“I think it’s still important for me to be safe, but I think it’s cool to let people have freedom.”
-Travis Tilley
“I felt that we were gonna have mask for even longer than required, so it will be nice for things to go back to normal.”
-Stephanie Villa
“I think it’s exciting because it’s a sign that things are getting back to normal and I do hope that people are responsible with it and not come to school when they do have COVID-19 or symptoms.”
-Kiara Courtney
“I’m excited because I wear glasses and can’t wear them because of the fog from the mask.”
-Jacob Frost
“Part of me is conflicted on it and part of me thinks it’s good not having to wear the mask anymore, but at the same time, I’m kind of worried about the health risk with lifting the mask mandate.”
-Andrew Valdez
Two things come to mind when thinking of the word zoo— San Diego and “Tiger King.”
Most modern zoos are ethically run but some aren’t, and the life expectancy of species can be heavily affected by captivity.
While zoos attempt to persuade the public that their conservation efforts are good, many animal rights activists as well as the general public, disagree and boycott these conservations and exotic animal parks.
Modern zoos gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries but can be traced back to ancient times. Scientists wanted to gain a better understanding of animal behavior and anatomy. In order to do so, they had to recreate the animals’ natural habitats to keep them in one place.
Many exotic animal parks are operated by untrained owners who are not properly equipped to take care of these creatures. The World Wildlife Foundation said this can lead to exploitation and poor welfare of the animals as well as public health and safety risks.
Some would argue that zoos offer the public an opportunity to get up close with species they normally wouldn’t. Some parks offer experiences feeding the animals. This can allow zoo goers to gain empathy for these species and feel as if they can create a bond by being this close to them.
While some are native to the U.S. most animals in these parks are far from their natural habitat. In the wild, those of the same species may roam more land than those in enclosures. When polar bears come to mind one doesn’t necessarily picture Southern California
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as an ideal habitat.
Some species, however, have a longer lifespan in captivity. In one study, researchers led by the University of Lyon and the University of Zurich, analyzed 50 mammals and discovered 80% had higher longevity- species included zebras, lions, and African buffalos. Animal behavior researcher Kristen Jule said animals raised in captivity typically do not survive once released back into the wild. This is due to disadvantages such as lack of hunting skills.
While zoos are looked at as conservation efforts, some argue it does more harm than good. Photo credit: Nikolay Tchaouchev unsplash.com
The African Wildlife Foundation said elephants, however, have a longer lifespan in the wild. This highly intelligent species ranges far and wide and captivity can tend to have psychological effects. Evidence includes repetitive behaviors and aggressiveness. Other species in zoos are also seen pacing back and forth, bobbing up and down, as well as other repetitive motions—behaviors not seen in the wild.
Many zoos have increased marketing efforts in order to be recognized as conservation institutes instead of public entertainment and revenue. Public boycotts and animal rights’ activists backlash have encouraged zoos to prove they do more good than harm.
San Diego is home to its very own world famous zoo. It is the most visited in the world averaging 4 million visitors per year. Some patrons have cited it as one of, if not the best in the world. Previously known as San Diego Zoo Global, they now recognize themselves as
7250 Mesa College Drive • San Diego, CA 92111
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Email: mesa.press@gmail.com
the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The SDZWA houses more than 12,000 endangered animals and cares for over 700,000 individual plants.
The SDZWA’s mission statement claims they are, “committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.” Their website also says the name change is an evolution into an alliance that will amplify their impact through several different efforts in order to make them the most effective wildlife conservation organization in the world. It also should be noted that the SDZWA has helped reintroduce 44 endangered species born at the zoo back into the wild.
There are a number of zoos and wildlife organizations whose efforts have prevented extinction and protected endangered species. But even if it is possible for animals to be relatively well cared for and not abused, one can’t assume they are always happy in captivity.
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.
The movie “She Said” is a dramatic biography based on the real story that journalists, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, wrote about. “She Said” was originally a book that the two reporters wrote, after uncovering the truth about Harvey Weinstein, in 2017. In the public eye, Weinstein was a very well-known producer that was liked and respected by the people around him. He seemed to have the power to make a star out of whoever played in the movies he was producing. Working for him was seen as the best place to be because he was so successful.
“She Said” encompassed the perseverance of the reporters during their research. Kantor and Twohey were shown to be headstrong during their endeavor to write the truth about sexual harassment in the workplace.
After the information about Donald Trump surfacing, they wanted to expose other powerful and influential people who were abusing their power, that person ended up being Harvey Weinstein.
One of the first people that the reporters got in contact with was Ashley Judd who is a famous actress. Initially
Judd expressed that she did not want to talk to the New York Times because she had spoken up before and gotten nowhere.
Some of the women who were victims of Weinstein expressed their fear as the reason why they didn’t want to go on the record. This fear came from several places. Some were afraid to be turned into a mere scandal or that no one would believe them. One woman struggled to get a job after leaving Weinstein’s company because he had such a good reputation. People wondered why they would want to work for anyone else after having a job for Weinstein.
A few understood the reality. As Zelda Perkins said, “This is bigger than Weinstein. This is about the system protecting abusers.”
For the majority of the movie, Kantor was looking into the complaints about Weinstein dating back to the 90s. There had been many settlements made in order to keep these women quiet. When Kantor met with Irwin Reiter, an accountant for Weinstein’s company, he revealed that she shouldn’t just be looking into Weinstein’s old offenses. Wein-
stein had sexually harassed many more women in recent years.
Through their research, the reporters opened the floodgates to many women opening up about their experience working for and around Weinstein. At first, there were approximately twenty women speaking about him. Once the story was published, people felt more and more comfortable.
Kantor and Twohey reported on a story that built trust with women who otherwise would’ve stayed silent.
For this story in particular, there was more behind the success of the reporters than just their hard work. They had two editors, Dean Baquet and Rebecca Corbett, encouraging them and standing with them when Weinstein was being his difficult self. They were editors who were not intimidated by Weinstein nor his legal team. For example when Weinstein’s legal team asked for several weeks to write a response but Baquet gave no more than 48 hours.
“She Said” captured the influence that reporters have to create change when they sway people to reconsider what they believe to be the truth.
The season of giving has approached. Here’s how to spread holiday cheer and make spirits bright by giving back to the community:
Toys for Tots: Donation boxes have been posted by San Diego County and U.S. Marine Corps at five different airports across San Diego: Gillespie Field in El Cajon, Borrego Valley Airport in Borrego Springs McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, Ramona Airport in Ramona, and Fallbrook Airpark in Fallbrook. Those who wish to donate have until 1 p.m. Dec. 10 to drop off an unwrapped, new toy to specified locations. There are also drop-off locations at each police station on SDCCD campuses available until Dec. 15. Donations will go to children in San Diego communities.
Toys for Joy: The 26th annual Toys for Joy event hosted by The Rock Church takes place onsite Dec.10. There are three ways to participate which include volunteering at the event, buying a toy online from a wish-list, or donating money. More than 6,000 preselected families will receive gifts and donations from the community. These families have been selected by schools and agencies and will receive toys, clothes, groceries, haircuts and more.
Donate a sleeping bag: San Diego Veterans for Peace is distributing sleeping bags and seeking financial donations to help the homeless downtown. For more information visit www.sdvp.org/donate
Presents for Paws: Help San Diego County Credit Union raise $10,000 and donate to San Diego Humane, Animal Friends of the Valleys in Riverside County or Home Free Animal Rescue
and Sanctuary in Orange County. Donations will go to animals in need.
San Diego Food Bank Holiday Drive: The San Diego Food Bank and their North County Food Bank chapter has several campaigns to donate to families in need this holiday season. Holiday meals can be donated to families by selecting $1, $3, or $5 at checkout at local Vons or Albertsons stores. Online donations are also available including: financial donations, toy donations, or virtual food donations. Visit https:// sandiegofoodbank.org/holiday/ for more information.
NICU Toy Drive: A 2022 Holiday
Toy Drive is being held by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego and North Island Credit Union. To donate drop off new, unwrapped toys to any NICU branch by Dec. 17. All donations will be distributed at holiday celebrations put on by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego.
Father Joe’s Villages: Father Joe’s Villages help provide support to those battling homelessness in San Diego. To donate funds, goods, or time visit https:// my.neighbor.org/. Donations go towards providing meals, housing, education, and healthcare.
As the fall semester comes to close, here is a recap of everything that has happened in Mesa fall sports.
The Mesa women’s volleyball team had an impeccable season this year. After winning the season
ley, City College, and Miramar. Their last three games of the season ended in a win, tie, and loss to Palomar, Southwestern, and Grossmont. The squad then qualified for the CCCAA playoffs, hosting in the first round. Their game against San Bernardino Valley ended in a four to one victory, before losing to Chaffey for a second time this year.
After starting off the season with a six to two win against Victor Valley College, the Mesa men’s soccer went on a four game losing streak, before getting a 2-2 tie at Citrus College. Mesa then ended their season with two ties, one against Cuyamaca in their last home game of the season, and another against Southwestern in the season finale.
then won against Modesto Junior College, before then losing two straight against San Joaquin Delta and West Valley College respectively. The last loss came at the start of the West Valley Invitational, where they would bounce back and beat Foothill College. The Olympians ended September with wins against East Los Angeles and Rio Honda, before losing to both Riverside and Citrus College in mini tournaments.
Despite the rocky finish, Mesa qualified for the PCAC conference tournament. Their first game ended in a victory over Grossmont. After winning, Mesa’s hopes for a conference title were dashed when Palomar beat them in the conference championship.
opener against El Camino College, the team traveled to Ventura to play in the Pirate Classic Quad. Mesa swept Pasadena City, before being swept by Ventura. They then rallied off 10 straight wins, including three tournament sweeps, before losing to Grossmont on Sept. 30.
Despite the loss, the wins kept on coming for Mesa, who won four straight, before ending the season with a sweep at home against Imperial Valley, on Nov. 15. Mesa qualified for the postseason, even receiving a bye for the second round. The bye may have come at a cost, however, as Mesa would go on to be upset by Santa Barbara College.
The women’s soccer team did great this season. After a loss to Long Beach at the start of the season, Mesa was winning the rest of the season, including winning three straight against Imperial Val-
After starting the season one and five, Mesa men’s water polo got their first non-tournament win against Miramar. They then qualified for the PCAC conference championship tournament.
Their win against Miramar College put them in the championship game against Grossmont. Sadly, the team would lose that game, and after a loss to Palomar, was relegated to fourth place.
The women’s water polo team did great this season. After winning four straight games at the Cypress College mini tournament, Mesa was then invited to the L.A. Valley mini tournament at L.A. Valley College. They
After starting the season off with two wins against West LA and Ventura College, the Mesa College football team then headed to East LA College, where they left with
a win over the Huskies. They then hosted Long Beach, in their first loss of the season, before losing to Palomar College. After beating Southwestern, they won the Southern California Bowl against El Camino College, 21-20.
The cross country season for Mesa College came to an end at the CCCAA 2022 State Championships in Fresno on Nov. 19. Mesa came up short in the men’s four-mile team race and the women’s 3.1 mile race, taking home the silver behind Mt San Antonio College. David Millian, a sophomore from Mira Mesa, was the best finisher for the men’s individual four-mile run meanwhile, finishing fourth.The best from the women’s individual race was Mohussin Abakar, a sophomore from Omaha, Nebraska, who finished fifth.
The year started off very well for Mesa. At the Sonoma State Cross Country Invite in Fresno, on Sept. 3, Mesa triumphed by placing third in the women’s 5K and first in the men’s four-mile. David Millian was the best runner of the four-mile event, placing third overall.
Their next meet on Sept. 30, was more spread out. The men’s team sent their 8K runners up north, with the women’s 6K runners, to the Michael Johnson Classic at the Ash Creek Preserve in Monmouth, Oregon. The remaining runners, meanwhile, stayed behind in San Diego for the SD City Coach Downey Classic at Morley Field for the Men’s fourmile race.
The Olympians did better in the Beaver state than expected. The Men’s 8K finished in second, with Juan Rosales finishing first. The women’s 6K however finished fourth. The team also did great at Morley Field as well, with a finish of first overall and having six runners finish in the top ten. Jayden Smith was the best of the team this time, finishing first.
The next meet at NTC Lib-
erty Station, on Oct. 7, was the same. At the Manny Baustista XC Invitational, Mesa College would place within the top five in both men and women categories, with some key runners having a coming out party. Chief among them were Juan Rosales and Jyden Schmid for the men’s team, and Mohussin Abakar and Kyana Cook for the women’s team. Both Abakar and Rosales are sophomores at Mesa, with Abakar joining the team from central Omaha, and Rosales from Murrieta. Cook and Schmid are both freshmen at Mesa, with Cook hailing from Murrieta and Schmid from Mira Mesa. All four finished in the top 20 for their respective runs, with Rosales and Schmid finishing in the top ten.
In a dynastic run, San Diego Mesa’s men’s cross country team captured their third straight PCAC conference title. At Norco College in Norco, California, the Olympians finished first in their group, with their only competition being Cuyamaca College. While other colleges elected to send a handful of runners to the event, the Mesa squad really showed up. In the fourmile race, all but one of the top ten finishers came from Mesa College, including all of the top five. Juan Rosales came in first, once again, showing the same power he had in Monmouth. The women’s team was just as successful. The team finished first in the 5K, ahead of Cuyamaca, Southwestern and CIty College. Mohussin Abakar took home first.
On Nov. 4, at the Southern California Re-
gional Championships at Kern County Soccer Complex in Bakersfield, Mesa placed first and second in men’s and women’s cross country respectively. The women’s squad finished behind Mt. San Antonio College in 5K total time, and a marginal difference in average mile time. Abakar and Cook finished in the top ten, with Abakar finishing in the top five. The men’s squad finished ahead of Mt. San Antonio College in 4-mile total time and average mile time.
Juan Rosales was the best finish for Mesa, taking the silver. Overall, Mesa’s cross country team was successful this year. With strong finishes by Rosales and Abakar towards the end of the season, the Olympians were able to pull ahead in the conference championships, and were able to give it their all against non-PCAC teams.
San Diego Community College
District Chancellor Carlos O. Cortez hosted a forum on campus on Nov. 16 where he and several members of the chancellor’s cabinet addressed district plans for the 2022-23 academic year.
Topics of discussion included the need to increase enrollment, funding, reorganization, and advertising. Chancellor Cortez noted basic skills and remedial education have been cut drastically in the last couple of years which has significantly contributed to their challenges with enrollment management.
The district states its mission is to provide access to high-quality, affordable learning experiences to the San Diego community and state. The chancellor highlighted this statement saying, “our mission should always be our north star which guides our work.”
He explained it helps determine how to allocate resources and what types of facilities and faculty are needed.
The main source of funding for SDCCD is FTES or full-time equivalent students-those taking 15 units in a semester. The district gets paid accordingly but how they get paid has changed. A new funding formula has decided the district will have to earn more money rather than receive it. According to Cortez, this can be done in two ways: the types of students they serve and how students perform their outcomes.
At first, the goal was to get students in the front door but Chancellor Cortez described it as having shifted to completion. This also changes how the district gets funded. Right now, they receive around two-thirds of the 30% of funding. Chancellor Cortez expressed great confidence in the strides that will be taken to capture the full 30%.
Chancellor Cortez pointed out that the campus life here at Mesa College makes it particularly special. He followed by explaining there is, however, a decline in male student enrollment and there should be efforts made
to reverse it.
He pointed out the upcoming resident FTES targets are slightly lower than what is guaranteed by the state. The target is to get back as close to it as possible but because they currently are not reaching that target, bold efforts to meet it are going to have to be made.
The passing of Assembly Bill 927 (Medina) made 15 pilot programs permanent including the Mesa College 4-year degree Cortez said.
He explained the district has been moving forward with Open Educational Resources (OER) and Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC) and has received multiple grants.
According to the presentation, “during Fall 2021, 36% of course sections were using low-cost, nocost, and Open Educational Resources (OER).” Along with other saving measures, over $3 million has been saved districtwide.
Executive Vice Chancellor Bonnie Dowd discussed budget and finance. She said Proposition 98 is the main source of funding. It guarantees 40% of the funding goes towards education. She explained a large amount of federal money has come through the district’s system. Most of that money goes out directly and indirectly to students. She emphasized that “colleges don’t get funded, districts get funded.” The district distributes from there.
Restricted money or grants must
be used accordingly and in a timely manner. Reserve money is not enough so it is strongly recommended districts take firm efforts to save reserves.
Vice Chancellor Gregory Smith presented on district office reorganization and technology services. He highlighted their guiding principles and emphasized they need to, “achieve strategic goals efficiently, effectively, and equitably.” They want to create conditions where employees are able to perform their best work possible and explore ways to align things differently for operational efficiency.
Smith also said Human Resources is now known as “People, Culture, and Technology Services.” He elaborated that the new title was intentional- “we serve people, the whole person and in the way that we do that we set a tone for what the culture of our institution is going to be.”
Vice Chancellor Joel Peterson discussed departmental changes and initiatives as well as housing. He expressed he wants his area of responsibility to be very focused on services. Peterson explained diversity, equity, and inclusion are key initiatives.
Lastly, Director of Communications and Public Relations, Jack Beresford talked about districtwide communications and public relations.
These efforts are in hopes higher enrollment levels will occur and more funding can be secured.