Volume 63 Issue 18

THE USD VISTA

Professors rethink teaching Chávez César Chávez under scrutiny after NYT investigation

CADEN HAYNOR

On March 18, an investigation accused César Chávez of sexual abuse. The New York Times published the article accusing United Farm Workers co-founder

Chávez as a sexual abuser.

The New York Times investigation reported that Chávez sexually abused multiple women and girls in the 1960s and 70s, including United Farm Workers’ cofounder Dolores Huerta.

Chávez was a central labor

Breaking brackets

March Madness enters Sweet 16

into this year’s tournament.

leader in the farmworkers rights movement, organizing multiple strikes, boycotts and other nonviolent protests. His actions helped win union contracts, better wages and increased basic protections for farmworkers from the 1950s, peaking around the 1970s with

union contracts covering tens of thousands of farmworkers.

Following this activism over multiple decades and his death in 1993, the investigation tainted the world’s image of Chávez, alarming some USD faculty and students.

See Chávez, Page 2

Facing

SD Latino Film Festival opens

Over 140 films celebrate the Latino community

PRIYA COOPER SPORTS EDITOR

Every March, 68 teams are announced to compete up to seven rounds of single elimination games for a chance to win a national championship. Last Sunday night, the NCAA announced this year’s teams. The UConn women’s team and Duke men’s team both earned the top overall seeds in their respective brackets going

In USD’s history, Toreros have been selected a total of four times, with the most recent appearance in 2008. USD beat UConn’s men’s team and lost in the second round to Western Kentucky. Last year, during the first rounds, No.14 Oakland stunned fans by winning against No. 3 Kentucky.

A 12-member NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball committee consists of directors from many teams. The committee reviews games through the season, looking at individual

See Madness, Page 12

fans from around the country.

Film enthusiasts gathered at various San Diego screening locations to watch the fiveday streaming of over 145 documentaries, shorts and feature films from around the globe. The San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) is a nationally acclaimed event that draws the attention of producers and

Don’t miss the latest news. Find us online:

The nonprofit Media Arts Center San Diego has hosted the event every year since 1994.

This year SDLFF was held at AMC Mission Valley, Digital Gym Cinema and Southwestern College Performing Arts Center.

The five-day festival began on March 18, with an opening ceremony featuring the Grammywinning band Quetzal. Fans had the opportunity to pick from the

25 plus films screened each day with a filter on the SDLFF official website. Films were categorized by venue and theme. Options included anything from “Somos Cine LGBTQIA+! Showcase” to a Bolivian “Narrative Feature.” Ethan Van Thillo founded the festival in 1993 with hopes to bring communities together and celebrate upcoming filmmakers. Van Thillo was forced to cut back on the usual 11-day festival because of budget — however, the limitation didn’t seem to hinder fan’s enjoyment.

“We actually found that we had the same amount of people come and the same wonderful energy,” Van Thillo said in an interview with KPBS. “That’s what I love about the festival. I want people to come and just experience different things, and you feel that energy in the theatre.”

SDLFF works in parallel with the San Diego International Film Festival — a fall event that funds an intense competition, rewarding over $12,000 of champion money for films who earn “Best Narrative Feature

See Film, Page 5

Chávez memorials renamed

Sexual abuse allegations prompt backlash following investigation

From Chávez, Page 1

Associate University Minister Alec Hartman described his reaction to the investigation on Chávez relating to a Catholic worldview.

“The reports regarding César Chávez are deeply unsettling,” Hartman wrote. “As someone who admired his advocacy for labor rights and the way he drew strength from his faith, this news feels like a profound betrayal. It shakes the very values that the intersection of faith and social justice (rooted in Catholic Social Teaching) should uphold: dignity, integrity and the preferential option for the vulnerable.”

USD’s lower-division theology course Christian Changemakers observes multiple Christian activists that have made a difference in the world. USD Senior Teaching Professor in the Theology and Religious Studies department Brian Traska teaches the class. Traska explained how the posthumous investigation on Chávez surprised him.

“I was shocked by the news,” Traska explained. “All the activists I teach about

in my THRS 231 class are imperfect, but the severity of these allegations raises the question of whether I should continue highlighting [Chávez] as a model of Christian Changemaking. I’m still processing the story and collaborating with my colleagues in discerning how best to proceed.”

The article framed Huerta’s silence as the result of multiple factors, including generational norms and Chávez’s position as a central figure in the movement for workers’ rights.

As a Catholic activist, there was a time when Chávez was informally considered by some Catholic leaders and activists for canonization. This was not formally considered by the Vatican, but remained a topic of discussion at masses that mentioned Chávez and his work. States throughout the U.S. are changing and canceling “César Chávez Day,” traditionally celebrated on March 31, following the investigation. In California, the name change to “Farmworker’s Day” is currently being considered.

Inside the first three weeks of the Iran war US-Israel war against Iran has reshaped the Middle East

CONNOR DUFFEY ASST. NEWS EDITOR

The U.S.-Israel war against Iran has raged for nearly a month since the United States and Israel launched a jointmilitary operation known as “Operation Epic Fury,” striking approximately 900 targets in 12 hours, including Iranian military infrastructure and senior leadership. Among those killed was Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of other senior Iranian officials.

The same operation killed approximately 170 people when a missile hit a girls’ elementary school in the Minab neighborhood, adjacent to an Iranian naval base near Bandar Abbas. The Pentagon maintains that the school was being used as an Iranian military command

center, a claim that has not been independently verified.

On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts, a key body in Iran’s government responsible for appointing the supreme leader, appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, as his successor, a decision which President Trump labeled unacceptable on X.

The same day, a separate strike killed Iranian Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi.

Iranian officials announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international shipping lane. The move triggered approximately a 70% drop in tanker traffic, driving crude oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time in four years and peaking at $126 per barrel. National gas prices have since risen roughly

The USD Vista

Lauren Ceballos - Editor-in-Chief

Anjali Dalal-Whelan - Associate Editor

Emma Pirhala - Managing

Lara Dominique Solante - Copy Editor

Caden Haynor - News

Amelie Sedlack - Feature Editor

Riley Rains - Arts & Culture Editor

Priya Cooper - Sports Editor

Meza

- Distribution Manager

Anahi Padilla - Social Media Manager

Emma Holliday - Director of Finance

Benjamin Boss - Advertising Manager

Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor

Dr. Byron Howlett - Operations Advisor

30% from pre-war levels, an increase which Toreros have begun to feel the effects of.

“It’s making gas more expensive,” USD sophomore Luca Gessner said. “I don’t understand why the U.S. is even involved, we should be focusing on stuff in the country.”

On March 17, Israel carried out a strike that killed Iranian Security Chief Ali Larijani, marking yet another senior official killed since the war began. The conflict has also produced significant domestic fallout in the United States, most notably through the resignation of senior White House Counterterrorism Official Joe Kent. In a letter posted to X on March 17, Kent described the threat Iran poses.

“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and

it’s clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent wrote.

USD sophomore Christian Rief echoed this sentiment.

“I think the person who actually benefits from this is Israel,” Rief said. “I don’t know if it’s in the people’s best interest.”

Kent’s resignation coincided with a new wave of Iranian strikes targeting Israel on March 19. On the same day, the Pentagon formally requested an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the war effort, a figure Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed at a Pentagon press conference.

“Obviously, it takes money to kill bad guys,” Hegseth said from the Pentagon. “We’re going back to Congress to ensure we’re properly funded for what

has been done, and what we may have to do in the future.”

The proposed budget increase has drawn mixed reactions among U.S. officials, with most Democrats opposed to the increase and Republicans divided.

On March 23, President Trump took to Truth Social to report that the United States and Iran were engaging in talks toward ending the war, a claim Iranian Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denied, accusing President Trump of issuing false statements.

With the Pentagon seeking an additional $200 billion, Iran showing no willingness to stand down and neither side having defined exit conditions, the trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain.

USD welcomes new Provost

James Antony begins tenure as VP of Academic Affairs

CADEN HAYNOR NEWS EDITOR

EMMA PIRHALA MANAGING EDITOR

USD’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs James “Jim” Antony, PhD, officially began his role on March 1.

The provost is the chief academic officer for the University. The USD provost specifically provides leadership to all of the University’s academic programs and initiatives.

The provost is responsible for overseeing all academic programs, faculty, curriculum and research. Antony is the direct manager of the deans, overseeing faculty affairs. In a written statement, Antony described his vision for USD.

“My vision is to be a servant leader who honors that unique bond,” Antony said. “I am committed to supporting the faculty, who are the individuals who help our students experience a transformative educational experience that awakens a passion for discovery.

My goal is to ensure the academic experience leaves a lasting, life-changing imprint on our students.”

The USD website on the Provost described Antony’s research specialization.

“As a scholar, Jim’s research focuses on the development of higher education faculty, the socialization and leadership preparation of future college leaders, and datainformed decision-making in higher education,” the website explained.

Antony previously served

as Provost and Executive Vice President at George Mason University in Virginia for two years. Antony has also worked in various roles for University of California, San Diego and Harvard University.

Antony described how he hopes to interact with students.

“If you see me on campus, please skip the formalities and ask: ‘What are you working on today that will make my experience here better,’” Antony stated. “I am committed to ensuring our office is a visible engine for your success … I want to

GAMES

March 26 Crossword

LARA DOMINIQUE SOLANTE

COPY EDITOR

ANJALI DALAL-WHELAN ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Across

1. In bowling, this is when all 10 pins are knocked down in one turn

4. This artist holds the record for the most Grammy awards of all time

2. These iconic notebooks are covered with black and white splotches on the front 3. This word refers to the opening of a camera lens to allow light to pass through; also the name of a recent Harry Styles song

6. An EpiPen contains epinephrine, also known as _________, which is used to treat severe allergic reactions.

The very front of a ship

The northernmost national park in California

see this campus through your eyes. I’m looking forward to every conversation.”

Antony was born and raised in Southern California, eventually earning three degrees in higher education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Following Antony’s formal transition into the role in early March, the USD community will monitor how he will set academic priorities, faculty governance, research and various other University functions throughout his tenure.

1. In bowling, this is when all ten pins are knocked down in one turn

4. This artist holds the record for the most Grammy awards of all time

7. The oceanic pole of inaccessibility, also known as ______ _____, is the farthest point from any land on Earth.

Many Toreros have this grocery store’s tote bags

9. What is the second closest planet to the Sun?

10. Pattern meant to blend in to the natural environment

11. The Mona Lisa was painted by Italian artist, _____________.

12. What is the slogan of the popular shoe company, Vans?

12. What is the popular shoe company Vans slogan?

2. These iconic notebooks are covered with black and white splotches on the front

6. An EpiPen contains epinephrine, also known as _______, which is used to treat severe allergic reactions.

7. The oceanic pole of inaccessibility, also known as ____ ____, is the farthest point from any land on Earth.

3. This word refers to the opening of a camera lens to allow light to pass through; also the name of a recent Harry Styles song

11. This Italian artist painted the Mona Lisa

4. The very front of a ship

13. ______ ______ directed the 1975 thriller, “Jaws.”

5. The northernmost national park in California

8. Many Toreros have this grocery store’s tote bags

9. What is the second closest planet to the Sun?

ARTS & CULTURE

Zara Larsson, pastels and snapchat take over the year

MACKENZIE SMITH CONTRIBUTOR

Snapchat filters, skinny jeans and pastel pink defined 2016. As 2025 turned into 2026, one thing became clear on social media: 2016 was making a comeback. People began reposting old photos, while the hazy blue-purple filter from the era started reappearing more frequently. Even trends like the “Mannequin Challenge” began resurfacing on TikTok.

2016 was a complicated year, highlighting everything from the release of “Stranger Things” to the deaths of David Bowie and Prince. Vine was at its peak, Donald Trump was elected as president and the Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years. The realtime view on 2016 was often seen as chaotic or negative, but perceptions seem to have shifted. Much of the current trend is driven by nostalgia from that time according to Toreros.

USD students debated if 2016 is truly making a comeback, or if it’s simply another passing online trend. The recently announced Lollapalooza setlist only adds to the discussion.

Lollapalooza is a four-day music festival that features over 170 artists across nine stages. This year, the festival is featuring many artists such as The Chainsmokers, Zara Larsson, 5 Seconds of Summer and Lorde, whose music has long been associated with the 2010s.

USD sophomore Charlie Atteberry is originally from Chicago where the festival takes place. Atteberry stated his thoughts on the lineup.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s Lollapalooza lineup,” Atteberry said. “I’m really excited to see Lil Uzi Vert because I listened to him a bunch in middle school and it will be fun to relive my childhood a bit.”

Like Atteberry, many students enjoy listening to music from their childhood, giving music a major role in pushing this trend into popularity.

Much of the music from 2016 is reemerging. Whether it is through artists releasing new songs or older tracks regaining traction, these songs are increasingly being played in college settings and even in everyday life, reinforcing the return of that era’s influence.

One artist who has recently reemerged is Zara Larsson, who rose to international fame in 2015 with the release of her song “Lush Life.” By 2016, Larsson had established herself as a global pop star with much of her music being tied to the year. Her momentum slowed in the years that followed, leading some to label it a “flop era.” In 2025, however, she rebranded and has since experienced a viral resurgence.

USD sophomore Abigail Trevillian talked about Zara Larsson’s recent resurgence of popularity.

“Zara Larsson gaining popularity in 2026 is so

bringing back 2016,” Trevellian commented. “It’s because of her clothes, her music videos, the dolphin memes.”

2016 has even become relevant at USD, with many trends appearing on campus. Fraternities and sororities have begun hosting 2016-themed events. Even the official USD Instagram account posted about what campus life was like in 2016.

USD junior Ella Fitzpatrick is the Vice President of External Affairs in Kappa Alpha Theta. Fitzpatrick commented on the role 2016 is playing in Greek life.

“Our philanthropy event this year for Kappa Alpha Theta is 2026 is the new 2016, Theta’s Got Talent Back to 2016,” Fitzpatrick said. “[Unseriousness] is what we kind of want to channel in our Theta’s Got Talent theme. We want to go back to 2016.”

USD first-year Salama Toure observed how trends from 2016 have reappeared on campus.

“I’ve seen a lot of microtrends,” Toure said. “A lot of people have been wearing capris and halter tops. I also think our climate, I mean we’re in California and 2016 was like palm trees and beach, so I feel like it’s more prominent here than anywhere else.”

While it is evident that many aspects of 2016 are reappearing in the new year, some people believe this resurgence is simply a passing trend.

USD first-year Vivi Garibay shared her perspective

on the phenomenon.

“I don’t think it’s actually back,” Garibay said. “I think people confuse it for 2014 and at least online it seems so ingenuine. But in terms of music, hell yeah, I wanna hear the ‘Black Beatles’ I wanna see the ‘Mannequin Challenge’ again. I think there’s a resurfacing of certain trends but I don’t think it’s necessarily back.” 2016 existed before the pandemic, making it seem like a simpler time. While a lot happened during the year, both positive and negative, the year is remembered for the vibes at the time, and the nostalgia from it.

Fitzpatrick shared how 2016 compares to 2026.

“I think the reason why it’s trending is because we’re at a very serious point in our life, especially in the United States, I think everything that’s going on is culminating and adding up,” Fitzpatrick said. “We want to go back to that perspective where we didn’t have any responsibilities and life was a little unserious.”

Whether 2026 truly becomes the new 2016 or not, Toreros are enjoying the return of its aesthetic and the sense of nostalgia it brings to their daily lives.

San Diego Latino Film Festival comes to AMC

From SDLFF, Page 1

Over 140 films celebrate the Latino community

Film,” “Best Documentary Film” or “Best Short Film.” Both film festivals encourage international participation. The spring event holds competition for a variety of mediums. There were over 150 worldwide submissions for this year’s SDLFF flyer.

USD junior and visual arts major Eduard Hovhannisyan reacted to the festival.

“If I had heard of this event before, I honestly would have submitted some of my artwork,” Hovhannisyan said. “The recognition of people’s art is so important. Especially with people nowadays using AI. I think it is a shame, it’s a loss of culture. You are losing the human touch.”

SDLFF did not accept any art that used AI in any capacity.

This year’s winner, San Diego local graphic designer Axel Arevalo, earned $1,500 and exclusive tickets and interviews with SDLFF special guests. During the closing ceremony on March 22, fan-favorite filmmakers received a monetary award for their efforts. This presents a unique opportunity for private artists to showcase their art and earn a profit.

While famous filmmakers such as Luis Valdez, Josefina Lopez and Ianis Guerrero

drew an audience, the SDLFF spotlighted all mediums of film. Small, independent artists were able to break through the difficult movie scene with SDLFF. USD Associate Professor in Art History Michael Witte commented on the accessibility of SDLFF.

“Commercial U.S. cinema is usually premised on exclusion and systematic barriers to entry, whereas — as evidenced by the sheer

diversity of the films in the program — SDLFF is premised on inclusivity, the bending of genre, radical truth-telling and experimentation,” Witte shared.

One of the screened films was “ASCO: Without permission.” The documentary highlights a group of artists from Southern California and their protest against mainstream media through rebellious forms of creation. Witte argued this type of documentary is exactly

what SDLFF sets out to prove.

“The significance of many of the films screened at SDLFF comes from the fact that they proceed ‘without permission,’” Witte shared. “The lesson of ASCP was to create — not wait for the approval of Hollywood … but to take matters into their own hands.”

The festival’s Director of Development Moises Esparza praised the film lineup that highlights

the Latino community.

“[SDLFF] provides entry points for a very authentic look at Latino life from music to stories that speak of the current moment, to joy and grief in community,” Esparza said in an interview with Vanguard Culture.

The majority of films are in Spanish and offer English captions. With fans and artists congregating in San Diego to enjoy movies and documentaries alike, filmmakers were excited to share their work highlighting the Latino community.

The intricate history of the Chicano community and Latino community is preserved in the films that were screened at SDLFF. The artistic medium appeals to some Toreros. Hovhannisyan shared his thoughts on how SDLFF could benefit students.

“You never know what might spark something creative inside of you,” Hovhannisyan shared. “Watching these films is a great way to stay inspired.”

With the SDLFF coming to a close, students can look forward to the adjacent fall event, the San Diego International Film Festival between Oct. 14 and Oct. 18. The regular deadline for film and flyer submissions are due April 1.

Newest ‘The Bachelorette’ season canceled

Taylor Frankie Paul faces domestic violence charges

The new season of hit ABC reality show, “The Bachelorette,” was filmed and ready to release on March 22 — until parent company Disney canceled the screening because of a domestic violence offense involving main reality TV star, Taylor Frankie Paul.

The ongoing Utah police investigation surrounds the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star and her thenboyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. TMZ published a video showing Paul throwing furniture at her partner. Fans witnessed Mortensen screaming and fighting Paul off while her child cried in the background.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” Disney Entertainment commented in a statement reported by the Associated Press.

USD sophomore Catherine McCarthy isn’t an avid fan of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” or “The Bachelorette,” however, she was planning on tuning in for the newest seasons. McCarthy explained her change of plans in discovering Paul’s accusations.

“I was interested in

watching this season, until it got canceled, but it’s valid it got canceled,” McCarthy said. “It’s crazy they took so much time editing it for it to end up like this.”

The video was taken in 2023. Shortly after, Paul was arrested and received several charges: two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, one felony count of aggravated assault, one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and one count of criminal mischief.

These charges were public knowledge prior to the filming of “The Bachelorette.”

Some Toreros were confused as to why it was possible for Paul to gain the spot as the bachelorette. USD junior Abbie Wachter shared her reactions to Paul’s criminal charges.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know any of her charges and I’m pretty confused on the whole thing,” Wachter admitted. “And honestly, I don’t really know why they chose her. It didn’t really make any sense.”

Some Toreros, who are longtime fans of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and “The Bachelorette,” were not surprised at this dramatic change of events. USD sophomore Skylar Grani reacted to the reality show’s cancellation.

“I am the biggest ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ and ‘Bachelorette’ fan ever,” Grani

shared. “TMZ prompted a lot of people to begin watching the show. Them releasing it when they did was very calculated in my opinion.”

Paul is the mother of three children that range from 2 years old to 8 years old. At the time of the domestic violence situation, Paul’s youngest was a newborn. In 2023, Paul pleaded abeyance — a decision that waives nearly all rights that you have as a criminal defendant. The plea is similar to pleading guilty.

While Paul has not

directly spoken out about the situation, she appointed an anonymous spokesperson to release statements. This representative spoke to Variety and People Magazine, framing Paul as the victim to abuse, not the instigator.

“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected

from any further harm,” the spokesperson said. “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives.”

Just days after Hulu released season four of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” they announced that they will halt production for season five. With Toreros muttering about the Utah scandal, only time will tell what will happen next with “The Bachelorette.”

Surf’s up: A be ginner’s gu

Moving to San Diego means getting the same question from family and friends: “So, do you surf ?” Surf ing is a bucket list item for many Toreros and is a much desired hobby to pick up. With Toreros being surrounded by locals who have been surf ing out of the womb, San Diego can be an intimidating — and initially expensive — place to start catching waves. Toreros share their best tips and tricks for beginners looking to start surf ing.

“I know a great surf shop in La Jolla, it’s called Mitch's Surf Shop You'll get some high-quality gear there And for beginner surfers, I recommend getting a wave storm board, a foam [one] is perfect for starting out And I recommend going to Scripps in La Jolla because there's some great waves for beginners ” Dylan Boyle, USD sophomore

“To bu doesn hav

“You can rent board Outdoor Adventures. Fo and $36 for a weekend. A day and $25 for a week straps so you can put

uide to surf ing San Die go

uy new boards, I usually go to Hanger 94 It n’t matter if it’s used or new, but you should ve a more buoyant board, a larger board ”

Benjamin Kossman, USD f irst-year

“I would make sure to understand how a wave is going to form and what the surf etiquette looks like, because diving right in is probably going to cause some sort of issues So that's def initely my f irst tip and just understanding how to f irst paddle out, get over the waves and how to sit out there, be comfortable and to avoid being in other people's way ”

Rachel Handy, USD junior

s and wetsuits here, from or surfboards it's $25 for a day And the wetsuits are $15 for a kend. It also comes with car it on your car if you want.” nior and Off ice Assistant at r Adventures

FEATURE

Toreros thank farmworkers with letters

Students show their gratitude for farmworkers on Marian Way

showcase and see that without them, we wouldn’t have most of the fruits that we do.”

As the weather warms and refreshing, cold fruit becomes a staple of every meal, Toreros held an event to remember the farmworkers who helped to bring this food to stores.

On Thursday, March 19, the United Front Multicultural Commons hosted a “Letters to Farmworkers” pop-up on the Colachis Plaza, giving students an opportunity to write a short note of gratitude to workers and pick up an informational flyer along with a small basket of grapes and a clementine orange.

USD junior Julian Gonzalez first had the idea to create this event.

“This month is National Nutrition Month so I just thought it would be a great idea to bring awareness to nutrition,” Gonzalez explained. “[We should] also acknowledge the work that farmworkers put in to nourish us and I think it would be really cool to show gratitude to them as well. That’s where my idea started and it sort of flourished from there.”

Giselle Franco, a USD graduate student, helped put on this event with Gonzalez. Franco stood at the booth, collecting students’ cards and giving out informational flyers and fruit to participants.

“I think it’s important to see how we do this event so students can learn a little bit more about different areas or things that the students might not be aware of,” Franco shared. “So being able to learn more about the different areas that they do and also how they are the backbone of most of the harvest and most of the fruits that we have in our everyday life. I think it’s important to

Gonzalez described the flyers given out to students at the pop-up.

“On the flyer it links directly to California [Farmworker] Foundation website and I know on the website it shows more about farmworker rights and how they should support them and other ways to support them [with] other resources you can go toward for supporting other farmers in the California area,” Gonzalez explained.

USD sophomore Amy Perez attended the event after seeing the flyer posted on Instagram.

“I think it’s a good way to appreciate the people,” Perez said. “I think even if it’s a quick little stop-by, a quick little note, it means a lot to the workers. And it’s good to appreciate them after all that they do for us, providing our day-to-day, and I think it’s undervalued, usually … I know a lot about the farmworkers movement and the Bracero Program and a lot of history that goes into it and the issues that happen.”

Gonzalez shared why he thinks it is important to be reminded of the farmworkers in California.

“I feel like it’s really important because a lot of them are migrant farmworkers and they oftentimes go unnoticed and I feel like it’s really important we shed light on how much hard work they put in and to get fruit in our grocery stores and on our plates,” Gonzalez explained. “Coming from a family of migrants, it really just ties back and I think it’s just really important to show gratitude toward them.”

The event was hosted on campus during Torero Hours on

Marian Way next to a frequented walkway so students were able to see the tent as they left class. Students stopped by throughout the two hours to learn more about farmworkers, write a quick note, take some fruit and even share stories of farmworkers.

Gonzalez talked about some of the stories that were shared and how this event ultimately helped to create a sense of community between the students and farmworkers, despite never having met.

“I heard other conversations of ‘some of my family members are farmworkers,’ and they can also connect through that way,”

Gonzalez said. “I feel that also showing the school and students recognize, some of the students put USD or their names so it shows a track record of ‘this school recognized our hard work’ and it creates a community with them. It just shows appreciation … words can go a long way.”

USD first-year Charlotte Morse did not attend the event but explained what she knew about the life of farmworkers.

“I’m from Colorado, so I haven’t really seen [the life and working conditions of farmworkers] as much, but I know that at least in Colorado it is pretty harsh but I think that’s because the weather is harsh,” Morse explained.

“I don’t really know how it is here, but I imagine it’s similar.”

With the letters of gratitude written, they must now be sent to the farmworkers. Gonzalez shared his plan to get the

letters to the farmworkers.

“I contacted the California Farmworker Foundation and I’m waiting to hear back from them on how I can send it to them so they can distribute it ‘cause they work directly with farmworkers and migrants,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez decided to send the California Farmworker Foundation all of the notes with an explanation, hoping that the cards will all make it to a farmworker.

“I haven’t received any emails back,” Gonzalez said. “So we have decided to send it to one of their offices with a letter of explanation of what we did, and gave them my contact information in hopes to receive some pictures of the farmers enjoying our cards.”

The “Letters to Farmworkers” pop-up was a reminder to Toreros to think about the origins of their food and thank those who helped in the process.

OPINION

It’s

time to face your real fears

Many irrational phobias are far more common than logical ones

ALEX KUETER

ASST. OPINION EDITOR

Fears are all around us. Snakes, spiders and roaches send people screaming, or at least pointedly walking in the opposite direction. These are the very least of the dangers we might face. In a world filled with cancer and car wrecks, we routinely turn a blind eye to the actual fears present in our lives. You are far more likely to die from texting and driving than a spider bite, or virtually any creepy-crawly, but I rarely see people express fear of driving like they do spiders.

Many of our fears are developed rather than hardwired into us. According to psychology today, humans are only born with two major fears: heights and loud noises. Both of these are beneficial in protecting us as infants from sudden and dire threats, like falling or predation. After that, all fears are instilled into us by culture, such as what our families or friends say is scary.

As such, our other fears are highly variable. Many of us fear snakes, some Hindu cultures have no inherited fears of snakes due to their cultural importance. Even though India has roughly double the number of venomous snakes than America, it’s all about how things are framed.

The world has become an increasingly safer place to live. But despite this, preventable mortality rose across all 50 states from 2009 to 2021. Yet it declined in most other high income countries. One of our biggest and most routine threats is driving. Cars are the primary transportation for 78% of Americans in a 2024 survey by Pew Research Center. They also pose an enormous threat to our safety, with 40,00044,000 deaths from motor collisions annually according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. While roughly 30% of these can be attributed to intoxication, over 3,000 are related to distracted driving or being on your phone. Furthermore, over 1.6 million crashes occur annually because drivers are distracted on their phones.

Despite these statistics and the widespread knowledge that distracted driving is dangerous, I see people on their phones while in their cars every day. Whether it’s at red lights, on the interstate or anything in between, I see

people texting, scrolling and calling. Even though most cars these days are equipped with Bluetooth or CarPlay and can use voice to text, people still text. People seem to be seldom scared enough to stop doing something that poses a direct and daily threat to us. I think it is because of the slow nature of the threat.

Seeing a snake is a more direct threat to our life. It indicates that we are currently in a life or death situation, no matter how dangerous it really is. Cars

and other modern threats are so embedded into our lives. We use them so regularly that the fears become dulled.

When I started driving, I was much more aware of everything around me, and much more anxious. But as time went on, and I drove more, it became more comfortable. I was more willing to have distractions such as loud music or multiple guests.

It’s possible that as people continue driving, texting just seems like less and less of a threat, despite the

fact that it continues to be.

Fears are very culturally dependent, and evolve with us as we change. This can be harmful to us. It can be incredibly frustrating to watch people brush off the real threats that impact them and others, but sweat the small things. For example, texting and driving possess such a threat to not only the driver, but to everyone else on the road. Somehow, we are able to ignore it because the danger seems so distant to us. We have driven thousands of times,

and nothing bad has happened yet, so we can rationalize it.

It’s hard to live a life scared of cars and their dangers when we use them every day. It’s easier to fear snakes and spiders, which we rarely see. I think we should all be more mindful of the real dangers around us and give snakes a break. While we shouldn’t live our lives in fear of the world, knowing and respecting what can really hurt us like texting and driving is important to keep us all safer.

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or its student body.

Balancing self-prioritization and selflessness

Sometimes, it might not always be best to put yourself first

SOPHIE HUMMEL CONTRIBUTOR

Phrases such as “protect your peace,” or “you don’t owe anyone anything,” have become increasingly common among young people. Versions of the phrase “put yourself first” are typically heard in therapy and in other mental health contexts. It is repeated by professionals who aim to encourage those who have difficulty with boundary setting to care for themselves the way they do for others. Individuals who consistently neglect their own well-being to care for others are engaging in harmful behavior — that is not hard to argue.

However, it is actually okay to put others before yourself. In many cases, it is even important. What may be more harmful is relying on these idioms out of context to justify withdrawing from social situations or harming others. In some cases, people will avoid uncomfortable situations under the pretense that they are putting themselves first.

Self-care and work-life balance are important values to prioritize, but only to a certain extent. Protecting your peace shouldn’t come at the expense of others.

Failing to respond in a timely manner to a call or text from a distraught significant other, or skipping out on a friend’s birthday celebration because you aren’t in the mood, isn’t putting yourself first. It is being selfish. You don’t need to drop everything for everyone, but avoiding a difficult or inconvenient situation isn’t always “taking care of yourself.”

The truth is, maintaining strong friendships or relationships requires us to be inconvenienced at times. Whether it means staying up later than you’d like to pick up a friend from the airport, or having a difficult conversation with a roommate rather than avoiding them, you might find that showing up for others actually increases your sense of agency and happiness. Research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) emphasizes that.

“Successful social

interactions comprise some of the most potent rewarding stimuli for human beings,” the research stated.

I’ve found that showing up for others in my relationships, despite my own personal responsibilities, actually eases some of my own stressors. Whether a roommate, acquaintance, close friend or significant other, we have a responsibility to treat each other with respect and compassion. When others don’t realize their attempts to put themselves first are harmful, we should explain the values they may not have been taught earlier in their life.

We certainly do not owe one another much, other than to do our best to show up for each other. To have a village, you also have to be a villager. In a digital age where Postmates delivers a hot meal when you’re sick rather than a neighbor, or Uber is your ride when your car breaks down on the highway rather than your friend, it’s important that, as a generation, we still find time to put others first.

LINDA VISTA FARMERS MARKET

Visit the market to DOUBLE your CalFresh

Major League Baseball season underway

Opening Day brings season full of new rules and fresh faces

GABRIEL ROMERO CONTRIBUTOR

With the World Baseball Classic in the books, baseball’s attention now turns to the MLB 2026 regular season. The 2026 MLB season officially began on March 25, as the San Francisco Giants will host the New York Yankees in a standalone Opening Day matchup.

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter as back-to-back World Series champions, chasing history as they look to become the first team to threepeat since the turn of the century. Many contending teams stayed in the hunt, with nine big name players signing free agent contracts worth $100 million or more.

The excitement of a new season isn’t limited to diehard fans. As for students at USD, the start of the baseball season doubles as a social occasion. With the Padres coming off of another playoff season and having the second highest total home attendance in the 2025 season, Toreros enjoy attending games.

USD junior Xochitl

Felix captured what it feels like to see friends and classmates at Padres games.

“I see how hype Padres games are, and I for sure want to go see a game either this semester or next,” Felix said.

“I see people posting pictures and it looks so fun when I see students at games, and I know it would be a great way to get members from the clubs I am in to enjoy events together.”

The dugouts will also look a lot different in 2026, with nine teams opening the season with new managers, the most in one season in the modern era since 1901. The Giants’ Tony Vitello made history as the first college coach to move directly to managing in the big leagues without any previous professional experience. Vitello came straight from the University of Tennessee.

This season, the games themselves will look very different from previous seasons. The biggest rule change of 2026 is the debut of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System. Each team receives two opportunities per game to challenge a ball or strike call instantly, with the result of the review displayed on the video board for the fans in the stadium and broadcast to viewers if there is a potential reversal.

As for the calendar,

Rivalry Weekend returns May 15-17, featuring regional interleague matchups across the country. Come September, the Yankees will host the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. With other major seasons leagues concluding throughout the country or pushing toward playoffs, attention shifts to America’s pastime.

March Madness makes mayhem Major upsets shock fans as March Madness enters Sweet 16

profiles, difficulties of schedules, win-loss performances and more to rank teams from 1-68. With this, they place the teams into seeds, ranging from 1-16 in the four regions: East, West, South and Midwest. Some teams in the same conference might be placed together so they are separated to satisfy certain logistical rules.

USD sophomore Shivam Patel discussed his opinions on the teams competing in March Madness.

“I believe that the current team from University of Arizona might be the best team we’ve had in years and I have them winning the championship,” Patel said. “However, when I bet online, I prefer to pick the underdogs in the tournament. So far, the most painful March Madness games I have experienced had to be when the University of Arizona played against Clemson back in 2024, the Hunter brothers scorched us in the last minute of the game. Or it had to be when Vanderbilt point guard Tyler Tanner hit a buzzer beater this year against Nebraska. I usually watch the games when they are in the second half as that’s when they really get the adrenaline flowing and if there’s a good match up.”

One of the reasons March Madness is so popular across

the country is because of the annual bracket challenge. People make picks and fill out brackets according to who they think will win each game, and there are always major upsets where higherranked teams lose to an underdog which makes the competition more engaging.

The March Madness bracket challenge started in 1977 and had millions of participants each year. The challenge has only grown in popularity over the years, and despite the amount of participation no one has ever predicted a perfect bracket.

Zero perfect brackets remain as of this year and 26, 576, 887 brackets have fallen according to ESPN. The odds of making a perfect bracket are 1 in 9.2 quintillion.

So far there have been a decent amount of upsets in this year’s tournament. The only No. 1 seed to have been eliminated so far is the South bracket. The Florida Gators lost to Iowa in the second round while Michigan, Arizona and Duke all remain in the tournament. Duke came close to losing in the first round, only having beat the No. 16 seed Sienna 71-65. The largest upsets have been No. 12 High Point beating No. 5 Wisconsin 83-82 and No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth University beating out No. 6 University of North Carolina 82-78.

No. 11 University of Texas also pulled off one of the

tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating No. 3 Gonzaga, despite Gonzaga being a top-15 team all season and Texas barely making the field as a last-minute atlarge bid. Texas has become the only double-digit seed to advance to the Sweet 16.

USD sophomore Charley Gianulias shared his thoughts on March Madness so far.

“I don’t bet on college sports because I don’t see a reason to, I’m more into professional basketball because of what I see on my feed, but college sports is always a competitive watch,” Gianulias said. “My roommates and I always have ESPN going on. So far, I am very happy High Point beat Wisconsin because I am a big fan of High Point. I have a mutual friend at High Point and it’s kinda funny that Wisconsin lost because I know they were number five seed.”

Some games have been played locally even though there is no college from San Diego in this year’s tournament. A few games from the first two rounds will be hosted at Viejas Arena.

Teams like Villanova, Kansas and Arizona played in San

Diego on Friday, March 20 for the first round. Winners of the matchups on Friday played Sunday, March 22 in the second round to try and secure a spot in the Sweet 16.

USD junior Liam Edwards described what thought he had while making his picks.

“I picked Kansas to win March Madness,” Edwards said. “I have no ties to Kansas and have only ever driven through it to other places, but I love Darryn Peterson and think they are really good. Like many other people I never watch college basketball outside of March Madness, but when it’s March, you are required to. While making my bracket I looked at seeds and also relations I had with every school. Wisconsin rejected me so I put them out in the first round.”

All Sweet 16 games will take place on Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27. After the winning teams proceed to the Elite Eight which is followed by the Final Four. The Final Four decides who will play in the championship game, which is set for Monday, April 6 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.