The Highlander
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
For the week of Monday, May 10, 2021
VOL. 69, ISSUE 26
est. 1954
Sp
l a p s S h g :
n i r A few dazzling
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NEWS
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MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021
ASUCR
ASUCR discusses proposed tuition increases by the UC Regents and changes to in-person commencement LAURA ANAYA-MORGA News Editor
On Wednesday, May 5 ASUCR held their sixth meeting of the quarter as well as their monthly State of the Association. Vice President of External Affairs Vincent Rasso reflected on the events his office held and participated in during the month of April. Some of those events had a focus on civic engagement, such as their Ward 2 Candidate Forum hosted by Clarissa Cervantes and Aram Ayra, both candidates who are running on a platform that includes representing UCR students in the Riverside City Council, according to Rasso. During his updates, Rasso also discussed his interest in having his office become more involved
in the Intercollegiate Council of the Inland Empire in order to be able to collaborate with student government and organizations across all campuses near UCR. Rasso added that on April 28, the UC Student Association was briefed on the UC’s proposal to increase tuition through a cohort based model. The new tuition model has been in discussion for many years and was expected to be voted on last May before being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a cohort-based tuition plan, the university would seek to keep tuition flat for students while they are enrolled at UC, with any change in tuition applying only to incoming cohorts of new students. Last year’s model would exempt current UC students from future tuition increases but would raise
costs for California residents in the incoming freshman class of fall 2020 by $606, or 4.8%. That group’s tuition would remain unchanged for six years, and the next four incoming classes would see additional hikes and freezes. The Office of the Vice President of Internal Affairs has continued to host events surrounding wellness and mental health. The office is also currently working on possibly providing a grad prep course for students over the summer in the form of a giveaway through an initiative to support students with goals to continue their education after UCR. Elections Director Lama Yassine also reflected on a successful 2021 ASUCR elections week. She added that the voter turnout was 14.1% and that her
office is currently working to update the ASUCR elections code. ASUCR President Luis Huerta mentioned meeting with CHASS Senators Alyssa Marchan and Juan Morales, along with the Commencement Working Group, to discuss updates and recommendations for an in-person commencement ceremony. On Friday, May 7, Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox announced that in addition to the limited in-person ceremony that was announced in April, UCR will now permit graduates two guests tickets for commencement. Graduates are to remain with their guests at all times and will also walk across the stage with them and join for a professional photograph. Commencement activities will also be live-streamed for family and friends to watch online.
UCR community speaks out against proposed changes to UCPD policies ARCHIVE / THE HIGHLANDER
LAURA ANAYA-MORGA News Editor
The UC Regents proposed changes to the Universitywide Police Policies and Administrative Procedures on February 5. Those proposed changes include revisions to the “Use of Force” policy which was originally updated based on legislative changes to the use of deadly force in Assembly Bill 392. The proposed policy also adds revision to emphasize deescalation. Some new policies that were drafted include the use of bodyworn video cameras, concealed carry weapons for UCPD officers and the implementation of a new systemwide response team. Chapter 15: Body Worn Audio/ Video Systems outlines incidents where body worn cameras should be activated, which personnel will need to wear one and what shall be done with the video after the encounter. The policy was drafted in order to have a systemwide
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approach to the use of body worn cameras. Chapter 16: Systemwide Response Team Policy was drafted to create a specialized group that will assist local campuses to facilitate and protect the Constitutional Rights of all persons, keep the peace and protect life and property and protect lawful activity while identifying and isolating unlawful behavior, amongst others. Additionally, Chapter 17: The Concealed Carry Weapons policy was drafted because the Systemwide Council of Chiefs of Police wanted to adopt a systemwide and consistent policy on the issuance of concealed carry weapons to qualified retired police officers. The proposal states that each campus chief of police shall issue identification cards and Carry Concealed Weapons endorsements or certifications for its qualified retired peace officers.
The UCR community has been vocal about their disapproval of the new proposed changes and some have expressed strong opposition to any changes. Organizations such as UCR ForThePeople spoke to The Highlander about their thoughts on the state of policing at the UC System. Members of UCRFTP strongly opposed all proposed changes stating, “All of these duties can be used to intimidate, coerce, terrorize, criminalize and quell public gatherings, protests and other expressions of dissent. The equipment and weapons issued to the SRT by no means increase community safety or serve to ensure the safety of protestors,” when speaking directly about the Systemwide Response Team. This Monday, May 3 UCR’s chapter of the Cops Off Campus coalition participated in the Day of Refusal protests calling for a safer UCR without police violence on campus. “The May 3 Day of
Refusal is a major national direct action by faculty and students who are supporting — and/or part of — a growing national movement to transform campus and public safety, abolish police violence/terror/presence, and create a vision for social justice that directly reflects the spirit, demands, and critical analysis of ongoing global movements against antiblack state violence and police killings,” stated Professor Dylan Rodriguez in an email to colleagues requesting solidarity, linking further information in his email. In an interview with The Highlander, Humberto Flores, current Ph.D. student in the department of sociology, discussed his work to keep campus police accountable. Through his partnerships with members of the No UCPD coalition and community organizations Million Dollar Hoods and Dignity and Power Now!, the group released a UCPD report Monday about the way that UCPD has been
EX-OFFICIOS PROVIDE UPDATES ON THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICES DURING THE STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION.
Senator Marchan discussed a recent issue regarding UCR’s Underground Scholars Initiative. The organization, which creates a pathway for formerly incarcerated and system impacted individuals into higher education, was recently awarded $118,500 from the UC Berkeley chapter for having the highest population of formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students on campus. However, Marchan stated that after 20 days, the administration at UCR has not responded to their requests to discuss the funds. Marchan stated that the money needs to be allocated within UCR’s budget before May 28, otherwise the award will be lost. Marchan encouraged her fellow senators to discuss the issue in upcoming H meetings with administrators.■
ARCHIVE / THE HIGHLANDER
ORGANIZATIONS IN RIVERSIDE AND OTHER UC CAMPUSES LOOK TO ANALYZE POLICING ACROSS THE UC SYSTEM. operating at UCLA. According to UCPD arrest data, the UCLA Police Department reported making 3,229 adult arrests between 2013 and 2018 and during these years, the most-common charges for those arrests were warrants, DUIs, trespassing, public disturbances, and theft. A sum total of nearly $88 million in money bail was levied against arrested persons. “Notably, UCPD data clearly indicates that UCPD arrests most disproportionately impact Black people. Indeed, Black people comprised 29% of all arrests, despite representing only 2% of the Westwood population,” states the report. “Policing is an antiBlack institution and it disproportionately affects minority people. It’s not that it’s flawed but that’s what it is intended to do,” said Flores. He expressed hope in expanding the report across the UC System in order to understand how policing H affects each campus individually.■
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NEWS
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NEWS IN BRIEF:
Graduating students discuss their time at UCR SOON-TO-BE GRADUATES TALK ABOUT THEIR TIME AT UCR, AND WHAT THEY ARE PLANNING ON DOING IN THE FUTURE. DAVINA GARCIA Assistant News Editor
The official end of the 2020-2021 school year is drawing nearer, meaning a new cohort of graduates will soon be parting from UCR. Though this school year came with many new and unprecedented challenges and hardships, many soon-to-be graduates look upon their last handful of years at UCR with definite fondness. The Highlander spoke to some graduating seniors about their experiences at UCR and what plans they have for the future.
BRANDON LIU, FOURTH-YEAR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MAJOR: Brandon Liu told The Highlander in no uncertain terms that committing to UCR was “one of the best decisions’’ he has ever made. He expressed gratitude for the large star-studded ASPB concerts that UCR hosts, but commented that that is secondary when compared to the interpersonal relationships he was able to forge. During his time at the university, he stated that he was able to make lifelong friendships with people from all over California, an opportunity that he would not have had if he had stayed in Northern California. As a result, in the future, he is hoping to find job opportunities around Southern California so he will be able to stay in the area. To Liu, it is the seemingly little moments and memories that comprise the larger picture. “Memories of studying in the library, walking to class together, club activities, and much more will be the things I won’t forget for a long time,” he concluded.
KAITLYN HERR, FOURTH-YEAR PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR: Others, like Kaitlyn Herr, made some of their best memories through becoming a member of one or more of UCR’s many extracurricular or cultural organizations. Some of her greatest experiences start and end with Alpha Phi Omega, the service fraternity she joined her first year. “I was lucky enough to meet incredible people that are practically like family to me now,” she explained. Herr also added that one of the other things that she will miss most about UCR are the ASPB concerts and events. After graduation, Herr is planning on entering into graduate healthcare studies; she will be attending the accelerated nursing program at Chicago’s Loyola University for the first time this summer.
COURTESY OF UCR
BRIAN LEE, FOURTH-YEAR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR: Brian Lee affirmed that his time at UCR was enjoyable overall, though he admitted that there were some downsides to attending the university, like the stiflingly hot weather, poor air quality and general lack of desirable amenities around and outside of campus. Still, he added that the time he spent at UCR was generally a “great balance of academics and fun.” Some of Lee’s most memorable moments include UCR’s highly anticipated Associated Student Program Board’s special events, like Block Party and Spring Splash. In regards to preparing for the future, Lee stated that he is currently sprucing up his resume with an overseas internship based in Hong Kong. Upon finishing the allotted time with his current employer, Lee hopes to find a corporate entry level H management position. ■
COURTESY OF GARY ANDERSON GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT VIA LINKEDIN
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Opinions
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OPINIONS
MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021
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THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL
#OscarsSoWhite will make a vengeful return next year if audiences are not careful COURTESY OF THANKYOU(21MILLION+)VIEWS VIA FLICKR
THE ACADEMY AWARDS MUST MAINTAIN THE DIVERSITY THEY SHOWED IN 2021 IF IT WANTS TO MAINTAIN ITS CREDIBILITY.
T
he Academy Awards have been notorious for snubbing creators of color and continuously giving a platform to white filmmakers and actors. Year after year, the same types of movies that glorify white stories sweep all of the awards. This leaves stories by and about marginalized communities with nothing to show for their efforts. Fortunately, 2021 has brought forth a renewed energy to celebrate people of color’s stories. Audiences saw a much more diverse set of nominees at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. However, it’s likely that this may have been a pandemic fluke. Moving forward, consumers of film must not let the academy fall back into their old habits and instead pressure them to diversify their panel and their preferences. Unfortunately, people should not be too optimistic about the diversity in this year’s Oscars awards. Over the course of the last few years, the Oscars have been bashed repeatedly over social media for not being diverse enough. This year, they may have taken this into consideration, which could explain the more progressive nominations. However, it’s more likely that this is all simply performative, and with the way cancel culture is, the academy was probably fed up with the berating from fans and decided to be diverse for show. We should expect to see the academy return to their usual way of handing awards to
the same white films and actors next year. It’s likely that the academy, along with other award shows, will take a step back next year from pretending to make change. Given how fast social issues lose their hold on the media, there is no hope. Marginalized stories will fall to the wayside because the academy might feel like they don’t need to be performative anymore. Hollywood has been struggling under public scrutiny for a long time and will continue to do so beyond the pandemic. But scrutiny may not be enough to ensure that more creators of color are given a proper platform. It’s safe to say that this was a pandemic fluke — considering that there were no big budget, white-directed films available to prioritize first — and it will remain this way if people do not continue to put pressure on the academy. If we don’t advocate for these films, the Oscars will only continue to highlight white films. Additionally, long-term change toward diversifying will never be achieved unless we diversify the panel of judges and give recognition for people of color and highlight their stories. The academy is composed of rich, old white people, and if this isn’t changed, nothing will become more progressive. We will never get fairly judged films if the panel is not diversified. These people don’t have the capability to judge foreign films against Western films because they don’t have the proper
knowledge or experience with non-white stories. Judging would be more fair if there were more foreign critics in the industry so that different experiences have more light shed on them. The panel needs to include people of color so that the movies that star diverse peoples are about genuine incidents in their lives, not just trauma porn or white savior films. There are many people within the film community who are not white, and this should be emphasized when it comes to consumers. The film community needs to continue to advocate for smaller budget films and films made by people of color. It’s time we move away from nominating old war movies that always reappear every year, and this must come from a continued public demand for movies highlighting people of color and their exceptional stories. People who consume movies should be more critical of the film industry and expand their horizons beyond just Western films. Instead of placing emphasis on films with all white casts and white-centered plots, foreign movies must be given a bigger platform. The film community should open its arms to more diverse groups of film watchers. In addition to broadening the scope of consumers and judges, there must be a continuous need for creators of color behind the scenes. People of color should be encouraged to pursue their passion for the arts, and it would be more encouraging if Hollywood emulated this sentiment in their
hiring processes. There must be a greater focus on helping people of color and other minorities get jobs within Hollywood, and the show business community would greatly benefit from this. Nobody knows or understands these stories more than the people that have experienced them, and nobody understands the aesthetics of these cultures more than those who have experience with them. This is why we must continue to uplift more designers, writers and directors of color in addition to actors and actresses. White people have had a monopoly on award shows and Hollywood for too long. It’s time to diversify the silver screen and give people more opportunities to experience other cultures and their stories. By broadening the scope of film through diversity, audiences can learn something new about different lifestyles and be less ignorant of people and cultures they may otherwise have no experience with. By demanding that the Academy Awards diversify its panel of judges and preferences of film, as well as pressuring consumers to uplift creators of color, we will all be able to enjoy tasteful, H fulfilling films. ■
The Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.
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OPINIONS
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Society has to be more careful with the power it gives internet culture EVELYN HOMAN Assistant Opinions Editor
April 24, 2021, was a strange day for the world of the internet. The day heralded both a years-long meme of a “Josh Fight” and a wave of TikTok paranoia that men would be committing sexual assault en masse. Thankfully, the Josh Fight was all in good fun and raised money for charity, despite a number of participants not wearing masks, and the Rape Day trend turned out to be a hoax. But the lesson to be learned in both of these instances is that the internet has a lot of power over society, and we need to be careful with how it is wielded. These two incidents, of course, are far from the only incidents where memes have manifested off the internet and into real life. There was the Area 51 “raid” of 2019 wherein people believed they could find the secrets of the infamous military base if there were enough people there to storm it. This didn’t pan out as expected, but nevertheless, the event still received media attention and some people did actually show up. There was also the fear in 2019, when the “Joker” movie was released, that it would inspire mass shootings by incels. Although no such events transpired, the emotions that this created were very much real. These past events show even more why we need to be more careful about what
the internet publicizes. On the whole, there is nothing wrong with memes as a concept. They’re hilarious, and everyone participates in meme culture in one way or another. What becomes harmful, though, is when people use them to spread fear. Though Rape Day was indeed a hoax, the fear took hold of the internet and warned women to stay inside or walk with a weapon to keep from being attacked. Likewise, the “Joker” controversy made people scared for their lives to go and see a film. Meme culture stems from the concept that ideas spread quickly. If those ideas or images are provoking real-world violence, then social media websites have a responsibility to alert the proper authorities. It doesn’t matter that these companies are privately owned; if an incitement for a dangerous event is going around the web, then the sources need to be found and understood. Especially given that these “meme events” are becoming more and more popular, individuals should do their diligence to ensure that these events are safe and fun, rather than perpetuate fear by sharing frightful potential events. A “see something, say something” rule is best adhered to; if you see something concerning, it should be reported. Social media companies should do their due
diligence to ensure potential issues are looked into rather than sit back and do nothing. Meme culture, at its most base level, should be a way for people to share funny quips and phrases. There is so much good that meme culture has had and will continue to have on the internet as a whole. It’s up to all users to continue those funny memes, rather than ones that make people H scared to leave their houses. ■
AS ONLINE MEMES HAVE BEGUN MANIFESTING MORE AND MORE INTO REAL LIFE, PEOPLE MUST BE MINDFUL ABOUT WHAT CONCEPTS ARE BEING PROMOTED.
COURTESY OF PEXELS
Apple’s stronger stance for user privacy works to the advantage of their consumers APPLE’S NEW UPDATE IOS 14.5 GIVES USERS THE OPTION TO OPT OUT OF HAVING THEIR PERSONAL DATA TRACKED BY APPS. DAVID MORENO Staff Writer
COURTESY OF PEXELS
Apple’s latest iOS 14.5 update aims to give its users full control over allowing which apps can collect and use their personal data. The update promises to force social media platforms and other apps to allow users to choose whether or not they want their information and searches tracked and recorded. This is the latest step in the company’s mission to make their products more secure than ever. However, many social media platforms have publicly criticized Apple’s new security regulations, shedding new light on how lucrative our personal data has become in this digital age. Apple’s latest security update iOS 14.5 is going to make it extremely difficult for apps like Facebook and online retailers like Walmart and Amazon to show their customers personally targeted ads. Tech companies bring in millions of dollars in annual revenue selling our personal user information. Apps like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and others track users as they move across other platforms and search things on the internet. Afterwards, these companies take all that information and sell it to advertisement agencies. Online retailers then turn that
data back onto the consumer with ads specially tailored to fit their unique search history. Recently, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has criticized Apple’s latest security software updates, and listed Apple as one of their biggest competitors. Zuckerberg has accused Apple of using the new update to push their own apps, actively interfering with Facebook. The company even reported that they were preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over the new app store regulations. Furthermore, Facebook and Instagram have pushed back against the new regulations by stating that data tracking allows their social media platforms to remain free. Facebook launched a campaign in December to frame Apple’s privacy updates as a direct attack on small businesses who rely on targeted ads to reach new customers. Zuckerberg’s growing criticism is giving a prominent spotlight on how tech companies have built up their platforms on the backs of our personal information. Apple has been steadily implementing new security features for all of their devices over the past couple of years. They’ve implemented new security features such as “sign in with Apple”, which allows users to create online accounts without
the need to share personal information. This allows users to have more privacy when moving through online spaces. Apple also tracks its users’ saved passwords and alerts them when they have been involved in a data leak. These internal security features, along with Apple’s use of facial recognition and Touch ID, help make their products extremely secure. Tim Cook, Apple’s current chief executive, has vocalized his growing concern for the amount of personal data apps like Facebook collect from its users. He has previously stated how businesses who profit off misleading and data exploitation do not deserve praise. These latest app tracking transparency features will ensure greater user security. Apple has been a consistent leading force for innovation in the technology realm. Protecting their users’ personal data online should be viewed as a positive move. The technology field is constantly shifting and is still relatively new, which means regulations may take a while to catch up. These companies take any opportunity to profit off their users and their personal information. We need to start taking a closer look at how these multi-billion dollar companies use and track our H personal data. ■
Features THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/features
FEATURES
MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021
Campus Cope:
CAMPUS COPE IS A STUDENT ADVICE COLUMN AIMED TO PROVIDE INSIGHT ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS PERTAINING TO DAILY LIFE.
Six options, only one survivor: A Campus Apartment breakdown
ADRIANA MANDUJANO ANGEL Features Editor
Living on-campus is a great way to keep up with campus events and attend classes without the hassle of fighting for parking in the cursed Lot 30 or getting ticketed for being a few minutes late in Lot 26. As someone who has lived in the on-campus apartments for the past three years, I’ve heard more than my fair share of parking horror stories and I am glad to have avoided it. Living on-campus might work for your budget and preferences and here’s a short breakdown of the different apartment types: UCR offers a total of six campus apartments to choose from, with North District being the newest and officially opening during the 2021-2022 school year. It is fully furnished with the option of single or double occupancy rooms. A single occupancy room is $1,475 for a one bed and bath and a double is $1,362 for two beds and one bath. Located near the Student Recreation Center, this apartment would make for easy access to the gym and campus in addition to its own dining venue, the Market at North District. If being a founding resident of this new campus apartment sounds fun to you feel free to check out the website. Up next is Glen Mor, the second newest apartment complex, with a two bedroom, one bathroom single occupancy apartment for $1,245 and a four bedroom two bathroom apartment for $1,245. Glen Mor is also in close proximity to The Market at Glen Mor, which is packed with a Starbucks, dining venues and a market.
Both the Lothian and Glasgow dining halls are in close proximity for those with dining plans that feature meal swipes. This apartment is especially good for STEM majors, as it is placed closest to the Chemical Sciences and Physics buildings, as well as just a 10 minute walk from the Orbach Library. I have visited Glen Mor a few times in the past and no one can enter the buildings without scanning your student ID, which creates a safe and secure environment for residents. Bannockburn Village by far has the most diverse floor plans ranging from three different suite types: Bannockburn Suites, Scots Suites and Loft Suites ranging between $680 - $750. The suites are furnished with a shared bath, but only the Bannockburn suite has a kitchen. A one bedroom one bath is $1,170 for a single occupancy and $585 for double occupancy. If you have a roommate in mind, maybe one of these apartments is the way to go. In addition, there are loft apartments, two bed one bath apartments (even a deluxe version) and graduate-student-only studios. Nearby are dining venues such as the Getaway Cafe and The Substation. Only a short walk away from campus and closest to Lot 19, the Arts building and CHASS Interdisciplinary North, Bannockburn and its floor plans have something for everyone. However, not every apartment is furnished and may or may not come with asbestos. Falkirk, unlike the previous apartments, is unfurnished, which may be a pro for students who’d like to bring their own furniture. Falkirk offers a single occupancy one bed one bath apartment for $1,320 and
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JOSHUA WANG /THE HIGHLANDER
a double occupancy for $660. A two bed one bath is $880 for single occupancy and $440 for a double. There are nearby Amazon lockers and the complex is also a short walk away from campus and the SRC. It is across the street from the police department and Lot 19. The Plaza is one of two gated community campus apartments. It is unfurnished but if you love the color pink, this might be the best place to live in. A one bedroom one bath is $1,260 for a single occupancy and $630 for a double. It is hidden away from the main street, a bit further down the street from campus. Behind Oban Family Housing and across the street from Falkirk, it is a 10 to 15 minute walk from university grounds. Lastly is the fully furnished and gated community campus apartment Stonehaven. One bedroom one bath is $1,372 for a single occupancy and $686
for a double occupancy. The prices are the same for a two bedroom two bath. Having lived in this apartment for the past three years, I was initially drawn to the fact that it is fully furnished. In the last year they upgraded the furniture and it now has a very modern look. I personally have had a lot of issues in the past with the internet and water shut-offs but after contacting the Resident Service Office and talking to staff all those problems have since been taken care of. It is the furthest campus apartment from school, with a 15 to 20 minute walk to campus, however there is a bus stop right around the corner that shortens that long walk to 5 minutes by taking the bus. If any particular campus apartment stands out to you, feel free to reach out to UCR Housing to discuss the best way to move in and more information regarding H them. ■
No one’s Mona Lisa FEATURES FICTION IS A COLUMN UNDER THE FEATURES SECTION THAT SHOWCASES CREATIVE WORK FROM STUDENTS, RANGING FROM POETRY TO SHORT STORIES.
By: Alexandria Esteban, Assistant Features Editor When I was 14, I visited the Louvre. The building was bigger than I imagined. Later, I learned that it would’ve taken 200 days to see 35,000 paintings even if I were to spend 30 seconds at each one. Yet, the only painting that had a small crowd formed around it was the “Mona Lisa.” It was a small portrait of a woman that had seen decades of history unfold but still hung unblemished. Her image was locked behind glass for her own protection. People traveled from across the globe to gawk at her because there’s a secret behind her smile that historians have been trying to understand for decades. What would historians have said about the smile she wore the day he touched her? In a small room with a glass screen, he rubbed his hand on her leg like it was
the most natural thing in the world. The earth quivered beneath their feet as she pushed him away, but he only scooted closer. His hands came down again, and they continued this game with her voice too occupied talking about history to form the two-letter word she wanted to scream. Finally, he put his hand on her thigh again, and she let it sit there. Flakes of paint brushed off her lips as he applied a fresh coat. A thin layer of oil encased her body in watery blue as she allowed herself to be captured, too tired to fight. The boy continued the study session with a plain portrait, and he didn’t seem to notice the girl’s absence. The art was all that mattered in the end. “The Young Martyr” is no one’s “Mona Lisa.” So no one stopped to H stare at her smile. ■
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8 MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021
Radar
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Spring Splash: A few dazzling performances and a disappointing headliner THIS YEAR’S SPRING SPLASH ONCE AGAIN REMINDS US HOW MUCH WE MISS OUTDOOR CONCERTS. KEVIN SANCHEZ Assistant Radar Editor
A year after its cancellation at the onset of the pandemic, Spring Splash 2021 made an impressive virtual return on Saturday, May 8. Despite being headlined by a prerecorded 21 Savage performance, the ASPB event still delivered dynamic performances by its supporting acts: the R&B sibling duet Chloe x Halle, DJ Madeon and Blxst. Blxst, who garnered attention after his breakout hit “Hurt,” kicked the night off with a minimalistic set that went well with the raw pleasantness of his music. The Los Angeles native set the tone for the night, producing straightforward, melodic beats accentuated by stirring lyricism like “Heart on my sleeve, but got a problem with wearin’ it.” It’s clear that Blxst is a gifted songwriter, but it’d be easy to overlook the head-bopping fuse he creates between R&B and rap. Up next was the self-taught duo Chloe x Halle. Although the instrumentals were largely relegated to audio output, the duo’s harmonies were enough to overcome any production mishaps. The stripped down aesthetic — nothing more than a tan backdrop and a pair of mics — helped to create a more intimate showing as the R&B sensations checked in with the live
audience chat in between songs. The duo capped off their performance with an acoustic guitar rendition of “Busy Boy,” this time unaccompanied by any external instrumentals. What made the opening acts especially noteworthy were their respective backstories. When Blxst had his breakthrough with his hit single “Hurt,” he did so without a record label, and he continues to build his case as a lyrically gifted rapper. What began with song covers posted on YouTube, Chloe x Halle eventually earned the tutelage of Beyonce and went on to receive three Grammy Award nominations in 2020. While it’s much easier said than done, it’s a gentle reminder that humble beginnings still have the ability to produce real talent. As Madeon entered the fold, the ambience began to feel more like a typical Spring Splash, with more uptempo dance music and electronic dance music, this time featuring a few perfectly placed Daft Punk samplings. What draws the most admiration for Madeon’s performance is his liveliness in spite of a faceless audience. In a job where most of the gratification comes from a crowd’s reaction, DJing in an empty room with that much enthusiasm is commendable at the very least. Madeon’s act also featured an insane combination of video effects that gave his performance a psychedelic visual to it. After wrapping up his set, the DJ played himself off to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, a fitting way to end the most entertaining act of the night. Madeon also displayed a versatile tracklist, even turning overplayed
tunes like “Mr. Brightside” into a reenergized transition in between beat drops. Unfortunately, the event’s headlining performance failed to keep the momentum going. Although the British rapper did his best to maintain an animated disposition, it was not nearly enough to ignore the awkward set and an intrusive emcee. While the final set of the night still contained 21 Savage’s most well-known hits like “A Lot” and “No Heart,” the so-called hype man’s interjections were far more intrusive than they were excitatory. Nevertheless, this year’s Spring Splash did enough for students to enjoy quality background entertainment, because let’s face it — no one is going to stream a concert full-length on the seat of a chair. Even so, the melodic R&B vibes accompanied by a stellar DJ performance make for a H gratifying virtual experience.■
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‘The Bad Batch’ starts off a new journey in a changing galaxy ‘THE BAD BATCH’ PILOT FILLED WITH ACTION AND COMEDY EXCITES ‘STAR WARS’ FANS AS IT BEGINS A NEW ERA ALONGSIDE A UNIQUE, FUN GROUP OF CLONES. KIMBERLY BEJEC Contributing Writer
Released on May the Fourth, “The Bad Batch” celebrated “Star Wars” Day by introducing fans to a brand new animated series. “The Bad Batch” features Clone Force 99, also known as the Bad Batch, which is a group of five genetically mutated clones with enhanced abilities. They were first introduced in season seven of another “Star Wars” animated series, “The Clone Wars.” Forced into a galaxy that has significantly changed, the Bad Batch must
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find their way through uncertain times. The show starts off with thrilling action scenes and an unusual, amusing group dynamic. The five genetically mutated clones each possess an extraordinary and unique ability that differentiate them from other clones. Hunter is the squad leader and has sensitive readings to the electromagnetic fields from droids. Tech is the intelligent member as he mainly focuses on strategic planning. Wrecker has genetically enhanced strength, mainly using violence and force when facing enemies. Crosshair has enhanced optics, serving as the squad’s scout and sniper. Lastly, Echo was originally a regular clone until he was captured by the opposing side and turned into a cyborg. As was the case in “The Clone Wars,” all of the clones are voiced by the same actor, Dee Bradley Baker. The show follows the aftermath of the Clone Wars beginning with the execution of Order 66, the order to execute the Jedi Order. This was carried out by the activation of an inhibitor chip inside the clones to follow any orders without any questions or remorse. However, since the Bad Batch are genetically mutated, the inhibitor chip was not activated in all of them, resulting in their disobedience. They become confused at the sudden change from the other clones, causing them to question their allegiance to the newly formed Galactic Empire. The first 10 minutes of the show is jam packed with action and suspense as the audience see Order 66 being carried out from the Bad Batch’s point of view. Later in the episode,
Omega (Michelle Ang), a young girl who happens to be another genetically mutated clone, joins the Bad Batch. The rest of the series is set to follow the Bad Batch and Omega as they manage their way through the changing galaxy. Alongside the intense action scenes, the audience is able to see the group’s dynamic and how they look out for one another. They all stand out from each other and each provide a unique aspect to the squad. While they are all different in their own ways, their differences bring them together to make a formidable team. Their comedic banters and exciting action scenes give the show a vibrant energy for audiences to enjoy. With the uncertainty of their allegiance in the galaxy, it is sure to test and challenge the group’s dynamic in future episodes as they fight to survive. The introduction of a new animated series provides fans of the “Star Wars” universe with another era to follow. Longtime fans are able to get a show that tells the point of view of clones who did not carry out Order 66. It’s a new side of the story that is not only stimulating, but also suspenseful as future episodes unfold. With the same animation style as “The Clone Wars,” the new series gives fans who grew up with the show a nostalgic feeling of their childhood. “The Clone Wars” was closely followed by its fans who were always hungry for more episodes of the series to be released. Although the show ended in 2020, fans were delighted with the announcements of “The Bad Batch”
as it carried on with the storyline after the Clone Wars ended. Fans of “The Clone Wars” may enjoy the new animated series as it has many features and mentions from its predecessor. While fans of “The Clone Wars’’ may enjoy the new series and its nostalgia, audiences without any previous knowledge of the series can enjoy the new series as well. However, audiences should have basic knowledge about the “Star Wars” universe, such as the existence of the Jedi, the Sith, the Force and the plot lines from the movies in order to fully enjoy the show’s world building. “The Bad Batch” has an impressive start that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats from start to finish. There is an even balance of action and dialogue, with a mix of suspenseful and exciting moments. With the Bad Batch being thrown into a galaxy that has quickly changed, it leaves audiences eager to find out more about what will happen next in the upcoming H episodes airing every Friday on Disney+. ■
VERDICT:
The first episode of the new “Star Wars” animated series, “The Bad Batch,” is thrilling in every way. The show’s wild, but skillful characters and an engaging storyline is sure to shine in future episodes to come.
THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports
SPORTS
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2021
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UCR women’s tennis lose 4-0 to UC Santa Barbara in the quarterfinal of the Big West Tournament HANSEL CHU Senior Staff Writer
The UC Riverside women’s tennis team lost 4-0 to top ranked UC Santa Barbara in the quarterfinal of the Big West Tournament. Going into the tournament, the Highlanders were ranked last in the standings and were still looking for their first win of the season. Going up against the tournament favorite, UCR looked to make an improbable upset but were unable to pull it off. The Gauchos and the Highlanders faced off at the Orange County Great Park. In the doubles, junior Mahli Silpachai and junior Natalie Shamma faced off against freshman Kira Reuter and junior Shakhnoza Khatamova and lost 1-6. Freshman Serina Saltzen and freshman Sydney Tran went up against freshman Camille Kiss and freshman Marta Gonzalez Ballbe and lost 0-6. The losses sent the Highlanders into the singles play under more duress in a win-and-advance format. Nevertheless, Head Coach Mark Henry remained optimistic, explaining, “The team worked hard through the final point in this very challenging year.” On Court 1, senior Tia Elpusan won the first set 6-4 against senior Elizaveta Volodko; however, the match was unfinished in the second set. The second set was halted at 2-4. “Tia had
an outstanding season,” said Henry. On Court 2, Silpachai faced off against Kiss and lost in the second set, 0-6, 2-6. On Court 3, Shamma went up against Khatamova and lost in the second set, 2-6, 2-6. On Court 4, junior Hanh Pham faced off against senior Lise Sentenac; however, the match went unfinished in the third set. On Court 5, sophomore Sophia Lazzaroni went up against Reuter, and the match also went unfinished in the third set. On Court 6, Saltzen faced off against Gonzalez Ballbe and lost in the second set, 1-6, 0-6. The final singles matches finalized UCR’s debilitating loss. While UCSB moves on to battle the University of Hawai’i, UCR has ended their season 0-10. Although this season has been pretty disappointing, there were some memorable moments. Henry states, “After missing so much time due to COVID, just getting back to practicing with the team was best.” According to Henry, with the recent news of UC Riverside staying in Division 1, some goals for next year are “to get back to our normal training schedule to prepare for the season which couldn’t happen this year.” “We really need to develop more consistent doubles teams from 1-3. Continuing our progress in singles with the H returning players,” said Henry. ■
“THE TEAM WORKED HARD THROUGH THE FINAL POINT IN THIS VERY CHALLENGING YEAR.”
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Men’s tennis defeated in first round of Big West Tournament against UC Santa Barbara, but remain optimistic about the future
KYLE PENIX Contributing Writer
UCR’s men’s tennis team was eliminated in the first round of the Big West Tournament, losing 0-4 against a formidable UC Santa Barbara squad on Friday, April 30 at the Orange County Great Park. The Highlanders played a shorter season with limited practicing opportunities this year due to mandated coronavirus restrictions but are looking to build on gained experience for their young team for next season. “It was a great moment to be able to come back and practice again,” Head Coach Mattias Johannson said. “A lot of credit should go to UCR Athletic Director Wesley Mallette for this opportunity. But of course, it was also a tough year without any pre-season practice and slow buildup of performance that we normally do. It has been a careful balancing act to make us better but avoid injuries due to a too heavy workload. We got through with no major setbacks injury-wise, and guys got exposure to competition again which is something we will build upon for next season.” During the regular season, UCR came close to defeating the eventual conference champions, UCSB, 3-4 overall in their first match-up on Friday, April 16. However, the Gauchos kicked it into high-gear on their second meeting with the Highlanders to overcome UCR’s best efforts at the tournament. In the playoffs, UCR redshirt senior Gilbert Chung and junior Nolan McCaig competed together in the first doubles match of the day for UCR but fell short, 4-6. UCR’s sophomore twin
brothers, Jayson and Michael Blando, also fell 4-6 in their doubles match. UCR freshmen Antreas Djakouris and Bingru Chen lost their doubles match, 2-4. The Highlanders failed to win their singles sets, but McCaig and freshmen Joshua Roth were just shy of victory in their solo contests. The solo matches of the duo concluded with scores of 5-6 and 5-7, respectively. Despite an unprecedented season, Coach Johansson is optimistic about his young team. He acknowledges the success of individual veteran players but also believes that the younger guys are on their way too. “Everyone plays an important part of a team and possesses different valuable attributes, so from that standpoint, everyone contributes equally to a team’s success. If I only look at on-court match performance, Nolan McCaig had a stellar season, and if we look at what a player has accomplished over his career at UCR, Gilbert Chung has had an unmatched career
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in growth, leadership and performance. I’m sure the rest of the guys will follow suit when everything is said and done,” Johansson said. “It was huge for our young team to get match experience this year and see for themselves that college tennis is something completely different compared to anything they have done in the past. I look forward to getting everyone back, including the players that could not make the trip from Europe due to COVID-19,” Johannson said. He continued, “I’m really excited about next year’s group and to especially have the opportunity to have a regular fall practice block, so we can do what we normally do when late winter arrives — win matches and have strong bodies!” The Highlanders finished with a final record of 2-12 for the year. Next season, all current players on the roster are planned H to return. ■
“I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT NEXT YEAR’S GROUP AND TO ESPECIALLY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A REGULAR FALL PRACTICE BLOCK, SO WE CAN DO WHAT WE NORMALLY DO WHEN LATE WINTER ARRIVES — WIN MATCHES AND HAVE STRONG BODIES!”
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Sports
SPORTS
MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021
THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports
Wesley Mallette nears the first 100 days in athletics director position “IT’S BEEN AN HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE TO BE IN THE POSITION WHERE I AM HELPING TO LEAD AND GUIDE THIS OPERATION.”
KEVIN CONTRERAS Assistant Sports Editor
On a cold winter New Year’s morning in New Jersey, 12-year-old Wesley Mallette was in the living room with his mother and siblings watching the Rose Bowl. Young Mallette was captivated by what he saw on the screen: fans and athletes coming together in what looked to him like sunny 70 degree weather. “My oldest brother said to me, ‘Wes, that’s Pasadena, California and that’s the Rose Bowl,’” recalled Mallette in an interview with The Highlander. “At that point, I knew three things: one, I wanted to play Division I college football, two, I wanted to live in California and three, I wanted to work in sports at a high level. As God would see fit, I have been able to do all three.” Mallette earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from James Madison University. There, he was a two-sport athlete in Division I football and track and field for a year before ultimately deciding to stick to football. His experiences there as a student-athlete ultimately drove him to seek a career in athletics, this time from an administrative standpoint. After his time at JMU, Mallette went on to earn his master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. “If I am not in UCR gear, I am in JMU gear. It was unequivocally the best experience of my life being
a student athlete at James Madison,” said Mallete. Mallete’s role as the athletics director is composed of managing the entirety of athletics at UCR, including the hundreds of athletes found across the 17 Highlander sports as well the many coaches and staff who work within the department. Mallete joined the Highlanders in March of 2018, coming from Northern California after having worked with UC Berkeley athletics for some time. His initial role within the Athletics Department here in Riverside was as head of external relations and chief of staff under the former AD, Tamica Jones. There he was responsible for serving as a liaison for the athletics director, as well as overseeing external relations which entailed marketing, ticketing, communications and content creation, to name a few. Mallette stepped into the role earlier this year in January, after former Director Smith Jones accepted a similar position at another university. Despite the uncertainty of who would take her place, Mallette was ready for anything. “I took the approach of, ‘She is stepping down and she’s heading to Kennesaw State. If I am in the position where I am
leading going forward, how do I lead in this moment? What is it going to require? What is it going to take?’” Mallete said. He continued, “‘And if I am not in the position, how do I support whoever is in that position?’ When you play all scenarios out, you are ready for anything.” Nearing his first 100 days as the official interim director, there have been many challenges for the Athletics team. Mallette came into the athletics director role in the middle of a storm. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was already 10 months in, and four months prior, the Budget Advisory Committee had announced their suggestion to cut UCR Athletics in order to help alleviate the financial strain put on by the pandemic. Given everything that had been happening, Mallette knew that the road ahead was not going to be easy. “When I stepped into the role, I knew the level of responsibility, especially at this point, and how intense things were. I am a firm believer that culture will beat strategy 100 times out of 100. You can have the greatest strategy in the world, but if the culture for the department is not where it needs to be, the strategy will falter. In our situation, our culture is everything, especially
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during a time like this, when you are trying to hold everybody together, ” said Mallette. In light of the announcement of the budget advisory committee, Mallette was at the forefront of the #KeepUCRAthletics campaign. He described the campaign as designed to spread awareness and spark a conversation about the “massive budget shortfall” the school was facing and how important sports are to the Highlander community across many levels. Its purpose was to reach as many people as possible by spreading information about the many Highlander sports and the huge impact sports have not only on the coaches and athletes, but on the entire UCR student body. The campaign managed to reach over 300,000 people on
social media as well as leading over 15,000 people to sign the petition to keep athletics on change.org. “The reason I think #KeepUCRathletics is important, if nothing else, is that it shows that yes, people really care about athletics and the importance that it has in your life on campus and beyond. It’s important for the students,” said Mallette. Mallette plans on staying in the Riverside area for years to come. On May 6, Chancellor Wilcox announced the decision to keep UCR athletics competing at the Division I level. This news was a sigh of relief not only to Mallete, but to the entire H UCR community. ■
Chancellor Wilcox announces the decision to keep UCR Athletics KEVIN CONTRERAS Assistant Sports Editor
The domino effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was observed at UCR in September of last “WE SHOWED year when the Budget Advisory GREAT FIGHT AND Committee suggested that athletics RESILIENCE TONIGHT be cut in order to balance out the AT TIMES. I LOVED negative financial impact put on by the pandemic. SEEING HOW WE “COVID affected everybody BATTLED BACK.” differently. We had staff members who lost relatives. At least ten friends of mine lost relatives,” said Interim Director of Athletics Wesley Mallete. “We were dealing with literally or figuratively life or death situations. Life and death with COVID, life or death potentially of the athletics department, keeping people RYAN POON / THE HIGHLANDER healthy, keeping
people safe, managing people through this mentally, physically, emotionally and professionally.” That November, Chancellor Kim Wilcox announced the Athletics Working Group as a response to the backlash the BAC’s recommendation received for failing to include any representatives from athletics and to further the discussion of the proposal. This group was comprised of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brian Haynes, BCOE Dean Chris Lynch, CNAS Dean Frances Sladek, Former Staff Assembly President and Event Services Coordinator for CHASS Julie Salgado, women’s softball athlete Raena Robinson, Board of Trustees Immediate Past Chair Susan Atherton, the Athletics Director, Faculty Athletic Representative Walter Clark, ASUCR President Luis Huerta, Chair of Academic Senate Planning and Budget Katherine Kinney, Graduate Student Association President Nichi Yes and Immediate Past Chair for the UCR Athletics Association Board of Directors
Robert Field. The purpose of the AWG was to conduct an external review of UCR Athletics as well as to assess the challenges and opportunities it
considerable changes to the current athletics model. Mallette will report to Haynes and Wilcox to begin working on adapting a new model. In his statement, Wilcox stated, “Beginning immediately, Intercollegiate Athletics will implement a three-year financial and operational plan to achieve We were dealing with substantial permanent budget literally or figuratively life reductions, increase externally or death situations. Life generated revenue, and move financial stability.” In and death with COVID, life toward addition to the aforementioned, a or death potentially of the potential referendum to increase the current Division I athletics fee athletics department. that UCR undergraduate students pay is being explored. “At the end of the day, athletics offered. In April of 2021, the work is really focused on one major done by the AWG came to a close, thing: our mission. Our mission and the research they conducted is to build and develop student was offered to Wilcox for the athletes for opportunities in life final review. The final decision through sport,” said Mallette. “The was released on May 6, 2021, fields, the courts, the courses, the which stated that UCR Athletics track, this is our classroom. This and all the 17 sports found within is where we build and develop our would continue to compete at the students for the next stage in their H Division I level within the Big life,” he concluded. ■ West Conference. This decision comes with
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