FALL 2024 - ISSUE 2 by Coyote Chronicle

“Students Success” or Squeezing Their Pockets Dry?

CSUSB Community Challenges

Administration as Key Services Face Cuts

By Evette Gallardo Editor in Chief

San Bernardino, October 25, 2024 – Thursday’s open budget forum could be described as both laughable and disheartening, leaving everyone on the “chopping block” feeling discontented and even angered. It is evident that a storm is brewing on the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) campus after faculty, staff, and students voiced their outrage over budget cuts that threaten essential student services while funding continues for non-critical projects, such as the renovation of the main campus lawn. Administrators faced sharp criticism for their budgetary decisions and lack of

transparency over the course of the meeting.

Originally scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., administration was immediately met with backlash from the California Faculty Association (CFA), faculty, and students. It seemed both unusual and unfair to have the meeting at a time when most faculty and students would be in class and unable to attend – some speculated it was due to the fact that administration most likely wanted to avoid the

questions. The meeting date and time was shortly changed after but like last year, allowed limited time for questions, leaving many unresolved issues lingering.

Despite the overwhelming regurgitation of “students success” by administration,

No Answers, Just Smirks

students hadn’t even fully been included in the knowledge of the open forum to begin with. Some had said they didn’t even receive any form of communication about the meeting. There was also just an overall lack of respect for students who had

gone to the meeting and asked pressing questions or voiced concerns.

A senior student attending the event bravely asked President Morales, “What sort of sacrifices are the upper management willing to make to ensure that student success?”, even going as far to ask the President if he’d take a cut to his salary in order to accommodate the success he keeps talking about. President Morales simply cut the student off with a firm, “No.”

One of the most contentious questions raised at the forum, which went unanswered, involved the possibility of partial furloughs for Management...

Story continues on page 11

Claudia Ochoa, a Campus Survivor Advocate, and Arlinda Wilson, a Campus Advocate and Survivor Specialist at Cal State San Bernardino’s Survivor Advocacy Services, shed light on the justice system’s outdated mindsets and lack of awareness regarding victims’ needs.

The California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) men’s soccer team played to a thrilling 1-1 draw against #2 Cal State Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon in CCAA action at Premier Field. The Coyotes, now 4-2-6 overall and 2-1-3 in conference play, showed resilience in a tough contest against one of the top teams in the country.

tough

CSUSB President Tomas Morales and CFO Samuel Sudhakar face tough questions from students, faculty, and staff as tensions rise in a charged debate over budget transparency and priorities at the Budget Open Forum.

Photo by Prof. Greg Gondwe

2 Coyote Chronicle

Contributors

Editor in Chief

Copy Editors

Evette Gallardo

David Lara

Jacqueline Flores

Mathew Pacheco

Graphic Designers

Matthew Vinson

John Gray

Faculty Advisor

Gregory Gondwe

Gregory.Gondwe@csusb.edu

Department of Communication and Media

commstudies@csusb.edu

Staff Writers

Alexandra Blakeley, Issac Castillo, Alyson Chan, Nicholas Cordoba Alvarado, Amari Cotton, Pricila Gordillo, Olivia Hoar, Alison Marshal, Ashley Mejia - Salazar, Marco Rimicci, Samuel Rodriguez, Luis Romero Olga Salcedo, Daisy Torres

Staff Writers are comprised of students enrolled in COMM2391 Practicum: Print & Online Journalism taught by Dr. Gregory Gondwe.

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The Coyote Chronicle is published every other Thursday during the academic session by the Communication department. The opinions expressed in the Chronicle are those of the student writers and editors and do not reflect the views of the university, its faculty, or any other person or institution unless expressly noted. The appearance of any advertisement in the Chronicle does not represent an endorsement of the products or services advertised. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted to the paper.

The Cannibalism of Globalization

By David Lara-Catalan Copy Editor

The idea of globalization might be explained as a superior stage of capitalism, and probably we should understand that its economic base is capital gain. A long tradition of economist and philosophers have showed that capital gain is obtained by the exploitation of the workforce; however, with globalization, the advancement of technology has radically transformed the workplaces, thus our modern

Rideshare

organizations are more diverse, and they are no longer able to offer a “job for life.”

Job for life means a lot, or I should say it meant a lot; unfortunately, at present it means nothing. It is an obsolete idea that was proclaimed in the past decades creating a culture where a job would be for life, with benefits for life, and everything would be kind and endless; but sadly, this culture does not exist anymore. Most of the modern organizations are reforming their structures with modern technologies, and improving

Rideshare, defined as a car service that allows a person to use a smartphone app to arrange a ride in a usually privately owned vehicle is considered as a way of independent contractor. The driver uses his car, pays the gas, a personal car insurance, maintenance of the car, cell phone; the driver needs to work 12 hours a day to gain an estimate than no more 150-160 dollars. We should consider that to fill the tank gas is around 45 or 50 dollars, and the driver must go everywhere is required, the driver knows where to begin driving, but never knows where to end.

I am quite sure that these two examples are just a reference. There would be much more examples about the labor conditions in our countries. The point is to ask ourselves about our present and future as a society. Are we building a real idea about equity, social justice, and solidarity? Or are we just participants of this cannibalism

their strategies regarding wages, health policies, etc., and under this framework we meet that the main concern is to gain more money.

The economical discrepancies are boundless, therefore wealth is hoarded by just a few. Competition is the word that best describes our societies. Under the idea of competition, the struggle for surviving is cannibalistic, not just for organizations but for the workers too. The following two examples might shed light on this problem:

Parking Fees

Another example refers to those workers that need to pay for parking lots in their workplaces. Their companies have gotten a concession. But if they need to use the parking lot, they need to pay at least 10 dollars a day, this means they pay 50 dollars a week. Most of these workers earn around 20-22 dollars a day, this means, if they work 8 hours a day, they are earning 160-176 dollars a day. But sometimes the workload is less than 8 hours a day, and sometimes the job is only temporary.

mentioned earlier, and probably expecting that moment to devour our fellows? One point that needs to be treated in a deeper way is about the future of our students: after studying four years, paying tuitions, will we be able to create the best opportunities for them to have a job and a better life? Of course, it is a shared responsibility,

and everyone needs to accept their commitment and to act consequently. I wonder if our students are being prepared to face the monster called globalization, and to succeed. But this is a topic for a next issue right here at Coyote Chronicle. Do not miss it!

Example 1

Example

Warehouse Expansion

A Growing Nightmare in the Inland Empire

Is this the price of being the fifth world economy?

By Alexandra Blakeley Staff Writer

With warehouses growing at an exponential rate, life in the Inland Empire is being obstructed by these massive expansion projects. Obstruction to everyday life for IE residents is negatively being affected by these projects the most in the realms of rise in traffic, pollution, and obstructions to and for housing which is bringing down the quality of life for these residents.

Since the first surgance of roughly 234 warehouses in the 1980s established throughout this region, the IE now serves as a hub for over 4,000 warehouses as of 2024. Though the concerns around traffic have been a recurring and never ending topic within the past decade especially. On the freeway, it is not rare to see trucks enroute at most hours of the day. A 40 minute commute across cities within the Inland Empire can spike up to an hour and 40 minutes, these freeways mostly filled with heavy-duty trucks that are on route to one of the many surrounding warehouses. CalMatters, a nonprofit newsroom,

shares that “Since 2010, Fontana has approved more than 70 new warehouses, which cover some 860 acres and produce more than 16,000 truck trips a day,” which is an outrageous number of truck trips stemming from a single IE city. These routes without fail affect not only the freeway as many commuters witness, but also neighborhood streets.

Pollution is another concern that is obstructing quality of life as concerns for the wellbeing of residents is not being addressed rather than expanding warehouses. CalMatters brings to light how, “Riverside and San Bernardino rank 1st and 2nd among counties with the

highest ozone levels and among the top dozen for particulate pollution.” As the top two counties within all of California, this is a major concern that needs to be addressed by the local officials that are greenlighting these expansions. Another point in regards to pollution that CalMatters addresses is that “Activists link the proliferation of warehouses to unusually high rates of asthma and cancer.” The quality of life for IE residents should be the top concern for officials rather than expanding warehouses for further profit. The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) in Jurupa Valley also highlights

rose from 14.8% in 2019 to 19.7% in 2020,” which is a major concern for the health of residents as these cities are not

class families. The CCAEJ also points out that “Over 300 warehouses are 1000 feet or less from 139 Inland Empire schools,”

Since 2010, Fontana has approved more than 70 new warehouses, which cover some 860 acres and produce more than 16,000 truck trips a day,”

doing anything to help reduce these rapidly growing numbers. The loss of green spaces is also contributing to these air quality concerns as warehouses are replacing whatever minimal green spaces are already present throughout the IE.

Housing and way of living is another sector in which warehouse expansion is obstructing citizens’ everyday life. In a state of a housing crisis and unaffordable options for current and potential residents, warehouses are taking immense space and infiltrating established neighborhoods. The Inland Empire’s poverty rate is higher than the U.S. and California so with this considered, cities should put forth the importance of creating projects that expand affordable housing for middle to lower

which additionally shows how families within the IE not only have their housing been affected, but also the schools having to be neighbors with these warehouses poses various risks for children. These obstacles posed by these warehouses that are becoming the new norm to IE residents will continue to negatively impact residents with continuous rise in traffic, pollution, and obstructions to and for housing which is bringing down the quality of life for these residents. Although Governor Newsom signed lastminute legislation to limit where distribution centers can go, the IE still serving as a warehouse hub is a long lasting issue that residents and local officials must discuss and stand against. With nearly 300 projects still approved for construction within the Inland Empire as of 2024, these obstructions are not being properly addressed nor is anyone taking accountability for these growing concerns for citizens.

CSUSB Students Buckle Under Crushing Financial Pressure

Rent, Groceries, and Gas Prices Leave Many in a Cycle of Debt and Desperation

By Coyote Chronicle Editorial Team

INO, CA –Students at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) are facing increasing financial burdens as the cost of living outpaces their income. A recent survey conducted among 782 students has revealed an alarming financial situation that most students are struggling to cope with. The survey paints a picture of the economic challenges faced by students, with many grappling to balance basic living expenses with modest incomes, often resulting in heavy debt and stress.

The data shows that rent consumes a disproportionate amount of students’ income. Collectively, students are spending $92,000 each month on rent alone, making it the most significant financial burden. For a typical off-campus student, rent can range from $1,000 to over $2,000 per month, which is nearly double what many students earn through part-time jobs. By comparison, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Bernardino is $1,565, according to RentCafe, meaning students are paying comparable, if not higher, prices to secure housing.

In addition to rent, the survey shows that groceries are a major financial challenge. The 782 students surveyed spend a total of $18,400 on groceries each month, averaging about $200 to $500 per student. This figure is in line with current market prices, where the average American spends about $300 per month on groceries, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yet, many students expressed concern over the rising prices of food items, with one student noting,

“Groceries just keep getting more expensive. I have to make sacrifices, like buying cheaper, less healthy food, just to stretch my budget.”

Transportation is another financial pain point, with students collectively spending $13,800 monthly to commute to school or work. Many students rely on driving to campus, and with gas prices in California averaging $5.26 per gallon in 2024, this cost adds up quickly. One sophomore

Off-campus students bear the brunt of financial stress, paying over $1,500 in rent alone, along with $300 for groceries and $200 for gas each month. In comparison, students living on campus or with family face far lower expenses, but still contend with rising grocery and transportation costs.

student highlighted the strain this creates: “I drive two hours every day to campus and work, and between gas and maintenance, my car eats up most of my paycheck. It’s incredibly stressful.”

With limited income streams, students are turning to loans and credit cards to make ends meet. More than 70% of students reported relying on student loans or credit cards to cover their living expenses. For many, this is not a short-term solution but a recurring reality as they struggle to manage rising costs. One junior commented, “I’ve maxed out my credit card more than once just to pay for basic things like rent and groceries. It feels like I’m digging a deeper hole every month.”

In comparison to local market rates, utilities such as electricity, water, and internet— on which students collectively spend $11,500 per month—are also on the rise. With inflation affecting all sectors, students are seeing utility bills that average $100 to $200 per person. Additionally, entertainment expenses, while lower in priority, still amount to $6,900 monthly, underscoring the need for occasional leisure activities despite financial constraints.

The mental and emotional impact of this financial instability

cannot be overstated. The survey results show that 85% of students struggle to balance their income and expenses, with 90% admitting to feeling “very stressed” or “somewhat stressed” about their financial situation. Many students expressed feelings of hopelessness and frustration.

One senior living offcampus shared their emotional burden: “I’m constantly stressed about money. My full-time job doesn’t cover rent, and I feel like I’m just treading water trying to pay bills. It’s hard to focus on school when you’re always worried about making ends meet.” Another student emphasized the strain of managing rising transportation costs: “Life is tough and too expensive. Even driving to campus feels like a luxury I can’t afford anymore.”

The financial realities of CSUSB students sharply contrast with the support available. The majority of students reported earning between $1,500 and $2,000 per month, primarily from part-time jobs or student loans. With expenses routinely exceeding these income levels, it is clear that students are caught in a cycle of debt and financial insecurity. In particular, off-campus students bear the heaviest burden, as

they face market-rate housing costs, parking costs, and the rising living expenses without substantial financial aid. The survey also highlights the disparity between student expenditures and current market prices. For example, CSUSB students are paying similar rates to the general population, with average rent in San Bernardino at $1,565, while students spend

$1,000 to over $2,000 monthly. Second, with a national average of $300 per month for groceries, students are trying to stay within this range but find it difficult due to inflation; third, Gas prices at $5.26 per gallon add significantly to students’ financial strain, leading many to cut back on other essentials.

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, it is essential that universities take steps to ensure that students have the resources they need to thrive. The future of higher education depends on our ability to address the financial challenges faced by students and create a more equitable and accessible learning environment for all. The truth is that CSUSB students are struggling under the weight of rising living costs, and the university needs to take steps to alleviate this burden. Students are calling for more financial aid options, increased subsidies for housing and transportation, and a cap on parking fees to reduce the financial strain. Without action, students risk not only their financial stability but their academic success. This could ultimately contribute to low enrollments as currently faced by the CSU systems.

As one student put it, “CSUSB is sometimes making it tougher on us. The increased parking costs and lack of affordable housing options make it hard to focus on our studies. We need more support.”

Rent prices have surged from $1,300 in 2019 to $1,565 in 2023, while students’ average income has only slightly increased, creating a growing gap between income and living expenses. In addition to rent, grocery prices have climbed steadily, with students now spending an average of $300 per month, which mirrors national averages. Gas prices, particularly in California, have had a significant impact, rising from $100 per month in 2019 to $200 per month by 2023.

By Issac Castillo Staff Writer

Ending Forced Labor

Is Proposition Six Focused on Reform?

As November approaches, so does another election year and with numerous propositions on the ballot the year should end with a lot of change. However, one proposition that stands out among the rest is Prop Six.

This proposition aims to abolish involuntary servitude as a punishment for prisoners. The proposition has the potential to reshape the prison system, labor programs and as a result affect the state budget and taxpayers.

The California constitution bans involuntary servitude except in the instance of punishment for crime. Involuntary servitude is forced labor. California has a rare opportunity to pass prop six which is a crucial step towards justice and ethical standards for all.

Prop six would amend

California’s constitution by removing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation ability to punish their inmates for not working. If inmates choose to work, they would be paid more and have the optional choice to attend activities and classes for time credit, which would reduce their sentences.

Many supporters of prop six have a myriad of reasons to vote yes. It restores human dignity, enhances public safety, and a reduction in recidivism.

California taxpayers pay $134,000 per year to incarcerate one person. Passing Prop Six would allow prisoners to focus on rehabilitation and learn practical skills that can help them adjust to post incarcerated life. Giving these prisoners the tools to change their ways can result in a drop in recidivism and a reduction in spending for re-incarceration.

A study conducted by the National Institute of Justice

found that inmates who voluntarily worked while in prison were more likely to find work after their release. Less time in prison means more money that could go towards creating more mental health programs, increasing funds for education, and improving the well-being of California communities.

Prop Six helps make prisons and jails more focused on the rehabilitation process over the profits they receive from forced labor.

The LA Times has stated that about 40,000 of the state’s 90,000 inmates work in a variety of jobs. Prisoners make up one-third of the people in prison work. (cooking, cleaning, other tasks that help the prison run) Yet most prisoners earn less than $1 per hour. They also earn time credit, which reduces their sentences by small increments. If Prop Six is passed prisoners are more willing to work for these jobs for better pay, leading to

more functioning prisons.

This increase in minimum wage can also give prisoners opportunities to help their families, reduce the risk of homelessness post-incarceration, give them a sense of responsibility, and restitution for their crimes.

There are no opposers to this proposition, but there is skepticism on a few matters such as fiscal effects such increase or decrease in state and local costs and California pandering to criminals.

First, the uncertainty regarding cost is simply based on how Prop Six would change the ruling around work in state prisons and local jails, plus how people would respond to the changes. If prisoners are willingly working or taking steps to rehabilitate, they are more likely to be released, saving 134,000 per inmate yearly. The goal of prisons is to re-educate criminals into model citizens and to reduce the chances of them

being reoffended. This also helps enhance public safety as reduced recidivism leads to less crime overall.

Anything costs something, why not invest in improving the people that need help?

This proposition gives prisoners more freedom of choice and equality within a system that has historically benefited from forced labor. Prop six has bipartisan support, was unanimously passed to be on the ballot this year and has a plethora of positives with minimal skepticism.

A yes vote on Proposition Six is a vote that changes history, it officially abolishes any form or wording of slavery in California. Other states have passed similar bills such as Vermont, Oregon, Colorado, and four other states.

A yes vote on this proposition ensures that all, even those deemed as criminals, have equal opportunity to provide, learn, and survive.

‘State Prisoners Working’ Picture Credit: Rusty Clarke

Music’s impact on the classroom

By Ashley Mejia Staff Writer

The average human attention span has decreased from two and a half minutes to 47 seconds over the past two decades, according to Dr. Gloria Marks. It is imperative to take into consideration post-pandemic effects and the impact of digital media on students’ performance in school. As a result of this and the return to an in-person setting, students are no longer able to stay focused and engaged in their studies. Teachers: Is it possible to integrate effective yet productive strategies into the classroom without compromising students’ work? Implementing music in the classroom creates a positive environment and improves students’ ability to be engaged with Teachers. Teachers integrating music in their classrooms can improve their ability to collaborate with other students. Students have experienced many mental health concerns over the years postCOVID. As students have been reintegrated into the classroom,

they have shown difficulties communicating with their peers and feel less engaged with the material. According to the Pew Research Center, “48% of Teachers say that the academic performance of most students at their school is fair or poor; a third say it’s good and only 17% say it’s excellent or very good” (Lin, Parker, Menasce Horowitz, 2024). Teachers who have implemented the strategy of allowing students to play music at the beginning of class have seen a change in the environment, they have seen a change in the engagement of students but also opportunities for conversation in the class about the chosen songs to be played.

The use of music as a tool for academic instruction is another method that is being seen. The practice of multimodal learning involves using sensory channels to connect with brain functions and information retention. Teachers who have explored implementing music into their classrooms have seen an extreme change, according to Decades of Research. students who have linked music with

their education can intake information faster. Practices like watching a personalized music video about the subject itself or creating group projects that include their songs can not only stimulate a positive interaction but also improve their learning experience. Using this method, the attention span of students can increase and change the academic performance of students.

On the other hand, others say that music shouldn’t be included as a strategy in the classroom environment. Having music can be distracting to students and they will pay more attention to that than the education itself. Having to take into account the type of music being played can play a role in a student’s performance. This can create a more complex problem with having music and other tasks at the same time it can cause the opposite of the Teacher’s intentions. According to Professor Emeritus Glenn Schellenberg, music with lyrics or a certain volume became distracting and created a harder chance for students to absorb information. Considering

this, it is possible to change the way music is used in the classrooms. Teachers can slowly bring music into their environments, where students don’t feel rushed or overloaded with the workload and topics. It can create a positive connection with music instead of it being another list of more things to do in school. Another change is simply allowing teachers to find ways to use music that not only has a calming tone but also is connected with the topics themselves. Such as “Joan of Arc” by Arcade Fire or even “The Planet Song” by

KidsLearningTube are some concepts that solve these concerns with music.

Consider adopting music into your classroom and experience the impact it can create. It can foster a more positive atmosphere for students to study and connect education with entertainment. Having that connection can also create a better relationship with students and allow them to improve academically in class. Overall there is no harm in attempting to try out this strategy gradually into your teaching style.

Why Playstation shouldn’t sit on their laurels given their dominance in the console market place

By Nicholas Cordoba Alvarado Staff Writer

The 7th generational launch of consoles such as the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360, and the PlayStation 3, led to the establishing of some of the most iconic titles/franchises that remain staples in the gaming culture to this day. Specifically, when it comes down to the two biggest contributors leading to what called the “Console Wars” back then, Sony and Microsoft.

With critically acclaimed games coming from both studios such as the Halo and Ratchet & Clank series continuing on the newer systems of back then, to new franchises becoming mainstays such Xbox’s Gears of War, Forza, and Fable. While Sony hit it home with LittleBigPlanet, Uncharted, InFamous, and Resistance. Due to this competition between these two specific companies, gamers benefitted overall as both companies tried every innovative and narrative tactic with each of

their exclusive console games to garner more sales towards their respective consoles. Each console sold amazingly with their sales, according to VGChartz.com, they reported that the Xbox 360 sold approximately 85.73 million Xbox 360 units globally while the PlayStation 3 console only outsold in its last years of its active cycle marginally with total lifetime sales of 87.4 million units.

With the unfortunate blunders in the console marketing for the Xbox One following the Xbox 360, Sony with their release of the PlayStation 4 outsold the newer Xbox. The Xbox One sold only 51 million units, with the PlayStation 4 outselling it 2.3 to 1 with 117.2 million units sold overall. Now in the 9th generation of consoles, the PlayStation 5 in the middle of its cycle is outselling both the Xbox Series X and S 3.1 to 1 with selling an approximate 61.7 million units in comparison to the Xbox Series X/S’s approximate 20 million.

With PlayStation now

holding a strong dominance in the console market, as a company they have chosen to drastically change their market model in a way that started to negatively impact their image. Instead of releasing major titles yearly, they have relied on the high marketability of fewer titles such as God of War: Ragnarök, The Last of Us: Part II, and the Horizon series (Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West). Given how far and few these games have felt during each of their releases, long-time fans of PlayStation, such as myself, feel short changed given how many games PlayStation released during the heyday of the PlayStation 2, 3, and although not as much: the PlayStation 4 too.

With PlayStation now trying to penetrate other markets, they have chosen to go back and port past exclusives to the biggest online storefront for games on PC, Steam. Such games once again being, Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War (2018), and The Last of Us: Part I, giving the potential impression that they aren’t

necessarily focusing on their primary customer base.

PlayStation choosing to change how they operate as a company with their dominance, leaves many to wonder if this new generation of consoles are worth purchasing to begin with. They have such a vast array of franchises up their sleeve that if developed with the same level of passion as their predecessors, would sell incredibly well.

Many are yearning for a new InFamous title since the last release of its third installment on the PlayStation 4, InFamous: Second Son. The same instance applies towards the rest of their franchises that have already been mentioned above. Almost a cult classic, yet it would sell tremendously, would be a new installment in the Sly Cooper series.

With so many titles, franchises, or IP’s in Sony’s arsenal, it begs the question as to why they aren’t doing more with them as a company. Maybe another “Console War” would be the kick that Sony needs to finally listen to their loyal customers.

Illustration by Ashley Mejia.

Cultural Showcase: RAFFMA’s Stunning Presentation of New and Returning Exhibits

By Issac Castillo Staff Writer

As a new semester at California State University of San Bernardino begins, the Robert and Frances Museum of Art (RAFFMA) opens its doors to two new and one returning exhibit. These exhibits offer visitors an opportunity to witness a variety of historical, traditional, and modern art.

The exhibits offer three unique types of art to explore. The first of the new exhibits is the “Korean Craft,” which is a blend of traditional and modern crafts such as furniture, clothing, tapestry, paintings, and ceramics. This body of work is not only immersive to Korean heritage but highlights themes such as order, tranquility, and beauty.

The traditional side of this exhibit highlights the Joseon dynasty which influenced Korean culture for five hundred years. Among these pieces is a Folding Screen with Scholar’s Accoutrements painted by Jeon Youngja around the 20th century. These beautiful paintings were originally a style of royal paintings but found their way into folk painting, displaying the simplistic items during the Joseon dynasty.

The contemporary aspect of the exhibit is a contrast of the traditional methods used, but with an appreciation of historical context and culture. The White Porcelain jar crafted by leading contemporary ceramic artist Choi Ji-man in 2020 is a prime

highlight that presents a moon jar, which is meant to resemble a full moon, but expresses Korean beauty and sentiment through the emphasis on the color white.

I spoke with Merry Scully, Director of the RAFFMA, who elaborated on the significance of this exhibit, “Not only does the exhibit provide historical context to a large part of Korean culture, but it is the attention to details. From the lines in the ceramic to the material used to make the clothing, and paintings, all these pieces from this exhibit are rich with stories and history.”

The other exhibit “Multiculturalism and Belonging Reception” is a collaborative effort from our very own CSUSB, and the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art (CICA) in Gimpo, Korea. The goal of this exhibit is to highlight artists from different regions of the world expressing their “self” and heritage through paintings, photography, and visual art.

A highlight of this exhibit is the various artists that are from regions such as Puerto Rico, El Salvador, China, and other countries. In some of those illustrations they present meals of their respective regions that hold memories and highlight a part of their identity.

Speaking with Ashley Serrano, the Marketing, Membership, and Engagement coordinator, who mentioned the importance of these kinds of collaborative exhibits. She stated, “I think the beauty of RAFFMA is that we can present a vast variety of culture to our students and the public. Both of our new exhibits display the power of collaboration, whether through tradition to contemporary or through culture collaboration, it really highlights the significance of the collection being presented.”

The returning exhibit is the “Journey to the Beyond: Ancient Egyptians in the Pursuit of Eternity.” This exhibit is on loan from Dr. Benson Harer, and it displays the eternal existence of ancient Egyptian relics. The sheer amount of history in that exhibit is massive, such as a piece of the Coffin of Tadiusir, a beautiful and at times intimidating piece of history. This exhibit also has an interactive screen that helps present the information in a modern way.

Speaking with Erika Kelley, RAFFMA’s visitor services and administrative support

coordinator, who also has a degree in history focusing on Egyptian history. She spoke a bit on the significance of preserving exhibits such as this one, “The vast collection in this exhibit carries three thousand years of history. To have such a collection here at CSUSB is amazing and I think at least everyone should see it once.” Miss Kelley spoke highly of all the exhibits but felt connected to the Journey to the Beyond due to her academia in Egyptian history. Finally, I spoke with Matthew Vinson, a staff member at the RAFFMA, and a graphic designer for the Coyote Chronicle. What I learned through our conversation is that Mr. Vinson helped develop the interactive menu that helps visually explain the exhibits in detail. When I asked him what brought him to work here it was

simple, “I enjoy the atmosphere and the art around. Given my experience in graphic design I appreciate the efforts it takes to create something.”

All these beautiful exhibits are available at the RAFFMA located on the CSUSB campus in Visual Arts building room 105. Their public hours are Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. the museum is closed on Friday and Sunday.

All the Staff at RAFFMA is wonderful and helpful for any needs regarding the past, present and future exhibits. You can reach any information needed via cell at (909) 537-7373 or their official RAFFMA website where you can find upcoming events.

Lid from Anthropoid Coffin of Tadiusir – Dynasties 25-26. 712-525 BCE

Folding Screen with Scholars Accoutrements painted by Jeon Youngja, 20th century

Voices of Resilience

Advocates Call for Justice in Violence Against Women

By Janeth Cisneros Staff Writer

Claudia Ochoa started working with survivors from previous positions at the Arrowhead Regional Hospital where she filed incident reports related to domestic violence and later at the District Attorney’s Office for San Bernardino County as a job clerk before moving to advocacy work.

Arlinda Wilson started as a volunteer at a rape crisis center before being hired, where she closely worked with survivors, from hotline calls to accompanying survivors to forensic exams and law enforcement. Both advocates call for change and partnership to bring resilience against violence towards women.

Q: Could you share challenges you’ve both faced in this line of work in supporting survivors and advocating in this community?

Arlinda: The biggest challenge is a lot of laws haven’t caught up to victimization. There’s tons of loopholes within the criminal justice system that haven’t caught up to what’s happening. Processes within the criminal justice system or court systems are re-victimizing. Lack of education within certain departments not understanding what it means to be traumareformed and trauma-responsive is a huge issue too. There’s so much red tape, you go as far as budget. There’s not enough funding and it takes the most vulnerable survivors to speak on how not having the proper funding is going to affect them and why they need this funding. It should never be the situation where a survivor has to reopen

their wounds and beg for this money to be in place because the need is there.

An interview with Claudia Ochoa & Arlinda Wilson

they’re hard to prove. You can show a judge notes from a therapist based on what they were told by the victim. Because there’s no physical evidence law

of physical proof that you have the text message or something. It doesn’t go far and stalking is why I said that one. Stalking is super hard to prove because it

Q: Do you think there’s a form of violence that’s often overlooked by the community or the criminal justice system?

Both: One-hundred percent stalking.

Arlinda: There’s abusive behavior for every one of those things. There’s financial abuse and all the emotional abuse. When talking about those violent behaviors, those are seen, well, there was no rape or physical harm, and everyone seems to focus on the physical harm. It doesn’t take into consideration the emotional harm and stalking feeds into the emotional harm because it becomes an emotional burden.

Claudia: It’s the emotional and psychological abuse because

enforcement loves to have, they dismiss cases that are made up of emotional and psychological abuse.

Q: Did you [Claudia] see that a lot in the DA’s office?

Claudia: Many times, those types of cases would be filed, from my experience, and I haven’t worked there in a long time. They would be filed as misdemeanors or batteries because there would be some bruising, you know, lesser physical injury, but if there were no injuries, I never saw one that was filed without physical injury. I don’t know Arlinda if you did.

Arlinda: It’s typically what you can prove. If there’s no injury, there’s no proper documentation or some kind

requires a ton of documentation because you can’t really prove it unless you’re screenshotting text– it’s a lot of work. I’ve seen it a lot in the court system– a lot, it’s quite frustrating actually.

Q: Are there prevention tactics that limit the ability to provide awareness or education to women?

Both: Absolutely.

Arlinda: I would go to schools a lot to do training and there was always this limitation where you couldn’t use certain words. The presentation had to be labeled a certain way because they didn’t want certain topics brought into the school. If I were talking about, let’s just say, healthy relationships, I would have to label it as

bullying. There’s these things where you’re restricting these conversations and you make them uncomfortable when they shouldn’t be uncomfortable conversations. They should actually set up to be empowering because you are teaching these younger generations what healthy relationships look like and what boundaries are, what consent looks like, so there’s a lot of limitations going into those schools.

Story continues on page 10

Claudia Ochoa, Campus Survivor Advocate, and Arlinda Wilson, Survivor Specialist at CSUSB Survivor Advocacy Services (SAS), discuss the emotional abuse women face and the challenges posed by law enforcement’s lack of responsiveness to advocates and survivors.

Photo by Janeth Cisneros.

Plants Could Be the Remedy to Your Depression

By Amari Cotton Staff Writer

The grocery store has always been a convenient means of buying quick and easy food with options like bagged salad and pizza rolls. Wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle is easier than most people anticipate. In recent years there has been a subtle movement towards a greener lifestyle that is not only good for the earth but the overall health of humanity for generations to come. While maintaining a garden is not on everyone’s to-do list, doing so could increase the quality of a person’s life in more ways than saving money. Growing plants, especially ones you can eat, is the perfect way to catch up with life and destress in a way that contributes to the health of the planet and your health. There have been 6 outbreak cases confirmed by the FDA and 2 by the CDC including Listeria, Salmonella, and E. Coli. as of 2024. These bacteria contaminate the food and cause foodborne illnesses like food poisoning, Listeriosis, and other infections contracted through digestion of the contaminated food. These illnesses can be life-threatening and cause death depending on the severity of the case. The outbreaks have caused grocery stores nationwide to recall products said to have been contaminated and responsible for several hospitalizations. What else can you do when your go-to option

is no longer safe for people who need more time or resources to find a locally sourced means of buying food? The answer is to start a garden! By starting a

easy to start with houseplants or low-maintenance herbs like mint to begin your journey, you can even pick up a new plant friend at the store.

CAD 6990.30 (USD 5162.42). In his research, he notes that if he had bought all of what he had grown it would have cost CAD 6350.38 (USD 4689.83)

can decrease stress levels and improve your well-being in seconds.

small garden you not only gain control over what you eat, you can also control every aspect of your plant’s life which takes away the fear of ethics on how your vegetation is grown. You can grow more plants than just vegetables too, especially if you are someone who needs more space for rows of plants or even the time to manage the needs of growing plants in bulk. It is

In a study conducted by “My Boreal Homestead Life” a man by the name of Darrell set out on a mission to grow his food from scratch to see if it would make a difference in his life. In 2023 he set up a “5000 sq ft. in-ground main crop garden” and “...three 4X8 raised beds” which in six months became “2330.01 pounds” (Darrell 2024) of food valued at

saving him

CAD 639.92. On a smaller scale growing your produce can do more than save you money. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Working in the garden restores dexterity and strength.” (NIH 2018) which contributes to an overall more mobile lifestyle. Mentally speaking, a study conducted in Japan found that “...viewing plants altered

EEG recording and reduced stress. Fear, anger, and sadness, as well as reducing blood pressure, pulse rate, and muscle tension” (NIH 2018) in those who participated by spending an allotted amount of time with plants. Flora plays the largest role in the fate of humanity by producing the oxygen we need to survive. More than half of the oxygen on earth is produced by “Plankton - defeating plants, algae, and some bacteria that can photosynthesize.” (National Ocean Service 2024) meanwhile the remaining oxygen comes from non-aquatic photosynthesizing plants. The overall health benefits outweigh the cost of establishing a plant and can make for a meaningful break from your routine. Plants have done a lot for humanity’s existence. Without them, we would not have clean air, animals, and beautiful monuments to enjoy like the Amazon forest. While it can be tricky to develop a green thumb, it is worthwhile to try your hand at fostering the life of a plant or considering a new hobby of gardening. Through growing plants, you can bring family and friends together to enjoy the fruits or vegetables of your labor which adds an extra layer of gratitude to a life that seems to be unforgiving. Taking care of a garden or one small houseplant can make all the difference in a person’s well-being or health. By taking care of Earth we can allow our planet to care for us in the ways that it was built to while maintaining and enjoying the natural cycle of a plant’s life.

Voices of Resilience cont.

Q: Do you think law enforcement does a good job of addressing violence against women in our community?

Arlinda: They’re not open to the change. They’re stuck in the same mindset. The lack of being open-minded to understanding violence doesn’t have to be physical violence– being informed enough to know these other experiences are just as dangerous. It’s a lack of willingness to change some of the norms and procedures in place. When I was at the rape-crisis center, we were going

into law enforcement to bring educational training, and it’s very much trauma-informed care, trauma-responsive care; ways you can use trauma-informed techniques when interviewing. They were so closed off to it. They wouldn’t let us in, at all. It was– ‘we don’t need it’, so the lack of willingness to say ‘Hey, maybe there are perspectives we should maybe be open-minded to’ or ‘Maybe there are ways that we can change our techniques’ or ‘Maybe allowing advocates to be in’ because believe it or not having an advocate present during those interview processes

is beneficial to them because survivors are more willing to cooperate. Law enforcement is so closed– many times I went, I had to fight and say, ‘Hey, this is the penal code that says I can be here’. The fight is unnecessary.

Claudia: Almost seen as if we’re there to intervene and check up on them. We’re just there to provide emotional support for the victims and there’s not enough traumaresponsive environment within law enforcement. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a long time to change that culture.

Arlinda: There’s a lack of willingness for community partnerships. They keep everything very much within law enforcement and it’s just law enforcement that deals with it. There’s a lack of understanding on how powerful we can be as a community if we expand our partnerships and work together. There’s a huge disconnect.

Q: Lastly, what’s a message you’d both like to share about what your organization strives for and the awareness of violence against women?

Arlinda: I would say a call for action. For every event you speak or any type of awareness you bring, there should be a call of action to make it appropriate.

Claudia: As far as I would want the readers to know about our organization, we’re here to support individuals and empower them to make decisions for themselves and to support what’s best for them.

Seeing pictures of plants or spending time around them

(Captured by Amari Cotton)

CSUSB

“Students Success” or Squeezing Their Pockets Dry? cont.

One of the most contentious questions raised at the forum, which went unanswered, involved the possibility of partial furloughs for Management Personnel Plan (MPP) employees. Many MPPs, who earn substantially more than other university employees, continue to receive pay increases while lower-paid staff face layoffs or have their positions eliminated. As a faculty member bluntly asked, “Where is the humanity in the current strategy for spending reductions?” The question reflected widespread frustration over the fact that the highest earners in the administration appear insulated from the financial crisis, while staff essential to student support and success bear the brunt of cuts.

“Many MPPs have gigantic salaries,” the faculty member stated, “and our lowest-paid staff colleagues can barely survive on what they get paid following years of inflation. These are the people whose jobs are being cut.”

No Answers, Just Smirks

Another flashpoint during the forum occurred when President Morales appeared to dismiss another student’s question with what many interpreted as a condescending response. Faculty and students expressed deep dissatisfaction with his demeanor, noting that he appeared to smirk as tough questions were posed, further deepening the divide between the administration and the

campus community.

“Please tell President Morales not to talk to our students like they are worthless and stupid,” one questioner demanded, underscoring the growing rift between university leadership and the very people they are supposed to serve.

In another blistering critique, faculty questioned why the university and the California State University (CSU) system as a whole failed to plan for this financial downturn, despite longstanding demographic trends that predicted declining enrollment. With the CSU system holding approximately $11 billion in liquidity and investments, critics have asked why more of these funds aren’t being used to mitigate the impact of declining enrollment and reduced state funding. “Why does the campus not have a ‘rainy day’ fund?” one faculty member asked, pointing out the glaring absence of financial foresight in the face of predictable challenges.

Perhaps the most emblematic issue of the administration’s tone-deaf approach is the costly renovation of the campus lawn, scheduled to take place from October 22 to November 24, 2024. The administration’s decision to move forward with the renovation project (described in an official email as an effort to “enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of our campus”) has been met with incredulity.

Another student, Allie,

commented on the renovation of the lawn and questioned whether campus beautification was more important than student competency and education, to which President Morales tip-toed around the matter with his response. “I think that it’s not a yes or no–it’s not a choice. I think that we have to maintain the campus, that’s really important, and we have to support our students,” he stated.

“How do we have money to ‘renovate’ the lawns while essential student services and staff positions are being cut?” asked Prof. Matthew Poole, a faculty member in the

Department of Communication Studies. Prof. Poole’s question, dripping with sarcasm, suggested that students should include the “wonderful aesthetic and ecological value” of the campus lawn on their resumés when applying for jobs.

To add insult to injury, some faculty pointed out that the decision to keep a traditional lawn in a desert climate like San Bernardino’s is not only fiscally irresponsible but also ecologically indefensible. Suggestions to install artificial grass, which would save money on water and maintenance, have been ignored by the administration.

Adding to the frustrations, faculty and staff noted that no substantive information about the university’s financial situation was provided ahead of the open forum. This left many unable to prepare meaningful questions or participate in informed discussion, further alienating the campus community from its leadership.

“Faculty and staff members have been given no useful way to develop and prepare questions because we have all been effectively kept in the dark,” another email read. The decision not to share information ahead of the forum was described as a “serious error” by faculty, who are calling for greater transparency in future meetings.

As the university braces for continued budget cuts, the

campus community is left questioning the administration’s priorities. With essential staff positions on the chopping block, student services being reduced, and tuition rising, the sense of betrayal felt by many is palpable.

“Where is the leadership in all this?” asked one frustrated student after the forum. “We’re paying more, getting less, and the administration doesn’t seem to care.”

It also leaves students to wonder where they truly stand in between the chaos. Is their success actually important to the fabric of CSUSB or are they just another statistic the administration gets to use to prove they’ve “done something”? Time and time again students have felt that their concerns have fallen on the closed-ears of the administration and President Morales’ callous response is yet another reminder that maybe they, alongside faculty and staff, truly are alone in the fight for true success. In the end, the future remains uncertain for CSUSB. As the administration continues to push forward with controversial projects like the lawn renovation while slashing critical services, it is clear that the battle over the budget is far from over. For many on campus, the question remains: Is CSUSB prioritizing the right things at a time of crisis, or are they simply out of touch?

Provost Rafik Mohamed steps in to address unanswered questions during a candid and intense Budget Open Forum.

Photo by Prof. Greg Gondwe

Vice President of Human Resources and Co-Chief Diversity Officer Robin Phillips faces tough questions, defending her decision to allocate substantial funds for loan renovations despite a pressing budget deficit.

Photo by Prof. Greg Gondwe

CSUSB Men’s Soccer Battles to 1-1 Draw with No. 2 Cal State Los Angeles

By Ariana Chavarria Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.

Cal State Los Angeles opened the scoring in the 36th minute, with Oscar Warne netting the first goal of the game. The Coyotes responded in the second half when senior Hunter George (Mission Viejo, Calif.) earned a penalty with a dynamic run down the right side.

Senior Brian Castillo (North Hollywood, Calif.) calmly converted the spot-kick, sending his CCAA-leading 10th goal of the season into the bottom right corner, leveling the match at 1-1. The drama intensified in the 86th minute when Cal State LA

half. However, Dominguez Hills responded with a penalty of their own in the second half, leveling the score and ensuring a competitive finish. The women’s team, now 3-3-5 on the season and 2-1-2 in conference play, continues to push forward as the season heats up.

pivotal role, making three crucial saves to help secure the result.

The Coyotes will now hit the road to face Stanislaus State on Friday evening, with kickoff set

The Coyotes showcased their fighting spirit... “ “

appeared to score a game-winner, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call, allowing CSUSB to hold on for the draw.

Senior goalkeeper Aiden Hanes (Riverside, Calif.) played a

for 7 p.m. as they continue their CCAA campaign.

Previous Matches: Thrills and High Drama at Dignity

Health Sports Park

Earlier in the week, CSUSB

men’s soccer team had another nail-biting 3-3 draw with Cal State Dominguez Hills at Dignity Health Sports Park, home of the LA Galaxy. The Coyotes showcased their fighting spirit, scoring early with goals from Hunter George and Brian Castillo, including a sensational long-range effort from Castillo. Despite leading 2-0 at one point, CSUSB saw Dominguez Hills fight back to equalize just before halftime. George’s second goal in the 56th minute gave the Coyotes hope, but a late equalizer by the Toros in the 81st minute secured the 3-3 final score.

The CSUSB women’s soccer team also played out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Cal State

Dominguez Hills on Thursday evening. Junior Emma Frausto (Ontario, Calif.) opened the scoring for the Coyotes with a penalty kick late in the first

As Homecoming Week approaches, CSUSB athletes are riding the momentum of these intense matchups. The entire campus is gearing up for a week of pride, festivities, and sporting events, culminating in the Homecoming Bash on October 26. With mixers, campus tours, and a highly anticipated women’s volleyball game, the Coyotes are ready to celebrate their rich history and future achievements with students, alumni, and the local community. For now, the spotlight remains on CSUSB’s soccer teams, whose resilience and teamwork continue to shine as they head into the second half of the season.

With Homecoming Week festivities just around the corner, the Coyotes will now hit the road to face Stanislaus State on Friday evening, looking to build on their momentum.

Photo Credit: Ariana Chavarria