therunneronline.com
Remembering Annette Brasher
California State University, Bakersfield
Feb. 9, 2022
Vol. 47, No. 7
Tribute to CSUB student and Black Student Union president Page 3
Black History Month preview pg. 3 The Perfect Avocado Toast pg. 4 Nudity in ‘Euphoria’ pg. 5 Photo provided by Fitzgerald Graves Photo of Donna Polk and Annette Brasher
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The Runner
Feb. 9, 2022
The Runner Staff The Runner
California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 661-654-2165 runner@csub.edu FACULTY ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu PUBLICATIONS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Vada Hepner vunderwood2@csub.edu DIGITAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ellice Richman erichman@csub.edu WEBSITE EDITOR Marlene Garcia SECTION EDITORS Ambria King, Xochitl Martinez, Ernesto Leon, Madalyn Powers, Sydney Williams COPY EDITORS Guadalupe Avalos, Kennadi Burke, Vanessa Hernandez, Frankie Nadal DIGITAL TEAM Camila Arambula, Brizna Fregoso, Autumn Layton, Melisa Magana, Faith Okoli, Adriana Toledo, Claire Welch SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Haydee Barahona, Paige Calvin, Jessica Espinoza Diaz, Victoria Zaragoza REPORTERS/WRITERS Graciela Aguilar, Adeli Arvizu, Fatyma Cendejas, Giselle Gamez, Elizabeth Gossett, Joselyn Green, Carlos Hernandez, Marlene Herrera, Nick Lopez, Yasmin Marcelo, David Mendoza, Alexis Shofner, Ashley Soren, Kiara Zabala, Alexa Zepeda
Boosters, masks required as in-person classes return By Haydee Barahona Social Media Director All CSU Bakersfield students, faculty, and staff will be required to have their COVID-19 booster vaccination upon returning to campus after Feb. 11. Free vaccination clinics are now open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Albertson Room of the Doré Theatre at CSUB. Appointments can be made in advance using myturn.ca.gov and walkins are welcomed. Clinics will be open to the entire community. “Once you get the booster, there is no twoweek wait to be considered boostered,” said Erika Delamar, associate director of Student Health Services at CSUB, during the monthly virtual ‘Runner Walk and Talk on Jan. 27. Delamar recommends for those who have had the coronavirus to be out of the ten-day isolation period, over the symptoms, and not actively sick before receiving the COVID-19 booster vaccine. “Medical and religious exemptions are still respected, but you are required to follow strict weekly testing to come to
campus and we will be following your compliance to this,” said CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny during the ‘Runner Walk and Talk. Fall students and employees who were already on administrative exemption are not required to resubmit. “If you weren’t on that, you would need to submit that exemption, which just basically states that you are 100 percent online with your classes and you would not be accessing campus services,” said Delamar. Students that apply for administrative exemption may not take part in athletic events or utilize campus services, including the bookstore, library, Student Recreation Center, or Student Health Services. Administration exemptions, along with vaccine cards and COVID screening, can be submitted by clicking on the top of CSUB’s main webpage at www.csub.edu. CSUB will proceed to follow protocols, including an electronic health prescreening each day before arriving on campus. “Last week, completion of daily screenings was 64.46% by faculty. This is significantly below compli-
60% of instruction will be faceto-face or hybrid, while 40% will continue online. ance rates from Fall 2021,” said Deborah Boschini, associate vice president of Faculty Affairs, in an email on Feb. 2. Boschini says that some on-campus exposure events over the past month have included missed or failed screenings, which “often lead to quarantines for other individuals.” Those who receive a red X/stay home message after submitting their screening are advised not come to campus, and to call CSUB Case Management at (661) 654-3453. Face covering guidelines have also been updated for the spring 2022 semester. “Students, contractors, vendors, and guests shall have and wear an acceptable face covering when indoors. Face coverings are required outdoors when 6 feet of social distancing cannot be accomplished,”
said Tim Ridley, director of Safety, Risk, and Sustainability, in a Jan. 26 memorandum. All masks must cover the nose and mouth openings. It is recommended to upgrade to a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask. Cloth masks must fit snuggly and have at least three layers. Extra masks will also be available on campus for students to obtain prior to attending their classes. Alternative face coverings, including face shields, must be approved in advance by Environmental Health & Safety coordination with the Student Health Center and Risk Management staff. According to Zelezny, starting Feb. 12, 60% of instruction will be face-toface or hybrid, while the other 40% will continue online. “If we were to have a positive case, the first thing we do is, we ask that people report it as soon as they are made aware,” said Delamar. “If it occurred in a class, we’re going to get the class roster and determine who we need to reach out to, who might need to quarantine, and who’s going to be cleared for campus,” she said.
ABOUT US The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published daily online with a biweekly PDF e-edition, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield. DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Department of Communications. The staff of The Runner reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless. COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield. CONTACT US Send corrections requests, letters to the editor, op-ed submissions and press releases to runner@csub.edu. Send advertising inquiries to Faculty Adviser Jennifer Burger at jburger1@csub.edu.
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The Runner
Feb. 9, 2022
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Student leader leaves big impact By Autumn Layton Staff Podcaster
Annette Brasher was a woman who could put a smile on anyone’s face when she entered the room, tell a joke that everyone laughed at, and even push you to become the best version of yourself. On Dec. 11 she died unexpectedly in her sleep. Family, staff members, and friends were extremely hurt upon hearing this news. She had a huge impact on and off campus. The 54-year-old psychology student worked for the CSUB office of Student Finacial Services, which was perfect for her helpful personality. “She was loyal, respectful and an excellent friend. She wanted to help everyone,” said Donna Polk, a Fall 202l CSUB graduate. Polk had known Brasher for about 3 years and despite their difficulties
Brasher remained a greatfriend. They met at Bakersfield College and continued their friendship from then on. No matter the time or day, Brasher was the person that you could call on for anything. Another person that was impacted by her friendly nature was Fitzgerlad Graves. They first met at a Health Fair at BC, and from then on, their friendship grew. When asked how she impacted his life he said, “She sees more in me than I see in myself. She would make you feel like you were much better than you felt yourself.” Not only were friends inspired by who she was, but so were staff members. One of her professors, Allison Evans, had known Brasher for about a year and wrote, “Annette was amotivated student; she was insightful, dedicated, reflective, and encourag-
ing. She was inspirational.” Even in the slightest moments in an interview or when meeting someone new, Brasher made you feel like the two of you had known each other for a long time. Her openness and willingness to talk to people made it easier to form bonds with her. “She had a tough upbringing and many difficult experiences at a young age. Yet, she had such hope and optimism for her future. She inspired me and I admired her courage. I am glad that someone like Annette was part of the CSUB community,” said Tiffany Tsantsoulas. I personally met Brasher at a Black Student Union meeting, and she instantly brought a sense of comfort and welcoming nature to the meetings. Throughout the couple of months that I have known her, she taught me to go the extra mile to
after implementation last semester. She ended her speech by asking for a moment of silence for Annette Brasher, the former Black Student Union (BSU) President who unfortunately passed away in December. The event also heard from Darius Riggins, Co-chair of BFSA and Director of Outreach, who said, “There is two main points that I want to point out with the significance of Black History Month. First and foremost is to be able to identify and show that African Americans have made significant contributions to society and the world… Secondly, it is important to point out these accomplishments because we tend to see recognition in the forms of entertainment and sports platforms…Being able to see and understand other things (contributions) that have taken place in this society allows the African American community to gain inspiration and to be able to say, ‘if they can do it, I can do it.” The event also shared voices from student leaders. President of the African Student Association (ASA), Chidinma Okey-Dike, talked about the ASA’s goals of unity
within the campus to provide a safe space for Black students to go and feel comfortable. Another voice was the President of the Black Student Union, Fitzgerald Graves, who talked about the importance of Black History Month, “When it comes to Black History I feel strongly about this month. I love that we get an opportunity to revisit and look at all the great accomplishments African Americans have contributed to this nation and this world. I am happy we also spotlight all the positive attributes and put away with the negatives.” Fitzgerald also paid tribute to Annette Brasher, “My friend Nette, who’s passionate about this month as well, she left us unexpectedly... Her passion for her fellow peers ran deep…She was one of those people who would give you whatever you need. A ride, a meal, a book for a public health class, gas, she believed that if you helped a person, you would enhance their life in the way they can do it for others.” The event gave an opportunity to promote Black voices in a time where Black excellence is especially meant to be
Photo provided by Fitzgerald Graves Photo of Fitzgerald Graves, Donna Polk, Annette Brasher
leave a smile on someone’s face, as she did forme. I will carry that on with me until I have the same impact on others. “Ultimately I would say about Annette is no matter
what barriers lay before her, she had the mentality that if she put in the work, she could overcome them and no matter what the past was that did not determine her future, only she
had that ability, and it was through her hard work and dedication to her education that she got a chance to see what her future would potentially be,” said Fitzgerald Graves.
CSUB celebrates Black History Month By Ernesto Leon Assistant Editor Graciela Aguilar Staff Writer CSU Bakersfield kicked off this year’s Black History Month with a virtual event hosted by the CSUB Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA). This meet and greet event introduced students, faculty, and members of the community to powerful Black voices in the roadrunner family. Tamar Anthony, Cochair of the BFSA, announced this year’s theme for Black History Month using a collaborative method by asking everyone to unmute and say it with her, “We’re Black and we’re Proud,” Anthony stated. The event started off with a message from President Zelezny, “The beauty of this month of observance is that it allows each member of our extended family to celebrate the unique experiences, contributions, and culture of African American Runners.” President Zelenzy also mentioned a historic inclusion to the curriculum for all freshmen students, ethnic studies, which was taken for the first time
Graphic provided by CSUB Campus Programming
represented. Natasha Harris, Transfer Student Sucess Coordinator, elaborated on this point saying that Black History is a time that honors Black sucess, but it’s a celebration that should be felt all year long. Black History Month is an annual observance held each February honoring the contributions of African Americans to United States history. Historically the second week of February was chosen as Negro History Week partly because of the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who had great significance in the emancipation of slaves. The commemorating of Black People was established first as a week then expanded to be a recognition of the accomplish-
ments of Black African Americans by declaring February Black History Month. Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a significant reminder that Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America, our struggles, our progress, and our ambitions. The Black Faculty and Staff are holding multiple events all throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. Darrius Riggins, co-chair to the BSFA, will host a virtual meeting of Blacks in Space and Technology which will showcase African Americans who have made significant contributions to space and technology Feb. 25 at 12 p.m. “We will identify different inventions that con-
tributed to technology that people might not know that were invented or started by African Americans, as well as African Americans that are in the space program,” Riggins said. Recognizing African Americans that have contributed to even the everyday items we use and might not recognize as being Black made. Tamar Anthony, also cochair of the BFSA, elaborates on their collaboration with other organizations to celebrate Black History Month. “It has been wonderful to work with everyone to ensure a successful month for the campus community,” Tamar said. Campus programming has also outlined several events for the month.
Features
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Feb. 9, 2022
The Runner
Avocado toast provides a fresh bite By Alexis Shofner Staff Writer If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then it should be a meal you enjoy. This loaded avocado toast is the perfect balance of fresh and savory and looks like a highclass vegan café meal without being overpriced. It’s a quick, filling, and easily customizable dish to start your day. Yields: 1-2 servings Prep time: 3-5 min Cook time: 7 min Total time: 10-12 min Ingredients: - Garlic Sourdough bread - 1 large avocado - Garlic salt, to taste - Pepper, to taste - Pinch of paprika - Baby Bella mushrooms - Cherry tomatoes - 2 cloves of garlic - Olive oil Optional Toppings: - Salsa or Hot Sauce - Vegan queso fresco - Micro Sprouts Directions: Prepare the veggies by mincing 2 cloves of garlic, slicing the Baby Bella mushrooms, and
Photos by Alexis Shofner/ The Runner
cutting the Cherry tomatoes into halves. After preparing the veggies, add olive oil to a pan over low heat and toss in the mushroom slices. Sauté the mushrooms for about 2 minutes before adding in the minced garlic, garlic salt,
pepper, and paprika (each seasoning to taste). At this point, pop the bread of your choice (garlic sourdough was used for this recipe) into the toaster so that it will be ready by the time the veggies are done cooking. Continue to sauté the mush-
rooms and garlic for another 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant before cutting the heat. Now it’s time to plate. Cut the avocado open and smash it directly on to the toast and sprinkle on a pinch of garlic salt and pepper before adding the Cherry tomato halves.
Place the mushroom and garlic mixture on top followed by sprouts, salsa, and queso fresco (all toppings are of course optional and customizable). Eat immediately and enjoy this simple-yet-delicious meal.
By Victoria Cipres Special to the Runner
nick-nacks. They sell them in a single or two tier with a starting price of $8 at both Walmart and Amazon. Another multipurpose item that can come handle is a rolling cart! Many people use these for their art supplies, but this can be used for other things as well. If living in a small space, this can be used to store books, laptops/iPads, cups, bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, the possibilities are truly endless. A rolling cart is a huge space saver and since it has wheels, it’s easy to move around to where you need it to be. On Amazon there is a Greensen 3 Tier All-Metal Rolling Cart that starts at $28.99, but it comes a coupon to save 15% on the item! When it comes to those late-night study sessions, it can be hard to stay focus and feel motivated to do it. Your study space should be a place where you have very little clutter and all the things you need can be in arms reach. What has helped the most is purchasing a desk bookshelf. This item is also multipurpose, and some can also be stored in different ways, such as being stood either on its side or bottom so it can fit the space you need it for. With the desk bookshelf
you can store your books, writing needs, coffee cups, mini speakers, small plants, and of course candles. The PENGKE Office Storage Rack is only $17.99 on Amazon but there are other options as well that range from $18-$25. Finally, the perfect lighting can change and create a whole different mood. Being in a lecture or working where there are fluorescent lights can be hard on your eyes and mind. LED lights are a great alternative for your study space. They come in a variety of forms, such as strips, curtain lights, and bars. With these you can change the color that best fits your mood. At Walmart, they start as low as $4.88. A personal favorite is the auruaLED Multicolor LED Light Bar for $9.97 at Walmart. It can be placed up right on the stand or can be placed behind your desk bookshelf. You can change the color and intensity of the light with a remote or an app on your phone. Your study space should be a place to relax and focus. To achieve that, it all starts on the way you surround and decorate your space so you can have a successful semester and have it become a comfort zone as well.
How to create a study space on a budget
Canva Illustration by Marlene Garcia/ The Runner
Life as a college student is both exciting and daunting. There are so many things that need to be done such as buying books, school supplies, and of course clothing items to wear. One thing that may seem not as important is the way one decorates their dorm or room. This may seem frivolous, but the way you decorate the space around really helps when it comes to studying and relaxing after a long day of lectures and work. Here are some tips and ideas to create a tranquil and zen space, especially during late night study sessions, and on a budget of no more than $30. Life can get messy fast, but that doesn’t mean your studying space should. Some organizers can get pricey. Look first at any clearance section at your local Target or Walmart. Organizers can also have a multipurpose use as well. One that has become a favorite in my collection is a Lazy Susan or a spinning turntable. Normally, this item is used for spices and kitchen items, but it can also be used to store and organizes your school supplies such as writing utensils, sticky notes, and other
Opinions
The Runner
Feb. 9, 2022
HBO’s ‘Euphoria’ overuses nudity By Gisselle Gamez Opinions Writer
Social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok have been filled with memes, reviews, and lots of talk about HBO’s season two of “Euphoria.” Viewers question the excessive on-screen nudity that the show contains and whether or not it is necessary for telling the story of troubled high school kids. The truth is that the show’s storyline is good enough without the heavy amount of nudity in every episode. The hit TV show features nudity within the first twenty minutes of season two’s first episode. Although nudity is useful in creating a realistic image of what the characters are going through, it is not necessary as it already contains graphic scenes of drug abuse, physical violence, and domestic abuse. Not only have viewers expressed their opinions on the unnecessary nudity,
but actors from the show as well. Actress, Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie Howard, one of the main characters of the show, has more nude scenes than any of the other cast members. Her character’s storyline is that of a troubled teenage girl who finds herself seeking validation from men and often betraying those she loves. Sweeney told Mykal Mason of TV news site “ScreenRant,” that the immense amount of nudity that is part of her script takes away from her skills as an actress, causing her performance to not be taken seriously. “I’m very proud of my work in Euphoria. I thought it was a great performance. But no one talks about it because I got naked,” said Sweeney in an interview regarding her performance on “Euphoria.” The frequent nudity on the show may cause viewers’ attention to deflect from the actors’ performance and the
message of the show. It also takes away credibility from certain actors due to the inevitable sexism that exists in society. It is safe to say that nudity is not at all necessary when it comes to telling the stories of a group of troubled high school teens. The drug abuse and graphic violence scenes that the show contains alone show their messed up lives. In fact, episode four of season two has been one of the best and most entertaining episodes of the new season so far and it contained the least amount of nudity in comparison to previous episodes. Considering the show is about kids in high school, the amount of nudity portrayed is questionable. Although the show’s target audience is older teens and young adults, the characters are supposed to be high school students, meaning that there is no need for nudity. The need that scriptwriters feel for
including nudity in TV shows about teens is something that many people have been questioning on social media. One might argue that the nudity included in the show is a step forward in sexual liberation or feminism, but in this show’s case that is not valid. “Showing breasts on television seems to benefit the male gaze more than anything else,” said Brittney Plusnick in an article for Her Campus titled “Euphoria’s nudity isn’t liberating anybody.” Considering the writer, Sam Levinson, is a man, tailoring the show to appeal to the male gaze makes complete sense. Many may say that instead of the nudity in the TV show making it more fun to watch, it makes it difficult to continue watching. “A montage at the start of episode two is borderline unwatchable - a hellish vision of sex, bodies, and gore that made me wonder why it felt the
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Photo provided by Rotten Tomatoes could have been told just need to try so hard,” said as efficiently without Rebecca Nicholson in her all of the topless scenes. TV review for The Guardian titled “Euphoria season Nudity in this TV show doesn’t add anything to the two review - far too much storyline of the characters. nudity, sex and violence.” The nude scenes may drive It is as if the show has started to rely too much on away potential viewers. It also calls for negative the images on the screen critique from viewers on instead of the story those multiple social media images are meant to tell. platforms. Cassie Howard’s story
CSUB receives extra three weeks online By Kiara Zabala Opinions Writer With the spring semester of 2022 approaching, like most students, I was thrilled to finally be able to step foot on campus. I looked forward to being able to make new friends and be face to face with my professors. I was ready to be an official college student; to no longer be hidden behind a computer screen in my bedroom. However, on Jan. 12, an email from Vernon B. Harper that read, “Please know that we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Kern County and on campus. We have been meeting in various groups about how to approach the Spring semester which prioritizes everyone’s health and safety.” On that Wednesday evening at 4:52p.m., I watched it begin again. All the hopes and plans I had made with fellow classmates to finally meet in person; all of those were gone with the push of just a single email. Although nothing was certain, I already knew what would happen. I already was expecting a follow up email.
Just a few two short days later, our campus decided it would be best for us to stay online for the first three weeks of the spring semester. The email read, “CSUB will begin the spring 2022 semester by delivering courses remotely for the first three weeks of the semester (Jan. 24 - Feb. 11),” written by the President’s Cabinet. Although it is a safe option and is smart to not start in-person instruction until it is as safe as it can be; dreams are crushed here at Cal State Bakersfield. I know many people that are in my shoes, who were just so excited to finally step foot on campus. It still hurts to be online, when you are unsure if you will be getting back into the classroom again. This entire pandemic has taken us all on quite the wild ride. Although the plan is to bring in-person learning back on the 11th of February, I cannot help but wonder if history will repeat itself once more. I remember back when this pandemic first started my senior year, and we were told we were going to go on break for a week to help
“flatten the curve”. I personally have not stepped on foot on a campus since. The anxiety is alive in me, but somehow, I am hopeful. I am hoping that on Feb. 12, I will be able to finally be on CSUB campus. Although, I will most definitely have trouble finding where all my classes are and figuring out where I am supposed to park. I am hoping that the end of the seemingly never-ending zoom meetings is approaching us. It is hard to still feel hope within you during such uncertain times, but the hope still runs through my veins that we are finally approaching some sort of end to this two year long nightmare. So, I’ll take the extra three weeks online. I will sit in my room attending my Zoom meetings, still in my pajamas, and wait for the day that we can finally move back towards some normalcy in our everyday lives. Because even though some may not believe we are going back on campus, I choose to stay optimistic despite it all.