Cal Times Feb. 28, 2020

vol. 51 no. 2 Feb. 28, 2020

CHANGES COMING TO CAMPUS

information

Feb. 28, 2020

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ABOUT THE COVER

President G eraldine Jones has unveile d a Master Plan to eliminate 4 or more buildings over the next few years.

Read ab out the plan on pages 12-13. Cover design by Lily Gongaware, Graphic D esigner. Aerial drone photo by Sam Kuhne.

Our lo cal college radio station is lo oking for club s and organiz ations for campus drops and advertising.

If you’re int erest e d, ple as e contact Evan Peffer at PEF9535calu.e du

Advertise with the Place a classified or a full color print display advertisement in the Cal Times student newspaper at California University of Pennsylvania.

Our bi-weekly print edition is circulated across Cal U’s campus and throughout the Mon Valley Region. For adver t ising rates and publicat ion

dates, please e-mail calt imes@calu.edu

TOM CATON EDITOR IN CHIEF c a l t i mes .o rg caltimes@calu.edu 724.938.4321

LEIGH SWARTZFAGER SPORTS EDITOR

We’re looking for staff writers, photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and more to join our team!

If you’re interested in multi-media journalism, we probably have something for you. Please email Tom Caton, Editor in Chief, at CAT7359@calu.edu if you are interested. (No experience necessary)

LILY GONGAWARE GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

SAM KUHNE

HANNAH WYMAN NEWS EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS

JEFF HELSEL

CONTRIBUTORS: Hannah Burns, Jimmy Hunyady, Chris Lisle, Josh Mavilla, Evan Peffer, Jonny Sakaguchi, Melissa Sovak

POLICY: The California TIMES is a publication of the Student Association, Inc. and is distributed throughout the university campus and the Monongahela Valley area most Fridays of the academic year with the exception of holiday breaks. Any member of the university community may submit articles, editorials, cartoons, photographs or drawings for consideration. Deadlines are as follows: All written copy, announcements , e-mail (caltimes@calu.edu) and advertising submissions are due at Noon on the Monday before publication. Exceptions to these deadlines must be arranged with the editor. All submissions are the opinions of their creator(s). The California TIMES reserves the right to edit or refuse a submission as it sees fit without offering justification for content or advertising sections.

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Feb. 28, 2020

Nellie H. Steele debuts second novel

“Shadows of the Past” launches a new series for suspense lovers

By Melissa Sovak, Cal U Professor sovak@calu.edu

A Novel Idea Publishing is proud to debut a new novel, “Shadows of the Past,” from Nellie H. Steele which launches a new series of suspense novels, Shadow Slayers Stories.

A new author, “Shadows of the Past,” which was released on February 18, 2020 is Steele’s second book. It follows her debut novel, “The Secret of Dunhaven Castle,” which was released in November 2019. The two books are each the first book in two separate series.

The first is a cozy mystery series set in the Scottish countryside following the adventures of Catherine Kensie, a former history professor who inherits a Scottish castle and moves there with her beloved dog, Riley. What Cate finds when she moves to her new home is not quite the fairytale ending she expects.

She quickly realizes there’s more to her inheritance than meets the eye. When she experiences strange events and peculiar manifestations she begins to question her own sanity. She attempts to make sense of what is happening as she struggles to explain the increasingly unexplainable. She’ll have to use all her wits and research skills to determine the secret of Dunhaven castle.

In contrast, the second book kicks off a suspense series entitled Shadow Slayers Stories. The book begins with a young woman, Josie Benson, who is plagued by a disturbing recurring nightmare. As Josie’s life spirals out of control, with her health and well-being deteriorating, she turns to a mysterious stranger who has been following her and promises her help. Despite his nonsensical answers, Josie finds herself drawn to him. From small town New York to the rocky coast of Maine, join Josie as she continues to search for the secrets buried in the shadows of her past.

Both books are available in eBook and paperback formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo and Apple Books. Personalized, signed copies are available on the company’s website. Nellie H. Steele, the pen name for Dr. Melissa Sovak, is a coowner of the company. Founded with her business partner and mother, Stephanie Sovak, Melissa chose to self-publish her books to retain full control of her

Remember to attend Dr. Sovak’s book signing at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in South Hills Village!

The event will be hosted on Saturday, March 21, from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.

Dr. Sovak will be more than happy to sign a copy of your book! narratives. She enjoys the authority and flexibility the self-publishing model provides authors.

Steele plans future releases in each series, including a second Cate Kensie mystery coming later this year. The second book in this series finds Cate, Riley and her new Scottish friends embroiled in another mystery at the castle. A second novel in the Shadow Slayers series is currently in the works, although Steele is mum on the details for this novel.

She will also be expanding her repertoire to include an adventure series with a new set of characters. “Writing allows me to share my creative side with the world. While there is some creativity in Statistics and Data Science, writing is a real contrast to that field. It’s fun to work on both sides of the coin,” Sovak says.

Nellie H. Steele will have both of her current books featured at an upcoming Barnes & Noble book

signing on March 21, 2020 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join Nellie at the event to get your books signed and enter raffles for fun prizes including a Nook, a miniature Riley stuffed dog and more!

About the Author Nellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies.

When she isn’t writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard. Nellie H. Steele is the pen name for Dr. Melissa M. Sovak.

If you want to keep up with Dr. Melissa Sovak’s/Nellie H. Steele’s new books, please visit www.anovelideapublishing.com and sign up for the newsletter and like us at facebook.com/ anovelideapublishing.

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news

Feb. 28, 2020

Turning Tragedy into Progress Mothers of hazing victims share their powerful story at Cal U

By Cal U Fraternity and Sorority Life Photos by Jeff Helsel

More than 300 students filed into Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre on Sunday evening to listen to Evelyn Piazza and Rae Ann Gruver as they continue their fight to #EndHazingNow. Piazza and Gruver are mothers who both lost their sons in tragic hazing incidents in 2017 (Timothy Piazza in February at Penn State, Max Gruver in September at LSU).

As the students entered Steele Hall, they were given two wristbands, one from the Gruver Foundation that reads “#FlyHighMax” and “#StopTheHazing”, and one from the Piazza Foundation that reads “Live Like Tim” and “Never Stop Laughing”; they also had the opportunity to sign a banner pledging not to participate in hazing activities. During the presentation, the mothers asked the students to wear the wristbands, or attach them to their backpacks, to keep them somewhere to remind them to stop the hazing and keep each other safe.

McKenna Ferris, President of the Panhellenic Council introduced the two women at the start of the program. The Piazzas and the Gruvers were both instrumental in changes in stricter legislation in Pennsylvania and in Louisiana and are trying to inspire other states to do the same.

The mothers each talked about their sons, who they were as people, what their plans were before tragedy took their lives. “Hazing should not be a part of your college experience or the college experience of your friends,” Evelyn Piazza said. Hazing does not just occur in fraternities/sororities, but it occurs in other aspects of college life, and that makes it dangerous for all students.

The audience included members of the fraternities and sororities, Sports Clubs, and Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority. Representatives from other organizations including Phi Sigma Pi, Kappa Kappa Psi, Alpha Psi Omega, and other student organizations were also in attendance.

The program was sponsored by Fraternity and Panhellenic Councils, Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority, Sports Clubs, and Fraternity & Sorority Life.

The Fraternity and Panhellenic Councils donated $200 to each of the foundations.

Members of Cal U fraternities, sororities, sports clubs, and others gathered in the Steele Auditorium lobby on Feb. 23, 2020, to sign a banner pledging not to participate in hazing activities. The banner will be on display in the Natali Student Center.

“Hazing should not be a part of your college experience or the college experience of your friends.”

From left to right: Rae Ann Gruver, mother of hazing victim Max Gruver, McKenna Ferris, president of Cal U Panhellenic Council, and Evelyn Piazza, mother of hazing victim Timothy Piazza, at the #EndHazingNow event on Feb. 23, 2020.

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Feb. 28, 2020

Snowflakes and Sounds a Success

Honors Programs hosts volunteer program for Special Olympics

By Hannah Wyman, News Editor WYM7514@calu.edu

Stress balls, socializing and sundaes. On February 25, the University Honors Program welcomed students into Natali’s performance center for their biannual Snowflakes and Sounds event.

Acting as both a recruitment and service social event, Snowflakes and Sounds is one of the biggest events held by the honors program. Student Honors Advisory Board social chair freshman Devon Latchum, 19, worked hard to help organize the event.

“Snowflakes and Sounds is an opportunity to meet the group of honors students,” Latchum explained. “It’s definitely a social that is more personal and has more activities. There’s live music which is really fun so it’s just like a little, fun party.”

This is the fourth semester Snowflakes and Sounds has been hosted by the honor program.

SHAB president junior Daja Douglas, 21, said she believes this is an important event to hold.

“I feel like so many times people see the honors program and students get this idea of a bound-up student who’s perfect, excels in all aspects and not really a person who has fun,” said Douglas. “I think we’re showing a different side of honors with a more relaxed, casual atmosphere which is pretty much most honors students. It really gives a more accurate representation of how the honors program works and how they can fit into it.”

Not only were there games to play and an array of food to enjoy on Monday, students were also encouraged to participate in making stress balls for Cal U’s Special Olympics athletes. Service chair Sophomore Caitlyn Urban, 19, worked in collaboration with the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning to make the service project possible. She said she was excited to plan a fun service opportunity that benefited the athletes.

“I’ve worked with [Special Olympics] at past sports events that they’ve had, just having fun with them,” said Urban. “It was just a great opportunity because they are such fun-loving people that you can’t help but smile when you’re around them. It’s just a really good opportunity to give back to them.”

Junior Kylie Graham, 20, said that she thinks it is really nice to be able to bring people together,

Breal Savage (left) and Kaydee Taylor (right) make stress balls at Snowflakes and Sounds, a University Honors Program event on February 25 in the Performance Center. Photo courtesy of Hannah Wyman

especially to do service projects.

“I love volunteering and I think that it’s nice to get everyone involved,” said Graham. “I think it’s really nice because the Special Olympics is on campus at the Convention Center so I think that’s really good for the community, that it’s within our community and we’re doing this service because you can see the impact yourself at the event.”

Freshman Isaac Wittkopp, 19, attended the event because he heard about it from a friend and wanted to meet new people.

“I like the enthusiasm used in playing games,” Wittkopp. “I never been a very social so when they put you in social situation, it gets you out of your comfort zone.”

Sophomore Natalie Wiest, 19, attended last year’s Snowflakes and Sounds event. There, she became interested in joining the honors program.

“I wanted to join because all of my friends were

in the honors program and the events were fun,” Wiest said. “Going to an event showed me that being in the honors program wasn’t all about academics. It was also about community and opportunities.”

Wiest highly recommends going to an event if one is thinking about joining the honors program, getting to know more people, or just getting involved.

As for the future of Snowflakes and Sounds, Douglas is optimistic especially with the hard work of the current Student Honors Advisory Board as she sees them as “a really great team.”

“I hope it just gets bigger, more people come,” said Douglas. “I just really think that the honors program is a great opportunity to be a part of and I think the more people know about that the better.”

“It was just a great opportunity because they are such funloving people that you can’t help but smile when you’re around them.”

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entertainment

Feb. 28, 2020

The Vagina Monologues

Students and staff perform acts to bring awareness to women’s issues

By Hannah Burns, Contributor BUR5738@calu.edu

This past Thursday, The Women’s Center at California University of Pennsylvania put on its 17th annual production of the Vagina Monologues, written by Eve Ensler.

In 1996, Ensler interviewed over 200 women from a wide range of ages, races, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds to gather their experiences with consensual and nonconsensual sexual experiences, body image, genital mutilation, direct and indirect encounters with reproduction, vaginal care, menstrual periods, sex work, and several other topics.

These stories demonstrate the resiliency and diversity of women, and open a dialogue around what is stigmatized or considered ‘forbidden’ topics to discuss about women and what they go through.

Each February since 1998, Eve Ensler grants free rights to the Monologues for any local community organization in order to raise funds and awareness for groups fighting to end violence against women and girls. The performance of the show inspired Eve Ensler to also create V-Day, a global activist movement, which has spread across 200 countries, to end violence against women.

For the past 20 years, activists from this movement have worked tirelessly to raise over $100 million for groups focused on ending violence against

women and serving survivors and their families.

Their work includes raising consciousness, changing laws to protect women and girls, funding rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters (many of which desperately need these funds in order to keep them from closing), and educating communities.

The funds raised by ticket sales for the show at Cal U are donated to a local rape crisis center and also helped fund the creation of comfort kits for those who are seeking medical assistance at the hospital after a sexual assault.

The cast of this year’s Vagina Monologues included Selena Montijo (Junior), Rynira Elam (Senior), Marnie Hall-Martin (Counselor/Instructor for TRIO Upward Bound), Katlyn Furlong (Senior), Hannah Burns (Senior), Rebecca Barnhart (Residence Hall Director), Easton Brown (Junior), Sheleta Camarda-Webb (Associate Director of OnCampus Living / Director of Multicultural Affairs), and Veonna King (Sophomore). Each woman who participated got to describe what the monologues have given them, and although each statement is different, all the girls described feelings of confidence, greater self-respect, and empowerment as women.

Further coverage will be up later on the CalTimes website and/or Flickr if available.

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The Vagina Monologues

Poster by Kyra Miller

entertainment

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Feb. 28, 2020

The 2020 Oscars Recap Everything there is to know about the 92nd annual awards

By Tom Caton, Editor in Chief CAT7359@calu.edu

The 92nd annual Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honored the best films of 2019, and took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.

After more than a decade of holding the award ceremony towards the end of February, this year’s Academy Awards hosted earlier in the month of February 9, 2020. During the ceremony, AMPAS presented Oscar Awards in 24 categories. The ceremony was televised in the United States by ABC, produced by Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain; it was directed by Glenn Weiss. Citing the success of the format at the 91st presentation in 2019, ABC announced that the ceremony would again be conducted without a host.

Throughout the almost 4-hour award ceremony, there were also performances from famous musicians and so many highlights to reminisce on.

Let us take a look back at this year’s 2020 Academy Awards.

The nominees for this year’s Academy Awards were announced on January 13, 2020 at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, by actors John Cho and Issa Rae. Upon hearing all the nominations, everyone who worked on the production team of that movie anxiously waited until the night of the award ceremony, hoping they will get called up on stage and hold the coveted, gold Oscar award statue in their hands.

Speaking of holding a little gold Oscar statue, these things look little on camera, but has a totally different meaning when you are actually holding one in your hand. The official name of the award is the “Academy Award of Merit,” but most often, everyone calls it an Oscar. The statue weighs about 8.5 pounds and stands about over one foot tall at 13.5 inches. While the entire statue is solid bronze, it is coated in 24-karat gold.

The base of an Oscar statue is not always seen on camera, especially the bottom of it. But upon closer inspection, the base is a film reel featuring five spokes, signifying the five original branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers. Since the Academy Awards’ inception in 1929, about 3,000 Oscars have been given out to winners. Also, it costs roughly about $400 to produce one Oscar statuette. The actual melt value of an Oscar’s gold plating is only about $57.40.

The most recognizable award categories of every award ceremony are: “Best Picture,” “Best

Bong Joon-ho, winner of the awards for best original screenplay, best international feature film, best directing, and best picture for “Parasite,” arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Actor,” “Best Actress,” “Best Supporting Actor,” and “Best Supporting Actress.” Other Academy Award categories include “Best Original Score,” “Best Costume Design,” “Best Visual Effects,” “Best Film Editing,” and much more. Since there are 24 categories, every detail means so much when it comes to the Oscars.

The South Korean film, Parasite, led the ceremony by winning big that night. The film took home four Oscars including “Best Director” for Bong Joon-ho, “Best Picture,” “Best International Feature Film,” and “Best Original Screenplay.” Parasite has become the first non-English film to ever win the award for “Best Picture.” Also, this film was the first South Korean submission to win “Best Interational Feature Film.”

The war film, 1917, won three awards, while Ford v Ferrari, Joker, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood won two awards each. Other films such as American Factory, Bombshell, Hair Love, Jojo Rabbit, Judy, Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl), Little Women, Marriage Story, The Neighbors’ Window, Rocketman, and Toy Story 4 won one Oscar each. To view the entire list of the 2020 Academy Award winners, please log onto www.oscar.go.com.

Every year during the Oscars, the annual “In Memoriam” segment was broadcasted. This segment was first introduced by Steven Spielberg. Grammy Award winner Billie Eilish sang a beautiful yet emotional rendition of “Yesterday” accompanied by

Finneas O’Connell over the sequence. Important and famous faces from the Academy were shown on the massive LED wall that behind Eilish and O’Connell.

Some of the faces shown were either writers, actors, actresses, producers, directors, editors, etcetera.

People shown in memoriam ranged from Kobe Bryant, to Doris Day, to Kirk Douglas, and many more who were lost last year in 2019. The segment was reported to have omitted some notable 2019 deaths, including Luke Perry, Valentina Cortese, Carol Lynley, Tim Conway, Michael J. Pollard, JanMichael Vincent, Sid Haig, Carol Channing, René Auberjonois, Caroll Spinney, and Cameron Boyce, even though the Academy’s website features a larger list that includes these, among other omissions during the ceremony.

Overall, it was another magical and exciting night at the annual Academy Awards. Unfortunately, not everyone’s favorite movie was able to score a nomination for the Oscars, but that does not mean they have not scored big in our hearts. Now, we wait until next year for the 93rd annual Academy Awards. What future movies will come out on top and win Oscar gold next year?

“The South Korean film, Parasite, led the ceremony by winning big that night.

The film took home four Oscars”

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entertainment

Feb. 28, 2020

A Beginner’s Guide to Escape from Tarkov Helpful tips to get you in the game as quickly as possible

By Sam Kuhne, Entertainment Editor KUH6802@calu.edu

Escape from Tarkov is the latest 2. Pick the right equipment for each raid Before each raid in Tarkov, players have the ability hardcore FPS making waves in to full customize what they will bring with them in the gaming community this week. the character menu. What you take with you will However, the steep learning curve depend on each individual raid. One perk is the of a secure container. Items placed in the to this game can be a major turnoff function secure container will not be lost on death. to casual gamers.

We recommend taking a pistol on your first Lucky for you, I’ve assembled a complete beginner’s guide that breaks down the game step by step.

This is an extremely realistic survival FPS that brings with it extremely detailed weapons and mods.

Compared to other games, the realism expressed in Tarkov is demonstrated through the lack of HUD elements and very complex motion controls. This eliminates the option for players to mark nearby enemies on the map. There is also no way to see your health or ammunition amount as the overlay for these has also been removed.

The name of the game does serve a purpose. As a stranded mercenary, your primary purpose in the game is to find valuable loot to assist you on your escape from Tarkov. Your other task is to leave each raid through one of the designated exits. The tricky part is making it out alive. If you die, you lose all the valuable loot you may have collected along the way. While you may die a lot at the beginning, stay hopeful. There are many ways to improve in this game. Here’s the basic tips to know as your prepare for your first raid:

1. Get to know the controls of the game As hard as it may be, you’ll pretty much need to forget all prior knowledge of shooter games that you might have. Without a HUD or any visual feedback, players need to be reliant on spatial perception and extremely disciplined shooting in Tarkov. You need to practice game controls and mechanics to succeed.

The basic movement controls remain the same as to what many keyboard and mouse players are familiar with. WASD for basic forward, backward, and sideway movement. Other hotkeys like “R” for reload will be available, but there are many more functons at each players discretion. For instance, stepless ducking between standing and sitting can be an important movement technique that allows players to show very little body behind cover.

Players also have the option to regulate the height of their character when in this position.

Other controls will require players to manually check their magazine and chamber to ensure their gun is reloaded. Understanding every hotkey and control in this game is a fundamental step in escaping successfully.

raid and some extra ammo. Additonally, a vest and backpack can be helpful tools to transport loot.

However, magazines can only be used to reload if they are in your pockets or vest.

Medical items are also a bit different in the world of Tarkov. Unlike one blanket medkit or stim, there are different medical cares for different things. A medkit is only used to regenerate health, splints are used for bone fractures, and bandages are used for blood loss. There are also painkillers that can be used to help with pain from hits.

All of these equipment options can be very confusing. The wrong choice of equipment could ruin your game and lose you everything. This is why it is recommended to first play against bots and learn the dynamics of the game before going online.

3. Play against bots In this offline mode, players only face computercontrolled bots. Upon death, you will only lose your gear, but any loot you find will not be able to be kept even if you manage to escape. This is simply a practice type mode than can really help to improve your gameplay.

Use this mode as a tutorial or just for basic training. Spend some time learning the controls and the different maps. It can be hard navigate through these areas so it’s helpful to get some experience playing with little at stake.

4. Know what to loot Looting is essentially the main purpose of Tarkov.

It is your main task to find valuable loot from either “scavs” or real players. You will encounter many different types of loot. From military loot that is extremely profitable, to commonplace items like lemonade. Take what you can carry. Uninteresting items can sometimes be traded or may be needed to complete a challenge. Know what to take and what to drop, which is why we recommend carrying a backpack or to steal one from a downed enemy when possible.

5. The Escape While looting is important to the game, you can’t keep anything outside of your secure container if you don’t escape. Each map will have you exit to a designated extraction point. Some maps may require a key to get into the extraction point. Killing scavs is

one way to find the key, while in other maps it could literally be anywhere. The search for the exit and making it out alive is one of the most exciting aspects to Tarkov.

It sounds like a lot of information, because it kind of is. But don’t let the compexity scare you away from experiencing all that this game has to offer. Escape from Tarkov is an exciting survival game unlike any other that requires your attention, patience, and skills to succeed. So, what do you think? Are you ready to Escape from Tarkov?

Escape from Tarkov is currently still in Beta and can only be purchased for PC gaming from the Escape from Tarkov website,.

entertainment

“This web series will definitely make you laugh, cry, scream, and want to join alongside Robert’s side and go along on this crazy journey and crazy fight.”

Feb. 28, 2020

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Dragging it up for “AJ and the Queen” Famous drag queen, RuPaul Charles, stars in new Netflix series

By Tom Caton, Editor in Chief CAT7359@calu.edu

Good news for those constantly on the lookout for the next binge-worthy movie, TV show, or Netflix special. The latest TV series to hit Netflix, called “AJ and the Queen,” will bring all kinds of emotions to your mind the next time you snuggle up with your favorite blanket and a bowl of popcorn.

First premiering on Netflix on January 10, 2020, “AJ and the Queen” seems like an enticing name for a TV series. It makes you wonder if it is something about royalty or if it deals with a famous queen. This comedy-drama, referred to as a “dramedy,” does deal with a famous queen…well, famous drag queen.

“AJ and the Queen” follows drag queen, Ruby Red, a bigger-than-life but down-on-her luck drag queen who travels across America in a rundown 1990’s R/V with her unlikely sidekick, AJ. AJ is a recently orphaned, tough-talking, scrappy ten-yearold stowaway in the R/V. As the two misfits travel from city to city, Ruby’s message of love and (self) acceptance winds up touching people and changing their lives for the better.

Ever famous and beloved drag queen, RuPaul Charles, portrays the main character Robert Lincoln/ Ruby Red. Izzy G. portrays Robert’s unlikely and wacky sidekick, AJ “Amber Jasmine” Douglas.

This web series will definitely make you laugh, cry, scream, and want to join alongside Robert’s side and go along on this crazy journey and crazy fight. In the very first episode, titled “New York City,” we get our very first look at Miss Ruby Red’s invigorating life as a professional drag queen. We also get a look at Robert’s ordinary life as well. Besides his drag queen life, Robert lives an almost normal life with his best friend and other fellow drag queen performer, Louis Bell/Cocoa Butter, portrayed by MichaelLeon Wooley at their decked out drag apartment in Queens, New York. We also learn that Robert is about to finally retire as being Ruby Red and open up a new drag queen bar with his lover and business partner, Hector Ramirez, coincidentally called “Queens” in Queens.

Also, during this first episode is where we meet AJ, the tough-talking and scrappy ten-year-old who walks the mean streets of Manhattan hustling people and finding new ways to scram up some extra cash. AJ is in a very tough spot; this is where the seriousness comes into play. Her mother, Brianna Douglas, is never around to take care of her. Most of the time, her mother is involved with heavy drug use and has been seen working in prostitution. All of these shenanigans eventually leads AJ and her mother to be evicted from their apartment and Brianna to be arrested trying to solicit an undercover police officer.

While sitting down to dinner at a Chinese restaurant, Robert and Hector talk about their plans for the lease signing on their new drag bar, which is set to take place the next day. Robert takes out two

matching credit cards, one for him and one for Hector, only stating that they be used for business use only.

The couple’s night is interrupted by Hector’s mother calling to ask for a babysitter. Trying to deny the request, Robert insists that he goes and that he will see him tomorrow at their club for the lease signing.

Hector exits the restaurant and not only does Robert feel genuinely happy, but we as well feel emotions of happiness and love.

The next day, Robert appears at the club while Hector seems to be running late. Wanting to wait for Hector to arrive so they both can sign the lease; the property owner tells Robert he cannot wait any longer due to another appointment afterwards.

Robert unreluctantly signs the lease without Hector present. The owner asks for the down payment and when Robert hands him his new credit card, the owner says the card was declined. Puzzled about this, Robert calls the credit card company and he is told that his card was maxed out. It turns out that Hector was a scam artist who conned Robert out of $100,000, his life savings. The plot thickens beyond this point and to see what happens next, please go watch the series on Netflix!

Now forced to go on more drag queen tours, Robert loads all his dresses, wigs, and make-up into his rundown R/V and takes to the road. This is where he discovers AJ as a stowaway on the R/V. AJ asks Robert to take her to her grandpa’s house in rural Texas. Instead of abandoning her, Robert takes AJ along for the trip.

While traveling through multiple cities and making stops in Pittsburgh, Columbus, Louisville, and countless other places, Robert and AJ grow closer and closer. However, Robert is in danger when his former lover follows Robert across the country out of revenge, since Robert informed the cops of the scam. Robert makes stops at many drag queen bars, performing as Ruby Red, and making money…the only money he has to his name. As the unlikely duo travels across the country in their tattered R/V, AJ becomes more understanding of Robert’s messages of love and acceptance.

Life can get pretty tough and frustrating, but watching “AJ and the Queen” brings you to the edge of your seat for more. Netflix has already announced that it renewed the series for a second season set to premiere next year in 2021. Maybe all you need is a little sparkle to bring out the best in you.

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entertainment

Feb. 28, 2020

Cal U to Host Intercollegiate Band Festival

By Cal U Public Relations California University of Pennsylvania will welcome guest conductor Dennis Fisher when the school hosts the 73rd Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival from Feb. 28 to March 1.

Musicians from 21 college and university band programs from across the state will come to Cal U to rehearse and perform with Fisher, wind band director and professor emeritus from University of North Texas. He has conducted and lectured in 32 states along with international appearances in Thailand, Japan, China, Great Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Canada, Greece, Brazil, Cuba, and Russia.

The event culminates in a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1, in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. The free concert is open to the Cal U community and public.

Founded in 1948, the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival is the oldest continuous collegiate band festival in the nation. Cal U hosted the festival 1987 and 2012.

The participating schools in the 2020 festival

include 102 student performers and 26 band directors.

Eight student members of the Cal U Bands have been accepted to rehearse and perform at the event.

They were selected from more than 400 applicants from 21 colleges and universities across the state.

The students and their instruments are: Alex Lalley, clarinet; Emily Bond, flute; Jacob Cox, percussion; Alyssa Day, flute; Justin Gilbert, French horn; Nathan Bosak, trombone; Carl Anderson, bass trombone; and Chris Montgomery, bass clarinet.

“It is an honor for students to be selected to perform with this band,” said Dr. Frank Stetar, University Bands director and co-chair of the Department of Music and Theatre. “We are proud to host the festival this year and welcome so many talented student musicians and directors to rehearse and perform together on our campus.

“We are also extremely excited for the brilliant Dr. Dennis Fisher to enlighten these students.”

For more information email stetar@calu.edu.

Guest conductor Dennis Fisher

WCAL DJ Spotlight

X DJ X

DJ X is the alias of one of WCAL’s newest DJs, who would like to keep their real identity anonymous. They are a freshman Social Work Major with a minor in Gerontology. DJ X was certified in early February 2020 and joined because they had friends in the station who convinced them it would be something fun to do in their free time.

Since DJ X is so new to the station, they haven’t created any notable memories as of yet, but they are always around making them! DJ X’s show, Experiment X, airs Thursdays from 6pm-8pm on WCAL.

entertainment

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Feb. 28, 2020

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

By Evan Peffer, Staff Writer PEF9535@calu.edu

High Road - Kesha Kesha’s newest release is her return to pop music. While Rainbow was more of a departure into the raw, emotional side of her music, High Road gives her the freedom to experiment with the genre in the same way that she did at the beginning of her career. Though the album does feel disjointed at points, seeming to have much less thought put behind the arrangements and song structure, Kesha does deserve some credit for being willing to forget the ‘rules’ of what sells and put out something that is clearly just for her. Ironically, the best song on the album is ‘Kinky,’ an ode to her former self, which is even listed as featuring Ke$ha. High Road has its share of highs and lows, but there are just too many songs that don’t seem to know what they want to be and are not yet fully realized.

RATE: 4.5 /10

Captain Marvel February 29th - March 6th

By Sam Kuhne, Entertainment Editor KUH6802@calu.edu

This movie breaks down gender norms by introducing a fierce and extraterrestrial warrior, Captain Marvel. Having

VULCAN THEATER TUESDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY 4PM - 7PM - 10PM

lived on Earth in the late 90s, Marvel finds herself having recurring memories of another life. The film alongside her as she seeks to uncover her past life secrets , harness her special superpowers, and end the war between her people. Overall, I personally don’t see anything super amazing about this story and feel that is a bit overdone. While it’s nice to see a female have a lead in a film like this, I think the storytelling could have been better. For Marvel enthusiasts, come see for yourself this week at the Vulcan Theater.

RATE: 5.5/10

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feature

Feb. 28, 2020

Cal U looks forward at Convocation

The University community hears more about the Campus Master Plan for facilities

By Cal U Public Relations

The University community heard updates about the Campus Master Plan for facilities – plus details about Cal U’s financial sustainability plan and its proposed multi-year tuition pricing strategy – Feb. 18 at the Spring 2020 Faculty-Staff Convocation.

The initiatives all are intended to bolster University finances and meet the State System of Higher Education’s requirement that universities identify realistic strategies for achieving financial sustainability within five years.

Cal U already is taking proactive measures to address the financial challenges attributed to demographic changes, declining public support and a decrease in student enrollment, University President Geraldine Jones told a large crowd in the Convocation Center’s south wing.

In the past seven years, the University has cut operational costs by $10 million, non-faculty staff has been reduced by 23%, a strategic enrollment plan has been deployed and new academic programs have been launched, among other steps.

“But in the current climate, those measures are not enough to bring our finances into balance,” the President said.

At the State System’s direction, Cal U submitted a preliminary draft of its five-year sustainability plan in January. As part of the plan, Cal U is seeking State System approval for a tuition pricing strategy that includes a 3% increase in tuition, or $115 per semester, to enhance efforts to help more students succeed academically and remain enrolled until they graduate.

Cal U is committed to using at least $500,000 of the proposed tuition increase to provide additional scholarships for its neediest students.

The multi-year tuition pricing strategy requires approval by the Board of Governors, which is expected to make a determination later this spring.

In the meantime, the University is looking to its physical plant – the campus itself – for additional cost savings.

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance, led the effort to update the Campus Master Plan. In collaboration with consultants from Buchart Horn Architects, a nine-member steering committee and 26-member board of faculty and staff members spent 15 months examining Cal U’s campus and making the first master plan update since 2008.

Provost Bruce Barnhart (left), President Geraldine Jones (center) and Vice President Robert Thorn (right) address faculty and staff at spring Convocation. Photo by Cal U Public Relations.

“One of the primary goals of the master plan is to develop a comprehensive flexible long-range plan for effective use and reuse of existing land, facilities and infrastructure,” Thorn explained.

After a thorough study based on current and projected future enrollments, the consultants determined that Cal U has a surplus of approximately 260,000 square feet. They estimate that reducing the campus footprint could reduce operational costs by $2.5 million to $3 million per year.

Under a statewide contract to reduce “excess capacity” at System universities, the state Department of General Services has agreed to pay $5.2 million to demolish four Cal U buildings – about 174,0000 square feet – over the next two years.

Building removals tentatively will begin in spring 2021 with Azorsky Hall, followed by the north wing of Morgan Hall, Keystone Hall, and then Gallagher Hall.

“This is a fairly aggressive project,” said Thorn – but the opportunity to “right-size” the campus using state funds was too good to pass up.

The second phase of the master plan features construction of a new science complex to replace Frich and New Science Halls. Subsequent phases include infrastructure changes leading to demolition

of the campus steam plant and the Pollack Building, which houses the storeroom, carpenter shop and University Police headquarters.

The plan also calls for converting Residence Hall B to office space, moving the Office of Academic Success to a student-friendly “learning commons” in Manderino Library, and relocating the education department to Noss Hall.

“This campus master plan outlines key projects in sequential order for long-term implementation and success,” said Thorn. “It’s important to know that the plan is a living document that can and will be revised as Cal U evolves into the future.”

He emphasized that input from faculty and staff will be solicited as relocation plans are finalized.

Both Thorn and President Jones enthusiastically called the campus master plan a blueprint for the future of California University.

“There is always some inconvenience associated with building projects, but our campus master plan promises to deliver lasting, long-term gains,” President Jones concluded.

“Our campus has been transformed many times over the last 168 years – and once again, we have an opportunity to reshape our University.”

“This is a fairly aggressive project, but the opportunity to right-size the campus using state funds was too good to pass up.”

feature

Feb. 28, 2020

Morgan Gallagher

Keystone Azorsky Pollack

New Science

13 Building removals tentatively will begin in spring 2021 with Azorsky Hall, followed by the north wing of Morgan Hall, Keystone Hall, and then Gallagher Hall. The second phase of the master plan features construction of a new science complex to replace Frich and New Science Halls. Subsequent phases include infrastructure changes leading to demolition of the campus steam plant and the Pollack Building, which houses the storeroom, carpenter shop and University Police headquarters.

Frich

Photo via www.calu.edu Graphic by Lily Gongaware Photos below by Jeff Helsel

Azorsky Hall

Gallagher Hall

Keystone Hall

Morgan Hall, north wing

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Chasing a Title

entertainment

Feb. 28, 2020

My story of competing in Stone House Idol

By Jonny Sakaguchi, Staff Writer SAK8734@calu.edu

What started out as a joke a long time ago, has now become a full-fledged second hobby and back into my days of chasing WPIAL Titles with new a new one.

Back in the spring of 2012, we had a fundraiser at Uniontown High School for our prom. Mr. Uniontown was a bad idea considering of who all was in it as we knew none of us would take it seriously.

In the talent part, I took the stage and shocked the whole crowd and my friends as they had never heard me sing. They voted in the back and gave me the talents title 100% of the votes from them as I won my first title and four months later, I won the Wild Side’s “So You think You Can Sing” Teens championship. So, by the time I graduated from high school in 2012, I had two championships.

After that I guess I fell off the face of the Earth when it came to singing.

Till the summer of 2017, I returned to the stage once again as a joke from my friends in the Fayette County Fair’s “Fayette Idol.” I started to pick up steam as I made it through all three rounds and into the finals. This time, I fell short as I got in the bottom two and was standing there looking at my next prize I vowed that I would be coming back for the title the next year. Even though I lost, I had the shock factor again when the judges asked me if I had ever had actual voice or singing lessons, and I told them “No, I have never had a lesson in my life.” It not only shocked them it shocked the rest of the crowd there.

That winter in 2018, I entered the Connellsville’s Got Talent Contest. I faced off with 24 other acts and did not even make the top five. Two weeks later, I was at the first round of the Stone House Inn and Restaurant’s “Stone House Idol.”

I did well, but only the top two moved on and I was not that on-point this night. I decided to try again about a month later and once again the same thing had happened. I started planning for the next season. I knew that I had a whole year to plan, but due to an unseen factor, I had to miss the Summer Sing-Off at the Fayette County fair that year.

The following year I returned in 2019 to the Stone House Idol stage. This time I was more prepared as I had been working with Cal U’s Choir Director, Dr. Tillmutt. He had helped me rehearse my song after class for about a month or so. This time I would have to face off with a fellow UHS grad, a friend, and choir member that I had known all too well. I would finish in third place that night and ran away with $90 but, I missed advancing on again. This hurt more than any game that I had lost by one point I could taste that next round and the Stone House Title. I went back a month later as a walk on again. This time I got fifth place and the judge’s save so I added on $35 and a free pound of bacon from the Stone House butchers next door.

I continued to work as I had three weeks to prepare for the Battle Round knowing only two went straight to the finals and would win $300 that night and anyone else who moved on went to the semi-finals I had to play hard. Earlier in the day though, I had played in the Fayette county High School Baseball Alumni Game as a representative for Uniontown High School which would be the reason, I would later be eliminated from the Battle Round. I took a foul ball to the ribs during the game and made it hard for me to breathe that night. I battled through and somehow manage to sing out “Lips of an Angel” but I was hurting so bad I thought I would not.

I went home shaking my head thinking what can I do?

I got my redemption at the Summer Sing-Off. I had the crowd singing along with me and having a great time and I made it from the first round and into the finals. Once again on the big stage, I fell short as my microphone cut out halfway through the song. I

was so close when I had the crowd playing in with me as I sang “My Kinda Party.” I walked away in sixth place. This time, just a grilled chicken kabob from a vendor by the stage was my prize.

Now I got ready for Stone House Idol one more time I decides to do something I had never done. I went as a walk on before my scheduled date. I took fifth place with a judge’s save. Still looking for that Stone House Gold, I knew I had a chance on my scheduled date to get it. Once again, I ran into that same old friend from Uniontown. This time I was more confident than ever. I had been working with Dr. Tillmutt again and taking voice lessons with Dr. Kovach. I had been working on this song for months.

Even with all the work I did put in, I took fourth with $30 and still shaking my head thinking “I’ll be back” and I will. So, the dream continues on. I continue to work. What will happen this year? Stay tuned to find out.

“This time I was more prepared as I had been working with Cal U’s Choir Director, Dr. Tillmutt.”

opinions

Feb. 28, 2020

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President Donald Trump seeking reelection What you need to know about his years in office

By Chris Lisle, Contributor LIS7502@calu.edu

President Donald J. Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States and a member of the Republican (GOP) Party. He is from the state of Florida and is seeking a second term in office in November.

President Trump has made the economy and immigration his forefront issues since his 2016 campaign. In 2016, his main policy platform was to build a wall on the Mexican border to end illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He also promised to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), lower taxes, and to renegotiate trade deals so they were more reciprocal and fairer.

During his first term in office, he signed a law that was designed to reform and overhaul the tax code, he signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to replace the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), he has begun building the wall on the southern border, he has signed a Phase 1 trade deal with China, pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration, and has participated in historic summits with Kim Jong Un of North Korea to negotiate denuclearization on the Korean peninsula and normalizing of relations.

President Trump also made headlines and faced support and backlash after he ordered the killing of Iranian General Qassam Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian government official and individual believed to be behind a multitude of attacks against Americans that have left some dead. President Trump has also gotten two Supreme Court justices confirmed to the bench, as well over one hundred federal court judges confirmed. President Trump also withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, joining Nicaragua as being the only two countries to not be a part of the agreement.

President Trump also became the third president in U.S. history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. In December 2019, the House passed two articles of impeachment, charging the president with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The impeachment process was spurred by a whistleblower complaint that alleged the president committed a quid pro quo by withholding military aid to Ukraine and refusing to release it until Ukrainian President Zelensky announced they were launching an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden. President Trump was eventually acquitted

by the Senate at the end of his trial largely along party line votes, with the exception of GOP Sen. Mitt Romney’s (UT) shocking vote to convict on the abuse of power article.

Heading into his reelection cycle this year, President Trump is largely focusing on the economy, impeachment and the 2020 Democratic primary to boost himself into a second term. His main focus on the economy is the stock market and unemployment rates. Under President Trump, the U.S. economy has seen unemployment drop from 4.7% in January 2017 when he took office to 3.6% in January 2020.

He has seen the black unemployment rate drop from 7.5% to 6.0% in the same time span.

He is also touting the 2017 tax bill and saying that if he wins reelection, and Republicans hold the Senate and take back control of the House that an additional tax cut bill will be passed. President Trump is also touting his acquittal in the impeachment trial, calling it a scam, a hoax, and a witch hunt that the Democrats used to try to overturn the 2016 election.

President Trump is also using perceived socialism within candidates running in the Democratic primary to argue why he is a better and safer option for Americans.

President Trump again is campaigning on replacing Obamacare and reforming entitlements (Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security). Trump is also promising to continue to deregulate as much as possible, continuing his rule that for every new regulation enacted, two current regulations must be cut.

President Trump is currently the front runner in the Republican primary, facing only former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, and it is all but guaranteed to be the Republican nominee yet again.

Trump has won the Iowa and Nevada caucuses, as well as the New Hampshire primaries, winning all but one delegate up for grabs.

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opinions

Feb. 28, 2020

The NBA All-Star Weekend The Windy City hosts NBA’s 69th annual All-Star Game festivities

By Jimmy Hunyady, Contributor HUN6632@calu.edu Live from Chicago, NBA All-Star weekend lived up to the hype yet again. NBA greats were inducted into The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. There were many celebrities who shined in this years All-Star Celebrity game. Many young prospects showed why they are the future of the league during the NBA Rising Stars Game. Events grew even bigger during NBA Sate Farm Saturday night as things kicked off with the Skills Contest. The Three Point Contest sparked up the crowd as many players shot the lights out. This year’s dunk contest could arguably be considered the most entertaining of all time. Aaron Gordon displayed a full showcase of high-flying dunks, though losing yet again, this year to Derrick Jones Jr. Sunday evening featured the NBA’s 69th All-Star Game, headline by team Lebron and team Giannis.

The weekend started off with a special moment as significant NBA legends were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Headlining the group of inductees was late Laker’s legend Kobe Bryant, San Antonio Spur’s great, Tim Duncan, and NBA star, Kevin Garnett. The celebrity game featured teams coached by Chicago native Michael Wilbon, and coanchor of First Take, Stephen A. Smith. The teams were captained by both artists, Chance the Rapper and Common. Common finished the game with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals to capture the MVP. Team Wilbon came away with the victory. Ending Friday night was the Rising Stars game which featured the format used for the sixth time as Team USA played Team World. The star of the game was no doubt number 1 draft pick, Zion Williamson. He managed to dunk so hard during the game, he bent the rim sideways. The rim had to be fixed during halftime. Team USA came up with the victory over Team World, with a whopping score of 151-131. Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets came away with MVP honors after putting up 20 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists.

Saturday night kicked off with a thrilling NBA skills contest. Players must start from the finish against one another and surpass different obstacles to get to the end. With much surprise, which is usually a guard heavy event, the big men blew the competition away. The bracket had eight players, featuring a guard versus big man matchup in the first round. With shock, all four big men won their firstround battles. The championship round featured Miami Heat big, Bam Adebayo, and Indiana Pacers big, Domantas Sobanis. The Heat rising star took away the trophy. Big men have won the contest three out of the last five years. The Three Point Contest featured an electric finish with sharpshooters, Buddy Hield and Devin Booker. The final three in the contest featured those two along with forward,

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the second half of the NBA All-Star basketball game Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Davis Bertans. Bertans feel short in the final round, which left Hield and Booker to fight it out until the end of both their rounds. Devin Booker scored an outstanding score of 26 out of 30 which seemed to give him the championship trophy. Although, Buddy Hield did not hold back an inch as he started off slow, but finished strong with his money ball rack which values each ball at two points instead of one. Buddy finished with a score of 27 and won the trophy in dramatic fashion.

This seasons dunk contest was one to remember for the ages. Lakers Center Dwight Howard and Bucks Guard Pat Connaughton had their golden moments early on, but nothing great enough to outperform arguably the greatest dunk contest participant of all time, Aaron Gordon and Derrick Jones Jr. Aaron Gordon performed five straight perfect scores of fifty along with one of the best dunks I have ever seen in the contest. He caught a pass off the side of the backboard and performed a 360-windmill dunk catching the ball with one hand. Jones displayed many amazing dunks as well as he was scoring fifty’s round after round.

The competition went into a dunk off round which featured Gordon dunking over 7’5 Center Tacko Fall.

The judges gave a score of a forty-seven to Gordon which many felt was disrespectful. Gordon needed a score of a forty-nine to defeat Jones previous dunk.

Many felt Gordon was robbed like many thought he was robbed in the 2016 contest.

This year’s All-Star game showcased the league’s top tier talent. There were many players who were capable of receiving the first ever Kobe Bryant AllStar Game MVP award. Clippers Star Kawhi Leonard came away with the trophy draining eight tree pointers and scoring 30 points. Team Lebron came away with the victory against Team Giannis with a score of 157-155. The game was filled with many highlights. The game portrayed a different format this year as whoever was to score a total of twentyfour points first in the fourth quarter would win the game. This format was to honor Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Anthony Davis made a game winning free throw to give Team Lebron the win. This year’s AllStar Weekend was one of the greatest I have ever seen, and will be one to remember.

“Many felt Gordon was robbed like many thought he was robbed in the 2016 contest.”

opinions

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Feb. 28, 2020

Spring Break on a Budget Top 5 spring break destinations that won’t break the bank

By Josh Mavilla, Contributor MAV9107@calu.edu

Spring break is that time of year in March where college students get a week off from school and party. However, traveling for spring break can get pretty expensive, so keep these potential spring break destinations in mind if you plan to go somewhere this spring break!

Florida Florida will always be a great vacation destination for any age group, but it is particularly suitable for college students looking for a place to go over spring break. Most spring breaks are during the middle of March, so there are not many beaches on the east coast that would be worth visiting. Florida, although has an endless number of beaches that is very affordable for any typical college student. For example, places such as Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, and Clearwater are a few places that won’t exactly break the bank. There are plenty of cheap flights for well under $200 round trip, all you have to do is devote some time into looking for them. Also, finding a hotel or lodging is not hard either. Room rates can be as low as $52 per night depending on where you stay. If you get a group of friends to go and split the cost of that as well as food and drink, it will not be a huge strain on yourself financially.

restaurants, music, dancing, and much more. Some of the biggest attractions in New Orleans includes the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Jackson Square.

Flights and lodging are not very expensive, which makes this a great destination for a college student.

Nashville Nashville, Tennessee is a great spring break destination. If you want to talk about entertainment and fun? Nashville is the place for you. It is known for its great night life and entertainment. It is the birthplace of country music and offers an endless number of concerts, performances, and food venues.

Southerners really know how to whip up some barbeque, by the way. It is about eight hours from Pittsburgh so I would recommend flying, but that is just me. Hotels are not too expensive so, that is a plus.

This is a very affordable trip for college students and will definitely provide plenty of fun.

New Orleans

New York City

New Orleans is a great city to visit if you are a college student. It is not very expensive and it has endless entertainment experiences. Bourbon Street immediately comes to mind when thinking about New Orleans and all of the things that spring breakers can do. It is well known as a popular destination and its bustling atmosphere. There are a lot of bars and

Who would not want to visit the Big Apple? New York may not be the cheapest spot to go, but it is perfect for a weekend getaway. It is not very far to drive from Western Pennsylvania, so driving would probably be the best option. What is there not to do in New York? There is nothing but historical places to visit while in the city, such as Ellis Island, The

Statue of Liberty, The Twin Towers, the Empire State Building, and so much more. The good part about it is that to see most of these things is free to the public, so you will not have to spend a whole lot of money on recreation. I recommend a walk in Central Park as well. The only roadblock in this plan would be the prices of hotels. It is very expensive to stay in the city, so it would be smart to stay somewhere 15-20 minutes away so that you can save some money.

Niagara Falls Niagara Falls is a very popular place to visit and very cheap as well. Everyone has to see the falls at least once in their lives, right? This is the perfect place to drive to as it is about four and a half hours from Pittsburgh. It is possible to see the falls in New York as well as Canada. I would recommend going to the Canadian side and take a couple days to explore what they have to offer. It is a very beautiful country and known for its breathtaking scenery. Toronto is one city that comes to mind that is not very far from the falls and has a lot to offer. Transportation would not be a huge dent in your wallet, and hotels are not very expensive as well. It is definitely a cheap and fun spot to go for spring breakers. It will not be the warmest destination, but that does not mean it would not be a great time.

Want to share your spring break memories with the CalTimes?

Send us your appropriate pictures of where you went or what you did during spring break!

Email: caltimes@ calu.edu Twitter: @caltimes Instagram: @caltimesnews Facebook: CalTimes

Photo by Lily Gongaware, Graphic Designer

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Feb. 28, 2020

puzzles

sports

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Feb. 28, 2020

Women’s Sports

SCOREBOARD

BASKETBALL: Las t Me e t: Feb. 22- at Clarion, WIN 65-45 Nex t Me e t: Feb. 29- vs G annon, Convo cation Center at 1:00p.m.

GOLF: Las t Me e t: O ct. 20- PSAC Championships at Hershey, Pa., 4th-1035 Nex t Me e t: Mar. 16 & 17- Cobra S pring Inv itational at Hartsv ille, Sc. SOFTBALL: Las t Me e t: Feb. 16- vs St. Mary’s (TX), LOSS 2-3 vs Eastern New Mexic o, LOSS 1-6 Next Me et: Mar. 7- vs Dominican (NY) at 4:15p.m.

Minnes ota State Mo orhead at 6:30p.m. at Clermont, F l.

SWIMMING: Las t Me e t: Feb. 22- at PSAC Championships, York, Pa., 8th-324.5 (Las t match-up of the reg ular se ason) HOCKEY: Las t Me e t: Feb. 15 at home vs Merychurst, LOSS 6-0 Nex t Me e t: Feb. 28- vs Naval Academy, CHE Playoffs, 7:00p.m. at Rostraver Ic e G arden TENNIS: Las t Me e t: PPD (res che dule d for Mar. 19 at West Virginia Wesleyan, Buckhannon, Wv.) Nex t Me e t: Feb. 28- at West Lib erty at 3:00p.m., Whe eling, Wv. TRACK & FIELD: Las t Me e t: Feb. 22- Kent State Tune-Up, NTS Mt. Union Raider Tune-Up, NTS Nex t Me e t: Feb. 29 & Mar. 1- PSAC Championships at E dinb oro, Pa.

Information courtesy of calvulcans.com & caluhockey.com Graphic by Lily Gongaware, Graphic Designer

Men’s Sports

BASKETBALL: Las t Me e t: Feb. 22- at Clarion, WIN 79-54 Nex t Me e t: Feb. 29- vs G annon, Convo cation Center at 3:00p.m.

Baseball: Las t Me e t: Feb. 22- at home vs Whe eling, DH, WIN 4-3 game 1, WIN 2-0 game 2 Feb. 23- at home vs Whe eling, LOSS 5-6 Nex t Me e t: Feb. 29- vs Walsh (OH) DH 1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m.

Mar. 1- vs Walsh (OH) DH 1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m. at Wild Things Park, Washington, Pa. TRACK & FIELD: Las t Me e t: Feb. 22- Kent State Tune-Up, NTS Mt. Union Raider Tune-Up, NTS Nex t Me e t: Feb. 29 & Mar. 1- PSAC Championships at E dinb oro, Pa. GOLF: Las t Me e t: O ct. 20- PSAC Championships at Hershey, Pa., 5th-938 Nex t Me e t: Mar. 13 & 14 at IUP Browngolf Interc ollegiate at Jacks on S prings, Nc. HOCKEY: Las t Me e t: Feb. 15 at home vs G e orge Mas on University, LOSS 5-3 Nex t Me e t: Feb. 29- vs IUP, CHE Playoffs, 4:30p.m. at Rostraver Ic e G arden

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Feb. 28, 2020

Track & Field competes in Ohio ‘Tune-up’ events Collier, Franklin reset records in their events

By Matthew Kifer, Sports Information Director

Junior Tatiana Beaufils reached the conference standard in the 800-meter run at Kent State Tune Up on Feb. 22. She placed seventh in the event while posting a time of 2 minutes, 22.88 seconds.

Photos by Susan Urbine

Senior Alicia Collier and sophomore Divonne Franklin both reset their own school records and won individual events on Saturday, Feb. 22, while competing at the Kent State Tune Up. Collier claimed the victory in the 200-meter dash with a blistering time of 24.84 seconds, which was just two-hundredths of a second faster than Franklin. Collier improved her school record set earlier this season at Youngstown State by four-tenths of a second. She enters next week’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships ranked second on the league’s performance list this season. Franklin set a personal record in the event at Kent State with a time of 24.86 seconds, which is the second-fastest mark in the event in school history.

Franklin posted the win in the 60-meter dash while in Ohio after crossing the finish line in 7.66 seconds, which was over one-tenth of a second faster than the rest of the field. She eclipsed her school-best mark also set at Youngstown State earlier this year by four-tenths of a second. Franklin is tied for the fastest time in the conference this winter entering the league meet next weekend. Collier also finished third overall in the 60 meters on Saturday with a time of 7.80 seconds.

Junior Tatiana Beaufils reached the conference standard in the 800-meter run for the first time this season.

She placed seventh in the event while posting a time of 2 minutes, 22.88 seconds.

The Vulcans recorded three PSAC times in the 60-meter hurdles at the event on Saturday. Junior Ashley McIntosh placed eighth in the event with a time of 9.30 seconds, while classmate Jaleesa Mackey posted a time of 9.40 seconds to finish in 11th place. Freshman Kailee Bunyard placed 13th overall with a time of 9.48 seconds.

McIntosh also reached the league-qualifying standard in the 400-meter dash at Kent State, rounding the track in 58.80 seconds to finish in third place. Freshman Tatyana Young placed fifth in the event after posting a conference mark of 59.71 seconds.

Fellow freshman Kayla Walker finished ninth overall in the 60 meters with a time of 8.00 seconds, which reached the conference standard.

In addition to Kent State, select members of the Vulcans competed at the Mount Union Raider Tune-Up on Saturday. Freshman Darcie Frazier won the long jump at the event with a season-best distance of 5.34 meters (17-6.25 feet) on her third attempt.

Men compete at multiple events in Ohio In their final preparation for the league championships, the Cal U men’s track and field team qualified three entries for the conference meet and three entries improved their qualifying marks while competing at a pair of events in Ohio on Saturday.

At the Kent State Tune Up, junior Kyle Tumpak won the 800-meter run by over four-tenths of a second with a time of 1 minute, 53.97 seconds. He remains second on the league’s performance list after improving his qualifying time for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships by over one full second.

Classmate Jalen Cloud placed third in the triple jump with a season-best mark of 14.25 meters (46-9.0 feet) on his second attempt and also climbed to sixth on the PSAC performance list. Freshman Julian Muccioli also reached the conference standard in the event for the first time this year at Kent State after clearing 12.70 meters (41-8.0 feet).

Senior Joe Uliano qualified for the league championships in the 1-mile run on Saturday with a time of 4:27.78. Sophomore Haden Boutiller reached the conference standard in the 5,000-meter run for the first time after crossing the finish line in 15:53.52.

Freshman Tymir Jackson improved his qualifying mark in the 200-meter dash by one-hundredth of a second after placing sixth in the event with a time of 22.47 seconds. He also finished 10th overall in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.16 seconds. Classmate Kristopher Lytle also reached the conference standard in both events at Kent State. He posted a time of 22.53 seconds to place seventh in the 200 meters and finished in eighth place in the 60 meters with a time of 7.12 seconds.

Senior Julian Gore reached the league mark in the 60-meter hurdles after posting a time of 9.06 seconds.

At the Mount Union Raider Tune Up, freshman Michael Berdar posted a conference-qualifying mark of 1.85 meters (6-0.75 feet) in the high jump to finish seventh overall.

Cal U has qualified 23 individual entries for the upcoming PSAC Championships, which will start on Saturday, Feb. 29, in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.

Freshman Julian Muccioli reached the conference standard in the triple jump for the first time this year at Kent State after clearing 12.70 meters (41-8.0 feet).

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Feb. 28, 2020

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Swimming team finishes 8th at PSACs

By Alex King, Assistant Sports Information Director Photos by Alex King

Senior Karley Owens posted the second-fastest time in the 200 breaststroke in school history on Saturday, Feb. 22, as the California University of Pennsylvania swimming team placed eighth overall in the team standings at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships.

The Vulcans totaled 324.5 points to finish eighth at the league meet for the third time in four years. West Chester led the event wire-to-wire to capture its 14th-consecutive conference title with 1,714.5 points. IUP finished in second place with 1,139.5 points and Bloomsburg ranked third with 1,027 points.

Owens placed fifth overall in the championship finals of the 200 breaststroke after touching the wall in 2 minutes, 20.88 seconds on Saturday, which was over a two-second improvement from her top time set in the preliminaries. She set the second-best time in the event in program history, passing Melissa Gates (2008-12), who recorded a time of 2:22.39 at IUP in 2011. Owens qualified for the ‘A’ finals after posting a time of 2:23.20 in the preliminaries.

Freshman Kelly Mark recorded a personal best in the ‘C’ finals of the 200 breaststroke. She registered a time of 2:34.54 to score and place 24th overall after reaching the consolation finals with a 24th-place finish in the preliminaries with a time of 2:35.01, which was over seven seconds faster than her seed time.

Junior Emma Klesen was the lone scorer in the 1650 freestyle and set a season-best time by nearly three seconds on Saturday. She touched the wall in 18:43.95 to place 23rd overall in the event. Klesen has scored in the 1650 freestyle at the PSAC Championships in all three years with the program.

The 400 freestyle relay of senior Chassidy Raymond, sophomore Megan Beam, Owens and junior Arli Tilves finished ninth overall with a season-best time of 3:42.15, which was nearly three seconds faster than their seed time.

Cal U featured three swimmers in the preliminaries of the 100 freestyle at the league championships.

Raymond registered a personal record in the event after posting a time of 55.97 seconds, which was over a two-second improvement from her seed time.

Senior Karley Owens posted the second-fastest time in the 200 breaststroke in school history on Feb. 22 at the PSAC Championships, Graham Aquatic Center, York, Pa.

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sports

Feb. 28, 2020

Take me out to the ball game!

Baseball opens season with 2 wins, 1 loss Photos by Jeff Helsel Cal U opened the baseball season over the weekend with a home doubleheader sweep against Wheeling in non-conference play on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Wild Things Park, winning 4-3 and 2-0.

Meanwhile, after surrendering three runs in the top of the ninth, the Vulcans suffered a 6-5 loss in a nine-inning contest on Sunday. With the loss, the Vulcans drop to 2-1 on the season.

The Vulcans are scheduled to return to action this weekend with a four-game home series against Walsh (Ohio), beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 29, at Wild Things Park.

Sophomore Zach Rohaley claimed the 2-0 win in game two of Saturday’s doubleheader after scattering four hits and tallying eight strikeouts over 6.0 scoreless innings.

Freshman center fielder Carter Chinn belted a solo home run, his first of the season, in the fifth inning against Wheeling on Sunday afternoon.

Junior third baseman Louden Conte earned PSAC West Athlete of the Week honors as he posted a .636 on-base percentage and a .750 slugging percentage while batting No. 2 in the series with the Wheeling Cardinals.

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Feb. 28, 2020

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Men’s basketball win over Seton Hill, 82-69 Pegram reaches 1,000 career points at Cal U

By Cal U Sports Information Junior Brent Pegram surpassed 1,000 career points at Cal U on Wednesday, Feb. 19, as the California University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team secured an 82-69 victory over Seton Hill in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West action at the Convocation Center.

With the win, the Vulcans sweep the season series over Seton Hill and improve to 17-8 overall with a 13-6 record in conference play. Cal U remains in fourth place in the divisional standings with three games left in the regular season, while sitting just one-game back of second place in the PSAC West.

Meanwhile, the Griffins drop their fifth-straight contest to fall to 4-19 this season behind a 3-16 mark in league action.

Pegram scored 23 points on 5-of-10 from the floor with three treys and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. He also added three assists and two steals while

playing all 40 minutes against Seton Hill. Pegram becomes the program’s first 1,000-point scorer since Borris Mesnager (2003-06) accomplished the feat. Including his freshmen year at Wheeling, he has scored over 1,200 career points in his collegiate career.

Sophomore Jermaine Hall, Jr. posted his third double-double of the season after totaling 20 points and 10 rebounds in the win. The Maryland native shot seven-of-nine from the field and added two assists and three steals in 37 minutes of action. Hall is averaging 17.0 points and 7.8 rebounds over the last five games, including four contests in double-figures.

Freshman Luke House finished with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting, plus five rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes, while redshirt sophomore Philip Alexander registered eight points, four rebounds and three assists in his first start since Jan. 3.

J unior Brent Pegram b e came the program’s first 1,000-point s corer in over a de cade on Feb. 19 in the Cal U Convo cation Cent er. He has average d 19.5 point s, 4.7 assist s and 2.4 st e als per game in two s e as ons with the Vulcans aft er playing his freshman ye ar at Whe eling.

Photos by Jeff Helsel

Women’s basketball tops Seton Hill, 71-56 Cal U clinches PSAC Tournament berth

By Cal U Sports Information The Vulcans clinched a berth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 19, with a 71-56 win over Seton Hill in divisional play at the Convocation Center.

With the victory, the California University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team improves to 18-7 this season with a 12-7 record in league action, which is tied for the third-best mark in the PSAC West standings. The Vulcans swept the season series with the Griffins for the only the second time in the last five years. Meanwhile, Seton Hill falls to 13-12 overall behind a 7-12 mark in conference play.

Junior Bianca Jasper led the team with 19 points (17 first half) on 8-of-13 shooting. She tied her career high with seven steals, plus posted eight rebounds (four offensive) and six assists, while playing all 40 minutes.

Senior DJ Hahn added 14 points, six rebounds and three steals off the bench. Freshman Halle Herrington also scored 14 points on 6-of-10 from the floor despite playing limited minutes in the first half due to foul trouble. Sophomore Lauren Bennett (Buckhannon, W.Va./Buckhannon-Upshur) posted five points, six rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals in the victory.

The Vulcans opened the game on an 11-3 run after holding the Griffins to one-of-six shooting in the opening four-plus minutes. The teams traded baskets

for the remainder of the first quarter with Cal U holding a 19-10 lead. Early in the second quarter, the Vulcans mounted a 15-3 run behind 10 points by Hahn to stretch the lead to 36-15 at the 5:23-mark.

Cal U later scored six-straight points before making a basket in the closing seconds to take a 47-27 lead at halftime.

Seton Hill tallied seven-unanswered points early in the third quarter before Cal U responded with a 12-3 rally, including 10 points by Herrington, over nearly three minutes to take a 61-37 lead at the 3:07-mark.

The Griffins went nearly seven minutes without a field goal before making a jumper at the buzzer to trim the deficit to 61-42. Midway through the fourth quarter, Cal U scored eight of 10 points to seize a 7151 lead with 2:09 left to play.

The Vulcans finished the game shooting 39.2 percent (29-of-74) from the floor and made 7-of-21 from long range. Meanwhile, the Griffins posted a .404 field-goal percentage (21-of-52) from the field.

Seton Hill held a 46-33 rebounding advantage, however, Cal U forced 28 turnovers in the contest and scored 41 points off turnovers.

Redshirt sophomore Tiana Stewart recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Junior Katie Nolan posted eight points and 11 rebounds (five offensive), while senior Lexi Civittolo finished with 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks in the loss.

S enior DJ Hahn s core d 14 point s, six reb ounds and thre e st e als

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Feb. 28, 2020

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Athlete Spotlight courtesy of Sports Information - Photos by Jeff Helsel

KARLEY OWENS Photo by : Name

CLASS: SENIOR MAJOR: SPECIAL EDUCATION: PRE-K-4 HOMETOWN: LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOL: GREATER LATROBE

Karley Owens recorded a trio of top-five times in school history for the Cal U swimming team and accounted for 76.5 points as an individual at the PSAC Championships February 2020. She qualified for the championhip finals in both the 200 breaststroke and 400 IM, placing fifth in each event. Owens posted the secondfastest time in school history in the 200 breaststroke and registered the third-best time in the 400 IM. Additionally, Owens finished ninth in 100 breaststroke with the third-best performance in school history and qualified for the bonus finals in the 200 IM. She also was a member of three relay teams that accounted for nearly 125 points in the team standings in the league meet.

ZACH ROHALEY CLASS: SOPHOMORE MAJOR: BUSINESS AND COMMERCE HOMETOWN: WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOL: CANON-MCMILLAN Zach Rohaley, a pitcher on the Cal U baseball team, earned the win in his program debut on Saturday, Feb. 22, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings (80 pitches) in Game 2 of a doubleheader against Wheeling. He registered eight strikeouts and issued one walk while scattering four hits in a 2-0 victory against the Cardinals. Rohaley forced Wheeling to leave four base runners in scoring position while inducing seven ground-outs on the mound.