March 11 2020

Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Page 12

Roaches found in food court

Three spotted in USU eateries

in February

Page 3

Hey Bulldogs! I am Ruby Muñiz, a third-year student majoring in political science and communication. I love Fresno State, and I believe there are four improvements that need to be made to our campus: accessibility, affordability, community and safety. This is my major platform. I believe we should increase awareness and funding for the great but underrepresented student services that already exist on our campus, while also building new programs that spend money in ways that directly benefit a large segment of students. With nearly constant tuition increases, we need to make sure our tuition is going back into programs students want and need. Being a Central Valley native I feel a sense of pride of the Valley. Living in a time of polarization, it is important to have a welcoming campus atmosphere where all students are aware of what ASI can do for students. When tragedy arises, students are often unaware of where to turn.

My history in ASI has been one of collaboration across campus to meet the needs of students. I will ensure ASI fulfills its mission. I’ve had the privilege for the past three years to help revitalize our community. What my past three years have taught me is every one of our 25,000 students need someone to act on problems and concerns they are facing on campus. I’m different from past presidents or the other candidates because my plans are based on serving every Bulldog on campus with plans I can implement within my year as president. I have a record of making changes. As a senator, I have implemented programs that benefit students, including updated equipment at the Rec Center, starting the Veterans Resources Center and creating the Expectant Mother Parking Program. I’m the ideal candidate for ASI president because of my approachability and responsibility. I recognize that a lot of students on our campus think ASI doesn’t care about their interests, if they even know what ASI is. I am committed to fighting for students' needs. I have a history of fighting for students at Fresno State, where I have served on multiple committees and twice as senator. As Senator for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I believe diversity comes in all forms, and I make an effort to listen to the concerns of all students on our campus. Individually, every student on this campus is great, but together we are unstoppable. As president, I would make sure that students know about their student government, and that they are here to voice their concerns and ideas. If students don’t know who they can talk to where would they go for help?

In addition, changing the atmosphere around campus with having more events, and conversations about student involvement, self-care (mental health awareness) in and outside of the classroom is a goal.

Lastly, bringing more attention to parking costs (parking permits and daily passes). Most students struggle with paying their tuition and to add more costs can be difficult. Students also commute from far places, so we should look closely into that (reducing costs). Students shouldn’t have to pay for parking if they already pay for their education.

I feel like these will be beneficial to everyone. Students wanted change in: bringing more attention to the free resources on campus (getting emails about free counseling at the Health Center), being aware of other free resources they are paying for, daily socials for students that commute, and knowing who to go to when issues arise.

There are no ideal qualities to be a student body president. Anyone can become it, because if you are motivated and have heart nothing can stop you. Doesn’t matter where you come from, what obstacles you’ve been through, because none of us are perfect.

Running was something I wanted to do for a while, but I decided to take time to investigate the school to see what’s out there, only way I would be able to give advice or resources is if I was acknowledgeable. I am running in hopes of making sure your voices are being heard! Platform: To be a voice for the Voiceless, for those who are afraid to speak up because they are afraid to be judged, for those that sit in the back of the classroom, or for those that just want to be heard.

“We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others” -Marianne Williamson.

As president, I will foster a campus climate that is inclusive, academically centered and ensures that the needs and concerns of students are being enacted upon. Leading to a thriving community for all, I will work diligently to ensure that students are aware of conversations being held with administration regarding your concerns. The need to be transparent and inclusive in the decision-making processes, is a priority for me. Pushing for shared governance to address student needs is necessary, and is something that I am capable to do as your president. My experience serving as a senator and currently as your vice president of external affairs has prepared me for this role.

The focus for my presidency is the following: affordability, accessibility, awareness, inclusivity and involvement. Currently as your vice president of external affairs, I have been in discussions revolving around a variety of topics impacting students and I have advocated for change and improvement for the student’s best interests. These conversations have not only been within our university, but also within organizations that push for the success of the students I serve. As your president, I want to ensure that our amenities across campus are known and being utilized. We need to shift our focus to academic excellence and student success by creating innovative ways that lead all students to reach their full potential.

Being a vice president this year, I have been able to work alongside administration starting the conversations revolving around issues impacting our student body. There are plenty of different ways that our university can improve upon and change to be most adaptable for we the students. The need to increase our programs, to unfold our campus’s strategic plan and to create a strategy to bring forth positive change.

The ASI president must be someone with integrity, servitude, experience and diligence. Someone who is capable of putting their interest aside for a larger purpose. Our campus needs a president who knows how to carry out the responsibilities of being a decision maker. These qualities and more is what my campaign for ASI president is about: a campaign for students by students. It would be an honor to serve you, and I hope I can count on your vote for this election. Thank you and go 'Dogs!

Roach sightings really bug some students

By Edward Lopez Contributor

There were three cockroach sightings within the University Student Union food court in February.

Fresno State students posted photos and videos on the Fresno State Book & Trade Advice Facebook page of cockroaches inside drinks, on top of tables and on top of the cookie case in the USU food court.

Colin Stewart, associate dean of students, said cockroaches have been sighted in the USU food court and that the building meets health code requirements.

"We don't meet the minimum, we go above the standards," he said.

Fresno State student Alex Bonilla posted two photos showing a roach inside the drink that he said he had just finished.

Bonilla’s post said, “Be careful everyone I got this from downstairs of USU. Once I finished my drink, I wanted to eat the ice and found this in my cup. Keep in mind this isn't the first time this has happened.”

Fresno State student Sunny M. N. Xiong shared a similar experience, stating, “Same! Just two days ago, I got ice and saw a roach in it as well!”

Two days later, Fresno State student Yareli Arroyo posted a video showing a live roach eating from her used napkin on the table where she ate.

“Was just chilling in the USU, and this little guy came out of nowhere Wth?? Makes me pretty uneasy getting food here,” said Arroyo. Arroyo’s post sparked debates amongst group members regarding the influx of roaches and who is to blame for the conditions on campus.

“Some might say, ‘Well there are janitors that clean.’ There are, but it’s also students' responsibility to clean where they eat or be a leader to pick up a piece of trash,” said Fresno State student Martha Salinas.

Some users were quick to disregard the issue as a one-off situation that happens anywhere. "There have been multiple incidents actually,” said Arroyo.

“The staff was made aware of the issue via [Bonilla’s] Facebook post and acted quickly to address the issue,” Stewart said. “Administrative officials were unaware of Arroyo's Facebook post."

USU custodial supervisor Victor Rubio said, “We do clean the food court but we do not touch, move or add any type of product to any dispenser or display.”

Professor and chair of the department of food science and nutrition Steven Pao said, “Sometimes insects can accidentally get into a food facility through doors for workers or customers or pass-thru window service openings. The reality is that a good pest control program can largely reduce but not necessarily eliminate this problem.”

Director of university dining services Megan Sarantos said, “The recent construction on campus could have unearthed some critters.”

Should a roach incident arise, Sarantos said, “Our staff handles it immediately by cleaning and sanitizing the area. After the February 1st incident (Bonila’s Facebook post), cleaning crews were dispatched."

A USU student custodian, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “They [management] haven't mentioned anything regarding the recent incident with the ice machine.”

“The roach issue isn't a huge problem, but it’s an ongoing one that has never been adequately dealt with since I began working here in the spring 2019 semester,” the student said. Former USU custodial worker Touger Moua said management “Does an OK job but not the best. They meet the bare minimum in terms of working standards but they can do better.”

“We are very thankful for the student workers. We couldn't do it without them,” Stewart said.

Should cleanliness issues arise, Stewart recommends students alert custodial shift supervisors and workers (morning, evening or night shift) to quickly address the problem.

For workers, plenty of things can be done to improve the current situation.

“Workers alone have limited hours, but we don't have enough to do extra cleaning. I can't really say it's an understatement but if they hire more workers, conditions would greatly improve,” said Moua.

The student who wished to remain unidentified said cleaning areas that are not visible to students and visitors would greatly reduce the problem.

“We only clean up the gunk when and where it is visible. Areas such as behind the trash cans or under the freezers in Juice It Up, where food can get stuck, rot and attract roaches we rarely clean,” the student said.

“Just recently, a coworker of mine showed me a video of a cockroach on top of the cookie case in the food court. Stuff like this shouldn’t happen,” the student said. Armando Carreno • The Collegian University Student Union food court, where three cockroaches were sighted in February by students.

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Campus addresses coronavirus case in Fresno County

By Zaeem Shaikh Sports Editor

Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro said the university will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation after the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) confirmed March 7 the first case in Fresno County. According to the FCDPH, the case is travel related.

Two travelers arrived for testing after returning from a Grand Princess cruise on March 6, 2020.

One of the tests returned as a presumptive positive case, and the family of this individual is self-monitoring with FCDPH oversight, Castro said in a statement.

As of right now, the FCDPH says there is no immediate threat to the general public, and the FCDPH is not recommending cancellation of events, closure of schools or buildings.

Castro said neither of the travelers is believed to be affiliated with the Fresno State community.

In the statement, Castro reiterated that Fresno State has an incident response team that is monitoring the situation.

The team is composed of professionals from across campus, including individuals with expertise in public health and crisis management. Castro said Fresno State will follow the direction of the FCDPH and the CSU Chancellor’s Office before any decisions are made regarding significant changes to teaching continuity and campus operations.

He added the university is in regular contact with the FCDPH and has protocols in place to ensure quick and decisive communication and action as needed.

According to the press release, it’s important for people to stay informed, practice daily preventative care and remain calm as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that the immediate health risk from the coronavirus for the general U.S. public is considered low.

Campus activities will remain open as Fresno State continues to assess the effects of the coronavirus.

In an updated press release sent out on March 10, Castro reiterated that there was no immediate threat to the general public but the campus would remain diligent about how best to protect the university community.

Castro brought up the possibilities of campus leadership to consider temporary reduction or alteration of classroom instruction.

Such reduction involves delivering as much

of the curriculum and academic advising as possible through non-face-to-face methods, including the use of technology to deliver instruction and interact with students.

He notes that the Academic Senate and the collective bargaining unit are developing contingency instruction plans which include the possibility of making some or all lectures, discussion sections, seminars and other similar classroom settings virtual.

Students, faculty and staff are strongly advised against all international travel, said Carolyn Coon, dean of students and acting vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment. This includes popular spring break destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Cancún.

In a press release, Coon said to expect flight cancellations, quarantines and border closures to happen on short notice.

Coon also said to prepare for mandatory screenings and a possible 14-day required self-isolation.

Students, faculty and staff who are unable to return to the U.S. may encounter disruptions to their studies due to travel delays or self-isolation requirements.

Honora Howell Chapman, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Humanities, sent an email to staff on Tuesday, March 10, urging staff not to bring outside guest speakers to campus until further notice. Courtesy of Tribune News Service

Wheels-off zone isn't really wheels off

By Tasha Turner Contributor

The wheels-off zone at Fresno State is not truly a wheels-off zone, according to students. Micheal Dewar, a third-year music major, said, “[Students] not following the wheels-off rule and not enforcing [those rules] is the problem.”

Christian Bueno, a senior majoring in women’s studies, agrees with Dewar.

“Students don’t follow the rules,” Bueno said. “They still ride their skateboards. It’s annoying, and it should be enforced.”

Both Bueno and Dewar said they have had numerous close calls in the wheels off zone.

“I’ve literally had to jump out of the way to avoid collisions,” Dewar said. Similarly, Bueno was almost run over by a skateboarder.

Jamie June Jones, a senior majoring in art, said the wheels-off area near the Conley Art Gallery is dangerous.

“[Skateboarders] try to do tricks sometimes off the cement steps,” Jones said.

Even when calling the campus police, Dewar said he has yet to see police enforce the rule. “It seems like campus police only care if Armando Carreno • The Collegian Student rides through the wheels-off area on their scooter at Fresno State on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

money is involved,” Dewar said. “They are always giving out parking tickets.”

Amy Luna, manager for emergency operations and business continuity, said the wheelsoff zone near the library is a heavily populated area.

“The zone is [marked as wheels-off] to reduce the use of vehicles and to deter skateboards, scooters, and bicycles in order to avoid conflict with pedestrians and persons in wheelchairs,” Luna said. “This was done out of concern for the safety of our campus community.”

Although the area is wheels-off, campus police do not issue citations to anyone who violates that rule, Luna said.

If campus police are not more strict with the wheels-off rule, students will start looking for other regulations to ignore, Dewar said.

Specials Every Day | Watch All Your Sports with Us Go Bulldogs!

ASI ELECTIONS 2020 VOTE FOR FRESNO STATE’S STUDENT GOVERNMENT: MARCH 24 AT 9 A.M. THROUGH THURSDAY, MARCH 26 AT NOON.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS PAGE 6

NAILA ESTRADA

ELIZABETH ROCHA ZUNIGA

RUBY V. MUNIZ

Polling Stations!

For your convenience, a laptop polling station will be available on Tuesday, March 24 through Wednesday, March 25 from 10 am - 1 pm. in the lobby of the Henry Madden Library.

VP OF FINANCE VP OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

NICHOLAS L. MOORE FIDEL MORENO-MEZAJOSE C. ACEVES

ARTS AND HUMANITIES CRAIG SCHOOL OF BUSINESS SOCIAL SCIENCE

STEPHANIE RAMOS ALCANTAR

NAREK KHATCHIKIAN

JCAST

SAMANTHA K. BAUTISTA

KREMEN

MANDEEP KAUR

HAILE M. KASINER

GRACE K. BURTON ALYSSA S. RIVERA

SOBHAN SAYADPOUR

SENATORS AT LARGE

PATRICK MURPHY FERNANDO R. GARCIA JASON VANGTANZILA ALAM ELIZABETH MORALES-CASTILLLO

NOELI AGUIRREROBERT L. SIMMONS VARUN V. RAJ TAJ A. HARRIS

NAVLEEN K. BRAR

MARK S. ABOU NAOUM JAMES N. CLARK KAREN M. CARILLOJULIA I. LARRALDE ALLISON BACANI

ANTHONY CAMACHO CODY T. HALL ANTHONY JOSEPH CANNON

LYLES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

LAILA ELREEDI

CHRISTIAN WITT

HUNTER O. KIMMEL

LAZARO BAUTISTA HAYA QUTOB

VOTE ONLINE Tuesday, March 24 at 9 a.m. through Thursday, March 26 at noon. eBallot4.votenet.com/csufresno All eligible voters will be sent an email to their Fresno State account with a unique username and password for them to vote in ASI Elections. GABE G. CANO MANDI T. WEBERGSAM SMITH NA L. XIONG HISHAM A. QUTOB DEREK J. KNOXMALAKEH G. JABER

Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is the recognized student body government organization at California State University, Fresno. Through ASI, you are able to participate in the governance of California State University, Fresno, foster awareness of student opinions on campus issues, assist in the protection of student rights, and take advantage of programs and services that meet your needs as students.

VOTE ON MARCH 24, 25, 26 2020

Phone: 559.278.2656 Fax: 559.278.2720 www.asi.csufresno.edu www.thebulldogblog.net

Q Clothing pop-up helping

students and community in need

By Leticia Leal Reporter

The Q Clothing Closet served the transgender and gender-nonconforming students on campus and anyone else in need of free clothing, shoes or accessories on March 5.

The pop-up was held in Fresno State’s Thomas Building and provided casual clothing for students who can’t afford it, the ones who have no transportation or may not feel safe shopping in public.

The center was created in 2017, built off of donations and partnerships with Fresno State’s Career Development Center.

The pop-up happens once a month three times a semester. Shoes, pants, dresses, accessories, unused makeup, underwear and transgender resources are free to any students and community members.

“We are just trying to find clothes that we’re comfortable in, regardless of our size and the shapes of our bodies,” said Fresno State student Daniel Love, who has transitioned from female to male. “This is the only place on campus where people feel comfortable and included. They don’t have to worry about their gender identity or sexual orientation.”

Love said he slowly figured out his gender identity and sexual orientation, describing the pop-up as the most inclusive place with all the resources that students can possibly need.

Fresno State student Kiana Medina is the graduate coordinator of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center.

“This program is like my baby,” Medina said.

Thinking about a student's needs and how

they can be as successful as possible is of most importance to the Q Closet. Many students are wearing clothes that don’t fit or conform to their gender identity.

Medina said clothing can be a barrier for students’ success, especially if they are transgender or nonconforming.

“If students are starting their closet from the bottom up, with clothes that match their gender identity, that is a lot of clothes that you have to build,” Medina said. “Food insecurity is a huge issue on campus, if we have this huge population of students who can’t feed themselves, how do we expect them to clothe themselves?”

There is a five-item limit each time a student comes in, during the semester.

At checkout a student ID is used for data purposes.

There is an anonymous option if the individual is not a student or if you do not feel comfortable swiping in. They would then take an assessment to describe their needs.

The assessment shows 97 percent of the individuals who come into the space have reported having clothing insecurity, and 45 percent of them identify as LGBTQ+.

The program is partnered with Fresno EOC Sanctuary LGBTQ Resource Center for anyone who may have a transportation issue.

There is a bus for individuals in Downtown Fresno that provides free transportation. Community members can come to the Q Clothing Closet for every single pop-up.

“A lot of the time when we talk about basic needs, we leave out this basic need for this community,” said Medina, who pointed out that many students are physically unable to shop due to stress, fear and the anxiety of public shopping.

The 62nd annual Peach Blossom Festival making its return

By Savannah Moore Reporter

Over 2,000 grade school kids are expected to perform at this year’s annual Peach Blossom Festival.

The festival will take place Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13.

According to Brooke Chau, the publicity lead for the festival, grade school kids from elementary schools across the Valley are expected to flood the Fresno State campus to present poetry and literary works.

The festival is organized by Fresno State’s communication department.

When the festival first began, it was run by the department's professors.

Currently, the festival is fully run by Fresno State students under the supervision of Christina Wells, the director of the festival.

In the past, the festival has seen up to 6,000 kids present on campus.

A recent press release stated that the festival was created to allow kids the opportunity to perform and give them a positive experience on a college campus.

Kids can participate through large or small groups or perform individually. The schools are not ranked against each other, but each performance is judged on a scale ranging from fair to superior.

Chau said, “Seeing a college campus and Courtesy Peach Blossom Website Last year over 5,000 elementary school students gathered around to participate in the annual Peach Blossom Festival at Fresno State on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

students studying and working hard towards their goals, they’re really going to get a lot out of that.”

“I think for a lot of them this is their first time being on a college campus,” Chau said. “So it makes college, that may seem an unreachable thing, become more reachable.”

“The children that attend are from all areas of the Central Valley and may someday be students here,” said the Peach Blossom Festival website.

The festival proves to be a valuable experience for the numerous Fresno State students who volunteer each year as well.

Volunteering with the festival provides Fresno State students with experience, networking opportunities, new friendships and the chance to give back to their department.

It also reminds college students that they worked hard to get to college, that younger students admire and look up to them and they are an example to the next generation of students. Overall, Chau said that the Peach Blossom is important to the school for many reasons.

The festival is expected to help bring extra revenue into the campus through food sales, but more importantly, the festival is valuable to the campus because it brings a sense of community back into Fresno State.

Many students who attend the school now, some even volunteering with the festival, once participated in the festival while in elementary school, Chau said.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the festival, according to Chau, is that young students are coming from all around the Valley wanting to be a part of Fresno State.

For more general infomation and scheduling on the festival, contact the program director at (559) 278-4419, email: director@peachblossomfestival.com

CineCulture explores mental illness in Kenya

By Savannah Moore Reporter

Fresno State’s CineCulture’s latest film showing dove into the topics of abuse and mental illness in Kenya.

Presented last Friday, March 6, was “Lusala,” directed by Mugambi Nthiga.

The film tells the story of Lusala, a young Kenyan man who was born into poverty and suffered physical abuse from his biological father. After running away, he was adopted by an affluent Nairobi family.

Though he and his adoptive father, Onesmus, formed a strong bond, Lusala’s relationship with his adoptive mother, Beatris, was strained.

“I was promised a normal child,'' Beatris said in the film.

When Lusala reached his adult years, the trauma from his past resulted in a mental illness, but his family did not know how to cope with it or help Lusala, which resulted in them hiding it from their community and even from Lusala himself.

Lusala’s parents encouraged him to move out of the family home into his own apartment and make his way in the world, but in doing so Lusala found the trauma of his past catching up with him and altering his life in profound ways. This trauma manifested in visions and hallucinations of his younger sister Bakhita, who died in their attempt to escape their father.

“You abandoned me, but you won’t abandon me ever again,” Bakhita said in the film, and she held true to her word.

In the beginning of the film, Bakhita was an inconstant presence, but as the film progressed, she tightened her hold on Lusala’s life. Lusalafound himself feeling isolated and being driven to act in ways he never did before, including resorting to violence.

Lusala wanted to free himself of Bakhita, who still influenced his life, but didn’t know how. “You need me,” Bakhita said. Lusala’s family struggled to understand his mental illness and how they could help him. In the film’s conclusion, however, the family was able to come together to support and care for him through it.

When Onesmus was questioned by a friend about his decision to adopt Lusala, Onesmus asked “Can you ever do enough?”

After the film ended, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the film. The discussant for the night was Maurice Ndole, a freelance journalist and Fresno State alumnus who was born in Kenya.

One student pointed out the use of silence and cinematography in the film.

According to Ndole, “Lusala” was filmed in Nairobi, and she also highlighted how in the film, characters speak in Shang-- a combination of English and Swahili.

“In Kenya, is mental illness a topic that comes up a lot?” a student asked.

Ndole said that in Kenya, mental illness isn’t often discussed and that many people try to hide it. As for Lusala in the film, he said, “There is no intervention.”

According to Ndole, mental illness is a taboo subject in Kenya.

“We need to figure out a way to support people with mental illness,” he said.

A member of the audience said, “Social support was the one variable that was salvation to him.”

When Ndole was asked what he thought the message the film’s writers were trying to send, he said the film highlights child abuse and that there are “some very strong themes on how to handle mental illness.”

CineCulture meets at 5:30 p.m. every Friday in the Peters Education Center Auditorium. The events are free for students and the general public.

The next film is on March 13 will be “Left on Pearl,” presented by executive producer Rochelle Goldberg Ruthchild

We need to be better

I remember the look of disgust across people’s faces as I sat in the New York City Subway with my family. I was six years old, living in Queens as a Pakistani Muslim.

In 2006, many New Yorkers were cruel to people with brown skin. It was five years after President George W. Bush signed the Patriot Act in response to the September 11 attacks.

The law gave many agencies the power to investigate and interview Arabs and other Muslims across the United States. The NYPD engaged in their own investigation with the Intelligence Division and gathered thousands of daily reports on innocent Muslims’ lives.

Now you might wonder if no one is arrested --what’s the harm in all of this?

Widespread spying creates fear among Muslims and makes them question whether their mosque is indeed a place of refuge. This fear has continued as my uncle who lived in Coachella Valley had to watch his mosque burn down in 2016 after one man threw a Molotov cocktail inside.

Fear and panic spreads ignorance and creates a vast amount of misinformation. Philosopher George Santayana’s words ring true: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

In 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the world, and many Americans are panicking. The virus is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, and the vast majority of cases are in China.

In the U.S., there are 512 cases of COVID-19, but something else is spreading across the country --xenophobia towards Asian Americans.

Fox news personality Jesse Watters demanded on-air that China issues a formal apology for the virus and added that the virus startBy Zaeem Shaikh Sports Editor

ed in China “Because they have these markets where they are eating raw bats and snakes.” Statements like this have made many people look at Asian Americans the same way they looked at me when I was a child.

One man, Kao Lor, was traveling in Indiana when he stopped to check in at a Super 8 Motel in Plymouth. The employee at the front desk asked if Lor was Chinese and refused to give him a room, according to a video recorded by Lor.

Lor was denied entry because of panic surrounding the coronavirus and was denied again at a Days Inn close by when another employee said the hotel was not allowing any Asians to stay.

The outbreak isn’t limited to nor can be blamed on Asian people, yet they’re being denied the right to stay at hotels and are being denigrated by public media. On Sunday, March 1, the New York Post released a story on Manhattan’s first coronavirus case but used a picture of an Asian man wearing a face mask in Flushing, Queens.

These incidents do nothing but add to the spread of prejudiced beliefs towards Asian Americans. One would think that news outlets would be more careful to ensure an accurate and fair portrayal of Asians and Asian Americans.

America touts itself as the land of the free, home of the brave, but is it really deserving of that title?

Minority groups continue to get marginalized, and the country’s biggest leaders continue to sweep it under the rug.

In times of panic, it's important to put aside your biases and strive for unity rather than division. We need to do better, so more minority children and adults don’t remember the cold faces of strangers passing by. We need to be better.

The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.

The Collegian California State University, Fresno 5201 N. Maple Ave., M/S SA42 Fresno, CA 93740-8027

News Line: (559) 278-5732 Business Line: (559) 278-5735 Advertising Line: (559) 278-8179 Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Multimedia Director Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Anthony De Leon Samantha Domingo Larry Valenzuela Anjanae Freitas Zaeem Shaikh Armando Carreno Marc Anthony Lopez Leticia Leal Rachel Lewis Jennifer Reyes Avery Johnston Staff Reporter Staff Reporter General Sales Manager National Sales Manager Art Director Distribution Manager General Manager Financial Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Department Chair Savannah Moore Vendila Yang Diane O'Canto Jacob Mulick Jeff Vinogradoff Jorge Rodriguez Richard Marshall Kevin Fries Jan Edwards Timothy Drachlis Betsy Hays 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.

Fresno State softball powers through Bulldog Classic EDITORIAL

Fresno State softball swept all five teams in the last tournament of the season after hosting the Bulldog Classic.

The Bulldogs competed against Brigham Young University (BYU), East Carolina University (ECU), North Dakota State University (NDSU) and UC Davis during the five-game tournament and swept all five games, staying undefeated at Margie Wright Diamond (15-0). Here are the four takeaways from the Bulldog Classic:

#RudyStrong

The Bulldogs returned home for the first time since the death of senior Kelcey Carrasco’s father, Rudy Carrasco.

The Bulldogs honored Carrasco’s father as they donned patches with the initials “RC” on their visors and helmets. Along with the patches, the scoreboard at Margie Wright Diamond displayed the hashtag “RudyStrong” all weekend long.

Being out of action since her father’s death, Kelcey Carrasco returned to the lineup as the starting catcher against NDSU on Friday night. She went 1-for-2 with a single to left field and was hit by a pitch.

Protect the Doghouse

Fresno State was 10-0 coming into the Bulldog Classic. However, the Bulldogs’ record was threatened as the bullpen was put to the test.

By Marc Anthony Lopez | Reporter

Against ECU, Bulldogs’ freshman Dariana Orme threw all seven innings and picked up her fourth victory of the season. The Fresno State Bulldogs defeated the East Carolina Pirates, 8-5.

In the first game against NDSU, Danielle Lung pitched only 1.2 innings and was subbed out for Danielle East.

East had come into the game with the NDSU Bison up 5-4. She held the Bison scoreless up until the seventh inning, and the ‘Dogs beat the Bison, 6-5.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs tried repeating the same pitching rotation they had used to win Friday’s game. Lung couldn’t make it to the second inning, East came in as relief, and Dolcini closed the game out. The ‘Dogs only allowed two more runs after the second as they won, 8-7.

Dolcini then took the circle one more time and pitched a complete game against UC Davis. She picked up her 10th win and threw 14 strikeouts as the ‘Dogs beat the Aggies, 3-2.

Explosive offense

The nation's leading team in triples (23) is showing no signs of slowing down.

Fresno State started the Bulldog Classic by exploding on BYU, eight-run ruling them in five innings. Senior Miranda Rohleder went 7-for-16 in the tournament, scoring 10 RBIs with a home run and two triples.

Bulldogs’ sophomore McKenzie Wilson

Armando Carreno • The Collegian Bulldogs' shortstop Schuylar Broussard (8) hits an RBI single in the first inning against North Dakota State at home on Friday, March 7, 2020.

showed off her speed, earning her 26th steal on the season as well as her first home run, hitting it inside the park.

Fresno State senior Hayleigh Galvan ignited the comeback against NDSU as she hit a solo home run in the sixth inning.

This was also her first home run on the year.

Fresno State’s leader in home runs, senior Schuylar Broussard, tacked on yet another homer on the season. Broussard hit a three-run shot -- her sixth on the year -- to put the ‘Dogs on the board against the UC Davis Aggies.

The Bulldogs posted a .296 batting average and a .505 slugging mark.

Everything is clicking except for one part Fresno State softball has been dominating in its pitching and hitting game, but there is one part of the team that Bulldogs' head coach Linda Garza hopes to clean up before conference play.

“I expect us to make routine plays on defense because we are better at it. We make those plays in practice,” said Garza following Friday night’s doubleheader. “We have the lead, and sometimes we’re just being a little too aggressive with certain plays. I would like us to do a better job of understanding situations and making better decisions. ”

The Bulldogs committed five errors during the Bulldog Classic. This season as a whole, the team has committed 21 errors. If the ‘Dogs want to continue their run, they must make smart fielding decisions.

Should the NCAA change conference tournaments? EDITORIAL

By Zaeem Shaikh Sports Editor

Through the latter half of the season, Fresno State women’s basketball steamrolled the Mountain West (MW) conference in 2020, winning 14 of 16 games and 13 in a row.

The streak featured several game winners at home against San Jose State and Colorado State. The Fresno State Bulldogs also won in tough places on the road like ExtraMile Arena in Boise, Idaho and The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M.

Still, the ‘Dogs had their NCAA tournament hopes on the line against the Boise State Broncos in the Air Force Reserves Mountain West Championship Game. It was a one possession game in overtime with four seconds left.

Bulldogs’ junior Aly Gamez made the potential game-tying shot.

The catch--the shot was waved off as the official said the 'Dogs called a timeout. Fresno State didn’t have any timeouts left, so Boise State was given two technical free throws.

Guard Haley Cavinder said they did everything right, but it just wasn’t enough.

"We missed the free throw that we needed, get the tip back in,” Cavinder said. “At that point, it wasn't in our control, and that's what's hard about it is that play kind of decided the game.”

ESPNW writer Graham Hays recently wrote an article, saying the automatic bid for conference tournaments should be ditched altogether. Frankly, I agree. Fresno State ran away with the Mountain West regular-season’s championship but lost their chance to qualify for the NCAA tournament because of an arbitrary call in a three-day tournament.

Fresno State will finish its season in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), which is a disappointing end to a stellar season. Still, this occurrence isn't rare.

Last season, North Carolina A&T was another team that lost in its conference tournament, finishing their season in the WNIT.

To fix the issue, Hays proposed teams that win the conference tournament win a separate trophy and a berth to the WNIT, while teams that win the regular season championship head to the NCAA tournament.

This is an issue the NCAA has to address because one thing is certain--the Bulldogs should be on the big stage.

Armando Carreno • The Collegian Aly Gamez reacts after an official waves off her potential game-tying basket in overtime against Boise State at Mountain West Championship Game at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev., on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

M.S. in Athletic Training apu.edu/athletictraining Doctor of Physical Therapy apu.edu/dpt

Fresno State keeps talent in Central Valley

By Anthony De Leon Editor-in-Chief

Last month’s National Signing Day (NSD) marks the first time in three years that someone other than Bulldogs' football former head coach Jeff Tedford ushered in a new recruiting class, as first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer has begun gathering the building blocks of his program for years to come.

For any first-year head coach, the first recruiting class is crucial.

“Every guy you recruit is hopefully going to be a guy who makes a difference in your program,” DeBoer said. “In the end, you just want to find guys who are tough-nosed, gritty football players who have the ability to make big plays for you.”

DeBoer was introduced as the Bulldogs’ head coach less than 24 hours before the Dec. 18 early signing period, and despite the quick turnaround, he was able to retain and sign 12 recruits who had committed to the Bulldogs during Tedford’s tenure.

Fresno State’s effectiveness on the recruiting trail without a head coach was maintained due in large part to the effort of current Bulldog offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who handled a lot of the Bulldogs' recruiting this past season. Grubb’s effort as the Bulldogs' interim head coach made the transition for DeBoer a lot less challenging.

“We had all our spots, but one, secured. I can’t say that it was overly challenging,” DeBoer said. “The staff had done a really good job of building some relationships and selling Fresno State and Bulldog football in a very special way. The guys who are here are coming here because they can’t wait to be a part of Bulldog football.”

Other coaches who were on the recruiting trail during the transition from Tedford to DeBoer included cornerbacks coach J.D. Williams, offensive line coach Roman Sapolu and former tight ends coach Scott Thompson. With the sudden resignation of Tedford due to health complications on Dec. 6, it would have been reasonable for the Bulldogs' recruiting to suffer, but recruiting expert Jackson Moore of 247Sports says that the interim coaches were key to keeping the effort afloat.

“This class was significant for Fresno State to maintain the type of talent level accumulated in the Jeff Tedford recruiting classes,” Moore said. “Fresno State, as is the case with most schools, typically sees a significant dip in recruiting rankings during a coaching change. That did not happen this time thanks to the interim coaches.”

According to 247Sports, the Fresno State recruiting class ranked No.11 overall in the Mountain West, but clocked in at No. 3 when it came to the average rating per recruit. The Bulldogs' low position overall has to do with the size of their signing class. If they signed a class larger than 14, they would have finished higher. One key that the Bulldog coaching staff continued during this past recruiting period was continuing the trend of securing letters of intent from players within and just beyond the outskirts of Fresno. After years of missing out on talented recruits in the Fresno area, Tedford made it a priority to secure homegrown talent, and DeBoer looks to continue the trend during his time as head coach.

“There is so much talent in Fresno, Clovis and in the Valley,” DeBoer said. “There is no question we need to start right around our home base and grow from there.”

The list of players from the Fresno area who signed LOI's include wide receiver Mac Dalena of San Joaquin Memorial, Kosi Agina of Sanger, wide receiver CJ Jones of Buchanan and linebacker Tyler Mello of Hanford. Moore believes the aforementioned hometown signees could ultimately be the gems of the Bulldogs’ recruiting class.

“I’m really excited by a few of the local prospects in this class. Myself and several analysts at 247Sports have loved Hanford linebacker Tyler Mello’s film,” Moore said. “Mac Dalena was also overshadowed by other teammates who were recruited to the Pac-12 and MW. He is an impact player in my mind.”

Along with Mello and Dalena, Moore believes that Jones and Agina also have the ability to make Power-5 schools kicking themselves for missing out on the three-star talents.

“Buchanan High’s CJ Jones and Sanger High’s Kosi Agina are also solid three-star recruits,” Moore said. “They could make Power-5 schools sorry they did not offer [them].”

With the local talent secured, the Bulldogs were able to add depth on the offensive line-- a position that was plagued with injuries last season.

The ‘Dogs added a great deal of size with LOI's from 6-foot-5, 335-pound tackle Julian Polendo of Palm Springs, 6-foot-5, 285 tackle Joseph Church of Upland and 6-foot-2, 313 guard Moses Vavao of St. Francis in Mountain View.

“We got to have athleticism, but it really starts with having some big guys that are people movers. And we feel we have done that,” DeBoer said. “Ryan Grubb and Roman Sapolu did a great job on the offensive side of the ball and building an offensive line…Having the guys in this recruiting class with a lot of size and more importantly they are tough football players."

Vavao was the only recruit to sign an LOI at the Feb. 5 NSD deadline.

Moore says that the offensive line additions are the standouts of the recruiting class. He also includes 6-foot-5 Serrano tight end Matt Lowe in that conversation, as the three-star recruit held offers from Boise State, San Diego State and Arizona State.

“Offensive linemen Joseph Church and Julian Polendo are far and away the top-ranked recruits in the class,” Moore said. “Three-star interior lineman Mose Vavao also deserves to be in that discussion.

“Lowe might be the Bulldogs’ biggest recruiting win of the class. The 6-foot-5 athlete can play tight end or linebacker. He looks to be a tight end for the ‘Dogs.”

Polendo is currently one of three Bulldog early enrollees on campus, taking part in spring practices, along with junior college transfers 6-foot-4 defensive end Da’Marcus Johnson and 6-foot-5 tight end Rory Hanson.

DeBoer said all three are getting acclimated. “I’ve been really impressed how quickly they have just felt comfortable here… Da’Marcus is putting on weight every day, and his work ethic is superior,” DeBoer said. “And Julian more so, because he is coming straight from high school. That transition is really hard and his effort level is extremely high and those two guys were great pick-ups.” Armando Carreno • The Collegian Fresno State’s new head coach Kalen DeBoer signed 12 recruits this offseason, bringing in a class that ranked No. 3 in terms of average rating per recruit.