Thursday, April 22, 2021
Volume 156 No. 34 SERVING SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1934
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Vendors anticipate market vote By Jovanna Olivares SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The Berryessa Flea Market Vendors Association (BFVA) discussed alternatives for vendor displacement in an April 14 meeting. This comes as vendors await the next San Jose Planning Commission meeting on May 12, where city officials will vote on replacing the San Jose Flea Market on Berryessa Road with residential and commercial units. Members of BFVA collaborated with law experts, public space panelists and Catalyze SV to hear vendors’ testimonies. Catalyze SV is a nonprofit that collaborates with the community, city officials and developers to provide equitable spaces for residents of Silicon Valley, according to its website. “[The city doesn’t] have to destroy people’s source of income and put our livelihoods at risk to provide new homes and outside businesses,” Roberto Gonzalez, a flea market vendor and BFVA president said during the meeting. “We urge the community, the city officials and landowners to work with us to find solutions [and] development without displacement.” The San Jose Planning Commission voted 6-1 during its March 24 Zoom meeting to table its decision on rezoning the flea market. There are currently no plans for the flea market to be preserved, relocated or recreated at the new site. The plan to remove the market is part of the city’s Berryessa BART Urban Village Plan, which would replace the flea market with an urban village. Urban villages are “walkable, bicycle-friendly, transit-oriented mixed use settings that provide both housing and jobs,” according to the San Jose Urban Villages webpage. The Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan was adopted in November 2011 and outlines the implementation of several urban villages in Downtown San Jose. The planning commission is expected to vote on the fate of the flea market during its May 12 meeting. It will move to San Jose City Council if approved.
[The city doesn’t] have to destroy people’s source of income and put our livelihoods at risk to provide new homes and outside businesses. We urge the community, the city officials and landowners to work with us to find solutions [and] development without displacement. Roberto Gonzalez Berryessa Flea Market Vendors Association president
Ezequiel, who did not provide a last name, said in a prerecorded video that he’s worked at the flea market as a plant merchant for the last 35 years. “From here [the flea market] I was able to provide for my family,” Ezequiel said in Spanish in a prerecorded video played during the April 14 meeting. “From here I bought what I have and have made a living here. It hurts what they’re trying to do with us [dislocate].” Kurt Wheeler, the project manager at Project for Public Spaces, argued flea markets have certain accessible benefits to underserved communities.
JOVANNA OLIVARES | SPARTAN DAILY
Delia, who preferred to go by her first name (left), and her co-vendor bag thornless cacti at the San Jose Flea Market on March 19.
Project for Public Spaces is a New York nonprofit that’s focused on creating and sustaining public places for building communities, according to its website. “Markets are a low risk and low investment opportunity to start a business, which is especially important for women and new immigrants,” Wheeler said during the meeting. Cayetano, who did not provide a last name, said he’s been working at the flea market for the last 30 years. He said the possibility of losing his main income source would destabilize him, alongside many Latinx and Asian American vendors dependent on the market. “At this age I would no longer find employment as easy as most young people,” Cayetano said. “I want the landowners to take us into consideration in their decision making and that they consider the welfare of all, not only themselves, but for everyone at the market.” James Chang, chief of staff to Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett, delivered Bartlett’s experience of redevelopment plans surrounding the Berkeley Flea Market during the meeting. Chang said Berkeley is proud to include its vendors in the planning process for redeveloping space currently occupied by the Berkeley Flea Market. He said building prosperity must be inclusive and equitable. “We have to bend the arc of recovery so it works for everyone. We have a flea market that is providing income and stability for the workers and small businesses,” Chang said. “At the same time we have much needed housing production [and] the two must work hand in hand. Democracy works best when it provides universal outcomes.” Chang said the development of new housing is possible without displacing thousands of vendors and removing cultural heritage, but the
IN BRIEF The San Jose Flea Market on Berryessa Road could be replaced with residential and commercial units as a part of the city’s Berryessa BART Urban Village Plan. The Berryessa Flea Market Vendors Association demands a role in the market’s redevelopment plans as the San Jose Planning Commission will vote on whether to pass the item to city council on May 12. The city’s Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan, which was adopted in November 2011, would implement several urban villages in the city by 2040 in Downtown San Jose and existing residential neighborhoods. Urban villages are walkable, bicycle-friendly and transit-oriented, mixed-use spaces that provide both housing and jobs. false politics of scarcity is harmful to vulnerable communities. “It’s not one or the other, we can continue to help our flea markets, small business owners and their workers’ ability to earn a living and feed their families,” Chang said. “And fulfill our duty for much needed housing production. Unifying the two is the only way to achieve sustainability in our communities.” Julian Gross, an attorney at Renne Public Law Group, advised advocates to push for a legally binding contract such as a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) to hold the city accountable to its consensus agreements. CBAs require developers to provide specific amenities and/or mitigations to local communities or neighborhoods in redevelopment, according to the For Working Families Community Benefits webpage. The Partnership For Working Families
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is a network of regional advocacy organizations that support solutions to U.S. economic and environmental problems, according to its website. Gross encouraged community members to continue their engagement through organizing and lobbying, pushing for a “seat at the table” for redevelopment plans. “There’s always a way to figure it out, it might not be your first choice or your second choice, but there’s always a way to figure out how to land these issues in a fair, appropriate and empathetic way,” Gross said.
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EL ESPARTANO
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021
JOVANNA OLIVARES | SPARTAN DAILY
Sebastian, hijo de una vendedora de un local familiar donde venden verduras, dulces, y artesanías mexicanas, actualiza los precios de los productos del negocio en la Pulga.
Vendedores esperan voto sobre la Pulga Por Jovanna Olivares REPORTERA
El 14 de abril, La Asociación de Comerciantes del Mercado de la Pulga de San Jose, (BFVA) discutió alternativas al desplazamiento de vendedores en una llamada de Zoom. Esta reunión fue en anticipación a la próxima junta de la Comisión de Planificación de San José el 12 de mayo. En cual los comisarios votarán sobre el desplazamiento de la pulga localizada en Berryessa Road con unidades residenciales y nuevo sitios comerciales. Los miembros de BFVA colaboraron con Catalyze SV y expertos en derechos y espacio público para conducir un evento educativo y escuchar testimonios de vendedores. Catalyze SV es una organización sin fines de lucro que colabora con la comunidad, los funcionarios de la ciudad y los desarrolladores para crear espacios equitativos para los residentes de Silicon Valley, según su sitio web. “[La ciudad] no tiene que destruir la fuente de ingresos de las personas y poner en riesgo nuestro sustento para crear nuevos hogares y negocios externos,” dijo Roberto González, un vendedor y presidente de BFVA durante la reunión. “Insistimos a la comunidad, funcionarios de la ciudad y los dueños de la propiedad que trabajen con nosotros para encontrar soluciones [y] crear desarrollo sin desplazamiento.” La Comisión de Planificación votó para demorar su decisión sobre la rezonificación de la pulga 6-1 durante una reunión de Zoom el 24 de marzo. Actualmente no hay planes para preservar, reubicar o recrear la pulga en el nuevo sitio. El plan para desplazar la pulga es parte del Plan de Aldea Urbana Berryessa BART de la ciudad, que convertirá la propiedad en una aldea urbana. Las aldeas urbanas son “entornos de uso mixtos, orientados al tránsito donde puedan caminar a pie y en bicicleta, brindando tanto vivienda como empleos,”
según la página web San Jose Urban Villages. El plan de Aldea Urbana, surge del Plan General Envision San José 2040 de la ciudad, que fue adoptado en noviembre del 2011 y tiene como objetivo reconstruir el centro de San José y los vecindarios residenciales existentes. Este plan implementaría varias aldeas urbanas en la ciudad dentro del 2040 y el plan fue modificado por el ayuntamiento el 16 de marzo del 2020.
[La ciudad] no tiene que destruir la fuente de ingresos de las personas y poner en riesgo nuestro sustento para crear nuevos hogares y negocios externos. Insistimos a la comunidad, funcionarios de la ciudad y los dueños de la propiedad que trabaje con nosotros para encontrar soluciones [y] crear desarrollo sin desplazamiento. Roberto González presidente de La Asociación de Comerciantes del Mercado de la Pulga de San Jose
Se espera que la comisión de planificación vote sobre el plan de reurbanización durante su próxima junta el 12 de mayo. Se trasladará la decisión al Ayuntamiento de San José si la comisión aprueba. Ezequiel, dijo que él ha trabajado en la Pulga como comerciante de plantas por los últimos 35 años. “De aquí [la Pulga] mantuve mi familia, de aquí compre lo que tengo, y aquí he vivido’’, dijo Ezequiel en un video pregrabado
que se reprodujo durante la reunión del 14 de abril. “De aquí compré lo que tengo y me he ganado la vida aquí. Duele lo que están tratando de hacer con nosotros [desplazar.]” Kurt Wheeler, gerente de proyectos de Project for Public Spaces, dijo que los mercados públicos tienen beneficios accesibles para las comunidades desatendidas. Project for Public Spaces es una organización sin fines de lucro de Nueva York que se enfoca en crear y mantener lugares públicos para construir comunidades, según su sitio web. “Los mercados son una oportunidad de bajo riesgo y poca inversión para iniciar un negocio, lo cual es especialmente importante para las mujeres e inmigrantes,” dijo Wheeler durante la reunión. Cayetano, dijo que ha estado trabajando en la Pulga durante los últimos 30 años. Dijo que la posibilidad de perder su principal fuente de ingresos lo desestabilizaría junto con muchos vendedores latinoamericanos y asiáticos que dependen del mercado. “A esta edad ya no encontraría trabajo como cualquier joven,” dijo Cayetano. “Quisiera que la Pulga nos tome en cuenta con una decisión para el bienestar de todos, no nomás de ellos.” James Chang, jefe de personal del concejal Ben Bartlett de la ciudad de Berkeley, presentó la experiencia de Bartlett sobre el proceso de planes de desarrollo alrededor de la pulga de Berkeley durante la reunión. Chang dijo que Berkeley se enorgullece de incluir a sus vendedores en el proceso de planificación de la remodelación del espacio que ocupa actualmente el Berkeley Flea Market. Dijo que los planes de desarrollo deben ser inclusivos y equitativos. “Tenemos que doblar el arco de la recuperación para que funcione para todos. Tenemos un mercado que proporciona ingresos y los negocios pequeños,” dijo Chang. “Al mismo tiempo, tenemos una necesidad de producción de vivienda [y] las dos [necesidades] deben trabajar mano a mano.
EN BREVE La Pulga de San José en Berryessa Road podría ser reemplazada con unidades residenciales y comerciales en parte del Plan de Aldea Urbana de Berryessa BART de la ciudad. La Asociación de Comerciantes del Mercado de la Pulga de San Jose exige ser incluidos en los planes de reurbanización del mercado, ya que la Comisión de Planificación de San José votará para pasar el artículo al consejo de la ciudad el 12 de mayo. El Plan General Envision San Jose 2040, que fue adoptado en noviembre del 2011, implementaría varias aldeas urbanas en la ciudad dentro del 2040 en el centro de San José y los vecindarios residenciales existentes. Las aldeas urbanas son “entornos de uso mixtos, orientados al tránsito donde puedan caminar a pie y en bicicleta, brindando tanto vivienda como empleos. La democracia funciona mejor cuando ofrece resultados universales.” Chang dijo que el desarrollo de nuevas viviendas es posible sin desplazar a miles de vendedores y eliminar el patrimonio cultural, pero la falsa política de es dañina para las comunidades vulnerables. La escasez es la falta de recursos necesarios para satisfacer necesidades humanas tal como viviendas según Economipedia. “No es lo uno ni lo otro. Podemos seguir ayudando a nuestros mercados, a negocios pequeño y que los trabajadores sigan ganando su sueldo para ganarse la vida y alimentar a sus familias,” dijo Chang. “Unificar las dos [necesidades] es la única forma de lograr la sostenibilidad en nuestras comunidades.” Julian Gross, abogado de Renne Public Law Group, aconsejó a BFVA que persistan en un contrato legalmente vinculante, como un Acuerdo de Beneficios Comunitarios (CBA) para hacer que la ciudad sea responsable de sus acuerdos de consenso. CBAs requiere que los
desarrolladores brinden servicios y / o atenciones específicas a las comunidades locales o vecindarios en remodelación, según la página web de Beneficios comunitarios para familias trabajadoras. Beneficios comunitarios para familias trabajadoras es una red de organizaciones regionales de defensa que apoyan las soluciones a los problemas económicos y ambientales de E.E.U.U, según su sitio web. Gross aconsejo a los miembros de la comunidad a continuar su participación a través de la organización para tener un “asiento en la mesa” de los planes de reurbanización. “Siempre hay una manera de resolverlo, puede que no sea su primera opción o su segunda opción, pero siempre hay una manera de descubrir cómo abordar estos problemas de una manera justa, apropiada y empática,” dijo Gross.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021
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Custom ramen comforts the soul By Madilynne Medina STAFF WRITER
After trying a number of ramen restaurants in the East Bay, my curiosity led me to see what one of San Jose’s most popular ramen spots had to offer. I gave into my curiosity on Monday and visited Ramen Nagi, located inside the Westfield Valley Fair mall. The restaurant’s aesthetic matches the upscale and elegant theme of the shopping center. Upon entering, I encountered a red and black color scheme and glowing LED signs with the logo and restaurant name. The establishment is small, but whenever I’d pass by on a typical weekend the restaurant was always packed with long lines of people waiting to be seated. After walking into Ramen Nagi, I was greeted by a host holding a paper menu that has options for customers to modify their favorite ramen. I was able to personalize my order while I was in line and pick between five different bases for the ramen broth including original, red, black, green and veggie king. I chose the “Original King,” which was the savory, classic flavor.
The ramen was a perfectly sized portion, with an equal amount of vegetable toppings and smooth noodles to complement the creamy and rich tonkotsu-flavored broth.
MADILYNNE MEDINA | SPARTAN DAILY
Ramen Nagi offers a customizable menu that allows customers to adjust spice levels, broth and ingredients.
Then, I picked my ramen bowl by changing the strength of the flavor, richness in oil, and levels of garlic, vegetables and pork. One of my favorite features was the option to add spice and chili powder to the ramen bases. For my modifications, I wasn’t sure what ingredient combinations would create the tastiest recipe, so I chose
food review “Ramen Nagi” Rating:
Price: $$ Location: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cusine: Ramen
the “chef ’s recommendation” default at the top of the menu. Immediately after filling out my order, I was seated at a wooden table next to the door as I gave the waiter my completed menu. The ramen was served about five minutes after I sat down, which sped by because I was chatting with my friends. The aromatic smell of hot ramen filled the air around me as the steaming bowl of noodles was placed at my table. My favorite part of ramen is always the broth, so I decided to taste it first. The broth was rich and savory with the perfect amount of spice. Modifications on the menu allowed me to choose my
CLASSIFIEDS CROSSWORD PUZZLE
desired spice level ranging from light spicy to spicy on a 1-10 scale. I ordered at a level 4, to get a hint of spice without it overpowering the creaminess of the soup. The ramen was a perfectly sized portion, with an equal amount of vegetable toppings and smooth noodles to complement the creamy and rich tonkotsu-flavored broth. The “Original King” included thin noodles, classic pork chashu, crunchy green onions and tree mushrooms that paired perfectly with the broth. I also added a soft-boiled egg to tie the meal together. Ramen Nagi offered a comforting soup that had flavorful contents and noodles.
SUDOKU PUZZLE Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
Although the restaurant technically offers more than one main dish, the ramen is superior enough to stand on its own. Compared to other ramen places I’ve been to in the East Bay, Ramen Nagi differed because it’s one of the only ramen restaurants that allowed me to customize my bowl to such an extent. I enjoyed my visit to Ramen Nagi because the wait was short being that it was a weekday, the employees were helpful and ordering was efficient. The biggest bonus, though, was the top quality of the ramen.
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JOKIN’ AROUND What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?
Finding half a worm.
SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS
ACROSS 1. Woodcutting tools 6. Short golf shot 10. Evergreen trees 14. Not tight 15. Dwarf buffalo 16. Distinctive flair 17. Indicate pain or displeasure 18. Mountain pool 19. 53 in Roman numerals 20. Bullets, etc. 22. Not first 23. Breezed through 24. Wears away 26. Frayed 30. Fury 31. Uncooked 32. Region 33. Terminates 35. Mentally prepare 39. A prominent attribute 41. Coastal 43. A ring-shaped surface 44. 20th-century art movement 46. Weightlifters pump this 47. Record (abbrev.) 49. Animal doctor
50. Church benches 51. Fleet 54. On the road 56. Loyal (archaic) 57. Preachy 63. Sandwich shop 64. Wicked 65. Leave out 66. Nights before 67. Torture device 68. Entices 69. A musical pause 70. Beers 71. Put on clothes DOWN 1. Aquatic plant 2. Residence hall 3. Whiz 4. Brother of Jacob 5. Ringworm cassia 6. Striped or spotted 7. Unassisted 8. Lawn mower brand 9. Leather maker 10. Companionship 11. Homeric epic 12. Lift
13. Piques 21. Less friendly 25. Whacks 26. Drift 27. Chocolate cookie 28. Back 29. A type of biologist 34. Walkways 36. Bygone era 37. Gloat 38. Female chickens 40. Utilized 42. Area of South Africa 45. Greed 48. Photographic necessity 51. Birch relative 52. One of the Canterbury pilgrims 53. Boys or men 55. Submit 58. Egg-shaped 59. Disparage 60. Rubber wheel 61. Midmonth date 62. To tax or access
4/21/2021
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OPINION
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021
Greek life’s dark side no one mentions Madilynne Medina STAFF WRITER
Sorority rush, the moment potential new members of a Greek organization are judged on their popularity, appearances and personalities all in a five-minute conversation. Rushees are told that paying hundreds of dollars each month will give them lifelong friends, leadership experience and irreplaceable memories in return. Individuals, including myself, heard this advertisement and thought the cost could be worth this “promising university experience.” While Greek life may offer some aspects of these promises, it can be problematic because of racist and sexist principles embedded in its culture. At their core, Greek organizations are exclusive. Those who can’t afford them or may present themselves as “different” than current members have a slim chance of gaining membership. According to a study by the University of Minnesota, about 42% of Greek respondents identified as middle class and about 32% reported upper-class standing. As someone from a low-income background (2.6% of Greek respondents) and a working-class student (18.2% of Greek respondents), Greek life is not structurally built to
be accessible to people in similar circumstances as myself. It’s outwardly classist to deny students membership because they can’t afford it, especially when joining Greek life equates to “success” and “status” in college. The superficial concepts of image and reputation go hand in hand with sorority and fraternity life as well. “Oh they’re not in Greek life?” is a subtle yet classically exclusive microaggression that is said all too often. Let’s not forget the role sexism plays in Greek life either. I often wondered why fraternity houses have flexible guest policies while sororities are not allowed guests, or at least are unable to host parties in their homes. Partying is not the priority, but why are fraternities the only ones allowed to host? It’s because fraternities create the space and culture for sexism and the objectification of women. One news headline that caught my eye was from a 2018 CBS article, which referred to the weight of women that fraternity men slept with and read “Cornell frat punished for pig roast sex contest.” While this is an extreme case, the bigger picture is that fraternities allow men to talk down on sorority women and treat them in
ILLUSTRATION BY DAISHA SHERMAN
degrading ways because “that’s their brothers.” Both fraternities and sororities use alcohol as a way to connect and encourage boozy activities to be the basis of their relationships. Although Greek life has changed since earlier decades, the underlying presence of racism still exists. Many Greek organizations at SJSU pride themselves on diversity and inclusion, claiming they welcome members from all backgrounds. However, when looking at which groups are systemically underprivileged, it is historically non-white, racial minority students. Lawrence Ross, author of “Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses” gives his speculation on race in Greek life. “Frats were a way for white upper-class men to
When it comes to calling out problematic behavior, shouldn’t a Greek organization’s national headquarters encourage their members to challenge the norm and fight for change? separate themselves in an increasingly diverse student population,” Ross said. I’ve seen too many organizations post “Black Lives Matter,” “Stop Asian Hate”and “Stop Sexual Assault,” on social media platforms but perform no action to solve these issues. Change needs to start with making Greek life more accessible, by fully embracing all individuals in the recruitment process
who meet the values and not the “reputation” of organizations. While I am part of a Greek organization myself, I question my membership every day. I thought I understood what Greek life entailed before I initiated, but I didn’t fully comprehend the culture until I was already a member. Greek life has managed to destroy me, but ironically change me for the better all in one.
I’ve learned to resist the status quo when organizations try to silence us and make us comply with something we don’t fully represent as individuals. When it comes to calling out problematic behavior, shouldn’t a Greek organization’s national headquarters encourage their members to challenge the norm and fight for change? I have a deep love for the women within my organization and believe they’re ambitiously trying to change Greek life’s culture. However, it’s an uphill battle. Change can only happen in organizations that recognize its problems and actively fight against them.
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Generation Z also falls victim to Big Tobacco ads Giorgina Laurel STAFF WRITER
Big Tobacco has been around a long time and has influenced every generation in different ways through companies such as Marlboro or Juul. Generation Z is no exception. The concept behind Big Tobacco marketing is to encourage people to try nicotine products and potentially have them become addicted. This continues the dangerous cycle of continuously buying their merchandise. Big Tobacco sneakily advertises to Gen Z through its visually appealing products or through earned media. According to the business marketing website Hubspot, earned media is publicity or media that isn’t provided by the company itself but through organic routes such as customers, social media and influencers. Big Tobacco is more known today for its vape products, such as Juul, which have the benefit of being tobacco-free but still contain
Through TikTok’s young demographic, nicotine and vaping get advertised easily through earned media where people are presented the product almost by word-of-mouth.
addictive nicotine. Vape products are attractive to Gen Z and other young adults for their fun colors and flavors. A July 2018 Gallup survey found 1 in 5 Americans ages 18-29 use vape products and 1 in 5 U.S. high school students currently use vape products. A lot of vape products carry a variety of sweet flavors, allowing consumers to devour them like candy. For example, the popular brand Puff Bar offers fun, candy-like flavors such as Lychee Ice or Pink Lemonade in bright packaging. A Sept. 18, 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found 83% of young adults who use e-cigarettes use flavored varieties. These fun flavors are just one of the many reasons why people are attracted to vape products, especially Gen Z. There is even a recently popularized brand called Hype Bar that has a boba flavor, boba being one of the most popular drinks among Gen Z. In addition to fun flavors, new age Big Tobacco products are also appealing because of their sleek, gadget-like design, small enough to hide in a pocket. Unlike Juuls, which are typically dark-toned that keep them more discreet, Puff Bars are brightly colored and attract a younger customer base. They can be thrown away after the flavored nicotine juice inside runs out. According to Puff Bar’s official website, “products are disposable, one-step systems, requiring no recharging, refilling, or maintenance,” whereas Juuls and similar vape products, such as the Novo, are reusable, only having to replace the liquid cartridge whenever it’s empty. Because minors aren’t legally allowed to use these products, the feature of being easily hidden is highly appealing to Gen Z. Big Tobacco uses stealth marketing to sell to Gen Z, leading many young people to think they’re not being targeted through advertising. Many young people are more familiar
INFOGRAPHIC BY LINDSAY VILLAMOR
with anti-vaping commercials highlighting the message that smoking is harmful. When talking to my friends, a lot of them have seen more ads informing how smoking is like signing your life away rather than ads promoting nicotine products. These ads are typically produced by campaigns such as Truth, funded by the national public health organization Truth Initiative. Its ads can be regularly found on TV and social media platforms such as TikTok. A big marketing step Truth took was having influencers attached to its cause. One ad I saw followed TikTok influencer Victoria Emilia (King_Victober) on her journey to quit vaping. The commercial was a good way to convince Gen Z to quit nicotine because of the TikTok influencer’s popularity. Advertisements such as this show that many influencers Gen Z choose to follow on social media smoke nicotine products, which could encourage them to use nicotine too. Through TikTok’s young demographic,
wnicotine and vaping get advertised easily through earned media where people are presented the product almost by word-of-mouth. A trending pop-screamo song on TikTok called “Where’s My Juul?” tells the story of a girl getting frustrated trying to find her Juul and exposes children to the appeal of nicotine. Watching influencers lip sync to songs about Juuls and being caught vaping could sway Gen Z to give it a try, especially because young people often want what their favorite influencers have in an effort to be like them. People may think it’s on them for succumbing to societal or peer pressure when it comes to nicotine consumption, but everything leads back to ads by Big Tobacco. Through earned media and attractive designs of nicotine products, Gen Z is not immune to Big Tobacco’s century-long deception. Follow Giorgina on Twitter @ItsGiorgina
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SPORTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021
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Tennis team remains undefeated By Jesus Tellitud SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The score is tied 3-3 and the game’s deciding point to continue the SJSU tennis team’s undefeated season is on the line in the final match. For the third consecutive time this season, the responsibility laid on the shoulders of senior Savannah Sendar as the rest of the team cheered for her in support. “Seeing all my teammates [cheering] just made me want to win even more,” Sendar said. “You know you’re not only doing it for yourself, but also for your teammates who work equally as hard as you.” Sendar won her singles match in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 to help SJSU (14-0, 7-0 MWC) beat Air Force (11-6, 3-4 MWC) 4-3 on Sunday and remain undefeated. With the victory, the Spartans’ winning streak stands at 14 games, a new record. That being said, the team isn’t solely focused on maintaining the streak when it plays. Instead, the players said they fight for each other in every match and use their teammates as motivation to win. “That’s what’s been so special about our team this year,” Sendar said. “Whenever a couple of people don’t really have their day, the rest of the team steps up.” Head coach Chad Skorupka attributes the family environment and the players’ strong bond as reasons why the team is
PHOTO COURTESY OF SJSU ATHLETICS
San Jose State tennis senior and Holland native Savannah Sendar has a career singles record of 40-32 and a career doubles record of 37-39.
dominating the Mountain West Conference. He also pointed out how the pandemic brought the team even closer as they have had to navigate the struggles of traveling, constant testing and being away from family as a group. “Their biggest outlet is when they get together,” Skorupka said. “It’s like this extended family [ . . . ] they’re a very tight group and we’re all on the same page.” On top of playing together, the team also lives together in apartments where they bond off the court. Eight of the nine players on the team PHOTO EDITOR SANDRA SANTOS-CRUZ COPY EDITORS HAILEY FARGO ISALIA GALLO REBECCA LEE SAVANNAH NATIVIDAD ALAN BAEZ KAH MUN CHIA
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That’s what’s been so special about our team this year. Whenever a couple of people don’t really have Savannah Sendar their day, the rest of tennis senior the team steps up. are inter nat ional students and share a common ground. Skorupka credits the family culture as a reason why the younger players have thrived and been a big part of the team’s success. Last season the team
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matches will be played in Las Vegas. If the team wins both games, it will have the first perfect season in SJSU history. The Spartans would also win the Mountain West Conference as there is no championship tournament because of the shortened season caused by the coronavirus. “We just want to finish strong,” Skorupka said. “I think if we keep playing hard our record will be what it is at the end of the season.”
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had two freshmen on the roster, while this season there are five. Among those is Irena Muradyan, an Armenian international student, who is currently 13-0 in singles matches. “Irena is a special player,” Skorupka said. “It’s
a shame the public can’t watch her play [because] she’s a fighter.” Muradyan said it’s been tough being away from family because of the pandemic, but she’s used that as fuel to light up the Mountain West region in her first season. “As a freshman, for me it’s a great start,” Muradyan said. “Right now we’re trying our best for the seniors.” The Spartans now head to Las Vegas for their final two matches remaining on the schedule. The team is expected to play the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Friday and face San Diego State on Saturday. Both
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