therunneronline.com California State University, Bakersfield
Sept. 8, 2021
Vol. 47, No. 1
On-campus resources available with mask and COVID-19 screening By Jacqueline Gutierrez Reporter Somiah Alkobadi Multimedia Producer Students can use programs and resources on campus during the fall semester if they complete the mandatory COVID-19 self-screening before each visit, and wear a mask while on campus. Visitors can complete the screening by going to California State University, Bakersfield’s website, or downloading the CSUB app. Walter W. Stiern Library is open during the fall semester and the library staff is placing hand sanitizer dispensaries throughout the library. If a student does not bring a mask, the library staff can provide them with one said Kristen Gallant, outreach and user engagement librarian. According to Gallant, students can use the study rooms and technology assistance at the Library Reference desk. Library staff is bringing back in-person events and exhibits, which include an exhibit on the migrant labor experience and how society presents it. During the fall semester CSUB students, staff and faculty can use the computer labs on campus. One of the computer labs is located at the bottom of the Walter W. Stiern Library where CSUB affiliates can use the computers and obtain their CSUB ID cards. “People can use computers to either do their schoolwork or print stuff out. We also do laptop loaners. So, whoever’s qualified to get a laptop, hotspot or iPad we loan them out to them and have them bring them back on
a specific date,” Adam Ilarde, student employee in the computer lab, said. The CSUB Counseling department is in the Student Health Center Building and is open from Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can contact a counselor through the school website to schedule an appointment for a oneon-one therapy session, all appointments are via zoom. Eric Lord, a counselor on campus, stated the Counseling Center is taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe. Students can meet in person only after taking a COVID-19 screening to make sure they have not been exposed to the coronavirus. If cleared, students can meet with a counselor while wearing a mask. All programs in the Counseling center are free for CSUB students. If students need help after hours, they can call the Counseling Center at (661) 654-3366 and press 2 anytime. CSUB also offers other programs and workshops to help students with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, and social confidence. Lord said the Counseling Center also offers group therapy weekly, biweekly, and on certain days of the week once the program gets started. Groups are “more therapy oriented - everyone sits and talks.” To join a group or workshop, call in before to be put on the list to receive the zoom link. CSUB students can also utilize the Student Recreation Center, which is located near the Student Union. “Most of the building is open and available to students. We’ve spread out some of the equipment
Photo by Alexis Lynde/The Runner
CSU Bakersfield student attends class from a study cubicle in the first level of the Walter W. Stiern Library on Wednesday, September, 1, 2021. just to allow for social distancing. Basketball courts are open … we are putting a little bit of a pause on intramural sports just until October once
the vaccine mandate gets put into place, but we will be offering activities that minimize contact,” said, Mary O’Mahoney, Director of the SRC.
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To access SRC resources students first need to sign the SRC waiver, either in person or on the SRC app. They can then use their
CSUB ID or the CSUB SRC app to get in. A barcode appears on the app once the student logs in and completes the COVID-19 self-screening.
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CSU Bakersfield, graduate student and track and field athlete, Julianne Finch, lifts weights at the Student Recreation Center on Wednesday, September 1, 2021.
News
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The Runner
Sept. 8, 2021
The Runner Staff The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 661-654-2165 runner@csub.edu FACULTY ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Damian Lopez dlopez57@csub.edu DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Ellice Richman erichman@csub.edu ART TEAM Faith Okoli, Kelsey Peters, Jessica Rosas ADVERTISING & MARKETING Zackrie Agnew, Genisis Delgado WEBSITE EDITOR Liliana Hernandez ASSISTANT EDITORS Kennadi Burke, Xochitl Martinez COPY EDITORS Teresa Alcantar, Taylor Ayala, Charline Delgado, Marlene Garcia, Anahi Lomeli
An active return to campus discussed at ASI meetings By: Jacqueline Gutierrez, Reporter Yvette Meza, Photographer Associated Student Inc. held their first meeting of the fall semester on Aug. 27, during which the board discussed topics including upcoming activities for Latinx Heritage Month and other events. Board members and speakers emphasized the importance of completing the mandatory COVID-19 screenings before visiting campus, getting vaccinated and voting in the upcoming California recall election on Sept. 14. At the Sept. 3 meeting, Director of the Center for Career Education & Community Engagement, Katrina Gilmore, spoke about the Virtual Fall Volunteer Fair taking place Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. via Handshake. Non-profit organizations
are looking for volunteers and participants from California State University, Bakersfield, or the public. Afaf Aldhulay, Coordinator of Campus Programming, updated ASI on The Rowdy Run and other events for this fall. “Last night (Aug. 26) we had our Rowdy Run, we had to skip it last year, so we were really excited to have it again this year … we had over 140 students, freshmen and sophomores there, the stands were full…” Aldhulay stated during the meeting. According to Aldhulay, CSUB students can watch “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” during a free drivein movie event scheduled for Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. in the parking lot facing the softball field. Free snacks are provided. The movie night is open to enrolled CSU Bakersfield students with one guest, all attending must complete the COVID-19 screening on the website.
Afaf Aldhulay also announced the Latin Heritage Month Kickoff at noon on Sept. 15, 2021, held on the student union patio, or on zoom. There will be guest speakers, performers, and food from a local restaurant. Campus programming announced the 4.0 session taking place September 18, 2021. Emails sent out next week will inform students how the 4.0 sessions are helpful towards students’ academic success. Representing the University Police Department, Chief Martin Williamson, said parking at CSUB is back to the way it was before the pandemic, regarding cost. Chief Williamson stated, regarding COVID-19 protocol if a student receives a message or phone call from case management after they visit campus, it is important that they respond. Those wishing to vis-
it campus can fill out the COVID-19 screening at csub.edu or by downloading the CSUB Mobile App. Sarah Hendrick, Director of Alumni Engagement, told the board The Runner Bridge Program will soon be recruiting mentors. This program allows CSUB students, staff and faculty and alumni to receive mentoring and networking. Hendrick discussed the Runner Alumni Mentor Program, a personal mentoring program where CSUB mentees are paired with an alumni member/ professional mentor. “Looking forward to being a mentor again in CSUB RAMP,” President Lynette Zelezny typed in the chat during the meeting. ASI meetings are held virtually every Friday at 3 p.m. on Zoom. The link to the meeting can be found on www.csub.edu/asi, or through the link on their Instagram @csub_asi.
DIGITAL TEAM Somiah Alkobadi, Camila Arambula, Joe Bejarano, Taylor Budshaw, Jaycee Fivecoat-Long, Carlos Hernandez, Alexis Lynde, Yvette Meza, Natalie Page, Ariane Skeggs, Ian Tash, Vada Underwood REPORTERS/WRITERS CJ Alcala, Guadalupe Avalos, Juniva Bojorquez, Jennifer Chavez, Victoria Cipres, Rebekah Corral, Ana Dominguez, Alea Gaona, Jacqueline Gutierrez, Guadalupe Leon, Nick Lopez, Yasmin Marcelo, Vincent Ortiz, Rhyan Alondra Roman, Lily Shaffer, Leah Truitt, Dionna Woolfolk ABOUT US The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published daily online with a biweekly PDF e-edition, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield. DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Department of Communications. The staff of The Runner reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless. COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield. CONTACT US Send corrections requests, letters to the editor, op-ed submissions and press releases to runner@csub.edu. Send advertising inquiries to Faculty Adviser Jennifer Burger at jburger1@csub.edu.
Photo by Yvette Meza CSU Bakersfield’s student helpers made sure Class of 2024-2025 were ready in their Rowdy Run gear to participate in the run that was hosted by CSU Bakersfield on August 26, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for students without exemption By: Yasmin Marcelo, Reporter Students, faculty, and staff attending the Bakersfield and Antelope Valley campuses of California State University, Bakersfield can submit proof of their COVID-19 vaccination starting Sept. 8, according to an email from Jennifer Self, CSUB’s public information officer.
Campus community members can submit their vaccination record by going to www.csub.edu/vaccines and following the guide. Since Aug. 25, about six individuals were positively diagnosed with the coronavirus, as stated by emails from CSUB Chief of Police and Emergency Manager, Marty Williamson. Self recommends every-
one submit their vaccination statuses before Sept. 30. Students should avoid emailing their information to ensure their confidentiality stays protected. Those who seek exemption from being vaccinated because of a medical o religious reason may also have an opportunity to submit that information, said Self in the email. Exemptions for vaccina-
tion are also submitted at, www.csub.edu/vaccines. All who fail to submit proof of vaccination or are granted an exemption must be tested for COVID-19 every week starting Oct 1. CSUB’s Public Safety department encourages everyone to take the self-assessment questionnaire prior to coming to campus and to stay at home if they experience any symptoms.
Features
The Runner
Sept. 8, 2021
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Televised finale set for Oct. 1 for CSUB’s 50th anniversary celebration By: Jacqueline Gutierrez, Reporter Since Oct. 1 of 2020, and until Oct. 1 of 2021, California State University, Bakersfield students, staff and faculty members have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the university. The celebrations include virtual events and the finale will be broadcasted on Oct. 1 on local television at 7- 8 p.m. “The 50th Anniversary Finale event on October 1 will take place virtually. The event will be broadcast on KGET Channel 17 for local viewers and will also be streamed to KGET and CSUB Facebook and
YouTube channels for those without access to the local channel,” according to Elizabeth Fergon, Director of Events. The university kicked off the yearlong celebration with a virtual event that was hosted by John Nilon, Chairman of the CSUB Foundation Board in 1979 and 1988. The event included live music by local jazz artists and speeches by CSUB staff and faculty. The recordings of celebrational events can be found on the CSUB website, https://www.csub. edu/50/events. Last year, the University hosted the first ever Giving
Day event where community members donated money or gifts. All of the proceeds for Giving Day are distributed between different programs and areas on campus, including Student Affairs, the Food Pantry and the Dreamer’s Center, according to Danny Rodela, Director of the Annual Giving Day and Stewardship.The 24-hour event raised 125 thousand dollars and 574 gifts for CSUB students, according to the CSUB website. “Giving Day is a relatively new initiative at CSUB that helps CSUB connect with individuals who care deeply about the univer-
sity and its mission in a fun way. They are faculty, staff, alums, and friends who can help CSUB achieve its mission through philanthropy,” Rodela said. During the past year the university also showcased inspirational stories by community members and leaders. These stories included scholarship profiles on what inspires these community members and how they are inspiring others. Their stories are on CSUB’s website, https:// news.csub.edu/categories/50th-anniversary. CSUB honored the university’s history by posting a timeline on their website,
titled “50 Defining Moments in CSUB History,” with events ranging from 1956 when the Bakersfield Center opened to December 2019 when the CSUB Dreamers Resource Center opened. The timeline includes Rowdy the Roadrunner being voted the university’s mascot in November of 1970, CSUB receiving university status in 1987, the CSUB food pantry opening in September of 2017, and President Lynette Zelezny’s appointment as CSUB’s president on March 21, 2018. The timeline can be found at https://www.csub. edu/50/50-defining-mo-
ments-csub-history. The Kegley Institute of Ethic’s held its tradition of hosting dynamic speakers for the community and campus during the 50th year celebration and they aimed to address important issues, Michael D. Burroughs, Director of the Kegley Institute of Ethics, said. “We selected Christian Picciolini (16th annual KIE Lecture) and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi (34th Annual Charles W. Kegley Memorial Lecture) to address, collectively, combatting hate and prejudice and promoting anti-racism in our actions and policies,” Burroughs said.
Book Review: Growing Boldy by Emily Ley By: Dionna Woolfolk, Staff Writer “Building a life you love requires that you do something!” Words to aspire by! A quote taken from the book, Growing Boldly, Emily Ley created a self discovery book that is meant to influence and encourage the reader to build up their confidence and not dwell in fear and anxiety. It takes the reader through her life from being a young entrepreneur, to being a wife and mother of three, a known author of six books and her Simplified Planner company. The book features collections of stories based upon the author and her life and accomplishments; stories about people she has met in her life and how they
brought inspiration not only to her but also can be an inspiration to the reader. This book is motivating to read for anyone who struggles with anxiety, fear, grief and low self esteem. Not only is there colorful, encouraging advice, it is considered a very spiritual and religious. It features scriptures from the Bible, quotes from famous voices like Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt, and E.E. Cummings. Typical of most self discovery books, there are personal reflection entries for those who want to jot down feelings, affirmations, and tips on how to deal with concerns or how to move forward towards pursuing one’s dreams. Ley wanted readers, especially her young readers, to
go outside the box and find out what their dreams are, what holds them back from pursuing them, and try to get them to act now rather than later. That might explain why there are so many benedictions found after each chapter. What is enjoyable about this book is it helped you think critically about who you are and why you have not pursued anything in life. The quotes found at the beginning of each chapter were real eye openers relating to the subject being discussed. “I think that in order to be successful, women have to figure out what they’re about first. No matter what you aspire to, you’ve got to love what you do in order to be successful at it,” said
a quote by First Lady Michelle Obama in Chapter 7, “Claim Your Calling.” Critics, however, may have found the book to be irrelevant and unrealistic based on the author’s accomplishments compared to the reader’s expectations of what is considered “accomplishments.” One reviewer from the book review website, Goodreads, rated it three stars saying, “it felt like ‘hustle culture’ which does not align with my life philosophy.” Others praised the book as “incredible,” “encouraging read and beautifully done.” The stories do not relate to all readers but with the compelling and motivating words found in her book, it helps get the reader’s mind moving.
escape to a new world momentarily. The strange and wonderful Netflix original show, “Centaur World” is for you if you are a fan of fantasy, beautiful animation, and quirky plotlines. In a land filled with war and bloodshed, a horse, named Horse, and her rider work together to bring peace to their land until they are separated from one another by the power of a strange artifact.
Follow Horse on her journey through Centaur World as she works, against all odds, to make it back to her rider, even when that journey could put herself, and even the world itself, in terrible danger. Although the show is rated Y-7 for everyone, don’t let the adorable animation fool you. The darker themes and haunting lyrics present in the show are certain to make anyone stand on the
edge of their seats. Fans of shows such as “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power,” “The Owl House,” or “Over the Garden Wall,” might also take interest. Enter a world of hauntingly beautiful music and animation, meant to help explain heartbreak and loss without the use of words. The game “Gris” is about the journey far more than about the destination. Players must solve puz-
Photo by Dionna Woolfolk
Escape reality through television and games By: Leah Truitt, Staff Writer
At the beginning of any school semester, there is always stress in the transition. Throw in a pandemic and a year and a half’s worth of Zoom classes, and that transition becomes even more palpable. Amid all the anxiety around us, sometimes we all need a nice escape. Here are three recommendations that can help you
zles to unlock new abilities and bring color back into a world that locked all colors away. Due to the versatility of the game, it resonates with many and comes highly recommended for those who enjoy solving puzzles regardless of their current skill level. Disney’s “Onward,” is the perfect movie for those who love Dungeons and Dragons, daring quests, and magical misadven-
tures. “Onward” tells of the escapades of two brothers, Ian and Barley – voiced by the delightful duo of Tom Holland and Chris Pratt – who will do anything in order to see their father one last time, even if that means putting their world and those around them in mortal peril. Just be prepared with some tissues in case you shed more than a few tears.
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Opinions
The Runner
Sept. 8, 2021
Texas abortion law violates a woman’s right to her body By: Lilliawna Shaffer, Opinions Writer
Illustration by Lilliawna Shaffer
On Sept. 1, Texas officially became the state with the strictest abortion laws in the country. Women’s rights are being violated with the enforcement of this law, not only because it violates a woman’s right to her own body, but it allows the government and its civilians to police a woman’s body. LegiScan states that Texas Senate Bill 8 is, “relating to abortion, including abortions after detection of an unborn child’s heartbeat; authorizing a private civil right of action.” This not only prohibits women from having an abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, but allows civilians to police abortions by suing an abortion provider or anyone who is suspected of aiding and abetting abortions, according to the Washington Post. The decision came after the Supreme court members did nothing to prevent the law from going into effect, which is another issue in itself. The job of the Supreme Court is to uphold the United States Constitution, and this decision proves a failure to do so. This law violates the Roe v. Wade decision and infringes on the rights of women who should have complete control over their own bodies. A Planned Parenthood article describes how The
Roe v. Wade court case, which originally took place in Texas, guarantees women the Constitutional right to safe and legal abortions with no excessive government intervention. For a state as conservative as Texas, where individual freedom and government disinvolvement is encouraged concerning topics of guns, business regulation, and even COVID-19, this law certainly stomps on the women’s right to freedom. Why should people have the right to decide whether or not they wear a piece of cloth over their face to protect from a deadly virus that ensued a global pandemic, but not have the right to decide whether or not they are ready to bring a human into this world? Pro-life arguments stand mostly on the argument that abortion is the murder of a baby, and therefore creating laws to prevent access to abortion will save a life. However, a New York Times article writes that “Abortion providers in Texas estimate that 85 percent of patients seeking abortion are at least six weeks pregnant and would be denied care under the new state law.” Now that these women will be denied the right to safe medical abortions, they may seek other unsafe methods of terminating the pregnancy or even more so will end up giving
birth to an unwanted child, which can further burden social systems such as foster care. Foster care reform organization, Children Right’s, describes the burden in 2019 when there were over 672,000 children in the foster care system. Forcing women to have babies could exponentially increase this number. These consequences prove that pro-lifers don’t actually care about human life. They care about having control over women’s choices. Moreover, the law makes no exceptions for cases of rape or incest, further proving a lack of sympathy and care from pro-life supporters. The law needs to be re-examined and questioned by every United States citizen, but most importantly by the Supreme Court. Our rights are being stripped away. This is a dig against not only women in Texas, but women in other states that will most likely follow a similar law to Texas. Because of this threat, we pro-choice supporters need to use our voices to empower our right to our own bodies. This law is not about protecting a six-week-old embryo, it is about barring women from accessing safe medical attention and gaining control over women’s right to choose what is right for their own bodies.
SHARE YOUR VOICE One of our missions at The Runner is to facilitate dialogue and create community by sharing the diverse voices of our campus. Do you have an opinion or experience you’d like to share with readers?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR These are short commentaries or responses to content in The Runner. Letters must be less than 300 words and include the name of the writer and contaction information for verification.
CAMPUS VOICES These longer op-eds allow you to express your viewpoints on important issues in our university, community, and world. Op-eds should be 500-700 words and include supporting facts from credible sources. Letters and op-eds may be edited for clarity, grammar, spelling and length. Send your submissions to runner@csub.edu.
Sports
The Runner
Sept. 8, 2021
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Runners’ comeback falls short By: Vincent Ortiz, Sports Reporter Despite a valiant effort led by Senior Aodhan O’Hara the CSU Bakersfield’s men soccer team fell to Pacific Sunday evening to the score of 4-2. The loss dropped the men’s Roadrunners record to 0-3-1 on the season. Pacific’s Angel Reyes and Mathias Saether scored twice in the first half to give the Tigers a 2 - 0 lead.
The first 45 minutes were dominated by the Tigers, as they outshot the Roadrunners 4 - 0 on shots on goal. The Roadrunners fought their way back though as they outshot Pacific 12 - 9 in the second half of play. The aggressive play paid off as O’Hara scored two goals in the 49th and 67th minute to tie the game up at 2 - 2. The momentum for Roadrunners did not last
long as Pacific scored two quick goals in the 79th and 80th minute to give the Tigers a lead they would not relinquish. The Roadrunners begin a 5-game stretch of road contests and are poised to capture their first win of the season as they prepare for conference play. Conference play begins on September 29 as the Roadrunners will play at CSU Northridge.
Eastern Washington dominates By: Vincent Ortiz, Sports Reporter CSU Bakersfield women’s soccer team was held scoreless this weekend by Eastern Washington to the score of 5 - 0. The loss drops the Roadrunners to 0 - 4 - 1 record on the season. The Cougars scored early in the ninth minute of play
while building up a 3 - 0 lead at halftime, capitalizing on Runners mistakes, such as being out of place during play. The second half of play did not fare much better for the Roadrunners either as Eastern Washington added two more goals and Cougar’s shutout the Roadrunners. The Runners could not
capitalize on any of their five scoring opportunities. Runners goalkeeper Flavia Burrell acquired her fourth loss of the season while making five saves in the match. The Roadrunners will return to California to play Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga and then wrap non-conference games against Boise State and Idaho State.
CSUB takes fourth place at Fresno City College Invitational By: Vincent Ortiz, Sports Reporter The CSU Bakersfield women’s cross country team took fourth place at the Fresno City College Invitational this Saturday. The Runners were led
by AJ Frausto who placed sixth in the season opener with a time of 19:30. Frausto recorded her personal best finish in the collegiate race as well. Neyda Martinez, Isabel Gamon, Alyssa Diaz and Alicia Muralles all round-
Photo by Yvette Meza
CSU Bakersfield goalkeeper Flavia Burrell (#1) blocks a goal shot from Azusa Pacific University tying the first half 0-0 at CSU Bakersfield’s home game August 26, 2021.
Photo by Yvette Meza
CSU Bakersfield’s Litzy Pimental (#24) and Azusa Pacific University’s Rilee Bradbury (#15) aggressivley make a move for the ball in the last half of CSU Bakersfield’s home game against on August 26, 2021.
ed out the “Roadrunners scoring five” for Saturday race. The Runners will set their sights on the Master’s University XC Invitational in Santa Clarita on September 25 for their next race.
Photo by Yvette Meza
CSU Bakersfield’s Dome Rodriguez (#8) battled her way against Azusa Pacific University’s Women’s Soccer player Randi Macadangdang (#17) during a home game at CSU Bakersfield August 26, 2021.
Photo by Yvette Meza
CSU Bakersfield’s Super Fan supporting the CSU Bakersfield’s Women’s Soccer home game Thursday, August 26 against Azusa Pacific University.
Photo by Yvette Meza
CSU Bakersfield’s Women’s Soccer Team huddled before taking on the second half of their game against Azusa Pacific University at CSU Bakersfield on August 26, 2021.