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The Mesa Press

The independent student news site of San Diego Mesa College.

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Featured Writers

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Ana Olivia Laniado

Hi! My name is Ana Olivia Laniado. Here you will find some of my work for the Mesa Press, my previously-attended community college's student newspaper.

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Alexandra Aboukhater

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Jonny Richardson

Jonny Richardson is a journalism major at San Diego Mesa College and a co-editor-in-chief of the Mesa Press. His goal is to cover San Diego sports like nobody else can. …

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Alfonzo Ellis

Alfonzo Ellis is a Journalism Major at San Diego Mesa. One goal of his is bridge the gap between sports and comedy. He has dreams of one day being on …

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Kiran McKee

A sophomore at San Diego Mesa College and a proud Navy Veteran, Kiran is journalism major and plans on transferring to a university. He spend his free time in nature …

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Dominic Jones

Also known as Domi or Dom, I’m a multidisciplinary creative—musician/producer, digital artist, fashion designer, and filmmaker. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, I relocated to Georgia in 2004. Through my art …

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Latest Articles

An open letter from a veteran’s heart: The sacrifices we make and the promises we deserve

Dear President-Elect Trump, What does it truly mean to serve? By definition, to serve is to perform duties or services for another person or organization. In many contexts, it also means to be employed as a member of the armed forces, to willingly step forward, raise your right hand, and …
By Dominic Jones
• The Mesa Press

Women’s volleyball, cross country begin chases for state title as fall sports playoffs start

Mesa women’s volleyball was seeded No. 2 in the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Southern California Regional Bracket after a 23-1 season and will begin their quest for back-to-back state titles on Tuesday, Nov. 26 when they host the winner of the first round’s No. 15 Ventura and No. …
By Dominic Jones
• The Mesa Press

The spirit of giving: ways to make a difference this holiday season

On the go? Listen to this audio summary of the article for a rundown on how to give back this holiday season. With the upcoming holiday season upon us, the spirit of giving takes on renewed importance. This time of year, countless individuals and families find themselves in need of …
By Dominic Jones
• The Mesa Press

Building Dreams, Piece by Piece: A Review of Pharrell Williams’ Inspirational Journey

Introduction “What if life is like a Lego set?” – Pharrell Williams Thirteen-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams is a multi-talented star with impressive music, fashion, television, and philanthropy careers. Born on April 5, 1973, he began his career as a teenage prodigy under the mentorship of Teddy Riley. Over his …
By Dominic Jones
• The Mesa Press

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre Reunite for ‘Missionary’: A nostalgic comeback

In a music industry where collaborations often feel forced and fleeting, the reunion of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre on their new album “Missionary” is a refreshing reminder of the magic that can happen when two legends come together. This album, their first full length collaboration since the iconic “Doggystyle” …
By Sharay McCain
• The Mesa Press

LGBTQ veterans share their stories at Mesa College

Prior to 2011, openly LGBTQ individuals were prohibited from serving in the U.S. military. Recently, a panel of four LGBTQ-identified veterans convened at Mesa College in San Diego to share their personal stories and experiences. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, implemented by the Clinton administration in 1993, marked …
By Sharay McCain
• The Mesa Press

Understanding epilepsy first aid and key facts

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and the Mesa campus recently welcomed Kelley Grimes and Sarah Waters from the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County for an informative panel discussion to educate attendees about the causes of epilepsy, its nature and essential first aid measures. Grimes and Waters began by explaining …
By Sharay McCain
• The Mesa Press

Mesa College launches immersive Summer 2025 study abroad program in Japan

Mesa College announced its upcoming travel abroad program to Japan, offering students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and language. The six-week program, tentatively scheduled from June 9, 2025, to July 20, 2025, includes two weeks of preparatory classes at Mesa College followed by four weeks in …
By Sharay McCain
• The Mesa Press

UC Berkeley candidate discusses LGBTQIA+ policy updates at Mesa college

Rainer Apostal, a Masters in Social Welfare candidate at UC Berkeley, who uses they/them pronouns, recently served as a guest speaker on a career panel at Mesa College. Apostal provided attendees with an insightful overview of California’s legislative process and recent policy updates affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Apostal highlighted several …
By Sharay McCain
• The Mesa Press

Classes moved from two buildings after professors get sick

Classes were moved from two buildings to vacant classrooms around campus during the last two weeks of the fall semester after at least two professors reported feeling ill. A total of 23 classes in the D building and English Village were moved for the whole spring semester, according to English …
By Jonny Richardson
• The Mesa Press

‘Venom 3: The Last Dance’ trilogy finale disappointing

“Venom 3: The Last Dance” hit theaters on Oct. 24, marking Sony’s final franchise installment. Directed by Kelly Marcel, the movie showcases the dynamic between protagonist Eddie Brock, played by actor Tom Hardy, and his symbiotic friend Venom. The movie is filled with humor as the duo’s relationship has grown …
By Alfonzo Ellis
• The Mesa Press

‘Arcane: League of Legends’ is an animated masterpiece

“Arcane: League of Legends” is one of the best displays of animation and cinematography, with great characters and exciting story. Created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, this steampunk action-adventure is pure energy. From the opening credits, its beautiful animation and soundtrack will grab your attention. The series appeals to …
By Alfonzo Ellis
• The Mesa Press

Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Chromokopia’ offers vivid journey into color, contrast

Over the past several years, rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, fashion designer, director, and creator, Tyler, the Creator has built an impressive discography that consistently redefined the boundaries of genre and emotion. Coming off a rough patch in Tyler’s career with “Cherry Bomb” due to harsh critic reviews and overall public …
By Kiran McKee
• The Mesa Press

A Vibrant Reflection: Look Back is a Timeless Gem

Few anime films capture the quiet beauty of human connection as poignantly as ‘Look Back.’ The short film, written and directed by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the acclaimed creator of ‘Chainsaw Man,’ premiered for a short time in theaters, and later on Amazon Prime to universal praise. With a perfect 10/10 Rotten …
By Kiran McKee
• The Mesa Press

Women’s volleyball, cross country begin chases for state title as fall sports playoffs start

Mesa women’s volleyball was seeded No. 2 in the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Southern California Regional Bracket after a 23-1 season and will begin their quest for back-to-back state titles on Tuesday, Nov. 26 when they host the winner of the first round’s No. 15 Ventura and No. …
By Jonny Richardson
• The Mesa Press

Wong’s five-goal day sets Olympians up for conference title run

Forward Paradyse Wong scored the Olympians’ first hat trick of the season in the first half alone and then added two more tallies in the second half of a 13-0 win over Imperial Valley on Oct. 18. San Diego Mesa’s 13 goals and Wong’s five individual goals were the most …
By Jonny Richardson
• The Mesa Press

The Rupture of the White Cube: A Bold Exhibition Debuts at Mesa’s Art Gallery

I’m more than an artist; I consider myself a craftsman.’ Hugo Crosthwaite’s words resonate deeply in his latest exhibition, The Rupture of the White Cube, Held from Aug. 19 to Sept. 12 . His artwork transforms Mesa’s Art Gallery into something far more than a room of silent spectators. The …
By Dominic Jones
• The Mesa Press

Mesa College Updates Campus on COVID-19

As the world moves into the endemic phase of COVID-19, the newest variant, LB.1, has triggered a summer surge in 2024. While COVID-19 is now being treated more like influenza, with annual vaccinations and fewer restrictions, public health officials are reminding the public that precautions remain important. According to health …
By Sharay McCain
• The Mesa Press