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01
Grant Mack?2024-03-28
Grant Mack, director of the Office of Governmental Affairs at the California Public Utilities Commission, A.S. President 2010-11

Former A.S. President Finds Calling at SDSU

This story originally appeared on SDSU NewsCenter.

As soon as he set foot on campus at San Diego State University, Grant Mack knew he wanted to get involved with student government. As a political science major, he was interested in politics and solving problems. He just wasn’t sure what area he wanted to focus on.

In time, that focus became environmental issues and Mack’s contributions came as the elected head of Associated Students. He was so passionate about the environment that he became known among his peers as the “sustainability president” during his 2010-11 term.

Now, Mack serves as the director of the Office of Governmental Affairs at the California Public Utilities Commission, having been appointed in April 2021 by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“I became attracted to environmental issues because they cut across all disciplines,” Mack said. “They impact people’s quality of life; they impact our ability to thrive and survive on this planet. Once I started to learn more about climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and resource degradation, I was like ‘Oh, my God. This is one of the most significant issues we’re going to be facing this century.’”

Mack immediately started making a positive change on SDSU’s campus when he joined A.S. in the first semester of his freshman year. He got involved in numerous A.S. boards, committees and commissions and continued to build upon his work each and every year. 

During his junior year, Mack was appointed A.S. Sustainability/Green Love Commissioner and established sustainability initiatives and services designed to promote broad awareness and educate others on the importance of a more sustainable future. Mack’s leadership experience culminated in being elected A.S. president for 2010-11.

Mack’s contributions to sustainability can still be seen today, as he played a pivotal role in helping the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union become LEED Double Platinum certified, creating bike lanes throughout campus and establishing the weekly SDSU Farmers Market.

Now as the current director of the Office of Governmental Affairs at the California Public Utilities Commission, Mack serves as the point of contact and liaison between the commission and the legislature. His agency is tasked with regulating all private electric gas, water, transportation and telecommunication companies in California to ensure they provide safe, accessible, clean, affordable and reliable service.

“I’m involved in helping shape and influence legislation to make sure that whatever policy is contained in legislation or bills is actually aimed at solving the identified problem,” Mack said. “We want to make sure that it’s workable, that we have the resources to implement that policy and that at the end of the day, it’s going to deliver the outcome.”

One issue Mack is currently involved with is ensuring that the lights stay on for California citizens this summer. Because of the increase in extremely hot temperatures, an imbalance of electric power supply and demand can arise as Californians turn on their air conditioning. This can result in cascading blackouts, unplanned outages for long periods of time. But Mack is working with stakeholders to build and have enough energy resources to ensure blackouts don’t happen.

Mack is also heavily involved in helping to prevent wildfires from being ignited by electric utility equipment and working with the telecommunication industry to ensure that cell phone towers continue to work if power outages do occur.

As he reflects back on his time as an A.S. leader, Mack attributes his time at SDSU as the foundation to where he is now today. The skills and life lessons that he learned while serving SDSU students have continued to be applicable when serving the larger demographic of all California citizens.

“Everything I learned in Associated Students is directly applicable to the job that I do now,” Mack said. “Working in student government taught me how to identify certain problems that affected students, how to work with other students on what are the right solutions and then implementing those solutions. Negotiating with others, building coalitions, collaborating with others, basic interpersonal skills, expanding my emotional intelligence to understand where people are coming from and their perspectives to find compromise – those are all directly applicable to what I do today.”

As Mack reflects back on his time in A.S., he is grateful for his experience and how it paved the way for his career in advocacy. In addition, he is proud that his sustainability initiatives continue to make an impact on SDSU’s campus

“The students during my time wanted to leave the campus in a better place than when we got here,” Mack said. “And I’d like to think that we did that as much as possible.”

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Adapted Athletics members at trials?2024-03-28

Adapted Athletics Coach Heads to Tokyo

Congratulations to all our Adapted Athletics athletes who competed in the Paralympic Trials and represented SDSU very well! A special congrats goes to Adapted Athletics Track and Field Coach Isaac Jean-Paul whose 10.92 second 100m at the Paralympic Trials locked in his spot on Team USA. The Paralympic Games will be Aug. 24 to Sept. 5 in Tokyo. 

03

Try a New Summer Recipe

Summer is time for ‘barbecue’ or “BBQ.” Enjoy these BBQ recipes submitted by your fellow A.S. family. Remember, if you try one of the recipes please submit your photos and 2-3 sentences about the recipe to A.S. Office Supervisor Letty Hernandez at letty.hernandez@sdsu.edu to be featured in next month’s newsletter.

BBQ Cauliflower

Grilled Whole Cauliflower with Miso Mayo - Vegetarian

INGREDIENTS

1 large head of cauliflower, leaves removed, stem trimmed
½ teaspoon (or more) kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup vinegar-based hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white miso
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 scallions, thinly sliced

PREPARATION

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Sprinkle cauliflower all over with salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce plastic a few times with a knife to vent, and microwave on high until a paring knife easily slides into stem, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly. 

Heat butter, hot sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce in a small saucepan on a grill, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted, about 2 minutes. Brush cauliflower all over with sauce and grill, covered, 10 minutes. Turn cauliflower over, brush with sauce, and grill, covered, 10 minutes. Continue to grill, brushing and turning every 10 minutes and reheating sauce as needed, until cauliflower is lightly charred on all sides and fork-tender, 25–30 minutes. The sauce should be used up by now, but if not, brush any remaining sauce over. Transfer cauliflower to a plate and let cool slightly.

Whisk mayonnaise, miso, lemon juice, and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Spread on a plate. Set cauliflower on top and scatter scallions over.

Submitted by Quentin Skaggs, Graphics Manager

 

BBQ Ribs

Baby Back Ribs with Adobo Glaze

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds pork back ribs, cut into pieces between bones
½ cup soy sauce
1 cup vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
1 head garlic, peeled and minced
½ teaspoon peppercorns, crushed
2 bay leaves
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup honey
1 tablespoon butter

PREPARATION

In a pot over medium heat, combine pork ribs, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, skimming scum that may float on top. Lower heat, cover and continue to cook for about 1 hour or until ribs are almost fork-tender. Remove ribs from the pot and set aside. Add bread crumbs, honey, and butter to the adobo sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes. 

Spread bread mixture on ribs and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a 385° F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly caramelized. Serve hot.

Submitted by Michelle Zamora, SDSU Children’s Center Director

 

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Smoked Pork Butt

The best thing we make on the Big Green Egg is smoked pork butt. 

The night before, you start by marinating the pork butt. We first cover it with mustard then add a dry rub of spices and brown sugar. You can find any good mix recipe online, or buy a premade mix. Wrap it in plastic wrap and set it in the fridge overnight. 

The amount of time to smoke the pork butt depends on the weight, for a 6 lb. pork but it will be around 6-8 hours. Plan on being home because you need to track the internal temperature to make sure it is not getting too hot too fast. 

Once the Green Egg is up to temperature, around 275° F  and the heat disperser is on, it's time to start. 

Before you place the meat on the grill, we like to place a metal pie sheet filled with Apple Cider Vinegar and water under the meat to add moisture while it smokes. It stays on the Green Egg until it reaches an internal temperature of 195° F. Then take it off, wrap it in BBQ paper and place in an empty cooler. Let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour. Then it's time to shred! 

We have bear claws (plastic shredders) that make shredding the meat super easy. But 2 forks would work. 

Cover it in your favorite BBQ sauce, add some coleslaw (see Janice’s recipe below) and use a nice fluffy brioche bun for Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Or set up all the taco fixings for the best carnitas tacos. 

Submitted by Veronica Perondi, Assistant Director of A.S. Programs

 

Bowl of Marinade

Marinade for Hawaiian/Filipino Style BBQ

INGREDIENTS

½ cup of soy sauce
¼ cup of white vinegar
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of dried oregano (my “secret” ingredient)
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion salt (Trader Joe’s is the best)
Juice of a half of lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. You can use this marinade on any protein, including large portobello mushrooms. We have marinated boneless skinless chicken breast, boneless thighs, bone-in chicken (any cut), portobello mushrooms, and pork chops.  

You can marinate your protein overnight to soak in the flavor, while turning them a couple of times to get them evenly coated.

If you are using the marinade on vegetables, you only need to marinate it for less than an hour, as the vegetable soaks in the flavor really quick.  

Grill the protein or vegetable, per usual.  Enjoy!  

Submitted by Janice Dils, Government Affairs Manager

 

Cole Slaw

Cole Slaw Dressing

INGREDIENTS

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk/mix mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, pepper, and salt together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Mix with a half of a head of shredded cabbage and one shredded carrot or a package of ‘ready-made’ coleslaw. Refrigerate for two hours or overnight before serving.

Submitted by Janice Dils, Government Affairs Manager

04

Guide to Local Dog Parks

Looking for a local Dog Park? Find that when you read about them online and actually get to the park it doesn’t add up? I have been frequenting dog parks throughout San Diego for over 15 years and often found this is the case. Almost a year ago I adopted my pup Rosie Jack (after losing my 15-year-old Daisy Duke) and have been frequenting some of the local dog parks more during the pandemic and here is what I have found: 

Grape St. Dog Park   Star IconStar IconStar IconStar IconStar Icon

Does not have an enclosed area. If your dog is not fully trained in re-call this would not be a good place to start mainly because there is a canyon on the opposite side where a dog could easily go into and be lost. Perks of this park include a water fountain, public restrooms, a natural agility course and always has dogs to interact with. But dogs are not separated by sizes and there is not a ton of grass.

Ward Canyon Interim Dog Park   Star IconStar IconStar IconStar IconStar Icon

This temporary dog park has been waiting to be replaced by its permanent dog park for several years now. It is enclosed but they have closed the large dog area so now all dogs are in one small area. Be prepared for your dog to be filthy after a visit here since there is no longer any wood chips and it is just a huge dirt patch. This park does include a water fountain. But the major downside of this park is several dogs have cut their feet on glass present in the dirt. It is often closed when it should be open. I would not recommend this park to anyone. Note that there is an awesome enclosed field across from this park that many people mistake for the dog park. In my opinion it should be the dog park, but the Humane Society has given several tickets for dogs being off leash here, so enter at your own risk.  

Fiesta Island Dog Park   Star IconStar IconStar IconStar IconStar Icon

Dogs on the beach

Rosie Jack (right) and friends at Fiesta Island.

It is a fenced-in park with access to the beach, bay and also a large field/meadow. Dogs are not separated by size but there is plenty of space to enjoy making it not a factor and there are always dogs present. This is my favorite place to take my dog.

Morley Dog Park   Star IconStar IconStar IconStar IconStar Icon

This park is similar to Grape St. as it is not enclosed and also sits next to a canyon. Dogs of all sizes are together in one area and there are always dogs present. But there is no longer any grass at this park contrary to the claims online. There’s water available and trees for shade.

Charles Lewis III Memorial Dog Park   Star IconStar IconStar IconStar IconStar Icon

Dog at a San Diego Dog Park

Roise Jack taking advantage of one of the large climbing rocks.

This is a small, enclosed area with dogs of all sizes mixed together. Ground covering is sandy gravel which makes it better than Ward Canyon. It has water, cement benches and large rocks for the dogs to climb. The downside is the amount of dog feces that have not been removed by the dog owners despite poop bag dispensers right outside the gate. I have attended this park in the morning only and have never seen any other dogs.

___________

Although there are a few other dog parks that I used to frequent with my old dog, Daisy Duke, these are the ones I have visited  in the past year during the pandemic. I have never had any issue with dogs being overly aggressive at any of these parks. So whether you are looking for a place for your dog to play with other dogs or just run leash free, there is a dog park in San Diego that will fit your needs. You just might have to check some out first before you find the one you like and be mindful that online reviews aren’t always accurate.   

Submitted by Shar Shuht, Sport Clubs Assistant Women's Ultimate Coach

05

Travel Destinations to Inspire

Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe: Camp Richardson, Historic Resort and Marina

The best place to camp in Tahoe! This property has the RV sites nestled in the tall pine trees, separate area just for tent campers, and a quiet, small hotel and individual cabins scattered around close to the beach. They even have a neat coffee shop, sports rental shop and an amazing ice cream shop that draws people from everywhere. There's a line out the door every evening! Not to mention the fabulous Beacons Bar and Grill with waterside, deck tables along with nice inside seating. They even have live music in the later afternoons on the side deck along with the must-have Rum-Runner Cocktail! There is a marina to rent any water sports toys you'd need - from kayaks, paddleboards to speed boats. Tons of great hikes and endless outdoor activities. This property is right on the water's edge and the best sunsets and sunrises anywhere! We are heading there this August for a week.

Submitted by Dawn DiNardo, Office Supervisor, Aztec Recreation

 

Redwood Froest

Redwoods National and State Parks

This park system is located in the Northern California coastal zone and includes great trails through Redwoods, Fern Canyons and Beaches. It is one of the most accessible national parks to explore if you have dog family members, as there are several beautiful "road" trails (closed to cars so you can walk safely) through the redwoods that are open to dogs, such as Cal Barrel Road (Prairie Creek) and Walker Road (Jedediah Smith). Trees of Mystery and SkyTrail looks touristy from the outside but is very much worth exploring as it is a well-maintained area of redwoods with educational opportunities to learn about the ecosystem and dog friendly trails and gondola rides. Arcata Community Forest includes a trail system in a local neighborhood open for hiking and biking. Trinidad is a small beach town with a fun lighthouse trail hike with great ocean views. Not into hiking or biking? There are scenic drive throughs where you can stop along the way to take in the large redwoods like Davidson Road and Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway. 

For lodging, you can look to campgrounds or find hotels/AirBnB rentals in Crescent City, Arcata, Klamath and Eureka. We stayed in the beautiful and quiet beach town of Crescent City making day trips to various park areas. Note: there is ongoing construction on the 101 with delays due to road wash out earlier this year so plan accordingly.

Submitted by Pamela Mahlow, Associate Director Aztec Recreation

 

Nina Blanc in Iceland

Iceland

One of the best places I have ever traveled to is Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. Located where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet to form the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. After taking Oceanography 100, my sophomore year and learning about this place, I was able to actually see it for myself and it was breathtaking. Standing between these two massive plates really put into perspective how big the world around us is. I am excited to continue to travel to more cool places once COVID restrictions are lifted.

Submitted by Nina Blanc, Office Assistant, Mission Bay Aquatic Center

 

St. John

Saint John

When I think about my happy places, the first that comes to mind is the island of St. John, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. After two plane rides, a 45-minute roller coaster taxi drive, and a 20 minute boat ride from St. Thomas over to the island, all is good, and island time begins... The locals are genuine and kind, always willing to lend a hand. There is endless boating, fishing, snorkeling and diving, picture perfect beaches, and of course, the warm caribbean water. It’s a locals’ island that is very simple and easy. There are quaint places to stay, but what you won’t find is a bunch of huge resorts and fancy hotels. I have a couple childhood friends who live on the island, and have met many others through my brother who spends time there over the winters. St. John, as well as the other Virgin Islands, is the only place in the U.S. where you drive on the left side of the road. The streets are very narrow, extra steep, and you'll often encounter wild donkeys, sheep and chickens who like to take slow strolls down the middle of the road... but it's ok, there's absolutely no reason to go anywhere fast.

Submitted by Greg Viehmann, Marine Maintenance Supervisor, Mission Bay Aquatic Center

 

Veronica in Peru

Peru

Jim and I spent 2 weeks in Peru, with most of our time spent in Cusco, Machu Picchu and a town called Ollantatambo, at the foot of Mount Veronica. It was an absolutely amazing experience. We spent two full days exploring Machu Picchu, there is too much to see in just one day. The first day we hiked Wayna Picchu, which is the tallest peak you see when you look at pictures of Machu Picchu. The photo is from the top of that with the main Machu Picchu complex down behind us. Hiking up really steep, sometimes stairs that we climbed/crawled up at 8,000 ft. is hard. In addition to being short of breath, you're in a jungle, so it's hot and muggy. The town Ollantatambo is my favorite place I've ever been. It sits at the foot of Apu Veronica, a mountain known as the protector of the Andes. There's also a restaurant called Apu Veronica, which I don't have the words to describe the food and the atmosphere. It was just special.

Submitted by Veronica Perondi, Assistant Director of A.S. Programs 

 

Entrance to the Ice Hotel

Hôtel de Glace — The Ice Hotel 

One of my most adventurous vacations was at the only Ice Hotel in North America. Made entirely of snow and ice, it includes rooms, suites, a chapel, art gallery, night club and the Ice Bar, where cocktails are served in a glass made of ice. Each thematic room and suite is sculpted by local artists. The hotel is beautiful and the way it is constructed is amazing. Our room was 21° F during the day and we slept on a block of solid ice in special arctic sleeping bags that were provided. 

The Ice Hotel is located 20 miles north of Quebec City, Canada. (Spend a few days in Quebec City, it is beautiful, with lots to see and do.) The hotel is open January 2 through mid-March, at which time it begins to melt. The hotel is completely rebuilt every year. A night at The Ice Hotel is a totally unique winter experience and is truly unforgettable!

Submitted by Quentin Skaggs, Graphics Manager

06
Viviana, her boyfriend Nick and Bailey.?2024-03-28
Viviana, her boyfriend Nick and Bailey.

15 Questions

Viviana Rodriguez, Accounts Payable Coordinator

  1. What is your name and title?
  2. Viviana Rodriguez, Accounts Payable Coordinator

  3. Which A.S. department do you work in? 
  4. I work in the accounting department. I process invoices, payments, purchase orders, P-Cards purchases and reconcile accounts. 

  5. How long have you worked for A.S.?
  6. 3 years.

  7. What do you like most about working for A.S.? 
  8. I like that A.S. has a diverse work environment. In addition, I like the many business aspects of A.S. A.S. does a lot for the students of SDSU and I like being a part of it. 

  9. If you won $5 million what would you do with it?
  10. Buy a house on the beach. 

  11. What is your favorite dessert?
  12. Cookies and cream ice cream or chocolate German cake. I like chocolate!

  13. What city would you most like to visit or visit again?
  14. New York City. There is always something to do and see. 

  15. Do you prefer pens or pencils?
  16. Pencils because I can erase my mistakes. 

  17. If you could start a charity, what would it be for?
  18. Helping low income and first generation kids go to college and help guide them through their college years. 

  19. What type of pets do you have and what are their names?
  20. Two dogs, Jax and Bailey.

    Jax and Bailey
  21. Do you like to cook and what is your specialty?
  22. I like to cook with my boyfriend. I am the sous chef. My specialty is chicken al pastor tacos. 

  23. What does your perfect burger have on it?
  24. Jalapeno and avocado.

  25. If you could have a superhero power what would it be? 
  26. Speed, to get to places faster and get things done quicker, so I have more leisure time. 

  27. If you could be any color in a box of Crayola Crayons, what color would you be?
  28. Red. Red is my favorite color. 

  29. During stay-at-home are you ordering more take-out? What's your favorite restaurant for take-out? 
  30. During stay-at-home, we mostly cooked. My favorite take-out restaurant is by far Double Happiness in Del Mar. Best Chinese restaurant around.

07

Calendar

JULY 2021

Loud Speaker Illustration
04
SUNDAY
All Day
05
MONDAY
All Day
Campus Closed
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