader but could not return because of his

busy schedule as a junior.

“I was motivated to be a WOW Leader by my desire to ‘rewrite’ my own WOW experience,” McKenzie wrote in an email to Mustang News. “To make sure that the group I led would have a great time and feel more welcomed by the university.”

However, some leaders said that excess financial costs and their busy schedules led to their decision not to return for a second time. The WOWies are instructed to bring $25 with them for the week. The leaders are told the $25 is their spending cap for each WOWie. The WOW leaders are responsible for any additional costs.

Students also have the cheaper option of joining Event Staff, or E-Staff, which means they are not in charge of a WOW group. E-Staff is still required to attend the 30-plus hours of spring quarter training. There are approximately 40-50 E-Staff members in charge of the packets WOW leaders receive each morning, set-up and clean-up and group check in for food and events. Leaders who do not attend training are dropped by the program.

Eleven months ago, an account named, “notreturningtowow” published a post on the CalPoly reddit page titled, “A Warning to Anyone that Wants to Be a WOW Leader.” The post had 106 interactions and 21 comments.

“The current requirements basically only allow for a small subset of students to participate,” the post reads.

“Students who have good enough grades, enough free-time, enough free money, etc. It’s funny, with the debate about diversity and low-income

3 TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | NEWS | MUSTANG NEWS

CONNOR F R OST | MUSTA N G N EWS

Week of Welcome leaders are entirely volunteers and are expected to pay out of pocket for activities and parking

students, the current WOW training regime does not necessarily accommodate these students. In particular, I would imagine that students who have to work (low income or not) cannot afford to participate because of the time and money requirements.”

Art and design junior Lucy Houghton said that although it is not required of the leaders to take their WOWies off-campus via cars, it is highly encouraged to show the WOWies the “surrounding area,” which results in leaders having to spend gas money and often pay for parking passes in an attempt to give WOWies a memorable experience. Houghton said the bus schedule was difficult to navigate with WOW’s tight timeline.

“The whole point of WOW is to get them to know the campus and surrounding area,” Houghton said.

“But it’s hard to get to know the surrounding area when you don’t drive anywhere.”

In an email forwarded to Mustang News, Vice President for Student Affairs and Chair of the Student Affairs Advisory Council Keith Humphrey wrote that it is not expected or necessary for leaders to take their WOWies off campus because enough events are provided on-site.

English junior Hannah Levin did not have a car when she was a WOW leader. Even with the help of others who drove her WOWies during the week and the use of the bus system, Levin said she spent $150 on Zipcars to compensate. She said that although it was her choice to do so, she felt a pressure to create the “best WOW possible” for her group.

“We felt like we had an obligation definitely to show them our favorite parts of [San Luis Obispo] and really go out in order to give them the best time possible,” Levin said.

In the official WOW newsletters sent over the summer, the driving times for locations up to 30 minutes away are included. Levin said that WOW is inclusive for WOWies, but not for the leaders financially.

“I think that for people who have jobs who don’t have as much time to give, that could severely impact feeling included as well as staying within the program,” Levin said.

Director of New Student and Transition Programs Andrene Kaiwi wrote in an email to Mustang News that the retention rate of WOW leaders is not tracked. The majority of WOW leaders in training, however, are freshmen.

“We don’t have exact numbers, but on average our breakdown is approximately 60-75% freshman leaders in training and 25-40% upperclassman leaders in training, on event staff or in a student leadership role,” Kaiwi wrote.

TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | NEWS | MUSTANG NEWS

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STDs ARE ON THE RISE AND CAL POLY IS AT THE CENTER OF IT

BY SOPHIA C A R NEVA LE In the past eight years, rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in San Luis Obispo County have nearly doubled, and studies show that Cal Poly plays a huge role in the increase.

“Cal Poly is the epicenter,” San Luis Obispo County Health Department (SLOCHD) epidemiologist Ann McDowell said. “We’ve done rate maps of the county [where chlamydia outbreaks happen], and Cal Poly glows red.”

The concern is not just in the county, but nationwide. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2013 to 2017, national case rates of syphilis nearly doubled while gonorrhea cases went up 67 percent.

While the causes of national rate increases are more complicated, San Luis Obispo experts can look to the

presence of students for many of the answers.

“The No. 1 risk factor for getting an STD is being under the age of 24 … so Cal Poly students are a large portion of that population,” McDowell said.

“They’re more likely to be sexually active but have less of a feel for their partner’s overall health than perhaps older people might.”

There have been steady increases in the rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia and oftentimes flaws in education systems are to blame, according to McDowell.

“Studies have shown us that where they teach abstinence in sex ed[ucation], teen pregnancy goes up and STD rates go up,” McDowell said. “To pretend that it doesn’t happen is quite possibly one of the most ill-informed policies we could possibly have.”

Particularly in the case of chlamydia, the county has seen a steady in-

cline since 2012, according to data from SLO Health Counts, a database run by SLOCHD. “Unfortunately we’re seeing the rates of chlamydia going up, and at the same time more people are freely admitting they aren’t using condoms,” Health Center Head Physician Aaron Baker said.

Chlamydia is dangerous for women in particular as they can be asymptomatic and not know they contracted and are transmitting the disease for an extensive amount of time. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause damage to female sex organs, and in some cases, loss of fertility.

According to McDowell, chlamydia is the most commonly seen STD in the county, and even if someone is on an oral contraceptive or has an intrauterine device, the possibility of contracting an STD still very much exists.

“A lot of people feel like an STD is not a big deal, because you can get treatment and take a pill or what have you, but if you don’t find it and don’t treat it, it can lead to serious implications down the road,” McDowell said.

For the Health Center and the SLOCHD, the main plan for prevention is education.

“It is a big problem,” Baker said.

“And we can help with education, outreach, testing, treatment … but we’re only reaching the people that have concerns about it. What about the folks without the same educational opportunities?”

Unlike most counties, SLOCHD follows up with every single case of gonorrhea in order to stop transmission at each source.

“We’re one of the few counties in California who really pursue[s] gonorrhea cases, so if you get a case of

gonorrhea, you can expect to get a call from our STD investigator who is going to ask, ‘who were your partners?’ So either you reach out to them, or they will and try to get them in to make sure that they are treated,” McDowell said.

There are many options for getting tested as well as for lowering one’s chances of contracting an STD. Pulse and the Health Center on campus hand out free condoms and STD tests are offered at the Health Center for chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. Health Center hours are 8-4:30 during the week, and it is closed Saturday and Sunday.

The Center for Health and Prevention is a state-funded facility where anyone can go for free birth control, STI/STD testing, condoms and many other services. They are located at 705 Grand Ave. and are open Monday through Friday from 9-5pm.

MEET THE CAL POLY STUDENT WITH ASPERGER’S WHOSE SIDE HUSTLE IS BEING A PRO WRESTLING REFEREE

FRAN CISCO MARTIN EZ | MUSTAN G N EW S

Matt Reed referees a match between Scorpio Sky (foreground) and Tyler Bateman.

BY FRANCISCO M A RT I NEZ It is a cloudless, bright Saturday morning in Pismo Beach and psychology sophomore Matt Reed is headed right to his car.

However, the Pismo Beach native is not going to the beach. Instead of going to the coast and soaking up the sun, Reed is driving two-and-a-half hours to Fresno for his job.

For Reed, that side hustle is being a professional wrestling referee. “[Movies and TV shows] can have CGI, they can do whatever they need to do to make it happen on screen,”

Reed said. “With professional wrestling, you have superheroes and supervillains actually fighting in front of you 10 feet away. It’s literally a live action comic book playing out in front of you.”

Originally working as a “stagehand” for other wrestling companies years ago, Reed said he eventually decided to train in order to become a referee.

As a wrestling referee, Matt said he has “the best seat in the house” watching matches in the year-anda-half he has operated in that position. Having the best seat, however, requires a keen eye to make sure all

the events in the ring go smoothly, ensuring timing and events within a match take place. While reluctant to break kayfabe — the term used for maintaining the suspension of disbelief in the staged world of pro wrestling — Reed explained why his role in the zebra-striped shirt matters in the grander scheme of things.

“We’re just there to make sure everything goes correctly,” Reed said on his role as a referee. “What the referee does is, he’s the communication between what the [wrestling] promoter wants and what the wrestlers are doing.”

While Reed’s role in “the business” has only recently begun, he said his passion for the pro wrestling world has existed for much longer.

Reed said his love for wrestling began in sixth grade when he saw the tail-end of a match between American professional wrestlers Rey Mysterio and the Undertaker. After getting hooked, Reed began researching wrestlers and watched as often as he could.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome as a young child, Reed turned to wrestling as a kid in search of his outlet, according to his father Kent. “[Pro wrestling] was something he was good at,” Kent said about his son’s love for pro wrestling. “He’ll tell you who wrestled in 1969. That’s what he caught on to. I call it his gift to assist his Asperger’s.”

“I want to show that no matter what your circumstance is, you can achieve anything if you work hard enough,” Reed said. For him, this meant getting involved in pro wrestling.

This came after lifelong friend Jamie Christianson trained to be a wrestler himself at Vendetta Pro Wrestling in Santa Maria. Christensen, having known Reed since his infancy, was delighted to see him blossom while practicing wrestling.

“He started out as this super shy kid that reminded me of me, cause

I’m a giant nerd,” Christensen said.

“Watching him go from that to where his now is super cool. It’s amazing.”

Kent now serves as an executive producer for Best of the West (BOTW) Wrestling and said his son “is definitely the motivating factor” in getting involved in the business of professional wrestling.

“The time with him is priceless — it’s irreplaceable,” Kent said. “It’s definitely built a strong bond with us.

It’s something we can look forward to [and] do together. And because we’ve grown together, we definitely trust [each other] more backstage. I can count on him to get something done.”

While Reed said he is currently enjoying his time as a referee, his eventual goal is to become a wrestler himself.

Despite scheduling conflicts not giving him ample time to train, Reed said he is constantly brainstorming ideas — sometimes during class, he admitted. From coming up with personas for himself to jotting down potential moves he can use in the ring, Reed said he eventually hopes to put his notebook to good use as a wrestler.

“The good old Cal Poly schedule keeps preventing me from going to [wrestling] training,” Reed said. “But I’m trying to figure out a way where I can pull it off.”

BY AS HL E Y LADIN & S AM S P ITZ

ALEX BIRES

Journalism freshman Alex Bires is running for president while finishing his first year at Cal Poly.

“I wanted to be ambitious my freshman year and I wanted to do something that really could implement change in the Cal Poly community,” Bires said. “Being a first-year gives me a fresh perspective, and I’m coming in with no bias.”

Bires is originally from Marin County. He said he is studying journalism at Cal Poly because of his interest in sports broadcasting. He is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Club and enjoys watching and participating in various sports alongside his passion for student government.

“I think as a first-year student, if

I’m elected president, will provide a precedent for next year’s firstyear students that they can affect change right away at Cal Poly,” Bires said. “They don’t have to wait until they’re a second- or third-year to make things happen and if they have an idea or something that will bring positive change in their community.”

Bires said he wants to focus on increasing funding for clubs, improving diversity and inclusion initiatives and working with administration on things that really matter to students.

To increase club funding, Bires said he plans to add corporate sponsorships to ASI’s budget to bring in extra revenue.

“Finding ways to raise club funding

will increase those retention numbers and getting people to join clubs and find their place at Cal Poly” Bires said.

Bires said he wants to make sure all students are represented and have access to foods that cater to all groups in the dining complexes. He

also wants to increase the amount of cross-cultural events and multi-college events to foster a sense of community among the whole university.

ment bureaucracy,” Bires said. “I’m going to come in and do what’s right for the students and make positive change for all of Cal Poly.”

Environmental management and protection junior Mark Borges said the opportunity to create positive change on campus is what motivated him to join student government.

sort of like candy — I wanted that.”

Borges has the most student government experience out of the three presidential candidates. He currently serves as chair of the ASI Board of Di-

up a lot of Borges’ time; on most weekday nights, he is in his University Union office until midnight or 1 a.m. However, Borges said he prefers keeping busy.

“I could have an easy senior year and go to the beach everyday and not care as much. However, that’s not me,” Borges said. “I really feel like a lot of my strengths tailor to these type of leadership roles.”

Borges’ platform focuses on improving four areas of campus life: health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and empowerment of student voices. If elected, he said he hopes to help increase resources and opportunities for undocumented students and help protect

sexual assault survivors’ rights.

Borges said most of the ASI president’s work is done behind the scenes, working with administration.

As a current member of ASI, Borges said he has already built relationships with administrators.

“One could say, ‘Oh, he has formed relationships, he’s not willing to have tough conversations with them,’ and that’s just not true,” Borges said.

“I’ve met with administrators this year and always make sure to put the student perspective at the forefront of conversations and say ‘This is what needs to be worked on.’ If I have something I need to say, I’m going to say it.”

of plastic. Finally, Broback said he wants to focus on promoting a culture that brings everyone to the same level of excitement when they come to Cal Poly.

less of their background and regardless of how diverse our campus is, has the same excitement and feeling of belonging when they do come here.”

I’ve met with administrators this year and always make sure to put the student perspective at the forefront of conversations

MARK BORGES

HENRY BROBACK

“Both of my parents went here, so I have a vested interest in Cal Poly,” Borges said. “I knew people on student government coming [to Cal Poly] and saw the positive change they brought on campus, and it was

rectors and also served on the board last year as a representing member for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES).

Student government work takes

Communication studies sophomore Henry Broback became interested in government work in high school.

“I started working with state legislatures and superintendents to create a more equal education for everybody,” Broback said. “We saw some great results from the committees I worked on, and I want to continue that work.”

Broback is from Chaska, Minnesota and currently works as the vice president of sales for VeriPic and serves as a College of Liberal Arts (CLA) ambassador. Last academic year he served as residence hall president for Trinity Hall and was a Week Of Welcome (WOW) leader in Fall 2018.

“As an orientation leader, I had the

opportunity to provide incoming students with their first impressions of the Mustang community, giving them the sense of belonging I’d like to see every Mustang feel,” Broback said.

Broback’s platform consists of three main pillars: career readiness, zero waste and cultivating a message and Cal Poly culture that gives everyone an equal amount of excitement coming in. To promote career readiness, Broback said he wants to bring more professionals on campus with panels run for students to build confidence going out into the workplace. In following Cal Poly’s commitment to sustainability, Broback said he wants to push for either a corn-based or soy-based silverware system instead

Prioritizing the needs of students is at the top of Bires’ list, and he said he wants to start by updating the technology behind the student portal to improve its speed and connection issues.

“I am a fresh perspective for Cal Poly, and I’m not tainted by govern-

I wanted to be ambitious my freshman year and I wanted to do something that really could implement change in the Cal Poly community.

I think ASI can do a good job at making headway and [making] sure every student ... has the same excitement and feeling of belonging when they do come here “Not everybody comes from the same background or has the same feeling when they come to Cal Poly,” Broback said. “I think ASI can do a good job at making headway and [making] sure every student, regard-

Broback said these are just a few of the options he is looking at to implement change on Cal Poly’s campus.

“If somebody has a change they’d like to see, I’d like to help make those changes,” Broback said.

TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | ASI ELECTIONS | MUSTANG NEWS

MEET THE 2019-2020 ASI PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

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TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | ASI ELECTIONS | MUSTANG NEWS

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MEET THE 2019-2020 ASI BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES LIBERAL ARTS Kylie Clark Communication studies sophomore I will make campus more sustainable through work with administration and facilities. I will empower students to speak for themselves and to work with board members to create change. I will make this campus more inclusive by bringing missing voices into the room rather than speaking on behalf of them.

Jake Goldman Political science freshman While only a first year, I’ve always been passionate about the institutions that impact our lives. Not only am I on the board for Hillel, a Jewish cultural organization, but in the last few years I’ve also served on a winning State Assembly Campaign and passed legislation in the Youth and Government program. Though I love Cal Poly, I see many opportunities to improve our campus. Student voices, particularly from underrepresented groups, must have a larger presence in impactful decisions. We must hold our administration accountable to ensure transparency. Cal Poly is what we make it, so lets get to work!

Noah Hayes History sophomore Her name was Tatum Johnson, in the sixth grade she told me my U2 Joshua Tree T-shirt wasn’t cool. What the heck, my dad told me everyone loves U2. The next day I saw her hugging Jacob Sanchez on the basketball courts, a serious low blow.

She was my light house, she was my everything, she guided me into the harbor, but I could count on her love no longer. From then on, I focused completely on shredding the gnar, I no longer needed love, I only wanted to get pitted. But being the best surfer in Orange County wasn’t enough, I needed more, and that’s why I came to Cal Poly. My name is Noah Hayes, I want to speak out for all those whose hearts were destroyed by their middle school girlfriends, all those who are a little different.

Hunter Helfgott Sociology junior I am focusing on providing opportunities for everyone to find their home away from home at Cal Poly. There are many organizations on campus where

students can find themselves a family, but they can be hard to locate. I am committed to eliminating the barriers that can prevent students from finding their Cal Poly community.

Brian Kragh Political science freshman I want to help end food insecurity through allocating unused declining balance funds to Food Pantry, support San Luis Obispo’s environmental goals, make Cal Poly more affordable, and write a resolution designating Cal Poly a hate-free zone so we can use more resources and raise awareness to prevent hate incidents from occurring.

Ian Levy Political science freshman I am here to listen, here to change. I stand for accountability within CLA and creating visible progress on campus. This includes trying to increase diversity on campus, bringing prominent speakers to Cal Poly and listening to the concerns of a vast number of groups that want to be heard.

Jake Libenson Journalism freshman At Cal Poly, I am heavily involved in Jewish life being a board member of Hillel and member of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Cal Poly needs the Liberal Arts to achieve immediate recognition as a powerful and skilled college. For too long I have had to cautiously explain I am a liberal arts major at an engineering school. Reform of the Liberal Arts reputation is paramount. As are other issues, such as greater representation of all voices on campus within government and a greater connection with students to our administration.

This is possible. It is within reach. The ball is in our court. With your vote, I will work for this. Give our programs the dignity they deserve.

Shayna Lynch Political science sophomore My platform is advocacy and action for the arts. This means understanding concerns of CLA clubs and students, effectively representing these on [the] board and especially creating actionable items to address student grievances. Currently, as the Secretary of Health and Wellbeing, I have spearheaded campus campaigns and partnerships such as Buck the Stigma Mental Health

Awareness Week, UndocuJoy, and It’s On Us Sexual Assault Prevention Week. This year I cultivated campus relationships across campus and will use this experience to effectively bring change for students’ concerns.

Rob Moore Political science sophomore During my first term on board, I passed a resolution improving environmental sustainability in dining and led a campaign encouraging students to vote. I am re-running to continue this progress, from smaller issues like parking and dining all the way to egregious injustices like sexual assault, a lack of diversity and a disregard for environmental sustainability.

Dominique Morales Journalism junior Immersing myself in my surrounding communities is an immense passion of mine. Being involved in clubs and organizations such as M.E.X.A, Undergraduate Law Association, Mustang News, and greek life has allowed me to become connected within multiple communities inside Cal Poly and gain unique insights. As a candidate for CLA Board of Directors, I hope to provide increased accessibility and equity through representation within my college through establishing and maintaining all relations with the students of CLA and beyond to hear their concerns and channel them in ASI affairs.

Mariana Silverman Art & design junior As an out Mexican-Jew, I fully recognize the lack of representation at Cal Poly and understand that this disparity causes extreme discord and friction on our campus, even at the best of times. Though Cal Poly is our university and home, it needs considerable improvement in order to make it a home for people of ALL backgrounds, regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. I believe I can be a factor in making Cal Poly a better, more inclusive university and community.

Brandon Vorrath Political science sophomore I will build upon ASI legislation that increases transparency throughout our school and empowers student voices. Additionally, I promise to introduce new ideas and practices to

find solutions that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and affordability.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Matthew Borda Agricultural business sophomore I am running for the Board of Directors to make a positive impact on our campus as a representative for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. I bring years of student leadership with a hardworking attitude in order to be a successful student advocate.

Chloé Fowler Agricultural communications sophomore My goal as a Board of Directors member is to represent the students of my college and focus on all concerns they bring forth. Transparency of myself and the actions taken by the board is key to creating trust with my constituents. By focusing on their concerns I am able to ensure I am representing the students who trust me to be their voice, to the best of my abilities.

Agricultural business freshman I want to build these bridges between all entities of campus to create a comfortable environment. I will also make advocacy a priority to take action on constituents ideas.

Diversity is a major point of impact that needs head on initiatives that I will take on.

Armando Nevarez Agricultural systems management sophomore Lead by my values: understanding, support and guidance. Understand all issues students face during their Cal Poly Experience, support them through listening to the issues and guide Cal Poly as an institution to create tangible solutions for the betterment of Mustangs through analytical thinking and strategic planning.

Maxwell Ortgies Food science sophomore

Julia Hizami

I believe one important aspect I embody that makes me a great candidate for the ASI Board of Directors is my compassion towards others.

Compassion works to build a collaborative culture by inviting all individuals to contribute to the group’s overall goal. Compassion leads individuals with positivity and constructive insights in an effort for people or a community to strive to be their best. And compassion reveals itself by listening to everyone and actively responding to their valuable input. I believe this is a very important characteristic to have when representing my fellow students, and I am confident that I will bring compassion to CAFES, ASI, and Cal Poly. Thank you, and I hope for your consideration.

Environmental management and protection freshman

Genevieve Regli

Hannah Gill Animal science sophomore My slogan for my campaign is “For Student Voices and Sustainable Choices.” I will listen to students’ concerns and act on them. I want to emphasize that small sustainable choices, such as using a reusable water bottle or taking notes solely on a computer turn into impactful, positive changes.

I will strive to make our campus more sustainable, specifically through plastic waste reduction. I will also listen to and strive to achieve your expectations and provide my empathy for each of you.

Maya Lorimer Nutrition freshman I have had the chance to experience and gain understanding of many different aspects of CAFES. I wish to use this experience as an advantage to represent the different aspects of our college as one.

Angelina Lopez

Dairy science freshman As a fifth-generation dairy farmer, it’ll be my priority to ensure that our college’s land is protected, facilities continue to be updated, and students’ voices are heard. While embracing change and respecting traditions, I hope to combine together our majors and our voice to strive to be more within CAFES.

Kaleb Roberson Agricultural science sophomore I currently am a student assistant in the Agribusiness department and have written for the Brock Center for Agricultural Communications,

Cole Ross Recreation, parks, and tourism administration freshman It is time to secure a sustainable, equitable future for Cal Poly. Some of my goals include implementing a zero waste system, achieving carbon neutrality and serving as a voice for the students of CAFES.

Sophia Taylor Animal science sophomore As a community, we are constantly striving to enrich and improve our campus. If elected as a member of the board of directors, I would like to contribute my insight as a student as well as that of my peers in CAFES. I am excited to get to use my voice in a way that enacts change, and eager to take a closer look at our campus. With a team of dedicated board members, we will find ways to change Cal Poly for the better.

Allie Wright Environmental management and protection sophomore I have a strong passion for sustainability and strive to find solutions to complex problems. I am interested in politics and policy, particularly when it comes to environmental problems.

I love being at Cal Poly and I love how passionate and involved everyone here is. While on campus you can catch me studying in Baker, running at the rec, or blending shakes at Shake Smart. I hope to better everyone’s experience at Cal Poly by being apart of the board of directors. I am always open to new ideas and would love to get to know all of my peers!

ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Zach Noyes City and regional planning freshman It’s important for everyone’s voice to be heard on campus, and I’m here to listen. As our university transitions into a more sustainable place, I want to help guide development.

Jack Wanner City and regional planning sophomore

I would like to see more interdisciplinary efforts pursued in the CAED, as well as greater accessibility to university wide resources we already have and genuine inclusivity.

Chloe Wardrick Architecture freshman I intend to represent the entire community of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design by implementing my ideas geared towards diversity inclusion, student outreach and campus planning and infrastructure. I will bring and share my experiences at Cal Poly and diverse background into this board of directors position.

SCIENCE AND MATH Nicki Butler Liberal studies freshman I want to be a voice for every student within COSAM and at Cal Poly.

I plan on promoting diversity and inclusion, expanding resources that support students’ academics and recreationally and cultivating a more sustainable and friendly campus environment.

Conner O’Neil Liberal studies junior I believe all students deserve an equitable educational experience. By combining my passion for diversity and inclusion with my experiences with COSAM, I am confident I can help make Cal Poly better for all.

Samuel Park Microbiology sophomore Continue revising and refining the current club funding structure to increase efficiency and make better use of student fees. Work to create simpler and more transparent processes within ASI. Help champion diversity and inclusion efforts within ASI and the broader community.

Push for more sustainability.

Ben Stanley Kinesiology sophomore I am running for this position because I want to enact real and substantial change within the Cal Poly community. One of my top priorities is going to be addressing student parking needs on campus. Another part of campus I would like to address is the Cal Poly Recreation Center. As a highly involved member of the Powerlifting club, I am at the Recreation Center every day and therefore, have a good grasp on possible improvements that can be made. I care about the role that I play in this community and I hope that you want to see the same change that our campus needs.

Warner Thom Biological sciences sophomore From the time spent in office hours with outstanding professors, creating bonds with my fellow classmates, each quarter I earn a deeper respect and desire to represent these people I consider my friends. I have had the opportunity to work as a learning assistant for the Chemistry Department, giving me an insight into the interworkings of the college. From this, involvement with AMSA, and SWS, I have fine-tuned my leadership abilities while gaining awareness of the many things students of COSAM value. As one of the largest colleges on campus, your voice deserves to be heard. I want to be the bridge between students of COSAM and ASI.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Alan Faz Aerospace engineering junior MOVEMENT-ASI must elevate everyone’s voice by participating in the many campus-wide initiatives to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

OPPORTUNITY-Increasing access to opportunities for all is my priority.

PERSPECTIVE-My involvement on campus allows me to understand a variety of campus-related issues and what actions need to be taken.

Daniel Hurwitz Electrical engineering junior As an out-of-state student, I came to Cal Poly because I saw it as a welcoming place that encourages an environment allowing students to be the driving force in their own college journey. My goal on board of directors will be to facilitate and enrich this idea further by engaging with my peers, ensuring students will have the platform to become involved and make meaningful decisions for the place where they live, learn, and grow. I believe every student deserves to get the most out of their college experience and have their voices heard as we move towards a better Cal Poly community.

ing student concerns, encouraging social action to enact change, and promoting diversity. If elected, I will make it a priority to serve as an impactful representative.

Tess Loarie Environmental engineering freshman Shortly after arriving at Cal Poly, I became a founding member of the student club #mustangsUNITED — normalizing the values of love, empathy, and respect in our community. In addition, I launched the @humansofcalpolyslo campaign to foster an empathetic culture. I believe empathy is an essential quality for any leader. It is my promise to understand every view, concern, and suggestion brought to the board on a genuine, personal level. My goal is simply to ensure that the elected student-government accurately represents our student-body.

I urge you to join me in my efforts to create a campus climate where all students feel included, considered and represented.

Paulina Nguyen Biomedical engineering sophomore I will work to bridge the efforts in diversity and inclusion between ASI and CENG. I would also better connect students to resources and organizations on campus. Finally, I would improve coordination of university scheduling with CENG to ensure that engineering courses receive priority in engineering buildings.

Syed Huzefa Rauf Aerospace engineering sophomore I am running for the board of directors for 2019-20 from CENG. I love hiking and love watching shows. I play soccer and read books as a hobby. I am running for the board as I believe that on-campus food quality has been an issue for all of us, and it’s time to solve this problem. Bringing the best quality food on campus would be my top priority on the board of directors. Only together we can solve this problem. So, if you all want some good food, vote wisely.

Let’s do it Cal Poly.

Liam Keeton

Joe Sandoval

General engineering freshman

Electrical engineering junior

I intend to promote the sustainable growth of Cal Poly. I plan to do this by guiding policy to get Cal Poly to be more supportive of its student body.

I’m running for re-election to the ASI Board of Directors to work on enhancing cross-campus communication, advocating for meaningful, informed student input on campus affairs, and to build a diverse and inclusive campus for everyone by reaching out to directly to students most affected in addition to the organizations that represent them.

Julia Kelley Biomedical engineering junior I am driven to create an optimal climate for current and future Cal Poly students. My platform is built on three main points of focus: voic-

BUSINESS Harjot Sohal Business administration freshman Since high school, being involved and creating a positive influence on campus has always been important to me. I promise to collectively represent the voice of all my peers on the Board of Directors for Orfalea College of Business. I will strive to build a better community for myself, my college and every student here at Cal Poly.

Mike Davis Industrial technology and packaging junior I want to use my position on the Board of Directors to provide a clear voice of the people. I do not want to simply be a figurehead that stands by and agrees with the majority. I will speak out in support of my core values, including integrity, perseverance, and empathy. I promise to not blindly adhere to the demands of the school, rather I will stand for what you, the students, want from our student government. I am already an active member of Greek Life, the MultiCultural Center, and the OCOB community, and hope to add ASI to that list.

Max Feinswog Business administration junior As a leader among the Jewish community here in Cal Poly, I represent a small puzzle piece to our diverse campus, and as the treasurer of Alpha Epsilon Pi, I understand the importance of hearing out all members in our community. I also am currently immersed in the OCOB community, as a member of CPAC and a current participant in the investment banking society’s Banking 101 class. I want to hear your perspectives and, most importantly, stand behind the principles that make Cal Poly, and specifically OCOB, great: diversity, respect, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Marissa Hiji Business administration freshman I bring a fresh perspective and the ability to relate to others like me. As an Asian woman in business, I would like to work to change the current cultural and social atmosphere within OCOB. It would be my goal to drive a cohesively diverse environment.

During my time on campus I have noticed the prevalent areas of divide between groups, but through this position I envision a chance to build a more inclusive, welcoming community. In my past and current roles in student advocacy, I believe I have the understanding and knowledge to fully dedicate myself to this role.

7 TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | ASI ELECTIONS | MUSTANG NEWS

as well as have been involved with CAFES Ambassadors and have represented Cal Poly at the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet contest. CAFES holds a very special place in all of our college experiences. I would be proud to represent the students of CAFES, not only for all that they have done for me in my college experience, but for the importance that this college has across campus.

TACO TUESDAY ALERT It’s the most important day of the week! This Tuesday, April 16, University Catering will serve delicious street tacos beginning at 4:30 p.m. at yakʔitʸutʸu.

For just two meal credits, students can load up three tacos (meat or vegan), all-you-can-eat rice, beans, salsa and ice cream.

TIME TO VOTE! Voting for the next Student Choice cuisine is open until April 19.

Choose from delicious cuisines like Brazilian, Creole, French, German, Greek, Indian and Vietnamese! calpolydining.com/yourchoice

#CHOOSEWELL Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue - both of which are less than ideal when studying. Be sure to carry a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of the many hydration stations around campus.

SAVE THE DATES! For the BBQ lovers, drop by Campus Market on Wednesday, April 17 to feast on tri-tip from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thrice as Nice Thursdays at 805 Kitchen begins at 11 a.m. See our Facebook page for more events.

GET THE DISH DELIVERED HOT TO YOUR INBOX WEEKLY. SUBSCRIBE AT CALPOLYDINING.COM / THEDISH

TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | STUDENT LIFE | MUSTANG NEWS

10

BACK IN THE WATER 6 WEEKS AFTER BEING BIT BY A SHARK

BY SA MA N T H A S P I TZ Not many people can say they have been bitten by a shark and lived to surf again.

Communication studies sophomore Nick Wapner was attacked by a shark at Montaña de Oro State Park off Sandspit Beach in January 2019. Both his legs were bitten, but after only six weeks, Wapner was back in the water.

“It’s just how I was raised,” Wapner said. “I was in the water since I was five years old and I work on the beach. I basically spend every day during the summer at the beach.”

Wapner said his family was hesitant about him going back out again, but that they knew he was not going to be able to stay away. Just six weeks later, Wapner went to Morro Rock Beach with a friend to surf for the first time after the incident.

“I was kind of hesitant, but excited and just ready to be back,”

Wapner said. With his new wetsuit, booties and surfboard, Wapner was ready to get back into the ocean — except he had forgotten one thing: the leash that connects the surfer to the surfboard.

“I didn’t realize this at the time, but when [the shark] bit me, its teeth went through my leash, and then through my wet suit and into my leg,” Wapner said. “The leash was shredded, but I made it work.”

As he paddled out for the first time into open water, Wapner said he was on high alert, constantly checking behind him and underneath him.

“It was just the act of sitting still,” Wapner said. “When I was still and not moving anywhere and not doing anything, that allowed my mind to wander. But if I was riding waves, the whole idea just floated away.”That day, Wapner caught his first wave and said it was a feeling he would never forget.

“It was just so much relief,” Wapner said. “Coming back and then standing up on a wave for the first time it was like, ‘Oh my god this is what I’ve been waiting for.’”

Wapner suffered from severe gashes on both of his legs from the shark’s teeth, but they are now

healed, leaving just a few scars. He said he still has some mild discomfort in his legs when he is repeating certain motions.

Wapner said he is more cautious and tries to surf with one or two people. He surfs three to five times a week now and said he has been back to surf at Montaña de Oro State Park where he was bitten.

“I’m just going to keep doing what I was doing and try and get back to where I was before everything happened and just build from there,” Wapner said.

CO N N O R F RO ST | M USTA N G N EWS

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SAMA N TH A SPI TZ | M USTA N G N EWS

MORE THAN $55,000 RAISED FOR CAL POLY STUDENTS SEVERELY INJURED IN HEAD-ON COLLISION

ERICA KEMP | COURT ESY ED ITED BY AIDAN MCGLOIN

Art and design juniors Mariana Silverman, Erica Kemp and Keilani Waxdeck were injured in a crash. Waxdeck is in a medically induced coma.

BY A I DA N M CG LO I N More than $55,000 has been raised through GoFundMe to support two Cal Poly students who survived a crash, one of whom is now in a medically induced coma.

On April 6, art and design juniors Erica Kemp, Mariana Silverman and Keilani Waxdeck were traveling east on Highway 166 in Santa Maria on the way to Car-

rizo Plains when a 1992 Honda Accord with a driver and passenger rounded a blind curve and swerved left over a solid yellow line, directly in front of Kemp’s car, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Waxdeck was airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and is currently in a medically induced coma, according to life-long family friend and GoFundMe orga-

nizer Nicole Sanchez. Waxdeck will be in the induced coma for at least four months.

Both the driver and passenger in the Honda Accord were pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release.

Kemp left the car with bruises and gathered approximately 20 people to help in the 15 minutes before an ambulance arrived.

Some of the people who stopped to help knew first aid, like art and design junior Sophie Northcott, who stopped to take Silverman’s vitals, Kemp said.

Northcott helped provide oxygen to Keilani and removed her from the car, Northcott confirmed over text.

English junior Olivia Salter called 911, which sent the ambulance that took Silverman and Kemp to Marian Medical Center.

English junior Hailey Koetz also helped Mariana, Northcott texted.

Supporters have donated more than $54,000 to help Waxdeck and her family.

“I burst into tears when it hit

$5,000 dollars,” Sanchez said over the phone. “It’s such a sad situation but when people rise up and support her like this, it’s amazing to see.”

Kemp started a GoFundMe to help Silverman, which has raised more than $4,000.

Silverman was transferred to a physical therapy hospital where she will work on her fractured wrist and hip, Kemp said. It will take two to three months before she can walk, Kemp said.

Waxdeck is a sales representative for Mustang Media Group, Silverman is the president of Mustangs for Israel Public Affairs Committee and Kemp is the owner and creator of Handmade by Erica.

“It means everything to see that support for Mariana and Keilani,” Kemp said.

Sanchez is using the hashtag #flowersforkeilani to spread awareness of the GoFundMe, in honor of their trip to Carrizo Plains and Waxdeck’s nature-loving personality.

As of Spring 2019, Subway, Julian’s Cafe in Kennedy Library, the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU) Starbucks and a number of other Campus Dining venues are offering mobile ordering through the app Tapingo.

Tapingo is an app that offers advanced ordering for food and beverages for college campuses, according to their website.

Starbucks Manager Monique Esquivel said Tapingo has become very popular in the UU Starbucks.

“I think right now it makes us busier, but once we get used to it I think it will become like second nature,” Esquivel said.Jamba Juice, Einstein Bagels and Campus Market Grill will be coming to Tapingo soon. To use Tapingo, customers must download the app and click which service they would like. Tapingo currently only accepts Poly Cards and credit cards, so customers have to wait in line if they wish to use Starbucks gift cards.

The mobile ordering service is popular among students because it allows them to pick up what they need without waiting in long lines.

“I really like Tapingo because then I don’t have to waste time waiting in long lines when I am on my way to class,” business administration sophomore Grace Evans said.

Mobile ordering is also offered at Campus Market, Red Radish, Poly Deli, Bishop’s Burger, Lucy’s, Mustang Station and Tu Taco.

Jamba Juice, Einstein Bagels and Campus Market Grill will be coming to Tapingo soon.

11

A S H L E Y LA D I N | M USTA N G N E W S

Cuesta College studen Riley Taft moved into a customized van to save money for college.

LIVING IN A VAN AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO HOUSING

BY AS HLEY LA DIN After a few Craigslist searches and mishaps, Hallie Lassiter got into the front seat of a newly acquired 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Sprinter and screamed. Depending on how you spin it, she just spent the majority of her savings to become a homeowner — or homeless.

Lassiter, a pre-nursing sophomore at Cuesta College, has been living in her Dodge van since the summer of 2018. While not as common as living in an apartment or house, she is not alone in chosen vehicular living.“Van life” is an alternative lifestyle gaining traction in San Luis Obispo, seen as a way to escape the city’s housing shortage and rising rents.

Lassiter said she loves living in a van. After the initial purchase, it is rent-free, allows for easy weekend trips and fits her surfboard easily.

However, there are challenges.

During particularly cold nights, she wears multiple layers of pajamas and wraps up in a sleeping bag with three blankets to stay warm. Her only kitchen appliances are a mini fridge and a broken camping stove, limiting most of her meals to salad or cereal.

Lassiter also said her privacy has decreased.

“It’s a very public lifestyle, anything you do you’re out at some public facility using it,” Lassiter said.

“Sometimes I like to just shower at a

friend’s house because it’s not fun to walk through a gym all dirty and everybody’s looking at you. I guess just being exposed all the time is hard.”

Lassiter’s main concern is safety.

She said she thinks the county is relatively safe, but she followed the statement by knocking twice on her van’s dashboard for luck.

“You have to be very cautious as a woman doing this. It definitely does feel a little sketchy,” Lassiter said.

“I constantly have my guard up. I purposely park at the safe places because I don’t like being on edge.”

Lassiter usually sleeps in a private parking lot with owners accepting of the homeless community (not listed here for privacy) or in front of friends’ houses. She used to park on safe-looking residential streets, until she was woken up by a police officer’s knock.

Overnight camping on city streets and parking lots is illegal in San Luis Obispo. Until 2012, it could get a person arrested, but a lawsuit and following settlement lowered its status to a parking violation. Punishable by a $100 fine, the ordinance threatens the lifestyle’s practicality and affordability in the city.

“I’m terrified of getting a knock. I always tell my friends to text me or just come in, but never to knock.”

San Luis Obispo has multiple warning signs posted around the city advising against overnight camping.

Cal Poly architecture junior Sophie Smith sleeps in a van parked a few feet down from one of these very signs every single night.

Smith has been living in her van since July 2018. She spent seven months customizing it with features like plumbing and solar, a personal project which also counted toward school credit. She said the van is nicer than the home she paid $800 a month to live in last year. Still, she worries about getting fined by police officers.

San Luis Obispo Police Lieutenant Brian Amoroso cautioned against students living in vans.

“Just from a safety standpoint, we recommend [students] do not engage in this behavior because we do have a lot of theft in vehicles and we would hate to see someone victimized simply because of where they are sleeping,” Amoroso said. “We recommend looking for homeless shelters through CAPSLO instead of sleeping in vans.”

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) has a safe parking program at the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center.

The onsite seven-spot parking lot is monitored, has drive-by security and is designated by the city as a legal place to camp overnight. CAPSLO Deputy Director Grace McIntosh said the shelter is currently working with Cuesta College to reserve some

spots for students in need, but said the program is designed for homeless individuals looking to move into permanent housing, not individuals choosing to live in vehicles.

Riley Taft is a mechanical engineer-

munity colleges, Cal Poly University Spokesperson Matt Lazier wrote in an email to Mustang News that the university’s Transportation and Parking Services is monitoring the proposed legislation. Campus Ad-

ing freshman at Cuesta College who has been living in his van by choice since June 2018. When he first moved to San Luis Obispo over the summer, he was woken up by cops twice in one week.

“Now I park in more industrial parts of [San Luis Obispo], places where there isn’t a house directly off the street or there’s a tall fence,” Taft said. “You find spots, and I try to never go to the same spot twice.”

Taft said he likes the freedom living in a van gives him but that he was mainly compelled to the lifestyle for financial reasons.

“There’s no possible way for me to pay for this school and pay for rent,” Taft said. “So if kids don’t want to go into debt, I say this is a great alternative.”

A new California State Assembly bill proposed in Jan. 2019 would require community colleges to allow homeless students living in cars to sleep in campus parking lots overnight. Assembly Bill 302 has yet to be voted on, but Taft and Lassiter both said they think the Cuesta parking lot would be a good option for them and other students.

“I know some people have tried to park at Cuesta, but they ticket you pretty hard,” Lassiter said. “I think Cuesta should make it legal to park overnight, this location is so perfect for overnight camping, the lot is huge.”

While the bill only applies to com-

ministrative Policy 356 currently prohibits the use of vehicles for human habitation or camping. Lazier wrote that the university supports housing-insecure students through other means, such as the Cal Poly Cares grant and emergency University Housing.

Smith said she thinks many students could benefit from living in a van, as long as safety is considered.

“I think living in a van is a really good option for students as long as it can be done safely.” Smith said.

“There are a million and two ways to do van life. The lifestyle can fit anyone if they want it.”

A S H L E Y LA D I N | M USTA N G N E W S

TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | STUDENT LIFE | MUSTANG NEWS

AS HLEY LADIN | MUSTANG NEWS

Cuesta College student Hallie Lassiter bought her 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Sprinter in the summer of 2018.

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something pertaining to the environment.

L F E R W O

1. A way to wound 5. Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (abbr.)8. Shows the world 11. Decided 13. Indigenous person of NE Thailand 14. Dough made from corn flour 15. Honors 16. Political commentator Coulter 17. Expresses pleasure 18. Heavy clubs 20. Defunct phone company 21. Algonquian language 22. Salts 25. Act of the bank 30. Danced 31. Drummer Weinberg 32. Small goose 33. Helps evade 38. Certified public accountant 41. Periods of time 43. Kids’ book character 45. Type of beer 47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 49. A way to attack 50. Talk radio personality Margery 55. Whale ship captain 56. Request 57. Large underground railstation in Paris 59. BBQ dish 60. No (Scottish) 61. Jewish spiritual leader 62. Tool used to harvest agave 63. Explosive 64. A reward (archaic)

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42. Dueling sword 44. Houston hoopster 45. Stone building at Mecca 46. __ and flows 47. “Beastmaster” actor Singer 48. American state 51. Swiss river 52. U.S. island territory 53. German physicist 54. One point east of northeast 58. Get free of

ARIES – March 21/April 20 Aries, take a few tentative steps forward first before diving wholeheartedly into a situation.

It is a good idea to test the waters on any big project before fully submerging.

LIBRA – Sept. 23/Oct. 23 Libra, it’s only been a few months but you are on track to meet long-term goals. Keep up the good work and don’t be surprised when others notice and acknowledge your progress.

TAURUS – April 21/May 21 Taurus, don’t abandon caring for yourself if your to-do list is a mile long. Figure out a way to devote some attention to yourself and reap the rewards.

SCORPIO – Oct. 24/Nov. 22 Everyone wants a piece of you this week, Scorpio. You might feel like you’re getting pulled in a million different directions. Embrace this, but make sure you don’t get swept away.

GEMINI – May 22/June 21 Gemini, a new outlook can help you overcome a problem that’s puzzled you. Shift your perceptive for a bit, or even embrace some distractions to clear your mind.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 23/Dec. 21 Sagittarius, without an efficient system in place, you may seem like you’re spinning in too many directions. You might need to outsource some work.

CANCER – June 22/July 22 Powerful connections seem to be turning up in all you do lately, Cancer. These influential people can help you in your career or personal life if you play the right hand.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22/Jan. 20 The truth shall set you free, Capricorn. It could take a while to get to the heart of the matter, but all of your effort will prove well worth it in the long run.

LEO – July 23/Aug. 23 Don’t apologize for putting yourself first this week, Leo. People will respect you more when you set clear boundaries and are forthcoming in your interactions.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 21/Feb. 18 Aquarius, try new things and embrace activities even if it means going out of your comfort zone. It can be scary to break out of routine, but you’ll be glad once you do.

VIRGO – Aug. 24/Sept. 22 Honesty is one of your foremost qualities, Virgo. Others appreciate this and will look to you for guidance. Express your thoughts while keeping others in mind.

PISCES – Feb. 19/March 20 Pisces, find a way to unwind in the days ahead. A hectic schedule is just about to clear up, and you have earned some much-needed rest and relaxation.

A Q&A WITH A REGISTERED DIETICIAN ABOUT EATING HEALTHFULLY ON CAMPUS

CON N OR F R OST | MUSTA N G N EWS

Gibbons said exploring all 22 Campus Dining venues can help with keeping a healthy diet.

BY E M I LY WE R N E R Emily Werner is the ASI student manager of fitness and wellness at the Cal Poly Recreation Center. She is a kinesiology senior and a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult with a busy schedule on a college campus. I sat down with Campus Dining Registered Dietitian and Sustainability Coordinator Kaitlin Gibbons for her take on how students can eat healthfully on campus.

EW: What advice do you have for students trying to eat healthfully?

KG: Definitely exploring all of the options available. It is easy to get stuck in a rut when you are eating on campus.

Sometimes it is just where is convenient, close to your [residence hall] or classes, and you are missing out on the variety that Campus Dining offers.

EW: How do you eat healthfully when you have a busy schedule?

KG: Planning ahead is key, whether you are a student or not. Putting thought into your day ahead, planning out when you have a break, thinking about where and what you might eat, and looking and seeing if you need to pack a snack to hold you over.

EW: What are some healthy snack ideas that people can get on campus or bring with them?

KG: On campus, I love our grab-and-go options — Poly Fresh: apple and peanut butter, string cheese or hummus and carrots. Using the salad bar for a snack

because you can control the portions, so you get a small amount of salad and you are getting your vegetables in. Add a source of protein in the salad such as beans, hard-boiled eggs or cottage cheese. Finish it off with nuts and seeds to make it a nutritious snack. For people bringing snacks to campus: a hard-boiled egg, string cheese, nut-based trail mix, apple butter or almond butter with fruits, celery or carrots are all healthy options.

EW: What are five tips for eating healthfully at Cal Poly?

KG: 1. Remember that any meal can be customized. Feel free to ask for a substitute item like extra veggies or ask that an item be left off. Opt for whole-wheat bread and tortillas instead of the less nutritious white versions.

2. Make the most of your options. Avoid getting stuck in a food rut. Explore all that Campus Dining has to offer across its 22 venues for the most variety.

3. Plan ahead. Taking a few minutes to plan your meals for the day can help you make healthier choices instead of hangry impulse decisions. In a hurry? Lean on one of the many healthy Poly Fresh graband-go items such as fresh salads or an apple cup with peanut butter.

4. Strive to eat at least one vegetable or fruit at every meal.

5. Practice mindful eating. Try to carve out time for your meals each day — even if you’re busy. Put down your phone, studying and other distractions in order to focus on and enjoy your meal.

Stay tuned for more “Food for Thought” articles to learn about sustaining different diets on campus.

TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | STUDENT LIFE | MUSTANG NEWS

HOROSCOPES

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

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TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | SPORTS | MUSTANG NEWS

16

ROLLER HOCKEY REACHES TOP FOUR AT NATIONALS

BY F RA N C I S CO M A RT I N E Z The Cal Poly Club Roller Hockey team achieved a semifinal finish at the 2019 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships in Rochester, New York.

A 5-3 loss to Grand Valley State University ended Cal Poly’s hopes of capturing a national championship in Division II. The Mustangs let a 2-0 first period lead slip away. Junior defensemen Joe Blakewell opened up the scoring with a power play goal off an assist from senior forward Alex Waddel. Waddel got another assist six minutes later when senior Jake Storm slotted the puck into the back of the net.

However, Grand Valley State answered in the second period with two goals in a minute span to bring the game within one. Lakers forward Jesse MacIntyre put his team up later with a goal five minutes into the period. With three seconds left in the period, Waddel put the Mustangs back on even ground with a power play goal off assists from senior forward Danny Kumata.

However, a Lakers pair of unassisted goals in the third period sent the Mustangs packing home without the win — and without a national championship. Defenseman Cody Hagen

DI EGO R I VERA | MUSTA N G N EWS

Cal Poly’s Club Roller Hockey team finished their season with 20 wins, four losses, and three overtime losses. put the Lakers up, and MacIntyre put the Mustangs to sleep to end their championship dreams.

Despite exiting without accomplishing their goals of hoisting the cup, the Mustangs finished pool play atop the standings with five points out of a possible six in Pool A. Cal Poly came from behind to defeat Kennesaw State 5-3 in their first game and emerged victorious with a 4-1 victory over Stony Brook in their

second game. In the closing game of pool play, Massachusetts defeated Cal Poly 5-4 in overtime, giving both teams one point each.

Waddel scored four goals and had four assists in the three pool play games. Kumata, who is also the team captain, also had four goals in the same three game span and assisted in three Mustang goals during the first stages.

On the defensive side of the puck,

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sophomore goalie Nicholas Leacox saved 39 of 48 shots over three matches. Over half of Leacox’s saves came against Massachusets, with 21 out of 26 Minutemen shots stopped.

In their first two playoff matches, the Mustangs defeated both Miami (Ohio) and Cortland. In their round of 16 matchup against Miami, Cal Poly bageled the RedHawks. Waddel scored two goals in the team’s victory, while Leacox stopped all 15

shots faced in the match. Blakewell assisted in two of the Mustangs’ goals during their romping of the RedHawks. Sophomore forward Alex Chaple scored a goal and assisted with another one in the Mustangs’ victory.

Cal Poly defeated Cortland 4-1 in the tournament quarterfinals to move onto the semifinals. Sam Blakewell scored the opening goal off assists from Kumata and fellow defenseman Jake Stom.

After another goal from senior defenseman Christopher Audi to put Cal Poly up 2-0, the Mustangs were unable to capitalize during a power play. Cortland on the contrary did capitalize during a power play after Red Dragons defenseman Trevor Evans scored in the second period.

Kumata finished the second period by scoring a goal to put the Mustangs up 3-1.

Cal Poly qualified for nationals by winning the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League’s 2019 Regional Championship. The Mustangs shut out Cal State Fullerton 7-0 to clinch the championship.

The Mustangs finish their season with an overall record of 20 wins, four losses and three overtime losses.

They improved from their previous record of 14-9-3 as a Division I team.

17 TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | SPORTS | MUSTANG NEWS

MUSTANG IN FOCUS

BASEBALL’S SENIOR MICHAEL CLARK REFLECTING ON HIS JOURNEY AT CAL POLY

DI EGO R I VERA | MUSTA N G N EWS

Clark leads Cal Poly pitchers with a 2.19 ERA and six saves.

BY KY L E H AR, P RERNA AN EJ A Senior relief pitcher Michael Clark was named the Big West Pitcher of the week and College Sports Madness’s Big West Player of the Week after earning three saves in the Mustangs’ Big West Conference opener.

The Rohnert Park native reflected on his four years at Cal Poly and how he became the relief pitcher he is today.

Mustang News: You earned three saves in the series against CSUN. What was going through your mind in those tight pressure situations?

Michael Clark: I really was not too nervous because it was similar to my sophomore year in terms of coming out of the bullpen. I am kind of used to those situations. I knew coming in that I would have to be dialed in right away and pretty much let them hit the ball weakly to our defense. The defense made some plays for me and that was huge for us.

MN: You were also named Big West Player of the Week. How

does it make you feel being honored in the whole conference?

MC: It is a pretty cool honor for sure, especially as a relief pitcher.

But most of it is because of [my teammates] backing me up and scoring some runs for us. I think a lot of it has to do with our team and none of it means anything unless we are winning.

MN: After starting Big West play with a 3-0 sweep, what is the energy like for the team?

MC: I think there is some confidence brewing around our team right now. With a rough start to the season, I think a lot of guys lost a little bit of confidence and lost themselves. Now that we have been playing a little bit better, everyone is getting more comfortable and more confident. I think we are all pretty excited to get conference play going. I think we are all looking forward to the challenge.

MN: You exploded onto the scene in your sophomore season after your freshman campaign.

What clicked for you in between the two seasons?

MC: When I came into college, I thought it would be the same [as in high school]– that I would be able to throw fastballs past some guys.

I got an awakening when I arrived here in the fall. I was pretty immature and I was not ready mentally baseball-wise, nor physically. After my freshman year, I got a kick in the butt where I knew I had to succeed that summer in order to come back.

A lot of it for me was the mental side of the game and not beat myself up.

The biggest thing for me was going into summer ball after my freshman season and being able to go through those scenarios that I’m going to face while I’m here.

MN: What is some of the advice you share with the players?

MC: Baseball-wise, I think the biggest thing I’ve shared is helping guys coming out of the bullpen where they were probably a starter in high school. It’s a big difference for sure.

So trying to keep them calm and not getting too worked up when warming up because you never know when you’re going to get called to come in.

Also, how to warm up and how to go about things as a relief pitcher.

MN: What’s your own personal goal for this season?

MC: Goal number one is to win the Big West Conference, for sure. With it being my last year ... the way I’m looking at is that I’m just trying to enjoy myself because it could be my last year. I know that winning is the only thing that is really fun, so basically just trying to do anything to win.

and I just kind of realized what it was going to take to put the team before yourself.

MN: Lastly, who do you up look to as a baseball player and why?

MC: Throughout my time at Cal Poly, the biggest influences have been Trent Sheldon and Slater Lee, just because my sophomore year it was just those two, myself and Austin Dondanville who were the main guys out of the bullpen. They were the

We would throw pitches back and forth, and I think that’s really shaped me into who I am today.

MN: What has been your favorite moment at Cal Poly?

MC: My freshman year, the Sunday game against Santa Barbara. I remember we were going for the sweep and Josh George was in centerfield and made a diving play that basically sealed the game and saved the game for us, but he dislocated his shoulder on that play and was out for the rest of the season. I remember watching that play happen

ones who were in my role, teaching me things about how to be a reliever. Probably my biggest influence is my brother. When we were younger, we never had a pitching coach.

We would learn grips from watching baseball and we would go out in front of our house and we would try to learn those pitches. We would throw pitches back and forth, and I think that’s really shaped me into who I am today.

DI EGO R I VERA | MUSTA N G N EWS

Clark is the Mustangs’ go-to relief pitcher, having appeared in 19 games without any starts.

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19

CAL POLY NEEDS TO STOP CAPITALIZING ON WAR C A RO LY N E SYSM A N S | M USTA N G N EWS

Cal Poly students protest outside the Recreation Center during the Winter Career Fair.

BY OLI V IA PELUSO Olivia Peluso is an English junior and the Mustang News opinion editor. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang News.

Walk through the halls of Cal Poly’s science buildings and you will find laboratories with signs commemorating companies like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman, all of whom are guilty of crimes against humanity.

These American companies manufacture weaponry that has been directly linked to thousands of civilian deaths in the last year alone. Yet despite their utterly inhumane practices, these companies maintain a prominent presence on our campus.

“Northrop Grumman is the largest source of scholarship money for Cal Poly, confirmed by President Armstrong,” anthropology and geography senior and member of the SLO Peace Coalition Kelsey Zazanis said.

Since 2016, Northrop Grumman has donated $6 million in Cal Poly scholarships and also gives $5,000 a year for Cal Poly Career Services. Cal Poly has a Raytheon scholarship and a Lockheed Martin scholarship as well.

Moreover, the College of Engineering hosts the “Raytheon Excellence in Teaching and Applied Research Award.” The SLO Peace Coalition has been protesting these partnerships for a year now, with their first protest in April 2018 following the launch of 66 Raytheon Tomahawk missiles at Syria. These airstrikes added $10 billion to weapons manufacturer stock values, according to Zazanis.

Year after year, Raytheon, Boe-

ing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are among the top five companies that profit most off war.

Lockheed Martin made an estimated $44.9 billion just in arms sales in 2017 alone, cutting deals with our own governments in the United States and around the world. We find evidence of this global influence in the ruins of countries at war; Lockheed Martin was responsible for a bomb that Saudi Arabia dropped on a Yemeni school bus, killing 40 boys and 11 adults. That is just one grim example of many that illustrate their gruesome global impact.

The current situation in Yemen, what the UN has described as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” is directly linked to Cal Poly’s partner companies, which arm Saudi Arabia.

Since April 2018, over 130,000 children have died of starvation or disease as a direct result of this Saudi-led war, which seeks to destroy water and food infrastructure (which is, in fact, a war crime). That is, family farms, fishing boats, ports, schools and hospitals are being attacked and destroyed by bombs manufactured and exported by the very companies that are physically and financially present on our campus.

Raytheon made $27 billion in arms sales in 2018 alone and was granted $63.3 million by The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the development of hypersonic weapons, which when successful travel anywhere from 5 to 25 times the speed of sound. By accepting scholarship and other development money from these companies, Cal Poly also profits from the cycle of war. Head of Cal Poly Foundation

Board of Directors Bill Swanson was the Raytheon CEO for ten years.

During his tenure, sales grew 26% overall — that’s 26% more weapons being sold, shipped and deployed unto citizens of our earth. A Cal Poly graduate himself, he recently donated $10 million to the golf team and another $100,000 to the journalism department. Would he have this money to donate had he not made a fortune off war?

To that, I say thank you, but no thank you. I do not want to sound ungrateful, but I prefer to not benefit off blood money and hope Cal Poly

under “Companies that Regularly Visit and Recruit on Campus.” Is that a badge we should wear so proudly? I firmly believe Cal Poly needs to sever its ties with these companies that profit off death and destruction. Their financial and vocational influence on campus is a reflection of poor ethics among our administration. Students here in our STEM classes learn exceptional skills that should not be squandered on murder. Why not instead fill our career fairs with companies that use STEM to improve quality of life rather than end lives?

I am aware that these companies

By accepting money from these companies, Cal Poly also benefits from the cycle of war. would concur. I understand that at our state school, education funding is difficult to acquire and constantly required. However, I would rather work harder and longer to fund my own education rather than accept money from a man who directly profited off the constant wartime of the past decade. While college-age students across the world in countries like Yemen, Syria and Iraq died at the hands of U.S.-manufactured weaponry, we reap benefits from the same. Does that sit well with you?

The overwhelming presence of war profiteers like Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop-Grumman in our programs, on our administrative boards and at our career fairs makes Cal Poly and its students direct players in the military-industrial complex. Cal Poly lists these companies on their website

are not strictly weapons manufacturers — but they are foremostly weapons manufacturers by a staggering majority. According to Times magazine, 94 percent of Raytheon’s total sales came directly from arms sales in 2017. This leaves all other projects for which the company is praised, such as cybersecurity and aerospace research, in the vast minority of their scope. The numbers illustrate that Raytheon functions primarily as a weapons manufacturer; other, much smaller programs are no justifiable excuse for their presence on campus when their global impact is most accurately shown through destruction and murder.

In this vast world of opportunities, must we welcome four of the largest global war profiteers to interact with our students?

If the administration maintains re-

lationships with these perpetrators, I urge students to refrain from involvement with these companies. Pay them no attention at the career fair and instead channel the skills you’ve acquired towards making the world a better place — not a bloodier one.

A Statement from the SLO Peace Coalition: SLO Peace Coalition is committed to direct nonviolent action in the face of ongoing militarization of everyday life on Cal Poly campus, within the San Luis Obispo community, and globally.

50 years after Cal Poly students and faculty protested the war in Vietnam, as well as job recruitment at Cal Poly by DOW Chemical (maker of Napalm) and the CIA, our coalition felt it necessary to confront these weapons manufacturers that are internationally condemned for their participation in illegal bombings of civilians across the globe. It is important to me to highlight that Cal Poly already has a history of wonderful anti-war protesting — and the world has been in a near constant state of war ever since — so I am grateful we have now finally sparked a reemergence of the peace movement. We are humbled by the overwhelming support and national attention SLO Peace Coalition garnered as a result of our successive anti-war protests, and we believe that the media coverage we have received has helped shine a light on Cal Poly’s investment in the war economy. SLO Peace Coalition demands a better Cal Poly and hopes that President Armstrong will finally listen. We are devoted to ending the war economy and fighting for a sustainable, life-affirming future.

A world built upon principles of social and environmental justice, peace, and equity is possible.

TUESDAY • APRIL 16, 2019 | OPINION | MUSTANG NEWS

OPINION

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