The Runner 4-15-15

April 15, 2015 Bakersfield’s Got Talent Page 3

Vol. 40, No. 18

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Cost of Competition

ATHLETICS

For the 2014 and 2015 Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament in Las Vegas, CSU Bakersfield spent approximately $30,000 each year in student fee money for students to attend the event. Last year, only 43 students travelled to Las Vegas to cheer on the ’Runners, while 10 more attended this year’s tournament.

Graphic by Eric Garza

Baseball sweeps UTPA Page 6

CAMPUS

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University opens Center for Social Justice

By Steven Barker News Editor

by Friedman, discussed both the consequences stemming from Kern County’s suspension and In an effort to help identify and expulsion rates - which, accordcraft solutions for problems ing to the California plaguing the San Joaquin Department of Education, are Valley, CSU Bakersfield has among the highest in the state – developed and launched the and alternatives to such actions.

Center for Social Justice.

The second presentation disFor CSUB political science cussed the issue of food deserts professor Mark Martinez and in Kern County, which is the social work professor Bruce second most agriculturally proFriedman, both of whom are ductive county in the nation. spearheading the center, the CSUB’s launch comes three launch invites students and weeks after the March 18 researchers alike to critically launch of Bakersfield College’s investigate, Center for understand and “We want to take Social Justice. identify solu- a look at why our The BC launch tions for also featured p r o m i n e n t quality of life...is two project preissues in the not up to par with sentations, the Central Valley, first of which such as illitera- the wealth...from reviewed the cy, voter this region.” relationship turnout and Mark Martinez between home other conPoli-Sci Professor o w n e r s h i p , cerns. community sta“We’re regularly in the worst bility and voting, whereas the lists – worst asthma list, worst second project examined redisbreathing air list, highest illiter- tricting policies in the city of acy rates,” Martinez said. “If Visalia. Both paid special attenyou go through all of these lists, tion to variables affecting votwe’re the worst on them. So if ing within Latino communities. you think about the genesis for While centers exist on both this, we need to take a broader, campuses, they are not competmore comprehensive approach ing organizations; rather, to trying to understand why it is Friedman and Martinez said the that Kern County, that centers are both collaborating Bakersfield, that the San on local issues and working to Joaquin Valley is always on change the narrative surroundthese lists. There’s a reason; it’s ing the San Joaquin, a narrative not by accident.” that Martinez says portrays the “We want to take a look at why central valley as a backwards, our quality of life, in many impoverished place to live. respects, is not up to par with “When others develop a narrathe wealth that is generated tive about this region, you get from this region.” some ugliness,” Martinez said.

During the Center’s official “There’s a degree of truth in all launch, which occurred on of this, but [the narratives] Wednesday, April 8, in the make us look like backwater Dezember Reading Room, two hicks.” of the Center’s four projects “Rather than having the narrawere presented for an audience tive driven by people who are of approximately 80 students, looking outside towards Kern faculty and community mem- County and the San Joaquin [See CENTER, Page 2] bers. The first presentation, led

Faculty union report details financial hardships

SALARIES

By Steven Barker News Editor

For almost 40 years, Althea Waites has performed as a concert pianist in both national and international conservatories, concert halls and arts festivals. Her musicality has garnered favorable reviews from newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times, and she has garnered a number of professional awards and fellowships throughout her career.

However, working now as a part-time lecturer at California State University, Long Beach, Waites says she is uncertain if she will ever be able to retire.

Loredana Lo Bianco faces similar hardship. A part-time lecturer of Italian at CSU Fresno, Lo Bianco teaches at a local high school to supplement her $2,500 take-home salary from the state university. She says she struggles to offset the costs of rent, utilities, her car payment, insurance and other needs.

These and other stories were on display on Tuesday, April 7, when the California Faculty Association

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

released the third installment of its time basis, their average salary as of CSU faculty work part time, the averRace to the Bottom reports, a four-part Fall 2014 would equal approximately age CSU faculty salary drops to roughseries chronicling the effects of deci- $63,000. ly $45,000 prior to taxes and other sions made by California State However, because almost half of all deductions. Accounting for such reducUniversity administrations, gross earnings tors on the system’s amount to less than faculty, students and $38,000 on average. state universities.

During a media call, Titled “Losing CFA President Lillian Ground and Losing Taiz expressed concern Faith,” Tuesday’s regarding the financial report describes the standing of teachers hardships the CSU sysand the teaching protem’s faculty members fession. face as a result of drop“Faculty salaries are ping wages and declindropping to the point ing purchasing power. that it’s hard to call Included in the report teaching at CSU a midwas a survey from Feb. dle-class profession,” 6 to March 16 of over Taiz said.

5,000 union members, Taiz, who also works a majority of whom as a history professor at expressed discontent CSU Los Angeles, critregarding their finanicized system adminisGraphic by Josh Bennett/The Runner cial compensation. trators for a decade of According to the latest “Race to the Bottom” report on calfac.org, Per the publication, if misplaced priorities over 50 percent of CSU faculty members make less than all CSU faculty were $40,000 a year. and poor decisions. employed on a fullRepresentatives from

News

Find Your Wealth: Senate bill increases CSU funding. Page 2 So Ambitious: Students enter National Convention. Page 2

Features

Let’s Get It On: The elusive “O.” Page 3 I Need A Dollar: Fashion Club raises funds for future show.

Page 4

Opinion

Stronger: Build your confidence with your body. Page 5 The Show Goes On: Stories to look out for this quarter. Page 5

Sports

the CSU system have disputed the findings and contested the timings of the reports.

“The California Faculty Association’s claims about the university’s investment in faculty and its impact on students are not only misleading, they are being made because the union is attempting to enhance its position in salary negotiations starting in May,” CSU spokeswoman Laurie Weidner said. “During the peak of the recession, faculty were the only employee group to receive general salary increases.”

“Over the last two years, the CSU invested $129.6 million in employee compensation with another $65.5 million slated in the 2015-16 budget. Over half of that money has been directed to faculty compensation.”

Weidner added that the average tenure-track faculty and average full professor salaries total $83,847 and $93,653 respectively, amounts that are almost one-and-a-half times larger than the CFA’s listed amounts.

[See SALARIES, Page 2]

Viva Las Vegas: The experience of the WAC Tournament. Page 6 Glory Days: Baseball rides 7-game winning streak. Page 6

Multimedia

Check out our videos and audio at therunneronline.com

2

News

April 15, 2015

Senate bill increases funding for CSU, UC systems STATE

By Steven Barker News Editor

California’s Senate Education Committee voted on Wednesday to unanimously pass a state bill that would direct increased funding to the CSU and UC systems.

Introduced by three state senators – Marty Block, D-San Diego; Kevin de Léon, D-Los Angeles and Carol Liu, DGlendale – SB 15 prioritizes

RESEARCH

access and affordability in the state university systems. The bill, which provides $75 million to the CSU and UC systems, will help fund additional course options with the intent of helping students graduate in four years or less. SB 15’s UC funding will also offset the 5 percent tuition increase approved by the UC regents in November 2014.

Block, who also leads the Senate Budget subcommittee,

said the bill improves universities’ abilities to produce college graduates.

“SB 15 will ultimately empower our public universities to prepare tens of thousands more California students for the workforce and give these students and California taxpayers a much needed bang for their buck,” Block said in a press release.

SB 15 will also result in the creation of a Graduation

Incentive Grant, a financial award available to CSU students who complete 30 or more units in a school year.

Depending on the number of units a student has completed, the award could range between $1,000-to-$2,000 a year.

Leaders of different education organizations praised the state Senate’s increased attention to higher education.

“At the California State Student Association, we are

Students shine in national research convention

By Steven Barker News Editor

From March 19 through March 21, six California State University, Bakersfield students representing four different majors presented original research in the Alpha Chi National Convention held in Chicago.

While “Harmonious Hemispheres: The Nexus of Science and the Arts” was the convention’s theme, a number of papers and poster presentations spanning different topics were featured throughout the conference. Among CSUB’s participants, presentation subjects ranged from small molecule inhibitor synthesis and a transition in symbology in nursing to ageism among older women in healthcare and metapoetics in the work of poet Adrienne Rich.

For some of the students involved, participating in the Alpha Chi Convention and presenting their work to students from throughout the nation was a rewarding experience.

“Presenting research at a national convention for such a prestigious honors society was a remarkable and rewarding opportunity that allowed us to

Photo courtesy of Charmaine Parubrub

Shown above are five of CSU Bakersfield’s six representatives at the Alpha Chi Convention.

Presentations lasted from March 19 through March 21 and covered a variety of topics.

meet and network with Alpha Chi members across the nation,” said Charmaine Parubrub, a 21-year-old senior nursing major.

Parubrub presented alongside fellow CSUB students Robyn Musick and Danica Adoc. Their presentation, entitled “Older Women’s Experiences with Ageism in Health Care,” documented the discrimination and discrepancies older women face in the healthcare system.

According to Adoc, a 22-yearold senior nursing major, their presentation sheds light on an

THE RUNNER editorialstaff Volume XL, Issue 18

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Josh Bennett

MANAGING EDITOR Robin Gracia NEWS EDITOR

Steven Barker

OPINIONS EDITOR Richard Garibay

FEATURES EDITOR Heather Hoelscher

issue in the world of contemporary healthcare.

“Older women, due to the social stigma on aging, are subjected to discriminatory experiences when it comes to accessing and receiving healthcare services,” Adoc said. “Ageism in healthcare is an issue that needs to be further addressed.”

Of the four presentations made

by CSUB students, only Robyn Rowley’s topic ventured away from the sciences. A senior English major, Rowley’s presentation was entitled, “Revision and Metapoetics in

Adrienne Rich’s ‘Diving into the Wreck.”

Alpha Chi is a national collegiate honors society. Founded in 1922, the organization now includes over 300 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Sponsored by Jacquelyn Kegley, a professor of philosophy and religious studies and the director of the Hawk Honors Program, the California Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi was founded in 1998 and boasts a membership of over 1400 students.

[CENTER, Page 1] Valley, it’s better if we start and initiate the discussion regarding issues we have to deal with.”

Despite the political science and social work backgrounds of the professors, both said they wanted the Center to be interdisciplinary. Martinez and Friedman are currently working on guidelines for how students can submit research proposals.

Genesis of the Center Friedman said discussions involving the creation of the Center began over a year ago at a holiday party hosted by Dolores Huerta.

The goal, he said, was to continue the tradition of activism established by figures like Huerta and Cesar Chavez.

“We thought it was important put together a center that would focus on social justice issues and continue to promote the legacy – the things that people like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta really began to promote and navigate in this area,” Friedman said.

Friedman said that plans for the center began to materialize after an April 2014 meeting with CSUB President Horace Mitchell, then-Provost Soraya Coley and other community figures, all of whom agreed that

a social justice center was vital for the city and university, both in rectifying systemic issues in the San Joaquin Valley and fulfilling CSUB’s mission to its community.

“If you look at the mission of the university … the mission is how we can be the intellectual center of this area,” Friedman said. “What have we really done in order to enhance that?”

“To me, the mission of the Center really builds upon the mission of the university – to engage the community and really say, ‘We have all of this intellectual talent. We can be the catalyst to pull together this intellectual talent and plan change,’” Friedman added. “To me, that’s critical; that’s what a university should be.”

Funding for the Center To help train researchers, research associates and otherwise provide resources for future projects, Martinez and Friedman said the Center would require hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding. Both said the funding would derive from outside sources.

While Friedman said United Way was interested in supporting the Center, no names of potential benefactors were provided.

CAMPUS

pleased to see that the policies outlined in the Senate Democratic Caucus proposal are focused on students and student success,” said Devon Graves, chairman of the California State Student Association. “By prioritizing the creation of more seats for qualified students to attend the CSU, improving time to degree, and expanding critical support services, it is clear that the Legislature understands the

unique mission of the CSU and is recommitting to its students and their families.”

Lillian Taiz, President of the California Faculty Association, also commended the Senate on the bill.

“The California Faculty Association is pleased that the Senate is focusing its attention on an issue of importance to all Californians – higher education,” Taiz said in a December 2014 press release.

SHORT TAKES

Campus news in brief

On April 10, the weekly meeting for the executives of Associated Students Inc. was canceled.

No member of ASI was available for comment on why the meeting was canceled. Check therunneronline website for updates on why it was canceled and future ASI meetings.

--Esteban Ramirez ***** On Thursday, April 16, the inaugural CSUB Research Excellence Day will take place on campus. Designed to recognize staff, faculty and students who participate in research, creative endeavors and other academic activities, the event will feature a keynote speaker, three break-out sessions and a student research competition.

Topics for the break-out sessions include a three-decade review of published research and grant procurement by students and faculty in teaching-intensive environments, research with human subjects at CSUB and evidence of mammoth hunters in southern Idaho.

The event will last from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presentations can be found in the Dezember Leadership Center, Business Development Center and Dorothy Donohue Hall.

--Steven Barker ***** In celebration of National Poetry Month, CSUB will host a Walter Presents event, in which seven local poets will present their original work in the Dezember Reading Room on Tuesday, April 21.

The poets include local authors Don Thompson and Portia Choi, Bakersfield College professor emeritus Nancy Edwards, Taft College professor Geoff Dyer, Bakersfield College’s Levan Center director Jack Hernandez and CSUB professors Marit MacArthur and Matthew Woodman.

Curt Asher, the interim library dean, is excited to host Walter Presents.

“It's an event the library looks forward to all year.”

--Steven Barker

SYSTEM

Social justice center strives Tales of financial strain to continue activist spirit featured in faculty findings

SPORTS EDITOR Esteban Ramirez

businessteam

WEB EDITOR Cassie Sandrini

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Monica Martinez

PHOTO EDITOR Diana Olivares

ART DIRECTOR Eric Garza

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Michael Wafford COPY CHIEF Andrea Calderon

ADVERTISING MANAGER Maisy-Jane Raper

ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu

[SALARIES, Page 1] Featured in the reports were a number of anecdotes by professors chronicling their difficult financial circumstances.

Stephen Campbell, a parttime U.S. history lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona, also teaches at Pasadena City College to supplement his income.

Nevertheless, he says he must still occasionally rely on food stamps and Medicaid, and he is uncertain when he will achieve the financial security necessary to start a family.

“I can’t ethically recommend graduate school for anyone in history anymore,” Campbell said..

Despite her 18-year-old son’s interest in becoming a teacher, Lo Bianco said she discourages her son from pursuing the profession.

“I told him ‘You’re not going

“I can’t ethically recommend graduate school for anyone in history anymore.”

Stephen Campbell Part time lecturer Cal Poly Pomona

ABOUT

The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published weekly, in conjunction with the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.

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Send letters to runner@csub.edu. All letters must be signed and verified and be no more than 300 words in length. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

DISCLAIMERS

Views and opinions expressed in The

“I told him ‘You’re not going to be a teacher because it does not pay.’

That’s been my experience.”

Loredana Lo Bianco Part time lecturer CSU Fresno

to be a teacher because it does not pay,’ Lo Bianco said.

“That’s been my experience.

That’s a very sad thing to say.”

In the report, approximately 79 percent of the survey’s respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their financial satisfaction. Roughly 72 percent of the respondents said they have taken additional beyond teaching at their primary university to make ends meet, and almost 61 percent said they cannot afford housing in the community where their campus is located.

The CFA and CSU system will soon reopen collective bargaining negotiations. The latest agreement, which was a threeyear deal agreed upon last year, expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 school year.

Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Communications Department. 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 tobaccorelated advertising.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright belongs to the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.

April 15, 2015

Runner in the Sheets

The Elusive ‘O’

By Robin Gracia Columnist

Ask a woman if she has ever had an orgasm and she will give you one of a few reactions. The first is to turn beetred with embarrassment; another is to laugh. Some will need to think about it. Others will flat out say yes or no.

If you ask most men whether or not he has ever given a woman an orgasm, more often than not, you’ll receive a resounding, “Yes.” According to sex researcher Beverly Whippie, author of “The ‘G’ Spot and Other Discoveries about Human Sexuality,” more women achieved orgasm through manual masturbation or sex toys than they did with a physical partner. A whopping 39 percent of women achieve their “O” by their own means and over 20 percent of women who climax through sex do it with extra clitoral stimulation.

In an age where communication has never before been so easy or accessible, how can it be that women are remaining silent about their pleasure with their partner?

“I’m not comfortable talking about that kind of stuff,” said Aracelli Ramos, 22. “My boyfriend and me have been together for more than a year, and I’m happy and everything… But talking about that kind of stuff makes me feel weird.”

Ramos was not alone in feeling awkward talking about sex, even with her long-term partner.

“I was with my ex for almost two years,” said Jocelyn McMahon, 24. “Sometimes, just being real, it’s not going to happen. But, like, telling

him I wasn’t, you know, getting there, it would mess with him. So sometimes, I’d just fake it. It was easier than explaining that him going fast like a damn jackrabbit wasn’t gonna get me there, and starting a fight.”

The disparity between men and women’s orgasms is staggering. According to data from Indiana University’s 2014 National Survey on Sexual Health and Behavior, 84 percent of men were found to orgasm during sexual activity with a familiar partner compared to only 68 percent of women. A reason for this could be that when a man crosses the finish line, too often, the sex does as well.

While women are hesitating about being open sexual communicators or putting on Oscar-worthy performances rather than asking for what they want, men are not holding back. As Darren Garza describes it, “How else are you going to get what you want?”

“I’ve stopped a girl that was going down on me once because she was all over the place,” said Garza, 22. “We met downtown at Syndicate, and things started getting hot so we went to go hook up in my car, and she started going down on me. She started slow, and then went fast, and then slow… it was bad... I stopped her when she literally blew on it. Like, with her breath. I was just like, ‘Hey, use your hand and go slow.’ She did… and it was all good from there.”

Missing out on climaxing during sex or while engaging in sexual acts is not unusual for young women, though that appears to be largely missing from the lives of young men.

“I’d rather not have sex than have sex and not nut,” said Javier Arismendez, 24.

“What’s the point of that? If one of you finishes before the other, you keep going until everyone’s happy. If the girl I’m with tells me she came and didn’t, though, that’s on her.”

Curious Kitchen

Could the answer to your orgasm be to find your voice first? According to a national poll in Cosmopolitan magazine’s April 2015 issue, it very well may be. The survey asked 2,300 women between the ages of 18 and 40 what the most common obstacles to their orgasms were. More than 50 percent of women said that most of their orgasms were “almost” orgasms, but they never quite made it over the edge. Another 38 percent of women replied that they were not receiving enough clitoral stimulation, and 32 percent admitted focusing more on how they look during sex – and making sure they don’t accidentally pass gas.

Interestingly, when Cosmo asked why women fake it, 28 percent of women say they did it to spare the feelings of their partner and another 27 percent saying they faked it to end sex more quickly because they knew they weren’t going to climax.

For sexual satisfaction of all parties, it is imperative to not be afraid to speak up in the bedroom. Your partner is not getting the best from you if you are faking your orgasms, or being selfish in the sack.

You are not sparing anyone by missing out – if anything, you are robbing yourself.

There are ways to get your partner to follow a trail of breadcrumbs that will get them to where you want them to be, like encouraging them when they are on the right track by telling them what turns you on or positioning your body in a way that allows your partner to be able to explore.

Life is too short to have unfulfilling sex. Open up to your partner. If they have an orgasm before you, feel free to playfully say, “My turn.” Tell them your wants, needs and desires. Stop faking orgasms.

The only person who’s being cheated is you in that scenario.

When you find your voice, you’ll find your pleasure.

Now ready, set, and “O.”

A college student’s take on cooking and food

Getting a Pizza the Action

By Alex Ripepi Columnist

When asked what their favorite food is, it seems that a huge number of people answer “pizza.” If you are one of those people, then boy is this column for you. Luckily enough, minus making the dough at home, pizza really isn’t a difficult endeavor.

Speaking very frankly, making your own dough is a process that I would not recommend unless you have several hours that need wasting.

If I were you, I’d buy dough or a pre-made crust.

For the pizza I created, I used sausage, mushrooms and arugula on a whole-wheat crust I made by hand.

Now be warned – pizza is a deceptive mistress. How simple it seems can lead to simple

mistakes, like forgetting to start making your pizza on a cookie sheet rather than the counter, or not preparing your ingredients correctly. For instance, your first step should be sweating your vegetables.

Veggies have a ton of moisture, so you will need precook them so they don’t release water on your pizza.

Chop them up into small bits, which helps you get all that goodness into each bite.

Step two is essentially the only other step. Throw the whole thing in the oven at 425 degrees near the center rack, and wait until the crust and cheese are the consistency you want them to be.

Now, beware. The edges of a pizza can look done while the center is still undercooked.

What I recommend to avoid this goopy mess of dough and sadness is to bake your crust for about ten minutes before you put the rest of your toppings on.

Of the meals I’ve offered so far, this is the only one that can be easily converted to breakfast, lunch, dinner or even dessert.

For a good breakfast combination, slap some scrambled eggs, cheese and the meat or

veggie of your choice onto the dough. Bam, you’ve got an easy breakfast. Need lunch or dinner? That’s even easier.

Pizza is essentially the same thing for both of these meals.

Here’s where you can get crazy. Combinations of food that would normally turn a stomach can become beautiful works of art when combined with dough and tomato sauce.

Dessert is easily the most fun to create. Start by using sugar cookie dough as a base and slather on the heart-attack inducing goodness. Cover that canvas in chocolate, nuts, marshmallows, and gummy worms, whatever – I’m not here to judge you.

For all I care, show your doctor what you’ve made. If he cries, you’re doing something right.

Eat this with both of your hands like hungry bear. You can also opt for plates and silverware, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Making your own pizza is pure liberation, not to mention much cheaper than ordering a pizza and having it delivered to your house by a teenager in a 1998 Toyota Celica. I now challenge you to go forth and create your own pizza.

Features

3

Bakersfield’s Got Talent

By Barry Ramirez Reporter There were few performers and even less spectators present Saturday at CSU Bakersfield’s second annual Bakersfield Got Talent, but there was plenty of raw emotion and virtuoso.

Though the talent show was open and invited all forms of entertainers, only three singers and one singer/piano player decided to showcase their abilities.

The first performance was a recital of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” and was sung cagily but competently by Julianne Popek, a 15-year-old who currently attends Norris Middle School here in Bakersfield.

Next up was 14-year-old Ashley Janzen who sung Rihanna’s “Stay” like a shallow flute.

But it was the last two performances who will surely give the judges plenty to argue about when it comes time to finally choose a winner.

Sarah Behill, a 28-year-old stay at home mother, sang Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love,” in a deep and wide voice nearly as good as the singer herself.

Behill entered last year’s BGT and placed second.

When asked how she felt about her performance she said, “Good, I feel good.

“I’m always a little shaky after the performance even after performing for so long I think it’s good to still have a little nervousness there.”

Behill said that she has been singing for 21 years, and, after last year’s performance has been invited to sing the national anthem at basketball and baseball games here at CSUB.

A.J. Alvarado/The Runner

Criston Moore Performing to be on CSUB’s second annual Bakersfield’s Got Talent show.

The last performance was by 25-year-old Criston Moore who works at Independence High School as a piano accompanist. He sang his own rendition of “What a Wonderful World” originally by Louis Armstrong while his hands easily slinked and trilled up and down the piano.

His voice was most reminiscent of John Legend’s, and his performance was so pure and felt that it caused hair to prickle and flesh to goose pimple.

He’s been playing the piano for 21 years.

Of his performance he said, “I feel pretty good, man.

It was fun. Anytime I get on the piano and just close my eyes…”

Apart from the glory of winning and the cash incentive to participate in BGT (first place wins $1000, second place $250 , third place $100) individuals have the potential opportunity, like Behill, to audition for further performances.

Arthur Smith, the Spirit Coordinator and Cheerleading Coach here at CSUB, said in an e-mail “Last year our BGT winners (Unconditional Life) signed a recording contact and moved to LA over the summer.”

If you would like to attend the BGT and experience the talent, the semi-finals will be held this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Music Building Rm 127.

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Features

STAGE AND SCREEN

Taken a look at issues in film, TV and music.

RiverwalkhostsCASASuperheroRun

April 15, 2015

‘Chasing Life’ proves TV can make a difference

By Shelby Parker Columnist As someone who has always watched a lot of television, I know how rare it is to come across a show that really tugs at your heart. Shows like “One Tree Hill,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Parenthood” have always stood out to me as being more than just an hour of entertainment.

In between reality shows about housewives and finding the love of your life, it can be hard to find something that goes deeper than just the surface. Every once in a blue moon, I’ll find something that stops me in my tracks and reminds me that television can be used for a bigger purpose; something that can help all of us.

The latest show I’ve gotten into is ABC Family’s “Chasing Life.”

I was drawn to it, because it was so original from anything I’d seen before, not just on TV, but period.

The lead character, April, is a 20-something journalist in Boston, who ends up being diagnosed with cancer. Sure, the cancer line has been done before in films like “A Walk To Remember” or more recently, “The Fault In Our Stars.” But, this isn’t necessarily a story of loss. It shows us what we can gain in the midst of trial and how to fight back when plans don’t go our way or dreams don’t turn out the way you’ve always envisioned. It’s something that many 20-somethings can relate to, whether or not they’ve been affected by cancer. Sometimes, though, that path can lead you to something better than before.

“She has taught me never to give up on your dreams and keep fighting no matter what,” said Italia Ricci, 28, the show’s lead actress.

As a journalism major, I was drawn to April’s ambition and passion. But, like so many others, I’ve also been affected by cancer.

My grandmas on both my mom and dad’s side of the family died from the disease. I saw how hard it was for them and how cancer not only affects the person who has cancer but the entire family in a big way. I can’t imagine what it’s like to hear that you have cancer in your 20s, just as your life is getting started and you’re finally making your own decisions or pursuing a career.

“It’s a real story with real people,” said Ricci. “April could be the person across the street.

‘Chasing Life’ is a reality that exists for so many reasons.”

April starts learning to live her life day by day, and in a lot of ways, many 20-somethings, whether having been affected by cancer or not, can relate to that.

Ricci adds that being part of the show has helped her define what matters most to her in life, and that if something isn’t on that list, then it isn’t worth her energy. I think that’s a great mentality for all of us. Why waste time on something, if it isn’t what you love?

While Ricci has been able to share April’s story and connect with those who have had cancer, and has given her a chance to get involved with organizations that are trying to fight the disease and connect on a more personal level with those who have been affected. Ricci says it’s one of the things she’s most thankful for.

“I’ve volunteered in the past, but never quite so actively,” said Ricci, “I always thought about working with charities and foundations, but never had the push to do it. ‘Chasing Life’ definitely pushed me and I’m so glad.”

“Chasing Life” airs on Monday nights on ABC Family at 9/8c.

Kabria Dodley/The Runner

One man dressed as a luchador gets a head start during the CASA Super Hero Run at Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield on Saturday April, 11.

Kabria Dodley/The Runner

Above Left: Runners start off on the 2k Media Run held before main Super Hero Run at Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield on Saturday April, 11.

Above Right: One man dressed as The Hulk running during the CASA Super Hero Run at Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield on Saturday April, 11.

CSUB fundraises for fashion Crismat Mateo Senior Reporter

On Tuesday, April 7, The Fashion Club at CSU Bakersfield held a fundraiser at the Runner Patio—selling metallic, temporary tattoos to help fund the fashion show that the club will be putting on in May. CSUB’s Fashion Club is opting to put on their fashion show on May 8 at the Runner Patio in front of the Student Union.

The fashion show will feature designs of different members of the club, as well as pieces from boutiques around Bakersfield. Keren Martin, president of the CSUB Fashion Club, said that the show will cover four themes: “decades, urban, high fashion, and culture.”

During the fundraising event, students and staff lined up in front of the Fashion Club booth Patio and paid one dollar for a fashionable tattoo. The tattoos combined metallic gold and silver with tribal inspired designs. There were also fun tattoos that featured love, hope, and peace as themes.

Cristal Mondragon, a CSUB junior art major and fashion club member, is designing pieces for the decades theme— 1990s to be exact. Her sketchbook was filled with designs that showcase the eccentricity of the decade with a hint of rock and roll. The 90s is associated with the rise of grunge fashion, and this trend was prominent in Mondragon’s sketches.

As the fashion show date approaches, the club is still in need of help with designs. If you, or anyone you know is interested in sketching and showcasing some of your designs on campus, head over to the ASI office in the Student Union to get information on how to get involved.

Mike Kwon, fashion club member and ASI executive vice president, says, “We are excited to show our members’ designs, but we are still looking for sponsors.” Kwon is also contributing his designs for the high fashion theme of the show.

As Coco Chanel once said, “Everyday is a fashion show, and the world is your runway!”

THE STUDENT BODY

Marisel Maldonado/The Runner

Mike Kwon, ASI and CSUB Fashion Club member, gives Cristal Mondragon, junior, a flash tattoo at the CSUB Fashion Club fundraiser on April 7.

Scales Do Not Measure Self-Worth Health and Fitness

For too long people have allowed scales to rule over their lives and dictate to them their self-worth. I’m here to tell you that scales are evil little devices that you’re probably taking way too seriously.

If you’re changing up your daily diet, working out, lifting

By Athena weights and gaining muscle or carSkapinakis rying any kind of water weight Columnist around, the scale is likely deceiving you. When those numbers fluctuate up and down, your heart starts breaking, you feel frustrated and your motivation tanks. You’ve been working hard, eating healthy and exercising, but the scale isn’t showing you your progress accurately.

Obsessing over your weight isn’t going to help you lose pounds. It’s just going to help you lose faith in yourself and in your fitness journey. Rather than pay attention to the scale, ignore it completely. Happiness should not be defined by how much you weigh. There are so many other indicators of your progress, which are more reliable and precise.

This Photograph is Proof Progress photos are one of my personal favorite ways to track the differences you can make, even from week to week. Sometimes looking at the mirror and seeing if

your stomach has shrunk isn’t effective enough. It is more effective to compare your current week’s photos to your last week’s photos. Then try comparing this month to last month. The differences will amaze you.

As you look back on where you used to be, you’ll marvel at how far you’ve come.

Plus, who doesn’t like taking selfies? If you say you don’t, you’re lying, and lies will make you gain weight.

It’s science.

Every Little Inch Grab your mother’s measuring tape from the sewing box or get your booty to the store and buy one. If you want a great way of measuring progress, track your inches lost and gained. You’ll want to measure a few different places: neck, biceps, chest, waist, hips, thighs and calves. Based off your personal goals, whether it’s to lose inches or add size to certain muscle groups, you’ll be able to see tangible evidence of your progress with a measuring tape. I remember one quarter I went from puny nine-inch biceps to firmer 11-inch biceps, and now they’re chilling at a cool 13 inches. During the time I was training for a fitness competition, I also went from a 31-inch waist to a 25-inch waist. That was even more exciting!

Put Your Clothes Back On Yes, you saw how great you started looking naked. But what about with clothes back on? Trying on old outfits or a pair of your favorite jeans, you’ll come to see how

much better everything fits you as you drop sizes. You may even notice that some clothes are fitting too big on you and you’ll have to go shopping for a size that fits you better. Oh, no! New clothes!

Note: You should always hang on to one pair of your “big person pants” as a motivational factor to remember how far your journey you’ve come. Whenever you feel low or feel like giving up, whip out the old pants and remind yourself how you’ve worked hard to become a better you.

Hooked on a Feeling Good health is something you will feel. There is a noticeable boost in your energy, in the way your body reacts to stress, in how your cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance increases and in your state of mind. You’ll notice your immune system has never worked better, and the cure for the common cold is actually by preventing it through a healthy diet. You probably won’t be able to keep the smile off your face because you’re high on feeling so damn good and healthy.

In the end, what really matters is how you feel about yourself. As lame, cheesy and positive self-esteem inflating as that sounds, it’s true. Happiness won’t be found through meaningless numbers on a scale.

Happiness is going to be found within you when you learn to accept and love yourself the way you are.

Opinion

April 15, 2015

5

Five issues to keep an eye on this quarter EDITORIAL

For many students, faculty and staff, the beginning of Spring quarter signals the final 10week stretch of classes separating them from summer vacation and, in the case of some students, graduation.

Spring is also a pivotal period for administrators and members of student government.

This season is both a time for said parties to accomplish any remaining institutional, academic and social goals and an opportunity to look ahead and prepare for future challenges.

In similar fashion, we too are looking ahead to the next series of questions California State University, Bakersfield must answer.

Here are the Runner staff’s five issues to watch for this quarter.

1: Responses to California’s worsening drought

After having experienced the driest winter on record – a period of time that exceeds over 120 years – Governor Jerry Brown, CSU Chancellor Timothy White, state officials and major media outlets are urging Californians to preserve as much water as possible.

To assist in water preservation efforts, CSUB and the CSU system are attempting to reduce campus water consumption by 20 percent by 2020.

However, given the worsening water crisis, we must ask: Is a 20 percent reduction for a deadline five years away enough?

What additional measures are CSUB taking or investigating to further reduce campus water usage now? Does the university

have plans to slash consumption beyond the mandated 20 percent limit? Are any resources being dedicated to removing water-inefficient vegetation in favor of arid landscaping?

2: The quarter-to-semester transition

While news regarding CSUB’s transition to a semester system in Fall 2016 has been reported, there are still a number of key questions that are as of now unanswered.

What will happen to students caught in the institutional shift?

Will students still receive credit for classes completed prior to the shift, or will students be forced to retake classes?

How will the shift affect the availability of courses? Will the

transition have a positive or negative effect on graduation rates?

3: Graduation

Last year, CSUB implemented electronic ticketing and featured two more name speakers for the commencement ceremony.

While the length of the ceremonies decreased in response to the latter change, many students still complained about sitting in the heat of the Amphitheatre.

This leads to the following questions: What further changes are being considered for the graduation ceremonies? Has the university investigated dividing larger graduation ceremonies into smaller events to allow for use of the Icardo Center?

4: ASI Elections

As the terms of the current student-officials draw to a close and elections for next year’s office draw nearer, we must ask: Who are the individuals interested in student government? What are their qualifications? What are their goals for the university, and how will they improve the experience of students on campus?

5: Student and classroom capacity

Each year, CSUB breaks a new school record regarding freshman attending the university, and, as a result, boasts a record number of students attending class on campus.

While a growing student body can result in greater participa-

tion and creation of clubs on campus, and thus, a more vibrant student experience, more students on campus means greater competition for class sections and parking spaces on campus.

As the student body continues to grow in the short- and longterm, will CSUB’s facilities be able to maintain pace with its growth in students? Will more class sections be offered for students who are unable to enroll in already existing classes, or will more students be forced to wait-list classes?

The Runner editorial board consists of Josh Bennett, Robin Gracia, Steven Barker, Michael Wafford, Heather Hoelscher, Esteban Ramirez and Richard Garibay.

R UNNER O N T HE S TREET

By Marisel Maldonado, Photographer

This week, The Runner asked, “What do you think of the Advance Parenting signs?”

Steve Ross 61 Liberal Studies

Marisol Escudero 21 Kinesiology

"Yes, I believe they should put out parenting signs for students. In my experience, in my past life, I saw a lot of that.

I've used this stuff in my lifetime so it's a good idea."

“I like [the signs]. Every time I see them I think they make really good points and I think a lot of parents right now would benefit from things like this.”

Advancing Parenting:

Helpful tips or misplaced advice?

By Marizza Espinosa Assistant Editor

Have you seen those Advancing Parenting signs pitched all around campus? Are the signs telling you how to raise your children, or are they just giving you tips on how to raise them? These signs will affect individuals differently.

For example, one of the signs says, "Introduce your children to media that portrays honesty, sacrifice, loyalty, perseverance, modesty, love, humility, courage, courtesy, respect, and reverence." Nowadays, it's rare to find media that offers these qualities. Television and social media provide profanity, vulgar language and just plain nonsense. Also, many shows that

children watch nowadays have subliminal dirty messages in them, such as “Spongebob Squarepants.”

Certain Spongebob episodes, though they do not directly curse or show sexual content, have a lot of content that can be viewed as inappropriate for children.

Let’s be real though - whether you shelter your kids or not from all this profanity in media, they will be exposed to it through school. Many kids learn half of their vulgar language and profanity from their peers. There is no way around the negatives of media, so don’t beat around the bush.

Another sign says, “Make your children aware of their strengths and don’t draw atten-

Chief thoughts

tion to their weakness.”

Praising your children for their strengths and their achievements is essential, but ignoring your children’s weaknesses can cause for insecurities when they get older. Kids in school are cruel and will make fun of others just to make themselves feel better. As a parent, you should want to help your child strengthen their weaknesses.

Some students, such as 21year-old liberal studies major Jasmin Lopez feels like the signs are a little out of place here on campus.

"I think these signs are a good idea but I feel like a lot of CSUB students are not parents, so I feel like they're in the wrong place," said Lopez.

Not every reveal lives up to its expectations

Stop hyping up minimal events

By Josh Bennett Editor-inChief

On April 2, the Bakersfield Condors hyped up the announcement of their new logo for their upcoming move into the American Hockey League next season. While it was known that the Condors nickname would remain, and that the trend with the other Pacific teams entering the league would be to keep the colors of their parent club, which in this case would be navy blue and orange, some speculated that the Condors would have a new logo for their new chapter in the franchise’s history.

This was not the case, as the “new” logo that was unveiled in the hyped up ceremony was the

existing Condors logo recolored in navy and orange.

It has been an alarming trend recently to hype up an announcement or unveiling, only for it to not only not live up to the hype, but to question why it needed an announcement to begin with. It has been happening all over the country, and the underwhelming results always seem to anger the masses, rather than surprise them, such as the buildup of the “new” Cleveland Browns logo earlier this year.

The Browns hyped up a new identity for their team, only to reveal the same helmet logo they’ve had in the past but with a brown facemask, which angered fans and made the Browns the butt-end of many jokes in the following weeks.

If either team just showed the updated, there is hardly anything new about them, logos then it would have been fine, but there is no reason to hype

anything up that is as minor as a color change or even a logo change. Just show it, it’s not very important in the large spectrum of things.

CSU Bakersfield got it right when they released their “We’re All Runners” slogan, logo and new court design last summer.

There weren’t any countdowns or buildup or anything.

It just happened, and that’s just fine for showcasing a marketing campaign and court, or anything of that level of importance.

Hype and buildup takes away from the eventual announcement, as people usually remember the hype of the announcement rather than the actual announcement. Unless it’s lifechanging or world-changing, there’s no need to hype it up, and even then, what’s the point of sitting on it just to create buzz that will most likely turn people against it.

Miguel Martin 21 Business

"I agree with the signs that they're putting up because often times parents are so busy with their daily schedules that they could forget to participate with their children.”

Sports

April 15, 2015

6

CSUB sweeps UTPA, wins 7th game in row BASEBALL

By Esteban Ramirez Sports Editor

AJ Alvarado/The Runner

Sophomore second baseman David Metzgar jumps to avoid a slide from University of Texas-Pan American baserunner Cole Loncar at Hardt Field on April 10. The Roadrunners beat the Broncs 5-1.

Fan of the house

ATHLETICS

Athletic opinions and observations from The Runner’s know-it-all sports guy.

Vegas is not the answer

By Nate Sanchez Columnist For the men of CSU Bakersfield’s basketball team, the season is done, as is formerAthletic Director Jeff Konya’s prediction for the Roadrunners.

I’ll never forget that moment.

The Roadrunners just joined the Western Athletic Conference as full-time members.

Konya was fresh off of his “How do you like us now, Bakersfield?” speech.

(Hint: You’re the only state university in town. They like you just fine.) During our discussion of the future, he told me his vision.

“We won’t rest until we’ve brought an NCAA Championship to Bakersfield.

I’d like to see this team cutting down the nets at the Final Four.”

Since then, the Roadrunners have never advanced farther than the second round of the conference tournament, and Konya left CSUB a year into that five-year contract he signed in 2013.

The WAC Basketball Tournament is excessive. Don’t get me wrong; I like basketball.

God knows I love conferences.

But if it were up to me, it would cease to exist in its current form.

The Roadrunners are far from a Top-25 team, so they wouldn’t get an automatic bid.

The WAC is a mediocre basketball conference, so our bid has to be fought for. My grievance with the tournament is the excess.

They say opulence is sin; and no other city in the world epitomizes the two like Las Vegas, the current location of the tournament.

Like I said before, the WAC is a mediocre conference when it

comes to basketball. The conference has been monopolized, and the winners are a non-factor in the NCAA Tournament.

New Mexico State University’s men’s team has won the WAC Tournament five years in a row, even with the recently-changing landscape of the conference.

Surely such a dominant champion would do well among the other schools at the Big Dance.

Unfortunately not.

The University of Nevada was the last WAC representative to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

They beat Creighton by six points in overtime.

By the way, this was back in 2007.

To put things in perspective, Akon, Daughtry and T-Pain were not only relevant, but among Billboard’s Hottest Artists in 2007.

For the conference to put on as big a show as it does for a winner that was and historically has been the NCAA tournament’s whipping boy is excessive.

I posit that one of the schools should host the tournament.

It would foster far more interest from communities surrounding the schools, attract more fans and stimulate local economies.

Remember when CSUB hosted the WAC Volleyball Tournament? Senior Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Relations Keith Ford said CSUB got to keep what was brought in after expenses.

According to WAC Deputy Commisioner Connie Hurlbut, all of the participating schools are required to buy enough tickets to offset the cost of the neutral site, regardless of whether they sell them or not.

There were a lot of unsold tickets.

CSUB apparently sold all of their tickets, 200 at $100 apiece. Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Corey Costelloe wrote in an email that the conference paid

I posit that one of the schools should host the tournament.

for the majority of the tournament and CSUB was only on the hook for $2,800 dollars for gameday workers and VIP hospitality.

Let’s look at attendance. The Orleans Arena has a singleevent capacity of 9,500 spectators.

Only a recorded 7,129 showed up for the entire tournament.

That’s nine “sessions” over three days of expensive Vegas real estate that was paid for, but mosty unused.

Going back to the actual recorded attendance, it’s still less than 10 percent of what could be, even with lowered attendance expectations.

There may be an explanation as to why attendance was so low.

Las Vegas is a hub for college basketball conference tournaments.

Costelloe said that the WAC is one of four conferences simultaneously holding their tournaments in Vegas, the other three being the PAC-12, Mountain West and the West Coast. The WAC can compete with one of those three.

“It creates a great experience for the fans and student-athletes,” Costelloe said.

“It’s nice to be a part of that college basketball buzz... plus for us it’s an easy bus ride for our student athletes, which cuts down on missed class time and expenses.”

Too bad that class time was the week of finals.

I would like to see a participating school to host the tournament.

It’s time to face the ugly truth.

We are not an elite basketball powerhouse, and our conference champion basically serves as a bye game for a four-seed in the Big Dance.

Despite giving up eight walks and having two errors, the CSU Bakersfield baseball team completed a sweep of the University of Texas-Pan American with a 4-1 Western Athletic Conference win at Hardt Field on April 12 and extended its winning streak to seven straight.

“We played poorly today, we wouldn’t have beaten a great team,” CSUB coach Bill Kernen said to gorunners.com.

“If we do what we did today, we won’t be able to beat good teams to become a champion.

We need to play our best game every time out.”

Though the Roadrunners (2014-1, 8-3-1 WAC) had their struggles, they also received a one-hit performance from senior pitcher Nick Rogowski and sophomore pitcher Steven Gee. Rogowski started the game and got an early cushion as CSUB scored four runs in the first inning. With senior Jordie Hein and sophomore Joey Sanchez on base, CSUB started its scoring output with a sacrifice bunt from sophomore David Metzgar, which scored Hein.

After a fly out by sophomore Max Carter and a walk for sophomore Ryan Grotjohn, junior Soloman Williams hit a tworun double, which scored

Sanchez and Grotjohn. Senior Chance Gusbeth followed with a single through the left side that scored Williams and gave CSUB a 4-0 lead over UTPA (12-22, 0-12 WAC) after the first inning.

Despite that cushion, it was an easy day for Rogowski. He pitched 4 1/3 innings but had eight walks. He was able to pitch around the Broncs lineup and didn't surrender any hits and only allowed one run. With the score 4-1 in the top of the fifth and Rogowski just walking back-to-back batters to load the bases with one out, Gee relieved him and got the Roadrunners out of the jam.

Gee pitched the last 4 2/3 innings and had zero walks, only gave up one hit and allowed no runs. Gee (4-2) also got the win.

On April 11, CSUB beat UTPA 15-3 behind a strong day from junior Mylz Jones.

Jones went three for four hitting, scored two runs and had four RBIs. On April 10, the Roadrunners beat the Broncs 5-1 behind a complete game from senior pitcher Hayden Carter.

Carter (4-3) gave up nine hits, but only allowed one run. He also retired 14 out of the first 15 batters he faced.

CSUB is scheduled to play at Sacramento State University starting on April 17.

WAC Tournament a good experience for CSUB fans

By David Kaplan Reporter

The CSU Bakersfield student body was loud and proud in the stands for the men's and women's basketball games at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament from March 11-March 14.

Last season was the first year that the Roadrunners were in the conference, and so it was the first year that they were invited to go to the WAC tournament. According to CSUB Spirit Coordinator Arthur Smith, last year the CSUB Spirit team took 43 students to the WAC Tournament in 2014 in Las Vegas, and this year they took 53 students along for the trip.

As for the coming years, Smith says this annual spring trip should only grow.

“I think that to set a goal for something such as this is only to limit yourself,” he said. “We will take as many passionate fans as we financially can, of course there is that component.

But I think that we will want to take students that want to go."

Hilda Nieblas, the campus programming coordinator and 2014 CSUB alumna, said the WAC Tournament experience is very unique and full of enthusiasm.

“We really get to meet people from the competing schools as well, and it’s just a very different environment,” Nieblas said.

“It’s very energetic, it’s just really hard to explain because it’s like a huge rally with so many different schools, and you’re just pumped up in a very different way than you are here on campus.”

One of Nieblas’ favorite parts of the entire experience was the friendly spontaneous battles that broke out between schools.

“Some of the schools have like a drumline and they’ll kind of compete against each other, but it’s not like a real competition,” she said. “So, it’s like I play something, you play something and they just kind of battle it out.”

Photo courtesy of Mark Nessia

CSUB junior guard Alyssa Shannon drives to the basket past Chicago State defenders at the WAC Tournament in Las Vegas on Marxh 11.

In addition to supporting the school’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, Paulina Sylvester, the CSUB spirit squad captain, said that a draw to this trip is going to Las Vegas itself and at an inexpensive cost too.

“A lot of students haven't even been to Vegas, so they use that as a chance to just go and just venture out into a new state and just figure out different types of stuff that they have there,” she said.

Sylvestor says students are asked to provide only $20 for expenses for CSUB, and to cover their food expenses. All of the bus, hotel and WAC Tournament ticket prices however are taken care of by the school.The different types of extravagant foods in the hotels in Las Vegas are a thing that CSUB students love to try out.

The pre-game rallies really get Runner Nation involved.

“What we did was have a rally

before every game and we had students bring out T-shirts, we had stickers, we had foam fingers, little "rally towels" that they would just spin around during the game,” Sylvestre said. “The students loved it. It was really a great atmosphere.”

Students got to watch two rounds of basketball for the men’s and women’s teams as the men lost in the second round to New Mexico State, 5753 and the women ended their season in a loss to the University of Texas-Pan American, 76-70.

Smith said you definitely won’t want to miss being a part of the experience.

“One of these days I see it in the very near future, we’re going to win a championship there and you’re going to want to be there for that,” he said.

“You’re going to want to share in that prideful moment of being a Runner, because we all are.”