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10-6-2020

Vista: October 6, 2020

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Digital USD Citation University of San Diego, "Vista: October 6, 2020" (2020). USD Vista. 1097. https://digital.sandiego.edu/vista/1097

This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the USD News at Digital USD. It has been accepted for inclusion in USD Vista by an authorized administrator of Digital USD. For more information, please contact [email protected]. UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO ◆ OCTOBER 6, 2020

NEWS ASG budget released ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 3

OPINION Editorial: Trump’s COVID case ironic ․․․․․․ 7

FEATURE Cropper Memorial Writer Series ․․․․․․․․․․ 9

Spread: Womxn of Color Summit ․․․․․․․․․ 11

ARTS & CULTURE Art of protest ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 15

SPORTS Caleb Ricketts profle ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 17 “Te Trader Joe’s efect,” Arts & Culture, page 13 Photo courtesy of Maggie Valaik

THE USD VISTA STAFF

Celina Tebor - Editor in Chief Alena Botros - Opinion Editor Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor Jennifer Mossuto - Associate Editor Brittany Lang - Feature Editor Marie Minnick - Operations Advisor Catherine Silvey - Managing Editor Taylor DeGuzman - Arts & Culture Editor Mikaela Foehr - Copy Editor Eric Boose - Sports Editor www.uofsdmedia.com Tori Tanigawa - Art Director Regan Ferrari - Social Media Manager @TeUSDVista Tyler Pugmire - News Editor @USDVista The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 A Presidential debate debrief: A glimpse at 2020’s frst presidential debate As President Trump and former Vice President Biden took the stage, America was left watching one of the most dysfunctional debates in recent history.

EMMA VALDISERRI the mandatory mask the heated controversy overruled by constant ASST. NEWS EDITOR rule at the debate while around election fraud. interruption between the Biden’s family members Each segment was two candidates which Te 2020 presidential were seen wearing face intended to allow each distracted them from debates have kicked of coverings. During the candidate two minutes focusing on the very and it’s safe to say the frst debate, President Trump to take their position on crucial and relevant topics one, like much of 2020, was even criticized Biden the topic at hand. It then at hand. unlike anything America for always wearing a was meant to transition USD junior has ever seen. Te frst mask. Coincidentally, the into an open discussion. undergraduate, Natalie debate between President President and his wife, However, the debate was Con’t on Page 2 Trump and former Vice Melania Trump, tested President Joe Biden, positive for the virus on took place on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Sept. 29, at Case Western USD students, through Reserve University in the USD Votes program Cleveland, Ohio. Chris in collaboration with Wallace of “Fox News the university’s political Sunday” moderated the science department, had debate, though initially the chance to participate was reluctant to be a in a discussion board moderator, admitting in of the debate through a an interview with Te New messaging platform called York Times that he had Discord. Te discussion “never dreamt it would served as an academic go of the tracks the way it space where students and did.” Wallace is likely not faculty could share their the only individual who ideas or ask questions felt this way, as the debate about the debate. dropped the jaws and Te debate itself struck the ears of many. consisted of six segments, Preceding the debate, all chosen and announced each of the candidate’s by Chris Wallace. Te families took their seats segments included in an empty audience President Trump’s recent that would normally be SCOTUS nomination, flled with spectators. COVID-19, the economy, Trump and Biden squared off in their frst debate on Sept. 29th. Trump’s family ignored race, climate change, and Photo Courtesy of the Library of Congress Photo courtesy of beemergirl99/fickr

NEWS 1 Volume 58 Issue 7 ◆ NEWS ◆ The USD Vista

The Debate was moderated by Chris Wallace, and focused on healthcare, climate change, immigration, gun laws, racial inequity, the economy and reproductive rights Photo courtesy of Jorge Alcala/unsplash

From Page 1 late Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a pre-pandemic sense of livestream fact-checking Gubas, expressed her triggered discussion normalcy. database that exposed concern about each of the around other topics like Since the debate, one many of Trump’s and a few candidates’ performance. the state of healthcare in of the major headlines of Biden’s comments as “(Tey) didn’t say America and the future of has been about Trump’s ‘false,’ ‘lacking evidence,’ much of actual substance,” women’s rights. refusal to denounce white or ‘misleading.’ Gubas said. “I feel like the When it came to supremacy during the One of Trump’s false level of discourse between COVID-19, President segment of race. claims was when he politicians is getting less Trump named it the “When the moderator claimed to have paid sophisticated and more “China plague,” and asked Trump outright if millions of dollars in about who can say the repeatedly claimed that he was willing to condemn income taxes, when in most one-liners that will if Biden had been in white supremacy and fact, the Times released appeal to their base.” his position, nearly two racist militias and Trump his tax returns last week, Senior undergraduate, million people would have responded by telling those revealing he paid a total Kira Ford, as well as Gubas died. On the other hand, individuals to ‘stand back of $750 in federal income and some of those who Biden based his argument and stand by,’ it became tax in both 2016 and 2017. participated in the Discord on the fact that Trump even more clear to me how One of Biden’s falsehoods discussion, expressed withheld his knowledge divisive and dangerous it was when he said the their disappointment about the danger and rapid is to have him in ofce,” United States currently has about how the debate spread of the virus when it Gubas said. a higher defcit with China was overrun by personal surfaced in February. Te remaining than ever before, when in attacks. “Trump trying to make segments about climate reality, the nation’s defcit “Watching the debate it seem like the coronavirus change, the economy, and with China has fallen as its was like watching two is not a big deal, even election fraud brought trade defcit with the rest children fght over who making fun of Biden for forth little information of the world is rising. is the best,” Ford said. constantly wearing a mask about policy from Trump Te vice presidential “For example, President is completely ridiculous,” and Biden, and instead debate, between Vice Trump brought up Biden’s Ford added. leaned towards chaos and President, Mike Pence, son, Hunter Biden’s drug Tis segment also personal accusations. In and Senator Kamala addiction, and Biden covered the reopening regards to voting, Trump Harris is scheduled for claimed that Trump is the of the economy and the expressed his concern Wednesday, Oct. 7. Te worst president America education system. Trump about election fraud next two presidential has ever had.” argued Biden would while Biden addressed the debates are scheduled for Leading into the debate, destroy the country and nation, encouraging them Oct. 15 and 22. However, the controversy around its economy if elected. In to go out and vote in time considering Trump has President Trump’s recent rebuttal, Biden claimed his for the election. tested positive for the Supreme Court Justice priorities to lie in the safety Troughout this virus, it is unknown as to nomination, Amy Coney of American people before tumultuous debate, Te how the following debates Barrett, to replace the returning the country to New York Times ran a will proceed. NEWS 2 The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 ASG’s condensed budget released to the public 35% of the yearly funding has been dedicated to this remote semester

TYLER PUGMIRE viewed at the meetings. reasoning was in order $125 per semester for each NEWS EDITOR Tis budget was only to streamline the process student taking twelve units voted on by executive and maintain efciency as or more, which is included Associated Student members of ASG senators were not elected whether or not classes are Government publicly (President, Vice President, until a few weeks into the remote or if students are released their budget on Speaker of the Senate, semester. living of campus. ASG’s Wednesday Sept. 30 to Chief of Staf, Chief Being in a global budget is also funded their website. Tis version Justice, Public Relations pandemic has shifed the partially by revenue from of the budget is less Chair, and Finance Chair). focus on ASG’s $1,318,704 an unspecifed source and comprehensive than the Typically, the budget is total budget that is funded decreased from last year’s one that is ofcially voted voted on by all elected by the Student Activity $1,438,777. Te total for on by ASG senators and members of ASG. Te Fund — this amounts to Con’t on Page 4

F A L L 2 0 2 0 ASG Exec Spending TOTAL ASG FUNDS: $1,318,704

VICE C H I E F O F S P E A K E R O F PRESIDENT PRESIDENT STAFF T H E S E N A T E

$49,000 $31,102 $1,900 $33,400 Toward Toward ASG Various campus Majority went initiatives with to funding academic functioning and initiatives planning $10,000 still Olé Weekend unspecified and USD's Welcome Week CHIEF JUSTICE P R C H A I R FINANCE CHAIR $13,000 of the funds remain unspecified as 'discretionary' $4,500 $7,350 $89,050 Towards elections and 'civic Toward ASG Toward funding engagement' marketing and campus orgs initiatives giveaways and commons

An overview of where ASG’s Executive Board members spend their money. Mikaela Foehr / The USD Vista 3 Volume 58 Issue 7 ◆ NEWS ◆ The USD Vista

From Page 3 Party or ASG Banquet in Diego Union Tribune. funding, there was a more the fall budget came out to comparison to previous Tis move has been than 80% decrease in $466,674.50; around 35% years. criticized by some, such as funding for the Women’s of total funds available for Torero Program Board junior Shane Wilson. Commons from last the year. was granted $225,000 “It sucks that they didn’t spring. Tere was also Comparing last year to but either has no specifc fund CRP, it seems like less funding received this year, there has been allocations or it was not during an election year by the Black Student a signifcant reduction completely flled out, and a global pandemic Resource Center, the in services provided because they have no exact that this would be the best Center for Health and and voted on. President funding amounts. time to have access to news Wellness Promotion, and Joey Abeyta decided to An item that is missing that isn’t just what I see on the Mulvaney Center for focus on Olé Weekend from the budget — the Twitter,” Wilson said. Community Awareness and welcome week — item that President Joey For the centers and and Social Action. both of which were held Abeyta claimed to be programs that ASG Not included in the remotely this year. Te his frst goal if elected sponsors, there was nearly budget total, was the total for those two events — is that of the College a $20,000 increase in $100,000 COVID-19 was $36,000, it is unclear Readership Program, spending from last fall fund for students in need. whether or not that total which was defunded last to now, coming from ASG Finance Chair Cesar was spent. year to save $12,000, less increases in the budget Manzo has not responded Te Chief of Staf only than 1% of ASG’s budget. for student activities and to an inquiry about the dedicated $200 to exec Te College Readership involvement, and deciding fund and how it will be team bonding, a reduction Program allows access to fund all of club sports distributed at the time of from $500 last year. for USD students to the in the fall semester. publication. Information Tere was also no money New York Times, the Wall While those two will be updated as it dedicated to the Holiday Street Journal, and the San programs saw increases in becomes available

Many programs have seen reductions in funding this semester, such as the Women’s Commons and the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion.. Tanner Claudio / The USD Vista

NEWS 4 The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 San Diego soccer club ‘Loyal’ indeed By forfeiting two games in protest, San Diego Loyal SC takes strong and necessary stance against hate

ERIC BOOSE Schantz (Phoenix). in the middle of one of, if that the teams, who have SPORTS EDITOR A week earlier, in Los not the best performance sacrifced next to nothing Angeles, an LA Galaxy of their entire season. And despite their player being Last week, among the II player used a racial while it was unequivocally the one in the wrong, will NBA Finals and baseball slur against San Diego’s the right thing to do, the both go on to appear in postseason, a second- Elijah Martin, who is situation still feels very the playofs, while Loyal’s division soccer team in its Black. Following the wrong. season is over. San Diego frst year of existence made game, Loyal SC issued Clearly, Elijah Martin may have the moral high headlines by walking of a statement declaring and Collin Martin were ground, but Phoenix and the feld. In doing so, they the team’s decision to wronged. In neither LA could fnish their threw away a 3-1 lead in forfeit the 1-1 draw in moment was the player season with a trophy. It a game they had to win protest of that racist act. who abused these men does not feel fair to do reprimanded in any the right thing yet watch This was a team walking away in the way. It is very easy to others be rewarded. middle of one of, if not the best performance wonder what would have As a fan of both this of their entire season. And while it was happened had Elijah or team and this game, I am unequivocally the right thing to do, the Collin not say anything hurting. It hurts to watch situation still feels very wrong. about it. Surely, this is not a team you support turn the frst time they have its back on a great victory, to stand any chance of Before the Phoenix game, been targeted in a game, even when you know it making the playofs. Tey Donovan said that had let alone their lives. How was the right thing to do. were praised for doing so. he understood what was many times have players It hurts to watch teams Late in frst-half happening at the time in gotten away with being seemingly get away with stoppage time, Phoenix L.A., he would have pulled racist, homophobic, or doing the bare minimum Rising FC’s Junior his team from the feld Flemmings reportedly that very moment. As a fan of both this team and this game, used a homophobic slur Afer halfime, both I am hurting. It hurts to watch a team you against San Diego Loyal Phoenix and San Diego support turn its back on a great victory, SC’s Collin Martin. Martin took the feld, but shortly even when you know it was the right thing is openly gay. Te referee, afer the referee blew his to do. arriving at the scene whistle to start the second late, mistakenly thought half, every member of otherwise hateful in a afer the fact. It hurts to Martin was calling his Loyal SC walked of the game? watch the players you opponent gay and issued feld in protest, forfeiting However, it feels as support be subjected to him a red card, leading to their 3-1 lead, and any though the entire San abuse because of their multiple chaotic minutes chance of making the Diego team has been identities. It hurts even which resulted in this postseason. wronged. Tey forfeited more to have every reason tense discussion between Tis was diferent from not one, but two games to believe it could happen match ofcials and head players taking a knee at the in a row because of what again. coaches Landon Donovan beginning of a game. Tis an opposing player did. Let me be clear: the (San Diego) and Rick was a team walking away It seems especially unjust Con’t on Page 6 OPINION 5 Volume 58 Issue 7 ◆ OPINION ◆ The USD Vista

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From Page 5 not enough. Tere has to without simultaneously In fairness to Phoenix, racial abuse leveled be action. By refusing to supporting the values it the club is sofening its at Elijah Martin, the originally staunch defense homophobic abuse leveled Social justice and sports have never been of the player, and they at Collin Martin, bigotry, separate. That fact is clearer now than deserve praise for trying and hate in any form ever before. And we as fans cannot ignore to turn the situation into have no place in the game things that we used to. a learning opportunity for of soccer. Tey have no players and staf involved. place in any sport, nor in participate in games where stands for; that line is now San Diego Loyal’s any corner of our society. hateful words are spoken long gone. San Diego has actions prove that sports What happened to Collin or hateful actions are done, made its values clear. In are not just a game. Fans and Elijah was plainly San Diego Loyal is doing this reality, you have to have to pay attention. We wrong and unacceptable. what it can to ensure that consider what your club have to kick hate out of the But while San Diego’s such hate is scrubbed out stands for and whether sports that we love. players, coaching staf, of the beautiful game. But you stand with it. Te and executives all deserve they cannot do it on their Phoenix fans who called praise for how they own. on the club to conduct The views expressed in the editorial and handled the situations, Social justice and sports an investigation in good op-ed sections are not they should never have have never been separate. faith were doing the right necessarily those of been in those situations to Tat fact is clearer now thing. Te fans who swore The USD Vista staf, begin with. than ever before. And to cancel their season the University of San Tere are no winners we as fans cannot ignore ticket memberships in the Diego, or its student here. You can praise San things that we used to. You heat of that moment were body. Diego, yes, but that is cannot support a team doing the right thing.

OPINION 6 The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 An ironic October surprise President Trump’s positive COVID test brings skepticism

BAYLYNNE BRUNETTI that Trump does not Americans. political pawn to downplay ASST. OPINION EDITOR even have COVID-19. Te diference is, he the severity of the virus. Tey speculate that this will receive some of the He has already gone on On Tuesday, Nov. 29, is a grand ploy to either best healthcare. Whereas, national television to President Trump belittled draw out the election many victims of the virus take his mask of, putting Joe Biden for wearing and reap the benefts of have not received that his staf at risk. Perhaps, beneft. He has already another recommendation With these comments in mind, it is hard to been hospitalized, saying for hydroxychloroquine feel bad for Trump. He continuously went he is feeling better and will be on the horizon. against scientists and started an uprising back at the White House, People have a right to of anti-maskers who fake letters from though reports from fnd the irony in the fact the Department of Justice “Freedom to other ofcials contradict that a president who is Breathe Agency” to harass working-class this statement. Upon his responsible for the deaths people. release, Trump put his of many Americans is Secret Service and others sick with the very virus “big” masks during his free media coverage; or at risk to do a motorcade he downplayed. He has campaign, making a this is a way to downplay to his supporters. Showing held rallies with no mockery of mask-wearing the severity of the virus that this will be used as a Con’t on Page 8 during a pandemic. Two since Trump has been days later, Trump tested condemned heavily for positive for COVID-19. his leadership throughout His negligence in not the pandemic. Neither of taking the coronavirus these options are too far- seriously has led to himself fetched when it comes to and others in the White this administration. House to become sick and Going back to the facts has led to the deaths of — loose term — we know over 200,000 Americans. Trump has COVID-19. Te October surprise Either he survives the is a news event that may virus or he succumbs infuence the outcome to the virus — as many of an upcoming election other Americans have. If — particularly one for he survives, it will be due the U.S. presidency — to receiving exceptional whether deliberately healthcare because he is planned or spontaneously the President. Te fact occurring. Tis breaking is, Trump is an older news falls nothing short of male, overweight and has just that: a surprise. underlying heart disease. Te most telling sign All factors that have led to of the state of our politics COVID-related deaths — Donald Trump must now take on the virus he has denied the severity of for is that some people are putting him in the same months. spreading a conspiracy position as many older Photo courtesy of Library of Congress/Unsplash

OPINION 7 Volume 58 Issue 7 ◆ OPINION ◆ The USD Vista

From Page 7 leadership during this with whiplash. Tis is not debate stage for wearing mask mandates, made a pandemic. “fake news.” You cannot a “big” mask, whose party mockery of the CDC and Tere are other claim that other countries refuses to grant relief our nation’s top doctors developed countries who are not comparable to packages to families who and scientists. He has have done their part and the United States when it are struggling because of suggested outrageous handled the virus, such comes to population — this same virus. things such as “injecting as Australia. Tey took they are. Te diference I do not apologize for disinfectant,” which he quarantine seriously and is having a president who not feeling an inkling of claims was a “joke.” compassion for a president With these comments You cannot claim that other countries who has lef the country in mind, it is hard to are not comparable to the United States with no leadership during feel bad for Trump. He when it comes to population — they are. a pandemic. Instead, continuously went against The diference is having a president who I direct my regards to scientists and started sought to divide instead of bring people those who lost their lives an uprising of anti- together, who sought to make a mockery because of his childish maskers who fake letters of the dead by hosting maskless rallies leadership. I feel sorrow from the Department with no social distancing. for those who lost their of Justice “Freedom to jobs and cannot feed their Breathe Agency” to harass did not have a leader sought to divide instead families. Tose who lost working-class people. He who opposed masks and of bring people together, family members due to encouraged xenophobia called the virus a “hoax”. who sought to make a inadequate healthcare. by calling it the “China- Trump has now switched mockery of the dead by I do not feel sorry for virus,” which led to a rise in his views to call the virus hosting maskless rallies the man who sits in his hate crimes towards Asian the “plague,” capitalizing with no social distancing. ivory tower with the best Americans. He failed the on the fear of Americans Tis is the same man who healthcare in the country American people in his and leaving the world mocked Joe Biden on a who brought this upon himself. No one knows for a fact whether President Trump actually has the virus. What we do know is that we are so used to lies and propaganda with his administration that it is not unfathomable to think this could be a political ploy. No one can know what will happen, this is the trauma associated with this administration and its instability. I am not fully convinced that this will be the fnal October surprise, but for the sake of the American people and this

Over the past several months, Trump has dismissed the devastating impact of the coronavirus on the United States. country, I do hope it is the Photo courtesy of Carmen Rodriguez/fickr last.

OPINION 8 The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 The Lindsay J. Cropper Memorial Writer Series welcomes Kiese Laymon, Ph.D. Kiese Laymon, Ph.D., an essayist and memorist, is the second Black creative writer to be featured in the Cropper Series for this academic year.

BRITTANY LANG writing from Indiana in Nonfction, the 2018 a distinctive focus on the FEATURE EDITOR University. He currently Christopher Isherwood battle within himself of holds the title of the Prize for Autobiographical the personal versus the Te USD English Hubert H. McAlexander Prose, the Austen political, and discusses department, in order to Chair of English at the Riggs Erikson Prize for hard-hitting themes such commit themselves to University of Mississippi, Excellence in Mental as racial injustice, poverty, the enduring work of and is the 2020-2021 Health Media, and was shame, and identity. anti-racism, announced Harvard Radclife fellow. named by Te New York Te Cropper Series that the 2020-2021 Laymon also writes as a Times as one of the 50 commenced on Tursday Lindsay J. Cropper contributing editor for Best Memoirs of the past with an introduction Memorial Writer Series Vanity Fair and Oxford 50 years and one of the of Laymon from the would be a celebration American. best books of 2018. director of the series, Brad of Black creative Laymon is most well He is also the author of Melekian, Ph.D. writing exclusively. Te known for his bestselling the essay collection “How Laymon began his department believes that memoir, “Heavy: An to Slowly Kill Yourself and discussion with a reading literature has a unique American Memoir,” Others in America,” and of “Heavy: An American capacity to remind us of which was awarded the the novel “Long Division” Memoir.” Te novel is the innate dignity of all 2019 Andrew Carnegie which defes the rules of about Laymon’s uneven human life and therefore, Medal for Excellence genre. Laymon’s work has Con’t on Page 10 they have a particular responsibility to showcase the remarkable talent of writers from all walks of life. On Tursday, Oct. 1, the Cropper Series welcomed Kiese Laymon, Ph.D., a writer who is critically acclaimed for his highly observant, perceptive, and ofen humorous essays and memoirs, for a craf talk and reading. Laymon is a proud Jackson, Miss. native. He is an Oberlin College graduate and received Kiese Laymon, Ph.D. is known for his observant, perceptive, and often humorous essays and memoirs. his MFA in creative Photo courtesy of Kiese Laymon

FEATURE 9 Volume 58 Issue 7 ◆ FEATURE ◆ The USD Vista The USD Vista ◆ September 8, 2020

From Page 9 to their own persisting Black individual,” he read. he read. “I am unsure and arduous path from oppression, even afer “Heavy” discusses in what to do, not so much boyhood to manhood, tiring all other peaceful explicit ways how white with the absolute pain of and eventually to a writer. eforts to advocate for people have fashioned and isolation nor the rapture Te excerpt Laymon read equal rights and fair constructed the enduring of revolution, I am afraid was written about his treatment. Black narrative that has of and fascinated by formative high school “I had only been alive been used to oppress, how the pandemic has years. He recounted seventeen years and I was subjugate, and ostracize fundamentally changed events that transpired already tired of paying members of the Black my expectations of looking in 1992 shortly afer the for white folk’ feelings community — to provide forward to responsibly verdict of the Rodney with a generic smile and a them with less and to feeling good forever.” King police brutality manufactured excellence,” sufer more. Tis piece by Laymon case was announced. In he read. “I never heard of “Our ‘superpower’ I was echoed many of the one particular scene he white folk getting caught told since I was a child was themes that were present recited, Laymon described and paying for anything perseverance — the ability in “Heavy.” One line his mother trying her best they did to us and stole to survive no matter how specifcally highlighted his to calm his anger. from us — didn’t matter if much they took from us. newfound identity which “Te night of the it was white police, white I never understood how emphasized how much he Rodney King verdict teachers, white students, surviving was one of our has come into his own as you held me in your lap or white randoms.” collective superpowers a Black man and writer, and you would not stop Laymon in this excerpt when white folk made despite the unrelenting rocking for two straight described in great detail sure so many of us did not anger he felt growing up hours. We watched L.A. how he didn’t want to s u r v i v e ,” Laymon recited. in a society that does not burn as cameras showed have to teach white people Following his reading value and protect Black a white man get pulled how to treat Black people from “Heavy,” Laymon bodies. from a truck, getting beat respectfully. His 17-year- read a piece that he wrote “I am a Black southern up by black and brown old self had this persistent that morning which is writer — that is my one men at a L.A. intersection. and ferocious anger that tentatively titled “We Will superpower,” Laymon ‘I hope you see what they made him want to fght Know.” Te piece explores recited. aren’t showing’ you said, ‘I all of them and never lose pleasure and the notion Te initiative set by the want you to write an essay to them again. Laymon of wanting to feel good Cropper Series this year about what white folk feel wanted to take back what during the COVID-19 was not solely made for the tonight, I know they’re white people stole from pandemic. In it, Laymon purpose of highlighting blaming us,’” Laymon Black culture. recounts his meaningful works that seek to recited. “I wanted all the money, interactions with essential unravel the prejudices Te theme that Laymon the safety, the education, workers and how these rare that have been so deeply sought to highlight while the healthy choices, the human connections and embedded into our reading this excerpt is second chances — if we long periods of isolation minds and institutions. something he believes were ever to get what we provoked him to question Te series also wants still holds true today — were owed, I knew we had the ways in which humans to simply celebrate the that Black reactionary to take it back without seek pleasure. diverse talent that exists anger is deemed as the getting caught because “Like so many of my within the creative writing ultimate menace even in no creation on earth was friends, my past eight community, in order to times of great injustice as all-world as white folk months have been spent cultivate an improved and violence. Te Black at punishing the Black dodging death, mourning collective understanding community is not allowed whole for the supposed the dead, creating art, of the broad array of to have violent reactions transgressions of one and loving Black people,” human experiences.

FEATURE 10

The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 The Trader Joe’s efect What makes Trader Joe’s stand out as one of San Diego’s best grocery stores Joe’s features interesting ANNA VALAIK ASST. A&C EDITOR artwork and creative displays in every store, and each art piece is diferent “Even though we’re a depending on where you chain, Trader Joe’s doesn’t go. Te store is bright, feel like a regular grocery beaming with colors from store. We’re like a toned- the fresh vegetables, fruits, down vintage-nautical and fowers. Whole Foods,” Mitchell Te aisles are chock- Valine, a Trader Joe’s full of frozen and pantry employee and a sophomore items, with each oneitem at USD, explained about given handwritten price what diferentiates his tags and labels. Te stores workplace from its make sure to change competitors. their decorations with Valine, and thousands the seasons, too. Right of other local San Diegans, now, one would fnd large choose Trader Joe’s as boxes full of pumpkins The petite pumpkin spice cookies are a fall favorite. their main grocery store. and bats hanging from the Taylor DeGuzman/The USD Vista Any day of the week, at ceiling, all in anticipation feel like a neighborhood is to learn about Trader almost any hour of the day, for Halloween. For these market,” Donahoe said. Joe’s,” Valine said. “Part one can fnd Trader Joe’s reasons and more, Trader “Te store has a homey of our training is learning bustling with customers. Joe’s attracts a wide variety feel that everyone feels about the store’s values, It’s especially noticeable of individuals. Moms welcomed and invited.” some of which include with the COVID and college students alike Tere is nothing stufy or integrity and hospitality. restrictions as one ofen frequent TJ’s because the pretentious about Trader I don’t think you can fnd has to wait outside in a line store makes this shopping Joe’s, and that is what this kind of dedication just to get into the store. experience feel enjoyable keeps people coming back. to service anywhere else Tis cult following then rather like a chore. Instead, No shopping really.” Trader Joe’s cares begs the question; what is it becomes a pleasant experience is complete for its employees, and in this Trader Joe’s culture, outing to pick up food and at Trader Joe’s without turn, the employees care and why does it appear so a reminder that errands one, but probably many, deeply for their customers prevalent in San Diego? can be fun, too. lovely interactions with and making it the best What sets TJ’s apart Max Donahoe, a the employees. When possible place to shop. from other grocery sophomore at USD and refecting on working at Donahoe’s favorite stores is their friendly Trader Joe’s employee, Trader Joe’s, Valine and part about working at environment, unmatched notes a similar friendly Donahoe both noted how TJ’s is interacting with customer service, and feeling within the their work environment the patrons. “Honestly, it’s unique food items. From environment. is one that promotes the customers and seeing the moment you walk into “I think Trader Joe’s hospitality and positivity. them enjoy shopping for the store, there is a laid- created a loyal following “Right when we get their favorite goods at the back feel created by the from the system of making hired, we learn pretty store,” Donahoe said. “I store’s aesthetic. Trader a commercial grocery store much everything there Con’t on Page 14

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For example, their frozen chocolate snack bite, aisle ofers vegetable where you get a little bit of mixes, protein options, sweet and salty all in one,” and microwaveable rice. he said. Tey have Meditteranean, Some other fall items Asian, and caesar-inspired people should be on salad packs, perfect for the lookout for are the a quick lunch or dinner pumpkin pancake mix meal. Most of these and pumpkin butter. Teir options are well under seasonal items can put $10. Te budget-friendly anyone in the mood for prices are another perk. the upcoming season and It’s so easy to walk out of holiday, even when it’s Trader Joe’s with weekly sunny and 75 degrees in Get in the fall spirit and pick up a pumpkin next time at Trader Joe’s. essentials and only spend San Diego. Photo Courtesy of Maggie Valaik $40 or so. Tat’s almost My favorite items From Page 13 Trader Joe’s knows unheard of at any other include unexpected love hearing people say their customer service sets store in San Diego, a city cheddar cheese, vegetable it is their favorite part of them apart. Valine said, “I where prices always seem gyoza, fg & olive crackers, their day.” always get a compliment infated. frozen chocolate covered Many stores, grocery from customers saying Trader Joe’s doesn’t stop bananas, and dark or not, rarely focus so they feel so welcomed at there with food, though. chocolate peanut butter deeply on creating such the store and that they Every month there always cups. a cheerful environment think we’re so nice.” seems to be something Trader Joe’s succeeds for its customers, let Trader Joe’s, without new coming out. Among in many diferent aspects. alone employees. Trader a doubt, ofers the most the crowd favorites Tey have it all: positive Joe’s instills their values one-of-a-kind food includes everything but employees, interesting within employees from products out there. the bagel seasoning, food choices, and a the moment they enter Mostly everything they caulifower gnocchi, and beautiful setting for people their workforce, and sell is Trader Joe’s brand, joe-joe’s. to enjoy their shopping those values are always giving them the freedom Seasonal items time experience. Customers focused on making their and ability to create what and time again catch and employees alike rave space enjoyable for all. they want and what they people’s eyes. Valine about the store, and it’s not Te employees are always believe their customers talked about his favorite a coincidence everyone willing to look for a want. Tey source fresh item., Valine said, “If I had says this. Trader Joe’s has certain item, do a price fruits and vegetables, but to choose one, I’d go with purposely set out to create check, or give a great where they really stand the butternut squash mac a neighborhood shop, and food recommendation, out is through their pre- and cheese,.” Valine said. the employees hold up and they always look made salad packages, “It’s a seasonal item so we this standard perfectly. and sound happy doing frozen meals, and other only get it in the fall. It’s Whether it be fall, winter, it, even with their mask ready-to-eat options. For life-changing.” spring, or summer, on. It’s refreshing to see those looking to shop on Donahoe went for Trader Joe’s provides people genuinely enjoy a budget or for those who a sweeter choice: dark enticing food options, where they work and it lead a busy life, Trader chocolate covered and customers rarely leave makes coming back to Joe’s is the place to shop almonds with turbinado without a perky smile and Trader Joe’s even more because they cater to sugar. happy memory of your worthwhile. those particular shoppers. “Tis is the perfect trip to the grocery.

A&C 14 The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 The Art of Protesting How the artwork of civil rights’ activists has changed over the years

nature of the movement, examples of this is the OLIVIA HUNT ASST. A&C EDITOR and how its goals have not 1920 NAACP fag, fying In response to the 2015 yet been achieved. Smith’s from the window of the police killings of Black predominant works are group’s New York City Americans Alton Sterling Te role of art in portraits of victims of headquarters. With a and Philando Castille, confronting governmental police brutality, with his black background and that fag underwent a and social issues is far from most recent portraits white lettering, the fag two-word revision. New new, and the line between being of Ahmaud simply stated: “A Man York City-based artist artist and activist is ofen Arbery, George Floyd, was Lynched Yesterday” Dread Scott remade the blurred. From signs and and Breonna Taylor. In — urging the people of fag with the words, “A murals to slogans and these works, Smith uses Manhattan, as well as the Man was Lynched by chants, creative minds Photoshop to create a nation as a whole, to pay Police Yesterday.” On his have always been crucial faux-oil painting paired attention to the racist portfolio website, Scott benefactors of activist with abstract elements. In murders happening across describes the history and movements. Protest art an interview with Time the U.S. Con’t on Page 16 is also, arguably, more Magazine he explained dynamic than ‘regular’ the thought processes and art; an inextricable aspect motivation behind his art. of protest art is that it “I don’t like clean is ephemeral. Paintings lines,” Smith said. “Tat’s on streets, signs, and a parallel to all these lives. walls typically do not last Tey did not have a chance longer than six months to see their end. Tey to a year. Te Black Lives should still be living.” Matter organization, for Smith’s portraits are instance, has spurred currently among the most beautiful, moving artwork widespread images of since its founding in the BLM movement, and 2013, and artists’ designs have been shared by the have progressed with the organization’s Instagram movement. account as well as that Te stylistic choices and of Michelle Obama. methods behind protest His art has since been art are as deliberate as reprinted on numerous that of the curated art one protest signs during BLM would fnd in a museum. demonstrations and Los Angeles-based artist peaceful protests. Nikkolas Smith, for Current protest art example, purposely makes has also borrowed from his protest art for the Black previous civil rights Lives Matter movement movements. One of the appear unfnished. His most prominent, and A screenshot of Breonna Taylor portrait from Smith’s Instagram Account. style refects the unfnished strikingly memorable Photo courtesy of Nikkolas Smith

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Dread Scott Art’s post about policde brutality. A large mural was painted on Hollywood Boulevard. Photo courtesy of Dread Scott Photo courtesy of szeke/Flickr From Page 15 the killers would never be piece, which currently brought to justice.” in the Jim Crow era, there is replaced or modifed as hangs outside the Jack Te medium, a fag, on can be eye witnesses, and a movement progresses. Shainman Gallery in New which the NAACP chose now even video evidence, However, a recent Black York City. to write this stark message, and yet the police get away Lives Matter mural in Los Scott provides refects the threat of death with murder. Tis artwork Angeles may have forever extensive context behind and violence that ‘hung is an unfortunately changed this aspect of the original fag. On his over all Black people.’ necessary update to protest art. website, he explains that, Scott, in his addition to address a horror from the On June 14, a large “during the Jim Crow this message, modernized past that is haunting us in mural with the words, “All era, Black people were the piece. the present.” Black Lives Matter,” was terrorized by lynching — He draws a crucial A main characteristic painted on Hollywood ofen public and publicized connection between the of protest art is that it is Boulevard with a extra legal torture and fag’s original words and temporary — collectively permanent status in mind. murder of Black people. his revision. used and dispersed until a Te L.A. city council It was a threat that hung “Now the police are social justice movement’s passed a motion to protect over all Black people who playing the same role of goals have been achieved. the mural, and to keep knew that for any reason terror that lynch mobs did Typically, protest art it as a lasting symbol of or no reason whatsoever at the turn of the century,” occupies a space for six the Black Lives Matter we could be killed and Scott said. “Like lynchers months to a few years, and Movement.

A&C 16 The USD Vista ◆ October 6, 2020 Caleb Ricketts gets by with a little help from his team Toreros’ catcher says people around him make baseball and life more enjoyable

LEAH STEVENS CONTRIBUTOR

As a young boy growing up in Newport Beach, California, Caleb Ricketts knew he liked being active and a team member. Ricketts started playing sports at the age of four years old, and when he turned fve, he started playing the sport he still loves today — baseball. While he is currently a sophomore and the catcher at the University of San Diego, Ricketts’ career in baseball had an unconventional start. Ricketts fnished the shortened 2020 season with a .351 batting average, good for third-best on a USD Baseball team that “I was fve years old won 12 of the 16 games they played. playing t-ball, and I got hit Photo courtesy USD Athletics in the nose with the ball, him some of the best treat and love me the same about baseball is the and then I quit for four friendships that he knows aferward. Also, someone schedule we have and time years because I was scared he will never forget. who can make me laugh management,” Ricketts to play afer that,” Ricketts One of his favorite and bring happiness to my said. “It can get exhausting, said. memories was a pair of d ay.” especially if you don’t Afer that minor trips to North Carolina, Ricketts still fnds that value the relationships setback and a push from when his high school team the best part of being a part with your teammates. his parents to go back, won the same tournament of the baseball team are Tat would make me want Ricketts fell back in love two years in a row. Te his teammates and their to stop playing because with the practices, team chemistry and energy of energetic team dynamic. the schedule gets really dynamics, and the game the group is something However, he will admit tough.” itself. One of the most Ricketts will never forget. that the commitment It is truly the people grounding factors Ricketts When it comes to to baseball does get and relationships — both fnds with baseball is his friends or teammates, overwhelming. Trying to family and teammates teammates. Waking up Ricketts stated “Something balance his schoolwork, — in Ricketts’ life that early for practices, having I really admire about his social life, and his keep him motivated and late-night games, and someone is someone who sport can get tricky from energized. traveling the country with can listen to what I’m time to time. “What makes me want his teammates has given going through and still “Te hardest part Con’t on Page 18

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From Page 17 pandemic’s trying times said. “He’s had the same Caleb Ricketts is driven to keep playing baseball and the unpredictability job for over 30 years, and by the people in his life are the relationships I’ve of the sport, it is hard to he absolutely hates it, but who inspire him, who made throughout the say where he will end up. it pays well, and he does push him to be a better years with my teammates,” However, he does know it to support us which I player, and who can make Ricketts said. “Te no matter where he is, he really admire. Him getting him laugh and have a relationships are the most wants to be like his dad, through the week by doing good time with him. important thing, but I also his greatest inspiration. stuf he doesn’t want to do He fnds happiness and love the game itself.” “One of the strongest so we can go to school and purpose in life by forming As far as the future, infuences in my life have a good life is really tight-knit friendships and he does not know what is my dad because he’s inspiring to me, and it’s having a strong bond with is in store for him in extremely disciplined and something I want to do his family and his turtle, baseball. Due to the works very hard,” Ricketts when I’m older.” Timmy Timmy. Eschool and esports USD Campus Recreation opens the door to billion-dollar world of competitive gaming with esports teams, tournaments

JOSHUA STRANGE online gaming. Tis ofering remote intramural reporter for collegiate CONTRIBUTOR environment hosts teams esports tournaments, gaming, said. “College and leagues in which on a variety of gaming players at a scholarship Students have never students or professional platforms with awards and esports program are like had a better opportunity online gamers compete Amazon gif cards. traditional athletes who go to gain followers and for huge prizes, bragging USD joins a growing to college for their sports.” subscribers, or get school rights, and a chance to list of campuses around Last year tens of paid for while fexing their prove that gaming can be the nation that are ofering thousands of people skills online, as revenue a professional endeavor. competitive esports teams. watched live as ESPN from esports reaches Te Torero Gaming Following in the footsteps hosted their inaugural staggering new heights Club, working with of big schools like UC collegiate gaming during COVID-19. Games tournament in a coast- like “World of Warcraf,” “I feel good about it. It is honestly a good to-coast standof, making “Call of Duty: Warzone,” direction and gaming is an equal playing careers and dreams come and “League of Legends” ground for almost anyone.” true for several young have hundreds of millions - Mackenzie Zorn, USD sophomore esports players. of concurrent viewers and Many of these players, a small part of gaming professionals the pie in a billion-dollar Campus Recreation, Berkeley and UC Irvine, use highlights and clips industry. Even USD is created USD’s ofcial which have been paving from their gameplay and getting on board with the esports teams earlier the way with their varsity post them to platforms growing trend as this fall this month and they are esports teams, it is an like Twitter, TikTok, and brings about a paradigm recruiting interested exciting time to break into Youtube. Tese social shif from physical sports students. For more casual the industry. media infuencers can to competitive esports. players or those looking to “Tere are nearly generate millions of dollars “Esports” is the term practice before applying 150 colleges in North through advertisements industry experts are for the ofcial teams America that ofer and paid subscriptions using to represent the this semester, Campus (gaming) scholarships,” or get picked up by world of competitive Recreation will also be Emily Rand, an ESPN Con’t on Page 19

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Competitive gaming has become more popular in recent years, with multiple tournaments taking place across a variety of different games. Photo courtesy Florian Olivo/Unsplash

From Page 18 esports and infuencer player who won the 2019 open. Sophomore professional organizations markets and COVID has Fortnite World Cup took Mackenzie Zorn, who that contract them much certainly upped the ante home a mind-boggling plays “Warzone” with her like a professional sports by pushing activities like $3 million in winnings. older brother, is happy to team. USD sophomore work and school into the His videos have tens see USD launch an esports Megan Cardif, who has online environment as of millions of views on program. started dabbling in video well. “Fortnite,” a game Youtube — and he is only “I feel good about it,” creation, explained just Zorn said. “It is honestly how lucrative the market “College players... are like traditional a good direction and for digital creators is. athletes who go to college for their gaming is an equal playing “Te infuence sports.” ground for almost anyone. YouTubers have is - Emily Rand, ESPN Intramural esports insane…some have over 9 ofen associated with 17 years old. Te game also tournaments are a good million followers and can dancing and memes, has hosts “Econcerts” with choice considering the make thousands for one ofered over a quarter of appearances from Travis pandemic.” brand deal,” Cardif said. a billion dollars in prizes Scott and Marshmello. With everything to “Te consumer market is to competitive players Competitive gamers gain and nothing to lose, shifing online, especially around the world since are generating buzz much this fall is shaping up to with COVID.” its inception. Last year like top sports athletes be an exciting time to try Last year was an alone it had a prize pool of and college recruiters your luck and prove your explosive phase for the over $100 million and the are keeping their eyes worth in the virtual world.

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