Spring 2020, Issue 1 by The Bottom Line (UCSB)

APRIL 8, 2020

VOLUME XIV, ISSUE XVIII

COMMUNITY STRON G Isla Vista Braves the Pandemic Photo by Felix Dong | Staff Photographer

BottomLineUCSB.com @tbl.ucsb @tblucsb

Local Isla Vista BUSINESSES

OPEN

During the COVID-19

PA N D E MI C EDWARD COLMENARES | I.V. Beat Reporter

t’s lunch hour, and on a typical day on Pardall Road, the street would be bustling with business, but recently it’s been eerily empty. Go over one more street with hope, follow the quiet Embarcadero del Norte, and you’re standing on another vacant line of pavement, Madrid Road. Amongst the apprehensive lack of noise and life that the virus has brought onto our beachside community, there bleakly stands a number of restaurants and shops that have remained with open doors, serving the dwindled college town. Taking it day by day, these uneasy business owners are dealing with the severe diminishment of revenue and customer traffic. The student and non-student employees are either moving back home or are having their hours considerably cut, and excessive but necessary sanitation practices are tiresomely implemented every day. The Bottom Line spoke with some of these establishments over the phone to gain some insight on how their businesses are surviving and if they will continue to operate amid this merciless pandemic. Woodstock’s Pizza Luckily, the beer pitcher serving pizzeria is part of an eight store corporate chain and,

2 | NEWS

although not meeting lucrative margins, will still operate on a delivery basis in the coming future of this pandemic. That is not to say that there will be no repercussions for the pizzeria. Most employees are now averaging less than 20 hours a week or are considering leaving work altogether. The majority of their profit is also no longer in the pizza itself but in the large quantities of alcohol being purchased by anxious students. Nonetheless, the manager, Mr. Nisbett, made it clear that Woodstock’s Pizza will be there for the community, now and in the future. Cajé As of now, Isla Vista's favorite coffee shop Cajé is not going to close its services but is “right on the cuff,” said manager Troy Yamasaki. Sales are the lowest they have ever been with a rough estimate of an 80 percent decrease. Before the pandemic, the staff was composed of 35 to 40 members, but now, there are only five to seven workers that keep the coffee machines running. Hope is being placed on the government to provide emergency loans and relief funds so that the small cafe may keep operating. Yamasaki has created a safe space to order coffee and urges the Isla Vista community to sup-

port small businesses of all types in these surreal times. Rockfire Grill The Bottom Line contacted owner Rishi Syal on a Thursday — the previous day, he had planned to close the shop indefinitely but ultimately decided to keep it going. The bar and grill is surviving until the end of the day, everyday. Prices on all food and drinks were marked down 50 percent in an attempt to keep the business afloat to little avail. There are only two staff members hectically preparing and expediting orders at any given time. Open hours have been reduced to only Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Syal is unsure of what the future holds and is doing everything in his power to keep the business functioning. If the situation does not ease, he plans on expanding the grill’s services to the wider Goleta area in hopes of meeting margins. Bagel Cafe The popular Saturday morning sandwich bagel shop has seen around an 80 percent drop in general revenue and is speculating a close if things do not go back to normal, said general manager Jacob Root. Their business relies on Grubhub and DoorDash orders with some takeout orders thrown in the mix as well. Bagel Cafe staff has shrunk to

about 40 percent of its original staff, and there are only a couple of student workers still employed at the location. Overall, there has been around a 60 percent drop in hours for all the workers. Sushiya Express Japanese rolls, bowls, and other cuisines have come to a halt in production as restaurant revenue has dipped to about 30 percent of its typical profits, says employee Leanne Lee. Although the current plan is to keep the kitchen open, the owners are now worrying that meeting rent will no longer be viable if current conditions remain. Again, Grubhub is one of the only means of profits and is helping the entire business from going underwater. “I don’t want to think about it deeply because it makes me depressed,” said Lee when inquired about the restaurant’s future. She also warned the community to stay safe and not party too much. Varsity Bike Shop The bicycle shop located in the middle of Pardall is operating in what manager Blake Comalino calls a “ghost town.” The drop in profits has been so severe that there was no adequate number to be mentioned. Although the shop has implemented all sorts of quarantine procedures for social distancing, there have not been more than three customers at a time in the building itself.

There are no student workers employed at the shop, but all employees have seen a serious cut in hours. It is like house arrest everywhere, commented Comalino. Isla Vista Co-op In comparison to all other businesses, the co-op has seen about a 10 percent increase in sales. Perishables like ground beef and eggs have been flying off the shelves as nervous students stock up. Around 30 percent of parttime workers, mostly students, have left, and there has been an increase in hours for those that remained stocking the shelves The community-supported grocery store will very likely remain in business as the virus progresses, serving and supplying the community with the essentials. It is as if the community has come closer together, commented Alison Baymiller, the marketing coordinator. Just like the rest of the world, most Isla Vista businesses are seeing a staggeringly depressing decrease in profits. Small businesses, which are particularly prominent in our community, are the true economic sufferers amid this crisis. Photo by Noe Padilla | News Editor

UCSB Housing Department Sees

93% DRO

In On-Campus JADE MARTINEZ-POGUE | National Beat Reporter Housing

ince the start of the stay-at-home order that has rocked Isla Vista and the state of California, to a greater extent, thousands of students have been leaving UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) in droves. As a result, the dorms are virtually empty, and on-campus life feels distorted for many. The Bottom Line conducted an interview with Jill Hurd, the director of UCSB’s Residential & Community Living, who explained that “93 percent” of students living in the dorms cancelled their contracts. She also elaborated on the wide-reach this issue has had on all of housing: 59 percent of students moved out of the apartments, 19 percent of graduate students left San Clemente, and eight families left UCSB’s family housing complex. “The grand total includes graduate students and undergraduates, so in all of university housing, we had 7,278 canceling and we have 2,356 staying,” said Hurd. “For the residence halls we have, as of Friday … 348 students staying and 5,351 [cancelling].” The school had to grapple with accommodating students in university housing and de-

ciding what the best course of action would be. The first email from UCSB’s University and Housing Services was sent out on March 13, one day after the university announced to transition the quarter to online remote instruction. Expressing that they “have been working diligently on logistical details,” students were offered three housing options: continue living in their dorm or apartment, stay away until the end of April only, or cancel their contract. This sudden announcement came as a surprise to students living in campus housing. A resident of Santa Ynez wanted to analyze the situation as time went on to see if there was even a possibility of living there still, but he eventually decided that leaving would be the best call. “While there is a silver lining to my cancellation, this whole thing blows,” said Nathan Molayem. “It sucks, but it could be worse.” The next email came only three days after the first email and eliminated the option of staying away for the month of April only. This email also notified students that they may be relocated to a different dorm or apartment if

they decide to stay and services would be modified. On April 1, students were notified that people living in Sierra Madre and Santa Ynez 100s and 300s would “need to move, so that we can turn over empty buildings to support the government’s response to COVID-19.” Students who decided to move would be relocated to either the Santa Catalina residence hall or the San Joaquin Apartments depending on what housing they had beforehand. Fourth-year history major Nova Nicole said that housemate relocations were the reason she decided to cancel her contract. “I cancelled my contract because I just got an email from housing saying we need to move out by Friday or be switched to a new apartment with a new housemate

and no roommates,” she said. “I am already back at home so I figured if I had to go back to move my things I’d rather just take them home with me.” Many students struggled with the decision whether to continue their university housing contracts or to cancel them and return home. Third-year psychology & brain sciences major Allana Karstetter was living in a university apartment before she decided to cancel her contract. “I was on the fence about returning because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to effectively complete my schoolwork at home,” she said. “I rely heavily on school resources like course reserves and the library computers to complete coursework.” First-year mathematics major Demetria Jones found the process of moving out stressful. “The [Residential Housing Association] was very unprepared. So in between being stressed over finals, packing, everyone panicking, and not knowing if I was going to get my housing money back, [it] was very overwhelming,” she said.

Although Hurd didn’t know the exact amount that the school would be losing, their priority was to refund the students. “The housing department is taking a loss but you know, it's the right thing to do.” The decision to cancel housing contracts comes with a huge emotional burden on many students. Both administrators and students want to keep the community safe and healthy, so these decisions weren’t made lightly. Students also have to accept that the quarter they once expected is going to be drastically different. “I am sad that my last quarter at [UC Santa Barbara] has to occur through video chats and recordings of experiments,” said Molayem. “But I also understand the complexity of the situation and that moving out would be the safest option.” Illustration by Esther Liu | Social Media Coordinator

Opinions expressed in TBL do not necessarily represent those of the staff or UCSB. All submissions, questions or comments may be directed to editors@bottomlineucsb.com Science & Tech Editor | Xander Apicella Opinions Editor | Raymond Matthews Video Editor | Fabiola Esqueda, Arianna McDonald Photo Editor | Graeme Jackson Art Director | Alyssa Long Campus Beat Reporter | Madison Kirkpatrick A.S. Beat Reporter | Kyle Dent I.V. Beat Reporter | Edward Colmenares

National Beat Reporter | Jade MartinezPogue Investigative Beat Reporter | Andrew Hernandez Layout Editors | Melody Li, Amanda Wang, Esther Liu, Brian Nakajima, Olivia Berriz, Krystal Chen, Sofia Lyon

NEWS | 3

Resident Assistants

DEAL WITH

Repercussions

OF COVID-19 MADISON KIRKPATRICK | Campus Beat Reporter

n March 14, Chancellor Henry Yang sent out an email informing the UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) community that UCSB would fully move to remote instruction in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Students were urged to stay in one place (preferably their hometowns) for the quarter and practice social distancing in order to decrease the spread of the virus. However, students were also allowed to stay in their campus housing. With the surge of students leaving campus, one group of students who faced unprecedented challenges were the resident assistants (RAs), students who oversee undergraduate residence halls and university apartments. Many of the RAs were left hanging with the influx of students leaving, and questioned what that meant for their jobs. In an interview with The Bottom Line, Jill Hurd, the director of UCSB’s Residential & Community Living, explained how her team tried to accommodate for this crisis. “We guaranteed all the RAs that we would keep them on and working in some capacity,” said Hurd. “We kind of had to wait and see how many students end-

4 | NEWS

ed up staying and how many ended up canceling before we would know how we had to redistribute everyone.” Hurd explained that half of the RAs (67 RAs) decided to cancel their contracts with the department and return home for the quarter. She also explained that RAs will be reassigned to new buildings once every student has been relocated to either Santa Catalina residence hall or the university-owned apartments. The Bottom Line interviewed a few RAs — Esther Liu, Daevionne Beasley, and Zach Shoemaker — about how they dealt with the situation prior to knowing that their jobs and housing were guaranteed. Beasley, the current external vice president for statewide affairs (EVPSA) for Associated Students, reiterated that RAs were given the option to decide whether or not to continue their contract. “This job is all I know. I’ve dedicated my three years at UCSB to being part of housing and I wanted to continue working. It wasn’t the time to quit. My staff and my residents needed me,” said Beasley. For Shoemaker, there was a sense of fear regarding what the job would look like for those who decided to stay. “I knew that there

would be so many fewer residents and so much of the RA's job is face-to-face contact, though I’m not worried about that anymore.” Liu, The Bottom Line’s social media coordinator and an RA for Santa Rosa, decided to end her contract because of the disconnect between students and housing as well as the initial uncertainty of the position. She also mentioned that RAs get free housing, but she wasn’t sure if this would continue given the fact that jobs weren’t guaranteed. “Why would I try to stay and risk the free housing?” Santa Rosa does not have spring break housing, so students who needed to stay at UCSB would have needed to relocate anyways. International students were especially disadvantaged, said Liu. Beasley cited the disconnect between housing, RAs, and their students. However, he understands that communication is not always optimal given the circumstances. “The lack of info is very frustrating but there’s not much we can extract out of them because nobody can predict the future or what will happen the next day.” Shoemaker responded, “This is obviously a global pandem-

ic that nobody was prepared for and it’s not like there was a playbook that they had for this kind of thing. But when so much of our livelihood is in their hands as administrators, and there are so many questions that need answering, they should have been more transparent about why they made the decisions they did and at least asked us for input.” Liu had a similar response regarding student input; she stated that a meeting with housing employees and students would have been beneficial to ease any concerns. “You can’t make decisions on your own and assume you won’t get backlash.” Beasley and Shoemaker were also asked about how pay would work for those who left their contracts. “People who left won’t get their stipend and may not qualify for administrative leave. I’ve been trying to figure out through my role as EVPSA if there’s some way for RAs to qualify for the 128 hours of admin leave.” Shoemaker also worried about compensation. “We don’t really get 'paid' as RAs so unemployment becomes very complicated and I worry that the university won’t offer any sort of measure to make those of us who chose to leave again.”

Despite everything occurring that seems negative, there are some positive aspects to the situation. Beasley mentioned the idea of being innovative during this time. “I guess one positive aspect is that we have to find innovative new ways to check in on my residents since I can’t be there physically. It gives us and the department time to innovate.” Shoemaker said, “The biggest rewards of being an RA are the relationships that come out of the job. The friendships with the people on my staff, the friendships with my residents, the satisfaction of seeing your residents build their own relationships. A lot of that is gone now because a lot of my coworkers didn’t return this quarter and most of my residents moved out as well. But the people who did stay are in a very unique position together and I genuinely think that this trying time will bond us.” Illustration by Esther Liu | Social Media Coordinator

UCSB "Minecraft" "Minecraft" Server Provides Virtual Community During COVID-19 Quarantine KATELIN GODBOLD | Contributing Writer

ith most, if not all, UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) students now stuck inside their homes, people are actively looking for things to do to keep them busy and connected with others. In the past few weeks, gaming communities have not only grown in size, but are also beginning to help to fill a gaping social void by allowing students to form new virtual communities as well. In response to UCSB Chancellor Henry T. Yang’s announcement that all classes would be moved online for spring quarter, student Charles Neumann, a fourth-year political science and global studies double major, decided to create a UCSB "Minecraft" server for fellow students. "Minecraft," a game developed by Mojang and released initially in 2009, is a still-popular video game that fosters large communities on platforms such as Discord, Twitch, and YouTube. As a sandbox game, "Minecraft" allows for almost endless possibilities from peacefully building with unlimited resources in creative mode to fighting off zombies and skeletons in survival mode. To gauge interest in a UCSB server, Neumann created a post on the

UCSB Free & For Sale page on Facebook that garnered unexpected intrigue. “I made a preliminary post on Free & For Sale just to see what the reaction would be, and then it just blew up unexpectedly … that’s when I deemed it a worthy venture to really put in the

Currently, members of the "Minecraft" server are constructing a 1:1 recreation of UCSB’s campus, which is still a work in progress. With one block in the game representing one meter in person, players refer to Google Earth for accurate measurements and photos of campus for visual details

on their own Discord server, motivating and supporting one another as the project to build the campus advances. The UCSB "Minecraft" server has impacted members beyond its original purpose as a source of entertainment. One of the community’s goals in recreating

time, effort, and money,” said Neumann, describing his decision to pay for the server in an interview with The Bottom Line (TBL). “I honestly thought I would get maybe 50 likes at the most … I was pleasantly surprised that so many people were interested, as 'Minecraft' is perceived to be more of a pre-college kid game.”

to construct the virtual campus replica. With Storke Tower serving as the spawn point for new players, building within the game has rapidly expanded outward in the weeks following the server’s creation. The server, which is growing every day, has over 200 members who communicate

campus is to have a virtual commencement for graduating students like fourth-year chemistry major Kevin Braza. “I'm from the graduating class of 2020, so a lot of us are bummed about not having a commencement. We were trying to recreate UCSB in 'Minecraft' to have a place to virtually walk in June.

And seeing the amount of people who were interested is really inspiring,” Braza explained to TBL. Digital communities provide an escape from boredom and loneliness during social distancing and self-quarantine. Neumann explained that the server and similar communities are creating a lot of good and showcasing the “adaptive innovation that’s going on online.” The movement to come together is evident throughout the UCSB community and shows the resilience students have to adapt to change and support each other in uncertain times. “Especially now when we're physically distanced from each other, it's important to know that we're selfisolating but not alone,” Braza added, echoing Neumann’s thoughts. “Not just on this server coming together for a fun project; I've been seeing group chats and Discord servers rising for study groups and classes, Zoom meetups and activities and the like, and I'm all for it. We're all here to support each other during this time.” Illustration by Lauren Luna | Staff Illustrator

FEATURES | 5

OPEN

BUSINESS

How COVID-19 is Affecting Isla Vista’s Beloved IV Deli Mart SHEILA TRAN | Senior Copy Editor

s one of Isla Vista’s flagship eateries, IV Deli Mart is usually packed on weekend nights. On a typical Saturday night, the store is a cacophony of lively sounds: 2030 students chattering in narrow aisles at any given time, constant phone-ringing from take-out orders, and sizzling grills that never seem to pause. Now, owner Michael Hassan says that they’re lucky to have one or two customers in the store at a time. “Business is down 85 percent. We are very, very, very slow — it’s even more than Christmas break,” Hassan shares in an interview with The Bottom Line. In response to slower business related to COVID-19 health concerns, many restaurants in Isla Vista have temporarily closed or reduced their hours. Despite its reputation as a late night spot for college students, IV Deli is no exception to that trend. The restaurant, which normally operates from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. every day of the week, has modified its hours to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Keeping doors open isn’t the easiest or most financially sound decision for many business owners, but for Hassan, it was the right choice. “I have people [who have] worked for me for years as my full-time employees. And those guys have families, they have bills to pay, they have rent to pay,” Hassan shares. “Those guys stick with me when it’s busy, and now that it’s slow, I have to stick with them.” Staying open isn’t without its challenges. Despite Hassan’s best efforts, shelves that would normally hold toilet paper and

6 | FEATURES |

hand sanitizer remain empty at IV Deli. Face masks are an even more difficult endeavor — every wholesaler Hassan contacted has been out of stock for the past couple of weeks, with many unsure when they’ll be able to restock. Changes to the available workforce have also affected IV Deli’s operations. Hassan’s cashier staff primarily consists of students, many of whom have delayed their returns to Isla Vista in response to the extended stay-athome order or chose not to return for spring altogether. Hours for all employees, including full-time employees who rely on the store as a primary source of income, have been cut. In spite of low sales, however, Hassan is committed to ensuring that employees who need the in-

come are given enough hours to survive. “I know I’m not making money and losing money, just staying open. But part of the thing is I have to support my employees — they need me,” says Hassan. Hassan and his staff are doing all they can to keep customers safe, including the use of gloves by employees, regular sanitizing of counter surfaces and credit card swipers, and compliance with no-contact delivery guidelines for services such as DoorDash and GrubHub. While an increase in delivery and take-out orders — including more delivery orders for groceries like dish soap — have helped the store stay afloat, Hassan is concerned that online ordering trends in the time of COVID-19

will permanently affect customer habits. This could negatively impact IV Deli’s future operations, including future employment for cashiers. In particular, COVID-19 restrictions introduce additional challenges for the future of businesses in Isla Vista. As seasonal businesses, many restaurants in Isla Vista rely on income during the school year to survive slow academic breaks. April and March are usually the busiest months of the year for Hassan. Without that income, he predicts that it’ll be “a very, very tough summer for not only IV Deli but every business in I.V.” For now, Hassan still plans to serve IV Deli’s entire food menu, but that may be subject to change in the future. The next few weeks

will be important for Hassan and his staff as they continue to assess the situation and determine if changes in menu offerings and marketing will be necessary. “We wish that everybody [will] be safe. That’s the number one priority. We hope to see everybody back soon and supporting the local businesses here in I.V.,” says Hassan. IV Deli is located at 6553 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117 and currently operates every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please support local businesses by calling in take-out orders or placing orders via delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub. Photo by Felix Dong | Staff Photographer

CELINE PUN | Contributing Writer

How to Make the Perfect Quarantine Playlist

OVID-19 has changed Isla Vista from a beach resort to a ghost town. I’m certain other current Isla Vista inhabitants may feel the same: hollow houses and empty streets radiate loneliness. However, everything comes to life with music. My favorite genres are K-pop, alternative rock, and folk, but recently my playlists have begun to taste stale, rolling on my tongue like hard gum. When I scrolled through Spotify and saw their pre-made, formulaic quarantine playlists, one thing stuck out: they were satirical. The songs were selected for their mocking titles. I couldn’t vibe with the musically clashing songs on the list, so I created my own. Perhaps not everyone will vibe with my playlist, but hopefully, these tips will guide you in making a playlist that will keep you company in quarantine. Marinate in what your peers are listening to. Social media comes in clutch during this time of quarantine because it seems like every member of Gen Z is sharing how they are surviving or thriving (or not). Ask your friends about that song they are playing behind their dalgona coffee cooking show. Ask about their TikTok song.

If you feel anxious about messaging someone you rarely talk to in person, think about how humans are social creatures and how we bloom vibrantly with a community. They may take your effort as a compliment. Besides, think of how that music will brighten another one of your quarantine days. When I Zoom with now-long-distance friends to study or play games, we also get each other a taste of each others' music. Reggaeton. R&B. Lo-fi. The comfortable environment we built made these songs colorful and perfectly seasoned to my ears. Stir in soundtracks of the shows or movies you’ve been bingeing. I don’t think I am the only stuck-at-home student who's been passing their time working through a solo binge marathon. (My current obsessions are “Terrace House” and “Itaewon Class.”) Think of all the past and/or current sources of entertainment you have been consuming. If you loved them, give their soundtracks a chance. Every taste test for different soundtracks makes a belly happy; they make good background noise for cutting your bangs, playing "Animal Crossing," or redecorating your room. Give them a go.

Sprinkle in current favorites. Recall the more peaceful times where you’ve listened to music. That long nap. A quick car jam to the grocery store. I remember hours on chess.com with Jeremy Zucker, UMI, and Lauv wafting through the house. Are the songs ear candy enough to listen to another 500 times? If you answered yes, sprinkle them in. Garnish with souvenirs from a trip down a Spotify wormhole. Make sure your ears are hungry when you venture. I like to start with an artist that I’m unfamiliar with, but have a song of theirs in an old playlist — clicking on their profile and checking out their other music. Spotify has a “Fans Also Like” section of artist profiles where other artists are advertised. Check their songs out too. Or go to the “Recommended Songs” section at the bottom of your playlists. (This only works when you are connected to the internet.) Give every song a chance. I usually play at least half the song before knowing whether the song is worth a second listen. Use the QR code to listen to my playlist; I hope you feel inspired to make your own! Illustration by Esther Liu | Social Media Coordinator

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 7

to binge I

t’s safe to say that many of us have acquired considerable amounts of free time as we social distance to combat the spread of COVID-19. Virtual happy hour sessions, reading books, cooking up delicacies, and crafting are just a few of the activities people are adopting to ward off boredom. For students especially, this can be a difficult time, as re-configuring schedules while moving back home and juggling school work is not easy. Outlets and moments in which we allow ourselves to relax are important. In these trying times, one of the most classic forms of entertainment never fails to entertain: Netflix! If you want to pass the time while doing your part, staying safe, staying inside (and washing your hands), then The Bottom Line has you covered. Read on for a compiled list of the best TV shows for Gauchos to binge during quarantine. Minor spoilers ahead!

1. “Tiger King” The first show on this list has been all the rage on social media: “Tiger King.” This crazy documentary covers a number of different exotic animal enthusiasts, but mainly follows one infamous man named Joe Exotic. Joe owned an exotic animal zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He is an extremely charismatic man, but he also has made some controversial decisions. The documentary depicts his antics and feuds with PETA and other animal activists, including his archenemy, Carole Baskin. Ultimately, Joe ends up in jail, and the series tells us how he got there and the reasons why some believe he should be acquitted. This show provides the ultimate binge-watching content, as every episode gets more and more intense, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what Joe does next.

2. “Dark”

Another show that surely will keep audiences on the edge of their seats is “Dark.” “Dark” is a German sci-fi thriller series that was adapted for Netflix. If there is any time to scour the deep, unseen parts of Netflix, the time is now. I discovered this show one night after an extensive search, and I was not disappointed. You will need to turn on your subtitles (unless you speak fluent German), but the language barrier is hardly an obstacle in delving into the show; the plot takes so many drastic twists and turns that the series is instantly enticing from the first episode. Make sure you have snacks on hand because it may be hard to leave the couch once you start.

3. “Ozark” The next binge-worthy show worth mentioning is “Ozark,” which has been on Netflix now for about three years. The third and most recent season was just released on Netflix in March — perfect timing for indoor marathons. This series, following along with the darker themes of “Dark” and “Tiger King,” is an American crime drama starring Jason Bateman. Bateman plays the man of the family, Marty Byrde. He is husband to Wendy Byrde and father to two kids, Charlotte and Jonah. They play the role of a typical family well, but behind the scenes the married couple is a part of a major drug scheme, laundering money for a drug cartel. The series has received fourteen Emmy nominations and has received widespread praise from fans.

4.“Black Mirror” The last show on the list seems like it was almost made to be enjoyed during these tough times. “Black Mirror” is not new to Netflix users, as the show has been critically acclaimed since its original release in 2015. It reflects the dark underbelly of a society run by technology, showing the good, but mostly the very ugly and bad that can come along with modern technological advances such as dating apps and Uber. This show is a great choice to binge, especially during this time of social distancing because this pandemic itself sort of feels like its own crazy episode of “Black Mirror.” But additionally, the outlandish and almost fantastical scenarios depicted in “Black Mirror” also allow for the viewer to escape to another world in these times that are unprecedented.

This list of shows covers all of the bases. They vary in that they possess different settings and plots — some are comedic and satirical, and some are fictional, while “Tiger King,” for example, is a documentary. But what they all have in common is that they are perfect shows for students to binge-watch, especially for Gauchos who may be feeling a bit stir crazy indoors. Gather some of your friends, hop on Zoom, and have your own virtual viewing party while watching along to any of these shows. But most importantly, The Bottom Line wishes health and safety upon all of our readers, no matter how you spend your time. Illustration by Yasmin Ghaemmaghami | Staff Illustrator

during

KAYLA CURTIS-EVANS | Contributing Writer

8 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Socially Connected with During Social Distancing RICK ZHANG | Contributing Writer

“

Animal Crossing” has always been a popular game. Yet its latest version, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” has broken the threeday Nintendo Switch sales record across the world after it just launched on March 20. In Japan, According to Famitsu data, the title sold 1.88 million physical copies in just three days, a number that would be even higher if it included digital copies. The setting of the game is very simple: players move to an island that is completely deserted and start a new life, becoming neighbors with all kinds of animals. Players can also visit the islands of real-life friends who also play the game. One of the biggest features of the game is that the time is synchronous with real life. That means players have 24 hours a day to play, with day and night and seasonal changes as well. This means players can only wait until their new home finishes

construction when they first enter the game, and the stores open in the morning and closes at dawn, just as in real life. Another important feature is that players are able to create objects of their own will. They can design their own clothes, furniture, and even the layout of the whole village. These features set the game to be slow-paced and extremely open. Some players spend hours collecting different kinds of fish, some players plant flowers every day and crossbreed them into different colors, while some players hold their own art exhibition and fashion show after designing pieces with a pixelbased art system. Usually, people might not be able to invest too much time in the game on a given day. Now, “Animal Crossing” has become a great place to spend time and to interact with nature, especially when many people are trying to find something to do or are eager to go outside in the time of quarantine.

More importantly, the developers of “Animal Crossing” have done a great job of attracting players by utilizing emotional attachments. Every animal in the village has different characteristics. When you encounter an animal, it might give you an article of clothing as a gift saying, “I just saw it in the store and thought it really fits you.” You can also find the gifts you give villagers on the shelves of their homes when you visit them. The emotional design of these non-player characters (NPCs) makes players feel connected and cared for. In a review, an author even wrote, “I felt sad when the animal villager told me they were moving out.” Moreover, the game also encourages players to interact with each other. At this time when people are largely isolated, this game has turned out to be a great platform to socialize, either by hanging with old friends or meeting new friends. Some

players group up online with players around the world to purchase the family membership plan to get a better deal. Players who live in Asia visit their friends who live in Australia to experience different seasons and catch sharks that usually do not appear in the Northern Hemisphere. They can also exchange gifts with each other and watch meteor showers together under the starry night. In the time of COVID-19, where many people are being forced to socially distance themselves from loved ones, these feelings of connection can be especially important. One of my friends, secondyear economics major Kishi Chang, told The Bottom Line that she had immersed herself in the game from the beginning and is truly impressed by the complexity of the detail that the game presents. “When I am fishing, the bait would flow with the current; when I am walking on a narrow path, my character

would turn to her side; even the sounds made by different shoes stepping on the ground are different!” The game itself is no doubt innovative and would’ve gained a great amount of popularity regardless — however, the fact that most people around the world are under quarantine also pushed it to greater success. The game came out at the time when many people were stuck at home, feeling bored or anxious. “Animal Crossing” creates a friendly community that fulfills people’s need for social interaction and provides an ideal world for people to temporarily “escape” from reality and just enjoy the simple moments. Illustration by Grace Park ‌| Staff Illustrator

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 9

Stimulates Increase in ARIEL ANDRES | Contributing Writer

ow that reported COVID-19 cases have surpassed 1.4 million worldwide and businesses are trying to fill the gap left by employees, Andrew Yang’s warning of sweeping large-scale automation seems to be knocking at the door sooner than expected. In hospitals and medical facilities where the dangers of working closely to the infected are especially pronounced, hospital systems have prompted the increased use of service robots. In the place of humans, a variety of drones and robots have begun roaming hospitals and cities to aid with disinfection and basic testing. XAG, a Chinese company that generally produces drones for agriculture, has recently provided the Chinese government with over 370 professional teams and 2,600 of their drones to disinfect large public areas that are prone to rapid spread of the virus. In

addition to protecting humans from exposure, the combination of ground and air cleaning allows for a more rapid and complete disinfection process. Another company putting their robots on the front lines is ZhenRobotics. Their flagship model, the RoboPony, is a selfdriving cart that is being sold to hospitals, malls, retailers and more. While patrolling their assigned area, they are able to perform numerous duties such as scanning peoples faces and reminding them to wear masks to carrying groceries. XAG's CEO, Liu Zhiyong, has stated that demand for the RoboPony has more than tripled over the past few months, and that number will most likely continue to grow as his company researches disinfection strategies by ultra-violet light. However, the rise in automation isn’t limited to the medical space; automation is

affecting jobs closer to home in the form of reshoring. Generally, one of the most well-known and controversial trends in manufacturing is offshoring labor. The reasons for outsourcing these jobs are often due to lower labor and production costs and less regulation. However, the last decade has seen a reverse in this trend, with the number of manufacturing employees in the United States steadily climbing since 2010. As costs begin to decrease with the help of automation, more and more companies are reshoring manufacturing. The decreasing costs of labor and production themselves are not the only reasons for reshoring. Companies are realizing the importance of local manufacturing and supply chain integrity, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue with becoming so reliant on other countries

"However, the rise in automation isn’t limited to the medical space; automation is affecting jobs closer to home in the form of reshoring. "

10 | SCIENCE & TECH

is that when an international catastrophe occurs, a country that is dependent on others (generally manufacturing giants such as China) cannot provide ample supplies for their own citizens because every other country is focusing all their resources on their own production efforts. This is evident in the shortages of crucial medical supplies such as gowns and masks that hospitals across the world are seeing. The healthcare system has simply been unable to keep up with the dramatic increase in demand. All in all, this considerable boost to the rise of automation and the replacement of people with robots begs the question of another idea also floated by Andrew Yang: universal basic income. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has contributed to the hotly-contested debate that surrounds giving regular income checks to American families every

month. Although the bill itself does not include the terminology “universal basic income,” the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred politicians to discuss its potential applications. Andrew Yang himself has offered $250$500 grants through his nonprofit, Humanity Forward, to individuals affected by the pandemic. This type of aid is important during the pandemic, but might become especially vital for manufacturing workers who cannot work remotely because of the constraints of their industries as well as for workers who might inevitably face lay-offs in favor of cheaper, automated employees. Illustration by Drew Buchanan | Staff Illustrator

Psychedelics p

RICHARD SMITH | Staff Writer

ustin Garner, a third-year biochemistry and molecular biology major, is a member of the UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) Psychedelics Club which meets every week. At every meeting, members share their experiences with psychedelics while advocating for safe usage, all while keeping its members up to date on new research in the field of psychedelics. UCSB’s chapter of the Psychedelics Club is the first one in California, where acceptance and research of psychedelics are constantly growing. The Bottom Line sat down with Dustin to find out more about the club and the face of current psychedelic research. Can you start off by telling me who you are and what position you hold in the Psychedelics Club? "I’m Dustin Garner and I’m the treasurer. I also plan on pursuing a career in psychedelic research after graduating." So for those who don’t know, what exactly is a psychedelic? "Psychedelic means 'mind manifested' in Greek, so it basically allows the mind to just be open to a completely new experience. People often describe it as a 'trip' and it basically takes their minds to a completely new location. The popular ones are LSD [lysergic acid diethylamide] and psilocybin mushrooms." I understand that a lot of the psychedelic clubs around the country are really into research, which was really difficult to do until recently. "Psychedelic research [was conducted] heavily in the '50s and '60s back when the drugs were legal until 1970 when they were outlawed. Since then it’s been

really difficult to get government permission to do research, but in the past 10 to 20 years people are starting to look back into these drugs and research them again; the leader in the field right now is Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore. In the past 20 years, research has begun seriously occurring again. The FDA [Food and Drug Administration] even recently said that it’s worth looking into these drugs for their mental health applications, so I’m sure that there will be a surge of new research occurring."

What are some of the newer developments in the research? Are there any surprising or interesting findings? "One interesting finding is that there’s this part of the brain called the default mode network that was just discovered in 2001 and it was discovered that it’s a part of the brain that’s most active when you’re not actively doing anything, which is why your mind will often wander to thoughts about yourself, others, the past, and the future. It’s been shown that psychedelics

actually decrease activity in this part of the brain, and this might actually be why it helps with depression so much." Are there any big, unsolved mysteries remaining in the field? "There are so many unsolved mysteries! People have tried a psilocybin trip after smoking for 30 years but after the treatment, they no longer have any inclination to ever pick up a cigarette again, and the same has happened for alcoholics. In fact, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous originally formed

it with the intent that LSD would be included in treatment. Even in the '50s and '60s, these applications in addiction were known, but we still don’t know why it helps." So what kind of people would you recommend psychedelic use to? "Anybody who wants to try the experience really, except for those who have a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, because it can really exacerbate those symptoms, especially if they’re predisposed to it anyway." Could you walk me through a typical Psychedelics Club meeting? "Yeah, so we usually open up the meeting with a question, and we’ll go around and say our names and share something like what kind of music we like to listen to while tripping. After that, we’ll do a slideshow on a specific topic, for example, last week’s was on integration, which is the process of integrating psychedelic experiences in sober life. We’ll go through the slideshow and share quotes and how they pertain to our experiences. We usually have people discuss their experiences but people who have never tried psychedelics are also welcome." When does the Psychedelics Club meet? "We meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the first-floor conference room of the SRB [Student Resource Building]. We’ll be attending the Psychedelic Liberty Summit in San Francisco in April, so check us out if you want to learn more!" Responses have been lightly edited for clarity. Illustration by Drew Buchanan | Staff Illustrator

SCIENCE & TECH | 11

Why Hasn't the UC System Adjusted Tuition Costs? ALEXANDRA WISHOWSKI | Contributing Writer

6,015.40. That is the cost of my tuition for a campus I can’t even set foot on. $982.90. That is the amount of fees I’m unfairly paying for facilities and programs I can’t use at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB). No online school has this expensive of a price tag. On March 14, UCSB students received an email from Chancellor Yang announcing remote instruction for the entirety of spring quarter as the result of COVID-19. As students scrambled to adjust to online classes, the announcement left much confusion on the cost of tuition. If students can no longer directly benefit from on-campus services, why are they charged fees to maintain them? In response to the current situation, UCSB student Yasamin Salari created a petition demanding fee reductions. Alarmingly, students have yet to receive a public statement from the University of California Board of Regents or the chancellor addressing these concerns, even though spring quarter began last week. The University of California has a responsibility to protect its students, and that includes extending a tuition refund to reflect a greatly reduced quality of education. Campuses are not fully operational. The library — a vital resource for studying — is now closed. UCSB students cannot make use of resources at the Student Resource Building, University Center, and Recreation Center, nor make in-

12 | OPINIONS

person appointments. Engaging in events for clubs, sports, and organizations is no longer possible unless done online. Contracts are signed, loans are taken out, and students work extremely hard specifically to be at UCSB for an in-person experience. Time and money are invested in making connections with professors and obtaining internships and research positions. These experiences are meant to supplement learning and unavailability justifies compensation to students. At home, these same opportunities for learning are not available. College students are returning to environments that may be disruptive to learning and in more serious cases, abusive. Conversely, choosing to remain in Isla Vista may take the psychological toll on students, who bear the brunt of isolation from loved ones back home. To rectify this issue, the UCSB Division of Student Affairs announced at the start of April that it would be transitioning services online in order to justify these fees. It’s difficult to understand why UCSB believes services such as concerts, counseling, and recreational activities online hold the same value as an in-person experience. Facilities will also not be in use, decreasing costs for maintenance and cleaning. Access to the internet and technology is a privilege. Many students rely on the stability of a campus internet connection to complete their work and may not be able to use these resources.

Students also continue to pay rent in Isla Vista, with landlords refusing to cancel rent collection and a scarcity of subletters to replace them. A letter sent out by attorney Robin Unander with the Associated Students Legal Resource Center explains the legal ramifications of cancelling a rental contract, which can only be done under a force majeure clause — the doctrine of impossibility. In most leasing contracts, this clause is nonexistent. The actions of landlords and the UC especially disregard the needs of low-income students who bear a greater risk of financial insecurity. 40 percent of students enrolled are from low-income families. A majority are claimed as dependents, disqualifying them from the governmentissued COVID-19 relief aid. Meanwhile, UC President Janet Napolitano, earning a yearly salary of $578,916 in 2016, announced job security for UC career employees through June 30. However, many student workers are suddenly left without employment and little

compensation. Non-resident students are cheated in this situation. Imagine paying almost $10,000 more quarterly to be in-state for school while having to tune into a Zoom lecture. Fewer resources are used when conducting labs online. To the universities, students are revenue. A 2015 California audit revealed the UC increased nonresident enrollment and denied admission to residents to increase tuition revenue to $728 million for the 2014-15 year. It then committed $337 million of state funding to 18 programs that do not directly relate to teaching students, continuing to use state funding for those programs despite awareness that it could find other sources. The UC Regents are businessmen and CEOs who are so far removed from the student educational experience that they forget the struggle and expense of being a college student in today’s world. An educational institute that invests in the development

of nuclear weaponry doesn’t care about being ethical with tuition costs. Student’s voices are the most valid in this situation. With continuing to keep on the possibility of fee reductions, the UC system sends a strong message: it prefers to protect its own business interests over the safety of its students. Illustration by Lauren Luna | Staff Illustrator

A Letter to the Class of 2020 NOE PADILLA |News Editor

or the past three weeks I thought I'd been living a dream. The idea that my senior year had ended was something I didn’t believe. I’d wake up every morning to the sight of cars lined up behind one another that wouldn’t disappear until dusk. I would notice the sorrowful-eyed students walking in and out of the building as they packed up their rooms and slowly came to the realization that they were being forced to leave UC Santa Barbara prematurely. But this morning it really hit me. I stared outside at an empty road and empty apartments as I came to realize that COVID-19 had ended my senior year. I sat in my living room,

thinking of all the things I had lost. The first thing that came to mind were the memories that I wouldn’t be able to make. I began to think of fictional moments, like going downtown with my friends, stressing about classes in the library, taking graduation photos on the beach, and moments as simple as making dinner together. These were moments that could no longer be real. But all of these fictional memories didn’t exude the same pain as the idea that commencement will never happen. The idea that I’ll never be able to experience waking up to the excitement of putting on my cap and gown, and the morning of practicing the way I’d shake Chancellor Yang’s hand. But the thing that hurts

most of all is the fact that this isn’t solely hurting me, but the idea that my classmates will never be able to experience this moment either. The idea that we’ll be the first class to say, “I never shook Chancellor Yang’s hand” — that’s what hurts. With all of these things taken from me, what's left is a shell of the remainder of my school experience. My senior year isn't technically over: I still have to go to class. That’s been a different experience. Looking at the face of my professors from a computer screen was something I thought only existed in science fiction, but instead it’ll be my daily routine for the next few weeks. I also know that the quality of classes are no longer the same; some are professor-led

and others are led by YouTube videos and articles. And although this upset me at first, I came to accept the idea that no professor thinks this quality is okay, and they're trying to make the best out of the situation. I commend these professors for still having the will and dedication to teach in these trying times. It speaks volume of their character. I can only hope that everyone gets through this pandemic, but I also know that’s a fool’s dream, because there have been people who haven't and will be people who won’t. And although my senior year has all but officially ended, it’s really the pain that this world is going through that is a lingering pain that’s always present. If I could do something about the situation

I would, but unfortunately all I can do is hide in my room. Although many of us may be hundreds of miles away from each other, that doesn’t mean we can let our friendship flame out. Luckily, we live in the technological age, in which we could see one another with the tap of a button. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who has the promise of becoming a lifelong friend, because there will be opportunities for making memories later on in life. To the class of 2020, I hope you all stay safe, and I hope you all make the most out of the rest of your senior year. Photo Courtesy of UCSB

OPINIONS | 13

The Effects of COVID-19 on Homesick Chinese International Students

s of April 7, Santa Barbara county has reported steadily climbing cases of COVID-19, with the current number of cases holding strong at 192. The Santa Barbara Public Health Department is still awaiting further updates on many additional patients. In response to this public health crisis, this year UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) has officially moved to remote instruction to curb the spread of the COVID-19. With the abrupt upheaval and skyrocketing confirmed cases in the United States, many students feel overwhelmed with the uncertain school policies, while instructors are scrambling to figure out how they can adapt their courses to online instruction. Amid all

14 | OPINIONS

KRYSTAL CHEN | Layout Editor

the chaos, Chinese international students are particularly facing a wrenching decision — stay in America or return to China. In an interview with The Bottom Line, Chinese international student Ziyu Xie reflected on her concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. “How the situation would progress remains highly uncertain and I am concerned and frustrated that with people floating back to China. If I go back to China now, I might contract the virus after getting stuck in the plane for nearly 20 hours. But If I stay here, as a foreigner, will I get treated in a timely manner if I get sick,” said Xie. On March 18, China, according to The New York Times, reached its first COVID-19 milestone: no new local infections. Additionally, most of

its new reported cases in recent days were imported from abroad. “As the situation in China gets more under control, I want to go back home,” Lilian Chen, a third-year economics major, mentioned during an interview with The Bottom Line. “Having my family and friends support and accompany me in China would make this emotional period much easier.” However, Chinese international students are not certain of their welcome in China. The hashtag, "#ShouldOverseasStudentsComeBack," has been trending for days on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. As most of the recently confirmed cases are imported, users are concerned that a large surge of inbound travelers would stimulate a second round of un-

controllable virus contagion. To prevent the further spread of the virus, overseas incomers are required to fill out customs and medical forms and be strictly quarantined for 14 days after arriving in China. Once landed, travelers would be assigned to specific hotels until the COVID-19 test result comes out. Pang Xinghuo, the deputy director of Beijing’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a press conference on March 30 that Chinese students overseas should “refrain from coming home unless it’s very necessary.” In addition to the stress of moving and adjusting schedules, many Chinese students are overwhelmed with other issues including time differences, internet access, and a stable place

to study. On top of all that, it’s increasingly hard and expensive for some students to get flight tickets, with the uncertainty of travel disruptions and inconsistent border restrictions. Photo by Graeme Jackson | Photo Editor

Quarantine

Schedule Cassis Brown | Contributing Illutrator

Couture

Quarantine Drew Buchanan | Staff Illustrator

ILLUSTRATIONS | 15

The Bottom adle

Synthwave study music for your spring playlist Illustration by ECHO DIEU | Staff Illustrator

Illustration by YASMIN GHAEMMAGHAMI | Staff Illustrator Ladle courtesy of Clean PNG

Lucy in Disguise - Sunset Blvd Taiko - Red Marker Daniel Deluxe - Star Eater Archis - Speed Boat Theme Lucy in Disguise - South Bound

16 | ILLUSTRATIONS

Comic of the Week Comic by JAKE ORTEGA | Comic Artist