Week of January 25, 2021 by Daily Titan

Monday, January 25, 2021

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

CSUF reduces in-person classes New health guidelines pose challenges for the spring 2021 semester. MICHELLE IBAÑEZ KARINA GUTIERREZ Editors

Kinseiology 573 operated in-person in the fall. (Zara Flores / Daily Titan)

Cal State Fullerton has rolled back on the amount of in-person courses taught, going from an initial 254 in the fall to only 76, said Mark Filowitz, associate vice president for academic programs and enrollment. Only classes training emergency responders and those in other essential professions would be offered on campus. “Anyone that is working in engineering, anyone in science labs and anyone involved in the health professions would be the courses that are continued,” Filowitz said. As COVID-19 cases continue to surge throughout California and intensive care units remain

saturated, Orange County stays in the purple tier of the state’s reopening plan. In response to the current standstill, fewer than 1% of in-person classes will be held, said Ellen Treanor, CSUF’s chief communications officer. As soon as county cases decrease and the university receives detailed guidelines, faculty who were unable to teach in-person classes at the start of the semester will be given the choice to return if they wish to do so, according to an email sent out by CSUF Provost Carolyn Thomas. “We’re hoping that it calms down within a few weeks and we will be able to get those classes back on board,” Filowitz said In December, California State University announced that it anticipated an in-person return for the 2021 fall semester, but would continue to monitor COVID-19 developments in order to act accordingly. The course criteria

Volume 109 Issue 1

SPECIAL EDITION INSIDE: WELCOME BACK!

OPINION: This election season emphasized the government’s faults. SEE PAGE 8

was established by the Orange County Health Care Agency in collaboration with higher education institutions. Filowitz said that upon receiving the directive, the deans of each college were contacted to aid in narrowing down the list of classes that fit the new definitions. SEE VIRUS

Disneyland scraps annual passes Disneyland cancelled its passport program after four decades. ANTHONY ROBLES Asst. Editor

Disney Parks News announced via Twitter on Jan. 14 that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks will be “sunsetting” its current annual pass program due to the uncertain future of the park’s reopening, and Cal State Fullerton students are still reeling. The Disneyland Resort Annual Passport was a multi-tier

LIFESTYLE: Tuffy’s Book Nook explores psychological thrill and mystery. SEE PAGE 5

ticketing system that offered passholders with park visiting days based on available reservations and blockout days depending on peak seasons. Disneyland, which has been closed for 10 months, is waiting for the green light to reopen. However, due to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s established California reopening guidelines under COVID-19, the parks will not be allowed to open until Orange County reaches the state’s least restrictive yellow tier, meaning minimal spread of the virus. Orange County is currently not in the yellow tier, and vaccines are being limited in distribution. It is unclear when Disneyland will be allowed to reopen, and it will remain closed for the foreseeable future. SEE PARK

PHOTO ILLLUSTRATION BY ANTHONY ROBLES / DAILY TITAN

Fullerton splits home Biden series against Hawai’i enters CSUF won on Friday, 83-67, but lost on Saturday, 76-53 to the Rainbow Warriors. JOSHUA BYFIELD Asst. Editor

Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball team split a pair of games against the visiting Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors last weekend, their third-straight series-split against Big West conference opponents. Fullerton defeated Hawai’i on Friday, 83-67, that snapped a five-game losing streak against the Rainbow Warriors, but dropped the second game, 76-53, the following night. Vincent Lee posts up against a Hawai’i defender at Titan Gym on Friday. (Fullerton Athletics) FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @THEDAILYTITAN

SEE BENCH

office

Political clubs on campus move forward with the new administration. EMILY DOWNER NICOLE MARIONA Asst. Editors

Democrat Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, with Kamala Harris serving as the first woman, Black and South Asian vice president. With the transition from a Republican to Democrat administration, many political clubs on campus are adjusting to the change.

NEWS: City council furthers discussion on marijuana shops. SEE PAGE 2

Claudia Lazaro, a thirdyear political science major and president of the College Democrats of Cal State Fullerton, said the club’s focus would be toward shining light on issues such as healthcare as opposed to the emphasis on local and national elections during the past fall. “There’s a lot of issues that have been spoken broadly within the club and with students. Such as climate change, obviously the pandemic and coronavirus, student debt and any other local issues that arise during this time,” Lazaro said. “Those are main issues that we have noticed that a lot of students have also been passionate about.” SEE POLITICS

VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

2 News

WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 25

City delays discussion on possible marijuana store amendment Fullerton residents grow frustrated with the council’s lack of action. MICHELLE IBAÑEZ Editor

LILY LOPEZ Asst. Editor

Fullerton City Council members voted, 3-2, to postpone further discussion on a potential amendment to the commercial cannabis ordinance until Feb. 16. The ordinance, which allowed five dispensaries to have storefront access to customers, was officially passed in November. This new motion, which was introduced by Mayor Pro Tem Nick Dunlap, would hold a special meeting where residents would be allowed to voice their concerns on the ordinance. During public comments, multiple residents phoned in on the Zoom meeting to either voice approval or disagreement of the new plan of action. An interpreter was also present for Spanish-speaking residents who wanted to comment on the matter. A Fullerton resident and mother of three opposed the date change and explained that she is a medical cannabis user of 15 years to help deal with chronic pain. “You guys are trying to take an ordinance that went through all the various steps, multiple public comments to get to the

The Fullerton City Council briefly discussed dispensaries on Tuesday at city hall. (Danica Huynh / Daily Titan)

point that we’re at, and clearly there is a lack of education on how pot stores work,” she said. She added that her disagreement stemmed from the council’s lack of acknowledgment to previous public comments and decisions. One commenter informed the council that she and a group of other women who are parents have been waiting outside the city council chambers door for hours. Despite the cold and windy weather, they wanted to let the council know their presence and opinion on the matter. They asked the members to rescind the ordinance and postpone it for next month. “These are the ladies, the parents of Fullerton in the

wind, not in your home, not in your computer with your heater on with your blankets, these are the parents that are asking you to rescind the ordinance,” the commenter said. During the call, parents cheered in the background. After Mayor Bruce Whitaker let her know she was going off course on the topic and suggested they go home so they could be more comfortable, the speaker let the council know she deserved time to discuss her stance further. “We need our council people to listen. We want Silva to listen to us. We want Ahmad to listen to us. We don’t have anything against you. We just want you to listen,” the speaker said.

Another commenter said he adamantly opposed the continuance. He added that it had been over a quarter-century since voters of California legalized medical cannabis statewide and over four years since adult-use cannabis was legalized. The commenter continued to share his opinion even though Whitaker asked him to stay on the subject of continuance. He added his opposition to the fact that the council is revisiting this issue at all and how it should have been settled when legislation passed last year. “You are allowing the $10 billion illegal cannabis market to continue and endanger the children of the city you’re supposed to represent,” the

speaker said. “It should have been settled when the legislation passed last year.” Council member Jesus Silva from District 3 voiced his confusion on the motion Dunlap had suggested and asked for more clarification on the matter. “To me that’s just carrying it on,” Silva said. “Right now, from the comments I’ve gotten and received about cannabis, it’s been ‘Keep it out,’ they don’t want it and what this item has said was to amend it as two buffers.” Council member Ahmad Zahra also shared his concern on the continuance of the item for next month, noting that the purpose for the current meeting was for public participation but doubted that the next special meeting would go differently. “I don’t know if just delaying something is going to make any changes or change the outcome,” Zahra said. Council member Fred Jung addressed a statement made during public comment regarding a lack of education about how cannabis shops work, and argued that it was not miseducation on the matter that had led them to this decision, but rather to encourage more public participation from both sides of the argument. “I don’t think that has anything to do with lack of education, I would tend to think that that’s trying to educate ourselves more,” Jung said.

Politics: Tackling local issues post election CONTINUED FROM 1 Lazaro said she hopes that there is more involvement within the College Democrat of CSUF club after students see how change is possible. She said she wishes more grassroots organizations and students feel more motivated to reach out to the club and become more involved in their communities. Carolina Mendez, the vice president of the College Democrats of CSUF and the president of the College Progressives of CSUF, said one of the club’s goals moving forward is to ensure accountability of reconciliation is achieved. “On the campaign trail, Biden consistently emphasized the need for healing, and we hope that our country can

VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

move forward on that path of reconciliation, but as progressives, we also understand that this is going to be a very long and challenging road,” Mendez said. “We simply can’t have the unity that our president is advocating for without first engaging in serious retrospect.” Both Lazaro and Mendez said they plan on focusing on local issues within the community. With members spread out across many different cities, Mendez said she hopes that the College Progressives of CSUF club can engage students in local issues and organizations. “My executive board and I will be focused on uplifting the voices of local activists and organizations and finding ways to get our membership connected

to the chance to find causes locally within their cities that align with their passions,” Mendez said. “That passion is so valuable; you can’t just let that die.” While the club remains right-leaning, CSUF’s Republicans club members said they still have hopes for the new president. Kenneth Gonzalez, senior criminal justice major and president of the College Republicans club, said as Americans, people only want to see Biden succeed regardless of his political party. Gonzalez said he thinks that most universities tend to be more liberal, but the club will continue to respectfully represent the right by providing an alternative perspective in discussions with people with

opposing ideologies. “They’re not just hearing one perspective of the political argument. They’re hearing both sides to it, and then they could objectively assess both arguments and determine what’s best for them,” he said. Gonzalez said the transition from a Republican to a Democratic president will allow the club members to better critique Biden’s policies now that they will be put into practice during his four years as president. Noelle Fitchett, a biochemistry and philosophy major at CSUF, is the communications director for the College Republicans, said although she believes some of the Democratic party’s past policies are not in the best interest of the Americans, she

hopes Biden will succeed. “And I’m praying for him and his VP for them to do well, and for them to serve the American people well,” Fitchett said. “I do have my reservations definitely on a lot of their policies and the things they say they’re going to and the things they’ve already done.” Fitchette said the club would continue to advocate for pro-America, pro-freedom and pro-free speech and accept members from diverse backgrounds to help connect them with internships and volunteer opportunities. Gonzalez said events during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Republican guest speakers in the political field and political discussion, will take place via Zoom.

News 3

WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 25

Advocates urge CSU to include SWANA identity on application

Students assembled on the stairs of the Titan Student Union at Cal State Fullerton for the Associated Students town hall on Feb. 12, 2020. (Rebecca Mena / Daily Titan)

Southwest Asian and North African students grow frustrated experiencing cultural exclusion by being counted as white. JESSICA BENDA Editor

He added that the main concern was getting the information out to students who had signed up for in-person classes, since the reduction was made a week and half prior to the start of the new semester. “Making sure that the people that were planning to come on campus know they don’t need to for those classes, that we are temporarily switching over,” Filowitz said. The Division of Student Affairs worked alongside the Division of Information Technology at CSUF to determine the best method to communicate the schedule changes with students, said Vincent Vigil, the associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, via email. Mateo Tannatt, an assistant professor of sculpture in the department of visual arts, was one of the professors who taught in-person courses last fall. He explained that it was challenging since the restrictions were not bound to campus, as he also had students who could not attend due to location limits. “I made videos with an iPad of things we did, and then I posted those to Vimeo for them to see, so it was still inclusive VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

and there was some equity in terms of being able to share what was happening,” Tannatt said. Tannatt tried to accommodate students to the situation at hand, and made his classes as interactive as possible in an online setting by using different platforms, such as Canvas and Discord. Tannatt bought more equipment in preparation for a possible return to in-person classes in the next few months, but said he remains vigilant about the issues that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought toward his students and the adaptability of his courses. “At this point, the hope is gone. I don’t have any hope. I think this is going to be a truly, truly virtual class,” Tannatt said. Echoing Tannatt’s frustrations, Filowitz said that the administration struggles to find a perfect balance between helping students succeed in their education and public health orders. “We certainly would like to get back to more in-person (classes), I can speak for all of us that we’re all getting kind of tired of this and we want to go to work and help our students succeed,” Filowitz said.

News Editors Anthony Robledo Deputy News Editor Michelle Ibañez News Assistants Leticia Perez Emily Downer

Lily Lopez Nicole Mariona Sports Editor Adam Maldonado

Sports Assistants Tameka Poland Anthony Bautista Hugo Rios Joshua Byfield

Copy Editors Stepheny Gehrig Deputy Copy Editor Charlotte Kong Copy Assistants Kim Pham Dimitra Doiphode Guadalupe Rodriguez Jessica Bernal Lauryn King

Opinion Editor Kennedi Lopes Deputy Opinion Editor Nicole Trinidad Opinion Assistants Vanessa Siguenza Melanie Ferrari Kyrstin Huxtable

Layout Editor Alexander Alvarado Photo Editor Danica Huynh

Lifestyle Editor Taylor Arrey Deputy Lifestyle Editor Eder Ramirez Lifestyle Assistants Zacary Milam Anthony Robles Camille Manaloto

Photo Assistant Therese Lim

Director of Sales Isabel Cambiaso

Editor-in-Chief

(657) 278-5815 editorinchief@dailytitan.com

News Line

(657) 278-4415 news@dailytitan.com

Sports Line

(657) 278-3149 sports@dailytitan.com

Advertising

(657) 278-4411 ads@dailytitan.com

Assistant Director of Sales Lauren Wong Director of Marketing Courtney Lambe Director of Graphic Design Sarah Fong

Social Media Editor Lauren Wong Deputy Social Media Editor Demi Zamarripa Social Media Assistants Rebecca Mena Haley Arendt Alyssa Chaney Illustrator Cindy Proaño Illustrator Assistants Margaret Tran Jade McIntyre Multimedia Assistant Kristina Garcia Faculty Adviser Walter Baranger

ADVERTISING

CONTINUED FROM

Editor-in-Chief Jessica Benda Managing Editor Madeline Gray Digital Managing Editor Karina Gutierrez

CONTACT

Virus: All art classes must now be virtual

EDITORIAL

On Saturday, Southwest Asian and North African students urged the Cal State Student Association to support their efforts to include the SWANA identity on CSU paperwork. When SWANA students mark their ethnicities on Cal State Apply, they have to identify as white, but activists have pushed back against this in recent years as students grapple with feelings of invisibility in the CSU system. Selene Hanna, the Associated Students secretary-treasurer for Cal State Fullerton, pointed out the lack of white privileges and the largeness of the SWANA region. Hanna is Egyptian but has to mark herself as white, she said. “My first instinct is not to click on white,” Hanna said to the CSSA’s system wide affairs committee. “After I click on white, then there will be a list where you can specify if you are Middle Eastern or North African, and so this causes the CSU to have inaccurate data on all of SWANA students. We are considered white, which throws off all of our demographics.” Hanna, along with fellow CSUF students Seleena Mukbel and Mary Chammas, called on the association to press on the CSU to support the long-time effort. Chammas, president of the CSUF SWANA organization, said a resolution regarding SWANA as a race option will be presented to the association in February. “We need CSSA to urge the CSU to track SWANA data by changing the application,” Chammas said to the committee. The CSU application echoes that of the U.S. Census, which counts anyone of

SWANA heritage, spanning over twenty countries, as white. This area has been the subject of criticism as some say it erases their identity, but the identity was still not included as a separate option in the recent 2020 Census. However, some schools surpassed the census to include the SWANA identity as an individual category on their forms, such as the University of California system. Chammas compared the CSU data to the UC system, whose applications contain a standalone category for SWANA, along with a breakdown of individual countries beneath it, such as Iran or Yemen. The CSU still maintains “Middle-Easterner” and “North African” as a subcategory below white. “Not only is this changing a category, but doing this will also lead to more support for the SWANA community,” Mukbel said, vice chair of CSUF’s ASI. “And specifically at Cal State Fullerton, students struggle to find resources on campus and receive the same resources the other identities received simply because they’re seen as invisible. They’re not shown on data. They’re not shown on documents or any demographic.” Last February, SWANA students and allies held a peaceful demonstration at CSUF’s ASI’s town hall, where members spoke about feeling invisible without a resource center or feelings of support. ASI then passed a resolution to support the SWANA community in April, and the recent 2020 fall semester was spent advocating for the systemwide change to include the identity on CSU forms. Chammas urged the student-led CSSA to push their respective campus’ student governments to pass resolutions for SWANA communities on their own campuses, as Cal State East Bay is the only one besides CSUF to have passed a resolution in support. Hanna expressed her own pride in her heritage, and added that the SWANA region is too vast for all of its cultures to be considered white. “People who come from SWANA countries have cultures and history that kind of get swept under the rug when we apply as white,” she said.

Graphic Designer Josephine Tang

Account Executives Roberto Jimenez Jolene Shaw Isabela Veloro

Student Accountant Doris Henriquez

Marketing Coordinators Jay Hiji Allison Imler Sasha Ramirez

Distribution Managers Phuc Tran

Kim Pham Faculty Adviser Michelle Kurland

FOR THE RECORD It is Daily Titan policy to correct factual errors printed in the publication. Corrections will be published on the subsequent issue after an error is discovered and will appear on page 3. Errors on the Opinion page will be corrected on that page. Corrections will also be made to the online version of the article. Please contact Editor-in-Chief Jessica Benda at (657) 278-5815 or at editorinchief@dailytitan.com to report any errors.

© Copyright Daily Titan 2020 All Rights Reserved The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Monday through Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, Inc. College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The Daily Titan allocates one issue to each student for free.

4 Lifestyle

WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 25

Park: Passholders CSUF alumni will receive refunds with designer CONTINUED FROM 1 Ken Potrock, president of Disneyland Resort, said in a release via Disney Park’s official News Twitter that the company would be creating new purchasing options for fans. “We want to thank our Annual Passholders for their understanding during this closure period. Due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations around the reopening of our California theme parks, we will be issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current program,” Potcrock said. Annual passes were especially popular among Southern California residents who frequented Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Before the pandemic, having a Disney Annual Pass meant Disney fans could be part of a culture that made Disneyland a weekly or even daily hangout spot. Many park-goers are sad to see the passes go, but also understand why the decision was made. Maricela Kharrazi, a child and adolescent development major at Cal State Fullerton, was a recent

passholder and said her memories made at the park will be missed. “We had an annual pass, but we did monthly payments. So we don’t qualify for a refund. We did receive a refund for two months after the park closed last year,” Kharrazi said. “We are sad about it, because our son really enjoyed going. It was something that my husband and I didn’t get to do when we were little.” Kharrazi said she remembered the first time she went to Disneyland, it was through a school field trip. She added that in the past it was impossible to go to the parks because her family lived paycheck to paycheck, but seeing her son’s excitement and memories made were priceless. The news came as a surprise for many people who were hoping they would still be able to use their passes when the park eventually reopened. Some Disney cast members understand the current circumstances and are optimistic that Disneyland will introduce a similar plan in the future. Ashley Walty, Disneyland cast member and attractions working lead, said through a direct

message that it’s going to be a change for guests. “I grew up with annual passes and it never occurred to me that it might be something they would shake up quite so much,” Walty said. “I am interested to see what they come up with because I think something had to be done in regards to crowd size when we do finally reopen. Not to mention having been closed for nearly a year was probably making the whole annual pass refund/cancelation problem complex.” According to Potrock’s statement, new membership offerings will use consumer experience to provide choice, flexibility and value but there is no word on when exactly those new ticketing plans will be announced. In the meantime, it seems Disneyland fans will have to wait patiently for the day that they can once again walk down Main Street, U.S.A. or take a selfie in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. T he Dow ntow n Disney Dist r ict rema i ns op en for shoppi ng a nd d i n i ng u nder COV I D -19 proto cols i nclud i ng temp erat u re scre en i ng, physica l d ist a nci ng a nd re qu i re d face cover i ngs.

Main Street, U.S.A. was filled with visitors prior to the park’s closure in March. (Briana Torres / Daily Titan)

Show

REVIEW

Theater major Seann Altman expresses clothing creativity to thousands of followers through social media outlets. ANTHONY ROBLEDO Editor

Strutting his five-foot-seven figure in platform heels and flowy skirts, this self-proclaimed fairy from San Diego can be found providing his audience with fashion inspiration through the social media-platform TikTok. Manifesting his artistic vision and drive for bold fashion, Seann Altman, a 22-year-old Cal State Fullerton alumnus, curated over 100,000 followers on TikTok and has had two collaborations with name-brand designer Gucci. Altman graduated with a degree in musical theatre in 2020, but he struggled to kickstart his career after the pandemic halted auditions and performances across the country. With newfound free time thrust upon him by the pandemic, Altman channeled his energy into social media content. He has made over 150 videos since his social media debut in 2019. “In a way, the pandemic is like a blessing and a curse. You have a lot more time to explore that part of your mind more,” Altman said. “But then you also have a lot less opportunity. But then there’s also like so much opportunity.” From creating the outfit, capturing footage, editing and writing a compelling caption, Altman said he occasionally spends around 12 hours creating the perfect one-minute video. “Sometimes they don’t even do good, and it’s fine because it’s fun,” Altman said. “Some of them can be really easy and take me an hour and then that one does really good.” When crafting his wardrobe, Altman said he typically shops at thrift stores to formulate his next fit. Altman said he always loved clothing, but his sense of fashion evolved over recent years to what he believes is now his most authentic self. “I was still always into fashion, but I don’t think I really accepted what I liked in fashion until just last year,” Altman said. “I’m just going to wear what I want because I’m tired of trying to make other people happy. I used to dress up like how I thought a straight man should dress or how I thought boys should dress and I was like, ‘Wait, nevermind I’m done with that.’” Altman’s collaboration with Gucci Beauty began after he participated in a TikTok trend called “#GucciModelChallenge,” where creators wore multiple layers of clothing. Altman said he felt that this challenge was right up his alley, wore a turtleneck, two coats, long pants and a headscarf in 98 degree weather to shoot the video. Shortly after uploading, a representative from Gucci reached out to ask for his information, Altman said. Initially, he said he was suspicious about the situation until he received an official email from Gucci requesting that he participate in another challenge. He said he found himself spending 12 hours on producing a video that was featured on both his and Gucci’s official TikTok pages, where it received over 300,000 views. Danny Tran, Altman’s cousin who does professional videography, helped him shoot the footage for the Gucci video. Although Altman usually records everything on his phone, the assistance allowed the project to be as professional as possible, Tran said. “It’s kind of funny because you only see maybe like a minute or like 30 seconds of it. But we shoot a lot,” Tran said. A few weeks after the video’s release, Gucci reached out to Altman again asking him to participate in a project with the beauty division. He was featured on Gucci Beauty’s Instagram page wearing their silk priming serum and natural finish foundation. Altman said he wasn’t able to tell any of his friends about the collaboration until the projects were released publicly. However, once the projects were posted, he said he was flooded with comments from his closest friends telling him how proud they were. Altman said he’s always felt like an outsider, but receiving loads of appreciation following his collaboration with Gucci was a solid reminder that it’s okay to not fit in. Nicole Smith, a San Diego City College student who has known Altman since the third grade, said that she has a sibling relationship with him and that he makes her feel confident. She described him as eclectic and extra.

‘WandaVision’

New series on Disney Plus surprises fans by redefining the classic superhero narrative with a sitcom style show that explores different time periods. ZACARY MILAM Asst. Editor

Excited Marvel fans gathered around their televisions on Jan. 15 to stream the premiere of Marvel Studios’ new miniseries “WandaVision” exclusively on Disney+. This latest installment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe features actors Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reprising their roles as superheros Wanda and Vision. Although their circumstances are much different than fans would expect, the plot finds the duo living an idyllic life as a married couple in the suburbs of Westview, but seem to have almost no memory of how they got there. The kickoff episode of “WandaVision” introduces Wanda, who was last seen in “Avengers: Endgame”, as a housewife who spends time practicing her ability to move objects using telekinesis. Her husband Vision works at a company called Computational Services Inc., but has no idea what they produce or what his purpose is. The episode riffs on the classic style of a 1950s sitcom. Though it’s unusual for Marvel to release a sitcom, it’s not unusual for them to leave viewers utterly confused or even enraged. It’s nice to see Wanda and Vision happy together, but anyone who has kept up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe knows that Vision was believed to have died in the 2018 film “Avengers: Infinity War.” With the knowledge of Vision’s death, it’s safe to assume that “WandaVision” is some kind of dream or hallucination, especially considering that the couple can’t remember where they came from. The first couple of episodes are mostly in black-and-white, but fans will quickly notice that color plays a major role in highlighting clues that may unravel the mystery of their past. This is seen with a yellow toy helicopter that introduces fans to Sentient Weapon Observation and Response Division, also known as S.W.O.R.D., a sister agency of Strategic Homeland Intervention, VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

Lifestyle 5

WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 25

collaborates brand Gucci

Column: Mystery books for thrill-seeking readers Tuffy’s Book Nook provides suspenseful reads for new semester. TAYLOR ARREY Editor

As any true crime junkie will tell you, the world of mystery and killer psychology books is an enticing escape from everyday life. From documentaries to podcasts and blockbuster films, there’s no shortage of true crime stories for thrill-seeking audiences, with books being the hallmark of immersive mediums around this genre. Whether authors drag readers through the mind of a killer or tease them with suspense, mystery novels fill readers with the perfect amount of fear and anticipation for what’s waiting on the next page. While the scariest reality for students at this time might be the start of another virtual semester, these books invite them to forget that frightful fate and engage with stories that explore the darkness of mystery and the depths of fear. Seann Altman showcases his talent for fashion. (Courtesy of Seann Altman)

“He always describes himself as extra. He just does whatever he wants to do and I think that’s great,” Smith said. “I think his carefree spirit and energy is really inspiring. And he always makes me want to like, dress up and be cute too.” Smith added that she admires his artistic vision in regard to both his fashion sense and photo editing ability. By helping him shoot videos for TikTok, she acknowledges the amount of effort he puts into his content. Jessica Schreiber, a CSUF theatre alumna, met Altman during their first year of college in a dance class. She said she considers him to be one of her closest friends. “We both just have the same energy. We’re always on the same plane. Like we don’t even have to really talk to each other. We kind of just know what we’re already saying without speaking,” Schreiber said. Schreiber said in addition to Altman being hard working, driven and creative, he is also a compassionate person who would do anything for his friends. Understanding Altman’s work effort and artistic talent, she added that she was not surprised by his collaboration with Gucci. She looks forward to seeing what the future holds for him. Sarah Santos, one of Altman’s friends from high school, said she admires his tenacity as he strives to accomplish his goals. She also said that his collaboration with Gucci was not surprising given his talent and drive. Santos also admires the way Altman stays true to himself and said she is thrilled that he is finally expressing that through his fashion. Altman said that although he learned a lot through his theatre education, the bulk of his skillset was learned through individual practice. He said that people should stay true to themselves and strive to get what they want without relying on others. “If you want it to happen, you have to make it happen. No one’s going to do it for you. You’ll learn the most because you want to learn it. If you love it, you’ll learn it,” Altman said. “College helped me a little bit and helped me understand who I was a little bit more. But it’s all of that internal work. It’s all that stuff on the inside that will help you grow.”

“Mindhunter: Inside the F.B.I.’s Elite Serial Crime Unit” by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker This nonfiction biography is the perfect read for any “Criminal Minds” fan, likely fascinated by behavioral science and the practical use of criminal profiling. Douglas is a former F.B.I. special agent and a pioneer of the implementation of criminal profiling in law enforcement. Told through Douglas’ perspective, the book takes readers through the evolution of behavioral science as it expands from a small division in a basement to an advanced research assignment, eventually turning into an impressive criminal profiling technique that assists

law enforcement offices across the country in solving serial crime cases. As part of his research on killer psychology, Douglas features detailed accounts from his interactions with serial killers like Ed Gein. The agent’s candid approach to recalling these conversations provides readers with a gruesome and realistic glimpse into the psyche of serial killers. The book also provides readers with elaborate views into local law enforcement, interview techniques, psychology, empathy and the taxing life of a criminal profiling pioneer. This narrative is captivating, and readers will be fascinated by the history of criminal profiling and the psychology behind what compels people to act the way that they do. For readers who aren’t ready for the story to end after the final chapter, Netflix adapted “Mindhunter” into a series, and the show has two seasons available on the streaming platform. “Supermarket” by Bobby Hall For readers who are ready to dive into the fictional realm of suspense, “Supermarket” is a psychological thriller that explores the fine line between creativity and madness. Though this is the first time we have seen the name Hall on a book cover, readers will be shocked to learn that he is also known as the Grammy-nominated recording artist Logic, credited for popular songs like “1-800273-8255.” Hall released this debut novel in 2019 as he invited readers into the chaos that unfolds in aisle nine of a supermarket. Protagonist Flynn is the epitome of a writer who is stuck in his own head and consumed by his one and only goal: to finish his novel. As any writer will tell you, it’s better to write what you

PHOTO ILLLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR ARREY / DAILY TITAN

know, so Flynn sets out to work in the real-life setting of his fictional world: a supermarket. At Muldoon’s supermarket, Flynn pulls inspiration from his co-workers as he feverishly works toward finishing his novel, all while navigating obstacles of love, deceit, mental illness and a fear of failure. Flynn’s uncensored and candid personality makes for a story that is relatable and casual. Though readers might be fooled by the novel’s simple red cover and the simplicity of a market setting, “Supermarket” is anything but. His battle with reality will keep readers on their toes while also challenging them to solve the mystery before the final chapter. Take a trip to the “Supermarket” with Flynn, and you’ll be surprised by what you find. “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green Of course, not every mystery has to be about killers and crime. Hank Green’s debut novel is a scifi thriller about a 23-year-old artist, April May, in New York City who throws herself into the limelight after being the first person to make contact with a 10-foottall alien robot that mysteriously appears in the middle of the night. These Transformer-like robots appeared in all major cities throughout the world, but April May is at the center of it all. April May’s story focuses on her journey as an internet sensation and a spokesperson for humanity. Green confronts complex issues such as overnight internet fame, the culture of 24-hour news media, the radicalization of ideas and the effect of hateful rhetoric. The author also uses alien robots, known as the Carls, to comment on humanity and how people respond to the unknown. This book is extremely readable and readers will have a hard time putting it down. April May’s vulnerability and honesty creates a protagonist who is relatable and fiercely human. Whether you are looking for a nonfiction dive into history or a fictional story full of thrills, this list is a great place to start for all thrill-seekers. May this dive into mystery and true crime be the perfect escape for the beginning of the spring semester. Happy reading!

rewrites Marvel standards Enforcement and Logistics Division, also known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Though it’s unclear why S.W.O.R.D. is significant to Wanda, there’s no question that their presence is important, and that the plotline is just getting started. Another question is the character of Geraldine, played by Teyonah Parris. Fans have speculated that Geraldine is actually Monica Rambeau, who fans may recognize from Marvel’s 2019 film “Captain Marvel.” In the film, Rambeau is 11 years old, but she appears in “WandaVision’’ as a grown woman. It’s possible that she followed her mother’s steps and enrolled in the military where she ended up at S.W.O.R.D. and crosses paths with Wanda. By the third episode, color takes full screen as it highlights the late ‘60s and early ‘70s fashion. Geraldine provides fans with a deeper dive into Wanda’s past, while the camerawork of the episode creates shifts in tone from a light-hearted sitcom atmosphere to a serious moment of past reflection. It’s clear that Marvel knew exactly what they were doing when they released this miniseries, anticipating that fans might not be drawn to the sitcom genre but releasing it anyway. The

release epitomizes the company’s confidence that its fans will be open to the homey aesthetic, which is reminiscent of classics like “I Love Lucy” and “The Brady Bunch.” This miniseries created the perfect type of suspense that is characteristic of Marvel projects. Much like the films’ post-credit scenes, the company was able to experiment without the pressure of box office sales. “WandaVision” gave the studio a chance to break away from the rinse-and-repeat formula of superhero origin stories or team-ups and produce something that is completely original and new. Fans should also be open to the possibilities of this show as each episode reveals more about the established mystery of “WandaVision.” Wanda might be in control of this universe, or S.W.O.R.D. may be studying her mind. Fans will have to keep watching to find out. New episodes will be released every Friday on Disney+. Though the start of the series created a list of questions, fans should be patient. With six more episodes on the way, “WandaVision’’ will give fans a better glimpse of what Disney+

VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

6 Sports

WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 25

Late-scoring runs not enough for Titans Women’s basketball lost twice on the road to Hawai’i last weekend. ANTHONY BAUTISTA Asst. Editor

Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball came up short in both matchups against the Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine on Friday and Saturday, and lost 49-47 and 57-43, respectively. The losses dropped CSUF’s record to 1-9 overall and 0-6 in Big West play. The Titans entered Friday’s contest short-handed as the team’s leading scorer Amiee Book did not play, which left a big hole in their offense that was noticeable early in the game. Hawai’i had complete control of the game in the first half as Fullerton could not get into a rhythm offensively, scoring just eight points in the first quarter, followed by six in the second. CSUF’s defense was able to hold Hawai’i to just under 40% shooting from the field in the first half. However, the Titans struggled to defend from beyond the arc as Hawai’i hit five 3-pointers and went into the half leading, 29-14. Fullerton started the second half with much of the same offensive struggles, as they went scoreless until just over seven minutes left in the third, ending an eight-minute scoring drought that stretched over into the second and third quarters. But after a switch to a zone defense, CSUF outscored Hawai’i, 14-11, and ended the quarter on a 13-2 run. The Titans were finally able to get into a rhythm offensively, but still trailed at the end of the third quarter, 40-28. CSUF started to heat up in the fourth quarter as

Head coach Jeff Harada speaks to the team at Titan Gym against UC Santa Barbara on Jan. 1. (Fullerton Athletics)

Anniken Frey went 3-3 from the 3-point line and Bella Stratford’s six points in the period got the Titans back in the game. The Titans outscored the Rainbow Wahine, 19-9, in the fourth quarter and had a chance to tie the score in the last minutes of the game. Down by two on the final possession, Stratford missed a jump shot at the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime. Book suited up for CSUF in Saturday’s rematch after sitting out on Friday, but was unproductive on the offensive end. Hawai’i held the

Titans to 28% shooting on the night. Fullerton struggled early in the first quarter, and only scored seven points and followed up with six points in the second. Book did not score until just over a minute left in the half thanks to a pair of free throws. Second leading scorer Anniken Frey could not get things going either as she was held to only a point in the first half as well. On the defensive end CSUF managed to hold its ground and only allowed 10 points in the second quarter. The Titans entered

halftime trailing the Rainbow Wahine, 24-13. Throughout the game the Titans continued to struggle from the field and their first basket came close to the seven-minute mark in the third quarter thanks to a layup from Book. CSUF ended the quarter scoring only nine points, trailing 35-22. CSUF tried to mount a comeback in the final minutes of the quarter, but it proved to be too late. The Titans opened the fourth quarter with nine points in the first three minutes, 40-31, with over

seven minutes left to play. Hawai’i answered with an 11-2 run over the next three minutes to extend its lead, 51-33. However, CSUF countered with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 51-41 with a little over a minute left to play. Fouls by Fullerton allowed Hawai’i to make all six of its attempted free throws in the final minute which ended the game, 53-47. The Titans will return to Titan Gym to face off against Cal State Bakersfield on Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m.

Bench: Freshmen energize second unit CONTINUED FROM 1 CSUF was unable to gain any ground on its conference rivals, which brought the Titans’ record to 3-5 and in sixth place in the conference. The Titans were able to assert their will on offense in the first game, with four players scoring double digits to Hawai’i’s two. Junior guard Tray Maddox Jr. led both teams in scoring with 23 points on 67% from the field including five 3-pointers good for 71% from outside. Fullerton’s bench outscored Hawai’i’s, 36-11, thanks to strong performances from freshman guard Dante Maddox Jr. who scored 20 points, and redshirt freshman forward Doctor Bradley

VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

who added 13 more points. Despite the impressive scoring output from the Titans, they were outrebounded by Hawai’i, especially on offense with the Rainbow Warriors winning that battle 14-5, something that Fullerton head coach Dedrique Taylor identified as an issue following the game. “We did a good job of guarding their 3-point players. We did a really good job of protecting the paint. Didn’t do a great job of offensive rebounding, or letting them offensive rebound is something we’re going to have to shore up,” Taylor said in a post-game interview on Friday. Fullerton’s hot shooting

cooled considerably during Saturday’s game as the Rainbow Warriors forced them into more difficult shots, leading to a largely inefficient night of shooting for the Titans. From the 3-point line, they shot four of 19 for 21% on Saturday versus nine of 18 on Friday. They were also unable to convert turnovers into points the way they did on Friday, and scored only six points off of turnovers as opposed to the 20 they scored the night before. The rebounding problems worsened in the second game as the Titans lost the rebounding battle, 48-21, which allowed Hawai’i to vastly outscore CSUF on second chance points.

“Hawai’i wanted it more than us and it was obvious with their ability to rebound the ball,” Taylor said following Saturday’s game. “They had 18 offensive rebounds which equaled 20 points, and any time you give up that type of productivity to the opposing team, you can’t expect yourself to win.” In increased minutes, Bradley flashed off the bench and played efficient basketball in both games, contributing 13 points on 60% shooting with four rebounds in Friday’s contest, and converting all four of his attempts for eight points, oneassist and another four rebounds on Saturday. Bradley’s emergence, the

strong play from Dante Maddox Jr. and redshirt sophomore forward Vincent Lee, as well as a team with just two seniors on the roster, make the Titans a young and intriguing group that still needs to learn consistency. “We’re still learning how to win. We’re still learning how to do things. You have to do it better than you did it last night,” Taylor said. “Winning is hard, and we have to learn that as a group, and tonight, hopefully, was a good lesson for them.” The Titans will be on the road against the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners on Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in another Big West conference matchup.

Leisure 7

WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 25

WRITTEN by Stepheny Gehrig

Do you know where Tuffy is? Follow @thedailytitan and submit your answer on Instagram for a chance to win.

Subway: Split & Share Save a dollar when you’re with a friend or family member at Subway! If you are ordering for two people at Subway and can agree on the same meat and cheese, try ordering a footlong instead of two separate 6-inch sandwiches. You can customize vegetables and condiments on each half of the footlong sandwich. This allows you to still customize the sandwich to your preference and you get to save a dollar!

VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

This week you’ll feel like you want to reminisce on the past. Being nostalgic for the old days is a normal feeling, but take this time to recognize your growth and how much you have accomplished.

You may feel highly influenced by others this week, but keep in mind that others should not rule your emotions. Remind yourself that you are the only one who can control your emotions and opinions.

Change is on its way for you. This week will be fueled by change as you aim to try new things. Use this time of change to implement new habits and behaviors that you’ve been wanting to address.

You will feel extra romantic this week. Allowing yourself to pursue these feelings, rather than suppressing them, will help you to feel more like yourself.

This week, you’ll be lost in daydreams. As you go into the week, you may feel as though you’re consumed by your thoughts, but as the week continues, these daydreams will prove to be helpful in letting your creative side shine.

You’ll be very work driven this week. This motivation will aid you in getting ahead for the new semester. However, this drive might lead you to become overwhelmed really early.

It’s easy to lose your way in drama, especially this upcoming week. Getting too involved with the drama may lead to the end of friendships. Keep in mind that everything you hear might not be true and try to stay out of gossip.

As the new year begins, Capricorn, you will be intensely looking for new things to do. Use this rush of motivation to set a schedule for the semester and plan out your assignments.

Although you may feel on edge with those around you, use this tension to figure out a new method to voice your feelings. Try journaling or writing letters to help clear your mind and decipher what is making you feel on edge.

With the upcoming semester, your emotions might be heightened. You may be feeling extra vulnerable this week; take this week into account when identifying your emotions.

Your heart will lead the way this week. Your desires and emotions will be fast changing and will change the course of your day many times throughout the week. You may feel exhausted, but keep yourself in check.

Working on communication this week will prove vital to your relationships, Pisces. Learn to be clear and concise with your needs and wants when you voice them. Your relationships will benefit from this.

8 Opinion

WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 25

Fragile democracy needs reform Former President Trump’s actions reveal political instability. KENNEDI LOPES Editor

In the months following the 2020 United States presidential election, the American people have endured an exhausting period of uncertainty and fear regarding Donald Trump and his supporters’ despicable reaction to Joe Biden’s win. These feelings were validated through multiple rallies, Trump’s enticing tweets that got him suspended on multiple social media platforms and a domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol. These acts clearly demonstrate that the country is severely lacking the democracy it has always sworn by. In response to the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, Trump pointed fingers by saying that the rioters “defiled the seat of American democracy.” He did not address his incitement of the riot nor his previous comment that these rioters were “very special,” drawing a revolting parallel to his remark in 2017 as he called the Charlottesville white supremacists “very fine people.” By definition, democracy is “a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.” Intended to offer every U.S. citizen equal opportunity to choose their political representatives, American democracy has been defiled most by former President Trump. On Sept. 15, when asked if Trump would commit to a peaceful transition of power after the election he said, “There won’t be a transfer, frankly. There’ll be a continuation.” Earlier that year in August, Trump announced at his rally, “The only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election.” The fact that Trump, while being the president, was able to insult the sanctity of democracy, deny its integrity and encourage motion against it numerous

times with only recent consequences is incredibly disturbing. It is even more mind-blowing that so many of his followers supported this violation, deemed it patriotic justice and put his words into action. By defiling democracy before the American people and emboldening his supporters to follow his footsteps, Trump has created a false reality for himself and those who defend him. He has created a more divided nation than ever before. For a country whose name literally has the word “united” in it, it is almost laughable to see how torn apart its people have become. What is a nation that can’t hold any truth to its name? How did the U.S. fall apart entirely in just a matter of four years? If a single man, no matter his political power, is able to overturn democracy which his country is founded upon, the foundation clearly wasn’t strong enough to begin with. Now that the U.S. has entered a post-Trump America, the need for democracy is more crucial than ever before, and the road to fixing what’s been broken for years is a long road at that. Rebuilding a democracy that has always been broken means continuing to fight for justice and equality while promoting kindness and hospitality. It means encouraging every U.S. citizen to vote for what they believe in and showing them that their voice matters. And lastly, it means trusting the integrity of the American political system, whether or not it offers our desired results during elections. Now that Inauguration Day has passed, every American must come to terms with the fact that Biden is their president, no matter how strongly they argue otherwise. Continuing to refuse the legitimacy of last year’s election instead of accepting a harsh defeat only makes it more difficult for the U.S. to restructure its democracy and to prosper for the future. While times may be dark at this moment, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is an opportunity for strength and healing in the United States, and there is an indestructible democracy on its way.

CINDY PROAÑO / DAILY TITAN

VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM