THE MESA PRESS Volume 67, Issue 2
The independent student publication of San Diego Mesa College
April 7, 2022
Russian invasion of Ukraine hits close to home for the Mesa community
By Jennifer Aguilar and Teal Davis EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and STAFF WRITER
The struggles of being a first-gen student
Photo Credit: Mesa Office of Communications
OPINION Page 2
Rich Car Culture at San Diego Mesa College
Photo Credit: Jacob Pangalos
FEATURES Page 3
Player Profile: Arianna Izaguirre Photo Credit:SD Mesa Women's Softball Instagram
SPORTS Page 4
Stay Connected mesapress.com
/themesapress
@themesapress
@mesa.press
@mesa.press
R
ussia’s invasion of Ukraine has affected many in the San Diego Mesa College community. On the morning of Feb. 24, Mesa College student Andy Larkin awoke to the sounds of explosions in his hometown of Kyiv. These would document the first attacks by the Russian military on the independent nation of Ukraine. For many Mesa students, Ukraine is home to family and friends who are directly influenced by the recent violence. As Mesa students and staff boldly share their stories and those of close family and friends, one sentiment is clear: despite the violence, the people and culture of Ukraine are resilient and will not be shaken. Despite the physical distance, it is vital that individuals in the U.S. support those in Ukraine and provide aid in any way possible. Andy Larkin, whose name has been changed for anonymity, described waking up the morning of the first attacks as “one of those fever dreams you would wake up to and think you were still dreaming.” Larkin’s story is one that many Ukrainians can relate to, waking up to the attacks that continue in Ukraine today. Ivana Polic, who is from Croatia and a mentor in the Mesa PATH fellowship program, expressed concern for several individuals who she knows personally. “The first thing that went through my mind was disbelief and fear for the people in Ukraine,” she said. She also spoke about how several of her friends who were living in Ukraine at the beginning of the invasion were able to leave their homes and escape the violence, however, there are still other friends and acquaintances who are sheltered in various locations in the country. Dr. Inna Kanevsky, psychology professor at San Diego Mesa College, explained how it was growing up in Ukraine. She expressed her deep connection to Ukraine and its culture, viewing it as home. As these individuals spoke about the country which lies so dear to themselves, their families, and friends, an overwhelming description of the determination and spirit of those in Ukraine became evident. Ukrainian culture is so distinct and bold that the spirit of Ukraine has become far more evident through this time. “Even if it happens that the Russians advance and finally occupy Ukraine, I think that it is going to come at a huge cost for both the Russian society and the military because Ukraine is going to keep existing, whether or not it is physically there in the borders,” Polic said. Several people in the Mesa community, who have been directly affected by the conflict, explained that support from the U.S. is incredibly important, not only through sending aid directly to Ukraine, but also in supporting friends and family members who are in your own communities. Over the past weeks, numerous different organizations have offered immediate assistance to the resistance in Ukraine from artillery support to refugee relocation. For those in a position to aid financially, several organizations are doing incredible work in Ukraine and the surrounding countries
The people and culture of Ukraine are resilient and will not be shaken.Photo Credit: Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images/TNS
right now. However, even for those who may not be in a position to assist financially, many other forms of aid and advocacy exist. House of Ukraine, located in Balboa Park, is currently accepting donations for clothing, sanitary products, and supplies for infants. On a larger level, government sanctions are expected to be a notable influence in this war. Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia has become the most sanctioned country, even surpassing Iran and North Korea, according to Bloomberg. Many believe that by speaking out about the issue, posting about it on social media platforms, and letting government leaders know that this is an issue important to Americans, our government and leaders will be more likely to take action to offer aid to Ukraine. When it comes to Mesa and its support, many Ukrainian staff and students do not believe the college has taken enough action to support and aid those affected. “As a college, there has been nothing that I have heard of that Mesa has been offering, there hasn’t been any acknowledgment… there has not been specific support,” said Dr. Kanevsky. While the college did host a listening circle, “Mesa Cares” by Student Health Services, it was a singular event that occurred on March 7. Chancellor Carlos Cortez, who oversees all three of the colleges in the San Diego District, released a statement addressed to his “colleagues” in which he offered support and directed them to health services for each of the individual colleges, but there has been no other public statements or action taken by Mesa College. “For now, it is not your problem, but in the future, if this is not stopped right now, it will become your problem,” Larkin said. He explained that while the conflict may seem distant to many Americans, the outcome of this war will be incredibly impactful not only politically, but economically to global politics and trade. With such intertwined global trade, the U.S. and many other countries have already begun feeling the impacts of the sanctions on Russia and
most likely will continue to recognize the impact of the conflict. However, many believe that the consequences of these sanctions are not only necessary but will benefit the country from further sacrifices if the Russian government continues to gain power. As more and more countries look to aid Ukraine, this conflict has begun to form a united front against the Russian government. Polic shared her pride in her own home country of Croatia and their efforts in providing aid. Having grown up in Croatia in the 1990s, Polic witnessed Croatia’s own independence and compared it to the current conflict. “As much destruction as we can see, I think what keeps me hopeful is all these people that are stepping in and offering their homes, their food, their shelter, their hearts, because we as a nation (Croatia) have this collective experiencethat war is something that can happen very quickly and people know how to be united in those conditions,” she said. While members of the Mesa community are concerned for loved ones still in Ukraine or actively fleeing violence, one continual concern surrounds the role that media and other forms of communication play within the war. Some people are hesitant to contact loved ones or ask them for too many details surrounding their location, as conversations surrounding wiretapping have become more and more popular. Russian propaganda and misinformation in Russian media has also been at the forefront of conversations surrounding the role and safety of Russian citizens. For many, the reason for the war is still unclear and Russian media is heavily controlled by the government. “It turns out that my aunt believes that it’s the Ukrainians that are doing the bombing…there are people that believe that,” said Dr. Kanevsky. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to increase, ultimately it is the voices of bold individuals like Polic which will resound, “The Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian spirit are going to prevail. They’re already the victors in this war.”
OPINION APRIL 7, 2022
PAGE 2
The Mesa Press
The Word
What do you like most about being on campus after 8 weeks?
“The socialization that we have with the teachers and students, creating more of a community.” - Hector Fuentes
“I like the environment. It is really quiet and safe. My favorite things are the cafeteria and Math & Science building” -Mara Velacquez
“So far being back on campus I like having the community again, and interacting with classmates and professors.” -Ifra Shaikh
Struggles of first-gen students are real By Jennifer Aguilar EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
G
rowing up in a Mexican household, with parents who did not go to college, it was hard to realize that other people had their parents’ experiences to help and guide them. Growing up as a first-generation college student has its challenges and struggles. The term “first generation,” did not exist in my vocabulary or cross my mind until my senior year of high school, and I was still doubtful that I was even considered one, due to the fact that my brother went to college. It wasn’t until one of my friends convinced me that in fact I was a firstgeneration student and everything clicked. No wonder it was so hard for me to ask for help. No wonder I could not get help from my parents. No wonder I felt like I didn’t fit in within the educational system. The educational system is broken. For 12 years I was scared to ask for help because I felt like I was considered dumb and if I did ask questions, I felt judged and sometimes even laughed at. Teachers did not understand what it was like to learn everything by myself. They did not understand how hard it was to assimilate to the American educational system when all I was taught was my Mexican culture and roots. At a very young age, I had to learn English at school while speaking Spanish at home to my parents.
“I really like the whole environment of the campus. In particular, I really like al the green grass and architecture”
It was so hard to learn that it is necessary to ask for help sometimes, especially when you are taught at such a young age to “work hard, work hard, work hard,” in order to achieve that American dream. My parents taught me not to show emotion. If you do, you are considered weak, which potentially led me to have a hard time being vulnerable. In reality, crying is the best thing ever. When it came down to FAFSA, scholarships and other kinds of financial aid, I was clueless. For all I knew FAFSA could have been a new band. Trying to figure out everything because of my parents’ lack of college experience was tough. To this day I don’t have everything figured out. It is a struggle to grasp the idea of how far I have come along in my academic journey and my personal journey. Now that I am transferring to San Diego State in fall 2022 it is up to me to create that pathway to my future generations and establish my legacy. I am just starting my journalism career and it has been a complete roller coaster, filled with happy joyful moments, but also stressful ones with lots of tears. To all the first generation students out there: I feel you and I see you. You can do this. Don’t give up because it will all be worth it in the end. It will be okay and it is okay to take a break sometimes. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just like me, you are also paving the way for future firstgeneration college students and establishing your legacy.
-Tim Christopher
The Mesa Press EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Founded in 1966
Jennifer Aguilar
NEWS EDITOR
Jennifer Aguilar
OPINIONS EDITOR
Vacant
FEATURES EDITOR
Victor Moore
SPORTS EDITOR
Johnathan Scott
PHOTO EDITOR
Alani Huynh
ADVISING PROFESSOR Janna Braun
STAFF MEMBERS
Teal Davis, Milena Greeney, Brandon Quintero, Dylan Wright
Contact
7250 Mesa College Drive San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: 619-388-2630 Fax: 619-388-2835 www.mesapress.com mesa.press@gmail.com twitter.com/themesapress facebook.com/themesapress instagram.com/themesapress
Growing up as a first-generation college student has its challenges and struggles. Photo Credit: Mesa Office of Communications.
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.
PAGE 3
The Mesa Press
APRIL 7, 2022
Paper-thin line between protective safety measures and oppressive censorship By Teal Davis STAFF WRITER
R
ising criticism on both state and local levels surrounding literature in schools have fueled recent proposals for book bans surrounding possibly sensitive topics, leading to a far greater conversation concerning protection and censorship. In the fall of 2021, many American school districts faced a rise in criticism surrounding curriculum and books available in school libraries. Parents and politicians raised complaints surrounding curriculum and books accessible to primarily K-12 students in school libraries. Many of these complaints have come with calls for bans to be placed on numerous books within schools. The rise in complaints surrounding materials have been highly contained to specific districts and counties across the country,such as California, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri and several other states. The American Civil Liberties Union revealed in a survey that reports from their Texas chapter, “make clear that the volume of challenges now hitting schools is unlike anything previously recorded in the state.” These calls for book bans have sparked controversy due to the nature of the books being actively targeted, as well as the censorship which inevitably accompanies these bans. As lists of books have been presented, themes surrounding race and sexuality have been consistently targeted. However, many of the books being presented tackle difficult aspects of these themes and provide an educational approach to vital topics and provide children with a greater understanding of the world around them. Books surrounding race and racial discrimination have been consistently targeted, supported with the argument that these themes may cause students to feel guilt surrounding their race or provide other students with racially discriminatory ideas. Race has always been a difficult topic for the U.S. and renowned books such as “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee have often sat on the proverbial chopping block. Yet these new calls for book bans have targeted more modern literature including “This is Your Time” by Civil Rights advocate Ruby Bridges, which was deemed inappropriate for elementary and middle school students and “Maus” a graphic novel depicting the experiences of living in Nazi Germany. Other works which have come under scrutiny include books covering topics such as the 2020 Black Lives Matter Marches and arguments surrounding the current criminal justice system’s role in modern racism. However, simply because a book dares to grapple with the harsh realities of America’s history surrounding race, does not mean it should be deemed inappropriate in modern, American classrooms. While much of America’s history surrounding race has been one of violence, it is important that American schools teach history honestly and accurately. To do anything else would diminish and erase the very real violence and hostility which many individuals experienced in the not-so-distant past. The controversy surrounding recent calls for book bans has found root in several Texan school districts, with current politicians supporting parental calls for censorship. Texas state Rep. Matt Krause released a list of 850 books which he believed should be removed from school district classrooms and libraries, nearly all of which discussed race and sexuality. The books varied from simply prominently featuring LGBTQ characters to some which had more explicit scenes of sex and sexuality. However, many believe that this representation and exposure is important for children who may grow up believing their sexuality is uncommon or wrong. Author, L.C. Rosen, whose book, “Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts)” was surprised to find out that his book, which features a sex advice column aimed to educate readers, was among the hundreds of books facing heavy criticism. All of the questions featured in the column were submitted by real students and the author partnered with sex education experts in order to try and provide education to young people that may be omitted from sex ed classes. While some parents or lawmakers may find the topics unsavory, offering accessibility to this kind of information allows for students to better equip and protect themselves in real-world experiences. The growing backlash and calls for bans have led numerous schools to ignore traditionally established guidelines regarding the removal of books in hopes of appeasing criticism. When schools remove a book from their libraries or ban the book in classrooms,
there is a pre-established process, often including heavy review by a board. However, many schools which are facing heavy criticisms around certain books have begun to neglect these procedures. Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association explained that “What we’re seeing these days is a short-circuiting of that process, despite the fact that school boards often do have these reconsideration policies on their own books…They’re ignoring them to respond to the controversy and the moral panics that they’re getting targeted with at school board meetings, and books are being abruptly removed.” Burbank school districts have also faced criticism for removing books immediately after receiving complaints, violating their own regulations which state that these books should remain on shelves while a challenge is pending and a full review can be conducted. As a growing number of schools have begun facing backlash for books and curriculum, several have begun taking a proactive approach to try and mitigate backlash. While The North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas, had not received any backlash or criticism surrounding its school library, reports from NBC News revealed “this past December librarians were instructed by school administrators to remove over 400 books.” This kind of “soft-censorship” or pre-removal of books is not uncommon, but is a detriment to accessible information. Simply because a district anticipated the possibility of a complaint surrounding a book, does not qualify them to remove literature without grounds. It is this kind of mass removal which will ultimately lead to detrimental levels of censorship and future issues surrounding accessible information. Because of these quiet removals, it is also nearly impossible to identify the actual scale of the censorship which is currently taking place in schools across the country. Beyond the dangerous precedent that the current discussions surrounding bans may set, possible criminalization of the distribution of these books poses an entirely new threat to school staff. Politicians such as Gov. Greg Abbott have called for criminal charges against school counselors and staff who allow children access to books that are banned from school libraries. The implication of the possible criminalization of the distribution of books in this way is alarming. School librarians have already begun to respond to the discussions of criminalizing distribution. These laws would add a significant risk to their daily jobs, even if they are not actively trying to distribute banned materials. However, while accessibility to information is important to the freedom of ideas and open education, parents should still be able to have control over what their children learn. Whether the curriculum teaches aspects of morality that contradict with their beliefs or they believe that their child may not be ready or in a healthy place to learn about a specific subject, parents should have the power and responsibility to opt their children out of learning a specific lesson or reading certain books. It is a parent’s responsibility to bring up their children in a healthy and sensitive manner, and oftentimes parents know what’s best for their child specifically. However, individual parents can often opt their children out of assigned curriculum or forbid their children from reading specific books, while banning the book entirely prevents access to everyone. In order to allow parents more dialogue and insight into the educational materials, notices concerning possible sensitive books could pose minor solutions to this disconnect. Also, by engaging with their child and asking about the books that they are interested in checking out of school libraries, parents can have informed discussions with their children, at their own pace. Ultimately, the issue surrounding recent book bans is multifaceted and discusses several different aspects of censorship and consequences, however the accessibility to resources which can provide an education and insightful approach to sensitive topics is vital to an honest presentation of America’s past and present. The discussions around these books often seem targeted at minority voices unnecessarily and tackle very specific issues, which are often underrepresented in standard media or curriculums. The disregard which some school districts have adopted also draws further concern surrounding the guidelines currently in place to protect unfounded censorship.
Is the new grade pass/fail option a good thing? By Milena Greeney STAFF WRITER
T
he new pass/fail option for community colleges is controversial and will take time to determine if it will be a good or bad thing. After reading some articles such as in the Los Angeles Times, perhaps this new option could be a good thing. COVID-19 has taken an extreme toll on college students including money, work ethic, and routine. Many students’ grades dropped because of the drastic change of having classes online and not being used to it. This is a huge problem because this affects their eligibility to transfer into a four year institution. Not only this, but many have dealt with losing family and not being able to attend class, potentially getting dropped from a class that they needed to transfer, or needed for financial aid. The list could go on and on. These events have been happening to many students and many have chosen to drop out of college. On the other hand, it is Hopefully this grade option will help students in their academic journey. good to see that the San Diego Community College District is trying to accom- Photo Credit: Mesa Office of Communications. modate their students by taking action. now and there’s nothing I can do to help it.” This grade option has made students feel a It is unknown what is to happen in the future, but for community colleges this shows little bit of a relief that there are people that are making an effort to accommodate them that the district actually does care about their students and are concerned. in the midst of a pandemic. However, the negative side to this is that it can make students A lot of the time during the pandemic, schools were unsure what to do when this more lazy; some may choose to abuse it, so that they don’t have to work as hard, where was happening to their students, there were all different types of complaints going around most students are making a hard effort to transfer. with no solution other than “this is our world right now.” Hopefully this grade option will help students in their academic journey. I can’t tell you how many times my friends have told me “my grades are terrible right
APRIL 7, 2022
FEATURES
The Mesa Press
PAGE 4
Movie Review
The father, the son, and 'The House of Gucci' By Victor Moore FEATURES EDITOR
T
he “House of Gucci” takes us on a dive into the world of fashion where fortune and fame can be very intoxicating and some will do whatever it takes to seize it. Starring an all-star cast with Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, Salma Hayek as Pina Auriemma, Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci, Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci, and Al Pachino as Aldo Gucci. As soon as Patrizia meets Maurizo at a party and he introduces himself as a Gucci, the look in her eyes resembles a lioness stalking her prey. Patrizia was relentless in her pursuit of Maurizio, following him all over town, until she finally got him to agree to take her on a date. After several dates Maurizio builds up enough courage to introduce Patrizia to his father Rodolfo Gucci played by Jeremy Irons. Rodolfo was immediately turned off by Maurizio choice of lady as he learns that the Reggianis are in the ground transportation industry which is ran by the mafia in 70’s Italy, after some investigating Rodolfo suspects that Patrizia may be with him because of his money like so many other women but Maurizio is clearly blinded by love. After a major disagreement with his father Maurizio decided to leave his fathers home and goes to Patrizia’s family home where he confesses his love for Patrizia to Fernando Reggiani played by Vincent Riotta. At first glance Fernando and Silvana Reggiani seems a bit baffled by this stunt but in the end respecting Maurizio’s courage and love for their daughter they submit to his request Maurizio did not just ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage, but also for a job in the families ground transportation as he was a law school student and unemployed. Maurizio and Patrizia ended up getting married much to the surprise of his uncle Aldo Gucci, when Aldo finds out that the young couple got married he immediately sat down with his brother Rodolfo before Aldo’s 70th birthday and tries to explain to Rodolfo that he is aging and needs to reconcile with his son so he could be heir to the Gucci family business because he recognizes the competence in
Maurizio and feel he should take over because his son Paolo played by Jared Leto is far from competent in his eyes. At this same time, Patrizia was pushing Maurizo to patch things up with his father as her eyes were on the prize from the very start. At Aldo’s birthday party he was able to sit down with the newlyweds and express his interest in bringing in Maurizio into the fold by the end of the party Aldo gifts the newlyweds with two plane tickets to New York city which Maurizio was not too thrilled about, but with some enticing Patrizia gets Maurizio to see things her way and the two of them were on their way to the Lady Gaga stars as Patrizia Reggiani in the "House of Gucci." big apple. While in New Photo Credit: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Inc./TNS York Aldo and Patrizia both agree to work together to get Paolo inform the authorities about his own fathers tax isMaurizio where he belongs in the family business dur- sues and gets him sent to federal prison for a year, the next ing this time Rodolfo ends up passing away and Maurizio part of Patrizia’s master plan was to joins the family business and this was Patrizia’s dream get Paolo out the way with a trademark infringement come true. charge where Paolo was served with a cease From this point Patrizia set out to make gucci hers and desist order during a fashion show of Paolo line with by any means necessary and she also convinces a gull- Gucci. During all this Maurizio was feeling guilty and ible Maurizio to go along with her plan her first move began to have second thoughts about his and Patrizia’s was to use Paolo’s desire to be part of the family business scheme while away on vacation. Overall, this movie was against his own father because of some unattended tax is- enticing and you should definitely check it out. sues when Aldo refuses to let Paolo in the family business
Movie Review
The hidden meaning behind Disney Pixar’s 'Turning Red' By Alani Huynh STAFF WRITER
D
isney Pixar’s new film Turning Red, explores a young girl’s adolescence in a fun and lovinglyawkward way. This new movie takes place in Toronto, Canada and follows the story of 13-year old Meilin Lee during the year 2002. The film’s premise introduces a topic rarely discussed in modern media, and surprisingly works as a great ice breaker for discussions regarding subtle pressures found in Asian American immigrant households. Some of the key topics mentioned in the movie include pressures to regulate one’s emotions, seeking parental approval, and the irrational fears that come with transitioning into a tween. Putting these themes in a first or second generation Asian American perspective provides for much discussion within this specific community. In the movie, the main character Meilin turns into an oversized red panda whenever she feels strong anger or frustration. This occurrence is due to her ancestor’s prayer of protecting her family in times of dire need, giving the women in her lineage the power to hone in this particular set of emotions. The choice of anger as fuel for these magical powers is an interesting choice on the director’s behalf, as Asian women are often scolded for displaying feelings of anger or abrasiveness. This disapproval commonly comes from fellow women relatives, such as mothers and aunts. Throughout the movie Meilin struggles with learning to accept and control her emotions, while her family insists that she do the specific ritual to vanish the panda. One of the notable details throughout this sequence involves the fact that her peers are generally accepting and adoring of her power, while her family is obviously ashamed of it. This detail alludes to the deep disconnect between American and Asian immigrant views. The pressure for Asian daughters to be seen as poise and docile is one that many deal with silently, particularly due to a fear of disappointing one’s parents – a theme also mentioned through Meilin’s character. Many children of immigrant parents or grandparents know the guilt of not feeling good enough. Briefly mentioned in
the film, Meilin mentions how grateful she is that her ancestors were able to reach America. Most immigrant families have a story, and the children of these immigrants are regularly told such stories throughout their childhood. Hearing that one’s parent vividly remembers the nights sneaking among rainforest foliage to avoid communist soldiers, became stranded on a deserted island for months, or were attacked and had family members killed and raped by pirates, can be a lot for a child. And after hearing how much It is difficult to imagine what the parents of first-generation Americans experienced they sacrificed to get here, at a young age. Photo Credit:Courtesy of Pixar. the least their child can do is be to protect themself from imperfection. everything their parents hope These factors in correspondence with the particular age and dream them to be, right? This is a very common mentality among first and sec- Meilin is, acts as a great introduction to the unhealthy patond generation Asian Americans that often begin to de- terns seen in Asian American mother-daughter relationvelop during elementary age. This deeply rooted guilt can ships. Being thirteen, Meilin displays this awkward tween lead to an irrational fear of disappointing one’s parents, so stage as one of importance. This is a time of discovering much so that the child may begin to develop bad habits out oneself, and usually a time where a child begins to branch out from their parents’ character. This film acts as an enof their fear. One of the greatest criticisms the film has received so joyable movie about tweenhood, but underneath the surfar is Meilin’s change in character, becoming more “re- face tells a story relatable to a very particular audience. It bellious” as the movie continues. Parent viewers are as- is disappointing to know many watched the film not truly tounded by the dishonesty Meilin has when speaking to understanding the elements that underlie the obvious, but her parents, constantly lying to save face or failing to step if this movie speaks to anyone in an impactful way, a great up when at fault, leading peers to be accused rather than next-step recommendation would be Amy Tan’s novel, herself. What these critics fail to realize is how common “The Joy Luck Club.” Turning Red truly only scratches this specific trait is. Children who obsess over acceptance the surface of the Asian American daughter experience, from their parents, through either their own mental anxi- but it works well for what it is. It is great to see more repeties or verbal pressures from parents, have an amplified resentation of people of color in modern media. Although fear of disappointment and will coincidentally do anything the film may not be entirely relatable to the general public, for those that can relate this movie is greatly appreciated.
PAGE 5
APRIL 7, 2022
The Mesa Press
Rich Campus Car Culture at San Diego Mesa College
By Dylan Wright STAFF WRITER
I
t is not uncommon to drive past a cool or unusual car in California. Detroit, Michigan has always been dubbed “Motor City” and created the foundation of the automotive industry in the United States. However, southern California has historically been home to more car enthusiasts, designers, and aftermarket manufacturers than anywhere in the world. Across the state, people from all walks of life have found cars to be their passion. If you take a walk through any southern California community, you are likely to see an enthusiast with the garage door up, or under a car on jack stands in the driveway. In fact, If you go to San Diego Mesa College, you might encounter some surprising cars in the student lot alone. For example, Anthony Dinh, a student who plans to study radiology, has a blue Honda Civic Type R, powered by an upgraded high-compression engine that has the ability to run on E85 fuel or 91 octane, and uses water-methanol injection for even greater performance. Despite the lengths Dinh has gone to modify his car, the appearance remains understated, sporting the factory paint, and free of decals. Dinh has even gone as far as removing the factory-installed wing to make the car appear more subtle. Other students show up to school in something smaller and more retro but equally surprising, like Jacob Pangalos who drives a BMW E30, which has had the original engine replaced with a modern inline 6-cylinder engine, and has been fitted with upgraded suspension and racing seats. “The car is rigid and ready for the track,” says Pangalos who explained the suspension modifications
performed on the car. It is finished in a bright red and is certainly an eyecatcher in the parking lot. Numerous enthusiasts are drawn to the E30 for its compact size, and aftermarket availability. Pangalos is happy with the car now, but has plans to install a roll cage at some point, and maybe complete a few other small upgrades along the way. In addition to the BMW, Pangalos is also working on a 1962 Corvair. Another enthusiast on campus Arturo Aguilar says he was given his modified 2003 Audi A4 as a graduation gift from 1962 Corvair owned by Jacob Pangalos. Photo credit: Jacob Pangalos. his uncle. Aguilar’s Audi preAt San Diego Mesa College, just walking through the viously used a 5-speed automatic transmission until his parking lot, there is a noticeable presence of car enthusiuncle replaced it with a six-speed manual transmission. asts who thoroughly enjoy making their drive from point Aguilar plans to install a bigger turbo on it, and upgrade A to B more exciting. Every enthusiast plays the role of the suspension. Aguilar also has an Acura Integra he acdesigner, engineer, mechanic, and test dummy. While each quired completely stock and plans to modify in his spare has a different goal for their car, they share the same pastime. sion for building something they love.
Movie Review
Riddle Me This...Riddle Me That... WHO! is Afraid of The Big Bad Bat!?
By Brandon Quintero STAFF WRITER
T
hursday night was the premiere of “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson as the legendary Batman himself, while being directed by Matt Reeves who did a spectacular job. It was a long awaited film by DC & marvel fans across the world after a 5 second preview was released almost 3 years ago in theaters. From the beginning of the movie it was obviously targeting certain batman fanatics, like myself who played the video game Batman Arkham. The first fight scene completely got me hooked as Robert Pattinson hit a few combos that were exactly from the video game when stopping crooks and even the same reactions when getting hit. Which made me happy because the audience was a little disappointing and irritating. When Batman made his first entrance and revealed his suit it was astonishing how amazing of a good job they did. Feeling a little disappointed when he took off the mask and saw how he almost
looked like a strung out goth teenager which made me feel upset like they were taking this legendary hero and making a mockery of him. Some people might say Alfred was casted as too young of man but after watching the Riddler slowly come to light it all started to slowly make sense. A personally of mine favorite catwoman was Michelle Pfeiffer from the 1992 Batman movie. It had more of the actual catwoman’s background. But the director definitely gave Zoe Kravitz some pretty awesome new age fight scenes to match those of the batmans, almost like they were flying out of a video game with their precision and agility. When it came down to the riddler’s costume and mask, it looked horrible. It was almost as disappointing as Bane in the Dark knight from 2012 when you hear his weird squeaky voice. But towards the end of the movie I saw what they were capturing, what stirred me inside as a fan was that robert pattinson was not just playing Bruce
Wayne who dresses up as batman he was there to be THE BATMAN, which might have been why i was more moved and pulled in and let go from the movie every time he took the suite and mask on and off. While the riddler looked like a bad joke from a butcher’s barn, although when we finally saw his actual face an his performance of when he was behind glass at arkham asylum, That’s where it said to me that this villain isn’t like the bat who needs a suit he is who he is with or without the mask. Paul Dano even almost resembled the riddler from the 90s Anime Show of The Batman, without the butcher mask. Overall I thought it was an amazing film and definitely a must watch if you’re able to get tickets, I might just go watch it a second or third time myself with hopefully a better seat in the audience.
This is the truth of Gotham that the Riddler believes is true. How would you connect the dots?Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS.
NEWS APRIL 7, 2022
PAGE 6
The Mesa Press
Climbing cost of living in San Diego poses challenges for Mesa students By Teal Davis STAFF WRITER
A
s cost of living and gas prices continue to climb, San Diego surpasses San Francisco as the least affordable city in America and poses an increasing challenge for individuals in lower tax brackets and for many Mesa College students. OJO Labs, a company which utilizes AI in data analytics for real estate, recently released a report that compares the cost of living in many major cities to income in different cities across America. The company, which has reported on the affordability of cities across America for several years, “saw San Diego bypass both San Francisco and Los Angeles to become the nation’s least affordable metro.” While San Francisco remains the most expensive city, average income is greater in the city and thus more affordable than San Diego. The average salary in San Diego is $68,565/year or about $32.96/hour, however according to OJO home prices have climbed 14.3% in January to $764,000.While the overall cost of living in San Francisco remains greater than that of San Diego, southern residents have a greater cost of living in relation to average income.
As prices continue to climb, Mesa college students have begun to feel the effects of living in one of the least affordable cities. Hannah Notsch, a second year fine arts major who hopes to go into film production, talks about how the effects of COVID-19, paired with high cost of living changed her plans of living on her own after coming out of high school. Notsch hopes of transferring this upcoming year, and explained, “When I transfer, I would like to live on campus but I don’t think that’s realistic based on what I have saved up and I really don’t want to take out a bunch of loans.” Having lived in San Diego for a majority of her life, she explained how she really loves the city and wants to continue living here after she graduates. With work opportunities nearby, she has hope for her future in San Diego but said, “I’ll be happy, but I’ll be happy and broke.” As recent gas prices have spiked across the country, San Diego gas prices have repeatedly broken records over the past week. With many areas in San Diego reaching well over six dollars per gallon, the average price across San Diego County is about $5.94. Near the beginning of the month, gas prices consistently rose, breaking twenty records over the course of twenty-two days. And as these
By Milena Greeney STAFF WRITER
M
One gas station displays prices as the the cost of gas climbs across the San Diego County. Photo Credit: Teal Davis/The Mesa Press. records have consistently been broken in the city, San Diego prices sit at about four cents above the state average and over a dollar over the national average. Tuesday marked the twenty-eighth consecutive day that prices have risen, San Diego’s average is expected to surpass six dollars per gallon. A workers’ strike at a Chevron refinery in the Bay area is also most likely an influencing factor in these prices. This facility produces around 13% of California’s production, a considerable amount as even a change in one or two percent would have been noticeable. Chevron has explained that they believe the conditions and pay
they are currently offering is reasonable, however they are currently talking with the striking workers. In the meantime, the company has brought in skilled workers to stand in for the employees on strike. First-year Mesa student, AJ Laly explained that as gas prices have continued to climb, “I don’t fill up my tank ever now.” She said that, while she loves the lifestyle in San Diego, there are a lot of expenses that aren’t always evident. Many of the perks of San Diego offer additional expenses in hobbies and entertainment. She explained, “I think that there are a lot of added things if you really want to be in the San Diego lifestyle.
Remembering Zora Neale Hurston
esa remembered Zora Neale Hurston by showing the film “A Heart with Room for Every Joy” about Zora Neale Hurston. It is essential that we do not forget her studies, and her work. Zora Neale Hurston accomplished many things in her life and was the most successful and significant Black woman writer in the first half of the 20th century. She wrote some folklore books, plays, four novels, an autobiography, and numerous short stories over the span of thirty years. “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” was a book she wrote about how as a society we need to change and how we make culture. This has become an extremely important topic to talk and write about, but it was the way that she told the story that caused the controversy. Hurston wanted to prove that black dialect had the energy, resilience and the capacity to carry a tale over a couple hundred of years. She wanted to broaden the exposure of cultural elements in black culture. She also got a book award for her autobiography which was one of her many accomplishments. Her work eventually got resurfaced by a woman named Alice Walker. In 1975, she published Hurston’s magazine and credited her. Hurston’s work now has a chance of revival. If you also think about it, back then, Hurston as a black female writer was such an accomplishment at the time and is extraordinary that she was talking about self determination back in the 30s and 40s. It is amazing that her work brought awareness and is now acknowledged and appreciated. In the midst of her success, Hurston went through trials and tribulations. In 1948, her landlady accused her of molesting her sons; however, even though the charges were dropped and her sons said it was fabricated, this storyline was plastered on the national newspaper. It was viciously headlined and Hurston was crushed that the black press had grabbed
the story. She felt extremely sold out by her own which started shaking the foundation of her understanding of the communications of blacks. At the same time her health was failing and she felt humiliated leading her to leave New York City; however, she still continued to write. Her hypertensive heart disease is what led to her death on Jan. 28, 1960. Professors Thekima Mayasa, Judy Sundayo, and Starla Lewis, some of the hosts for this event, had some insight after the film. Lewis, who was in the meeting, had mentioned that “[she] went to a conference at NYU and it was about black women writers and all the things that they had in common, those who had a PHD in literature, was that they were never required to read one book by one African People tried to take Hurston down, but she kept going. writer, so you need to learn about Photo Credit: Library of Congress/MCT. it by yourself.” It is important that you educate yourself and pick up a I encourage us to continue to voice our thoughts and our book on your own because a lot of the time you aren’t culture.” “It’s not where you are in the spectrum of class going to be required to read it. Sundayo said “Another that matters more that you are enough just the way you important comment is the importance of language. are, that black is GOOD!” Lewis said. People tried to take Language is our form of expression and it continues to Hurston down, but she kept going. To learn more, feel free allow us to speak our truth. This is the first thing that is to check out “Wrapped in Rainbows” by Valerie Boyd, the often taken from us, is our voice. They want to silence us. first biography of Zora Neale Hurston.
SPORTS
PAGE 7
APRIL 7, 2022
The Mesa Press
Mesa Softball can not get bats to wake up in loss to Palomar By Johnathan Scott SPORTS EDITOR
T
he San Diego Mesa Olympians were 7-7-1 heading into their game Wednesday against the 14-2 crosstown rival Palomar College Comets. A game that was intense in the early innings but eventually fell out of San Diego Mesa’s hands and finished with a score of 8-1 in favor of Palomar. The San Diego Mesa Olympians were coming into the game hoping to turn things around after dropping their last game to Imperial valley 8-5, unfortunately, things did not go Mesa’s way this game either. Sophomore pitcher, Arianna Izaguirre got the nod to start against Palomar and strived through the first 3 innings holding her opponents scoreless and only giving up 2 hits in the process. Things took a turn after Arianna was able to get the first out of the inning, the next batter reached on an error for Palomar which then led to a walk being issued to the next batter, and then a pop-up which gave the Olympians 2 outs with runners on first and second. Izaguirre rocked back and delivered a pitch to the next batter hoping that it would result in an out, instead Palomar took that pitch and hit it right into the gap for a double allowing both runners to score. This then led to another single allowing the runner from 2nd to score before Mesa Ultimately got the final out of the inning leaving the score at 3-0 heading into the bottom of the 4th. Palomar then began to get into a groove after Izaguirre was pulled and Aurial Yeager came into pitch. Palomar then proceeded to add 4 more runs in the 5thinning and 1 more run in the top of the 7th inning finishing the game with a score of 8-1., Palomar had freshman pitcher India Caldwell in the circle for the entirety of the game and it seemed that the San Diego Mesa Olympians could just not find their groove against this Palomar team which resulted in them only scoring one run off of a fielder’s choice in the bottom of the 6thinning. Mesa’s hitting showed promise even though they were only able to score 1 run, pitch selection seemed to be the weak point in every player’s approach to the plate, the defense of the Mesa Olympians was solid with their only being a couple of throwing errors throughout the game which is promising as well. The momentum was just taken away from the San Diego Mesa Olympians after all those runs had crossed the plate and you could tell that it was an emotional loss for the whole team. Izaguirre had the chance to speak after the game and was asked if in that 4thinning she was feeling fatigued or
San Diego Mesa pitcher Aurial Yeager gets ready to deliver the pitch to Palomar in hopes of ending the inning. Photo Credit: Johnathan Scott.
got into her own head mentally allowing for Palomar to score those first three runs, Izaguirre said, “No, I think I was throwing my game I was doing good, and you know good hitters are going to hit the ball. They had 2 good hits and I respect that from them, but I think I did the best I could to my ability.” With it being a tough loss Izaguirre had some insight into how she is going to pick her team up from this defeat, saying, “With my girls, I have to come a certain way I have to be as motivational as I possibly can, make sure that they know they are good. They sometimes forget that they are good when they know they are and that’s what messes us up sometimes.” Head Coach Jaclyn Guidi also had the opportunity to speak and said, “This season’s focus is to make playoffs, especially this year because we had two years off due to COVID-19, it is not the same dynamic. It is not just the
top two teams from the conference anymore it is the top 16 teams in the state so that is completely different. Usually, you just try to focus on your conference game, and it is easier to give your team a break, but this year is different, and I have made the hardest schedule in 18 years but to be the best you have to play the best.” Coach Guidi was understandably upset after Wednesday’s loss and shared some takeaways into where the team can improve, saying “We have a heavy freshman class, we have 24 freshmen, so we are trying to retrain their mentality. We have 2 players from our 2019 team that actually went to a playoff so they know the grind, the feeling, and know what has to happen. We also have 4 kids from our 2020 team and that season ultimately got canceled but I believe they have the drive to finish strong. Ultimately it is the focus level that has been our main factor this season.”
Shining on a 5 win streak
By Brandon Quintero STAFF WRITER
A
nother win for San Diego Mesa Women’s Beach Volleyball Friday morning. With tons of hard work and dedication, the women’s beach volleyball team was able to turn their 4-game-win streak into a 5-game-win streak for an overall record of 6-2. Friday morning, they took on the Grossmont College Griffins in the sand with an overall record of 4-4 containing two consecutive losses. Mesa’s women’s beach volleyball team took the lead early on by winning the first set putting them up 1-0. A few of the players had the opportunity to speak after the matches began with Coach Kim Lester’s permission as long as it was quick. Kei Uchiyama, Hailey Cordon, and Emily Eltrich had a few seconds to spare before cheering on their teammate to victory. Cordon without a pause answered in confidence that “they would keep their average score of at least 21 points a match.” Cordon hopes to transfer and play for Oregon state one day in the near future. This makes one wonder if they have not heard anything from any college recruiters with hopes of moving up in the league. Cordon said, “Not yet, it was still a little too early in the season to hear anything from anyone yet, although one teammate did hear from a few north Cal universities, Sonoma state being one of them, but they should know more closer to the end of the season.” With a final score of 3-1, Coach Lester had a couple of things to say after the game, saying, “I think we had a great team effort Friday morning; we got some great support from our 4s and 5s. They definitely came out here to battle,
Team huddling up during a break in the match. Photo Credit: Brandon Quintero. and they took care of business. We are improving every learning. So, it’s awesome to see the 4s and 5s step up to day and we’re going to keep after it, you know. Working get their wins, we need it. It’s Great, an awesome team effort.” hard and sticking to the process. We all know it’s a process, so we try to keep improving daily. Getting better, and
SPORTS APRIL 7, 2022
PAGE 8
The Mesa Press
Izaguirre making most of final year after COVID-19 By Johnathan Scott SPORTS EDITOR
Arianna Izaguirre poses for a picture after a game. Photo credit: SD Mesa Women’s Softball Instagram.
A
student-athlete who has been standing up on the diamond and sitting hitters down this season after two canceled two seasons, Sophomore pitcher Arianna Izaguirre has been pitching lights out for the San Diego Mesa softball team this year, while also facing the challenges of learning a new position, living on her own, and motivating her teammates into success. Izaguirre is one of three San Diego Mesa softball players who played on the team in 2019 and 2020 in which both of those seasons got canceled. Izaguirre said, “Some of us really want it because we had those two years taken away from us and some players may be on a cruise because they maybe do not understand what it is like to lose something you love. It is hard having some people looking
By Victor Moore FEATURES EDITOR
ahead and some people relaxed, it’s a little bit difficult but we are seeing that they do want to be here, and they do love it. It is good to see everyone have that same love for the sport.” That love for the sport is something that Izaguirre also gave her insight on, saying, “I started playing at the age of four. I’ve always loved it. I think it is because my brothers’ played sports, so I wanted to try something too and I tried soccer but didn’t like it. I tried volleyball and I was ok at it but with softball, I just had that love for it because on the field I am something else and it was just tunnel vision from there.” Izaguirre is not lying when she says she is something else on that field, in 88.2 innings pitched Izaguirre has racked up an impressive 39 strikeouts along with
posting a 1.97 ERA pushing the San Diego Mesa softball team towards success. With every sport, there is success and hardship, out of that hardship there are lessons that can be learned and Izaguirre shared a lesson she has learned through softball, Izaguirre said, “A lesson softball has taught me is time management and to really focus on what I am trying to get to. I have to organize my days right, now that I am living on my own it has really taught me a lot. I have to feed myself; I have to wash the clothes I am going to practice in, and then I have to worry about school and setting time aside for homework. Then I come here to practice but when I am at practice I kind of forget about all of that time management. That one is a huge one and then focus on what I need to get to next as a pitcher, I never started as a pitcher but when I got here to Mesa College, I realized it is going to help my team out so let’s do it might as well. Focusing on each and every pitch and getting that strike where I need it to has gotten me to focus on a lot of little things in life, like all right, I have to do it one step at a time I have to look at one main thing and get to that first before I go anywhere else.” Izaguirre was also a main piece in San Diego Mesa’s big win over previous state champion Fullerton College earlier in the season holding them to only one run in a 2-1 victory. Going into that game Izaguirre said, “I am not going to lie I was really nervous going into that game but I was excited as well because I used to talk to the Fullerton coach we were really good at communicating but I did not do my part in reaching back so seeing them again on the field was like all right, let’s show her what I can actually do and what she may have missed. So, I was really motivated yet nervous, but I was super excited to just be out there and show what I can do.” After the win, Izaguirre explained when the nerves went away and reality set it, “I cried because I was so excited with myself. I was so proud of myself, I was like wow you really did that, you do not pitch a lot but went up there and just shut them down. I was like go Ari!” With her success at San Diego Mesa on the field, Izaguirre was asked what her next steps are when she is finished at the school to which Izaguirre responded, “I do plan on staying in San Diego. Hopefully softball I can get to the next level. If not, that’s okay. I really do want to work with children. I want to be a science teacher I think that would be fun and pretty cool.” San Diego Mesa softball is 10-8-1 hoping to make a push towards playoffs this year and with Izaguirre, in the circle, they have a very good chance at achieving that.
Mesa dominates in rout of Southwestern
M
esa controlled from beginning to end in an 11-2 rout of Southwestern March 12 afternoon. The stage was pretty much set for a long day at the ballpark for the Southwestern Jaguars with a 5 run 1st inning solid defense and 7 dominant innings from starting pitcher Abraham Sanchez. The game plan was to apply pressure offensively and defensively according to right fielder Sean Alvarez who I had the pleasure to interview before the game,Southwesterns pitching woes proved to be the achilles heel for the Jaguars by the bottom of the 5th inning Southwestern was on their 3rd pitcher giving up 4 runs and and a homerun to right center by Isaiah Gomez who went 2 for 4 on the afternoon with 2 RBIs. Mesa put together a complete game executing on all 3 phases, aggressiveness on the bases turned into 7 stolen bases and tight defense led to an inning ending double play in the top of the 6th and 11 runs speaks to the offensive output by The Mesa Olympians. Starting pitcher Abraham Sanchez stretched out 8 hits over the course of seven innings and gave up no more than 2 hits in an inning. Reliever Clay Fordham took over in the 8th inning to get the final 6 outs and only gave up 2 hits and no runs, capping off an efficient day for the pitching staff. With just about 21 games left coming into Saturday’s game and sporting a 2 and 16 record, all hope could have been lost for the Olympians instead the Olympians showed determination and heart. If the Olympians can capitalize off this dominant victory there’s no telling what could happen the remainder of this season.The 1st inning and the 5th inning was where the Olympians did the most
Mesa’s bats were raking during their victory over Southwestern on Saturday, March 12. Photo Credit: Victor Moore. damage. Outfielder Andrew Gauna led off the bottom of the 1st with a lead off double and was able to score off a single from Isaiah Gomez being aggressive on the base path Isaiah stole second which was the second stolen base of the inning Jake Klimkiewi immediately followed that up with a RBI double after Abraham Sanchez was hit by a pitch Trey Concepcio batted in another two runs capping off a five run four hit 1st inning for the dominate Olym-
pians. Leading off the bottom of the 5th Isaiah Gomez hit a 2-run homerun sparking another rally for the home team after being walked Jake Klimkiewi stole second and Abraham Sanchez followed that up with a single and a stolen base to put the icing on the cake Trey Concepcio batted in another 2 runs which pretty much put the game out of reach for the visiting Southwestern Jaguars.