Daily Forty-Niner, March 2, 2020 by Beach Media

weekly print edition

DAILY FORTY-NINER EST p 1949

Vol. LXXI, Issue 23

www.daily49er.com

Monday, March 2, 2020

Best Foot

FORWARD Page 10

Super Tuesday Special Section Democratic presidential candidates & their postions PAGE 6

Opinion: A possible first Jewish president PAGE 7

Spill the Tea: Who are you voting for? PAGE 8

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | EIC@DAILY49ER.COM ON THE COVER

Alpha Phi Alpha performs at the 26th Annual Long Beach State Step Show at the Walter Pyramid. The fraternity was the first team to step at the event. Photo by RYAN GUITARE

1250 Bellflower Blvd., LA4-203 Long Beach, CA, 90840

Forty-Niner, DIG MAG staffers collect multiple honors at ACP/CMBAM convention

AN FRANCISCO — The Daily Forty-Niner and DIG MAG collected 22 awards, including four first-place honors, at the ACP/CMBAM College Journalism Convention and California College Media Awards banquet Saturday. The newspaper also took home the top People’s Choice Best of Show awards in both the newspaper and overall categories for Best of Show at the conference. The People’s Choice awards were decided by student journalists from 103 schools who attended the threeday event. The Forty-Niner also won first in the multimedia Best of Show category for its “Out of the Closet” coming-out stories. At the CCMA awards, the Daily Forty-Niner took first place for Best Interactive Graphic for Richard Grant’s stop-by-stop photo story map on the re-opened Long Beach A Line. The staff also won for Best Special Section/Issue for the OUTober issue. Rachel Barnes and Perry Continente’s coverage of the Oct. 2019 shelter-in-place incident won first for Best News Series. The newspaper and magazine also placed in numerous other awards,

Daily Forty-Niner Editorial Office Phone (562) 985-8000

Business Office Phone (562) 985-1740

Austin Brumblay

Rachel Barnes

Editor in Chief eic@daily49er.com

Managing Editor managing@daily49er.com

Aubrey Balster

Multimedia Managing Editor multimedia@daily49er.com

News Editor Madalyn Amato news@daily49er.com Arts & Life Editor Paula Kiley arts@daily49er.com Opinions Editor Perry Continente opinions@daily49er.com including for Best Multimedia Package, Best Podcast, Best Sports Story, Best News Photo and Best Feature Photo. Diana Martinez, Niyah Maldonado of DIG MAG won the top prize for Best Magazine Cover. The magazine also placed for Best Magazine Photo, Best Digital Magazine and Best Print Magazine. “I’m really proud of our staff,” said Forty-Niner Editor-in-chief Austin

Brumblay. “It was a rewarding experience to show what this team can do in such a short amount of time. They are the hardest working group I have ever been around. Well deserved” “These students are dedicated,” added content adviser Barbara Kingsley-Wilson. “After an exhausting three days at the conference, they got off the plane Sunday, got into an Uber and went right to the newsroom.”

Sports Editor Mark Lindahl sports@daily49er.com Design Editor Alejandro Vazquez design@daily49er.com Advertising Manager Steven Zuniga advertising@daily49er.com Business Manager Hannah Getahun business@daily49er.com Special Projects Editor Hannah Getahun Photo Editor Ryan Guitare Social Media Editor Brenna Enos Podcast Editor Manuel Valladares Podcast Editor Julia Terbeche

Weekly Calendar

Webmaster Samantha Hangsan

March

Arts and Life Assistant Paris Barraza

Tuesday 3/3

Wednesday 3/4

Thursday 3/5

Friday 3/6

Saturday 3/7

Sunday 3/8

SPORTS BB @ SDSU 6 p.m.

ASI Project Chill @ USU North Lawn 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ASI Culture Fest @ USU North Lawn 6-8 p.m.

Sports TRACK vs Beach Opener @ Long Beach

ASI Chess 2020 California Summi Sports TRACK vs Beach Opener @ Long Beach

ASI Chess 2020 California Summi Sports SB vs UCF vs SDSU @ LBSU Softball Complex 9 a.m.

Bob Cole The Music Guild @ Daniel Recital Hall 8 p.m.

Bob Cole Bob Cole Sports Faculty Guest Artist SB vs Composers Recital: Duo Minnesota Concert @ Montagnard, vs CSUF @ saxophone Daniel Recital LBSU Softball Hall and guitar @ Complex 8 p.m. Daniel Recital 9 a.m. Hall Sports Sports 8 p.m. WTEN vs WTEN vs LMU @ CSUF @ Sports Rhodes Rhodes WBB vs Tennis Tennis Center CSUF @ Long Center @ 2 p.m. Beach 7 p.m. 2 p.m. Sports Sports BB vs Xavier MBB vs Cal @ Blair Field Poly @ Walter 6 p.m. Pyramid @ 7 p.m. Sports MVB vs Lindenwood @ Long Beach 7 p.m.

Theater Arts “Blood at the Root” by Dominique Morisseau Mar. 5 through Mar. 14 University Theater

Bob Cole World Percussion Concert @ Daniel Recital Hall 8 p.m.

Sports SB vs CSUF vs UCF @ LBSU Softball Complex @ 10 a.m. Sports WBVB vs Stetson @ Zuma Beach 10:15 a.m.

Sports WWPOLO vs UCSD @ Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center 12:00 p.m. Sports WBVB vs South Carolina @ Zuma Beach 12:30 p.m.

Sports SB vs UCF @ LBSU Softball Complex 12:30 p.m. Sports WBVB at Pepperdine @ Zuma Beach 1:45 p.m. Sports BB vs Xavier @ Blair Field 3 p.m.

Sports WBB vs UCD @ Long Beach 4 p.m.

Sports WBVB @ Loyola Marymount 11 a.m. Sports SB vs UCF vs Minnesota @ LBSU Softball Complex 11:30 a.m. Sports BB vs Xavier @ Blair Field 1 p.m. Sports WBVB vs Stetson @ Los Angeles 11:30 p.m. Sports SB vs SDSU @ LBSU Softball Complex 2 p.m. Bob Cole Faculty Artist Recital: The Orpheus Duo @ Daniel Recital Hall 4 p.m. Carpenter Center Live from Laurel Canyon @ 2 p.m.

Assistant Sports Editor Assistant Social Media Editor

Ralston Dacanay Cristal Gomez

Distribution Manager Rachel Barnes Distribution Assistant Alejandro Vazquez Design Adviser Gary Metzker Content Adviser Barbara Kinglsey-Wilson Advertising and Business Jennifer Newton Adviser Letters to Editor editor@daily49er.com Corrections correction@daily49er.com Story Ideas tips@daily49er.com Job Inquiries jobs@daily49er.com

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.

Sports MBB @ CSUF 7:30 p.m.

Interested in having your event featured in the calendar? Reach out to design@daily49er.com for more information on how to get it featured.

NEWS 3

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | NEWS@DAILY49ER.COM

CSULB professor runs for city council Eduardo Lara is running on a platform to alleviate Long Beach’s housing crisis, but teaching sociology will always be his first job.

By Karla Gutierrez Staff Writer

duardo Lara, a sociology professor at Long Beach State, is running for the District 2 seat on the Long Beach City

Council. Lara received his bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice, his master’s degree in bilingual studies from George Washington University and his Ph.D in education from the University of California, Los Angeles. Lara moved to Long Beach 15 years ago and has been teaching at CSULB for 10 years. He said that though he is passionate about city issues, he will never leave his teaching job. “I’m passionate about my career,” Lara said. “I enjoy working with students, and I will continue working at [CSULB]. [Working for city council] is a part-time position.” Q: What is something you’re passionate about that pertains to running for city council? I think about the homeless. I think about affordable housing. For me, that is two sides of the same coin. I say that because there’s an assumption that people who are homeless have a lot of mental health concerns or issues. What is happening, not just in the city of Long Beach, but throughout the country is that things are getting more expensive in particular housing and specifically rent. Think about it, if you don’t have a home over your head, you’re stressing out—where you’re going to eat, where are you going to go—and that causes unnecessary stress. You are going to be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and all these [mental health concerns], so I think the paradigm is upside down right? Indeed, people who have experienced mental health concerns may slip into homelessness, and that does happen, so I’m not disagreeing with that. I think what we’re seeing now is a lot of people who’ve been squeezed out are susceptible to mental health concerns. Q: Has being a teacher helped you with your campaign? Absolutely. I cannot begin to tell you how translatable the teaching

profession is to running for office. Fielding questions? Not a problem. Speaking to audiences? Not a problem. There are two important skill sets in teaching that apply to running for office. Number one: listening. When I teach, obviously, I’m providing some direct instruction, but the most important skill set is to also listen to your students. If students are not understanding material, have you really taught? You have to think, ‘OK, how else can I address this or cover this?’ That requires listening to students, and now running for office, listening to your constituents. Listening to the struggles of everyday residents and being able to respond to that. The second skill set is [being able to inspire]. I don’t go into the classroom just sharing information. You have to present it in a way that’s engaging. You also want to make connections between what students are learning and what that material is good for down the line in their professional careers. That inspiration also has translated tremendously well in the campaigning because we have to remember that at the end of the day, you are not only sharing issues, but you have to provide a sense of hope to the residents that things will change. Q: What is the message you try to get across when campaigning? I call it the “Beach” plan. It stands for beautification in our neighborhoods, so creating more infrastructure. It’s to have more access to public water fountains, so that’s an example ... I believe water should be completely public. It’s the basis for life. The water bottle industry just came about fairly recently in the `90s. We have normalized this idea of commodifying water and buying bottled water. That’s not good for our climate and not good necessarily for people. We have a very active community…The more public water fountains we have with refillable stations that are going to save plastic. I recognize that the city has had a lot of economic prosperity over the years, but to what degree have the everyday workers benefited from that economic prosperity when they continue to be pushed out of, not only their homes, but the communities? There are a lot of vulnerable communities throughout Long Beach: people of color, working class people, the LGBTQ community, girls and women, the youth

KARLA GUTIERREZ | Daily Forty-Niner

Eduardo Lara, Long Beach State sociology professor, speaks with patrons for his District 2 campaign at Wide Eyes Open Palms Coffee+Kitchens.

and elders. I want to make sure that [the] diverse array of our vulnerable communities are also well represented when making decisions in terms of funds and resources. We want to make sure that although climate change is a global issue, we need to start in our own backyards. We need to make sure that we have a zero waste policy in the city of Long Beach and do a better job protecting not only our planet, but our own neighborhoods with respect to climate change. [And] creating transitional

housing for those that are experiencing homelessness to get them back on their feet. Ensuring that we work in a county to provide better mental health support and improve our budget with our own city department of health and wellness. Q: Why are you running for city council? I have witnessed the economic development in our city, especially in the downtown-area, unfortunately not translating

into opportunities for the workers throughout the city. I want to make sure that we put forth policies that allow some of our residents who have lived here—in some cases, for generations—to continue to afford to live in the city that they call home. I also like to say that the city has a small town charm, but yet it’s still very dense and has a lot of people from all walks of life living here. I want to be able to ensure that our residents are not pushed out, and unfortunately that has been happening for sometime.

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VOTE A

BY ERIC WATSON-BAILEY AND CHANCE SINERIUS

s students of voting age, many of us with the opportunity to vote will be taking our ballots to vote centers on March 3. However, with so many candi-

date statements, debates and town halls it might be difficult to know who believes in what. That’s why the Daily Forty-Niner has decided to do the heavy lifting for you. According to multiple polls, Bernie Sanders, Michael Bloomberg, Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden are currently the highest polling democrats in California, so here are their stances on several topics students may care about.

Jason Whitehead, associate professor of political science, said the 18 to 24-year-old demographic historically has had the lowest voter turnout. “I hear students all the time [say] that they want to … be part of the solution to the problems that are besetting the country … so I would say vote,” Whitehead said. “Your vote is the number one tool that you have to direct change in the direction that you want.”

6 PRIMARY SPECIAL

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | STAFF@DAILY49ER.COM

JOE BIDEN

ice President during Barack Obama’s tenure Joe Biden views climate change as his top issue of concern if elected. He plans to immediately rejoin the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement that was notably exited by the Trump Administration. Biden wants to allocate $1.7 trillion toward climate change reformation and drastically reducing carbon emissions, with the goal of zero net emissions in the United States by 2050. “His plan [for climate change] is building on existing government regulations and tax credits and incentives,” Whitehead said. Historically, Biden has pushed towards lowering emissions. During his time with the Obama Administration, Biden played

n the top of Bernie Sanders agenda is more welfare programs for Americans. Sanders is the candidate with arguably the most unorthodox college affordability plan. If elected, Sanders’ administration would help cancel student loan debt and create tuition-free public colleges and trade schools. Sanders plans to fund public higher education through a “moderate tax on Wall Street,” according to statements he made on a recent CNN appearance in Charleston, South Carolina. “[Sanders] has probably the most far reaching plan to deal with college tuition,” Whitehead said. “Sanders’ plan is much

a vital role in the passing of legislation that reduced harmful automotive emissions. On the global scale, Biden plans to “immediately get to work, leading a diplomatic initiative to get every nation to go beyond their initial commitment [to reduce climate change],” according to his campaign website. Biden’s plans to make college more affordable centers on community college. The plan would offer two years of tuition-free community college to both parttime and full-time students. Biden also intends to double the value of Pell Grants and to make them more accessible for Americans, allowing students to use the Pell Grant to cover living expenses. This would create more freedom for college students to choose how their

BERNIE SANDERS more generous than most of the rest of the field [of other candidates] in terms of forgiving student debt.” Sanders’ plan for a drastic revision of college tuition prices and the student loan repayment system was the focal point of his campaign platform in 2016 and still is in his 2020 campaign. Sanders regularly polls most favorably among college-aged voters. When it comes to healthcare reform, Sanders’ plan is to implement a Medicare for All program. This approach would do as the name implies: provide a health care plan for every person in the United States regardless of preexisting medical conditions. Sanders’ healthcare reformation would

be funded by a 4% tax on any family-based income greater than $29,000. Naysayers of Sanders’ plans argue that his goals cannot be fully paid for by governmental funds or taxation. As a rebuttal, Sanders published the breakdown of his funding for each of his policy plans. Sanders’ climate change reduction strategy, The Green New Deal, includes the end goals of transforming America’s energy system into a 100% renewable energy system. If elected, Sanders plans to strengthen DACA and develop more supportive policies for people seeking asylum. He also intends to break up ICE and dismantle deportation centers with inhumane conditions. “Sanders, I think, really wants immi-

MICHAEL BLOOMBERG

he former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is struggling with college students, garnering few supporters. He has plans to address the education and student debt crisis and his $700 billion higher education plan is no different. Rather than eliminate student debt, he plans to restructure current payment plans for new and existing borrowers that would cap monthly payments at 5% of the borrower’s disposable income; which is half the current rate. His targeted income bracket for qualifying families would only be up to $30,000 dollars annually. Bloomberg’s plan on immigration dif-

fers slightly from his democratic opponents. He has openly vowed to reverse some of Trump’s immigration policies such as the travel ban and funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and defend DACA, but wants to offer visas for people willing to emigrate and take jobs to stimulate the economy, according to CNN. He also plans to create start-up visas for both entrepreneurs who create jobs, as well as international students who graduate with advanced degrees in key fields. His plan on healthcare is estimated to cost $1.5 trillion over 10 years, which is much cheaper than any other candidate

ELIZABETH WARREN

lizabeth Warren is holding a steady spot at second place in Democratic Primary support among college students. On her website, Warren claims her Medicare For All plan would cost taxpayers just under $52 trillion over a 10-year period and would provide all Americans with government supplied healthcare benefits. Her plan would be funded by restructuring the tax rate on the wealthy, while claiming not to impose any new taxes for middle-class incomes. Warren also plans to support DACA

financial aid money is being spent. Although Biden’s plan would help community college students, the plan leaves out a mention of assistance for four-year university students, such as California State University students. When it comes to healthcare, Biden is the most noteworthy contrarian candidate. He would continue and expand the Affordable Care Act by adding a public option. Biden’s stance on immigration policy would include strong national borders, and reasserting what Biden describes as a nation of immigrants. “Biden is much more moderate in his approach [of immigration],” Whitehead said. “[He] wants to secure the border, [but] doesn’t want thousands of miles of border wall like Trump.”

and expand the program to anyone entering the country under age 18. She also plans to eliminate the need for jailing undocumented persons on the sole premise of their citizenship status. To address student debt, Warren wants to forgive up to $50,000 of student debt for 42 million Americans. She also plans on creating an annual tax of 2% on families with incomes greater than $50 million to provide a $500 billion spending package that would provide tuition for families earning less than $100,000 annually and fund HBCUs.

Warren also takes pride in cosponsoring the Green New Deal resolution introduced by Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Warren wants to address climate change with a budget of $3 trillion spent over a 10 year period to shift the U.S. to 100% clean energy in that timeframe. Some of the details of that plan include zero carbon pollution from new commercial and residential buildings by 2028 and zero emissions of new cars, buses and both light and mid-duty trucks by 2030.

proposing healthcare. However his plan would not be as extensive as those proposed by senators Warren and Sanders. Bloomberg’s plan would allow private insurers to remain intact, but also form a government-based option that would be funded primarily with customer premiums, according to the New York Post. He claims the competition will drive private insurance rates down. Bloomberg plans to cut carbon emissions and work towards making all new vehicles pollution free by 2035. He also wants to reduce diesel pollution from trucks and buses and has pledged to get the U.S. involved with the Paris Climate Agreement.

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | STAFF@DAILY49ER.COM

PRIMARY SPECIAL 7

Red, white and Jew Isn’t it about time we have someone other than a Christian in the White House?

By Julia Terbeche Podcast Editor

he 2020 Democratic race is the first presidential race to include more than one Jewish candidate. This means there’s a higher likelihood of the Democratic Party having its first Jewish presidential nominee. Finally. It’s about time we have a president that represents a religious minority that has been historically pushed aside. Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg are both 78-year-old white, Jewish New Yorkers. For better or for worse, both men are using their Jewish backgrounds as a key factor in their presidential campaigns. That being said, it is still incredibly significant to potentially have a U.S. president be something other than a Christian, even if the president is still an older, white male. Considering the fact that almost every United States president has been Christian, specifically Protestant, having a Jewish president in the White House would give acknowledgment to a small and often neglected population. Given that the vice president has let his evangelical Christianity repeatedly influence his public policy, it is even more necessary to veer away from the predominantly Christian presence on Capitol Hill. Because these Christian politicians are practically unable to separate their religion from their politics, our country is becoming more and more ideologically polarized. Vice President Mike Pence attended a sermon last month in which homosexuality was referred to as “demonic,” and he has been consistently associated with supporting conversion therapy. The only exception to the Protestant pattern in the White House was President John F. Kennedy, who was Roman Catholic.Kennedy faced severe backlash as a presidential candidate due to concerns he would pledge loyalty to the Pope rather than the U.S. So, if a slight variation in Christianity can provoke this strong of a reaction from the American people, imagine the pushback that a Jewish president would get. Seeing two politicians who are outside of the protestant bloc make it this far in a presidential election is empowering. Having two Jewish frontrunners in the same presidential race is unheard of. So is seeing two New York Jews potentially going headto-head for the Democratic nomination. As a person of Jewish descent, it is refreshing, to say the least, to see two prominent Jewish figures come this close to the presidency. Considering that my grandfather’s parents fled from Lithuania to the U.S. to escape anti-semitism, this is a real landmark moment for Jewish-Americans. Sanders and Bloomberg have both made an effort to discuss their Jewishness in their recent campaign efforts. This past holiday season, Sanders was seen lighting a menorah during a Hanukkah celebration in Des Moines. Bloomberg recently gave a speech in Miami in which he quoted a passage from a Jewish holy text. Critics have claimed the two candidates to be disingenuous, as they attempt to cling to the Jewish faith without having strong religious ties to their Jewishness. In other words, critics believe that while Bloomberg and Sanders may be Jewish ethnically and culturally, they do not necessarily practice Judaism regularly enough and are pandering to Jewish voters. I don’t think this matters considering the fact that Jews have always been considered more than a religious group. And, as times are changing, younger voters are less concerned with religious affiliation. Although a presidential candidate’s religious affiliation may matter to older generations of Americans, younger generations are more likely to separate the candidate from their faith. Instead, young Americans are more concerned with the candidates’ plans for healthcare, college and the climate crisis. Despite two people of Jewish descent being some of the major candidates of the 2020 presidential race, discrimination in Trump’s America is undoubtedly on the rise again. Just a few weeks ago, masked neo-Nazis part of a white supremacist group marched in Washington D.C., chanting phrases like “Reclaim America” and “Life, liberty, victory,” according to Reuters. Representation in leadership, like Sanders and Bloomberg is critical in times when oppressed peoples are under attack. Needless to say, Sanders or Bloomberg landing the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination would be a major moment in history for Jewish-Americans, and it would be a huge step forward in giving a voice to a repressed community.

8 PRIMARY SPECIAL

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | STAFF@DAILY49ER.COM

Spill the Tea is a weekly section for students to share their opinions and make their voices heard. Long Beach State students answer a question that can range from the silly to the political. We at the Daily Forty-Niner value the diverse opinions of the CSULB student body and look forward to you sharing them with us.

Who do you want to win the Primary and why? By Miguel Barrigan and Eric Bailey

Citlali Monarrez, third-year business management major

“Most likely Bernie. I haven’t been super involved in everything, but I’m more of a liberal person. I really like his ideals, including free healthcare, free education, and I know there’s things you do have to do for that. It doesn’t just appear. It’s not easy, but I think he’s the most ideal for this country.”

Issac Llamas, junior political science

“My top candidate is Bernie Sanders, no doubt. He was my [pick] in the 2016 election, and I like him even more now. But, I’ve also considered that in the 2016 election, Bernie was kind of divisive, and so I’m also looking for someone who can bring parties together. And I know that Elizabeth Warren is [a good candidate for that].”

Vote local

Maria Romo, fourth-year communications major

Emory Harkins, first-year graphic design major

“Honestly I don’t think there is a really good candidate right now, I don’t think that anyone is suitable to take on Trump and I think Trump is going to get reelected. That’s the unfortunate truth. We’ve already dealt with him for four years, but the economy is still strong in some areas and people don’t see a reason as to why he shouldn’t be reelected. The impeachment trials gave him more access and made him a stronger candidate. As much as I would like to say there is somebody who should be elected in his place, I don’t think that is possible right now.”

“I think right now I’m planning on voting for Bernie Sanders. Me and my mom talked about it, and she voted for Bernie in the last election, and if his stances are still the same as they were in the last election… He’s a really strong candidate, and he’s doing really well right now. Voting for someone else isn’t wasting my vote, but I want to vote for a more popular candidate.”

By Perry Continente Opinions Editor

olitics can be a lot to keep up with, especially in a primary season as tumultuous as this one. Between Sanders’ meteoric rise, Bloomberg’s non-disclosure agreement debacle, or the infighting between Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar tearing into each other, there is almost too much happening. Despite this, we absolutely cannot forget the elections that most directly affect us: local ones. Along with the primary, come March, millions of people will be casting votes for their local governments, something that is unfortunately overlooked by many. These politicians impact their constituents the most directly. These are the people who run our police departments, maintain our roads and dictate local policy. So it’s a real shame that we

pay even less attention to them than we do senate races, which are also poorly represented. Long Beach’s elections will be held on March 3, and while the website is somewhat… archaic, it is a great tool to see which candidates represent your values. Take for example the recent dispute over short-term rentals, which many felt were disturbing their neighborhoods. This sort of issue isn’t going to be handled by the state or federal government, but it is critically important to the people who live in these districts. The issue was controversial, with much of the council split on what to do. This election would be a perfect opportunity for citizens concerned about the issue to show that with their vote. This is an issue with a huge impact on those it affects, and voting for Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden or Donald Trump will do nothing about it. If my house was suddenly flanked by dude-bros throwing a rager, it would really sour my day, and it would be my local government that I’d have to turn to.

And there are compelling reasons to stay locally informed this election season. A recent video of Long Beach police officers beating a man with a nightstick sparked a protest outside of city hall. One of the focuses of the protest, beyond demonstrating against the police, was voicing their concerns with Cindy Allen, a candidate from on the local ballot this election. The protestors brought up issues with her close relationship with the police department and cast doubt on her ability to represent a diverse population. It is great to see people interested in things outside of the presidency, and we should follow suit. If everyone took such an active and involved role in their neighborhoods, the average person would have much more power to shape their immediate surroundings. So before March 3, please educate yourselves on the candidates who aren’t household names. Your local vote could very well be the most important one you cast.

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Another Middle Class Flim Flam What Your Teachers Will Not Tell You Dr. George A. Kuck (galbertk@aol.com)

Our Constitutional republic has suffered a major blow by the recent impeachment proceedings. President Trump was impeached on “Trumped up charges” (pun intended). This hoax is viewed as a “soft coup” attempt by approximately 50% of the country. Our value system which allowed a peaceful change of government every 4 to 8 years has been weakened. On display was a two tier justice system that was systematically put in place by the political left. The political right was as upset at the election of President Obama as the political left was at the election of President Trump. Republicans were traditionalists so they did not even think of impeaching President Obama. There was due cause because of 14 scandals under President Obama that were not publicized by the media. “By the current standards of impeachment, once Obama lost the House in 2011, he would have been impeached for “Obstruction of Congress” and “Abuse of Power” for the Fast and Furious scandal and for invoking “executive privilege” to justify administration officials’ refusal to testify to Congress. Also impeachable by the new standard: political corruption at the IRS that was sicced on conservative groups during the Obama reelection bid; the lies and obstruction about the Benghazi disaster; the hot-mic quid pro quo promise Obama made to the Russians that resulted in the dismantlement of Eastern Europe missile defense in exchange for Putin’s good behavior to the benefit of Obama’s reelection campaign; the abuse of executive orders to nullify federal immigration law; the failure to consult Congress on the prisoner swap with the Taliban; the lying under oath to Congress by both the CIA director and the director of national intelligence; the secret monitoring of the communications of Associated Press reporters and Fox’s James Rosen, along with former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson; the deliberate nullification of the constitutional treaty-making prerogative of the Senate during the Iran deal, whose secret accords were never disclosed to the American people; and the warping of the CIA, DOJ, FBI, and National Security Council respectively, in their unethical and often illegal efforts to mislead the FISA courts, surveil the Trump campaign, unmask and leak the names of U.S. citizens whose communications were tapped, and disrupt a presidential transition. Before 2019, none of these offenses would have been impeachable; all now, and things like them, will be in the future….. ,,,,, The most baleful legacy of the current Trump hatred is a new model of out-of-power administrations that never quite leave. Instead, apparently from now on, the retired, the fired, the voted out, the emeriti, and the transitioned will become opposition activists who seek to destroy their successors whose record they cannot abide and whose agendas they deathly fear.” (Victor Davis Hanson, National Review, 21 Jan 2020) Thanks Democrats. Our republic has taken a major hit.

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10 ARTS & LIFE

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | ARTS@DAILY49ER.COM

A ‘step’ toward the future The 26th annual Long Beach State Step Show strengthens community and tradition through dance. By Paris Barraza Arts & Life Assistant

he determined stares of Zeta Phi Beta sisters bore into the crowd as members of the sorority stomped their feet in unison. Suddenly, they clapped their hands under their knees, sending a sharp pop bouncing off the walls of the pyramid. The thunderous sound of their feet and hands livened the audience who grew loud at impressive moments in their choreography. Then, the warrior-themed women of Zeta Phi Beta formed a line and lifted their legs to rest it on their neighbor’s back. Despite the slight trembles of their ankles, the women held their positions while their Zeta Phi Beta sisters stood from their seats and cheered them on. Hundreds of people attended Long Beach State’s 26th annual Step Show Feb. 29 at the Walter Pyramid to watch the National Pan-Hellenic Council, collectively known as “The Divine Nine,” compete in the largest Western student-led step show. “It’s like a family reunion at Long Beach Step Show,” DJ Dashwan “Mr. Quick” Evins said to the audience. “This is how we show pride, camaraderie.” Evins, who has DJ’ed for the CSULB Step Show for 26 years, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and explained that step promotes higher education. “It’s a way for us to enhance our community and our culture,” Evins said. “We inspire our young people sitting there that wouldn’t have the opportunity.” The theme, “Stepping towards the future,” was incorporated into performances like Zeta Phi Beta’s who stepped as Wakandan warriors from the film “Black Panther.” Their costumes, much like the film, displayed futuristic themes. Dontay Carter, a CSULB alumnus and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, sat to catch his breath after his performance with his fraternity. The routine took countless hours of preparation, according to Carter, and incorporated youth steppers and sounds of an intergalactic space battle, much to the crowd’s delight. “We teach [youth steppers] the fundamentals of stepping,” Carter said. “The crowd loved them more than us.” The Challengers Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles was one of the youth groups in attendance at the show. It came out not only to represent the future of step but to show the youth what step can do in their lives. It was exactly what coach Michelle Tillis wanted for her team, the Franklin Wildcat Steppers. “This is big,” Tillis said. “It means everything that they’re here at such a young age.” Tillis started the step team at Franklin Middle School with the help of a colleague. While the girls keep up with their grades, Tillis teaches them about self-esteem. As the crowd on the floor danced during intermission, people of all ages from different Greek sororities and fraternities came together. Men and women formed a train, showing off their moves as others cheered them on. After a moment of hesitation, the Franklin Wildcat Steppers joined. Ayanna Tweedy of Zeta Phi Beta, still wore her royal blue outfit as she took in the scene. “This is Greek unity,” Tweedy said. “If we don’t find community here, we won’t be able to show [it] out there.”

KEVIN CHITTUM | Daily Forty-Niner

Members of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, top, dance between performances at the 26th Annual Long Beach State Step Show at the Walter Pyramid Feb. 29. Spectators were encouraged by the MCs and DJs to dance in the time between each performance. Tuandrea Beasley, above, of the Phi Beta Sigma step team performs with her sorority on stage. Beasley is a member of the Cal State Los Angeles chapter and graduated in 2018.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | SPORTS@DAILY49ER.COM

SPORTS 11

THE MARCH BACK Freefalling down the Big West standings after back-to-back losses, the Beach will have to look no further than themselves to improve its struggles.

By Ralston Dacanany Assistant Sports Editor

ackling challenges from the coaching staff head-on. Focusing on getting stops, not steals. Turning the rebound battle from a liability to a strength. After a 2-6 start in Big West Conference play, the Long Beach State men’s basketball team (10-20, 5-9 Big West) went on a stretch in which it won three of four games through trust and sacrifice. As March approaches with all the uncertainty that surrounds the Big West’s eighth and final tournament spot, the Beach needs to get back to what allowed them to be in the race before their latest two-game skid—patient, collective growth. In addition to a newfound identity revolving around toughness and a league-best interior defense, the on-court trials and tribulations Long Beach has dealt with had shown signs of major improvement. “It’s been great,” Long Beach State head coach Dan Monson said at a team practice Feb. 25. “This group is way more than a basketball team. It’s a bunch of good guys that like each other and are growing as people throughout the year, as much as they are as a team.” The brief shift in momentum for the Beach a few weeks ago can perhaps best be attested to

a series of team meetings in the midst of its three-game losing skid in early February. “We were able to be honest and put it all on the table,” junior guard Colin Slater said. “Not necessarily only problems but what we need from each other personally. Like as people go through things, we’re all college kids adjusting to life too. We made it OK to be like, ‘if something’s going on with one person, speak to your teammates. We’re here for you.’” Some of the team meetings called for only players, focusing on the importance of facing adversity as a group. “When things get tough, don’t go shut down,” sophomore guard Chance Hunter said. “Come together. Become stronger as one unit. I just feel like since those meetings, we just became a strong unit together and it shows up on the court now.” Meeting its keep-it-in-the-60s defensive mark, Long Beach picked up a revenge win over UC Riverside and a season sweep over Hawai’i in the heart of February. Slowing games down to limit turnovers and opponent fast-break opportunities, the Beach’s developing identity had been a well-received adjustment even for Monson, who typically runs a fast-paced offense. “I kick myself [that] I didn’t go to it earlier because my job is to adjust to our personnel,” Monson said. “I kinda got camouflaged because of our tough preseason schedule, thinking that it was the teams we were playing, not us. It took four or five league games for us to realize what our strengths were,

AUSTIN BRUMBLAY | Daily Forty-Niner The Beach needs to regain the mindset that allowed them to be in the Big West Conference race before their latest two-game skid—patient, collective growth.

and for our guys to buy into it, especially defensively. We’re going in the right direction and I think our guys have an identity right now, and that’s the most important thing.” Regardless of the low scores and ugly possessions, the positive results in the standings had no one from the Beach complaining about adapting to the game plan. “Yeah it’s been difficult, but that’s what we came here for,” Hunter said. “We want to win. We searched for what’s going to help us win this whole season and we finally found it.” Despite being Long Beach’s leading scorer at 14.3 ppg (sixth in the Big West), Hunter had also been one of the biggest proponents of the team’s evolving defensive identity, highlighted by one of basketball’s most polarizing in-game gestures— slapping the floor to start off

opposing possessions. “I feel like it sets the tone,” Hunter said. “It lets teams know regardless of what’s going on on offense, we’re going to play defense night in and night out. That’s just what they’re going to have to expect. We’re just going to be tough and dog-like on defense.” First becoming a staple in the Beach’s 55-52 road victory at the Thunderdome against UC Santa Barbara on Jan. 11, the team often ramps up the intensity with floor slaps on the less glamorous end. Crediting the idea to assistant coach Bobby Braswell, Slater said he too once felt like the choreographed floor smack was a bit offbeat. “We thought it was kind of funny at first,” Slater said. “We’ve seen other people do it like Duke [University]. Way back in the day they would do it.

We just ran with it and it kept going.” With two games left before the dust settles from the Big West hoops earthquake, Long Beach will have to take it one tip-off at a time and get back to the mindset and execution that has given it a chance at the postseason. “We got here digging ourselves out of a hole just worrying about ourselves and worrying about the next game,” Monson said. “That can’t change. We gotta handle now a little bit of success for the first time in our season. ... It’s going to take just as much work, and we gotta get right back to the same mentality we’ve had the last couple weeks.” Long Beach will host Cal Poly at the Walter Pyramid on Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 | DAILY49ER.COM | @DAILY49ER | SPORTS@DAILY49ER.COM

SPORTS 12

NAVIGATING ROUGH WATERS CAIN HERNANDEZ | Daily Forty-Niner

After Dirtbags player Charlie Loust’s mother abandoned him, he gained a special relationship with his father. The mativation his father gave him helped him make his way to college baseball.

Dirtbags DH Charlie Loust, struck with one misfortune after another, uses guidance from his father to achieve success.

By Robert Hollar Staff Writer

irtbags redshirt freshman designated hitter Charlie Loust has endured hardships that many cannot imagine, but his positive disposition hides that. “He’s such a positive guy,” Dirtbags head coach Eric Valenzuela said. “It’s good to see.” Loust has endured times that can hardly be described as positive. The first major hurdle in his life came before he was 10 years old. “When Charlie was 8 years old, his mom just got up and left,” Charlie’s father, Mike Loust said. The abandonment changed Charlie’s life. His grandmother helped Charlie with school-related issues, but he was still left without a true maternal figure. Consequently, his relationship with his dad became especially important. “My dad is my biggest motivator,” Charlie said. “He’s just been through so much stuff.” Mike is a long-range fishing

boat captain who is at sea for about 200 days of the year. After Charlie’s mother left, Mike wasn’t going to do the same, so he took Charlie along on many of his fishing trips. “He would spend his entire summers at sea with me,” Mike said. “About 21 to 25 days at a time.” Those trips provided a strong opportunity for Mike to pass on important lessons to his son. “He always just told me to stay humble,” Charlie said. Mike said he thinks Charlie gained his work ethic from those trips, too. Charlie applied that work ethic to baseball, which became his main outlet after his mother abandoned the family. “He loved fishing,” Mike said, “but baseball drove him.” Charlie is built to hit baseballs. His 6-foot-1-inch, 215-pound frame gives him a naturally powerful stance in the batter’s box. “I’ve always been able to hit,” Charlie said. Charlie added the work ethic he learned from his father while fishing to his own natural talent when he started playing for the Quakes baseball club in middle school. “He would bike to school then go to practice after,” Mike said.

“He was usually the first one there and the last one to leave.” Charlie developed into an incredible player, quickly attracting national attention from scouts. He was invited to try out for the Team USA U17 development program at 17. “Some coaches just invited me to go to Chicago for stars versus stripes,” Charlie said. “It’s kinda like a development program, and then based off of that, you can make another 40-man team.” Charlie made the team, something that meant the world to him. He had earned an opportunity to represent his country doing what he loved more than anything. But misfortune would strike again. Charlie’s coach with his club team asked him to suit up for a game just a couple days before Charlie was supposed to leave for the Team USA program. His father knew the game wasn’t very important and told him he didn’t have to play. “[Charlie] said ‘No, I told them I would do it, I’m a man of my word,’” Mike said. Charlie was a catcher, and the game turned into a battle between him and the opposing catcher for the other team,

trading successful at-bats each time up. At one point, the opposing catcher was rounding third base attempting to score. Charlie stopped him. “Charlie didn’t want to do it, but he did it,” Mike said. “He just completely laid the kid out.” Later on in the game when rounding third to score, Charlie ran down the base line with his head down and full of steam. The opposing catcher began to get in his stance to enact his revenge. The umpire realized what was happening and stood in front of the opposing catcher, attempting to protect Charlie. Instead, he got in Charlie’s way. When Charlie looked up, he dug his cleats in the dirt to avoid the umpire and disaster struck. “I tore my ACL,” Charlie said. “I wasn’t able to go [to the Team USA program]. It was pretty sad.” Mike remembers the moment vividly. “I was in tears,” Mike said. “It devastated him.” Charlie recovered from the ACL tear, but years of wear and tear from playing catcher also damaged his elbow. The surgery to his throwing arm was botched. Now he is unable to effectively throw a baseball without signifi-

cant pain for the foreseeable future, ruling out making an impact on the fielding side of the game. As with everything thrown at him before, Charlie’s view on not being able to take the field defensively stays as positive as possible. “Nothing’s better than playing the field and hitting at the same time, but to be honest, I would rather just do anything to be able to help the team win,” Charlie said. “If they want me to DH, I’ll DH.” Charlie’s journey is far from over. In fact, as a redshirt freshman, his time with the Dirtbags is just beginning, with three years of eligibility left after the end of the 2020 season. Charlie knows the value of staying positive, something that his dad instilled in him. Whatever obstacles are ahead of them, he’ll use that positivity to overcome them, just like he always has. “Being negative isn’t gonna get us anywhere,” Mike said.

The Dirtbags will travel to Tony Gwynn Stadium to face San Diego State Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m.