Happy Pride Month!
Happy Pride!
In the early morning of June 28, 1969, a series of spontaneous protests broke out by members of the gay community in response to a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, located in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Now known as the Stonewall Riots, the event is now regarded by many as history’s first major protest on behalf of equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people, and is the basis for Pride Month being celebrated annually in June.
Although Pride Month is celebrated nationwide in June, it is also celebrated in July in San Diego. With most Pride events taking place around the same time, San Diego’s Pride organizers decided to move their events to July, to better serve the LGBTQIA+ community and allow for celebrations to expand. In addition, the 1990 San Diego Pride was almost rained out because of San Diego’s June gloom, so the decision was made to move all of San Diego’s Pride related events to July for better weather.
This month and every month, we stand with, uplift and celebrate LGBTQIA+ voices and support LGBTQIA+ rights.
We invite everyone to come to the following two events that A.S. is participating in:
Pride Flag Raising Ceremony
July 13, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Student Union Courtyard
San Diego Pride Parade
July 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Parade begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag (1500 University Ave)
In addition, check out all the other Pride Month related events being held in San Diego by visiting San Diego Pride's website!
MBAC 50th Anniversary
In 1970, two SDSU students, Glen Brandenburg and Brad Smith, went to the Associated Students Recreation Board and the council to request funding to start a recreation program on Mission Bay. With a $1,700 contribution from A.S., Glen and Brad fixed up some boats and in 1971, the Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC) began offering sailing rentals and instruction. From then on, the dream to create a special place where everyone from all over the world could have access to watersports came to life.
Students checking in for MBAC's first class in 1971.
In the 51 years since, MBAC continues to be a renowned place and one of the world’s largest instructional waterfront facilities. MBAC is a LEED Platinum certified facility that offers rentals, recreation instruction, safe watersports and boating education, youth camps and adaptive sports. The Center has served tens of thousands of students and people who want to have a fun, safe and educational experience on the water.
From left to right: Ron Burns, Ron Byrd, Glen Brandenburg and Brad Smith.
In May, MBAC part-time and full-time staff from the past five decades came together to celebrate the impact this special place continues to have and its many accomplishments. The event was a fundraiser and served as the launch of MBAC’s ongoing efforts to support programs, equipment and scholarships. The fun celebration provided an opportunity to thank and acknowledge everyone whose dedication and contributions to MBAC have helped create such an amazing place.
Say It Loud: I’m Curly and I’m Proud
Courtney Willis
Check out this article on current Aztec Lanes Lead, Courtney Willis! This article previously appeared in the SDSU NewsCenter.
With the tagline of “Your Curly Big Sister,” Courtney Willis, a fourth-year communication major from Monrovia, California is a rising Tik Tok influencer bringing light to the often unrecognized curly hair community.
At the height of the pandemic, Willis was bored. Sent home early from her sophomore year of college, Willis was working as a personal assistant and social media manager for a hair salon owner. In her free time, Willis did what everyone else seemed to be doing, going on Tik Tok and making fun videos to pass the time and connect with people while staying safely at home.
Though she barely knew how to use Tik Tok, Willis began sharing the behind-the-scenes world of salon work. Her account started to take off, but it wasn’t until she started sharing about her hair journey that she found her niche and passion.
At 16, Willis went natural, a term for those with curly hair who stop using any sort of heat styling products. In doing so, Willis struggled with self-love and embracing her natural hair, with beauty standards telling her that curly hair did not equate to beautiful hair.
“I posted a video crying and how I was struggling with my own hair and a lot of people resonated with what I had to say,” Willis said. “They wanted to watch me on my journey.”
Over 270,000 people have now followed Willis on her journey and the girl that once was struggling with her hair is now the one to help thousands struggling with theirs.
At the core of it all, Willis’ message stems from her previous experiences: for others to not “hide behind their hair” and to embrace their curly hair identity.
“I just want to create an environment that’s a safe space for those who are going through the same things that I went through,” Willis said. “Curly hair isn’t the beauty standard. I just say that I’m here for you if you need me and kind of like that big sister that doesn’t shame you.”
In the span of a week, Willis spends around six hours on Tik Tok, creating content and interacting with her followers. Some videos take one try to film, such as comedic videos or multiple tries, especially when filming a tutorial. Her plate is full, juggling being a full-time student, working on-campus at Aztec Lanes, a program of Associated Students, and managing her brand.
Within one year of starting her curly hair journey, Willis has partnered with a variety of brands, with her first “big girl brand” being Walmart and Shea Moisture. In addition, she has worked with Bumble & Bumble, TWIST and Carol's Daughter.
As a one-woman show, Willis communicates with the company, creates the content and caters each piece to the company’s liking. To date, the most exciting partnership for Willis has been with Target, one of companies she has always loved.
Despite working with many big name brands, it wasn’t until when Willis spoke at Curly Con, a Canadian convention centered around curly hair that Willis realized she had made it as a curly hair influencer. Her workshop, titled “To Chop or Not to Chop?” centered around the idea of whether or not to go natural and make the decision to fully embrace your curly hair.
Willis has used what she has learned in the classroom and translated it into her career. She has learned not only how to effectively communicate with different brands, but also to those who look up to her for her authenticity and vulnerability.
“As a communications major, I’ve really learned about empathy and how to talk to people,” Willis said. “I deal with a lot of people’s personal experiences — your hair is a very vulnerable part of yourself. Being able to communicate and understand individuals and where they are coming from is a big part of the beauty industry.”
Upon graduation, Willis is hoping to turn her part-time job into a career. While she has a long-term goal of one day releasing her own products targeted toward those with curly hair, Willis is looking to continue to build her network within the curly hair community and interview stylists in the field.
For Willis, the best part about being a curly hair influencer is the community she’s created during a time of isolation.
“I’ve met a community that I didn’t even know existed,” Willis said. “I slammed my hair on accident on the car door and 10,000 people were like, ‘I feel you!’”
Fourth of July
Fourth of July is right around the corner! Do you do anything special to celebrate? Read below to hear some of our staff reflect on their past fourth of Julys and also for a delicious blueberry banana bread to bring to your fourth of July gathering!
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Adam Zamora, Systems Analyst:
As a kid, I always remembered the 4th of July to be the hottest day of the year, probably because we spent all day outside. I grew up in Mira Mesa and the fourth of July was always a day of fun. There was a parade, activities at the rec center and carnival rides. The day always started with the parade, which included hot rod cars, motorcycles, local diners, marching bands and local groups. After the parade, we would hang out at the rec center where we would play games like baseball, football and frisbee. There were always carnival rides and other activities to enjoy there as well. Being at the rec center, I was always bound to find friends and family to hang out with. Food was never an issue, as everyone was having BBQs in the park. The night always ended with the fireworks show. The fireworks were linked to the local radio station and you could hear all the boomboxes playing music to go with the fireworks.
Adam and the homemade BMX bike ramp.
As I got older, I participated in the local parade with my friends. Our group did BMX tricks on a homemade ramp that we pulled behind a truck; sometimes I rode the unicycle.
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Tim Taylor, MBAC Marine Maintenance Technician:
I think my fondest memories of the fourth of July would have to be the first one I can truly remember. It was 1976 and my family moved from the Chicago suburbs to Orcutt, CA. My dad drove the moving truck with my brother and I in tow and my mom and sisters flew out to meet us.
We pulled onto our street and it was blocked. The people looked displeased, as we were interrupting their block party. Once they realized we were the new neighbors, they hastily moved the barriers so we could get to our house. Next thing I know, everyone is helping offload the truck, my dad directing. I don’t remember the exact time it took, but it seemed amazingly fast (realizing later that they just wanted the truck out of the party area)!
The spread of food was impressive with all the regular fare like burgers, hot dogs, salads of all types and jello molds. The scent of red oak grilling the Santa Maria style tri-tip and black powder from the fireworks filled the air. My fourth celebrations are a little more subdued, front yard fireworks are no more, but the grilling continues with some close friends and family. Happy fourth to you all!
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Durand Smiley, Aztec Recreation Building Services Engineer:
Durand dressed as Wooly, the Mammoth Mountain Mascot.
My family’s tradition for the fourth of July was to travel to Mammoth Lakes, CA to watch the parade and see the fireworks over Mono Lake in the evening. One of my favorite memories of the parade is the trout giveaway. For many years, the Alpers Owens River Ranch Trout Hatchery would give away live trophy-sized fish to kids at the fourth of July parade. All the kids would rush the Alpers truck as it came down the parade line with buckets, cooler, and anything else that could hold a big trout. It felt like such an accomplishment when we finally got the big fish! Between the fish fry and the fireworks, it was a great fourth of July. It has been several years since we have been able to attend, but I still hope to go back some day.
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Janice Dils, Government Affairs Assistant Director:
Blueberry Banana Bread
This is my ‘go-to’ recipe for banana bread and fourth of July celebrations. When I have ripe bananas, I always make this banana bread. Adding blueberries will add a great summertime flavor and lightness to the bread. All you need is a spatula and a mixing bowl, yay!
INGREDIENTS
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
Pinch of kosher salt or table salt
1/2 cup of brown sugar or 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder (optional)
1-1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of fresh blueberries tossed in 2 teaspoons of flour
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with oil spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Add the baking soda and let it sit while you melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave (about 35 seconds, give or take a few).
- Add melted butter. In the same bowl, beat one egg. Add egg to the banana mixture.
- Add the salt, sugar and cinnamon powder (if desired). Mix the ingredients.
- Add the all-purpose flour and mix until all ingredients are incorporated. Do not overmix!
- Lightly fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Pour the batter into the oiled loaf pan.
- Cooking times vary depending on your oven. I would recommend setting the timer for 35-40 minutes. You can do the “toothpick” check by sticking in the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it is ready. The top of the loaf should be a nice, crusty light brown.
- Let it cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
San Diego Staycations
We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world! Looking for a blend of staying at home but also going on vacation? Try a staycation with recommendations from some of our staff below!
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Mark Zakrzewski, Associate Executive Director
The Hotel Del Coronado
Our family's favorite staycation is Coronado Island. It always feels like we're far away on vacation. We typically rent a little cottage through Airbnb but staying at the Hotel Del Coronado is fun too. Our favorite activities are biking around the island and hanging out at the beach. The tacos at Miguel's Cocina are usually a must and we are also a big fan of the Sun Deck Bar & Grill at the Hotel Del.
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Aaron Woods, Viejas Arena Associate Director of Event Management
The back country near Julian.
When you think about a San Diego staycation, everyone envisions staying by the beach and visiting SeaWorld, the zoo and other local attractions. When I think about a San Diego staycation, I think about getting as far away from the beach and all the tourist attractions, but still staying close to home. For me, the ideal staycation is heading to the local mountains and camping. There are a number of campgrounds in San Diego County, not more than 45 minutes away. Depending on your level of need and comfort when camping, several campgrounds in the area rent small cabins, have a full RV hook up for all conveniences of home and all have space on the ground for a tent. If you don’t have camping gear, REI rents and sells just about everything you would need or want, or you can find more budget friendly options at places like Walmart, Big 5, or even Play It Again Sports. There’s nothing like cooking smores over an open fire, hanging out under the stars with family and friends and enjoying nature. Next time you think about a staycation, head east and try camping!
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Donna Buenafe, A.S. Executive Assistant*
A great staycation in San Diego is the southernmost beach in California, Imperial Beach!
ACTIVITIES
Surfing the waves, skating along the beach and sunbathing are the most popular activities at Imperial Beach, but I have a few more to add to your list:
- Horseback Rides: Imperial Beach is one of the few beaches in Southern California where you can enjoy a horseback ride along the beach. Horseback riding services like Surfside Ranch and Blanco Brothers offer one hour guided horseback rides along the beach and the nature trails of State Border Park.
- Bayshore Bikeway Path: A 24 mile scenic trail for cyclists and a portion of the trail runs through Imperial Beach. A great pitstop is Bikeway Village where you can grab a cold brew at Trident Coffee House.
- Imperial Beach Pier and Portside Pier Plaza: Walk your dog, enjoy the public art displayed in the area or bring your fishing pole and set up on the pier for a day of fishing.
Imperial Beach Sand and Sea Competition
- Imperial Beach Sand and Sea Competition, July 16, 2022: This annual sandcastle competition is one of the largest events in Imperial Beach. It is great to see what these professional sandcastle builders create. Parking by the beach is limited, so be prepared to park far and walk, or take an Uber/Lyft in.
HOTEL
Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection, Marriott Bonvoy, along with the great Airbnb rentals in the area, Pier South Resort is an upscale hotel that is located right on the beach on Seacoast Drive. Amenities include an on-site day spa, gym, hot tub, outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant.
RESTAURANTS
There are so many great restaurants in Imperial Beach, but here are few I recommend:
- Katy’s Cafe, 704 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach. Coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and acai bowls.
- Deb’s Cookie Jar, 668 10th Avenue, Imperial Beach. Cookies, brownies, cupcakes and cakes.
- Pizzeria Luigi, 717 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. New York-style pizzas whole and by the slice and Italian dishes.
- Sea 180 Coastal Tavern, 800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. Located inside Pier South Resort. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and social hour. Great selection of seafood dishes.
- IB Forum Sports Bar and Grill, 1079 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. Open for lunch and dinner. Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday only. Burgers, shrimp tacos, fish and chips, steaks, Thursday night prime rib, daily specials.
- Brigantine Seafood, 919 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach. Open for lunch and dinner. Seafood, sandwiches, steaks, Brig’s famous fish tacos, oyster bar.
Mahi Mahi at Brigantine Seafood.
- Jalisco’s Cafe, 1669 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mexican dishes include pozole, carne asada burritos, flying saucer tostadas, tacos and enchiladas.
*Donna previously was our temporary A.S. Office Supervisor but as of June 4, has joined the A.S. family full-time as our Executive Assistant!
Life Hacks For Traveling
While going on summer vacations are fun, sometimes, they can be stressful, chaotic and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Read below for some life hacks to make your time traveling just a little bit easier.
- If your suitcase is often damaged or you are worried about the items inside, ask for your bags to be marked as fragile. It won’t cost more and your bag will be treated with care. They’ll also come out on the baggage carousel first.
- Put a binder clip around your razor to prevent cutting yourself when digging through your toiletries bag.
- Not enough hotel outlets to accommodate all the items you need to charge? Oftentimes, there is an extra USB port located on the side of the TV.
- If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you take a picture of your passport in case it gets lost or stolen. You also won’t need service or wifi to access it.
- Add dryer sheets to your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
- When looking for flights, make sure to browse in incognito mode. Oftentimes, travel sites and airlines will record your browsing history through cookies. When the companies see you are interested in booking flights, they will typically raise the price.
- If you are going on a quick trip and want to save space in your suitcase, put your moisturizer, sunscreen, face wash, etc. into a contacts case. You will have more room for your other items and won’t have to worry about going over the liquid limit if using a carry-on.
- Use sites like SeatGuru to help pick the best seat on the plane! Just put in your airline, date you are flying and flight number to view the best available seats.
- Save space in your suitcase by rolling up your socks and stuffing them inside of your shoes.
- You can save parts of Google Maps onto your photo to use offline. Just type in “ok maps” in the search bar and that section you are browsing will be saved and accessible even when you don’t have data or wifi.
- Prevent your necklaces from getting tangled by looping one end through a straw and then connecting it through the other end.
- Use your belt to protect your shirt collar from creasing by winding up your belt and having it sit inside the shirt collar.
- When deciding to go left or right in airport security lines, choose the left side — it has been proven left lines are usually shorter.
- If you’re on the beach and worried about your cash being stolen while in the water, hide it in an empty chapstick tube. It’s less likely to be stolen.
- Use a medicine box to pack small items like rings, cufflinks and earrings so they aren’t easily lost.
15 Questions
Cole Davis
- What is your name and title?
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Cole Davis, Fitness & Wellness Supervisor
- Which A.S. department do you work in?
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Aztec Recreation. My primary role is to assist with the creation and management of our Group Fitness & ENS Credit Class programming and instructors.
- How long have you worked for A.S.?
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I have worked for A.S. for one year.
- What do you like most about working for A.S.?
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What I love most about working for A.S. is the flexibility and understanding we receive regarding our work schedule. A.S. does an excellent job of providing opportunities to make changes and adjustments when it's possible.
- What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
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The last movie I saw was “The Day After Tomorrow” — 2 thumbs up! It is an older (2004) Sci-Fi thriller where a global climate crisis dawns a new ice age. Although the movie is almost 20 years old, the CGI of all the extreme weather really looks ahead of its time.
- If you won $5 million what would you do with it?
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If I won $5 million, I would first give a large portion to my family for everything they’ve done to help me get to this point in my life. Without them, I certainly would not be where I am today. With the rest, I would put a sizable down payment on a modest home (not so easy to find in San Diego!) and start a college fund for my future children.
- What is your favorite dessert?
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My favorite dessert (since I was 8 years old) is the All American Chocolate Cake from Costco. It is probably 5 or 6 inches tall and weighs about 5 pounds. Aside from my love of chocolate, this has always been my favorite dessert because there are always plenty of leftovers for me to enjoy days after purchasing.
- What city would you most like to visit or visit again?
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Santorini, Greece — it is one of the Greek Islands. When we were there, I watched one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.
- If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?
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If I had one free hour each day, I would spend it playing tennis. During the pandemic, tennis was one of those weird hobbies I picked up because I had the time, and I really enjoy it!
- Which famous person would you most like to meet?
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Easy, Mark Wahlberg. He has always been one of my favorite actors ever since I watched “The Italian Job” (2003). I think what makes him so talented is his ability to play both serious roles and comedic roles so well.
- What is your perfect breakfast?
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My perfect breakfast is a plate of big fluffy pancakes from this little Mom and Pop breakfast joint across the street from my apartment in Pacific Beach. San Diego has a TON of fancy brunch spots, but fancier does not always mean better!
- If you could go back or forward in time, where would you go?
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Ever since I read “The Great Gatsby” I’ve always wondered what life would be like in New York City during the 1920s. I would love to go back and attend a real black-tie roaring 20’s party to see if the actual experience stacks up to the way it is portrayed in Hollywood.
- “Most people don’t know that I like to…
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…listen to heavy metal when I work out at the gym. My friends and coworkers always joke that I’m so positive around them, but the music I listen to when I work out is quite the opposite.”
- When you visit the Zoo, which animal do you make sure you see?
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The elephants! I think they are so funny, all I have to do is look at them and I start laughing. Also, there is nothing better than watching a baby elephant learn how to use its trunk.
- What’s the best concert you’ve been to and why was it so good?
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This is a tough one. If I had to choose, I would say the best concert I’ve been to was the first time I saw Jason Aldean perform live in Camden, NJ. While the venue wasn’t the best, the way the crowd banded together to sing along with him made it a really awesome experience.
Entertainment
CAL COAST CREDIT UNION
OPEN AIR THEATRE
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