therunneronline.com California State University, Bakersfield
October 7, 2020
CSUB celebrates 50 years with telethon By Destinee Sims Features Editor and Maria Lopez Features Writer
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of CSU Bakersfield’s establishment, President Lynnette Zelezny announced on Oct. 1 that the university would be holding its first digital telethon to help raise money to fund students’ education. The school initially opened on Oct. 1, 1970. According to CSUB’s website, approximately 70% of students need financial assistance at the CSU Bakersfield and Antelope Valley locations. $124,209 was raised through the digital telethon, although the telethons and challenges were only a portion of gifts and awards given to CSUB’s various programs that day. President Zelezny encouraged students to reach their higher educational goals. “This is our time,” Zelezny said. The event largely celebrated the achievements CSUB has made, as well as bringing in Sir Richard Branson, inspirational speaker and entrepreneur. John Nilon, Chairman of CSUB foundation Board and master of ceremony of CSUB 50th anniversary, was proud to introduce faculty members, government officials, staff members, students and alumni’s CSUB reaching the significant milestone. Likewise, Zelezny addressed not only what Kern County has been famous for, but what it has become. “Kern County has grown from a land who planted crops in its rich soil to feed the world… And a new crop would be harvested. The new
Vol. 46, No. 3
Giving Day raises over $124, 200 for programs and schools By Ron Stapp Sports Editor
Illustration by Faith Okoli/The Runner
crop of ideas, knowledge, imagination and scholars,” Zelezny said. Honoring the milestones of CSUB’s new harvest was none other than Congressman Kevin McCarthy, an alumnus of CSUB. Rep. McCarthy joined CSUB celebration by asking Branson questions. Branson, best known for being the owner of Virgin Airlines, Virgin records, and Virgin Galactic, offered CSUB students advice on how they could create their own successful businesses. While discussing his own experiences, Branson credited his success to the magazine he started at age 15. His magazines aimed to give students a voice to campaign against the injustices of the times. He said that the first five years of his magazine were rocky, but he did not give up. He persevered despite the odds, as he was able to create something that truly meant something. “[The] only way a business will be successful is if you create a business that will change other people lives,” Branson said.
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dela in 2007, which work closely together with global leaders to “challenge injustice, and to promote ethical leadership and good governance.” These organizations work on climate change, as well as empower people by inspiring and supporting causes. This includes backing them with the influence of important political people. One of the more popular subjects Branson addresses is climate change, stating that he is “deeply concerned that the rainforest is being cut in horrendous number.” Offering his last bits of advice, Branson encouraged students to continue learning regularly. “University education is an insurance policy for students,” Branson said, explaining the importance of reading to “keep informed in everything in life as well.” Overall Branson said it takes hard work, creativity, encouragement, help, and resilience to become successful, illuminating the similarities between his advice and how Runners carried CSUB to its 50th anniversary.
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Branson said that the key to success is to build a great reputation that people are proud of. Tying together all of the advice given, Branson states that as businesses grow their foundations, they should expand how they help the community. “Put your wealth to good use and give back,” Branson said. Having used a small business foundation as an example, Branson said the first thing any business owner should do is to ensure employees’ ability to live a healthy life with sufficient self-care. As a business grows, so should the responsibility of the owner. Branson provided the example that the expansion of a businesses should expand to care for the block, then the neighborhood, then the city, next the state, and so on, until their businesses have helped solve global issues. After 55 years in business, Branson said he enjoys his success by helping organizations solve global issues. This includes organizations such as The Elders, founded by Nelson Man-
The holiday season is nearly two months away, but that didn’t stop more than 500 people from showcasing their generosity by donating to Cal State Bakersfield through it’s first Giving Day campaign. The 24-hour online giving campaign, that was organized as part of the school’s 50-year anniversary on Thursday, produced $124, 209 from 571 individual gifts. Of that amount, 97 gifts totalling $17,125 was earmarked for Roadrunner athletics. “The campus community and friends of the uni-
versity have come together to commemorate CSUB’s impact and transformative power by participating in its first-ever Giving Day,” Danny Rodela, director of annual giving and stewardship said in a news release. “Their support is a testament to the resilience of CSUB, its students, and the community that makes it possible for our region to move forward and our students to rise. We appreciate the generosity of all our supporters.” Donations were contributed from alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, fans and partners of the university. Support poured in
News
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The Runner
October 7, 2020
Local schools consider reopening By Katrina Singleton News Editor and Francisco Ruiz Reporter
Since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shelterin-place order in March, schools across the nation have shifted to distance learning. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently updated the reopening system to the four-tier system, which categorizes counties by color. Kern County moved into the “Red Tier” as of Tues.
Oct. 6. This upward movement in the tier system allows local councilmembers and trustees to discuss the reopening of schools. On Sept. 24, the Bakersfield City School District revealed a four-phased plan that will slowly bring students back to school. This plan will go into effect as soon as Oct. 19. This plan was then adopted by the Kern High School District on Oct. 6. The first phase will focus on bringing students with special needs and accom-
modations back to campus and in-person classes. Robert Meszaros, Kern County Superintendent of School’s communications director, explained the importance of physical classrooms for special needs students and their learning. “There is an inherent difficulty for students with disabilities to thrive in a distance learning model. This is the case because many of the services provided to students with disabilities are virtually impossible remotely or in-
stance, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and IEP assessments,” Meszaros said. Claudia Maldonado, a Math Instructional Specialist Curriculum and Instruction for the BCSD highlights the importance for teachers to be able to interact with their special needs students. “One of the most important responsibilities of teachers working with students with disabilities is ensuring an appropriate education, as mandated by
I.D.E.A.,” Maldonado said. For this phase schools are only allowed to operate at 25% of the school’s building capacity and students with disabilities should be prioritized. In the second phase of the reopening plan will focus on foster youth and homeless students. Classes will not exceed more than 14 students and 2 staff members. This second phase, depending on the local conditions that are COVID-19 related, will be implemented on Nov. 2. Phase three, not expect-
ed to be implemented until Jan. 2021, will prioritize English Learners (EL) with a score of 1 and 2 on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), and students at risk of becoming Long Term English Learners. Phase four does not have a target date for all students to return back to campus, and that date will be determined if and when Kern County is in the “Red Tier” for 14 consecutive days, or two weeks.
Illustration by Paige Atkison/The Runner
Community leaders urge caution, vigilance By Spencer Shepard Reporter As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the community must remain proactive and vigilant to flatten the curve and slow the spread. CSU Bakersfield’s administrators and community members held a meeting on Sept. 27 to address the future of on-campus learning. The meeting consisted of CSUB’s Associated Student, Inc, CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny, the CSUB Pandemic Planning Team, and Brynn Carrigan, Kern County Public Health Assistant Director, about the future of Kern County, COVID-19, and CSUB’s on-campus learning. Like many colleges and
campuses across the nation, CSUB has limited the amount students and faculty are on campus to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep its students safe. While the campus community has been striving towards preventing the spread of COVID-19, many CSUB faculty and students have urged one another to abide by CDC guidelines in order to quicken the return to in-person instruction. Zelezny asked students to remain vigilant and practice personal responsibility in frequently washing hands, wearing a mask, social distancing and getting tested as needed. “Our top priority here at CSUB is always safety and health... to ensure the safety and by exten-
sion the safety our families and communities,” Zelezny said. Vanessa Chicaiza, CSUB’s ASI President, asked the students of CSUB to keep a few things in mind as the global community strives towards ending the COVID-19 pandemic. “Continue to practice social distancing, to continue to please where your mask and to continue to practice good hygiene,” Chicaiza said. While the campus community continues to practice good health and safety measures, students must remember that the typical college student plays a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19. “By age groups nationwide, college-age, 19 to
43 years old comprise 23.3
ing from COVID-19 is our
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percent of all COVID cases in the United States. Which is the largest proportion of any age group; it exceeds all other age groups within the cases nationwide,” Carrigan said. Carrigan said that college students may be the largest population with COVID-19, the most at risk of contracting and dy-
parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents. Also, many of the CSUB on-campus professors fall in the demographics for being more at risk in contracting COVID-19. “In California, that age group, 18 to 49, is 60 percent of the cases,” Carrigan said. Carrigan’s concern is
nity contracting the virus and then taking it home during holiday breaks. “There is a real risk in the younger people in our college-age people bringing this illness home and giving it to older relatives who are at higher risk for severe illness,” Carrigan said.
Cont: CSUB hosts telethon for 50th anniversary [GIVING cont from p. 1] from 21 states throughout the nation, as well as Canada. Preliminary estimates show the amount contributed was $124,209 from 571 individual gifts. This digital campaign encouraged the CSUB community to give toward areas of the university they are most passionate about, including a variety of oth-
er programs and initiatives, such as Student Affairs, the Alumni Association, Walter W. Stiern Library, the Antelope Valley campus and athletics. Student Affairs received the most gifts with 191, followed by athletics’ 97. A live leaderboard was made available to track the money raised throughout the day on the campaign’s website.
Giving Day ambassadors also volunteered their time and effort to help spread the word, as well as secure donors for the campaign. CSUB’s `Runners are “on the rise” and the funds donated will help over 11,000 students continue to rise in their studies and future career endeavors. #CSUBGivingDay posts on official CSUB accounts received over 85,570 im-
pressions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram combined. Throughout the day, CSUB social media accounts offered giveaways — exclusive 50th anniversary swag — for those using the hashtag and fulfilling challenges to spread support. Many students shared why donor support matters in videos.
“Because of your support, I not only get to play the sport that I love, but I also get to pursue my academic passions in the medical field,” CSUB scholar-athlete Vanessa Austin, a student athelete, said in a news release. Groups from the campus and community also offered challenge money to support key initiatives. CSUB President Lyn-
nette Zelezny committed $50,000 toward student research as a challenge gift. It was unlocked when $15,000 was donated on Giving Day. Though CSUB’s Giving Day was a first for the university, various universities across the nation have begun to host similar events in an effort to gather funds for their programs.
Features
The Runner
October 7, 2020
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Suffering in silence: Domestic violence during shelter-in-place By Jennifer Samano Features Writer
Shelter-in-place and stayat-home orders have increased the amount of time that families are spending together in their homes. Domestic violence advocates urge everyone to remember that home is not always a safe space, and essentially being forced to spend additional time at home may be dangerous for some. “For adults and children living in situations of domestic and familial violence, home is often the space where physical, psychological and sexual abuse occurs,” Caroline Bradbury-Jones, researcher and domestic violence advocate, wrote in an article for Johns Hopkins Medicine. Although these precautions were put in place to help protect the public’s health, these restrictions may be detrimental for people who suffer from domestic violence. These new restrictions may reduce the resources available to victims of domestic violence. What is domestic violence and who does it effect? The National Institute of Corrections, website, defines domestic violence as intentional intimidation
including physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/ or other abusive behavior as a part of a structured pattern of power and control. This specifically refers to abusive behavior that is perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. Domestic violence can include physical, sexual or psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The regularity and severity of abuse can vary depending on the household. However, the one persistent component of domestic violence is one partner’s constant efforts to maintain power and control over the other. Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. The Sunshine Behavioral Health website indicates that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence at the hands of a partner. Their data shows that women between the ages of 18-24 suffer most frequently from domestic violence.
want the relationship to end, they just want the abuse to stop. The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence’s website explains that many victims of abuse are often reluctant to leave because of threat of physical violence and/ or psychological harm, the chance that they could be putting their children in danger, fear that they will be scrutinized by family and friends, as well as concerns of losing financial stability. Has the pandemic affected the frequency of domestic violence? Jackie Campbell from John Hopkins Medicine, discussed how families may be feeling crowded, frustrated and unable to escape one another due to current social distancing guidelines forcing people to remain at home more often. Being isolated from friends and extended family, while also lacking the ability to enjoy many activities as they would before the pandemic,
of non-essential businesses have led to the loss of jobs for many individuals. “With all this happening, some families are likely to encounter more arguing. It’s not clear if domestic violence would start for the first time under these circumstances. Someone who is normally nonviolent isn’t likely to suddenly start acting that way. But, if a person has been abusive in the past, they might become more violent because of the added stressors,” Campbell wrote. According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) data, there was an approximately 17% rise in Californians who called the National Domestic Violence Hotline from March through May, which was relatively lower the same time last year in 2019. However, the PPIC website reports data from police reports; their access is limited and does not capture all victimizations. This can make understanding the current rates of domestic violence difficult,
Illustration by Destinee Sims/The Runner
While the risks associated with leaving an abuser are different in every case of domestic violence, it ultimately deters many from leaving their abuser. Victims often times don’t
continues to add to that frustration. Campbell writes that financial stress is a big contributor, as many temporary and semi- permanent closures of thousands
since many who experience domestic violence may not feel safe calling the police. These individuals are not necessarily entirely invisible though, as some will reach out to
call shelters and resource centers for help. What does Campbell suggest victims of domestic violence do to protect themselves? 1. Ensure they have a safe place in the home that they can retreat to; they should try to avoid bathrooms and the kitchen. 2. Procure support from a well trusted friend or relative they can call. 3. Come up with a safe word or phrase that will tell informed loved ones that they need help. 4. Memorize phone numbers of friends, relatives and agencies that they might need to contact in case of an emergency. 5. Make sure they can easily access the following: cash, identification cards (ID or Social Security Number), birth and/or marriage certificates, health insurance information, credit and/or debit cards, safe deposit keys, bank information, and any other important documentation if necessary. What extra steps can victims of abuse take to protect themselves during the pandemic? According to the Urban Resource Institute of NYC’s website, victims of domestic violence can try to protect themselves by doing the following:
1. Avoid any known triggers of abusive behavior, including social media usage, alcohol or any that may be specific to the relationship. 2. Schedule phone calls or video chats with friends and family to create a normalized and frequent outlet of external communication. 3. Take all precautions recommended by health experts to decrease the chances of getting COVID-19. Being sick can increase stress, and limit mobility, if it is necessary to leave. 4. Encourage all members in the household to participate in relaxing activities to decrease stress. Such activities can include meditation, reading, exercise, and listening to music. There is no correct way to handle domestic violence, so it is best that victims of abuse evaluate what strategies are safest for them. The most important thing they can do is remain calm and remember that the abuse is never their fault. If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. They will provide you with judgement-free information, and resources.
Professors give snapshot of virtual learning By Valeria Roman Features Writer Transitioning from in-person classes to digital has not only been a change for students, but for the instructors as well. Instructors have had to make changes to how they teach in order to adjust to virtual lessons while giving students a quality education. Instructors are trying to make the best out of this pandemic by going above and beyond their abilities. They are having to learn how to build a similar environment to what they had in their classrooms. “The biggest challenge is
really maintaining the kind of personal interaction that is very important in a literature class, I really miss that. At the same time, I found that zoom is better than I thought it was, but I still really miss the classroom and miss working with the students one to one and talking to them on a daily basis,” Steven Frye, English professor and head department chair, said. Frye discussed how the faculty are working diligently to make sure that everyone has only the best virtual experience by hosting meetings with the instructors. “I teach Psychology 2030, which is Interpersonal and
Group Communication, and we tend to do a lot of not only discussions, but activities that are more hands on to sort of grasp these concepts, which I think is a little bit lost. I just have to alter the activities I do,” Hailey Hicks, Psychology lecturer said. Altering teaching methods has not been easy for some CSUB instructors. To Hicks, a positive aspect of virtual learning is that her students get to be in their homes. Hicks says it makes them more comfortable because they typically have more control of their environment, and this can lead to participation of students
that would typically remain quiet. “I haven’t found it terribly challenging; I’ve been doing online teaching for a long time […] Zoom and Canvas or Blackboard, lots of ands. I get burnt out on Zoom, and I know the students do,” Charles W. MacQuarrie, English professor, said. Instructors understand that virtual learning can be stressful for students, as they continue to look for the most effective teaching strategies for the digital year. MacQuarrie likes that it allows him and his students to use a more selfpaced model.
Photo provided by Hailey Hicks Hailey Hicks displays her virtual instruction set-up.
While virtual teaching is new to many professors, it has become the new normal for the entire CSU system. As of Sept. 2020,
virtual teaching will continue in the CSU system until the end of the spring semester in May 2021.
Opinions
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The Runner
October 7, 2020
Five ways to ease your anxiety By Lischa Mears Reporter
As September approaches its end, midterm season is soon to follow in October. This time of year often encroaches on the time students utilize to unwind and seek solace away from the stress of their studies. In addition to the prior stressors of COVID-19 and the demands of courses, the approaching season of midterms may lead to students experiencing increased levels of anxiety. Although the objective of calming anxiety may seem like an uphill journey, implementing small lifestyle changes in your daily routine can make the greatest difference. Here are five ways to reduce anxiety at home and kickstart your journey to better mental health. Exercise regularly The implementation of daily exercise stabilizes both the state of physical and mental health. This is because exercising serves as an outlet for stress and reduces symptoms of anxiety while improving fluctuations in mood. For this reason, it is essential to take time for yourself to take a break from online courses, stand up from your chair and get your body moving. Eat nutritious food According to Annette McDermott, from Healthline, “Low blood sugar levels, dehydration, or chemicals in processed foods such as artificial flavorings, artificial colorings, and preservatives may cause mood changes in some people.” This means that heavily processed foods collectively take a negative toll on the body and mind. “Research has found that a diet high in fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates can increase risk for anxiety by 25%,” according to Kelly Burch from Insider.
allow the body to fully recharge from the previous day and reduce the severities of anxiety. Practice Biofeedback Biofeedback is a method that allows individuals to gain control of body functions by noting the moments in which physical reactions occur. For instance, you might notice that your body shakes when you are feeling anxious. The method of biofeedback would be applied by taking deep breaths as you observe the way your shaking stops when using this technique. Practicing biofeedback allows one to identify when physical reactions of the body occur and watch them closely to manage them. The practice of biofeedback will keep you in tune with your body and decrease levels of anxiety as a result. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques According to Burch, “A 2019 scientific review of 10 studies found that mindfulness-based interventions were more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy for reducing distress associated with anxiety.” In the comfort of your own home, anxiety can be efficiently reduced by practicDavid Hernandez/The Runnering techniques such as deep breathing and Following these steps soothes anxiety and promotes a healthy online learning environment. meditation without the use of cognitive In other words, eating foods that are rich creases the production of stress hormones therapy. These relaxation techniques can in nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables, that can exacerbate anxiety.” be used daily, in coordination with biolower the risk of anxiety and prevent the This means that sleep deprivation feedback, to aid in reducing anxiety. occurrence of mood alterations that result increases the severity of anxiety and These are only some of the various methfrom foods with a high sugar content. ultimately harms the overall health of the ods that can be utilized to reduce anxiety The choice of eating a diet full of nutribody. at home. Regardless of the time in the ents will provide the energy you need to Health professionals recommend that school year, it is crucial to seek activities tackle the day. individuals reach the goal of seven to nine and techniques that aid in reducing levels Get plenty of sleep hours of sleep each night. This goal can be of anxiety. An adequate amount of sleep is vital to achieved by going to sleep and waking up In doing so, you will find yourself with a maintain all functions of the human body. at the same time each day. lighter heart and the strength to face those According to Jonas, “Inadequate sleep inIn turn, a healthy sleep schedule will midterms with full force.
How to stay focused on school at home By Jacqueline Gutierrez Assistant Opinions Editor Working and learning from home has its pros and cons. For example, a pro is getting to dress however you want and eating whenever you want to. Just think of the unlimited bathroom breaks. But there are also many cons, and one of them includes being easily distracted. Distraction gets to everyone, but it is harder now than ever. Here are some tips to stay focused and motivated during the semester online. Setting aside a designated time Whether it is for school or work, it is important to set aside a specific time do your work and this may help you adapt to the new normal. It is also important be-
cause if you set a designated time, you are more likely to work for that class in that given time frame. “Balancing my schedule this semester has been struggle, but I’m adjusting well...” Tiffani Iniguez, a senior at California State University, Bakersfield said. “I also review my notes more than I did while being in person. I have also taken a day off work, so I can spend my day fully focusing on my school work only,” Creating a work environment Since you are at home, it is easy to drift to the sofa or your bed, but that is not the best environment for studying or working. One usually relaxes in those spots, so it may be a little difficult to concentrate in those areas. Some people do not have
a desk, but you can clean up a corner of a table or counter where you have enough space to do your work. As long as you are seated upright with your supplies around you, it should be
One thing that may be hard but necessary is silencing or setting aside the devices that you are not using for school and work. Many have other priorities that cause them to have their phone turned
Whether it is for school or work, it is important to set aside a specific time do your work and this may help you adapt to the new normal. It is also important because if you set a designated time, you are more likely to work for that class in that given time frame. fine. The key is to create and maintain a space that is entirely seperate from areas where you rest or engage in recreational activities. Setting your devices aside
up, but it may be helpful if you silence notifications other than the ones you are going to need. And if you have a bad habit of getting on your phone while studying or doing homework, there are
apps and features to help you stay off your phone. Plan Since you may not see your professor, or their main form of communication is email, it is easy to forget about important due dates or tests, and to prevent that, a planner can be very beneficial. One thing that might be helpful is choosing a day where you prepare yourself and write down all the important dates that are in the syllabus and contacting your professor ahead of time if you have any questions. It is important to plan your study and work time when you work best. For example, if you are a night owl, plan a bulk of your work then, and incorporate longer breaks into your planner because it will improve your
studying, according to The Learning Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill website. Reward yourself Being behind a screen all day is not easy, and it is important to take mental breaks. When you finish reading a chapter or doing an assignment, you should get up and stretch, eat a snack, walk around or even lay down and take a nap. After you take a mental break and prepare yourself to get back to work, you will probably have a much easier time concentrating. You may have different strategies to overcome the challenges that you might face during the online semesters and incorporating these suggestions with your strategies you will be more successful.
Opinions
The Runner
Oct 7, 2020
Nobel for Trump is biggest joke By Adamary Lopez Opinion’s Writer As if 2020 hasn’t already been a crazy year on its own, leaving many convinced that the worst has passed, something completely unexpected begins to make headlines. This year seems to be a competition between public figures over who can put out the worst news of the year. However, the award for the most comical news of the year goes to President Donald J. Trump’s nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize. A statement released by the United States White House Press Secretary confirmed the news that President Trump had been nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize on Sept. 9. According to the official Nobel Prize website, since its formation in 1901, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sworn by a 50-year secrecy rule. It does not allow for the release of information on nominees or winners until 50 years after recipient names have been made public. Nominations can only be made by approved members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The Atlantic Online reports that the Norwegian Parliamentarian Christian Tybring-Gjedde made his nomination of President
Trump for a Noble Prize public. Tybring-Gjedde’s nomination stems from the agreement which the president made between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The agreement suspended Israel’s plans to annex a portion of the West Bank territory. Ignoring the committee’s honorable rule and making a nomination public is disrespectful and unprofessional. Not only should nominations be carefully made, but committee members should also be held liable and reviewed for not respecting honorable tradition. Only four United States presidents have gone on to win a Nobel Peace Prize. The most recent being Barack Obama for his efforts in strengthening international diplomacy and cooperation back in 2009. President Trump has commented several times on his disapproval of Obama’s work. “[Obama] is the founder of ISIS,” mentioned Trump in regards to Obama’s withdrawal from Iraq during a campaign rally in 2016. Any individual who falsely accuses others for the benefit of their own image is unfit of being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, let alone winning one. Nobel Prize winners should care more about creating a peaceful global environment for the benefit of
humankind as a whole and not about bringing others down for personal gain. Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 100 times. Some years have gone awardless and have allocated the year’s funds for the next year’s winner. Laureates, which are recipients of the Nobel Prize, receive a gold medal, diploma, and 9.0 million SEK, which rounds down to be around 1 million dollars in the United States, according to the Nobel Prize website. President Trump has demonstrated numerous times how he epitomizes the complete opposite of peace. Just this year alone, Trump has been unwilling to ensure essential worker’s safety during a global pandemic and has kept very quiet about the nation’s serious problem with racial injustice. Trump supporters are probably the only people glad to hear about the president’s nomination, as it may influence votes in Trump’s favor in the presidential election this November. However, a nomination which ignored all of Trump’s mistakes during his presidency should not be regarded as a valid reason to support a possible re-election. Although Trump’s nomination may come as a result of helping ease political tensions in the Middle East there is still
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Illustration by Faith Okoli/The Runner
much work to be done. Even the United States, which falls under the leadership of Trump, has a long way to go before all citizens can feel safe in their own country. In order to demonstrate peaceful leadership, Trump needs to be more accepting and inclusive of minority groups. The recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize should be
someone who promotes the concept of global peace within every aspect of their work and not just on account of one agreement they made alongside the help of others. “It is my express wish… that the prize be awarded to the worthiest person,” Alfred Noble, the creator of the prize, wrote in his will.
While many people believe that Trump deserves to win a Nobel Prize due to his strong leadership and international war efforts, a Nobel Prize recipient should represent someone who is an image of constant pursual for global peace and the progression of humankind. President Trump is neither.
Campus Voices: Make your voice heard By The Runner Editorial Board Do you have an opinion you want the community to hear? Submit your pieces to the Campus Voices section of The Runner. Campus voices is an opportunity for people of the community to express their viewpoints on important issues that surround the community. The Runner is looking to highlight the diverse voices and viewpoints of the CSUB community. The Runner encourages students, staff, and faculty at CSU Bakersfield to submit their own opinion pieces to The Runner. These think pieces, also known as opinion editori-
als, will be uploaded onto The Runner’s website and could possibly be publish in our digital issues that are available bi-weekly. When writing these editorials, keep this formats in mind: editorials are 500-700 words long and are opinion pieces that are supported by facts. After submitting your pieces to the runner at runner@csub. edu, it will go through an editing process by one of The Runner’s editors. These editors will be fact-checking your sources for accuracy and validity. Editors will be proofreading in the means of grammar, sentence structure, and spelling. Editors will also be formatting these editorial pieces to match
the Associated Press (AP) style requirements. Editors will be reaching out to you in regard to the piece or pieces you have submitted and editors will send you the version The Runner plans on publishing online prior to publishing. If the piece ends up being chosen for the PDF, you will be contacted by the Editor-in-Chief. The Runner is the perfect place to broadcast your unique perspective and have your voice heard by the CSUB community. If you know of anyone that would be interested in writing an op-ed help them reach out to us! Submit all pieces to The Runner’s e-mail: runner@ csub.edu.
Sports
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October 7, 2020
The Runner
Smith named interim wrestling coach
Luke Smith, left, an assistant the past three years, was called into action after head wrestling coach Manny Rivera, right, resigned on Sept. 22.
By Ron Stapp Sports Editor To say the past few weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Luke Smith might be putting mildly. It all started when Cal State Bakersfield wrestling coach Manny Rivera resigned to take a non-wrestling position in Minnesota on Sept. 22. Smith, who was entering his third season as an assistant, was named to Roadrunners’ interim coach the following day, the start of what has been a wild ride ever since. “I was surprised initially so it’s been wild, but now that the shock has worn off I’m just trying to hit the ground running,” Smith said. “It’s still a little bit crazy just as far as we don’t know for sure what’s going to happen. But all I can do, I have an opportunity with this position and I’m going to try to do the best job I can while I’m in this position.” Smith’s first day included more than four hours of phone calls to players, coaches, parents and administrators. That was followed immediately by the realization that he had 37 unanswered text messages, along with requests for interviews by several local media outlets. “So my initial thought when (Coach Rivera) told
me I was bummed out,” Smith said. “I was like, man, I’m losing my best buddy in Bakersfield. But I’m very happy for him and his wife because that puts them in a better situation financially. “It’s been a great two years working with him and I thought we worked very well together. We’ve always kind of been on the same page. So it was a great relationship.” Despite Rivera’s departure, CSUB wrestling assistant Efren Ceballos said the program is still in good hands. “He’s a good dude, a good wrestler and I think he’s a great coach,” Ceballos said. “I’m glad he’s here with us. What I like about Luke is that he’s a down-to-earth coach. He’s very level-headed. He’s very responsible. He stays on top of things.” Smith’s presence also provides the program with stability and continuity, something redshirt-sophomore Albert Urias is thankful for. “We’ve had Smith as an assistant for a couple of years now and that’s who we’re used to, and that’s who we want,” said Urias, a Ridgeview High graduate, who competes at the 174-pound division. “We don’t want to change it, especially since it’s such a weird time to have a change of position.
“This time last year we were getting ready for a tournament in a couple of weeks. Even though the season is up in the air and we haven’t started practicing, we want to keep the coaches that we have now because that’s who we’re used to, and that’s who we know believes in us. We don’t know what would happen if someone new came in.” In his two-plus years as an assistant, Smith has helped build a strong relationship with the team, something that figures to be more important than ever with delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The thing that makes me more comfortable with Coach Smith is he genuinely cares for us, and he truly has the best intentions,” Urias said. “Everything is pure about him. There’s no selfish reason why he’s coaching. You know he’s actually trying to make you better and to help you out. He’s here for us as athletes, and not for something personal.” Want more sports? Scan to sign up for our daily newsletter!
Photo provided by CSUB Athletics