10-28-2020

Wednesday, Oct. 28 - Monday, Nov. 1 Weekly Digital Edition

Vol. 107, Issue 5 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

Three observations: SDSU stifles UNLV, 34-6, in season opener by

Kyle Betz

SPORTS EDITOR

At last, San Diego State football returned to action against UNLV in a 34-6 win at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

The Aztecs won their season opener for the sixth time in seven years and the second time of head coach Brady Hoke’s career, as the team was able to capitalize on the Runnin’ Rebels lackluster offense by scoring 27 unanswered points to begin the contest. The Aztecs’

defense also held UNLV to 25 total first-half yards after gaining 313 on offense.

SDSU also outscored UNLV in the second half, 7-6, even though the Aztecs’ offense did not have as much prosperity as it did in the first 30 minutes.

Here are three observations from the Oct. 25 season opener.

1. Establishing the ground game early Following the departure of Juwan Washington, the Aztecs spent the offseason evaluating their remaining running backs to

find a replacement.

Try four of them.

Greg Bell, the Nebraska transfer who had to sit out last season due to transfer rules, made his debut wearing the Scarlet and Black.

Although the Aztecs were already planning to utilize several running backs, Bell received the majority of the touches (19) and finished with 111 yards and a rushing touchdown.

“It’s been 25 months since Greg has played, so I see

OPENER, page 5

Courtesy of Derrick Tuskan, SDSU Athletics Junior linebacker Caden McDonald sacks UNLV quarterback in the Aztecs’ 34-6 win over the Runnin’ Rebels on Oct. 25 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The sack was one of McDonald’s 2.5 on the night.

Filipinx community disproportionately affected by Covid-19

by Jayne

Yutig

STAFF WRITER

The San Diego State Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Resource Center kicked off their second week of events celebrating Filipinx American History Month with a presentation by scholar and activist Dr. E.J. Ramos David.

David spoke to a virtual audience on Oct. 13 about how COVID-19 has exposed disparities that have devastated the Filipinx American community.

David highlighted how the Filipinx community has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and how data is scarce to explain why.

“Very little attention has been paid to the Filipino American community historically,” David said. “We’ve been not just understudied, but also underserved.”

David, who gained attention for his Psychology Today piece, titled “5 Ways COVID-19 Might Be Affecting Filipino Americans,” explained

the alarming death rates among Filipinx Americans in California.

“The overall mortality rate of the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University, is 3.7. But, for Filipino Americans in California, it’s 40 percent,” David said. “That is extremely, extremely disturbing,” David said Filipinx Americans are less likely to have a professional job that allows working from home. Filipinx families living in a multi-generational household face a life or death dilemma as many work on the frontlines as healthcare or essential workers.

Despite the inequalities evidenced by statistics, David said he hadn’t seen any action in messaging or policy from public health officials in California that prioritizes the Filipinx American community.

“In terms of, ‘ok what are we actually doing’ -- I actually haven’t seen anything,” David said. “I see even fewer attempts to see

FILIPINX, page 2

CSU enrollment hits record high despite falling national trends by

Brenden Tuccinardi

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bucking national trends in higher education, the California State University enrolled a record number of students this fall.

According to a press release from the Office of the Chancellor, the collective student body of the 23 CSU campuses grew from 481,929 in fall 2019 to 485,549 undergraduate

and graduate students this semester.

A handful of CSU campuses – San Diego State included – boasted record enrollments that contributed to the more than 3,600 increase at the system-wide level.

“I commend the creativity and hard work of our faculty and staff who implemented innovative ways to carry on our tradition of inclusive academ-

ic excellence, despite the current pandemic and necessary transition to virtual instruction,” CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White said in the press release.

“Their efforts enabled us to welcome our new students and connect and engage with all students like never before.”

While good news for CSU campuses as higher see

ENROLLMENT, page 2

Graphic by Emily Burgess

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News

The Daily Aztec

Filipinx:

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understand it on a much deeper level. I’ve seen, for example, people connecting it to colonialism.

There’s a reason why so many of our nurses are Filipinos. And I’ve seen very few acknowledgments of that, an understanding of that particular relationship.”

SDSU’s APIDA Resource Center has focused its Filipinx American History month virtual programming on highlighting the disparities that Filipinx Americans face.

David’s presentation is part of a month-long series of events that will feature Filipinx American

Enrollment:

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enrollments translate into higher tuition revenues, thus relieving some of the pandemic’s budgetary distress, colleges and universities across the country have not been so lucky.

According to the National Student Clearing-

Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2020 Editor: Jadyn Brandt

students, scholars, psychologists, and business experts, APIDA Resource Center Faculty Director Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan said.

“The APIDA Resource Center is here for students, faculty, and staff.

We aim to provide support and community. You are not alone,” Hagan said.

For more information on Filipinx American History Month and other events, visit the SDSU APIDA Resource Center Facebook or Instagram.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Brenden Tuccinardi NEWS EDITOR Jadyn Brandt ASST. NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Trinity Bland MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Daniel Guerrero ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Devin Whatley SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Luis Lopez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Catlan Nguyen Photo courtesy of Unsplash

house Research Center, national undergraduate enrollment is down 4% compared to this time last year. In California, undergraduate enrollment fell by 4.7%, according to NSCRC. An all-time high retention rate propelled the CSU towards being the exception to national

trends.

85.5% of 2019’s firstyear students returned to a CSU campus this fall, the press release said.

“I have never been more proud of our students for the extraordinary determination they have demonstrated by continuing to persevere and make progress toward that

life-changing CSU degree,” White said.

A complete report of data from the 2019-2020 academic year will be presented to the CSU Board of Trustees at their November meeting, which is already jam-packed with discussions about the 2021 budget and the CSU’s state appropriation request.

PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Orozco VIDEO EDITOR Angela Kurysh ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Emily Burgess SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Ryan Hardison Breven Honda STAFF WRITERS Aaliyah Alexander Antonio Marquez Kiana Sujishi Jayne Yutig CONTRIBUTORS Gaby Jose

Experience:

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other Filipinos’ cultures extend past those listed.

The grey area that I have lived in my entire life has been quite a unique experience and I am sure that other Filipino-Americans have lived similar experiences.

Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I surrounded myself with Latinos — the only group of people that seemed to accept me socially. On a surface level, I am more familiar with Mexican culture than my own Filipino culture. I know how to speak Spanish, but I am not able to form a single sentence in Tagalog or Ilocano. I even get mistaken as Mexican.

My last name is Jose, you can imagine the confusion some people have after finding out that I am in

fact, Asian. I am proud to be Filipino but sometimes feel ashamed for not being exposed to elements of my culture outside of food.

Even now, I have little to no Filipino friends. I had a Debut, an extravagant eighteenth birthday celebration for Filipinas that includes multiple choreographed dances and different cultural elements and traditions; however, I had no Filipinos on my court — only Mexicans.

Scaling out, I do not even fulfill a single Filipino stereotype — I cannot dance or sing, and cannot understand anything STEM-related to save my life.

My mom was born and grew up in the Philippines.

She prides herself on her knowledge of the American culture and history that she learned growing up. A large part of my mom’s upbringing

and in my life has been the United States Navy. The U.S. Navy is the reason I am alive — my mother got her papers through her uncle who was a sailor and my dad was drafted by the U.S. Navy from the Philippines when he was 17.

The Philippines is the only Asian country that has been colonized by the United States and both American and Western influence in the Philippines is quite predominant. For example, lighter skin and the ability to speak clear and fluent English is coveted and a sign of high social class.

Any goods that are “MADE IN THE USA” are coveted — regardless of how it looks or tastes.

The U.S. influence on the Philippines influenced my parent’s views, which in turn influenced my experience growing up as a Fili-

pino-American. In the summers, my mother would get angry with my brother and I when our skin would get dark. She also questioned why we did not have any white friends. In the same way, the strong military background and love for American capitalism also influence her conservative political beliefs.

Today’s social media age has emphasized the importance of embracing each part of your identity and the things you take pride in. This has been something that I have had a difficult time doing, but it is important to recognize that there is no part of your identity that you should be ashamedof.

I am Filipino-American, and the combination of my parents’ experiences and my culturally isolated upbringing makes me who I am today.

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Opinion

Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2020 Editor: Trinity Bland

The Daily Aztec

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My experience growing up as a first generation Filipino-American by

Gaby Jose

CONTRIBUTOR

Growing up as a first-generation Filipino-American in a town with close to no other Filipinos, I became deeply estranged from my culture. My parents were ostracized because of their culture, accent, and appearance, so much that they worked their hardest to assimilate my brother and me to the American culture we grew up around.

To this day, I do not know my native language and am disconnected from my Filipino culture and roots. I was one of five non-white children in my elementary school and I vividly remember being made fun of for the clothes I wore and the home-cooked meals I would bring from home.

The erasure of Filipino culture and language has been in play ever since we have been colonized by Spain and later, the United States. Even as a country, the Philippines is made up of hundreds of islands which adds to the complexity of Filipino culture.

Even the idea of the Philippines being a single state is a Spanish invention.

There is a growing movement of other young Filipinos working to bring about more education and knowledge about our culture before colonization occurred.

There are a few TikTok accounts that do this quite eloquently in short videos, explaining forgotten parts of Filipino history such as Filipino tribal tattoos and Babiyan script. Similarly, I have sought to understand and educate myself of the

Photo courtesy of Gaby Jose

culture I have been robbed of by joining on-campus organizations like Ab Samahan, and choosing Asia as my emphasis for one of my majors, Comparative International Studies.

The identity crisis a majority of Filipino-Americans go through, much like myself, consists of a weird and awkward grey area.We

are ethnically Filipino, with American nationality, but are unable to connect with either identity. We know the basics of Filipino culture, but it is confined to our homes and education; taking our shoes off before we go inside, not eating until everyone gets their food, feeding guests regardless if they have already eaten,

and that school and education is more important than anything else.

There is an odd space of “not being Filipino or American enough” to fit in with either crowd.

Many Americans do not share the same cultural values as we do, but some see

EXPERIENCE, page 2

Naomi Osaka’s U.S. Open victory is bigger than tennis by

Trinity Bland

OPINION EDITOR

Since becoming a tennis sensation, Naomi Osaka has attained a myriad of success by becoming the first Asian player to be declared world number 1 in singles, winning two consecutive Grand Slams — being the first female to do so since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 — and has become the highest-paid female athlete in a single year, in history.

On Sept. 12, Osaka won the 2020 U.S. Open and although her sporting profile has grown over the last two years, it has expanded even more over the past six months, this self-described introvert has blossomed into her own as a vocal activist, leveraging her influence as history unfolds around her.

“I’m proud of her,” tennis legend Billie Jean King told USA TODAY Sports in an email. “Naomi has chosen to use her platform and use it as a catalyst for change. She is a leader

Graphic by Shalika Oza

among today’s athletes – men and women – and she is speaking from her heart and her mind. It’s inspiring to watch a young leader step to the front and help humanity.”

Born to a Haitian father and Japanese mother, Osaka has been extremely vocal about her presence not only in the sport of tennis but in the world as a biracial woman. With her vast platform, the reigning U.S. Open champion made it clear that she will speak against injustice and that no one can take away that right from her.

This U.S. Open was par-

ticularly important for Osaka as her activism was the voice for all of the marginalized. “Taking a stand against racial injustice has boosted Osaka’s motivation and energy going into this year’s U.S. Open,” Osaka’s coach Wim Fissette said. For each match at Flushing Meadows, Osaka wore a black face mask with the name of a victim of racial injustice, systematic racism and police brutality. They are all well-known names at this point, but in order, Osaka honored Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Arbery, Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile and

Tamir Rice. Devastating enough, no one has faced any real consequences for their deaths.

After her win against Victoria Azarenka in the U.S. Open final, reporter Tom Rinaldi asked Osaka in her on-court interview about the message behind her masks. In efforts to explain and reflect on the impact of her method of activism, she said, “Well, ‘What was the message that you got?’ is more the question, I feel like the point is to make people start talking.”

The significance of this was incredibly immense because singles tennis is one of the few sports where an athlete plays for themselves, is alone on the court and everything they do is examined. Deliberately consolidating her star power and presence, as well as her play, Osaka has proven that she is mature beyond her years and that she intends to make a difference however she can.

In the wake of a global pandemic categorized as once-in-a-generation,

public debate about police brutality, racially-motivated violence and social injustices in the United States have once again risen to the forefront of not only American but global discourse in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, among others, this year.

This summer, Osaka often took to social media in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, with posts that not only shared information but helped to educate and provide resources, while also condemning those who propose that athletes should stay silent on matters outside of their chosen profession.

Last month, on the monumental day that NBA players decided they would not play after the Jacob Blake shooting, Osaka followed suit and announced she wouldn’t play the next day in the Western & Southern Open semifinals. It was see

ONLINE

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The Daily Aztec

Mundo Azteca

Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2020 Editor: Daniel Guerrero

Undocuweek tiene como objetivo empoderar a la comunidad indocumentada de SDSU by

Daniel Guerrero

MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR

Durante la próxima semana, el Centro de Recursos para Indocumentados organizará eventos en línea con varios oradores invitados y talleres de recursos, todo para empoderar y construir una comunidad dentro de la población indocumentada en la Universidad Estatal de San Diego.

La Semana Indocumental, o UndocuWeek por su nombre en inglés, comenzó el 26 de octubre y terminará el 2 de noviembre, durante la próxima semana que se enfocará en temas relacionados con los estudiantes indocumentados.

Este año es el primero que el evento ha llegado a SDSU. La directora del Centro de Recursos para Indocumentados Cynthia Torres

File photo El evento UndocuWeek del Centro de Recursos para Indocumentados comenzó el 26 de octubre y terminará el 2 de noviembre. El Área de Recursos para Indocumentados ha ofrecido recursos en línea durante el semestre virtual.

dijo que el evento fue uno que se ha llevado a cabo en otros colegios comunitarios en San Diego, pero que quería traerlo a SDSU por primera vez.

“Estábamos platicando que viene esto para los colegios comunitarios y nosotros nada. Pues pa’ qué estamos esperando,” dijo

Torres.

Los eventos también se realizarán en colaboración con otros grupos en el campus, incluido el Latinx Resource Center, Educación Sin Barreras, el PRIDE Center y los Servicios para familias judías de San Diego.

La semana comenzó con

un “Saliendo de las sombras” que fue organizado por Educación Sin Barreras de SDSU y el centro PRIDE. El evento se enfocó en las inteseccionalidades de ser indocumentado y parte de la comunidad LGBTQ+.

Estudiante de último año Antonio Márquez y reportero del Daily Aztec habló durante el evento para compartir su experiencia de ser indocumentado y miembro de la comunidad “undocuqueer”.

Márquez compartió los obstáculos para ser duro, pero espera que su historia ayude a apoyar a otros estudiantes como él.

“Ahora mi meta es compartir mi experiencia para darle apoyo si quiera un estudiante que busque saber que al fin del día todo estará bien”, dijo Marquez.

Cynthia Torres dijo que es importante saber que

identidad y estatus son cosas que pueden ser interseccionales para estudiantes indocumentados.

“Es muy importante que la gente sepa que no es nomas es una versión o una identidad que tenemos como personas que son indocumentados,” Torres dijo.

Marquez tambien dijo que el evento UndocuWeek puede mejorar la comunidad indocumentado de SDSU. “La importancia de tener un evento así es para traer enfoque en cosas que como comunidad y familia no se hablan y seguimos en la oscuridad”, dijo Marquez.

Otros eventos incluirán “UndocuGrads” donde los estudiantes graduados indocumentados compartirán sus éxitos y un evensee

ONLINE

Columna: Mi celebracion de dia de lós Muertos by

Antonio Marquez

ESCRITOR

El olor a cempasúchil, las lápidas con los nombres de seres queridos y pan de muerto son las cosas que recuerdo del día de los muertos en México.

Cuando era pequeño, recuerdo cada día de muertos ir al panteón y ver cómo las personas recordaban a sus seres queridos y al ver que no estaban tristes me sorprendía porque yo pensaba que los panteones solo eran para sepultar y llorar por los que se fueron.

Hoy en día entiendo que el día de muertos no es nada por que llorar sino celebrar nuestras tradiciones y festejar a nuestros seres queridos.

Recientemente el Centro de Recurso para Estudiantes indocumentados se unió con Chicanista Boutique para traer una activ-

idad de día de los muertos para los estudiantes y así recordar de dónde somos y porque no tenemos que olvidarnos de donde somos.

Mi calaverita representa en parte a mi Madre y todo lo que me enseñó en la vida y aunque ella sigue con vida celebro ahora lo que ella es para mi ya que algun dia no la tendré conmigo. La otra parte que mi calaverita incluye son los caminos que la vida nos pone en frente y que a veces son diferentes a lo que pensamos pero aun los tomamos a ver a donde llegamos.

Durante la actividad compartí de cuando era niño y le temía mucho a la muerte y hasta que no vi la película de “El libro de la vida’’ y “Coco” fue cuando aprendí a aceptar lo inevitable, pero ya había crecido con el miedo pero poco a poco se ha transformado.

Fui aprendiendo que

cuando muere alguien no se van hasta que alguien los olvida y nuestra cultura no se debe de olvidar y seguir de generación en generación.

Junto a los otros estudiantes empezamos a recordar las cosas que hacemos aun para recordar nuestros seres querido y hable de un altar que había hecho para una clase anteriormente y las cosas que compre para cada persona en el. Me llevó mucho tiempo encontrar cosas pequeñas como comida y refrescos en miniatura, pero valió la pena cuando recibí un buen grado en el proyecto pero eso fue lo de menos. Lo que aprecio aun este dia que me hizo recordar a mi abuelita, mi tío y mi perro y encontrar cosas que les gustaba a ellos para poner en el altar.

Aunque ellos me hacen falta, mi altar siempre me recordará del tiempo que

Foto por Antonio Marquez El Día de Los Muertos se celebrará del 1 de noviembre al 2 de noviembre. El día del recuerdo celebra la vida de los seres queridos que han fallecido.

pase con cada uno de ellos.

Por lo regular cuando atendí el colegio comunitario de San Diego íbamos a Barrio Logan donde ponían altares y ahora se pueden ver en diferentes lugares en San Diego ya sea en Old Town or Chicano Park y cada uno trae algo diferente para ver pero to-

dos con la misma intención celebrar.

Al final de la actividad me encantó poder compartir mi calaverita con todos y poder enseñar mi creatividad y cultura en algo tan pequeño pero grande a la misma vez ya que representa mis antepasados.

Sports In accordance with NCAA, SDSU athletics to give Election Day off to encourage student-athletes to vote Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2020 Editor: Kyle Betz

by

The Daily Aztec

Breven Honda

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

In June, the NCAA announced the first Tuesday in November will be a day off so athletes can vote in the upcoming election.

As a result, San Diego State athletic fields, gymnasiums and practice facilities will be closed on Nov. 3.

Since the NCAA’s announcement to encourage voting, SDSU Athletics has been pushing all of its teams to go out and vote on Election Day. Aztec women’s volleyball Head Coach Brent Hilliard said he appreciates the

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know how excited he was to get out there,” Hoke said of Bell.“He had shown us some things during fall camp, if you want to call it, that he was going to be one of the guys that we wanted to get the ball to.”

His first collegiate touchdown was a 3-yard rushing score that put the Aztecs up by 21 with 7:51 left in the second half. The Bonita Vista High product’s longest run of the game (40 yards) occurred on the fourth quarter drive following the UNLV turnover on downs.

Bell said the offensive line and coaching contributed to his success.

“I was just going out there trying to run the hardest I can,” Greg Bell said. “My (offensive) line opened up a lot of holes for me and the coaches called very good plays. Everything worked out well.”

Although Greg Bell stole the show in terms of production, three other junior running backs did their part to help the offense.

Chance Bell totaled seven carries for 40 yards, scoring two touchdowns.

Kaegun Williams tallied

Photo by Kyle Betz The San Diego State football practice field next to the SDSU Sports Deck was empty on June 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although football is back, the practice field will be empty yet again on Nov. 3 as student-athletes are encouraged by the NCAA and SDSU to exercise their right to vote.

NCAA’s decision because it gives the athletes the opportunity to exercise their

civic duty and spread the word.

“I like it,” Hilliard said.

10 runs for 81 yards.

Jordan Byrd had three attempts for 40 yards.

287 total rushing yards.

“It felt good to have four, five running backs out there all contributing and doing good,” Greg Bell said. “It took the load off everybody.”

Williams and Byrd were also involved in the passing game, reeling in a catch for 19 yards and two for 13 yards, respectively.

2. Special teams holds importance Leading up to gameday, Hoke said special teams was a main concern entering the new season.

“I think that’s always in the first game, you see a lot of games lost by poor performance on special teams,” Hoke said in a press conference earlier this week.

Turns out that was the case, as the Aztecs experienced both breaks and misfortunes due to special teams play.

Byrd’s first punt return of the night went into UNLV territory, but it was nullified by a holding penalty, moving the football back to the SDSU 15-yard line.

“That ticks you off,” Hoke said. “We had field position, we really were in

good shape.”

After a second threeand-out, the Rebels were forced to punt again but got possession right back after Byrd muffed a punt at his own 23-yard line.

Fortunately for the Aztecs, the drive resulted in a missed field goal attempt

by UNLV kicker Nathan De Jager.

With 9:29 left in the second quarter, Trenton Thompson blocked a punt to give the Aztecs’ possession in the red zone. The drive was capped off by a three-yard touchdown run by Greg Bell.

Special teams even played a part with less than a minute before halftime.

UNLV punter Evan Silva gave the Aztecs possession at their own 49-yard line, and in 37 seconds the Aztecs were able to kick another field goal to extend their lead to 27-0.

SDSU sophomore kicker Matt Araiza was able to build off his 22-for-26 field goal record from last season, making both of his attempts Saturday.

In addition to kickoffs, PATs and field goal attempts, sophomore kicker Matt Araiza is assuming the punting duties.

“I think Matt did a nice job,” Hoke said. “I think he

5

“That’s one area that is non-controversial. There are so many areas that are sensitive right now and it’s hard to take a side as far as what your true beliefs are.

When it comes to voting, that’s the easiest one that the (NCAA) have given us. These girls have been asked to let their voice be heard.”

On Oct. 19, the volleyball team announced via Twitter every athlete is registered to vote.

Volleyball sophomore outside hitter Nya Blair said it is important for everyone to vote and said it is gratifying for the NCAA to encourage others to ex-

ercise their responsibility as a citizen.

“At the end of the day, it is our civil duty to vote,” Blair said. “Sometimes we get so busy and wrapped up in our schedules that we forget to do simple things such as register to vote. I think it is a great thing that they’re doing it and I feel that it was needed because now there is more influence civil wise.

It helps us pertain to our duty as a civilian.”

Football senior left tackle Kyle Spalding said it is valuable for all of his teammates to vote in the No-

struggled a little bit on a couple punts in there, but he hit the ball well.”

3. Defense looks strong yet again Everyone knew the Aztecs were nationally ranked second in points allowed per game (12.7) and second in rushing yards allowed per game (75.4) last season.

The Aztecs’ defense made a name for themselves yet again Saturday night, allowing only six points and 186 total yards.

Led by senior safety Dwayne Johnson Jr. in tackles (10), the Aztecs’ defense only forced one turnover — a fumble from UNLV quarterback Kenyon Oblad — with 1:12 left in the game.

The Aztecs, however, did more than just create a not-so-desirable stat in the box score.

The Aztecs also forced eight three-and-outs and five sacks contributing to the lack of UNLV offensive production.

A big part of UNLV’s quarterback struggles had to do with SDSU junior linebacker Caden McDonald, who finished second on the team in total tackles (9) and 2.5 sacks.

“He takes a lot of pride in playing the game of

football and being as good as he can,” Hoke said of McDonald. “I was glad to see him have that productivity. He brings some energy that we needed.”

McDonald and senior safety Tariq Thompson combined on one of the Aztecs’ biggest stops of the game. The duo swarm-tackled junior wide receiver Tyleek Collins on a 4th and 3 in the red zone with 10:44 left to play, forcing a turnover on downs and giving the Aztecs the ball back with a three-score lead.

Although the Aztecs were able to contain the Runnin’ Rebels, Johnson Jr. said the defense should have played a better second half to keep the shutout.

“It was good to come out in the first half and do what we did, but like coach Hoke said, in the second half we came out lackadaisical,” Johnson Jr. said. “We went into halftime, we spoke as a defense and we wanted to pitch a shutout against a very good football team and it’s kind of upsetting that we didn’t. But we’ve got a lot to grow from and learn from, so moving forward, we just want to correct those mistakes.”

see

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The Daily Aztec

Arts & Culture

Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2020 Editor: Devin Whatley

SDSU welcomes addition of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Resource Center by

Kiana Sujishi

STAFF WRITER

This fall, San Diego State welcomed the newest addition to its collection of on-campus cultural centers. The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Resource Center officially launched this August, with funding from last semester’s Instructionally-Related Fee increase.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the center currently operates virtually.

Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan, director of the APIDA Center, said even though this wasn’t the grand opening they imagined, they were still able to make it work.

“In some ways, there’s a bright side,” Loh-Hagan said. “It also gives us some time to be a little bit more thoughtful, so that when

Graphic by Emily Burgess

we are back together on campus and when we have our physical space, we’ll have plans.”

Loh-Hagan said she wants to create a safe environment where students feel a sense of connectedness around their shared identities.

“I see the APIDA Center as home,” Loh-Hagan said. “I want it to serve as a home base for the students and faculty and staff who identify as APIDA, and those who identify as allies too.”

Biology senior and (AAPI)phany Intern Belle Phommavong was involved with the development of the APIDA Center from the very beginning, and sees it as a way to unify all of the APIDA-identified organizations at SDSU. “Being in a bunch of different organizations, it already really helps to have a central point where everyone can gather and share ideas so we won’t be as broken up on campus,” Phommavong said.

Loh-Hagan said she is

SDSU Bookstore makes changes to accommodate for COVID-19 by

Ryan Hardison

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

You never truly appreciate things until they’re gone.

Before the anxiety and restriction of in-person activities at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SDSU Bookstore was one of the busiest places on campus.

It was common to walk from class-to-class or grab a bite at East Commons and see students filing in and out of the bookstore or lounging by the side looking for posters to purchase and hang up in their dorm room.

It was easy to stop by after class to get anything from a blue book and extra mechanical pencils to alumni apparel or a new pair of Airpods. Like many facets of campus life, COVID-19 has taken this experience away – but not completely.

The SDSU Bookstore is still open for in-person business, though there are many changes and limited hours of operations.

In correspondence with local, state, and national health and safety guidelines, the SDSU Bookstore has set in place various policies to ensure everyone has a reasonable and comfortable shopping experience.

Upon entering the store, temperature checks are required of all employees and customers, with all people exhibiting elevated

temperatures being turned back. In addition, face coverings must be worn at all times.

They have since added additional guidelines to help maintain physical distancing including placing markers on the ground, directional signage, and maximum customer capacity.

With the ongoing presence of COVID-19, the bookstore encourages students to shop online, especially if they are not close to campus or would rather see

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still working on developing resources that will be offered in the near future.

These include career services, academic support, mental health initiatives, peer mentorship programs and a residential learning community.

The APIDA Center is currently focusing on providing weekly workshops and guest speakers in celebration of Filipinx American History Month, which are especially relevant when considering the recent increase in racism

against Asians as a result of the pandemic.

Last spring, Filipino cultural organization AB Samahan experienced a racist “zoombombing” incident during one of their election meetings.

“It was scary and very hurtful,” microbiology junior and AB Samahan Administrative Officer Daniella Luistro said. “It made me realize that I’m not always going to be sheltered under the model minority myth. It basically taught me that racism can happen to anyone.”

Loh-Hagan said incidents like these emphasize the importance for SDSU to have a center that provides a sense of belonging for the APIDA community.

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Review: Do-it-yourself Starbucks drinks with a vegan twist by

Aaliyah Alexander

STAFF WRITER

It’s that time of year where the leaves start changing, the air starts cooling and the distinct feeling of fall is around us. With the arrival of this wonderful season comes the need for coffee to compliment the change in the weather.

Recently, VegNews came out with a guide for ordering Fall vegan-friendly drinks at Starbucks. They included crowd favorites such as the Salted Caramel Mocha, Caramel Apple Spice, Toffee Nut Latte and more. It’s the perfect guide for someone who’s making a trip to Starbucks, but what about those of us who are stuck indoors?

What about those who have a busy morning with no time to wait in the long lines?

Well, look no further because here’s five easy do-it-yourself Fall inspired Starbucks drinks made vegan. All the ingredients can be found at your local Walmart or Target or ordered on Amazon.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Unfortunately, the Pumpkin Cream cold brew foam at Starbucks contains milk, which is from cows, however, there’s a simple way to replicate this treasure at home.

To start, grab some coldbrewed coffee that can either be prepared overnight or purchased pre-made at a local grocery store, vanilla syrup, almond-based pumpkin spice creamer and pumpkin pie spice for your topping.

Pour the cold brew in see

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