Welcome to 2020 by The Daily Sundial

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LETTER EDITOR from the

Welcome to the new decade. It’s 21 days into 2020, and somehow just a few weeks have felt like a year. Just to list a few things: Fires, possible World War lll, earthquakes, Brexit, volcanic eruptions and impeachment. Did I miss anything? 2020 is a year of uncertainty. I believe many of us are feeling fear or anxiety at the moment. You may be asking yourself: Will I graduate and find a job in my career path? Will I be financially stable in today’s economy? Will the Supreme Court decide to keep DACA? What will happen with the 2020 Election come November? All I can say is we’ll see what happens. Our 2020 issue is filled with stories that cover the decisions made in the past decade that will affect us today. Our cover story is about the San Fernando Valley community’s fight to stop a children’s detention center from being built in Arleta, a mainly Latinx populated city. We covered an anti-war protest against the recent events in Iran where activists took a stand against war, the travel ban and sanction threats imposed by the U.S. government. We have explainer articles that will help you understand California’s new laws that will take effect in 2020, such as the social media privacy policies, the Real I.D and minimum wage. Our “Easy Rider” film review takes a look at how the meaning behind the film is still relevant in today’s political climate and on a lighter note you can take a look at our editors’ New Year’s resolutions. Welcome to the spring semester and let’s see where this year takes us.

“Esay Rider in 2020: Born To Be Dead” Page 11

Madison Parsley editor@csun.edu

Managing Visual Logan Bik Editor photo@csun.edu News Editor Gillian Moran-Perez city@csun.edu Assistant News Editor Kimberly Silverio-Bautista city@csun.edu Chief Copy Editor Ivey Mellem copydesk@sundial.csun.edu Copy Editors Munina Lam Sarah Shabbar copydesk@sundial.csun.edu A&E Editor Ivan Salinas ane@csun.edu Assistant A&E Editors Deja Magee Moss ane@csun.edu Opinion Editor Michaella Huck opinion@csun.edu Sports Editor Bryanna Winner sports_sundial@csun.edu Assistant Sports Editor Andres Soto sports_sundial@csun.edu Social Media Manager

Natalie Fina sundialsocialmedia@sundial.csun.edu

Graphic Designers Ewan McNeil Elaine Sanders Natalie Miranda Illustrator Joelena Despard Video Editors Andrea Esparza Elaine Sanders Assistant Video Editor Brendan Reed-Crabb Noelle Nakamura Web Developer Rugved Saurabh Darwhekar online@csun.edu Sales Representatives Pathik Patel Kelly Salvador Olivia Vakayil Estefano Vasquez

Distribution Lead Brendan Reed-Crabb

CONTENTS

“Anti-War Protest in LA” Page 6

Editor-in-Chief

Sales Support HaoWen Hsueh

Thank you, Madison Parsley Editor-in-Chief

“Keeping Kids Out of Cages” Page 8

SUNDIAL STAFF

Madison Parsley

Gillian Moran-Perez

Ivan Salinas

San Fernando Valley community’s fights to stop the building of children’s detention center.

Distribution Nicole Benda Emilio Bravo Publisher Arvli Ward arvli.ward@csun.edu General Manager Jody Holcomb jody.doyle@csun.edu Business Manager Sandra Tan sandra.tan@csun.edu

Activists protest against recent events in Iran.

How 60s counterculture film is still relevent in 2020.

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Welcome to 2020 Cover Illustration by Joelena Despard

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CITY@CSUN.EDU

2014

2013

Get Lucky Daft Punk

A dual mysterious genius behind their funky robot helmets, these french producers gave life back to music. In a decade dominated by drum machines and computerized instruments, the duo set out to make an album homaging ‘70s disco with a 21st century spin. Since then we have not heard anything from the duo but the fact that they’re still rumored to appear in Coachella or at a local club proves they’re not forgotten. Maybe they’ll hit the studios again sometime in the 2020s.

What’s better than watching Pharrell Williams hit those falsetto notes in a mountie hat? Especially after watching “Despicable Me 2.” This was a year lead by female artists like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” but if “Happy” takes this spot it’s because it encapsulates the positive feeling of the mid-2010s. A timeless groove, this song welcomes anyone to clap along and smile to the promising future.

Psy

Five years after “Gangnam Style,” “Despacito” broke all the records on music streaming platforms. Justin Bieber was included in the American remix, but it’s actually the original version that amassed all the attention. While trap became mainstream and completely radio friendly so did the urban (AKA reggaeton) genre. This song contradicted the U.S.’ presidential racist rhetoric, proving that music could transcend all borders.

By Ivan Salinas

A compilation of a few major hits of the 2010s. The decade that witnessed the birth of trap rap, songs accompanied by viral choreographs on social media, and the perfect mainstream blend of EDM, funk, and indie music.

2018

I Like It

Cardi B

From the New York female rapper that rose to fame after releasing “Bodak Yellow,” this is the single that recruited Puerto Rican artists Bad Bunny and J Balvin. An anthem that celebrates Latinx culture with its Fania Records sample of Pete Rodriguez’ “I Like it Like That.” Between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, both artists have paved the way for more female rappers to enter the mainstream and be just as respected as their male peers.

I don’t think anyone saw this coming. Perhaps it’s true that in metropolitan coastal cities everyone hates country, but in the last years of the 2010s country artists have collaborated more with hip-hop artists and have adopted a singing style similar to rapping. In the new decade, we may see more blending of different genres that will sound completely alien to us, and that’s when we will be like old Stewie from “Family Guy,” saying: “Back in my day we had Katy Perry and Justin Bieber ... that was real music.”

2010

Runaway Kanye West

Few intros are as iconic as West’s nine minute single off his comeback album “My Dark Twisted Fantasy.” This was just the beginning of a productive decade for the artist, releasing five albums and collaborating with numerous hip-hop artists like Kid Cudi, Pusha T, Jay-Z and Chance the Rapper, just to name a few. His embrace of autotune, experimentation and catchy pop melodies paved the way for more rap artists to move into the mainstream. Without a doubt, West’s production has influenced artists where West’s mark is notable. This decade I just hope we don’t hear more gospel songs in auto-tune.

E AD

HIT S

The first song to go viral on digital platforms and reach more than a billion views, this funny South Korean performer had us dancing more weirdly than middle school kids shuffling to LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem.” In the past years K-pop has become a multi-million dollar industry fueled by boy bands singing and dancing to a choreographed song on genre steroids. I doubt people would put “Gangnam Style” on their K-pop playlist, but no need to, if you’re drunk enough you just might start playing it.

Lil Nas X

Luis Fonsi

HE DE T F C O

Gangnam Style

Old Town Road

Despacito

Pharrell Williams

2012

2019

2017

Happy

2015 When I See You Again Wiz Khalifa

2016

2011

Black Beatles

Midnight City

Rae Sremmund

M83

Meeting its success from the viral mannequin challenge, this song makes a point: hip-hop is as big as rock and its artists are as famous as The Beatles. Whereas the genre used to be the only voice for marginalized communities, and therefore looked down upon, it became imitated and appropriated by anyone looking to gain mass attention. At the same time this song solidified the trap sub-genre to every corner of the internet. It had a sound that was here to stay.

The 2010s also witnessed indie music become mainstream. M83’s one hit wonder is the epitome of the pastel sound dominating the indie scene thus far. The perfect combination of dreamy vocals singing lyrics hard to make out in the first listen, ‘80s-influenced overecstatic synths in the repetitive choruses, and dancy drum beats to get you out of your seat. If you’ve never been to “electric feels” night at the Echoplex, just listen to this song over and over and it’s pretty close to what you’ll listen to for the entire night.

Many of us grew up watching the “Fast & Furious” franchise. Just before the final film was set to release, starring actor Paul Walker passed away in an automobile crash. This poetic coincidence was accompanied by Wiz Khalifa’s powerful ballad dedicated to the actor, but the lyrics are perfect to be dedicated to anyone who wants to remember the good times shared with their significant other.

Check out the full playlist on Spotify THE SUNDIAL

SUNDIAL

JANUARY 21 - 28, 2019

“TO FINALLY TRAVEL A LITTLE MORE THIS YEAR!”

“MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION IS TO LOSE MY FUPA AND TO GET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY CAR FIXED.”

Joelena Despard Illustrator

Michaella Huck Opinion Editor

“TO GET BETTER AT SAVING MONEY AND NOT SPEND IT ALL ON CHIPS.”

“TO ENJOY MY LIFE BETTER AND FIND A JOB AFTER I GRADUATE.” Deja Magee Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor

EDITORS’

Gillian Moran-Perez News Editor

“TO BE THE BEST A&E EDITOR THE SUNDIAL WILL EVER HAVE, AND TO WRITE AS MUCH AND ORIGINALLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE HOPES I’LL GET PUBLISHED IN OTHER LITERARY JOURNALS. AND TRY OUT ALL TACO TRUCKS IN THE VALLEY.”

“TO FINISH MY THESIS, GRADUATE, AND FIND A JOB AFTER.” Bryanna Winner Sports Editor

“TO LEARN MORE, STAY CURIOUS, AND APPRECIATE WHAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER.” Elaine Sanders Production Manager

Ivan Salinas Arts and Entertainment Editor

“TO GRADUATE, GET A GOOD JOB, AND SAVE UP MONEY TO TRAVEL MORE!” Ivey Mellem Chief Copy Editor

“TO SPEND MORE TIME DOING THE THINGS I LOVE.” Logan Bik Managing Visuals Editor

“EMBRACE WHAT MY CAT HAS TAUGHT ME AND FINALLY LEARN TO RELAX.” Madison Parsley Editor-in-Chief

Illustration by Joelena Despard

JUMPSTART YOUR HEALTHCARE CAREER

BECOME AN EMT

APPLY ONLINE NOW: www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/emt UCLA CENTER FOR PREHOSPITAL CARE: (310) 267-5959 4

CITY@CSUN.EDU

SUNDIAL

JANUARY 21 - 28, 2020

ANTI-WAR PROTEST IN LA SWANA LA leads community members in protest against U.S. attacks in Iran.

Hamoun Dolatshahi sang an Iranian song and spoke of solidarity needed among minorities despite geographical boundaries on Jan. 12.

By Gillian Moran - Perez / Photography by Elaine Sanders Southwest Asian and Northern African Los Angeles communities and other organizations gathered on Westwood Boulevard on Jan. 12 to protest the recent events in Iran and stand against war, the travel ban and sanction threats imposed by the U.S. government. SWANA LA members led protesters, including representatives from Black Lives Matter LA, American Indian Movement LA, and other organizations, to march up Westwood Boulevard to the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard. A Navajo speaker opened the event with a prayer for strength and unity, followed by a Black Lives Matter LA member, Joseph Williams, who explained how the events going on in Iran connect to the LA community. “We were invited as a guest at this action because our fights are intertwined because the murder of black and brown people, of unhoused people, of poor people, by law enforcement in Los Angeles is very much connected to black and brown people, of poor people, of people deemed the other in Iran and Iraq and other people around the world,” said Williams. Williams mentioned that a homeless man was killed earlier in the week by the Los Angeles Police Department, pointing out that government-funded armed forces are taking the lives of black and brown peoples in the streets of LA and in Iran. He called for the community to be aware of the issues and to see the connections and not see them as “single issues” that individuals face. Following Williams, a SWANA LA member recited the names of the victims from the Ukrainian plane that was shot down on Jan. 8 after taking off from Tehran International Airport in Iran. Days

following the incident, reports found that the plane was mistakenly shot down by the Iranian military, while the Iranian government blamed human error and denied any alleged cover-up of the accident. Thousands of people took to the streets of Tehran in protest and called for Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to resign. The Ukrainian plane crash came days after the U.S. openly assassinated General Qasem Soleimani on Jan. 3. Since then, threats of war have surfaced as this is the first time since World War II that the U.S. has targeted a foreign military leader. Isabel G., from SWANA LA, demanded an end to all economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Iran, attacks of war on Iran and travel bans. She said this was the first time a rally was created by and for SWANA community members to condemn U.S. imperialism and to bring awareness to issues within the community such as occupation, internal displacement and threats of war. “SWANA is a decolonial way of saying Middle Eastern (Southwest Asian, North African),” Isabel said. “We don’t believe in borders, we

Protesters march up Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards ultimately reaching the Federal Building.

“WE DON’T BELIEVE IN BORDERS” SWANA LA safety personnel (seen on far right) joined the march to keep protesters out of the street and to keep the peace.

OPINON@CSUN.EDU

believe in transnational solidarity movement within our people.” Protesters chanted “The people united will never be defeated,” “Defeat U.S. imperialism, defend Iran,” “From Iraq to Palestine, occupation is a crime” as they marched toward the Federal Building. Bystanders yelled out in support and drivers honked their cars in solidarity. Arturo Blas from Corriente Obrera, a small working class movement, said he was there to support the working class and the SWANA organizers. “I’m an immigrant, so we see that right away Iranian immigrants are being attacked from the U.S. so this is very important because we have to put pressure on the U.S. government to stop attacking people here, and also we think that helps all the struggles going on in Iran and Iraq,” said Blas.

As protesters gathered around the Federal Building, more speakers from the Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle Eastern and North African Socialists, and other organizations spoke, calling for solidarity among different ethnic groups and to stand against U.S. imperialism. Hamoun Dolatshahi, a SWANA member and an Iranian-Kurdish immigrant, spoke in support of the Iran and Iraq working class protesters who are protesting back in Iran against the dictatorship. Dolatshahi urged the crowd to support grassroots movements for democracy and to support each other in the fight against the intense policing of black and brown communities. “They tried to bury us, but they did not know that we are seeds,” said Dolatshahi.

“THEY TRIED TO BURY US, BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WE ARE SEEDS!” A protester marches up Westwood Boulevard playing music.

SUNDIAL

JANUARY 21 - 28, 2020

Illustration by Joelena Despard

KEEPING KIDS OUT OF CAGES By Madison Parsley / Photography by Ivan Salinas San Fernando Valley community members huddled wall to wall, willing to sit on the floor or stand in the hallways of a small human service agency. Locals hope to find a solution that will put a stop to the looming fear of a migrant children’s center that could soon be placed in the heart of Arleta. VisionQuest has proposed to locate their newest migrant children’s center at a vacant senior citizen center that sits on the corner of Woodman and Nordhoff surrounded by the busy shops in the neighborhood. According to Reveal, The Center for Investigative Reporting’s website, the vacant facility would house boys, exclusively, between the ages of 11 and 17, allocating space for 148 beds. VisionQuest received federal funding to open centers in Tucson, Arizona, Southern California, and San Antonio, Texas for detained children separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border back in July. This action is going around California’s new law that took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, which bans for-profit children’s detention centers.

HOW THE COMMUNITY IS RESPONDING

There has been an outpouring of fear and protest from the San Fernando Valley community urging councilmembers and assembly members to put a stop to the project completely, comparing the center to a children’s prison. On Jan. 6 a protest led by the organization Justice For The Children brought the community together to send a message that Arleta refuses to be home to a children’s

detention center. “I live nearby and I’ve always lived here. I saw this being used as a senior citizen center and this whole community also already changing, but to hear that they’re going to put this detention center right within our community is a slap in the face,” said Araceli Herandez. As a resident of Arleta, she explained that this is like a power move on a community that is nearly 70% Latino/a, and it makes them feel powerless or out of their control. “It felt like I didn’t have control but I’m out here to protest and let them know we know they’re coming and we don’t want them to, we don’t want kids in cages,” said Hernandez. Local teacher and member of United Teachers Los Angeles Rocio Lopez joined the protest to send a message of support to migrant children. “I’m here to share the message to the children that are being detained that there are a majority of us that support them, love them and are here to fight for them,” said Lopez. “We are all human and we all deserve the right to be treated as humans, no child should be in a cage.” A few days after the protest, a meeting was held at Pueblo y Salud, Inc., a social and human services agency that focuses on education, prevention, organizing, mobilizing and empowerment for the Latino community. The small space was packed with community members from local human rights organizations, CSUN students, assembly member and councilmember representatives and residents from across the Valley.

Peter Schey, an immigrants rights attorney and president of the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, spoke during the meeting and answered questions from the community. Schey’s experience goes back to infamous cases such as Plyler v. Doe in 1982 that stopped Texas legislature from withholding funding for the education of undocumented children and worked the Flores Settlement, setting regulations for the treatment, conditions and time that migrant children are detained.

“KIDS THERE AREN’T FREE TO LEAVE, THEY’RE IN A MINIATURE JAIL” “They aren’t shelters, these are detention facilities and we should be very clear about that. Kids there aren’t free to leave, they’re in a miniature jail,” said Schey. Under these detention centers children are not allowed to leave the premises, whether it be for school or go anywhere else outside the gates of the center. A shelter differs, allowing occupants to come and go, explained Schey. While migrant children centers should have schooling, health services and other regulation, it’s up to the company to make the decision on how it is run. He explained to the audience that ICE isn’t the group in charge of detaining over 5,000 kids currently in detention centers, but instead is the Office of Refugee Resettlement, an agency that is part of the Health and Human Service of the Federal Government. ORR is in charge of reuniting migrant children with family members but has been spending millions of dollars making contracts with companies like VisionQuest that detain children because the ORR doesn’t run these facilities.

WHO IS VISIONQUEST?

The company contracted and funded to open the migrant children’s center in Arleta is VisionQuest, a “national, comprehensive at-risk youth services organization, committed to provide highly successful intervention services to at-risk youth and their families, while adhering to the highest professional standards,” according to the company’s website. The founder Bob Burton created the program in 1973 designed around physical and wilderness survival skill activities to reform at-risk youth. But, in more recent years, the long-time for-profit VisionQuest has been subject to financial debt, leading them to enter the non-profit business of migrant children’s centers, spurring public uproar due to their long history of mistreatment of children, according to Reveal. Here’s a list of a few of the allegation and cases against VisionQuest that Reveal reported: • 1980, seven children and two staff members drowned in a boating accident. • Early practices used “confrontation circles” where “staff would circle around a child, yelling at them, and tackle them if they tried to escape.” • 1994, 13 employees were fired over a twoyear period in Pennsylvania for reasons of known or suspected abuse or physical harm. • 2007, 187 kids ran away from a New Lisbon, New Jersey facility over just a three-month time period, where “state officials found the program relied on untrained temporary workers and kept children for longer than it should.” • 2017, a Philadelphia facility was closed after city officials ended their contract when multiple cases of abuse surfaced from a state inspection.

“STAFF WOULD CIRCLE AROUND A CHILD, YELLING AT THEM” In July, VisionQuest received $25 million in federal funding by ORR in four grants over three years to detain unaccompanied minors in centers to be located in California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. These grants followed a 2017 federal grant of $8.9 million for a long-term foster care program in Arizona and a 2018 grant of $8.5 million for a facility in Philadelphia both for migrant children, which “the latest federal grants promise to

boost the company’s annual revenues — $28.6 million last year — by 30%, a game-changer for a company that has lost money each of the last two years,” according to Reveal. Many cities such as San Antonio and Philadelphia have denied VisionQuest’s applications to open migrant children’s center. With Los Angeles being the company’s newest target, the LA City Council is already stepping in.

Protesters walk down Nordhoff Street and Woodman Avenue, crossroads in the city of Arleta, where VisionQuest is set to open a migrant children’s detention center.

HOW LOS ANGELES IS RESPONDING

On Oct. 9, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 32 which bans all private, for-profit prisons and detentions centers from entering or renewing contracts in the state of California as of Jan. 1, 2020. As reported by LAist, “Federal officials say the shelters are ‘state licensed residential centers’ legally administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and their network of private contractors.” VisionQuest is still funded by ORR under HHS to open up a facility in Southern California but LA City Councilmembers have introduced two motions to put a stop to the facility being built in Arleta. The first motion adopted by the council was introduced by Councilman Herb Wesson in July that would be “amending city zoning codes to prohibit the construction and operation of private detention centers.” The second motion was introduced in November by Nury Martinez, Councilwoman for District 6 where Arleta is located. Through this motion, the Council is instructing Planning Department, Department of Building and Safety, and the City Attorney’s Office to create a report that would investigate if the planned site is even suitable for this facility.

WHERE THE COMMUNITY IS GOING FROM HERE

Schey encouraged the community to organize to create the best solution to stop the migrant children’s center from being built under the terms of a detention center. He explained they had several options they

needed to consider in order to move forward: • Refusing to let the facility be built anywhere in the city of Los Angeles, even though there is a risk of it being built somewhere else. • Granting permission for the facility to be built but under the terms of the community, (i.e. with shelter regulations allowing occupants to come and go outside of the facility). • Creating a community foster-care-like system where families of the San Fernando Valley house migrant children. All of these options would need the help and support of local councilmembers, assembly members and attorneys. The meeting ended with emotional words from San Fernando Valley resident Gloria Saucedo empowering the youth to continue fighting. “I want to tell you something: We have a big crisis in the community. We have a lot of people that are undocumented. The saddest thing is that their children are 21 years old and they’re American citizens, but they can’t fix their parents’ immigration status,” said Saucedo. “We need to have a movement led by young people that are able to vote so we can approach our congress members. That way laws are changed.” On the verge of tears she expressed, “I was going to retire by Feb. 1. I’m almost unable to walk. But please, keep up the fight.” The organization Justice For The Children will continue to have meetings to discuss and move forward with solutions. If you are interested in attending meetings or would like more information, call (818) 837-2272.

Locals of the San Fernando Valley community filled up the center of Pueblo y Salud to its last seat. Locals arrived throughout the meeting and had to stand in the hallways or sit on the floor.

CITY@CSUN.EDU

SUNDIAL

JANUARY 21 - 28, 2019

D UL

WH Y

S U H O Y

Michael Meeks Associated Students Senator for Humanities

This political moment feels like the most pivotal in my lifetime. We have a choice to make that will define the rest of the decade and affect all of our lives to come. Overstatement? I doubt it. Can you imagine the 1960s if Nixon had been president instead of Kennedy, or the 1980s if Reagan lost to Jimmy Carter? Rehashing the 2000 election is triggering for many, but few could deny how the aughts would be different if Al Gore had presided instead of George W. Bush. Yet 2020 feels different, despite also being an election year at the start of a new decade. Perhaps it is recency bias, but today feels like some of the most polarized our politics have ever been. The respectability and civility that are so often demanded of those on the periphery of society have been absent in the White House, setting the tone for our political culture. These times have simultaneously driven people towards and away from politics, with the latter believing it to be “too messy” and generally unpleasant. Those observations are valid, and the proof isn’t ever far out of sight on Twitter. More importantly, being a student

is exhausting, and the cost of living in LA demands so much of our energy. Meanwhile, by fate, dumb luck or divine will, I have drifted towards politics. To be clear, I am an exception, in that I was imbued with some natural passion for it, along with an ego big enough to sustain my involvement in it, and the privilege (especially financial) to invest so much of my energy into it. This is damning, for our country and society, because privilege ought not decide whether or not someone engages in our politics. Democ-

66.6% of people 65+ years old voted in the 2016 election.

racy is a doomed lie if the largest portion of the population is set up to fail like this, and never incentivized or empowered otherwise to participate. Indeed, ours is a dire moment, but in it I also see potential and opportunity, to create a more just and considerate world. We should vote defiantly. Those with the privilege of time or experience, should assist and empower our family and neighbors to participate, so that we uplift the whole of our communities. Voting is not everything, but it is a tangible and accessible first step towards the justice we deserve. For instance in this election, the possibility of war, deportations and healthcare rights are just a few real consequences that will be for us to determine. Local issues are even less publicized than these, and matter just as much to our immediate communities, where our everyday lives are affected. Lastly, on the messiness of politics, understand that it is no accident. Your voice should be actively coveted in government, to ensure a healthy democracy, but it is not. Other voices, groups and classes are given priority over you. The ails of our society reflect as much. But I’m excited by what we can get done together. A new decade is here, just as we prepare to enter our careers after college. I like our odds.

46.1% 61.4%

of 18 to 29 year olds voted in the 2016 election.

of the total voting age population voted in the 2016 election.

Statistics from the US Census Bureau

OPINION@CSUN.EDU

EASY RIDER IN 2020: BORN TO BE DEAD SPOILER ALERT, THE FILM REPRESENTING THE PEACEFUL AND FREE 60S COUNTERCULTURE ENDS ON A GRIM NOTE. By Ivan Salinas If there is a scene that could sum up the theme behind “Easy Rider,” the unforeseen Hollywood 1969 hippy counterculture classic, it is when George Hanson, played by Jack Nicholson, tells Billy: “What you represent to them is Freedom.” Billy, played by director Dennis Hopper, is confused by this, prompting Hanson to explain: “That’s what’s it’s all about, all right. But talkin’ about it and bein’ it, that’s two different things ... of course, don’t ever tell anybody that they’re not free, ‘cause then they’re gonna get real busy killin’ and maimin’ to prove to you that they are.” Half a century later this conversation couldn’t be more relevant in 2020. Watching this scene was like watching a Trump supporter have a conversation with an LA liberal. Hanson also represents something in the film, a conservative — not so well behaved since he met Billy and his friend Wyatt (played by Peter Fonda) in a jail cell — who is not scared of talking to individuals with long hair, wear unshaven beards and ride on motorcycles across the country and listens to rock music. That’s what American freedom looked like at the end of the ‘60s: long-haired individuals seeking a connection with nature and the small-town life or move into anti-capitalist settlements, which main characters Billy and Wyatt embody in the film. The CSUN Cinematheque will be screening “Easy Rider” on Jan. 29, the first of its weekly Wednesday screenings under the theme Rock the Screen. Curator Frances Gateward is focusing on pop music as a form of cultural expression in cinema. Some films of the series include “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964), “Quadrophenia” (1979), “Super Fly” (1972) and “Sing Street” (2016). In the case of “Easy Rider,” the movie is filled with iconic rock songs, the main one being Steppenwolf ’s hard rock classic “Born to be Wild.” The song plays as the introductory credits roll out while Billy and Wyatt ride their motorcycles against a countryside backdrop — might as well be the official music video for the song. Today if a movie like this were to be made, its soundtrack would have to be more hip-hop oriented — maybe Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” would play and other country-rap songs — but the political undertones would be very similar. The lyrics for “Born to be Wild” send a message of freedom like the film, a voice of the youth induced in psychedelics, screaming “we were born to be wild, I never want to die.” I think of this uproaring moment of the song and that’s probably what the millennial generation felt like at the beginning of 2010. It was a moment of progress and freedom. Technological

innovation felt like it was going to solve all of our issues. I was only 12 years old back then so my head was too busy dealing with puberty and middle school bullying so it’s not like I was aware of the entire political climate, but I do remember feeling hope. Being undocumented, there was hope that soon I will grow up and be free to travel anywhere. Like Billy and Wyatt, I could get on a motorcycle and ride across the U.S., including through the deep south, but that’s no longer the case. Now that I’m able to look back and grasp a bigger picture of the past decade in a more mature version of myself, this is a movie that still speaks to my generation. I couldn’t feel more separate from people who live in conservative states, especially when people of my immigrant status pose a threat? Hippies like Billy and Wyatt posed a threat; as white and American as they were, they met their tragic fate simply for looking different, for embracing their freedom. Why would mine be any different under this political climate? The death of these two characters at gunpoint at the end of the movie symbolizes the end of an era. The tumultuous ‘60s ended on a note that said the status quo would remain and be reinforced. It still took four more years for the U.S. army to get out of Vietnam, it still failed to recognize central issues to communities of color, and forced the generation of potential change to join the same oppressing power structures. As soon as 2020 began there were already military actions taking place that would continue the bloodshed in the Middle East, big tech companies getting in the oil drilling business and social media sites becoming ground zero to push propaganda depending on the data extracted from our activity within them. It seems like the people who have the potential to change the world for the better choose to reject it in pursuit of money. The only reason why Billy and Wyatt are able to travel across the country in “Easy Rider” is because they score a cocaine drug deal with a Mexican drug lord. Wyatt hides the money in his motorcycle’s gas tank — a motorcycle that has the American flag painted on it. With all this symbolism on the screen it made me ask myself, does money buy you freedom? Can you buy the easy rider, beat lifestyle? It can, for a while. Until you have to produce more money to survive, own a home, pay taxes and all the other capitalist duties. An anti-capitalist sedentary lifestyle is perhaps the real threat. It’s not fair these two get to retire for scoring a drug deal while everyone else has to break their back to survive. It’s anti-American. And anything that is antiAmerican deserves to die.

SUNDIAL º JANUARY 21 - 28, 2020

CALIFORNIAN’S GUIDE TO CONSUMER PRIVACY ACT OF 2020 In this day and age, consumer data is regularly collected and sold by technological companies without the consumer’s knowledge or input. The California Consumer Privacy Act, enacted in 2018 but put in effect as of Jan. 1, 2020, has created regulations and provides information to Californians about how their data is being used.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?

Under CCPA, you are entitled to know what personal information is being collected and who it is being sold or disclosed to. Under most circumstances, companies who have access to your information use it to push you towards targeted products they believe you would likely interact with. Under this privacy act, Californians will now be able to access their information and they now have the right to request to delete information or opt-out of the sale of their data.

WHAT COUNTS AS PERSONAL?

Under CCPA, there are 11 categories of personal information: • Identifiers: your name • Selected Information in Customer Records: bank cards and social security numbers • Commercial Purchasing Information: what you’ve purchased

• Legally Protected Characteristics: race, gender, age • Biometric Information: fingerprints, facial patterns • Network Activity: search history and interactions with websites • Geolocation • Information Detected by the Senses: audio • Employment Information • And lastly, make any Inferences From the Above Categories

WHO HAS TO COMPLY?

Businesses and organizations that must comply with CCPA include any for-profit organizations that do business in California, collect California residents’ information and meet one of the three requirements: • Gross annual revenue over $25 million • Buys, gathers or sells the data of at least 50,000 households or people • Earns half of its annual revenue from selling user data Examples of businesses include Instagram, Youtube, Google Maps, Facebook Messenger and more. One way to find out if your data has been collected by organizations is to read over the terms and agreements in their privacy policies.

By Michaella Huck

HOW DO I EXERCISE MY RIGHTS?

With the right to know, users are allowed to request a copy of the personal data companies have collected, as well as specific categories of personal information companies have sold or disclosed. Businesses also have to notify the user which categories of personal data they collect, for what purposes and if they are selling it to third parties. Users can also request for a business to delete any personal information that they have collected over the years. If the company has shared a user’s information with another business, then they must also tell that business to delete the user’s information. Lastly, users can request the right to opt-out from their personal information being sold to third parties.

HOW IS IT ENFORCED?

The California Attorney General is responsible for enforcing the law; however, the attorney general is not allowed to do so until July 1, 2020. The attorney general can label an organization as a non-compliant business, with the penalty being a hefty fine. Intentional violations not changed within 30 days will have a $7,500 fine and unintentional violations will have a $2,500 fine per violation.

MINIMUM WAGE IN 2020 By Michaella Huck As the cost of living continues to increase, California and Los Angeles County fight to adjust minimum wage to match the expenses that come with residency. In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill that will slowly increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour for large employers by 2022 and by 2023 for small businesses. Entering the fourth year since the bill’s passing, on Jan. 1 the minimum wage became $13 for large businesses and $12 for businesses with 25 or less employees. Unless a governor in the near future waives these consecutive increases, these annual hikes will keep coming until they reach $15 in 2023. While California is increasing the state minimum, counties and cities are able to mandate their own minimum wage as long as it complies with the state minimum wage. Los Angeles County has been on their own path to increase the minimum wage. By this year, large employers with 26 or more employees are required to pay minimum wage workers $15 an hour, moving up from last year's minimum of $14.25; on the other hand, smaller employers are required to pay $15 by 2021.

California is a huge step ahead of the federal minimum wage, which is currently at $7.25. The U.S. Department of Labor is also working towards an increase to a federal minimum wage of $11 by 2021. While the federal minimum is in place, 29 states have minimum wages higher than what’s required by federal law. This is because the cost of living differs from state to state and the federal minimum may or may not be enough for one to support themselves. The cost of living is calculated by taking sample costs of categories like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and health care; they are then averaged and divided into how much money one needs each year. In California, the living wage has been set at $14.61 for one adult with no children. While minimum wage continues to increase to accommodate the cost of living, California remains the state with the highest poverty rate standing at 18.1%, according to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2018.

CITY@CSUN.EDU

What to know about the

California REAL ID By Kimberly Silverio-Bautista

WHO CAN GET A REAL ID? U.S. citizens and all legal residents of the United States can apply for a REAL ID driver license or identification card.

A yellow bear logo with a star on your identification card will determine whether you’ll have access to some federal facilities, like federal courthouses, or travel nationally by plane starting on Oct.1, 2020. The California Department of Motor Vehicles’ website states that “this optional card is being made available to Californians who want to continue to use their driver license or ID card to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities.” The California REAL ID is an identification card that will be required in order to access these locations throughout the United States. They have been offered to California residents since Jan. 22, 2018. So far, the DMV has stated that about 5.4 million people in the state of California have received it since Jan. 2018, according to the Sacramento Bee. In 2005, the REAL ID Act was passed by Congress which “enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government ‘set standards for the issuance of sources of identification,

such as driver’s licenses,’” which are listed in the Department of Homeland Security’s website. Students who tend to travel for educational purposes should take advantage of applying and get it before the deadline approaches within the next nine months. Associated Students President Diana Vicente said that it’s a good idea for students to get the REAL ID, as the university offers many opportunities for students to travel for school purposes. “For students to get this, it would really make it easier to take advantage of those purposes that are already provided,” said Vicente. “Just like any other place, our university believes that education and learning goes beyond the classroom and that includes the traveling experiences.” Before the act goes into effect, students and other Californians are still able to use their driver’s license or identification card in order to have access to the areas.

WHEN DO I NEED A REAL ID? WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU WHEN YOU GET YOUR REAL ID • Proof of identity, such as a valid U.S. passport, passport card or a U.S. birth certificate.

Starting Oct. 1, 2020 you will need a Real ID to present to TSA for all domestic flights. If you choose to carry a passport or other federally approved identification you will not need a REAL ID for air travel.

• Social Security Number proof such as a social security card or a pay stub. • Two proofs of California address such as a lease, rental agreement or bills (cellular phone, electricity, mortgage, etc.). • $37 to cover cost of the card.

SUNDIAL JANUARY 21 - 28, 2019

Story and photography by Ivan Salinas

MADUS: NEW EP 2020

Madus members rehearsing before their debut performance at The Drop.

The finalists for Artist of the Year contest, Madus, made their live performance debut at CSUN last December, previewing a much expected EP set to release in spring, 2020. Five of Five Entertainment, also known as VOVE, CSUN’s student-led record label, chose Madus— a four-man alternative rock band from the San Fernando Valley — out of 40 submissions from multiple musicians IN the Los Angeles area whom auditioned for the contest. The band is currently working on an EP under VOVE record label. In this way, the band and the students partaking in the project get a hands-on experience in the world of the music industry. In such a competitive marketplace, LA is filled with artists looking to break into the stream of listeners whether it is on curated Spotify playlists or on the radio. For musicians attending CSUN, this is another opportunity to expand their audience. “The cool thing about this is that suddenly there’s now 36 other people invested into the band and want it to succeed,” said Dugan Cruz, lead singer and guitarist of Madus. He was referring to the 36 students taking the senior practicum, with adviser Jefferey Izzo, that make up the VOVE team for a school year. They are then in charge of managing the band during that time –– some duties include finding resources like a recording studio or audio equipment; they also promote their content on social media, handle finances and plan a culminating gig at a venue. The creativity and musical

direction of the band, however, remains with the band. Madus’ energy is released through distorted guitars accompanied with alternative rock beats that give off a sound audience may find familiar. Cruz’s vocals lures listeners with a sensual style he seems to be going for. You can hear that in “Hey you!” and “SuperGroove,” both singles released in 2019. There is yet to be an acoustic or a slow song in their repertoire, as they prefer a full collaborative force with each song. However, their writing approach is more personal. Lyrics are written mainly by Cruz who thinks of the writing process as, “Do I want somebody else to undress me while I striptease for you or do you want me to do it myself?” It’s a weird way of thinking about lyrics, but simply put it is a solitary endeavor that he then shares with the band. When the words are put to music, it creates a vibrance felt in their performances and a key component of their magick. That magick started since Madus’ name origin, which surfaced from a perfectly random spelling: “Fun story, one day I was having alphabet soup and I saw the words madus magic, with a k, spelled on it and I said, that’s it. That’s the name of my band.” Dugan explained. Madus shared this with their fans on their Instagram bio, which reads “Magick Rock.” With more than a thousand followers on Instagram, their fan base is still growing. Madus added that record companies make a safe bet by signing bands that already have a following. VOVE was no different, even though one of the contest’s finalists didn’t have music available on streaming platforms. Zenfoo was the secondfinalist of the contest, who also debuted

Pat Rector, guitar player of Madus, performs on stage. The band has accrued over 70,000 streams of their songs on music platforms.

Madus’ energetic performance radiates with audiences. Dugan Cruz is the only member of the band who is currently a CSUN student, majoring in music industry studies.

as the opening act for Madus last December. A mellow-sounding band influenced by late ’60s rock, Motown artists, and even blues singers. As locals of the San Fernando Valley, they’re hoping to play more shows in the area and record their music. Last year, Tokyo Gold won Artist of the Year for 2018-2019. The band was a mix between R&B and soul, completely different from the sound that Madus brings to the table. For the past 10 years, there has been a diverse catalog of musicians, which is a staple for the kind of talent that LA has to offer. Rafael Gomez, Director of A&R and Management at VOVE, experienced this first hand. “The decision to choose this band was a democratic process,” Gomez said. Every week, the class met and voted on which artists they wanted to revisit; through a process of elimination, they landed on the top three. “We interviewed them and we thought they were all really good, so it was a really hard decision to make.” Whereas independent labels or self-managing bands are more prominent, working with a big record-label is going in the opposite direction, but the trade-off is a valuable experience to know what to expect of the music industry. The members of Madus know what they’re getting themselves into when working with a record label and in the future, they may not have the same freedoms. But they are willing to try it out now, hoping to reach more listeners with their magick.

Andre Paz, guitar player of Zenfoo.

Erin McGuire, Zenfoo lead-vocalist.

Zenfoo band members (left to right): Erin McGuire (vocals), Diego Fernandez (bass), Andre Paz (guitar), Brandon Pasio (drums).

ANE@CSUN.EDU

SOFTBALL IS BACK, SO IS FLOWERS Coach looks back at Olympics and forward to new season. By Bryanna Winner 2020 signals the start of a new year and decade, one that looks to be full of many events. One of those events is the Olympic Summer Games that will be held in Tokyo, Japan from July 24 to Aug. 9. The 2020 Tokyo Games will see the debut of karate, sport climbing, surfing and skateboarding while two other sports are coming back for the first time since being removed following the 2008 Beijing Games. Baseball and softball both return for the first time in 12 years, giving a select few athletes across the country an opportunity they haven’t had in over a decade. For CSUN softball head coach Tairia Flowers, it will be her third experience with the Olympics after winning a gold medal as a player in 2004 and silver in 2008. “I’m really excited for it,” Flowers said. “( Japan) love(s) softball ... so it’s exciting to go somewhere where it would be like playing in the U.S. where you know people are there ... except everyone there is rooting against us.” Japan beat the U.S. 3-1 at the 2008 Beijing Games to win the gold medal while the U.S. received the silver medal. It marked the first and only time since softball debuted in the 1996 Olympics that the U.S. didn’t win gold. Softball and baseball were dropped by the International Olympic Committee for 2012 and 2016. “Obviously, I want to go out on top,” said Flowers. “We don’t know if it’ll be back in the Olympics again for right now, but doing it in Tokyo would kind of be bittersweet.”

It is currently unknown whether baseball and softball will be seen at the 2024 Paris Olympics as neither were on the shortlist. The International Olympic Committee will vote on whether they will be included in the next Summer Olympics in Dec. 2020. Unlike the prior two Olympics she competed in, Flowers will be participating this year as an assistant coach for Team USA. “I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet since I’m still in CSUN mode and I’m not playing, but the opportunity for anyone to go to the Olympics even as a fan is just amazing because of the atmosphere,” Flowers said. “I can’t wait and I’m honored for the opportunity.” Flowers was an assistant coach for the women’s national team last year as they were playing around the globe, including the Pan American Games and the USA Softball International Cup, finishing first in both. As she looks to the upcoming Olympics, Flowers looks back at her favorite memories from the last two. “Everything flew by. I think being with my teammates, we just had so many amazing people with us, even support staff; being in the (Olympic) Village and seeing other athletes, everybody who is at the top of their game; because you are almost like a fan seeing them walk around in the cafeteria or on campus,” Flowers said. “Getting to represent my country and knowing that we were at the top of our game, I think that was the coolest things.” As the Olympics are coming closer, Flowers looks towards these Games and what she is excited to see. “Just seeing the girls execute and compete,” she said. “I’ve been a part of coaching for a while, for a few

years, and seeing some of these girls come and go, grow, and get better ... I can’t wait to see what they do when it comes to crunch time.” Before each Olympic Games, the WNT tours across the country playing against all-star teams, collegiate teams and in tournaments. This year’s tour is called the “Stand Beside Her Tour,” named so to represent all women across the nation and empower them to work towards their dreams.

“I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THEY DO WHEN IT COMES TO CRUNCH TIME ” As part of the tour, the WNT will stop in Santee, California to take on CSUN and San Diego State on March 10. Flowers will start the night as the head coach for the Matadors and then switch teams against the Aztecs. “I’m excited,” Flowers said. “I think that the (Matadors) are going to have some good energy and see their role models. We have nothing to lose, it’s go out there and do our best and let everything fall where they may.” This is the first time that CSUN plays against the WNT and Flowers believes that this is an experience for her team to learn from their role models and be part of their Olympic journey.

SUNDIAL CLASSIFIEDS CHILD CARE

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING

Seeking qualified nanny, two, 9-hour days per week, for one baby in Lake Balboa. $15 per hour. rougalan@gmail.com

Fitness Monitor City Of Calabasas MUST BE AT LEAST 18YRS+ -Must have fitness background (high school/college sport(s)) -experience in working out/using equipment -general idea of muscles -good customer service skills -team player For more info or to apply, visit https://dailysundial. campusave.com/jobs/ fitness-monitor-598499539.htm

Renting 2 rooms within 3 miles of CSUN. Ready to move in asap. For more info, visit https://dailysundial.campusave.com/housing/rooms-forrent--598499545.htm

EMPLOYMENT Trader Joe’s Crew Member Is it you? Our Crew Members create a warm and friendly shopping experience in our stores. We answer questions, offer suggestions and ensure our customers know they are welcomed and cared for. For more info or to apply, visit https://dailysundial. campusave.com/jobs/storecrew-15-598001496.htm

Find even more jobs and housing online: dailysundial.com/ classifieds

SUNDIAL º JANUARY 21 - 28, 2020

CLASSIFIED DISCLAIMER The Sundial does not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious preference, national origin or sex. The Sundial accepts no responsibility for claims in or response to advertisements placed in the paper. Be cautious in answering ads, especially when you are asked to send cash or provide personal or financial information.

MEDALS ARE GOING TO BE MADE OUT OF SMALL ELECTRONICS FROM ALL OVER JAPAN, INCLUDING CELL PHONES.

4 NEW SPORTS • KARATE • SKATEBOARDING • SURFING • SPORT CLIMBING

2018

PYEONG CHANG

BRINGING BACK BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL LAST SEEN IN 2008

2020 TOKYO 2022 BEIJING SECOND OF THREE STRAIGHT OLYMPICS IN AN EAST ASIAN COUNTRY

Olympic Rings Illustration by Joelena Despard

4TH OLYMPIC GAMES HELD IN JAPAN

• 1964 TOKYO • 1972 SAPPORO • 1998 NAGANO • 2020 TOKYO

PROTESTS BANNED

BY THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITEE “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”