October 14, 2015
Vol. 41, No. 4
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Chalking it up
CRIME
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CSUB student caught stealing speakers By David Kaplan Multimedia Editor
Chris Mateo/The Runner
Many different interpretations of art pieces were displayed on the brand new black top at Bakersfield’s Via Arte on Oct. 11.
By Bre Williams Senior Reporter
Artists took to the pavement with their chalk in hand at the Via Arte event put on by The Bakersfield Museum of Art. This Italian street painting festival allows professional and aspiring artists of all ages to showcase their talents. Over 50 different sponsors make the event possible. These sponsors include large businesses such as Bright House Network, Chevron, and Bakersfield Magazine along with many others. Bakersfield Museum of Art board member Sarah Trichaell said that since Via Arte started in the museum parking lot 17 years ago, it has become their top fundraiser. They look for people or businesses year round to sponsor spots for artists to create their works of art. “The key to success is lots of great color,” teacher and professional artist Kathryn Ramos
said. Ramos has participated in Via Arte for seven years, and she said the hardest part each year is deciding whether to recreate or do an original piece. This year her colorful stained glass inspired piece is a little recreation with some personal modifications. Some artists chose to collaborate with their fellow local artists to create works of art. Bakersfield College student Nadya Khazneh has contributed her talents to Via Arte for the last three years. This year Khazneh created art with four other girls, which is part what she now calls a tradition. “Every year we try to bring something new and different and something that ties in all of our skills,” Khazneh said. “This piece inspired us because it had a portrait in it, black and white, details, and a lot of color and flowers.” The Bakersfield Museum of Art hired professional artists to fill large spots in the lot, but
they also have an area for children. The Bambino area features many small squares for purchase for children to express themselves through chalk art.
Along with street art to view attendees could listen to music or watch dancers perform. Via Arte turned the Marketplace into an art oasis for locals and visitors in attendance.
shop. However, Togo’s, which was supposed to close on Sept 28, was still operating through Oct 9, and has shown no sign of stopping. “The university is trying to see what our options might be,” said David Melendez, vice president for University Advancement. He explained that the Togo’s chain “had some disputes with this franchisee,” and that “it wasn’t our choice, but we agreed with what Togo’s was saying.” Melendez further commented that the school “doesn’t know yet” whether Togo’s will actually close, but that “there’s an
ongoing discussion about something working out, so they might stay.” Melendez also said that there are no official plan as of yet regarding Togo’s potential replacement. Many students were displeased by the initial news of the shop’s closure. “I’m very upset,” said business administration major Guadalupe Mendivil, who eats at the school’s Togo’s up to three times a week. “It’s so good” Political science major Oscar Mira said he was “sorely disappointed” by the news. Mira, who eats at Togo’s about every
other week, said he liked Togo’s options more. Others, like Madison Carter, another business administration major, weren’t too upset. “Togo’s is pretty overpriced,” said Carter. A big complaint was variety of food on campus. Joel Magana, an accounting major, said that replacing the Togo’s with another sandwich shop “feels repetitive,” and that “a better breakfast option would be nice.” When asked what they’d like to see replace the sandwich shop, several students said they wanted Chinese food on campus.
Fuller Meeting: Jean Fuller visits ASI meeting. Page 2 Radio: Learn about the radio station, Savage Radio. Page 3
Bringin’ the Noise: Read up on CSUB’s pep band. Page 3 Festival: CSUB hosts the first 99 Music Fest. Page 4
No Parking Zone: A look at CSUB’s parking issues. Page 5 Comic: Read the latest adventures of Runner, Kit and Nut. Page 6
Lakhdeep Singh/The Runner
Kathryn Ramos worked on her stained glass window inspired piece at Via Arte event on Saturday. The event was held from Oct. 10 to Oct. 11.
CSU Bakersfield student Skyler Campbell was arrested by University Police on Sept. 30 for attempting to steal speakers from Computer Lab 3 in the Walter Stiern Library. Police Chief Marty Williamson said someone from the library staff noticed a backpack and paperwork in the same room and called the campus police, who then found and questioned Campbell. Through questioning, the campus police found that Campbell also stole some speakers and a black box that was mounted on the podium on Sept. 18 but was caught trying to steal more speakers. “Their staff saw something out of the ordinary and called us. That was key,” Williamson said. “Hats off to that staff worker. That’s probably the biggest thing on campus, if people just say something. I’d rather have our guys go on hundreds of dry runs than have them feel I don’t want to impose on them and something happens.” Williamson said the campus police went to Campbell’s house, retrieved the stolen speakers and returned them back to the computer lab. “He was subsequently booked into the Central Receiving Facility [jail in Bakersfield],” said Williamson. According to the Kern County court’s website, Campbell is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the Kern County Court, on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 8:30 a.m. He has been charged
with two counts of second degree burglary, one count of attempted grand theft, and one count of receiving stolen property. CSUB Athletics Director Kenneth Siegfried said the campus police questioned him about Campbell’s status as a student athlete because of Campbell’s claim to be a swimmer. “Skyler Campbell actually was not part of our NCAA swim roster,” said CSUB Director of Swimming Chris Hansen. “He contacted us to try and walk on but was never cleared to practice with the team at the start of our official season, due to not finishing his NCAA requirements. The team or coaching staff haven’t seen him in weeks.” Information Technology Consultant at CSUB Marirose Brown said the new policy for the lower level of the library requires students to seek the help of student assistants or other staff members before making use of the computer lab after class hours. “From now on, the door will stay locked,” said Brown. Students who break the law can face consequences up to expulsion. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities handles student conduct violations and disiplinary actions. The office’s director, Rubi Alvarez, said the Student Conduct Procedures for the CSU System tells student affairs how to “judicate” cases. See BURGLARY, Page 2
Togo’s future on campus still up in the air
CAMPUS
By Katie Aubin Reporter
CSU Bakersfield’s on-campus sandwich shop, Togo’s, continues to run despite the announcement of its removal in September. The popular sandwich chain is visited by dozens of students a day, but was set to be replaced by a new sandwich shop that would be, “similar to the Sandwich Shack in the Runner Grille location,” according to a student-wide email. The news was met with disappointment and criticism by students who frequented the
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Marisel Maldonado/The Runner
CSUB students wait in line for their food at Togo’s on Oct. 12.
Blowout: CSUB women’s soccer wins 9-1. Page 7 Making a Splash: CSUB swim teams set for new year. Page 8
Check out our videos and audio at therunneronline.com
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News
October 14, 2015
Fuller encourages students to volunteer Student body should be alert
ASI ROUNDUP
CRIME
By Graham C Wheat Features and Opinions Editor
Special Guest Associated Students Incorporated had a special guest at its meeting on Oct. 9. State Sen. Jean Fuller (RBakersfield), representative of California’s 16th District, lent her time to give an inspiring story to CSU Bakersfield’s ASI. Members listened as Fuller told of her past in Shafter, and the unconventional roads she had taken to get to her current position as a Republican representative for Bakersfield. Fuller reminisced of her days taking one of the first summer school courses that were offered at CSUB. She also shared her memories of being a pilot with her husband before their mutual commitment to return to higher education, and the eventual path that lead her to becoming a senator. ASI President Mike Kwon asked Fuller about her motivations or if she had any tips for people in student government. She responded that it was about surrounding yourself with good people and to “volunteer all the time.” “I was very happy she took the time to share her story,” said ASI Vice President Jenny Sanchez. “She shared her story of her time as a student, as a teacher and as a person.” Members of ASI thanked Fuller with a “#StandwithCSU” plaque presented to the senator.
Marisel Maldonado/The Runner
Vice President of External Affairs Danielle Kinsey introduced state Sen. Jean Fuller on Oct. 9 at the ASI meeting.
“I love how she described herself and how I can see people on our board like that,” said Sanchez.
Campus Issues Beyond having a guest appearance from local government, ASI was still discussing campus issues that were brought to attention. Notable among those items were the rules over club fundraising that uses food to gain revenue. E.J. Callahan,
who represents the Student Union and Organizational Government, informed the group that any food sales must be in line with current contracts the university has. That current contract is through CSUB’s vendor Aramark. The Muslim Student’s Association did encounter a problem with this; however, this issue has been resolved by contacting a new approved vendor. The lines at The Runner Café
are being looked into according to Anish Mohan, vice president of university affairs, who said he would speak with David Hveem, director of food service. He also updated the group about taking note of when the upgraded water fountains need a filter replaced. Campus Programming is gearing up for Runner Letter Day on Oct. 14. The update from Emily Poole, director of campus programming for
CSUB, said over 1,000 letters have been written for freshman, with more expected before the handout day. Poole said some freshman letters “were lost in the cracks” last year because of late registration, and that they have expanded to try and find very freshman student. The Student Union has a new recycling program located behind the its building and will be looking create awareness about the program soon.
By Annie Russell Reporter
a $1.25 a day. This is more than poverty, described as extreme poverty. Dr. Hegde mentioned in his lecture his beliefs that microloans should be regulated and collaborated with macro policies. He found the results of microloans to be mixed. Some question, is it morally right to charge the extremely poor high interest rates? Without interest rates, MFIs (Micro Financial Inc.) cannot survive. MFIs face a tradeoff between profitability and outreach. One controversy that surrounded MFIs was the high rate of suicide by farmers in India that borrowed money and couldn’t afford to pay it back. This forced MFIs to cut interest rates, change payment schedules, which lowered debt
repayment from 100 percent to 20 percent. Central banks then began to set guidelines to fix these problems. The loans have now brought a sense of structure to many economies. Hegde believes as economies develop through education, health and social safety, the more poverty declines. “As economies grow, people move out of extreme poverty,” said Hegde. The numbers of those who live in extreme poverty have dwindled through the years. In 1990, 37 percent of the world lived in extreme poverty, now in 2015 only 9.6 percent remain. Microloans give individuals stability and equality that is correlated with growth and employment that alleviates
[BURGLARY, Page 1] According to Article III Section J Parallel Judicial Procedures, “Student Conduct Code proceedings are independent from court or other administrative proceedings. Discipline may be instituted against a Student also charged in civil or criminal courts based on the same facts that constitute the alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code. “The campus may proceed before, simultaneously with, or after any judicial or other administrative proceedings, except in cases involving Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation.” “If I feel like I have enough information, I can proceed in the process whether or not the status of the court case is done,” said Alvarez. She said this “information could be from a campus police investigation report, faculty, etc… depending on the case.” Like Williamson, Alvarez said the student body plays a big part in stopping crime. “You are our eyes and ears to maintain a safe campus,” Alvarez said.
Microloans help change lives CAMPUS
It’s human nature to feel obligated to give to those in need. Yet, not everyone is knowledgeable on how to go about giving. Dr. Aaron Hegde, Professor of Economics gave a small lecture on the importance of Microloans on Oct. 6 at the Walter Stiern Library. Microloans are small loans given to people who need small amounts of money at a time. Typically, the money is borrowed and then paid back by a specific time. With microloan businesses like Kiva, an individual’s life can be changed with loans less than $25. There is a portion of the world that lives off of less than
THE RUNNER editorialstaff Volume XLI, Issue 4
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 Esteban Ramirez NEWS EDITOR Patricia Rocha
FEATURES AND OPINIONS EDITOR Graham Wheat PHOTO EDITOR AJ Alvarado
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR David Kaplan
ASSISTANT EDITORS Marisel Maldonado and Julie M. Perez COPY CHIEF Andrea Calderon
ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu ABOUT
The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published weekly, in conjunction with the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Send letters to runner@csub.edu. All
poverty, but also empowers women and reduces the gender gap. “Kiva loans transfer the power to the individuals,” said Hegde. In Bob Harris’s book “The International Bank of Bob,” Harris explains Kiva loans in great detail to his readers. Harris’s book is part of the “One Book Project” sponsored by Kern County Library and CSU Bakersfield First Year Experience Program. While traveling, Harris noticed impoverished workers making very little for backbreaking work. He was then determined to make a difference in these workers lives after discovering Micro-lending at Kiva.org. “Loans do help the most poor people,” said Hegde.
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 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.
October 14, 2015
SPIRIT
By Martin Ramos Reporter
Station aims for broader coverage
General Manager and Co-Founder of Savage Radio Jake Chavez shares his vision about the radio station KSVG 89.7 on Oct. 7 in the studio in downtown Bakersfield. Marisel Maldonado/The Runner
A local public access radio station, KSVG 89.7 FM Savage Radio, wants to serve as Bakersfield’s college radio station. “We’re Bakersfield’s only community radio station, and we do serve the community,” said Jake Chavez, who is KSVG’s co-founder and general manager of daily operations. “We address local issues, offer a music alternative, and educate the public on whatever comes up.” In addition to news, the station also plays a variety of music, including indie rock, punk, reggae, and other genres not usually played on commercial radio stations. “We’re playing what the college radio stations would be playing,” said Chavez. Veronica Rios, a sophomore majoring in marketing, said that she likes the “hipster music” and positive news stories featured on the station. “I like it because it also talks about what’s right and wrong…Instead of fighting, it’s always looking for a solution,” she said. Neither CSU Bakersfield nor Bakersfield College has a functioning radio station, so students interested in pursuing a
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Band is for everyone
RADIO
By Heather Simmons Reporter
Features
radio career are encouraged to volunteer at KSVG. “We don’t really turn down a lot of people,” said Chavez. “We’re always willing to teach here.” In the future, Chavez said that he would like to see a partnership with the radio station and CSUB. There may be future opportunities for student DJs and journalists, as well as marketing interns. Chavez said that this partnership could provide help for the station, experience for students, and publicity for university events. The concern, however, is that some lower-quality antennas cannot pick up the station, especially around CSUB. Because of this, many students are not even aware that the station exists. “Never heard of it,” said Ify Mordi, a graduate student of healthcare management. To solve this issue, the station is in the process of applying for a loan in order to buy a translator, which is a smaller station that gives greater access to more radio wave space. This equipment would triple the station’s possible audience from about 250,000 to 750,000 people. It KSVG is approved for the $25,000 loan, the station may hold fundraising events in order to pay it off.
For now, the station sponsors a KSVG Night featuring DJs and local bands every first Saturday of the month at Sandrini’s Italian and Basque Restaurant and Bar, located on Eye Street. Savage Radio is already preparing for a “Rocking Out Thanksgiving.” Greg Looney, the station’s music and programming manager and cofounder, is currently involved in the long process of picking out songs to program into the station’s automated playback system. On holidays, the station usually plays ‘80s music, but this Thanksgiving and Black Friday, it will feature various kinds of rock music, including punk and rockabilly. “He has vision, and I love that he has passion and vision, so I let him go with it,” said Chavez of Looney, his cofounder. “If it has to do with business, I’m handling the business side of it. He doesn’t question what I do, so I don’t question what he does. It’s a perfect marriage.” This partnership has worked well so far, and it will likely continue to as Savage Radio seeks to expand. “I’ve reached my dream,” said Chavez. “Now the next part of my dream is to make it the biggest, best radio station in Bakersfield.”
For some students at CSU Bakersfield, music is a daily part of their education, while other students haven’t touched an instrument in years. The CSUB Pep Band offers students the opportunity to pick up their instrument of choice and begin reading and playing music again at campus events. The CSUB Pep Band is in its third year and is still a fairly new addition to CSUB. Arthur Smith, spirit squad head coordinator, described the progression of the group through the years. “The first year was learning to be a pep band, when to play, when not to play, that kind of stuff,” said Smith. “The second year, now they know where they fit, and now, maybe due to being in a similar circle in classes, they became a good group of friends and have fun at shows and games.” Salvador Rios, a senior music major at CSUB with two years of experience in the pep band, thinks the band is a good transitional music group for CSUB students who are non-majors or haven’t played in recent years. “There are students of all majors in the group and while there are a lot of music majors, there are some engineering majors in the group as well,” said Rios. “It’s a good way to start interest in your instrument again, and maybe help take reading music more seriously. “If there are students intimidated by symphony or concert
music, the pep band is good ment. for transition because it Rios mentioned scholarships requires musicianship, but not that help students with these at such of a high level.” indirect costs. The pep band travels for “Every year, they try to have some of its performances, a limited number of scholarwhich is what makes it ships for $900, where priority appealing for some students. is sometimes given to horn “In March, the players and pep band travels drummers,” said to WAC basketRios. “All of the ball games, like expenses are the annual trip paid for the to Vegas for a Vegas trip, and conference tourthe music nament,” said department Smith. offers rentals for “Inclusion in good prices to any NCAA tourstudents. nament would “We inherited also allow our drums from opportunity for BC and refurthe pep band to bished them to travel.” save money.” The atmosSome students, phere is a conunaware of the trast to the conopportunity feel cert music setthe group should ting and is more reach out to sturelaxed and fun dents a bit more. during perform“I didn’t know ances. we –Salvador Rios, had a pep “Some of my band,” said sensenior, music ior Minardo favorite experiences with the major Ordonez. “If pep band were they’d had that the basketball games and the when I was a freshman, I Vegas trip, mostly because we would have joined. were really together during “They should put it out there basketball games,” said Rios. more and advertise a little or “We’d do chants, cheer, mock something.” the players on the other team Though the drum line held and stuff like that.” mini camps prior to the quarFor students, cost should not ter starting, it is not too late to be an issue, as there is no cost sign up, and drummers are for participating in the pep still needed. band. “You could still sign up, we “There are also no auditions already had our two for the group. Students are rehearsals, but you could conrequired to provide their own tact Dr. Sakomoto at lsakomoinstrument, or they can rent to@gmail.com if you’re interone from the music departested,” said Rios.
“If there are students intimidated by symphony or concert music, the pep band is good for transition because it requires musicianship, but not at such a high level.”
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Features
October 14, 2015
99 music festival comes to CSUB
CAMPUS
By Alejandra Flores Reporter
Chris Mateo/The Runner Monty Byrom plays his guitar with passion for the audience at the Highway 99 Music Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10.
The 99 Music Fest hosted by Three-Way Chevrolet Cadillac debuted its first appearance at CSU Bakersfield on Oct. 10. People dressed in summer attire, set up lawn chairs and umbrellas over the grassy area of the CSUB amphitheater to relax, shielded from Bakersfield’s heat, and enjoyed Americana music by Ray Wiley Hubbard, James McMurtry, Monty Byrom, The Sheepdogs, Sam Outlaw, Truxton Mile and The Roustabouts. Americana music is a type of American folk music that incorporates elements from different music styles such as country, blues, folk, rock and roll, rhythm and blues. “We wanted to do something different,” said Sam Brandon, who works for American General Media, the same company that hosts The Mac and Cheese Festival at CSUB. “So, we partnered with The Bakersfield Californian to throw an eclectic music event.” The 21-and-over music festival featured a second stage where acoustic music was being performed by local bands between performances on the main stage. “We won free tickets on the radio,” said Martin Downs who was accompanied by his wife Lynette Downs. He added
that he tried real hard to win the tickets. The Downs, who both enjoy eclectic music, were excited to see Ray Wiley Hubbard and James McMurtry, who they expected to be phenomenal. Aside from the music, people could enjoy food from many local vendors like Johnny Rockets, The Curbside Kitchen, Hungry Hunter Steakhouse, and many more. The alcohol available came from the Barrel House Brewing Co., Shock Top, Widmer Brothers and others, all of which were lined up along the front end of the amphitheater. “There is really good food,” said Ashley Southworth, who was accompanied by her husband Greg Southworth. “We’ve bought from a couple of different places.” The Southworth’s, just like many other people at the music festival, did not let Bakersfield’s heat ruin the good time they were having.
ONLINE
For more photos of the first Highway 99 Music Festival at the amphitheater at CSU Bakersfield go to therunneronline.com.
Non-local students give their perspective STUDENT LIFE
By Marizza Espinoza Reporter
Moving away from home for school can definitely be a scary thing. Having to leave your home, your family, your friends, your pets, and everything you have known. We all know the intimidating feeling of having to adjust to a new environment and new people – whether you are moving two hours away or 20 hours away. The thought of leaving what
we know and are comfortable with is just unbearable sometimes. Take our campus, for example. CSU Bakersfield is the home to students, not only from different towns and cities, but different states as well. 19-year-old Physcial Education and Kinesology major, Asna Rupani has experienced that huge adjustment first hand when she moved from Houston, Texas to Bakersfield.
“It is really different here in Bakersfield. The weather is definitely less humid here,” said Rupani. Rupani expressed how much watching her little brother grow up from afar breaks her heart. “He’s like my little child, and he’s growing up and experiencing so many ‘firsts’ in high school,” said Rupani. Though you are forever missing home, there are defiantly
some good aspects that come out of leaving the nest. “I enjoy the freedom I receive here. I like being allowed to be an adult and grow,” said Rupani. Marquis Mckenzie, 23-yearold kinesiology major, is originally from Kaneohe, Hawaii. ”Living there is different from living in Bakersfield because of the desire to want to be outside and explore outdoors, like the beach, forrest,
Wear what makes you happy despite what others think COLUMN
Patricia Rocha News Editor
SUSTAINABLE STYLE: News editor and resident thrift store addict Patricia Rocha shares tips on how to stay stylish without breaking the bank or the planet.
I’m sorry for what I said before I was a feminist. This is my second style column in a student publication, and though I feel I touched on important style issues and am proud of 95 percent of what I’d previously written, there are sentences I cringe at as I reread them now. I read in my own writing the words “modesty and classiness,” and I cringe.
“Tights are not pants, and they are also not some magic way of getting away with wearing a dress or skirt that’s too short.” Cringe. “If you look like you respect yourself, the rest of the world will surely take notice and do the same.” Double cringe. Back then, I was all about promoting great style, but I hadn’t yet educated myself in the ways society condemns women and men who don’t feel like participating in the clothing-yourself-for-confidence movement. All I knew was that when I wore nice things, I felt good. I just assumed it was that way for everyone, and I noticed that when I wore things like longer vintage skirts versus miniskirts or shorts to school, I got less catcalls and more genuine compliments. Again, I assumed my outfit was controlling these changes. It wasn’t until I really educated myself that I realized I was playing right into the
hands of what society wanted. I was indirectly participating in slut shaming, the idea that women who wear more revealing clothing deserve the harassment they receive because of it. Modesty and classiness are terms I never want to promote again. And I never want to shame someone because they wore yoga pants or pajamas to school. As hard as it is being a student these days, I applaud anyone for being just able to even make it to class. I now also try to write my current column with gender-neutral terminology, as style is obviously for anyone who wants to participate, no matter their label. To relate all this back to sustainability, the main focus of my current series, is the idea that if you dress yourself based on what the rest of the world wants, you’re doing yourself a disservice. To use myself as an example, I have certain pieces of clothing that I love but rarely wear because I’m afraid of how people will respond to them. A certain black dress that’s too short, heels that are
too high, full circle skirts that might be a little much for school. I’ve basically thrown my money away by avoiding these items, and for no real tangible reason at that. When buying clothes you should always consider the price-per-wear. A pair of $200 jeans seems steep, but if you wear them every other day that’s approximately $1.11 per wear for the first year. Compare that to the price-perwear if those jeans are never worn because they’re neon pink, or have a low rise, or whatever the reason someone might be scared to wear them in public. It’s a waste of money and resources, and your closet becomes a landfill of “maybe someday” items. Everything in your closet should be useful and able to be worn, or else passed on to someone who will use it. I’ll end this with something I wrote that I’m actually proud to have written: “The only real [style] mistake is not wearing what you love when you have the chance.”
and hiking,” said Mckenzie. “Where as in Bakersfield, I try to avoid being outside because of the dreadful weather.” In the end, Mckenzie adjusted well to Bakersfield. Yet, he does missing the “welcoming friendly vibe of [his] hometown and the beach.” Esteban Martinez, 19-year-old pre-engineering major, lived in San Diego, but came to Bakersfield for school with his older brother. Now that his
brother is back in San Diego, Martinez said, “I try to visit home as much as possible. However I visit once or twice every two months during school. I enjoy being home because I don’t have family here in Bakersfield.” Many CSUB students are not Bakersfield local, but have adjusted fairly well. Though they miss their homes and families, they make the best of being away.
October 14, 2015
RUNNER ON THE STREET
Opinions
5
By Marizza Espinosa/ Photos by Dayshanae James
This week, The Runner asked, “In light of some the burglaries that have been happening on campus lately, do you feel safe?” Emily Gale, 21, Biology major
Josiah Ihem, 24, Art major
“Yes - I mean, I haven’t been burglarized yet, so I feel okay. I’d probably change my mind if I was though.”
“Low key, no. I’ve been through a lot on this campus. I’m never alone.”
STAFF EDITORIAL
Guns shouldn’t be our legacy
There comes a point in a progressive, civilized society where you must collectively decide what is of paramount value to that society. What, as a whole, is most important about the legacy of that society is left to the annals of history. When, as a society, does it become important to reexamine old traditions and adopt something that better reflects what is of concern? The culture of weapons is something ingrained in American society, and as many will point out, a pillar to our American freedoms. The “right to bear arms” is one of the central values for what it means to be a citizen of the United States. The Washington Post reported that there are about 112 guns per 100 people in this country. The only nation that comes close in per capita ownership is the slavic nation of Serbia, and they come nowehere near the homicide statistics that our country touts. The crux of scoial value that we face is the legacy of violence we have modeled. Our zealotry for guns is resulting in the slow death of our own people, and the trend has only seemed to rise. It goes beyond a “mental health” problem which many politicains like to use as a buzz phrase during somber aftermaths. If they cared about mental health, Iraqi Freedom veterans would not be commiting suicide in record numbers. It is up to us right here and now to decide the future of our values, and it starts with sensible gun control.
Jessica Forester, 19, Communications major
“No, because my car is in a place kind of near the ditch and I park in the back of the parking lot, which is a little scary.”
Rexamine the parking dilemma
OPINION
By Alee Gonzalez Reporter
Parking on campus is exasperating. When every space gets filled, expect to see lines of cars completing circles in the lots in an attempt to be the first to catch the next available space. In demanding time crunches, students face the onset of road rage while competing with fellow students to park. Running late sometimes calls for stalking pedestrians back to their cars. The question at hand is why are students paying $45 a quarter for parking that isn’t there? Parking lots A-K are definitely a lost cause for students that have afternoon classes. To be able to park in the lots that are closest to certain classes, students must arrive unnecessarily early, or risk being late by even attempting to find a spot ten minutes before class starts. The parking lots that you can access from Camino Media are a better chance at providing spaces for students; however, the spots that are available are positioned at the furthest point from certain classes. It is still necessary to arrive exceptionally early to park in those lots to provide time for the lengthy trek across campus. Students are better off parking across campus and avoiding parking fees, if only to walk relatively the same distance. Paying a parking fee should at least ensure security, but there is a lack of security cameras in the parking lots. Students should feel safe when
their car is on campus, but theft still occurs and leads to students to wonder what exactly their parking fees go towards. There should at least be new developments in progress to provide students
Illustration by Jason Gabriel/The Runner
with more parking options. Staff members are equally affected. They pay the same parking fees as students and do not have designated spots. If anyone should have front row parking, it should be staff
members. They deserve a chance at convenient parking for their services on campus. The fees that students and staff members pay should provide satisfactory parking. There should be available
spaces near the classes that students need and a better feeling of security should be guaranteed. With all of the hassles in a college student’s life, finding parking should be the least.
that class alone and, in addibecause they’re tion, had two tutors…I ended thoughtless…They don’t have up getting an A-minus, so all anything to relate to,” said the hard work Eugene Frey, paid off,” she who is major“It’s flattering when ing in computsaid. someone wants to Aside from er science. trouble with know more about me, People are not reading hand- and I’m usually happy always aware outs and white to answer any ques- of my visual boards, social impairment, so tions that people situations can they might have.” sometimes be think it’s challenging. strange when I “There’s an don’t know Heather Simmons aspect to comwho they are if munication that a person with a they greet me on-campus, or if visual impairment is missing I have to nearly touch my nose out on. A lot of times people to a poster on the wall in order are clueless, and it’s not to see it. It’s easy to be self-
conscious when my own behavior seems like it deviates from what is considered “normal.” “It makes me stand out… and I think generally people don’t want to be the spectacle of attention,” Frey said of his own behavior. Another challenge occurs when people do notice my “blindisms” but don’t know how to approach me. “I know they want to ask questions, but they feel that they don’t have the right to, but I always encourage them to ask,” said Madrid. It’s flattering when someone wants to know more about me,
and I’m usually happy to answer any questions that people have. As a person with a fairly rare condition, I feel that part of my purpose is to increase awareness and understanding whenever I can. I can’t help but stand out, so my mission is to stand out in a positive way on my campus and in my community. *** CSUB’s Services for Students with Disabilities will host an event to celebrate National Disability Awareness Month on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Student Union Patio.
Student shares her unique outlook on CSUB
PERSPECTIVES
By Heather Simmons Reporter
I am blind, but I can see. I have albinism: a genetic condition that causes a lack of pigment in the hair, skin, and eyes. Albinism also causes a visual impairment because some of the essential pigments in my eyes are missing. Whereas perfect vision is 20/20, mine is 20/200 with glasses, which qualifies me as legally blind. Having a visual impairment on a college campus can be a challenge. I have to plan ahead perhaps more than the average student. This involves buying
my books early in order to have them scanned and converted into e-text that I can enlarge on my computer, and walking to my classes a few times before school starts so that I know where they are. I am thankful for all of the technology that helps me with my schoolwork. Even with electronic aids though, academic success can take significant dedication, flexibility and effort. Bernadette Madrid, a graduate student of educational counseling, said that her most challenging class was statistics. “I must have spent a minimum of five hours a day on
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COMIC
Opinions
October 14, 2015
The Adventures of Runner, Kit and Nut by Vyonna Maldonado
‘Battlefront’ lives up to the hype REVIEW
By Graham C Wheat Features and Opinions Editor
Star Wars is about to invade lots of people’s lives, and it seems like the video game version, “Star Wars Battlefront,” is poised to take a large part of the holiday market after it ran a free beta over the week of Oct. 8-13 Developed by DICE, the studio behind the hugely popular first person shooter games Battlefield 3 and 4, and published by Electronic Arts, the game just underwent a massive free early build showcased on most major platforms. While only a small piece of what is promised to be a much larger game, it still presented some really interesting features. Two different modes were available, a small and large competitive multiplayer mode, and a cooperative survival mode. The large 20 versus 20 map had players as Rebels of Imperials fighting for control of a gigantic “Walker,” the familiar brontosaurus-like ATAT. Rebel players are tasked with defending certain control
points, while Imperials are set to mow them back, all set on everyone’s favorite ice planet Hoth. No matter the faction a player randomly gets assigned to, there is plenty frantic action in which to participate. Like many of DICE’s past games, there are many different roles for your team. While much of the load out for your character was restricted in the early version, I found myself switching between playing support role trying to hold the key positions and provide covering fire, and actively trying to hunt enemy players down before they could reach a check. The innovative way they have dealt with power-ups is refreshing. Instead of having players earn a specific score to receive game changing power ups like a rocket launcher, Battlefront randomizes when and where the power-ups will drop. No longer are the days of only the highest scoring players getting the coolest rewards. If you happen upon a power-up token, it could be anything. At least in this early test of the
multiplayer, it seemed like the entire had just as good a chance as using one of the heroes as anyone else. Players can randomly take control of the vehicles as well, like making a bombing run for the Rebels, or piloting an AT-ST for the Empire.
Playing as Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader, it seems each map will have respective good guy/ bad guy heroes to play, is a blast. Not only are the heroes easy and fun to use, they can be a tide turning upgrade for one side. There is nothing quite as satisfying as watching a
Photo from EA SPORTS Youtube Channel
squadron of 10 players scatter when they see a hero, and then Darth Vader slicing through that squadron on the run. As to be expected from a powerhouse development team like DICE, the mechanics and core gunplay of Battlefront is solid as a rock. Shooting and
traversal are easy to pick up and go, and being able to switch from first-person to over the shoulder is done smoothly while playing. If this early taste of what Star Wars Battlefront has to offer, copies of the game will soar when it releases in November.
Sports
October 14, 2015
7
Roadrunners break records in 9-1 win WOMEN’S SOCCER
By Joe Macias Reporter
CSU Bakersfield women’s soccer team had a game for the record books as it beat Chicago State University on Oct 11 in a 9-1 victory at the Main Soccer Field. “I credit the girls preparation, and I credit their mindset and how they were going to approach this,” said CSUB coach Gary Curneen. “It’s really exciting. Aminah (Settles) has been phenomenal for us this year, and she has scored a lot of goals. Haley (Vicente) was playing more of her natural position today, which was right through the middle, so she has given us something to think about.” Redshirt-freshman forward Settles and freshman forward Vicente both helped the Roadrunners get their third conference win (5-6-2, 3-1-1 Western Athletic Conference) with Settles being the fifth CSUB player in NCAA Division I history to score a hat trick. Vicente added four goals of her own, which is the first time someone has done that since the program has moved into Division I in 2007. She also tied the all-time record for most goals in a game. “I thought we had a great per-
formance,” said Vicente. “I thought we finished all of our opportunities and played well as a team and possessed the ball really well.” Vicente also said she felt good about her performance, and that she likes scoring goals. “I think we did well, we definitely outplayed them,” said red-shirt senior goalkeeper Tori Ornela. “There was (a couple of) times where we kind of lacked the mental side to stay in it, but after that, I think just the way we were able to pass the ball and move the ball was definitely a win for us.” Chicago State’s midfielder freshman Amber Jones got her team a consolation goal in the 55th minute, but it was already too late as the margin was too big for Chicago to make a comeback at that point. “If we’re going to look at something that was a real positive today, it was our preparation coming off a tough defeat,” said Curneen. He also said that the team’s ability to keep its composure after getting out to a big lead isn’t done by command, a team either has composure to stay in the game or it doesn’t. The Roadrunners will play at Seattle University on Oct. 16 as they look to get their fourth conference win.
Karina Diaz/The Runner
CSUB senior defender Taylor Wheeler attempts to steal the ball away from University of Missouri-Kansas City’s sophomore midfielder Kara Priest on Oct. 9 at the Main Soccer Field.
Poor hitting plagues the ’Runners against the Aggies VOLLEYBALL
By Esteban Ramirez Editor-in-Chief
After coming off one of its better hitting performances against Grand Canyon University, the CSU Bakersfield volleyball’s team struggled to get any consistent points against New Mexico State University as they lost 31 (23-25, 13-25, 25-16 and 2518) in a Western Athletic Conference match at the Icardo Center on Oct. 10. CSUB (5-12, 3-2 WAC) struggled with a .260 hitting percentage, while the Aggies finished with a .418 hitting percentage. CSUB’s Director of Volleyball Giovana Melo said the reason why the team struggled hitting the ball against NMSU (15-5, 5-0 WAC) was
because they didn’t pass or serve the ball well, which made it easier for the Aggies. Senior outside hitter Edithza Urias, who had a team-high with 19 kills and two aces, said that the team played a little inconsistent. “I think we were a little up and down,” Urias said. “At parts, we were playing great as one and when we broke down, I thought we just got a little scattered. I thought we did OK, but I think we can do better. I feel we just need to work more on being a team and one force.” After losing a close first set 25-23, CSUB struggled in the second set only scoring 13 points and finishing with a low hitting percentage of .069. Urias said it was because they let NMSU play their game and
didn’t really focus on their game. However, the Roadrunners responded in the third set taking a 20-9 lead at one point and eventually winning that set 25-16. “If we would have played with that fire the entire game, I think the game would have been different,” Melo said. Melo said she asked the team to play with a little bit more passion and to play the way they know how to play and not the way they played the first two sets. Urias added that before the third set the team took a moment and thought of what they had to do as a team to rally back. The Roadrunners took back some momentum into the fourth set, but the Aggies
bounced back. The fourth set was close early on as CSUB was only down 10-9 to NMSU. However, the Aggies outscored the Roadrunners for the remainder of the set 15-9. Senior middle blocker Gwen Murphy led the Aggies in kills with 15 and freshman setter Brianna Ainsworth led them in assists with 34. Senior setter Luiza Martins had a big day for the Roadrunners with 43 assists. Martins said for the Roadrunners to get back to their winning ways, they need to bring the energy up and utilize their middle hitters a lot more. The Roadrunners are scheduled to play at Chicago State on Oct. 15.
AJ Alvarado/The Runner
CSUB middle blocker Sydney Haynes spikes the ball against New Mexico State University at the Icardo Center on Oct. 10. The Roadrunners lost to the Aggies 3-1 (23-25, 13-25, 2516 and 18-25).
CSUB ties with UNLV at home MEN’S SOCCER
By Esteban Ramirez Editor-in-Chief
The last time the CSU Bakersfield men’s soccer team played against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas was last year at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament championship, and it took penalties to decide the winner. CSUB was looking to avenge that defeat, but once again it tied 1-1 with UNLV at the Main Soccer Field on Oct. 11. Though they were outshot 8-1 in the first half, the Roadrunners (4-3-3, 1-1-1 WAC) made the best of that lone opportunity as they took 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to a header from redshirt-sophomore forward Julian Zamora off an assist from senior midfielder Dante Niño in the 32nd
minute. That was Zamora’s fifth goal of the season. CSUB coach Richie Grant said to gorunners.com that they did a good job of getting that first goal. However, in the second half UNLV responded back with a goal of its own. The Rebels tied the game in the 65th minute when sophomore forward Danny Musovski stole the ball and scored the ball past freshman goalkeeper Oscar Gloveus from 22 yards out. Both teams had their opportunities to win the game at the end of regulation and in overtime to win the game. UNLV (8-3-1, 2-1-1 WAC) outshot CSUB 20-12 and 8-6 on shots on goal. CSUB is scheduled to play at Seattle University on Oct. 16.
Sports
October 14, 2015
Young talent to lead CSUB this season SWIMMING
8
By Nick Fequiere Reporter
many talented and seasoned veterans like Mitchell Huxhold, they will look to develop and upon budding superstars rely The CSU Bakersfield men’s like Owen Van Krimpen, who and women’s swim teams verbally committed to CSUB began their season on Saturday last November. against Grand Canyon Van Krimpen, who was born University at Hillman Aquatic in the Netherlands, spent much Center. Director of Swimming of his childhood growing up in Chris Hansen will guide the the United States, and he program for the fifth eventually made a straight season. name for himself Next Meets: Hansen likes as an accomthe chances for plished middleOct. 16-17: both programs distance Malibu Invitational this season, freestyler. He noting that @Malibu, Calif. is in his first “this is probayear at CSUB bly the best Oct. 23: and is majoring men’s team @USC physical therapy. in [they’ve] had, depth Hansen spoke highly of wise, in a very long the new recruit and described time.” Van Krimpen as an athlete with He mentions that they have no shortage of potential or con12 newcomers on the men’s fidence. side that all bring something to One returning star on the the table. team is the Croatianmen’s Hansen also added that there born Lovre Soric. Soric stated are some challenges inherent in that he wants the team to win facing conference opponents at the dual meet and place as such as University of Nevada of the top three programs one Las Vegas and GCU, whose in the conference. programs are fully funded. Soric noted that one of the However, he’s confident that team’s weaknesses may also be this year’s group has the potengreatest strength. Although its tial to break through and make there are many newcomers a name for itself among the top with plenty of inexperience, teams in the conference. they also bring depth, passion While the men’s team will have to endure the departure of and talent to the team. He feels
Photos by Bre Williams/The Runner
Freshman Darya Samiee swims in the 200-yard butterfly against Grand Canyon at Hillman Aquatics Complex on Oct. 10.
that those qualities will prove useful in the months ahead. Hansen asserts that this women’s team boasts the best senior class that he’s ever led. Paola Hernandez, a junior, seemed to echo her coach’s sentiment. Hernandez said that she sees no real weaknesses in the women’s team this season. Simply put, it’s on them to show up and execute to the best of their ability. She notes that there is strength in numbers, and the team enjoys plenty of depth this season. One issue that Hernandez did say the team may have to address over the course of the season is the maturation of her younger teammates. For many on the
team, this will be their first experience on the collegiate level, and there may be an adjustment period while they become a cohesive unit. Although both the men’s and women’s teams lost to a strong GCU program on Saturday, Hansen was encouraged by strong performances across the board. Lovre swam his fastest times in both the 200 free and the 200 individual medley. Hernandez won the 100 free with a time of 52.26, placed second in the 50 free and the 200 individual medley. Hansen and his teams will look to capitalize upon these efforts at the Malibu Invitational in Malibu, Calif. this Friday.
CSUB junior Felicia Zamora competed in the women’s 1000yard freestyle against Grand Canyon on Oct. 10.