special print edition
DAILY FORTY-NINER EST p 1949
Vol. LXXXI, Issue 42
www.daily49er.com
Spring break | March 26 - April 3
Monday, March 14, 2022
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NEWS 3
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM ON THE COVER Photo by Ulysses Villa
The view in downtown Long Beach overlooking the Rainbow Harbor and Lions Lighthouse.
See page 14 to read an opinion on COVID-19 travel
Ashley Ramos Editor in Chief eic@daily49er.com
Sai Zin Phyo Lwin Business Manager business@daily49er.com
Australia
•
•
The CDC recommends being up to date with vaccinations before traveling and warns unvaccinated Americans to avoid travel to the country. According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, American tourists are allowed to enter the country and are not required to arrive with proof of a negative test or quarantine. Several popular tourist destinations in Mexico, like the state of Jalisco, require people to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours to enter places like bars and clubs.
•
•
No requirement to present a negative COVID-19 test and there is no quarantine period in place. Beginning March 1, 2022, businesses, sports, cultural and academic activities, as well as discos, dance halls, and nightclubs, are operating at 100% capacity if they require vaccination QR codes. If required, individuals vaccinated abroad who do not have a vaccination QR code can present their physical vaccination card to verify that they are fully vaccinated.
Travelers need to provide vaccination status when checking in for their flight. According to the Australian Government, a negative COVID-19 test result is required for traveling to or transiting through Australia. Quarantine requirements are determined by State and Territory governments.
England • • •
Costa Rica
•
Travelers do not need to quarantine when arriving in England. Masks are required in enclosed environments and public transportation. According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination or citizenship status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before traveling back to the U.S.
• •
Managing Editor managing@daily49er.com
Opinions Editor Christina Merino opinions@daily49er.com Sports Editor Thomas Murray sports@daily49er.com Creative Director Gisele Robinett design@daily49er.com Chief Copy Editor Ana Acosta Special Projects Editor Photo Editor Video Editor Social Media Editor
Lillian Li Ulysses Villa Reyn Ou Kristina Agresta
Podcast Editor Cindy Aguilera Public Relations Editor Kaitlyn Rowell Community Engagement Isabel Silagy Editor
Assistants News Assistants Hannah Shields Vincent Medina Arts Assistant Julissa Villalobos Opinions Assistant Jonathan Bigall Sports Assistant Matthew Brown Graphic Design Assistant Eunice Barron Special Projects Assistant Sebastian Perez Social Media Assistants Krystal Ordonez Michael Carcano Podcast Assistants Aziza Gomez Cristian Vasquez
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Japan •
Kevin Caparoso
Deputy Copy Editor Rosaura Montes
Mexico
•
Leila Nunez
Multimedia Managing Editor multimedia@daily49er.com
News Editor Lauren Ramirez news@daily49er.com Arts & Life Editor Christal Gaines Emory arts@daily49er.com
By Christina Merino Opinions Editor
•
Business Office Phone (562) 985-1740
Editors
As COVID restrictions begin to diminish in the United States, it is important to be knowledgeable about guidelines still in place in other countries people are planning to visit.
•
1250 Bellflower Blvd., LA4-203 Long Beach, CA, 90840
Editorial Office Phone (562) 985-8000
COVID-19 regulations in different countries
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Daily Forty-Niner
Beginning March 1, 2022, foreign students, technical trainees, and business travelers will be allowed to enter Japan in limited numbers. Authorized travelers to Japan from the U.S. will be eligible for a further-reduced, three-day quarantine period. According to the United States Embassy and Consulates in Japan, travelers from countries where COVID-19 is not spreading rapidly and who are fully vaccinated may be able to avoid quarantine but the U.S. is not included in this category at the time.
PR & Promotions Manager Kate Michel Distribution Manager Darlene Malolos Distribution Analyst Jacob Patrick Mitchell Creative Director Wendy Rangel Web Assistant Vidyadhari Raghunadha Naid PR & Promotions Intern Alyssa Cristina Canales Nadia Melina Vazquez
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Land Acknowledgment Here at the 49er we acknowledge that the school we report on is located on the sacred site of Puvungna, “the gathering place”. We are on the land of the Tongva/Gabrieleño and the Acjachemen/ Juaneño Nations who have lived and continue to live here. We also acknowledge the Gabrieleño/Tongva (pronounced: GABRIEL-EN-YO/TONG – VAH) and Acjachamen/Juaneño (pronounced: AH-HACH-AH-MEN/JUAN-EN-YO) as the traditional custodians of the Los Angeles region along with the Chumash (pronounced: CHOO-MOSH) to the north and west, and the Tataviam (pronounced: TAH-TAH-VEE-YUM) and Cahuilla (pronounced: KAH-WEE-YAH) Nations to the east. We respect and value the many ways the Tongva/Acjachemen cultural heritage and beliefs continue to have significance to the living people and remind us about the sacred and spiritual relationship that has always existed here at what we now call California State University Long Beach.
Letters Policy: All letters and emails must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Daily Forty-Niner reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space. Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in the issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinons of the Daily FortyNiner are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Daily Forty-Niner.
4 ARTS & LIFE
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | ARTS@DAILY49ER.COM
From
FARM to
TABLE
Skip the grocery store and enjoy an evening at one of Long Beach’s farmer’s markets.
By Sebastian Perez Special Projects Assistant
O
n Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, f a r m e r s , street food vendors and craftspeople come together to sell their goods at farmer’s markets organized by Local Harvest. Located at Bixby Park and Marine Stadium, both locations are within walking distance of attractive waterfronts. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. sellers and marketgoers gather and as the sun sets, the market illuminates. String lights dangle over small farm produce stands while lines form at the pupusa stand and at the empanada stand. Next to that, award-winning tamales were sold at a stand and the lingering smell of rotisserie came from The Chicken Guys food truck. Aside from the wide variety of street food and fresh produce, other niche food products are also available. Artisanal bread is sold to pair with the “world’s best balsamic sauce” or you can enjoy a cup of Honduran coffee, the selection is constantly growing. Garcia’s Roasted Peanuts sits among these stands, selling plastic bags of locally packaged nuts. Abel Garcia, who along with his brothers, helps his father run the business, explained the advantages of buying local. “You’re getting quality here, nothing old, everything is fresh,” Garcia said. The Garcia’s have been in business since 2004 and have been selling at Local Harvest farmer’s markets for five years. This family business is based in Orange County and they buy all their nuts and fruit wholesale from local California growers. “We started with the roasted
peanuts, and we ended up getting our packaged nuts and dry fruit,” Garcia said. Smaller batches and a more direct farm-to-table approach have other benefits besides quality. There are several reasons why conscious consumers may opt out of the grocery store and head to their local farmer’s market. “You get to talk to people and explain, they can sample it,” said Rose Rennie of Energy Bee Farms. “You can’t do that stuff in a grocery store.” Rennie makes a compelling case as to why small farmers businesses such as Energy Bee Farms, which has been around for 50 years, rely on a closer connection to customers to compete against large farms. The 3,000 hives at Energy Bee Farms don’t produce enough honey to compete with corporate farms that can have upward of 200,000 hives according to Rennie. Certified Farmer’s Markets, like the ones hosted by Local Harvest, are certified by the state of California and were established in 1977 to help small California farmers by exempting them from packing, sizing and labeling requirements. “These are tiny farms, this is not like Conagra [Farming corporation]. You have to grow here in California,” Rennie said. “These small family farms are disappearing at a rapid rate.” Programs like Certified Farmer’s Markets have helped these small farms greatly. According to data released in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, small family farms make up 79% of farms, with small being defined as having a gross income less than 350,000. Unfortunately, the same data indicates that these small farms only make up about 5% of total agriculture revenue in the state. Meanwhile, large farms (over a million dollars in annual income) make up 7% of farms, yet account
SEBASTIAN PEREZ | Daily Forty-Niner
A customer carries a bag full of produce purchased from local vendors.
SEBASTIAN PEREZ | Daily Forty-Niner
People buy produce at the farmers market at Marine Stadium. for 60% of total agriculture revenue. Farmer Roland Tamai knows all about being one of these small farms competing against larger farms. He proudly hangs a vinyl banner at his stand with the words “We grow what we sell” scrawled beneath his family name. The Tamai family has been farming in America since the turn of the 20th century and before that, they were farming in Japan. For Roland, farming is all he knows, and his knowledge is evident. “I’m a farmer myself so you can ask me anything about where your food is coming from, and I think that’s real important,” Tamai said. Tamai’s produce comes from his family’s farm located in Ox-
nard. According to Tamai, his customers are getting the same day’s pick while grocery stores are offering third day and beyond because produce at larger farms must be picked, packaged and shipped. Unlike Tamai’s stand, many Local Harvest Farmer’s Markets produce stands are run by employees rather than the farmers themselves. These larger farms provide food to a larger geographical area and often require more employees, contributing to the economy. Castellanos Farms, based in Tulare County, distributes fresh produce to cities in California going as far north as Fresno and down south to San Diego. Nora Dominguez has been working for Castellanos Farms
since 2015. Twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, Dominguez’s husband drives a semi-truck to Dinuba, California to pick up fresh produce. “It’s not like in the [super] markets where produce is often imported and stored in coolers, leading to loss in flavor and quality,” Dominguez said. Throughout the week, she and her husband distribute the produce throughout Long Beach. Additionally, her husband occasionally works on the farm, further strengthening the farm-to-table connection. Supporting farmers at farmers markets, like the ones hosted by Local Harvest, is a great way to support small business. Not all Local Harvest vendors accept card payment. All vendors accept Farmers Market Cash which can be purchased with card payment at the information booth for zero additional fee. Additional Information Local Harvest https://www.localharvest. org/long-beach-ca Long Beach Fresh http://lbfresh.org/ Bixby Park 130 Cherry Ave., Long Beach Marine Stadium Appian Way & Nieto Ave., Long Beach
COME TO OUR EVENT!
6 ARTS & LIFE
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | ARTS@DAILY49ER.COM
Low budget fun for the broke college student By Rosaura Montes Deputy Copy Editor
S
pring break is here and it’s time to relax before classes start up again. Some students might be wondering what to do during the break if they’re working on a low budget. Having fun during spring break doesn’t mean a great deal of money has to be spent. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find fun ways to enjoy spring break with a limited budget. Here are fun ideas students can do to destress and take a breather at The Pike in Long Beach, which is approximately 15 minutes away from the CSULB campus. Tuesday special at Cinemark Going to the movie theater can be expensive at times but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Cinemark at The Pike has an all-day Tuesday ticket special for anyone to enjoy a showing at the low cost of $7.25 or $9.00 if you buy tickets online in advance. Students have the opportunity to watch films like “The Batman,” “The Lost City,” “Death on the
Nile” and more. The theater is a fun place to relax and unwind to get away from the world for a few hours. Fun Activities If you want to do more than walk around the boardwalk, you can rent a bike to maneuver your way around and enjoy sightseeing. You can rent a surrey that holds three people and two children for $28 an hour, a deuce coupe that holds two people and two small children also for $28 an hour, or a three-speed cruiser bike for $12 an hour. Wheelchairs and strollers are also available throughout the day. Reservations are not required to rent ahead of time. Another way to enjoy The Pike while getting a workout is to go for a fun swan boat ride that can hold up to five people for $11 (per person). Online reservations are required before renting a boat. Bike and swan boat rentals are available throughout the day. To have some extra fun you can rent either of them at night and LED lights will decorate the vehicles. Trying something new Students interested in trying something new can experience kayaking near the Naples canals in Long Beach for $12 an hour. Rental procedures advise those interested in renting a kay-
ULYSSES VILLA | Daily Forty-Niner
People looking for cheap activities during spring break can visit The Pike in Long Beach.
ak to reserve a spot online, watch a safety video, and experienced swimmers are only allowed to participate. Classic beach fun Of course, there’s always classic beach fun hanging out next to the waves. Friends can get togeth-
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er and create a potluck meet-up to enjoy each other’s food while catching up. Taking a frisbee, soccer ball, or anything else to have fun with will be an added bonus. Students on a budget can have fun during spring break and don’t have to go a far distance thanks to
research and planning. The simplest activities can go a long way to having fun. Trying something new or simply hanging out at the beach with friends can help students to get back on their feet before finals come around.
ARTS & LIFE 7
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | ARTS@DAILY49ER.COM
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CHRISTINA MERINO | Daily Forty-Niner
Spring break is around the corner and there are many ways to find lesser known locations wherever you are.
By Christina Merino Opinions Editor
T
he weather starts to get warmer and once midterms are over, it’s time for spring break activities. Whether you’re going back to your hometown or staying in the Long Beach area, your favorite places to go will soon be crowded with other people on their break as well. Finding new locations to enjoy can be a fun item to add to your spring break bucket list. From new coffee shops to a secret spot on the beach, here are ways to start your search. Think of what you want to do Depending on where you are, there can be too many or too few options for what you want to do during spring break. First think about what activity you want to do for the day: go for a swim, drink some good coffee, window shop or have a virtual reality experience. You can also think big like going sky diving or whale watching. Trying to get out of your usual routine and go-to spots will open the doors to explore places you and others may not be going to as often. Just start driving (or walking) For free-spirited people, an easy way to find hidden gems in
How to find H
idden gems
There are easy ways to start finding lesser-known places in your area and all throughout California.
your area is to drive around your area. Keeping a careful eye on the road while looking around for your next spot to hang out can land you in places you may have never noticed before. For those with driving anxiety and who would rather have a set place to go, setting a general destination could be more appealing
to begin with. Once you arrive at your temporary destination, start walking in any direction. Stop and be open to anything that may pique your interest. Search on social media We have been granted the gift of technology and the internet, what better way to put it to use
than by searching for new places to go explore. Being in an area that you’ve never been to before, looking up the location on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can give you an idea as to where the locals go that aren’t visited as often by tourists. Platforms like Twitter and
Reddit can give you even more niche suggestions on where to go hang out. Resort to Google Maps The best app you can have on your phone to find hidden gems in your area is Google Maps. The carefully curated map can give you suggestions for different restaurants, cafes, bars, museums, and even art galleries that you may have never heard of before. It takes your location and gives you suggestions on where you can go nearby. Locals also upload and comment on the app to certain places which can interest you more. Google Maps gives you the time of how long it will take you to drive, bike, or walk to the destination. Giving suggestions on surrounding locations as well will not leave your search unsatisfied. Users can even contribute to the app by uploading pictures and comments on places that they have been so that others like you can find the hidden spot too. Bring your friends along for the ride Friends who have grown up in the area or visit different places often can make suggestions that others or the internet may not even know of. Brainstorming ideas with one another can help create the itinerary for the day. Sometimes the actual location of where you go or where you end up does not matter. If you bring the right friend or friend group along, any place can be a hidden gem with the newfound memories you create with one another.
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Retro Row
8233 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
2025 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
You deserve a treat. Go grab a pastry or two at the famous Porto’s Bakery!
Dubbed “Retro Row,” 4th Street is where the vibrancy and creative spirit of Long Beach lives!
RTISEMENT
Plan your next ride with the moovit app. ridelbt.com/student-basics/
The Pike Outlets
LBX: The Hangar
95 S Pine Ave Long Beach, CA 90802
4150 McGowen St Long Beach, CA 90808
Enjoy breathtaking harbor views, more than 30 retailers & restaurants, cinema, comedy club, boutique hotel, and the iconic carousel & Ferris wheel at The Pike Outlets.
Bring some friends to The Hangar where a variety of food & drink stations are set up in a huge structure where airplanes were once built!
10 ARTS & LIFE
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | ARTS@DAILY49ER.COM The sun rising over Joshua Tree National Park.
Five places in Southern California for camping By Jonathan Bigall Opinions Assistant
S
pring break for Long Beach State is coming up and many students have most likely began to hash out plans for what to do with their week-long vacation. For those who want to use the time given to get away from their hectic life as a student, camping is one of the best options to do. The benefits of camping might be just what a college student could need. According to Kampgrounds of America, camping can reduce stress, build relationships and offer an opportunity to “unplug” and forget about your digital de-
JONATHAN BIGALL | Daily Forty-Niner
vices. Here are five spring break camping locations in Southern California. Sequoia National Park A little more than two and a half hours east of Bakersfield, Sequoia National Park is home to the largest trees on earth–the giant sequoia. It is the home of the General Sherman Tree, which is currently the largest living tree. Besides the trees, Sequoia has multiple opportunities for other recreational activities like hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and more. Entrance passes and campsite reservations can be made on the Sequoia National Park website. Pismo State Beach Pismo Beach is located just 15 minutes south of San Luis Obispo and features tent campsites and recreational vehicle lots. Avail-
able activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, surfing and more. Campsites and lodging can be reserved up to six months in advance and reservations can be made at the Pismo State Beach website. Big Bear Lake Big Bear Lake is a little more than a three-hour drive from Long Beach. According to the Big Bear Lake website, there are four major sites for tent and RV camping, which are: • The Serrano campground • The Pine Knot campground • The Holcomb Valley Campground • The San Bernardino National Forest campsites. There are also cabins and hostels to rent. Some of the available activities include fishing, paddle
and water sports, lake tours and more. Reservations for the Serrano, Pine Knot and The San Bernardino National Forest campsites campgrounds can be made on Recreation.gov. However, the Holcomb Valley Campground is on a first come, first serve basis. Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree National park is a little less than an hour drive from Palm Springs. A segment of the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree offers very little for water recreation. However, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and rock climbing. Being a desert, Joshua Tree gets relatively hot in the spring with little humidity. Therefore the Joshua Tree National Park website recommends drinking a
gallon of water a day to replace fluids. Reservations for campgrounds in Joshua Tree can be made on the Joshua Tree National Park website on the camping tab. Jalama Beach Just a little more than an hour drive from Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach is a remote beach campsite that accommodates tents, RVs and has cabins as well. The beach has opportunities for picnicking, whale-watching and surfing as well as fishing, according to the County of Santa Barbara Parks Division website. The campground also has the Jalama Beach Store and Grill where food and other items can be purchased. Reservations for campgrounds can be made at the County of Santa Barbara Parks Division website.
Ways to pass time in your small town By Ashley Ramos Editor in chief
G ASHLEY RAMOS | Daily Forty-Niner
Ebin Villarino, an Art History major, on a hiking trail in Malibu.
CHARLIE DEETS | Unsplash
A drive in movie theater is a great activity to partake in during spring break.
ASHLEY RAMOS | Daily Forty-Niner
A merchant at the Sunday farmers market located on Marina Drive.
rowing up in a small town, breaks were always difficult to navigate. I didn’t want to spend my break doing nothing but there weren’t a lot of things to do around town. Although some of these things may require a bit of driving, it’s better than staying at home. Go to a thrift or antique store A great way to pass time and find some cute gems is going to a thrift or antique store. Use Yelp to find thrift stores near you! My favorite vintage store in my hometown is La Boutique Consignment and Bridal Estate sales Similar to going thrifting or antiquing, estate sales are a great way to past time especially if you love vintage things. Use EstateSales.Net to find estate sales near you or look around your neighborhood. One of my favorite influencers is known for her estate finds. Her whole house is basically made up of estate finds. Go to a drive in movie Instead of just going to catch a
movie in a theater why not spice it up, it is spring break! To find a drive in near you use Yelp or look through this article posted by Timeout. Farmers markets Spring is a time to relax and enjoy the spring harvest. During spring break, is a great time to go to the farmer’s market. To find farmer’s markets, search online or browse Facebook pages. For a list of farmers markets in Long Beach, visit LBFresh.org. Hiking trails School can be stressful and a great way to decompress is absorbing the sun. Take a minute to appreciate the outdoors, crisp spring air and wild flowers by going on a hike. To find hiking trails near you visit the website or download the app AllTrails. Binge watch TV shows One of my favorite activities is watching TV. I feel it’s a nice way to decompress and it helps me see the world through a different lens. Plus it’s a free alternative and you can always watch with a friend. Being in a small town, there’s not a lot of activities but there’s still something small and fun you could do everyday. Regardless if you live in a small town or a big town, these activities can be done anywhere. But more than anything, make sure to rest and relax over spring break.
ARTS & LIFE 11
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | ARTS@DAILY49ER.COM
Video games to binge over break With spring break fast approaching, it can be hard to figure out how to spend it. If you’re looking for a new game to pick up that will keep you entertained during this time and beyond, look no further than this list, specially picked by two of our staff!
By Lillian Li and Kevin Caparoso
Lilli’s Recommendations Hades
Sayonara Wild Hearts
Monster Hunter Rise
A visually stunning, difficult and thoughtfully designed roguelite centered around Greek mythology.
Players descend into a dream-like journey through a series of catchy, synth-pop songs.
The experience in question is one of comically oversized weapons, flashy armor and, of course, hunting massive monsters.
Available on Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, PC, and MacOS. By Supergiant Games
Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, MacOS and iOS via Apple Arcade. By Simogo and Annapurna Interactive
Available on Nintendo Switch and PC. By Capcom
Kevin’s Recommendations Death’s Door
Valheim
Vampire Survivors
Players take on the role of a crow who is tasked to collect souls while armed with an array of weaponry from a great sword, twin daggers and even an umbrella.
Thematically, the game is heavily inspired by Norse mythology–as the player encounters various monsters, runes and symbols throughout a randomly generated world.
Players are dropped into a map and must kill every monster they encounter.
Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC. By Acid Nerve/Devolver Digital
Available on PC, Android and MacOS.
Available on PC. By Iron Gate Studio/Coffee Stain
By poncle
T
here isn’t always time for video games during the hustle and bustle of the semester. As such, students often must wait with bated breath for any kind of break in order to crack open their gaming systems of choice.
Even with the anticipation of a good gaming session, however, choosing what to play can be an arduous task. Hopefully, these suggestions have made your spring break gaming experience a little easier--even if it takes the willpower of the Greek gods to tear yourself away from your console when it’s done!
Read more at daily49er.com
Staff members Lilli and Kevin share their top picks for spring break gaming.
Illustration by Lillian Li
12 ARTS & LIFE
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | ARTS@DAILY49ER.COM
night is still
The
young
Photos by Ulysses Villa
Alex’s Bar, right, in Long Beach showcased local bands playing throughout the night, including The Shaking Hands. Ryan Wells, below, an artist from Paramount, bought two $5 roses to gift to someone at Panama Joe’s bar and grill.
The Grasshopper bar offers a wide assortment of drinks like the Daydreamer, a $13 London dry gin with Campari, strawberry/tarragon consume and fresh lime (above), and Say No More, a $13 London dry gin with Lillet green, elderflower, and fresh lemon (below).
OPINIONS 13 How my expectations for spring break have changed for the better
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | OPINIONS@DAILY49ER.COM
By Andrea Lopez Contributor
A
ll throughout high school, I couldn’t help but wonder what college students did for spring break. Some students may say they were going to go party in Mexico or go on a cruise to let loose after midterms. But is that what they really say, or is that what I’ve been shown in the movies? Let’s be honest: what do students really do for spring break? The one and only thing I look forward to during spring break is doing absolutely nothing. There is nothing more soothing than knowing you don’t have to wake up early the next day and battle an internal debate over whether it’s a good idea to skip class. I finally get to catch up on all my shows, stay up late and drink endless amounts of wine with my loved ones. There have been spring breaks over the years that I felt disappointed in myself for not having a wild vacation. I tried to live up to the movie “Spring Breakers,” but let’s be real, no one should have that type of spring break and most importantly—it’s not
reality. I think taking a vacation is great; however, getting into legal trouble and forgetting what day of the week it is does not sound appealing when you know you have work and school in a week. My idea of spring break has shifted over the years after I went on a cruise and found myself exhausted returning to class the following Monday. Although I’d love to go to Papas and Beer in Mexico with my friends every year, I found that doing nothing was my newfound bliss during that one week. I feel that it’s okay to finally let go of the stigma of trying to live up to the way entertainment has shown us how to live our life during spring break. We are tired, burnt-out students and sometimes going on a trip to Mexico sets us up to be tired for the rest of the semester. I feel it is also important to understand that wanting to do absolutely nothing for spring break does not make you weak. It makes you human. I mean, hello, we are part-timefull time college students with jobs, trying to also maintain a social life and workout. My expectations for spring break have shifted immensely from wanting to party hard to being ecstatic that I can stay home and cook breakfast without having to run out
ANDREA LOPEZ | Daily Forty-Niner
Spring break with drinks in hand at the beach.
the door with a granola bar I won’t even eat. That week off is a great time to explore new restaurants on Second
Street in Long Beach, visit places close to us like Huntington Beach, and enjoy the local beaches like Peninsula Bay beach with friends.
This spring break, you can find me at the local beach, sipping a cocktail with no rush to find a good parking spot at school.
Our world does not revolve around homework By Lyda Dok Contributor
T
he anticipation and excitement college students feel before spring break can be ruined in a matter of seconds by homework assignments. This is the universal experience every student feels at one point in their college life. Students already dedicate a majority of their time to schoolwork, why should spring break be the same? Students who spend too much time on homework experience stress, health problems, and a lack of balance in their lives. More than two hours of homework a night may be counterproductive, according to a study from Stanford University. Personally, I do not think professors should assign homework over break. Homework assigned over break honestly ruins my entire “vacation”. The deadline constantly lingers in the back of my mind the whole time. During my breaks, I want to decompress because I am stressed from all the school work I have to do already. Having even one week to relax is such a blessing. Some professors should
realize that having this time off is such a reward for us students. From past experience, I know the majority of students will probably do their homework last minute or even on the last day of break. The finished product is not even worth turning in sometimes since students will not put effort into the assignments. Homework over break is not beneficial to my learning. I do not want to work on an assignment for my whole break; I would rather spend it at the beach, with friends and family, or finally sleep in for once. College students already deal with the stress of their personal lives outside of school plus their school work and life. It is pointless to have a so-called “break” when students are still being put to work by their professors. Spring break should be the time to explore skills of one’s personal interest or a time students will truly have to themselves. Students have a life outside of school. The world is made of more than just homework. If we still need homework to force students to stay focused and motivated during holidays, then professors have some homework to do themselves. With students constantly racing to beat deadlines and assignments, they should be able to actually get that well-deserved break from their homework.
KRISTINA AGRESTA | Daily Forty-Niner
Homework assigned over spring break can oftentimes get in the way of decompressing and relaxation.
14 OPINIONS
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | OPINIONS@DAILY49ER.COM GISELE ROBINETT | Daily Forty-Niner
The pandemic is not yet over, so it is important to consider the risks you are taking when traveling.
Should you travel during COVID? Planning to take a trip this spring break amidst a pandemic? With airports opening back up, consider the morality of getting to your next destination.
“W By Nehemiah Balaoro Contributor
I feel extremely torn in this circumstance with not wanting the transmission of this disease to affect anyone and still understanding families need to be together. Teylor Tobin
third-year theatre major
ith spring break around the corner, you may have plans of going on a trip to a different state, a different city, or even to a forest for a
breath of fresh air. Although these are all normal spring break activities, the reality of COVID-19 is still prevalent. But is traveling during a pandemic all that bad? I took a trip during the pandemic in March 2021 to Hawaii. It may seem as though it was paradise for me, but I went there to attend my grandfather’s funeral. Not quite a “paradise.” In my case, this trip was an emergency. By and large, COVID-19 has changed our world so much that travel has become something we have to think twice about. With all the uncertainties that it entails, other students feel unsure about taking trips this spring break. “I think traveling at any point right now is a risky thing,” said Teylor Tobin, a third-year theatre major at Long Beach State. “I understand as a student who is not from the city of Long Beach how important it is to visit family on these breaks.” Despite her reservations about students wanting to travel during spring break, Tobin
also empathizes with the feelings of those who miss their families. “I feel extremely torn in this circumstance with not wanting the transmission of this disease to affect anyone and still understanding families need to be together,” she said. Tobin also said that she thinks others should be safe and take precautions when traveling by plane or other public means. “I do believe people should be tested before taking a flight traveling. There is no reason you should be unwilling to test,” she said. “This is ten times truer for those who refuse to be vaccinated.” Overall, to travel is to take a risk. This virus has claimed millions of lives and it is understandable to have some reservations when it comes to travel. It will be a while until we can be able to travel freely. Hopefully, that day comes sooner than expected. But with the pandemic still present, nobody should take a trip outside of U.S. soil. Domestic flights should be in the clear as contact tracing has been made easier for Americans. Now that the vaccine has been distributed across the country, flights within the states are possible. Those who refuse to be vaccinated should not be making plans to go to another country any time soon, as they may have contracted the virus and spread it to others. That will bring the case numbers back up rather than minimizing them. At the end of the day, get vaccinated and boosted before planning to fly. If you care for the well-being of others, make sure you are safe when you travel this spring break.
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Photo courtesy of LBSU Athletics
Long Beach State’s all international women’s tennis team has bonded over the fact they all come from different parts of the world.
No spring break, no problem for LBSU’s women’s tennis By Matthew Brown Sports Assistant
S
pring break: the time when students desert campus, turn off their brains for a week and forget all their responsibilities. However, for some athletes, spring break isn’t for relaxation, instead it’s a time of intense training and competition. For Long Beach State’s all international women’s tennis team, not having a spring break means more than having to work when the rest of campus is gone. Sacrificing spring break means not being able to travel home and see their families. “Obviously I’m a little disappointed,” Claire Le Du, a redshirt freshman from Normandy, France, said. “But when we sign here we know that we are not going to be like other students. We know that we’re not going to have spring break and it’s going to be hard.” Coaching international students is nothing new for head coach Jenny Hilt-Costello, who is in her 23rd year at LBSU. She has watched her team grow close together and bond over the fact they are all far away from their families. “There’s a transition for any student-athlete coming from high school to Division-1, and of course, these girls are also battling the fact that they are thousands of miles away from home,” Hilt-Costello said. “They have each other as a support group. And as coaches, we’re always here
While students flee campus to go visit home or travel to new places, the school’s team stays behind and grinds.
to for them if they need to talk.” Hilt-Costello notices that the first semester is typically the toughest one for any international student. Once they get settled into a routine and get used to a new culture their play also improves. “I’ve been seeing a lot of improvement with the team as time goes on,” Hilt-Costello said. “We were really tight with Hawaii, who I think is going to be one of the top teams in the league. We are making a lot of progress and I think we are right there with the top teams in the conference.” Seven out of the eight players on the roster have been in the United States for less than a year. The only player used to being away from home so long is redshirt junior Zara Lennon from Grand Bay, Mauritius. “I’ve had two Christmases without my parents and that has been really weird,” Lennon said.
“It can definitely be tough when you want to have a little support from family and friends from home and you don’t really have it.” Lennon says that although there still can be difficult times, she has grown used to being away from home for so long. It also allows her to appreciate the time she does spend home during the summers even more. Lennon has also taken on a leadership role, being the only player who has played a season of college tennis before. Lennon and the team have bonded over the fact they are all international students. The veteran says everyone is interested and loves learning about all the unique cultures they have. While learning about new cultures is fulfilling in its own way, most if not all the players have had to deal with culture shock and
learning to adjust while missing their homes. Freshman Sheena Masuda lived in Hong Kong, China her whole life. Masuda is of Japanese decent, but her parents moved to Hong Kong so she can focus on tennis while completing school online. Her hard work paid off as she earned a full-ride scholarship to LBSU. While Masuda was excited to move to California, she admits it was a culture shock. Further, Masuda was unable to go home over winter break due to strict COVID-19 protocols in Hong Kong. “Not being able to see my parents over Christmas was hard, but it’s prepared me for spring break,” Masuda said. “Getting used to the culture out here has been tough, but I think I am adjusting well. Although I still haven’t found a good Chinese restaurant out here.”
Even though it is tough, Masuda prioritizes improving her tennis skills and her commitment to LBSU over anything else. She sometimes wishes she was back home with her friends but knows that the sacrifice is worth it. “Besides the pro level, D-1 is the highest competition you get, and that is why I wanted to come here,” Masuda said. “I’ve definitely improved a lot because I’ve been getting tougher competition and we train at a high level.” There is a sense of unity amongst the team knowing they have all made the sacrifice to pack up and leave their homes behind. They all deal with missing home and having to deal with calling family and friends in different time zones. Although they are halfway across the world from their family and friends, they are not alone. Hilt-Costello expects her team to be ready as usual during the week of break. “We are going to practice, and practice some more,” Hilt-Costello said. “There are advantages to being a student-athlete but there are also sacrifices as well, and playing over spring break is one of them. They know we have some tough matches ahead of us.” While the team doesn’t have the freedom that most students take for granted over spring break, they won’t be stuck in Long Beach. The team will travel up north on April 1 to play Cal Poly SLO, then travel to play UC Santa Barbara the following day. The team has no official plans to do anything on the road trip, but Masuda and Le Du hope there will be enough free time to see Santa Barbara’s beaches and get a sense of what it is like to be on spring break.