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ablaze
Fresno State students recount the night they lost their homes Firefighters battle a blaze at Maplewood Apartment Complex across from Fresno State on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019.
INSIDE
Page 2 Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
59th annual Greek Fest brings cultural celebration to Fresno
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019
GOT TIPS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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Students feel ‘lucky to be alive’ By Marilyn Castaneda News Editor
Marina Despain was in her apartment making her kids a snack when she suddenly heard a pop outside. Not thinking much of it, the Fresno State student peeked out and saw the bright flames of fire creeping its way into her home. She could see the fire spreading into the apartments across from hers. At that moment, she went to look for her car keys but couldn’t find them. Instead, she quickly grabbed her wallet and two kids, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son, and ran for the door with nothing but the clothes on her back. “I didn’t take anything, not even shoes,” Despain said. “My son didn’t have pants on. All that we have is what we were wearing.” The blaze affected 14 units and displaced at least 15 students on Sunday, Aug. 18 at Maplewood Apartments on Backer Avenue in Fresno. Despain, a criminology graduate student finishing her last semester, said she lost everything from laptops, official documents, birth certificates and security cards. Notes, textbooks and backpacks were all left charred. The back of her vehicle was also melted off.
“Everything is gone, but we’re just lucky to be alive,” Despain said. She lived in the two-story apartment for about 10 months with her husband, two children and brother, Johnathan Nunez, who is a second-year music major at Fresno State. Nunez was at band practice when he heard loud sirens but didn’t suspect anything until his grandparents arrived to inform him. After driving to the complex, Nunez said, “I was just thinking, man, that’s a lot of stuff that’s gone.” Nunez, along with his sister and her family, stayed the night at their mom’s house in Clovis and remembers not being able to fall asleep. He said with school starting two days away, he felt stressed out. “It was a little tough because I was stressing out about assignments given out,” Nunez said. “I was just having anxiety.” For now, he is staying in a dorm offered by Fresno State. He will live there for at least a month. He has received support from the campus, family and colleagues at school, including the marching band. “It’s been a rough week but with all the support, everyone will make out just fine,” Nunez said. Both Despain and Nunez will
receive funding from the university’s Good Samaritan Fund, which assists students who face unforeseen financial emergencies or catastrophic events that would prevent them from continuing their education. The campaign has raised $18,691 from 124 different donors and will continue accepting donations until Sept. 18. Despain said the school's resources have been helpful, such as the Clothing Closet and Student Cupboard. She too was offered housing in the dorms the night of the fire but didn’t take it because her children were still shaken up. She advises other students affected to seek help and guidance on campus. At this time, she has not received any notification or assistance from the complex. “Just contact Fresno State. They’ve been really helpful in providing resources and advice. The support we have been receiving is amazing, so reach out and don't be afraid to ask,” Despain said.
She is currently staying with family and plans on starting a Ph.D. program in January 2020. Despain started a personal GoFundme account to help her and her family. “If you’re ever in that situation, just run. Don’t go back for belongings, because it lit up really, really fast,” Despain said. Geraud Brumfield, a resident from the apartment complex for three years and director of college ministry at First Presbyterian Church, was not affected by the blaze but is offering help to any students who suffered from the fire. He said most of those who lost their homes had recently moved in. “They [students] just moved here without a community. But the main thing is if they need anything, my church would love to partner with them,” Brumfield said. Students can reach Brumfield at 717-3311917. The church is located on M Street in Fresno and has a website for more information.
Fire destroys apartments near campus By Seth Casey Editor in Chief
At least 15 Fresno State students have been displaced after a three-alarm fire damaged 14 units at an apartment complex near campus on Aug. 18. The flame at the Maplewood Apartment Complex began on Backer Avenue south of Shaw, Fresno deputy fire chief Rich Cabral told The Fresno Bee.
The blaze then spread from the Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian dumpsters to the carport, engulfing Aftermath of a blaze at Maplewood Apartment Complex across from Fresno State on the vehicles parked underneath, Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. At least 15 students were displaced and eight units in the complex before spreading to the two-story were destroyed. apartment building. Eight cars were destroyed, two others were significantly damThe Fresno Bee reported. rived at the apartment complex and found that aged. Fresno State Housing was able to accommothe nearest hydrant produced no flowing water, Of the 14 affected apartment units, eight date displaced students the night of the fire by The Fresno Bee reported. Fire crews were also were destroyed while three others were damproviding lodging on campus, Castro said in a impeded by heavy traffic on nearby streets and aged. statement. parking lots full of new students moving in for Investigators did not rule out arson as a According to Cabral, the fire was first called the upcoming semester. cause of the $2.5-million blaze and are currentin at approximately 7:25 p.m. on Aug. 18. He It is not known at this time how many indily working to determine how the fire started, said firefighters faced challenges when they arviduals’ property was insured.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019
NSA funds Chinese language program at Fresno State By Jennifer Reyes Reporter
This past summer, the Fresno State linguistics department launched its second year of the Chinese summer program with a STARTALK grant funded by the National Security Agency. The linguistics department had received a STARTALK grant of $60,570 to develop the program in order to encourage American youth to learn critical languages, develop teachers to teach these languages and draft curriculums to foster the learning experience. Every STARTALK grant consists of a mission and objective(s). The program aims to encourage more students to study critical languages for American national security and defense. “Almost one billion people living in the United States speak Mandarin Chinese,” said Li Mann, a Chinese instructor in the linguistics department. “A lot of people think that English and Spanish are widely spoken languages. But by the number of speakers, Chinese has the largest numbers.” Participants attended the program for half a day for three weeks at Fresno State. The registration fee of $30 included a variety of activities, such as dances, learning with technology, snacks and a field trip to San Francisco to visit the Asian Art Museum and Chinatown as part of this summer’s “Going Places” theme. The program hosted two Chinese classes, four Chinese teachers, a consultant, two classroom aides and two volunteers for students from third to eighth grades. The program coordinators had a goal of enrolling 40 students as it had done last summer. The program’s total enrollment was 21 students from the middle school level and 17 students from elementary. In a final report, the department stated the students were recruited from 18 different ZIP codes, 33 different schools and 14 different ethnic groups. The overall goal for the linguistics department is to help students broaden their perspectives on race, culture and diversity. The linguistics department and program
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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
coordinators aim to continue the STARTALK program with additional languages in the years to come. The department offers Fresno State students language minors such as Chinese, Japanese, Hmong, Arabic and Persian. There is also a degree for teaching English as a second language.
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“Working in Criminal Defense in my final year of law school is rewarding and exciting as I prepare to graduate and become an attorney.” Jesus Pereda
Accounting, Fresno State, Juris Doctor Candidate
Law School 101 wednesday, august 28, 2019 from 7-9pm you’re invited to this free program to learn more about the legal profession and what a law degree can do for you! at this forum you will be introduced to law school, from courses offered to admission requirements. Come and meet Jesus Pereda and other student panelists. register now: www.sjcl.edu or 559/323-2100
Almost one billion people living in the United States speak Mandarin Chinese. A lot of people think that English and Spanish are widely spoken languages. But by the number of speakers, Chinese has one of the largest numbers.
— Li Mann, Chinese instructor
SJCL admitS StudentS of any raCe/ CoLor, reLigiouS Creed, nationaL origin/anCeStry, age, gender, mentaL or phySiCaL diSabiLity, mediCaL Condition, maritaL StatuS, or SexuaL orientation.
Deadline to Register for the Oct. 28 LSAT is Sept. 10
BREWING
at the Student Health and Counseling Center
Wednesday,September4 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FREE
*Only currently enrolled Fresno State students are eligible for free drink with student ID card, while supplies last.
A&E
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019
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EVENT
Fresno Greek Fest beats summer heat Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Fe t a f ri e s we re one of the Greek food items guests could buy during the 59th annual Fresno Greek Fest on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019.
Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Public visitors toured the inside of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, with religious artifacts displayed on stage during the 59th annual Fresno Greek Fest on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019.
T
By Christina Tran | A&E Editor
he annual Fresno Greek Fest returned for its 59th year with music, dancing, a variety of cuisine options and a tour of the Greek church at the cultural celebration. The three-day event ran Aug. 23-25 on the grounds of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, located on the southwest corner of First Street and Clinton Avenue. Admission tickets were $6 for adults or $5 online; seniors over 65 years old and children could get in for free. All ticket stubs allowed free admission for the Fresno Art Museum that same weekend. For first-time visitors who had never been to Greek Fest, dance performances throughout drew the attention of the crowd and taught attendees about the history behind the traditional dances. Adults and children joined in as they were cheered on in learning how to follow the demonstrations of rhythmic steps in circular formations. Besides local performers from Fresno, there was also Greek international dancer Dimitri
Arabatzis, who showcased his flexibility and balance in a two-man dance called Tsamiko. “Tsamiko is like a military dance. The men and the head guy, or the leader, do all these tricks, and then they'll usualLarry Valenzuela • The Collegian ly switch it off and let somebody else do it,” Arabatzis explained. “It started Kefi dancers perform a traditional Greek dance in front of a crowd during the 59th annual Fresno Greek Fest on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019. as a military dance right before they [Greeks] went into battle. Now it’s become like a showoff dance.” be the main reason people return to Greek Fest the community event a successful experience The event’s vendors displayed paintings inyear after year. for the public and something to look forward to spired by Greek themes and sold items importAthenian gyros (traditional pork sandwich), next year. ed from Greece and other event merchandise to Greek fries and souvlaki (pork, lamb or chicken Fresno State Mock Trial Club member Marhelp fund the fest. on a stick) were the hot items for customers at co Ramos was a student volunteer responsible Next to the Greek market was a play area for the mega booth outdoor grill, each costing $8 for collecting admission tickets while also enchildren, equipped with several bounce houses or less. joying his first time at Greek Fest. and inflatable water slides, table games and Greek pastries to take home were anoth“I came here to help mock trial out. To help an escape room, all provided by Gold Gulch er fan favorite for customers, and the variety get some funds for the program, help us comAdventures, a family fun and entertainment seemed to be endless due to the help of church pete in different locations,” Ramos said. “I'm program. volunteers who handmade everything from looking forward to meeting new people, and Tickets were $1 for each ride; $10 for a scratch. I've never been here before so just taking all the wristband to unlimited rides; and $10, $12 and To make Greek Fest possible, volunteers culture in – getting to experience something $15 for varying levels of the escape room. from the Greek church and Fresno State-affilnew.” The food and baked goods offered may well iated groups provided a helping hand to make
THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019
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Students audition for all 3 upcoming fall plays By Christina Tran A&E Editor
The Fresno State University Theatre attracted new and returning acting students for preliminary auditions on Aug. 20 for the Fall 2019 Mainstage season productions. The three play productions available for students to audition for were “Anon(ymous),” “Fat Pig” and “As You Like It.” All plays will be directed by Fresno State professors. Students could be seen chatting with each other, practicing monologues for their chosen characters and adjusting their attire as they waited to be called into the John Wright Theatre, where auditions were being held. Fresno State student Hannah Berry is a returning actor from past productions on campus and hopes to be welcomed back to a positive environment from older students, as was the case during her first year. “I started my freshman year doing plays here, and it was awesome. Everyone was so welcoming,” Berry said. “They [older student actors] taught us everything we needed to know. We made friends, and we got into shows.” In an interview with Brad Myers, acting
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The two major themes of fat shaming and tribalism are something that Neil LaBute [playwright] really wants to focus a very harsh light on, and I hope we can do that with the production. — Brad Myers, Director of "Fat Pig" professor and director of “Fat Pig,” he discussed the timeliness of the play’s topic, and the fact that it has never been produced in Fresno, to his knowledge. “I want to tell the story well. I want to approach the characters with compassion,” Myers
Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Nicole Conway (left), Andrew Trevino (center) and Teya Juarez (right) audition during play callbacks for “Anon(ymous)” at the John Wright Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. said. “The two major themes of fat shaming and tribalism are something that Neil LaBute [playwright] really wants to focus a very harsh light on, and I hope we can do that with the production.”
“Anon(ymous)” will play in the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre from Oct. 4-12; “Fat Pig” in the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre from Nov. 1-9; and “As You Like It” in the John Wright Theatre from Dec. 6-14.
OPINION
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019
GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
From a Party to the Polls to a Bill in California By Elizabeth Rocha Zuniga, ASI VP of External Affairs, Hisham A. Qutob, ASI Executive VP, D'Aungillique Jackson, NAACP VP
O
ur education system has often overlooked the significance and importance for us, as students, to voice our opinions, concerns, perspectives and our ability to seek representation. We all have a civic duty that is just as important as our class assignments, as it does not just affect us individually, but affects our families, peers and future generations to follow. As we continue the push to increase civic engagement, we must understand the importance of looking to our representatives for guidance. To our despair, we, as college students, have oftentimes heard that the younger generation does not vote because we simply “do not care.” This is a false narrative that we must end. We understand that it’s not that we do not
care, it is that no one has taken the time within our institutions to teach us about this process. We have little to no guidance on what to do at the polls...so how could we possibly know when or how to show up. If someone did take the time, then college students would know the importance of getting civically engaged and the importance of mobilizing for change so there can be improvements within our local, state and federal governments. One way to address this stigma surrounding youth voter turnout is by advocating for legislation that has the potential to increase civic engagement throughout our state. According to Secretary of State Alex Padilla, in the 2014 general election, only 52 percent of eligible youth were registered to vote and only 8 percent of eligible youth (aged 18-24) actually
voted. As a result, this led to an initiative in 2016 by the secretary of state, the California State University and the Cal State Student Association, to sign a memorandum of understanding that recognized their shared goal of increasing the democratic engagement and civic literacy for all students. By working together, all parties can amplify the reach and strength of their efforts that will result in students having an even greater voice in our democracy. As a result, in 2016 there was an increase of online voter registrations from young voters, and we saw a 10 percent increase in youth voter turnout for the 2018 midterm election! In order to keep this momentum going, we need to be vocal in supporting legislation that
aims to push for an increase in civic engagement. Thus, it is crucial to support Assembly Bill 963, the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act, that would positively impact the 3.1 million students in public higher education. Some who face systemic barriers, which make it nearly impossible to exercise their political right to vote. Since many young people become eligible to vote while in college, it is our institution's responsibility to play a pivotal role in providing a comprehensive education in engaging in our democracy. We ask for a commitment from our college institutions and our state legislature to make participation in our electoral process a top priority, especially for our future generations.
A word from the athletic director By Terry Tumey
Fresno State Athletic Director Dear Red Wave, As I approach the first anniversary of my arrival at Fresno State, I am energized about the incredible passion that I have witnessed from the Red Wave. During many home and away games, I marveled at how you supported our teams. Our student-athletes continue to be extremely grateful for your support and proud to don the Fresno State uniform and represent our Valley. Although we are very proud of our championships and the accomplishments of many of
The Collegian is a studentrun publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.
our student-athletes, there is still work to be done. In my office, there is a graphic that refers to Fresno State as a "sleeping giant." As we say in Athletics, it is time for that giant to awaken. We have all the necessary ingredients to build a championship program, while providing an excellent experience for our student-athletes. We want our student-athletes to leave Fresno State with a championship ring on their finger, a diploma in their hand, and the skills necessary to pursue their professional and personal goals. I also want to take this opportunity to thank President Castro and his cabinet for their continued support of Athletics. There is no better sign of growth than facility improvements. This season, Bulldog Stadium will feature
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new turf and improved lighting, and electrical infrastructure. The North Gym and annex projects, which include new locker rooms for men's and women's basketball and wrestling and improved team spaces for water polo and swimming are near completion. In addition, the equestrian building with new team and coaches' spaces will open soon. We are also very appreciative of your support, whether you cheered on the Bulldogs at a game or from afar. We need you. In order to achieve our goals, we need to fill our stadiums and the Save Mart Center. We need to hear and feel your presence. There is no doubt that you impact performance as our student-athletes feed off your passion. Come join us and cheer
Seth Casey Anthony De Leon Marilyn Castaneda Christina Tran Jorge Rodriguez Samantha Domingo Larry Valenzuela Anjanae Freitas Hector Mendoza Rachel Lewis Jennifer Reyes
General Sales Manager General Sales Manager Special Projects Manager Special Projects Manager Special Projects Manager Art Director Distributor General Manager Financial Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Department Chair
on our 'Dogs. Fresno State has an incredibly bright future. We will provide a championship experience that is so rich and so brilliant that it truly defines what it means to be a Bulldog and to be a part of the San Joaquin Valley. We will continue to strive to be the "Pride of the Valley". We will continue to build our program. And we will do it together. Go 'Dogs!
Jovanni Cardenas Joy Lyle Daisy Dellinger Alessandra Mazman Jacob Mulick Jeff Vinogradoff Zachary Perkins Richard Marshall Kevin Fries Jan Edwards Timothy Drachlis Betsy Hays
ONLINE: for the full story, visit: fresnostate.edu/collegian
The Collegian carries four different ethnic supplements inserted several times throughout each semester into its print publication. Each supplement is produced by its own staff and advisers and is separate from The Collegian. The news stories or opinions in the supplements do not reflect those of The Collegian.
Each member of the campus community is permitted a copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. All content Copyright © 2018 The Collegian. Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu): All letters submitted to The Collegian should be between 250-500 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019
Bulldog named MW Athlete of the Year By Anthony De Leon Managing Editor
Months after becoming a first round selection by the Chicago Cubs in the 2019 MLB draft, former Fresno State baseball standout Ryan Jensen has been named the 2018-19 Mountain West Male Athlete of the Year, according to Fresno State Athletics. During last season’s campaign, Jensen put together a stellar junior season for the Bulldogs, earning All-American honors from both the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Jensen finished the season with a 12-1 mark in his 16 appearances, setting a nearly unhittable pace by sporting a .217 batting average and 2.88 ERA in his 100.0 innings pitched. Both stats ranked top five in the MW and are impressive alongside his 107 strikeouts, which was good enough for second place and earned him MW Pitcher of the Year and a First-Team All-MW selection. "We are very proud of Ryan Jensen for earning this prestigious honor, becoming a
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great teammate and competitor on and off the field," said head coach Mike Batesole. “He was on a mission all season and to earn the Mountain West Male Athlete of the Year honor, he had to have a gigantic heart. Ryan Jensen is a Bulldog.” An ABCA/Rawlings West Region First Team selection, Jensen was pivotal in the Bulldogs’ success down the stretch and subsequent trip to the NCAA Tournament Regionals, winning his final nine starts going 9-0 with a 2.32 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 66.0 innings and throwing 7.2 innings while striking out eight in the opening round win over UC Santa Barbara. Jensen was a viable selection for MW AOY, becoming a key component to the Diamond ‘Dogs capturing their second Mountain West regular season championship in the last four years, along with earning their first Mountain West Tournament title. This year’s selection marks the second time a Bulldog has received the AOY honor, with former quarterback and current Oakland Raider Derek Carr being the other selection following his 2013-14 selection.
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Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Running back Ronnie Rivers runs through drills during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 at the Bulldogs' practice facility. The junior will be the starting back and one of head coach Jeff Tedford's offensive weapons during this year's campaign.
New season brings new expectations By Jorge Rodriguez Sports Editor
The 2018 football season was successful for the Fresno State Bulldogs and head coach Jeff Tedford, who finished the regular season with a 12-2 overall record, including a perfect 6-0 record at home and a 5-2 record as visitors. The team’s success showed in the final weeks of the season. First, they won the West division, punching a ticket to the Mountain West Championship where they faced and defeated Boise State 1916 in overtime, the Bulldogs first victory on the blue turf of Boise since Sept. 1984. Because of their 11-2 record, Tedford’s team was invited to play the Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State University. The Bulldogs came out victorious, 31-20, ending a great season for the ‘Dogs. For the 2019 season, Fresno State will be looking to continue their winning ways, this time without their two biggest weapons on offense, quarterback Marcus McMaryion and wide receiver KeeSean Johnson.
The quarterback position will be filled by senior quarterback Jorge Reyna, who was the backup to McMaryion last season. Reyna’s primary go-to players on offense will be tight end Jared Rice and running back Ronnie Rivers, who will look to get similar or better numbers than last season. On defense, the team will have defensive back Juju Hughes and linebacker Mykal Walker. Both players are currently on several awards watch list. In the offseason, the Bulldogs added 34 new players to their rosters, from incoming freshmen to transfers in all field positions. The first real test for the Bulldogs will be during week one, when the ‘Dogs travel to Los Angeles to face the University of Southern California Trojans. This will be the fifth time that both programs have faced each other, with the Trojans having the upper hand, 2-1. The Trojans vacated their 2005 win against the Bulldogs due to the violations of NCAA rules. The last matchup between both teams was
the 2014 season opener, with the Trojans defeating the Bulldogs 52-13 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For the Bulldogs, a win against the Trojans could catapult them into a top 25 ranking in the nation and make a case for them to be placed in the College Football Playoffs if they have a perfect season. However, a loss would for the ‘Dogs would mean they would be out of any College Football Playoff talk. The first game of the season will most likely dictate whether the Bulldogs are ready for the upcoming season or whether Tedford will need to make more adjustments to his starting line up. One of the biggest questions Saturday’s game will answer is whether Reyna can handle the starting quarterback job. With two redshirt freshmen and two true freshmen on the roster, Reyna is the most experienced quarterback on the team. This season's expectations are high, and from the first game of the season, Tedford and the Bulldogs will have to prove that the last two seasons were no fluke.
Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Linebacker Mykal Walker works out during the team's practice on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.