CSU board approves controversial tuition hike By Julie Mana-ay News Editor
After hours of dispute highlighted by enraged shouts and complaints from student protesters and professors, the CSU Board of Trustees approved a tuition hike for undergraduate programs, credential programs, and graduate and other post-baccalaureate programs for the upcoming school year. In a meeting held Wednesday, March 22, the Board of Trustees voted 11 to 8 to increase tuition to fill a looming gap in state funding. The board raised tuition for undergraduate programs by $270, credential programs by $312 and graduate programs by $438. CSU Bakersfield thirdyear biology major Jose Gonzalez said he believes a tuition hike is not the way to go. “It isn’t the answer,” said Gonzalez. “Students pay enough tuition as it is and possibly withholding an education from someone is awful. The board should definitely look into alternatives for funding. There is no future without students.” Students from multiple CSU campuses
Student protesters chant outside the Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, California on March 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of Matthew Teel/The Daily 49er at CSU Long Beach. CSU board members Taylor went on and mengathered in the Dumke went back and forth about tioned the chancellor conAuditorium at the Ofthe result of a tuition siders this item, how the fice of the Chancellor in increase. state should fund for CSU, Long Beach, California Members of the board and how the state has not where student protesters supported the CSU the chanted “the more we pay, understood that a rise in tuition would take stuway it should. the longer we stay” and dents more time to grad“We’re here because the “no justice and shame” uate, spending less time state has consistently, to the members of the on campus and taking less persistently under-fundboard as they approved classes because students ed this institution. And and amended the tuition increase proposal for next would have to work more it’s an embarrassment to afford their education. that we’re stuck with this school year. Chairman of the board’s choice of access and qualThis tuition increase is the finance committee Peter J. ity,” he said. first since 2011. Taylor said there is “zero Students like senior In 2011, the CSU Board joy” when it comes to a economics major Taryn of Trustees voted 9 to 6 tuition hike amongst the Calderon are concerned to increase the tuition by CSU system. about the tuition raise. 9 percent for the 2012“Would we be sitting “I don’t think it is fair for 2013 school year. The here talking about the tu- students to receive this increase raised tuition at hike in tuition cost, the 23-campus system by ition increase if the state actually met these fund[PAGE JUMP, . 2] $498. ing requests?” said Taylor. During the meeting,
CSU Board goes back and forth about tuition
Student protesters, professors, and lawmakers protest against the tuition increase on March 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of Matthew Teel/The Daily 49er at CSU Long Beach. especially those who do not receive financial aid or any sort of help from their parents or the government,” Calderon said. Calderon said a tuition raise will affect students tremendously in the future. “We could see future generations of students become discouraged and the admission of students may decrease within the next couple years,” she said. Gonzalez said he thinks the tuition hike is discouraging to his education. “I can’t just abandon my education now. It might discourage others from even beginning an education, which is a bad road,” said Gonzalez. The board’s alumni
trustee John Nilon, who is a CSUB alumnus, mentioned the maintenance of the CSU and increasing the quality “I hope all of you speak
Gesturing to his fellow board members Nilon encouraged protesters to continue speaking out against the increase. “I hope you can get
“We need the money,” said Newsom. “We need to advocate for the money and say ‘no’ to this tuition increase.”
Gavin Newsom, Governor even louder to the state legislature,” he said during the meeting.
these fine folks [Board of Trustees] to back you and provide not just what we
want but the $400 million we have not received over this period of time. I am convinced that if you do that, tuition increases will be a thing of the past.” Nilon added the board has to govern and make decisions and therefore he voted for the tuition increase. Members like Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, who voted against the increase, challenged the trustees to put pressure back on the state lawmakers. Newsom said they were doing the job of the legislature and the governor. He advises student protesters, professors, lawmakers and fellow trustees that if they want something to change, they have to do something
differently. “We’ve got to make decisions. And I think a smart decision we’ve got to make today is to say ‘no’ and to take the spirit of where it belongs,” he said. “We’re doing the biding of the legislature and the governor. It’s a public university, and we have got to say ‘enough.’ We’ve got to stand strong.” Newsom said the board needs to find another way to get the money required. “We need the money,” said Newsom. “We need
to advocate for the money and say ‘no’ to this tuition increase.” ASI Executive Vice President Alana Lim said this increase is doing students a disservice by putting pressure on them. Lim said she feels disappointed in the decision because she said the board should be helping them succeed in school. “If you’re so focused on making enough money to stay in school, how are you going to have time to focus on school and succeed in your classes?”
said Lim. “In my mind, there’s still hope because we can advocate for the fully-funded CSU.” Lim said she is trying to stay optimistic but she knows it’s going to be a lot of work from ASI’s end. Thousands of CSU students will be required to pay higher education tuition rates next school year. The CSU has a requirement for any vote on a tuition increase to take place at least 90 days before it goes into effect.
As for CSUB, President Horace Mitchell released a memorandum amongst the university on March 22, as he stated the CSU system will remain committed to keeping costs as low as possible for our students. “In the coming weeks, we will continue to work with our CSU colleagues to ensure that full funding for CSU is a top legislative priority, and that we have the ongoing funding to address our critical needs,” he stated.
Travel ban worries CSUB students By Julie Mana-ay News Editor From Los Angeles, to Chicago, to New York, protesters crowded airports chanting “Let them in” while waving signs arguing against one of President Donald Trump’s executive orders on Jan. 27. Trump’s order indefinitely banned refugees from 7 different predominantly Muslim countries like Libya, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia.from entering the U.S. for 90 days. The White House immediately released an executive order that “protect[s] the nation from foreign
terrorist entry into the United States,” according to the document that was released online. This means visa holders, dual nationals, multi-visa holders, and green card holders outside of the U.S. are impacted. There is also an indefinite ban on all Syrian refugees. Crowds gathered at major airports expressing their opposition to Trump’s plan to build a wall along Mexico’s border and his order on Muslims from certain countries entering America. Though they had permission to settle in the U.S. by the U.S. State Department, they were being
detained in U.S. airports awaiting their fate. Though the executive order was made to protect America from outside threats, the ban included people with green cards. This order also included citizens of Canada and Britain. Trump’s executive order triggered protests around the country and blocked a large number of college students from entering the U.S. A federal judge in New York blocked deportations of those detained late Saturday. Ann Donnelly of U.S. District Court in Brooklyn granted a request from the American Civil
Liberties Union to stop the deportations. Donnelly issued a stay on Trump’s order, preventing the deportations of travelers with valid visas and refugee status who had already arrived in the country. Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. Federal District Court of Virginia also issued a temporary order blocking the deportation of green card holders at Washington Dulles International Airport. Approved refugees, valid visa holder’s, non-US dual citizens and legal residents were detained, barred from planes, or ordered out of the U.S. CSU, Bakersfield student
and Muslim Student Association go away anytime soon, so we need they oppose the executive order Publicist Hana Qwfan said because to unite, support each other, and and stand with state and national of the protests, she felt relieved. get involved,” Qwfan said. officials in requesting that President “I felt ashamed for being an Arab, The CSU Board of Trustees reTrump reconsider the policy. being Muslim, and the culture and leased a statement on President “When something threatens our stigma that comes with it. ability to think beyond our And then I felt guilty for feelborders and learn from the ing this shame, because even world as a whole, we will “I don’t think any of our is- oppose it,” the CSU statement though everyone might not understand this religion and said. “When something imsues will go away anytime culture, it makes clear sense to pacts anyone in our CSU comsoon, so we need to unite, me,” Qwfan said. munity – especially the most Qfwan thought Trump support each other, and get vulnerable – it impacts us all.” pushed the boundaries beMSA President Sabah Sahah involved. ” tween people far enough to said because there was support let other people from different from people of all communibackgrounds realize that there ties, its response was motivatis a support group amongst ing. Americans. “I’d like to encourage ev“I felt like I belonged. And eryone to interact with those I felt that so deeply that even presumably very different that the leader of this country couldn’t Trump’s executive order on January you, whether the differences are change my mind on that. And I 30. political, religious, etc.,” Sahah said. know that if he tries to do that to “The California State University “The relationships we build with anyone, we can all stand united and is committed to being an inclusive other people will help us unify, and peacefully fight against it,” she said. and welcoming institution of higher there is strength in unity.” Qwfan mentioned that the MSA education that is enhanced by the encourages “unity” amongst other students, faculty, staff and alumni Muslims and International students from our global community,” the on campus. CSU statement said. “I don’t think any of our issues will The CSU Board of Trustees said
Hana Qwfan
csub student found dead at hart park By Julie Mana-ay News Editor Suicide is one of the leading causes of student deaths among colleges and universities. This is the second suicide The Runner Newspaper has reported on in the past 2 years. Jai Bornstein, a 19-yearold transgender CSU Bakersfield student, was found dead at Hart Park on Dec. 31, 2016.
Although it’s unknown as to why Bornstein died, her death was ruled as a suicide. Back in October 2014, another student, Los Ortiz died from suicide. Bornstein’s death is a reminder that suicide is a constant predator of our youth. According to the 2015 California Health Interview Survey, 12.8 percent of both women and men thought about commit-
ting suicide between the ages 18-30 attending some college while the rest of the 87.9 percent of women and men never thought about suicide. Training Director and counselor at the Counseling Center Janet Millar said most people who think about suicide don’t think of it as harm. “Who wants to hear that? Who wants to hear their sister say they want to kill themselves? But
we need to. Because the people that are thinking about dying are thinking that way because they think that nobody cares,” said Millar. Millar mentions suicide happens because people feel like they don’t have any way out. People who feel suicidal have common feelings. [PAGE JUMP, SEE PAGE 5]
CSUB faculty addresses mental health awareness Interim Associate Dean of Arts and “We are a safe zone campus. The more Humanities Debra Jackson said there are education you can give people about the many things people fact that there are supportive people.” can do to help others in times of need. “You could let them Associate Professor of Social Work, know that you will lisRoseanna McCleary ten to them and don’t be afraid to ask them if they are going to hurt themselves. And if they said yes, ask them if they have a plan,” Jackson said. Jackson advises people to communicate with their friends and be their support. “They feel helpless, Jai Bornstein, 19 years old. Photo by The Aggie. they feel hopeless, they feel like there’s no Jackson mentions the are never going to get betsolution to what they’re philosophy as to why peo- ter and you finally have going through and that it ple turn to suicide. a plan to hurt yourself, won’t get better,” she said. “Some misconceptions finally you have a solution When people feel suicid- people have about suicid- and it eases up some of al, they feel like suicide is al people is that if somethose emotions because the only solution to stop one has been depressed it’s going to end soon.” the pain from continuing. for a long time, and then Associate Professor of “Continuing to live suddenly seem really the Social Work departmeans continuing to face happy, that’s often a clue ment said the faculty at whatever is distressing that they’ve finally decid- CSUB have made huge you,” said Jackson. “It ed they want to commit strides trying to promote might feel hopeless right suicide,” said Jackson. acceptance among other now, but their may be “Because when you feel students. ways it can get better.” hopeless and like things “We are a safe zone cam-
pus. The more education you can give people about the fact that there are supportive people,” said McCleary. Both Millar and Jackson recommend students to visit the counseling center if they feel distressed. The Counseling Center offers a crisis intervention hotline that students can reach if they are suffering from distress and the campus is closed. The Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, which is located in the Student Health Center. The Crisis Counselor phone number is 661-654-3366.
COLUMN: The Naked Truth: Managing your sex-pectations By Julie Mana-ay News Editor Orgasms are mysterious, subject to disbelief and known only to some. This is because many women have not experienced them, like me. In my past sexual relationships, I’ve never had the opportunity to experience an orgasm. For a while, I had the idea that it wasn’t because of me or the lack of me trying, but due to my partners’ performances. I wanted to feel that explosive and toe-curling feeling that all of my friends felt. I always envied the women who did. Some time ago, I heard that an orgasm meant that your sexual encounter was successful. I thought that if my partner wasn’t able to help me achieve this, then they must’ve been unsuitable for me. Achieving this isn’t the easiest thing to do, yet the adult film industry portrays women as eternally sensual, effortlessly orgasmic and forever lubricated. Pornography reinforces the pressure to perform orgasmically for women. Some people watch too much porn, and men want to feel like their penis is some sex hot-rod. Pornography use can have an emotional effect on sexual performances within relationships. An excessive use of pornography can especially change the way a man defines beauty.
It is statistically impossible that every woman will experience multiple orgasms, ejaculate and climax during sex. But orgasms are complicated. From a published study in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, a team of researchers in the U.S. collected data through an online survey on the NBC News website. The survey had responses with over 52,000 participants between the ages of 18 and 65 who were in a relationship with one person. The study reported that college men felt it was their responsibility to bring their female partner to orgasm, that this is very satisfying for men and that the absence of female orgasms is distressing. Philosophy professor and Interim Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities Debra Jackson, who is writing a book on sexual ethics, said heterosexual women fake orgasms much more often than straight men, gay men, or lesbians. “She might fake it because she believes she’s supposed to have an orgasm, and that if she doesn’t, something’s wrong with her. And she doesn’t want to confront that with her partner; she doesn’t want to face the possible embarrassment,” Jackson said. Not only do a majority of women fake orgasms, some men fake orgasms too, for the same reasons women do. “As a man, I’ve only faked an orgasm once, and that was because I hated the sex and I just wanted her to get off without hurting her feel-
ings. Other than that, I either finish, or I don’t,” said CSUB student Jeremy (names have been changed to protect identities). Jackson said many women internalize the pressure to orgasm rather than facing the uncomfortable conversation with their partner. Communication is a definite key in any relationship. People need to be able to tell their partners what they like and what they don’t like, but often, some people struggle with that communication. “I didn’t want him [my partner] to feel like he wasn’t doing a good job, because he was. It felt amazing, but I didn’t orgasm until after I started exploring,” said Susie. Some women say they fake orgasms because they try to enhance the experience, so they make the vocalization to excite their partners, and some talk about faking orgasms to end the sexual encounter. “For many people, the goal of sex is to have an orgasm, and once you have an orgasm, you know you’re done,” said Jackson. Yes, orgasms must feel sensational, but how important is having an orgasm? I once believed that the goal of sexual intimacy is to have an orgasm. And to other women, the goal of sexual intimacy is something else. “I don’t think sex should solely be judged on whether an orgasm did or didn’t occur. Sometimes the best sexual encounters don’t result in orgasms, on both ends, male or fe-
male. And that’s okay,” said Jeremy. Some of those women want sexual intimacy to express their love and bond with their partners. Some women and men need to be careful not to create this expectation that sex is only good if a woman orgasms. CSUB student Jeremy said the majority of people don’t have sex to reproduce, and that people care about women reaching orgasms instead. Women are capable of deeper vaginal orgasms, but not every woman is able to reach that point. Nearly one-third of men incorrectly assume that most women will orgasm from penile-vaginal inter-
course alone. It turns out most heterosexual women cannot have an orgasm through vaginal penetration. “The part of the body for women that is the pleasure center is the clitoris. Well, that’s not inside the vagina. It’s around it,” said Jackson. “So if you don’t have contact where the pleasure center is, how could you possibly reach an orgasm?” So we have to ask ourselves, “what will get us there?” The constant idea of expecting an orgasm every time a woman has a sexual encounter is unhealthy and unrealistic, because not every woman is able to orgasm. Because of this, both men and women evaluate their sexual en-
counters as poor if no orgasms are received. Without question, orgasms are less a natural experience than a social behavior between women and men. With both behaviors come ultimate expectations determining what’s right and what’s wrong. As much as experiencing an orgasm may seem like the ultimate source of sexual pleasure, sex doesn’t have to revolve around it. Being able to explore intimacy and sexual enjoyment should be satisfying for both men and women, so why are people letting one minor detail ruin their sex moments? Just because you didn’t come doesn’t mean you didn’t have fun.
COLUMN: Getting down with sex education By Julie Mana-ay and Becca Romo The Runner Staff
We grow up learning about the birds and the bees, and we go through middle school and high school sex education classes that don’t teach you anything you need to know. Most people don’t like the thought of going to the doctor for an annual physical, let alone a sexually transmitted disease test. But there are ways to make it easier and more fun for you and your partner. The Health Center at CSU Bakersfield provides plenty of services for students, which includes STI testing. Lauren Ash-Anderson, health educator at the Health Center, says the most popular STIs right now are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and
syphilis. Symptoms for most STIs can take up to seven days to appear, or there is a chance that a symptom will not show up. Men and women experience different signs of a disease and if left untreated it can lead to infertility. Vaginal and anal sex aren’t the only ways to obtain an STI. You can transfer diseases through oral sex as well. “When we have surveys, we’ve asked if they’re using condoms for oral sex and a lot of the times we see that they aren’t,” said Ash-Anderson. The biggest mistake a person can make when it comes to an STI is not getting tested. Whether you practice safe sex or not, STIs can be transmitted. Try to refrain from someone if there are any signs of bumps or
symptoms, like thick, yellow or white discharge, blisters, or cold sores. Having the “talk” before you have sex could kill the moment, but always be sure to ask about your partner’s history and if they have any current or former diseases. “If you’re comfortable enough to have sex with someone, you should be comfortable enough to ask about their history,” said Ash-Anderson. There’s more to sex education than just STIs, but also getting the consent from your partner to go forward with the action. Getting consent isn’t only the verbally confirmation, but the physical action of your partner feeling comfortable enough to continue. If someone agreed to have sex, but starts to act uninterested then it’s not a good idea to continue. [PAGE JUMP. PAGE 8]
Understanding sex education Or ask if they are sure about it before continuing. “I’ve learned from my sexual experiences that you’re in control. Never have someone pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do. You don’t have to do what they want,” said Tweety-bird, 21-year-old English major. Alcohol also plays a role in consent. Being drunk or passed out means you are not able to have sex and give consent. Consent can be revoked at any time, even if they agreed to sex and gave consent in the beginning. Condoms not only protect you from STIs, but from pregnancy as well. Although they aren’t 100 percent effective in protecting you from those two things, it still
lowers your chances of contracting any diseases. Birth control is another option to prevent pregnancy. It comes in many different forms, like a sponge, patch, ring, pills, shot, and an implant. Just like birth control, men with penises use condoms as a method for safe sex. Though men constantly tell women condoms are discomforting, they’re as effective and cost efficient to protect your partners from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Before anyone decides to dive into the sheets, remember the consequences that come along with bumping uglies.
Former CSUB professor Nancy Bailey dies at age 78 By Julie Mana-ay News Editor Retired CSU Bakersfield professor Nancy Bailey died on June 25 in San Francisco, Calif. at the age of 78. However, her dedication to fighting for gay rights in Bakersfield has left an indelible impact on the community. “She was larger than life, and one of the pioneers for the LGBT community in Bakersfield,” said Jan Hefner, long time friend and member of the Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield. “She was out and proud in a time when very few people were, and she was sunny and welcoming to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation. Her leader-
ship and determination that LGBT people be accepted helped to create the foundation that enabled the Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield the ability to open its doors in 2011.” Bailey was a dedicated activist to the LGBTQ community for over 40 years. She dedicated her life to mentoring and fighting for the LGBTQ community. Chair of Bakersfield LGBTQ Whitney Weddell said Bailey was a gay rights advocate from “the get-go” in Bakersfield. Though the cause of her death is yet to be determined, Bailey did deal with health issues in her past. Bailey died during San Francisco’s Pride Weekend.
Bailey first earned a degree at the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1964, followed by a doctorate in physical education at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1974, and a master’s in counseling at CSUB in 1980. She began her teaching career in the physical education department at CSUB in 1974 and retired from teaching in 2001. Bailey had no children and was not married but was in a relationship with her partner Suzan Rollins for several years in San Francisco. Bailey also served as a member of the California Teachers Association Gay and Lesbian Task Force and was a member of the Caucus. Bailey ran for mayor
in 1984, back when gay rights were not taken seriously. She received 26 percent of the votes. Weddell said she went to all of the debates, raised questions to the public and wrote letters to the editors to stand up for the gay community. “If there was anyone braver than Nancy Bailey, I have not met them,” said Weddell. Before her passing, Bailey asked her friends and family to hold a party because she was “all about the party.” The date for Bailey’s service is still unknown but Weddell said that there would be some type of service in her honor.
Marijuana still illegal at CSUB since prop 64 By Julie Mana-ay News Editor For many Californians, the passing of Proposition 64 will make it legal to purchase marijuana for recreational purposes. However, for CSUB students not much will change. Director of Development of University Advancement Victor Martin said that the passing of Proposition 64 will not alter campus rules. “It basically doesn’t impact current campus policies governing the area. It’s still illegal to use marijuana, either consumed or [smoking it] in public areas on campus that’s governed by other federal and state laws, so it doesn’t really change in that sense,” said Martin. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities act requires “an institution of higher education to certify it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.” As noted, drugs are de-
fined under federal law to include marijuana. Because CSUB is a state institution, failure to meet regulations on colleges campuses may forfeit a campuses eligibility for federal financial aid, funding and contracts. As a state institution, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities act require all college campuses to be a drug-free campus. Zoat Sandoval, a 19-year-old nursing major, thinks that smoking marijuana would affect a student’s school and daily life. “It could also affect our campus in a negative way because we do have people that smoke and letting them do it freely is bad,” Sandoval said. “They should smoke it off campus, wherever they have their own private area where the smell can’t spread and not in public places.” Martin says that the University Police Department will cite and fine individuals for holding possession of marijuana on campus. “On campus and in on-campus housing, UPD
can cite individuals for the following which are unlawful under current state law, so that would encompass smoking, consumption, cultivation or possession for the sale of marijuana at any age,” said Martin. “It also includes possession for anyone under 21 years of age.” Smoking or ingesting marijuana on campus remains illegal, especially to recreational and medicinal users. “Smoking or consuming marijuana in a public place is still illegal and that fine is $100 but if you smoke marijuana where tobacco is also prohibited, that is a $250 fine,” said Martin. Unlike CSUB, other college campuses like CSU Fullerton, UCLA and San Diego State are non-smoking campuses. Martin says that CSUB is in progress to move toward non-smoking, although it is still permitted in designated smoking areas on campus. Lorence Prieto, 20-yearold engineering major thinks that Proposition 64 doesn’t change anything for marijuana users in general.
“I don’t believe anything would change as people already use it for recreational purposes whether it’s legal or not. The people who smoke it will keep smoking it and the people who don’t, they’re probably not going to keep smoking it,” said Prieto. “Since Proposition 64 doesn’t change rules or regulations on campus, there shouldn’t be anything different in terms of enforcement except that if students or others do things that are currently illegal under state or federal law, they would be cited accordingly as they would have 64 passed,” Martin said. Individuals who don’t have medical marijuana prescription cards will not be able to purchase marijuana until January 1, 2018 though laws changed for recreational purposes on Nov. 9, 2016.
persistent marathoners. Eberly and Debbie Raygoza-Wells, 57, a native of Shafter, California, have been running for 33 years. “We’ve done Boston two times and did marathons all over the United States,” said Raygoza-Wells. “This is my last half marathon for this year, and I’m going to go hike Mount Kilimanjaro in January.” Raygoza-Wells said she’s run in Paris, Rome and was a competitor for the Boston Marathon.
“It’s nothing like running in your backyard and having all these people come out here and cheering on the sidelines. It’s really put together well,” she said.
Quick action helps students feel safe during shooting By Julie Mana-ay News Editor
Bakersfield Marathon draws over 2,000 runners By Julie Mana-ay News Editor Nearly 2,000 participants and avid runners from over 60 cities and 11 states gathered together for the Bakersfield Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 13. The event included a marathon, half-marathon, 5K run and a half marathon relay. The race began at CSU Bakersfield and ended near Bakersfield College. A traffic collision delayed the marathon for one hour, according to a Bakersfield Marathon volunteer.
Mexico native, Lupe Eberly, 57, said the late start was something to learn from. “This race was put together; the start was late, and it’s hard on the runners because they have to eat according to their time and all that and to hydrate,” Eberly said. “We started late, and I’m sure not too many people were happy about that.” Jesus Campos, a 32-yearold Fresno native, was the first runner to finish the full marathon race at 2 hours, 43 minutes and 44 seconds.
Campos is a voracious runner who has competed in marathons in Fresno, California; Modesto, California; Chicago, Illinois and the Boston Marathon. However, this is his first time competing in the Bakersfield Marathon. “It’s a good feeling, winning a race,” said Campos. “It’s a good feeling even though I was expecting a much faster time, but it’s good. This is like my 30th [race]. I’ve been doing a lot of them.” Campos first found his love for running his junior year of high school after his soccer coach
recruited him for the cross-country team and has been running for 10 years. He’s now the head coach of the Fresno High School cross-country team. Campos has been preparing for the Bakersfield Marathon for six weeks. “I run long distance, so I’ve been training,” he said. “I took three to four weeks off because I got injured, so I’m surprised to run this time within a few weeks of training.” Though Campos has been running for a decade, there are other competitors who are
department, staff and faculty responded quickly to the situation and helped LANCASTER, Calif. — the students feel safe. Antelope Valley College Third-year engineering was placed on lockdown student Cecilia Contreras around noon Wednesday, said she felt secure during Oct. 5, due to a threat the lockdown. of violence against the “While all that was college. going on, people were AVC campus was on texting each other, snaplockdown as it was nochatting each other. We tified that there was an had friends in the cafearmed suspect in the teria; they thought that vicinity of the college. something was going First-year psychology to happen. People were major Kaylee Galvez really scared. On my side, said that some of her I was fine; the doors were classmates went to the locked,” said Contreras. bathroom but ran back AVC issued a “shelter-inwhen campus police told place” for all students in them there was an active the area, including high shooter. schools near the area. “Everyone starts freaking Students were locked out,” Galvez said. “I was down in their classrooms in the math engineeror buildings from 1 to ing building. I heard the 2:54 p.m. gunshots. Someone goes Though an alert was ‘were those gunshots?’ sent out to all CSUB That’s one thing that hit students that classes were me, which made it more canceled, AVC students real.” still continued classes but But in a moment that stayed in their classrooms could have been traumat- until the lockdown was ic for students, the police lifted.
Executive Director of Marketing and Public Information of Antelope Valley College Liz Diachun said at 12:45 p.m. the campus’ L.A. Sheriff Department sub-station notified them of an armed suspect near AVC. “We went ahead and put the shelter-in-place notice,” said Diachun. While there was never any indication that the suspect came on the perimeter of campus or was approaching campus, there was still an alert sent out to students around 1 p.m. “It was a matter of the fact that it was happening in the vicinity that made us put that in place,” said Diachun. According to the AVC campus safety and security annual report, “all AVC locations will have yearly active shooter drills that are not to be confused with the emergency evacuation drills. The active shooter drills are conducted site-wide
rather than by Drill Zone and have, so far, required shelter-in-place activity rather than evacuations.” Throughout the lockdown, students, faculty and staff remained calm about the situation and stayed in their shelters. “One of the maintenance guys said there was a drill and to lock the door,” Contreras said. “Then later, the soccer coach came in saying to lock doors and that no one was leaving so everyone was stuck here. The teacher kept going on with the class.” Los Angeles Sheriff ’s Department responded to a report of a burglary and when they arrived they found the gunman who has been identified as Trenton Trevon Lovell, 27. According to KTLA, Lovell shot an LASD deputy and Sgt. Steve Owen. However, he didn’t stop there. [PAGE JUMP, PAGE 12]
Lovell stood over Owen bego on lockdown.” fore shooting him four more Both Antelope Valley times and killing him. College and CSUB Antelope Lovell attempted to flee the Valley were on lockdown. scene and escape, but LASD caught up to him, and he Schultz said it was an intense surrendered. day for everyone in Antelope He is facing one count of Valley. murder with special circum“The Bakersfield campus stance allegations of murder had our back,” he said. “The for the purpose of avoiding administration was there for Interim Dean of Antelope or preventing a lawful arrest us. These things happen. It’s and murder of a police been 10 years since a deputy Valley, Randy Schultz officer. has been killed in a line of Schultz described his work duty. I’m not worried about “I got up, walked around campus day as regular day until noon hit. the safety of our campus. It could and saw a lot of sirens. There were “A student came in and thought happen anywhere. We did a really rumors saying an officer was shot she heard gunshots,” said Schultz. and 15 minutes later, they told us to good job on the lockdown.”
“Our staff and faculty rose to the occasion and calmed the students down.”
Resources available for victims in need of help In light of recent events surrounding student safety on campus, CSU Bakersfield Campus Advocate Vanessa Corona and Title IX coordinator Claudia Catota share what resources students can access to seek help when witnessing or experiencing sexual misconduct. Claudia Catota, who serves as CSUB Title IX coordinator and assistant to the president, says that if students feel like they’re being targeted or a victim of a crime, they should report it. Students are able to contact Catota directly to file a complaint against another person. As the Title IX coordinator, Catota investigates harassment’s, accusations
of discrimination, sexual misconduct upon college students. “The crime doesn’t necessarily have to happen on campus. As long as it is a CSUB student, they can come and see us for resources,” Catota said. Title IX is a federal law that was established in 1972. The law protects student rights against discrimination of sex, gender, or sexual orientation in activities and educational programs organized by CSUB. Title IX protects students against sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, gender discrimination, stalking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and gender equity in athletics. “Within the past five years or so, it has really evolved into encompass-
ing sexual assault on college campuses, and it really came about as a response to a lot of student activism on different college campuses when universities weren’t responding to allegations to sexual assault adequately,” said Catota. “Universities are now being held accountable for these types of complaints.” When dealing with sexual misconduct, both Corona and Catota believe University Police Department, the counseling center, and even stopping by either of their offices are fundamental resources students should take advantage of. “No one deserves that. We want folks to know if they do come forward or do feel uncomfortable, knowing these places
will never make this your fault. Even if it does take a little time, the awareness is out there,” Campus Advocate Vanessa Corona said. “We know things are happening so people can say something about it because each of us is one person.” Corona said that if a student doesn’t feel confident in themselves about intervening in a situation, it’s okay to notify a staff member or to call the University Police Department. “I want all of us to be equal in trying to prevent these things from happening. We know these things won’t happen if we continue to hold people accountable. We need for people to not feel concerned or scared when they come to school,”
Corona said. “This should be a safe place, and it should be a learning environment.” Corona encourages students to report these incidents to UPD. In any of those situations where a student may be uncomfortable giving their names to UPD, they’re also able to go to Corona to speak in a more confidential environment. “Offenders are often repeat of-
fenders. They’ve done it before and they know they’ve gotten away with it, so they continue to do so,” said Corona. Corona wants students to know that if these situations do happen to them, it is not their fault. “We want there to be that cohesion. We never want people to think there’s one person to talk to. There is a support team,” she said.
“Sometimes we might be in situations where there’s less than positive people around. Call a friend, get a safety escort on campus. Don’t be afraid to use those resources. Don’t ever turn a blind eye.” Corona is located in Rohan Hall 102 and Catota is located in the Office of the President.
Wrestling coach takes position at Boise State CSU Bakersfield wrestling coach Mike Mendoza resigned from his position on Friday and has agreed to take the head coach job at Boise State University. After working at CSUB for over 14 years, Mendoza decided to depart from his alma mater and join the Broncos as head coach for their wrestling team. He met with Boise State on May 16 for the position. Mendoza has served as CSUB head coach for six years, after previously acting as assistant coach for eight years and wrestling as a CSUB student for five years (1996 to 1999). The decision to leave CSUB was bittersweet for Mendoza and leaving his team was the hardest part. “It’s something I didn’t want to do. I don’t like doing it,” said Mendoza. “The hardest part of leaving this program is leaving these guys and… leaving the relationship
with the community.” Red shirt sophomore Bryan Battisto said, “He’s not just in charge of our wrestling, he’s in charge of our emotional development as a human being, as a person. It’s like losing a parent. It’s someone you look up to. It’s hard.” CSUB redshirt-senior wrestler Reuben Franklin isn’t worried for the wrestling program and believes Mendoza made the right choice by accepting the head coach position. “Frankly, Mendoza is making a good move,” said Franklin. “He is going to be able to focus on coaching and developing good wrestlers rather than worry about keeping our program alive. “He’ll be at a school that will enable him to reach his potential, whereas at Bakersfield he does not have all the tools that should be available to him.” Franklin credited the good people associated with the wrestling for its
success. “Mendoza cultured quality men, not just quality wrestlers, and if the new head coach maintains the expectations Mendoza had, the program will continue to grow and have success, despite a lack of resources,” said Franklin. Mendoza is unsure as to what his timeline here at CSUB is but is expecting the transition of moving over to happen within the next few weeks. Mendoza assured that the search for a new head coach would begin immediately and that the program won’t just be abandoned. “This program won’t be left with nobody here, and the door locked,” said Mendoza, who added that an interim coach would likely be hired before finding a new coach for the position. Although Mendoza is emotional about having to leave his team at CSUB, he also feels excited for
the new opportunity and is ready to embrace the change that comes with it. “I think any time you have a change in atmosphere, you’re going to grow and change from it,” said Mendoza. “I’ll be stressed in other ways as a coach. Anytime you change your environment, you’re going to grow, so I expect it to be a growing experience.” CSUB Athletics Director Kenneth Siegfried said he thinks this will rally the supporters to fund the program. “Mike’s unbelievable,” said Siegfried. “He’s going to be missed and he did a great job, but I have been upfront with our supporters and they are ready to keep moving this program forward. “I think it’s going to ignite it. Not from a competitive standpoint, but from getting the program completely funded, which is what we would love to do and the community seems to be behind us.”
Students, faculty protest again at CSUB Photos by Julie Mana-ay