Thursday, December 2, 2021

Thursday, December 2, 2021

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

Volume 110 Issue 15

Program uplifts women in A look into CSUF’s desert research center male-dominated fields Female computer science and engineering students bond through community.

AMBER JUAREZ Editor

The Desert Studies Center is located in Baker, CA. (Navtej Hundal / Daily Titan)

SEE PAGE 2

Cal State Fullerton’s Women in Computer Science and Engineering program, also known as WICSE, strives to encourage women to pursue their bachelor’s degree in engineering and computer science.

Beth Harnick-Shapiro, a lecturer in the school of Engineering and Computer Science and program’s advisor, said the program’s main goal is to create a community, specifically for firstyear and transfer students.

“We create a community for that intro sort of sequence when students are new to Cal State Fullerton,” Harnick-Shapiro said. “We also provide mentoring opportunities for our second, third and fourth-year students, so that they can continue to be part of our community, and engage with the students as they’re coming in.”

Taylor Livingston , a senior student assistant of WISCE and computer science and business administration major, said the program has helped

her connect with other women in the male-dominated field.

“It’s very rare, seeing women in the field. And for myself alone, being a woman of color too. It’s very rare seeing me studying computer science, so being able to connect with women in that field, knowing it’s very rare to see that, was really cool and really refreshing,” Livingston said.

She added that she enjoys helping other women as a student assistant and being able to meet others in her field.

“I’m not bragging or anything, being able to have that role to help other females within the engineering and computer science program, knowing where they’re at, and relating it to where I was at at the time, and being able to help them has just been so enlightening,” Livingston said.

The WICSE program gives students the opportunity to join other clubs and organizations within the field and gives them the opportunity to meet others who are in the industry.

Harnick-Shapiro said the program has guest speakers and during the spring they take students to visit different companies.

SEE STEM 3

NEWS

LIFESTYLE

OPINION

Tuffy’s Basic Needs offers free hygiene products to students.

Tuffy’s Book Nook showcases story characters that’ll win you over

Open captions on the silver screen offers accessibility to diverse audiences

SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 8

Two players earn Former Team USA setter starts new legacy with Big West honors Titans volleyball team

Volleyball’s Elizabeth Schuster and Julia Crawford named All-Conference honorable mention on Wednesday.

PAUL MAGDALENO Staff Writer

Julia Crawford and Elizabeth Schuster were recognized for their achievements in volleyball this year with a Big West Honorable Mention.

Crawford, the sophomore outside hitter, was the number one option for the Titans on offense.

She was able to build on her 2019 All-Big West First Team selection as a freshman. She led the team in points with 354.5.

This included 321 kills on 1,094 total attacks, leading the team in both categories as well.

She was not just a one-way player however, contributing just as much on defense. Her 421 digs were just three behind Neena Dimas for the team lead.

Her best game of the season came early on in the season on Aug. 28 against Fordham in the Titan Classic.

She had 24 points on 21 kills with 17 digs. She helped lead the team to their first win of the season as they won three sets to one.

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Schuster, the sophomore setter, was a perfect teammate for Crawford. This was her first official season and she impressed.

She redshirted in 2019 after suffering a partial ACL tear and dealt with the canceled season in 2020 due to the pandemic.

She was often the one setting Crawford up for the kills.

She was the only Titan to hit triple digits in assists with nearly a thousand. She had an outstanding 984 assists.

She also contributed on defense with 337 digs of her own, good enough for third on the team.

When she attacked on offense it was often successful as she had 58 kills and only committed seven errors on 166 total attacks.

She was tremendous in the final game of the season against UC Davis.

She had her most kills of the season with six and continued to set the table for everyone else with 46 assists.

The Titans finished with the same record that they had in 2019 at 1215. This included a 9-11 conference record.

The season concluded with two straight wins on the road against UC Riverside and UC Davis.

Nicole Polster serves up a memorable first season as the interim head coach at CSUF. MARISA PALMERIN-FLORES Editor

The gym floor Nicole Polster knows so well glimmers with the glares of fluorescent lights, while shouts from the crowd intensify the play.

She never thought she would go from competing on the court to a seat on the sidelines with the coaching staff. Staying close to her volleyball roots and following in her mother Debbie Green-Vargas’ footsteps, Polster’s voice is what helps guide the six girls on the court to triumph.

Like her mother, Polster has been bitten by the coaching bug and has fulfilled her passion at Cal State Fullerton as the women’s volleyball interim head coach.

Polster accepted the position with the Titans in June 2021 after serving as an assistant coach with the program for two years.

The opening came after Polster’s

predecessor and former head coach Ashley Preston left the program for a position at the University of New Orleans.

“We thought about what we could do at that time and it really became clear in a very short time that Nicole would be the right person to lead this team,” said Greg Paules, the senior associate director of CSUF athletics. “I think you see it with the girls, I think there’s a lot of leadership amongst this team.”

Under Polster’s leadership, Julia Crawford posted a successful freshman campaign in 2019, earning a spot on the All-Big West First Team and Freshman Team.

Now in her 2021 season, Crawford is currently leading the team on offense and continuing to put up impressive numbers.

Crawford said she appreciates and thanks Polster for helping her become more engaged with her teammates on the court.

“We’re both, kind of, to ourselves, but she helped me be clear on the court and encourage my teammates the way she did,” Crawford said.

After formerly serving as an

assistant coach at the University of the Pacific in Northern California, Polster yearned to return to home.

She said she was ecstatic to join Preston, but did not expect Preston to leave so soon. Polster credits Preston with helping her find the confidence she needed to become a head coach.

“We clicked right away,” Polster said. “Her vision for the program and what she wanted to do and what she wanted me to do, I just couldn’t pass it up. It just all kind of lined up perfectly.”

Polster’s own volleyball journey began at just 9 years old when she played on her first travel team.

However, from the time her mom was pregnant with her while coaching women’s volleyball at Long Beach State, Polster has become familiar with the courts since birth.

Despite participating in dancing, water polo and even basketball during her middle school years, seeing the Long Beach State athletes do what she wished to under the guidance of her mother made volleyball an obvious path for Polster.

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2 News

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

CSUF allocates nearly $400,000 to a desert study facility. Here’s why.

Sharing the space with seven other CSUs, the Desert Studies Center provides a space for long-term research.

NAVTEJ HUNDAL Asst. Editor

TRAVIS JEPEWAY MARIA MARQUEZ Staff Writers

Cal State Fullerton is among the seven campuses that fund the CSU Desert Studies Center located on Chemehuevi territory within the Mojave National Preserve research center located on Zzyzx Road.

The center was established as a collaboration between the schools to promote awareness and appreciation for California deserts.

After establishing a partnership with the Bureau of Land Management in 1976, the seven Cal State Universities which include Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Northridge, Pomona, Dominguez Hills and San Bernardino began operations.

When the California Desert Protection Act passed in 1994, the center received a federal partner, the National Park Service.

Terry McGlynn, Desert Studies Center director, describes the center as something that is better seen in person than read about on paper.

McGlynn said the field station can accommodate 60 to 70 people which allows for the development of longterm research projects and educational courses.

McGlynn said that yearly, before the pandemic, however, the center used to see about 2,500 people come through the site.

While the public is still welcome to the Desert Studies Center, visitors will have limited access to certain places in the center such as the Lake Tuendae Trail and Mojave National Preserve.

The rest of the area is for students and researchers conducting research at the center.

“About half those users are within the CSU, so they are mostly CSU courses and CSU researchers, so we facilitate that education and research,” McGlynn said.

McGlynn said that within the field station there are amenities such as a laboratory building, classroom space and a full-service kitchen with

The Desert Studies Center is located on Chemehuevi territory within the Mojave National Preserve research center. (Navtej Hundal/ Daily Titan)

catered meals for large groups.

McGlynn added that driving to the station can be an experience in itself, a three-hour drive starting from CSUF on I-15 to the Mojave Desert.

Once visitors reach the dry lake bed, they have entered the National Park.

Although funded and used by all seven CSUs the main source of funding comes from CSUF, as agreed upon by all the schools, McGlynn said.

Most of the budget comes from the chancellor’s office, which is then given to CSUF and allocated to the research center.

He added that along with the budget, there are also contributions from CSUF administrative services and staff.

“If I’m writing a grant proposal to fund work here, then I work with the (Auxiliary Service Corporations) office of Fullerton that helps us submit those proposals,” McGlynn said.

“When people donate money then

The Desert Studies Center is funded by seven CSU campuses. (Navtej Hundal / Daily Titan) VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

they donate money and it goes to 501-3C charitable nonprofit CSU Fullerton charitable foundation. When we are hiring a staff member then we go through Fullerton HR.” Auxiliary Service Corporations is a nonprofit corporation that oversees commercial operations, grants, and contracts for the University.

Although much of the funding comes from the chancellor’s office in Fullerton, McGlynn said there is also time and effort that comes out of campus resources.

During the pandemic, the number of user fees decreased which prevented the center from having the resources for minor maintenance operations, such as the renovation of the laboratory or upkeep of their onsite vehicles.

McGlynn added that even now the budget is tight.

Despite the decreased funds, CSUF still allocated the same amount of money for the baseline budget as in 2020-21 for 2021-22, which is $398,705.

Dr. Joel Abraham, a biological science professor and director of the CSUF Catalyst Center, said the Desert Studies Center can enhance a student’s perspective due to the extreme conditions of its location.

He added that it provides a unique opportunity for students to have first-hand experience with several ecosystems and natural phenomena.

The center is home to decades of data in different areas of research and is creating a baseline for further studies.

“Anytime you push the boundaries of your understanding in your area of study, anytime you can push that boundary, you just make so much more space for growth, and that’s what visiting somewhere like the Desert Study Center does for students,” Abraham said.

One ongoing research project at the center has been looking at plants, reptiles and insects along naturally made transect lines for over 20 years, Abraham said.

A transect line is a line that is marked at regular intervals that is easy to find in the field.

The location of the center is at the edge of an old dry lake bed, Soda Lake, where there are debris planes, called alluvial fans and areas of multiple alluvial fans called bajadas.

These areas are at the base of the lines going up the mountain creating the transect lines being studied.

“That kind of long-term data is really valuable for understanding how change is happening but is really hard to get because you have to set it up and maintain it for this long term,” Abraham said.

“To have decades of data on some of these things is just kind of amazing from an ecological standpoint because it’s so hard to get.”

Potential researchers and desert enthusiasts can make the three-hour drive to experience the center in-person or visit their website, http://www. fullerton.edu/dsc/ where they can experience it through a live webcam.

(Gabriela Mendoza-Legorreta / Daily Titan) FOLLOW US: @THEDAILYTITAN

News 3

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

STEM: Mentoring offered for students CONTINUED FROM

1

She added that although it has been reduced because of the pandemic, they have not been able to visit in person, but they still continue to work with the companies to recruit students.

“We still work with various companies who are interested in recruiting our students and getting to know more about the women in computer science and engineering at Cal State Fullerton,” Harnick-Shapiro said.

Arely De Leon, a computer science major and WISCE computer science tutor, said the program has helped her and provided her with her current job as a tutor.

“It’s given me my job that I have right now. I’ve got to meet a lot of professionals in our field, got to make several friends, just like a good community and good opportunities,” De Leon said.

The resources that WISCE provides for its students include weekly in person and virtual meetings, skill-building opportunities, introduces students to the entrepreneur in residence and the programs available as an entrepreneur in residence.The program also

has a tutor available that works in the Success Center.

Sirena Salas, a computer science major and student assistant and leader at WISCE, said the program has helped her grow as a person and helped her self confidence.

“My confidence has skyrocketed.

My ability to problem solve has increased and improved as well just from having the sense of support and the opportunities it’s connected me to have all helped me become this person I’m excited to like be and go into a career with,” Salas said.

Harnick-Shapiro said she invites any women to participate in WICSE whether they are computer science or engineering majors or minors.

“WICSE is available for anybody who might be exploring the possibility of engineering or computer science as a major or minor. This is a chance for you to get to know more about the disciplines that maybe you don’t know,” Shapiro said.

The only requirement to join the WICSE program is that students identify as a woman or support women in computer science and engineering.

Register Here!

Titan Sales Competition You can win scholarship money and resume experience!

Sell a Northwestern Mutual scenario in which you create a sales presentation. Scores are calculated and weighted.

Top placing contestants win scholarships. Judges include corporate partner representatives and alumni.

Competition Training #1 Tues, November 9th Zoom - 4 pm - 5:15 pm Competition Training #2 Tues, November 16th Zoom - 4 pm - 5:15 pm

Free hygiene items offered at CSUF

Competition Training #3 Tues, November 30th Zoom - 4 pm - 5:15 pm Titan Sales Competition Fri, December 3rd Zoom - 10 am - 2 pm (15 min appts) Email LeMorales@fullerton.edu for more information!

Staff Writer

Stemming from a once temporary hygiene product drive, Tuffy’s Basic Needs now provides a permanent program that allows students to access free hygiene products.

Victoria Ajemian, the center’s coordinator, said that in the 2019-20 academic year, Tuffy’s Basic Needs supplied hygiene products to 1,436 students, and gave out over 5,500 products.

The previous year, they provided products to about 1,700 students.

“It is the most popular service that we offer,” Ajemian said. “That has not changed since we’ve returned from the pandemic.”

Ajemian said that while the service itself may be popular, the current numbers have been down compared to pre-pandemic numbers.

So far this semester, there have only been about 200 students who have been provided with supplies, compared to the 940 students during the fall 2019.

She added that the lower numbers might be due to the fact that only 60% of classes are in person and students are hesitant to stay on campus.

Supplies available for students include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, loofahs, wash cloths, shaving cream, razors, mouth wash, dental floss, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, combs and menstrual products.

In order to service as many students as possible with the donations, Ajemian said that students are limited to five VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

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products per month.

The products are brand new and full size, which can possibly last a month, she said.

Students can collect supplies monthly until they graduate as long as they are enrolled in the university.

A majority of the supplies are donated by CSUF faculty and staff with the rest coming from the campus community and students.

The center routinely does call outs to faculty and staff to ask for donations.

The callouts are often through social media posts on Instagram, @basicneedscsuf, or through the Daily Titan newsletter.

Ajemian said that another source of supplies in previous years is a holiday donation drive that the president’s office has held at its annual holiday open house.

“That’s been a great way that we’ve been able to have enough hygiene products available for the spring semester, so we’ve been really appreciative of their generosity and incorporating that for us these past couple of holiday open houses,” Ajemian said.

Students can visit the center, located at McCarthy Hall 143, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is no sign up required in order for students to access the program.

They only need to bring their Titan Card or CWID to the front desk.

Ajemian said the top three products that run out the quickest are mouthwash, shampoo and body wash.

If the center is out of a particular item, students can keep checking back to see if any have been donated.

CONTACT

The center is located in McCarthy Hall 143. (Travis Jepeway / Daily Titan)

EDITORIAL

@CSUFSLC

CSUF SALES LEADERSHIP CENTER

Editor-in-Chief Taylor Arrey Managing Editor Michelle Ibañez News Editor Lily Lopez News Deputy Emily Godinez News Assistants Jessica Benda Bryan Corrales Elena Hanna Spencer Otte Jasmine Raine Rivera Opinion Editor Vanessa Siguenza Opinion Assistants Nollyanne Delacruz Kryrstin Huxtable Hugo Rios

Sports Editor Anthony Bautista Deputy Sports Editor Marisa Palmerin-Flores Sports Assistants Jeseny Escobar David Goodkind Navtej Hundal Lifestyle Editor Jessica Choi Lifestyle Assistants Ferry Baylon Darius Johari Eder Ramirez Layout Editor Amber Juarez Layout Assistant Therese Lim

Deputy Layout Editor Frank Portillo Copy Editor Stepheny Gehrig Deputy Copy Editor Jessica Bernal Copy Assistants Dimitra Doiphode Stephanie Jasso Guadalupe Rodriguez Photo Editor Eliza Green Photo Assistants Jon Buzdar Danica Huynh Daniela Navarro Multimedia Editor Kassandra Vasquez Multimedia Assistant Julian Serrano

Director of Sales Isabel Cambiaso Marketing Manager Dakota MacDonald Marketing Coordinators Connor Hedges Annie Kuo Norma Vazquez

Account Executives Tyler Costa Chloe Lau Uri Sandoval Isabela Veloro Manuel Zambrano Accountant Doris Henriquez

Distribution Manager Kim Pham Graphic Designers Allison Nishi Josephine Tang Faculty Adviser Michelle Kurland

Editor-in-Chief News Line Sports Line Advertising

Social Media Editor Maria Pareja Social Media Assistants Nicole Mariona Rochelle Martinez Animator Carly Uyematsu Head Illustrator Gabriela Mendoza-Legorreta Illustrator Assistants Ari Haban Vivan Han Griselda Ruiz Monica Sivayavirojna Gabriela Vega Faculty Adviser Walter Baranger

(657) 278-5815 editorinchief@dailytitan.com (657) 278-4415 news@dailytitan.com (657) 278-3149 sports@dailytitan.com (657) 278-4411 ads@dailytitan.com

FOR THE RECORD A previous version of the article titled “Non-profit makes impact through urban garden,” incorrectly spelled Ashley Eliot as Ashley Elliott.

Please contact Editor-in-Chief Taylor Arrey at (657) 278-5815 or at editorinchief@dailytitan.com to report any errors.

© COPYRIGHT DAILY TITAN 2021 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.

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4 News

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

CSUF assistant dean comes full circle ALONDRA TORRES Staff Writer

Before she was an assistant dean, Maricela Alvarado walked the same path as many Cal State Fullerton students.

Alvarado, a CSUF alumna and first-generation college student, now works in student affairs for the university’s College of the Arts. While the outcome may be pleasant, the road to get there wasn’t an easy one — something that Alvarado uses to motivate her.

“My passion comes from thinking about my own experiences, thinking about how confused I was as a freshman, not just as a freshman but throughout my journey in college,” Alvarado said.

At one point in her educational career, Alvarado said she thought that being a first-generation student graduate with English as a second language would prevent her from earning a doctorate.

Her CSUF bachelor’s degree in human services, master’s from Cal State Long Beach, and recent doctorate in higher education leadership at Azusa Pacific University said otherwise.

One of Alvarado’s biggest accomplishments through her 15 years of experience in higher education was making the Student Success Center a reality on campus. She also recently co-authored a chapter in a research handbook regarding social justice, equity and inclusion in higher education.

Dianna Lopez, assistant dean for student affairs for the college of education, describes Alvarado as a wonderful colleague and said she looks up to Alvarado because of her knowledge in

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Maricela Alvarado is the assistant dean of student affairs for CSUF’s college of the arts. (Maricela Alvarado)

different areas of student affairs. She said Alvarado’s passion is evident in her work to make sure first-generation students get all the help that they need to succeed, and Lopez said she loves to see that because she’s also the first generation.

“Maricela is very humble, and we have just seen the tip of the iceberg of what she’s going to do, and I am looking forward to just witnessing what the next steps are going to be, what else she’s going to do,” Lopez said.

Alvarado holds her family in high regard. She said her parents have been role models for her throughout her

life.

“They came to this country, not having much. And now, you know, seeing their accomplishments has certainly motivated me to do my best,” Alvarado said. “I always look at them and know that what I have, who I am, and my identities really come from them.”

Working for the college of the arts consists of several events, and though Alvarado has a hectic schedule, she makes sure to make time for her family. She said she brings her partner to events on campus to maximize their time together.

On the days she does have free time,

Alvarado said she enjoys being outdoors and taking her dog Dino to the park.

She’s also an avid listener of health and nutrition podcasts, and she often bikes and exercises while listening to important life topics about healthy living.

Alvarado added when she has a lot of free time she enjoys going to national parks with her partner.

Working as an assistant dean involves lots of collaboration with coworkers, among whom is Connie Moreno Yamashiro, assistant dean of student affairs for the college of

humanities and social sciences. Yamashiro named Alvarado as her favorite human being on campus I think I have the pleasure of not just working with a colleague, but a friend who’s caring, who’s supportive and who’s really reliable,” Yamashiro said.

Yamashiro said she admires and looks up to Alvarado because she has a confidence and calmness about her that is so difficult to find in good leaders.

Hilda Aboytia, the administrative coordinator for the theater and dance department, said it has been a great journey for her to get to work with Alvarado because she has taught her so much on how to handle situations.

“I admire her as a mujer Latina who is in higher education who is a doctora and it just helps me know that because she’s in that role I could eventually get there as well,” Aboytia said.

Arnold Holland, dean of the College of the Arts, said that he sees Alvarado being an assistant vice president or vice president of student affairs and that her recent doctorate is a step into a career path that is going to get her there.

“I’ve found the vast majority of times when I have a student issue, I take it to her and she immediately knows the solution,” Holland said.

Alvarado said she would love to take on a higher-level position to continue to support students in higher education, as well as continue publishing.

She noted the value of people around her and around students, and emphasized the importance of building community.

“There’s many people around you who are experts in your area, there’s many people around you who have done what you want to do,” Alvarado said. “There’s many people who want to see you succeed.”

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Lifestyle 5

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

Column: Main characters that make their book worth reading HUYEN TRAN TRAN

TAYLOR ARREY Editor

No matter how many novels readers go through, our favorite stories have a way of sticking with us after the final chapter. The solace that can be found hiding between the pages of a story is something more powerful than we think, and part of that magic is due to the creation of unique characters that speak to us in ways that no one else has.

Whether it’s their perspective on the world, their feisty sarcasm or the complexities that they bring to the narrative, good characters are the one of the biggest reasons that readers fall in love with a book. They keep the story alive, and often, their roles in the novel can engage readers in a variety of ways.

A reader might see themselves in the main character, or they might be puzzled trying to figure out if they like the character or not, but no matter what the reason, a character that’s capable of holding the reader’s attention for the entirety of the plot is an accomplishment that should be appreciated.

In honor of all of the characters who made readers fall in love with reading, Tuffy’s Book Nook introduces four unique protagonists that single handedly made their books worth the read:

1. “Lady Susan” by Jane Austen It would be impossible to talk about captivating main characters without turning back to a classic that laid the foundation for nontraditional protagonists. Typically, when readers think of Austen, they think of Elizabeth Bennet from “Pride and Prejudice” or Marianne and Elinor from “Sense and Sensibility,” and while those characters are iconic because of their association with classic literature, they leave much to be desired when it comes to uprooting tradition.

“Lady Susan” breaks that traditional Austenian mold to give readers a morally ambiguous widowed woman who understands that wealth is power, and if it takes a bit of seduction to secure a wealthy husband, then so be it. With a teenage daughter and a recently deceased husband, Susan sets out to secure her and her daughter a future the best way that she knows how — with a bit of charm, manipulation and gossip.

The novel is told in an epistolary style, meaning that readers get to follow the story through a series of letters sent back and forth between the family members. Throughout these letters, the scandal that is Susan shines through, and oftentimes, readers are left debating whether they really like her or not.

She is an enigma, and for readers who enjoy overanalyzing a morally grey and mysterious character, she’s the perfect new puzzle. However, don’t expect to have a final judgement about her by the end of the book, as Austen leaves much for readers to question about morality, immorality, wealth and privilege. Readers might love Susan for her ambiguity and feminine power, but they also might hate her for her caprice and tolerance for deceit. But in order to solve the mystery of Susan, you’ll have to meet her first.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR ARREY

2. Serpent & Dove Trilogy by Shelby Mahurin Speaking of morally ambiguous, meet Lou — a fiery and stubborn witch whose escape from law enforcement lands her in an arranged marriage with a witch hunter named Reid.

Right from the beginning, Lou’s personality is infectious as she sprinkles the narrative with jokes, sarcasm, slightly inappropriate bar songs and sexual references that make her seem all the more wild in comparison to her morally upright, religious husband.

With a tragic family history and a mother who wants her dead, Lou’s journey is based on one key goal — survival. Now stuck in a marriage with a witch hunter, Lou relies on her survival instincts to fool everyone into believing that she does not have magic, a task that reveals just how headstrong and capable she is.

Throughout the trilogy, Lou fights against her mother, Morgane le Blanc, for her life. Fighting Morgane means that she puts her family, friends and husband at risk, all while she tries to figure out what she is willing to do to stay alive. Throw magic into the mix, and Lou finds herself on a dark and windy path full of moral obscurities.

The author makes it clear that while Lou is likeable, she doesn’t always make the right decisions because she is human, and that infallibility makes her all the more interesting to read about.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR ARREY

3. “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas This young adult novel already succeeds by mixing horror and paranormal fantasy to create a chilling murder mystery, but the narrative wouldn’t be complete without Yadriel — a transgender boy who is determined to prove himself in his community. Yadriel’s traditional Latinx family is part of the brujx community — a group of magical people who can see ghosts and are responsible for healing and sending ghosts to the afterlife.

Desperate to prove himself as a man to his family, Yadriel performs the ceremony to become a real brujo behind his parents’ backs. And of course, it doesn’t go well. He succeeds in receiving his power from their saint, Lady Death, but instead of releasing a ghost, he summons Julian Diaz, a popular bad boy from school who was recently murdered.

Not long after mistakenly summoning Julian, Yadriel finds out that his cousin Miguel is missing, and the mystery begins. With Julian and his other cousin, Maritza at his side, Yadriel embarks on an adventure to find Miguel and prove himself to a community that rejects his identity and the change that it represents in their culture.

Aside from being funny, slightly anxious and strong, Yadriel’s emotional journey throughout the novel is endearing and genuine. As he struggles through issues of forgiveness, identity and courage, readers will find that it’s easy to root for him or find a way to relate to him as a teenager trying to find his place within the confines of cultural traditions and familial obligations.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR ARREY

4. “Nightwood” by Djuna Barnes The spectrum of different characters in literature is wide ranging, and if readers were going to place Robin Vote on that spectrum, she would fall somewhere under the confusion category for all of the chaos that she inspires in Djuna Barnes’ 1936 novel “Nightwood.”

Much like Lady Susan, Robin is a mysterious and confusing character because readers won’t be able to figure out exactly how they feel about her after just one read. Robin is not technically the main character, but rather, she is the catalyst that destroys and haunts all of the other characters’ lives.

As each character reveals their history with Robin, it becomes exceedingly difficult to decide who to believe. Readers might feel inclined to believe the husband she abandoned or they might believe the two women, Nora and Jenny, who fell in love with her and were heartbroken when she left.

The mystery of Robin’s character is up to interpretation, and by opening the novel, it’s as if readers become like the characters. From the first chapter to the bizarre final scene, Robin remains a haunting presence that is sure to leave a lasting impression. She may not be a comforting character like Yadriel or even fiery like Lou, but there’s something interesting about being pulled in by a character you don’t understand, and Robin is the secret that every reader should try to figure out.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR ARREY

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6 Lifestyle

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

Review: ‘30’ is Adele’s declaration of self-discovery

The powerful 12-track album delves into her journey through relationship, showcasing her vocal precison and range.

MICHELLE IBAÑEZ Editor

KASSANDRA VASQUEZ Editor

Six years after her last album release, Adele has returned with her fourth studio album “30,” where the artist finds herself as a woman, mother and overall person after divorcing the father of her child.

The album features 12 tracks that highlight her experience dealing with and healing from divorce. Adele strays from her typical style by using more percussive musical scores, but she stays true to her vocal excellence throughout each track.

“Strangers By Nature” In the opening song, Adele sings to her lost relationship, and takes responsibility for it dying. The song has more of a hymn vibe and toward the climax, it almost sounds like it should be heard inside a church.

Settling into a cinematic score that transports the listener into an almost otherworldly atmosphere and leaves them with a lasting impression, “Strangers By Nature” sets the mood for the rest of the album.

“Easy On Me” Making the second song of the album the lead single was a good move.

It sounds more like it should be in her third album “25,” and more of what we have already heard from her, which makes it a good introduction to the new era. The lyrics and the accompanying piano make the song stand out from the rest of the record, but while it does sound a lot like old Adele, the song doesn’t disappoint.

“My Little Love” Adele has a conversation with her son, and it is perhaps the most personal she has ever been. She wants her son to know that she loves him more than anything, and that while the divorce will definitely be hard on him, she can no longer stay in a relationship that hurts everyone.

In the outro, Adele opens her heart and expresses all the grief and stress she’s felt lately. While not one of the best ones, “My Little Love” was Adele’s way of saying she’s not doing well, but for her son and herself, she’s willing to go the distance.

“Cry Your Heart Out” A good follow up to “My Little Love,” “Cry Your Heart Out” is a sad song, but with the upbeat background it may be easy to overlook the meaning of the song; it is a healing love letter to herself.

Stuck in a frenzy, Adele encourages herself and everyone to savor in their own pain until they can fully move on. She alludes to crying as a form of self-care until she can feel like herself.

This song almost sounds like some of the first songs in her “19” album, more upbeat but still with a hint of jazz.

“Oh My God” Long story short, “Oh My God” is an out of the box song for Adele’s usual melancholic tunes. With beats that make you want to bop, the song joins the list of never-done before songs for the artist. More of a dance tune than a mellow one, in “Oh My God,” the artist steps out of her comfort zone and experiments with modern pop sounds.

This is one of the freshest songs on the album.

“Can I Get It” Acoustic guitar opens the unique Adele track, which develops into a full

band production. In this one, she is angry. The song sounds like a Taylor Swift revenge song, but if it was sung

by Adele and if Adele wanted to key your car.

She uses the lyrics to express her own vows and the moment just after they broke. There is a certain sense of uncertainty of making it through that unpredictable time and being so unsure of how to put herself back together in the aftermath.

“I Drink Wine” “I Drink Wine” is reminiscent of Adele’s previous albums. Showing off her vocal talent, Adele preaches the importance of self-love and acceptance.

Lyrically, she addresses the importance of being confident in your own skin in order to be able to be there for someone else romantically.

A relationship should be two people coming together and making each other better, not taking from each other or changing the fundamental things that make you an individual, which Adele highlights in the chorus of the song.

“All Night Parking (with Erroll Garner) Interlude” Adele teases the listener into thinking that “All Night Parking (with Erroll Garner) Interlude” will be yet another piano ballad with the opening of the track. But the bass drops and an interesting mix of jazz style piano and a heavily produced back beat captures the listener’s attention.

In a different move for Adele, she does not belt the lyrics but speaks them into existence. The subtlety of the song reflects the personal nature of the lyrics and Adele’s wish to dream about a mystery person “all night long.”

“Woman Like Me” One of the skippable songs in the

(COLUMBIA RECORDS)

album, “Woman Like Me,” has trouble keeping a pace. It feels messy in the way it sounds, but Adele does not fail in letting her ex-partner know that they were never strong enough to keep up with her.

“Hold On” The healing process post-breakup is not easy, as evident in this song. It emphasizes the age old saying “time heals all wounds.” Adele’s lyrics strike a difficult chord with the listener, forcing them to look inward and reflect on their own insecurities. She tackles her own emotions of doubt throughout the song, while keeping just a little fragment of hope that time alone will heal a broken heart.

“To Be Loved” A classic ballad from Adele is something everyone needs in their life; that is what the second to last track of the album offers. The broken and battered vibrato of the vocals capture the

fragility of love.

She expresses a deep pain in losing herself to someone else and disappearing into a significant other’s life. Her lyrics cut deep as they explore the very nature of losing her own sense of self and identity, something that is relatable to everyone who has ever been in any meaningful relationship.

“Love Is A Game” In an unexpected move, the song picks up tempo. With a more ‘60s ballad feeling, the narrative shifts into a tale of loving again and becoming a fool in love for someone new. The culmination of “30” does not disappoint.

It features a beautiful, full-bodied orchestral score to accompany the deep tones of Adele’s voice. Easily seduced, the listener falls into a trance listening to the lyrics that emphasize the difficult nature of learning to love someone.

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Lifestyle 7

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

Six beauty trends to try out for this holiday season to be afraid of this season. Get creative with grunge, graphic eyeliner that will give off the original, sexy vibes of the 2000s and ‘60s and make a statement this season.

JESSICA CHOI Editor

Neutral tones, deep hues and an overall sultry look blend together to create a classic, autumnal complexion.

The pops of bright colors and heavy-handed bronzer have faded away, leaving room for new, contemporary takes on this fall season’s beauty trends.

Flushed cheeks Blush made a comeback this year with the fresh, dewy sunkissed look.

The overdone rosy cheeks that extend across the nose and up into the temples is a trend that is not backing down — even in these chillier months.

Instead, the peachy, summer colors have transitioned to reddish, berry tones which give off a more bold, flushed look as if you’ve just come back from playing in the snow.

This amped-up blush trend is a fashionable remix on the normal blush placement that can add an element of youth and liveliness to the face.

It is an easy technique to recreate, as application does not have to be so precise.

Ditch the heavy contour that can easily create a muddy complexion and switch to this sweeter, more forgiving alternative.

Beauty marks The perfectly applied, imperfection-hiding mask of face makeup has mellowed out to a more natural skin complexion.

With this “your skin but better” beauty trend, the appearances of freckles, moles, birthmarks, acne and all the real qualities of human skin are embraced as the latest trendy look.

This newfound shift in makeup and

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JESSICA CHOI

skincare embraces the mantra of “less is more.”

Past the filters and high-coverage foundation, we all know what real skin is like, and now is the time to flaunt your uniqueness.

People are even mimicking these distinctive skin features through faux freckles, dark circles and other beauty marks.

False expectations of perfectly smooth, poreless, even-toned skin is taking the backburner; real skin is diverse, spotted, uneven, textured and beautiful as is.

Showcase your most authentic self with this complexion trend at any occasion.

Bold lips Whether it is a full glossy lip, a

bright lip tint or a classic red matte, the look itself is not specific; however, the trend makes the lips pop to the individual’s unique style.

Some of the most popular lip looks include the Korean beauty gradient lip trend. Its bright pink and red colors focus on the center of the lip and fade in intensity moving outwards, creating an ombre illusion.

Another popular lip look is the heavily glossed nude lip. The new nude look focuses on your specific skin tone and catering the nude color to it; the perfect nude slightly accentuates your natural lip color.

Don’t forget to top it with a shiny clear gloss for that irressitably juicy look.

Overall, focusing on the lips for your seasonal look is always on trend, so

make them the main character of the event.

Grunge or graphic eyeliner An homage to the early 2000s has resurfaced in many ways: fashion, beauty and decor. The year 2000 is the new retro.

Punk-pop icons from that era rocked bold, smudged eyeliner and made tightlined eyes the sultry look of the decade.

However, this smokey eyeliner has modernized itself into a contemporary makeup look by cleaning up the oval shape with more precise lines and cateye shapes.

This eyeliner kick also takes inspiration from the ‘60s with the playful, graphic shapes that encircle the eyes.

Bold, thick and black liner is nothing

Abstract nails The classic French manicure with its crisp white tips and pinkish, nude base has made a slight comeback. However, it is completely revamped, artistic relative has reigned the newest nail design trend of the year: abstract nails.

Squiggly lines, swirls and ambiguous shapes have outdone the boring, clean lines of original nail art. This fun, refreshing approach to customizing your nails offers room for creative liberty and expression.

Although this style for nails was something that emerged earlier in the year, it has carried through into the autumn. Instead of the neon, bright pops of color that accompanied the summer designs, pastel colors, jewel tones and shades of black and white have taken over.

The black and white abstract designs with a nude base color mimic the simple essence of the French manicure, but it’s something completely new.

Wispy eyelashes The days of full-glam are sparse and have lost its once gleaming appeal; we’ve grown accustomed to staying in, working from home and shifting our attention inwards. Subsequently, beauty trends have embraced working with what we have and highlighting individual beauty. So now the thick, glamorous false lashes have toned down to wipsy, fluttery ones that mimic a more natural, realistic look.

The thick, voluminous, long lashes will not catch the attention of anyone at the holiday party; instead, a sweet pair of flirty lashes will compliment the natural sparkle in your eye.

Review: South Park movie considers post-pandemic future The satirical film pokes fun of society, and evokes deeper thoughts through character growth and exploration.

FRANK PORTILLO Editor

Matt Stone and Trey Parker take their long-running animated series in a new and interesting direction with the made-for-TV movie, “South Park: Post COVID.” What’s great for fans of the hit animated series, which has been running since 1997, is the way the creators continuously make it fresh.

After experimenting with serialized episodes in the past couple of seasons, the dynamic duo of Parker and Stone have a historic $900 million deal in place to produce more episodes and spin-off movies for Paramount+.

Their first made-for-TV movie, “South Park: Post COVID,” takes the long-running series into unexplored territory, focusing on the main characters as adults.

The narrative borrows heavily from Stephen King’s “IT,” as a grown-up Stan receives a phone call from his one-time bestfriend Kyle.

Kyle reminds Stan that he made a promise to return to South Park in case anything bad has happened.

The catastrophic event that brings the group back together is the death of a major character: Kenny.

While easily one of the longest running jokes on the series, the humor lies in the familiarity with the narrative element at play.

We’re all expecting a major character to have died, and the fact that Kenny has died again is hilarious albeit lazy.

Kenny’s mysterious death is the catalyst that brings the longtime VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

friends back together, despite Stan’s hesitance.

While usually an ensemble series, Stan’s character is who the audience navigates with in this futuristic world.

Having moved away from South Park, his return reintroduces the audience to the adult versions of characters like Jimmy, Tolkien, Tweak and Craig.

One of the most heartwarming moments was to see Jimmy’s dreams of becoming a standup comedian come into fruition. He’s been anointed the moniker as the most “woke” comic in what are certainly some jabs at Jimmy Fallon, who hosts “The Tonight Show” on NBC. Exploring these characters as adults leaves room for a lot of great stories to be told. It’s also great to see the version of the future that Stone and Parker envisions.

There’s a really great joke about Amazon’s Alexa that plays with the conventions of science fiction in a way that was not only really cool, but also felt unexpected for the series.

As Stan returns to South Park after the death of Kenny, we get the idea that the core group of friends have spent their adulthood estranged from one another and so begins the mystery box of their relationship.

Most of the drama, and some of the funniest moments, derive from the anticipation of seeing the grownup versions of these characters — how they’ve either changed or remained the same.

Easily one of the greatest moments in the movie is when we finally catch up with Eric Cartman and his Jewish family. Having spent years making fun of Kyle for his religion, Stone and Parker mine some ironic humor with the direction the character goes in.

What’s even funnier is the way his

children are instinctively mean to Kyle, almost as if Cartman was genetically coded to be as cruel as possible to his Jewish friend, and the fact that she sounds eerily familiar to Kyle’s mother, who was also a target of Cartman’s jokes.

One of the trademarks of the series is the running satirical commentary on society that doesn’t hold back any punches. This movie spends an hour looking forward to a post-pandemic future, which apparently lasts well into the kids’ adulthood.

The movie starts off with a sort of infomercial announcing that the pandemic is finally over before quickly making it clear that there’s been at least a 30-year time jump.

We learn it was the beginning of the pandemic that tore the core group of

friends apart from each other. Hinted at early on, the mystery as to what really happened between Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny drives the runtime until the revelation at the end that ties everything together.

Another great joke in the movie is when the characters find out one of them isn’t vaccinated, citing a lack of personal research and an allergy to shellfish as the reasons.

Apparently shellfishness, as said in the show, is a valid exemption from the vaccine.

There are a lot of great inside jokes for fans of the animated series. At one point, the disillusioned Stan searches for existential answers while sitting on the toilet.

Suddenly, in his head, he begins to hear Christmas jingles and excitedly

jumps up thinking that his one-time friend Mr. Hankey has returned. For those unfamiliar, the character is an anthropomorphic log of feces who usually appears during the Christmas season.

What he sees, however, is simply a log of his own creation. He dejectedly flushes the toilet and it becomes excruciatingly evident that the magic from his youth has been gone for so long.

The adventures of his youth, that fans have spent decades witnessing, has led him to become an alcoholic like his father. His character resonates the most emotionally.

There is a shocking end to the movie that definitely leaves room open for the narrative to continue. If you’re a fan of “South Park,” this is a movie you won’t want to miss.

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8 Opinion

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

Subtitles create accessible movie experiences Open captions can provide immersive viewings for diverse audiences, adding more inclusivity in theaters.

NOLLYANNE DELACRUZ Asst. Editor

When new releases hit movie theaters on opening day, moviegoers excitedly shuffle into their seats as the trailers roll. In the darkness, it can be easy to forget that non-English speakers or individuals who are hard of hearing may feel ostracized at the sight of no on-screen captions during movie premieres.

The movie theater chain AMC added open captions, which refers to onscreen captions that cannot be turned off, to 240 of its U.S. locations during some showings last month.

Additionally, at least two theaters will offer open captions on weekly showtimes for all new releases. Private theater rentals are also a feasible option to consume open captions on the silver screen.

While this is a win for the hard of hearing and non-English speaker communities, major theater chains like Regal and Cinemark seem to have caved into legislation and advocates mounting pressure to be more inclusive toward disabled and non-English speakers without the intrinsic drive to.

Film distributors should offer more screenings with open captions in their theaters, regardless of whether or not their customers are disabled or English-speaking.

Around 15% of adults in the U.S. ages 18 and above report hearing troubles. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that closed caption devices are available for people with hearing disabilities, these devices are typically ineffective.

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Lauren Ridloff, a deaf actress who played Makkari in Marvel’s “Eternals,” described the frustrating experience that people who are deaf share.

“You have to use a special closed-captioning device to watch subtitling in a theater, and it’s a headache, because most of the time the devices don’t work,” Ridloff said. “Then you have to go back to the front desk and find somebody to help, and by the time they figure it out that it’s not working — that it’s not going to be subtitled at all — the movie’s halfway done.”

Non-functional closed captioning devices do not constitute fair and equal treatment toward people with hearing disabilities. It is hypocritical to agree to commit to being inclusive toward people with disabilities only to offer them poorly managed, clunky devices that do not always work. Thus, open captions allow for a streamlined movie experience for the deaf and hard of hearing.

For the same reason, open captions should be made available for people who do not speak English. According to a report by The Center for Immigration Studies, in 2018 over 67 million Americans spoke a foreign language at home. Open captions in movie theaters ensure that non-English speakers can immerse themselves in the movie-going experience.

Open captions must also be accessible for English-speaking people who do not have disabilities. There seems to be a stigma toward the one-inch tall line of text that can ensure people’s comprehension of a movie.

Some may argue that moviegoers despise sitting through an action-packed thriller with speedy captions. “It’s too hard to read” and “it hurts my brain” complaints spew out as the attempt to multitask is not practical.

However, in the past few years,

VIVAN HAN / DAILY TITAN

movies from different countries, like “Parasite” from South Korea and “Roma” from Mexico, have risen to critically acclaimed status, with subtitles serving as the bridge across the language barrier. If English-speaking viewers can enjoy a foreign film with subtitles, there is no reason to believe that they would not equally appreciate an English-language movie with English subtitles.

While it may seem like native English speakers would have no need for open captions, the text can help people

understand moments when the film’s audio is unclear, muffled or booming.

Open captions clarify how to spell character’s names or a line of dialogue that may have been drowned out by movie theaters’ loud sound speaker system .

Although AMC theaters are beating their competitors when it comes to increasing the availability of screenings with open captions, two screenings per week for new arrivals is not enough to establish captions in movie theaters.

The ratio should be flipped; almost

every screening should have open captions and two openings should be reserved for people who do not want movie captions.

In addition, open captions should be readily available on opening movie nights.

Increasing the implementation of open captions in movie theaters greatly expands the moviegoing experience for audiences of all backgrounds.

Open captions are more than just a show of inclusivity; they are a needed feature in the theaters.

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Opinion 9

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

Addressing loneliness begins with acceptance Waves of solitude can be combatted with social groups and healthy friendships.

ADRIANA LOPEZ Staff Writer

With loneliness now being accepted as a prevalent mental health issue, college students shouldn’t ignore the effects loneliness can have. Holding oneself accountable and accepting feelings of isolation as part of progression, developing healthy relationships and seeking counseling are clear paths to stabilizing mental health as the thrills of life are enjoyed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have cited a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that states poor social relationships are associated with “a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.”

According to the report, loneliness is also associated with “higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.”

The report focuses on the effects loneliness can have on individuals above the age of 45, causing some to argue that college students and young adults are immune to loneliness, as they have plenty of opportunity to socialize. Still, there is cause for concern regarding the effects loneliness has on college students.

In a study conducted in October 2020, Harvard researchers surveyed respondents on feelings of isolation.

61% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 25 reported high levels of loneliness.

It may not be surprising to associate loneliness with the stresses of adulting, as people become more occupied prioritizing their lives leading to less opportunities for socializing. As students and young adults prepare for the hustle and bustle of the real world, taking care of their health can be a side mission in the game of life. But, developing such negative feelings at a young age can be detrimental towards

growth.

These negative emotions can pile up, and make students feel crushed.

Cal State Fullerton professor of psychology Barbara Cherry said she agrees that loneliness is a troubling issue that college students face.

“It’s probably like a vicious cycle where they feel more isolated so then they don’t get out, maybe they start having other types of issues as well, things like depression and maybe anxiety,” Cherry said.

This cycle was reflected in the Harvard study. People between the ages of 18 and 25 who reported feeling lonely also said that they felt that no one genuinely cared for them.

The study also found that people who experience high amounts of loneliness “often feel they’re reaching out or listening to other people more than other people are reaching out or listening to them”.

These feelings of isolation can be detrimental to college students’ mental health, who often also experience stress due to academic, work and family pressures.

While the amount of young adults who experience extreme loneliness is alarming, there are resources that college students can take advantage of to combat these negative emotions.

For students who experience depression, whether it be as a result of loneliness or any other external stressors, CSUF offers multiple programs through Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS. Among the programs offered are individual, couples, and group counseling. Group counseling specifically provides students with an opportunity to not only receive therapy, but a chance to speak to other students and create bonds.

Outside of participating in programs offered by CAPS, Cherry also recommends students join clubs as a way to form healthy relationships.

“A lot of the student groups that we have on campus also have a faculty advisor so there’s somebody who’s

MONICA SIVAYAVIROJNA / DAILY TITAN

kind of watching out to make sure that things are going well in a particular club,” Cherry said.

With over 300 clubs and organizations, there is plenty of opportunity for CSUF students to meet and create bonds with other students who have similar interests. Club focuses range from sports, anime, horror, hip hop, fashion, archery, to culture and academica.

As college students face pressure from school, work and personal matters, the potential to be consumed by

stressors is a threat to mental health.

These all encompassing stressors have the potential to make college students feel lonely, beginning the downward spiral that will eventually lead to failure if not properly addressed.

It is necessary for college students to find time to create bonds, have meaningful conversations and find peers that provide enjoyable company.

These healthy interactions can deter emotions of loneliness and ultimately improve mental health, a necessary foundation to live a happy and healthy

life.

But decisions are ultimately made among individuals, it is important to recognize deteriorating emotions or ways of acting that negatively impact oneself.

Addressing your own loneliness is not a weakness, but a strength that can be worked upon over time.

Feeling lonely happens, but doing something about it is a monumental step to improving daily life, and there are plenty of people who would love to help, no matter what.

Astroworld fiasco calls for concert safety reforms Inadequate event planning and security oversight spotlights need for festival reformation.

MARIA MARQUEZ Staff Writer

VANESSA SIGUENZA Editor

Blinding strobe lights, shooting flames and hyped concertgoers yelled for rapper Travis Scott to deliver an unforgettable performance at his Astroworld 2021 Festival in Houston, Texas.

However, the crowd’s ecstasy quickly spiraled out of control — five minutes into the show, some fans screamed for help and gasped for air.

Nearly 50 minutes later, the festival was declared a mass casualty event.

A stampede entrance, overwhelmed paramedics, drugged security guards and a squished crowd tragically lead to the death of 10 people and many more injured.

Evidently, strategic event organization and tight security vigilance was tossed out the window as concertgoers flooded through the metal barricades.

The Astroworld disaster is a stinging warning that concerts cannot be left unrestrained and are in need of drastic reform.

Justin Slater, a sophomore and theatre arts major at Cal State Fullerton was one of the 50,000 in the crowd.

“Overall it was kind of from the jump, in terms of the security and everyone that was there,” Slater said.

“Everybody was getting riled up and crazy before he even hopped on stage.”

When word spread that Astroworld VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

would return after COVID-19 canceled the 2020 festival, an outpour of excitement led to tickets being sold out within minutes. Although tickets were on sale in May, conglomerate Live Nation and Travis Scott’s event organization team failed within a six month span to ensure that NRG Park could safely enclose a massive swathe of concertgoers.

As Astroworld attendees toppled one another and became constricted into a “crowd crush” — a situation where compressive asphyxia could kill — paramedics became overwhelmed in the medical tents. They were unable to document and provide immediate medical assistance to a high influx of concertgoers that screamed for help.

As apparent as a lack of sufficient medical help should be, this is only part of a grand dilemma that required more oversight on behalf of Live Nation and Travis Scott.

Although 528 police officers and 755 private security personnel were present at the event, they were not trained in crowd management nor were assigned to guard the front barriers.

The safety net was filled with gigantic holes that engulfed the attendees. It shouldn’t be the concertgoers responsibility to fend for themselves. Equally important, the lack of trust between crowd managers, fire marshals or security guards is ruptured.

Before the Astroworld fiasco, Travis Scott had a reputation for initiating grave errors at his concerts. For instance, in 2017 he was faced with three misdemeanors when he incited his fans to bypass security and rush to the stage.

Additionally, in 2015 he was

arrested for reckless conduct when performing at Lollapalooza. He incited the crowd to raise their “middle finger up to security right now,” causing a ruckus for security to deescalate the commotion, eventually leading to injuries in the crowd.

Scott had ample time to reflect on his negligent and rash behavior that posed life-threatening consequences to the concertgoers. Yet, he seems to enjoy injecting himself into mayhem with little heed to the attendees’ well-being.

Not only does Travis Scott’s unlawful conduct need to be put into check, but the flimsy and haphazard event organization has to be reconstructed and measured precisely to avoid deaths or injuries in future concerts.

Slater was fortunate enough to be at the front as his tall height allowed him to withhold the crowd flow.

Despite the tragedies, he expressed how he was unaware of the chaos behind him.

“In the future I’m definitely going to keep an eye out and make sure that I’m good but also those around me,” Slater said.

Fans should not be required to ensure their own safety at concerts.

Following the news that came out of Astroworld, Zenerations — an organization that centers around showcasing youth achievements — posted some safety tips on concert crowds, tips like avoiding barriers and fences, putting your arms in front of you and over your chest to protect your ribs and to help one another.

Implementing a ground control at all festivals and concerts could aid in more than dehydrated attendees.

GABRIELA VEGA / DAILY TITAN

Ground control monitors enacted within the crowds could spot a dense crowd forming and alert the right people to allow for proper care and immediate action.

A ground control monitoring crowds and the safety of guests could make all the difference.

To prevent what happened at Astroworld, event planners and artists must prioritize the safety of those

attending by ensuring concerts have medical tents and crowd control are set in place, along with a well-trained staff who can perform life-saving measures when needed.

Festival goers and concert attendees want to feel safe returning to these special spaces, but public health and safety comes first, regardless of rowdy fans not being able to contain their excitement.

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10 Sports

WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

Leader: CSUF earned most conference wins since 2012

The Titans gather around interim head coach Nicole Polster (middle) while visiting Long Beach State on Nov. 4. (Daniela Navarro / Daily Titan)

The success of her mother as a setter on Team USA and her constant training drew her to the setting position on the court.

Heading into her college years, Polster knew Long Beach was her preferred school despite applying to and visiting other colleges with her father as well.

Although both parents were hesitant of Polster attending Long Beach where she would be under her mother’s coaching, it always came back to Long Beach when Polster scaled the

pros and cons.

Polster was a four-year starter as a setter during her college years. She posted 4,695 assists on the court — the fourth best in Long Beach State history.

Polster led her team to the NCAA Tournament all four years as a setter and earned three postseason All-Big West awards, including a pair of first team honors.

After college, Polster was recruited

by Team USA, where she played as a setter for two years.

Shortly after her time on the national team, she went overseas to play professionally in France for a year.

Polster said she was lost as to what she wanted to do after concluding her athletic career and her time in France.

Despite her mother’s initial suggestion to become a coach, Polster took a year off to enjoy her free time.

That is until she received a phone call for an assistant coaching position at University of the Pacific.

Polster agreed to become interim head coach in June after serving as assistant coach for two years alongside her predecessor Ashley Preston. (CSUF Athletics)

The conversation initiated a six season long coaching endeavor for Polster as she trained Pacific’s setters.

In the seasons to come, Polster said she hopes to continue showing not

just women, but all student athletes what it looks like to say what you mean and mean what you say.

If there is one thing she could wish for, it would simply be for fans to “come to our games!”

Men’s basketball to host University of Pacific on Saturday in Titan Gym The Titans will face the Tigers for the first time since 2019, where Fullerton fell, 62-59.

TRAVIS JEPEWAY Staff Writer

Women’s basketball prepares to take on Grand Canyon University ALONDRA TORRES Staff Writer

Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball prepares for their home game against the Grand Canyon University Antelopes on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. in Titan Gym. The Titans are in a great position to score a win against the Antelopes after a successful weekend Nov. 27 against Pepperdine.

The Titans dominated with a strong fourth quarter, 68-63,

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against Pepperdine.

The Titans started and ended the matchup strong, as three players scored in double digits.

Lily Wahinekapu contributed 14 points with three rebounds and eight assists.

Ashlee Lewis had 14 points with five rebounds and Gabi Vidmar had 13 points and six rebounds.

The Antelopes won their latest matchup on Nov. 27, against Houston Baptist, 63-54.

The Antelopes improved their offensive output as the quarters went by, scoring 13, 15, 16 and 19 points in each quarter, respectively.

The Antelopes had two players score in double digits contributing to their victory.

Jay McChristine led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds while Amara Graham contributed 13 points, four assists and three rebounds.

The Titan’s starters, Wahinekapu, Fujika Nimmo, Kathryn Neff and Carolyn Gill will be depended on to deliver against the Antelopes.

Both the Titans and the Antelopes head into the matchup on Saturday coming off of victories but the Titans will have one statistical advantage when the offensive minded squads meet on the court.

The Titans go into the matchup against the antelopes totaling 77.4 per game while Grand Canyon comes in averaging 63.5 points per game.

The Titans “ currently hold a

3-4 overall record while their home record is 1-1

“

Aixchel Hernandez (right) grabs a rebound during Fullerton’s 60-56 win over San Diego State on Nov. 16 in Titan Gym. (Eliza Green / Daily Titan)

Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball is scheduled to face off against the University of Pacific Tigers on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Titan Gym. The home court advantage didn’t hold up during the Titans’ last home game against Wyoming, but they have a chance to protect their home court prior to heading off for a game on the road to play the San Diego State Aztecs and then returning home for two more home games the following week.

The Titans currently hold a 3-4 overall record while their home record is 1-1.

On the other end, the Tigers have a 4-3 overall record with their one away game being a loss against the University of Hawai’i.

These teams are very similar in many areas of team statistics.

The Titans have now been shooting 45% from field goal range and 27% outside the arc.

The Tigers, on the other hand, have been shooting exactly the same from the field but they do have a slight advantage from distance with a 37% three-point shooting percentage.

Even when looking at the Titans home games only, they are still only shooting close to 30% from outside the arc.

Offensively, the Titans have been scoring an average of 70 points

per game while the Tigers have allowed 63 points per game from their opponents.

The Titans have also been snagging five steals per game on average while the Tigers have struggled taking care of the ball, allowing 6.4 steals per game.

Defensively, the Tigers have been grabbing rebounds at an average of 36.3 per game while the Titans average 33.4.

The Tigers have also allowed an average of 14 points off of their turnovers in the game.

It is also worth noting that the Titans will be coming off of four days rest with their last game being at home against Wyoming.

Their opponents, the Tigers, will be coming off of two days rest with their last game on the road against UC Davis.

The Titans will likely lean on leading scorer, forward E.J Anosike, who nearly averages a double-double, with 18 points and eight rebounds per game on 58% shooting to lead the way against the Tigers.

Fullerton will look to avoid a slow start against Pacific, a comon trend in multiple games this season.

The Titans fell behind by 18 points before defeating San Diego 57-55, on Nov. 19.

Fullerton held a slim lead over Northern Arizona on Nov. 24 at halftime before a 15-0 run in the second half helped propel the team to a 73-56 victory.

After Pacific, Fullerton will face San Diego State University on the road on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.

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WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

WRITTEN by Stepheny Gehrig

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ARIES This week, Aries, you will be focused on bettering yourself. You might be approached with new opportunities that will enhance your work life. Be prepared to take on these new challenges.

TAURUS Some changes are on the horizon for you, Taurus.

This week you might find that there are new things that you want to try -- go for it! Go for those new opportunities.

GEMINI This week, optimism will grace your days. You will find yourself in a better mood than usual and you will be more outgoing than you normally are. Enjoy the positive mood that you’ll be in.

CANCER You may be holding out for something great this week. Take initiative. Go after the things that you want rather than waiting for them to happen.

LEO A new friend will be in your path this week. Keep yourself open to meeting new people and take the opportunity to make a lifelong relationship.

VIRGO Indifference will plague your week. You might find yourself stuck in a loop of feeling indifferent. Although you might feel this way, taking time out of your day to list the things you appreciate or the good things that happened might help you get out of that rut.

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LIBRA You might find yourself struggling with your romantic side. Although you feel the romance in the air, you may feel more awkward than romantic. Hang tight, romance is on the way for you.

Do you know where Tuffy is?

Follow @thedailytitan and submit your answer on Instagram for a chance to win.

SCORPIO A week full of adventure is awaiting you, Scorpio. Some things might be out of your comfort zone, but you’ll be faced with once in a lifetime opportunities.

SAGITTARIUS Success is on the way for you, Sagittarius.

This week, you will find that your accomplishments will be noticed by others. The success that you have been striving for will be on its way to you.

CAPRICORN Good fortune will grace your week, Capricorn.

It may be unnoticable in the beginning of the week, but have faith that the universe will provide you with what you need.

AQUARIUS This week, you’ll find yourself fascinated by something specific. It’ll take over all conversations that you have. Make sure to study up.

PISCES Pisces, this week will be abundant with good news. You might find yourself anticipating bad news, but you will be graciously given all the good news you can get.

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titan titan titan trivia trivia trivia rivia • How much of the world’s freshwater supply comes from snow and ice?

A) 85% B) 70% C) 80% •Which months mark the beginning and end of the winter season respectively?

A) November and February B) December and February C) December and January D) November and January • What do we call the condition characterized by an extreme fear of snow?

A) Chionophobia B) Pogonophobia C) Coulrophobia

*Answers on bottom of the page

Titan Trivia Answers: C ,B, A VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

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WEEK OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

IT’S OUR UNIVERSITY is the dedicated giving campaign for Cal State Fullerton’s faculty, staff and emeriti who take their commitment one step further. A big thank you to those who have already donated in the 2021-22 year! To learn more, visit fullerton.edu/its-our-university Noha Abdou Silas Abrego Claudia Acosta Alyssa Adamson Louise Adler Sinan Akciz Kenneth Alan Gwendolyn Alexis Nicole Algarin-Chavarria Shannen Grace Allado Anthony Alvarez Brad Anderson Kathryn Angus Michael Anthony Joseph Arnold Michelle Arsneault Catherine Atwong Allan Axelrad Herbert Axelrod Matthew Badal Nicole Bailey Walter Baranger Samuel Barber Carol Barnes Barry Barnhill Marques Barosso Kathryn Bartle-Angus Susan Barua Alyssa Beach Mary Becerra Meri Beckham Doina Bein Karen Bell Robert Belloli Michelle Berelowitz Jill Berg Jay Berman Husaina Bhaijeewala Radha Bhattacharya Mark Bilby Dianna Blake Rebecca Bodan Emily Bonney Katherine Bono Harriet Bouldin Ioakim Boutakidis Renae Bredin Catherine Brennan Leah Brew Arielle Brown Gregory Brown Freddi-Jo Bruschke Jon Bruschke Kathy Brzovic April Bullock Marcela Burrell Karen Bushman Gina Byun Rebecca Calvillo Rosalina Camacho Patricia Campbell Nichole Cannon W. Garrett Capune Joseph Carlin John Carroll Christina Carroll-Pavia Kellee Carter-Scales Maria Casanova Rivas Beatrice Casas James Case Kimberly Case Merri Casem Elizabeth Castello Robert Castro Antonia Castro Graham Susan Cervantes Anthony Chadwick Shana Charles Andy Chau Minerva Chavez Beverly Chawla Anh Chen David Chenot Christina Chin Caitlin Christianson Suzanne Cichuniec Thomas Clanin Randall Clark Daniel Coats

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Tonantzin Oseguera Jacqueline Otis Joelle Otteson Cathie Overstreet Antonio Padilla Karen Padin Dorothy Pan Wong Anand Panangadan Denelle Pankratz Marilyn Parras Gina Passante Terri Patchen Shauna Pearce Stevan Pecic Tatiana Pedroza Lisa Penunuri Rachel Penunuri Michael Perez Eleanor Perry-Tomlin Dawn Person Andrew Petit Kevin Phillips Andy Pho Jennifer Piazza Wayne Pinnell Richard Pollard Gregory Pongetti Jaime Potter Irena Praitis Ashley Preston Adolfo Prieto Patricia Prunty Rick Pullen Anil Puri Beverly Quaye Morteza Rahmatian Judith Ramirez Michelle Ramos Madeline Rasche Carolyn Rath Trish Reed Sorel Reisman Stephanie Reyes Miguel Reyna Bill Reynolds Heather Richards Lorraine Rigoli Roberta Rikli Karen Ringl Laurie Roades Amani Roberts Antoinette Roberts Sue Robertson Irene Robinson Robert Robinson Nina Robson Adrian Rodriguez Aida Rodriguez Jill Rodriguez Debra Rose Jill Rosenbaum Hart Roussel Elva Rubalcava Joan Rubio James Ruby Elaine Rutkowski James Rygg Golnaz Sadri Rosario Sakamoto Gregory Saks Nicholas Salzameda Kirk San Roman David Sandner Anthony Santos Lillybeth Sasis Kathleen Savant H. Jochen Schenk Kathy Schnabel Lacy Schoen Arlene Scoles Abigail Segura Eriko Self Diana Serna Sanchez Mia Sevier Patty Sexton Hunter Seyforth Tracy Shadowens Priyanjali Shah Choudhury Shamim

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This year, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union sponsored the 2021-22 Top 10 Challenge with a $10,000 contribution to encourage giving. The ten CSUF funds with the most faculty, staff and emeriti donor participation during the month of October received an additional $1,000. Thank you SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union for three successful years sponsoring the Top 10 Challenge!

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