03-10-2014

VOLUME 100, ISSUE 49

Monday, march 10 - wednesday, MARch 12, 2014

Get up-to-the-minute news @ thedailyaztec.com P6 / entertainment

Painted Palms brings color to the show

P2 / news

Keystone Pipeline is a no-go for Green Love

TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN |

kevin serrano , Staff photographer

sports P8

Silencing Student union makes the fee |

it official

news P3

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wesley beights, Staff photographer

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2 NEWS

MARCH 10 - 12, 2014

#NOKXL

Aztecs say no to Keystone Pipeline LEONARDO CASTANEDA EDITOR IN CHIEF

San Diego State students sent a message to President Barack Obama by laying down in front of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union on Wednesday, March 5 about 6:30 p.m. It took about 50 students gathering on the ground and waving their cellphone lights, but together they formed “NoKXL.” Those letters are a reference to the proposed extension to the Keystone XL pipeline. According to The Washington Post, if approved, the pipeline would carry tar sand oil from Canada to refineries in Port Arthur, Tex.—a 1,664mile project. The State Department took public comments during a 30-day period that ended on March 7. The pipeline has become a key political issue for many environmental activists in the U.S. Jordan Wells, Associated Students sustainability commissioner, organized the aerial photograph as part of “Go Green @ the Union,” one of a series of themed days scheduled for the dedication week of the student union. Wells said members of Green Love decided to send a message to

“We really want to bring attention to the issue. It’s our future; we need to construct it without a pipeline.”

- Jordan Wells

Members of Green Love spelled out “NoKXL in front of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. KEVIN SERRANO, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Obama because it was something they felt was their responsibility to be active about.

“We really want to bring attention to the issue,” Wells said. “It’s our future; we need to construct it without the pipeline.”

The aerial photo idea coincided with their decision to invite photographer and activist John Quigley to deliver the keynote speech on sustainability for the day’s events. Quigley, a 1988 SDSU dramatics art alumnus, said he was impressed when he was invited to speak on campus and noticed the advances in environmentalism at SDSU. “I was so overwhelmingly impressed by all the sustainability work on campus,” Quigley said. “I’m so proud of SDSU.” And he was willing to take his speech at

his alma mater one step further.

“I’m a man of action,” Quigley said. “It’s rare for me to do a talk without action.”

Quigley, who said he strongly opposes the Keystone XL pipeline, was a timely choice to construct the message Green Love wanted to send, Wells said.

According to the Spectral Q photography website, Quigley has taken more than 150 aerial photographs, in every continent, of large groups of people creating messages or images with their bodies. He said students get excited about aerial photography because it allows them to be “part of something larger than yourself.”

It took more than just the students attending the keynote speech to put the message together. As the time for the

photo came closer, Quigley called out instructions to Wells and the participating students from the roof of the student union. As Wells and Quigley called out for more volunteers and cellphone lights, passersby stopped to help.

“It’s pretty cool having college students speak out and let the government know what we want,” Rasha Anglo, a Hoover High student taking social work classes at SDSU said, as she watched her friends form part of the “NoKXL” message.

That kind of student involvement is what makes these messages so powerful, Quigley said.

“It’s one of the tools to give voice to serious concerns,” he said. “It can’t happen without everyone’s involvement.”

#SRS2014

Library holds student research competition The Student Research Symposium lets students show off their research savvy.

ADRIANA MILLAR STAFF WRITER

San Diego State held the seventh annual Student Research Symposium on March 7 and 8.

The event allowed students to present research projects and to compete for various awards, including a spot in the California State University system Student Research competition.

According to SRS Chair Keven Jeffery, about 50 awards were given, with monetary awards ranging from $150 to $500 dollars. The top prizes were the President’s Awards, in which 10 recipients received $500 as well as an invitation to represent SDSU at the CSU Student Research Competition held in May. Applications for the symposium opened last November.

“We’ve been fortunate to accept all applicants,” Jeffery said.

Categories were divided by topic and grade level. This year, 375 students presented topics that ranged from computational modeling in biology to modern British culture, and were presented either orally or visually.

“It’s a celebration of scholarly research,” Jeffery said.

Cell and molecular biology doctoral student and SRS judge Brandon Kim said the symposium was a good way for students to gain experience explaining their work.

“I think it is an incredible opportunity, first of all, to practice presenting because if you stick around scientific fields or any other fields, you’re going to have to give talks,” Kim said. “Secondly, it’s a competition, and it’s nice to be rewarded for esearch you work hard on every other day, so if you’re lucky enough to be an award recipient, it’s really rewarding to yourself too, because you realize the stuff that you’re doing, other people care about too.”

Kim was one of the recipients from last year’s President’s Awards and went on to finish first place in the CSU Student Research competition for his research of Group B Streptococcus.

The SRS opened its doors to creative and performing arts for the first time this year.

JORDAN OWEN, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER.

In an effort to make the event more inclusive to less research-focused majors, the SRS featured a Creative and Performing Arts pilot this year.

“We’re trying to open up, to be more flexible so more students feel comfortable presenting,” Jeffery said. On the second day of the symposium ten creative arts presentations were given, including dance, music, and stage design.

According to Jeffery, plans for the following year’s symposium begin at the close of this year’s program.

“We send out a survey of what can be improved,” he said. “We’ve already booked space next year at the new student union.”

NEWS

MARCH 10 - 12, 2014

#GRANDOPENING

3

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni attended the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union’s grand opening ceremony on Friday. WESLEY BEIGHTS, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Grand opening brings Aztecs home JACLYN PALUMBO

SENIOR STAFF WRITER On Friday March 7, the long-awaited grand opening ceremony of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union took place.

The ceremony began at 4:30 p.m. in front of the union and many distinguished guests and alumni in addition to current students, faculty and staff attended.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Councilmember Marti Emerald attended. They declared March 7, 2014 Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union Day in the City of San Diego.

Faulconer, who was the Associated Students president during his time at San Diego State, reminisced about his time at the university.

“I’m happy that I’m able to recognize so many familiar faces here today,” Faulconer said. “Though the physical landscape of the school has changed, the people are the

same.”

SDSU’s original student union was established in 1968 and was called the Aztec Center. It was the first permanent student union in the California State University system.

After a 2008 student referendum, the Aztec Student Union project broke ground in 2011. The new union is the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified student union in the CSU system.

“It’s so important to come back,” class of 1980 alumni Carl Stranne said. “We used to watch ‘Saturday Night Live’ at (the original union) and play football.”

Executive director of A.S. Christina Brown as well as current and former A.S. representatives were credited in A.S. President Josh Morse’s speech.

“It is a concrete example of what can be achieved when students, administration, faculty, staff, and the community work together toward a shared goal,” Morse AZTEC UNION CONTINUED ON P11

SDSU President Elliot Hirshman addressed several generations of Aztecs. WESLEY BEIGHTS, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

#STUDENTSUCCESSFEE

Protesters silently crash student union opening Student Success Fee protests continue into their second week LUKE HENNING

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

JACLYN PALUMBO

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

HANNAH BEAUSANG , NEWS EDITOR

As the sun began to set on San Diego State Friday night, students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered on the steps of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union to celebrate the building’s grand opening.

As the crowd slowly found seats and members of the media adjusted their

cameras, a group of more than 40 protesters gathered in front of Manchester Hall.

Some held signs with slogans such as “no fees” and “take back education,” while others passed out red tape, which protesters wore over their mouths to show their silence.

The protesters have become a regular presence on campus following the Feb. 28 Campus Fee Advisory Committee meeting where a $200 fee increase was PROTEST WATCH CONTINUED ON P11

4 OPINION

MARCH 10 -12, 2014

who’swho EDITOR IN CHIEF Leonardo Castañeda MANAGING EDITOR Ana Ceballos NEWS EDITOR Hannah Beausang ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Luke Henning SPORTS EDITOR Adriana Bush OPINION EDITOR Madison Hopkins ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR David Dixon

Students sit in a large lecture hall during a general education class. CHELSEA MASSEY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

#GENERALEDUCATION

Are GE classes really worth it?

Do general education classes add to students’ basic knowledge or are they just a waste of time?

SABRINA SHAHAWI STAFF COLUMNIST

ERIK SENA

STAFF COLUMNIST Sabrina Shahawi: The primary service of general education is to function as a foundation for useful life knowledge.

The reason for going to college is to learn all the information necessary to be a wellrounded and successful person in the real world. Many may argue that the reason for going to college is to learn the conventional skills required for their major or minor.

However, to fully understand your major or minor, you must already have a general knowledge set to fall back on.

Typically in college, students are required to take more general education classes than major classes. So how could anyone argue that general education classes are redundant? Many students feel they are a waste of time because they took the same courses in high school. However, what they highly overlook is that most high school students have a much lower maturity level than college students and high school courses are the simplified version of college courses.

Erik Sena: While general education classes are useful for broadening students’ minds, they also teach you things you can easily learn outside of college, if not in high school, then on your own time.

General education classes do not help supplement information learned in a student’s major courses, but instead hinder one’s ability to graduate in a timely manner.

What can I learn from an astrophysics class that I can apply to my potential career in public relations? Absolutely nothing.

The information I learn in irrelevant general education classes will do nothing to help further my understanding of my career. When will I ever have to use the Pythagorean theorem as a public relations professional? The knowledge attained in general education classes will likely be forgotten in a few years, so what’s the use? There is a widely popular theory that repetition reinforces memory. I probably won’t continue studying oceanography or

any of the other seemingly pointless classes I have been required to take, so all the time and effort put into learning that information will eventually go to waste after graduation.

Furthermore, we as students are wasting thousands of dollars a year on these unnecessary courses. Instead, if we eliminated general education classes, we would be saving not only years of schooling, but valuable money in the process.

Shahawi: Erik brought up a great point. When will he ever have to use the Pythagorean theorem when pitching a topic for a newspaper, because his major is public relations? Well, when pitching topics to a newspaper or writing a press release, a broad range of topics are up for discussion. For different sections of publications, the topic of math may come up and his knowledge about the Pythagorean Theorem may give him an advantage above those who know absolutely nothing about it. Yes, having to take general education courses may be costly, but they are absolutely worth it.

College is about the experience, the random knowledge obtained from different courses and the capability for students to go out into the real world and be effective and successful citizens. Many students pay for college themselves and learn an appreciation for their education and gain responsibility by doing so. In addition, if students could get through college faster, they wouldn’t be granted the necessary time to mature before getting a real job and living on their own.

Sena: Are general education classes really worth the cost? If they were no longer required, students would be saving tons of money that could be put to better use elsewhere. These classes are doing nothing but increasing one of the most prevalent problems among students—debt.

The money spent on textbooks and tuition for those classes would benefit students more if it were saved. It’s hard enough paying for major classes by themselves, but paying for additional classes is an even greater burden. Two years isn’t much shorter than four years. Students don’t need those extra two years to develop. If students aren’t mature and prepared for the “real world” by the time they enter college, they should be.

General education classes hinder students from entering the real world right away and stifle the potential of those students by overwhelming them with useless information that they will likely never use again in their lives.

Shahawi: General education classes provide knowledge that is absolutely

essential for a well-rounded person. When students graduate from college and enter the workforce they are expected to know information about a wide range of topics, not just information covered by their major classes. For example, this semester I am taking my general education life science course and I chose biology. My major is journalism and although many may argue that biology isn’t necessary for a journalistic career, I disagree. Biology is teaching me many things about the human body and the way of life that could be useful for potential stories I will write in the future.

In addition, the knowledge learned from a general biology course is information every person should know. People should know what proteins, carbohydrates and lipids do.

It’s general knowledge, learned from general education courses that gives people the credibility they need so that employers want to hire them and know they will succeed as their employees. No one should be a onetrick pony.

Sena: General education courses are not essential for becoming a well-rounded person.

Leonardo Da Vinci, arguably one of the most versatile individuals of all time, was largely self-taught and never had a formal education. Even so, he is now known as one of the most brilliant minds of our time, no thanks to general education courses.

College teaches specialization. To succeed in life, you don’t need to know everything; all you really need is a general knowledge of many things, which is what grade school provides to students.

You don’t need school or much less general education classes if you indeed have a deep passion for learning. Want to learn about the human body? Go to the library and pick up a few books. Better yet, try this relatively newfangled resource called the Internet.

With a world of resources at your fingertips, general education classes are essentially obsolete. Everything you need to know can be learned for free or at least much cheaper than the costs of college courses.

Without general education classes, we would have more time to devote to more important activities, such as internships, volunteer work and self-learning—things that would actually enhance our mental acuity and quality of life. Unlike general education classes, these experiences would give us the hands-on skills we need to become more competent, independent and professional graduates as we embark on our post-college journeys.

FEATURES EDITOR Elisse Miller COPY CHIEF Caitlin Johnson ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF Erik Dobko COPY EDITORS Terence Chin Kelly Hillock Maria Del Carmen Huerta Elpin Keshishzadeh PHOTO EDITOR Monica Linzmeier ART DIRECTOR Carlos Jimenez PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Mark Anthony Santos Gabriela Flores WEB EDITOR Victor Escoto _____________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jesse Castañeda A.S. SALES MANAGER Jordan Kato ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Tony Disarufino Chase Gillmore Matt Kilefner Radbeh Rabaz Marissa Walsh Adam Zabel ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Michael Bratt Kim Le PUBLIC RELATIONS Kelly Hillock Christina Koral _____________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER Jay Harn GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Christopher Blakemore _____________________________________

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OPINION

march 10 - 12, 2014

#globalwarming

5

It’s (unfortunatley) always sunny in SD Sara Tiano

Staff columnist Everyone in the country is jealous of Southern California and its lucky residents these days. While most of the country is suffering through one of the worst winters on record thanks to the dreaded polar vortex, spring has been in full swing in San Diego since January.

All envy aside, this remarkably warm winter is as much a symptom of global climate change as the polar vortex is. While we may be enjoying this endless summer, the disappearance of “winter” in the southwestern U.S. is an example of extreme weather.

And since the Earth’s ecosystem thrives on homeostasis, anything extreme is problematic.

Unfortunately, research suggests the instances of extreme weather are on the rise and show no signs of stopping. A study published by the National Academy of Sciences said the increase in extreme weather is directly linked to a rise in global temperature.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, current global warming trends lead to a prediction that the global temperature will increase from 2 to 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.

The authors of the study predict that if current global warming trends continue throughout the 21st century, we can expect to see a “doubling of Katrina-magnitude events,” among other environmental side effects.

Maybe hurricane threats aren’t too concerning to Californians, but there’s more. Another predicted side effect of global warming is the loss of coastal cities as melting polar ice caps lead to rising sea levels. Yes, that means our beloved San Diego, along with other great cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, would be underwater.

Don’t want that to happen? I don’t either. But it’s our fault we’re in this situation. According to the NASA consensus website on climate change, 97 percent of climate scientists agree that human effects have likely had a significant impact on increasing the rate of global warming. Now we are the only ones with the power to fix this problem we’ve created.

As residents of California, we have the pressure and the power of influencing trends across the nation.

Our state is largely considered to be both politically progressive and environmentally conscious, and other states look to us to set an example in these regards.

Moreover, we as Aztecs have an especially high reputation to uphold. San Diego State takes environmental issues very seriously. As previously reported in The Aztec, in 2012, SDSU earned the prestigious Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Courtesy of Google Weather

SDSU is also one of the first universities to offer both a major and minor in sustainability, and has ensured all new campus construction comply with green construction practices.

So, Aztecs, I’m calling on you to get on board with this movement. Let’s support and represent our school in its efforts to become a leader in the practice of going green.

At SDSU, there are many opportunities to go green both on and off campus.

Here are just a few ways you can support the movement in your everyday lives:

Recycle. Either go conventional and toss your recyclables in the appropriate bin, or get creative and find a new use for a used product. For example, old glass peanut butter jars make great to-go cups.

Carry a water bottle and use the refill stations available on campus. Your daily bottled water habit may seem healthy, but it has a significant negative impact on the environment.

Use reusable cups and plates in your dorm room or apartment rather than relying on paper plates and plastic cups. I know doing dishes sucks, but global warming sucks more.

Unplug your cell phone and laptop chargers from the wall once you’re done charging to prevent wasting power.

Shop at the thrift shop. Buying used goods isn’t only trendy, it’s green.

Take part in SDSU’s annual GreenFest, coming up this year from April 21 to 24, scheduled to coincide perfectly with Earth Day).

If you’re interested in making an even bigger difference, consider becoming part of GreenLove, the sustainability club on campus that organizes GreenFest. The student-run group promotes sustainable habits and strives to educate the public on environmental and sustainability issues.

Wherever, whenever.

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6 ENTERTAINMENT

march 10 - 12, 2014

#paintedpalms

Painted Palms lit souls at The Griffin courtney brown

of Painted Palms are on a high that’s hard to come down from as they continue to book gigs.

Donohue and cousin Christopher Prudhomme are the creative force behind the music. The Louisiana Local San Diego venues have been hosting more souls migrated to the West Coast and brought up­—coming bands that are perfect for students with them some funky fresh jams. looking for new music. For instance, the band Watching them play at Painted Palms played at The Griffin was entrancing.

The Griffin on March 5th The dreamy, hypnotic along with Kid Trails and The unique elements found on their Holychild. If you’ve never atmosphere of tracks were intensified on been to The Griffin, it’s the music venue, stage by the energy in the definitely an experience.

The Griffin, made room. Prudhomme, the lead The venue is dark and vocalist, had a very raw, gritty but intimate and the Painted Palms effortless aura along with lively, which creates an concert a fresh event. the other band members. It ideal setting to catch some was a bummer there were new artists. The small, only about 30 people there social atmosphere allowed to witness this kind of organic talent. This is a for a very personal show. The musicians even hung band with a sound worthy of playing Coachella out at the bar with the audience while other bands or Outside Lands Music and Arts Festivals. I played. wouldn’t be surprised if they make the lineup Painted Palms is a group relatively new on the within the next few years. However, all of the scene, with a continuously growing fan base. The musicians that played at The Griffin that night bands’ innovative sound is described by band seemed as if they were jazzed to be playing for member Reese Donohue as “inspired by ‘60s people that got a kick out of their music. And isn’t psychedelia and ‘90s rave music.” After recently that what it’s all about? releasing its latest EP entitled “Forever,” the guys staff writer

Holychild and Painted Palms both played at the unique music venue, The Griffin. monica linzmeier, photo editor

ENTERTAINMENT

march 10 - 12, 2014

#mcasd

7

Art exhibition shoots our reality ryo miyauchi

senior staff writer No matter how extravagant an idea, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude worked endlessly to make it a reality. The Museum of Contemporary Arts San Diego, La Jolla celebrates the artists’ lifelong works and their dedication in its new exhibition, “XTO+J-C: Christo and Jeanne-Claude.”

The exhibition first introduces viewers to the art of Christo and Jeanne-Claude through several large photographs of their work. The works on view span from the ‘70s and include sites in the U.S. and Europe. Some may be familiar with “Surrounded Islands” by the artists and its photograph of two small Florida islands surrounded by pink fabric.

Photographs of other works, such as “The Umbrellas” and “Running Fence,” are also present. While the actual works are not present at the museum, the photographs tell a good amount of their scale and creativity.

The physical works of Christo and Jeanne-Claude present are part of the “Wrapped Package” series. From 1958 to 1969, Christo wrapped countless different objects in fabric. Each wrapped package

looks mysterious with its bulged exterior, no longer resembling whatever object may be under wraps.

Not only does “XTO+J-C” show viewers the impressive projects of the artists, the exhibition also explores the elaborate process behind their work. Further in the museum, the “XTO+J-C” features a collection of preparation works for the artists’ various large-scale projects. The drafts should look familiar after seeing the photographs of the realized works.

Colorful sketches for “The Umbrellas” and “Running Fence” are displayed and framed together with fabric samples and a detailed map of where the works took place.

The sketches and drafts stand strong on their own, despite being works in progress. “Over the River” is one project still in the drafting stage since its start in 1992. For “Over the River,” as presented in Christo’s drawings, the artists plan to have fabric panels hanging above a section of the Arkansas River. Although the work is unfinished, the sketches tell a fulfilled story as they leave the project to the imagination.

“XTO+J-C” presents these behindthe-scenes works of Christo and

“The Umbrellas” is featured at MCSAD. photo courtesy of wally skalij/los angeles times/mct

Jeanne-Claude as a rewarding viewing experience. The framed drafts work more like imagination boards for an extraordinary project and add a deeper

appreciation to the realized works. At the end of the trip, the photographed works at the entrance become more profound as a larger-than-life idea finally fulfilled.

#sandiegoopera

Opera vocals mastered on campus josselyn molina staff writer

San Diego State and the San Diego Opera have come together to provide vocal arts students the finest in training. Each month, one member from the San Diego Opera hosts a Master class for the lively performers of The Vocal Arts Division. The San Diego Opera has also created the Student Ticket Initiative, which discounts opera tickets for students to $20. These events have been organized by Vocal Arts Chair Laurinda Nikkel, Opera Director Enrique Toral and San Diego Opera Education and Outreach Director Nicolas Reveles for the purpose of exposing students to the professional aspect of the opera and the promising paths their careers may take.

Last month, the San Diego Opera brought in the notable and respected soprano vocalist Stephanie Weiss to coach four SDSU students in the vocal arts program. Dedication to music and art allowed Weiss to introduce small changes in posture, breathing and facial movement to efficiently develop the students’ sound.

“Know what you’re singing about,” Weiss said, explaining the importance in awareness of context.

Students accepted the criticisms from Weiss and improved to the point of self-impressment. Weiss was a

perfect mentor for SDSU’s vocal arts students and a great guest to the small audience who gathered to see her work with new, young talent.

Next week on March 12, San Diego Opera member Ashraf Sewailam will be hosting this month’s Master class based on bass-baritone voices. The event is open to public and free of charge in the Smith Recital Hall at 2 p.m. Master classes and the San Diego Opera Student Ticket Initiative wouldn’t be possible without the San Diego Opera’s generous members and collaboration from the SDSU vocal arts staff.

Students accepted the criticisms from Weiss and improved to the point of self-impressment.

8 SPORTS

March 10 - 12, 2014

#aztecmbb

Why not us? terence chin

senior staff writer The two top teams tied for first place in the Mountain West Conference met on Saturday with just one game left of the regular season.

For the Aztecs, Saturday marked the final home game, senior night and a “winner take all” for the MWC crown. What had been a magical season by the Associated Press No. 10 San Diego State became even more incredible after SDSU was picked by conference media to finish in fourth place this season.

In the game for all the marbles, the Aztecs rallied and overcame a 16-point deficit in front of a hostile sold-out Viejas Arena where they defeated the AP No. 21 University of New Mexico Lobos 51-48 to claim the 2014 MWC championship title.

After the victory, head coach Steve Fisher explained the significance of his team’s comeback, and where this game ranks in his coaching career.

“I’ve been a part of some really good wins … but never have I been more proud with the way we fought, and were able to cut this (2014 MWC title) net down. It was incredible,” Fisher said. “I’ve been a part of some comebacks, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been a part of one like this … as meaningful as this one was.”

In the first half, both teams traded baskets for the most part, but the Lobos landed the last punch completing an 8-0 run heading into the half. In a low-scoring first period, SDSU trailed New Mexico 2620.

The Aztecs’ comeback didn’t come easy in the second half. Trailing 26-25 to the Lobos, New Mexico went on a huge 15-0 run started by senior guard Kendall Williams who dunked the ball on an open breakaway off sophomore forward Winston Shepard’s missed shot. Eventually, the Aztecs found themselves down 41-25, needing to regroup and go on their own run to get back into this game.

Trailing by 16 called for SDSU to change its defense to a 1-3-1 zone, which eventually bothered the Lobos in the second half as they turned the ball over 10 times. The Aztecs also completed 10 of their 14 total steals in the second half.

“We practice it every day. We work on it each and every day and I think that caught

them off guard,” senior guard Xavier Thames said. “That was the plan—just play the 1-3-1 (zone).”

SDSU ended the game on a remarkable 26-7 run in the final 12:05 to seal the MWC title.

On his senior night, Thames finished with a team high 23 points and five steals.

Senior forward Josh Davis finished with six points and a team high nine rebounds.

As part of senior night, both Thames and Davis were recognized before the game and were given framed Aztecs’ jerseys with their names and numbers on them. The game marked the final home game for both players’ SDSU careers.

When asked after the game if that was a typical senior night, Thames couldn’t help but laugh before his response.

“Yeah, it was a hard-fought game. I’m just glad we got the win,” Thames said. “I’m blessed, just really blessed.”

When the final buzzer went off, fans rushed the court to celebrate the conference championship title after getting revenge on the Lobos from a loss two weeks ago in New Mexico. The Aztecs concluded the regular season with a 27-3 (16-2 MW) record, while the Lobos fell to 24-6 (15-3 MW).

From beginning the season unranked to being picked fourth to finish the conference, SDSU is the only current team to have defeated the No. 8 Kansas University Jayhawks on the road this season, and finds itself as a top 10 ranked team in the nation to end college basketball’s regular season.

Somewhere, the Aztecs may be wondering why they haven’t been deserving of more national attention after just completing an unforgettable championship regular season that no one saw coming. Being mostly seen as an underdog to the national media, coach Fisher may have made SDSU a national title contender this season. It’s tough to doubt a team that’s been ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation before.

Somewhere, Fisher may be secretly asking his team, “Why not us?”

As the regular season comes to an end, SDSU is off to the MWC tournament in Las Vegas. The Aztecs’ next play will be on Thursday, March 13 at the MW Championship Quarterfinals at noon PT. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network, and the opponent is yet to be determined.

All photos by Kevin Serrano, Staff Photographer

SPORTS

March 10 - 12, 2014

#aztecwbb

9

Women’s basketball can’t stop Lobos Ethan bailey

on second-chance scoring opportunities.

Senior center Cierra Warren and senior guard Danesha Long led the team in scoring with 13 points each, while Long The San Diego State women’s basketball added three 3-pointers. team lost its final contest of the regular SDSU did have a better day rebounding season on Friday by a score of 62-46 the ball than UNM, especially on defense. against Mountain West Conference rival The Aztecs finished with 40 total rebounds University of New Mexico. to the Lobos’ 30, and had 26 defensive With about six minutes left to play, rebounds compared to SDSU junior forward 16 from UNM. Khristina Hunter Despite shooting made both freebetter from the field throw attempts Despite shooting better in the first half, the after being fouled from the field in the Aztecs still found to cut New Mexico’s first half, the Aztecs themselves down lead to six points. still found themselves by 11 at halftime.

But the swarming In the first half, the Lobo defense down by 11 at halftime.

Lobos posted 10 didn’t back down, steals and scored stealing the ball and 14 points off of consequently scoring turnovers. Long scored on both of her from beyond the 3-point line. The team 3-point shot attempts and led the team would only see the Lobos’ lead grow in the with 10 rebounds, but also turned the ball remaining minutes of the game. over five times.

The Aztecs also lost the turnover battle New Mexico had no trouble getting into in the game—badly. SDSU committed 27 offensive rhythms throughout the game. turnovers to New Mexico’s 10, and shot Redshirt junior guard Antiesha Brown 36.4 percent from the field. The Lobos shot 53 percent from the field, scoring scored 22 points of turnovers and also 16 points and adding three rebounds. scored twice as many points as the Aztecs staff writer

Last Tueday, seniors Cierra Warren and Danesha Long played their last home game of the season. kelly smiley, Staff Photographer.

Redshirt senior guard Sara Halasz also had a good offensive performance, putting up 14 points and posting seven total rebounds.

The No. 6 seed Aztecs continue their road trip to Las Vegas for the Reese’s Mountain West Conference Championship tournament beginning Monday at 7 p.m. against No. 11 seed Air Force. SDSU is

9-9 against Mountain West opponents this season, so the team knows it can match up with any of the rival teams it faces in its bracket. Head coach Stacie Terry said a week ago that she knew the Aztecs were locked into a sixth or seventh seed, which should be advantageous in the early stages of the tournament.

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10 SPORTS

March 10 - 12, 2014

#aztecsoftball

Jackson eyes softball after college Matt D’Ambrosi Staff Writer

Patrice Jackson could have easily stayed closer to home for college.

The redshirt senior outfielder from Kansas City, Mo. could be hitting .365 with nine home runs through 22 games in a University of Louisville Cardinals uniform right now; or perhaps she could be a Shocker at Wichita State University, where her brother attends.

But when San Diego State offered her a scholarship after taking notice at a camp in Los Angeles during her junior year of high school, Jackson decided to become an Aztec.

“My biggest dream was to play in California,” Jackson said.

There is no question that dream is now a reality. Since Jackson arrived at SDSU 2010, she has played in 167 games in an Aztec uniform, starting in 157 of them. She’s batted over .300 in two consecutive seasons (.366 last season), and entered this season ranking second Kelly Smiley, Staff Photographer all-time in home runs

in program history. The reigning Mountain West Conference Player of the Year’s evolution as a player is undoubtedly on display yet again this season—Jackson is leading the team in a plethora of statistical categories, including runs scored, home runs, RBIs, total bases, slugging percentage, walks and on-base percentage.

When asked about other interests outside of the game she loves, Jackson smiled before giving her response.

“Softball is life right now,” she said.

Jackson is in her fifth year at SDSU and her fourth and final season on the diamond (she exercised her redshirt year during the 2011 season after suffering a broken leg). Having earned her bachelor’s degree in economics last spring, Jackson returned to the lineup this season while working on a master’s degree in liberal arts and sciences. Evident that her work in the classroom has certainly paid off, Jackson recognizes that softball has also been an important part of her college experience.

“It’s been great. You get so many opportunities,” Jackson said. “You go through so many life changes at the same time. And you just learn, on and

off the field.”

She will be going through another one of those “life changes” after she walks off the diamond for the last time in her college career this spring.

Jackson intends to complete her master’s program no later than next fall, but notes the future is still a bit uncharted.

“There’s many options,” Jackson said after a bit of pause.

But after proceeding to list some of them, it didn’t take too long to figure out which one she really wanted to pursue.

“What I really want to do is play overseas,” she said.

Upon completing this season, Jackson plans to actively pursue a softball career in Europe, as she feels there is a market for her skills there.

Knowing that the road ahead will be challenging, she plans to prepare by training here in San Diego through next spring.

If her college years at SDSU have been any indication of the type of student, athlete and person Jackson is, there is plenty of reason to believe that whatever comes her way in the future she’ll hit it out of the park.

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NEWS

MARCH 10 - 12, 2014

#GRANDOPENING

11

Aztec Union: Opening CONTINUED FROM P3

told the crowd.

Morse said the student union represents the culmination of years of planning and dedication.

“The word to sum up how I feel today would be ‘nostalgia’,” Morse said. “It’s great to see past A.S. leaders here. There’s so many generations of student leaders who worked to make this dream a reality.”

The grand opening for the new student union was on the 82nd birthday of SDSU’s A.S. organization.

“This extraordinary building is about community,” university president Elliot Hirshman told the crowd. “This building reflects both the vision of our students and the collective efforts of our entire university.”

Bob Shulz, the university architect who worked on the planning of the student union, was also present at the grand opening.

“Its a good feeling,” Shulz said. “After personally

working on the building, being here was great.”

Vice President of Student Affairs Eric Rivera said the student union is meant to help SDSU maintain its student body.

“I know learning A light switch replaced the traditional ribbon cutting for the grand opening ceremony. happens everywhere, not WESLEY BEIGHTS, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER just in the classrooms,” Rivera said. “Having this The ceremony was followed by a reception open to the union will create a place for diversity and provide services public, including performances from various musicians to help students grow.” and a variety of free food from the restaurants in the Associate Vice President for Student Services Reggie union.

Blaylock said the ceremony was made more special by the The event was sponsored by the San Diego Metropolitan large number of alumni who attended.

Transit System, which also recently gifted SDSU a trolley “Part of what I’m so proud of is seeing alumni here,” wrap featuring members of A.S. Blaylock said. “It’s exciting and humbling to see that “I really enjoyed going to school here,” Stranne said. alumni come back because it’s worth their time to.”

“It’s nice to see some old friends and make new friends.”

#STUDENTSUCCESSFEE

Protest watch: Week 2 CONTINUED FROM P3

recommended to university president Elliot Hirshman.

After a week of fruitless negotiations with the SDSU administration the protesters chose to make an appearance at the opening ceremony to demonstrate their resolve.

Bo Elder, one of the protest organizers, said one of the goals of the protest is to send a peaceful message to the administration that they cannot ignore the student body.

“It really shows the tremendous organizing ability of the students,” Elder said.

For the past week the protesters have been pushing for a meeting with SDSU President Elliot Hirshman, but attempts to organize the meeting have for the most part fallen through.

Despite the large protester presence, an increase in security wasn’t needed, according to the SDSU Police Department.

“There wasn’t necessarily a step up in security because of the protesters,” SDSUPD Captain Joshua Mays said. “With

campus events that have a lot of people and distinguished guests we always have a police presence.”

There have been some rumors circulating social media that Hirshman was avoiding a direct confrontation with the protesters because he had supposedly received death threats because of the fee increase.

Elder says he has seen the rumors but thinks it is an attempt by the university to make the protests seem illegitimate.

“We’re not here to attack him,” Elder said. “We just want to talk and it’s sad if he thinks we are dangerous.”

Protesters arrived at approximately 4 p.m., 30 minutes before the ceremony began.

“It is not against the law to protest in California,” SDSUPD Officer David Knight said. “Somebody for the right reasons who wants to have their word out there is not a crime. But when obvious crimes are committed, that is an issue.”

At about 5 p.m., protesters silently left the audience and made their way to the roof of the Prospective Student Center, adjacent to the union. From the audience,

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the protesters were heard chanting “No fee,” sometimes interrupting speakers.

As the ceremony ended and the reception began, protesters went up to the second floor of the student union and raised their signs for the people in the plaza below to see.

“When I went to school, I was a part of the protests for the Vietnam-Cambodian War,” class of 1980 alumni Carl Stranne said. “This protesting over the fee is really toned-down compared to all of that.”

The protesters wrapped up at 6 p.m.

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Protesters held signs and stood silently throughout the ceremony.

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“If they’re peaceful and they’re not breaking the law, then it is perfectly okay,” Knight said. “The protesters are able to exercise their First Amendment rights.”

Associated Students President Josh Morse said he thought the protest’s message was delivered in a thoughtprovoking way, and didn’t detract from the ceremony.

“I appreciate how respectful they were,” Morse said. “It was a powerful message of solidarity, not because they were loud, but because they were respectful.”

12 THE BACK PAGE

MARCH 10 - 12, 2014

#THESTRUGGLE

The underage struggle

I

love music. I love when I can feel the beat in my heart and feel as if the lead singer is singing just for me. I love music that’s so loud my ears start ringing. I love walking out of a concert and having to scream at the top of my lungs to the person next to me because we both temporarily lost the ability to hear.

During winter break, I realized that to go to most of these wonderful concerts you have to be at least 21 years old. So, for those of us born just a few years too late, there are very limited opportunities to experience those cherished feelings.

No heart-stopping, mind-numbing, soul-wrenching live music for me.

While I understand that venues such as Belly Up Tavern and The Casbah can make more money from fans that can buy alcohol, they’re in turn excluding a huge number of potential customers and die-hard fans. I wouldn’t mind if they charged extra for those under

ELLEN REX

CONTRIBUTOR 21, as long as I could go. I would also understand if they didn’t let anyone older than 18 attend—some concerts can get pretty rowdy—but for fans that are over 18, these restrictions seem a bit silly. I just want to see Bombay Bicycle Club in concert, not get drunk.

For those poor young souls like myself, there are select music venues in the San Diego area that don’t discriminate. The House of Blues, for one, does often allow fans younger than 21 to attend events, depending on which stage it’s on or who’s performing.

I recently went there for a concert featuring American Authors, The Royal Concept, and MisterWives, and it was the epitome of amazing live music.

The stage was small, the venue was intimate, and the sound was top-notch.

Although a few smaller venues such as Soma and The Irenic also make some shows available to fans under 21, they don’t have as much variety as the larger House of Blues.

Broke Girls Coffee Bar occasionally hosts events for smaller, usually local bands and even open-mic nights where you might get the chance to hear some great undiscovered artists. Despite how frustrating it is to see that Marc Broussard or Delta Rae are playing at a 21-and-over venue, it’s comforting to see that there are still a few venues out there catering to the younger music lovers. Luckily, these venues still host some great bands such as St. Vincent,

words

ACROSS

1 “Famous Potatoes” state 6 Speak drunkenly 10 Addition word 14 “__ what?”: “What next?”

15 Adhesive strip 16 Shopper’s memory aid 17 Porky’s girlfriend 19 Impressionist 20 Very __ yours 21 Utter mess 22 Tire inflater 24 Feigns sleep, say 28 Pitt of “Troy” 30 Three-note chord 31 Aboveground trains 32 Per __: for each person, as income 35 Got one’s uniform dirty, perhaps 36 Runs away from military duty

DOWN

38 Israeli parliament 43 “Exodus” author Leon 45 Haughtily terse 46 “From __ Zinc”: vitamin slogan 49 Skimpy skirts 51 Cut out, as coupons 52 Either of two of the Inspector Clouseau films, with “The” 56 Cooler cubes 57 World book 58 Like a lummox 60 Lamb serving 61 Yipping adoptee 66 Pile 67 Undersized 61-Across 68 Sharp-crested ridge 69 Novelist Ferber 70 Twistable cookie 71 Leavening agent

1 AOL, for one 2 Deer girl 3 Devices to stop tiny invading armies 4 Semiannual time-change amount 5 Admit (to) 6 Patronize, as a hotel 7 Spot for a cat, or drink like a cat 8 Wire service initials 9 Coffee order: Abbr.

10 Thinks ahead 11 Enzyme that breaks down fats 12 Handy 13 Plays the banjo, like someone “in the kitchen with Dinah” 18 Unwell 21 Wetter than wet 22 “The Alphabet Song” start 23 “Dies __”: Latin hymn 25 Mos. and mos.

26 Fancy tie fabric 27 “Growing” difficulties 29 Craps cube 33 Spades in a four-spades bridge contract, say 34 Sunlit courtyards 37 Ireland’s __ Féin 39 [error left as is] 40 Soup legume 41 Many a DeMille movie 42 Use a keyboard 44 Command to Rover 46 Tribe for which a helicopter is named 47 Gave 10 percent to the church 48 Borrowed, as a library book 50 Japanese religion 53 Phi Beta __ 54 Put a stop to 55 Settle, as a debt 59 Chaste 61 NHL player, e.g.

62 “__ Father, who art ...”

63 One in Quebec 64 Qt. halves 65 Nonetheless

London Grammar and Taking Back Sunday, all of which will be at the House of Blues in March for underage enjoyment.

For the blessed 21-and-older generation, there are plenty of amazing venues that will cater to your needs, of which I, for the next few years at least, am incredibly jealous. In the San Diego area, The Casbah, Belly Up, and Soda Bar seem to have the most shows available, as well as the widest variety of music, even though most still lean toward indie rock and folk. Bombay Bicycle Club and Mogwai will both perform at Belly Up in April. Those of you who don’t go, you will officially be musically shunned. Dum Dum Girls, Wakey!Wakey!, and Jillette Johnson will all be at The Casbah in March. For the sake of your instrumental souls, please attend these shows and tell me about them so I can live vicariously through you.

At 19, I think the most painful part of this musical predicament is the fact that I’m so close yet so far from being able to go to all of these fantastic concerts.

When you turn 18, there’s this sense of freedom and privilege because you assume that by being an adult, you can finally do anything and everything you’ve always wanted to do. You can finally get a tattoo without parental consent, live on your own and go to concerts whenever you want. Except, after you’ve gotten your hopes up, you realize that you can’t actually do many of these things until you are 21, even if you aren’t necessarily looking to drink.

numbers

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

1/4

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thefuture

MONDAY’S BIRTHDAY (3/10/14) - Follow happiness this year. Capture your overflowing creativity between now and August. Play like a child. Reorganize and revise home and family routines. Release old limitations. Summer romance gets hot.

After August, career lunges forward and finances thrive. Balance home and work for health. Devote yourself to what (and who) you love.

HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 Discover a way to be more efficient at home.

Beautify your surroundings. It’s a lucky moment for love; you might as well pop the question. Get creative in your approach.

Friends are there for you.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - Talk about your dreams. Develop a particular aspect. Dress the part. Imagine yourself in the role. You can get whatever you need, although it may not show up as expected. Take small steps forward.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 - Increase efficiency and save money and resources. Stand up for yourself. Don’t make assumptions. Abundance can lead to overload. Listen to your partner’s concerns.

Discuss your future visions. Let your imagination soar. The impossible just takes longer.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 - A dream shows you the way. You have what’s necessary. There’s more work than you can do. Prioritize urgencies, and reschedule or delegate the rest. Postpone travel and shipping for later. Watch and learn.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Put out fires and handle urgencies by delegating to experts where possible. Get a technical coach. Dispel confusion, which drains resources. Ignore detractors. Family comes first... give your partner the glamorous role.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 - New responsibilities cause changes at home. Creativity is required. Stay confident and patient, one step ahead of the eight ball.

Allow some flexibility. Let others solve their own problems. Friends help out, if you ask.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 - Track details, and don’t apply new work skills yet. Get the ball rolling by reminding others of the game. Reassure someone who’s concerned. Review your routine to drop time-sucks. Dress for power. Take a risk.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - Work your magic on the home front.

Begin a new friendship. Create something exotic. Think about all the angles before launching into action. Research the best deal when shopping. Study the possibilities around a dream.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Today is a 7 - You see solutions for all the world’s problems. Keep to the philosophical high road. Gather and share information.

Beware of an offer that seems too good.

Listen to your partner. Compromise, including their preferences. Evening suits you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - A problem develops. Friends are there for you. Some fixing up is required.

The allies you depend on keep a secret.

Handle it together and soak in victory. Take a break to savor spiritual rewards. Everything seems possible.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - Imagine yourself in the future, and how you’d like it to be. Ask for more and get it. Stay in rather than going out. Give in to sweet temptation, without spending much... the financial situation’s unstable.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 - Dream big dreams with your friends.

An abrupt change in attitude is possible; conditions are unsettled. Keep your objective in mind. Intuition nudges you in the right direction. Get set for some serious competition. Think fast.