Spartan Daily Vol. 165 No. 03

High parking prices pack a punch

student population

By Shinju Kang STAFF WRITER

As the fall semester begins, San José State welcomes a record number of new students and a record-high price in campus parking.

Nearly 40,000 students are enrolled at SJSU this fall, an 8% increase from the Fall 2024 semester, according to an SJSU News Center webpage.

The daily parking fee is now $12, according to an SJSU webpage, with rates rising for the first time in over 20 years, according to Eric Cross, SJSU’s Parking Manager.

“Parking fees here at San José State University had been locked at the same rate since 2004 … the parking fees have not kept up with the parking expenses,” Cross said.

In the current academic year, an “S” semester parking permit is $220, according to an SJSU webpage.

“The yearly parking permit last year was $192 … per semester, ” Cross said.

The parking price hike has impacted a significant number of commuter students, as a 2023 survey conducted by SJSU Associated Students’ Transportation Solutions reported that 30.32% of students drive themselves to campus.

Daniela Espinoza, a fourth-year human resources student at SJSU, shared her thoughts on the price hike.

“I’m already paying so much to go here. I can barely find parking and I drive around for an hour and half just to find a spot,” Espinoza said. “I don’t wanna pay for the yearly pass but daily parking is already half of what I make hourly.”

In addition to increases in campus parking prices and student enrollment, tuition and campus fees has also increased from $8,410, as of the 2024-25 academic year, to $8,846, for the 202526 academic year, according to a SJSU webpage.

Nicole Alle, a fourth-year business student, expressed

her experience with the price hike.

“I had to cut hours at my job just to come an hour and a half early to find parking,” Alle said.

Cross said that parking is available and that the South Campus Garage parking specifically has yet to reach above 60% capacity since

The reality is that even though we have that limited number of parking (spots), we do have parking, we have yet to meet peak capacity for parking on campus.

Eric

Cross SJSU Parking Manager

the beginning of the fall semester, but that students do not want to utilize South Campus Garage parking, creating overcrowding in the other parking facilities.

The shuttle from South Campus Garage runs Monday through Thursday, starting transport from the Park and Ride lot at 6:30 a.m. and ending service from Duncan Hall at 10:20 p.m., according to the SJSU Shuttle Bus Flyer.

After 4:15 p.m., shuttle buses will run exclusively on the short route, from 7:05 a.m. to 9:35 p.m. to, shuttle buses transport every 10 minutes, and from 9:35 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., shuttle buses run every 20 minutes, according to the same SJSU Shuttle Bus Flyer.

“The reality is that even though we have that limited number of parking (spots), we do have parking, we have yet to meet peak capacity for parking on campus,” Cross said. “The last time we experienced that issue

was probably pre-Covid.”

Stephan Lee, a fourthyear student, shared his thoughts about the situation upon learning of the rise in parking prices.

“I feel like I’m being scammed,” Lee said.

Cross also said that some commuters may benefit more from using the Associated Students Smartpass Clipper card as opposed to driving themselves.

The Associated Students SmartPass Clipper card offers both students and employees unlimited rides on Santa Clara Valley Transport Authority (VTA) Local and Rapid buses, Limited routes, and Light Rail line, according to the SJSU SmartPass webpage.

“Do you really need to bring your vehicle to campus? That’s a big issue we have long partnered with (A.S.) Transportation Solutions, with, in regards too. We encourage students to really have that conversation with

I had to cut hours at my job just to come an hour and a half early to find parking.

Nicole Alle SJSU fourth-year business student

themselves, with mom and dad, family members.” Cross said.

The SmartPass Clipper is not valid on ACE, Amtrak, BART, Caltrain, AC Transit, Highway 17 Express, Dumbarton Express, Monterey-Salinas Transit, SamTrans and other nonVTA services, according to the same webpage.

Cross said that the raise in parking prices are more so a reactionary measure, aiming to make up the difference in the

department’s reserves, rather than an intentional exploitative procedure.

He said that the parking department is funded directly through the parking fees collected, not through the university.

“We’re dealing with inflationary prices … wage increases from our staff and members here within our organization, technology cost to operate the parking systems, the equipment we need … the maintenance,” Cross said.

Aarnav Iyer, an SJSU fourth-year business student, shared his personal opinion on the price increase.

“I think if people are paying that much they should have designated spots … I spent an hour and a half (trying) to find parking … I was late to class today because of it,” Iyer said.

Follow Shinju on Instagram @shinju.kang

SJ City Council announces changes

By Norah Sheppard-Hutchins STAFF WRITER

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, San José City Council announced several changes set to occur, including changes to the SAP Center and the city’s legal council.

The motion for the SAP Center to undergo nearly $425 million in renovation passed unanimously.

City of San José Director of Real Estate Kevin Ice, relayed that the center is no longer compliant with the National Hockey League regulations.

“We’ve had independent operators look at the facility,” Ice said. “It was concluded to take upward of 100 million just to bring the facility up to modern standards to better compete with arenas like the Chase Center for touring acts.”

This will be paid for by both the city and

the Sharks, with the city expected to bond for $350 million. The Sharks are expected to contribute $100 million, with $25 million going towards the city for debt service.

The Sharks will use these finances to help fix major structural issues in the arena.

“There is significant deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed and in the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, technological, the TV media equipment needs an overhaul and the kitchens need to be expanded,” Ice said.

Renovations are set to take place over seven years during the San José Sharks offseason. There will need to be a new arena for the Sharks by 2051. In the upcoming two years, there will be searches for potential locations to prepare, according to Ice.

“This new arena location

will anchor a district that includes other uses such as retail, restaurants, hotels, arts and cultural venues and other gathering spaces,” Ice said.

Among these changes discussed in the meeting, Mayor Matt Mahan announced the new San José city attorney, Susana Alcala Wood.

“I was struck through the process at how deeply she had thought about the role of municipal law in making people's lives better,” Mahan said. “It’s clear (Wood) is motivated by a desire to serve the public and is really relationship driven.”

Wood was voted in unanimously following the retirement of the previous city attorney, Nora Frimann, who had served since 2020.

“I’m really excited to come work for all of you in this community,” Wood said.

Wood has worked as

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the Spartan Daily published a story titled, “Off-campus incidents ignite concerns,” in which Allana Ng’s name was spelled wrong.

In the same article, we misstated the year in school of third-year communication studies student, Frank Stritch.

The Spartan Daily regrets these errors.

I was struck through the process at how deeply she had thought about the role of municipal law in making people’s lives better. It’s clear (Wood) is motivated by a desire to serve the public and is really relationship driven.

Matt Mahan

Mayor of San José

the City Attorney for Sacramento since 2018, taking on various facets of her municipal law practice, according to the City of Sacramento website.

According to Mahan, after many online and in-person interviews, background checks and written responses, Wood stood out the most.

Following this announcement, San Josè City Vice Mayor Pam Foley declared Aug. 25-31 as Silicon Valley Pride Week.

“Each year in San José we are proud to celebrate and recognize Pride twice,” Foley said. “Once in June with Pride month, and once in August for Silicon Pride.”

This comes as Silicon Valley Pride approaches its 50th annual celebration, according to the Silicon Valley Pride website.

Nicole Denson, the CEO

of Silicon Valley Pride, is set to retire from her position at the end of the year.

“Fifty years remind us of the fight – reminds us of how unstoppable we have been and unstoppable we will continue to be,” Denson said.

Along with the deceleration of Silicon Valley Pride Week, District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz announced that Aug. 30 will be Lowrider Day.

“Lowriding tells the story of the Chicano community’s artistry and resilience, turning steel and chrome into symbols of identity, unity, and pride,” Ortiz said.

David Polanco, President of the United Lowrider Council of San José, explained the history behind Lowrider Day. Its emergence was in celebration of the City Council lifting the cruising

ban in 2023.

“I never would’ve thought that we’d be doing this going into the third year of Low Rider Day – really the fourth time in front of City Hall,” Polanco said.

The United Lowrider Council of San José posted on Instagram that celebrations will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at San José City Hall.

“Nationally and throughout the state of California, people would just look and see that collaboration between the city and the lowrider community and probably never thought it ever would happen,” Polanco said.

Earl Sweatshirt lives, laughs, loves

By Joaquin Cruz STAFF WRITER

Rapper Earl Sweatshirt quietly released a new album, “Live Laugh Love,” that builds upon a sample-heavy production style, rhymeheavy lyricism and themes of personal growth.

Sweatshirt, whose legal name is Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, didn’t use much marketing to promote the album, but rather staged a listening party on the night of Aug. 15.

The listening party gained attention on social media and the entertainment website Complex covered the event.

Gatherers were offered printed zines with contributions by celebrities such as Donald Glover, Dave Chappelle, Cheryl Harris and many more, according to an Aug. 16 Complex Instagram post.

The zine contains poems and written pieces around the themes of growth, family and love. Some entries were comedic, while others were very thoughtful, as seen

an adult.

“Live Laugh Love”

in a post by Reddit user richard1292 from Aug. 16.

Pieces talked about loving yourself, learning to grow with the struggles of life, while some were plain and simple. Donald Glover’s piece said, “Don’t let them get you in trouble for being who you are,” which helps accentuate the themes of growth in the new album.

couldn’t wait, couldn’t shake the notion my fate was up for me to decide,” referring to his personal control over his future

were much less sample-heavy.

In comparison to when Sweatshirt’s albums began this new direction, “Some Rap Songs” in production felt very distorted, disturbing and still whimsical in a sense.

The newest release sounds

Another song, “Live,” talks about the importance of navigating

As a teenager, Sweatshirts’ mother, Cheryl Harris, sent him to therapeutic boarding school, Coral Reef Academy, to compete with Sweatshirts’ abrasive lifestyle while with Odd Future, according to an

The zine felt much more intriguing than the listening party itself, as it helped to expand thoughts on the album’s contents.

In this new project, Sweatshirt discusses his personal growth in comparison to his time as an adolescent, both lyrically and rhythmically.

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Songs like “Gamma (need the <3)” feature lyrics that say, “Love leaving, it’s unappealing to be stuck / You stayed under, I stay wondering why ‘cause the wave undulates and I’m on a high.”

lores the anionship navigating m

The song explores the importance of companionship and friendship in navigating adulthood.

Aside from this commentary, he says, “I

Album Review

2025

life itself. “Tapped in, locked in with

locked in with my little boy / I’ma lead you to the river, I can’t sip it for you / Never lead with indecision, never leave the homies / Unless it’s time to leave the homies.”

The songs in this album feature very atmospheric and sample-heavy production styles.

Earl’s 2018 album, “Some Rap Songs,” changed the direction of his future production, as prior albums

more static, soul and R&B influenced, while still maintaining a rhythmic hiphop sound.

“Live Laugh Love” feels much more coherent with its use of samples, but manages to maintain that same feeling that previous albums gave.

Throughout the lyrics, he talks about handling family death, going to Samoa for reform school and his continuing mental health as

Interview

Magazine article in 2013.

Odd Future allowed Sweatshirt to expand on his lyricism and expressive nature in music; however, the edgy nature of his and others in the collective before boarding school was not liked by his mother.

Sweatshirt’s lyrics in the song “Chum” discuss his life after, showcasing one of many meaningful songs about growth throughout

Sweatshirt’s discography.

Sweatshirt’s d h loc

I’m scatterbr

“From honor roll to cracking locks up off them bicycle racks / I'm indecisive, I’m scatterbrained, and I'm frightened.”

In the song “TOURMALINE,” the beat takes a lighter tone with a stringy sample in the background while talking about his family and the struggles they face.

Lyrically, the song stands out as Sweatshirt takes time to sing the beginning chorus. Later singing “She found me on the streets, she vowin’ to keep my feet grounded / For my sweet child / The struggle not a team sport.”

Talking about mental health and life’s difficulties is not a new subject for Sweatshirt, but one that has significantly changed as he has grown from an artist and a person.

Songs like “Chum” showcase the darkness that shrouded Sweatshirt’s life, but not so much in this new

WARN a Lov him in a hap

In “TOURMAL ligh a stringy about his f Sweat be Later sing st sw is not a n b fr Songs th S m project. In com

In comparison to previous albums, “Live Laugh Love” showcases him in a happier light while still commemorating the grievances that come with adulthood.

Sweatshirt delivers once again and leaves listeners waiting for the next update to Thebe’s life.

Follow Joaquin on Instagram @joaquin.running

To change or not to change MLB

Baseball is a game deeply rooted in its tradition; without its history, it’s just people hitting pieces of wood against a ball.

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Robert Manfred spoke on Aug. 17 during an ESPN broadcast of the Little League Classic game between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Mets about his interest in realigning the American and National leagues into geographical conferences and the potential of adding two more teams.

on the same coast as them.

Baseball Players Association is a labor union that currently advocates for the working conditions of MLB players involved with their program, with a collective bargaining agreement in effect until 2026, according to a MLBPA webpage.

Adding more teams would be in the best interest of the MLBPA, as more teams means more players.

The idea of changing things based on geography or market size could potentially not bode well with current members of that union, which could potentially result in a strike which would cause stoppage of play during the regular season.

The Little League Classic is a game played annually in MLB where participants of the Little League World Series and their families attend an MLB game at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, according to an MLB webpage.

Baseball

a planned end in 2029, according to an Feb. 15, 2024 article by ESPN.

When asked about the potential of expansion and realignment during the broadcast, Manfred said he

season, with 48,649 miles travelled according to a Baseball Savant webpage.

tracking players across the

The league is great because these teams are traveling, and where it currently stands, each team plays each other at least once.

bond and spend time with my father, who was my Little League coach.

We

friendly American league rivalry between our favorite teams, his favorite being the Detroit Tigers and mine being the Athletics, who no longer play in Oakland.

“I think if we expand, it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign,” Manfred said “We can save a lot of wearand-tear on our players in terms of travel.”

The Dodgers are followed in most miles by the Athletics, the San Diego Padres, the Seattle Mariners, and the San Francisco Giants, which are located on the West Coast.

position as commissioner is coming to

could decrease the amount of time that these teams are spending travelling. On the other hand, teams could spend less time traveling, which would act to improve the working conditions of the players.

like the Giants, Athletics’s, Padres, Dodgers could exist within a division of themselves, where they spend the majority of their time playing teams that are

Today’s MLB players are travelling thousands of miles during the regular season to attend games across North America. The Los Angeles Dodgers have travelled the most miles this Mariners on West Coast. Geographical divisions teams are improv the conditions of For example, the teams Athletics’s

Expanding could damage that.

Last season, the Athletics played their final game in Oakland. I went to the second-to-last game with my family and they watched as I cried sorrowful tears of history being erased before our very eyes.

I was forced to become a fan of the game itself, as I wasn’t interested in abandoning the game altogether.

I appreciate watching and

from a city full of loyal and reverent fans.

Luckily, there are at least organizations out there that exist for the purpose of supporting the players, since the fans’ loyalty doesn’t really matter anyway.

The Major League

The American and National leagues that exist today are both more than a hundred years old, with the National League being established in 1876 and the American League following in 1901, according to the History Channel webpage. Making changes to these leagues would forever change the fabric of the game and outcast baseball traditionalists like myself to get with the program or quit watching.

The beauty of the game of baseball is entrenched in its history. Manfred, if you want to retire in grace, please don’t change the game at all.