Flooding the streets:
Prohibited reading:
Via Arte brings The Marketplace to life this past weekend. Page 4
Pulling it out:
Banned Books Week raises questions about censorship. Page 5
Vol. 39, No. 3
Women’s soccer team squeaks by with a 1-0 win against Idaho. Page 6.
Oct. 9, 2013
California Writers Series presents Davis poet
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By Selene Sorto Staff Writer
Farmers market brings fresh food to First Friday
Rebecca Grant/The Runner
Matthew Peters, a First Friday vendor, talks to a customer about his array of handmade products on Friday, Oct. 4.
By Josh Lofy Staff Writer
Farmers markets are amazing places where people that come from a variety of different beginnings. So what happens when a farmers market comes to Bakersfield’s already beloved First Friday event? An explosion of Bakersfield genius. There was music at every corner of the First Friday event; from local DJs those who had brought out a violin, keyboard, or an acoustic guitar. Many local people were out to
make some noise. The farmers market itself had a concert set up at the end of their street. The atmosphere was a beautiful interweaving of the arts, music, and food. Lucia Vargas, representing Apple Sherrill Orchards from Arvin, CA, said that they travel through the many different farmers markets in the Bakersfield and Los Angeles area. She enjoyed being at the new Bakersfield First Friday Farmers Market because they enjoy being local. It is much better for them to stay near where they grow their
Army veteran wins prestigious CSU scholarship By Elizabeth Cortez Staff Writer
Erika Rivera, a CSUB junior liberal studies major, was awarded the William Randolph Hearst Scholarship for the 2013 academic year. Faced with the reality of college expenses, her financial need motivated her to serve her country. “One of the reasons why I joined the military was to help lessen my mom’s burden,” said Rivera. She served the U.S. Army for five years and provided combat support for Operation Iraqi Freedom. “In those five years, I did two tours to Iraq. One of
Reliving the ‘Wrath’
them was 15 months, and the other was one year. I did enjoy it, but I always wanted to continue my schooling, and I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Rivera. Currently, she is in the Army Reserves where she serves one week a month. Rivera trains trains for combat readiness several weeks a year. In order to be eligible for the CSU Trustee’s award, students must meet a range of requirements, including commitment to community service. A student per campus is selected each year. According to the CSU website ,“Scholarships are given to one student from each of the California State [See SCHOLARSHIP, page 3]
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The 75th anniversary of the ‘Grapes of Wrath’ comes to CSUB. NEWS
food. Her stand had large bags of pomegranates, many different dried fruits and nuts, and featured an assortment of freshly squeezed juices. These events greatly affect how our locals live.For instance, April Verhoof used the idea of farming to get her children into their education. One of her children, Katie, is a student at CSUB who is majoring in agricultural business. April enjoys the farmers market because you can get that “fresh local taste and organic quality without paying the price you would in a grocery store.”
From the Farm featured a wide assortment of jams and jellies, as well as nuts and honey. Many artists were excited to see the farmers market as an extension of First Friday too. Mark Lamas Jr., a CSUB alumni, runs an art booth where people can come to do free painting through his church’s young adult group, “Anchor.” He said that he thought that the farmers market was, “fantastic.” Travis Boe of Tattered Buffalo, a locally based leather crafts store on Etsy.com,also said that he thought that the farmers [See MARKET, Page 2]
Every academic year, the California Writers Series brings writers to the CSUB campus, where a reading is done at the Dezember Reading Room in the Walter Stiern Library. This year, on Oct. 2, CWS presented Clarence Major, a poet, novelist, painter, and professor emeritus of English at UC Davis. Just knowing all he does was enough to attract an overflowing room of staff and students. Major has received a Western States Award for fiction, two Pushcart Prizes, a Fulbright Fellowship and a fellowship from the National Council on the Arts. He has published 15 poetry books and 8 novels within his career. His most recently published text is “Down and Up,” which is where he took his readings from. He read several pieces that were just wonderful to hear: “The Argument,” “The Sister,” and “Together” to name a few, along with some poems from his previous book. Major told his audience that many of these pieces were personal. In these cases, he puts his personal experiences in third person to gain a different perspective. Following the reading, there was a discussion in which the audience seemed interested in learning more about Major. He’s clearly a man of knowl-
Juana Martinez/The Runner
Clarence Major listens to a question addressed to him from the audience in the Dezember Reading Room.
edge in his profession, meaning he’s dealt through most things writers usually deal with, such as writer’s block, changes in personal style and search for inspiration. After the reading and discussion, Russo’s Books held a raffle for two book copies. Two lucky winners got their books signed, along with others in the audience who purchased it. Students among the crowd had positive words to say. “It was nice; very concrete,” said Lidia Gomez, a 22-yearold business management major. “I could see where he was coming from.” Ashley Fischer, a 27-year-old [See MAJOR, Page 3]
Leveling up and saving lives
Campus Gamers visit local children’s hospital
By Brian N. Willhite Distribution Manager
In support of the Extra Life event on Nov. 9 at CSUB, five members of Campus Gamers recently visited the Lauren Small Children’s Medical Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and toured the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, too, to witness first-hand what their fundraising efforts for the Children’s Miracle Network are doing for kids in need in our community. “I wanted to go to see how everything worked and to see what we were contributing to and I really like what I saw,” said Dylan Kumar. “It was amazing to see how much they help the kids,” he said.
Beer and lederhosen
Page 4
Oktoberfest comes to Bakersfield. ENTERTAINMENT
The tour was hosted by NICU has been able to purchase Lourdes Nilon, the foundation a few now from funds donated manager at the through the hospital. During "When you see C h i l d r e n ’s the tour, she introM i r a c l e the end result it Network. duced the students to the nurses and makes it easier “You think physicians work- to keep going about babies ing with the chilbeing small, dren and discussed and more worth- but you don’t the importance of while when you realize that their roles as well when the baby know exactly as how the specialis small, ized equipment how you're help- everything is used is vital to ing people." smaller and so their efforts. you can’t take Alex Cesare anything for During the tour of the neonatal intengranted,” said sive care unit, a Ed Webb, nurse described how one partic- founder of Campus Gamers. ular machine used to care for Webb wasn’t the only one premature newborns cost taken aback by the gravitas of $20,000 a day to rent. The the situation, as the other club
Rising to the occasion
Page 5
Gordon-Levitt impresses in his first self-directed film. ENTERTAINMENT
members stood in silence, listening to the nurse describe how some newborns can weigh a pound and be so fragile that, if handled improperly, the skin can be torn away. Before entering the NICU, each person had to wash their arms and hands for several minutes, then put on scrubs. This was done in an effort to protect the premature newborns from the spread of any contagions to which newborns are susceptible. “I never really thought that stuff like that had to happen and after actually seeing that it just changed my outlook and realize how lucky I was and why we need to help raise money for the hospital,” Kumar said. [See GAMERS, Page 3]
Dropping the ball
Page 6
Women’s volleyball falls in five sets to UMKC. SPORTS
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Opinion
Volume XXXIX, Issue 3
THE RUNNER The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 Telephone 661.654.2165 Fax 661.654.6905 E-mail runner@csub.edu therunneronline.com
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robin Gracia Robin.gracia88@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Steven Barker SBarker220@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR Michael Wafford OPINION EDITOR Cache Cantrell FEATURES EDITOR Athena Skapinakis SPORTS EDITOR Nathan Sanchez PHOTO EDITOR Lexi Philippi ADVERTISING MANAGER Daysi Meza BUSINESS MANAGERS Brandon Mann, Kassie Mullican, Brian Willhite, Casey Webb ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu
newsroomstaff COPY CHIEF Melissa Taylor
WRITERS Monica Martinez, Selene Sorto, Ryan Barrera, Jacquelyn Russo, Myra Maldonado, Andrew Rivera, Selene Sorto, Shelby Parker, Jessica Martinez, Alexander Ripepi, David Aliaga, Josh Bennett, Sandy Ornelas, Bailey Torres, Elizabeth Cortez, Esteban Lopez, Josh Lofy PHOTOGRAPHERS Elyse Rivas, Rebecca Grant, Tara Baraceros, Abi Khan, Juana Martinez
ABOUT The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published weekly, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at California State University, Bakersfield. The Runner believes all advertising to be correct but cannot guarantee its accuracy or be responsible for its outcome. ADVERTISING For information about placing an ad in The Runner, go to therunneronline.com/category/advertising/. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send letters to the editor to runner@csub.edu. All letters must be signed and verified for publication and should be no more than 300 words in length. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in the Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Department of Communications. Each quarter’s student staff determines content/advertising choices, with advice only from the adviser. Content creation and selection are all made by student editors. The staff of the Runner reserves the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which many be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless. The Runner does not accept tobacco-related advertising. COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at California State University, Bakersfield.
Oct. 9, 2013
RUNNER ON THE STREET By Juana Martinez, Staff Photographer
This week, The Runner asked, “What are your thoughts on ObamaCare?”
Danny Rodela, Political Science
Deslyn Joseph, Psychology
“I think it is unconstitutional. It is a loophole for Obama to make it appear it is constitutional by using power under the tax law of the constitution. ”
“I don’t really know much about it.”
Maria Vallejo, Psychology/Spanish
“It is good for the low social class and it is not going to affect the higher class.”
ObamaCare: Affordable health care for everyone By Myra Maldonado Staff Writer
You’re broke, you have the flu, it’s been 10 days since you’ve been able to breathe through your nose and your body is aching all over. You want to go to the doctor but can’t because you are uninsured and have no money as a full-time college student. What do you do? Right now, if this is you, you can do nothing or you can pay a doctor for a visit. With that visit is a potentially hefty bill of at least $100, plus the cost of medications. The bright side to this is that you can change all this with ObamaCare starting in January 2014. Beginning now until March 2014, according to obamacarefacts.com, those without insurance may shop around on what is being called the Health Insurance Marketplace. It is a website where one can compare rates and what is being offered through each insurance company based on what state a person lives in. If a person already has insurance they are unaffected by the passing of the Affordable Care Act. ObamaCare may be a good thing immediately for those who don’t have cover-
Image from http://obamacare.net
Protesters show their support for ObamaCare.
for their children, cannot seek the medical attention they need due to their economic situation.” I would have to agree on this one, because if a parent cannot afford insurance and their child needs medical attention they should be offered the same help as a child whose parent who can afford insurance. Just because the parent cannot afford the insurance does not mean the child should suffer because of it. As of right now, according to obamacarefacts.com, The Affordable Care Act will save the country money. Only in a few years will we really know the answer to that. Stephanie Valdivia, a junior psychology major, also brought up a valid point and said that, “It’s important for people to have health insurance. However, our economy is not at its best and I feel that ObamaCare will make it worse.” Only the dollar signs in the near future will speak the truth. For now, if you find yourself without insurance and you need some direction, check out the website www.coveredca.com for more information.
age. It will be especially helpful for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Nina Ali, a CSUB senior, said, “I am a type one diabetic, so it is very difficult for me to afford my med supplies and live every day. Having no health insurance is really bad and even harder for those like me who just cannot afford the highly outrageous cost [of insurance].” Ali needs her medications on a daily basis and with this new ObamaCare she
will, for the first time since the age of 18, be able to afford the care she needs to control her illness. Having a disease or previous health issue has made it difficult for others to receive benefits and get help without insurance in the past. As Wendy Alberto, a senior criminal justice major, said, “Everyone should have health care available to them. Diseases do not discriminate and it is unfortunate that some people, especially
With the partial government shutdown in effect, many government programs have been put on hold due to the lack of funding the resulting budget freeze has caused. While life in the public sector seems relatively unchanged, services like passport acquisition may be harder to process, and places like the national parks are entirely inaccessible. Additionally, many national monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial are not open for viewing. Because of this, many people are becoming upset at what they see as an unnecessary expenditure. The response to the closure of national parks has been relatively simple. The parks’ services aren’t currently being funded, so the barricades are being placed in order to keep anyone from breaking the law while the parks aren’t being patrolled. More prescient though is the halt in operations of many government run operations like the Centers for Disease Control, which is also heavily affected by the shutdown. One statement, from
the CDC, put it simply by saying they would close “a vast majority,” of its operations. This type of vague language is present throughout many of the agencies affected by the shutdown. The National Archives and Records Administration now holds a warning sign stating that “Information on the website might not be up to date,” that transactions “might not be processed until the shutdown ends,” and that the agency “might not be able to respond to inquiries until the shutdown ends.” All manner of websites hold this type of unsure speech that revolves around lack of certainty about their funding. Although life as we know it may not be drastically altered by this shutdown, it has already affected many who are employed by the federal government. A month-long shutdown could cost the U.S. over one million jobs, and according to an article on nbc.com, the government shutdown is costing 12.5 million dollars an hour. Protests of the shutdown have begun around the country. The currently unemployed or furloughed are picketing, expectant vacationers are picketing the closure of national parks and monuments, and those unhappy with
the state of our Congress are taking up IRS information that, because of the signs and showing their distress. shutdown, is more difficult to obtain. The governmental shutdown in a The biggest issues are federal grants word is simply this: unsure. While life that we (as individual students and a goes on, the government has ceased university as a whole) have been many of its operaawarded or have applied tions, and as time “The governmental for. Those that we have goes on, the already been awarded shutdown in a amount of prooffer the problem of grams that go dark word is simply this: spending that will not be is going to intensi- unsure. While life reimbursed because the fy. We may not budget has been frozen. see it immediate- goes on... the Additional grants that we ly, but a protract- amount of have applied for are cured shutdown can rently in limbo and will programs that go only cause more not be awarded; no deciuncertainty among dark is going to sion can be made. Neal the public. referenced the “backlog” intensify.” For those of us that all of these freezes attending CSUB, have started, and that don’t fret over this quarter, because if once a Congressional decision is you’ve already received aid from a reached, it becomes a problem of federal program, you’ve nothing to catching up. worry about. According to Mike Neal, The Federal year is still young the Vice President of Business and though, having started this month. Administration Services the fact that Aside from the actual spending freeze we are attending a state agency keeps for “non-essential” programs, the us out of direct conflict with the shut- biggest problem we face is the lack of down. certainty about what the shutdown One issues that Neal described as means to each individual person. “minor for now” is the acquisition of
[MARKET, Page 1] market was cool. Zaki Wyatt, an incense maker with more than 20 years experience, said that he didn’t really mind the farmers market being at First Friday, and also said that it was wonderful. He has been going to the event for 6 months, and thought that everyone needs variety in their life. The theme for this farmers market was simple: Trees. One such group that was there, Invest From the Ground Up, is a statewide program that is currently focusing on bringing tree awareness and investment towards trees in Bakersfield, one of its five cities it is working in. The state leader of the program, Nancy Hughes, described the campaign as a ground up campaign for bringing education to businesses about trees. She says that trees that are planted beautify the downtown landscape and it shows that “those who are here care.” The program is locally represented by the Tree Foundation of Kern. I had an amazing time with my First
Friday experience. One local artist, Joe Ormeord who was running the booth The Elephant, helped to keep me grounded through this experience. He was skeptical of the prices that some booths had to pay to be on the closed off section of street, saying they were as high as 50 dollars. “I would love for it to be a fun event, but love for it to be free and based on art and music.” Wyat added, “I love the eclectic nature. Everyone does something new. Bakersfield really needs this.” This space should be a show of Bakersfield self-expression, where our local community is free to be who they want, however they want to be it. And at last weeks First Friday, that’s exactly what I saw. I hope to continue to see larger artist and farmer participation of our local community in our First Friday event. What an amazing place we could make our Bakersfield home to become, and what a great way to show someone how you desire to express yourself.
Government shutdown throws off the American way of life By Alex Ripepi Senior Staff Writer
Farmers market brings diversity and life to downtown Bakersfield
Rebecca Grant/The Runner
Joe Denney of Flossie Faye Farms greets customers at the First Friday Farmerʼs Market on Oct. 4.
Don’t put down your arts, don’t give up on your food choices. These are the things that make us what and who we
are, and we can all be better for it tomorrow.
ʻGrapes of Wrathʼ comes to campus
Oct. 9, 2013
Image from the Walter Stiern Library archives
Dorothea Langeʼs photography are among the pictures featured in the Dust Bowl gallery.
By Steven Barker Managing Editor
On Sunday, October 13, the California State University, Bakersfield School of Arts and Humanities is hosting ONWARD, an event in which three artists will deliver a live
oral history in the Dezember Reading Room in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the publication of “The Grapes of Wrath.” Retracing the path of the novel’s Joad family – a journey that begins in Sallisaw, Okla, and ends in Arvin, Calif., the
artist’s will discuss their experiences while reliving the Joad family’s journey. The event itself, stemming from a partnership between CSUB’s School of Arts and Humanities and the National Steinbeck Center, is intended to celebrate the anniversary of
John Steinbeck’s celebrated book. Of the novel’s many settings, the Joad spend a significant period in Kern County. Also featured in Sunday’s event is an exhibit of Dorothea Lange’s photos, which are on exhibit in the Walter Stiern Library. Beyond celebrating the novel’s publication, the event also celebrates Bakersfield’s cultural history. “We want to draw attention to the fact that we do have this cultural heritage and that we can build on it,” Collins added. In conjunction with the upcoming event, the Walter Stiern Library has been hosting a photo gallery with images of the Dust Bowl, the time in which the “Grapes of Wrath” was published. “The majority of the photographs on display come from Library’s California the Odyssey: Dust Bowl Migration Archive,” said Christy Gavin, a librarian at CSUB and curator of the photo exhibit. “Most of the images in the Archive were taken in the mid to late 1930s by Dorothea Lange.” The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in the Dezember Reading Room. Admission and parking are both free.
Dr. Otis Brawley speaks in upcoming Kegley Lecture
By Bailey Torres Staff Writer
On Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Doré Theatre the Kegley Institute of Ethics hosts Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, as their fall lecturer. He will be discussing the good and bad of health care practices within the United States. Students “will be given a whole new perspective on health care,” Dr. Christopher Meyers, director of the Kegley Institute of Ethics at CSUB, stated via email. He added that Brawley is “funny and smart, and a really great guy. Students will love the talk and learn a tremendous amount along the way.” Among other topics covered in his book, “How We Do Harm: A Doctor Breaks Ranks About Being Sick in America,” Brawley discusses, “the overtreatment of the rich, the under treatment of the poor,” and “the financial conflicts of interest that determine the care
Image from thegrouproom.tv
Dr. Brawleyʼs lecture will address social inequalities and provide perspectives on health care.
that physicians’ provide,” according to the book’s inside jacket. The American Cancer Society website states that Brawley currently serves as professor of hematology, oncology, medicine and epidemiology at Emory University. As chief
medical officer of the American Cancer Society, he is “responsible for promoting the goals of cancer prevention, early detection, and quality treatment through cancer research and education.” This event is free and open to the public. There will be free
parking after 6:00 p.m. in lots A, B, and C, and a book signing will follow Dr. Brawley’s lecture. Russo’s will also be oncampus selling copies of his book. For any further information regarding Dr. Brawley’s lecture, students are encouraged to call (661) 654-2555.
the hospital has reduced the need for some children to have to be air-lifted to children's hospitals in Los Angeles or Madera, which has helped many families avoid further complications. "Our children here in Kern County deserve the best medical care available, so we want to prevent having to send as many families out of town because it's a financial burden and an emotional burden," said Nilon. In 2015, Memorial Hospital is scheduled to complete the Children's Emergency Pavilion, which will hopefully keep more families local, according to Nilon. The building will be funded by outside donations, though most of the equipment will come from community funds raised through CMN. Nilon has been impressed with the efforts of Campus Gamers and said that other CMN hospi-
tals and communities have been taking notice of what they're doing, too. A former Roadrunner herself, she's also inspired by how members of her community are taking the initiative to help those less fortunate. "I feel tremendously proud as an alum that students are raising money -- these are future philanthropists -- they care about their community and are giving back and I feel so fortunate that they picked the Lauren Small Children's Medical Center," said Nilon. "I've been in awe at how organized they are -- they've gone above and beyond," she said. Cesare added that he is more motivated to help the hospital. "When you see the end result it makes it easier to keep going and more worthwhile when you know exactly how you're helping people," said Cesare.
Nilon said that the club raised close to $5,000 last year and that she hopes the students will share their experiences and continue to make Extra Life a success. "I think that they walked away feeling not only satisfied with what they did last year but they go away inspired and motivated to do it again this year," said Nilon. Memorial Hospital is the only CMN hospital in Kern County and has been a member for the last 21 years. CMN is a conglomerate of 170 hospitals nationwide and in Canada. Currently, Bakersfield is ranks ninth in money raised per capita and ranks eighth on most improved from last year. Extra Life is limited to 200 participants, so if you want to be a part of it or learn more, visit the CSUB page at tinyurl.com/extralifebakersfield.
Student club gains motivation from hospital visit
[GAMERS, Page 1] As the tour continued, Nilon and other physicians pointed out more equipment that was purchased with CMN donations, including bedside monitors that cost $9,000 each and a crib designed to care for two newborns, such as twins. "When they told us how much everything cost and how most of it was through donations, that was kind of a surprise because it was a lot but everything helps," said Alex Cesare. "I like to see the tangible effects of our efforts, to see the equipment there and see that the money we raised helped buy that equipment," said Webb. Nilon said that all of the money that comes in through CMN is only spent on state-ofthe-art equipment. One benefit that Nilon discussed was that, because the hospital has been able to afford more specialized equipment,
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Fall into a new routine News
Student Rec Centerʼs classes offer diverse ways to drop weight By Sandy Ornelas Staff Writer
Yoga, Yoga and Zumba. Every class is for both female and males, and they are free. Summer has come and gone. Senior art major, Mariah Keep up your energy by taking Sherman-Graham teaches Hip a Group X class at the Student Hop Aerobics and Core Fusion Recreation Center. Yoga at the SRC. If you hate traditional exercis“My favorite thing about es, hate running on teaching is you the treadmill or even get paid to work hate lifting weights, “You donʼt out and have a try a fun exercise have to be in good time; class at the SRC. not fun what’s great shape or Since its opening in about that,” 2009, the SRC has an athlete to Graham said. been a welcoming take any of Graham’s Hip place for students, Hop Aerobics faculty and alumni the classes; class is a highto work out. they are a lot energy class that Dave Hart, the of fun.” focuses on Fitness and operalearning hip hop Dave Hart dance moves, tion coordinator at the SRC, would like Core while people to know that anyone can Fusion Yoga class is a yoga take a class. inspired class that focuses on “You don’t have to be in great abdominal and the lower back. shape, or an athlete to take any Mo Bilyk, a double major in of the classes; they are a lot of Kinesiology and biology, states fun,” Hart said. that the most popular class is The SRC includes over 60 butts and guts. This class focusmachines, 10 exercise classes, es on the abdominals and gluan indoor track and a rock wall. teus. The Group X classes start from One class that Hart would like six in the morning until seven at to add in the future is a Pilates night and are from Monday class. through Thursday. There is a One of the most interesting great variety of classes offered classes the SRC has ever had at the SRC. They include: Abs, was a ballroom dance class. Butts and Guts, Core Fusion, “We had a ballroom dance Flow Yoga, Hip Hop Aerobics, class when we first opened and Indoor Cycling, Latin Dance, that was very popular. President Modern Ballet, Restorative Mitchell even came in and took Yoga, Spin and Sculpt, Sunrise a class with his wife,” said Hart.
Clarence Major presents poetry in California Writers Series reading
[MAJOR, Page 1] English stuThis free public event was part dent, said, “I’m very impressed of the California Writer Series, with the quality and the pro- which takes place every acagram. I thoroughdemic year. ly enjoyed it.” Poets & I also got the “Iʼm very Writers, Dr. chance to speak impressed with N a n c y to Dr. Marit Edwards, the MacArthur, a the quality and School of CSUB English the program. I Arts and professor, who thoroughly Humanities, helped prepare the CSUB the event. She enjoyed it.” English explained a little Ashley Fischer Department, about the selectSigma Tau ing process. In Delta, and her words, “I try to choose a the English Honors Society variety of writers that will sponsored the occasion. It’s appeal, who are fairly accessi- something to take advantage of ble, but also who show the so make sure to keep your eyes range of literature written in open for the next reading. California.”
CSUB student wins Hearst scholarship
[SCHOLARSHIP, Page 1] University’s 23 campuses. The student is nominated by the campus’ presidents.” One of the mentors who inspired Rivera to become an elementary teacher was her high school counselor, now Assistant Principal of Delano High School, Rene Ayon. “I grew up in the same area as Erika and was able to relate to many of the challenges she endured. I believe she saw me as someone who really cared and did not see my profession as a job, but rather a career in which I could help young adolescents become respectful young adults,” said Ayon. “I am super excited — like a proud parent! Erika has served her country with upmost integrity and honor,” added Ayon. With plans of becoming a teacher, Rivera continues to demonstrate commitment toward helping the Bakersfield community. “I’m really excited. I’m currently looking into more volunteer work because I think they (the award winners) overcame a lot of obstacles. It seems like their personal stories hit me a lot more, maybe because it’s my story so I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Rivera said.
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Entertainment
Oct. 9, 2013
Via Arte: An explosion of art and creativity in Bakersfield
Photos by Tara Baraceros/The Runner
Several artists work to finish their chalk and pastel art pieces at Bakersfieldʼs 15th annual Via Arte hosted at The Marketplace on Oct. 6.
By Ryan Barrera Staff Writer
On Oct. 5 and 6, The Marketplace hosted the 15th annual Via Arte. The cement was covered in multiple colors, provided by sponsors, local artists and the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Every year, the Bakersfield Museum of Art hosts the free-toattend Via Arte which has local and visiting artists participate in drawing on the pavement (using chalk or pastels) on the southwest side of The Marketplace near Ming Avenue. “[By] watching artists and children of all ages coming together for this one day ... [you] see the camaraderie that happens between not only the artist and participants but the viewers as well,” said Vikki Cruz, Bakersfield Museum of Art curator. “You see this kind of bond and this union between the artists that you just don’t see anywhere else.” Via Arte took much preparation to clean and survey the area to make sure the artists had enough space to create their master-
pieces. Artists began arriving early on Saturday morning with nothing but their skills and love of drawing. The art of street painting originated in Italy in the early 1600s and people still hold sidewalk-painting festivals in honor of them. “Street painting festivals are all over the world and this event was developed by my predecessor,” said Cruz. “Every year it just seems to grow, we add more squares and we get more artists.” Via Arte hosts many art enthusiasts from various schools around Bakersfield along with thousands of Bakersfield residents. Esther Serrato, 24, a CSUB graduate, finally put chalk to pavement after years of contemplating participating. Serrato, who has been drawing and painting since she was five years old, was hesitant to join the street painting fun but was encouraged by family and friends. “This is my very first time participating. I’ve been wanting to do it for about five years and I just never got the chance,” said Serrato. “And I finally applied this year and got in after a lot of people kept encouraging me to do it and I finally decided to give it a shot.”
Keith Urban comes out with new album ʻFuseʼ By Shelby Parker Staff Writer
Country sensation Keith Urban released his seventh album, “Fuse,” on Sept. 10. His first single from the album, “Little Bit Of Everything,” proves there really is a little bit of everything for everyone, ranging from country to rock and a little bit of pop. It’s unlike what he has done in the past, but fans will recognize the traditional roots with his descriptive lyrics and guitar solos. Doing something unusual isn’t what Urban necessarily set out to do. He said to Yahoo! Music, “I didn’t really start from wanting to make an album that sounded different. I just had a different sound in my head.” He also explains that it’s something that has been in his head for awhile, but it took some time to really fine tune it to where he wanted it to be. Several tracks on the album such as “Cop Car,” “Shame,” “Heart Like Mine” and “Come Back To Me” have the same essence of those heart-felt melodies that have followed Urban around for the past several albums. Urban told Yahoo! Music, “I think the main challenge for me was always finding the balance between keeping myself open to new ways to go whilst not losing my focus.” It seems that he accomplishes that with this album. However, he branches out with songs like “Even The Stars Fall 4 U,” “Love’s Poster Child” and “Red Camaro,” which have a bit of an ‘80s rock vibe to them with some funkier beats and electric guitars in the background. No Keith Urban album would be complete if it didn’t have
catchy hooks and plenty of “oohs” that you can bob your head along to. Tracks including “She’s My 11,” “Little Bit Of Everything,” “Gonna B Good” and “Black Leather Jacket” do exactly that. Urban told USA Today, “This was the album where I want to take that to the next level – maybe synthesized keyboards, some programmed things, in addition to more organic instruments, not only the six-string banjo, but also the bouzouki, the mandolin, acoustic guitar – and find new ways to fuse all those sounds together,” hence the name “Fuse.” Not only does Urban experiment with a variety of instruments, he also duets with Miranda Lambert for his current single “We Were Us,” and Eric Church on the track “Raise ‘Em Up.” In addition, “Fuse” gave Urban the chance to also go to another level of creativity by working with eight different producers, including Butch Walker, who produced Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark.” That song gave Urban the inspiration to mess around a bit more with his already finished product of “Even The Stars Fall 4 U” because he was “riveted by the sound of the track,” according to Yahoo! Music. One thing is for sure, no matter what genre of music Keith Urban makes, it’s going to be good. According to an interview with USA Today, Urban said, “I make whatever records I make. I don’t even think of them in terms of genre. They’re just me and my sound. This album was seeing where I could take my sound, and, in the process, maybe that’s a particular kind of country music in 2014.”
Even though Serrato has a bachelor’s degree in English, she finds that art is a passion just like her major. “Art is something, since I’ve been doing it since I was five, that I always come back to. Via Arte is a place where we all can come together to do something that we like,” she said. Every year Via Arte features an artist and welcomes him or her to the event to participate in the street painting festivities. This year, the festival featured Cuong Nguyen, 43, who has been an artist for 30 years and chalk painting for 14 years. The artist specializes in portraits using oil paints and pastels. “I love the audience and showcasing my work. It’s all about showing your art to people,” said Nguyen. Nguyen, who has a pretty impressive résumé, lent his skills to the pavements by drawing a piece called “Biondina” by the artist Lord Frederic Leighton from the 1800s. Proceeds from the art squares and sponsorships go toward Bakersfield Museum of Art programs.
Oktoberfest brings German culture to Bakersfield By Monica Martinez Staff Writer
On Oct. 4, the fourth annual Bakersfield Oktoberfest was celebrated in Stramler Park. Anyone 21 years or older was welcome to join the event, which included a selection of German beers, food, and music. According to the website
the food sale tickets, which cost $15 for a dinner. The dinner included three options to choose from. Each plate had German style potatoes, beans, and a roll as well as the main dish, either two sausages, a veggie-burger, or tri-tip. Race said that, “The food is the main attraction; it keeps people coming back.” As if the food and drinks were not enough, the
“You canʼt miss the yodeling contest.”
bakersfieldoktoberfest.com, the objective of the event is, “to bring a traditional German Oktoberfest to Bakersfield.” Although the Bakersfield version of Oktoberfest is much smaller than the original held in Germany, everyone who attended seemed to have a great time. John Homes, 32, who was dressed in the traditional German male attire, known as a lederhosen, shared that he had recently visited Germany and “did not plan on ever wearing the lederhosen.” But when he was invited by a friend to the Bakersfield Oktoberfest, he said he could not pass up the opportunity. Like Homes, many participants, both male and female, wore traditional clothing in vibrant colors. Among them were three-year volunteers Raime Race, and Christine and Crystal Chisholm, who found that Oktoberfest “gets bigger every year.” This year, they were in charge of distributing
Christine Chisholm
night’s entertainment also excelled. “You can’t miss the yodeling contest,” added Chisholm. “It’s always very entertaining.” The most memorable part of the event was the music. A live polka band, whose members are all of German descent but each were born in a different place, added excitement and energy throughout the night. The music had many couples dancing, but when the lead singer of the band put a rooster mask over his face the crowd went wild. He then got off the stage and into the crowd to lead the chicken dance in which most people participated, adding a comical aspect to the evening. While this year’s Bakersfield Oktoberfest has already passed, event planners are already working on the next one and hope Bakersfield Oktoberfest continues growing and spreading German culture into our community.
5 ʻDon Jonʼ touches on pornography and life Entertainment
Oct. 9, 2013
By Jessica Martinez Staff Writer
“Don Jon” is the story of a ladies’ man who dedicates himself to only a few things in life: his car, home, friends, family, church and porn. His horizon begins to expand when he falls in love with Barbara Sugarman, played by Scarlett Johansson, and he realizes how much effort is required to maintain a relationship with someone. Jon’s preference to pornography over real life gives him unrealistic expectations about what a relationship between two people should be: meaningful. “Don Jon” is a movie written and directed by Joseph GordonLevitt. Gordon-Levitt also stars in the film, along with Johansson, Julianne Moore and Tony Danza. The casting in the movie was brilliant. GordonLevitt and Johansson play off each other extremely well. Danza was hilarious. For me, it was Moore, whose character played a completely unexpected role, who really shined in this film. Everyone played their characters perfectly, and I think that is part of what gave this
film so much charisma. Because there were so many pornographic clips throughout the movie, watching “Don Jon” made me realize just how desensitized I am by the sexuality and nudity we are exposed to
“Once he found someone that made him feel loved for who he is, he was happy.”
Alex Mercado, student
in everyday life. At one point, I found myself feeling a little self-conscious and thinking, “I definitely don’t look like that.” Although some may find it excessive, it really does help embed the message that “Don Jon” gives. The film is much more complex than it appears to be. For some, the overall message of the film may be overshadowed by the amount of nudity depicted throughout the film. I perceived it as a warped, or even exaggerated, mirror of current society. Vanessa Martinez, a junior psychology major, said, “It was just interesting to get a glimpse of kind of what a guy’s mind
Image from hollywire.com
Don Jon patiently waits for the right porn clip before he can enjoy the rest of his alone time in the new film “Don Jon.”
works like, what they see and what not. I found it entertaining.” What I loved most about this movie is how insightful it was. I think situations in movies are the funniest when we relate to them; when they are things that we think “I must be the only
one in the world who does this,” and it’s nice relief to find we’re not alone. Although the movie would have been enjoyable regardless, the ending makes it definitely worth watching. Initially, I was perplexed by the conclusion, but once I thought about it and
realized what it meant, I thought it was great. Alex Mercado, a junior kinesiology major, said, “He was doing things for the wrong reasons. Once he found someone that made him feel loved for who he is, he was happy.” Overall, I think “Don Jon” was
a great debut for Gordon-Levitt as a writer and director. I definitely recommend the movie to anyone who wants to indulge in some good laughs. Just be warned about the graphic nudity, and keep an open mind. You will learn a lot about yourself and the world around you.
Banned Books Week sheds light on censorship and freedom of speech By Jacquie Russo Staff Writer
Banned Books Week is not about books. It’s not even about censorship. It’s about freedom of speech. Even though the First Amendment of the United States Constitution only limits Congress’s right to restrict speech, most Americans expand these limits to other organizations and individuals. This is why many people are against most forms of book banning. From Sept. 22 to 28 bookworms from all around the nation celebrated Banned Books Week by buying some of the many books that others throughout the years have tried to have banned from schools, libraries and stores.
Most book banning is initiated by parents. According to the Office for Intellectual Freedom on the American Library Association website, parents challenge books due to sexual material, crude language, age appropriateness, violence, and homosexuality. To Yesenia Sanchez, a CSUB junior nursing student, banning books is not acceptable. She said, “Books are the insight.” One of Sanchez’s favorite reads is a poetry book by Allen Ginsberg called “Howl.” This poetry book takes place in the 1950s and has a lot of reference to drugs, sexual content and crude language. In the past, people even faced legal implications for selling “Howl and Other Poems.” Its publisher, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, was tried for obscenity
according to foundsf.org. Sanchez said “to understand about the era you need to read about it … We should not ban books. We should learn from them.” Nick Finocchiaro, a CSUB sophomore business student who listens to music labeled “explicit,” said, “that to an extent a parent should monitor it [books, music, etc.] only until their child is old enough … In our atmosphere right now, like college … the kids should definitely be able to choose what they want to read without their parent’s consent.” Parents will always want to protect their children from matter they deem inappropriate and some parents believe that by getting rid of certain books they will reduce this problem.
Nancy Robles, an undeclared CSUB freshman, said kids will “eventually read them somewhere else.” Yes, some books will have crude language, sexual content and violence but that’s not the main focus of most books. There is some thought in every book and a lesson to be taught. Sanchez said, “You want to read these things because you don’t want to make the same mistakes… you want to learn about it.” When someone tries to ban a book they are forgetting the purpose of that book. So even though Banned Books Week has passed, pick up a banned book and learn about the characters, the settings, and be drawn into the message of the novel.
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Sports
ʼRunners fall in final set against UMKC By Josh Bennett Staff Writer
In the first meeting between the two schools, the ’Runner volleyball team lost a thrilling five-set match against the University of Missouri, Kansas City Kangaroos Saturday night in the Icardo Center, by a score of 3-2. The ’Runners (9-9, 2-3 WAC) had eight service errors which attributed to the loss, but did overcome a 2-1 deficit, earned two match points in the final set, and led UMKC in the majority of the stat sheet. Sophomore opposite Kelsee Sawyer led the way for the ’Runners with 25 kills and 11 digs, earning her third doubledouble of the season, and her second in a row. Sawyer also had 80 attempts in the game, a new school record for a fiveset match. “We just knew we had to be really focused and had to go out really aggressive and never let up,” said Sawyer. “We all just knew that it was going to be a fight from the very beginning,” said redshirt junior libero Mariah Alvidrez, who had 34 digs of her own. “We knew UMKC was a great team, and very physical, and I knew our girls were ready to go. We battled back and forth and our defense was really good,” said Head Coach Jolene Shepardson. “UMKC just responded. We needed to be tough in some key rallies, taking some big swings through the whole set and whole match. UMKC went for it, and the chips didn’t fall our way.” After dropping the first set 25-19, the ’Runners responded
by winning the second set 2522, and even led the third set 23-20 at one point, but fell to a huge UMKC rally, in which they scored five straight points to steal the set. “Our servicing was pretty solid. It just broke down a couple times. They were serving tough, and they got us on a run there, with two aces, and that doesn’t normally happen to us,” said Shepardson on losing the third set the way the team did. The team responded by nearly dominating the fourth set 25-17, to allow a fifth and deciding set that UMKC ended up winning. “We just had to bounce back, because it was a rough loss at the end of the third game, and we knew we had the momentum and we just had to go for it,” said Sawyer on winning the fourth set. “We had to refocus. We had to recommit to every play. We knew that they were going to come out fighting like we were,” said Alvidrez, about the huge fourth set win. The ’Runners were also assisted by senior outside hitter Debora Araujo, who added 17 kills and 26 digs for her second straight double-double, and senior setter Fernanda Goncalves, who had 64 assists and 14 digs for her eighth double-double of the season. The ’Runners have six more games on their current homestand, with Utah Valley visiting the Icardo Center on Thursday, Oct. 10. San Jose State will make the trip to Bakersfield for a non-conference game on Sunday, Oct. 13.
Oct. 9, 2013
Noetheʼs goal lifts ʼRunners over University of Idaho Vandals By Nate Sanchez Sports Editor
The ’Runner women’s soccer team capped off a two-game weekend on Sunday, Oct. 6 with a win against the University of Idaho Vandals, shutting them out for a 1-0 victory. The ’Runners lost to Seattle University by a score of 3-0 two days prior to their win against the Vandals. After the weekend series, the ’Runners’ record now stands at 2-9-0. The ’Runners recorded their second regular season win. By beating the Vandals, the ’Runners Rebecca Grant/The Runner recorded their first conferSenior midfielder Erica Shelton breaks away from defenders during the first half of ence win of the season, the ʼRunnersʼ 1-0 win on Sunday, Oct. 6 against the University of Idaho. finally establishing their fouls over 90 minutes, often setting the presence in the Western Athletic momentum.” While the ’Runners struggled to find ’Runners up for a better position offenConference. “It’s a really good feeling. Now we offense during Friday’s match against sively. While the ’Runners celebrate their have the momentum,” said junior for- Seattle University, Noethe was able to ward Emily Noethe. “We needed this score against Idaho by a header on an first conference win of the season, they first goal and this first win to get the assist from senior midfielder Erica look forward to facing last-place New Shelton from a corner kick. Mexico State on Friday. The ’Runners ball rolling.” For most of the game, the ’Runners have five days to prepare for their conDefense was on point for the ’Runners, who entered Sunday’s kept the Vandals on their heels, seldom ference opponent. “We’re gonna do the same thing for match facing an Idaho team that had reverting into a defensive formation. The game was played mostly within game,” said Noethe. “Now that every won three of their last four games and scored an average of two goals per win the Vandals’ half of the pitch. Of the 14 we have the momentum, we’re gonna during that span. Throughout the shots taken by the ’Runners, 10 were capitalize on any opportunities we get.” game, the ’Runners only allowed two on goal. “The thing we’ve been working on all “We’re going to try to move forward shots, none of which were on goal. “It’s nice to be able to get a shutout,” season is getting in corners,” said every game,” said Phillips. “It’s a long said Head Coach Melissa Phillips. “I Noethe. “This game we finally capital- road ahead of us, but we’ve got a lot of games left to play.” think we did a really good job of mov- ized on one and it was great.” The ’Runners also capitalized on their The ’Runners will play New Mexico ing forward from some strengths from tendency to get into foul opponents’ State University on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 Friday night. It’s a bit of positive trouble. The Vandals committed 16 p.m. at the Main Soccer Field.