The Runner 10-21-2015 by CSUB Runner

October 21, 2015

Vol. 41, No. 5

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Letters bring encouragement to freshmen CAMPUS

By Esteban Ramirez Editor-in-Chief

As a way to support and encourage freshmen at CSU Bakersfield through midterms and the rest of the quarter, CSUB had its third annual Freshman Letter Day on Oct. 14 at the Student Union Patio. According to Associate Director of Campus Programming Emily Poole, there were 1,473 freshmen that received letters, which is the most in the three years that

they have done this event. “I think it was great,” said Poole. “We know that sometimes in our students’ freshman year, they sometimes start doubting themselves. “Maybe they can’t succeed in something or just need a little extra encouragement or motivation to do well.” Poole was not sure how many letters there were exactly, but she said that every freshman received at least one letter. Some received multiple letters. She said they partner with the

campus community, faculty, staff, student leaders and alumni to write letters of encouragement to the freshmen. She added that on the first day they had over 800 freshmen that picked up their letters, and there were 600 letters leftover. For those that didn’t get theirs because they weren’t on campus on Oct. 14, she said they would sort them and hand them out to the students in their CSUB 101 classes. There were over 150 faculty,

staff and student leaders that wrote at least 10 letters to CSUB freshmen students. CSUB freshman biology major Estefania Mejia, 18, said her letter was encouraging her not to give up, to study hard, to pass the midterms, to have fun and socialize. Physical education and kinesiology major Jose Gonzalez, 18, shared in that sentiment. He said that he feels more confident now going into midterms after reading his letter.

CSUB battles to a draw MEN’S SOCCER

Marisel Maldonado/The Runner

CSUB junior midfielder Adam Arana goes for the ball at the same time as Utah Valley’s junior midfielder Skyler Milne on Oct. 18 at the Main Soccer Field.

By Joe Macias Reporter

CSU Bakersfield men’s soccer team drew even at 0-0 against Western Athletic Conference co-leader Utah Valley University at the Main Soccer Field on Oct 18. “It was a hard fought Sunday game,” said CSUB head coach Richie Grant. “In this league, as tight as it is, you have to take the point.” The Roadrunners almost converted in the first half with a shot fired by senior midfield Christian Duarte in the 26th minute but was saved by Utah Valley goalkeeper sophomore Collin Partee. “It was a physical challenge,

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

and we knew that we’d have to defend very well on set plays and I thought we were excellent on that (today),” said Grant. The Roadrunners (4-4-4, 1-2-2 WAC) had to defend well against the tall Utah Valley team (11-4-1, 4-1-1 WAC) that only had one starting player under six foot tall. “It was a tough game both teams were similar, both teams had chances,” said

Being Aware: Event bringing awareness to mental health. Page 2 Mo’ Money: Faculty to vote for increased salary. Page 2

CSUB junior goalkeeper Nicolas Clever. “At the end, it was like one pass was missing, the final pass, but we were close Julian (Zamora) had a good opportunity and Chris (Duarte) had an opportunity.” Utah Valley also created chances to get on the scoreboard as sophomore forward Karson Payton shot from the right side of the box in the

Donors: CSUB students donate blood. Page 3 Painting the Town: Students hang signs around town. Page 4

61st minute but hit the post and the ball deflected back to Clever for the save. “First of all, we kept a clean sheet so that’s really important for a goalkeeper,” said Clever. “Everyone worked their ass off, and that’s what we really needed today.” This was Clever’s second shutout of the season and his ninth of his career. “Now it’s about recovery,” said Grant. “We need a couple of days (of rest). It’s been a hard weekend. “It’s really important that we put a lot into next weekend.” The CSUB men’s soccer team will play Air Force next on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Main Soccer Field.

The Debate: Find out which pumpkin spice latte wins out. Page 5 Comic: Read the latest adventures of Runner, Kit and Nut. Page 5

“It’s a good way to reassure the freshmen who need some help and encouragement,” Gonzalez said. One of the writers for Freshmen Letter Day was Associated Students Inc. President Mike Kwon. He said that he wrote 12 different letters, and he felt that it was very important to reach out to the students, encourage them and support them. Poole also said she thinks this will get bigger and bigger each year.

“What I am hoping is that the people who didn’t know about it this year, will talk about it next year and get more people to join in on the efforts of writing letters and supporting,” she said. “It’s just a campus-wide effort. “I can’t express that enough. As we get more and more students, we’ll need more and more writers.” She added that she would like the first class, who will be seniors next year, to write to the freshmen.

By Heather Simmons Reporter

Bicycles, skateboards and scooters are a common sight around campus, but many students are unfamiliar with the university’s transportation policies and are not sure where to find them. “We could probably do a better job of putting that information more up-front on the website,” said Evelyn Young Spath, executive assistant to the president. “I’m working on centralizing the policies so that it’s easy access for the campus community and the community at large.” When this project is complete, all of the university’s policies will be located on a single webpage, but the university’s personal transportation policies are currently located on the webpage of the University Police Department. According to UPD’s webpage, “…bicycles may only be ridden upon roadways and sidewalks, except that where a bicycle path has been provided adjacent to a roadway or sidewalk, bicycle riders shall use such bicycle path.” The UPD did not respond to any requests cocerning rules. Skateboards, scooters and skates are only permitted “upon roadways, the bike path, or upon designated routes in the campus interior.” “I don’t know where I’m supposed to go and not supposed to go,” said Allison Mathis, a freshman majoring in business administration who rides a scooter around campus. The approved areas are outlined on the website, but students want more obvious indications of skateboard-friendly areas. “They should probably put up some signs in obvious places,” said Armando Estrada, a

sophomore majoring in English and political science. Some students are concerned about facing punishment after breaking a rule, since failure to comply with the transportation policies, even unknowingly, can lead to “temporary seizure of the bicycle, skateboard, scooter or rollerskates,” according to the UPD website. “I think that UPD could be a much bigger part of the CSUB community by…showing us what they expect of us as bicyclists and skateboarders,” said Adrian Mejia, a sophomore majoring in finance who works for the Bike-Share program. “UPD may know the rules, and we may not. It’s not going to stop them from enforcing it.” In spite of students’ lack of knowledge about the university’s transportation policies, serious violations are rare. “From time to time, we get some complaints regarding skateboards in some unapproved areas, but I think for the most part, we’ve had relatively few complaints, and those few that we have had are minor, so I wouldn’t see it as a major issue at this point,” said Spath. Still, there is the occasional clash between wheelers and walkers. “I see it happen probably every day where a rider has to get off whatever they’re riding…to get out of the way of people that aren’t aware that they’re coming, or…almost hit a pedestrian because they…weren’t being considerate of students that are walking campus,” said Estrada. “I think any time you mix modes of transportation, you’re going to have…opportunities for people to learn to co-exist,” said Spath.

Break out the Mats: CSUB wrestling ready for new year. Page 6 Pumping it up: Runner Nation app helping attendance. Page 8

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NEWS

Rules of wheeling go ignored

News

October 21, 2015

Suicide rate high among students HEALTH

By Esteban Ramirez Editor-in-Chief

Life for college students can be stressful and overwhelming at times, which can, in the worst circumstances, lead to suicide. Therefore, with it being suicide awareness month and suicide being the second-leading cause of death for college students, CSU Bakersfield is bringing back the Candlelight Event for its second year. “Because of the response we got, we decided to continue this event, provide the support and remind folks that we have places to get help and we have people here that care,” said CSUB Counselor Eric Lord, who is a licensed clinical social worker. Lord said that the event got started last year in collabora-

tion with other CSUs in the system. The Candlelight Event is a remembrance to suicide victims, to provide support for anyone that has been impacted by mental health concerns and also to people that have thought of or attempted suicide. According to Lord, anyone is invited to come to the event, which will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Student Union Patio. There will be food at the event. People will light a candle, which they will put in a cup that can be decorated with a memory, the name of the person they lost or whatever the person likes. Then the candles will be arranged in a certain way. There will also be some speakers from Kern County Mental

Health and Veterans Affairs. Lord will also speak, and there will be opportunities for other people to speak. One of 10 college students have a plan for suicide. Business major Noemi Castellon, 23, said she thinks that students struggle with depression because at this point students are trying to figure out what they are doing with the rest of their lives, and it can get depressing when they do the same thing daily but there’s no progress. “I think one of the biggest problems is that they have people around, but they still feel alone,” Castellon said. “So, just being there to listen – not necessarily to give advice back – but just being there makes a huge difference.” Lord said that a major reason why suicide is the second-lead-

ing cause of death among college students – only behind accidental death – is that college is a high-stress environment. “There’s a lot riding for what’s going on for these students, so we do see an increase of suicides coming around the end of each quarter or semester, especially toward the end of the year when students are heading home,” Lord said. Lord added that with suicide, 98 percent of the time people can see someone going through changes. “We will see certain things like their behavioral changes occur,” he said. “They might become more irritable, or just not acting the way and the matter that they normally do. “A lot of the times people who struggle with suicidal thoughts, they feel like they are

a burden and feel like they don’t belong. “A lot of people think if they are down, they need to just come out of it… and the reality it’s not that simple. “If you pretend this room is on fire, the floor is on fire, walls are on fire and ceiling is on fire that’s how a person feels when they are suicidal. “The only thing that’s not on fire is the door and that door is suicide.” He said the best way to

help prevent suicide is getting into that person’s life a little bit more and noticing when those patterns change.

“If you pretend this room is on fire, the floor is on fire, walls are on fire and ceiling is on fire that’s how a person feels when they are suicidal. The only thing that’s not on fire is the door, and that door is suicide.” –Eric Lord CSUB Counselor

Faculty to vote Connections made at job fair on salary issue CFA

By Patricia Rocha News Editor

The California Faculty Association is encouraging faculty from all 23 California State Universities to vote to reject the 2 percent general salary increase offer from the Chancellor’s office to “Fight for Five” percent instead. Faculty will vote on the issue from Oct. 19 to 28. A yes vote means a rejection of the 2 percent offer along with their promise to join and support the CFA at the Nov. 17 Board of Trustees meeting held in Long Beach. This also means that faculty members will strike should the salary dispute continue. A no vote signifies satisfaction with the current offer and refusal to further campaign. “We are asking for fair and earned salary increases for 2015-2016,” wrote CSU East Bay CFA President Jennifer Eagan in an official CFA statement. “We know it’s the right thing to do, and we know we’re going to have to fight for it.” According to additional information provided by the CFA, there are many reasons why a salary dispute and even striking are necessary for faculty compensation. “On average, CSU faculty earned $45,000 per year before

taxes and other deductions in Fall 2014,” it reads. “More than 50 percent of CSU faculty made less than $38,000 in gross earnings.” It also argues the wages between the faculty, and the CSU presidents they work for, highlight “widening inequality.” “Full-time equivalent CSU faculty lost $9,056 in purchasing power, while CSU campus presidents’ average salaries gained $22,917 in purchasing power,” states the CFA informational packet. Additionally, the teacher-toadministrator ratios are disproportionate. “Even as the number of tenure-line faculty declined, the number of administrators increased 19 percent over the last decade,” it says. “About half of these administrators earn more than $100,000 per year in base salary.” The information implies this leaves faculty with less-thanideal job experiences. “In a large CFA survey, 60 percent of faculty respondents to the survey reported being unable to afford housing in the community where their campus is located…A shocking 79 percent of faculty respondents to the survey say they would not recommend their job to students or to colleagues at other institutions,” it says.

ONLINE Go to the Runner online to check out this week’s recipe for “Microwavable Meals in a Mug.” Reporter Janelle Reed explains the ease of creating an omelet in a few simple minutes.

CAMPUS

Karina Diaz/The Runner

Francisco De Jesus, business administration major, shakes hands with a representative at the career fair on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

THE RUNNER editorialstaff Volume XLI, Issue 5

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

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.

Features

October 21, 2015

CSUB holds first blood drive of the year CAMPUS

By Annie Russell Reporter

Houchin Community Blood Bank has been providing a safe blood supply for hospitals in Kern County for years. The first blood drive at CSU Bakersfield for the fall quarter was held on Oct. 14 and was organized by Stephanie Gibbons, community development account manager. “By donating they are helping their community by replenishing the blood supply,” said Gibbons. Liberal studies major Claressa Estrada expressed her reason for donating was “to save a life.” Those who participated in the blood drive were given a free Houchin Blood Bank T-shirt and a coupon for a free individual pizza at Rusty’s Pizza Parlor. Togo’s sandwiches and water were given to donors as they waited in line to register. Drinking plenty of water is highly recommended before donating. “Drink as much as possible,” said Gibbons. “Water pumps

up your veins.” She also recommended eating a good meal before arriving, “Something with protein, it’s the best thing,” said Gibbons. She said the most received blood type was O positive, and the least received was O negative. O negative is a universal blood type, meaning it could go to any person. In many cases it’s used in emergencies, when a person’s blood type is unknown. The process of donating starts with registration, where the students’ and faculty’s information is logged into computers. Identification is needed in this process or donors will be denied. Donors are then asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding health, past medical issues and medicines they have taken. Next, they are subject to screening, where nurses check to make sure donors are healthy enough to donate blood by checking the donor’s blood pressure, iron levels and making sure they meet the weigh requirement of 110 pounds. If the donors pass the health

Karina Diaz/The Runner

Students donating blood inside one of the Houchin Blood Bank buses that came to CSUB on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

screening, they are then allowed to donate. Three Houchin Blood Bank buses were parked near the Student Recreation Center, where the donating process took place.

The most common reasons a donor is denied the opportunity of giving blood is if they got a tattoo in less than a year, don’t meet the weight requirement, present no ID or are sick.

“Houchin’s partnership with CSUB has been long standing, and we appreciate the opportunity to come on campus,” said Gibbons. If interested in donating

blood, Houchin Blood Bank has two locations in the Bakersfield area located at 5901 Truxtun Ave., and its new building on 11515 Bolthouse Drive.

“I know a lot of my friends in high school who did come out as gender non-conforming and queer. “Most of us don’t come home. We can’t come home. We can’t safely exist here.” Liberal studies major Norma Camorlinga felt the messages shared in the workshop were important, especially for the Bakersfield area. “I always like coming to safe spaces for people or ally spaces,” said Camorlinga. “I think it’s very important, especially what she was saying, [that] in this kind of community, where it’s not as accepting to come out or it is taboo just to identify or say that you support.” Kappa Sigma pledge educator and computer engineering major Fekede Mesfin was impressed with the workshop and the turnout of approxi-

mately 17 people with only four days’ notice. “This is honestly their first event as a pledge class, and I say it went great,” said Mesfin. “As their pledge educator, I’m pretty proud.” Though he feels his fraternity and CSU Bakersfield’s campus itself are tolerant and safe places, he has seen the issues Bakersfield faces with tolerance firsthand. “I’ve been to a few of these to open my eyes more,” he said. “I remember when I was growing up. I would have gay friends, and they didn’t have the easiest childhood, especially after their parents found out. “I’m glad that I’ve seen Bakersfield grow, and I really want to be there to help it grow. I love that the first pledge class I get to teach has that same value,” said Mesfin. Camorlinga reflected on some

of the workshop’s main points. “You need to have a safe space and not necessarily ask people, ‘Oh are you gay?’ ‘What are you?’ “I think it’s important not to put people on the spot because it puts them in this uncomfortable position that they don’t necessarily need to be in, because it’s selfish of you,” she said. “I never thought of it like that, that it’s selfish of you… It’s none of your business really. “It’s what these people are. It’s very discriminatory otherwise to not be accepting.” Though mostly positive, Luna gets mixed reactions from each of the workshop’s exercises, and she hopes the information she shares trickles out and opens peoples’ eyes to the struggles LGBTQ communities face. “This, I think it went really

great,” she said. “At some points, I could see people just like, ‘what are you asking of us?’ “I’m challenging you. That’s OK, you need to be challenged…The thing is, it’s not that people don’t want to talk about it. They just don’t have the spaces to…If you give them the space, they’ll take it, and they’ll talk about it in a really honest way.” The chances are high that the fraternity will host another event such as this one. “I want to see if we can get it on a grander scale, maybe fill this room, see what we can actually do,” said Mesfin. Luna agreed to do more workshops should schedule and finances allow. “If the spaces are there, I’ll do it,” she said. “And I don’t charge for them either, for accessibility purposes.”

Fraternity hosts LGBTQ ally workshop PRIDE

By Patricia Rocha News Editor

In honor of pride week, the Alpha Gamma pledge class of the Kappa Sigma fraternity hosted “LGBTQ+ 101: Learn How to Become an Ally and Create a Safe Zone” with speaker Dafne Luna on Oct. 17 in Dorothy Donahoe Hall. Luna, a UCLA graduate and current program coordinator for the Bay Area nonprofit Outlet, focuses on support groups for LGBTQ youth. She hosts many workshops designed to educate people on things like LGBTQ stereotypes, preferred pronouns, the difference between sexual orientation and sexual behavior and ways to become a positive ally for the community, especially among communities of color. A native of Delano, Luna

feels there is a need for such workshops in these traditionally conservative areas of California. “Even when you have the media really focusing on urban queerness, like L.A. and San Francisco, rural California is completely ignored,” she said. “It’s like this non-existent space in California. So there’s no resources for that here.” Luna feels much of the stigma comes from conservative ideals engrained in religious belief and a lack of understanding for how many LGBTQ people there are in the area. Her own coming out was a reflection of this. “Coming out for me in high school was not an option,” she said. “I tried, and it backfired. “Not in a bad way, I just had to be pushed back into the closet because it started getting really uncomfortable for me.

Features

October 21, 2015

CSUB ‘paints’ the town blue and gold BLUE & GOLD

Marisel Maldonado/The Runner

Above: Members of the CSUB women’s basketball team went around the Rosedale Shopping Center areas on Oct. 16 to “paint the town blue and gold” and put up posters promoting its BlueGold Game on Oct. 22.

Right: CSUB women’s basketball team member Erika Williams puts up a poster on Oct. 16 during the “paint the town blue and gold” event to promote the Blue-Gold game.

Shedding light on the music education program MUSIC

By Martin Ramos Reporter

Many schools offer music as a major, but not every school offers a major in music education. Students in the music major at most schools usually have to decide between composition or performance based track. CSUB students are fortunate enough to have the music education program offered on campus. But what is the music education major? How is it different from a regular music major? What students are this major directed towards? Where is a good place to begin? Mr. Alex Gonzales, a ‘96 CSUB Alumni who now teaches music in the Delano High School District gave a little background on the history of music education at CSUB. In 1996, when Gonzales graduated, music majors had to

choose between composition and performance. Gonzales credits his success and several awards such as the Kern County Teacher of the Year to Dr. Davis, music professor at CSUB. “I try to teach the way he did,” said Gonzales. “His humanness and musical intelligence left an impression and are the reasons CSUB had such a positive impact on my education.” Gonzales believes in treating students as humans which also means holding them accountable for what they do. “This is by far the best job I have ever had and will have,” said Gonzales. According to the CSUB course catalog, “Any undergraduate accepted into the University may undertake this major. Continuation in the major is contingent upon satisfactory progress in all course-

work, both in and out of the major.” The course catalog also provides a description of what courses students are required to take for the music education major, as well as the general music major. Angel Gonzales, a junior music education major at CSUB, says that there isn’t too much of a difference between general music majors and music education majors until they start getting into the upper division courses. Music education students take the same core music classes as general music majors. Several years ago, the question of finding employment upon graduation was a big issue. Fran Peterson, the advisor for the single subject credential program, said there is actually a demand for music educators at the moment. “A few years ago, if you had

said you were going to major in music, there weren’t too many jobs and wasn’t often recommended, but now there is a lot of funding going towards music programs leading to a higher demand for teachers, so it’s actually not a bad idea to become a music teacher right now.” Gonzales also expressed similar views, but noted that students should pursue the music education major if they are passionate about teaching. “The political winds are in our favor, so we gotta get while the gettin’s good, but also be creative, passionate, and demanding,” said Gonzales. “If you do it just for the paycheck, you might not end up liking the job very much.” The general music major still offers students the opportunity to study music. However, upon graduation, students will be

Photo courtesy of Ashley Garza

CSU Bakersfield drummers prepare before practice.

expected to perform as opposed to teaching, and those who place emphasis on composition will write music after graduating as opposed to teaching. Angel Gonzales recommends students who are unsure which path to take and also consider

the music minor since students can later switch to the major and the classes will transfer to both majors of the music department. This is recommended for freshmen or sophomores who have a background in music but have not yet decided on a major.

Be a considerate thrift store patron 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 think thrift stores are the only places that allow you to

cultivate real style. They get such a bad reputation from people who can’t see past the packed aisles, dusty shelves and often uncoordinated selection, but for the patient and the determined, they’re a mecca of fabulousness that you can’t beat. At this point in my life I understand how important it is not to purchase brand new clothing. The ways and rate at which it’s produced are doing incredible damage to the earth and how we view material items: to be consumed and thrown away like fast food. While I’m never opposed to

donating what you don’t wear, there is a very real burden being placed on thrift stores around the country who are drowning in clothes they can’t sell fast enough. The only upside to all this is that a thrift store will literally carry clothing for every style from practically every decade. Even the die-hard mall shoppers can find their favorite modern brands among the ‘80s shoulder pads. Not everyone, however, knows how to navigate the second hand world, so I thought I’d share some essential tips that have come in handy. Always do your research. As someone who is constantly on the hunt for an amazing deal on vintage clothing, I do a quick Etsy search for the brand and label I find, and so often, sandwiched between an old graduation gown and a ‘90s party dress is a 60-year-old gem the Mad Men costume department would drool over. Not all thrift stores are created equal, however. Sometimes you have to try things on right there in the aisle, and if you have to remove multiple layers you’re going to be there all day, or worse, get frustrated and leave something really amazing behind because you weren’t sure it fit.

I always wear a tight tank with a loose skirt so that I can try on shorts or pants under that and tops over. If you’re easily squeamish at the thought of wearing potentially unwashed clothes, take a measuring tape to gauge the fit of the clothing on your measurements. The most important tip I can share is to be kind. I’ve worked for a few second hand businesses and I know firsthand how awful it is to have rude, messy, inconsiderate shoppers. Many stores have strict policies on prices, item tags and returns: respect this. You have no idea how often stores are robbed or taken advantage of by customers who want to sweeten their already sweet deal. Never squabble with employees over rules they have no control over. Which brings me to my last point: make friends with the employees. If they can get a feel for your style they usually let you know when stuff you like comes in. Always ask if you’re looking for something specific, chances are they’ll keep an eye out for you if they don’t already have it. The key to thrift shopping is to always be curious, patient and kind to reap the stylish rewards.

RUNNER ON THE STREET

October 21, 2015

Opinions

By Alee Gonzalez/ Photos by Dayshanae James

This week, The Runner asked, “Do you prefer chalkboards or whiteboards in the classroom?” Eduardo Reynoso, 18, Engineering

Jesus Bravo, 18, Kinesiology

STAFF EDITORIAL

Students should care about their teachers’ salary issues system that sees them as a mandatory cog in a system that cannot break down. The people that are the most vital tool in getting an education are getting the last amount of recognition for the massive task they have. Without faculty, there would be no university. You might not see all the impacts directly at first glance. Bakersfield has a fairly low cost of living, and the base salary for teachers can sustain someone. The struggles of teachers in larger cities are much more profound. Imagine how far $40,000 goes in a city like San Francisco, where one month’s rent for a studio apartment can be upward of $3,000. There is a disparity when more than 50 percent of CSU faculty earn less than $38,000. Think about the last time your tuition was raised and how much of that raise, if

“I feel they’re a mess. It’s

“To be honest, I’m a visual person, and having the process of writing it down helps me see the problem better.”

“I think the old school way is pretty cool.”

The daily mind of a student is filled with thoughts of many subjects and the proper social cues for any situation. No doubt, it is concerned with food, getting a date, and getting to graduation as fast as possible. Let one more thought take the forefront in a packed brain: think about your teachers and their daily struggles. The California Faculty Association, which most teachers are a member of, is in the midst of salary negotiations for teachers across CSU campuses. A raise is being proposed across the board for faculty, and it is needed. If not to improve the lives of the people who make huge impacts on our future, but to simply give them the recognition they deserve as shapers of our minds. We need to be supporting our teachers in their struggle to gain recognition in a

Krista Woods, 21, Liberal Studies

really dirty and dusty in there and a lot of people don’t use them properly. I feel there’s not a use for them and white boards would be better.”

COMICS

BY JASON GABRIEL/THE RUNNER

any, went to your teachers. It behooves all students to care about how much their teachers get paid. A bad day as a student can affect all that day’s studying, maybe even impact an exam. A teacher who lives in their car because they can not afford a place of residence is affecting every student, not just a single exam. If faculty have to worry about providing food and shelter for their family, they can not possibly worry about the quality of education a student is receiving. We have a chance to show our teachers that students care about them and not just the other way around. We can recognize the power and influence that they have in our lives and support a fair increase in wages. Take the time to think about what it means to teach, and where we would be without them.

REVIEWS

Pumpkin spice off: Whose tastes better? By Katie Aubin Reporter

Autumn arrived this year as it always does in Bakersfield: too hot and with pumpkin spice lattes. The drink is now as much an icon of the fall season as the changing leaves and presents a powerful fusion of fall flavors, making it one of the most anticipated seasonal foods of all time. Not all lattes are created equal so I compared products from Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee to find out who had the top brew. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is considered the classic, and it definitely delivered the pumpkin flavor, as well as strong tastes of cinnamon and nutmeg. However, drinking it was more like drinking a liquified

COMICS

slice of pumpkin pie - it was incredibly sweet and even tinted bright orange. As a veteran of processed sugar, I was impressively unphased by the bold colors and flavors of the drink, but it was admittedly difficult to finish. The espresso was just strong enough to balance the sweet assault of pumpkin spice, despite my barista’s best efforts to sugarpoison me. Peet’s latte, on the other hand, was much milder all around. It had stronger notes of vanilla, and its seasonings were lighter. The espresso in Peet’s latte also took more of a lead role - you know, like in a latte. All around, the drink was an incredibly tasty, perhaps more grown-up coffee drink than what Starbucks offered. While both beverages are

autumnal and delicious, Starbucks charged me about two dollars more for a 16oz drink than Peet’s did - possibly to pay for the extra 80 calories. Honestly though, who keeps counting after 300? Every fall the pumpkin spice trend gets bigger and better,

despite the best efforts of jaded coffee snobs and people who generally don’t like to have a good time. Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee both delivered fabulous fall treats that are sure to please anyone with an appetite for the sweet and spicy blend.

LAKHDEEP SINGH/THE RUNNER

The Adventures of Runner, Nut, and Kit By Vyonna Maldonado

Sports

October 21, 2015

CSUB looks to bounce back this season

WRESTLING

By Nick Fequiere Reporter

The CSU Bakersfield wrestling team begins its season on Nov. 7 at a meet against Gardner Webb, Anderson College, and Appalachian State in Boone, N.C. After a 7-5 win-loss record last season, the team is looking to rebound and come back even stronger. This effort is bolstered by the return of redshirt-senior Bryce Hammond, whose season was cut short last year by a shoulder injury sustained at the California Collegiate Open. Before his injury, Hammond went 14-7 with one pin and four technical falls. Hammond is ready to pick up where he left off. Ian Nickell is another redshirt-senior poised to have a great season for the Roadrunners. Nickell is moving back up to 141 lbs after finishing last year in 3rd place at 133 lbs. He finished well enough to earn a place at the NCAA Championship, where he finished 1-2 to bring his season to a 24-11 record with four pins. Nickell said that his goal for the upcoming season is “to be a national champion.” “You don’t want to go in with the mindset that you’re going

to win most of your matches,” Nickell said. “You want to win them all.” On the subject of which programs will boast some of their tougher competition, Hammond said that Oregon State always has a tough lineup from top to bottom. Both Hammond and Nickell noted that Arizona State University and Stanford are two very tough opponents. Despite a slew of tough match ups on the road to begin its season, the team feels confident in its chances considering the wealth of talent and experience it possesses. Two wrestlers who fit that description are redshirt-senior Reuben Franklin and redshirtsophomore Matt Williams, who both share the 197 slot. Both men enjoyed successful seasons last year with Franklin coming in second to Williams at the California Collegiate Open. With so much talent concentrated in one slot, either Franklin or Williams may move up to the 207 slot on a permanent basis. Other key wrestlers include redshirt-senior Jesus Ambriz, redshirt senior Adam Fierro and redshirt sophomore Coleman Hammond, Bryce’s younger brother.

Bre Williams/The Runner

CSUB redshirt-freshman Sean O’Rourke and junior Mike Herrera practice at the Antonino Sports Center on Oct. 15.

Runner Nation App helping with attendance SPIRIT

By Esteban Ramirez Editor-in-Chief

CSU Bakersfield is always looking for ways to increase student life and increase attendance at sporting events. Therefore, at the start of this school year it introduced the free downloadable Runner Nation Rewards App, which informs students when those events will happen. “I think it has made a difference because just our attendance at some of our sporting events early on has been higher [seeing as] people are aware of them,” said CSUB Spirit Coordinator Arthur Smith. “I’ve seen attendance increase. I know we already set two records in soccer this year in

attendance, and a lot of that I would attribute to the app because I can look at the numbers and see how many checked in [through the app].” There have been over 540 people that have downloaded the app. According to Smith, the idea of bringing The Runner Nation App came from a conference (National Collegiate Student Section Association) he went to in June. A lot of the schools at the conference had a reward app and spoke highly of it. After numerous phone conversations between Smith, CSUB’s Marketing Director Brynn Conapitski and the staff of the company SuperFanU, they decided to select SuperFanU to make the app.

The contract cost for them to make the app for CSUB was $7,000, which includes $5,000 for special giveaways. The money to pay for this comes from the Spirit Fee that students pay. The special giveaways will just be for the students, so that they can have the chance of winning those dollars. The Runner Nation Rewards App can be found on both the Apple Store and on Google Play. The features on the app consist of the rewards section, which allows people to see all the awards and the levels needed to unlock those awards; the leaderboards section, which shows where someone ranks in points and a fan cam section, which allows people to upload photos.Another

’Runner Roundup

Women’s Soccer 10/16

CSUB

Seattle

10/18 CSUB

Utah Valley

2 3

Volleyball 10/15

CSUB

Chicago State

CSUB

UMKC

3 0 3 2

feature that the app is using is an iBeacon, which if you are 200 feet by one on campus, it will send you a message about an event that will happen by that location. Smith added that the largest benefit is the education students can get from the app because now everyone can know when the games and events are. New alerts will be added to inform students when they will be happening. Another benefit of this app is winning awards through the leaderboard. The more a student goes to an event and checks in, the more they will receive points and move higher in the leaderboard. Smith said that at the end of the year, the leader will get

acknowledgement from President Horace Mitchell and a big prize. He added that they are still in the framework of deciding what the prize will be. “I definitely think it’s a great way to interact with students and fans,” Conapitski said. She said they have been trying to focus on school spirit throughout CSUB and this is a good way to do so.She added that the app has helped increase the attendance at athletic events by notifying all the students when the events are being held. Smith added that they will use the app to try and get the word out about the women’s soccer Western Athletic Conference Tournament that will be held at CSUB.

“I think it has made a difference because just our attendance at some of our sporting events early on has been higher [seeing as] people are aware of them.” – Arthur Smith CSUB Spirit Coordinator