therunneronline.com California State University, Bakersfield
Vol. 45, No. 15
April 22, 2020
Students disregarded in stimulus bill By Katrina Singleton News Editor and Paige Atkison Assistant News Editor
The United States congress came to a decision and passed a stimulus relief bill for U.S. citizens. The bill, known as the CARES act, commits an unprecedented $2 trillion in civilian aid with $250 billion reserved for paying the workforce of the U.S. as well as additional aid to those that must file for unemployment. The CARES act will help most of this country through a time that has been labeled “the new normal,” however an entire demographic has been disregarded by this bill. This demographic is the average college student. Though there are designated funds for college students available through the CARES act, the process of releasing funds is still being developed at the state level, according to Jennifer Self, the Director of Public Affairs and Communications at CSU Bakersfield. The bill goes outlines that individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted income or less will receive $1,200 each. Married
couples that earn up to $150,000 will receive $2,400 and if the married couple has children, they will receive $500 for each child who is 17 years of age and younger. The payments, however, can be expected to be lowered for individuals who make more than $75,000 and those who make more than $99,000 should not be expecting any type of government relief from this bill. This threshold is doubled for those who are married. The qualifying income levels will be based on tax returns that were filed in 2019, if they have been filed already, or 2018’s tax returns. 90% of Americans will be eligible to receive full or even partial payments according to the Tax Policy Center. For many college students, the CARES may not be enough. The average college student has an age range of 18-22. In these times, most people who fit this age range are still claimed as dependents on their parents’ tax returns, meaning they will not be eligible to receive any additional aid outside of any unemployment funds from the government.
Photo illustration by Joe Youngblood/The Runner
Stela Ramirez, a senior human services major, is one of the few outliers who qualify for the relief check. “From what I researched, I am eligible for the full amount of $1,200, plus the $500 for my daughter,” Ramirez said in response to a Facebook post. Larry Gonzales Sr., a sophomore sociology major, thinks that the stipulations for receiving this stimulus aid might be
too strict. “Regardless of age in my opinion, if we attend college, file our taxes, we should receive this help,” Gonzales said in response to a Facebook post. Alissa Gomez, a fourthyear psychology major, also qualifies for the stimulus aid but does not plan on spending any of her money from the stimulus relief immediately. Based on a poll on The Runner’s Instagram
account, 71% of students who answered the poll said they did not qualify, whereas only 29% of students who answered the poll said they qualified. Relief checks started rolling out on Monday, April 13. Those who have not yet received their stimulus checks will be able to track when theirs will either arrive in their bank accounts or in their mailboxes.
On Friday, April 17, according to the IRS and U.S. Treasury department, there will be a “Get My Payment” tool available. This tool will be accessible on the IRS’s Economic Impact Payment webpage on the IRS website. This tool is intended to do the following: Allow U.S. citizens to check the status of their check, so they will know approximately when it will reach their bank accounts or be mailed. If they filed tax returns in 2018 and/or 2019 and did not provide direct deposit information –which means they either chose to receive their tax refund as a check, or didn’t receive a refund at all –they will be able to share this information with the IRS if they choose to do so. If payment has not yet been issued, they can confirm whether they want to receive their stimulus funds by direct deposit or check. It is noted that choosing direct deposit will allow recipients to receive their funds faster. Though many college students are not eligible for the relief check of $1,200, if students have lost their [See STIMULUS, Page 2]
CSUB to offer credit/no credit grading option Megan Tishma News Reporter Students worried about the transition from face-to-face classes to online learning questioned whether switching grading over to credit/ no credit would be an option. CSU Bakersfield’s President Lynnette Zelezny addressed this during her virtual Walk and Talk on April 9. “The opportunity, which is limited, you have six units
total you can opt for credit/ no credit, the deadline will be extended,” Zelezny said. The Academic Senate has decided to make the deadline for requesting credit/no credit grading May 1, and there is a five day waiting period before President Zelezny is supposed to sign that memorandum. Students must petition for the grade switch to credit/ no credit and must have their professors’ signature
clear, mostly that’s not going to benefit you, so I want you to think about a couple of things here: so, if your ever thinking about going to graduate school, that credit/no credit, particularly in a required class, is really going to not help you. So, it would be better to really do your best and pass the course obviously, but to take a letter grade. For many students with financial aid [there is] issues with that; veterans, athletes, again
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this is not to your benefit,” Zelezny said. Students who receive financial aid are required to have a certain number of letter-graded classes in order to maintain eligibility. Veteran students under the VA policy would have to return any funds for classes switched to credit/no credit grading. Prerequisite classes also must stay as letter-grades in order to be used as a prerequisite. According to CSUB’s website, credit/no credit
classes cannot be used towards your major requirements for your bachelor’s degree. Only 15 units of credit/no credit grading can be used towards general education. Students who are worried about this option affecting their GPA also expressed concerns on the Walk and Talk. Credit/no credit classes have no impact on GPA. Since students will only be able to switch one [See CREDIT, Page 2]
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along with the dean of their major. Students will then be counseled by the professor and dean on making the switch. Students who are faced with mental distress and new obstacles like homeschooling children or siblings may be relieved to have this option. Zelezny, however, warned students to really think about this decision before opting-in to switching over their grading. “Now, I want to be really
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The Runner
April 22, 2020 The Runner Staff Volume 45, Issue 14
The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 661-654-2165 runner@csub.edu ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sam Underwood sunderwood6@csub.edu MANAGING EDITOR DIGITAL Carlos Hernandez chernandez16@csub.edu PHOTO EDITOR Mari Woodmansee mwoodmansee@csub.edu PODCAST EDITOR Damian Lopez dlopez@csub.edu ASST PODCAST EDITOR Briana Lopez blopez51@csub.edu SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Allea Nalaine Paguia apaguia@csub.edu NEWS EDITOR Katrina Singleton ksingleton@csub.edu ASST NEWS EDITOR Paige Atkison patkison@csub.edu FEATURES EDITOR Lauren Hill lhill17@csub.edu OPINIONS EDITOR Destinee Sims dsims7@csub.edu CO-SPORTS EDITOR Elisa Fuentes efuentes18@csub.edu CO-SPORTS EDITOR Chris Burdick cburdick@csub.edu COPY CHIEF Amy Pachla apachla@csub.edu MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Ace Harrison aharrison5@csub.edu COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield. BUSINESS MANAGER
Sidney Wicks swicks1@csub.edu MARKETING MANAGER Edgar Noriega enoriega-banos@csub.edu DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Kimberly Benitez-Anguiano kbenites@csub.edu STAFF Marci Ruiz, Adriana Hernandez, Megan Tishman, Gabriela Reyes, Rachel Russ, Yoana Andrade, Francisco Ruiz, Estafany Henriquez, Braden Moss-Ennis, Erin Dailey, Chase Anderson, Angela Jordan, Brian Melgar, Pearl Hernandez, Carla Alvarado, Dalton Bell, Eli Miranda, Clarissa Alderete, Chasadee Sims, Caleb Melson, Joe Youngblood, Jenn Pardinas, Rosie Callejas, Gabriella Lopez, Faith Okoli, Briana G. Hendrix.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send letters to runner@ csub.edu All letters must be signed, verified, and be no more than 300 words in length. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. OUR MISSION The Runner is an independent student news organization, operated under the communication department at CSUB. The Runner is committed to exposing truth and promoting accountability while upholding professional journalistic integrity. We engage with the community through print, digital and social media publications as the premier news outlet for the student body. 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.
For exclusive online-only content, please visit therunneronline.com.
ASI election results released By Damian Lopez Podcast Editor
ASI announced through their social media accounts the results of the Spring 2020 election on April 3, and one of the campaign teams swept the executive board. “Throughout this whole campaign I’ve really – I feel like I’ve developed so much it’s only been a short two weeks. But I’ve developed so much as a person even throughout this campaign. I’m just feeling extremely grateful. Ever since I announced I was running for ASI President, I’ve had so many people support me and so It’s really meant a lot to me. It’s something I’ve never really experienced before,” said Vanessa Chicaiza, the newly elected ASI president, about her win. Chicaiza, a public policy and administration major, won the presidential seat over political science major Dubrea Sanders with 72.7% of the vote. Computer engineering major Stephanie Magana and psychology major Nadia Mendoza of Rising Runners ran unopposed; Magnana filling the position of Executive Vice President, and Mendoza as Vice President of Campus Life. Business administration major, and public administration graduate student Frankie De La Pena of the You Matter campaign ran unopposed for Vice President of Finance and will take on the position for the next term. Computer science and business major Krystal
Raynes of Rising Runners won the newest position of Vice President of Legislative Affairs over Erick Mejia of You Matter with 81.1% of the vote. According to the current director of legislative affairs Aaron Aragon, Vice President of Legislative Affairs was added to the executive board in February in order to reflect the workload the position comes with. The race for Vice President of University Affairs was between child, adolescent, and family studies major Maria Espinoza of Rising Runners, and music education major Daniel Tapia of You Matter. With 61.5% of the vote, Espinoza took the seat, solidifying a position in the executive board for every member of Rising Runners. Six percent of the student population voted this year, whereas last year voter turnout was 8.6%. According to an email from Ilaria Pesco, Executive Director of ASI, other CSUs experienced a similar regression in turnout rate. Fullerton and San Diego State dropped 3.6 percent from last year. “Many students did not know about voting. I only knew about it because I knew people on Instagram that were running for it and they posted about it a lot. I feel that also students don’t care much if I’m being honest, unless their friends are running,” said Macayla Fowler, a human resource management major at CSUB. “I think some students might have been busy with
the transition or forgot about it. Overall, I felt the school sends easy directions for voting by email and on social media,” said biology major Fadi Salib about why they thought voter turnout was low. Anaiah Alfred, majoring in communications, Heidy Casillas, majoring in communications and minoring in marketing, and communications major Amaya Lawton all ran for the position of Director of Social Media and Marketing. None of the candidates were able to secure 51 percent of the vote, so the two candidates with the highest votes, Casillas and Alfred, will continue to campaign until runoff voting on April 8 and 9. Business administration major Hoda Huzaibi won the position of Director of Diversity and Inclusion with 52.7% of the vote. Huzaibi beat out Citlalli Guadarrama, Alexia Zuniga, and incumbent Desiree Lorelli, who had taken the position when the previous director vacated the seat in February. Below are the results of the Spring 2020 ASI Elections: President: Vanessa Chicaiza – 72.7% Dubrea Sanders – 27.3% Executive Vice President: Stephanie Magana – 100% (unopposed) Vice President: Campus Life Nadia Mendoza – 100% (unopposed) Vice President: Finance Frankie De La Pena – 100% (unopposed)
Vice President: Legislative Affairs Erick Mejia – 18.9% Krystal Raynes – 81.1% Vice President: University Affairs Maria Espinoza – 61.5% Daniel Tapia – 38.5% Director: ASI Outreach Anthony Quintino – 100% (unopposed) Director: Athletics Engagement Tiffani Iniguez – 100% (unopposed) Director: Budget Management Kevin Izquierdo – 100% (unopposed) Director: Diversity and Inclusion Citlalli Guadarrama – 17.8% Hoda Huzaibi – 52.7% Desiree Lorelli – 15.3% Alexia Zuniga – 14.2% Director: Social Media and Marketing Anaiah Alfred – 30.7% Runoff Heidy Casillas – 50% Runoff Amaya Lawton – 19.3% Director: Student Support Uriel Cruz – 38.2% Caitlin Livingston – 54.5% Director: Arts and Humanities Carlos Hernandez – 38.2% Alexandra Page – 61.9% Director: Social Sciences and Education Myles Howard – 41.5% Geena Olague – 58.5% Director: Business and Public Administration Serenity Sanchez – 100% (unopposed) Director: Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering Parmbir Sidhu – 100% (unopposed)
Cont’d: Students ignored in stimulus bill [STIMULUS cont. from , Page 1] jobs, or have been furloughed by their employer, they can apply for unemployment benefits. The CARES Act that was signed into action on March 27, unemployment
benefits are increased. Most states only provide 26 weeks of unemployment, but this has since been extended to 39 weeks because of the CARES Act. Also, under the
CARES Act, those that meet the requirements to receive their state’s unemployment will receive state unemployment along with an additional $600 a week from federal unemploy-
ment for 39 weeks. Some funds from the CARES Act may be allocated to CSUB students deemed eligible, though there is no more information available at this time.
Cont’d: Credit/no credit grading offered at CSUB [CREDIT cont. from , Page 1] Since students will only be able to switch one or two classes with the six unit limit, this option may not be useful. According to the CSU Long Beach website, classes that you get a credit for do not affect your GPA. It applies zero points toward GPA. If students want this to
boost their GPA, it will have no effect, good or bad. “I empathize for those students who depend upon face-to-face instruction, and therefore feel credit/ no credit is only fair given the circumstances,” Allison Stogdell, a senior liberal arts and English major, said.
“It should be letter grading,” Stogdell said, for those who want to go to grad school or other programs. During the Walk and Talk, Zelezny also wanted to make it clear that this was an individual choice. “There is no blanket policy at CSUB. We definitely
heard from students, it’s not what the majority of students want, and so it is a choice that is in your control,” Zelezny said. Professors who were at the meeting made it clear that students who are struggling or need extra help should reach out to faculty.
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April 22, 2020
‘Runners find new ways to exercise at home By Francisco Ruiz Reporter As the stay-at-home order carries on this month, gyms have closed due to health concerns because of the new coronavirus. Before the COVID-19 outbreak happened, many individuals would go to the gym as a stress reliever, to live a healthier lifestyle, or just as a hobby. Being quarantined at home gives people limited options for working out. At home, there isn’t always the necessary equipment available, such as a treadmill or a stationary bicycle, but there are always other ways to work out without needing a gym or gym equipment. “For me, every morning I go on a jog around my neighborhood. If I don’t feel like jogging, I’ll put out my yoga mat and search for a 20-minute workout routine on YouTube,” CSU Bakersfield
graduate student of social work Ivonne Bermudez said. According to Bermudez, there are more ways to work out such as, jogging, walking, bike riding around the neighborhood. If it’s a rainy or cold day, there are always workouts to do at home. “All my physical fitness activities are done outside to have a time out of the house. I typically go biking or walking around my neighborhood along with my father. Also, I am taking the time to learn how to skateboard around my block. I am not much of an indoor person. I occasionally do push-ups, sit-ups as a form of exercise in my room,” CSUB criminal justice student Christopher Madrigal said. In other words, Madrigal explains, he doesn’t like to work out inside his room, but occasionally he works out in his room if he doesn’t feel like going
Photo Provided by Ivonne Bermudez
Photo Provided by Christian Madrigal
Photo Provided by Francia Raisa
outside like usual. “At first it was hard to adjust to these circumstances, and I was being pretty lazy. Now, I kind of built my own routine doing body weight exercises by watching YouTube videos. YouTube has been my best friend. Also, there are celebrities on Instagram like Francia Raisa who do daily yoga live streams,
and I think that’s super awesome,” CSUB graduate student of biology Nahliel Ruiz said. Ruiz explains that she doesn’t need a gym to work out. Instead, she works out on her own at home at her own pace with different types of exercises, just as if she was working out at the gym. “I practice my martial
arts, Chinese lion dance, and use the weights I have at home. I also do yoga and tai chi. For my mental health, I meditate and draw schematics for DYI projects. I’m currently in the process of making a couple of bookcases, a squat rack, and a pull up bar. In between classes via Zoom, I try to escape to go hiking,” CSUB kinesiology student
tamed,” by Glennon
By Yoana Andrade Reporter Now that everyone around the world is in isolation due to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and have to find things to do inside the comfort of our homes, reading books and just finding new self-care tips can be something to do. Since no one really knows when the isolation order will end, reading a book or finding new hobbies, like finding new ways to take care of the body and mind, are possible pastimes. Not only can one do selfcare and read books, but one can read books about self-care. According to Amazon.com, the top three best sellers in self-help books are “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen R. Covey, “Unlimited Memory,” by Kevin Horsley, and “Un-
Doyle. Vanessa De La Cruz, who is a junior high school librarian, is currently reading young adult fiction books. She recommends reading “Allegedly,” by Tiffany D. Jackson, “A Long Way Down,” by Jason Reynolds, and “Barely Missing Anything,” by Matt Mendez. There are all types of self-care whether it is physically, personally, emotionally, mentally, or socially. Naturally, there are a plethora of ways a person can enhance these types of self-care. Students at CSU Bakersfield are now having classes online through Zoom, but according to Lynna Ha, she is also talking to her friends through Zoom to participate in social distancing. Her friends are helping her do projects around the house and helping with homework, and this helps her take care of herself and stay on
Photo Provided by Arturo Chavez
Arturo Chavez said. Chavez explains that he usually works on his martial arts as a form of workout. He also practices yoga, and lastly, he is building a few things such as a bookcase, pull up bar, and a squat rack so he can work out with them once he is done and ready for use. track. Human interaction with people you love is necessary for one’s social self-care. Alyssha Geraldo has also been taking new steps to take care of herself, and some of them are buying new natural kits of vitamins for both her and her family, and disinfecting her house to get rid of germs. This is an example of physical and personal self-care, especially now that we want our immune system to be healthy and to stay away from germs due to COVID-19. Rebeca Guerrero, a student who usually has to commute to CSUB in a three hour round trip four times a week, used to teach Zumba. Now that she no longer has to commute, she has been practicing her choreography. Her self-care tip to everyone is to dance and stay active. This self-care tip falls into the physical and mental categories of self-care. Staying active can not only make the body stronger but it can also reduce anxiety and stress. During a time when everyone has to stay home due to a pandemic, it is best to find new things to do. Reading a new book, or practicing new selfcare tips can be possible pastimes.
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April , 2020
Whipped Coffee
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
By Rosie Callejas Opinions Columnist
By Destinee Sims Opinions Editor
If you haven’t been keeping up with social media lately, you might have missed this deliciously sweet coffee taking over on all platforms. Whipped coffee, Dalgona coffee, cloud coffee... Each name for the digital trend has people all over the internet making this decadent drink. It takes merely minutes to put together and is a delicious new take on iced coffee. This recipe is also easily customizable; swap oat milk for your own favorite, adds flavored syrups, and more. The possibilities are endless!
With our new abundance of free time, loaves of homemade banana bread have been trending all over social media. Whether it’s due to the sweet flavor of the banana or the textural experience provided by the soft bread paired with the crisp nuts, this bread is worth your time to make. Adding the right extras to this delish banana base is what makes it so satisfying. Follow along or switch it up; this recipe is a favorite in my household.
Yield: 1 serving Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 5-10 minutes Total time: Less than 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 tbsp instant coffee 2 tbsp granulated sugar 2 tbsp hot water 2 cups ice 2 cups milk; I recommend oat milk Directions: First, mix the instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a large bowl. Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the mixture together for 5 to 10 minutes. You will know the mixture is ready when soft peaks have formed, and the mixture has lightened to a shade of golden brown. Lastly, pour two cups of ice into a tall glass and add your milk. Using a spoon or spatula add the frothy coffee mixture on top of the milk. Your coffee is now ready to drink. Enjoy your own taste of this internet sensation! Have a recipe that you would like to share that would be perfect for college students? Send it to The Runner at runner@ csub.edu!
Yields: 1 loaf Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 60 minutes Total time: 90 minutes Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas 3 large eggs 2 cups flour, sifted 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup shortening ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup chocolate chips, in flavor of preference 1 tablespoon water Optional: 1 ½ cup walnuts, chopped Optional: 3 teaspoons sunflower seeds, unsalted Directions: First, preheat your oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, use a fork to crush the thee bananas until they have turned into mush. In a separate large bowl, add 1 ½ cups of the sugar and ½ cup of the shortening. Mix the two together thoroughly; this works best with a mixer, but can be done by hand with a whisk. Then mix in the egg until they are blended. Use a separate dish to mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the bananas and flour mixture to the sugar blend. Mix together well. This is the base for your banana bread. Once the base has been completed, you can now begin mixing in the fun ingredients. Toss in the
chocolate chips, walnuts, and optional sunflower seeds and stir. Using a paper towel or napkin, lightly smear the remaining shortening over the inside surfaces of your baking dish or bread pan. This helps prevent the bread from sticking when it is time for removal. Lightly coat each the inner surfaces of the pan with granulated sugar; it should stick to the pan due to the shortening. This creates a sugary crust as the bread bakes. Once your baking dish or bread pan has been prepared, pour the batter into the pan. Bake the bread for 30 minutes, then rotate the pan. Bake for approximately another 30 minutes, or until a toothpick can be poked in different sections of the bread and comes out clean. Leave the bread in the pan or dish to cool. Once it has completely cooled, it is safe to remove from the pan to enjoy.
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Blazing acro By Amy Pachla Copy Chief and Destinee Sims Opinions Editor
A
pril 20, the unofficial stoner holiday known as 420, has prompted hundreds of pot-related discussions across the web as first-time users try to navigate the confusing world of cannabis. In an effort to help new and experienced stoners alike celebrate safely, continue below to learn more about the legal history of cannabis, its impact on our health, and how it is consumed. The complicated legal history of cannabis From before the Revolutionary War until the 1880’s, hemp from cannabis plants was considered a critical industrial crop; it was subsidized by the government in the same way corn and wheat are today. Medicines made from hemp were widely available in a variety of preparations. The nineteenth century saw many cultural and demographic changes in the United States. After the Civil War, many municipalities generated laws intended to criminalize Americans of color. Using cannabis as a scapegoat, they claimed it made minorities into monsters with a bloodlust for sex with white women. By the 1930’s, films such as “Reefer Madness” and “Devil’s Harvest” were repeating the myth that smoking cannabis makes people criminally insane, allowing the government to regulate the farming and sale of cannabis. In 1937, the Department of Agriculture began issuing tax stamps to farmers who were allowed to grow hemp, but the government failed to issue any of those tax stamps, and hemp became virtually illegal to produce. The law against farmers producing cannabis was lifted during World War II. Hemp was used to make everything from ropes and uniforms to parachutes and bandages. U.S. farmers found themselves being encouraged to produce valuable hemp for the government. During the wars in Southeast Asia in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, many of the young people who were drafted opposed the
war. As cannabis use was common among them, the government responded by connecting cannabis use to being meek, passive, and lazy. President Richard Nixon signed Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, which reclassified cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, defined as having “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,” where it remains today according to DEA. In 11 states, recreational cannabis is decriminalized for anyone over the age of 21 and is regulated much like alcohol. Other states allow medical use, and have a system for patients, growers, and dispensaries. Some states have seen incredible increases in their state revenues as a result of allowing this commerce. The impact of cannabis on health As the research surrounding cannabis consumption is still limited, it is important to consider all currently known information before making the decision to join someone’s smoke session or grabbing a brownie. At this time, it is believed that marijuana can help provide relief for a variety of health conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, and loss of appetite. These benefits have been associated with indica-dominant marijuana strains, as sativa-dominant strains are associated with alertness. It is recommended that consumers research each strain to learn how it may impact them. On the flip side, researchers are still currently trying to determine the potential negative effects of cannabis consumption, especially when used for medicinal purposes. Like cigarettes, the actual marijuana smoke has created concerns for doctors and medical scientists around the globe. As burning anything creates carcinogens, researchers are currently trying to understand the relationship between marijuana smoke and lung diseases. According to the American Lung Association’s website, the most common lung ailment caused by smoking marijuana is bronchitis. As the smoke inhalation damages the cells, the respiratory system is forced to work harder to recover from daily activ-
ities. The use of water pipes can also increase the risk of pneumonia, as the process involves breathing in moisture along with the marijuana smoke. Aside from the concerns surrounding the potential long-term effects smoking on the respiratory system, medical experts have raised concerns about individuals using marijuana to avoid receiving medical treatment. This could include using marijuana as a substitute for medications intended to stabilize mood disorders or choosing to smoke for pain relief instead of receiving a recommended surgery. It is necessary to speak with your medical care team before substituting cannabis for any medications.
Methods of consumption Joints and blunts As one of the most recognizable marijuana consumption methods, joints and blunts are typically some of the first forms many consumers try. Joints are defined as
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The Runner l April 22, 2020
oss America: The history of 420
Illustration by Sam Underwood/The Runner
ground marijuana that has been rolled in tobacco-free paper, such as hemp paper. In comparison, blunts are typically rolled in tobacco leaves, cigar wrappers, or blunt wraps. These methods of consumption will result in a high that takes effect quickly, and typically lasts four hours or less. However, it is important that consumers consider the potential negative effects of each method of consumption. The smoking process does involve breathing in burnt paper, creates carcinogens. This method will typically provide the harshest of flavors, as the taste typically reflects the burning process. Likewise, many consumers will warn that the type and quality of rolling paper used will affect the flavor and overall quality. If you don’t mind the taste, or even if you just want something easily transportable, joints and blunts may still be the preferred way to find your buzz. Traditional pipes Another classic scene in stoner comedies includes traditional pipes, reflecting the popularity of the consumption method for more than a hundred years. This process involves placing the marijuana in the bowl of the pipe, and
burning the THC filled buds. Like smoking a joint, traditional pipes create a high that takes effect quickly and is shorter lived than edibles; the flavor will also reflect the burning process. Since it does involve burning the bud, carcinogens are created through this method.
Water pipes/bongs Water pipes and bongs are highly popular among marijuana smokers. As the smoke created by burning the buds placed in the bowl passes through water prior to reaching the lungs of the consumer, the smoke is thought to taste cleaner while achieving the same high when compared to other smoking methods. The water traps many of the carcinogens created during the smoking process, such the ash itself, allowing consumers to reduce that risk. However, as water pipes and bongs still come with their own risk. As the process involves breathing in the smoke as it filters through the water, moisture is inhaled with it. Researchers believe
that this can cause pneumonia, the buildup of fluid in the lungs, due to the water inhalation. It is currently unclear, however, how often bong-related pneumonia occurs. Wax Currently, one of the least understood methods of consumption is the use of wax. Wax is a sticky wax-like substance that is extremely concentrated; it can contain hundreds of milligrams of THC per gram. As a result, wax creates a heavy high that is not recommended for new consumers. There are other subcategories of wax, including shatter and crumble. Each requires slightly different temperatures, much higher than the standard lighter can achieve. Wax is what is being used when discussing “dabbing,” a flash vaporization method. This typically involves using a mini torch to heat the wax while a metal rod, referred to as a “nail head”, is used to apply the wax to the bowl of the dab rig. As concentrates such as wax have been growing in popularity primarily over the past decade or so, especially as states began to legalize medicinal marijuana, it is still extremely unclear how this effects the body. As the process involves heating the wax, concerns of carcinogens have been raised. Vape pens and
concentrates At this time, research is still needed to determine the overall effect of vaping on the human body. Vaping includes heating distillates or wax, typically coming in 0.5 gram and 1 gram cartridges that are connected to portable batteries. It is currently unclear what the relationship between vaping and carcinogens is. This uncertainty is then added to by an abundance of bootleg cartridges flooding the market, including some that are formulated with harmful substances. It is unclear what the suspension agents and preservatives may do to the human body, such as the vitamin E used by many illegal distributors. Despite the concerns surrounding vaping, the quick-acting method has remained popular among frequent consumers. Marijuana vape cartridges can be strain specific, allowing consumers to be more aware of the likely outcomes of the high. Vapes are also primarily scentless when made by legitimate companies, making them discreet for those who choose to take their vape products with them on the go. Be aware of the laws for locations you intend to take your product though; it is illegal to have marijuana at most locations. Edibles Cannabis-infused dishes have been a favorite for more than a century, especially in the form of traditional brownies and cakes. Edibles can take several hours to take effect, and produce the longest lasting high compared to other methods. This is also a reliable
alternative for someone who wants to measure the amount of THC consumed per usage, or doesn’t want to smoke the product to experience the effects. Due to the limited research available about marijuana consumption, it is unclear how eating cannabis may negatively impact the body. At this time, the biggest concern raised by doctors has included the impact on dietary choices and its appeal to children. The marijuana industry has responded by requiring producers to include large warning labels, child resistant packaging, and special storage. For those with children, it is required in most states that all marijuana is kept locked up out of the children’s reach to prevent consumption. It is also recommended that edibles are safely kept out of pets’ reach, as edibles have been found to make many animals ill. Tinctures and syrups For those who don’t want to smoke but need faster relief than edibles can provide, tinctures and syrups are a reliable way to go. This involves consuming the concentrated oils that are obtained from the cannabis plant. These oils will begin taking effect with a single use, or can be built upon with daily consumption to maintain the benefits. Topicals One of the less discussed consumption methods includes topicals, such as medicated lotions, bath bombs, and lip balms. These infused products are not intended to create a high for consumers; instead, these products are used for minor pain relief. These products are dependent on the skin absorbing the marijuana’s oils. Topicals are not intended to help with mental health. Runners and reefer Runners reported marijuana use for a variety of reasons, including to maintain their health. “I do not actually like the
head change so much. I need pain relief mostly. I find edible gummies allow me to gauge the milligrams I am taking, and adjust the dosing accordingly so I’m not completely blown,” Jennifer, a junior anthropology major, wrote on a social media forum. Senior psychology major Yaritza explains in a private message with The Runner staff that cannabis use has found that it enhances her spiritual health. “I prefer smoking hybrid strains with a bong and smoking lightly on the weekends before doing spiritual practices such as praying, working with tarot, and doing guided meditations. I believe it heightens my understanding on spiritual topics. I moderate my intake and limit myself 2-3 small hits,” Yaritza elaborated. Others choose to participate simply for pleasure. “I prefer to smoke out of joints or out of a pipe. I mostly use it for relaxation, hunger, and trying to get lit,” Alyssa, a senior criminal justice major, privately messaged The Runner. Cannabis consumption is a personal experience; everyone has their own preferred methods and goals. Whether someone participates for health reasons, pleasure, or not at all, the most important aspect is that the consumer medicates safely.
Photo illustration by Sam Underwood/The Runner
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Sports April 22, 2020
The Runner
The Runner Spotlight: Daryn Hitzel By Elisa Fuentes Sports Co-Editor
For this edition of the Runner Spotlight, we look at CSU Bakersfield junior softball pitcher Daryn Hitzel. Hitzel hails from the town of Corona, CA and picked up the game of softball at about seven years old after watching her older sister Kellen in a little league game. She was so inspired by her sister’s
many important fundamentals about the sport and she was able to grow faster as an athlete. The most important thing she learned from Kellen was how to have a short memory with negative situations in the game. Whether it is from heckling fans or dealing with a negative situation with a coach or teammate, Hitzel was taught to not let those things affect her and to let them roll off her shoulders so it does not hinder her from reaching her goals as a player.
Photo contributed by Daryn Hitzel Junior pitcher Daryn Hitzel pitching during their game agains UC Riverside on March 7, 2020.
performance, she decided that she would also take a chance and try out the position to see how she would fare. With the help of her sister, Hitzel learned
“She was always someone I could look up to and learn from her lessons so I don’t have to go through the same thing... because she went through a lot,” Hitzel said
about her older sister. Hitzel mainly played in the outfield until she reached college and zeroed in on pitching. During her freshman year, she found that she needed to focus on the mental side of her game. Hitzel quickly realized that the lessons her sister had taught her before about having a short memory as a pitcher and not allowing certain situations to bring you down is an absolute necessity to succeed at the position. “Hits are gonna happen, and that’s just like someone punching me, but I can’t just let that defeat me and take me down,” she said. Hitzel says her sophomore season was one that really stuck out to her, specifically the Roadrunners’ game against the University of San Diego on March 17, 2019. “The adrenaline of that game and just winning that game was probably the best feeling,” she said. The game was tied in the fifth inning when Hitzel was called in from the bullpen to relieve the starter. She then went on to throw six straight innings before the Roadrunners were finally able to win the game in the 11th inning with a final of 4 to 3. With this season cancelled, Hitzel said she did not get to finish the way she would have wanted to. While her record was 1 and 12 as a starter, her earned run average dropped two runs after the win against University of Nevada on Feb. 16. It was around the time CSUB was scheduled to play against UC Riverside on March 7 when Hitzel felt that she finally figured out what she needed to do in order to perform her best.
Picture contributed by Daryn Hitzel Junior pitcher Daryn Hitzel of the CSUB Roadrunners
“That’s the frustrating part…It kinda sucks that I never got to continue and build off it,” she said. Despite having an incomplete season, Hitzel is not allowing that to bring down her spirits for next season. She is already eager to get back on the field for her senior year, and while she may be a little anxious to get back on the mound, she feels that she now has the extra time that she needed to improve and tune up her game before the next season. Hitzel plans on working out during this extra time off in order to stay healthy during this sports hiatus. So when next season finally does come, she will be ready to go.
CSUB athletics department develops plan for lost revenue By Brian Melgar Sports Writer CSU Bakersfield’s campus has seen dramatic and unprecedented changes since COVID-19 began spreading throughout the country. The campus closed as students transitioned to online learning and spring sports were shut down. On the current financial situation of the athletics department in the wake of the shutdown, Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, Athletics Director for CSUB, said, “For us, in the athletics department, I’d be naïve to say that we didn’t have some losses. We’ve lost revenue from ticket sales, NCAA distributions, facility revenue and event revenue. The amount of dollars we’ve lost has been substantial.” Ziggy did not have hard numbers available. “Anytime we have a reduction in revenue, it presents challenges,” said Karen Langston, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs & Capital Projects, echoing these sentiments. The CSUB athletics department has had to get creative in order to keep their department afloat and continue providing for their athletes, but the options have been minimal with the current stay-at-home order in place. Cindy Goodmon, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal & Business Operations, said, “Our only hope at this point is to get out and fundraise those differences.” Another strategy being used by the
Carlos Hernandez /The Runner
CSUB athletics department, according to Siegfried, Langston and Goodmon, is to spread awareness of their situation via social media. This includes having a positive message and reminding everyone that the financial side of the athletics department is not simply for funding sporting events and acquiring gear for their athletes, they are in charge of paying for their athletes
to attend school. By reminding people that their department pays the tuition fees for hundreds of students to continue their education, they’re hoping that the public will listen to the needs of the students and contribute to fundraisers. Though the athletics department is working diligently to prevent the worst-case scenario, Langston says that they do not
know the full financial impact at this time. This doesn’t mean that the staff aren’t doing everything in their power to mitigate losses, however. “We basically put a stop on any spending from individuals in the athletics department,” Siegfried said. Goodmon agreed, saying, “We’re working on controlling our expenditures and what savings we can do.” While the staff works as hard as they can to keep the athletics department going strong, there is a heartwarming side to this pandemic and its effects on student life. Siegfried, Goodmon and Langston all have said that many of the ticket holders for future CSUB sporting events have chosen to donate that money to the athletics scholarship fund in lieu of receiving a refund for their tickets. Siegfried said that the athletics department was set to refund somewhere in the range of $50,000 to $60,000 in tickets, but much of it was donated instead. “We are very fortunate in that,” Langston said of ticketholders choosing to donate. In this very difficult time, it is important to have something to look forward to at the end of the tunnel, and the athletics department is aware of that. College sports are a major part of student life, and having them to look forward to helps students to feel more connected to their campus. “It’s important to keep athletics alive and well, not only for our athletes, but for our entire student body as well,” Goodmon said. “It’s important to serve the students.”