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ON THE COVER
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Sophomore forward Jada Crawshaw (white) goes rubs right eye after a foul called against junior center Lauren Betts (center) on Dec. 14. Crawshaw scored 19 points as Long Beach State lost to UCLA 102-51 at the Walter Pyramid.
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Photo credit: MARANATHA KEBEDE / Long Beach Current A member of La F.U.E.R.Z.A calls for Long Beach State’s Associated Student Inc. to pass the OPPOSE PERA resolution during an ASI Meeting.
ASI resolution opposes Filipino militarization
BY MARANATHA KEBEDE Contributor
Acollaborative effort between Associate Students Inc. Senators, Long Beach State’s Divest, and Anakbayan, a Filipino student organization, yielded significant results. Their proposed OPPOSE PERA resolution was successfully passed.
The bill’s proposal advocates to stop the United States’ militarization of the Philippines and opposes the U.S. Senate’s proposed Philippine Enhancement Resilience Act.
This will then be sent to state legislators and representatives to express CSULB’s ASI position.
With the resolution passed, the ASI Lobby Corps will need to work with Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations and lobby legislators to oppose PERA.
Members of La F.U.E.R.Z.A, a student association, endorsed the passing of the resolution through work with CSULB Divest.
“Essentially we’re calling for ASI to represent and advocate for our students on campus and our communities on and off campus,” Natalie Monzon, representative with La F.U.E.R.Z.A, said.
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Last week during the ASI meeting, the resolution was passed, confirming the student body’s unified opposition to PERA.
land acknowlEdgmEnt
Here at the Long Beach Current 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.
Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in the issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinons of the Long Beach Current 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 Long Beach Current.
Monday, December 16, 2024
lEttEr Policy: All letters and emails must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Long Beach Current reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space.
Students share thoughts on Conoley’s retirement announcement
BY NASAI RIVAS Contributor
Long Beach State President Jane Close Conoley will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, following her announcement in a video posted on Nov. 25.
Since 2014, Conoley was CSULB’s first regularly appointed female president and will have led the university for 11 years once she retires in June 2025.
The Long Beach Current spoke with students around campus on their thoughts regarding Conoley’s retirement and her successor.
Second-year aerospace engineer Brandon Gardea, 19, supports Conoley’s decision to retire but called it “unfortunate.”
“Good for her to, I guess, take a break from it all; it’s probably pretty stressful, especially because of the recent protests last year,” he said.
From his time as a student, Gardea said things have been running OK, but he hopes Conoley’s successor creates more accessible bike paths across campus.
First-year graduate studens Jude Saxton, 23, and Rathana Keo, 32, hope the next president prioritizes faculty on campus.
“The faculty is really what makes the campus what it is,” Saxton said.
Saxton said providing faculty with better pay and better support systems for them to succeed is essential for the college ecosystem.
First-year mechanical engineering major Steven Gendy, 18, said all he knows about Conoley is that she has a negative reputation among some students who post about her on the social media platform Reddit.
Fourth-year accounting major Brianna Torres, 22, has also heard negative opinions from other students.
Long Beach State President Jane Close
25 that the 2024-25 academic year will be her last at The Beach.
“They [say] ‘So, why does she make so much money?’ And they’re taking away more from the CSUs or think that some professors deserve more,” Torres said.
Torres believes the next president should do more to listen to what students and faculty have to say.
“Make them feel heard,” Torres said.
Fourth-year electrical engineering major Adrian Vera, 21, was optimistic about Conoley’s decision and said she provided a “good service” as president.
“Might be time for something new,” Vera said, joking about Conoley’s retirement. “I hope retirement treats her nice, maybe get on some good golf courses.”
Vera hopes that CSULB’s next president can look into getting rid of “bad professors” who have long tenure.
“Get some different ways to review that ’cause I feel like that’s the biggest problem we have here,” Vera said.
According to a report by the Long Beach Current, Conoley said she would remain president until the search for her successor is finished, with a new president coming into office by the start of the next academic year.
Good for her to, I guess, take a break from it all; it’s probably pretty stressful, especially because of the recent protests last year. ”
Brandon Gardea Second-year aerospace engineering student
Photo credit: SAMUEL CHACKO / Long Beach Current
Conoley spoke at the 75th annual kick off event on Sept. 28. Conoley announced on Nov.
BY MAYRA SALAZAR News Assistant
The College of Liberal Art’s translation studies minor allows students to heighten their language proficiency in professional and community settings.
The program, which is housed in the Clorinda Donato Center for Global Romance Languages and Translation Studies on campus, was named after program director and Italian and French professor, Clorinda Donato.
“A translation studies minor informs students about the increasingly wide ranging field of translation studies and interpreting, two aspects of the same area which is translating or interpreting messages, texts, video, film from one language to another or multiple languages,” Donato said.
The center advises that a student already has proficiency in the language they choose to apply for translation specialization.
The required classes for the minor are:
• An elective in a language (3 units) or a score of 4 or 5 on an AP Language Exam or by taking a language proficiency exam in an elected language.
• TRST 201 - Meaning in Transit: An Introduction to Translation Studies
• TRST 301 - Translation: Ethics, Theory, and Practice
• TRST 401 - Translation Workshop
• An elective in the student’s major (3 units)
The first two courses, Translation Studies 201 and 301, give students a theoretical foundation, while Translation Studies 401 is a workshop that gives students technological and technical tools. Audiovisual, subtitling and computer assistant tools with translation memory are also introduced in the class.
If a student has fulfilled the language requirement/elective but wants to learn another language, it is highly encouraged as translators are often asked to work in another language besides their two studied primary languages.
“We recommend that student’s learn in language families because you can learn more quickly,” Donato said.
She said that the more languages a person knows the better because a person’s ability to learn and make connections heightens.
What are the benefits of the translation studies minor?
”When you can read to a person not just verbally but intellectually, emotionally at a human level to a person from another culture, it is one of the most beautiful things.
Aparna Nayak
Department Chair of Romance, German, Russian Languages & Literatures
“Some years ago already 57% of students who came to Cal State Long Beach spoke another language [besides English] at home, this is a huge resource,” Donato said.
Students at Long Beach State are able to take their knowledge from being heritage speakers of a language or having studied a language in high school, into understanding how to create professional opportunities with that language.
“We really encourage students who have a background in any language to add this minor to their major, it goes well with every major,” Donato said.
Department Chair of Romance, German, Russian Languages & Literatures and Professor of French and Francophone Studies, Aparna Nayak, said the translation studies minor expects students to bring their language skills and what they will give you is the theoretical foundation.
“Translation doesn’t happen in a void,” Nayak said. “There are cultural aspects, ethical aspects, there are political aspects, religious aspects, there are social issues that a machine can’t always translate.”
Translation exists in any sphere in the world, so the need for translators and interpreters is tremendous right now, and always has been.
“Even if becoming a translator is not necessarily a goal, having that theoretical foundation and some of the skills you gain will help you really in many different careers,” Nayak said.
“We are offering next semester a course on localization, [which] is the process of rendering a product comprehensible to a different culture,” Nayak added. “Movies get localized, video games, it’s not just the language, it’s not just rendering word for word, you also have to make cultural content understandable to the target cultures.”
Nayak said, “Language acquisition is a slow and painstaking but immensely satisfying process.” “When you can read to a person not just verbally but intellectually, emotionally at a human level to a person from another culture, it is one of the most beautiful things.”
Understanding world cultures also gives students access to cultural capital so that when they are out in the professional world they have the tools to communicate with people at a different level.
Associate Director of the Clorinda Donato Center, Professor Manuel Romero, is the best person to contact to declare the translation studies minor. An advisor meeting is then set to discuss course plans before the student can officially declare.
Photo credit: MAYRA SALAZAR/Long Beach Current Clorinda Donato sits in the conference room of the Clorinda Donato Center which offers Translation Studies as a minor. Donato is the center’s program director.
Take the crumbs and work your way up: Hobo Jane Boutique
BY AIDEN REDSTEER Contributor
Sara Jane Martini believes two things: what you wear affects how you feel and that the word “hobo” is less of an insult and more of a compliment.
The word, however, took time to be accepted.
Martini’s career was spent climbing corporate ranks, and included a 2008 layoff and tumultuous periods of job insecurity which led her to pursue her creative dreams and embrace the title of a “hobo.”
“I realized I’m not a bum. I’m a hobo,” Martini said with a smile. “I was a traveler, dreamer, and a creator doing what I had to do to survive.”
Right in the heart of 4th Street’s Retro Row in Long Beach, Martini’s passion lives on display at Hobo Jane Boutique.
The shop holds the title of the highest rated boutique in Long Beach and the second highest in all of the United States, according to a recent OnDeck study.
“I am here to help empower women to look good and feel good,” Martini said. “It adds confidence to you if you know that you look good, you can tell if you’ve got on a saucy little outfit, you have a different attitude about yourself.”
The shop walls are lined with a rotating collections of eccentric clothing and novelty items including greeting cards with phrases no grandmother would approve of.
Gag gifts, like candles, are labeled as being scented as “Garden Hoe, infused with Dirty Thoughts.”
In the back of the shop is a lounge area with an outdoor couch where customers can relax while sipping coffee, enjoying a view of vintage clothing and chatting with Martini about what they are looking to add to their wardrobe.
Martini’s love for fashion originated in the ‘70s with a pair of pink bell bottoms, a gift from her mother.
She described her mother as a woman with a style and presence that could fill a room-- even though she was only 4 feet and 11 inches tall.
Like her mother, Martini loved the effect wearing fashionable and eye-catch-
ing clothes can produce, both from others and from within.
Martini’s first job was working at a small boutique in Detroit, Michigan.
After years of working in visual merchandising and fashion, she received an opportunity for an entry level position working for the clothing brand Quicksilver.
There, she clawed her way up through the company and became the Director of Visual Merchandising and Store Design for North America.
During the 2008 recession that was
caused by the housing market crash, Martini was one of many employees who lost their jobs.
The following years were difficult for Martini who had two kids to support.
“I felt completely lost, and I felt like a bum,” Martini said. “But I faked it until I made it. I didn’t have any choice.”
Martini said she worked hard to never let her children know the stress that she was under.
Every morning, Martini said, she would get up and get dressed as if she had work that day. She would then take
the kids to school and seek out any employment she could.
Her son and daughter never knew that she was struggling to pay bills.
Martini refused to fold under the pressure, even when the only jobs available to her involved literally folding clothes in stores which was a step back from her previous position at a fraction of the pay.
Other times, she took freelance jobs outside of her comfort zone, and at one point designed the layout of a “shop in a shop” store that sold sex toys, specifically dildos.
It was during this time that Martini found a short description online that changed her perspective, “A bum neither travels nor works. A tramp travels and avoids work. A hobo is a traveling worker.”
After years of working her way back from being knocked down in 2008, Martini now owns her storefront, recognized as the highest rated boutique in Long Beach.
“I feel like it’s almost retail therapy,” Martini said, explaining what sets her shop apart from others. “It’s a safe space where you can kind of unload and walk out feeling better about yourself with what you purchased.”
Customers, including 10-year regular Dani Longo, trust Martini’s taste, honesty and real interest in their fashion.
“If something isn’t going to look good on you, she won’t even let you try it on,” Longo said. “She even told me once when I went in, ‘There’s nothing new here today, you don’t need anything.’”
The personal connection that Longo experiences with Martini is one that Matt Miller, owner of Kitchen Lingo Books next door, shares as well.
“People come to me because what I do is specific, people come to Hobo Jane because of her,” Miller said. “She is fun, infectiously fun.”
Although she now owns one of the highest rated boutiques in the country, Martini still appreciates the “hobo” mindset which, to her, involves working hard to make something out of nothing.
Today, Martini uses her love of fashion to instill confidence in her customers with the clothes they wear.
“I took the crumbs I could get and worked my way up,” Martini said. “I am lucky, I know I am.”
Photo credit: AIDEN REDSTEER / Long Beach Current Martini loves the concept of the American “hobo,” a person who travels and works where they can, with whatever they can to survive.
Most of Martini’s customers become friends of hers, including this loyal shopper who stopped by to have Martini try his homemade Pumpkin Dulce de Leche treats.
ARTS & LIFE
ASI plans to expand farmers market ahead of USU closure
Projected renovations to the University Student Union will lead to a closure of campus eateries starting in August 2025.
BY JAMES GRECH & MAVERICK MARCELLANA Contributors
As Long Beach State prepares for major renovations to the University Student Union, students will lose access to the available dining option. In an effort to reduce the impact, ASI is expanding the campus farmers market, increasing its operation from two days to four days a week starting next Fall.
The USU will close in August 2025 for an estimated $302 million renovation project, according to the ASI CSULB website. The closure is expected to last until Summer 2028 and will aim to increase food vendor services and create new dining areas.
In the meantime, restaurants inside the USU will be closed.
“We need to try and replace the food service on campus to the best of our ability,” said ASI’s Communications Coordinator, Shannon Couey. “The extension of the farmers market is one of the ways that we’re trying to mitigate the impact of those vendor closures when the building is gone.”
Couey said the decision was driven by the need to replace the six existing food vendors in the USU, which will be unavailable during the renovation.
Currently, the farmers market operates every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Friendship Walk
near the front of the USU.
Starting in Fall 2025, it will expand to Monday through Thursday, offering a wider range of vendors and products.
While the market currently hosts five to seven vendors each week, including those selling bao buns, tamales and tacos, it has lacked a consistent source of fresh produce.
“We consistently hear that there’s not enough healthy food options. Bringing in fresh produce vendors for the farmers market is one of the ways we’re trying to alleviate that issue,” Couey said.
To further address the loss of dining options, some current USU vendors will operate from mobile kitchen trailers stationed around campus during the renovation; these include Subway, Carl’s Jr., The Nugget Grill & Pub and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
The renovated USU seeks to feature nine to 11 dining vendors, with plans for The Nugget Grill & Pub to receive a new location within the Union.
An updated space is projected for the Beach Pantry, which provides food assistance to students in need.
According to Couey, the remaining vendors will be selected through a currently ongoing request for proposals process, potentially bringing new restaurants to campus.
“It’s temporary for the closure of the Union, so just during that threeyear period of construction, I think that we’ll have to reassess once the building opens,” Couey said.
For many students, including 20-yearold psychology major Emily Vara, the news of the USU’s renovation and farm-
ers market expansion was a surprise.
“I didn’t know that they were planning on doing that,” Vara said. “I just automatically like renovations... it will make it better for students overall.
Despite her support, Vara also expressed curiosity about the timeline and alternative food options during the closure.
When asked about an expanded farmers market, Vara said she was open to the idea and that more variety and affordability would be better.
“I want to see more programs that help students afford fresh produce,” Vara said, recalling a time when she benefited from a $5 voucher program.
For first-year Ronak Kashyap, the USU’s closing brings concerns about the availability of study and social spaces for students on campus.
“I’m wondering where everyone will go,” Kashyap said, pondering the impact on “day-to-day activities” and whether it will lead to overcrowding in other areas like the library.
Despite being less familiar with the farmers market, Kashyap said he sees the expansion as a positive development that will lead to more community involvement.
“I think it’ll be a good idea,” Kashyap said. Additionally, he said he wants to see “more exposure to Eastern [and] South Asian cultures” at the market.
Within the projected improve-
ments, ASI plans to use Grow Beach Garden by donating its fresh produce to the Beach Pantry for students.
Additionally, a larger variety of vendors are planned to be spread out across Friendship Walk so that the market is not limited to the usual lineup of food vendors.
The USU holds a special significance for international students, including Anna Phan, who has been studying English at CSULB for the past six months.
“I can study here. The quality is so good,” Phan said, explaining that it has helped her improve her language skills.
The news of its impending closure did not thrill Phan.
Phan, who visits the farmers’ market about twice a month primarily to purchase lunch after class, hopes the expansion will bring more variety.
“I think [it] should have more referrals to food [and] drinks,” Phan said.
She also expressed interest in seeing fresh fruits and vegetables available at the market.
While the expansion of the farmers market provides a temporary measure to address the challenges posed by the USU renovation, it could have a lasting impact on campus dining culture.
“It’s all sort of based on need,” Couey said. “If students are utilizing these vendors, then it may make sense to continue offering them.”
Photo credit: JAMES GRECH / Long Beach Current Students wait in line on Dec. 11 for a taste of Lasa, a Filipino food vendor at Long Beach State’s farmers market.
Long Beach State dining more affordable than eating off-campus, research shows
BY JAMES GRECH & MAVERICK MARCELLANA
Contributors
An analysis of popular on-campus dining spots and student-suggested off-campus restaurants revealed a surprising truth: prices on campus are slightly lower than eateries off-campus.
The Long Beach Current analyzed the average price of single-item lunch entrees before taxes at various CSULB eateries including The Nugget Grill & Pub, The Outpost Grill, campus dining halls, El Pollo Loco, Subway and Carl’s Jr.
A full-story map outlining prices and proximity of each location can be found here.
The analysis found the average on-campus single item lunch entree costs $10.68.
This compares favorably to an average of $11.12 at four surrounding establishments frequented by students including Pizzamania, China Star Express, Cenaduria el Arco and MVP’s Grill & Patio.
In an email correspondence with Associated Students Inc. Communications Coordinator Shannon Couey, Couey said that Beach Shops, which oversees The Nugget and The Outpost, is committed to making food as affordable as possible for our students.
“Our portion sizes are crafted thoughtfully to ensure that students get a satisfying meal without unnecessary waste,” Couey said.
As inflation continues to impact restaurant prices, students on a budget may find campus food options more appealing. Campus dining is poised for a significant change next summer when the University Student Union undergoes renovations.
Graphic by: JAMES GRECH & MAVERICK MARCELLANA / Long Beach Current Data shows the average prices of select restaurants on and off campus by adding up all prices from each item and dividing them by the total items from their menus.
El Pollo Loco, Subway and Carl’s Jr. will be closed throughout construction.
The average lower cost of meals on campus was a surprise to Henry Nguyen, a fourth-year kinesiology major. Even so, he believes that off-campus options can still be more affordable.
“From my experience, I still think you get more for your money when you eat outside of campus. I got a pizza at the Outpost for $8 and it wasn’t expensive, but it was small,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen’s statement highlights a key trade-off: portion size. While on-campus options may be cheaper, students often suggest that they get more bang for their buck when eating off-campus. This disparity in portion size was a recurring theme among students.
Pizzamania offers various lunch specials. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., stu-
dents can snag two slices of pizza for $3.99. They also offer combo deals for a drink, a small salad to accompany your choice of a pizza slice, seven wings or half a sandwich; this combo ranges from $10.25 to $11.19.
Another student suggested off-campus spot, Cenaduria el Arco, which also offers lunch specials from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., such as three tacos and a drink for $10. Taco Tuesdays are a weekly highlight, with $2 tacos available all day.
“Cenaduria has good-sized tacos,” Justin Nguyen, a fourth-year accounting major, said. “I usually go Tuesdays and get three or four for $6 to $8, so that’s a good deal.”
Three miles from campus, MVP’s Grill & Patio features a sports-themed menu, with every item named after sports legends or well-known athletes.
“MVP’s doesn’t look like much on the outside, but the burgers and sandwiches are so good,” Anela Kaye, a third-year liberal studies major, said. “I’ve been like four times and it’s always yummy. They’re pretty big burgers, so I usually end up taking some home.”
China Star Express, a go-to spot for third-year psychology major Juliana Diaz, has earned its reputation for its generous portions.
“It’s like Panda Express, but they give bigger sizes and are about the same, if not less than, Panda, but you get more,” Diaz said.
The restaurant serves plates of chow mein, mushroom chicken, beef broccoli, eggplant and tofu. Pho noodle soup bowls are an alternative option if customers aren’t craving a combo meal.
ARTS & LIFE
‘Sleigh’ the season with these three DIY gifts
BY LARISSA SAMANO
Contributor
The holiday break is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than by creating your own Christmas magic?
Whether you’re looking for a fun project to keep busy or gift inspirations that are easy on the wallet, the Current encourages you to get in touch with your creative side this holiday season with these DIY crafts.
The crafts are fully customizable, personable and time-friendly with costs ranging from $3 to $5. The totality of supplies for the three projects can be found at the Dollar Tree if not already found at home.
Follow the step-by-step directions below to learn how to make candy Santa sleighs, snow globes and other festive goodies.
1. Candy Santa sleigh What you’ll need:
1. Two candy canes
2. KitKat bar
3. Individually wrapped chocolates
4. Santa chocolate
5. Ribbon
6. Glue (hot glue is recommended for less time)
7. Scissors
Step one: Glue the sled legs
Glue the two candy canes to the bottom of the KitKat bar facing upwards.
Note: regular clear glue will also work, but you will have to wait until the glue is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step two: Stack the “presents”
Stack each individually wrapped chocolate as desired and place the Santa piece on top.
Step three: Top it off with a bow Wrap ribbon around the sleigh and tie it into a bow atop the chocolates.
Step One: Glue two candy canes on the Kit-Kat chocolate bar. Again, the chocolate bar can be substituted as preferred as long as it is similar in size.
For step two it is recommended to keep the chocolates the same as pictured to create the perfect shape.
Crafters can customize their snow globes as they see fit and as their supplies allow.
2. Snow globe What you’ll need:
1. Mason jar
Water 3. Clear glue 4. Hot glue 5. Glitter
6. Figurine(s)
Step one: Create the scene
Flip the mason jar lid upside down and hot glue your figurine(s) to the desired placement.
Step two: Fill with snow
Fill the mason jar with water and three tablespoons of clear glue. This step can vary depending on the size of your jar. Then, sprinkle in glitter.
Step three: Put the globe together
Screw the cap onto the jar as tight as possible to ensure it is watertight. Shake and flip upside down.
Note: you can also seal the cap with glue to ensure no extra spillage.
3. Decorative mug What you’ll need:
1. Colored sharpies
2. A mug
3. Modge Podge (optional to make the mug dishwasher-safe)
4. Paintbrush (optional)
Step one: Create your design
Draw your design onto the mug with Sharpies.
Step two: Seal the design
Paint an even coat of Modge Podge onto the entire mug to act as a sealant for the marker design.
Step three: Let sit
Let the mug sit until it is completely dry.
Enjoy making your Christmas crafts and indulge in the holiday spirit this season. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your personal touch to these projects and gifts.
Photos by LARISSA SAMANO/Long Beach Current
Three easy and festive DIY craft projects. Learn how to make Santa’s sleigh, snow globes and personalized mugs over winter break.
By mixing water, clear glue and glitter crafters create the snow effect in the snow globe.
Afraid to be late, but have to use the restroom?
BY ELIZABETH BERMUDEZ Contributor
Only a 15-minute break? Standing in line, urgently tapping your foot, and counting down the minutes to class. An immediate rush of concern arises because like every time you have gone to use the restroom, 10 people are still waiting in line before you.
Long Beach State is made up of 322 acres of land. Over 40,000 people walk on and utilize the campus weekly, attending classes, work, events and more.
The College of Liberal Arts is the largest college on campus with 31 departments, 9,300 undergraduate students and 575 graduate students, according to the university website. With classes mostly situated around the Liberal Arts buildings, the restroom near LA3 becomes the most convenient choice for a quick trip.
On campus, it’s extremely visible that each building between LA 1 to LA 5 has limited access to restrooms, especially during a rush. Students no doubt find themselves more than once urgently waiting for the restroom while needing to attend their next class within 15 minutes.
While waiting in line for the restroom, Amy Aguilar, a 20-year-old public relations major, deals with this exact issue.
“During my one gap between classes, I tend to go to multiple parts of campus such as the USU, College of Business, and the Theater Building,” Aguilar said. “I found that when going to these restrooms, although traveling from my classes, there is more space, comfortability and way less back up of people waiting to go.”
Although it’s possible for a Liberal Arts major to utilize other locations such as the University Student Union or Theatre building, is that the most realistic option based on circumstances?
During a break before class, Nathalie Romero, a 21-year-old psychology major, expressed her personal struggle while rapidly searching for a usable restroom.
“I feel like the restrooms are hardly ever maintained. Especially the ones near the LA buildings and Psychology building. They’re either always out of soap, toilet paper or toilet seat covers, or [are] just left dirty from previous uses,” she said.
Romero said, “I’ve gone to the re-
stroom countless times and have had to skip over a couple of empty stalls simply because of the state they were left in. From toilet paper being left all over them to it being completely clogged, it’s clear that no one is doing regular maintenance or touch-ups on the bathrooms.”
She said that with the CSU system recently raising tuition prices, “you would think with that money we would have better and cleaner bathrooms to use, especially ones that don’t look like they could be seen at the beach which isn’t a compliment.”
The challenge of finding a usable restroom is not limited to students near the LA buildings but is a campus-wide phenomena.
Kenny Hernandez, a 20-year-old political science major, said that despite the scheduled cleanings, using the Kinesiology building restroom is beyond uncomfortable as there are only two extremely
tiny stalls.
“This past semester, I experienced a new obstacle of having to use the Kinesiology restrooms. It was upsetting to see that the restroom only has two stalls, and at that, a broken sink too,” Hernandez said.
“It should be fixed so there is a smoother process for the students on campus,” he said.
Victoria Iglesias, a 20-year-old criminology and criminal justice major, shared a similar struggle.
“Exiting my last class of the day, I was trying to find a bathroom before commuting home and passed by the College Health & Human Services Building. Only two extremely outdated bathroom stalls were present — paired with a presence of filth,” he said. “All bathrooms should contain at least more than two stalls as the population on campus is so high.”
Despite student opinion, Associate Vice President of Beach Building Ser-
vices, Mark Zakhour said that, “The public restrooms on campus are constantly cleaned and maintained on a scheduled basis to ensure cleanliness and function.”
In an interview with the Current, Zakhour said, “We have not observed nor received other reports of excessive wait times for restrooms.”
He said that students should know the planning of the university’s facilities is based on the “California Plumbing Code and requires various factors like type of facility, square footage, number of floors, number of individuals served, distance to other restrooms, and other considerations that we are required to follow when we build new or renovate a facility.”
With no clear resolution or plan to implement more restrooms, the issue of wait times and persistent struggle to find a restroom will continue to rise and escalate with an ever-increasing student population.
Graphic by: EL NICKLIN AND ANDREW MILLER/Long Beach Current
With an increase in student admittance at Long Beach State, restrooms have similarly increased in wait time with students from all around campus feeling the effects.
OPINION
‘Wicked’
review: Bringing the hit Broadway musical to the big screen
While colorful and fun, “Wicked” comments on the topics of female friendships and discrimination, all while wrapped up in catchy musical performances.
BY JAMIE AUSTRIA Contributor
Watching the film “Wicked” on its opening weekend without any knowledge of anything related to it, musical or book, I can confirm that the story is just as touching as other reviews led me to believe it would be.
“Wicked,” the film, is an adaptation of a Broadway musical based on the original novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. The film acts as a prequel to the popular children’s story, “The Wizard of Oz.”
The story centers around two characters, Elphaba and Glinda, later known as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch, as they experience their first year at Shiz University.
This is not the story you knew as a child.
“Wicked” is directed by Jon M. Chu, who has brought us other musicals, including “In The Heights”, “Step Up 2”, and “Step Up 3D”. Along with other popularly received films such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Now You See Me 2”.
The film begins at the scene where L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” ends with the death of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Graphic by EL NICKLIN / Long Beach Current
The 2024 film adaptation of Broadway musical “Wicked” debuted in theaters on Nov. 22 with a record-breaking $114 million in its opening weekend.
From the start, audiences are hit with the voice of Ariana Grande as Glinda singing the operatic “No One Mourns the Wicked.”
This song was delivered wonderfully, leaving me with high expectations for the rest of the film’s musical numbers, which did not disappoint.
From Jonathan Bailey’s “Dancing Through Life” to Cynthia Erivo’s “Defying Gravity,” all actors delivered incredible vocals and dance numbers.
Jonathan Bailey’s performance was especially eye-catching. His delivery of the character Fiyero, the Prince of Winkie Country, charmed most people in the theater, with some even sitting up in their seats whenever he appeared on screen.
“Wicked” also delivered comedic performances from each of the actors, most notably from Grande, whose portrayal of Glinda left many moviegoers in
fits of giggles.
The film has been split into two parts, and the second is expected to be released on Nov. 21 of next year.
This first installment of the film has a run time of two hours and forty-five minutes, thirty minutes longer than the entire original Broadway musical, which sits at two hours and 15 minutes.
Although stellar in its delivery, the film’s extended run time can be felt at specific points. The nearly eight-minute “Defying Gravity” performance was longer than needed, dragging out the movie’s finale.
However, the film also takes note of some important themes and messages. The emotional impact it has had on audiences is understandable, considering the powerful messages the film delivers through its story.
The budding female friendship between Elphaba and Glinda plays a sig-
nificant role in showcasing the growth between the two characters respectively.
The growth of Glinda’s character, who comes from a privileged background, consists of learning to care more for others and shedding her apathetic ways.
Elphaba’s character develops through her friendship with Glinda as she learns to let others into her life and becomes more confident within her own skin.
Within Elphaba’s journey, audiences witness an individual being treated differently because of her green skin. The film even includes a passing comment of “I don’t see color” to discreetly call attention to commonly used defenses for racism.
The grandeur of the sets behind each of the scenes and well-written characters helps audiences immerse themselves in the film, creating a more encompassing movie-going experience.
Colossal sandworms to teeny tiny snails: The best movie picks of 2024
BY DANTE ESTRADA Video Editor
From the glistening sounds of the musical “Wicked” to the smooth bounces of tennis balls hitting rackets in “Challengers,” movie fans had another year of a huge variety of films to enjoy.
With the year drawing to an close, and awards season steadily approaching, these are the best films of this year to have under your radar to watch from lesser priority to top.
His Three Daughters
As the holidays near, nothing calls better than a heartwarming story that showcases sweet and dramatic family tensions like “His Three Daughters.”
The story follows three sisters who reunite to take care of their ailing father while struggling to reconnect with each other.
Full of tenderness and the natural untangling of unpacking family drama, “His Three Daughters” illustrates the beauty of recognizing it is okay to rest your head on those you love dearest.
As the three leads all deliver magnetic performances, Natasha Lyonne shines the brightest in the film with her snarky and cold personality who learns to love her sisters more.
“His Three Daughters” is available to stream on Netflix with a subscription.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Director and co-writer of the metal-grinding action epics Mad Max films, George Miller, followed up his brilliant 2015 “Mad Max: Fury Road” with the riveting prequel film, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”
The story follows Furiosa’s early life as a child to early adult as she sets her sights on vengeance against the warlord Dementus who took her home away from her.
“Furiosa” is a stunning odyssey that brings Mad Max fans back to the Wastelands on a new approach. Though it
doesn’t hit the same levels of nitrogen-boosted action entirely as “Fury Road” did, Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth’s captivating performances are worth watching for.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is available to stream on Max with a subscription.
The Substance
Oozing and radiating of an electric gut-wrenching body horror flick, “The Substance” is one of the films from this year that will make you think twice before touching your warm plate of spaghetti.
The film follows a fading TV star actress who learns of a procedure that can give her an enhanced version of herself.
Every moment is fueled with adrenaline, not allowing the audience even a slight moment to take a breath.
“The Substance” is an outstanding deconstruction of the horrors of self-hatred and everlasting pressures to maintain beauty over self-care.
“The Substance” is available to stream on Mubi.
Memoir of a Snail
When the start of this decade included memorable animated films like Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” and Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron,” Adam Elliot’s outstanding film, “Memoir of a Snail” is a contender to keep in the conversation.
Elliot’s film follows a young girl and her brother who lose their mother at a young age but cling to her presence through her love for snails.
As the two siblings struggle to get through tough aspects of their everyday life, they are forced to overcome their many difficult encounters.
The film is gorgeously animated through its utilization of stop-motionevery frame on the screen is radiant and full of life. It fully uses its animated medium to demonstrate the outlandish and devastating experiences the two siblings are forced to slither through.
“Memoir of a Snail” is available to watch in select theaters and rent or
bought digitally.
Dune: Part Two
Following the massive and excellent 2021 science-fiction film “Dune,” Denis Villeneuve delivered “Dune: Part Two” to continue the story of Paul Atreides’ quest for honor and vengeance.
The film picks up almost immediately after the events of the first film, Atreides establishes his connection closer with the Fremen to take the fight against the tyrannical Harkonnen family.
“Dune: Part Two” established itself as unique from similar stories like the Star Wars franchise, by unveiling the dangers and setbacks of blindly following prophets and trusting vague glimpses of the uncertain future.
Fans of the Dune franchise are further immersed in the rough feel of sand with new supporting characters and stunning cinematography to propel the story to a new high.
Dune: Part One and Two are both available to stream on Max with a subscription.
A Different Man
A beautifully unnoticed film that deserves a large amount of recognition is “A Different Man.
An aspiring actor, Edward Lemuel, struggles to rise to the stars as he has neurofibromatosis, which results in a disfiguring facial condition.
Lemuel undergoes a procedure that gives him the face of his dreams until he
realizes he has lost his sole chance of becoming a star in a play based on his life and condition.
Easily one of the most moving films I have experienced from this year, “A Different Man” shows the damages of people fueled by self-hatred within themselves.
Bolstered by a devastating lead performance from Sebastian Stan, and its haunting-dark comedic tone, this film is this year’s most thought-provoking and emotionally tugging as it questions the worth of one’s own identity.
“A Different Man” is available to rent or buy digitally.
Challengers
Luca Guadagnino delivered one of the year’s most unforgettable films with “Challengers.”
It is a steamy film that follows two male friends who admire and follow a successful female tennis player ultimately desiring more than just a match of tennis between them.
Guadagnino’s film takes the concept of a love triangle to the next level by exploring the intimacies of friendships and the overwhelming power of lust.
A good game of ball isn’t the only supplier of these emotions, as Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ dazzling electronic/house music score is enough to make you jam along.
“Challengers” is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription.
Graphic by: EL NICKLIN / Long Beach Current
The mystery-thriller “Longlegs” and psychological mystery “Trap” are other films that are near contenders of being other options to check out from this year.
The end of The Eras Tour marks the start of a new age
BY LIZBETH CORTESGUTIERREZ & YASMINE POOT Opinions Assistant & Contributor
Since March 17, 2023, Taylor Swift has commanded stages worldwide with The Eras Tour, a music marathon lasting over three hours each night.
Swift’s fans have turned her shows into a cultural phenomenon these past two years — trading friendship bracelets, boosting local economies, and even shaking the ground with their collective
enthusiasm, triggering seismic activity in some cities.
Swift has made herself known for working non-stop and releasing three albums during her critically acclaimed tour: “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” on July 7, 2023, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” on Oct. 27, 2023, and “The Tortured Poets Department” on April 19.
While all Swifties are enthusiastically awaiting launch into the next era, they all have different opinions regarding what that will be and when it will happen.
Currently, signs are pointing toward an imminent release of “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” without any announcement. During an interview with
Ellen DeGeneres in 2017, Swift coined the phrase, “There will be no explanation; there will just be reputation.”
Additionally, many fans, including first-year theatre arts major Adeline Oswald, believe that the album will be released on New Year’s Day as a reference to the last song on the original album.
“I think that she’s gonna do something really big for ‘Reputation Taylor’s Version,’” Oswald said. “I think that’s coming first and then debut last. I think that she’s gonna focus on the rollout of both and make it really big.”
Although many Swifties agree that “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” is likely next, some fans on social media have theories about the long-lost album “Karma” being released next — or even co-released with “Reputation (Taylor’s Version).”
This speculation stems from the belief that the rumored album was initially set to follow the “1989” era, aligning with Swift’s previous bi-annual release schedule.
However, due to social media bullying instigated by Kanye West and Kim
Kardashian, Swift retreated from the public eye.
“I think she’s gonna go quiet for six months and pretend like she fell off the earth and then come out with ‘Rep TV,’ her version,” Calina Willitts, first-year criminology and criminal justice major, said.
Willitts said most Swifties can agree that they are grateful for everything Swift has given already.
“Although we love searching for easter eggs and sharing theories, but we are also encouraging of her taking an extremely deserved break from running the music industry,” she said.
Haley Bathurst, CSULB alum, shared the belief that Taylor Swift’s next move might be returning home to rest.
“She deserves a long break with her cats, so I think she’s gonna relax,” Juan Lopez, CSULB alum, said, agreeing with Bathhurst.
No matter what Swift pursues following The Eras Tour, fans are expected to rally behind her with unwavering enthusiasm as her next moves unfold.
Photo credit: LIZBETH CORTES-GUTIERREZ / Long Beach Current
Taylor Swift opened the Eras Tour with her longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, Cruel Summer, which spent 54 weeks on the chart.”
Long Beach State’s backcourt duo shines in 76-70 win at San Diego
BY MATTHEW COLEMAN
Sports Assistant
SAN DIEGO – Eight consecutive losses have quickly turned into three straight wins for Long Beach State men’s basketball following its 76-70 win on the road against the University of San Diego Toreros at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.
Freshman guard Kam Martin’s implementation into the starting lineup has been a revelation for The Beach over the past four games. Tonight, Martin posted a career-high in points with 25, going 8-10 from the field and a perfect 5-5 from deep in 37 minutes.
In the games Martin has started this season, he is averaging 14.8 points per game and shooting 14-23 (61%) from three with LBSU going 4-1 in those games. Martin adds a secondary scoring option for The Beach alongside senior guard Devin Askew.
“He could’ve been starting the whole year, we were just searching for an identity,” LBSU head coach Chris Acker said. “He’s been making shots because he’s been working on his game. He’s a tough freshman and he’s just added another level of competitiveness to our roster.”
The reigning Big West Player of the Week, Askew, was gifted several open looks with the defense having another scoring option to worry about in Martin.
Askew added 23 points of his own on 8-14 shooting to go along with a gamehigh eight assists.
The backcourt tandem combined for 48 of The Beach’s 76 points, leading the charge in another game where the team shot above 50% from beyond the arc, going 7-13 from distance as a team.
“It’s been amazing playing with Dev, being a freshman, being able to look up to him. He’s teaching me a lot, so I’m just trying to do my best to help him in his fifth year,” Martin said.
Despite nearly a seven-minute scoring drought early in the first half, Martin’s shooting quickly brought The Beach back into the contest, with their largest deficit being eight points early on.
Photo credit: LBSU Athletics
Freshman guard Kam Martin finished with a career-high 25 points in LBSU’s win over the University of San Diego. The victory is its third conference win in a row and keeps it undefeated in conference play.
Graduate forward Austin Johnson’s strong take to the basket where he scored through contact and finished the three-point play at the foul line tied the game at 20 midway through the opening frame. An Askew triple minutes later gave LBSU the lead, and the team had control from that point forward.
Leading 33-30 at halftime, The Beach continued to increase their lead as the second half progressed. Around the midway point, the defense led to offense and brought out a side of The Beach we have yet to see thus far this season.
Askew’s intensity on the defensive side of the ball forced a Torero turnover which was followed by one of his two threes of the night. After the three, he showed some rare emotion, screaming, and seemingly bringing life to The Beach’s bench.
This opened up The Beach’s first double-digit lead of the night, going up 59-48.
A scare came late as San Diego made one final push down the stretch when a three by its senior forward Bendji Pierre found the bottom of the net, making it a one-possession game with just under three minutes left to play and the score at 65-62.
LBSU’s late-game execution was crucial in closing out this game. It happened on both sides of the ball with stops on one end and back-to-back clutch shots on the other.
Freshman forward Andrew Nagy was able to convert on a layup with three San Diego defenders draped upon him in the paint to push the lead to five. An Askew driving layup followed the Nagy bucket to seal the victory for The Beach.
“The 1-8 start is not indicative of who we are as a program, it’s more about how we’re starting to win games now,” Acker said. “Even in the losses, we were having mini-victories in how we were playing in the course of the game.”
After improving to 4-8 overall, LBSU waits over a week for its next game on Thursday, Dec. 19 against Pepperdine in Malibu, before returning home to the Walter Pyramid to face La Sierra on Dec. 22.
Tucker-ing out defenses: Savannah Tucker’s emergence for Long Beach State
BY TIMOTHY HESSEN
Copy Assistant
One year before head coach Amy Wright took control of the program, senior guard Savannah Tucker had a limited role at Long Beach State, averaging just over 10 minutes and 2.5 points per game. But now, she has emerged as a star.
Under the now-second-year head coach’s offensive philosophy that emphasizes fast-paced ball movement and generating good looks from the three-point line, Tucker has thrived as The Beach’s leading scorer for the past two seasons.
“[Wright] just lets me be me and I think that’s the biggest thing I’m so thankful for,” Tucker said. “I feel like I’m not the best at playing in a box and so I feel like she lets me do what I need to do.”
Tucker leads The Beach in scoring and steals at 15.5 points and 1.5 steals per game, while also leading the team in three-point attempts and minutes.
The larger role for the senior guard was not easily handed to her, as she spent the entirety of her first offseason under Wright rehabbing an injury.
“I had two fractures in my shins, so with her coming in, I didn’t practice that whole summer,” Tucker said. “I was just healing, but talking to her, we kind of understood what my role was as a scorer and taking on that new leadership role.”
Wright said that Tucker earned her new role by proving herself on the court and making the most of her opportunities. In the season opener for Wright’s first game with LBSU, Tucker went for a then-career-high 25 points, going 4-7 from beyond the arc.
“It wasn’t anything like I came in and said [Savannah] is going to be the girl,” Wright said. “What she does– and this is what every coach wants– is she makes it hard for me to take her off the floor because she does a lot of things really well, so she kind of put herself into that role.”
Wright’s vision for her team’s play style heading into the first year of her LBSU tenure involved quick offense and swinging the ball to find open shots from
distance, and Tucker fit perfectly into that with her skillset. The 5’9 guard loves to push the pace quickly off of long rebounds, and is a proven shooter beyond the arc.
Improving from last season, Tucker has had an uptick in scoring from 12.4 points per game to 15.5, while also taking on a new role as the lead playmaker for The Beach, averaging three assists per game.
No game exemplifies the senior guard’s growth more than her stellar showing against California State University, Sacramento on Nov. 17.
Facing the Hornets on the road, Tucker put together a complete game, scoring a new career-high 29 points, along with seven boards and five assists.
With the score tied at 68-68 and less than a second remaining, she was fouled at the 0.8-second mark and calmly stepped to the free-throw line sinking the game-winning free throw to seal the LBSU victory.
In the biggest moments, Tucker says she relies on her vast amount of experience to keep herself steady.
“I’ve played a lot of basketball in my life and I’ve been under pressure before, and so I think my coaches and teammates had a lot of confidence in me,” Tucker said.
The charity stripe is not an unfamiliar spot for Tucker as her ability to strike fear into a defense nets her a team-high six free throws per game, more than double any other teammate.
“The last thing [teams] want to do is put people on the line so it makes the defense respect you a little bit more and help off more, which gets your teammates open,” Tucker said.
With Tucker leading the way, The Beach currently sits at 5-3 at this early stage in their season but they face a daunting task ahead of them on Dec. 14 when No.1-ranked UCLA comes to visit.
The undefeated Bruins shot up to the top spot of the AP women’s NCAA basketball poll after snapping the 43-game win streak of the defending national champion South Carolina Gamecocks on Nov. 24.
“It’s just an opportunity to play against some of the best girls right now,” Tucker said.
Photo credit: SAMUEL CHACKO / Long Beach Current
Senior guard Savannah Tucker has improved immensely in her time at The Beach, becoming more vital to the team every season. She went from averaging 10 minutes per game to leading the team in minutes per game this year.
”
What she does– and this is what every coach wants– is she makes it hard for me to take her off the floor because she does a lot of things really well, so she kind of put herself into that role.
Amy Wright Women’s basketball coach
An NCAA Tournament first-round exit ends The Beach’s water polo season
BY BLARE PARKE
Contributor
The 2024 Long Beach State men’s water polo season was a thrilling ride, culminating in a whirlwind finish. The Beach won the Big West Conference Championship and earned their 14th trip to the National Championship Tournament in program history, and their first since 2021.
The season had its ups and downs, as The Beach faced formidable opponents throughout the regular season such as top-ranked USC (23-6, 2-4,) and Stanford (22-5, 4-2).
Despite these challenges, The Beach was able to persevere and finish with a record of 20-11 (2-3 in conference play) and win the Big West Tournament.
The Beach entered the Big West Tournament as the fifth seed and defied expectations by beating three higher-ranked opponents in three straight days, including UC San Diego (17-12, 3-2) to claim the championship.
“Originally going into the tournament, we weren’t feeling great after some losses,” senior attacker Evan Cain said. “We all agreed to go into the tournament with a lot of energy and play hard as a team.”
Senior goalkeeper Aaron Wilson was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and sophomore Caleb Francisco led the team with 10 goals across three games.
The win not only secured The Beach a spot in the NCAA Tournament but also put Francisco on the map, as the young talent had a very successful regular season where he finished with 49 goals.
In the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, The Beach faced off against top-ranked Fordham (32-1, 14-0,) and despite a valiant effort, fell short 16-11.
“Some of these teams are gonna be there every year and we’re going to have to learn to beat them,” LBSU head coach Gavin Arroyo said. “It’s about these guys getting comfortable on that stage and under the lights. It’s a process, you get comfortable, and you get a little composure.”
The NCAA Tournament loss wrapped up Arroyo’s 14th season as the head men’s
water polo coach at LBSU. This season he was named Big West coach of the year for the sixth time in his career with The Beach, the first time since 2021.
The Beach led the way with seven players on the Big West 2024 Men’s Water Polo All-Conference team. Freshman center Gabi Acosta highlighted the group, winning both Freshman Player of the Year and Player of the Year in an outstanding first season with the team.
Cain, Wilson, Francisco and senior utility Bruno Chiappini also earned firstteam honors.
As The Beach look ahead to the 2025 season, the future is bright. With four All-Freshman players, the team looks to build on a successful 2024 season and improve for next year.
“This is a special group and we want to make sure we are able to help them reach their full potential,” Arroyo said.
Long Beach State’s freshman center Gabi Acosta showed his scoring ability with 64 goals scored during the 2024 season.
Photos by DEVIN MALAST/Long Beach Current Redshirt sophomore attacker Caleb Francisco scored 49 goals in the 2024 season, bringing his career total to 79.
The Beach mauled by No. 1 Bruins 102-51
BY DAVIS RAMAGE Sports Editor
Long Beach State women’s basketball was simply outmatched in a 102-51 onslaught courtesy of the No.1 ranked UCLA Bruins at the Walter Pyramid on Saturday. With the win, UCLA head coach Cori Close broke the UCLA all-time wins record with her 297th win.
The Bruins entered the game at 9-0 and were ranked No.1 in the AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll and with the marginal win, that ranking will likely stand on Monday.
UCLA boasts two projected firstround picks in the WNBA draft; junior center Lauren Betts and junior forward Janiah Barker. Betts finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks while Barker finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds on 9-10 shooting from the field.
The Bruins came out of the gates implementing their offensive game plan which was evident, give the ball to Betts. On the first possession of the game,
UCLA found a gap in The Beach’s 2-3 zone and entered the ball into Betts who backed down graduate forward Rachel Loobie for the easy layup. On the other end of the floor, Betts blocked The Beach’s mid-range attempt, making her presence felt and setting the precedence for the rest of the game.
Bruin fans showed up in large numbers as the famous UCLA blue was ever-present in the black and yellow seats of the Walter Pyramid, and they were not let down by the play of the Bruins.
The Bruins jumped out to an early 16-2 lead and never looked back. They ended the first quarter up 28-8 and looked keen to run up the score.
It was clear from the jump that The Beach was physically outmatched and as a result, they were out-rebounded 17-3 in the first quarter.
To help with the size of the 6’7 Betts, 6’3 LBSU freshman center Haley Wright saw an uptick in playing time with 11 minutes. Wright averaged 7.2 minutes per game coming into Saturday’s game.
Not only were The Beach outmatched physically, but UCLA looked to be the team with the most hustle as it was first to every loose ball whether in the air or on the floor.
Junior guards Kiki Rice and Londynn Jones were the catalysts for this effort as both initiated the offensive gameplan and hustled all over the court.
“Whether it be diving on the floor, getting the deflection, keeping people in front of her, pressuring the other team’s point guards, all those things are winning plays,” Close said.
LBSU senior guard Savannah Tucker did not seem to be intimidated by either the size or the draft stock of the UCLA bigs and she found some success attacking the basket and getting to the freethrow line, taking a team-high five freethrows and making a team-high three.
Bruin graduate forward Angela Dugalić was a perfect 7-7 from the floor in the first half and totaled 16 points in 16 minutes while posting a +/- of 26. She ended with a career-high 22 points.
“It’s my career-high but it’s not really a big thing for me,” Dugalić said.
The Beach found themselves down 49-20 at the half with a large margin to make up against the best team in the country.
Long Beach State started sending two defenders at Betts when the ball was entered to her in the post, but that left open shooters like junior guard Gabriela
Jaquez and Dugalić open on the perimeter for Betts to distribute to.
The second half followed the same script as the first, but there were bright spots for The Beach. Sophomore forward Jada Crawshaw had a career-high 19 points with 14 of them coming in the second half.
UCLA was scrambling to find someone to guard Crawahaw when she got hot in the fourth quarter. During a timeout in the fourth, Close asked the team “Who was going to step up and guard number 12?” They landed on Rice to try and cool down Crawshaw’s hot hand.
“I think honestly it felt good in the moment. What I was really trying to do was just provide for this team,” Crawshaw said. “I saw Kiki [Rice] come and guard me and I was like ‘Oh my god, this is what it’s like, OK.”
Despite Crawshaw’s effort, The Beach fell by a final score of 102-51.
“They’re a great team,” LBSU head coach Amy Wright said. “In terms of knockdown shooters, just their patience, their discipline, they’re just a really good confident team right now.”
Next on the schedule is Elon on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Walter Pyramid.
Photo credit: SAMUEL CHACKO / Long Beach Current Bruins junior forward Janiah Barker celebrated on the bench as the Bruins beat The Beach 102-51 at the Walter Pyramid.