The Daily Aztec 9/22/2021 by The Daily Aztec

Weds. Sept. 22 - Tues., Sept. 28, 2021 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 108, Issue 6 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Graduate from Imperial Valley campus earns Scholar Award

OPINION Fifty years later, John Lennon’s song “Imagine” still inspires people around the world. PAGE 4

SPORTS Aztec football takes down Utah in triple overtime thriller in Carson. PAGE 5

MUNDO SDSU MECha tuvo su primera reunión del semestre con el aplauso tradicional de la unidad. PAGE 7

ARTS & CULTURE Criminal Justice teachers play in heavy metal band CANDLE$.

by Adam Correa STAFF WRITER

Lawson Hardrick III, born and raised in San Diego, recently won the Trustee Emeritus Murray L. Galinson Scholar Award. This award was given to him by the Cal State University (CSU) Board of Trustees. The CSU Board of Trustees gave out awards to 23 other students from different CSU schools. Hardrick is the only graduate student from the San Diego State Imperial Valley campus to win this achievement. Hardrick - who is 25 years old - said he identifies as Black, Latinx and queer. He grew up in an economically depressed area of the country. In spring 2021, he graduated from SDSU Imperial Valley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Public Administration. In a Zoom interview, Hardrick was able to talk about the person he looks up to, his first reaction to receiving the award and how he wants to inspire others. Hardrick said he looks up to Director of the SDSU Institute for Ethics and Public Affairs in Imperial Valley, Mark Wheeler. “He [Wheeler] always wanted me to stay in different

spaces within my community because he does the same thing,” Hardrick said. “If he is unemployed at school that doesn’t mean that he can’t be at different places as well.” Hardrick said he got inspired by Wheeler’s thought process and started to branch out into different spaces within the community. Now, he works with incoming SDSU freshmen and inspires them to push themselves outside their comfort zones. “I can only imagine that they [the freshmen] didn’t get the experience that they wanted in high school when they graduated this past year,” he said. “Now they are at the university which is an outstanding achievement, and I didn’t even get into the university when I was a freshman right out of high school.” When Hardrick got the announcement on Monday Sept. 13 that he won, he said he felt like he received a spam email or fake call. “It just didn’t feel real,” Hardrick said. “I never received

SEE SCHOLAR AWARD, PAGE 2

Photo by Scott Hargrove

Hardrick was one of 23 California State Univeristy students to be selected for this award. He is also a graduate from SDSU’s Imperial Valley campus.

Programs available to students and staff via Counseling and Psychological Services Lucelis Martinez & Brittany Cruz-Fejeran by

PAGE 8

STAFF WRITER, CONTRIBUTOR

INDEX News.................................. 2 Opinion..........................3-4 Sports.............................. 5-6 Mundo .............................. 7 The Back Page, Arts............ 8

Photo by Brittany Cruz-Fejeran

Graduate students Katie Kindelan and Faith Curtis relax on the grassy hill near the turtle pond.

COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of students, and how they access the resources available to them on campus. The Counseling and Psychological Services department is all virtual now, but that does not waiver their motivation to help students struggling with self-care. A full list of these resources can be found here, but here are a few to be highlighted. (AAPI)phany is a workshop series that focuses on mental health experiences in the Asian American, Pacific Islander and Desi communities. The Thursday meetups consist of presentations on topics such as interracial relationships, model minority myths and even food! Dr. Koko Nishi, who co-

founded this series with Kathy Nguyen said the best thing about the workshops is that discussions are student-led. Like other organizations, (AAPI)phany had to pause their in-person activities where they occasionally provided boba to their well-attended meetings. Nishi said she was proud of her students pivoting their efforts to virtual outreach for their “Digital Adventure,” coined by one of the former interns. “I think it allowed students who usually wouldn’t be available because of classes and whatnot to join us because [the virtual format] gave them more accessibility,” she said. Nishi highlighted that at the core of (AAPI)phany were the students who lead these discussions with their interests and passions. Belle Phommavong, a recent SEE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE, PAGE 2

The Daily Aztec

News

Sept. 22 - 28, 2021 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson • news@thedailyaztec.com

How to apply and qualify for the disability parking passes by Sara Rott SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Parking at San Diego State can be a nightmare for any student trying to make it to class on time. In order for students to park on campus, a permit, that can be purchased from the parking portal, is required. Those who choose to also have the option to use a pay station or pay by phone. For those who have disabilities, Student Ability Success Center offers help in many areas to assist students, this includes parking. According to SDSU Parking and Transportation website, disability parking areas are reserved for those persons with a valid Department of Motor Vehicles issued placard or plate and must purchase a parking permit. SASC offers this alternative for disabled students so they can access campus without having to pay. This application is provided by the success center where students can fill out the waiver. They’re asked about the size of their household and if they receive financial aid. Title IV of the Federal Higher Education Act of 1965, amended those who possess a license plate or placard issued by the state of California’s DMV. The college’s president shall establish procedures for meeting such needs by providing financial aid or by issuing a campus parking fee waiver. “The waiver is related to disability students who cannot pay the regular fees,” Director of SASC Erica Aros said. “Disability students do not pay for what everyone else is being charged.” According to Aros, the SASC is responsible for verifying if the student

Programs available: continued from page 1

graduate and former intern with the program said she still comes back to (AAPI)phany workshops because it is where she feels safe. “I’ve been a part of every AAPI org you can think of, but there’s nothing like (AAPI)phany ,” she said. “You can find places to foster leadership skills and community participation, but it’s hard to find a place where I could talk about myself and be accepted.” One of the other mental health service organizations working on campus is the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). Their official Instagram page, @sdsu.neda, claims that the group aims to bring awareness and support around eating disorders. Jessica Sapp is a senior majoring in psychology, and she sees herself as a mental health advocate. Sapp joined NEDA as a student campus warrior. Her title comes from a new program initiated by NEDA to involve college students in the fight against eating disorders. Sapp is working towards making NEDA an official organization on campus, and actively recruiting for new members through tabling events and presentations. “Eating disorders thrive on college campuses, especially with COVID, the rates have rised significantly and I think it’s more important than ever that people know they’re not alone,” Sapp

Scholar Award:

continued from page 1 something that prestigious before in terms of recognition.” Hardrick’s Galinson Scholar Award came with an $8,000 scholarship from the Weingart Foundation, Leichtag Foundation, First Dental Health Co., Galinson Foundation and the Jewish Funders Network. This fall, Hardrick was admitted to a graduate program on the main SDSU campus called the Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Student Affairs (PELSA) graduate program. This program helps new students become emotionally intelligent, compassionate and transformational leaders. Now that Hardrick is in the PELSA program, he said he feels great to be a part of student services because he remembers being the one receiving help.

“...he felt like he received a spam email or fake call.”

Photo by Noelani Sapla

Disability parking waivers are available online. Students who meet certain requirements may have their parking fees waived.

is eligible for disability parking. If the disabled student is allowed the free parking permit, then SASC contacts director of parking and transportation Debbie Richeson. “I issue the permit but I don’t decide how and what and whom and that category,” Richardson said.

said. An article published by Palomar College staff writer, Jamie Martinez, mentions statistics concerning the impact of C-19 on eating disorders. “During the COVID-19 pandemic clinicians have seen a 30-50 percent increase in teens and adults struggling with illnesses such as anorexia, binge eating and other eating disorders,” said Martinez, quoting material from an article published medpagetoday.com. She mentioned some of the people she knows do not prefer Zoom calls over face-to-face therapy sessions. “Especially with eating disorders it’s difficult to treat them behind a screen because they’re so multifaceted,” said Sapp. Sapp went on to mention that eating disorders can come with severe complications and involving a doctor and dietician are recommended. “Sometimes dieticians will do things in person such as go out to a restaurant with a client but, because of COVID, that isn’t accessible,” said Sapp. The cost of treatment is also a deterrent for some seeking help during the pandemic. “Care is expensive,” said Sapp, “Especially care around eating disorders because it’s so specialized, it is harder to find a clinician that accepts insurance and same thing with treatment centers if you’re looking for a higher level of care they can only accept so many patients and the numbers have rised.” Sapp shared that some of her personal friends were denied care or could not

It’s her job to make sure students who are eligible are put on a list so they are not charged, as long as their DMV plate or place card is in view. Richeson has said there has been no reported issues with parking so far this semester.

As a student of color, Hardrick had to do research to find opportunities where he could receive some financial help because he knew earning an education would be expensive. For him, pursuing higher education wouldn’t have been possible without financial aid. Hardrick said he looks towards a long-term job and is excited to start working in financial services. “Financial aid is the difference between you being able to pay for school and not,” he said. “I feel that is a very powerful space to have knowledge in to be able to encourage students to be able to pursue higher education.”

Photo by Brittany Cruz-Fejeran

The turtle pond located on SDSU’s main campus is a common place for students to study, relax and visit with the turtles and Koi fish.

get into a treatment center for months when they needed immediate care due to the pandemic. SDSU also offers resources to graduated students and faculty. One resource is the Women of Color Empowerment group. According to the official homepage Dr. Feion Villodas is a co-facilitator for the group. Villodas said the Women of Color Empowerment Group is for faculty members, but there are also mental health resources for graduate students. “For example, the office of graduate

life of diversity is partnering with CPS [Counseling and Psychological Services] to offer a wellness and wellbeing series specifically for graduate students,” said Villodas. The San Diego Access & Crisis Line, a free 24-hour service, can be reached at 1-888-724-7240. Professionals are available for immediate assistance regarding a psychological emergency and can direct you to local resources in San Diego County. Students can also connect with the crisis line via online chat between 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sept. 22 - 27, 2021 EDITOR: Aaliyah Alexander • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

Stop infantilizing transgender individuals, they deserve better By Brenna Martinez STAFF WRITER

Every year the Met Gala occurs, there is always criticism about the men attendees playing it “too safe.” You know who we’re talking about: the ones who choose to wear black suits instead of dressing to the normally extravagant themes and this year was no exception. Several users jumped on social media after the gala to express their annoyance with this annual occurrence. However, there was one man that many purposely excluded from criticism even though he was dressed in a simple black suit. Transgender actor Elliot Page arrived at the 2021 Met Gala in a black suit with a hidden meaning. While his attire was relatively plain, he accessorized with a green rose in what was seen as a nod to the queer British playwright Oscar Wilde. Wilde created a symbol of the green carnation in the theatre world, and this flower was worn for other gay men to identify each other safely. A tribute to queerness made for a meaningful first runway appearance since coming out as transgender. However, if we reduce the outfit down

to its parts, Page was ultimately dressed rather simply compared to other male celebrities who also celebrated their queerness through their outfits such as Lil Nas X and Dan Levy. Users took to social media to defend Page’s simple look, saying it was still a great fashion choice, but many comments were actually harmful while doing so. A Twitter user tweeted that Page was “the only man [they’d] allow in a basic suit.” Another user on TikTok stated in a caption that Elliot looked like “mommy’s handsomest little boy.” In the same TikTok post, other commenters added that Page looked “so polite with his little flower” and his outfit was reminiscent of how a middle school boy would dress for his first dance. While these users may not have had any ill intent, these comments perpetuate the infantilization of transgender men and it needs to stop. Comparing Elliot to a little boy and characterizing him as small and innocent does nothing but show that you do not see him as the 34-year-old man that he is. These comparisons are extremely belittling, condescending and transphobic — pushing the harmful narrative that transgender men are not the same as

Screenshot from Elliot Page

Elliot Page’s 2021 Met Gala look.

cisgender men. Saying that Page is the only man allowed to wear a basic suit insinuates there is

something “other” about him that makes him different from other men, and this also holds transphobic sentiment. While it was heartwarming to see him on the carpet for one of the first times as his true self, Elliot Page should not have been treated any differently compared to other men on the Met Gala carpet. This situation highlights how trans men are treated in today’s society. A transgender man’s manhood is not taken as seriously as a cisgender man’s experience; if a trans man is not hypermasculine presenting, he is characterized in an innocent, cutesy way that invalidates his identity as a man. Transgender men should not need to present themselves in a hypermasculine way in order to be accepted as a valid man and to avoid infantilization. These well-meaning comments likely wanted to do nothing but uplift and support Elliot and his identity but unintentionally held transphobic sentiment. As a result, it is important that we truly examine the way we speak to and about transgender people so we can actively work against perpetuating these stereotypes ourselves. Brenna Martinez is a junior studying linguistics and English.

Dear gamers: ‘Animal Crossing’ updates are a pain By Morgan Ray CONTRIBUTOR

With “Animal Crossing,” the nostalgia runs high for me. I played the original game on the GameCube and, as a kid who was leaving others in the dust in “Kirby Air Ride” and blasting through loop de loops in the “Sonic Adventure” games, “Animal Crossing” was a change of pace that I didn’t even know I needed. It was laid-back and it had this distinctly unique vibe. So when “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” dropped during the early days of the pandemic, I was ready to fight tooth and nail to get my hands on a Nintendo Switch Lite. If any game could make quarantine bearable, it was this one. And for a time, it was. The “New Horizons” updates started strong. With spring came the reintroduction of shrubbery and the museum’s art gallery. The first major summer update allowed us to swim in the ocean, added more sea creatures for our museums and brought back Pascal and the mermaid furniture set from “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” — and that’s not even including the Fireworks Festival! Even though these features and characters were already familiar from previous installments, it was exciting to see them again and a fun approach to hook in new players to the “Animal Crossing” series after a seven-year hiatus between games. Unfortunately, Nintendo just couldn’t keep the party going. January and March 2021 brought back Festivalé and the Sanrio themed villagers and then…silence. Following updates only added special seasonal items which, while cute, didn’t add anything of substance. However, the gaming convention E3 was approaching and people started to get their hopes up. Considering that “New Horizons”

had now become one of the best selling games on the Switch, surely Nintendo was planning to announce another major summer update! Nope. No, they didn’t, just as everyone had secretly feared. Did Nintendo eventually deliver that summer update? Yes, but they only added more seasonal items and a couple of new food related prizes for the Fireworks Festival — confirming every Animal Crossing fan’s biggest fears. I’ve made all sorts of excuses for “New Horizons,” but even I have to draw a line in the sand. I’m not even sure I can call it an “Animal Crossing” game because they still haven’t reintroduced the gyroids, a unique set of noise making statues that are almost like the series’ mascot(s). Why do the golden tools break in “New Horizons” when they never broke in previous games? Did they realize that there wasn’t enough to do, so they just made more excuses to craft items? On the topic of crafting, the ability to craft in bulk would save so much time, but apparently Nintendo loves spamming the “A” button. I know for a fact there’s room for more: more furniture sets, clothes, wigs, new dialogue, islands to visit, effort and open communication from Nintendo about what to expect. I know this is an islandbased game, but I didn’t purchase this game so I could feel stranded. The updates don’t do it for me because it’s the datamines that truly deliver. For context, datamines are a compilation of things and/or events found within a game’s code, so people can see what the developers are working on and what could potentially be coming next. Imagine being excited over what isn’t in the game rather than what is? Nintendo’s lack of openness has left fans to generate the hype that Nintendo should be building. Look, I feel pretty guilty dragging this game the way I have. There has been so much delayed content because of this pandemic and I don’t want the developers burning out.

Anyone who has heard about the “Cyberpunk 2077” fiasco knows what pressure and lofty expectations can do to the quality of a game (and the mental health of developers). Maybe Nintendo did have bigger plans and a more consistent update schedule. They seem to be a lot more aware of the fans’ disappointment as evidenced in a Twitter announcement alongside the

lackluster summer 2021 update, assuring fans that more was to come. I’m hoping they can make good on that promise, because for now, there isn’t much new on the horizon. Morgan Ray is a junior studying journalism and media studies.

Screenshot of Animal Crossing game.

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” well-known character Isabelle appears with new updates.

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

Sept. 22 - 28, 2021 EDITOR: Aaliyah Alexander • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ continues to inspire now, decades later By Trinity Bland MANAGING EDITOR

It’s been 50 years since the release of John Lennon’s most famous album and it appears to gain more deeply tangible meaning through the ages. “Imagine” was released on Sept. 9, 1971 and even today, it is unquestionably a fan favorite, a global classic body of work. It’s durably clever in the way each of the ten tracks serves a different purpose while solidly connecting to Lennon’s imagery of attaining mental peace and having thoughts beyond himself. There’s no surprise at the album’s initial success after its release in 1971 and after Lennon’s assassination almost a decade later. Since his largerthan-life fame with the Beatles, “Imagine” defined the artist’s mainstream pop music comeback after occasional singles and the generational disdain for his wife, Yoko Ono. Fans may say “Imagine” is a progressive and more-or-less minimalistic masterpiece as it offers an interesting message with sociocultural ideas and place of serenity Lennon aspires to grasp. Half a century later, Lennon put into words what people will never be able to articulate as beautifully as the former Beatle does throughout the album. He aggressively calls out hypocritical politicians in “Gimme Some Truth,” while “Crippled Inside” is a glistening and catchy reminder that anxiety

and mental exhaustion must not be ignored. These are themes still alive and present in contemporary culture, adding to the album’s evergreen essence. Lennon dares to ask a number of questions on the album: How? Many of which are rhetorical and indirect that cause listeners to contemplate deeply along with him. He also provides a glimpse into his inner dialogue surrounding his manhood (“It’s So Hard,” “I Don’t Want To Be A Soldier,” “Jealous Guy”) and his position as a husband (“Oh My Love,” “Oh Yoko!”). This drives the theme of perplexity and the vast territory of the unknown — a real aspect of the human experience — all the way home. Staying true to his notoriously sour personality, Lennon directly attacks fellow former Beatle Paul McCartney in “How Do You Sleep?” and stylistically corresponds to the Beatles with its musical influence and lyrical references (“The only thing you done was yesterday”). After the mess that was the Beatles’ breakup in 1970, the Lennon-McCartney dream team, who composed an overwhelming majority of the band’s hits, experienced its own breakup and prompted a feud between both Lennon and McCartney. “How Do You Sleep?” is sly, shady and serves as one of pop music’s first diss tracks. Though the aforementioned tracks contribute significantly to the album’s vintage magic, perhaps its title track (and

CONTRIBUTOR

Freshmen are the new kids on the block. The eagerness to be on your own for the first time starts to

kick in more as your parents say final goodbyes. Next thing you know, you have new best friends and are eating at University Towers Kitchen every night. As the weeks pass, you find that hanging in the dorms every

Graphic by Shalika Oza

Cars provide convenience and efficiency for students who need to get around.

MANAGING EDITOR Trinity Bland NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Aaliyah Alexander MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noe Sandoval ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Karina Bazarte ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ryan Hardison ASST. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Cristina Lombardo SPORTS EDITOR Jason Freund ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Finley ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Amanda Orozco PHOTO EDITOR Noelani Sapla MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jayne Yutig

Graphic by Shalika Oza

Lennon’s legacy lives on in the hearts of fans.

conveniently, the very first track) is the most recognized and profound song on the album. In only 26 lines, it imagines a perfect world. Lennon transforms into a global ambassador and messiah of equality in “Imagine,” urging listeners to accompany him on a three-minute journey of visualizing a united utopia. In the midst of the Vietnam War at the time of the album’s release and raging civil rights issues happening worldwide,“Imagine” seems to be in harmony with all global activists, fighting for equality long before and after his lifetime (“You may say I’m a dreamer / But I’m not the only

one”). It is clear he knew people would come long after him and proclaim the same message. Critics may argue the song itself is a performative effort from Lennon’s millionaire and superstar status to say something remotely moral after regularly making questionable remarks. Regardless of the direction music takes itself, “Imagine” could never go out of style. Trinity Bland is a senior studying television, media, film and Spanish. Follow her on Twitter @trinityaliciaa SEE

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SDSU, it’s time to let freshmen have cars By Taylor Harris

EDITOR IN CHIEF Catlan Nguyen

night and eating at UTK can become boring. You want to explore San Diego! But you don’t have a car, so how will you get places? Let’s say you and your friends want to go to the beach on a Saturday. You could plan your trip and take the trolley, but what if you miss the trolley or want to stay longer than planned? Not to mention the trolley has limited stops, so you would also have to take the bus? You could try and take an Uber, but that can get expensive. The bottom line is: there is no easy way for freshmen to leave campus and explore the ways they want to. Wouldn’t San Diego State want its freshmen to explore and fall in love with San Diego? With freshmen not being allowed to bring cars, the university has set this overarching idea that freshmen should be stuck on campus. My solution? Freshmen should be allowed to bring their cars to have easier access to leave campus and here’s why: It could cure homesickness. Freshmen need their cars in order to explore where they are living.

Most freshmen are leaving everything they’ve ever known to come to a new city but have no way to go explore their new home easily. This can cause a great deal of homesickness. Sometimes all you need in order to cure homesickness is going somewhere fun off campus to hangout with your new friends. It would allow them to have a quick escape route. What if there is an emergency and a student has no way of getting somewhere quickly or going home if needed? When SDSU kicked students off campus due to COVID-19, many freshmen were left to figure out how to move their belongings without cars, or parents were forced to come to San Diego from near and far and to help. Having a car would allow freshmen to be able to leave campus in case of emergency while also saving their parents the trip. Taylor Harris is a junior studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @taylorharrisjms SEE

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Sept. 22 - 28, 2021 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec

Aztecs outplay Utes in triple overtime By Nick Coppo STAFF WRITER

In a game that featured just about everything, San Diego State football took home the win 33-31 in a hard fought overtime battle at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. This is their second win against a Pac-12 program in as many weeks and the seventh Pac-12 victory for the Aztecs since 2016. Senior quarterback Jordan Brookshire was seen limping on the sidelines prior to the start of the game, which meant senior Lucas Johnson was thrust into the starting job. “You’ve got to go after everyday like you’re the starter in practice,” Johnson said. “My number was called tonight and I’m just happy that I was able to do my part and help this team win.” Both teams were forced to punt on their first drive as the offenses couldn’t get going. After some sluggish play from both squads — two big special teams plays highlighted an otherwise uneventful first half. Utah junior Britain Covey returned junior Matt Araiza’s punt 80 yards for a touchdown for the first score of the game. Senior Jordan Byrd saw that and took that as a challenge. After a Utah field goal midway through the second quarter gave the Utes a 10-3 lead, Byrd took the kickoff 100 yards to the house that electrified the stadium and tied the score at ten apiece. “I saw the kickoff flow to the right side on the first kickoff, I told my return coach and he believed in me and believed in my team that they were gonna make those blocks,” Byrd said. The Aztecs and Utes entered the locker room tied 10-10 at halftime with everything to play for. After a lackluster performance on the ground by their standards (56 yards), an emphasis to punish the Utes with the running game was apparent. On the first drive of the second half, the Aztecs ran the ball eight times for 82 yards. Senior running back Greg Bell finished the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run. The Aztecs were able to pester the Utah quarterbacks all night with three sacks and constant pressure on senior Charlie Brewer and sophomore Cameron Rising. The change at quarterback came after an interception and a few drives that stalled to begin the second half. A clutch interception by senior cornerback Tayler Hawkins set the Aztecs up in a nice spot for another Bell touchdown to stretch the SDSU lead to 24-10. Up to this point, the Aztecs outgained the Utes 11446 in the third quarter without completing a single pass. The start of the fourth quarter began

with the Aztecs still on top 24-10. Both teams traded punts before a Utah 10-play, 63yard drive to give them their first offensive touchdown of the game, but a missed extra point kept the SDSU lead at eight. With 4:13 left on the clock, the Aztecs offense went out on the field to put the game away. A couple Greg Bell runs gave the Aztecs a first down, but Utah subsequently got a stop with 2:36 left to play. Rising methodically moved the Utes down the field using a mix of run and pass while using his legs to avoid danger, something Brewer was unable to do. The drive culminated in a fouryard touchdown pass with 16 seconds on the clock. Rising found a wide open receiver in the back of the end zone for a successful two-point conversion to send the game to overtime tied 24-24. The Aztecs and Utes traded touchdowns in the first OT period, tying the game at 31 apiece. The Utes Photos by Andrew Finley second drive stalled Quarterback Lucas Johnson catches a two-point conversion in the third overtime to give the Aztecs the lead. (Bottom) Johnson and lineman and ended with a (Top) Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson celebrate after scoring what would eventually be the game winning conversion in overtime. missed field goal. All the Aztecs needed was a field goal to win the game. zone to give the Aztecs a 33-31 advantage. Upon further review, however, the nose After a few runs by Bell, Matt Araiza trot“When we got to that situation where of the ball hit the ground and the referees ted out to attempt the game winner but we had to go for two, I knew what the play ruled it an incomplete pass, ending the pushed the ball wide right from 36 yards. was going to be and they executed it,” Hoke game in dramatic fashion. The rules now call for alternating two- said. “It was great to see all that hard work After the ruling, Aztec players rushed point conversion attempts. As if the game and execution pay off.” the north end zone in elation and celebratdid not have enough madness, Hoke called Utah gained possession with a chance to ed with the fans that made the two hour a play that was made famous in Super Bowl tie the game with a two-point conversion drive up north. VII: the “Philly Special.” It worked to perThe Aztecs (3-0) are set to take on the of their own. Rising’s pass across the field fection as junior wide receiver Jesse Mat- to the left corner of the end zone appeared Towson Tigers (2-1 FCS) this Saturday at thews took the end-around handoff and to have found freshman receiver Connor Dignity Health Sports Park before they becompleted a pass to Johnson in the end O’Toole to tie the game once again. gin Mountain West Conference play.

Photos by Andrew Finley

(Left) Linebacker’s Segun Olubi and Caden McDonald celebrate with defensive back Taylor Hawkins after a third quarter interception. (Right) Senior lineman Chris Martinez revels in the moment after the triple overtime victory versus Utah. The Aztecs have defeated both of their Pac-12 opponents in 2021.

The Daily Aztec

Sports

Sept. 22 - 28, 2021 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Men’s soccer outlast No.23 Stanford in overtime thriller on Sports Deck By Morgan Prickett STAFF WRITER

No. 21 San Diego State Aztecs (6-0-2, 2-0-0) defeated the No. 23 Stanford Cardinal (2-31, 0-2-0) 1-0 Sunday afternoon in a double overtime thriller at the SDSU Sports Deck. The Aztecs entered the game off the back of a strong 2-0 win in their first Pac-12 matchup of the season against the University of California Berkeley. While the Cardinal entered the game in opposite fashion, coming off a 2-0 loss at UCLA Thursday evening. Sunday’s double-overtime win marked the Aztecs’ first victory over the Cardinal in almost a decade. The Aztecs’ last win over the Cardinal — which ended in a similar 1-0 result — came on Sept. 30, 2011. Sunday’s game was a hard fought battle from both sides. Neither team could break the deadlock in 90 minutes so overtime would be necessary to determine a winner. Although SDSU football played in a triple overtime thriller against the Utah Utes the night before. It felt like the football game carried over to the Sports Deck as the Aztecs and Cardinals combined for 39 fouls in the marathon game. “Two guys who are in constant tussles played on yellows for 85 minutes,” head coach Ryan Hopkins said. “It just shows the maturity of this group, understanding the moments, mistakes, and not taking shortcuts when the ref gives you a yellow. You have to figure out how to play and adjust your game and our guys have done a phenomenal job of that.” Despite the intense physicality of the game, only six yellow cards were handed out as both teams managed to keep their heads. Four minutes into the first overtime, the Aztec fans thought they finally got their winner. Aztec junior forward Austin Wehner danced with the ball at his feet towards the edge of the box and played a through ball to freshman forward Alex Hjælmof, who saw his shot come off the underside of the bar and back out into play. The first overtime would end the same as the first 90 minutes: scoreless. Yet the lone goal of the game wouldn’t come too long after.

Photo by Ivan Guzman

Freshman Alex Hjæmolf (left) dribbles towards a Cardinal defender during Sunday’s match against Stanford.

After a well defended Cardinal freekick in Aztec territory, the Aztecs bolted onto the counter attack outnumbering the Cardinal defense. The ball was played down the right into the path of Wehner who sprinted past his defender and into the right side of the box. The crowd rose onto their feet as Wehner flashed a low cross across the face of the goal in what felt like slow motion. As the ball made its way towards the back post, senior forward Tevenn Roux raced past the last Cardinal defender and smashed the ball into the back of the net. Just one minute into double-overtime, the game had it’s winner. The crowd burst in delight as Roux and his teammates cleared the field and hopped into the stands to celebrate with the fans. “It felt really good (scoring the game winner),” Roux said. “The whole team worked their butts off today to get the victory. The

goal is just one little thing that happened today so I’ve got the team to thank and everyone who played today.” This game marked the Aztecs seventh shutout in eight games this season including shutouts in all five home matches. SDSU has not trailed in a single game this entire season. Coach Hopkins shared his thoughts on where he believes his defense’s energy comes from. “It’s everybody, it’s the guys on the bench giving us energy, it’s the fun of the press,” Hopkins said. “You see how hard our forwards worked to be able to make those two runs to end the game. It just shows the heart and desire that these guys have.” Sophomore goalkeeper Jacob Castro also continued his flying start to the season, adding seven saves to his season tally of 28, pulling ahead as the Pac-12’s leader in saves.

“Our first goal as a team is to keep a clean sheet and when we’re at our home field I feel like we bump our play up two times,” Castro said. Hopkins believes SDSU has one of the best goalkeepers around. “I honestly think we have the best goalkeeper in the country,” Hopkins said. “Anything that does get through our defence, we have a cheat code in Castro so that gives us that little extra.” In regards to his time so far at SDSU, Castro said: “I feel like I’ve progressed a lot since I transferred here, everyone has welcomed me like a family and it’s been easy from there.” The Aztecs next matchup comes against the Gonzaga Bulldogs (5-3) on Youth Club Soccer Night Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. on the SDSU Sports Deck.

Without Castro, Women’s soccer falls to No. 3 UCLA By Adam Correa STAFF WRITER

The San Diego State Aztecs (2-6-0) lost 2-0 to the University of California Los Angeles Bruins (8-0-0) Sunday night. The first goal was scored by UCLA midfielder Mia Fishel in the ninth minute assisted by teammate Brianne Riley. The second goal was scored by forward Reilyn Turner in the 71st minute. The Aztecs had no shots on goal in the first half in comparison to the Bruins’ 11 shots and finished the game with three shots compared to the Bruins 17. Freshman midfielder Denise Castro — who is leading the team with five goals — wasn’t on the field Sunday against UCLA because she is playing internationally. Head coach Mike Friesen said it was a huge loss not having Castro in the lineup. “There’s a reason [Castro’s] playing in the Netherlands right now for Mexico, she’s a world class player,” Friesen said. “I thought Rachelle [Elve] played fantastically tonight. This was probably her best performance

of her career, but at the same time, to not have another player like Denise on the field that can find a goal, find a little bit more rhythm, it certainly hurt.” Friesen said the players were timid tonight and it was the reason for minimal shot opportunities. “I think there was a few [chances] like the one that sticks out in my mind is we draw their goalkeeper out, it comes right back to

our player,” Friesen said. “It is a wide open ball, she takes a touch and tries to go wide and she’s not thinking to score goals.” Sophomore goalkeeper Alexa Madueno made six huge saves to keep the Aztecs in the game but wished the outcome was different. “I knew it was gonna be a difficult challenge going against them especially with the record and what they’re ranked, but I

Photo by Ivan Guzman

Senior defender Lauren Dicus winds up to kick the ball versus No.3 UCLA.

think my team was able to keep up with them and just go against them,” Madueno said. The Aztec defense against the Bruins was crucial in keeping the game to a twogoal spread. Junior defender Kiera Utush talked about some of the positives and negatives of her performance. “I think some positives would definitely be moving along the back line and playing to the keeper, Alexa, she did really good handling the ball,” Utush said. “I think the negatives tonight would just be the two goals that were given to UCLA and I think that we can do better on closing that opportunity.” The Aztecs’ next game will be against their first Mountain West Conference opponent in the Colorado State Rams (1-2-2) on Friday, Sept. 24. Madueno believes they are ready to bring the team’s chemistry to the Mountain West. “I think that we’re gonna be able to bring that [chemistry] to the Mountain West and shut down a bunch of people and some of the top shooters and opponents Boise State, Fresno,” Madueno said.

Sept. 22 - 28, 2021 EDITOR: Noé Sandoval • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

MEChA organiza la primera reunión del año con el aplauso simbólico de la unidad

El aplauso de la unidad sincroniza los ritmos y el movimiento de la gente para la organización chicanx de SDSU. Los estudiantes de SDSU participaron en la redacción y firma del histórico Plan de Santa Bárbara que incluyó a René Núñez, Jorge Gonzalez y Juan Gómez-Quiñones según la cronología de SDSU de 50 años de hacer historia. “Darse cuenta y conocer la historia de SDSU MEChA y reconocer que usted es parte de eso también”, dijo Hernández. “Ahora se está realizando un importante legado de activismo y compromiso estudiantil”. Robert Zepeta, miembro de primer año de MEChA y estudiante de inglés, dijo que su experiencia de crecer en el “barrio” y lo que le enseñaron en la historia fue todo menos amigable con su lado y cultura mexicana. “Es casi como dar un paso al frente y volver a lo mío cuando digo que soy chicano,” dijo Zepeta. “Vivo aquí en los Estados Unidos, [pero] también amo mi cultura y

mi comunidad por eso estoy aquí hoy”. “Estoy en un punto de mi vida en el que necesito poner en práctica lo que creo”, continuó Zepeta, “Creo que contribuir y devolver a mi comunidad es lo más importante”. Hernández dijo que los estudiantes forman parte de un gran propósito dentro de la universidad y establecen las relaciones en la comunidad en general. Es importante reconocer que no solo estamos aquí para nosotros mismos como individuos para obtener una educación, sino que somos parte de la parte colectiva. “Los estudiantes, en última instancia, tienen mucho más que decir de lo que a veces imaginan”, dijo Hernández. “La universidad no sería nada sin el estudiante”. MEChA pretende tener muchos eventos y reuniones durante el semestre y tendrán más anuncios actuales en su Instagram.

Foto por Gabriel Schneider

Los miembros de MEChA se turnaron para presentarse y compartieron por qué se unieron a la organización.

por Gabriel CONTRIBUDOR

Schneider

El 14 de septiembre, la primera reunión del Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán en La Universidad Estatal de San Diego se llevó a cabo en persona después de más de un año estando virtual. La reunión comenzó con el aplauso tradicional de la unidad. El aplauso de la unidad comienza lentamente y luego se acelera como si fuera un latido del corazón. El aplauso se originó en la Unión de Campesinos como una forma de facilitar la comunicación entre los trabajadores agrícolas latinos y filipinos que no compartían el mismo idioma. “Somos una organización basada en ser-

vir y educar a nuestra comunidad aquí en el campus sobre temas que son relevantes para la comunidad latinx en el campus y en San Diego”, dijo Elisa Mendez-Pintado, miembro de cuarto año de MEChA. La organización MEChA, fue creada el 1969 de marzo por estudiantes, profesores y activistas comunitarios de la Universidad de California en Santa Bárbara, la cual comenzó como, El Plan de Santa Bárbara. Roberto Hernández, actual consejero de facultad de MEChA y profesor asociado de estudios de chicanas y chicanos en SDSU, dijo que la idea era de unir varios clubs y organizaciones estudiantiles bajo un nombre único por el bien de la comunidad y enfatizar la distinción de que MEChA es más que un club social.

Foto por Gabriel Schneider

Los MEChistas platicaron e formaron las diferentes reglas para MEChA, que fue una colaboración de todo el grupo.

El Centro de Recursos para Estudiantes Latinx expone poesía y prosa para celebrar la Independencia Mexicana por Lucelis ESCRITORA

Martinez

El Centro de Recursos para Estudiantes Latinx, LRC por sus siglas en inglés, tuvo una celebración de inauguración para el mes de herencia hispana, el miércoles, el 15 de septiembre. La Doctora Norma Elia Cantú comenzó con el discurso inaugural. El LRC distribuyó un volante virtual en su página oficial de Instagram. “El comité de planificación para el grupo ‘Celebrar Nuestras Raíces’, quien dirige a el mes de herencia Hispana/Latinx SDSU te invita a acompañarnos a la celebración inaugural y el discurso inaugural”, dijo el anuncio. Cantú es una autora reconocida, erudita chicana, poeta y profesora de humanidades en la Universidad de Trinidad en San Antonio, Tejas, según el aviso. Cantú comenzó la presentación con admisiones personales sobre su vida y su familia. Siguió con un reconocimiento sobre la tierra en donde creció en Laredo. Para Cantù, es importante celebrar las raíces culturales colectivas. “Los cambios que nuestra comunidad enfrenta son muchos,” dijo Cantú. Cantú dio una línea cronológica de algunos de estos cambios. Incluyó la con-

Foto por Lucelis Martinez

El evento fue organizado virtualmente por Zoom donde la erudita Norma Elia Cantú recitó peomas y prosa.

quista azteca en el Valle de México y el crecimiento de la población chicanx/latinx después del 9/11. Cantú habló sobre la complejidad de las comunidades fronterizas y las protestas

que existen en estos lugares. “Nuestra comunidad las reutiliza como se necesite”, dijo Cantù. Ella habló de la música y de la comida mexicana, específicamente las enchiladas

y cómo varían regionalmente. Contó dos leyendas sobre el platillo chiles en nogada. En acorde con lo que dijo Cantú, este platillo se comió el 16 de septiembre (que también se celebra como el día de la Independencia Mexicana). Una de las leyendas habla sobre unas monjas quienes fueron comisionadas para hacer comida para el líder de las tropas (Iturbide). Quisieron honrar los colores de las tropas y estos mismos colores luego se usaron en la bandera. Cuando hablo de el pan dulce, Cantù dijo que se inspira con las palabras de la mamá de Dr. Tomas Ybarra-Fraustro. “Cuando pierdes el nombre, pierdes la cultura.” Cantù terminó su discurso con una frase de apoyo para los que atendieron. “Importa poco que tu cambies el mundo, lo que importa es que trates y en el tratar tu si cambias el mundo,” dijo Cantù. La celebración también tuvo una porción de preguntas y respuestas.La celebración completa fue tradu-cida en vivo por dos traductores de la lengua de signos americana. Una de las panelistas fue Beatrice Zamora, quien es una artista, activista y maestra retirada, además de también ser una autora reconocida por sus libros para niños. VER EN

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Sept. 22 - 28, 2021 Editor: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Professors put the pedal to the metal by Ryan Hardison ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Students may think their professors lead clean-cut lives without much substance other than grading papers and giving long-winded lectures. However, criminal justice professors Paul Kaplan and David Jancsics break that stereotypical mold. Together, they are one-half of CANDLE$, an explosive heavy metal band formed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The band is rounded out by lead vocalist Devyn Randolph — a veteran of multiple Boston hardcore bands — and Ukrainian drummer Stanislov Khomyn who was part of progressive metal band Replicated Foundation in Kiev. Before pursuing a degree in his native country Hungary, Jancsics played bass guitar in the ‘90s for Leukemia, an essential piece of the Hungarian hardcore scene. In the same decade, Kaplan had been playing bass for a few hardcore bands in San Francisco before going to graduate school and eventually earning his P.h.D. from UC Irvine. The two first met through a mutual colleague who mentioned Jancsics’ musical past in Budapest. From there, the two bonded over their adoration for the avant-garde metal band Neurosis, whom Leukemia played with and Kaplan has a large tattoo of. “It was last summer in the middle of COVID, so we were very happy to do something together and just jam,” Jancsics said. Once they began jamming together, everything clicked, and soon all their practicing inspired them to start a group. Both are natural bass players but

Kaplan picked up the baritone guitar for CANDLE$. A while back, Kaplan sent out an ad to help fill out the rest of the positions in the band. A year ago they found their drummer, and three months ago they finally paired up with a vocalist. With all of their time spent playing in different sections of the world, their music creates an international vibe that encompasses their experiences. As veterans of the music industry, Kaplan and Jancsics were able to pick up where they left off and find a great project to pursue in their free time. “It’s a fun way to blow off energy. We work really hard, we work constantly on research and teaching at the university, so this is a really fun way for us to get back to our punk and metal roots and have fun,” Kaplan said. Jancsiscs barely touched his prized instrument before leaving Hungary and it had been over a decade since either of them have performed live. The two said jump-starting their musical ambitions again was something neither had mapped out. “I never imagined that I was going to be onstage again because the last time was fifteen years and that was already a reunion show in Hungary,” Jancsics said. Before CANDLE$ started, Kaplan kept practicing regularly and has even incorporated music into his curriculum. He brings up the murderous and sadistic activities of Norwegian black metal band Mayhem in his criminology class and also discusses the criminal subculture within music, including how some artists are being prosecuted with their song lyrics used as evidence. Even though some students may not

Photo by Ryan Hardison

CANDLE$ performing at the Black Cat Bar in in front of a lively crowd of metal fans in City Heights on Sept. 18.

have any interest in their professor’s personal lives, Kaplan said sharing their passions and hobbies can make them more relatable. “I think sometimes students relate to it, and you sort of become humanized so you’re not just seen as a robot up there dispensing data,” Kaplan said. CANDLE$ played their first gig as an opener for Dream Burglar at the Black Cat Bar on Sept. 18. They’re planning

on recording their music soon and hope to use their musical connections in San Francisco and Hungary to set up shows on multiple continents. Despite their big ambitions, Kaplan said for now playing with CANDLE$ is just a really great hobby and it’s been a lot of fun so far. “We enjoy the creative part of everything, writing music, playing music, it’s fantastic,” Jancsics said.

United States of ‘Aesthetica’: The Met Gala returns by Morgan Ray CONTRIBUTOR

Now is the winter of our discount sweatpants made glorious by this comeback of couture. After a year’s absence, the Met Gala has returned with a vengeance! On Sept. 13, a flock of the famous descended upon New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for their Costume Institute’s (mostly) annual fundraiser/costume party, with this year’s theme being “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” So what exactly counts as “American Fashion?” For some, it was America itself. Olympic icon Simone Biles stunned in a star spangled, 80-pound Area Couture x Athleta gown and Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman resembled an American Athena (by way of the Statue of Liberty) in Vera Wang. Naomi Osaka nodded to her Haitian/ Japanese background in Louis Vuitton with a pattern designed by her sister and Saweetie dazzled in a Christian Cowan gown that incorporated the Black American and Filipino flags. Model/activist Quannah Chasinghorse (of Hän Gwich’in and Sicagnu/Oglala Lakota descent) was a golden goddess in her Dundas gown and layers of intricate turquoise/silver jewelry from Jocelyn Billy-Upshaw. For others, it was the timeless glamour of the bygone. Actress/activist Yara Shahidi and model Anok Yai wore looks (Dior and Oscar de la Renta respectively) inspired by the legendary entertainer/activist Josephine Baker. Gemma Chan donned Prabal Gurung in homage to Anna May Wong, one of Hollywood’s first Asian American stars. Normani served in a Valentino gown

By Hemen Mesfin, SIGMA, Phillip Nguyen, Agência Brasil Fotografias, Cosmopolitan UK, dvsross (altered for graphic).

The 2021 Met Gala inspired celebrities to wear their interpritation of ‘American’ fashion.

with Lorraine Schwartz jewels that would make Elizabeth Taylor proud. Billie Eilish and Megan Thee Stallion both channeled Marilyn Monroe in Oscar de la Renta and Coach. Actress/singer MJ Rodriguez dropped jaws in a legendary Thom Browne 1960s-Victorian Era homage worthy of a September issue cover. Seriously, we should be talking about this look more. Jennifer Lopez was among the many to take things to the Wild Wild West, going full yeehaw in Ralph Lauren. Ralph Dead Redemption anybody? Lupita Nyong’o elevated the classic blue denim gown

in an effervescent Versace number and Rosalía rocked some seriously long red fringe in Rick Owens. Others made their voices heard. Representative Alexandra OcasioCortez wore a Brother Vellies gown emblazoned with “Tax The Rich’’, fellow representative Carolyn Maloney sported an Antonios Couture homage to the suffragettes and Cara Delevigne’s Dior outfit proclaimed, “Peg the Patriarchy’’. Nikkie de Jager, Dan Levy and Amandla Stenberg paid dazzling tributes to LGBTQ+ history: de Jager in an Edwin

Oudshoorn floral tribute to trans activist/ Stonewall participant Marsha P Johnson, Levy in a Loewe homage to artist/activist David Wojnarowicz and Stenberg in a Thom Browne homage to the ballroom scene (with their braids fashioned into a durag!). Shout out to the men for stepping it up this year! Marvel’s man of the moment Simu Liu gave rockabilly/early rockstar vibes in Fendi while rising playwright/ producer Jeremy O. Harris swept through in a Tommy Hilfiger opera coat, all in the name of Aaliyah. Troye Sivan subverted gender norms in a clingy Altu by Joseph Altuzarra dress and a Prada clad Frank Ocean showed up with a baby Shrek. F1 racer Sir Lewis Hamilton (in Kenneth Nicholson) used his position to spotlight young black designers: he invited the aforementioned Nicholson, Jason Rembert (Aliette) and Edvin Thompson (Theophilio) to his table at the Gala. Rapper Lil Nas X gave the world THREE iconic Versace looks! When you stunt this hard, the theme is irrelevant. However, there were a few rather questionable choices. While many praised Kim Kardashian’s black, full coverage Balenciaga outfit, it’s hard to not see her as a fancy stagehand. Was she walking the Met Gala or moving props? Grimes’ Iris Van Herpen gown was a vision in silver, but were the props really necessary? It seemed a little “three years late for the Heavenly Bodies Gala.” Some showed up looking like they bought their outfits last minute at Forever 21…names will not be named. Oh well, not all of us can be Rihanna (in all black Balenciaga, no less). This year‘s theme will return for next year’s Met Gala; so here’s to more serves and (hopefully) more people will understand the assignment. To quote Miranda Priestly, “That’s all.”