Coyote Chronicle: VOL. 71, ISSUE 9

Can ChatGPT be used responsibly?

Women’s History Month: The Road to Gender Equality

By Amorie Gilliam Staff Reporter

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and recognize their impact on society. This month-long celebration is an important reminder of the vital role that women have played in shaping our world, from the suffragettes who fought for the right to vote to the trailblazing women of today who are breaking barriers in fields such as politics, business, and science.

The history of Women’s History Month dates back to 1980 when President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. This week was chosen to coincide with International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated since the early 1900s. In 1987, Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month, and it has been observed every year since.

Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women throughout history and

the present day. It’s a time to acknowledge the struggles and challenges that women have faced in the past and continue to face today. It’s also a time to celebrate the progress that has been made and to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.

One of the most significant accomplishments of women throughout history is their fight for the right to vote. The suffragettes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries faced significant obstacles as they fought for women’s suffrage. They were ridiculed, arrested, and even force-fed when they went on hunger strikes in prison. But their tireless efforts paid off when the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, giving women the right to vote.

Women’s contributions to society are not limited to politics, however. Women have played a crucial role in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), often in the face of significant obstacles. For example, Rosalind Franklin was a chemist who made significant contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA, but her work was largely unrecognized during her lifetime. Similarly, Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations helped put astronauts into space, but she faced discrimination and segregation as a Black woman in the 1960s.

In recent years, women have made significant strides in fields such as politics and business. Kamala Harris made

history when she was elected as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President of the United States. Women such as Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, and Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox, have broken through glass ceilings in the corporate world.

Despite these achievements, there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality. Women continue to face discrimination in the workplace, the pay gap between men and women persists, and women are still underrepresented in leadership roles in many fields. Women of color, in particular, face even greater barriers to success due to systemic racism and sexism.

Women’s History Month is

a reminder that the struggle for gender equality is ongoing. It’s a time to reflect on the progress that has been made and to recognize the contributions of women throughout history. It’s also a time to look forward and to continue working towards a more just and equitable society.

In honor of Women’s History Month, many organizations and institutions host events and activities to celebrate and educate the public about the contributions of women. For example, the National Women’s History Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting women’s history, hosts an annual Women Making History Awards event to recognize women who are making a difference in their communities.

Marching Towards Equality: Celebrating Women’s History Month and the Trailblazing Women Who Paved the Way for Gender Equality

(Photo Credits to USA Today)

Contributors

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Copy Editors

Celeste Santarrosa

Alyse Deatherage

Denise Santana

Alexis Corine McGowan

Stevi Montes

Graphic Designers

Matthew Vinson

John Gray

Sports Editor

Media Manager

Web Tech Manager

Faculty Advisor

CSUSB advocates for students in its police force amidst staff shortages

Yadira Pinedo

Samantha Vasquez

Dimpul Nallagatla

Gregory Gondwe

Gregory.Gondwe@csusb.edu

Department of Communications Studies

commstudies@csusb.edu

Staff Writers

Samantha Vasquez, Cassandra Moreno, Ariana Cervera, Ruben Velazquez, Warren Flowers, Eric Navarro, Kolbie McQueen, Caitlyn Kautzman, Olivia Ramsey, Ahily Pichardo, Angel Reyes, Robert Brawley, Avrie Mccumber, Rigoberto Aguilar, Alyssa Panduro, Rowan Shultz, Jesse Vargaj, Marlee Nunley, Windy Wickramaratne, Camilla De La Fuente, Gabriela Lopez, Haylie Spargo, Angelique Moreno, Alec Escarcega

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.

By Coyote Chronicle Staff Reporter enforcement.

California State University, San Bernardino, has partnered with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice to recruit its own students to join the university police force. The move was prompted by staff shortages due to the high attrition rate in law enforcement and a dwindling pool of candidates.

The first two students to join the department under the new partnership are Raudel Garcia-Reynoso and Victor Rodriguez, both of whom have recently graduated from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy. They are also CSUSB alumni, having previously worked as community service officers on campus while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.

Garcia-Reynoso, who was born and raised in San Bernardino, and Rodriguez, who grew up in Whittier, will now be joining the university police department. They were among the sheriff’s deputy and police cadets at the graduation ceremony for the 230th Session of the SBCO Sheriff’s Basic Academy, which was held at the Sunrise Church in Rialto on March 9.

John Guttierez, Lieutenant

of the University Police Department, praised both graduates for their “serviceoriented mindset” and described them as “outstanding individuals.” He also highlighted the benefits of the partnership with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

“This new career pathway helps the department recruit and build a diverse workforce that is reflective of the campus community, develops the culture of the organization, and allows us to hire the best and the brightest to serve in our community,” said Guttierez.

The partnership will enable the department to grow and maintain its ranks, and it is hoped that more CSUSB students will be encouraged to pursue a career in law enforcement as a result.

The university devotes itself to a focus on connecting its students’ majors to their chosen careers by bridging the gap in police recruitment and building a workforce that reflects the diversity of its campus community.

Garcia-Reynoso and Rodriguez are also part of the 80% of first-generation college students at CSUSB, highlighting the university’s commitment to widening participation in higher education by providing opportunities for its students to pursue a career in law

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a range of challenges for law enforcement agencies, including increased demand for their services and the need to adapt to new ways of working.

At the same time, police recruitment has been affected by a range of factors, including concerns over officer safety and the high levels of stress and burnout experienced by those working in the force.

By taking a proactive approach to recruitment, CSUSB is helping to address some of these challenges and provide a pathway for its students to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in law enforcement. With the support of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the university is well-placed to build a diverse and inclusive police force that can serve and protect the campus community.

Garcia-Reynoso and Rodriguez’s achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as to the support and encouragement provided by CSUSB and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. As they begin their careers in law enforcement, they will be making a valuable contribution to their community and helping to build a brighter future for all.

Victor Rodriguez (left) and Raudel Garcia-Reynoso (right), both CSUSB graduates, are the newest members of the university’s police force. Photo by Joe Gutierrez.

Can ChatGPT be used responsibly? A lesson from Dr. Gondwe’s classroom experiment.

By Coyote Chronicle Staff Reporter

The use of ChatGPT among student journalists in college media has sparked a heated debate about the role of technology in journalism and whether it threatens human agency. However, a recent classroom experiment conducted by Dr. Gregory Gondwe, a journalism professor and advisor to The Coyote Chronicle, the student newspaper at his university, sheds light on the responsible use of this technology and its benefits to

student journalists.

The experiment involved introducing ChatGPT to his students and training them in its responsible use. Dr. Gondwe asked the chatbot to write Valentine’s poem for his students, which left them amazed at its abilities. He then initiated them into its use and encouraged them to use it to write stories for this issue. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with students reporting that the chatbot had helped them to write better and more efficiently.

Continued

State of emergency declared in 13 California counties

working tirelessly to shovel snow off roofs to prevent similar situations from occurring.

The storms have caused damage beyond the collapse of roofs. Power lines have been damaged, and ruptured natural gas lines have caused fires to break out.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared states of emergency in thirteen counties hit hardest by the storm.

San Bernardino Fire Chief Dan Munsey has called for better preparation for severe blizzards, including the establishment of leases to allow for quick access to equipment and agreements to allow private contractors to come in. He expressed the need for better planning in the face of increasingly severe weather conditions.

By Cassandra Moreno Staff Writer

California governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency in thirteen counties as a snowstorm causes havoc, leaving communities cut off from essential resources.

California’s recent bout of winter storms has caused significant complications and hardships for residents living in Crestline and surrounding communities. The heavy rain and snowfall caused by the storms have resulted in collapsed roofs, power outages, and road closures.

While residents have been struggling to cope with the aftermath of the storms, they have also been showing incredible resilience and community spirit. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus assured residents that direct relief was on its way.

However, with the storm still ongoing, it was uncertain when this relief would arrive. In the meantime, residents have had to rely on themselves and their neighbors for support.

Carole Wolfe, a 73-year-old local, waited three hours in line for some items that were needed by a nearby resident with two

children.

Vanessa Totten, another Crestline resident, acknowledged the support and guidance of the county sheriff’s office but expressed concern that nobody cared about the plight of those living in the area. The snow has caused immense property damage, caving in roofs and blocking access to essential resources.

The weight of snow on a local grocery store’s roof caused its ceilings to collapse. However, the store continued to serve its community, providing free food and supplies to those waiting in line. Firefighters have been

The recent storms have been some of the worst to hit California in decades, with snowfall nearly twice the average amount for this time of year. The California Department of Water Resources noted that conditions like these have not been seen since 1983. On a positive note, half of California is no longer considered to be in a drought due to the recent storms.

Brian Ferguson, a spokesperson for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, acknowledged that the recent storms were yet another example of the challenges that California faces as a result of a changing climate. The state is always evolving to meet new

environmental challenges, but it seems that natural disasters just keep coming.

Despite the challenges, residents have been showing incredible community spirit in the face of adversity. As a community, they have been pressing forward and relying on each other for support. The recent storms have highlighted the resilience of California’s residents, and their determination to overcome whatever challenges come their way.

In the end, it is the spirit of Californians that will see them through these difficult times. While the storms have caused significant damage, they have also brought out the best in the state’s residents, who have shown remarkable strength and determination in the face of adversity. While the road ahead may be long, Californians are more than up to the challenge, and they will continue to support one another and overcome whatever obstacles come their way.

Crestline, CA — As piles of snow remain, nearby crews are doing their best to maintain roads for their community. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi)

Screenshot of ChatGPT writing Valentine’s poem for Dr. Gondwe’s classroom experiment.

By Ahily Pichardo Staff Writer

On March 8, California announced that it will no longer continue its 54 million-dollar contract due to differences in Abortion beliefs.

In a groundbreaking move, California has canceled its contract with Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the United States, over its recent ban on providing abortion medication services. The decision, which comes amidst a heated national debate on reproductive rights, has sparked outrage and praise from different quarters of the state.

The contract in question was related to a state program

called Medi-Cal, which provides low-income Californians with access to healthcare services. Walgreens was one of the providers that participated in the program. However, in November 2022, the company announced that it would no longer offer abortion services at its California locations, citing religious beliefs.

This decision prompted an immediate backlash from reproductive rights advocates, who accused Walgreens of putting ideology over healthcare.

“Walgreens’ decision is a blatant attack on the fundamental right to reproductive healthcare,” said Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “It is unacceptable that a company that benefits from public funds

would deny essential services to women in need.” California officials took notice of the controversy and launched an investigation into Walgreens’ participation in violated its contract, which

family planning and abortion.

“By refusing to provide abortion services, Walgreens is failing to meet its obligations under the Medi-Cal program,” said DHCS Director Will

that all Californians, regardless of their income or where they live, have access to the care they need.”

By Ruben Velazquez Staff Writer

Japan has long been a top destination for travelers around the world, offering a unique blend of ancient culture and modern technology, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. However, for the past year and a half, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for travelers to visit Japan, with strict restrictions and quarantine requirements in place. But with the easing of many of these restrictions this year, the experience of traveling to Japan has become accessible once again.

One primary change that has made traveling to Japan easier is the lifting of the 14-day quarantine requirement. Previously, all visitors to Japan were required to be quarantined for two weeks upon arrival, which made planning a trip to Japan difficult for many travelers. However, with the increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the use of negative test results as a requirement for entry, Japan has lifted this requirement. Now, visitors must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

Along with the lifting of quarantine requirements, there are also many affordable options for getting to Japan.

Zipair, a relatively new airline, offers budget-friendly flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo for as low as $300 round

trip. The airline has received positive reviews for its clean planes, friendly staff, and on-time arrivals.

Other airlines, such as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, also offer affordable options for getting to Japan.

Once in Japan, visitors can take advantage of the Japan Rail Pass, which allows for unlimited travel on most trains operated by Japan Railways. This pass is only available to foreign tourists and

preparation, especially in light of COVID-19.

The Visit Japan Web website provides helpful information for short-term travelers, including details on entry requirements, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine procedures. Before traveling to Japan, visitors must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result or provide proof of vaccination. Upon arrival in Japan, visitors must undergo a COVID-19 test and

distancing, and contact tracing.

As a result, Japan has had relatively low COVID-19 case numbers compared to other countries. However, the country has still been impacted by the pandemic, with many businesses struggling due to the lack of tourism.

Other countries have implemented much stricter travel restrictions, making it difficult or impossible for many people to travel.

Continued on pg. 6

California cancels contract with Walgreens over abortion ban Japan opens doors to tourists

Australians have been unable to travel overseas for more than a year, causing frustration and economic hardship for the tourism industry.

In contrast, Japan’s easing of restrictions has made it an attractive destination for travelers, with many visitors eager to explore the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Whether it’s visiting Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, soaking in a traditional hot spring in the countryside, or trying some of the world’s best sushi, there is something for everyone in Japan.

From budget-friendly flights to affordable train passes, there are plenty of options for travelers looking to explore this beautiful country.

While there are still some restrictions in place to ensure the safety of visitors and locals, Japan’s success in controlling the spread of COVID-19 has made it an attractive destination for those looking for a unique and memorable travel experience.

As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the ending pandemic, Japan’s approach to managing COVID-19 and its recent easing of travel restrictions serves as a hopeful example for those looking to explore the world once again.

can be purchased for one to three weeks. Prices start at around $200, making it an affordable possibility for those planning to travel around Japan.

Of course, traveling to Japan still requires some planning and

may be asked to quarantine if they test positive.

Japan’s approach to managing COVID-19 outbreaks has been cautious and sciencebased, with measures such as widespread mask-wearing, social

For example, Australia has had some of the toughest travel restrictions in the world, with a mandatory two-week quarantine for all arrivals and a cap on the number of international arrivals each week. As a result, many

With careful planning and preparation, travelers can now experience the beauty and wonder of Japan, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

By Ariana Cervera Staff Writer

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that helps individuals set financial goals, budget their finances, and avoid unnecessary debt. However, many people do not learn about financial literacy until they make financial mistakes and learn from their experiences.

To gain insight into financial literacy and its importance, we spoke to three experts: Susan Rose, Dr. Ezekiel Bonillas, and Francisco Burgos.

Susan Rose is the director of the Financial Services office at the California State University of San Bernardino, where they help students navigate the complexities of financial aid and student loans. Rose believes that younger people and regrets that

out a loan, how to apply for a lease or apartment, or how to buy a house. It’s a shame they don’t have that, but there are resources out there,” said Rose.

According to Annuity.org, only 23 U.S. states require high school students to take a personal finance course to graduate as of 2022. Only 25 states require students to enroll in an economics course to graduate.

This lack of education has led to millions of Americans taking out personal loans. Bankrate reports that about 25 million Americans have at least one personal loan and the average balance is $11,131.

Dr. Ezekiel Bonillas is a CSUSB alumnus who completed his Masters of Business Administration, in entrepreneurship.

By Coyote Chronicle Contributor Angel Reyes

On March 3, four U.S. citizens were kidnapped during a vacation stay in Mexico. On Monday, March 6, the U.S. embassy declared two of the Americans dead and two injured. There was also a fifth victim, a Mexican citizen killed at the scene of the kidnapping. There is still no clear group or cause behind the attack.

The two Americans killed were identified as Zindell Brown and Shaheed Woodard.

Brown was 28 years old and lived in Lake City, South Carolina. According to his sister, Zalandria Brown, Brown

Four American vacationers kidnapped in Mexico Financial literacy: the path to financial stability

sophomores at the Palm Desert Campus.

“I felt like I was talking to my 18-year-old self, what did I wish I knew then that I know now,” said Dr. Bonillas.

Annuity.org reports that in 2019, 60% of U.S. adults had credit card debt. The report also found that in 2021, Americans reported losing an average of $1,389 due to a lack of financial literacy.

“Debt is not bad and it’s not good, it’s just a matter of how you use it,” said Dr. Bonillas. “There is debt that you need to be able to acquire resources”.

Francisco Burgos is the coordinator for the CSUSB Financial Literacy and Wellness center. Burgos believes that teaching good money habits is essential for incoming students.

“I think it’s important to

good money habits. You want to be able to teach students to learn how to budget money so that it lasts as opposed to spending it all,” said Burgos.

The experts agree that financial literacy should be taught at a young age to help students prepare for the financial challenges that they will face in the future.

Rose suggests that financial literacy can be taught through the internet or a higher education school program.

“There’s financial literacy on the internet, and almost every higher education school has a program now. It’s trying to teach students the right way of going about this,” said Rose.

Dr. Bonillas advocates for creating finance courses for all students at CSUSB.

“I remember, man

senate to adopt a personal finance elective for students,” said Dr.Bonillas.

Annuity.org states that 41% of teens don’t know what a 401K is, and 32% of teens don’t know the difference between a credit card and a debit card. Burgos believes that creating a financial literacy week in high schools can help students.

“You also have to teach them what interest rates are. I tell students in high school that they don’t need a credit card, I would personally avoid it just because it’s very easy to swipe a credit card,” shared Burgos.

The importance of financial literacy can’t be overstated. It’s a crucial life skill that everyone needs. Financial literacy should be taught at a young age to help students prepare for the financial challenges that they will face in

Whether through the internet,

was a kind person who drove to Mexico with his childhood friends, one of whom was planning to get cosmetic surgery

and another planning to celebrate his birthday, according to The Sacramento Bee.

Guards stand watch in Mexico on the day in question. Photo Credits to NBC Montana.

Cont. on page --

Can ChatGPT be used responsibly? A lesson from Dr. Gondwe’s classroom experiment cont.

“At first I was worried about the Ai program being considered plagiarism. However, I remembered that the story was in my words so the Ai was going to generate from my ideas and words,” said Ariana Cervera, one of Dr. Gondwe’s students. “It’s a very impressive program and it helped my story. I just made sure that any outside resources were cited and in quotation marks.”

However, there were concerns about whether students were relying too much on the chatbot and whether it could be used to cheat or considered plagiarism.

“I was uneasy, it felt wrong putting in some ideas I had and then getting a whole article in response back,” said Gabriela Lopez, another student journalist. “I think for students in high school or middle school it could be a dangerous tool as it’ll be something they’ll rely on for writing assignments rather than learning to gain writing skills on their own.”

To address these concerns, Dr. Gondwe asked students to collect enough information through research on a story and then asked them to ask ChatGPT to use the information they had collected to write a newspaper story for them. The results were encouraging, with students who fed ChatGPT with adequate information reporting greater satisfaction with the output than

those who gave less.

This experiment shows that ChatGPT is not a threat to human agency in journalism. It is merely a tool that can help students write better and more efficiently. It operates on the demands of human agency, meaning its output is contingent upon what you give it. Thus, its responsible use is crucial in ensuring that it serves its

technology, but it is not a threat to human agency.

As one student from Zambia interviewed on television pointed out, educators are not afraid that students will rely entirely on encyclopedias or dictionaries for their assignments. Therefore, they should not be afraid that students will rely entirely on ChatGPT. It is up to educators to determine whether the content produced is written by a human or not.

intended purpose of helping students write better, not replace human agency.

The fears expressed by educators about ChatGPT are similar to those expressed when the internet was first introduced to the public or when newspapers migrated online. However, as Jack Ma, the Chinese billionaire, explains, the fears accompanying technological advancements are nothing more than the fears that our ancestors expressed about changes in the basketball rules. Similarly, the use of ChatGPT is a new form of engaging with

Technology is designed to help us with efficiency, not to take over human agency. The use of ChatGPT in college media and journalism is an example of how technology can help us work more efficiently and produce better work. Therefore, we should embrace it responsibly and use it to enhance our abilities as journalists and writers.

In conclusion, the use of ChatGPT among student journalists in college media is not a threat to human agency in journalism. It is a tool that can help students write better and more efficiently. Its responsible use is crucial in ensuring that it serves its intended purpose of helping students write better and not replacing human agency. As educators, we should embrace technology and use it to enhance our abilities as journalists and writers.

California cancels Walgreens contract cont.

On February 28, DHCS notified Walgreens of its decision to terminate the company’s contract with Medi-Cal, effective immediately. The move will affect over 400 Walgreens stores across the state, which will no longer be able to participate in the program or receive reimbursement for services provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Walgreens responded to the decision with disappointment and defiance, insisting that it had a right to uphold its religious beliefs. “We are deeply disappointed that California has chosen to punish us for exercising our First Amendment rights,” said Walgreens spokesperson Michael Polzin. “We will continue to stand by

our values and beliefs, even if it means losing business.”

The decision has been applauded by reproductive rights advocates and some politicians, who see it as a victory for women’s health and rights. “This is a historic moment for California and for the fight against the relentless attacks on reproductive healthcare,” said Governor Gavin Newsom in a statement. “We will not allow corporations to put their personal beliefs above the needs of our communities.”

However, the decision has also sparked criticism and concern from some quarters, particularly among religious groups and conservatives. “This is a blatant violation of religious freedom and a dangerous

precedent for other states,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a conservative advocacy group. “It is not the government’s role to dictate what services businesses must provide or what beliefs they must hold.”

The controversy is likely to continue to play out in the coming weeks and months as Walgreens and its supporters consider legal action and reproductive rights advocates celebrate a hard-fought victory. For many Californians, however, the decision is a reminder of the ongoing struggle to ensure that all individuals have access to the healthcare services they need, regardless of their income, beliefs, or geography.

Combatting the Continuing Climate Damage

By Olivia Ramsey Staff Writer

As the world enters the year 2023, climate change continues to be a pressing issue affecting the lives of millions of people and animals across the globe. With record-breaking temperatures, increasing sea levels, and extreme weather conditions becoming the norm, the consequences of this global crisis are becoming more evident each day.

According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Earth’s temperature is projected to rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the year 2040, and could even surpass 2°C by the end of this century. This increase in temperature has already resulted in a series of catastrophic events, such as the wildfires that ravaged California and Australia in recent

years, the deadly heat waves that swept across Europe and India, and the devastating floods that submerged parts of South Asia and the United States.

Experts warn that the consequences of climate change will only worsen in the coming years, with rising sea levels posing a significant threat to coastal cities and communities.

According to a study conducted by Climate Central, a non-profit organization that studies the impact of climate change on sea levels, more than 150 million people worldwide live in areas that are vulnerable to potential flooding by the year 2100 due to rising sea levels. New York City, for example, is expected to experience regular flooding by mid-century, with the potential to displace millions of people and cause billions of dollars in damage.

How-to Guide: Become a Brand Ambassador

By Haylie Spargo Staff Writer

College students can make extra money throughout their college experience while representing a specific brand of their choosing by taking specific steps to become brand ambassadors.

Social media is a pivotal part of many college students’ lives, especially in the digital world that we live in today. Many college students wonder, how can I make money through social media?

The answer to this question is simple: large brand companies constantly need marketing, and they look for brand ambassadors who can help promote their products or services.

What are the steps to becoming a brand ambassador? Where does a college student begin looking for brand ambassador opportunities?

The first step in understanding this process is to research a brand that you find the most passionate about. The importance of finding a brand that you enjoy, have experience with, have previously supported, or share common interests with is an essential step.

The next step after you choose a type of company that interests you is to verify if the company has an ambassador program. This can easily be done by looking online. Popular companies that offer ambassador program applications include Pura Vida Bracelets, Red Bull Student Marketeer Program, and Bucked Up.

Bucked Up, a workout brand, stated, “Join the team” and “submit your info below” on their website with recent photos of their ambassadors to make the process of becoming an

ambassador as simple as possible. Red Bull stated, “Kick-start your career!” and “Make the difference” to emphasize the impactfulness of their ambassador program. Pura Vida Bracelets labels their ambassador website as, “We want you in the #PuraVidaCrew” to spotlight how working as a team is important.

Being a busy college student and a brand ambassador can be challenging. So, it is important to ensure that you are ready to commit to the role. Some brands may require ambassadors to

post on social media several times per month or have other expectations. Therefore, it is important to speak with the owner of the small business or read the company’s expectations before applying. For example, Bucked Up expects “all BRAND AMBASSADORS are asked to post twice a month on your Instagram feed or Facebook timeline.”

Once a student becomes an ambassador, they must place themselves in the right mindset to be successful. Keeping a positive attitude and staying motivated and consistent can help the student navigate their role as an ambassador while balancing their studies.

The next crucial step of being a brand ambassador is knowing your audience and understanding how to target them effectively. This can be achieved by research and being up to date with the latest social media platforms. By creating exciting and eye-catching posts, stories, and pictures, ambassadors can show their best effort and increase visibility for the brand. Red Bull stated on its website, “Know your market, spot and set the trends” and “Build distribution. Ensure

visibility. Collect orders.” All of these tips can be used not just when being a brand ambassador for Red Bull but for any company.

The last step to take when being an ambassador is to make sure your account is set up correctly to get paid. Most brand ambassador programs only allow you to gain a certain percentage of the sales you create, usually done through people using your personal discount code.

Pura Vida mentions, “To make Ambassador payments as easy as possible, we pay Ambassador commissions via PayPal, a free service that’s super quick and easy to sign up for. To apply as an ambassador, you are required to have a Paypal to signup.” Financial obligations and taking the steps to get paid are important to remember when submitting your application.

Social media is a powerful tool that can be leveraged to help college students earn extra income through brand ambassadorship. With the right mindset and commitment, college students can balance their studies and ambassador roles to achieve success.

College students proudly represent Red Bull and are ready to advertise.

(Photo credits to Red Bull, jobs.redbull.com)

THE CLOWN IN ME LOVES YOU

ALYSE DEATHERAGE

By Managing Editor

The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art here at California State University, San Bernardino, is currently displaying “The Clown in Me Loves You,” an exhibition created by Katherine Gray and Nancy Callan that displays the excellent skills of blown glass work with other mixed media elements. Gray is the current department chair for the Department of Art and Design and a professor here at CSUSB. She is an expert glass blower with an emphasis on Venetian techniques of glass blowing. Likewise, Callan is also an expert glass blower. She studied under the maestro Lino Tagliapietra. According to Callan, Tagliapietra is considered one of the greatest glass blowers in the world. She worked with him for 19 years traveling around the world and helping him produce his intricate and technically challenging artworks.

The two met in Seattle and often worked together. They discovered that they had good chemistry when working together on projects and jobs and often asked one another for feedback or assistance with their own projects. After years of joking that they should collaborate one day, they finally began to seriously create a body of work together in 2015, and their exhibition “The Clown in Me Loves You” is the result. This eight-year-long collaboration originally stemmed from the inspiration of Venetian glass-blown clowns. “There also has been this history of glass clowns; sculpted, colorful glass clowns. I think the first ones were probably made sometime in the 1800s,” said Gray. The two found an affinity for clowns as a concept to revisit memories from their childhood and to examine the relationship between clowns and politics throughout history.

“You know, we were sharing a love for certain techniques and she brought to mind the Venetian clowns that used to be just beautifully made and so we started talking about them,” said Callan. “Kathy was like ‘I want to do something with these clowns’ and I replied, ‘That is so weird, I want to do it too.’”

One of the first works in the series was based on a paint-by-number painting that Callan holds dear due to childhood memories regarding paint-by-numbers.

“Nancy I’m sure will tell you that she had paint-by-number clowns in their living room when she was growing up. They were done by her grandfather,” said Gray. Callan additionally shared that her grandfather, who was a stone carver, was one of her first influences for art. Though she wasn’t aware that the paintings she had seen were paint-bynumbers, she was inspired by his “attention to detail” on even his simplest projects. Gray claimed that that was part of the beauty of paint-by-numbers, that anyone at any level of skill can often do them. They mimic the Venetian clowns according to Gray because the clowns were once made with very intricate glass-blowing techniques, but have devolved into a “more touristy, souvenir kind of thing, not so well made.” Yet, that was also something she admired in them.

“And that kind of circles back to what I was saying in the beginning about how clowns, original Venetian ones, were really exquisitely made, and then kind of devolved into not so great… [there] seems to be a corollary there between taking something super skilled and making it where you don’t need any skill at all to do it,” said Gray, referring to the accessibility of paint-by-number paintings. But paint-by-numbers have a wide array of meanings for the two artists, and they found beauty in all of the complexity mixed with simplicity. They wanted to take the skills they possessed, and some of the underlying themes that also relate to other pieces in the exhibit, and bring these together into something accessible to a wider audience.

“The panels that the paint-by-numbers are on are really technical and [require a] well-accomplished skill level; there’s a very subtle effect of the sort of monochromatic plaid patterns on there,” said Gray. “I can’t do that technique, and not very many glass blowers can do it like Nancy can.”

One piece that had a particularly heavy tone mixed with light-hearted clown accouterments was the piece “Thoughts and Prayers.” The piece features clear glass clown horns with a white crustiness to them that helps them to appear “ghostly,” according to Callan and Gray. The horns lie piled together on top of a platform that resembles the kind of pedestal base elephants would stand on during circus shows.

Callan stated that it was “one of the most powerful pieces in the show,” because of its relation to the end of the Ringling Brothers Circus and to the prominent mass shootings and political turmoil that occurred during the year it was created. The title holds a lot of power for both the two artists and for Americans today as mass shootings continue to be a prominent societal issue. Gray expressed that the horns being made out of glass, taking away their ability to make noise, was very representative of the pleas of Americans for better gun control and the absence of listeners to those pleas. Additionally, she stated that the piling of so many of these horns represented the many voices that together create a collective that has been ignored. This piece, and many others, allowed the two artists to express some of the emotional struggles they were going through during this time, and for Gray it allowed her to learn a new skill.

“I actually was doing something I’d never done before… this particular glass blowing technique that I’d seen a couple people do but had never tried it myself,” said Gray. Although she found that she struggled with this new technique initially, mastering it was a great accomplishment for Gray. “You know, I’ve been blowing glass for a long time; you sort of get a little apprehensive sometimes about trying something you’re not sure about how to do, because… you have this conception of yourself as being a really good glass blower and then when you try something and it fails and you’re like ‘oh my god.’ It’s like the rug is pulled out from underneath you,” said Gray. “But it was nice to realize ‘oh I can still learn new things and can do them well.’”

“Tell Us How You Really Feel,” which features two large horns facing one another with a soundtrack of crying emanating from one and laughing from the other, is another work with emotional undertones. Callan explained the historical significance clowns have played in political commentary, and this piece allowed Callan and Gray to use their own voices both metaphorically and literally, as the included audio is of their voices. “Clowns are just such a weird subject matter, but it turned out to be an incredible jumping off point for Kathy and I to work out issues that were coming up in politics and society,” said Callan. This piece was very technically difficult for Callan, but helped her realize that she doesn’t “like to compromise, even if it means doing a lot more work.”“[Making it] was a little stressful though. We had to use the thinnest gauge of silver leaf available, and it just flies away and I had to do several coats of it, but it was the only one that gave it that really mirrored look,” said Callan. “We could have gotten a different look with a thicker leaf, and it wouldn’t have been as difficult. But to me it was worth putting in the time to do that.” Though there is a presence of very heavy topics throughout the exhibit, the light-hearted colors, shapes, and overall clown theme of the pieces highlighted a positive counteraction to the show. The piece “Squirt” features a panel with blue and green flowing lines, an orange and white flower, and a droplet of water protruding from the panel, references a clown’s colorful attire and water-squirting flower. “The work is very frontal and two dimensional, but at the same time we wanted to have some elevated relief aspects to them to bring them into the room more and keep it kind of interactive,” said Gray.

Callan explained that “Squirt” came together quickly and it was an “organic” piece for them. She attributed this to the combination of Gray’s flower and water droplet that protrudes from the piece and Callan’s work on the panel behind it.

“I think it was just a true marriage of both of our skill sets and yeah, it’s just so abstract in a way, but also right to the point. It hits you right in the eye,” said Callan. The exhibit features a variety of pieces beyond the ones discussed that continue to marry the themes of lightheartedness with politics, history, and emotions of all sorts. The artists thanked several other individuals for their contributions to this exhibit, including Suzanne Head, Dorie Guthrie, Gene Broadgate, Becky Smith, and Callan’s partner Julia Ricketts. According to the artists, without these contributors, the exhibit would not be what it is today.

The exhibit is on display at the RAFFMA at CSUSB until April 8.

“I think one of the hardest things is that it’s coming down. We kind of struggled finding venues because of Covid too; everybody’s backed up,” said Callan. “I’m really glad that the show got to travel to the Fuller Museum, and some more folks got to see it.”

The trust and complementary skill between these two artists has led to a lasting friendship beyond this show and will lead to more collaborations in the future, according to Gray.

“We have this joke that we say to each other when we’re working in the hot shop, or when we were doing this show, we were always saying ‘It’s like working with myself,’” said Callan.

Inclusivity and Diversity: The Return of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

By Celeste Santarrosa Editor-in-Chief

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returns, but can it keep up with the times?

Fashion enthusiasts and casual viewers alike are eager to see what the iconic lingerie brand has in store for its audience. Although, they’re divided between those who stand behind Victoria’s Secret and those who believe it’s time for the brand to change.

For years, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a cultural phenomenon. Millions of viewers tuned in each year to watch the world’s most famous supermodels strut down the runway in extravagant lingerie, backed by chart-topping musical acts. It was an event that epitomized the glamorous and aspirational image that Victoria’s Secret had built its brand around.

But in recent years, the show has fallen out of favor with both consumers and critics. Many have criticized Victoria’s Secret for its narrow standards of beauty, lack of diversity, and objectification of women.

Despite these concerns, there are still plenty of people who are excited about the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. For some, the show represents a beloved tradition that they’re eager to see continue. For others, the controversy surrounding the brand has only made it more interesting.

In 2019, Victoria’s Secret announced that it was canceling its annual fashion

show. The decision was seen as a recognition of the changing cultural landscape and a necessary step towards modernizing the brand’s image. But now, after a four-year hiatus, the show is coming back – and the question on everyone’s mind is whether it can keep up with the times.

Victoria’s Secret has promised that the new iteration of the fashion show will be different from what audiences have seen in the past. But some are skeptical that these changes will be enough to bring the show in line with modern sensibilities.

“The fashion industry as a whole has shifted towards a more inclusive and bodypositive approach,” said Gabriela Lopez, a college student, and avid shopper. “It’s important to me that the brands I support

represent a range of different body types and skin tones. I want to see myself represented in their advertising.”

There had long been concerns over the show’s lack of diversity and inclusivity, particularly when compared to Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty shows, which have become known for their celebration of all body types, races, and identities.

The shift towards inclusivity has been driven by several factors, including changing societal attitudes toward beauty and the rise of social media influencers. Consumers are increasingly demanding that brands represent a more diverse range of body types and skin tones, and they are using their purchasing power to support brands that embrace inclusivity.

Since then, Victoria’s Secret

has been working to rebrand itself and address the criticisms leveled against it

“I’m curious to see what the new show will look like,” said Carolinne Marquez, a college student, and Victoria’s Secret fan. “I think it’s important to hold brands accountable for their actions, but I also don’t think that means we can’t enjoy their products or events.”

Victoria’s Secret will undoubtedly be hoping that there are enough people like Marquez and Lopez to make the show a success.

Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Lizzo recently dropped her newest and inclusive shapewear brand, Yitty, and tweeted on social media to comment on the news.

“This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake,” she

posted on Twitter. “But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash, then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again? Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money?”

As the brand continues to evolve and rebrand itself, it remains to be seen whether it will be able to fully address the concerns leveled against it.

It will be interesting to see how fashion brands continue to adapt to changing consumer attitudes. The shift towards inclusivity and body positivity is not just a passing trend – it’s a fundamental change in the way that consumers think about beauty and fashion.

The voice of Rick and Morty set to change forever

By Alyse Deatherage Managing Editor

You may not recognize the name Justin Roiland on its own, but you may recognize his popular characters Rick and Morty from the show Rick and Morty, both of whom he voices. He additionally voiced characters in and co-created the show Solar Opposites and executively produced the recent Hulu release Koala Man. However, Roiland has currently been removed as a voice actor for all of these shows and has cut ties with their distributors. Roiland currently faces a domestic violence charge from a Jane Doe. The woman involved is not currently

known, as Roiland has no public relationships and is not married. The charge was made in May

2020.

As quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, the felony complaint against Roiland charged him for “one count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud or deceit.”

The Hollywood Reporter also quoted the complaint stating that it alleges Roiland “did unlawfully violate the personal liberty of Jane Doe by violence, menace, fraud and deceit.”

In August of 2020 Roiland pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bond. The case has not ended with hearings still continuing to date.

On January 24, Roiland was removed from Rick and Morty

and Adult Swim cut their ties with Roiland completely. The same day, the gaming company co-founded by Roiland and inspired by the Rick and Morty television series, Squanch Games, received a resignation from Roiland.

After the felony complaint led to the removal of Roiland from these positions, multiple under-aged coworkers of Roilands publicly accused him via social media of grooming individuals for sexual relationships with him.

According to screenshots from Twitter, one minor was allegedly asked by Roiland: “Are you going to get Morty tattoo’d on your boob licking your nipple? If not you, then

who?” Another individual, found on Twitter by the name @ opposumopunk, detailed their experience with Roiland through screenshots they’d made on another account named Janna Waters.

Waters claimed that Roiland befriended them via text messaging for about three years and often included subtle hints towards wanting to have sex while Waters was still under aged. Waters also discussed Roiland specifically mentioning other women and hinting towards wanting a threesome with Waters.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret

Four American vacationers kidnapped in Mexico Cont.

Woodward was set to celebrate his 34th birthday, according to his father James Woodard. He was also attending the trip in support of his friend Latavia “Tay” McGee, one of the survivors of the kidnapping.

Along with McGee, the second survivor was Eric James Williams.

On Tuesday, March 7, Williams and McGee were escorted to an international bridge and returned to the U.S.

“McGee and Williams received medical treatment in Brownsville, Texas. Williams reportedly received a gunshot wound to the leg,” according to CBS.

Photos and videos have been used to identify what happened at the scene. Based on the evidence, it is assumed that a white minivan was shot at after crashing with a red SUV. Photos show men surrounding individuals with rifles as the individuals lie on the floor. In another video, two individuals were moved into the bed of a white pickup truck while two others lie on the floor, seemingly

unconscious. These videos and their events are presumed to be the incident involving the four Americans in Mexico.

At this time, no information has surfaced about who the assumed Mexican citizens are in this video, nor has any information surfaced regarding the owners of the vehicles or their whereabouts.

The American embassy in Mexico has declared that it is working with the FBI to identify the assailants. Individuals like Woodward’s father have called on the American government and President Biden to act on this issue, but have not made specific demands for what they would like to be done.

Mexico has remained relatively silent on topics other than condolences and matter-offact statements.

Vigils around the country have been held and continue to be held for the two Americans killed in Mexico. While the remaining two survivors recover from their physical and mental injuries from this incident, they have made no public statements yet.

With the two surviving Americans home, individuals

are looking to the Mexican President for answers as to why this happened and who did it. Additionally, there have been calls for increased safety precautions for travelers to Mexico, and individuals again look to the Mexican President for answers to this going forward.

As Mexico’s tourism industry continues to grow, safety concerns for visitors have recently become an increasingly pressing issue.

In recent years, there have been reports of violent crime, drug-related incidents, and travel advisories issued by foreign governments warning their citizens about potential dangers in certain areas of the country.

Despite these concerns, Mexico remains a popular destination for travelers, and Mexico’s government has taken steps to address safety concerns and ensure the safety of its visitors.

In 2019, the U.S. State Department issued a level two travel advisory for Mexico, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. This advisory applied to many of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations,

including

Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Despite these concerns, Mexican tourism has continued to grow.

In the same year, the country welcomed a record-breaking 45 million international visitors, a 9% increase from the previous year. This growth has been driven in part by Mexico’s efforts to promote its tourism industry and attract visitors from around the world.

The government has invested in infrastructure and promoted new tourism destinations, such as the Mayan Train, a railway project that will connect Mexico’s southeastern states and provide visitors with a new way to experience the country.

To address safety concerns, the Mexican government has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of visitors.

The government has increased security in tourist areas, including deploying federal police and military personnel to areas that are popular with tourists.

In addition to these measures, many hotels and

resorts in Mexico have also taken steps to improve safety and security for their guests.

Many hotels have increased their security staff, implemented new safety protocols, and installed security cameras and other equipment to monitor their properties. Some hotels have also implemented safety training programs for their employees, to ensure that they are prepared to handle any safety concerns that may arise.

As the victims of the recent kidnapping continue to be mourned by their friends and families, we encourage students, staff, and community members to do research before making plans to any country, not limited to Mexico, to be aware of safety measures that need to be taken when visiting.

Tourism is an exciting and important part of life, but also puts individuals at risk of dangers they may not be familiar with. Countries like Mexico see the benefits of tourism in their economy and are aware that safety must be their top priority for both their citizens and their visiting tourist community.

Mexico Travel Warning Map TIME Graphic by Lon Tweeten

Cont. from page 5

Celebrating the legacy of an NBA icon

By Yadira Pinedo Sports Director

On Sunday March 5, Pau Gasol, former center for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies was honored in a retirement ceremony at the Staples Center.

The 41-year-old Spaniard announced his retirement in November 2019 after an impressive 18-year career in the NBA.

Gasol played for six different NBA teams during his career. His most significant contributions came while playing for the Lakers, where he won two NBA championships alongside the late Kobe Bryant in 2009 and 2010.

At the ceremony, Gasol was joined by his family, former teammates, coaches, and other NBA stars to celebrate his career and achievements. The event was organized by the Lakers, who retired his No. 16 jersey during halftime of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

As the ceremony began, a video tribute featuring Gasol’s most remarkable moments was played on the arena’s jumbotron, bringing the crowd to their feet with applause and cheers.

Afterward, the Lakers’ legendary former coach Phil Jackson took the stage to speak about Gasol’s career.

“Pau was a unique player, and I feel fortunate to have coached him,” said Jackson. “He was a great teammate, a fierce competitor, and an exceptional human being. His contributions to the game of basketball will never be forgotten.”

Gasol then took the stage and thanked his family, friends,

coaches, and teammates for their support throughout his career. He also expressed his gratitude to the Lakers organization and the fans who supported him throughout his time in Los Angeles.

“I’m extremely grateful for everything that basketball has given me,” said Gasol. “I feel blessed to have played for some of the best teams and alongside some of the best players in the world.”

Current and former NBA stars also paid their respects to the veteran player. Among the guests were Lakers legend Magic Johnson, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, and Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem.

“Pau was a mentor and a role model for many of us in the league,” said Leonard. “His impact on the game goes beyond his impressive numbers. He showed us what it means to be a true professional and a leader on and off the court.”

Gasol’s retirement ceremony was also a reflection of his legacy in the sport. He was one of the first European players to

make a significant impact in the NBA, paving the way for other international players to follow in his footsteps.

Gasol was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA champion, and a three-time All-NBA selection. He also won two Olympic silver medals and one bronze medal with the Spanish national team, establishing himself as one of the most significant international basketball players of all time.

In addition to his achievements on the court, Gasol has also been recognized for his philanthropic work. He has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 2003, working to improve the lives of children worldwide.

He has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Gasol Foundation, which promotes healthy lifestyles for children and families.

As Gasol looks ahead to the next chapter of his life, he leaves a legacy of excellence, leadership, and service that will continue inspiring generations of basketball players and fans.

ACP Media Conference Celebrates Five of the Greatest Sports Journalists and Media Figures

By Yadira Pinedo Sports Director

Five sports journalists shared their experiences, advice, and challenges at the ACP conference held in San Francisco. The panel included Whitney of 95 Seven, Shana Rubin of The Mercury News, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, Kendra Andrews of ESPN, and Cassidy of USC TA.

The discussion began with the journey each journalist took to get to their current position. Lee Chan started by mentioning her unconventional start, working for an all-female sports site that covered different NFL teams. She then studied journalism at Gonzaga, contributing to The Athletic and covering the Denver Nuggets before being hired by NBC Sports and then ESPN.

Rubin’s journey was half-conventional and half-unconventional. Initially interested in law school, she realized she enjoyed writing

more and began studying journalism in college. She began writing for sports and then worked for the San Francisco Chronicle before joining the Mercury News.

The panel then discussed the challenges they have faced in the industry. Andrews highlighted the difficulty of building trust with athletes and coaches, and Cassidy spoke about being a woman in the industry and

dealing with harassment. Lee Chan added that dealing with criticism and trolls online can also be challenging. Rubin mentioned the difficulty of covering athletes who have committed crimes and balancing the need to report with empathy for the victims.

According to Rubin, “I don’t know if this is a skill you can learn in school but definitely get out of your comfort zone. I hate talking to people on the phone, like every millennial; but, I wouldn’t say I like it now still, but I’m not as afraid of it as I was when I was 20 years old. So be ready to confront things. Whatever is in this job is something that comforts you but there’s always gonna be something that makes you uncomfortable, like talking on the phone. So be prepared for that.”

“Anything that makes you uncomfortable, do it enough that you aren’t,” Lee Chan said. “You know, you become more comfortable at it with writing. I mean, it takes reps being on

camera, and yes being willing to do it, everything. The more you do it, the more comfortable you are in front of the camera.”

When asked for advice for students interested in sports journalism, the panel emphasized the importance of networking, building relationships, and gaining experience. Whitney suggested starting with internships and being open to different opportunities. Cassidy advised being curious and

asking questions, while Andrews suggested creating content and building a personal brand. Lee Chan encouraged students to be patient and persistent, and Rubin stressed the importance of finding mentors and learning from their experiences.

Overall, the panel provided valuable insights into the world of sports journalism, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the industry while also offering advice for aspiring journalists.

A panel discussion at the ACP San Francisco conference on March 10. Photo by Coyote Chronicle Media Manager

Photo credited to Essentially Sports

Photo by Coyote Chronicle Media Manager.