The Runner 11-18-2020

California State University, Bakersfield

November 18, 2020

Vol. 46, No. 7

Trump supporters target local BLM activist with death threats

By Chase Anderson Reporter With President Trump still not conceding the presidential election to President-elect Joe Biden, tensions have been high throughout the nation with supporters on opposite ends of the political spectrum combating each other as a way to support and uphold their political beliefs.

Here in Kern County, there is a major divide between two groups of local protestors: those who support Trump under the Patriots 1776 Kern County group, a locally organized group that has gained much following and attention, and a group of supporters for President-elect Joe Biden and the Black Lives Matter movement.

On Oct. 10 a video taken and posted by local BLM supporter Erka Harris captured an altercation between the two groups who both have been occupying the corner of Rosedale and Coffee in front of Red Lobster.

The Bakersfield Police Department issued a statement regarding this video on their Instagram “The incident is being investigated by detectives in order to determine what crime, if any, may have been committed. Part of our review will also be an evaluation of our officer’s response,” BPD wrote in a statement published to various social media platforms.

In the video that has since gone viral, being viewed and shared more than four million times, Trump supporters were shown antagonizing those supporting President-elect Biden and BLM with a Trump supporter physically engaging with the crowd and trying to assault a member of the

BLM group, ultimately disengaging after hitting him and knocking over their stand before leaving.

Since posting the video, Harris has been the target of hate and harassment that has escalated to death threats toward her and her family.

“They [Patriots 1776] post pictures of me, my address, my car, they tell people I’m looting and rioting, I’m part of Antifa, basically they’re putting a huge target on my back…I did talk to the police and showed them what I saw and their response was ‘it happens to police officers all the time and there is nothing they can do,’” Harris said.

Harris said she has become homeless due to this harassment, having to leave her home for fear of endangering her family.

However, she still continues to go out and help her fellow supporters that she says have become like a family.

Harris said that it would be worthless if she did not continue to go out and that she will not be bullied into not making a positive change for Kern County.

“A lot of what we are trying to do is give back.

We’re trying to help the Black and Hispanic communities through selling merchandise and to show that there are peaceful protesters. A lot of people don’t care to even have a conversation or understand why we’re out here. They see the BLM flag and automatically assume that we’re terrorists or here for bad reasons,” Harris said.

Harris stressed that it is not just BLM or Biden that they are supporting, but she and her fellow protesters are out there to support all communities that she feels do not have a voice or representation.

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Chase Anderson/The Runner Local Black Lives Matter supporter, Erika Harris, holds a sign in protest of police brutality.

what going out and showing her support meant to her and her family.

“I think our main goal is to give a sense of community and camaraderie to people that’ve been cooped up and have heard that they’re wrong or racist for things like loving our country, supporting our first responders and military and our president,” Rose said.

In regards to the harassment and extreme threats that Harris has received Rose said that her husband has also received a threat showing a message that read “You’re a dead man. I guarantee it.”

facebook.com/runnercsub

“We deal with it constantly and honestly I’m not surprised people are lashing out and fighting back.

All we can do is continue to love our country, love our community and do our best to be as inviting and loving as possible,” Rose said.

On Nov. 1 Harris posted another video that gained national attention, even being featured on TMZ, that showed her being cornered by multiple cars and being called a racial slur and being violently threatened.

The video shows a compilation of violence and harassement aimed at Harris over a period of weeks.

Since the posting of the second viral video, Harris has gained a following of thousands of social media users.

In response to the second viral video displaying harassment, the BPD responded via Instagram with the same message used for their response to Harris’s first video and urging members of the community to behave civilly and express themselves peacefully.

The BPD has not responded to requests for comments from The Runner.

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Various incidents of harassment have continued for Harris and as she still documents on her Instagram page where she will be supporting and protesting, despite the possible dangers to herself.

Kyle Benson, owner of KB’z Backyard BBQ, works with Harris and for him it is important to come out and show his support because he has seen a time in Bakersfield when white supremacists marched in his neighborhood.

To Benson, change needs to happen to ensure his children, grandchildren, and everyone else would no longer have to go through that.

“I couldn’t live with myself 10 years from now if it doesn’t change or event if it doesn’t, I did everything I could to make my voice heard, to get people out to vote, to make the change… we’re all in the same fight so we must all be on the same team for the same fight and that [way] we all come together because it has to happen now,” Benson said.

However, not all of those supporting Trump have participated in the harassment of Harris.

Up and down the streets and on the corner of Hageman and Calloway on Nov. 1 the Patriots 1776 of Kern County group and other Trump supporters came out to voice their support for the president and for a local veteran who has fallen ill.

A supporter and Patriot member who wished to go unnamed said that his outing for that day was to show support for a local veteran that has terminal cancer.

“This is for veterans today,” he said.

Kaila Rose was a supporter there with her husband and young son and shared

News

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The Runner

November , 2020

ASI shows ethnic studies support:

Rep resigns for comments about black students

By Ray Dean Reporter Issues of race and diversity were brought before CSU Bakersfield’s Associated Students Inc. board meeting Fri., Nov. 13.

CSUB professors Tracey Salisbury, Alicia Rodriquez and Jorge Moraga presented a proposal seeking support from the ASI Board for the establishment of an ethnic studies department.

The proposal came as the board was dealing with the pending resignation of Vice President of Campus Life Nadia Mendoza-Mendez over divisive comments she made to a black CSUB student.

Screenshots circulated on social media show Mendoza-Mendez wrote disparaging comments to a black CSUB student on Instagram.

“I love how students are so quick to point fingers. If CSUB doesn’t care about black students why are you still attending? I just don’t understand why black students think or blame ASI...” wrote Men-

doza-Mendez.

ASI President Vanessa Chicaiza addressed the board at the opening of public comments.

“As ASI president I do not condone the comments that were made and as an organization it is our responsibility as ASI to create a space that reflects our mission and our values,” Chicaiza said.

During public comments, Brianna Santaella, President of Club Gen at CSUB, read from the ASI Student Leader Code of Conduct policy and advocated for the removal of Mendoza-Mendez.

“She is not upholding any of the stated above as her position in ASI and I call for her resignation.

Her position in power is a privilege as an executive member and not a representation of the students on campus,” Santaella said.

ASI would later acknowledge Mendoza-Mendez’s resignation after the meeting via email to CSUB students, staff and faculty.

Mendoza-Mendez was not present at the meeting.

On Aug. 17 California

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB1460 which requires all students in the CSU system take a threeunit ethnic studies course.

The proposal by Rodriquez, Salisbury and Moraga goes beyond the requirements of AB1460, they propose the creation of an entire department.

“Right now is the right time, and actually I think it’s long overdue, the creation of this program and a specific department,” Rodriquez said.

Rodriquez said the ethnic studies discipline has grown from its roots in San Francisco State University in 1969 to a, “robust, complex diverse area of study.”

Rodriquez said the ethnic studies discipline, seeks to provide a holistic and thorough examination of traditionally underrepresented racialized groups in the United States.

The proposal would situate the ethnic studies department under the School of Social Sciences and Education, eventually dissolving interdisciplinary studies.

However, the dissolving

of interdisciplinary studies would not take place until all current INST students have graduated.

During the presentation Rodriquez noted that CSUB has been laying the foundation for this program for a while.

“The creation of an ethnic studies department didn’t come from the air,” Rodriquez said.

Rodriquez explained that in 2014 a system-wide task force was implemented to advance ethnic studies and led to the hiring of professors Tracey Salisbury and Jorge Moraga in 2017. Rodriquez also anticipates that the creation and growth of a new department will necessitate the hiring of even more lecturers and tenure track faculty.

“Because we don’t want it to be a department that only offers service courses to meet AB1460. We really anticipate and expect a robust program—a B.A. program—for ethnic studies,” Rodriquez said.

Salisbury framed the proposal around the situation with Nadia Mendoza-Men-

dez.

“If [Nadia] did that she needs to resign, and then she needs to apologize and then we need to bring her back into the family so she does not feel rejected. But we need to do better and we need to start with this ethnic studies,” Salisbury said.

Earlier Salisbury explained what an ethnic studies department means to her as a black faculty member.

“ASI, I am deeply proud of you, young people. You guys have been a partner, from the beginning, with ethnic studies . . . I want to be clear to you what ethnic studies means to the black faculty, staff and students, it means a sense of feeling we belong here . . . it’s about me having a place on campus, about a space where I might feel safe, where I can have a dialogue that’s not interrupted,” Salisbury said.

The presenters highlighted how an ethnic studies program would enrich the entire CSUB campus and community.

“We can be the crown

jewel of the CSU if we want to be. We can be a space that is safe for all students . . . but we need to commit to it, and I need your help. . . What makes black students better makes you better, what makes ethnic studies better makes you better.”

Krystal Raynes, student trustee on the CSU Board of Trustees, asked how many students would currently fall under an ethnic studies program.

Rodriquez noted that currently only a handful of students fall under this program.

“I do believe, I think we all believe that when students have the opportunity to be exposed to this discipline, that you’re going to see growth in this major,” Rodriguez said.

Salisbury urged ASI members to advocate for ethnic studies courses.

“You guys have been leaders on this, so I don’t mean to feel like I’m chastising ASI, you guys have been straight up leaders on this. But I need you to support ethnic studies,” Salisbury said.

University Police Chief reminds online and campus community about available resources Spencer Shepard Reporter Chief Martin Williamson of CSU Bakersfield’s University Police held the first-ever “Meet with the Chief” on Nov. 12, 2020 via Zoom with CSUB’s Associated Student, Inc as a new way to foster a relationship with the CSU community and University Police.

“This just another step for University Police to reach out to the campus,” Williamson said.

“Meet with the Chief” was done to substitute the on-campus “Coffee with a Cop” that University Police held monthly prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the complexities of COVID-19, Williamson decided to use a new form of communication where the CSUB community can ask him direct questions.

“Our officers work on service above expectation; we want to provide the best services that we can,” Williamson said.

During the interview, Sergeant Veronica Corona of the University Police provided a short informational briefing of how the University Police can aid the CSUB community and campus.

University Police focus on community-style policing, which is a proactive relationship-building style of policing.

“We are here to provide safety and security for our students and campus community,” Sergeant Corona said.

The campus has over 40 emergency phones that students can use to request the University Police for aid.

The University Police hope to reduce the risk of criminal victimization on

campus with a foot patrol, bicycle, and vehicle officers that respond to a call within 2 minutes for priority-one emergency calls.

Examples of the University Police services offered are escort services, where an officer provides a safe escort to a destination on campus.

Another type of service the University Police offer is vehicle aid, such as locating emergency repair services or jump-starting a car.

The University Police also offers Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), but it is currently postponed due to COVID-19.

RAD is a women’s only course that focuses on realistic self-defense tactics and techniques to provide women with education against attackers.

“We try to participate with the campus and be a part of

the campus and support the campus for the educational process,” Williamson said.

Additionally, Sergeant Corona covered parking protocols to follow for a visit to campus during COVID-19. “Play it Safe, Skip a Space” is where vehicles maintain one parking space between each car to keep social distancing.

Currently, students do not need a parking permit to visit campus.

If there is an emergency on campus University Police will send a voice message, a text message, and an email to notify students of potential dangers or hazards.

The CSUB Alert will only be used as a form of contact only if there is a severe campus incident. Students are advised to keep their contact information up to date on their MyCSUB page.

Photo provided by Chief Williamson.

The CSUB University Police can be contacted for an emergency from any campus phone by dialing either 911 or 2111.

Or, by cellphone or

off-campus phone, by dialing (661) 654-2111 as another form for emergency contact. The non-emergency contact phone number is (661) 654-2677.

Features

The Runner

3

November 18, 2020

Students find comfort in animals

By Valeria Roman Features Writer Animal companions are popular among CSU Bakersfield students but animal companions can do more than keep someone company, they can be vital to those with disabilities.

Brittany Garcia, a senior biology major, has an emotional support dog.

Oliver, a 3-year-old Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, has been Garcia’s rock.

Garcia wrote in a Facebook comment that Oliver has helped her through times of depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Garcia wrote that Oliver has stood by her, and how easy it is for her to vent to him and not feel judged.

Whenever Garcia is feeling overwhelmed or overthinks, Oliver starts to whine and puts his paw on her to help her calm down.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) writes in the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division in the Disabili-

ty Section the differences between a service and emotional support animal and their requirements. “[…] a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability,” the ADA writes.

The ADA also writes that a service animal’s task can include being trained to alert a diabetic person if their blood sugar is too low, remind a person with depression to take their medication, and helping a person with epilepsy detect a seizure and make sure they are in a safe environment to have a seizure.

According to the ADA, emotional, therapy, comfort, and companion animals are not service animals because they are not trained to do a specific task or job.

“The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and

Illustration by Alyson Bravo/The Runner

emotional support animals.

If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack

or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However if the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service

animal under the ADA,” the ADA writes in the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division in the Disability Rights section.

Household companion animals can help their families with their mere presence, providing a sense of comfort and understanding.

Diana Pineda, a junior sociology major, wrote in a text message to The Runner that her companion animal, Meatball, brings her comfort.

“My dog [Meatball] has helped me with not feeling alone. And has helped me from feeling really bored at times,” Diana Pineda wrote to The Runner.

However, it is important that potential adopters consider the responsibility that comes with caring for a companion animal.

Carol Raupp, a psychology professor at CSUB, reminds parents that are considering getting a furry friend for their child that the companion animal still has physical, emotional, and financial needs that

need to be met.

“It shouldn’t be assumed that everybody should run out and get an animal companion, though. The physical and emotional needs of the animal companion need to be considered, along with the financial costs. A person should consider the likely path their life will take for the lifespan of the animal companion (move, housing changes, family changes) and how the companion animal’s needs will change across his/her own life,” Raupp wrote in an email to The Runner.

Raupp also wrote about the benefits an animal companion can provide their caretaker if their needs are met, such as their ability to calm their caretakers in an immediate situation, such as when the guardian pets the animals.

The complex relationship between animal and caretaker has undeniable benefits, such as how Oliver helps Brittany and Meatball helps Pineda.

Author breaks down criminal justice in CA

By Destinee Sims Features Editor Utilizing the Kegley Institute of Ethics’ “Humanities Beyond Bars” grant, the CSU Bakersfield’s KIE worked with the Public History Institute to invite author Miriam Pawel on Nov. 12 to speak to `Runners via Zoom about the impact of Governors Pat and Jerry Brown on the justice system.

Michael Burrough, Director of the KIE and Associate Professor of Philosophy, kicked off the event by welcoming moderator Miriam Raub Vivian, Director of the Public History Institute and History Chair.

Vivian gave a brief introduction, providing background information on Pawel and her book “The Browns of California.”

To begin her presentation, Pawel described former Governor Pat Brown’s early life and political career.

Pawel described how Brown climbed the political ladder, drawing mixed responses from Californians for his policy ideas.

“I would make the case

that Pat Brown was our first progressive district attorney,” Pawel said.

Pawel said that it was Pat Brown that appointed the very judges that overturned California’s ban on interracial marriage, explaining that it violated American’s rights.

Similarly, Pawel said Pat Brown spent his career working for controversial criminal justice reform.

He laid part of the foundation for the progressive platform that his son, Jerry Brown, used to continue to create and pass further legislation for justice reform.

Jerry Brown started as the Secretary of State in 1971, then went on to become governor in 1975.

During his time in office, he drew mixed feedback after he spoke out against the death penalty.

“He had qualms on the death penalty when he was attorney general and asked for a moratorium,” Pawel said.

According to Pawel, it was also Jerry Brown that campaigned to change the legal definition of murder.

By changing the defini-

A screenshot of Miriam Raub Vivian, Director of the Public History Institute moderating the KIE event on Nov. 12.

tion for murder, past and present murder convictions were able to be challenged and receive a new sentence.

“He ultimately comes to the conclusion, not just because it was wrong on moral grounds, but [the death penalty] did not deter crime,” Pawel said.

However, Jerry Brown’s campaign for justice wasn’t limited to stopping the death penalty.

Pawel explained that Jerry Brown also frequently fought more diverse representation in government.

According to Pawel, it stemmed from the idea that the government “should look like those it governs.”

These controversial moves took Jerry Brown from the most popular California governor to the one of the least popular, Pawel said.

Pawel then provided information about how Jerry Brown spent his gaps between terms as the Governor of California, as he left office in 1983 and did not return until 2011.

According to Pawel, he spent that time hosting a

radio talk show, running a commune, then becoming the mayor of Oakland and the Attorney General of California.

After the conclusion of Pawel’s lecture, Runners were encouraged to participate in the Q&A. To prevent inappropriate messages, participants were only able to submit their questions directly to the event moderators. The questions were then read

by Vivian.

During the Q&A, Runners concluded the discussion by posing questions

pertaining to Jerry Brown’s criminal justice reform and why he chose to take such a strong stance against the death penalty.

Ultimately, Pawel believes it may come down to compassion and understanding, as Brown had commented that someone “should not be reduced to their crime.”

“The statistic […] is that half the people in the United States have a relative of loved one in the prison system,” Pawel said.

Opinions

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November 18, 2020

The Runner

Small businesses require talent

By Adamary Lopez Reporter Owning and administering a business is a serious commitment. Not only are you responsible for creating your own income, but you are also responsible for providing quality products to your customers. Although the idea of starting your own business from the ground up may sound like a difficult process, it seems to be that anyone can create their own small business these days.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have turned to working from home.

The pandemic has also resulted in the development of several online small businesses. Accessibility to the internet and the popularity of social media applications such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have allowed users to easily market their products in a never-before-seen manner.

Some of the most popular

small businesses include homemade pastries, custom jewelry, mobile vehicle detailing, and the customization of everyday products such as travel mugs and t-shirts.

Mevalecreations is a small online business which makes custom keychains, stickers, phone cases, and many other products inspired

by Hispanic treats. On TikTok, the business has over 453,000 followers and has accumulated over 5.2 million likes on its posts.

The thought of buying the same products as everyone else from a large retailer is now a thing of the past.

Wearing products that are customized to your personal taste help make a statement about who you are.

However, there are many people who have helped misconstrue and de-value the concept of originality and uniqueness in products sold by small businesses by reselling existing items at higher costs. There are

many online businesses buying one dollar eyelashes and lip glosses from dollar stores and reselling them at double or more of their original price. By bulking up on popular seasonal items from dollar stores and other affordable retailers, these businesses are able to make a profit from customers who were unable to purchase the sold-out items.

“There is a serious lack of originality, individuality, self-expression and uniqueness, yet many business owners cave to fitting in rather than standing out,” mentions Forbes Online.

It seems as if everyone wants a grab at owning a business over the internet as result of the large support and popularity that small businesses have gained recently. However, it is not for everyone.

If you are just starting up a business to resell products you bought by the bulk and stamping a sticker with your name on

it or stuffing your packaging with cheap candy, do everyone and yourself a favor by quitting before starting. Not only is it tacky to claim you are a real self-made business and unoriginal to resell items, but it is also unfair to consumers.

Consumers keep buying these products because they are oblivious to how these small business are taking advantage of them.

Consumers should be able to trust that businesses are offering them the best deals possible without having to research the pricing of other businesses.

Other times, consumers may think they are getting a deal by buying name brand products from resellers at lower costs, but may be unaware that the business they are buying from is breaking the law by advertising the sale of trademarked items they do not own the rights to.

“There are trademark issues. If you’re using manufacturers’ logos to ad-

vertise the products you’re selling… you run the risk of getting embroiled in a trademark infringement lawsuit,” mentions Nina Kaufman in the Entrepreneur website.

According to the online NOLO Legal Encyclopedia, it may cost people who resell or use trademarked items without permission over $20,000.

According to Justia Dockets and Filings, the NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB have all filed lawsuits against different online websites that were selling their products without permission in 2019 and are seeking over 600,000 dollars in compensation. The law allows for people to resell items online, however, it does not allow for the advertising of trademarked products under the name of an unauthorized business.

While it may be easy to find deals on items by the bulk and resell them at higher costs individually, it contradicts the whole purpose of small businesses.

It may be easy to fly under the radar when you live in a small town and your only customers are your friends and family. However, you cannot get very far as a reseller. Eventually, consumers will realize that their best interests are not being met by such businesses.

People should stop creating their own small businesses if they are just going to resell items. There is enough room for everyone to succeed. However, starting a business with zero originality is not only a sign of a weak business, but it also demonstrates an owner’s lack of care for their customers.

Support small and locally operated businesses. Many business owners work day in and day out to provide the best quality and inventory for their consumers.

Be careful and vigilant of fake businesses that only want to hop on the trend, earn some quick cash, and then disappear once people stop buying the same products over and over again.

Strike down ancient body standards

By Jacqueline Gutierrez Assistant Opinions Editor Throughout our lives, we try to fit in with others and follow the standards that are created in our society.

But other than being taught to follow the societal standards, we should be taught to do what makes us happy, not care what others think of us, and create our own standards.

One of the societal standards that some people hold themselves to is the concept of body image.

Because of societal body standards, some people have tried to have a thinner stomach, thighs, arms, and any other body part that they thought may be seen as unattractive because of its size.

Whether it be by family, friends, or even complete strangers, people think that their opinion on other people’s bodies is relevant.

From elementary to high school, some of my friends, and even some family members, felt the need to bring it to my attention if I were gaining or losing weight.

Because of their com-

ments, while I was starting high school, I began to exercise frequently, not to be healthier, but because I wanted to look good.

Then, I realized that I was exercising because of what other people would say and not for myself.

I slowly stopped exercising, and I gained some weight. I was unhappy with the way I looked. I refused to wear tank tops and other clothes because I thought I looked gross.

At the start of the shutdowns due to the pandemic, I stopped exercising completely, and since I am at home more, I started eating more.

Then, I began to gain more weight. At first, it made me very sad, but then I realized, with the help of many body positive influencers, my beauty and worth is not defined by the number on the scale or how my body looks.

I decided to change.

When I looked in the mirror, I no longer picked out every little flaw regarding my weight or how big my body appeared. I began to look in the mirror and tell myself things like, “I am a

Illustration by Alyson Bravo/The Runner

little chubby, but that does not diminish my beauty,” and I would constantly remind myself that I am living for myself and not to please other’s body standards.

One other thing that individuals should focus on is the capabilities that they possess.

For example, if you are a current body shamer, other than focusing on someone else’s body, focus about

the things that they can do and the goals that they will achieve in the body that you are judging.

If one has a negative perspective on their body image, it can lead to health issues and an unhealthy lifestyle, according to the Better Health Channel.

Recently, I have noticed a different type of body shaming.

On TikTok, I have seen various challenges that

were made to measure someone’s stomach, and as an adult, it upsets me to know that people are creating these challenges and that young children are out there trying to accomplish them.

Because body shaming on social media apps, such as TikTok, is becoming more common it would be nice if once a video is reported for any offensive content, even body shaming, the

entire account should go under review and if the creator published any other content like that their account should be banned.

“Women and adolescent girls regard size, much like weight, as a definitive element of their identity,” according to the Center for Change website.

Body shaming has become so common that individuals hold themselves accountable to fulfill these standards that are created.

The sad truth is that it’s no longer just women and girls who face this challenge, but now young boys and men.

“Poor body image is most often associated with girls, but boys suffer from it, too.

They can feel as though they don’t have enough muscles or six-pack abs, or that they aren’t tall enough,” according to the Family Doctor website.

But, regardless of age and gender, we should not be worrying about how our body looks.

Other than worrying about the appearance of bodies, think about what they can do.

Sports November 18, 2020

The Runner

Facilities updates are underway

By Matthew Lavelle Sports Writer Although many people have not been on campus for some time now, CSU Bakersfield continues on with updates to its facilities. Some of which will not be seen when campus reopens, and some that directly change the landscape of the campus itself.

Plans for the Harvey L. Hall Family Plaza originally envisioned an improved gathering place for students and Roadrunner fans attending Athletics and University events at the Icardo Center. In the time since, with the help of campus leadership, that concept transformed into a renovation that benefits both CSUB Athletics as well as the campus. Including the relocation of the roadway turnaround, the Student Health Center will now better be served as well, stated a CSU Bakersfield press release.

“It’s a donor driven project that’s expanded into kind of a bigger project for a major entry point to the campus, and that is the Hall Family Plaza. The official name is the Harvey L Hall family Plaza,” said Senior associate Director of Athletics External Af-

Photo provided by CSUB Athletics

fairs and Capital Projects Karen Langston.

“It’s renovating both sides of the road there on the front of the Carter Center, and then the backside of the health center, said Langston, So it’s going to move that turnaround circle over and it’s going to kind of open up that entry point of campus… it really will be like a community gathering space.It feels like it has been a long time coming, even though it has only been a couple years that we have been

talking about the Harvey L. Hall Family Plaza, said Lavonne C. Hall. Harvey and I talked about having a place here at the University that would carry our name, mainly because we always wanted to help the university. Harvey loved this university. He was adamant about education and furthering people, especially in the community of Bakersfield,” Lavonne C. Hall, President and CEO of Hall Ambulance, Harvey Hall’s wife, said in a press release.

The Hall Plaza is not the only facility that is getting remodeled, the baseball teams. Clubhouse will also be getting a needed upgrade.

“We are replacing our clubhouse at baseball. We had an agreement that was on the portal clubhouse that was out there ended, and so we needed a replacement out there. So we’re going through that process and it will definitely be a bit of an upgrade from what we had before,” said Langston.

With maintenance being done on things viewable to the public, there are also plenty of things being done behind the scenes “All of the pieces you see on the road, vital electrical pieces that serve the buildings, have had the main wires and switches replaced,” said Assistant Vice President of capital Planning Design and Construction Hasit Panchal. “Also would be the replacement of water lines, which supplies water

5

to the buildings; Admin A West doesn’t have water wells, they have gone bad, we need to shut down the entire campus if the toilets or sinks are leaking to be able to fix this.”

According to Langston, many of these updates have been in the works for some time.

“We’ve had a long standing project to update and expand our locker room space for student athletes.

It’s been a long, long overdue project… a majority of our female student athletes are operating out of the facility that’s about a third of the size that they need in terms of square footage and it’s also a building that was built in the 70s,” Langston said.

“The women’s locker room is outdated and not efficient… separation of lockers, and to make it more efficient, funding has been requested on this,” said Panchal.

According to Langston, architectural drawings and an estimated budget have been planned.

“So we’re just, waiting to see if that’s something that we can continue to move forward on,” Langston said.

Big West unveils plan for 2020-21 season

By Ron Stapp Sports Editor Progress toward a college basketball season continued when the Big West Conference unveiled its 2020-21 schedule on Wednesday.

On the heels of the NCAA’s announcement last month that Division I men’s and women’s basketball teams can open their seasons starting on Nov. 25.

Cal State Bakersfield has not finalized its preseason schedule, but the Roadrunners are slated to start its inaugural Big West season — albeit somewhat modified — against UC Davis on Dec. 27.

The men’s squad will host the Aggies for games on back-to-back nights, while the women’s team will travel to Davis for a pair of games on the same nights.

“The Big West Board of Directors did due diligence in examining all of the factors involved in a safe and responsible return to competition, with basketball being the pilot moving forward,” said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly in a news release. “The Big West Conference understands the need for consistent and multi-layered levels of testing protocols that put safety at the forefront for our member institutions. Cognizant of state

and county restrictions, and the NCAA Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Basketball, we feel we have a plan in place that will adhere to those mandates.”

As part of a safety protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 11-team conference scheduled two-game series at the same location in the hopes of creating a safer environment with less travel for the athletes, coaches and staff.

The traditional home-and-home round-robin schedule has been altered so that teams will instead play the same opponent on consecutive days at one site, with most games taking place on Friday and Saturday.

“We are excited for the season ahead, especially for it being our first as members of the Big West,” said CSUB men’s coach Rod Barnes. “We are thankful to both the Big West and CSUB leadership for making health and safety their priority. Our Big West opener in December is going to be a huge moment for our program and we’re going to work hard to be ready for that day.”

Guided by the California State University Chancellor’s Office and local health authorities, the Roadrunners will not permit spectators at the games for the safety of

players, coaches and staff.

Though spectators will not be permitted at the Icardo Center, fans will be able to follow the action via live broadcasts on the ESPN family of networks.

CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny, who sits on the Big West Conference Board of Directors, welcomed the emphasis on safety.

“I am so pleased for our scholar-athletes and all the fans of Roadrunner basketball that we will resume competition — and in a new conference,” Zelezny said. “It has been a time of uncertainty as we chart a new course forward, but we are now able to start a new day in a new way. I feel confident that every decision made by the Big West and CSUB has put the safety of our scholar-athletes and all others ahead of any other consideration.”

Each team will contest the schedule over an 11-week period with one bye week built in. Games will not be rescheduled should a team need to quarantine during the season.

The schedules mirror one another, with the men’s and women’s teams playing the same opponent at opposite venues.

The new conference includes games against: Long Beach State, Cal Poly, Hawaii, UC Riverside, Cal State Fuller-

ton, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Northridge.

“We are ecstatic about the huge step forward today’s announcement brings for our scholar-athletes, coaches, and staff,” said Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, CSUB’s director of athletics. “We are so thankful for the careful thought and planning put into this schedule by Commissioner Butterly, President Zelezny, and her fellow members of the Big West Board of Directors. We can’t wait to see our `Runners playing games again and we will continue to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.”

Since NCAA’s Sept. 16 announcement about the start of the Division I season, the Roadrunner basketball teams have been limited to small-group workouts.

Things figured to ramp up in the next week. CSUB’s full, finalized basketball schedules, contingent on local and state health restrictions, will be released in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, the Big West’s 12-week schedule will go through February 27, with the conference tournament running March 10-13 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.