Spartan Daily Vol. 165 No. 02 by Spartan Daily

Off-campus incidents ignite concerns

Following two off-campus incidents involving serious

By Norah Sheppard-Hutchins STAFF WRITER

Following two separate off-campus incidents that occurred on the first day of the Fall semester, two students were seriously injured, and many are feeling unsafe on campus.

During the morning of Aug. 21, San José State students received an email from Vice President for Student Affairs, Mari Fuentes-Martin, about the incidents.

I almost did get hit once, but the driver ended up doing a hard brake. Other times, even when I am walking the driver can be impatient and will start accelerating even when I have barely crossed their path. Allan Ng

“Last night was a very difficult one for our Spartan community, as two of our students were seriously injured in separate offcampus incidents,” FuentesMartin said. “Our hearts are with them, their families, and their friends as they face this painful time.”

On the night of Aug. 20,

to two students, the campus community is noticing a concerning trend of involvements with traffic just around the university

a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, according to an NBC Bay Area article. This occurred between South Third Street and East San Carlos Street, just West of campus.

The victim of the incident was sent to the hospital shortly after and stabilized despite their critical condition.

The University is yet to confirm whether this is one of the incidents described in the email.

Michelle Smith McDonald, SJSU senior director of media relations, said the incident was not within the jurisdiction of the University Police Department.

“Because both incidents happened off campus, we are limited in what we are able to share without permission from the families, which we do not have,” McDonald said. So far, no information has been found regarding the incident involving another student that occurred separately that night.

Frank Stritch, a fourthyear communication studies student at SJSU, said he understands how these accidents happen, particularly in the area around campus.

“I’m surprised somebody doesn’t get run over every day,” Stritch said. “Some people are like, ‘I’ve been in class since 7 a.m. and just want to get home.’ They’re probably not paying attention. And people drive around like crazy.”

In 2012, there were 30 traffic fatalities caused by auto-pedestrian collisions, and increased to 65 in 2022, according to data from the San José Police Department.

Pedestrian-related deaths in 2012 were 12 and later increased to 32 deaths in

IN BRIEF

Aug. 20, 2025: a vehicle hit a student on South Third Street and East San Carlos Street, West of Campus.

SJSU Administration is unable to conﬁrm both incidents because of limitations of the jurisdiction.

Ongoing: A meeting will occur at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, today at 1:30 p.m to discuss crime trends and UPD updates.

2022, according to the same data.

Allana Ng, an environmental and urban planning fourth-year student, has had experiences with drivers while walking through the city.

“I almost did get hit once, but the driver ended up doing a hard brake,” Ng said.

“Other times, even when I am walking, the driver can be impatient and will start accelerating even when I have barely crossed their path.”

Another auto pedestrian incident happened last year on Oct. 12, 2024. This incident was not reported by the university until two months later on Dec. 11, when they posted the news on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

“In the early hours of the morning on Saturday, Oct. 12, a San Jose State student was seriously injured by a hit and run driver at the intersection of South 4th Street and East San Carlos,” according

to the SJSU Facebook and Instagram page.

Although the SJPD released surveillance footage of the incident on October 23rd while asking for the

José.

“The other day, I got cut off while driving down Santa Clara Street. There are a lot of accidents around campus and on freeways,” Green said.

I am not surprised somebody doesn’t get run over everyday. Some people are like ‘I’ve been in class since 7 a.m. and just want to get home.’ They’re probably not paying attention. And people drive like crazy.

public’s help to identify the suspect, the university failed to release this information for months.

Sav Green, a third-year theater arts student, said they commonly hear of motor vehicle accidents around San

While the safety alerts and announcements help notify students about potential dangers, they may leave some uneasy.

“The SJSU alerts are usually kind of vague. I think it makes a lot of people kind

of anxious, including this last one,” Green said.“The other day, I got cut off while driving down Santa Clara Street. There are a lot of accidents around campus and on freeways.”

The Walk Don’t Walk Campaign is promoting pedestrian safety and was initiated to help negate these incidents from occurring, according to the SJSU 2025 Annual Campus Safety Plan Report.

There will be a monthly community meeting on Tuesday in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, Room 225, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“The purpose of the gathering is to discuss crime trends, department updates as well as issues affecting the campus and surrounding community,” a UPD Instagram post said.

NORAH SHEPPARD-HUTCHINS

SPARTAN DAILY

Fernando Street near the South Parking Garage.

The beauty of Bachata & Salsa

By Shinju Kang STAFF WRITER

Spartan Mambo at San José State is bringing swagger and sensuality to campus while exploring the deep cultural roots of Latin dance.

The club explores the practice of both Bachata dance and Salsa dance and though they are both partner dances, there are some key differences.

Bachata is native to the Dominican Republic, and is characteristically slow, sensual, and intimate, according to the Sensual Movement webpage.

Ashley Chavez, a fourthyear anthropology student at SJSU, is the Sparchata team captain and club president and has been a team member since her freshman year.

“One thing I really love about Bachata is the connection with your partner,” Chavez said. “We’re always trying to uplift each other. We’re always trying to make sure everyone has a good experience here because we’re here to dance.”

She said the main mission of the club is to build an inclusive community that ensures everyone learns to dance.

The class is led by Coach Ngoc Huynh, a two-time Bachata Pro, while the

Contra Tiempo.

Isabel Landeros, a SJSU third-year advertising student, currently serves as the Salsa team captain.

several studies. Natalie Elias, an SJSU occupational therapy graduate student, attended her first Sparchata class.

“We’re a family … when you’re stressed at school or stressed at work, you get to come here and dance…it’s a creative outlet,” she said.

Not only can Bachata and Salsa dancing serve as an artistic outlet, but it has been shown to release endorphins, promote emotional regulation, enhance sociability, improve cardiovascular health and encourage mindfulness, according to a blog post from Movers and Shakers that references

“Really fun and challenging … lots of stylistic elements I’m not used to … I like how everyone was respectful,” she said.

The class featured a segment of partner dance practice, where a large circle formed and the “leads” moved from person to person, while the “follows” stayed in place.

“For follows, you have to switch off your brain for you to follow,” Chavez said. “ For leads, your brain has to be on. A switch is a person who can do both.”

While classes are open to everyone, there are try-outs held for both the competitive and performance dance teams the first week of September.

Imani Cochran, a secondyear SJSU student, has been a team member of Sparchata for about a year.

“Being a beginner is the best because you’re really like a sponge and you’re soaking it all in … don’t be afraid to make mistakes and be excited to learn,” Cochran said.

Deftones release refreshing nu metal

By Joaquin Cruz STAFF WRITER

Deftones’ anticipated studio album, “private music,” released on Aug. 22, delivered their recognizable post-hardcore and shoegaze sound, while reiterating their nu-metal roots.

Nu metal is a popular sub-genre of rock and metal, utilizing hip-hop drums, aggressive guitars, and yelling vocals, with rap lyricism, according to Britannica.

There was speculation about new music prior to the album’s release. The band mysteriously announced the project after a performance on June 29 at Crystal Palace Park in London, England, according to music site Lambgoat.

The release was revealed with cryptic Roman numerals displayed on a giant screen after their performance.

On the same day, Deftones announced and released their

first promotional singles, “my mind is a mountain.” Later on August 7 they released a second single, “milk of the madonna.”

Both singles offer listeners a recognizable shoegaze sound, a hallmark of Deftones’ discography, and of frontman Chino Moreno’s previous early 2000s band, Team Sleep.

Shoegaze uses lots of guitar pedals, distortion, and a variety of melancholic thematics, according to Gibson. This style is prominent in Moreno’s various musical projects.

The new album grows upon an alternative-metal sound that Deftones is well-regarded for, featuring heavy drumming, expressive guitar riffs and a much more melancholic sound.

Throughout “private music,” the band experiments with equipment like synthesizers, as well as Moreno’s deeper vocals to exaggerate lyrics and emotion.

Tracks such as “infinite source” and “departing the body” give lyrics about love, loss and growth – a timeless theme throughout Deftones' discography.

Lyrics in “infinite source” talk about sobriety and change from the past to the

present. Lyrics say, “Last time adorning the stage / With love we’ve chased and found / The last ride we're gonna take / Our final wave and bow.”

In “departing the body,” the lyrics talk more about growth, saying, “Today, we’re gonna taste beyond / Enchanted by what lies / What awaits our future.”

Despite Deftones having perfected a unique sound true to themselves, some aspects of the new album didn’t quite hit the mark as others may have.

The song “i think about you all the time,” compared to these tracks, takes folk elements by utilizing acoustic guitar in the background.

The track feels weaker amongst the album's stronger shoegaze tones, for which Deftones is recognized.

The song acts as an addition to other tracks with themes about love, a great comparison being “Sextape” from the album “Diamond Eyes.”

Another weakness comes in with “ecdysis” with the use of synthesizers, which distorts and has a pixelated sound that doesn’t fit amongst other tracks across the album.

The experimentation is appreciated, but it clashes with other parts of the album, making it feel unnecessary. However, these minor cons are preferences and don’t

outweigh this well produced and thoughtful release.

It’s clear with this album that Deftones has evolved immensely from their original nu-metal sound. Albums like the 1995 release “Adrenaline” share a heavier aggressive tone using hip-hop elements in their drumming and guitar styles, similar to Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.

The tracks' “infinite source” and “cut hands” instantly became personal favorites over how well they combined groovy drumming and soft distortion guitars. It reminds me of tracks like “Root” from “Adrenaline.” Deftones may not be

making 90s-style nu and alternative metal, but they know when to reminisce and include the genre sound. Throughout the album, a trail of what Deftones once was in the nu-metal scene can be heard as the band continues to grow from their more popular songs, lyrics and themes.

The album sits with me just as much as previous works have and I am delighted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed what sounds like another classic despite its rigid moments.

SHINJU KANG | SPARTAN DAILY

Spartan Mambo Club, is a San José State club that aims to provide an environment for students to learn about the Latin dances, Bachata & Salsa

Oatmeal is the icing on the cake

By Jackson Lindstrom COLUMNIST

Lots of people like oatmeal. Lots of people don’t like oatmeal. I am one of those people who does not like oatmeal.

can’t think of anything else, you can have a breakfast with a great nutrient profile and an incredibly easy process.

Science and Technology. If done right, the texture you end up with should be similar to cake. Healthy cake for breakfast? How is that possible!?

The list of ingredients are also easy to find in grocery stores and the recipe is so simple anyone could make it.

⅓ cup — Oatmeal

1 ⅔ cup — Water (use 5 times the amount of water if you want more oats)

of oats and 1 ⅔ cup of water, then microwave for 2 minutes.

When done, mix your oatmeal with a whisk or fork and add a generous pinch of salt.

This will enhance the sweetness of your oatmeal and prevent the mixture from rising and spilling.

Once mixed, microwave your oatmeal in oneminute increments, and mix in-between until it really starts to stick to your oatmeal, typically around four to five oneminute increments.

Once it is this texture, put in one tablespoon

into the middle so it cooks as evenly as possible. Put the oatmeal back in the microwave one last time for 30 to 45 seconds.

If you put it in the microwave for too long,

your oatmeal can lose its taste.

The 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by the Center for Disease Control, found that only approximately 6% of Americans consume oatmeal, according to a research article from the journal “Nutrients.”

Oats are also typically a cheap option at the grocery store. For college students just trying to get by, they can be the perfect choice for breakfast.

Compared to eggs and toast, this recipe is also higher in protein, fiber,

Instead of the monotony of eating eggs and toast every day because you

antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, according to a review article from the Journal of Food

Pinch — Salt

One tablespoon — Butter Of Choice (cookie butter, peanut butter, or almond butter)

1 Scoop — Protein Powder Of Choice

(Recommended) — Fruit Of Choice

(Recommended) — Dark Chocolate Chips

To start, add ⅓ cup

of the butter of your choice. I personally use peanut butter. This will add creaminess to your oatmeal with some fats as well.

Add one scoop of protein powder of your favorite flavor. I use RYSE blueberry muffin, but any flavor, such as the common default for many protein powders, such as chocolate, should work just fine.

After the peanut butter and protein powder are fully mixed, use a spoon to scoop out the edges

This is the most important step to achieve the cake-like consistency.

Let your oatmeal sit for at least two minutes then add fruit to add flavor diversity, if you choose.

I like to use bananas and strawberries, but you can use any fruit you think would fit well with

protein powder, and peanut butter to create one ultimate breakfast, I was amazed.

Nutrition influences both the mind and the body, so it’s important to make healthful choices while also maintaining some enjoyment from food, two components present in this wonderful recipe.

your oatmeal.

The last cherry on top is to add whipped cream and some chocolate chips. I recommend using dark chocolate as it is rich in antioxidants. I’ve never really liked breakfast food, so when I discovered I could combine together oats,

PHOTOS BY JACKSON LINDSTROM | SPARTAN DAILY

Spartans gear up for a new season

By Haddy Barghouti CONTRIBUTOR

The San José State football team is looking to open the year on a winning note on Friday night with a Week One matchup against Central Michigan University.

The Spartans are coming off a 7-6 season led by head coach Ken Niumatalolo that concluded with a multipleovertime thriller against University of South Florida in the Sheraton Hawai’i bowl game, a 41-39 loss. Still, it marked their third consecutive bowl appearance.

SJSU is scheduled to open against a CMU team that finished 4-8 overall and 0-6 on the road during the 2024-2025 season, while the Spartans aim to build on their 5-2 home record at CEFCU Stadium last season.

Redshirt senior quarterback Walker Eget said he has high hopes heading

into Week One but knows the Spartans can’t afford to underestimate the matchup.

“The biggest thing is really dominating the details and the big things will come to us,” Eget said. “I think we will have a lot of big plays on both sides of the ball and hopefully be consistent in attacking the little things.”

Even with so many new faces, the message from the coaching staff has been consistent: growth is already showing.

“I just think we’re way more mature,” Niumatalolo said. “It felt a little chaotic this time last year, still implementing our culture. I feel like all that stuff is already in place, so I feel much better about that.”

During the 2024-2025 season, Eget and Coastal Carolina University transfer Emmett Brown, who played on the Spartans last season, alternated for SJSU’s

I feel like we’ve got a lot of guys who are already on this team and know what our standard is on defense

Jordan Pollard SJSU senior linebacker

quarterback position.

Eget became the full-time starter midway through the year, and this year he enters Week One as SJSU’s clear fulltime quarterback, according to an east bay times article.

Eget, who averaged 208.7 passing yards per game last season, looks to kick off this

year’s passing attack against a CMU defense that allowed 203.2 passing yards per game last season, according to a team rankings webpage.

On the defensive side, the Spartans face a tough challenge against a CMU offense that averaged 317.9 total yards per game last season. SJSU, meanwhile, gave up over 385 yards per game.

Senior linebacker Jordan Pollard, one of the team’s defensive veterans, has faith that the team will build a similar culture to last season’s defensive group.

“I feel like we’ve got a lot

of guys who are already on this team and know what our standard is on defense,” Pollard said. “And we’ve got a couple of new guys who haven’t learned what our standard is, but they’re in the process of understanding what needs to be done for this season.”

The Spartans added a few new secondary additions such as cornerbacks Caleb Presley and Maliki Crawford. SJSU’s defense has some big shoes to fill following the departure of former linebacker, Robert Rahimi, who earned All-Mountain West Second Team in 2024,,

according a Mountain West webpage.

“We understand how the new guys play and all that, and we’re trying to get a little tighter with our roots right now,” Pollard said. “I feel like we’re just starting to glue everyone together right now.”

The Spartans are scheduled to officially kick off their 2025 season at home on Friday at 7:30 p.m., taking the field at CEFCU Stadium for the first time this year.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SJSU ATHLETICS

Spartans Starting Quarterback Walker Eget (5) takes practice throws at CEFCU stadium preparing for Central Michigan’s defense t his Friday night.

SJSU wide receiver Leland Smith set to start his first season as a Spartan.

DANIEL POTTER | SPARTAN DAILY ARCHIVES

SJSU quarterback Walker Eget (5) set to throw against Stanford’s defense on Nov. 29, 2024 leading the team to a 34-31 victory at CEFCU stadium in San José,Calif. Eget is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Spartans this season.