INSIDE: Pg. 2•ASI
Election information. Voting takes place on April 3 and 4.
California State University, Bakersfield
therunneronline.com Vol. 44, No. 13
March 27, 2019
Off campus dorms face resistance
Image Courtesy of Coleraine Capital Group, Inc.
Coleraine Capital Group is propsing to build two, five story student dormitories on the corner of Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road.
By Fernanda Martinez Editor-in-Chief News of the off-campus student dorms that are proposed to be built across the street from CSU Bakersfield has brought mixed feelings. Coleraine Capital Group, Inc. developer David Moon has been in the student housing industry for about nine years. He said that his company is constantly looking for sites at walkable distances from CSU campuses to provide student housing. That is what brought him to CSUB. The topic has brought different views to CSUB and the Bakersfield community. During Moon’s meeting with Bakersfield residents on March 18, residents made it clear that they did not want the project in their neighborhood as they expressed concerns over safety and disruptive behavior from students. There were not many CSUB students in attendance and only one student spoke to express her opinions in front of the crowd. Moon has stated that the dorms he intends to build would be similar to the ones his company has built near Stanislaus State, CSU Monterey Bay, and San Jose State. “Every now and then there are noise complaints whether it is student housing or any other type of housing when you got that many people,” said Moon. “From time to time, you may have issues with that many people, but different than most apartments, we have a strict set of rules and regulations in addition to the lease provisions.” Moon added that the student
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tenants are first warned if they cause any type of disturbance. If continued, they can face a fine and eviction. “We stay on top of that because our purpose is to create an environment where students can succeed in their studies,” said Moon. Heather Simmons, who graduated from CSUB in 2017, currently attends Stanislaus State and lives in the student housing complex that Moon built in Turlock across the street from Stanislaus State. Simmons said that she has her own bedroom and bathroom and shares a full kitchen and livingroom with three roommates who also have their own bedroom and bathroom. Simmons pays $720 a month for her space in Turlock. “I did the math, which I think is less than I would be paying on the campus compared to a single room,” said Simmons. As far as safety regards in the complex Simmons lives, she stated that there have been some issues with students drinking and being noisy but it has never gotten out of hand. “We do have security. It’s pretty quiet and the apartments are gated, so that’s nice,” said Simmons. Students currently living on campus have expressed satisfaction with their dorm experiences, though some think there needs to be improvements. Mia Lopez, a senior majoring in sociology, lives in Student Housing West, which is only open to upper division students. “It’s not the greatest, but it’s not the worst,” Lopez said. “The
lack of a kitchen definitely is a big deal for me, because I love to cook and then you’re forced to eat the food on campus.” On the contrary, other students have said they benefited from the campus student dorms. “I feel it’s very helpful as a student [to live in the dorms],” said Sneha Guduru, director of student housing relations for Associated Students, Inc. “I can have my room to myself, and everything that’s needed is available and pretty accessible. I’m not saying I wouldn’t do as well if I was living in an apartment, but I feel like it’s more helpful when everything’s ther on campus,” said Guduru. Dolores Garcia, a liberal studies major, who graduated in December 2018 lived in a single dorm from 2017 to 2018. Garcia mentioned it was easier not having to worry about waking up earlier to get to classes because everything is a close walk away. However, the meal plan was something she did not enjoy about her on campus living experience. “It’s not like I could use my leftover credits the following term,” said Garcia. “They need to be more flexible.” CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny wrote an opinion piece for the Bakersfield Californian on March 17 urging the city of Bakersfield to oppose Moon’s proposal. “We were taken by surprise when we were told about the opinion piece that Dr. Zelezny put in the local paper there,” said Moon. Zelezny stated that CSUB would ensure that students living
on campus would have a great support system. “This is the thing that we are most focused on in our opposition,” said Zelezny. “We really do stand by this as the best practice.” Moon mentioned that he and his company had asked for a meeting with Zelezny about three months ago but were unable to meet with her. “I never spoke with her directly but apparently her staff or her assistant told us that she didn’t have any openings on her calendar for a couple of months. So they recommended that we speak with Thom Davis [CSUB Vice President for Business and Administrative Services],” said Moon. Zelezny did confirm that Davis has met with Moon on several occassions. According to Moon, he wanted to keep Davis informed on what his company intended to do. “We shared with him what we had done to serve other CSU campuses. He knows a lot of the folks we dealt with at the other campuses, so I encouraged him to speak with those folks that he knew about their experience with us at their campuses.” Zelezny stated that Davis explained to Moon that CSUB wanted to grow its campus housing. Zelezny’s opinion piece came as a shock to Moon. He stated that this is the first time someone from a campus has opposed any of his projects. Moon said that CSU Monterey Bay had in fact ended up becoming partners with his company. The university had decided to
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manage Moon’s property and later purchased the buildings. The CSUB dorms are currently at 64% capacity, to which a lot of students have found it is cheaper to live outside of campus. An apartment at Edgewater located on the east side of CSUB would cost approximately $1,025 monthly for a one bedroom and bathroom and $1,220 monthly for two bedrooms and two bathrooms. A single room and single bathroom at The Springs Apartment Homes, also located near CSUB would be approximately $975 monthly. An apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms would be approximately $1,455 monthly. Apartments at Quailwood, El Rio Gardens, and Cambridge Village, which are all a six minute drive from CSUB would cost approximately $870 to $1,500 monthly depending on the location. At CSUB A student living in Student Housing East, pays around $2,032 a month combined for their single room and meal plan. At Student Housing West, a student is paying $1,648 a month for their single bed and meal plan. The next step in the development is to obtain a permit from the Bakersfield Board of Zoning Adjustment for use of the off campus dorms instead of commercial offices. The meeting is scheduled for April 9. Runner staff Katie Goree, Allie Page, and Violeta Trujillo contributed to this story.
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ASI ELECTIONS
2
The Runner
March 27, 2019
Meet your presidential candidates best candidate for the position because of my experiences. I adapt fast in different environments, as well as I recognize the different perspectives of people. What Kind of leadership background do you have that could be applied to your position in ASI?
Aaron Wan My name is Aaron Wan. I am a Business Management major and I am running for ASI President. What is the platform you are running on and what is your vision for the position? My platform is “Together we climb.” My vision is that if we can unite the whole campus and have CSUB recognized as one of the best schools in the nation. Also, to better present student experiences and prepare them for their futures. What makes you the best candidate for the position you are running for? I believe that I am the
I have been in ASI for three years as the Vice President of Campus Life and Director of the L.E.A.D. Program. In these positions, I have created leadership workshops that helped students realize their potential, and transition into leadership roles within ASI or across our community. I have experience in events such as Runner Nights and founded the weekly “Runner Hour” event where we encourage students to engage with their campus and other students. On top of that, I have been in student leadership for more than 6 years. Name the top areas you would focus on an advocate on behalf of all CSUB?
and necessary way (marginalized students, DACA recipients, underrepresented groups). Graduation Initiative: Advocate for the increase of classroom usage to provide more available class sections and times. Growth: Strengthen opportunities for professional development and employment after graduation. Community: Establish our campus as local hub for community partnerships and culture What is your main purpose or reason for being a part of ASI? My main purpose and reason for being a part of ASI is that I want to inspire and motivate people. I want to help students find their potential and to see their own greatness. I believe that we can influence people without being in high positions, however being in platforms such as president can amplify the positive influences with greater numbers of people.
Inclusion: Empower students in a meaningful
to cultivate a more diverse, safe, and empowered community. What makes you the best candidate for the position you are running for?
Lauren Yoder My name is Lauren Elizabeth Yoder. I am double majoring in Political Science and Religious Studies. I am running for ASI President. What is the platform you are running on and what is your vision for the position? The formal set of principal goals I hope to garner student support from are to Engage, Enrich, and Empower. I will work with ASI to implement new and exciting ways to engage students as active participants. I am committed to enriching the lives of all students through programs and initiatives that address their basic needs. I will ensure that ASI continues
More feet in the race for this year’s ASI elections By Ivette Nolasco Reporter Campaigning period has officially begun for the 2019 Associated Student, Inc. elections. Last Friday was the deadline for students to file their application. That same day, official candidates attended a mandatory meeting where ASI staff including Executive Director Ilaria Pesco and Elections Coordinator Jason Watkins went over the elections code with the candidates. The executive positions for president and vice president have more than one candidate running after two years of having unopposed candidates. Last year, all five executive positions ran uncontested. This year, only the Vice President
of University Affairs is running uncontested. Despite having more than one candidate on the positions a few of the positions are still vacant. In past years, students’ lack of participation has resulted in filling ASI positions through applications after the elections are over. According to Pesco, “ASI has planned seven weeks of programming to get students interested in running for elections.” A candidate debate is scheduled for April 2 and two voting stations will be placed at the Student Union Patio and Red Brick Road on April 3 and 4. Presidential candidate, Lauren Yoder, stated “I love the energy and excitement of a campaign. I have never been able to experience something like
this before.” Yoder stated that the process of campaigning information ASI provided this year was helpful. “It was like dipping your toes in the water instead of jumping right in, real fast,” said Yoder. Presidential candidate, Aaron Wan, experience campaigning last year when he ran for vice president of campus life. “I believe that it was very successful this year because ASI was able to provide multiple opportunities for students to learn about various positions as well as how to campaign. We hit multiple barriers that prevent students from running such as lack of information and the election process in general,” said Wan. Vice president candidate, Monica Figueroa, said that
the information workshops ASI hosted were beneficial that allowed her to interact with the current executives, ask questions, and work on her personal statement. Roxanne Esparza, candidate for vice president, stated that she, too, felt welcomed because ASI was there to navigate her through any questions. Pesco hopes that this year’s election brings more student voter turnout. In 2018, only 7.4% of CSUB students voted, 7.5% in 2017, 14% in 2016, and 23% in 2015. Since this past Friday, candidates were allowed to start their campaigns and they have until April 4 to promote their platforms to win the students votes.
Five years ago I was homeless. I had a 2-yearold daughter and was eight months pregnant with my son when I walked into the Kern County Welfare Department. I was given help and from that moment on I’ve been working diligently on moving up the socio/ economic ladder. I am the best candidate because I genuinely empathize with students who may be going through struggles. What Kind of leadership background do you have that could be applied to your position in ASI? While I was attending Bakersfield College, I was president of Amnesty International Student Organization. I engaged students on campus to get involved in this because at that time the government had suspended DACA. This type of community activism cultivated the tools I needed to fight for issues that I have passion for.
Name the top areas you would focus on and advocate on behalf of all CSUB? I want to get the ASI webpage updated. Minutes and agendas have not been updated since 2015. This is a problem for students concerned with transparency and accountability. I have a vision of all ASI meetings being live streamed. If students can access board meetings in a more convenient way they would get more involved. I have hopes in implementing a Free Book Loan Program, where low-income students can borrow textbooks. What is your main purpose or reason for being a part of ASI? I want to inspire other students. I want students to feel empowered and respected. I want students to strive for their biggest goals. To be honest, the odds are against me in this election. I have no prior ASI experience and I just transferred last fall but I have eternal belief in my abilities as a strong leader and I hope to impart this type of humbled confidence.
Responses were written by candidates and edited by The Runner for length. For full responses of candidates visit our website therunneronline.com
2019 ASI Election Candidates President: Aaron Wan Lauren Yoder
Vice President: Roxanne Esparza Monica Figueroa VP of Campus Life: Morayo Olujumu Joselito Flores Jayro Olvera VP of Finance: Andria Scott Ulyses Rodriguez VP of University Affairs: Krystal Raynes For full list of candidates, including director positions and bios, see therunneronline.com
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The Runner
News
3
March 27, 2019
Runner Nights artist revealed By Sarah Jane Atkinson Reporter The long awaited genre, rap, has finally made its way forward by introducing Tyga as this year’s Runner Nights artist. On March 12 at the Student Union, CSU Bakersfield students waited in anticipation for the announcement of the 2019 Runner Nights artist. CSUB Campus Programming and ASI hosted the artist reveal which included free food and music for any students on campus. Vice President of Student Affairs, Thomas Wallace, was the honorary person to pull down the banner that announced this year’s performer: rap artist Tyga. Students who attended the event were pleased with the announcement. When asked if she was excited about the announcement, Criminal Justice major Savannah Pedrusa said “yes” because, “He is one of the artists that I listen to and he’s in my playlist.” This is CSUB’s 4th annual Runner Nights Concert. Last year, the concert artist was Miguel. In order for CSUB to host such big named artists, there is a process. Campus programming coordinator Afaf Aldhulay explained the process in an interview. She mentioned that those who participate in selecting an artist are all a part of what is called “The Runner Nights Committee.” This committee includes representatives from Campus Programing, ASI, Athletics, SRC, Housing, Student Affairs and the Student Union. Before choosing an artist, CSUB programming sends out an email survey to all of the students that attended the prior
runner nights and they attached a question regarding the genre that students preferred. Hip-hop and R&B had the highest majority. Programming then contacts their middle agent who works with artist management teams. Aldhulay said, “We give her our budget and the genre we want and she’ll give us some people she thinks [are] available at that time.” She also mentioned that they even used Coachella as a reference when searching for artists. Once programming is given the available artists, the committee comes together in order to make a final decision. In this deciding period student assistants are also asked their opinions on artists as well. Aldhulay added that, “It boils down to the artists’ availability and if we can afford them. This year it just happened that Tyga was in our price range and he is based out of L.A.” The budget is based off of each partner in the committee and how much they are willing to contribute to Runner Nights. The Runner Nights carnival receives a budget first and then the rest of the contributions go towards
We all have fond memories of childhood games like, duck - duck - goose, jump rope, shooting marbles and pig latin. Pig Latin is an example of a play language. A simple children’s game that rearranges syllables and adds them to create a language that only those who know the rules can understand. What you may not know is that many languages from around the world have their own play languages, with individual rules. A lecture hall in the humanities office building was home to a special event at CSU Bakersfield. On March 14, students and staff gathered for a lecture from guest professor, Eric W. Campbell. This lecture was part of a series of linguistic lectures, overseen by professor Sophia Adjaye. Sidney Russell, dual English and psychology major, said that “It was enlightening to see some of the different languages, not just English.” Campbell, a professor of language and linguistics at UC Santa Barbara, lectured on the use of play languages and how they can be used to break down languages and give insight into their structure. In basic English classes, students learn about stressed syllables, unstressed sylla-
bles, meter and feet; however, there is an ongoing debate in language and linguistics about the actual structure of a syllable. Campbell explained that Pig Latin has played a significant role in these debates. Play-languages are a significant part of many societies, not only in the English language. As an example of this, Campbell explained the rules to many different play languages from around the world. He included languages such as: Elvesre - a play language based on Argentinian Spanish, Sorsik Sunmake – the play language based on Kuna, a Chibchan language of Panama, and Warasa - the play language of Siak Malay, a language of Austronesian, Indonesia. Siak Malay, which like many East Asian languages, relies heavily on tones. This becomes significant to the study surrounding play-language because the order of syllables changes the tones, which consequently changes the meaning of a word. The rules to each play-language are slightly different but are structurally the same as Pig Latin. Syllables are rearranged and added based on the rules. Bailey Russell, dual English and psychology major, said “It was fun and interesting to see the interplay between the play language and the actual language and to see how sometimes there is a pattern between different languages. Yet it is so different for each language at the same
Volume 44, Issue 13
The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 Telephone: 661-654-2165 Email: therunner.online@gmail.com
the concert. In regards to ticket prices and who is allowed to go to the concert, Aldhulay mentioned that the money usually comes from student fees. Because of this, “It’s a discounted rate for students.” Aldhulay’s main concern was letting everyone know why the concert only allows CSUB students and 2018 graduates. She said, “We would love to open that up, but currently at the moment, it’s for our students’ safety.” On allowing guests, Aldhulay said, “Hopefully in the upcoming years we can open it up.”
ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Fernanda Martinez fmartinez21@gmail.com
PHOTO BY CAMPUS PROGRAMMING
DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Norma G. Hernandez nhernandez37@csub.edu BUSINESS MANAGER Jasmine Pantoja jpanojta@csub.edu MARKETING MANAGER Chelsea L. McDowell cmcdowell3@csub.edu FEATURES EDITOR Vincent Perez vperez18@csub.edu OPINIONS EDITOR Rylee Smith ryleeclaires@gmail.com SPORTS EDITOR Vanessa Villalvazo vvillalvazo@csub.edu
UCSB linguistics professor ‘sheds light on syllable structure’ By Sam Underwood Reporter
editorial staff
time…It was interesting to see how they used [the play language] to analyze the original language.” During the lecture, Campbell challenged attendants to try to figure out the play language translations, based on the rules and example words that he displayed on the screen. Students and faculty alike, shouted out translations in foreign languages. “By looking at these we begin to see how these play languages shed light on syllable structure,” said Campbell. The language that was prominent in Campbell’s lecture, was nchakwi? tzū? ntilú, the play language of Zenzontepec Chatino, the indigenous language of Oaxaca, Mexico. Campbell was part of the Chatino Language Documentation Project of 2008, funded by the Endangered Language Documentation Programme. Chatino is being encroached upon by Spanish. Already, the schools, churches and government are using Spanish as the primary language, slowly erasing Chatino in Oaxaca. Samantha Nichols, English graduate student was excited about the topic and looking forward to further study, “I really enjoyed it and can’t wait till I email him to get his PowerPoint to go in-depth, especially on the sections he had to skip due to time constraints.”
PHOTO EDITOR Bre Parks bparks8@csub.edu MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Natalie Taylor nrodriguez65@csub.edu PODCAST EDITOR Eric Dean edean@csub.edu COPY CHIEF Michael Lynch DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Lola Jimenez SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Nataly Perez LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send letters to therunner.online@gmail.com. All letters must be signed, verified, and be no more than 300 words in length. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. ABOUT US The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published biweekly, in conjunction with the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield. DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Communications Department. The staff of The Runner reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless. COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.
Features
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March 27, 2019
The Runner
CSUB Thirst Project educates By Vincent Perez Features Editor Roel Romualdo has been promoting clean drinking water since last spring. His reason is for the Thirst Project. A former president of Thirst Project Club at CSU Bakersfield, Romualdo interned for the main Thirst Project for three months beginning in January 2018 traveling across the U.S., from California to Louisiana. He promoted the non-profit organization speaking to schools across the states. Thirst Project is a Los Angeles-based youth water activist organization that was started in 2008 by CEO Seth Maxwell. According to the organization’s website (www.thirstproject.org), the Thirst Project has raised $9.7 million, served 13 countries and served over 360,00 people worldwide. Romualdo, an economics major, was 23 when he wanted to bring awareness to the global water crisis. Made most notable by Romualdo in his presentation in the Student Union Multi-Purpose Room on, March 21, the African country of Swaziland faces hurdles in finding clean drinking water. The nearest well for women and children to receive clean water is 3.75 miles away from their homes. They make this trek carrying jugs weighing up to 44 pounds for clean water. That’s where Thirst Project comes in. The goal is to create more water wells within a reasonable distance. Romualdo made this clear to the students present in the Multi-Purpose Room and thousands of others he has reached in the past year. He said in an email that the local residents build the borewells when funding is raised from Thirst Project. “They hire local builders to dig deep into the ground to access the groundwater, and then Thirst Project begins educating them on how these wells are built, and how to maintain them,” said Romualdo. He said that biosand filters, which help create the wells, are approximately $150. “The borehole wells can provide an average of 500 people safe clean water over the course of 40 years,” he said.
Leo Garcia/The Runner
On March 21, 2019 in the Multi-Purpose Room, Roel Romualdo, former president of the CSU Bakersfield Thirst Project Club, demonstrates how limiting it can be for communities to access clean water.
Romualdo said he felt his intern experience was important. “It was life-changing. You see the energy and compassion from middle school to university level students that want to help,” he said. He said during his presentation, before he interned with the Thirst Project, his grades were slipping. “I don’t know what it is. I didn’t feel guilty skipping class.” Then, he saw an opportunity in the Thirst Project. “Going on this journey...[It made me think], ‘Thirst Project trusts me to spread awareness’ and it made me feel empowered,” he said.
The Thirst Project Club at CSUB was made an official campus club late last year. Christian Miranda, 22, physics major, is the current president of Thirst Project Club. He provided an update: “Since last year, we’re getting our bearings and building the strength of the club itself.” Moving forward, he said the club wants to make more activities and collaborate with other clubs which they have done before at Rowdy Con, passing out water. Miranda became involved in CSUB Thirst Project through an opportunity from his then roommate, Romualdo. He let Miranda know how fulfilling the experience was and Miranda was inspired.
Shaina Ladhulny, 18, the event coordinator of Thirst Project Club, a child, adolescent, and family studies major, said she sought a club to make a change. “I wanted to get involved in something non-profit,” she said. She added, “When I saw Roel’s passion, I was very excited to be involved.” She said that she wants to make a difference, big or small. “I want to be a part of something that is not materialistic,” she said. The CSUB Thirst Project can be found on Facebook and Instagram @CSUBThirstProject.
Civil Rights activist Angela Davis to visit campus By Lauren Silvis Reporter
Dr. Angela Davis, 75, has had a large impact on our nation's quest for social-justice. John Harte, CSU Bakersfield communications professor said, “This is someone worth hearing.” Michael Burroughs, Director of The Kegley Institute at CSUB said, “Angela is a leading figure in the history of our country and a leading political activist in women’s rights, racial rights and incarceration.” Davis’ time spent as a college professor gave her a platform to educate the younger generation on difficult topics, emphasizing the importance of building communities for groups struggling due to economic, racial, and gender injustice. Thanks to the Kegley Institute of Ethics, on May 11, historical activist Dr. Angela Davis will be speaking on the CSUB main campus. The event will be held in the Dore theatre starting at 6 p.m. Free parking is available in Lots A, B, C, and J on the CSUB campus.
Davis has lectured throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. However, this will be her first time lecturing in Central California. Davis is the author of nine books that focus on her political activism in women’s rights, racial equality, and more. Her book, “The Prison Industrial Complex,” recalls her 18 months spent in jail after being placed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted List” in the 1970s. Her arrest was under claims of “unlawful interstate flight,” but after her long-awaited trial, Davis was acquitted of all charges. In recent years, Davis has had a persistent theme in her work: focusing on the criminalization and injustice of communities in America that are discriminated against due to poverty and race. Davis will be speaking about incarceration. Her speech is titled “Education or Incarceration?: Activism and the Prison Industrial Complex.” Burroughs said, “This event, her speaking to CSUB students, is potentially life changing. She will be speaking on incarceration
PHOTO CREDIT: spiked-online.com
and criminalization of minorities, which is very relevant as we have at least 12 prisons in Kern County.” Davis is dedicated to providing more resources and attention to the prison system
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and the families involved. Her speech will also be livestreamed for those who may not be able to attend. Visit www.csub.edu/livestream/kie/ for the livestream.
Features
The Runner
5
March 27, 2019
By Vincent Perez Features Editor A vital part of The Bakersfield Californian staff for 30 years, Jennifer Self was intertwined with CSU Bakersfield’s campus long before settling in her role as Director of Public Affairs and Communications this semester. Self has cemented herself as a local staple in journalism and in the community, being the voice of Eye Street, as editor, covering CSUB and Bakersfield’s arts and entertainment. Christine Bedell, who spent 19 years as a reporter and news editor at The Bakersfield Californian, was very close with Self during their time at The Californian. “I’ve known her since the day I walked in the door [at The Californian],” said Bedell. “She’s like my second sister. There’s nothing that we wouldn’t do for each other.” Bedell said when she needed advice on how to approach a story, Self was one of the people she always went to. Self knows Bakersfield in the way people know their siblings. “Jennifer knows this community better than anyone I know. She knows the people and the history better than anybody,” said Bedell. Bedell is the Alumni Engagement Specialist at CSUB. After her 30-year career in journalism, Self dedicated two years in healthcare, working for Clinical Sierra Vista and Omni Family Health, which were federally qualified health centers. She said that both organizations go out to underserved healthcare residents. Despite the outreach, she said, “I saw such poverty and despair. It was in those moments that I realized that to change people’s lives with decent healthcare, food and homes, there needs to be a longer-term solution. Education is the way we change lives in the [San Joaquin] Valley.”
Communications director speaks for CSUB
JJ Reed/The Runner
Jennifer Self, CSUB’s Director of Public Affairs and Communications, enjoys the afternoon in her office in University Advancement.
Wherever Self worked, she immersed herself into the position. “Every career I have chosen, I have always found something to connect with a mission. In journalism, I found its importance for our democracy.” Self left The Californian in June 2017. Her close friend and associate, Bedell, said it was bittersweet. “But we were happy for each other,” said Bedell. It wasn’t too long that Self and Bedell were apart in their work lives. Bedell and
Self left a few months within each other, following the road together to CSUB. “I am the second happiest person that she got this job,” said Bedell. Self is the first, added Bedell with a joyful laugh. “We’re collaborating on our work [again],” said Bedell. Michael Lukens, Chief of Staff to the President, was part of the committee which hired Self said, “She has such a broad knowledge of Bakersfield and is well respected.”
He added that Self is an excellent writer and communicator. “She can tell the type of stories that people can connect to.” Despite her lack of a higher education degree, Lukens believes in Self. “It goes with the territory but she’s eager, hard-working and everything we were looking for,” said Lukens. He said that a dozen candidates were being considered for the role, before the committee, which was composed of leaders around campus, according to Lukens, selected Self. “I have long admired CSUB from afar and I knew it was going to be a great place to work,” said Self. In regards to the looming 50th anniversary of CSUB in 2020, Self said, “We have to think of how we re-imagine what we want to become. In terms of our branding, I want to look at what we’ve done so far.” She said she is fortunate to have Lukens show her the way to handle the transition. “Usually the previous person moves on to another job opportunity. He’s always there for me. I see it as a seamless transition,” said Self. Lukens was Director of Public Affairs and Communications from 2016-2018. Self said she wants to improve the reputation of CSUB. “What I hope is accomplished is doing a better job that CSUB is a welcoming experience,” said Self. “We’re just here to help our community.” She described what she brings to the table in her journalism and healthcare background. “I’ve learned how to be resourceful, talk to people and size up a situation,” she said. “These skills that build you as a person and a professional, you finally see the skill that you learned from being in journalism.” Self said she wanted to go into education because of the low higher education rates within Bakersfield, to make a difference.
EDM festival coming to Bakersfield May 8-13 By Silvia Lopez Medero Reporter
unique architecture that the DoLab, festival producers, and administrators create for the many spaces that Imagine going from camping out the event offers. at night under the stars, and then The variety the event offers also When: May 8-13, 2019 waking up to experience cultural adds to its appeal as it has a little Where: Buenea Vista Lake, 13601 bit of everything for everyone. dances, yoga, and a wide range of EDM music all in the same general Ironbark Road, Bakersfield, CA The event offers discussion with a location. multitude of leaders, cultural offer93311 Bakersfield will be experiencing ings, hands on workshops, cooking Prices: $350 (4-day pass), $410 this and much more at Lightning in classes, dance classes, camping, (5-day pass) the Bottle, a music festival where yoga, meditation, art displays, and Purchase at: lightninginabottle.org classes that cater to certain age guests will get the ultimate experience that combines community, culgroups like teens. ture, art, and music as they explore The event is focused on helping the outdoor venue. to build a community that cares for ence, she feels like the prices of tickets are The event will take place for five creativity and life. One of the reatoo high. Although, she also said there is a days, and the dates are set for May 8 big entertainment aspect, especially with sons they are seen as a transformato 13 at Buena Vista Lake. tional festival is because its events all the concerts. The Lightning in a Bottle is known The 4-day festival pass for this festival inspire people to think deeper and for many things, but CSU Bakershave some type of personal growth is currently priced at $350 and the 5-day field’s students’ reactions to this or self-actualization. pass is $410 but this rate can go up as event were mixed. Shofrur said, “The experience, a tickets of lower tiers sell out. There are Gaby Fernandez, a junior and nurs- still additional costs of things like camplot of people talk about it.” ing major, said, “Things are going ing out, food, and the buying of trinkets at However, there are also some to happen there,” and that she would the marketplace setting. points that people see as questionprobably not go. able, especially when it comes to On the other hand, there were also Meanwhile, communications major students that wanted to go, and were glad the amount of drug usage at music Alexis Shofrur had mixed feelings festivals. that Bakersfield is allowing this event to for music festivals because although occur. Karen Gomez, a psychology major she thinks it would be a nice experi- One thing to look forward to is the who has been to music festivals like
How To Go:
Lightning in a Bottle
Photo by Haley Busch from The Bakersfield Californian
Day N Night commented briefly from her experience with festivals to say that there is a lot of drunk people and it “can get messy.” The decision of whether one wants to go or not is up to the person, but there are many useful tips that should be known before attending an event like this. Gomez said that since these type of events tend to
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be crowded and they can get pretty hot, especially with use of lights. That is why she recommends that festival goers “drink lots of water.” She also warns that you should try to get as much sleep as you can because these events tend to have people continuously on the go.
Features
6
The Runner
March 27, 2019
Harvey hops into Doré Theatre By Samantha Cook Reporter
How To Go Watch HARVEY
Harvey, a pooka rabbit measuring up to precisely 6 foot 1 and a half inches tall, hopped onto the stage of the Doré Theatre for the opening night of the play “Harvey” on March 21, only nobody can see him. The leading character, Elwood P. Dowd, played by junior theatre major, Eric Pichardo, introduced the audience as well as everyone he encounters in the play to Harvey, his best friend whom only Elwood can see. Elwood is a charming fellow who never stops smiling. He shows genuine kindness to everyone in the play. He emphasizes to others the importance of being pleasant. When talking to Pichardo about his role in the show, he said of his ever-present smile, “I started thinking of everyone as children.” After the performance, Pichardo discussed, with a smile that stretched ear-toear, his love for children and the joy that they bring to him. This led to an endearing and true smile throughout the show that makes Pichardo’s character, Elwood, all the more likable. Pichardo said that his favorite message from the play is that “Everybody has such a big heart…[and] a lesson to teach if you get to know them.” Harvey was written by Mary Chase in 1942. “Why this play, now?” Director Dave Peterson, PhD., said he had to ask himself when choosing to put on this show back in August 2018. Peterson talked about how the play encourages people to be kind and avoid making harsh and hasty judgments of others. “We have this bizarre person (Elwood) and what do we do with him?” Peterson asked. To answer this question, he said, “Maybe we can greet that with open and inclusive arms.” Peterson also talked about how this applies to day-to-day life and the issues that we are currently facing as a society. “Perhaps we can approach things with lightness and fun,” Peterson said, inspired by this play. While Harvey’s 77 years of existence does date some of the jokes a little bit, the lively audience of opening night was not shy to laugh. Beyond the jokes that the characters verbally delivered, the actors
Times: March 28-30 - 8 p.m., Sunday, March 31 - 2 p.m. Tickets: $7 Students w/student ID card, $10 Seniors (60+) and CSUB faculty and staff, $12 General admission Box Office: (661) 654-3150 Pre-sale: commerce.cashnet.com/ csub_emarket Where: Doré Theatre, adjacent to the A, B, and C parking lots did a wonderful job at conveying humor in their body language and facial expressions. One member of the audience, freshman communications major Eli Miranda said the show was “very entertaining and funny.” With giggles, he told of his favorite scene, the final scene, where the magic of the show shines. Divyang Motavar, a freshman computer science major who plays Judge Omar Gaffney, said of his time on the production, “We see the magic.” While Harvey does have an element of mental health tied to its theme, it does not take center stage, leaving the limelight to the comedy of the play. Motavar said of his second performance with CSUB theatre, “At first, I was digging way too deep.” When he took a lighter approach to the show, he said, “It’s just the fun.” Senior theatre arts major, Amanda Duke, performs as Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet in Duke’s debut show with CSUB theatre. She said after the show, “It’s really nice to have an audience.” Duke appreciated the laughter and engagement that the audience provided, and said that feedback from the audience is great. She said as a message to fellow students about the show, “If you need a laugh… just go try something different.” Anyone looking to take Duke’s advice can come out to see the show. By the end of it, you’ll be seeing the magic, too. Tickets can be purchased at the box office before each show, or presale online at the CSUB theatre website.
Leo Garcia/The Runner
Taylor Dawn Clark, an English and theatre double major, and Eric M. Pichardo, a theatre major, bow to an applauding crowd at the Doré Theatre on March 21.
What’s Happening Around Campus March / April 27 CSUB Wellness Kickoff 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. SU Runner Park Wendy Wayne Ethics Awards 6 - 8 p.m. Off Campus 28 The Resistance Will Not Be Televised” 1 - 3 p.m. Stockdale Room Harvey Performances 8 - 10:30 p.m. Dore Theater 29 MasQueerade Ball 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Stockdale Room
2 April Fools Night 5 - 8 p.m. SRC, Rock Wall 3 Raspado Sale 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. DDH, East Outside ASI Elections Voter Booth 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. SU, Runner Park 4 Walter Presents: Lily Hirsch 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Dezember Reading Room aBOUT Kern 5 - 7 p.m. Stockdale Room
30 Festival for Peace & Non-Vio lence 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Alumni Park, Don Hart E Lawn 2 Veteran Taco Food Sale 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. DDH, East Outside
Fab Lab Hours: Mon: Closed Tues: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wed: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thur: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Fri: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sun: Closed
Leo Garcia/The Runner
From left to right, Amanda Duke, Maya Blackstone, Brian Purcell, Natalie Love, Trenton Benet, Taylor Dawn Clark, Eric M. Pichardo, Avery Gibson, Divyang Motavar, Jacob A. Cota-Mendoza, and Edson Maese all bow to an applauding crowd at the Doré Theatre on March 21.
Calendar sponsored by School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering and School of Arts and Humanities. To be included, contact jburger1@csub..edu.
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Features
The Runner
March 27, 2019
New Zealand
tragedy
hits home By Amy Pachla Reporter
lost their lives, and for their loved ones in New Zealand.”
On March 15, a gunman killed 49 people, leaving many more injured and the world in mourning in what authorities are calling a politically motivated act of terror against the Muslim community in Christchurch, New Zealand. On Monday, March 18, the Muslim Student Association of CSU Bakersfield held a twilight vigil in remembrance of the victims and in solidarity against the violence. Muslim students held evening prayers on the lawn outside the Student Union, and a table of candles stood lit on a memorial bearing the names and photos of the remembered. Among those in attendance were Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, who spoke about the vitality of love, and Ward 2 Councilman Andrae Gonzales, who called it a “personal mission” to join the members of the CSUB community. “I was moved to hear that students were organizing a vigil,” said Gonzales. “I think it’s wonderful that our community comes together and takes a moment to reflect, and to pray for those who
“We have to find a way to let go of that stigma and see each other as human beings, filled with hope and sorrow, and bound together in love.”
Immediately following the attack, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern moved to ban the type of weapon used from the country, saying “Our gun laws will change.” Ardern’s swift action has brought praise from around the world, as well as prompting a Change.org petition asking to award her the Nobel Peace Prize, which has garnered more than 20,000 signatures. Speaking at a weekend vigil in
Atta Elayya
Ali Elmadani
Mucad Ibrahim
Pastor Dave Stabenfeldt
Husna Ahmad
Sayyad Milne
Naeem Rashid
Areeb Ahmed
Amjad Hamid
Lilik Abdul Hamid Tariq Omar
Shahid Suhail
Syed Jahandad Ali
Talha Naeem
Kamel Darwish
Linda Armstrong
Mohamad Moosid
Haroon Mahmood
Mohamedhosen
Maheboob Khokar
Khaled Mustafa
Farhaj Ahsan
Hamza Mustafa
Muhammad Haziq
Junaid Ismail
Mohd-Tarmizi
Abdelfattah Qasem
Ramiz Vora
Ashraf Ali Razat
Ozair Kadir
Hussein Al-Umari
Asif Vora
Ansi Alibava Haji Daoud al-Nabi
Auckland, Ardern said, “I believe what I have done has not been about leadership. All I have done is simply echoed the humanity of New Zealanders.” Pastor Dave Stabenfeldt of the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, who also spoke at the vigil, recognized both the grief that brought the people together and the comfort that coming together has brought them. “The reason that we’re here, as a community, is that a horrendous massacre has forced us to look at each other and see that all of our divides are meaningless. That all of our divides are really just stigma,” says Stabenfeldt. “We have to find a way to let go of that stigma and see each other as human beings, filled with hope and sorrow, and bound together in love.” Photos by Allie Page and Norma Hernandez and Illustration by Bre Parks/The Runner
People of all backgrounds in Kern County come together on March 18, 2019 to honor the victims in New Zealand.
Ashraf al-Masri Hussein Moustafa Mounir Soliman Zeeshan Raza Ghulam Hussain Karam Bibi Abdukadir Elmi Mohsin Al Harbi Osama Adnan Youssef Kwaik Mojammel Hoq Mohammed Omar Faruk
Ashraf Ali
Muhammed Abdusi Samad
Mathullah Safi
Ahmed Gamaluddin Ab
Musa Vali Suleman Patel
Zakaria Bhuiya
Muse Nur Awale del-Ghany
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March 27, 2019
The Runner
Opinions
The Runner
9
March 27, 2019
RUNNER ON THE STREET By Rylee Smith
This week The Runner asked, “Do you live on or off campus? Why?”
Kendall Trotter Economics
“I live off-campus with my parents because I’m broke. Just kidding, it’s just cheaper.”
Christian Caballero Anthropology “On-campus because of an issue with money. I couldn’t afford a down payment. On-campus staff is great but it’s expensive.”
Stephanie Abarca Biology
Serafin Pineda Religious Studies
“Off-campus. That way I have my own room.”
“I live off-campus because my parents live in town.”
Runner Review: Captain Marvel a huge success By Jorge Avila Opinions Writer I’ve never considered myself a massive superhero fan, yet I’ve seen almost every Marvel Cinematic Universe movie at least once. At this point, superhero films have become so ingrained into pop culture that it’d nearly impossible to find someone who hasn’t seen a few MCU blockbusters. Every new release from the studio winds up being a box office juggernaut, and “Captain Marvel” is no different. “Captain Marvel,” directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, is the 21st entry in the MCU and stars Brie Larson as the titular hero. The story follows Vers (Larson) on her quest to uncover her lost past and stop a race of
shape-shifting aliens named Skrulls from acquiring a deadly weapon. Within two weeks of its release, the film has already broken records and reached a grand total gross of $270 million domestically, according to Scott Mendelson of Forbes. com. “Captain Marvel” has reached massive success, and for good reason. Despite the plot leaving her as a sort of blank slate character, Larson portrays the energy-blasting heroine with a kind of playful ferocity and intense stoicism that makes her a unique addition to the ever-growing catalog of superheroes. Her character is further aided by the presence of Samuel L. Jackson as Agent Nick Fury,
Larson and Jackson work off of each other perfectly and some of the strongest moments in the film involve the interactions between them. All this pales in comparison to the absolute best character in the movie: Captain Marvel’s surly sidekick cat, Goose, played by rescue animal Reggie (truly, a national treasure). Besides likable characters and adorable felines, we’ve come to expect intense action and fantastic visuals from our superhero movPHOTO CREDIT: Flickr ies, and luckily enough, Brie Larson brings “playful ferocity” to her “Captain Marvel” delivers first debut as Captain Marvel both in spades. There is one sequence near the end remarkably de-aged through the in which Vers unleashes her full use of technological wizardry. power onto a fleet of alien ships,
and the spectacle presented makes watching the movie in theaters a must. As the first female-led MCU movie, “Captain Marvel” has crushed all expectations, reaching a nearly $800 million gross globally with estimates projecting it to reach the $1.1 billion mark by the end of its run. According to TIME Magazine, this would place “Captain Marvel” amongst the likes of “Captain America: Civil War” and “Iron Man 3,” ranking as one of the most successful MCU films. “Captain Marvel” faced the monumental task of being both a follow-up to the biggest MCU movie yet (“Avengers: Infinity War”) and setup to an even bigger entry (“Avengers: Endgame”); in that regard, “Captain Marvel” soars.
Co-sleeping with your baby is a safe option when done right By Bliss Streeks Opinions Writer Waking up and realizing that your baby is not moving is one of the most terrifying thoughts that any parent can have. Imagine the joy and excitement that their babies bring to their family. Babies mean the world to their parents. Yet there is a dark side, and unfortunately it happens too often. There are parents every year who have to experience the nightmare of accidentally suffocating their baby. Their baby who had a whole life ahead of it, a life with countless unknowns and possibilities. In order to prevent the loss of our precious little ones, we must all remember that co-sleeping needs to be done safely. There was a Safe Sleep campaign that took place in Milwaukee starting in 2009, and a journalist who had an opposing opinion stated that their, “initiative is flawed in that it holds individuals responsible for the problem of infant mortality that is rooted in deep, system-wide inequalities based on race and class.” Certain races are targeted during these anti-sleep campaigns all over the United States, and it doesn’t take a straight A student to see clearly that rather than trying to promote education on the topic, anti co-sleeping campaigns try to scare people into believing that co-sleeping cannot be done safely. They have a clear message
for the parents who co-sleep and that is that targeted parents are not capable of following more complex messages about bed-sharing, like how to do so safely. In other words, that they are unintelligent and incapable of learning how to sleep safely with their children. Therefore rather than try to educate them on how to do it safely, instead they scare parents and criminalize them. People tend to live up to the expectations that we hold for them, and treating them like they are not smart enough to make their own informed decisions definitely isn’t going to contribute to them learning how to do so. African American women are specifically targeted by these campaigns everywhere in the U.S. In the article, “Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies,” the writer argues that there is a reason for infant deaths that goes way beyond co-sleeping. Co-sleeping is merely a scapegoat, a way for the city to look like it is dealing with a difficult problem when in all reality the problems are poverty, segregation, poor health care and stress. These are all factors that contribute to infant death, meaning it is not only co-sleeping that contributes to SIDS. Attachment parenting is not a new style of parenting, but it is newly embraced in Western civilization. It suggests that parents who keep their babies and children very close to them by bed-sharing will raise children that will thrive and become strong independent thinkers.
Westerners generally thought that if you held a child too much they would become dependent and needy, but research as well as various books like “The Continuum Concept” by Jane Liedloff actually shows the opposite effect will take place. Babies and toddlers who are not held enough and are pushed away from mom and dad too early are more likely to become needy and always want to be held. In America we are taught by doctors and nurses that co-sleeping is unsafe from the get-go. In my experience, if you let your doctor know that you are co-sleeping or you intend to, you can expect a visit from Child Protective Services. CPS will make you feel as if you are a bad parent for making the decision to co-sleep and pressure you to make a different decision by implying that you can have your children taken from you, even though that is against the law. Rather than backing parents who choose this practice into a corner and treating them like they are ignorant and unable to make their own intelligent and informed decisions, doctors and nurses should talk to all patients about safe co-sleeping practices. An article titled, “Parent-Infant Co-Sleeping and its Relationship to Breastfeeding” explains the nuanced issue of co-sleeping. “This assessment should impart a nonjudgmental approach so as not to suggest there is a right or a wrong practice,” it states, because there isn’t a right or wrong way
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to raise your children. Most parents want what is best for their children. “Despite the risks and the recommendations by the AAP and CPSC, automatically condemning co-sleeping may not be appropriate in all families. Instead, the individual needs of the infant/child, the family context, and the cultural backgrounds need to be taken into consideration.” Every parent has the right to decide how to raise their children. How can you co-sleep safely? There is no guarantee that any sleeping situation will prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Guidelines are available that parents can follow to create the safest co-sleeping environment possible for their infants: 1. Sleep on a firm mattress, no exceptions. If baby rolls over on a soft mattress, it can smother him or her. 2. Remove all strangulation risks from near the bed (cords, strings, ties). 3. Always use a tightly fitted sheet on the bed, and no fluffy blankets. 4. Always put infants to sleep on their backs. 5. Consider your weight: Mothers or fathers who weigh more than 175 pounds have shown a greater risk for overlaying on their infants. 6. Never co-sleep if you are “using any depressants, sedative drugs, illegal drugs, or when alcohol has been consumed.”
Opinions
10
March 27, 2019
The Runner
Time to move in Runners: off-campus dorms should be built
This piece is an unsigned opinion story that reflects The Runner editorial board’s stance on an issue. Join the discussion by sending us a letter to the editor at runner@csub.edu As students of CSU Bakersfield, we want to express our disappointment that President Lynnette Zelezny opposed the proposal to construct off campus student dorms across the street from the university. I We believe that CSUB and the Bakersfield community should accept developer David Moon’s proposal to build the two, five-story student dormitories that are marketed to CSUB students. Our CSUB classmates should have the right to decide for themselves where they want to live, whether it is on campus or off campus. Zelezny wrote an opinion piece for the Bakersfield Californian stating that the university opposes Moon’s proposal because students should live on campus where they have access to resources like the library, professors, and cultural opportunities that
are vital for their success. While this is true, reality is that not every student can afford to live on campus. It has been quoted in local media that the CSUB dorms are only 64% occupied. We do not doubt that the reason for this is because of the price. CSUB has two different sites available to students, Housing East and Housing West. According to the CSUB website, in Student Housing East a single room is $6,098 per semester, a double room is $5,069, and a triple room is $4,197. Housing West only offers single rooms for $5,069 per semester to seniors, graduate students, and students over the age of 25. The website states that the semester meal plan for student housing east is $2,033 and $1,525 at student housing west. At Student housing East, a student is paying around $2,032 a month combined for their single room and meal plan. At Student Housing West, a student is paying $1,648 a month for their single bed and meal plan. While some would say the amenities provided by Student Housing are reasonable for these prices, combined with all the other things that students must purchase, such as admission, text books, and parking, it’s insanely high.
Moon proposes the same amenities like campus student housing, except at a much more reasonable price. He estimates that students would pay around $800 for that and to have their own bedroom and bathroom. We have not seen anybody ask what the students want or how they feel. The Runner has been conducting interviews with students and the majority have said that it is much more affordable to rent an apartment off campus with other roommates. That way they also have the freedom to buy the food that they want. The people who attended Moon’s meeting on March 18, who were residents of the surrounding areas of Stockdale Highway, stated that they did not want this project in their backyards because we as college students would bring noise, crime and drugs into their neighborhoods. We want these residents to realize that as students, our main goal is to graduate. The stereotype of college students as drunk, crazy, party animals is completely absurd. One of the biggest arguments against the construction of the dorms is that bringing in college students will bring crime to the neighborhood. As stated, the main goal of every student is to graduate, not cause a
ruckus. However, crime has happened on campus with four rapes stated in the 2017 Clery Report in the dorms and several car break-ins in the recent past, but the students have been the victims of said crimes. It is a possibility that criminals would attempt to make these new dorms a target for their activities, but this brings up another selling point for Moon’s site: 24 hour security monitoring the dorms, which should decrease any kind of criminal activity. Bakersfield is expanding and, consequently, we must evolve with it. Progress should not be stalled by NIMBY (not in my back yard) individuals. If the university is going to serve the needs of all the students, it should welcome the work of private developers who are able and ready to meet the housing requirements of those students who the university would otherwise either have to scramble to protect or resign itself to losing. We want the students to speak up and involve themselves in this process. Ultimately the students living on campus and off campus are the ones who will be affected by these decisions, not President Zelezny nor the developer, David Moon.
Don’t toss the Electoral College, we still need it By Rylee Smith Opinions Editor I hate to betray the views I held when I was a senior in high school debating in my AP Government class, but it’s time to face the truth. Abolishing the Electoral College is a bad idea. On March 18, Sen. Elizabeth Warren was met with mixed reactions when she argued that the United States should eliminate the Electoral College, and switch to a system where “every vote matters.” There are other possible voting systems, but most who argue against the Electoral College are arguing for a popular vote. It can be argued that Democrats are in favor of abolishing the current system because they have seen that they have a better chance of winning without it, considering that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in 2016 and not the presidency, and so did Al Gore in 2000. To dismiss their arguments based on this agenda would be a logical fallacy. To dismiss their arguments on the basis that the Electoral College ensures that regional needs are considered and to discourage election fraud is better. The founding fathers created the Electoral College to create a balance of voting power between the states, so that the most populous states would not be able to determine the outcome of every election. This concern remains alive today. The most populated states, California, Texas, and New York, would have the most power in electing the president. Candidates
who hoped to win the popular vote would have to place the highest priority on the interests of these states. In order to get elected, candidates would end up largely ignoring the needs of less populous states. The Electoral College makes it so that voters in smaller states have more power proportionally, but this is necessary to ensure that each state is fairly represented. After all, it’s simply not fair to let federal decisions that affect the entire nation be so heavily influenced by three or four large states. Some argue that the Electoral College is undemocratic. This is true. However, the United States is not a democracy. It is a democratic republic. The founders created our current system with the knowledge that true democracy devolves into mob rule. The Electoral College works to prevent this. “They rejected government by simple majority because plebiscites (popular votes) historically have been the tool of dictatorships, not democracy,” said Ronald D. Rotunda at the Cato Institute. It was considered easier for one person to take control of the nation by dominating the whims of the majority, according to Allen Guelzo and James Hulme of The Washington Post. Along with protecting smaller states, the Electoral College also acts as a safeguard against election fraud. According to Tara Ross, author of “The Indispensable Electoral College,” stealing votes is much easier in a popular vote, where every vote is counted. In order to steal votes under the current system, she explains, one would
have to “steal votes in the right state at the right time.” And, the election would have to be close in the first place. Some argue that the Electoral College is racist, because state populations were counted based on the Three-Fifths Compromise, and because the Founding Fathers created the Constitution with debates over slavery in mind. However, none of this implicates the Electoral College as racist. James Madison’s notes on the Constitutional Convention show no discussion about slavery by the Founders when deciding on the Electoral College. Without it, in fact, slavery may not have been abolished as
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soon. “If anything, it was the electoral college that made it possible to end slavery, since Abraham Lincoln earned only 39 percent of the popular vote in the election of 1860, but won a crushing victory in the electoral college… [Southern slaveholders] realized that the electoral college would only produce more anti-slavery Northern presidents,” Guelzo and Hulme said. Eliminating the Electoral College might have sounded great to Elizabeth Warren, or to me in my high school classroom, but it’s not time to do away with it just yet.
The Runner
Sports March 27, 2019
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Big challenge awaits in the Big West By Chris Burdick Assistant Sports Editor
Bump, set, spike! The recipe for success for numerous volleyball teams. And whether it be on the sand or on the court, the CSU Bakersfield women’s volleyball team is looking to compete with the best in the Big West. The Roadrunners beach volleyball team is lead by head coach Cesar Benatti. Benatti has been with the CSUB volleyball program for the past five years, serving as an assistant coach for the indoor volleyball team and was given the head coaching position of the beach volleyball team in June 2016. Benatti has had a successful career in professional volleyball in Brazil as a player until he retired in 2000 and began his coaching career as an assistant for the Esporte Clube Pinheiros. While there, Benatti was apart of a coaching staff that won two state and two metropolitan area championships in 2006 and 2007. This season, CSUB’s beach volleyball team is a young team with a lot of promise. With a roster of nine underclassmen and JJ Reed/The Runner only three juniors and three seniors, coach Senior Beach Volleyball players Brianna Mariner (10) and Mattison DeGarmo (15) in action in their match against Westcliff University on March 19, 2019. Benatti claims that the youth of the players has come with a lot of positives to this program’s overall future. beating them in the Big West Challenge last “I’d say we have a better group of peoseason in two sets 21-14, 21-17. ple,” Benatti said. “They are more commit“I feel like something happens every ted and more identified with the program day,” DeGarmo said. “With so many girls and our values and our mission. They out here it’s just fun to be outside. You understand what we are and what we are develop petty rivalries between each other trying to do.” and I think that the memories we make This season, the Roadrunners have a new playing each other last just as long as the number one pairing with seniors Brianna ones where we are playing teams like Mariner and Mattison DeGarmo. Northridge.” Pairing together for the first time, MariThe team has an overall record of 5-6 ner and DeGarmo both said their goal for coming into the 2019 Big West Challenge, this beach volleyball season is to focus on including a tough 4-1 win against rival making each other better, making memories CSUN on March 2. with the team and leading the young team The Roadrunners are looking forward by example. to facing rival CSUN again for the third “It’s a big thing for us to lead by examtime this year, as well as some unfamiliar ple,” Mariner said. “Our opponents like University of coaches do a really California, Davis. good job at holding us “This tournament is really “It’s a big thing for accountable of our values good for us.” Benatti said. us to lead by and what our program “It’s right in the middle of example. has to offer so it’s up the season and it gives us a to us to try to follow good look at where we are. Our coaches do a through and set the That way we can do future really good job at example for our younger evaluations on how we want teammates.” to end the season. This year holding us Last season, Mariner I think we are in a better accountable.” bounced around the position going into the Big rankings quite a bit but West Challenge to compete played in every match with these teams and get Brianna Mariner, and ended her beach better.” Senior Beach season with a record of “I’m excited,” Mariner 9-16. Mariner paired Volleyball Athlete. said. “It’s really fun seeing mainly with former everyone again. Everyone is teammate, Aleksandra at a different level than they Djordjevic, as the team were before and it’s just a had a record of 8-13 together, including super competitive tournament.” big wins in last years Big West Challenge The Big West Challenge starts this Friday, against Sacramento State University and March 29 in Pismo Beach, California. The against rival California State University Roadrunners will have a chance to face Northridge. every team in the Big West conference, DeGarmo had a very successful beach with their first match scheduled for 11 a.m. season in 2018 with her partner Emily against the Cal Poly University Mustangs. Lopes. DeGarmo and Lopes were ranked as the number three pairing and ended the season with a record of 11-15, sitting at 10th in school history in wins in a single season. The pair were able to also beat team rival CSUN four times last year, including
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The Runner
March 27, 2019
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