The Mesa Press, Issue #5, Fall 2022

THE MESA

Aunt Flow to the rescue! Free menstual products now available in campus bathrooms

By Anna Pham STAFF WRITER

Great news has come our way for everyone who experiences menstrual cycles. According to the Districts News Center website, the San Diego Community College District has announced that every gender-neutral and ladies restrooms will now be installing dispensaries loaded with free feminine hygiene products and expect these installations to be completed by the end of the fall semester.

Gov. Newsom signed the Menstrual Equity for All Act, which now requires all public schools ranging from grades 6 to 12, community colleges and the California State University System to provide free menstrual products. This legislation eliminates taxes on the sale of menstrual products. It also requires schools to provide these products in at least 50% of the bathrooms used by schools which the SDCCD will surpass.

A few of the students think it is a very nice idea that the school is now providing these dispensaries in addition to them being free. Second year student, Lizbeth Rocha said “I think it will be incredibly helpful, because a lot of us you know, can’t afford to bring any or buy some from our home and we shouldn’t have to worry about feminine hygiene products.” Rocha’s friend, another second year, Paola Sanchez, who was sitting across from her said the Math and Science building with dispensaries in the women’s bathrooms were not free but also did not work. She also said, “that’s great that they have that.”

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The Dean of Student Affairs, Victoria Kerba Miller said, “I’m so excited because it’s an additional expense that a student would need to pay for but we can provide it especially while the student is on campus. We do not want students to pay out of pocket for things that are basic needs and THAT is a basic need.” When Miller was asked if students have ever came to her about this issue, Miller said, “Yes, a few years back I believe students of the associated student leader shared some concerns that it wasn’t very accessible, it wasn’t easily available, and so I’m so thrilled to see that we know this is a need.”

Thanks to a new law, free menstrual products will now be available in select campus bathrooms. Photo Credit: AuntFlow.

SDCCD News Center also informed that approximately 200 dispensers will be installed with the help from the company Aunt Flow. They indicated about 20 dispensers have been installed at San Diego City College. Additional dispensers will be ordered soon.”

Should campus police use tasers?

See page 2.

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Not only is this news great for students but it can also help busy teachers go about their day in case they happen to have their menstrual cycle suddenly during work hours. Teachers also won’t need to worry about if restrooms are stocked with products that they, themselves, may bring in to help students sometimes. Hopefully with this news, students and staff can continue their education with ease as this new addition comes to Mesa.

Athletic trainer saves senior at track event. See page 6.

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Mesa’s student-run restaurant is a culinary delight. See page 4.

Tasers: Are they daft or dangerous

By Nicole Hayek EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The San Diego Community College

District Office of the Chancellor sent out an email on July 25th, 2022, informing the staff of San Diego Mesa College that the SDCCD police department will soon be equipping officers with tasers. Reassurance was provided that these tasers are being issued for de-escalation purposes, and that there will be instructors to train the officers. We should question the necessity of these “non lethal” weapons on campus, and the costs and risks must be compared to any benefit.

Although tasers are categorized as non-lethal weapons, they have the potential to cause serious and permanent injuries. There are multiple reports between 2019 and 2022 of excessive and unnecessary police force throughout the United States. For example, in 2019, there was an incident involving a man who was repeatedly shocked by police tasers in Sacramento. As a result, he suffered severe brain damage and was in a coma for several days. Following the lawsuit, the City was required to pay $5.2 million.

Mesa College is not known to have a history involving violent crimes, so the SDCCD’s sudden decision to allow the presence of tasers on campus is questionable, at the least. At Mesa, for example, two students who break into a physical fight should not have to fear that their situation might be mistaken for a more violent one, and face possible disability as a result.

This decision may cause fear within the community. Without giving an explanation for this decision, many students will be concerned about their safety on campus, as it suggests a risk of violent and criminal activity happening often. The use of tasers may make the students of Mesa College fearful, including incoming students. The presence of tasers sends a message to new students that our campus has security issues. Many students who are away from family to attend classes might not feel that they are on a safe campus if our police feel the need to carry tasers around.

It is also likely our College will

spend a large amount of funds in buying equipment, and in training and supervising the officers. These costs could potentially increase college attendance fees.

Officers are meant to keep the peace, but sometimes they do exactly the opposite. The recent news that tasers will be issued to campus officers, in a way, poses a threat to students. An officer might use a taser in a circumstance where no force is needed at all. If life threatening incidents are not an occurrence on school grounds, then officers walking around with tasers on their hips can come off to many as intimidating and increases the risk of harm (from the officers themselves) on campus.

On the other hand, there are circumstances that may require the use of tasers or even stronger weapons. However, in the case of an active shooter on campus, tasers will be entirely unhelpful. A better approach would be to focus on securing the student body by making safe rooms, drills, and training for them.

Because this issue is so recent and sensitive to the majority of our student body, one might wonder if the students have been asked to weigh in on the taser policy.

The purpose of tasers is to assist officers with de-escalation … but the question remains: What are they de-escalating?

The Mesa Press

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR

Kalin May

OPINIONS EDITOR

Nicole Hayek Xamara Aleman

FEATURES EDITOR

Hana Marrone

SPORTS EDITOR

Aaron Luna

EDITOR

Alysse Dodge

Janna Braun

PROFESSOR

MEMBERS

Felix Guardado, Anna Pham, Ashley Romero, Jacob Villanueva

Campus police officers will soon be carrying tasers on school grounds. Photo Credit:Nicole Hayek/The Mesa Press.

The importance of mental health

By Ashley Romero STAFF WRITER

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and sociological well-being. Prioritizing mental health is critical because it affects how one feels, thinks, and lives day-to-day life. It can have an effect on anyone of any age.

According to a study done by the University of Oxford, 792 million people live with a mental disorder. This roughly translates to more than one in ten people globally. Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health show 73% of college students experience some sort of mental health crisis in college.

Relationships play a key role in defining levels of confidence and social standing. Interactions and relationships with other people can be affected by mental illness. Studies have shown that those with fulfilling relationships with family, friends, and their community live longer, healthier lives.

A healthy body helps promote a healthy mind. There’s a strong correlation between mental and physical health. Physical health problems can affect mood, energy, and concentration levels increasing the risk for mental health problems. Mental illness can also have an effect on immune systems resulting in the body’s ability to cope with illness.. The mind-body connection makes mental health awareness extremely crucial.

Staying consistent in taking care of one’s emotional well-being can lead to more productivity in daily life. The World Health Organization reports almost 200 million workdays are lost each year to depression alone. Seeking the appropriate treatment is just as important as identifying the problem. Self-care, physical activity, or if neces-

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Ekram Hanna, right, shares ideas and methods with Jackie Kalan, while conducting a mental health training in Chicago. Photo Credit: Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune/TNS.

sary, medication can all have significant impacts that could improve or worsen symptoms. This makes it critical to find the right personal treatment as everyone’s biological makeup is different.

Colleges and universities across the country have begun to recognize the importance of offering these services to students. For example, San Diego Mesa College students who have Kaiser medical insurance are eligible for free subscriptions to the Calm App and the MyStrength App. Both apps help support and improve mental health. Students can also receive services from a licensed therapist for free through

San Diego, CA

Mesa. The more the stigma is broken the more individuals will receive help.

The stigma surrounding mental illness has caused more people to not seek treatment than seek it. The public stigma associated with mental health includes discriminatory attitudes and negative assumptions. Available resources have been limited as it isn’t seen as important as other health problems. Having better access to resources and tips as well as creating open conversations can help eliminate the shame of living with mental illness and help get on the path to a healthy mind and body.

This publication is produced as a learning experience for aspiring journalists. All materials, including the opinions expressed herein, are the sole responsibility of the authors and should not be interpreted to be those of the San Diego Community College District. To submit a letter to the editor, please include your name (unsigned letters or letters signed with aliases will not be printed), age, major/profession, college attending (if not Mesa) and email address.

Let the Students Cook: Review of 72Fi y Restaurant

By Aaron Luna SPORTS EDITOR

Iwas walking through campus when I came across a building. The Mesa Commons, home to two eateries that are available to students, is located in the center of the campus. The restaurants are the main cafe and, the subject of this review, 72Fifty.

72Fifty, located in MC-209, is a restaurant that doubles as the culinary department’s labsite meaning that all the food is cooked and prepared by students trying to . The restaurant also has a fullsize bakery and regularly makes fresh baked goods for all three meals served at the restaurant.

When I came in for lunch, I was greeted by a nice ambiance of music and a small couch for waiting. The maitre d was attentive and punctual, and assisted me in ordering the food. The meal system is not fully table service.. The dining area has both indoor and outdoor seating. I chose to sit in the outdoor area, and was given a beautiful view of the Mesa College campus. The tables were clean and well spaced apart, and the restaurant uses ceramic plates and silverware, while also providing glasses of water. A staff member also came out with bread soon after I sat down. The dinner roll was nice, a little sweet, and very warm. It was flaky and airy, yet dense and creamy.

For lunch I ordered the French onion soup and the grilled chicken sandwich with onion rings. The soup came out hot, but not scalding. It was full of gruyere cheese, jammy caramelized onions, and two small pieces of french bread. The soup was also rich and very flavorful. While most restaurants make the mistake of oversalting their soup, this was instead too greasy. It was bothersome at first, I gave it the benefit of the doubt and proceeded to consume the whole bowl.

My next item, the chicken sandwich, was what I was most excited for. When I ordered it, I was expecting something along the lines of the chick-fil a grilled-chicken sandwich- cooked on a flat top with fake grill marks on the meat.

I was wrong. The sandwich consisted of a chicken breast, seasoned and cooked in a pan, on a house roll, with a slice of pepper jack cheese. The sandwich was also covered in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. The cheese was not forward with the flavor, so if you really like the cheese

on your chicken sandwiches to be there, try to order it with extra cheese. For me though, I don’t usually take mine with cheese, so it wasn’t an issue. The issue was the bun. Using the dinner as the sandwich bread was innovative, but the bread was a little too sweet for my taste. The bread kept reminding me slightly of a Kings Hawaiian roll, and seemed a little off. The onion rings were good though. Fried shoestring-style, they were flakey and crunchy, and not super greasy. Their taste was a much less salty version of the bloomin’ onion from Outback Steakhouse.

For dessert, I initially decided on flan, seeing as I hadn’t had it in a while. However, the Maître d came before the end of my meal to inform me that the flan was unavailable, so I went with the chocolate éclair instead. I was in a rush, so I took it to go. When I bit into the first small éclair, it was amazing. The rich chocolate and the airy pastry went so well together, coupled with the creamy

custard filling. The other one, however, came clean in half as I was eating it. It fell apart, and the custard filling almost fell out, but I sandwiched the halves together. It still tastes as good as the other one, though this one was not filled to the brim, making it seem more hollow than the other one.

Overall, my experience at 72Fifty was great. The food was good, for the most part, and the service was impeccable. I’d highly recommend visiting if you come onto campus. That said, it will cost you. My total meal was about $13, with the entre costing $9 and the soup and the eclairs costing $2 each. Compared to other restaurants though, you get your value and it helps the students to gain experience working in a real life culinary environment. 72Fifty is open Monday to Thursday from 8:15-10 a.m. for breakfast, 10:45 a.m, -1 p.m. for lunch and from 4:15-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday nights

The grilled chicken sandwich is similar to one you would find at Chick-fil-a. Photo Credit: Aaron Luna/The Mesa Press.

‘One of Us is Next’ is a Chilling Murder Mystery Novel

By Anna Pham STAFF WRITER

If you are into true crime and love a good murder mystery this story might just be for you. Karen M. McManus released her first fiction novel called “One of Us is Lying,” her book ended up being New York Times #1 bestseller. She then came back with a sequel called, “One of Us is Next,” that was released in the year of 2020 just a few years after her first book release in 2017

McManus’ first book, “One of Us is Lying” storyline follows four students, Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, and Cooper, and their individual perspectives as suspects for the murder of their classmate Simon Kelleher. While each chapter showcases each individual character and their background information, you also learn what secrets they might be hiding throughout the story and how they deal with it being publicized from Simon Kelleher’s gossip app called “About That.” McManus’ next book, “One of Us is Next,” takes place in the same high school called Bayview High. This time the perspective is taken place by three students named Phoebe, Knox. and Maeve, who is also Bronwyn’s younger sister.

The drama throughout Bayview High continues with many students creating copycat gossip apps based off of Simon Kellehers’ “About That” app. However this time, the source of students’ secrets that many fear being released are through a game of Truth or Dare that are sent through text messages from a mysterious phone number. One student throughout Bayview High is tasked to pick either a dangerous dare or face the consequences of revealing a truth about their deepest darkest secrets to the whole school.

It is later found out that a questionable dare made by a student at Bayview High led them to their death

and many questions to come up. This starts the investigation between the main characters of this book to work together and find out the mastermind of these mysterious text messages and put an end to this threatening game.

This book has many jaw dropping plot twists and turns, specifically, the ending where they explain how everything unfolds and why certain things took place up to a certain point. It is highly recommended for readers who are interested in mysteries and drama. This book will keep your brain thinking and constantly questioning whether or not a new character is the secret mastermind behind it all. Not only does this book take you on an adventure throughout

their high school experience but it gives you a close up on each character’s individual lives and backstories of the hardships they faced growing up. This really created a personal feeling to each of the students and makes you realize that they are just teenagers trying to graduate high school, but are forced to deal with unwanted drama from their families and peers. Some readers may find this book relatable as well, as it discusses family loss and chronic illness throughout the story. There is also a TV series of “One of Us is Lying” that you can find on the streaming service Peacock to watch if you are interested.

“One of Us is Next,” by Karen M. McManus. Photo Credit: Delacorte Press.

Mesa trainer saves life of senior athlete

By Alysse Dodge SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

OnSunday, Sept. 18, San Diego Mesa

College athletic trainer, Yuki Matsuzawa, helped save the life of a 66-yearold athlete, who suddenly collapsed during the annual Senior Games Track Meet held at Merrill Douglas Stadium.

Matsuzawa was not originally scheduled to work on this day. The Mesa athletic trainers typically have Sundays off, but he volunteered to work at this on-campus event.

In an interview with The Mesa Press, Matsuzawa shared that he arrived at the track meet at 7 a.m and began to set up for the event. A few hours later, a track and field student-athlete ran over to his medical tent and informed him that someone had collapsed. He immediately ran over to the man and found him lying facedown. Matsuzawa did not see what had happened, so he asked spectators to explain what they saw. The spectators told him that the man was walking and unexpectedly collapsed. According to Matsuzawa, the man was breathing when he first arrived, but he was clearly extremely confused.

The very first thing that Matsuzawa did was change the man’s position from facedown to faceup, in order to keep the man’s neck stable. Matsuzawa explained that this is critical for CPR or AED. At that point in time, he did not know if CPR or AED would be needed, but he made sure to stabilize the athlete’s neck in case it was. Once the man’s neck was stabilized, Matsuzawa asked the man basic questions. The man was not responding, so he immediately made sure that 911 had been called. He was informed that Sidney Garcia and Azucena Hernandez, Mesa student-athletes, had already called. Matsuzawa proceeded to pinch the man’s chest. People usually have a natural reflex to pain, but the man did not react to the pinch. Matsuzawa then quickly checked the man’s pupils and pulse and he realized that the man had stopped breathing. With the help of another senior athlete, Matsuzawa proceeded to apply the AED and perform CPR. The senior athlete performed CPR while Matsuzawa attached the AED pads to the patient. Once the AED began analyzing the heartbeat, he ordered everyone to step away from the athlete. The AED advised for a shock, so Matsuzawa applied one

shock. The man still wasn’t breathing 30 seconds after the shock, so Matsuzawa performed CPR for approximately another minute until the man began breathing again. At this time, the EMS crew arrived and took over. Matsuzawa passed on any information he knew.

Matsuzawa was originally told that the patient was going to be transferred to Scripps hospital. Later in the day, he called Scripps hospital to check on the patient. Matsuzawa shared that the patient left Merrill Douglas Stadium conscious, but sometimes things unfortunately go wrong. He wanted to make sure that the man was still doing well. Scripps hospital informed him that the patient was not at their hospital and they did not know what hospital he was at. Matsuzawa then tried to contact the patient and his wife. He did not get ahold of the patient until approximately 7 p.m. The patient had lost his memory of the day and did not remember Matsuzawa. They proceeded to talk via phone call. During the call, Matsuzawa explained what had happened and the patient reassured Matsuzawa that he was stabilized and recovering at Sharp Hospital.

The fire rescue crew confirmed that the AED would not have been enough and CPR was required to save his life, according to Matsuzawa. His actions saved the man’s life. It is also confirmed that the man had a heart attack and he has a medical history of a heart attack in 2014, Matsuzawa said.

Matsuzawa states, “I was not pan-

icked because I am educated and confident.” He further explains that he strongly believes that Mesa college prepared him for this incident. Every four months, he helps teach a CPR and AED orientation to Mesa students and he said that this orientation keeps his brain fresh. Additionally, Matsuzawa reviewed CPR and emergency history before attending the track meet. He shares that he reviewed the information because medical emergencies are more common when athletes are of older age. However, Matsuzawa claims that it was slightly challenging not knowing anything about the patient. He did not even know basic information, such as the patient’s name or any medical history.

Matsuzawa states, “I am very proud of the student-athletes because they are not trained or educated on this.” He further explained that Coach Sean Ricketts and the student-athletes did an excellent job at following Mesa’s Emergency Action Plan and guiding the paramedics through the gates and onto the track. Matsuzawa shared that each stadium and event has an Emergency Action Plan. The Emergency Action Plan helps make emergencies run as smoothly and quickly as possible.

On Sept. 26, 2022, Matsuzawa met with Garcia and Hernandez because he knows that a situation like this can be very shocking and he was worried about their mental health. He claims that they are both doing well.

Yuki Matsuzawa receives the Heart Hero Award. Photo Credit: Yuki Matsuzawa.

Women’s soccer loses to Southwestern, 3-0

By Aaron Luna SPORTS EDITOR

In an unfortunate loss, Southwestern College beat the Mesa College women’s soccer team 3-0 on Oct.7.

Mesa allowed three goals to be scored before the end of the first half, then maintained a strong defense for the rest of the match. The team also had to overcome setbacks of their own, however, as three players had to be tended to by medical staff, including the starting goalie, Isabella Hughes. Southwestern is currently ranked No. 16 in the California Community College rankings for women’s soccer.

In the face of the loss to Southwestern, Mesa’s captains, Marlene Lopez, Ashley Meglar, and Vanessa Stone, are still able to look positively on the outcome of the game. “I think the only positive outcome in my perspective is

we learned a lesson. We can’t come in all competent thinking we’re gonna win and we’re just gonna get ready for the next one,” Meglar said. The three cap-

“When we play our game and we connect on the field, magic happens. And that is really important to us to realize that we’re a better team.” The team is currently third in the conference standings, with a 4-2 record.

Although the team lost the match, Lopez, Meglar, and Stone are hopeful for the next upcoming games. “It’s just another lesson we’re gonna move forward and go even harder to the next future games that we have upcoming,” said Lopez.

tains have been present for all seven conference games, with Lopez and Meglar having started for all seven as well.

Head coach Melissa Warner agreed that this is a learning moment, saying

Coach Warner agreed by saying “if we just stay true to ourselves, then we’ll continue to get results were there as a conference.”

The Olympians are on the road from Oct. 11 to Oct. 21, then head back home to host Chaffey College on Oct. 25.

Mesa’s Marlene Lopez (10) guides the ball, while Julia Hermosillo (15) looks on across the field during the Olympians’ 3-0 to Southwestern on Oct. 7. Photo Credit: Aaron Luna/The Mesa Press.

“It’s just another lesson we’re gonna move forward and go even harder to the next future games that we have upcoming,” - captain Marlene Lopez.

New president shares vision for Mesa

By Hana Maronne FEATURES EDITOR

Joy and excitement fill the heart of the new Mesa College President, Dr. Ashanti Hands, now that students are back on campus. From Summer Cruise to the Olympian Olympics event, Hands says there are so many things to look forward to this year.

When students are on campus, there is the unique opportunity to get to know people face to face on a level that online learning does not provide which is why Hands says, “I love doing this work and being able to interact with people. I think there’s just an energy that we’re able to bring into a space when we’re all together.”

Through the “Listening and Learning Tour,” the Mesa College president is able to get an idea of the different opportunities and struggles of each department, which serves as a great reminder of why she does the work that she does.

Mesa College definitely chose Dr. Ashanti Hands because it is a place for everyone. Back when she worked for UC San Diego, she remembers attending a breakfast for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Then-SDCCD Chancellor Dr. Constance M. Carroll spoke about who the colleges served. It was that moment Hands knew Mesa College was the place to be.

“I just remember her standing up and saying I’m from the San Diego Community College District and we serve all students,” Hands said.

Growing up in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles, also influenced Hands’ drive to make sure that all students feel welcomed and educated. She researched the problems that Black and Latinx students faced due to uncontrollable factors. According to Hands, these factors had built a wall between them and education, which is something that students should never have to face. The things that she struggled with as a student growing up in Inglewood are things that she strives to find a way around so that students do not have to face those same struggles. She

wants to create an environment at Mesa where hard work is the only thing people need to succeed.

As a child, Hands’ mother saw her as someone who cared a lot about others. While attending high school, her love for others drew her toward the idea of running an after-school daycare. This idea turned into the realization that she wanted to do more. In all phases of her career, she has been doing the things she dreamed of doing for the children at the after-school program. She provides a space for everyone to participate and find who they are in the world. Hands has a unique innate hope and belief in the people she encounters –that people can do more when they have the proper tools to support them.

Inspiration is drawn from everyone she meets but the one who inspires her the most is her mom. The importance of family, community, and forgiveness comes from the lessons she learned from her mom. She believes her mom, “was my

first lesson in all things glorious.” With the words “Good Trouble” written on her office walls, it serves as a reminder of the trouble she caused as a teenager when she felt there were injustices that needed to be handled at her high school. Her high school principal listened to her concerns that she had about the education of the students while secretly he had been doing the most to seek change for the school. The inspiration to make every student feel special and supported was cultivated from the experience she had with her principal. She had no idea of the support that he had given to hundreds of people, which is exactly what she hopes to carry out through her presidency at Mesa College.

When asked to give one piece of advice to the student body, Hands doesn’t stop at one because there are many things she wishes to say, some of which include to persevere, to have faith, and to know that the things you do carry meaning. “I would tell them that they are worthy and that they can do this,” she said.

New Mesa College President Dr. Ashanti Hands (right) helps out at a recent Farmers Market on campus. Photo Credit: Mesa Office of Communications.