Issuu

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020

Volume 154 No. 2 WWW.SJSUNEWS.COM/SPARTAN_DAILY

SERVING SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1934

SJSU’s new housing solutions

CHRISTIAN TRUJANO | SPARTAN DAILY

Alquist building projected to be demolished, new SJSU Cares office will open in a month By Christian Trujano NEWS EDITOR

San Jose State will receive $2.3 million to address housing and basic needs over the next 18 months, university administrators said at a news conference Monday. By 2022, SJSU officials expect to receive more than $3 million in grants awarded to SJSU from the California State University Chancellor’s office, more help will be offered to combat these housing issues. With that money, SJSU Cares, a comprehensive support and referral program that assists students who are facing an unforeseen economic crisis plans to open an office in Clark Hall. The Student Homeless Alliance, a group advocating for more resources to house scholars in need, argued a centralized location for SJSU Cares would make it easier to access. “After 25 years, sometimes you feel like your voice isn’t going to be heard. But today is an example that that’s not true,” Briena Brown, sociology junior and vice president of the alliance said. Designed by SJSU students and staff, the office will include a satellite office of the Bill Wilson Center which has partnered with the university in a challenge to house 100 students by Feb. 11. After months of deliberation with San Jose State administration and city legislators, the SJSU Student Homeless

Homelessness and housing insecurity, as we all know, is both a regional and nationwide problem. It is one of the most urgent issues of our time. Mary Papazian SJSU president

Alliance felt that the university’s plans are a step toward collaboration. An audience of about 50 took a first look into the comprehensive housing solutions that will provide short and long-term plans for students, faculty members and employees’ needs. “In the coming months [the Student Homeless Alliance] will be working on a statewide solution to this housing crisis,” Brown said. “But today, we are grateful that SJSU has taken a major step towards meeting the basic needs of our students.” SJSU President Mary Papazian opened the conference by discussing the importance of addressing the housing insecurity crisis that is affecting many people in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

“Homelessness and housing insecurity, as we all know, is both a regional and nationwide problem. It is one of the most urgent issues of our time,” Papazian said. “Though housing insecurity touches communities across the country to varying degrees, it feels especially acute here in Silicon Valley, due to the skyrocketing cost of housing.” In 2018, a California State University basic needs study found 13.2% of SJSU students, or more than 4,300 SJSU students, reported experiencing homelessness within the past year. Papazian also announced the launch of a pilot program in Fall 2020 to set aside 12 or more beds for emergency housing purposes, to better understand the scope of student needs. This follows the alliance’s push for more immediate solutions in collaboration with SJSU Cares to help students who are sleeping in their cars or in the library right away. “Our students asked for a more close-knit relationship and partnership with our SJSU Cares program, and that is what we are committed to delivering,” Papazian said. Brown touched on this collaborative effort and said the alliance is grateful that SJSU is making strides on these issues. “Having our voices heard means HOUSING | Page 2

MAURICIO LA PLANTE | SPARTAN DAILY

Top: Members from the Student Homeless Alliance stand next to SJSU President Mary Papazian while answering questions on the proposed housing solutions Monday on the second floor of the Student Union. Middle: Student Homeless Alliance member Brooke Rojas joins a chant during a demonstration last year. Bottom: Formerly homeless student Saline Chandler demands more housing resources at SJSU, last year.

African American ensemble celebrates 35 years of culture By Chris Padilla & Mauricio La Plante STAFF WRITER & ASST. NEWS EDITOR

MAURICIO LA PLANTE | SPARTAN DAILY

Tabia ensemble member Sharon Moore recites a spoken verse to spectators during the opening of the Tabia 35th anniversary exhibition, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library on Saturday.

The best two ways to go broke are “buying a boat and investing in theater.” These were the words passed down to actor Petri Hawkins Byrd by Billie Holiday Theatre President, Marjorie Moon. But, despite the inevitable financial hardship of maintaining a theater, the Tabia AfricanAmerican Theatre Ensemble

celebrated their 35th year performing on the stage. Members of the group celebrated their history during the opening of Tabia’s 35th Anniversary Exhibition at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library Saturday. Breaking the silence on the fifth floor, performers from Tabia sang and danced to the rhythm of West African “dundun” drums. Multiple speakers explained the importance of theater and its role in the portrayal of the Black experience.

Duane Michael Cheers, associate professor of journalism at San Jose State, helped put the exhibit together. Cheers, who works with Tabia, lamented the fact that Black students have almost no presence in the theatrical arts in SJSU. “We must document our history, because if we don’t, who will?” said Cheers. Cheers also emphasized the need to support Black theater at SJSU as well as a need for more DANCE | Page 2

Opinion

A&E

Sports

Hillary Clinton’s criticism of Bernie Sanders means nothing

Mac Miller speaks own truths in posthumous album

Kobe’s tragic death leaves behind inspiring legacy

Page 4

Page 6

Page 3

sjsunews.com/spartan_daily

NEWS

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2020

ABOUT The Spartan Daily prides itself on being the San Jose State community’s top news source. New issues are published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the academic year and online content updated daily. The Spartan Daily is written and published by San Jose State students as an expression of their First Amendment rights. Reader feedback may be submitted as letters to the editor or online comments.

EDITORIAL STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR CHELSEA NGUYEN FLEIGE MANAGING EDITOR BRENDAN CROSS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JOHN BRICKER CREATIVE PRODUCER MELODY DEL RIO NEWS EDITOR CHRISTIAN TRUJANO ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR MAURICIO LA PLANTE A&E EDITOR ALYSON CHUYANG OPINION EDITOR CHRIS CORE SPORTS EDITOR JESUS TELLITUD PHOTO EDITOR JOHANNA MARTIN SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR VICENTE VERA SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR KUNAL MEHTA SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR JAILEANE AGUILAR CONTENT EDITOR VICTORIA FRANCO COPY EDITOR ERICA LIZARRAGO COURTNEY VASQUEZ SPANISH COPY EDITOR DIANA AVILA GRAPHICS EDITORS CINDY CUELLAR NATHAN DOYLE SENIOR STAFF WRITERS DIANA AVILA PAUL HANG BRIANNA SHEATS EDUARDO TEIXEIRA AUSTIN TURNER STAFF WRITERS JOCLYN AGUIRRE BRYANNA BARTLETT BRIANA CONTE ANDREW GLENN SHRUTHI LAKSHMANAN ALEXIS NAVARRO DAN NGUYEN CHRIS PADILLA GIA PHAM BRIAN SO PRODUCTION CHIEF MIKE CORPOS NEWS ADVISER RICHARD CRAIG

ADVERTISING STAFF ADVERTISING DIRECTOR MARCI SUELA ASST. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR KUNAL MEHTA ADVERTISING STAFF LIZZY ALVES PARKER D’ENCARNACAO TIANA LAM SABRINA SALAS JESUS TRUJILLO ARMANI WARD ADVERTISING ADVISER TIM HENDRICK BUSINESS MANAGER CINDY LUU

DANCE Continued from page 1 tenured Black professors, especially after Theatre Arts professor Buddy Butler retired. Viera Whye, artistic director of Tabia, spoke on the importance of theater to the Black community. It is not only a form of entertainment, but a consciousness-raising exercise, she said. “When you study theater, when you study acting, you’re really studying people and learning skills to listen and relate to people,” Whye said. She explained that theater can be useful outside the stage and help people

understand more about communication. “You’re really learning disciplines that will help you through whatever career choice you choose to go through,” Whye said. “Like learning to speak and use your voice and articulate, so if you come see our story.” Tabia has done shows addressing topics like social justice and HIV/AIDS with an aim to educate as well as entertain, pointing out that theater is also a form of communication. Whye also said that Tabia’s history is not just a history of Black theater, but a history of theater in general including Hispanic, Asian and white theater as well. Guest speakers included actor Hawkins Byrd, known

HOUSING Continued from page 1 the world to us. This program announced today may have been created at some point in the future, but it’s happening now. Because of us, the students,” she said. In addition to the development of an SJSU Cares office, state officials announced plans to demolish the Alfred E. Alquist building and build a mixed-use development with housing and office space. They plan to construct 800-1,200 residential units. Lawmakers said the housing would primarily be used for SJSU faculty, staff, graduate students and students with families. The building was declared obsolete by the General Services Administration of California, state senator Jim Beall said. Beall and assemblymember Ash Kalra, requested to allocate $250,000

EMAIL: spartandaily@gmail.com

EMAIL: spartandailyadvertising @gmail.com

CORRECTIONS POLICY The Spartan Daily corrects all significant errors that are brought to our attention. If you suspect we have made such an error, please send an email to spartandaily@gmail.com.

EDITORIAL POLICY Columns are the opinion of individual writers and not that of the Spartan Daily. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.

in initial planning capital from the state’s general fund to turn the “unsafe and unpleasant” into a viable housing solution for SJSU. “We have an urban campus, it’s almost impossible to expand it to meet the needs of the growing community. But we have an opportunity with this Alquist building,” Beall said. Chair of the Academic Senate, Rashiva Mather, said the housing will quell fears of high housing costs for new faculty. “A lack of affordable housing has been the most common concern of our faculty, a concern that I’ve heard repeatedly over the years,” Mather said. “The reality of high cost housing has prevented many, many applicants from accepting our very competitive job offers.” Papazian said the university will spend this year planning and putting together a financial plan with hopes to house people in there by 2025 and said it is one of the most important projects to be completed at SJSU.

pocket by contributors like Whye, who provided photos of Tabia performances from her personal collection. Open until Feb. 29, the exhibit is a showcase of props and other artifacts as well as photos and written excerpts from Tabia history and the history of live theater in San Jose, with a focus on people of color. The Tabia ensemble showcased its history at SJSU, where it has roots to the Black Theater Workshop from the ‘70s. SJSU alumni have been and continue to be important members to Tabia and Butler is a founding member of the organization.

Left: Tabia ensemble member Patrice Payne takes her turn at the mic while performing in a group routine celebrating the troupe’s portrayal of the Black experience. Top right: During his performance, Tabia ensemble member Jeﬀrey Jones raises his hand while reenacting a story. Bottom right: Actor Petri Hawkins Byrd hugs Producing Artistic Director Viera Whye after ﬁnishing his speech on the unique aspects of Black theater. PHOTOS BY MAURICIO LA PLANTE

Follow The Spartan Daily on Twitter @SpartanDaily

Having our voices heard means the world to us. This program announced today may have been created at some point in the future, but it’s happening now. Because of us, the students. Briena Brown sociology junior and vice president of the Student Homeless Alliance

“The Multi-Purpose project we envision will result in affordable below market rate units that we absolutely must have at this university if we are to continue attracting the best and most accomplished and most diverse talent to our campus,” she said. The completion of Campus Village 3 and the expansion of rapid rehousing and rental assistance services for students facing urgent housing insecurity situations are the final solutions that the university will pursue with the county.

Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez said this will help the county assist students on the brink of eviction through various financial aid programs. Assemblymember Kalra thanked the Student Homeless Alliance for continuing to fight for their cause. “I think in years past, we would not see a press conference with both sitting together and speaking together,” Kalra said. Follow Christian on Twitter @ChristianTruja2

Crime Blotter

ADVERTISING – TELEPHONE: (408) 924-3270

for his role as Bailiff Byrd on the television show “Judge Judy,” and Barry Shabaka Henley. Hawkins Byrd, counter to his taciturn bailiff act on “Judge Judy,” brought raucous laughter to the crowd with his comedic stylings and was almost a show unto himself. He also advocated for live theater to be showcased on television. The exhibit was organized by librarian Kathryn Blackmer Reyes and is one of a yearly series of cultural heritage month events that include a MexicanAmerican and AsianAmerican heritage months. These events are not funded by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library and are often furnished out of

Stay on campus without consent Jan. 19, 8:30 a.m. at Duncan Hall Adult arrest Vandalism: damage property/attempted petty theft Jan. 21, 3:03 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Library Adult cited Fight/etc. at school/ university/etc. Jan. 23, 5:23 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Library Information only

Stay on campus without consent/possession of unlawful paraphernalia Jan. 23, 6:11 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Library Adult arrest Possession/carry/transfer billy club/possession ammo by prohibited person/possession of controlled substance Jan. 23, 10:23 p.m. at Senter Road/Keyes Street Adult arrest

Possession of unlawful paraphernalia/possession of controlled substance Jan. 24, 3:49 a.m. at University Police Department Adult cited

Carry concealed dirk/ dagger, possession/carry/ transfer billy club Jan. 25, 11:21 p.m. at South 4th Street/East San Carlos Street Adult arrest

Exhibition of speed Jan. 24, 10:25 p.m. at West Garage Adult cited

Corporal injury:spouse/ cohabitant/false imprisonment with violence/sex with minor three years younger Jan. 25, 12:30 a.m. at Macquarrie Hall Adult arrest

Hit and run property damage: locate Jan. 25, unknown time at Lot 8 Information only

sjsunews.com/spartan_daily

OPINION

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2020

Clinton’s burn doesn’t hurt Sanders Chris Padilla STAFF WRITER

Hillary Clinton threw shade more suitable for YouTuber drama than American political discourse when her new documentary was leaked last Tuesday. In it she called Bernie Sanders “unlikeable” and asserting that he “got nothing done” in Congress. While the former is a matter of opinion, the latter statement is patently false. After nearly 30 years in Congress, Sanders has done plenty. In just numbers alone, Clinton’s assertions of a donothing career politician are incorrect. Sanders has a history of prolific and productive voting in Congress. So much so that in 2005, Rolling Stone magazine named him the “amendment king” of the House. The title is well-earned. Between 1995-2007, 17 amendments he sponsored passed by roll call vote, more than any other member of the House at the time, according to Politifact. Roll call votes are when Congress members vote in person for a bill or amendment to pass as it is called by a clerk.

Politifact also noted that in a similar time period, Clinton passed zero roll call amendments as the New York senator between 2001-09. Now, Clinton may not have meant for her statement to be taken literally and perhaps meant that Sanders has not backed any meaningful bills, but even then she would be wrong. Since the beginning of his career, Bernie Sanders has been passing important legislation, such as the Cancer Registries Amendment Act in 1992. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this amendment established and funded a nationwide cancer database that represents 97% of the U.S. population. The database is used in potentially life-saving research. Arguably, Sanders was also instrumental to the successful passing of the Affordable Care Act, since he pushed for $11 billion to fund community health centers, especially in rural areas. This brought together the left-leaning Democrats and the more conservative Democrats which helped secure the 60 votes needed

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR

Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders marches during the Independence Day 2019 parade in Ames, Iowa.

Clinton did no one any good by putting Sanders on blast like that, least of all, herself.

to pass the ACA, according to Politifact. While likability is in the eye of the beholder, Sanders has his share of fans. After Clinton’s statement, the internet was quick to come to Sanders’ defense, with #ILikeBernie trending on Twitter soon after the interview.

Other hashtags gained traction last weekend such as #hotgirlsforBerniemake of that what you will. Clinton pointed out that only one senator supported him in his 2016 presidential run (Sen. Jeff Merkley, OR), which is true. However, his 2020 campaign has eight Congressional supporters,

including rising stars such as Alexandria OcasioCortez, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar as well as California’s very own House Representative, Ro Khanna. His curriculum vitae is vast, but there are obvious reasons for bad blood between Clinton and Sanders. They were opponents for the 2016 Democratic Party primaries in what was an especially acrimonious race. Some believed that in being such a popular contender, Sanders served as a spoiler for Clinton’s presidential ambitions which paved the way for Donald Trump. Likewise, according to the New York Times, there are those in the Sanders camp

that believe that the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee rigged the race in their favor. On top of that, Sanders and Clinton have deep ideological differences that are almost representative of the party itself. Clinton did no one any good by putting Sanders on blast like that, least of all, herself. Her words are a petty attempt to bring him down and widening the rifts in the party that their opponent will gleefully exploit.

Follow Spartan Daily on Twitter @SpartanDaily

NFL capitalizes on the capitalist system Brianna Sheats SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Super Bowl commercials are just another way the rich are able to brainwash the nation and profit off the middle and lower class. All the NFL cares about is making money. It makes money through their most valuable commodity: viewership. Companies pay millions to have a commercial play during the Super Bowl. For the 2019 Super Bowl, brewing company AnheuserBusch InBev, bought five and a half minutes of airtime to promote Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois and more. In total it had more than eight commercials aired. That amount of airtime is outrageous considering ads only last a few seconds. Obviously, a main topic of conversation among football fans is which team is going to win, but throughout the years, Super Bowl commercials have picked up a cult following of their own. “I’m a pretty huge football fan,” nutritional science junior Alan Duong said. “But I’m not gonna lie, the commercials are always something I look forward to just because they’re pretty funny.” The ads can be funny and all, however, viewers are forgetting that the sole

purpose of these commercials is to have consumers buy their product. That is all we are to these companies: brainwashed humans that generate more money for them. The release of commercials have become like movie trailers. Companies spend millions of dollars to put on a production for something that only lasts, at most, a minute. A 30-second slot costs the company $5 million according to Koeppel Direct, a global marketing analytics website. For these companies with gross income in the billions, every penny is worth it as long as it works and brings in more revenue. Super Bowl ads this year have also decided to get more political by letting President Trump and 2020 candidate Mike Bloomberg purchase ads. Both Trump and Bloomberg dropped $10 million for 60 second ads according to the two campaign teams. This didn’t even cause a dent in either billionaires wallets. “I personally think the NFL shouldn’t allow these ads because this is a time where America comes

together and puts political differences aside and cheer on whoever,” San Jose resident Goyo Martinez said. Unfortunately, there are no laws saying the Super Bowl ads cannot be political. This is a crucial year for the 2020 presidential election and both candidates are willing to pull all the strings in order to win. Trump and Bloomberg also understand that an impactful commercial is beneficial to their win and know that millions of viewers will be watching. The NFL itself has been criticized for allowing politics to intervene in the game in the past. Following highly publicized incidences of police brutality against Black Americans in 2016, football players began kneeling as a statement of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The NFL put an immediate and complete stop to those political statements, by penalizing the players and their teams. Now the league is advertising presidential campaigns during the Super Bowl. This just shows how money hungry the NFL is and how the Super Bowl is its ultimate sham.

Follow Brianna on Twitter @briannaanna_

The Spartan Daily has open positions for our newspaper carrier role. This is a paid job and will only require you to work every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. $15/hr

sjsunews.com/spartan_daily

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2020

Late rapper soothes with ‘Circles’ By John Bricker EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Mac Miller’s posthumous, and hopefully last, album, “Circles,” is a gorgeous and bittersweet end to his artistic evolution, delivering subtle and poignant blends of hip-hop and singersongwriter music. Malcolm James McCormick’s music transformed almost completely throughout his career: beginning with carefree party rap on his 2011 debut “Blue Slide Park” then taking detours into abstract hip-hop and romantic R&B throughout the 2010s. Before his death in September 2018 by accidental overdose, Miller released “Swimming,” leaving behind an album of sober reflections about his fragile mental health, his past relationships and his efforts to become a better and more stable person. Following an announcement from Miller’s family that he had been working on his next album before he died, “Circles” was released on Jan. 17, giving his fans 12 intimate and comforting tracks to close his discography. Thanks to the work of producer and multiinstrumentalist Jon Brion, who worked closely on the album with Miller before his death, “Circles” avoids feeling slapped

together as a disrespectful cash-grab, like so many posthumous albums do. On “I Can See,” Miller’s relaxed vocals float over a dreamy cloud of slow trap drums, washed out synths and sparkling chimes that should sound familiar to any fans of “Swimming.” Although Miller’s lyrics in the song are not as grounded or touching as others on “Circles,” Brion’s production ensures that “I Can See” is blissful to fans’ ears. “Everybody” transforms a ’70s rock song by Arthur Lee into a mellow piano ballad with more gorgeous production from Brion, layering Miller’s downtrodden harmonies over light drums, warm bass and driving piano chords. The track’s intimate opening with only Miller’s simple singing over slow piano gives the entire song an overwhelming sadness, making this hippie rock song fit effortlessly into the album’s somber mood. Excluding the album’s one cover, Miller’s ability as a songwriter shines brighter than ever before on “Circles,” delivering mature and confessional lyrics in bittersweet songs that grow more tragic with every listen. “Hand Me Downs” is one of Miller’s most romantic songs. With soft keys, warm electric guitars and a simple drum beat, he forms a flawless foundation for his lyrics about depending

ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN BRICKER

on a significant other through tough times. A soulful hook from Australian singer Baro Sura completes the track, both with an addictive melody and wistful lyrics about settling down and starting a family. The touching sentiment of this track is heartbreaking in retrospect, knowing that Miller died before he could make this dream a reality, but it stands as a beautiful reminder for those who loved his music to live life to the fullest. The album’s most tear-

SJSU alumnus opens Asian fusion eatery By Briana Conte STAFF WRITER

With student demand surging for healthy, flavorful and cost-efficient establishments, one woman, Thuy Do, has taken up the task of meeting the demographic’s desires. Do, an SJSU alumna, has opened TD’s Kitchen Asian Fusion & Bar in her hometown, downtown San Jose. Her very first restaurant is located approximately a mile and a half away from campus at the intersection of West Alma Avenue and Almaden Road. After graduating in 2009 with a biology degree, Do knew she would reach fulfillment by catering to her community. In order to do so, she allowed her passion for cuisine to lead her overseas to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. There she shadowed Japanese chefs, learning techniques and flavor profiles which she brought back to the states. Do’s love of food and her need for community involvement led her to create a space where everyone could wind down with homestyle dishes and watch sports events. From delectable chicken bowls to tasty appetizers such as spicy chicken wings and grilled tako, TD’s Kitchen menu is robustly filled with panAsian savory bites that are undoubtedly worth trying. This spot not only has

BRIANA CONTE | SPARTAN DAILY

TD’s Kitchen serves Asian fusion food with tasty sides such as edamame with garlic or french fries.

a fine array of dishes, but also a grand assortment of cocktails and beers. On Monday through Saturday, happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., when $3 beers and half-off select appetizers are offered. The restaurant does not directly cater to vegetarian or vegan diets except for one vegetarian bowl, but plant-based eaters can order edamame plates or a mixed greens side salad. Meals at Do’s premier restaurant are served in bento boxes that reflect her training days in Ho Chi Minh City. There is little foodpackaging waste here, with orders served in sustainable cardboard trays, an act that leaves environmentally-conscious customers coming back for more.

The minimalist dining setup is accentuated by tranquil greys and earth tones that make for a wonderfully serene environment. Do said that she wouldn’t have been able to run her business without the help of her imaginative and devoted family. Her niece and current SJSU student, Kristy Pham, regularly assists her aunt with marketing and branding. Do plans on expanding the menu further with sushi and more, as she continues on her new restauranting journey. It is a worthwhile dining experience that is guaranteed to please, so stop by and try your favorite memorable dishes.

Follow Briana on Instagram @muaybri

album review “Circles” Rating:

jerking moments arrive on “That’s On Me,” a waltz with a timeless and simple blend of jangly electric guitars, warm piano and a walking bass line. Miller’s simple lyrics provide an uncomfortably close and clear picture of

Artist: Mac Miller Release Date: Jan. 17, 2020 Genre: Hip-hop

his mindset as he reflected on his life’s mistakes and comforted those hurting around him. Hearing him sing, “That’s on me, it’s all my fault,” on the chorus, it’s hard not to imagine Miller reflecting on the

addiction that led to his overdose and comforting his heartbroken fans from beyond the grave. “Circles” is Mac Miller’s beautiful swan song, a bittersweet reflection on all the troubles and joys of life, unafraid to let simple songs speak powerfully. If you have followed any of Miller’s career over the past decade and haven’t heard the album yet, expect to cry a bit when you do.

Follow John on Twitter @JohnMichaelBr15

sjsunews.com/spartan_daily

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Petitioners on campus make students uneasy Dear editor, You’re walking around campus to get to your next destination and suddenly a figure walks up to you holding a clipboard asking how your day has been. The next thing you know, the person is asking you to sign papers, donate money, or to vote to some cause. Any student that has been long enough at SJSU has definitely encountered or witnessed the scenario mentioned above. As a freshman at SJSU, I’ve been at this school for less than a semester and I can’t even count the amount of times this has happened to me. According to the United States census, during the 2018 midterm election only 53.4% of citizens cast votes, and only 35.6% of youth, categorized as 18-29 year olds, cast their votes. On the other hand, the elderly, classified as 65 years or older, had the highest voter turnout of 66.1%. Essentially, we, the youth, are allowing our grandparents to choose the next laws that will affect our lives for the next several years as the elderly begin their journey to the next life. This is a major problem, why are the youth of today allowing this to happen? Now coming back to the situation about petitioners on campus, I believe there is a correlation between the absence of youth voters and the presence of petitioners. From my own personal experience, many of the petitioners come off as intimidating or too upfront. What I mean by this is that when you’re peacefully on your way to some place and a petitioner abruptly stops

you and begs you to sign papers that you don’t know what you’re signing for, it can make you feel uncomfortable and reluctant to sign. In other cases, some petitioners are actually very rude and impolite if you say you aren’t interested. On the contrary, there are also rare occasions where petitioners are actually quite friendly and understanding. Ultimately, those petitioners that come up aggressively discourage students to vote because we don’t want to associate ourselves with the unwanted negativity shoved at us. What I’m trying to convey is that the petitioners who are roaming around and confronting students aggressively are really making us feel uncomfortable and reluctant to vote. I suggest to any petitioner reading this to try and be more low-key and calm when confronting a student, that way we might be more willing to take the time and listen. If a student really shows no interest and wants to continue along then just politely thank them for their time and try another student. As students we should also take the time and listen, because maybe, just maybe, those issues that they’re trying to get us to vote on really do affect and are of great importance to us. And to any students who willingly approach petitioners out of curiosity, I applaud your bravery and initiative to involve yourselves with the politics surrounding us today. Sincerely, Sean Mei Computer engineering freshman

Correction On Thursday, Jan. 23, the Spartan Daily published a story titled, “Rape reported at Theta Chi Gamma,” in which Theta Chi was misidentified.

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2020

SJSU remains silent on accusations Dear editor, I was shocked and upset to find out about the accusations concerning the president here at SJSU. The university, as far as I have noticed, has made no effort to inform its student body of the current standing accusations against their A.S. President. His picture and name are still present on the AS Board on the SJSU website. The only way I found out about the situation was through twitter and The Spartan Daily. While the University and President Papazian remain quiet, our student body remains uninformed.

This institution must live up to the ideals that it represents, San Jose State, at the least, must send out an email to all faculty and students informing them of the ongoing situation with the A.S. President. The student body must remain informed of the actions and consequences of those they elected to positions of power within the school system. This must be done immediately. Sincerely, Kelvin Lora Business sophomore

stay connected FACEBOOK: spartandaily

INSTAGRAM: @spartandaily

TWITTER: @spartandaily

YOUTUBE: spartandailyYT

– send a letter to the editor – Letters to the Editor may be placed in the letters to the editor box in the Spartan Daily office in Dwight Bentel Hall, Room 209 or emailed to spartandaily@gmail.com to the attention of the Spartan Daily Opinion Editor. Letters to the Editor must contain the author’s name, year and major. Letters become property of the Spartan Daily and may be edited for clarity, grammar, libel and length. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of the Spartan Daily, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or SJSU. The Spartan Daily is a public forum.

The Spartan Daily regrets this error.

CLASSIFIEDS CROSSWORD PUZZLE

SUDOKU PUZZLE Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

JOKIN’ AROUND Did you hear about the painter who was hospitalized?

Reports say it was due to too many strokes.

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS 1. Goliath 6. Quoted 11. Knight’s “suit” 12. Non-believer 15. Two-piece bathing suit 16. Infuriates 17. Years (French) 18. A province in ancient Greece 20. Startled cry 21. Flying saucers 23. 3 24. Lipids 25. Russian parliament 26. Wild hog 27. Money 28. Sleigh 29. A late time of life 30. Donnybrook 31. Loose dressing gowns 34. Worries 36. Genus of macaws 37. Colored part of an eye 41. Fail to win 42. Immediately 43. Typeface 44. Scoundrels

45. Sweeping story 46. Cassava 47. Avenue (abbrev.) 48. Distinguished 51. “___ the season to be jolly” 52. Chantlike 54. Loutish 56. Accord 57. A keyboard instrument 58. Mixture of rain and snow 59. Church officer DOWN 1. Profitable 2. Annoying 3. French for “Friend” 4. Not a single one 5. Journey 6. Malignant growth or tumor 7. Fidgety 8. Not we 9. Poetic dusk 10. Illness 13. Boil 14. Sounds of disapproval 15. Anagram of “Daubs” 16. Exposing to radiation

19. Coral island 22. Unhappiness 24. Tamper 26. Pleads 27. C 30. Food from animals 32. French for “Summer” 33. Goodwill 34. A ketone in Vitamin B2 35. Rats 38. Workaday 39. A type of tooth 40. Hiding place 42. Small piano 44. Carryall 45. Overact 48. Feudal worker 49. No 50. A dog wags one 53. Solidify 55. Craze

01/23/2020

PLACE YOUR AD HERE Place your Classified Ads Online at Spartandaily. CampusAve.com

SpartanDailyAdvertising @gmail.com

Visit our office at DBH 213 Office Hours: 1:30 - 4:15 P.M.

sjsunews.com/spartan_daily

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2020

Spartans end skid, down Falcons By Andrew Glenn STAFF WRITER

The San Jose State men’s basketball team (7-14, 3-6 MWC), losing its previous three games, has gotten back on track with a 90-81 victory against the Air Force Falcons (9-12, 3-6 MWC) Saturday afternoon. “The mentality was that it was the next game and you have to prepare. We don’t think about streaks,” head coach Jean Prioleau said. “Whether it’s losing or winning, you just think about the next opponent and you try to prepare for that game.” The game was a close and competitive match. However, the Spartans eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Senior guard Brae Ivey iced the game SPARTANS with some decisive free throws down the stretch. “I would FALCONS say that we are a hungry t e a m ,” freshman g u a r d Omari Moore said. “We haven’t been the best in the past couple years so we’re hungry. We wanted to push the ball and attack in the open court.” And push the ball they did. The Spartans went on to outscore Air Force 34-5 on fast break points. The Spartans used their speed to their advantage to get easy points in transition. “We know that it’s a process and that we have our ups and downs so we just come in every day and be ready to play,” sophomore guard

90 81

JESUS TELLITUD | SPARTAN DAILY

Sophomore guard Seneca Knight drives to the basket against Air Force senior foward Lavelle Scottie to get two of the 20 points he scored on Saturday.

Seneca Knight said. “We had a bad game last game and the other two we came up short, but not by that much, so we just needed progress and consistency.” Knight lead the Spartans in scoring with 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Shooting an efficient 7 of 12 from the field, he was a major catalyst for the Spartan’s offense against the Falcons. “I don’t really think about getting my own, as much as I know that my scoring helps the team,” Knight said. “And my teammates just do a good job of finding me in open spots and I’m just able to knock the shot down.”

I would say that we are a hungry team. We haven’t been the best in the past couple years so we’re hungry. Omari Moore Freshman guard

After the game, coach Prioleau went on to praise his starting guard’s work ethic. “[Knight] has been playing hard ever since he’s been here. That’s the one thing he does, “ Prioleau said. “He works

extremely hard.” The Spartan bench also came alive , scoring 41 bench points in contrast to the Falcon’s 19. Notably, three players had double figures coming off the bench for San Jose State. “I thought that was big. I

tried shortening the bench sometimes. I’ve played guys who haven’t played a lot,” Prioleau said. “I like it when I’m able to play the bench because it shows some depth. Guys aren’t afraid to come in and make something happen.” The Spartans move to a 7-14 overall record hoping this win will be a turning point to the season. Furthermore, Knight touched on how it is a process and the mentality the team needs to bring. “We’re just coming into work to try and change the narrative,” Knight said. “[The three game losing streak] did

not deter us from anything we’d been doing.” SJSU will look to capitalize and build upon this newfound momentum. The Spartans take on Mountain West Conference rival Boise State Broncos next in Idaho. “I thought we played a pretty good game. We shot the ball really well and they shot the ball really well,” Prioleau said. “There is a lot of basketball to be played and we’re going to continue to and just get better each and every day.” Follow Andrew on Instagram @nnelgwerdna

COLUMN

Kobe leaves inspiring legacy behind Austin Turner SENIOR STAFF WRITER

In late December, a video began to circulate on social media of retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant with his daughter Gianna at a basketball game. Kobe appeared to be explaining an intricacy of the game to the 13-year-old, as they both shared a passion for it. The clip was, of course, “meme’d” into oblivion, but it was intimate and endearing. Kobe loved basketball, but post-retirement, it looked like he loved being a father even more. Less than a month later, that moment now takes on a heartbreaking quality. Bryant, 41, and Gianna were among nine people tragically killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning. The sports world will never be the same. Bryant defined a generation of athletes. He became an icon larger than the sport of basketball. There was no in-between with him. Fans either loved him or loved to hate him. As a kid, I fell into the latter half. Growing up

in Southern California in the early 2000s, Kobe was everywhere. Going to the mall on a July afternoon? Kobe jerseys all over. All of my friends had his posters on their bedroom walls. A piece of trash couldn’t be disposed of without someone first yelling, “Kobe!”

Bryant defined a generation of athletes. He became an icon larger than the sport of basketball. I couldn’t stand him. Everybody was a Laker fan, and he was THE Laker. It was always Kobe, Kobe, Kobe. You couldn’t escape it. But of course, there was a good reason for that. On the court, Kobe was a cold-blooded assassin. Any argument you had against him, he’d chop it into pieces with his game. A Kobe hater would

say “Kobe isn’t efficient.” Watch out, after a rocky start to his career, ESPN lists his career shooting ge just a shade percentage under 50 percent. obe is a ball hog.” Or “Kobe Well, it also says that his son he averaged fifth season ts per game. five assists obe can’t win withOr “Kobe .” Nevermind, he out Shaq.” k-to-back titles in won back-to-back d 2010 with Pau 2009 and Gasol as his sidekick. as easy to root He was against, but he always commandect. The ed respect. man justt wanted to be one of the greatss of his d that craft, and he was. ere’s But there’s more to it he than the he rings, the stats, thee “mamba ment ality.” Kobe was an ambassador forr the gamee o he loved so d e a r l y . W h i c h e v e r iation you team-affiliation have in thee NBA, there is evel of respect a certain level o give the man you have to if you enjoyy basketball. He rew the game arguably grew more than anyone on this planet that isn’t named dan. Michael Jordan. 17, his final In 2016-17,

season, Kobe’s jersey sold more than anyy other player’s in China. Even an aging great was popular just on the basis of his own name recognition. Like other legends in the sport, all it takes is his first name

to know who you’re talking Magic, about. Shaq, LeBron, Steph, Kobe. After his playing days had ended, fans speculated he might join the NBA’s coaching ranks, as

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

sports fans do with most departin legends. departing p a stop to that He put thinking immediately. He had oth other things in mind. 201 he won an Oscar In 2018, for best short animated film wi with his tear-jerker, “Dea “Dear Basketball.” He co also coached Gianna’s basketba basketball team and began to promote women’s basketball. th But that’s just how he lived his life. He expectnothi but excellence ed nothing from himself and tho around him. those Kobe Bryant w more than a was b basketball playe He’s an icon. er. T The purple and g gold No. 8 and N No. 24 jerseys w never go out will o style. Kids of will continue to shout his name while shooting a jumper. In 1997, far prior to his greatness reaching its peak, he gave a quote that s stuck with me. “I don’t want to be the next Mich Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryan Bryant.” So did th the millions you inspired. Thank yyou, Kobe. Follow Austin on Twitter @AustinTurner_